Evaluating new biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy:Role ofα2-macroglobulin,podocalyxin,α-L-fucosidase,retinol-binding protein-4,and cystatin C

BACKGROUND The intricate relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and diabetic nephropathy(DN)presents a challenge in understanding the significance of various biomarkers in diagnosis.AIM To elucidate the roles and diagnostic values ofα2-macroglobulin(α2-MG),podocalyxin(PCX),α-L-fucosidase(AFU),retinol-binding protein-4(RBP-4),and cystatin C(CysC)in DN.METHODS From December 2018 to December 2020,203 T2DM patients were enrolled in the study.Of these,115 were diagnosed with DN(115 patients),while the remaining 88 patients were classified as non-DN.The urinary levels ofα2-MG,PCX,and AFU and the serum concentrations RBP-4 and CysC were measured in conjunction with other relevant clinical indicators to evaluate their potential correlations and diagnostic utility.RESULTS After adjustments for age and gender,significant positive correlations were observed between the biomarkers CysC,RBP-4,α2-MG/urinary creatinine(UCr),PCX/UCr,and AFU/UCr,and clinical indicators such as urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio(UACR),serum creatinine,urea,24-h total urine protein,and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR).Conversely,these biomarkers exhibited negative correlations with the estimated glomerular filtration rate(P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis further demonstrated the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers,with UACR showcasing the highest area under the ROC curve(AUC^(ROC))at 0.97.CONCLUSION This study underscores the diagnostic significance ofα2-MG,PCX,and AFU in the development of DN.The biomarkers RBP-4,CysC,PCX,AFU,andα2-MG provide promising diagnostic insights,while UACR is the most potent diagnostic biomarker in assessing DN.

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 affects both trophoblast and non-trophoblast lineage-associated gene expression in human embryonic stem cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) can be induced to differentiate to trophoblast by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and by aggregation to form embryoid bodies (EB), but there are many differences and controversies regarding the nature of the differentiated cells. Our goals herein were to determine if BG02 cells form trophoblast-like cells (a) in the presence of BMP4-plus-basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and (b) upon EB formation, and (c) whether the BMP4 antagonist noggin elicits direct effects on gene expression and hormone production in the cells. Transcriptome profiling of hESC incubated with BMP4/FGF-2 showed a down-regulation of pluripotency-associated genes, an up-regulation of trophoblast-associated genes, and either a down-regulation or no change in gene expression for many markers of the three embryonic germ layers. Yet, there was up-regulation of several genes associated with mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm, strongly suggesting that differentiation to trophoblast-like cells under the conditions used does not yield a homogeneous cell type. Several genes, heretofore unreported, were identified that are altered in hESC in response to BMP4-mediated differentiation. The production of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, and estradiol in the differentiated cells confirmed that trophoblast-like cells were obtained. Gene expression by EB was characterized by an up-regulation of a number of genes associated with trophoblast, ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm, and the production of hCG and progesterone confirmed that trophoblast-like cells were formed. These results suggest that, in the presence of FGF-2, BG02 cells respond to BMP4 to yield trophoblast-like cells, which are also obtained upon EB formation. Thus, BMP4-mediated differentiation of hESC represents a viable cell system for studying early developmental events post-implantation;however, up-regulation of non-trophoblast genes suggests a somewhat diverse response to BMP4/FGF-2. Noggin altered the transcription of a limited number of genes but, not surprisingly, did not lead to secretion of hormones.

BMP-4 induced proliferation and oriented differentiation of rat hepatic oval cells into hepatocytes

Objective:To explore the role of bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP-4) in hepatic progenitor cells(HPCs).Methods:The effect of BMP-4 on rat hepatic oval cells was examined by using the WB-F344 rat hepatocytic epithelial stem-cell-like cell line.This hepatocytic cell line could exert various hepatocytc functions including the secretion of albumin and urea.Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the effects of BMP-4 and its antagonist,Noggin,on the proliferation and differentiation of these cells,cellular uptake and excretion of indocyanine green,the periodic acid-schiff(PAS) assay for glycogen storage and the expression of hepatic markers.Results:Our results showed for the first time that BMP-4 may acted as a potential inducer of hepatic differentiation in rat hepatic oval cells.Conclusions:This cell source offers a much-needed attractive and expandable source for future investigations of drug screening,stem cell technologies and cellular transplantation,in a society with increasing levels of liver disease and damage.

Combined immune checkpoint inhibitors of CTLA4 and PD-1 for hepatic melanoma of unknown primary origin: A case report

BACKGROUND Melanoma is uncommonly found in lymph nodes,subcutaneous tissue,or visceral organs without a primary lesion,where it is identified as metastatic melanoma with unknown primary(MUP).Hepatic MUP is extremely rare and has a poor prognosis.There is limited information on its pathogenesis,clinical and imaging features,and pathological findings.There are no guidelines for the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)in hepatic MUP,and the treatment outcome has rarely been reported.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old woman presented to our hospital with hepatic tumors found incidentally during a routine check-up.Contrast-enhanced abdominal computerized tomography showed multiple mass lesions in the liver.Pathological results revealed melanoma,which was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for HMB-45(+),Melan-A(+),S-100(+),and SOX10(+).There was no evidence of primary cutaneous,ocular,gastrointestinal,or anal lesion on a comprehensive examination.The patient was diagnosed with hepatic MUP.She received combined antibodies against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4(CTLA-4,ipilimumab)and programmed death protein-1(PD-1,nivolumab).She died of hepatic failure 9 mo after hepatic MUP was diagnosed.This the first case of hepatic MUP treated with combined ipilimumab and nivolumab,who showed better outcome than previous cases.CONCLUSIONCombined ICIs of PD-1 and CTLA-4 may be considered as the first-line therapyfor patients with hepatic MUP.

Role of major adipokines in hypertension:A literature review

The incidence and prevalence of hypertension are increasing as a consequence of the obesity epidemic.Adipocytes and their variety of factors make contributions to the long-term regulation of blood pressure.The pathophysiologic states of hypertension,including obesity,are regulated by the production of adipocytederived factors.Increased body mass index was closely linked to elevated blood pressure.Mostly the hypertensive subjects were obese as well as overweight.There are numerous adipokines,however,this review article only focuses on the major adipokines including chemerin,visfatin,retinol-binding protein 4,plasminogen activator inhibitor-1,monocyte chemotactic protein-1,omentin-1,lipocalin-2,vaspin,progranulin,complement c1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein,and nesfatin-1 role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.This review article concludes the significant association of major adipokines in the pathogenesis of hypertensives.New research should be focused on other newly reported adipokine roles in hypertensive subjects and the management of these adipokines in hypertensive subjects.The discovery of this information could result in the creation of antihypertensive medications,particularly those that focus on obesity-related hypertension.

Three-dimensional bioprinting of multicell-laden scaffolds containing bone morphogenic protein-4 for promoting M2 macrophage polarization and accelerating bone defect repair in diabetes mellitus

Critical-sized bone defect repair in patients with diabetes mellitus remains a challenge in clinical treatment because of dysfunction of macrophage polarization and the inflammatory microenvironment in the bone defect region.Three-dimensional(3D)bioprinted scaffolds loaded with live cells and bioactive factors can improve cell viability and the inflammatory microenvironment and further accelerating bone repair.Here,we used modified bioinks comprising gelatin,gelatin methacryloyl(GelMA),and 4-arm poly(ethylene glycol)acrylate(PEG)to fabricate 3D bioprinted scaffolds containing BMSCs,RAW264.7 macrophages,and BMP-4-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles(MSNs).Addition of MSNs effectively improved the mechanical strength of GelMA/gelatin/PEG scaffolds.Moreover,MSNs sustainably released BMP-4 for long-term effectiveness.In 3D bioprinted scaffolds,BMP-4 promoted the polarization of RAW264.7 to M2 macrophages,which secrete anti-inflammatory factors and thereby reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors.BMP-4 released from MSNs and BMP-2 secreted from M2 macrophages collectively stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in the 3D bioprinted scaffolds.Furthermore,in calvarial critical-size defect models of diabetic rats,3D bioprinted scaffolds loaded with MSNs/BMP-4 induced M2 macrophage polarization and improved the inflammatory microenvironment.And 3D bioprinted scaffolds with MSNs/BMP-4,BMSCs,and RAW264.7 cells significantly accelerated bone repair.In conclusion,our results indicated that implanting 3D bioprinted scaffolds containing MSNs/BMP-4,BMSCs,and RAW264.7 cells in bone defects may be an effective method for improving diabetic bone repair,owing to the direct effects of BMP-4 on promoting osteogenesis of BMSCs and regulating M2 type macrophage polarization to improve the inflammatory microenvironment and secrete BMP-2.

Significance of MD-2 and MD-2B expression in rat liver during acute cholangitis

AIM: To investigate the expression of myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2), MD-2B (a splicing isoform of MD-2 that can block Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MD-2 LPS-mediated signal transduction) and TLR4 in the liver of acute cholangitis rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (SPF level) were randomly divided into four groups: (A) sham-operated group; (B) simple common bile duct ligation group; (C)acute cholangitis group; and (D) acute cholangitis anti- TLR4 intervention group (n = 25 per group). Rat liver tissue samples were used to detect TLR4, MD-2 and MD-2B mRNA expression by fluorescence quantitative PCR in parallel with pathological changes. RESULTS: In acute cholangitis, liver TLR4 and MD-2 mRNA expression levels at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h were gradually up-regulated but MD-2B mRNA expression gradually down-regulated (P < 0.05). After TLR4 antibody treatment, TLR4 and MD-2 mRNA expression were lower compared with the acute cholangitis group (P < 0.05). However, MD-2B mRNA expression was higher than in the acute cholangitis group (P < 0.05). MD-2 and TLR4 mRNA expressions were positively correlated (r = 0.94981, P < 0.05) and MD-2B mRNA expression was negatively correlated with MD-2 and TLR4 mRNA (r = -0.89031, -0.88997, P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: In acute cholangitis, MD-2 plays an important role in the process of TLR4- mediated in? am- matory response to liver injury while MD-2B plays a negative regulatory role.

T allele at site 6007 of bone morphogenetic protein-4 gene increases genetic susceptibility to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in male Chinese Han population

Background Several candidate genes of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament （OPLL） susceptibility have been identified, but their polymorphisms account for only a small percent of the total variance. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 （BMP4） is a potent ectopic ossification inducing factor. BMP4 protein and mRNA are present in cells from OPLL patients, but not non-OPLL controls. A single nucleotide polymorphism of 6007C〉T（rs17563） of BMP4 has been reported to affect bone density in postmenopausal women. Thus, BMP4 may function in OPLL development. Appropriately, the relationship between BMP4 polymorphisms and OPLL was investigated. Methods A case-control association study investigated the genetic etiology in 179 OPLL patients and 298 non-OPLL controls. Extent of OPLL was analyzed by radiologic examinations. Whether single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） of -5826G〉A（rs1957860） 5＇ of the transcription start site and 6007C〉T（rs17563） in exon 4 of the BMP4 gene were statistically associated with genetic susceptibility to OPLL in Chinese Han subjects was assessed. Results A significant statistical difference in genotype of 6007C〉T polymorphism between male OPLL patients and male controls was evident, and the frequency of ＂TT＂ genotype in male OPLL patients was significantly higher than in male controls （P=0.039）. The frequency of the ＂T＂ allele was also significantly higher in male OPLL subjects than in male controls （P=0.014, OR=1.57）. A significant difference was also observed between the 6007C〉T polymorphism and the number of ossified cervical vertebrae in OPLL patients, while no statistical difference was apparent between the -5826G〉A polymorphism and OPLL occurrence. Conclusions The T allele in the 6007C〉T polymorphism may be a risk factor for male Han Chinese with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine. Chinese Han male patients with CT and TT 6007C〉T genotypes have a genetic susceptibility to OPLL and more extensive OPLL in the cervical spine.

Specific CD8^+ T cell response immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and viral hepatitis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are characterized by exhaustion of the specific CD8+ T cell response. This process involves enhancement of negative co-stimulatory molecules, such as programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), 2B4, Tim-3, CD160 and LAG-3, which is linked to intrahepatic overexpression of some of the cognate ligands, such as PD-L1, on antigen presenting cells and thereby favouring a tolerogenic environment. Therapies that disrupt these negative signalling mechanisms represent promising therapeutic tools with the potential to restore reactivity of the specific CD8+ T cell response. In this review we discuss the impressive in vitro and in vivo results that have been recently achieved in HCC, CHB and CHC by blocking these negative receptors with monoclonal antibodies against these immune checkpoint modulators. The article mainly focuses on the role of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blocking monoclonal antibodies, the first ones to have reached clinical practice. The humanized monoclonal antibodies against CTLA-4 (tremelimumab and ipilimumab) and PD-1 (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) have yielded good results in testing of HCC and chronic viral hepatitis patients. Trelimumab, in particular, has shown a significant increase in the time to progression in HCC, while nivolumab has shown a remarkable effect on hepatitis C viral load reduction. The research on the role of ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab on HCC is currently underway.

Cigarette smoking increases levels of retinol-binding protein-4 in healthy men with normal glucose tolerance

Background Smoking is related with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Retinol-binding protein-4 is a new adipocytokine associated with insulin resistance. We investigated the serum levels of a series of adipocytokines including retinol-binding protein-4 in smokers and non-smokers to explore the possible roles of adipocytokines on smoking induced insulin resistance. Methods A total of 136 healthy male subjects （92 smokers and 44 non-smokers） with normal glucose tolerance were enrolled in the study. Adipocytokines including retinol-binding protein-4, visfatin, leptin, resistin, adiponectin were measured for the comparison between the two groups. Serum lipid profile, glucose, true insulin and proinsulin levels were measured as well in both groups. Food intake spectrum was also investigated. Results Both groups had similar profile of food consumption; visfatin, leptin, resistin and adiponectin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, as well as blood pressure and body mass index, were similar in both groups. Triglycerides, retinol-binding protein-4 and homeostatic model assessment index for insulin resistance were higher in smoker group （（2.58±2.53） vs. （1.60±0.94） mmol/L, （26.05±8.50） vs. （21.83±8.40） μg/ml, and 2.25＋2.08 vs. 1.58±1.15, respectively）. Conclusion Smoking may have effect on insulin sensitivity, which is correlated with retinol-binding protein-4.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated colitis in gastrointestinal malignancies and inflammatory bowel disease

Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICI)have markedly changed the landscape of cancer therapy.By re-invigorating the immune system against tumors,ICI provide novel therapeutic options for a broad variety of malignancies,including many gastrointestinal(GI)cancers.However,these therapies can also induce autoimmune-like side effects in healthy tissue across the body.One of the most common of these side effects is ICI-mediated colitis and diarrhea(IMC).Here,we review the incidence and risk of IMC in ICI therapy,with a focus on what is known regarding IMC in patients with GI malignancies.We also discuss data available on the use of ICI and risk of IMC in patients with pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease,as these patients may have increased risk of IMC due to their underlying intestinal pathology.

Mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells in patients with liver cirrhosis

AIM:To test the hypothesis that liver cirrhosis is associated with mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells. METHODS:Peripheral blood samples from 72 patients with liver cirrhosis of varying etiology were analyzed by flow cytometry.Identified progenitor cell subsets were immunoselected and used for functional assays in vitro. Plasma levels of stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1) were measured using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:Progenitor cells with a CD133 + /CD45 + CD14 + phenotype were observed in 61%of th patients.Between 1%and 26%of the peripheral bloo mononuclear cells(MNCs)displayed this phenotype Furthermore,a distinct population of c-kit + progenito cells(between 1%and 38%of the MNCs)could b detected in 91%of the patients.Additionally,18% of the patients showed a population of progenito cells(between 1%and 68%of the MNCs)that wa characterized by expression of breast cancer resistanc protein-1.Further phenotypic analysis disclosed tha the circulating precursors expressed CXC chemokin receptor 4,the receptor for SDF-1.In line with thi finding,elevated plasma levels of SDF-1 were presen in all patients and were found to correlate with th number of mobilized CD133 + progenitor cells.

Retinol-binding protein-4 and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming increasingly common as the global economy grows and living standards improve. Timely and effective preventions and treatments for NAFLD are urgently needed. Retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4), the protein that transports retinol through the circulation, was found to be positively related to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic diseases. Observational studies on the association between serum RBP4 level and the prevalence of NAFLD found contradictory results. Some of the underlying mechanisms responsible for this association have been revealed, and the possible clinical implications of treating NAFLD by targeting RBP4 have been demonstrated. Future studies should focus on the predictive value of RBP4 on NAFLD development and its potential as a therapeutic target in NAFLD.

L-4F Inhibits Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein-induced Inflammatory Adipokine Secretion via Cyclic AMP/Protein Kinase A-CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β Signaling Pathway in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Background： Adipocytes behave like a rich source of pro-inflammatory cytokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein- 1 （MCP- 1）. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein （oxLDL） participates in the local chronic inflammatory response, and high-density lipoprotein could counterbalance the proinftammatory function of αLDL, but the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide L-4F on the secretion and expression of MCP-1 in fully differentiated 3T3-L 1 adipocytes induced by oxLDL and to elucidate the possible mechanisms. Methods： Fully differentiated 3T3-L 1 adipocytes were incubated in the medium containing various concentration of L-4F （0-50 gg/ml） with oxLDL （50 Lag/ml） stimulated, with/without protein kinase A （PKA） inhibitor H-89 （10 gmol/L） preincubated. The concentrations of MCP- 1 in the supematant, the mRNA expression of MCP- 1, the levels of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α （C/EBPα）, and CCAAT/ enhancer binding protein 13 （C/EBPβ） were evaluated. The monocyte chemotaxis assay was performed by micropore filter method using a modified Boyden chamber. Results： OxLDL stimulation induced a significant increase ofMCP-1 expression and secretion in 3T3-L 1 adipocytes, which were inhibited by L-4F preincubation in a dose-dependent manner. PKA inhibitor H-89 markedly reduced the oxLDL-induced MCP-1 expression, but no further decrease was observed when H-89 was used in combination with L-4F （50 μg/ml） （P 〉 0.05）. OxLDL stimulation showed no significant effect on C/EBPa protein level but increased C/EBPβ protein level in a time-dependent manner. H-89 and L-4F both attenuated C/EBPI3 protein level in oxLDL-induced 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Conclusions： OxLDL induces C/EBPI3 protein synthesis in a time-dependent manner and enhances MCP-1 secretion and expression in 3T3-L 1 adipocytes. L-4F dose-dependently counterbalances the pro-inflammatory effect of oxLDL, and cyclic AMP/PKA-C/EBP-β signaling pathway may participate in it.

Melatonin combined with exercise cannot alleviate cerebral injury in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Previous studies have demonstrated that melatonin combined with exercise can alleviate secondary damage after spinal cord injury in rats. Therefore, it is hypothesized that melatonin combined with exercise can also alleviate ischemic brain damage. In this study, adult rats were subjected to right middle cerebral artery occlusion after receiving 10 mg/kg melatonin or vehicle subcutaneously twice daily for 14 days. Forced exercise using an animal treadmill was performed at 20 m/min for 30 minutes per day for 6 days prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion. After middle cerebral artery occlusion, each rat received melatonin combined with exercise, melatonin or exercise alone equally for 7 days until sacrifice. Interestingly, rats receiving melatonin combined with exercise exhibited more severe neurological deficits than those receiving melatonin or exercise alone. Hypoxia-inducible factor la mRNA in the brain tissue was upregulated in rats receiving melatonin combined with exercise. Similarly, microtubule associated protein-2 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in rats receiving melatonin alone. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 （NG2） mRNA expression was significantly decreased in rats receiving melatonin combined with exercise as well as in rats receiving exercise alone. Furthermore, neural cell loss in the primary motor cortex was significantly reduced in rats receiving melatonin or exercise alone, but the change was not observed in rats receiving melatonin combined with exercise. These findings suggest that excessive intervention with melatonin, exercise or their combination may lead to negative effects on ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain damage.

Immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer:Unleash its potential through novel combinations

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality in both men and women in the United States,with poor response to current standard of care,short progression-free and overall survival.Immunotherapies that target cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4,programmed cell death protein-1,and programmed death-ligand 1 checkpoints have shown remarkable activities in several cancers such as melanoma,renal cell carcinoma,and nonsmall cell lung cancer due to high numbers of somatic mutations,combined with cytotoxic T-cell responses.However,single checkpoint blockade was ineffective in pancreatic cancer,highlighting the challenges including the poor antigenicity,a dense desmoplastic stroma,and a largely immunosuppressive microenvironment.In this review,we will summarize available clinical results and ongoing efforts of combining immune checkpoint therapies with other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy,radiotherapy,and targeted therapy.These combination therapies hold promise in unleashing the potential of immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer to achieve better and more durable clinical responses by enhancing cytotoxic T-cell responses.

Cholinergic dysfunction-induced insufficient activation of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor drives the development of rheumatoid arthritis through promoting protein citrullination via the SP3/PAD4 pathway

Both cholinergic dysfunction and protein citrullination are the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis(RA),but the relationship between the two phenomena remains unclear.We explored whether and how cholinergic dysfunction accelerates protein citrullination and consequently drives the development of RA.Cholinergic function and protein citrullination levels in patients with RA and collageninduced arthritis(CIA)mice were collected.In both neuron-macrophage coculture system and CIA mice,the effect of cholinergic dysfunction on protein citrullination and expression of peptidylarginine deiminases(PADs)was assessed by immunofluorescence.The key transcription factors for PAD4 expression were predicted and validated.Cholinergic dysfunction in the patients with RA and CIA mice negatively correlated with the degree of protein citrullination in synovial tissues.The cholinergic or alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(a7nAChR)deactivation and activation resulted in the promotion and reduction of protein citrullination in vitro and in vivo,respectively.Especially,the activation deficiency of a7nAChR induced the earlier onset and aggravation of CIA.Furthermore,deactivation of a7nAChR increased the expression of PAD4 and specificity protein-3(SP3)in vitro and in vivo.Our results suggest that cholinergic dysfunction-induced deficient a7nAChR activation,which induces the expression of SP3 and its downstream molecule PAD4,accelerating protein citrullination and the development of RA.

Bioactive proteins in healthy pregnancies and preeclampsia： relevance to hypertension and proteinuria

Background Bioactive proteins, such as cytokines and chemokines, have not been systematically evaluated in healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies. We aimed to investigate the difference of these proteins between healthy and preeclamptic pregnancies in order to help clarify their potential roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension and proteinuria in preeclampsia. Methods Samples of amniotic fluid and maternal/umbilical cord blood were collected from normal pregnancies and women with preeclampsia for examination of bioactive proteins. Fifty-three pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Of them, 30 pregnant women were recruited as healthy controls, and 23 pregnant women were diagnosed with preeclampsia. An antibody array was used to screen for higher levels of cytokines and related proteins in amniotic fluid than in the blood samples, and these proteins were then selected for quantification by immunoassay. Results Interleukin-1 receptor 4, hepatocyte growth factor, and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor were significantly elevated in the blood of preec^ampsia patients. In particular, intedeukin-1 receptor 4 was 8-fold higher in preeclampsia patients than in the healthy pregnancies. Moreover, in cord blood samples hepatocyte growth factor and interleukin-8 were significantly higher in preeclampsia patients. Conclusions Because of the biologic activities, Interleukin-1 receptor 4, hepatocyte growth factor, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor and interleukin-8 in maternal and/or cord blood could play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and proteinuria in preeclampsia.