DNA Damage-driven Inflammatory Cytokines:Reprogramming of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Application of Oncotherapy

DNA damage occurs across tumorigenesis and tumor development.Tumor intrinsic DNA damage can not only increase the risk of mutations responsible for tumor generation but also initiate a cellular stress response to orchestrate the tumor immune microenvironment(TIME)and dominate tumor progression.Accumulating evidence documents that multiple signaling pathways,including cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes(cGAS-STING)and ataxia telangiectasia-mutated protein/ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein(ATM/ATR),are activated downstream of DNA damage and they are associated with the secretion of diverse cytokines.These cytokines possess multifaced functions in the anti-tumor immune response.Thus,it is necessary to deeply interpret the complex TIME reshaped by damaged DNA and tumor-derived cytokines,critical for the development of effective tumor therapies.This manuscript comprehensively reviews the relationship between the DNA damage response and related cytokines in tumors and depicts the dual immunoregulatory roles of these cytokines.We also summarize clinical trials targeting signaling pathways and cytokines associated with DNA damage and provide future perspectives on emerging technologies.

Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine and inflammatory cytokines,markers and mediators of coronary artery disease progression in diabetes

This editorial refers to the article“Comparative analysis of Nε-carboxymethyllysine and inflammatory markers in diabetic and non-diabetic coronary artery disease patients”,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes 2023 is based on glucose metabolism,advanced glycation end products(AGEs),inflammation and adiposity on diabetes and coronary artery disease(CAD).This study has included CAD patients who were stratified according to glycosylated hemoglobin higher than 6.5 and sex-matched.A higher prevalence of hypertension,dyslipidemia,and non-vegetarian diet were found in the diabetic group.These risk factors might influence body weight and adiposity and explain the increment of the left atrium.Although this data was not supported by the study.The diet can also explain the non-enzymatic reactions on lipids,proteins,or nucleic acids and consequently an increment of AGEs.These molecules can emit fluorescence.However,one of the non-fluorescent and most abundant AGEs is Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine(CML).Its association with coronary artery stenosis and severity in the diabetic group might suggest its role as a player in CAD progression.Thus,CML,after binding with its receptor(RAGE),can induce calcification cascade through reactive oxygen species and mitogen-activated protein kinase.Moreover,this interaction AGE-RAGE can cause activation of the transcription nuclear factor-kb and induce inflammatory cytokines.It might explain the relationship between CML and pro-inflammatory cytokines in diabetic and CAD patients.Although this is a population from one center,the determination of CML and inflammatory cytokines might improve the diagnosis of severe and progressive CAD.Future and comparative studies among glycosylated hemoglobin,CML,and other AGE levels according to diagnosis and prognosis value might modify the clinical practice.Although these molecules are irreversible,they can act through a specific receptor inducing a signal transduction that might be modulated by inhibitors,antibodies,or siRNA.Further mechanistic studies might improve the development of future preventive therapies for diabetic patients.

Serum level changes of inflammatory cytokines in patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris treated with dual-wavelength laser

Background:Acne vulgaris(AV)is a common inflammatory skin disease.Although various mechanisms have been indicated in the etiopathogenesis of AV,the exact pathophysiology remains unknown.Various lasers have been used to treat AV;however,the serum level changes of inflammatory cytokines after laser therapy have not been elucidated.We aimed to investigate the relationship between inflammatory changes and remission on the opposite side in patients with moderate to severe AV after treating half of the face with 595-and 1064-nm dualwavelength laser.Methods:In total,18 patients(9 male and 9 female)between 16 and 35 years of age with moderate to severe AV were evaluated in the study.Disease severity was classified according to the Pillsbury grading system of acne.Patients were randomized to receive a series of two treatment sessions at intervals of 2 weeks and followed up at 2 weeks after the final treatment.A 3 mL blood sample was drawn from every subject each time,and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,and IL-22 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and 2 weeks after each treatment.Improvement was determined by a blinded assessment of photographs taken before and after the final evaluation.Results:Inflammation was significantly reduced on both the treated and untreated sides,and symptoms of AV lesions were alleviated.All patients showed a significant increase in serum IL-22 levels after the first laser therapy,with no significant difference in serum IL-6 and IL-8 levels.After the second laser therapy,serum IL-6,IL-8,and IL-22 levels were significantly decreased.No significant side effects such as bruising,edema,hyperpigmentation,hypopigmentation,or scarring were reported.Conclusion:Half-face treatment with 595-and 1064-nm dual-wavelength laser for moderate and severe AV showed a significant effect of full-face remission,which was associated with a gradual decrease in IL-6,IL-8,and IL-22 levels after half-face topical treatment.This suggests that reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum can relieve inflammation in non-therapeutic sites.This laser treatment is effective,economical,and painless.

Triptolide Inhibits Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Proliferation of Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes Induced by IL-6/sIL-6R-Mediated JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Triptolide,a component of the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F,has been proved to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA).However,its underlying mechanisms on RA have not yet been well established.We observed the inhibitory effect of triptolide on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS)induced by the complex of interleukin-6(IL-6)and the soluble form of the IL-6 receptor(sIL-6R).Furthermore,to clarify the underlying mechanisms,we treated FLS with the Janus-activated kinase 2(JAK2)inhibitor/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)activation blocker AZD1480.In this study,immunohistochemical staining was used to identify vimentin(+)and CD68(−)in FLS.The FLS proliferation was measured by cell proliferation assay,and the cell cycles were analyzed by flow cytometry.Furthermore,ELISA was used to detect the expression of the inflammatory factors in culture solution.The expression levels of p-JAK2,JAK2,p-STAT3 and STAT3 were investigated through Western blotting analysis.The results showed that IL-6/sIL-6R significantly increased the cell proliferation and expression of inflammatory cytokines,including IL-6,interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Triptolide or AZD1480 inhibited the cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine expression in IL-6/sIL-6R-stimulated FLS by suppressing JAK2/STAT3.The study suggested that the physiological effects of triptolide on RA were due to its contribution to the inhibition of the inflammatory cytokine expression and FLS proliferation by suppressing the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.It may provide an innovative insight into the effect of triptolide in preventing RA pathogenesis.

Mutual Effect between Neuropeptides and Inflammatory Cytokines in Neurogenic SMSCs of Human Temporomandibular Joint

In temporomandibular disorders（TMD）, pain takes place when neuropeptides stimulate synovial tissue to produce several cytokines such as interleukin（IL）-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α, which activate neurons and glia of synovial membrane at the bilaminar regions of temporomandibular joint（TMJ）. It has been reported that, after neurogenic differentiation, the synovial mesenchymal stem cells（SMSCs）, deriving from TMJ, possess the same cytological features as the neuronal cells. This study examined the ability of substance P（SP） and calcitonin gene-related peptide（CGRP） to stimulate SMSCs and neurogenic SMSCs secreting inflammatory cytokines during TMD, evaluated the mutual effects of inflammatory cytokines and neuropeptides and tested the analgesic effect of hyaluronic acid（HA）. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in SMSCs and neurogenic SMSCs in the presence of neuropeptides were measured by ELISA. SP and CGRP produced by SMSCs and neurogenic SMSCs were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that the expression of SP and CGRP was significantly enhanced in the neurogenic SMSCs in response to IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the effect was remarkably inhibited by HA. IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, in return, could be enhanced in the neurogenic SMSCs upon stimulation by SP and CGRP. Neuropeptides and inflammatory cytokines might work mutually on the TMD pain. The HA-mediated analgesic effect may be implicated in the inhibition of SP and CGRP expression in neurogenic SMSCs.

Meta-analysis of clinical effect of clearing heat and cooling blood on psoriasis and its effect on inflammatory cytokines

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Qingreliangxue method compared with Acitretin Capsules on clinical efficacy of psoriasis and serum inflammatory cytokines.Methods:The computer searches databases such as CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,PubMed,Embase and Cochrane Library.The search time is from the time the library is built until December 2019.According to the criteria for screening and selection of studies,extract data,use risk assessment tools for quality evaluation,and use Revman 5.3 software to perform meta-analysis on the outcome indicators of the included studis.Results:Finally,20 studies were included,with a total of 1592 patients.The analysis results showed that the total effective rate(OR=3.70,95%CI[2.58,5.30],P<0.00001)and cure rate(OR=2.40,95%CI[1.86,3.10],P<0.00001),PASI score(OR=-2.65,95%CI[-3.60,-1.70],P<0.00001),serum inflammatory cytokines(OR=-8.84,95%CI[-10.52,-7.16],P<0.00001),adverse reactions(OR=0.25,95%CI[0.11,0.57],P=0.001)are superior to Acitretin Capsules.Statistics of the top 10 Chinese medicines in clinical used frequency are,in order,habitat,red peony root,paeonol,honeysuckle,comfrey,soil tuckahoe,salvia miltiorrhiza,buffalo horn,heliotrope,angelica.Conclusion:Based on the current evidence,the treatment of psoriasis with clearing heat and cooling blood as the mainstay of Chinese medicine alone or in combination with Acitretin Capsules can better improve the efficacy,and its mechanism may be related to reducing inflammation.Due to the limitation of the included literature,this conclusion needs to be further verified.

The Profile of the Serum Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines TNF-a,IL-6,IL-10 and Captopril Intervention in Reno-hypertensive Rats

Objectives To observe the profile of the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6（IL-6）, tumor necrosis factor（TNF-α）and interleukin-10 （IL-10） and evaluate the effects of angiotensin- converting enzyme inhibitor-Captopril on them in renohypertensive rats. Methods Using reformed two-kidney-one-clip （2K 1C） method, renal hypertensive rats （RHR） were obtained by ligating abdominal aorta. 30 Wistar rats were randomized into three groups： sham-operation group （A）, model control group （ B ） and captopril group （C）. All rats were killed after being given the trial drugs 5 weeks, ELISA assays were used to detect the levels of IL-6 and IL-10, the levels of TNF-alpha were measured with radioimmunoassays. Results ①compared with group A, the left ventricular hypertrophy was aggravated in group B significantly, the ratio of left ventricle and body weight（LV/BW） was 0.00318 ±0.00030 （B）and 0.00256 ±0.00040 （A） respectively（P 〈 0.001 ）, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α increased significantly （P 〈 0.001 and P 〈 0.002 respectively）, whereas the levels of IL-10 were not changed between the two groups （P 〉 0.05）; ② compared with group B, the LV/BW was 0.00266 ± 0.00018 （C） and 0.00318±0.00030 （B） respectively（P 〈 0.001）, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α decreased significantly （ P 〈 0.01）, whereas the levels of IL-10 were not changed between the two groups （P 〉 0.05） ; Condusions Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor-captopril can lower the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α effectively, but can not increase the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine feature IL-10, it suggests that captopril may have to prevent or slow development hypertensive complications by means of levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines a of lowering the but not by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Lipoxin A4 Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-induced Production of Inflammatory Cytokines in Keratinocytes by Up-regulating SOCS2 and Down-regulating TRAF6

Liopxin A4（LXA4） is considered to be a crucial modulator in the inflammatory responses. In the present study, we aimed to study the effect of LXA4 on the inflammatory cytokines production induced by lipopolysaccharide（LPS） and the possible mechanism in normal human epidermal keratinocytes（NHEKs）. NHEKs were isolated and cultured. The expression of toll-like receptor 4（TLR4）, LXA4 receptor（ALXR） and aryl hydrocarbon receptor（Ah R） in NHEKs was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）. The m RNA and protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha（TNF-α） and interleukin-1β（IL-1β） were determined in NHEKs stimulated by LPS（10 μg/m L） with or without preincubation with LXA4（100 nmol/L） for 30 min by real-time quantitative PCR（real-time q PCR） and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）, respectively. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6（TRAF6） and suppressors of cytokine signaling 2（SOCS2） m RNAs and proteins, and nuclear translocation of NF-k B-p65 were measured by real-time q PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The results showed that NHEKs expressed TLR4, ALXR and Ah R. LXA4 significantly inhibited the m RNA and protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and TRAF6 induced by LPS in NHEKs, and LXA4 obviously increased the expression of SOCS2 at m RNA and protein levels. The nuclear NF-k B-p65 protein expression induced by LPS was inhibited after preincubation with LXA4 in NHEKs. It was concluded that LXA4 inhibits the LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-1β in NHEKs by up-regulating SOCS2 and down-regulating TRAF6.

Effect of propofol on glutamate-induced activation and related inflammatory cytokines of astrocytes from spinal cord dorsal horn

BACKGROUND： Astrocytes participate in central nervous system-mediated physiological or pathological processes, such as pain. Activated dorsal horn astrocytes from the spinal cord produce nerve active substances and proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-lbeta （IL-1 β ）, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor- α （TNF-α ）, which play important roles in pain transduction and regulation. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of different doses of propofol on activation of cultured spinal cord dorsal horn astrocytes induced by glutamate, as well as changes in IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF- α, and 1L-10 （anti-inflammatory cytokine） expression in rats, and to explore the dose relationship of propofol. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The cellular and molecular biology experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of Yunyang Medical College between March 2006 and December 2007. MATERIALS： Forty healthy, Wistar rats, aged 2-3 days, were selected. Propofol was provided by Zeneca, UK; glutamate by Sigma, USA; EPICS XL flow cytometry by Beckman culture, USA; rabbit-anti-mouse glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） antibody kit and inflammatory cytokine detection kit were provided by Zhongshan Biotechnology Company Ltd., Beijing; multimedia color pathologic image analysis system was a product of Nikon, Japan. METHODS： Astrocytes were harvested from T11- L6 spinal cord dorsal horn of Wistar rats and incubated for 3 weeks. The cells were divided into seven groups, according to various treatment conditions： control group was cells cultured in Hank＇s buffered saline solution; intralipid group was cells cultured in intralipid （0.2 mL/L）; glutamate group was cells cultured with 100 u mol/L glutamate; propofol group was cells cultured with 250 u mol/L propofol; three glutamate plus propofol groups were cultured in 100 11 mol/L of glutamate, followed by 5, 25, and 250 u mol/L of propofol 10 minutes later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： GFAP-labeled astrocytes were analyzed using a multimedia pathology imaging analysis system to detect area density （AD） and average optical density （AOD） of positive cells. The supernatant concentrations of IL-1β, TNF- α, IL-6, and IL-10 were determined using radioimmune assays. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, cells in the glutamate plus low-dose propofol group were activated and hypertrophic, and AD and AOD were significantly increased （P 〈 0.01 ）. Concentrations of IL-1β, TNF- α, and IL-6 were also significantly increased （P 〈 0.01）, while IL-10 levels remained unchanged （P 〉 0.05）, but still higher than the control and glutamate groups （P 〉 0.05）. Compared with the glutamate group, astrocyte activation was inhibited by moderate and high-dose propotol. In addition, with moderate and high-dose propofol, AD, AOD, IL-1β, TNF- α, and IL-6 concentrations were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05-0.01）, and IL-10 levels were increased （P 〈 0.01 ）. CONCLUSION： Propofol can effectively inhibit glutamate-induced astrocyte activation in the spinal cord dorsal horn, significantly inhibit production of IL-1 β, TNF- α, and IL-6, and increase IL-10 synthesis and release in a dose-dependent manner.

Electroacupuncture alleviates water avoidance stress-induced irritable bowel syndrome in mice by improving intestinal barrier functions and suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects and related mechanisms of electroacupuncture(EA)on irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into normal,model,and EA groups.Experimental IBS mice models were established by exposure to water avoidance stress(WAS).Mice in the EA group were treated with EA at bilateral Tianshu(ST 25)and Zusanli(ST 36)for 7 consecutive days,15 min each day.Abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR)tests and intestinal motility tests were performed to evaluate visceral sensitivity and intestinal motility of mice.Expression levels of tight junction proteins(TJPs)and inflammatory cytokines in colon tissues were determined through immunofluorescence,real-time polymerase chain reactions(PCR)and Western blot assays.RESULTS:EA alleviated visceral hypersensitivity and intestinal hypermotility in WAS-induced IBS mice.Moreover,EA promoted the expression of zonula occludens(ZO)-1,claudin-1,and occludin while suppressing the expression of interleukin(IL)-8,interferon(IFN)-γ,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αin water avoidance stress(WAS)-induced irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)mice.CONCLUSION:EA alleviated WAS-induced IBS in mice by promoting intestinal barrier functions and suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines.

HMGB1 Inhibitor Effectively Alleviates Psoriasis-Like Lesions and Inflammatory Cytokines in K14-VEGF Transgenic Mice

Objective:Anti-high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1)is involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases,including psoriasis.The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of HMGB1 monoclonal antibody(mAb)in keratin 14(K14)-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)transgenic homozygous mice.Methods:Twelve VEGF transgenic mice were randomly divided into two groups of six mice each:the anti-HMGB1 mAb group and the immune complex(IC)mAb group.The mice underwent intraperitoneal injection of anti-HMGB1 mAb or IC mAb once every 2 days for a total of three treatments.Compare the lesions on the ears of the mice and evaluate the severity of the lesions using the baseline and clinical scores on the last day of treatment.The changes in psoriasis-like lesions,cellular infiltration of T cells,dendritic cells,and neutrophils were detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry.The mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines,including interleukin(IL)-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,interferon-γ,and IL-17 in the lesions were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The number ofγδT cells in the lesions of two groups were detected by flow cytometry.Thet test was used to compare their differences.Results:The anti-HMGB1 mAb effectively ameliorated the clinical skin lesions.The clinical scores in the anti-HMGB1 mAb group were lower than those in the IC mAb group(6.00±0.52vs.10.83±0.48,P<0.001).Histopathologic changes and improvements in the K14-VEGF transgenic homozygous mice were evident after three treatments.The scores of mice in the anti-HMGB1 mAb group were significantly lower than those in the IC mAb group(3.25±0.71vs.6.95±0.83,P=0.0033).The average epidermal thickness in the anti-HMGB1 mAb group was reduced by about 45%when compared with that in the IC mAb group(32.15±7.08vs.64.69±7.93,P=0.0054).Moreover,anti-HMGB1 mAb also decreased the number of infiltrating CD3+T cells,myeloperoxidase-positive neutrophils,and CD11c+dendritic cells.The ratio of ear skinγδT cells was reduced in anti-HMGB1 mAb treated group.The mRNA expression of IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,interferon-γ,and IL-17 in the anti-HMGB1 mAb group were significantly reduced when compared with IC mAb group(0.36±0.070vs.1.98±0.62,P=0.0148;6.43±1.37vs.13.80±1.33,P=0.0006;2.62±0.83vs.7.77±1.32,P=0.0026;4.69±1.13vs.11.41±1.92,P=0.0054).Conclusion:HMGB1 blockade(anti-HMGB1 mAb)reduced leukocyte infiltration and suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression in this K14-VEGF transgenic mouse model,markedly reducing the severity of the psoriasis-like lesions.HMGB1 blockade might serve as a potential target for the treatment of psoriasis.

Effect of Atorvastatin on the Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats with Klebsiella Pneumonia

Objective:To explore the effect of atorvastatin on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in rats with Klebsiella pneumonia.Methods:90 healthy SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:atorvastatin group,model group and blank group(with 10 rats in each group),30 rats in each treatment period(3,6,9 d).A rat model of Klebsiella pneumonia was constructed,in which the blank group and the model group were given the same volume of saline,while the atorvastatin group was given 10 ml/kg of atorvastatin by intraperitoneal instillation.The rats were killed on the 10th day after administration,and the lung tissue was extracted to detect the pathological results and the expression of inflammatory cytokines was detected in serum.Results:Lung histopathology showed that lung histopathology and fibrosis were improved in atorvastatin group,and alveolar structure integrity≥50%and collagen fiber precipitation≤10%in atorvastatin group indicated that the model was successful.The expression of inflammatory cytokines showed that the levels of IL-6,TNF-αand TGF-βin the atorvastatin group and the model group were significantly increased compared with the blank group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The levels of IL-6,TNF-αand TGF-βin atorvastatin group were lower than those in model group,and the levels of IL-10 in atorvastatin group were higher than those in model group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).After 9 days,the levels of IL-6,TNF-α,TGF-βand IL-10 in the atorvastatin group and the model group were higher than those in the blank group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The results of immunological function study showed that WBC,RBC and PLT in orvastatin group and model group were significantly reduced at 3 d compared with the blank group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).After 6 and 9 d,WBC,RBC and PLT in atorvastatin group and model group were lower than those in blank group,and WBC,RBC and PLT in atorvastatin group were lower than those in model group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion:Atorvastatin can significantly improve the immune dysfunction and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in rats with Klebsiella pneumonia.

Effect of antimicrobial agents on the toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines in liver tissue of the alcohol-induced liver disease in rats with Vibrio vulnificus sepsis

Background Septicemia and inflammation-mediated septic shock caused by Vibrio vulnificus （VV） is strongly associated with chronic liver disease. This study examined the effects of antimicrobial therapy on expression of hepatic toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines in rats with alcohol-induced liver disease complicated by VV sepsis. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the following treatment groups： normal control （N）, alcoholic liver disease control （A）, antimicrobial-treated alcoholic liver disease control （AA）, alcoholic liver disease with VV sepsis （AV）, and antimicrobial-treated alcoholic liver disease with VV sepsis （AVA）. Alcohol-induced liver disease was observed in all groups except N. Expression of mRNAs encoding hepatic toll-like receptors 2 and 4, myeloid differentiation protein-2, tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）, interleukin （IL）-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 was determined by RT-PCR. Results mRNAs encoding toll-like receptors 2 and 4 and myeloid differentiation protein-2 were significantly up-regulated in group AV as compared to control groups at 2-24 hours of sepsis; peak expression occurred at 12 hours. These mRNAs were also up-regulated in group AVA but to lesser degrees than in group AV at comparable time post-infection, mRNAs encoding TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly elevated in group AV as a function of infection. In group AVA as compared to AV, expression of TNF-α and IL-1β mRNAs was lower at 12-24 hours post-infection and expression of IL-6 mRNA was lower at 24 hours post-infection. Compared with control groups, IL-10 mRNA expression in group AV was markedly higher at 12-24 hours of sepsis. Expression of IL-10 mRNA was lower in group AVA as compared to AV at 24 hours of sepsis. Conclusions Antimicrobial therapy reduces expression of toll-like receptors and cytokines in rats with alcohol-induced liver disease complicated by VV sepsis. Monitoring hepatic toll-like receptor and cytokine expression during antibiotic therapy may be valuable for determining the course of VV sepsis in subjects with liver disease.

The combination of ciprofloxacin and indomethacin suppresses the level of inflammatory cytokines secreted by macrophages in vitro

Purpose:The combined use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine to manage bacterial endotoxin-induced inflammation following injuries or diseases is increasing.The cytokine level produced by macrophages plays an important role in this treatment course.Ciprofloxacin and indomethacin,two typical representatives of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine,are cost-effective and has been reported to show satisfactory effect.The current study aims to investigate the effect of ciprofloxacin along with indomethacin on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by macrophagesin vitro.Methods:Primary murine peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells were administrated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)for 24 h.The related optimal dose and time point of ciprofloxacin or indomethacin in response to macrophage inflammatory response inflammation were determined via macrophage secretion induced by LPS.Then,the effects of ciprofloxacin and indomethacin on the secretory functions and viability of various macrophages were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry analysis,especially for the levels of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α.The optimal dose and time course of ciprofloxacin affecting macrophage inflammatory response were determined by testing the maximum inhibitory effect of the drugs on pro-inflammatory factors at each concentration or time point.Results:According to the levels of cytokines secreted by various macrophages(1.2×10^(6) cells/well)after administration of 1μg/mL LPS,the optimal dose and usage timing for ciprofloxacin alone were 80μg/mL and 24 h,respectively,and the optimal dose for indomethacin alone was 10μg/mL.Compared with the LPS-stimulated group,the combination of ciprofloxacin and indomethacin reduced the levels of IL-1β(p<0.05),IL-6(p<0.05),IL-10(p<0.01),and TNF-α(p<0.01).Furthermore,there was greater stability in the reduction of inflammatory factor levels in the combination group compared with those in which only ciprofloxacin or indomethacin was used.Conclusion:The combination of ciprofloxacin and indomethacin suppressed the levels of inflammatory cytokines secreted by macrophagesin vitro.This study illustrates the regulatory mechanism of drug combinations on innate immune cells that cause inflammatory reactions.In addition,it provides a new potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment pattern to prevent and cure various complications in the future.

Effect of Ningxin decoction,Xuesaitong,rosuvastatin on inflammatory cytokines and atherosclerotic plaque of ApoE^-/- mice

Objective Through the establishment of atherosclerosis model in Apo E-/- mice to investigate the effects of Ningxin Decoction,Xuesaitong and rosuvastatin on serum lipid,inflammatory factors and plaque structure.Methods Feed 80 Apo E-/- mice aged 8 weeks with high-fat diet for 4 weeks at first.Eighty rats were randomly divid-

Effects of ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine on cognitive dysfunction and emergence agitation in elderly patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND With the continuous growth of the modern elderly population,the risk of fracture increases.Hip fracture is a common type of fracture in older people.Total hip arthroplasty(THA)has significant advantages in relieving chronic pain and promoting the recovery of hip joint function.AIM To investigate the effect of ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine(Dex)on the incidences of postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)and emergence agitation in elderly patients who underwent THA.METHODS A total of 397 patients who underwent THA from February 2019 to August 2022.We conducted a three-year retrospective cohort study in Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital.Comprehensive demographic data were obtained from the electronic medical record system.We collected preoperative,intraoperative,and postoperative data.One hundred twenty-nine patients who were administered Dex during the operation were included in the Dex group.One hundred fifty patients who were intravenously injected with ulinastatin 15 min before anesthesia induction were included in the ulinastatin group.One hundred eighteen patients who were administered ulinastatin combined with Dex during the operation were included in the Dex+ulinastatin group.The patients’perioperative conditions,hemodynamic indexes,postoperative Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)scores,Ramsay score,incidence of POCD,and serum inflammatory cytokines were evaluated.RESULTS There was a significant difference in the 24 h visual analogue scale score among the three groups,and the score in the Dex+ulinastatin group was the lowest(P<0.05).Compared with the Dex and ulinastatin group,the MMSE scores of the Dex+ulinastatin group were significantly increased at 1 and 7 d after the operation(all P<0.05).Compared with those in the Dex and ulinastatin groups,incidence of POCD,levels of serum inflammatory cytokines in the Dex+ulinastatin group were significantly decreased at 1 and 7 d after the operation(all P<0.05).The observer’s assessment of the alertness/sedation score and Ramsay score of the Dex+ulinastatin group were significantly different from those of the Dex and ulinastatin groups on the first day after the operation(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Ulinastatin combined with Dex can prevent the occurrence of POCD and emergence agitation in elderly patients undergoing THA.

It’s Time for New Insights into Renovascular Hypertension at the Molecular Level

At the cellular level, reduced kidney perfusion in atherosclerotic renal arthery disease (ARVD), induces hypoxia, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and cytokine activation. Impaired blood flow in the kidneys creates a microenvironment triggering significant cytokine production, contributing to vascular damage and endothelial disfunction. Interactions between cytokines and endothelial, glomerular, and tubular cells often result in increased vessel permeability, and fibrosis, and contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Molecules such as endothelins, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide play a crucial role at the molecular level. The imbalance between vasoconstrictor and vasodilator factors contributes to vascular dysfunction. Oxidative stress and inflammatory processes at the cellular level contribute to endothelial damage and structural changes in blood vessels. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) therapy in the context of ARVD holds promise in reducing fibrosis, promoting angiogenesis and enhancing overall outcomes in patients with this pathology. Recent data also indicates the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors. They reduce oxidative stress caused by hypoxic conditions and enhance renal perfusion, contributing to the preservation of cellular function. Studies employing Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent (BOLD) imaging have identified adaptations to reduced blood flow, volume, and glomerular filtration rate in post-stenotic kidneys that preserve oxygenation in the medulla and cortex during medical therapy. Data from the literature indicate that despite the partial recovery of renal hypoxia and restoration of blood flow after revascularization, inflammatory cytokines and injury biomarkers remain elevated, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) does not recover in ARVD. Restoration of vascular patency alone has failed to reverse tubulointerstitial damage and partially explains the limited clinical benefit of renal stenting. Considering these findings, BOLD MR imaging emerges as a technique capable of providing insights into the critical juncture of irreversibility in ARVD. However, further research is needed to monitor renal hypoxia following renal artery stenting and the inflammatory response over an extended period in conjunction with optimal therapy involving MRAs and SGLT2 agonists. The aim of research at the molecular level enables the identification of potential therapeutic modalities targeting specific molecular pathways, opening the door to innovative approaches in treating renovascular hypertension.

Deciphering the Hidden Secrets between the Early Skin Wrinkling & the Metabolic (X) Syndrome with the Possible Reversal of This Process at the Molecular Level

The aging process is a group of degenerative changes that physiologically occur in most of the people in the elderly. This affects one or more of the human body systems. The treatment of diseases related to the aging process has a huge impact on the economy of all nations. Aging of the skin comes on the top and despite that, the results of the already present lines of treatment are not always satisfactory. This acts as a stimulus for us to dig deeper to discover the root causes of the premature aging of the skin. This was simply caused by the accumulation of repeated minute damage to the internal structure skin. In other words, if the degree of minute damage is more than the capacity of the skin to repair, the repeated micro-damage is presented in the long run as a skin wrinkling. Moreover, the skin acts as a mirror that reflects the internal structures of the human body. Thus, the more degenerative changes in the human body systems, the more the skin could become wrinkled. Our strategy to prevent or at least slow down the aging process of the skin depends on 2 main steps;the 1st is to reduce the micro-damage as can as possible, and the 2nd is to enhance the capacity of tissue regeneration to be able to reverse the already present damaged skin. As the 2 processes are synchronized with each other, this strategy would be considered the ideal for prevention of skin wrinkling especially premature ones. This not only reverses premature skin wrinkling but also protects it from future wrinklings. This review sharply pointed out the role of the functional collagen of the dermal layer of the skin in the prevention of skin wrinklings. Therefore, it would be the target to study how collagen works in the complex machinery of the dermal layer of the skin. This concept deeply believes that the recovery of dermal collagen has a much better effect than simply ingesting collagen or receiving a topical collagen booster. .

Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve protects against cerebral ischemic injury through an anti-inflammatory mechanism

Vagus nerve stimulation exerts protective effects against ischemic brain injury; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia was established using the occlusion method, and the right vagus nerve was given electrical stimula-tion （constant current of 0.5 mA; pulse width, 0.5 ms; frequency, 20 Hz; duration, 30 seconds; every 5 minutes for a total of 60 minutes） 30 minutes, 12 hours, and 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 days after surgery. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve substantially reduced infarct volume, improved neurological function, and decreased the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and in-terleukin-6 in rats with focal cerebral ischemia. The experimental findings indicate that the neuroprotective effect of vagus nerve stimulation following cerebral ischemia may be associated with the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 expression.

Neuroprotection of Chrysanthemum indicum Linne against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by anti-inflammatory effect in gerbils

In this study, we tried to verify the neuroprotective effect of Chrysanthemum indicum Linne（CIL） extract, which has been used as a botanical drug in East Asia, against ischemic damage and to explore the underlying mechanism involving the anti-inflammatory approach. A gerbil was given CIL extract for 7 consecutive days followed by bilateral carotid artery occlusion to make a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model. Then, we found that CIL extracts protected pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region（CA1） from ischemic damage using neuronal nucleus immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B histofluorescence. Accordingly, interleukin-13 immunoreactivities in the CA1 pyramidal neurons of CIL-pretreated animals were maintained or increased after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. These findings indicate that the pre-treatment of CIL can attenuate neuronal damage/death in the brain after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion via an anti-inflammatory approach.