Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology最新文献

Introduction: Punicalagin (PCG) is a major polyphenolic component with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-cancer, and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to investigate the impact and underlying mechanisms of PCG on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced dental pulpitis.

Methods: A rat pulpitis model was constructed, and the infected pulp was covered with a PCG collagen sponge. In vitro, dental pulp cells (DPCs) were isolated, and the effects of LPS and PCG on cell viability were assessed. The expression levels of inflammation-related factors were investigated by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factors and Wnt family member 5a-Receptor tyrosine kinase like Orphan Receptor 2 (Wnt5a-ROR2) levels were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting.

Results: We demonstrated that the PCG collagen sponge effectively reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the pulp. PCG significantly alleviated the inflammatory response by reducing the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 and the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in a concentration-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the activation of the NF-κB pathway was hindered by PCG, which affected with the nuclear translocation of P65. PCG reduced the phosphorylation levels of P65 and IκBα and suppressed the expression levels of Wnt5a and ROR2 induced by LPS. The NF-κB inhibitor Bay11-7082 reduced the activation of the NF-κB/Wnt5a-ROR2 pathway and the inflammatory response; the application of PCG significantly augmented this inhibitory effect.

Discussion: PCG demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-induced DPCs by targeting the NF-κB/Wnt5a-ROR2 signaling pathway.

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used in manufacturing epoxy resins, polycarbonate plastics. We aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of modafinil (MOD) in BPA-induced lung injury.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control group, MOD group: rats received modafinil 10 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks, BPA group: rats received Bisphenol A (500 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks, MOD/BPA group: rats received MOD+ BPA. We measured arterial blood gas (ABG), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NOx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), interlukin-1b (IL-1b), Sirtuin type 1 (SIRT1), Keap1, Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), caspase-3 and forkhead-box transcription factor1 (FOXO1) levels, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), apoptotic Bcl-2-associated protein x (Bax) and anti-apoptotic B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl2) and Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression. Furthermore; histological changes, interlukin-6 (IL-6) immuno-expression were evaluated.

Results: BPA group showed significant increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), MDA, NOx, IL-1b, keap1 and FOXO1, caspase-3 levels; TNF-α and NF-Κb, Bax and HO-1 gene expression, IL-6 exhibited a notable rise in immune-expression in the alveolar wall cells, interstitial cells, and infiltrating inflammatory cells. Moreover; it showed toxic histological changes of marked lung injury. Meanwhile, there is a significant decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), TAC, SIRT1, Nrf2 levels, and Bcl2 gene expression. MOD showed a significant improvement in all parameters.

Conclusion: MOD possesses potent ameliorative effects against lung injury caused by BPA via reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory process, and apoptosis through regulation of SIRT1/Nrf2 and SIRT1/FOXO1 signaling pathways.

Purpose: Amikacin (AMC), an aminoglycoside antibiotic known for its rapid and potent bactericidal activity, is also associated with nephrotoxicity. Diosmin and perindopril have been reported to improve renal function and hold promise as therapeutic agents for preventing drug-induced nephrotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Diosmin and perindopril, either alone or in combination, against renal damage induced by AMC toxicity and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Materials and methods: The researchers evaluated the impact of Diosmin (50 mg/kg, orally) and perindopril (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on AMC-induced kidney injury (1.2 g/kg, intraperitoneally) in rats. Invasive blood pressure, serum kidney function and toxicity parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, and inflammatory cytokine levels in serum and renal tissue were assessed. Histopathological changes in the kidney were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical analysis. The molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effect of the combination pretreatment on kidney injury were investigated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting techniques.

Results: The findings demonstrated that the combination therapy improved kidney function by attenuating pathological changes observed in H&E staining including tubular necrosis and glomerular damage, in addition to reducing levels of kidney function including serum levels of creatinine compared to the AMC group, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) uric acid, and albumin. Mean arterial blood pressure, and toxicity markers including Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1), Cystatin-c were also decreased in samples of combination group compared to AMC group. Furthermore, the protective combination therapy downregulated NF-κB-p65, P53, Keap-1, and C-FOS, while upregulating Mammalian sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (Iκβ), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels.

Conclusions: The findings reveal the potential clinical application of combining Diosmin and perindopril to reduce AMC-induced nephrotoxicity, which requires further research in clinical settings.

Objective: Chemoresistance in gastric cancer poses a major challenge in treatment, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This study evaluates the efficacy of ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, in both sensitive and resistant gastric cancer cell lines.

Materials and methods: Gastric cancer cell lines, including sensitive (N87 and AGS) and resistant (N87-R and AGS-R) variants, were treated with ruxolitinib alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Apoptosis induction, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and key signaling pathways were analyzed. Tumor growth, p-STAT3 levels, and overall survival were evaluated in xenograft models.

Results: Ruxolitinib induced dose-dependent mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in resistant cells and enhanced cytotoxicity in combination with chemotherapy in sensitive cells. The treatment inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3, Akt, and mTOR. Additionally, ruxolitinib reduced basal and maximal respiration rates while increasing ROS levels, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Resistant cells exhibited increased mitochondrial DNA content, elevated respiration rates, and higher ROS levels compared to sensitive cells, indicating alterations in mitochondrial biogenesis and redox homeostasis. These findings were supported by changes in gene expression related to mitochondrial function. In vivo, ruxolitinib significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced p-STAT3 levels in resistant gastric cancer xenografts without causing significant weight loss. Furthermore, ruxolitinib treatment significantly prolonged overall survival in mice.

Conclusion: Ruxolitinib demonstrates potential in overcoming chemoresistance in gastric cancer by targeting mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and key survival pathways. These findings support further investigation into its clinical application as an adjunct therapy for chemoresistant gastric cancer.

Objectives: This study investigates the effects of birinapant, a novel compound, on psoriasis-like symptoms induced by imiquimod in Balb/c mice.

Material and methods: Male Balb/c mice were treated with imiquimod (IMQ) to induce psoriasis-like symptoms. The clinical characteristics of psoriasis were assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, as well as back skin thickness, skin length and mass, and body weight alterations. The treatment groups included those receiving birinapant, with the assessment on the levels of interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor -α, two key cytokines involved in the inflammatory process of psoriasis. The study found that birinapant significantly reduced the levels of these cytokines, providing reassurance about its potential to combat psoriasis. Additionally, the study evaluated the effect of birinapant on oxidative stress levels to determine its role in maintaining skin homeostasis.

Result and discussion: The findings from this study revealed that mice subjected to IMQ-induced psoriasis exhibited positive responses to 21 days of treatment with birinapant (50 mg/kg). The levels of interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, in the skin of IMQ-treated mice significantly decreased, indicating its effectiveness in reducing inflammation associated with psoriasis. Furthermore, Birinapant positively affected oxidative stress maintenance, suggesting its potential role in promoting skin health and homeostasis.

Conclusion: By demonstrating birinapant's efficacy, this research paves the way for further studies that could lead to the development of more effective therapies for psoriasis.

Objective: Aim of this study is to compare the thiol/disulfide variables before treatment, at the 3^rd and 6^th months of biologic treatment in patients with axSpA.

Materials & methods: Consecutive patients with axial spondyloarthritis to whom biologic treatment was initiated in our clinic were enrolled upon consent. Demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters and treatment agents were collected. Disease activity scores and thiol-disulfide balance parameters were recorded at baseline and 3^rd, 6^th months of treatment. Statistical analyses were performed in all patients and in subgroups of ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis patients.

Results: In all patients, total thiol levels were significantly increased at 6^th month in comparison to baseline values (470.5 ± 74.7 vs 491.9 ± 69.6, p = 0.047). Native thiol levels were increased at 6^th month close to significance (438.9 ± 70.4 vs 458.8 ± 63.7, p = 0.060). Moderately strong negative correlations were observed between native thiol levels and disease activity parameters (BASDAI: p = 0,019; ASDAS-CRP: p = 0,035; ASDAS-ESR: p = 0,030), and between total thiol levels and disease activity parameters (BASDAI: p = 0,031; ASDAS-CRP: p = 0,020; ASDAS-ESR: p = 0,026) at 6^th month evaluation.

Discussion & conclusions: Our results demonstrated oxidative stress reducing effect of biologics in axSpA patients parallel to suppression of disease activity at 6^th month of the treatment.

Background: The management of hypersensitivity to excipients and food additives remains a significant issue for healthcare professionals and patients. Avoiding carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) can be a considerable challenge for patients allergic to CMC due to its widespread use. We assessed the tolerance of CMC through different route of administration in a patient with a confirmed CMC allergy. We conducted a literature review to analyze all relevant cases of patients allergic to CMC, focusing on tolerance through non-injectable routes.

Methods: Skin tests, basophil activation tests, oral and nasal provocation tests with CMC were performed to evaluate patient's hypersensitivity.

Results: Skin tests and basophil activation tests with CMC were positive and confirmed IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to CMC in the patient. While the patient tolerated oral administration of CMC and CMC-containing eye drops, nasal provocation test resulted in asthma exacerbation and rhinitis.

Conclusion: Tolerance of CMC appears to be route-dependent. Provocation tests with CMC through various routes of administration are essential for assessing tolerance and providing appropriate recommendations for patients with CMC allergy.

Introduction: In this study, our aim was to investigate the protective effects of myricetin (single dose-100 mg/kg) on CLP-induced rat sepsis model by analyzing some immune mechanisms including inflammation and oxidative stress by different techniques such as Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, tissue biochemistry and Western Blotting.

Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups. The pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by ELISA technique. CD68 and Nuclear-Factor-Kappa-B (NF-κB) positivity rates were detected by IHC. Some of oxidative stress parameters were measured by tissue biochemistry, while Toll-lke Receptor-4 (TLR4) expression others were detected by Western blot technique.

Results: Sepsis caused a significant increase in all pro-inflammatory cytokine and oxidant levels. Also, it led to an increase in the positivity of CD68 and NF-κB markers as well as the expression levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta, TLR4, Keap-1. However, single dose myricetin application normalized pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, increased anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, decreased positivity of CD68 and NF-κB and increased NRF2 and HO-1 expressions.

Discussion: As a conclusion, the beneficial effect of myricetin on lung injury also involved inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB pathway, suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and induction of anti-inflammatory cytokine production, regulation of oxidant and anti-oxidant system parameters, and activating the NRF2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway.

Background: Albiflorin isolated from Paeoniae Alba Radix can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and possesses analgesia, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. This study investigates albiflorin functions and related mechanisms in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis.

Methods: Cellular and animal models of PD were constructed. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 assays. Levels of Iba-1 and TH were measured by immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry staining. Levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and pathway-related genes were measured by western blotting and RT-qPCR. Locomotor activity of mice was examined by open field test, rod climbing test, and rod rotating test.

Results: For in vitro analysis, albiflorin inhibited LPS-induced microglial activation and neuroinflammation. Additionally, albiflorin inactivated NF-κB and MAPK pathways in LPS-treated BV2 cells. Moreover, albiflorin attenuated neurotoxicity mediated by LPS-stimulated microglia. For in vivo analysis, albiflorin improved MPTP-induced locomotor activity deficits and reduced MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuron loss. In parallel, albiflorin inhibited activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in MPTP-treated mice.

Conclusion: Albiflorin mitigates neuronal apoptosis and improves behavioral impairments in MPTP-induced PD mouse model through inhibition of activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via the NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

Background: Nivolumab has been linked to occurrences of uveitis, yet the clinical features associated with these episodes remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of uveitis induced by nivolumab and to offer guidance for its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis by gathering case reports related to nivolumab-induced uveitis from both Chinese and English databases, covering the period from inception until 30 September 2024.

Results: A total of 38 patients with uveitis were included, with a median age of 63 years (range 35 and 92). The onset of uveitis occurred between 1 week and 24 months post-administration, with a median onset time of 1.4 months. Blurred vision was the primary complaint among patients. Sixteen patients (42.1%) exhibited uveitis resembling Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. Bilateral uveitis was the most prevalent form (89.2%), followed by unilateral uveitis (8.1%). Anterior uveitis was the most frequently observed type (52.6%), succeeded by posterior uveitis (23.7%), panuveitis (21.1%), and intermediate uveitis (2.6%). Uveitis showed significant improvement or resolution following treatment with topical or systemic corticosteroids, with a median improvement time of 4 weeks post-therapy.

Conclusions: Uveitis is a relatively uncommon adverse effect of nivolumab, typically manifesting within 5 months of treatment. Prompt recognition of nivolumab-induced uveitis and appropriate management are crucial, as most cases are treatable.