International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology最新文献

Objectives: This study aims to systematically explore the role of chemokine CXC ligand 13 (CXCL13) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases provided the RNA-seq data for cancer and normal tissues, respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis was applied to search the cancer hallmarks associated with CXCL13 expression. TIMER2.0 was the main platform used to investigate the immune cell infiltration related to CXCL13. Immunohistochemistry was applied to explore the relationship between CXCL13 and patients' prognosis and the relationship between CXCL13 and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). Results: The expression of CXCL13 was upregulated in most tumors, including HNSCC. The higher expression of CXCL13 was closely related to the positive prognosis of HNSCC. CXCL13 was mainly expressed in B cells and CD8 + T cells, revealing the relationship between its expression and immune activation in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and multiple fluorescence staining analysis of HNSCC samples showed a powerful correlation between CXCL13 expression, TLSs formation, and positive prognosis. Finally, CXCL13 significantly increased the response to cancer immunotherapy. Conclusions: CXCL13 may function as a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response and associate with TLSs in HNSCC.

Background: Systemic inflammation can significantly impact gliomas' onset, progression, and prognosis. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents the glioma subtype characterized by the most profound inflammatory and immunosuppressive states. Consequently, various blood-borne biomarkers have been scrutinized concerning their prognostic value in GBM patients.

Objective: We sought to investigate whether the recently introduced Global Immune-Nutrition-Inflammation Index (GINI) holds prognostic significance for GBM patients treated with the standard Stupp protocol.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data from a cohort of newly diagnosed GBM patients receiving the standard Stupp regimen using the propensity score-matching methodology. The GINI was computed using the original formula: GINI = [(C-reactive protein × Monocytes × Platelets × Neutrophils) ÷ (Albumin × Lymphocytes)]. We employed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to identify the optimal cutoff values for GINI, which could help distinguish between different survival outcomes. The primary and secondary objectives were the differences in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between the GINI groups.

Results: The optimal GINI cutoff value was 1350. Out of 294 eligible patients, 211 were PSM-matched: GINI<1350 (N = 95) and GINI≥1350 (N = 116). Comparative Kaplan-Meier estimates indicated that the GINI≥1350 patients had substantially worse median PFS (8.0 vs 16.8 months; p < .001) and OS (14.3 vs 22.9 months; p < .001) durations than their GINI<1350 counterparts.

Conclusion: High pretreatment GINI values are robustly and independently associated with inferior PFS and OS outcomes in selected GBM patients who receive standard Stupp protocol. These findings suggest that if further confirmed, the novel GINI could serve as a valuable biological marker for the prognostic stratification of GBM patients.

Objectives: Crocin, the principal water-soluble active constituent of saffron, possesses numerous pharmacological activities. The present investigation examined the potential antidiabetic and antioxidant characteristics of Crocin in rats with type-2 diabetes by administering it orally and intraperitoneally (i.p.).

Methods: After 2 weeks of a high-fat diet, streptozotocin (STZ) (i.p., 40 mg/kg) was administered to male adult rats to induce type-2 diabetes mellitus. Body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured on days zero, weeks 1, and 2. At the end of 2 weeks of drug administration in their respective groups, fasting insulin and glucose levels were estimated, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined. Intraperitoneal glucose (IPGTT) and insulin tolerance tests (ITT) were carried out. Histopathological investigation and biochemical parameters were estimated in pancreatic tissues.

Results: The Crocin (100 mg/kg) treatment has significantly improved body weight, abatement of FBG, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR. Likewise, Crocin treatment significantly improved the glucose and insulin challenges. We observed a significantly marked elevation in endogenous antioxidant enzymes in Crocin-treated groups. Similarly, Crocin treatment reversed the histopathological changes and restored the normal integrity and function of the pancreas.

Conclusion: The overall finding indicates that intraperitoneal administration of Crocin demonstrated better control of glycemic level and body weight. Further, it has improved insulin levels in the serum and potentiated antioxidant properties.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder mainly affecting joints, yet the systemic inflammation can influence other organs and tissues. The objective of this study was to unravel the ameliorative capability of Ondansetron (O) or β-sitosterol (BS) against inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress that complicates Extra-articular manifestations (EAM) in liver, kidney, lung, and heart of arthritic and arthritic irradiated rats.

Methods: This was accomplished by exposing adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats to successive weekly fractions of total body γ-irradiation (2 Gray (Gy)/fraction once per week for four weeks, up to a total dose of 8 Gy). Arthritic and/or arthritic irradiated rats were either treated with BS (40 mg/kg b.wt. /day, orally) or O (2 mg/kg) was given ip) or were kept untreated as model groups.

Results: Body weight changes, paw circumference, oxidative stress indices, inflammatory response biomarkers, expression of Janus kinase-2 (JAK-2), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), high mobility group box1 (HMGB1), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in the target organs, besides histopathological examination of ankle joints and extra-articular tissues. Treatment of arthritic and/or arthritic irradiated rats with BS or O powerfully alleviated changes in body weight gain, paw swelling, oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and histopathological degenerative alterations in articular and non-articular tissues.

Conclusion: The obtained data imply that BS or O improved the articular and EAM by regulating oxidative and inflammatory indices in arthritic and arthritic irradiated rats.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG antibodies against the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (NP) proteins, as well as neutralizing antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Additionally, it aims to detect viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2 in pre-pandemic archival pediatric specimens collected before the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic spread on March 20^th, 2020, in Morocco. The objective is to investigate the existence of pre-pandemic immunity to SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, to analyze IgG antibody levels in a cohort of 106 pre-pandemic pediatric participants. Using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we measured the IgG levels against the S and NP proteins of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, we staged a competitive ELISA assay to evaluate the neutralizing capability of these antibodies. We used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) to detect viral NP and ORF1ab genes of SARS-CoV-2 in oropharyngeal swabs. Moreover, we conducted on the same specimens a multiplexed RT-PCR to detect RNA of the most common 27 pathogens involved in lower respiratory tract infections.

Results: Among the 106 serum samples, 13% (nn = =14) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using ELISA. Temporal analysis indicated varying IgG positivity levels across 2019. Neutralizing antibodies were found in 21% of the 28 samples analyzed, including two with high inhibition rates (93%). The SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected using rRT-PCR in 14 samples. None of the samples tested positive for the other 27 pathogens associated with lower respiratory tract infections, using multiplexed RT-PCR.

Conclusion: Our study addresses the possibility, that COVID-19 infections occurred in Morocco before the recognized outbreak. On the other hand, some of the cases might reflect cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses or be influenced by previous viral exposures or vaccinations. Understanding these factors is crucial to comprehending pediatric immune responses to newly emerging infectious diseases.

We report a case of IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis (Mikulicz's disease) with acquired hemophilia A (AHA) in a pediatric patient. An 11-year-old female presented with intermittent swelling of the bilateral upper eyelids and neck areas. Clinical examination revealed bilateral swollen upper eyelids with palpable mass lesions in the lacrimal fossa. The submandibular and sublingual glands were enlarged, tender, and movable. Neck ultrasound showed bilateral gland enlargement with irregular hypoechoic parenchyma. Maxillofacial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bilateral lacrimal glands enlargement, homogeneous enlarged bilateral submandibular and parotid glands, measuring 4.7 × 3.9 cm. Laboratory investigation showed increased activated partial prothromboplastin time (80.9 s), markedly decreased FVIII activity (0.6%), a high titer of FVIII inhibitor (480 Bethesda units/mL), and a remarkable increase in serum IgG4 level (1005.68 mg/dL). A left submandibular gland biopsy revealed marked lympho-plasmacytic infiltration with scattered eosinophils. Immunohistochemical staining for IgG4 showed numerous IgG4-positive plasma cells (>100 per high-power field), with a ratio of IgG4-positive to IgG-positive cells >40%. The symptoms were markedly relieved following corticosteroid therapy. IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis (Mikulicz's disease) with acquired hemophilia A (AHA) can also be seen in the pediatric population and should be considered a differential diagnosis in patients with relevant symptoms.

This study aims to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic relevance of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as biomarkers for breast cancer, as well as their association with clinicopathological factors. Breast cancer is a leading contributor to cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The discovery of biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis, outcome prediction, and effective treatment. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a significant role in various physiological and pathological activities, including development, tissue repair, inflammation, cancer spread, and metastasis. While the prognostic significance of MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in breast cancer has been studied, the findings remain inconclusive. Participants were divided into three groups, with each group consisting of 62 individuals: Group I comprised healthy controls, Group II consisted of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (stage I-III), and Group III included patients with metastatic breast cancer. Levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were evaluated in these groups using the ELISA method. An evident increase in MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels was noted when comparing the control group with both the breast cancer and metastatic groups. Furthermore, a notable correlation was identified between serum MMP-9 levels and the pathological diagnosis of breast cancer (P < 0.001) as well as tumor size (P < 0.01). MMP-2 and MMP-9 have emerged as promising biomarkers for breast cancer, with MMP-9 specifically associated with disease prognosis. Continued investigation into the anti-tumor mechanisms of MMPs may yield significant advancements in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for the management of breast cancer.

Despite being one of the most frequently used chemotherapy agents, cisplatin exhibits substantial hepatorenal injury by triggering oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis pathways. The current investigation studied the possible protective effects of calcitriol on cisplatin-induced hepatorenal toxicity. Mice were divided randomly as follows: control group, calcitriol group (received calcitriol 5 µg/kg, p.o. for 14 days), cisplatin group (received a single i.p. injection of cisplatin 10 mg/kg on the 10th day), and calcitriol + cisplatin group (received calcitriol 5 µg/kg, p.o. for 14 days and cisplatin 10 mg/kg, i.p. on the 10th day). The possible interaction between calcitriol and cisplatin on cell viability was tested in HepG2 cells by MTT assay. Hepatorenal toxicity induced by cisplatin was reversed by calcitriol, as evidenced by improved histological examinations and liver and kidney function tests. In addition, calcitriol counteracted oxidative stress and enhanced Nrf2 and Mrp2 expression in the liver and kidney while suppressing levels of p38 MAPK in cisplatin-treated mice. Calcitriol also inhibited cisplatin-induced hepatic and renal inflammation, as determined by suppressing TNF-α and enhancing IL-10 levels. By downregulating caspase-3, calcitriol also promoted liver and kidney tissue survival in mice treated with cisplatin. Moreover, cisplatin's cytotoxic effects were significantly potentiated when calcitriol was combined with cisplatin. The current study showed that calcitriol protects against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injury by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, which the Nrf2-Mrp2/p38 MAPK pathway might regulate.

Background: The progression from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease poses a significant health challenge. Nonetheless, a constraint in existing animal models of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the necessity for a severe injury, almost reaching a life-threatening level, to trigger the subsequent onset of renal fibrosis. Hence, we explored an adapted gradient approach to induce I/R injury, aiming to promote the progression of renal fibrosis while preserving the overall normal functioning of the kidney. Methods: In each group, 6-8 male C57BL/6 mice were used for model construction, with all undergoing sodium pentobarbital anesthesia and left kidney removal. Subsequently, a silk thread was passed beneath the lower renal branch, elevating the right kidney under a 20-g weight's tension via a pulley system for durations of 30, 40, or 60 min. Afterwards, we lowered the kidney, sutured the wound, and administered intraperitoneal saline. Mice in different groups were euthanized following reperfusion for 1, 3, 7, or 28 days. Results: We observed a complete cessation of blood flow in the lower pole, while an incomplete cessation in the upper pole in the elevated kidney. Significant renal impairment was evident on day 1 with a 60min ischemic period (187.0 ± 65.3 vs 17.9 ± 4.8 μmol/L serum creatinine in normal; p < .001), but not with 30 or 40min. On day 1, tubular necrosis and hyaline cast formation was evident in both lower and upper poles. On day 3, renal function returned to normal and remained normal through day 28. Histologic damage resolved in the upper pole over days 3 to 7, resulting in normal histology on day 28. By contrast, there was sustained tubular damage tubular in the lower pole on days 3 and 7, which failed to resolve and led to significant renal fibrosis by day 28. Conclusion: We created a model demonstrating clinically "silent" renal fibrosis.

Introduction: Bladder cancer represents a significant public health concern with diverse genetic alterations influencing disease onset, progression, and therapy response. In this study, we explore the multifaceted role of Solute Carrier Family 31 Member 1 (SLC31A1) in bladder cancer, a pivotal gene involved in copper homeostasis. Methods: Our research involved analyzing the SLC31A1 gene expression via RT-qPCR, promoter methylation via targeted bisulfite sequencing, and mutational status via Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) using the clinical samples sourced by the local bladder cancer patients. Later on, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets were utilized for validation purposes. Moreover, prognostic significance, gene enrichment terms, and therapeutic drugs of SLC31A1 were also explored using KM Plotter, DAVID, and DrugBank databases. Results: We observed that SLC31A1 was significantly up-regulated at both the mRNA and protein levels in bladder cancer tissue samples, suggesting its potential involvement in bladder cancer development and progression. Furthermore, our investigation into the methylation status revealed that SLC31A1 was significantly hypomethylated in bladder cancer tissues, which may contribute to its overexpression. The ROC analysis of the SLC31A1 gene indicated promising diagnostic potential, emphasizing its relevance in distinguishing bladder cancer patients from normal individuals. However, it is crucial to consider other factors such as cancer stage, metastasis, and recurrence for a more accurate evaluation in the clinical context. Interestingly, mutational analysis of SLC31A1 demonstrated only benign mutations, indicating their unknown role in the SLC31A1 disruption. In addition to its diagnostic value, high SLC31A1 expression was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in bladder cancer patients, shedding light on its prognostic relevance. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that SLC31A1 could influence metabolic and copper-related processes, further underscoring its role in bladder cancer. Lastly, we explored the DrugBank database to identify potential therapeutic agents capable of reducing SLC31A1 expression. Our findings unveiled six important drugs with the potential to target SLC31A1 as a treatment strategy. Conclusion: Our comprehensive investigation highlights SLC31A1 as a promising biomarker for bladder cancer development, progression, and therapy.