Mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel regulation of microglial cell function and implications to neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammation

Microglial cells are the key immunocompetent cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and play a crucial role in CNS health and disease (Paolicelli et al.,2022).Under the homeostatic conditions,microglial cells assume diverse and dynamic states,depending upon interactions with neighboring cells and structures in local contextual settings,continuously patrol brain parenchyma utilizing their highly mobile fine processes,phagocytize protein aggregates,unwanted synapses and cells to maintain CNS health,and secrete neurotrophic factors to support neuronal function (Colonna and Butovsky,2017;Paolicelli et al.,2022).

CD93 and GIPC expression and localization during central nervous system inflammation

CD93 and GAIP-interacting protein, C termius （GIPC） have been shown to interactively alter phagocytic processes of immune cells. CD93 and GIPC expression and localization during cen-tral nervous system inflammation have not yet been reported. In this study, we established a rat model of brain inlfammation by lipopolysaccharide injection to the lateral ventricle. In the brain of rats with inlfammation, western blots showed increased CD93 expression that decreased over time. GIPC expression was unaltered. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated extensive distribution of CD93 expression mainly in cell membranes in the cerebral cortex. After lipopoly-saccharide stimulation, CD93 expression increased and then reduced, with distinct staining in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Double immunolfuorescence staining in cerebral cortex of normal rats showed that CD93 and GIPC widely expressed in resting microglia and neurons. CD93 was mainly expressed in microglial and neuronal cell membranes, while GIPC was expressed in both cell membrane and cytoplasm. In the cerebral cortex at 9 hours after model establishment, CD93-immunoreactive signal diminished in microglial membrane, with cytoplasmic transloca-tion and aggregation detected. GIPC localization was unaltered in neurons and microglia. These results are the ifrst to demonstrate CD93 participation in pathophysiological processes of central nervous system inlfammation.

Orexins:A promising target to digestive cancers,inflammation,obesity and metabolism dysfunctions

Hypothalamic neuropeptides named hypocretin/orexins which were identified in 1998 regulate critical functions such as wakefulness in the central nervous system.These past 20 years had revealed that orexins/receptors system was also present in the peripheral nervous system where they participated to the regulation of multiple functions including blood pressure regulation,intestinal motility,hormone secretion,lipolyze and reproduction functions.Associated to these peripheral functions,it was found that orexins and their receptors were involved in various diseases such as acute/chronic inflammation,metabolic syndrome and cancers.The present review suggests that orexins or the orexin neural circuitry represent potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of multiple pathologies related to inflammation including intestinal bowel disease,multiple sclerosis and septic shock,obesity and digestive cancers.

25-hydroxycholecalciferol reverses heat induced alterations in bone quality in finisher broilers associated with effects on intestinal integrity and inflammation

Background:Alterations in ambient temperature have been associated with multiple detrimental effects on broilers such as intestinal barrier disruption and dysbiosis resulting in systemic inflammation.Inflammation and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol(25-OH-D_(3))have shown to play a negative and positive role,respectively,in the regulation of bone mass.Hence the potential of 25-OH-D_(3)in alleviating heat induced bone alterations and its mechanisms was studied.Results:Heat stress(HS)directly induced a decrease in tibia material properties and bone mass,as demonstrated by lower mineral content,and HS caused a notable increase in intestinal permeability.Treatment with dietary 25-OH-D_(3)reversed the HS-induced bone loss and barrier leak.Broilers suffering from HS exhibited dysbiosis and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in the ileum and bone marrow,as well as increased osteoclast number and activity.The changes were prevented by dietary 25-OH-D_(3)administration.Specifically,dietary 25-OH-D_(3)addition decreased abundance of B-and T-cells in blood,and the expression of inflammatory cytokines,especially TNF-α,in both the ileum and bone marrow,but did not alter the diversity and population or composition of major bacterial phyla.With regard to bone remodeling,dietary 25-OH-D_(3)supplementation was linked to a decrease in serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen reflecting bone resorption and a concomitant decrement in osteoclast-specific marker genes expression(e.g.cathepsin K),whereas it did not apparently change serum bone formation markers during HS.Conclusions:These data underscore the damage of HS to intestinal integrity and bone health,as well as that dietary 25-OH-D_(3)supplementation was identified as a potential therapy for preventing these adverse effects.

Targeting the P2X7 receptor in microglial cells to prevent brain inflammation

Microglial cells are the key innate immune cells in the brain and they are crucial in maintaining brain parenchyma homeostasis.Under physiological conditions,microglial cells assume a ramified morphology with a small cell body and an extensive network of fine processes,which secrete neurotrophic factors and patrol the surroundings in search for pathogens and eliminate cellular debris via phagocytosis.Microglial cells express a repertoire of pattern recognition receptors(PRRs)that enable them to detect diverse danger-associated molecular patterns(DAMPs)released from damaged cells or cells under stress,or pathogen-associated molecular patterns generated by pathogens during infection.

Trivalent Chromium Promotes Healing of Experimental Colitis in Mice by Suppression of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Ulcerative colitis (UC) has reactive oxygen species (ROS) and immunologic pathways implicated in its pathogenesis. The search for new therapeutic protocols in managing UC is tailored in suppressing or preventing these pathways. The influence of trivalent chromium (Cr3+), an essential mineral on experimental colitis was investigated. Mice were grouped into 3;group 1 (control) received clean drinking water while groups 2 and 3 received 10 and 100 ppm Cr3+ respectively for 12 weeks through drinking water. After Cr3+ administration, 5 animals per group were sacrificed on day 0. Thereafter, experimental colitis was induced intra-rectally using acetic acid (4%, 0.3mL) and 5 mice per group were subsequently sacrificed on days 3, 7 and 14. Blood and colonic tissues were obtained and processed appropriately. Blood Cr3+ level, haematological variables, gross and microscopic colitis scores, colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined using standard methods. Colon cytokine mRNA genes were quantified using real-time PCR. There was a significant decrease in colon gross and histology scores on days 3 and 7 in chromium treated compared with control. The MPO and MDA in chromium groups reduced significantly compared with control while SOD activities increased significantly in Cr3+ groups compared with control. Total RNA increased in chromium groups compared with control on day 3 post-colitis. There was up-regulation of IL-10, down-regulation of TNF-α and IFN-λ in chromium administered groups compared with control. Chromium enhanced healing of colitis by suppression of ROS, inflammation and promotion of antioxidant activities.

Antioxidants,inflammation and cardiovascular disease

Multiple factors are involved in the etiology of cardiovascular disease(CVD). Pathological changes occur in a variety of cell types long before symptoms become apparent and diagnosis is made. Dysregulation of physiological functions are associated with the activation of immune cells,leading to local and finally systemic inflammation that is characterized by production of high levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS). Patients suffering from inflammatory diseases often present with diminished levels of antioxidants either due to insufficient dietary intake or,and even more likely,due to increased demand in situations of overwhelming ROS production by activated immune effector cells like macrophages. Antioxidants are suggested to beneficially interfere with diseases-related oxidative stress,however the interplay of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants with the overall redox system is complex. Moreover,molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress in CVD are not fully elucidated. Metabolic dybalances are suggested to play a major role in disease onset and progression. Several central signalingpathways involved in the regulation of immunological,metabolic and endothelial function are regulated in a redox-sensitive manner. During cellular immune response,interferon γ-dependent pathways are activated such as tryptophan breakdown by the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase(IDO) in monocyte-derived macrophages,fibroblasts,endothelial and epithelial cells. Neopterin,a marker of oxidative stress and immune activation is produced by GTP-cyclohydrolase Ⅰ in macrophages and dendritic cells. Nitric oxide synthase(NOS) is induced in several cell types to generate nitric oxide(NO). NO,despite its low reactivity,is a potent antioxidant involved in the regulation of the vasomotor tone and of immunomodulatory signaling pathways. NO inhibits the expression and function of IDO. Function of NOS requires the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin(BH4),which is produced in humans primarily by fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Highly toxic peroxynitrite(ONOO-) is formed solely in the presence of superoxide anion(O2-). Neopterin and kynurenine to tryptophan ratio(Kyn/Trp),as an estimate of IDO enzyme activity,are robust markers of immune activation in vitro and in vivo. Both these diagnostic parameters are able to predict cardiovascular and overall mortality in patients at risk. Likewise,a significant association exists between increase of neopterin concentrations and Kyn/Trp ratio values and the lowering of plasma levels of vitamin-C,-E and-B. Vitamin-B deficiency is usually accompanied by increased plasma homoycsteine. Additional determination of NO metabolites,BH4 and plasma antioxidants in patients with CVD and related clinical settings can be helpful to improve the understanding of redox-regulation in health and disease and might provide a rationale for potential antioxidant therapies in CVD.

Tryptophan:A gut microbiota-derived metabolites regulating inflammation

Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD), which comprise Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic intestinal disorders with an increased prevalence and incidence over the last decade in many different regions over the world. The etiology of IBD is still not well defined, but evidence suggest that it results from per-turbation of the homeostasis between the intestinal microbiota and the mucosal immune system, with the involvement of both genetic and environmental factors. Genome wide association studies, which involve large-scale genome-wide screening of potential polymorphism, have identified several mutations associated with IBD. Among them, Card9, a gene encoding an adapter molecule involved in innate immune response to fungi(via type C-lectin sensing) through the activation of IL-22 signaling pathway, has been identified as one IBD susceptible genes. Dietary compounds, which represent a source of energy and metabolites for gut bacteria, are also appreciated to be important actors in the etiology of IBD, for example by altering gut microbiota composition and by regulating the generation of short chain fatty acids. A noteworthy study published in the June 2016 issue of Nature Medicine by Lamas and colleagues investigates the interaction between Card9 and the gut microbiota in the generation of the microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolite. This study highlights the role of tryptophan in dampening intestinal inflammation in susceptible hosts.

Impact Factor:1.90 Total flavonoids from Saussurea involucrata attenuate inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via modulating p65,c-Jun,and IRF3 signaling pathways

Objective:To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the total flavonoids from Saussurea involucrata on lipopolysaccharides(LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages and explore its underlying mechanism of action.Methods:Total flavonoids from Saussurea involucrata were extracted using chromatographic column method.Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay.The production of nitric oxide was detected by Griess assay and the release of cytokines(IL-10 and TNF-α)and chemokines(MCP-1,MIP-1α,and CCL5/RANTES)was determined by ELISA to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of total flavonoids from Saussurea involucrata.Moreover,nuclear translocation of p65,c-Jun,and IRF3 was detected by immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blotting analysis was performed to determine the expression of related proteins.Results:Total flavonoids extracted from Saussurea involucrata were 751.5 mg/g and the content of rutin was 506.5 mg/g.The production of inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide,cytokines,and chemokines was effectively inhibited by total flavonoids from Saussurea involucrata.Meanwhile,total flavonoids also suppressed the nuclear translocation of p65,c-Jun,and IRF3 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.The LPS-induced expression of iNOS and COX-2 was remarkably reduced by treatment with total flavonoids from Saussurea involucrata.Moreover,total flavonoids decreased the expression levels of p-IKKα/β,p-TBK1,p-p38,p-ERK,p-JNK,p-p65,p-c-Jun,and p-IRF3 in LPS-exposed RAW264.7 macrophages.Conclusions:Total flavonoids from Saussurea involucrata potentially inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators,which may be related to inhibition of p65,c-Jun,and IRF3 signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

RUNX1 promotes mitophagy and alleviates pulmonary inflammation during acute lung injury

Dear Editor,Acute lung injury(ALI)is a significant contributor to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS),which is a severe clinical condition associated with high morbidity and mortality.1 It is increasingly evident that preserving mitochondrial health in alveolar epithelial cells holds great therapeutic potential for ARDS.2 Mitophagy,a cellular process aimed at maintaining mitochondrial health,plays a critical role in this regard.3 Therefore,gaining a comprehensive understanding of the factors that regulate mitophagy in alveolar epithelial cells during ALI could greatly inform the development of future therapeutic approaches for ARDS.

10,11-Dehydrocurvularin attenuates inflammation by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation

10,11-Dehydrocurvularin(DCV)is a natural-product macrolide that has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory activity.However,the underlying mechanism of its anti-inflammatory activity remains poorly understood.Aberrant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in diverse inflammation-related diseases,which should be controlled.The results showed that DCV specifically inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in association with reduced IL-1βsecretion and caspase-1 activation,without effect on the NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasomes.Furthermore,DCV disturbed the interaction between NEK7 and NLRP3,resulting in the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.The C=C double bond of DCV was required for the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition induced by DCV.Importantly,DCV ameliorated inflammation in vivo through inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome.Taken together,our study reveals a novel mechanism by which DCV suppresses inflammation,which indicates the potential role of DCV in NLRP3 inflammasome-driven inflammatory disorders.

Puerarin inhibits inflammation and lipid accumulation in alcoholic liver disease through regulating MMP8

Alcoholic liver disease(ALD)is a growing global health concern,and its early pathogenesis includes steatosis and steatohepatitis.Inhibiting lipid accumulation and inflammation is a crucial step in relieving ALD.Evidence shows that puerarin(Pue),an isoflavone isolated from Pueraria lobata,exerts cardio-protective,neuroprotective,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant activities.However,the therapeutic potential of Pue on ALD remains unknown.In the study,both the NIAAA model and ethanol(EtOH)-induced AML-12 cell were used to explore the protective effect of Pue on alcoholic liver injury in vivo and in vitro and related mechanism.The results showed that Pue(100 mg·kg^(−1))attenuated EtOH-induced liver injury and inhibited the levels of SREBP-1c,TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β,compared with silymarin(Sil,100 mg·kg^(−1)).In vitro results were consistent with in vivo results.Mechanistically,Pue might suppress liver lipid accumulation and inflammation by regulating MMP8.In conclusion,Pue might be a promising clinical candidate for ALD treatment.

Chitin-glucan improves important pathophysiological features of irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is one of the most frequent and debilitating conditions leading to gastroenterological referrals.However,recommended treatments remain limited,yielding only limited therapeutic gains.Chitin-glucan(CG)is a novel dietary prebiotic classically used in humans at a dosage of 1.5-3.0 g/d and is considered a safe food ingredient by the European Food Safety Authority.To provide an alternative approach to managing patients with IBS,we performed preclinical molecular,cellular,and animal studies to evaluate the role of chitin-glucan in the main pathophysiological mechanisms involved in IBS.AIM To evaluate the roles of CG in visceral analgesia,intestinal inflammation,barrier function,and to develop computational molecular models.METHODS Visceral pain was recorded through colorectal distension(CRD)in a model of long-lasting colon hypersensitivity induced by an intra-rectal administration of TNBS[15 milligrams(mg)/kilogram(kg)]in 33 Sprague-Dawley rats.Intracolonic pressure was regularly assessed during the 9 wk-experiment(weeks 0,3,5,and 7)in animals receiving CG(n=14)at a human equivalent dose(HED)of 1.5 g/d or 3.0 g/d and compared to negative control(tap water,n=11)and positive control(phloroglucinol at 1.5 g/d HED,n=8)groups.The anti-inflammatory effect of CG was evaluated using clinical and histological scores in 30 C57bl6 male mice with colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)administered in their drinking water during 14 d.HT-29 cells under basal conditions and after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)were treated with CG to evaluate changes in pathways related to analgesia μ-opioid receptor(MOR),cannabinoid receptor 2(CB2),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha,inflammation[interleukin(IL)-10,IL-1b,and IL-8]and barrier function[mucin 2-5AC,claudin-2,zonula occludens(ZO)-1,ZO-2]using the real-time PCR method.Molecular modelling of CG,LPS,lipoteichoic acid(LTA),and phospholipomannan(PLM)was developed,and the ability of CG to chelate microbial pathogenic lipids was evaluated by docking and molecular dynamics simulations.Data were expressed as the mean±SEM.RESULTS Daily CG orally-administered to rats or mice was well tolerated without including diarrhea,visceral hypersensitivity,or inflammation,as evaluated at histological and molecular levels.In a model of CRD,CG at a dosage of 3 g/d HED significantly decreased visceral pain perception by 14%after 2 wk of administration(P<0.01)and reduced inflammation intensity by 50%,resulting in complete regeneration of the colonic mucosa in mice with DSS-induced colitis.To better reproduce the characteristics of visceral pain in patients with IBS,we then measured the therapeutic impact of CG in rats with TNBS-induced inflammation to long-lasting visceral hypersensitivity.CG at a dosage of 1.5 g/d HED decreased visceral pain perception by 20%five weeks after colitis induction(P<0.01).When the CG dosage was increased to 3.0 g/d HED,this analgesic effect surpassed that of the spasmolytic agent phloroglucinol,manifesting more rapidly within 3 wk and leading to a 50%inhibition of pain perception(P<0.0001).The underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to these analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of CG involved,at least in part,a significant induction of MOR,CB2 receptor,and IL-10,as well as a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and IL-8.CG also significantly upregulated barrier-related genes including muc5AC,claudin-2,and ZO-2.Molecular modelling of CG revealed a new property of the molecule as a chelator of microbial pathogenic lipids,sequestering gram-negative LPS and gram-positive LTA bacterial toxins,as well as PLM in fungi at the lowesr energy conformations.CONCLUSION CG decreased visceral perception and intestinal inflammation through master gene regulation and direct binding of microbial products,suggesting that CG may constitute a new therapeutic strategy for patients with IBS or IBSlike symptoms.

The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise on autoimmune diseases:A 20-year systematic review

Background:The anti-inflammatory effect of exercise may be an underlying factor in improving several autoimmune diseases.The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence on the role of exercise training in mitigating inflammation in adolescents and adults with autoimmune disease.Methods:PubMed,Web of Science,and Embase databases were systematically reviewed for related studies published between January 1,2003,and August 31,2023.All randomized and non-randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions with autoimmune disease study participants that evaluated inflammation-related biomarkers were included.The quality of evidence was assessed using the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise scale and Cochrane bias risk tool.Results:A total of 14,565 records were identified.After screening the titles,abstracts,and full texts,87 were eligible for the systematic review.These studies were conducted in 25 different countries and included a total of 2779 participants(patients with autoimmune disease,in exercise or control groups).Overall,the evidence suggests that inflammation-related markers such as C-reactive protein,interleukin 6,and tumor necrosis factor a were reduced by regular exercise interventions.Regular exercise interventions combined with multiple exercise modes were associated with greater benefits.Conclusion:Regular exercise training by patients with autoimmune disease exerts an anti-inflammatory influence.This systematic review provides support for the promotion and development of clinical exercise intervention programs for patients with autoimmune disease.Most patients with autoimmune disease can safely adopt moderate exercise training protocols,but changes in inflammation biomarkers will be modest at best.Acute exercise interventions are ineffective or even modestly but transiently pro-inflammatory.

Exercised blood plasma promotes hippocampal neurogenesis in the Alzheimer's disease rat brain

Background:Exercise training promotes brain plasticity and is associated with protection against cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease(AD).These beneficial effects may be partly mediated by blood-borne factors.Here we used an in vitro model of AD to investigate effects of blood plasma from exercise-trained donors on neuronal viability,and an in vivo rat model of AD to test whether such plasma impacts cognitive function,amyloid pathology,and neurogenesis.Methods:Mouse hippocampal neuronal cells were exposed to AD-like stress using amyloid-βand treated with plasma collected from human male donors 3 h after a single bout of high-intensity exercise.For in vivo studies,blood was collected from exercise-trained young male Wistar rats(high-intensity intervals 5 days/week for 6 weeks).Transgenic AD rats(McGill-R-Thyl-APP)were inj ected 5 times/fortnight for 6 weeks at2 months or 5 months of age with either(a)plasma from the exercise-trained rats,(b)plasma from sedentary rats,or(c)saline.Cognitive function,amyloid plaque pathology,and neurogenesis were assessed.The plasma used for the treatment was analyzed for 23 cytokines.Results:Plasma from exercised donors enhanced cell viability by 44.1%(p=0.032)and reduced atrophy by 50.0%(p<0.001)in amyloid-β-treated cells.In vivo exercised plasma treatment did not alter cognitive function or amyloid plaque pathology but did increase hippocampal neurogenesis by~3 fold,regardless of pathological stage,when compared to saline-treated rats.Concentrations of 7 cytokines were significantly reduced in exercised plasma compared to sedentary plasma.Conclusion:Our proof-of-concept study demonstrates that plasma from exercise-trained donors can protect neuronal cells in culture and promote adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the AD rat brain.This effect may be partly due to reduced pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in exercised plasma.

Inhibition of NF-κB Expression and Allergen-induced Airway Inflammation in a Mouse Allergic Asthma Model by Andrographolide

Andrographolide from traditional Chinese herbal medicines previously showed it possesses a strong anti- inflammatory activity. In present study, we investigated whether Andrographolide could inhibit allergen-induced airway inflammation and airways hyper-responsiveness and explored the mechanism of Andrographolide on allergen-induced airway inflammation and airways hyper-responsiveness. After sensitized and challenged by ovalbumin, the BALB/c mice were administered intraperitoneally with Andrographolide. Hyper-responsiveness was recorded. The lung tissues were assessed by histological examinations. NF-κB in lung was determined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. Treatment of mice with Androqrapholide displayed lower Penh in response to asthma group mice. After treatment with Andrographolide, the extent of inflammation and cellular infiltration in the airway were reduced. Andrographolide interrupted NF-κB to express in cell nucleus. The level of NF-κB expression was inhibited by Andrographolide. The data indicate that Andrographolide from traditional Chinese herbal medicines could inhibit extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung and decrease airway hyperreactivity. Andrographolide could inhibit NF-κB expression in lung and suppress NF-κB expressed in the nucleus of airway epithelial cells.

Local and systemic effects of IL-17 in joint inflammation:a historical perspective from discovery to targeting

The role of IL-17 in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases is now well established,with three currently registered anti-IL-17-targeted therapies.This story has taken place over a period of 20 years and led to the demonstration that a T cell product could regulate,and often amplify,the inflammatory response.The first results described the contribution of IL-17 to local features in arthritis.Then,understanding was extended to its systemic effects,with a focus on cardiovascular aspects.This review provides a historical perspective of these discoveries focused on arthritis,which started in 1995,followed 10 years later by the description of Th17 cells.Today,IL-17 inhibitors for three chronic inflammatory diseases have been registered.More options are now being tested in ongoing and future clinical trials.Inhibitors of IL-17 family members and Th17 cells ranging from antibodies to small molecules are under active development.The identification of patients with IL-17-driven disease is a key target for the improved selection of patients expected to have a strongly positive response.

DNA methylation profiles in cancer:functions,therapy,and beyond

DNA methylation in cancer DNA methylation,a reversible post-replication modification,defines gene expression and function in different physiologic processes.Hypomethylation is quite common among global DNA modifications,while promoter hypermethylation often occurs in local regions during cancer,as in CpG island formation,thereby perpetuating the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors:breakthroughs in cancer treatment

Over the past two decades,immunotherapies have increasingly been considered as first-line treatments for most cancers.One such treatment is immune checkpoint blockade(ICB),which has demonstrated promising results against various solid tumors in clinical trials.Monoclonal antibodies(mAbs)are currently available as immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs).These ICIs target specific immune checkpoints,including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4(CTLA-4)and programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1).Clinical trial results strongly support the feasibility of this immunotherapeutic approach.However,a substantial proportion of patients with cancer develop resistance or tolerance to treatment,owing to tumor immune evasion mechanisms that counteract the host immune response.Consequently,substantial research focus has been aimed at identifying additional ICIs or synergistic inhibitory receptors to enhance the effectiveness of anti-PD-1,anti-programmed cell death ligand 1(anti-PD-L1),and anti-CTLA-4 treatments.Recently,several immune checkpoint molecular targets have been identified,such as T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains(TIGIT),mucin domain containing-3(TIM-3),lymphocyte activation gene-3(LAG-3),V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation(VISTA),B and T lymphocyte attenuator(BTLA),and signal-regulatory proteinα(SIRPα).Functional m Abs targeting these molecules are under development.CTLA-4,PD-1/PD-L1,and other recently discovered immune checkpoint proteins with distinct structures are at the forefront of research.This review discusses these structures,as well as clinical progress in m Abs targeting these immune checkpoint molecules and their potential applications.

Routine utilization of machine perfusion in liver transplantation:Ready for prime time?

The last decade has been notable for increasing high-quality research and dramatic improvement in outcomes with dynamic liver preservation.Robust evidence from numerous randomized controlled trials has been pooled by meta-analyses,providing the highest available evidence on the protective effect of machine perfusion(MP)over static cold storage in liver transplantation(LT).Based on a protective effect with less complications and improved graft survival,the field has seen a paradigm shift in organ preservation.This editorial focuses on the role of MP in LT and how it could become the new“gold standard”.Strong collaborative efforts are needed to explore its effects on long-term outcomes.