Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology最新文献

Background: Camrelizumab has shown encouraging efficacy in advanced liver cancer, either as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy; however, there is currently insufficient empirical support for the use of camrelizumab therapy in conjunction with anti-angiogenic drugs to treat intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: Clinical information was gathered retrospectively from patients with intermediate- to advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma who were treated with camrelizumab and certain anti-angiogenic drugs at Shanghai Hospital between July 2019 and May 2023.

Results: This trial comprised 60 patients with intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients receiving first-line therapy had an objective remission rate of 25% (9/36) and a disease control rate of 58.3% (21/36), while those administered second-line therapy and beyond had rates of 12.5% (3/24) and 33.3% (8/24), respectively. Moreover, the median overall survival was 15.17 months (95% CI 12.067, 18.267) and 13 months (95% CI 11.644, 14.356), whereas the median progression-free survival was 7.1 months (95% CI 3.846, 10.354) and 4.67 months (95% CI 2.492, 6.842), respectively. The predominant treatment-emergent adverse events observed during therapy included: elevated total bilirubin in 28 cases (46.7%), proteinuria in 19 cases (31.7%), gastrointestinal reactions in 19 cases (31.7%), and thrombocytopenia in 16 cases (26.7%).

Conclusion: Based on real-world data, individuals with intermediate and advanced primary liver cancer undergoing systemic therapy may benefit from camrelizumab combined with anti-angiogenic drugs.

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: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anticancer commonly employed in cancer treatment. However, the clinical application of DOX is associated with hepatotoxicity. Vildagliptin is an anti-hyperglycemic agent that inhibits the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme. Besides being used in managing type-2 diabetes, vildagliptin showed potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other activities.

Objective: Our investigation targeted the hepatoprotective effects of vildagliptin against DOX-induced hepatotoxicity.

Methods: Vildagliptin was given in a dose of 30 mg/kg, once daily; p.o. for 2 weeks while DOX was injected in a single dose of 30 mg/kg, i.p.

Results: Vildagliptin effectively decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, while it effectively elevated serum total protein (TP) level. Histologically, vildagliptin administration resulted in significant hepatoprotective efficacy with abundant figures of normal hepatocytes. Moreover, vildagliptin considerably decreased lipid peroxidation biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA), and the cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, while it remarkably boosted the antioxidative defenses of glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT). Dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were mediated by upregulating nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), and heme oxygenase (HO-1) and suppressing the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signals. Finally, vildagliptin alleviated apoptosis by downregulating hepatic p53 and cytochrome (Cyt)-C.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that vildagliptin improved hepatocellular architecture and reduced hepatic oxidative injury, inflammation, and apoptosis associated with DOX treatment.

Background: WHIM syndrome is a rare primary immune deficiency and chronic neutropenia caused by overactivation of the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCR4/CXCL12) signaling pathway. On April 26th, 2024, Xolremdi (mavorixafor) capsules received its approval from US FDA, is the first targeted treatment specifically for patients aged ≥12 years with WHIM syndrome. Mavorixafor, as a selective CXCR4 antagonist, is able to increase the number of mature neutrophils and lymphocytes in the blood.

Objective: This review is to describe the pharmacological properties of mavorixafor and evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety profile.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using keywords mavorixafor, XOLREMDI, AMD070, AMD11070, X4P-001, WHIM Syndrome, and CXCR4/CXCL12 on Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Drug information was obtained from the FDA website.

Results: In the pivotal 52-week phase III trial, time above absolute neutrophil count threshold (TAT_ANC) values in the mavorixafor group were higher than those in the placebo group at 4 different time points (15.04 h vs 2.75 h; p < 0.0001), and mavorixafor group had lower infection frequency, severity and duration. The most common adverse events are thrombocytopenia, pityriasis, rash, rhinitis, epistaxis, vomiting, and dizziness.

Conclusion: Mavorixafor 400mg daily effectively increases WBC count, reduces disease symptoms and infection burden in WHIM syndrome patients ≥12 years. Future clinical programs will continue to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mavorixafor in patients with chronic neutropenic disease.

Introduction: Nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in the induction of neuropathic pain by stimulating the production of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, research indicates that amitriptyline can inhibit nitric oxide production. In this study, we examined the inhibitory role of the nitric oxide signaling pathway through the administration of amitriptyline in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Methods: Forty rats were randomly assigned to five groups, with eight animals in each group: (1) Sham-operated, (2) Chronic constriction injury (CCI), (3) CCI plus amitriptyline, (4) CCI plus amitriptyline and L-arginine, and (5) CCI plus amitriptyline and L-NAME. Behavioral tests, including thermal hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, and mechanical allodynia, were conducted on the fourth, seventh, and fourteenth days following CCI induction. On the final day, spinal cord samples were collected to assess the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, the sciatic nerve was isolated on the same day for histological examination.

Results: The results indicated that the administration of amitriptyline can reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines and improve symptoms of neuropathic pain. It should be noted that the simultaneous use of L-NAME and amitriptyline increases the therapeutic impacts of amitriptyline. However, the beneficial effects of amitriptyline are reduced by the nitric oxide stimulation induced by L-arginine.

Conclusion: It was determined that one of the mechanisms by which amitriptyline ameliorates neuropathic pain is the inhibition of the nitric oxide signaling pathway. In this study, this effect was associated with a reduction in the release of inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in inflammation surrounding the nerve.

Background: The pathophysiology of cognitive impairment has recently focused on 1,2-Diacetylbenzene (DAB), B vitamins, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. While past evidence shows that vitamin B6 influences the immune system, the molecular processes behind DAB-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment remain largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the protective roles of vitamin B6 against DAB-induced toxicity in BV2 microglial and SH-SY5Y cells.

Methods: In vitro approaches included Western blot, qRT-PCR, cell viability assays, immunocytochemistry, reactive oxygen species, and nitrite assays. For in silico analysis, we utilized Metascape, Cytoscape, MIENTURNET, and molecular docking.

Results: Vitamin B6 suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the TREM-1/DAP12/NLRP3/caspase-1/IL1B pathway in DAB-activated BV2 cells. Additionally, it reduced reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide levels while increasing Nrf2 and IL10 production. In SH-SY5Y cells, vitamin B6 inhibited GSK-3β Tyr216, tau hyperphosphorylation, and β-amyloid production. The in silico analysis identified 'positive regulation of NF-κB transcription factor activity,' 'regulation of IL-6 production,' and 'positive regulation of adaptive immune response' as key molecular mechanisms linked with DAB-induced cognitive impairment and targeted by vitamin B6. Core genes, miRNAs, and transcription factors included IL1β, IL6, IL10, TNF, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-203a-3p, hsa-miR-106a-5p, hsa-miR-26a-5p, CEBPB, and PXR.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that vitamin B6 may protect against DAB-induced cognitive impairment by attenuating key inflammatory pathways, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation, β-amyloid production, and GSK-3β Tyr216 phosphorylation. This highlights its potential as a therapeutic agent for cognitive impairment.

Objective: Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are crucial factors in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Vitamin D (Vit D) and canagliflozin (CAN) are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Together, they target key molecular pathways involved in PD, including oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, specifically, the small GTPase protein (RAC1)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling, which regulates brain's oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigates the effects of Vit D and CAN alone and in combination in a rat model of PD.

Materials and methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were assigned to five groups (n = 10), including control, rotenone (ROT), Vit D + ROT, CAN + ROT, and Vit D + CAN + ROT. We assessed weight changes, brain weight, neurobehavioral functions, biochemical markers, and immunohistopathology of brain tissues.

Results: The results showed that Vit D treatment was more effective than CAN in alleviating PD symptoms, with the combination of Vit D and CAN offering the best therapeutic outcome. This combination therapy significantly improved serum Vit D, striatal dopamine (DA) levels, antioxidant status (reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), reduced oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA)), and ameliorated inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 10 (IL-10)). Additionally, the combination therapy modulated the expression of RAC1, NF-κB, Nrf2, vitamin D receptors (VDR), and vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and immunoexpression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and α-synuclein (α-SYN).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that Vit D and CAN synergistically modulate the RAC1/NF-κB/Nrf2 pathway, leading to improved neuroprotection in PD.

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.

Objectives: Because liver fibrosis causes several insults that can result in death, it is regarded as an epidemic health issue. As "an inhibitor of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2)," Dapagliflozin (Dapa) is one of the newest anti-diabetic drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dapa's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties produced positive impacts in numerous human and animal models. Due to Dapa's previously documented properties, we planned this investigation to elucidate the protective function of Dapa in male rat liver fibrosis caused by thioacetamide (TAA) as well as the expected pathways.

Methods: There were four groups of 24 rats: a control group, a TAA group that received (100 mg/kg b.wt intraperitoneally twice a week for 6 weeks), "TAA + Dapa" groups that given oral Dapa at (1 and 2 mg/kg b.wt. for 4 weeks in addition to TAA injections).

Results: It was shown that TAA injections increased toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) (509.6%), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) (298.8%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (330.9%), phosphotidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) (428.9% %), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) (416.6%) levels. All of these markers were considerably reduced by Dapa treatment. In addition, reduced glutathione (GSH), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (79%), albumin, Heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) (69%), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were all decreased after TAA injection; however, they were restored by Dapa administration. The Dapa-treated groups had higher Nrf2 and HO-1 gene expressions, based on the results of PCR. Biochemical outcomes were validated by histopathological results. Immunohistopathological study revealed that DAPA treatment decreased caspase-3 and alpha-smooth Muscle Actin (αSMA) expression.

Conclusion: Due to its interactions with the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4 pathways, our research showed that Dapa had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities against TAA-induced liver fibrosis.

Context: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of vitamin A, regulates embryogenesis, regeneration, hematopoiesis, differentiation, and apoptosis. It also exerts immunomodulatory effects and is used in inflammatory disease models.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the paradoxical pro-inflammatory effects of ATRA on eosinophil and neutrophil recruitment and activation.

Materials and methods: We used thioglycolate- and zymosan-induced peritonitis models in mice to evaluate leukocyte recruitment following ATRA treatment. The roles of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway were assessed using genetically deficient mice and pharmacological inhibitors.

Results and discussion: ATRA increased total leukocyte, eosinophil, and neutrophil counts in peritoneal exudates, enhancing the response to both thioglycolate and zymosan. The effects were microenvironment-dependent and likely mediated by local release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. iNOS was required for eosinophil recruitment, while TNF contributed to both eosinophil and neutrophil recruitment. The 5-LO pathway was essential for eosinophil involvement. These findings suggest that ATRA can paradoxically enhance inflammation by modulating innate immune cell responses.

Conclusions: ATRA promotes inflammation through iNOS, TNF, and 5-LO-dependent pathways, revealing complex mechanisms of immune modulation with potential relevance for inflammatory disease management.