Serum cytokine profiles of adults with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of available biomarkers of disease activity in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), and serum cytokines/chemokines hold potential as candidate biomarkers. We aimed to determine serum cytokine profiles of IIM patients with active disease as compared to patients in remission and healthy controls. METHODS: The IIM patients with active disease (included patients enrolled in repository corticotropin injection trial), in remission, and healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional observational study. Serum concentrations of 51 cytokines/chemokines were obtained by utilising a bead-based multiplex cytokine assay (Luminex®). The myositis core set measures were obtained for all the patients. Cytokines with the best predictive ability to differentiate these clinical groups were assessed with three methods: 1) Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator modelling, 2) stepwise approach, and 3) logistic regression model. RESULTS: Twenty-one IIM patients with active disease, 11 IIM patients in remission and 10 healthy controls were enrolled. Myositis patients had elevated levels of chemokines that attract eosinophils (eotaxin) and dendritic cells, NK cells, cytotoxic T-cells and monocytes/macrophages (CXCL-9, IP-10), cytokines that drive T-helper 1 responses (TNF-a, lymphotoxin-a), matrix degrading enzymes (MMP-3 and -9), and IGFBP-2 compared to healthy controls. Myositis patients with active disease had higher levels of lymphotoxin-a, CXCL-9, MIP-1a, MIP-1b and MMP-3 than patients in remission. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated differences in cytokine profiles of IIM patients (active and inactive disease) compared to healthy controls and identified some cytokines that could potentially be used as biomarkers. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to validate our findings.

Knockdown of the UL-16 binding protein 1 promotes osteoblast differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells by activating the SMAD2/3 pathway.

Osteoporosis is caused by the imbalance of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The regulatory mechanisms of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in pathogenesis of osteoporosis are of significant and needed to be further investigated. GSE100609 dataset downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to identified DEGs in osteoporosis patients. KEGG analysis was conducted to demonstrate signaling pathways related to enriched genes. Osteoporosis patients and the human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were obtained for in vivo and in vitro resaerch. Lentivirus construction and viral infection was used to knockdown genes. mRNA expression and protein expression were detected via qRT-PCR and western blot assay separately. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity detection, alizarin Red S (ARS) staining, and expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), osteocalcin (OCN) and Osterix were evaluated to determine osteoblast differentiation capacity. UL-16 binding protein 1 (ULBP1) gene was upregulated in osteoporosis and downregulated in differentiated hMSCs. Knockdown of ULBP1 increased ALP activity, mineralization ability evaluated by ARS staining, expression of BMP2, OCN and Osterix in differentiated hMSCs. Furthermore, rescue experiment demonstrated that suppressed ULBP1 boosted osteoblast differentiation by activating TNF-ß signaling pathway. Knockdown of ULBP1 gene could promoted osteoblast differentiation by activating TNF-ß signaling pathway in differentiated hMSCs. ULBP1 may be a the Achilles' heel of osteoporosis, and suppression of ULBP1 could be a promising treatment for osteoporosis.

Evaluation of lymphotoxin-alpha in pterygium and diagnostic value in active and inactive pterygium states.

To explore the correlation between tear LT-a, pterygium status, and dry eye indicators. We established a diagnostic model to evaluate active pterygium. A retrospective study was conducted between June 2021 and June 2023 on 172 patients, comprising 108 men and 64 women. The study analyzed LT-a and various ocular parameters in all participants. The data was collected using Excel software and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 statistical software and Medcalc. We made a nomogram diagnostic model to different diagnosed the state of pterygium. This study found that pterygium has progressive eye surface damage during the active state. There was no significant difference in dry eye indicators between the two groups. However, the concentration of LT-a in the active group was significantly lower than that in the inactive group (P < 0.001). We observed that increased pterygium grade corresponded to a worse ocular surface condition. In addition, LT-a was significantly positively correlated with disease duration, but negatively correlated with age, pterygium size, active pterygium state, and LLT value. The optimal intercept value for evaluating active pterygium in Lt-a was ≤ 0.49 dg/ml. We screened three variables for evaluating active pterygium through Single and Multiple regression analysis: LT-a grading, pterygium size, and congestion score. Finally, we made a reliable diagnostic nomogram model. Pterygium development triggers immune inflammation. Our model based on LT-a identifies active pterygium for personalized treatment options and new research directions.

The causal association between circulating cytokines with the risk of frailty and sarcopenia under the perspective of geroscience.

Introduction: Circulating cytokines were considered to play a critical role in the initiation and propagation of sarcopenia and frailty from observational studies. This study aimed to find the casual association between circulating cytokines and sarcopenia and frailty from a genetic perspective by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: Data for 41 circulating cytokines were extracted from the genome-wide association study dataset of 8,293 European participants. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, MR-Egger, and weighted median method were applied to assess the relationship of circulating cytokines with the risk of aging-related syndromes and frailty. Furthermore, MR-Egger regression was used to indicate the directional pleiotropy, and Cochran's Q test was used to verify the potential heterogeneity. The "leave-one-out" method was applied to visualize whether there was a causal relationship affected by only one anomalous single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Results: Genetic predisposition to increasing levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-12, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was associated with the higher risk of low hand grip strength according to the IVW method [R = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01-1.10, P = 0.028, false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted P = 1.000; OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00-1.07, P = 0.042, FDR-adjusted P = 0.784; OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.00-1.05, P = 0.038, FDR-adjusted P = 0.567]. Furthermore, genetically determined higher macrophage colony-stimulating factors (M-CSFs) were associated with a lower presence of appendicular lean mass (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.02, P = 0.003, FDR-adjusted P = 0.103). Monokine induced by interferon-γ (MIG) and tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-ß) were associated with a higher risk of frailty (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01-1.05, P < 0.0001, FDR-adjusted P = 0.012; OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.03, P = 0.013, FDR-adjusted P = 0.259). In this study, we did not find heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy between the circulating cytokines and the risk of frailty and sarcopenia. Conclusion: Genetic predisposition to assess IL-10, IL-12, and VEGF levels was associated with a higher risk of low hand grip strength and M-CSF with the presence of appendicular lean mass. The high levels of TNF-ß and MIG were associated with a higher risk of frailty. More studies will be required to explore the molecular biological mechanisms underlying the action of inflammatory factors.

Associations between Th1-related cytokines and complicated pediatric appendicitis.

The pathogenesis of appendicitis is not understood fully, and the diagnosis can be challenging. Previous research has suggested an association between a T helper (Th) 1-dependent immune response and complicated appendicitis. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between serum concentrations of the Th1-associated cytokines interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-ß) and the risk of complicated appendicitis in children. Appendicitis severity was determined through histopathological examination. A total of 137 children < 15 years with appendicitis were included with a median age of 10 years (IQR 8-12); 86 (63%) were boys, and 58 (42%) had complicated appendicitis. Children with complicated appendicitis had significantly higher concentrations of serum IL-6 and IL-10, and lower of TNF-ß. After adjustment for age, symptom duration, and presence of appendicolith in a multivariable logistic regression, a higher concentration of IL-6 remained associated with an increased risk of complicated appendicitis (aOR 1.001 [95% CI 1.000-1.002], p = 0.02). Serum concentrations of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-10, IL-17A and TNF-ß were not significantly associated with the risk of complicated appendicitis. In conclusion, our results suggests that the systemic inflammatory response in complicated appendicitis is complex and not solely Th1-dependent.

Uterine wound healing after caesarean section: A systematic review.

The rate of caesarean section (CS) is increasing worldwide. Defects in uterine healing have a major gynaecological and obstetric impact (uterine rupture, caesarean scar defect, caesarean scar pregnancy, placenta accreta spectrum). The complex process of cellular uterine healing after surgery, and specifically after CS, remains poorly understood in contrast to skin wound healing. This literature review on uterine wound healing was mainly based on histological observations, particularly after CS. The primary objective of the review was to examine the effects of CS on uterine tissue at the cellular level, based on histological observations. The secondary objectives were to describe the biomechanical characteristics and the therapies used to improve scar tissue after CS. This review was performed using PRISMA criteria, and PubMed was the data source. The study included all clinical and animal model studies with CS and histological analysis of the uterine scar area (macroscopic, microscopic, immunohistochemical and biomechanical). Twenty studies were included: 10 human and 10 animal models. In total, 533 female humans and 511 female animals were included. Review articles, meeting abstracts, case series, case reports, and abstracts without access to full-text were excluded. The search was limited to studies published in English. No correlation was found between cutaneous and uterine healing. The histology of uterine scars is characterized by disorganized smooth muscle, fibrosis with collagen fibres and fewer endometrial glands. As for skin healing, the initial inflammation phase and mediation of some growth factors (particularly connective tissue growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, tumour necrosis factor α and tumour necrosis factor ß) seem to be essential. This initial phase has an impact on the subsequent phases of proliferation and maturation. Collagen appears to play a key role in the initial granulation tissue to replace the loss of substance. Subsequent maturation of the scar tissue is essential, with a decrease in collagen and smooth muscle restoration. Unlike skin, the glandular structure of uterine tissue could be responsible for the relatively high incidence of healing defects. Uterine scar defects after CS are characterized by an atrophic disorganized endometrium with atypia and a fibroblastic highly collagenic stromal reaction. Concerning immunohistochemistry, one study found a decrease in tumour necrosis factor ß in uterine scar defects. No correlation was found between biomechanical characteristics (particularly uterine strength) and the presence of a collagenous scar after CS. Based on the findings of this review, an illustration of current understanding about uterine healing is provided. There is currently no validated prevention of caesarean scar defects. Various treatments to improve uterine healing after CS have been tested, and appeared to have good efficacy in animal studies: alpha lipoic acid, growth factors, collagen scaffolds and mesenchymal stem cells. Further prospective studies are needed.

Lymphotoxin limits Foxp3+ regulatory T cell development from Foxp3lo precursors via IL-4 signaling.

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are critical players of immune tolerance that develop in the thymus via two distinct developmental pathways involving CD25+Foxp3- and CD25-Foxp3lo precursors. However, the mechanisms regulating the recently identified Foxp3lo precursor pathway remain unclear. Here, we find that the membrane-bound lymphotoxin α1ß2 (LTα1ß2) heterocomplex is upregulated during Treg development upon TCR/CD28 and IL-2 stimulation. We show that Lta expression limits the maturational development of Treg from Foxp3lo precursors by regulating their proliferation, survival, and metabolic profile. Transgenic reporter mice and transcriptomic analyses further reveal that medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) constitute an unexpected source of IL-4. We demonstrate that LTα1ß2-lymphotoxin ß receptor-mediated interactions with mTEC limit Treg development by down-regulating IL-4 expression in mTEC. Collectively, our findings identify the lymphotoxin axis as the first inhibitory checkpoint of thymic Treg development that fine-tunes the Foxp3lo Treg precursor pathway by limiting IL-4 availability.

An engineered TNFR1-selective human lymphotoxin-alpha mutant delivered by an oncolytic adenovirus for tumor immunotherapy.

Lymphotoxin α (LTα) is a soluble factor produced by activated lymphocytes which is cytotoxic to tumor cells. Although a promising candidate in cancer therapy, the application of recombinant LTα has been limited by its instability and toxicity by systemic administration. Secreted LTα interacts with several distinct receptors for its biological activities. Here, we report a TNFR1-selective human LTα mutant (LTα Q107E) with potent antitumor activity. Recombinant LTα Q107E with N-terminal 23 and 27 aa deletion (named LTα Q1 and Q2, respectively) showed selectivity to TNFR1 in both binding and NF-κB pathway activation assays. To test the therapeutic potential, we constructed an oncolytic adenovirus (oAd) harboring LTα Q107E Q2 mutant (named oAdQ2) and assessed the antitumor effect in mouse xenograft models. Intratumoral delivery of oAdQ2 inhibited tumor growth. In addition, oAdQ2 treatment enhanced T cell and IFNγ-positive CD8 T lymphocyte infiltration in a human PBMC reconstituted-SCID mouse xenograft model. This study provides evidence that reengineering of bioactive cytokines with tissue or cell specific properties may potentiate their therapeutic potential of cytokines with multiple receptors.

Exploring the impact of nano-Se and nano-clay feed supplements on interleukin genes, immunity and growth rate in European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding Nano-Selenium (NSe) and Nano-clay (NC) as feed supplements on European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Two separate experiments were conducted, one with NC and the other with NSe. Each experiment consisted of four sub-groups with varying concentrations of NC or NSe. The expression levels of five immune-related genes (TNF-α, TNF-ß, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-12) were measured using Real-time Quantitative PCR (Rt-PCR) Assay. The results showed an increase in the expression of interleukins (IL-2, IL-6 and IL-12) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and TNF-ß) after exposure to NC and NSe. TNF-α gene expression was significantly higher with both 1 mg and 10 mg concentrations of NC and NSe. TNF-ß gene expression was highest with the 5 mg concentration of NC. The concentrations of 1 mg and 10 mg for NC, and 1 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg for NSe, led to the highest (p < 0.05) levels of IL-2 expression compared to the control. Similar trends were observed for IL-6 and IL-12 gene expression. Understanding the impact of these concentrations on gene expression, growth rate, biochemical indices, and antioxidant status can provide valuable insights into the potential applications of NC and NSe supplements on European Sea Bass.

Disseminated tuberculosis is associated with impaired T cell immunity mediated by non-canonical NF-κB pathway.

OBJECTIVES: The mechanism that leads to disseminated tuberculosis in HIV-negative patients is still largely unknown. T cell subsets and signaling pathways that were associated with disseminated tuberculosis were investigated. METHODS: Single-cell profiling of whole T cells was performed to identify T cell subsets and enriched signaling pathways that were associated with disseminated tuberculosis. Flow cytometric analysis and blocking experiment were used to investigate the findings obtained by transcriptome sequencing. RESULTS: Patients with disseminated tuberculosis had depleted Th1, Tc1 and Tc17 cell subsets, and IFNG was the most down-regulated gene in both CD4 and CD8 T cells. Gene Ontology analysis showed that non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathway, including NFKB2 and RELB genes, was significantly down-regulated and was probably associated with disseminated tuberculosis. Expression of several TNF superfamily ligands and receptors, such as LTA and TNF genes, were suppressed in patients with disseminated tuberculosis. Blocking of TNF-α and soluble LTα showed that TNF-α was involved in IFN-γ production and LTα influenced TNF-α expression in T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired T cell IFN-γ response mediated by suppression of TNF and non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathways might be responsible for disseminated tuberculosis.

Correlation between protein expression profiling of inflammation and bone metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Objective: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthrosis significantly reduces self-perception. However, the intrinsic relationship between bone metabolism and SPP and cell activity at the molecular level remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between RA bone metabolic indicators and immune inflammation-related proteins. Methods: A total of 30 patients with RA and 30 healthy controls were recruited. Four bone metabolism measures and nine proteins expression measures were collected from RA patients and healthy controls. Spearman Correlation Analysis and Logistic-regression Analysis were adopted for associations between bone metabolism and proteins. Results: We screened and verified 3 key proteins, namely interleukin-11 (IL-11), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and programmed cell death-2 (PD-L2) related to immunity and inflammation through microarray analysis. Levels of IL-2, IL-5, IL-11, IL-17, CTLA4, TNF-ß were higher in RA patients than in the control group (P<0.05), meanwhile, the levels of IL-8, PD-L2, TNF-ß and B7-2 were low in RA patients (P>0.05).The results of Spearman Correlation Test suggested that sharp score was positively correlated with age, CCP was positively correlated with RF, SDS score was positively correlated with RF, IL-17 was positively correlated with CCP, BGP was positively correlated with BALP, RANKL was positively correlated with BALP, VAS score was negatively correlated with CRP, TCM score was negatively correlated with SF-36 score. Conclusion: BALP, BGP, OPG, RANKL were strongly associated with immune inflammation-related proteins and poor SPP in RA patients, which can be used to predict poor SPP in RA patients, although the underlying mechanisms need to be further explored.

Variación en un solo nucleótido en genes de citocinas como marcadores de enfermedades / Single nucleotide variation in cytokine genes as disease markers

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la asociación de las variantes en los genes que codifican por citocinas participantes en el proceso inflamatorio con la susceptibilidad y la gravedad clínica de las enfermedades. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio documental con revisión de literatura científica encontrada en las siguientes bases de datos: Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Scielo, PLOS, Hinari, Redalyc, Dialnet, Taylor, ProQuest. Se revisaron 84 referencias relacionadas con artículos de investigación, revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis con los términos ''variante'', ''variante en un solo nucléotido'', ''polimorfismo de nucleótido único'', ''citocinas proinflamatorias'', ''citocinas antiinflamatorias'', ''interleucinas'', ''factor de necrosis tumoral'', ''susceptibilidad genética'', ''enfermedades'' y ''patologías''. Resultados: La evidencia señala que las variantes en un solo nucleótido se detectan principalmente en regiones promotoras de genes que codifican para citocinas reguladoras de procesos inflamatorios, como son: IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22 y el factor de necrosis tumoral. Conclusiones: La expresión y la producción diferencial de estas citocinas desempeñan un papel relevante en la patogenia y la predisposición a sufrir enfermedades, especialmente metabólicas, malignas, autoinmunes e infecciosas. Se mostró también un efecto diferencial de las variantes según las características étnicas, lo que resulta ser una herramienta eficaz en la medicina preventiva.

Abstract Aim: To describe the association of variations in cytokine genes that participate in the inflammatory process with the susceptibility and clinical severity of diseases. Methods: A documentary study was carried out with a review of the scientific literature of the database: Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Scielo, PLOS, Hinari, Redalyc, Dialnet, Taylor, ProQuest. Eighty-four references were reviewed that included research articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyzes, using the terms ''Variants'', ''Single Nucleotide Variation'', ''Proinflammatory cytokines'', ''Anti-inflammatory cytokines'', ''Interleukins'', ''Tumor Necrosis Factor'', ''genetic susceptibility'', ''diseases'', pathologies''. Results: The evidence indicates that Single Nucleotide Variants are detected mainly in promoter regions of genes that code for cytokines that regulate inflammatory processes such as: IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL -17, IL-18, IL-22 and tumoral necrosis factor. Conclusions: The expression and differential production of these cytokines play a role in the pathogenesis and predisposition to diseases, especially metabolic, malignant, autoimmune, and infectious. A differential effect of variants according to ethnic characteristics is also observed, which turns out to be an effective tool to be used in preventive medicine.

Análise do polimorfismo genético do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-a) em idosos com hipertensão arterial / Analysis of the genetic polymorphism of the tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-a) in the elberly with arterial hypertension

Objetivo: analisar o polimorfismo genético do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α -308G/A) em idosos com hipertensão arterial. Método: estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal realizado com 130 idosos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do Distrito Federal. A coleta de dados iniciou com coleta de sangue para análises das concentra- ções de triglicerídeos, HDL, LDL, colesterol total, glicemia de jejum e níveis de fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α). Foi mensurada a pressão arterial, investigado dados sociodemográficos, hábitos de vida e dados antropométricos. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi padronizada e realizada para os genes do TNF-α. A análise estatística foi realizada no SPSS 20.0. Resultados: A idade elevada (p=0,007), aposentadoria (p=0,024) e tabagismo (p=0,019) foram significativamente relacionados à hipertensão arterial. Os idosos hipertensos apresentaram menores níveis de HDL (p=0,013) e maiores expressões de TNF-α (p=0,025). Uma frequência maior para o genó- tipo de homozigotos GG (61,8%) foi observada nos normotensos. Por outro lado, nos heterozigotos 54,7% apresentaram genótipo GA. Os idosos que possuíram o genótipo AA demonstraram 2,87 vezes mais chances de terem HAS. Conclusão: Esse achado tem importância clínica no que diz respeito ao manejo da hipertensão e de outras doenças crônicas, pois o controle da inflamação poderia reduzir a variação da pressão arterial e de suas consequências cardiovasculares.(AU)

Objective: to analyze the genetic polymorphism of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα -308 G/A) in elderly people with arterial hypertension. Method: a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out with 130 elderly people in a Basic Health Unit in the Federal District. Data gathering started with blood collection for analysis of triglyceride concentrations, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, fasting glucose and levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Blood pressure was measured, and sociodemographic data, life style and anthropometric data were investigated. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was standardized and performed for TNFα genes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. Results: High age (p = 0.007), retirement (p = 0.024), and smoking (p = 0.019) were significantly related to arterial hypertension. Hypertensive elderly people had lower HDL levels (p = 0.013) and higher expressions of TNFα (p = 0.025). A higher frequency for the GG homozygous genotype (61.8%) was observed in normotensive individuals. On the other hand, in the heterozygotes, 54.7% had GA genotype. The elderly who had the AA genotype were 2.87 times more likely to have arterial hypertension. Conclusion: This finding is of clinical importance with regard to the management of hypertension and other chronic disease, as the control of inflammation could reduce the variation in blood pressure and its cardiovascular consequences.(AU)

The branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 -23c/g polymorphism confers protection against acute coronary syndrome

ABSTRACT Background: Previous studies have shown an association between polymorphisms of the BAT1-NF-κB inhibitor-like-1 (NFKBIL1)-LTA genomic region and susceptibility to myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Objective: The objective of the study was to study the role of three polymorphisms in the BAT1, NFKBIL1, and LTA genes on the susceptibility or protection against ACS; we included a group of cases-controls from Central Mexico. Methods: The BAT1 rs2239527C/G, NFKBIL1 rs2071592T/A, and LTA rs1800683G/A polymorphisms were genotyped using a 5' TaqMan assay in a group of 625 patients with ACS and 617 healthy controls. Results: Under a recessive model, the BAT1 -23C/G (rs2239527) polymorphism showed an association with protection against ACS (odds ratio = 0.56, and p-corrected = 0.019). In contrast, the genotype and allele frequencies of the NFKBIL1 rs2071592T/A and LTA rs1800683G/A polymorphisms were similar between ACS patients and controls and no association was identified. Conclusion: Our data suggest an association between the BAT1 -23C/G polymorphism and protection against ACS in Mexican patients.

The plasma Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) does not have any correlation with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

We performed this study to measure the Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) plasma level and to survey its correlation with disease activity in the newly diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and those who were under treatment with the combination of Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) plus Prednisolone (PSL).We enrolled 30 newly diagnosed RA patients who received no treatment regarding their disease, 30 patients under treatment with the combination of Methotrexate (MTX) + Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) + PSL and 30 healthy subjects in this case-control study from September 2017 to December 2017. The level of plasma TNF-α was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in each group. For assessment of disease severity, we used Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) formula, and regarding DAS-28, we divided patients into four groups, including remission, low, moderate and high disease activity. There were no significant differences in the plasma level of TNF-α between the newly diagnosed RA patients and subjects who received MTX + HCQ + PSL, as well as healthy controls (p>0.05). There was a significant correlation between plasma levels of TNF-α and DAS-28 in the newly diagnosed patients with RA (r = 0.594, P = 0.001). Targeting TNF-α at the early stage of RA could have more beneficial effects on the amelioration of disease activity

Involvement of TLR4 in the protective effect of intra-articular administration of curcumin on rat experimental osteoarthritis

Abstract Purpose In view of the principal role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in mediating sterile inflammatory response contributing to osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a known TLR4 activator, to clarify whether modulation of TLR4 contributed to the protective actions of intra-articular administration of curcumin in a classical rat OA model surgically induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Methods The rats underwent ACLT and received 50μl of curcumin at the concentration of 1 mg mL-1 and 10 μg LPS by intra-articular injection once a week for 8 weeks. Morphological changes of the cartilage and synovial tissues were observed. Apoptotic chondrocytes were detected using TUNEL assay. The concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-ɑ in synovial fluid were determined using ELISA kits. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results Intra-articular administration of curcumin significantly improved articular cartilage injury, suppressed synovial inflammation and down-regulated the overexpression of TLR4 and its downstream NF-κB caused by LPS-induced TLR4 activation in rat osteoarthritic knees. Conclusion The data suggested that the inhibition of TLR4 signal might be an important mechanism underlying a protective effect of local curcumin administration on OA.

Aspectos más relevantes del síndrome periódico asociado al receptor del factor de necrosis tumoral / Most relevant aspects of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome

Los desórdenes autoinflamatorios hereditarios constituyen una gama de condiciones heterogéneas que tienen como característica común la aparición de ataques no provocados de inflamación, la cual podría ser sistémica u ocurrir en nichos localizados del organismo. Dentro de estos se encuentran los síndromes hereditarios de fiebre periódica, caracterizados por ataques cortos y recurrentes de fiebre e inflamación localizada grave, que ocurre periódica o irregularmente y que no se explican por las infecciones usuales de la infancia. Forma parte de estas entidades el síndrome periódico asociado al receptor del factor necrosis tumoral, el cual se caracteriza por episodios de fiebre prolongada, mialgias, dolor abdominal, eritema cutáneo migratorio, conjuntivitis o edema periorbitario, con un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante. Lo más importante para el diagnóstico es el análisis genético y su pronóstico está determinado por la aparición de amiloidosis. En 1999, se descubrió su base genética, al identificarse las mutaciones causantes de la enfermedad en el gen que codifica para la superfamilia 1 A del receptor del factor de necrosis tumoral. En años recientes se han logrado avances significativos en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta enfermedad gracias a un mejor conocimiento de su patogénesis. En este trabajo se describen los aspectos más relevantes en cuanto a patogénesis, relación de las mutaciones con el fenotipo de la enfermedad, características clínicas y tratamiento(AU)

Hereditary autoinflammatory disorders are a range of heterogeneous conditions that have as a common feature the appearance of unprovoked inflammatory attacks, which may be systemic or occur in localized niches of the body. Among these are hereditary periodic fever syndrome, characterized by short and recurrent attacks of fever and severe localized inflammation, occurring periodically or irregularly and not explained by the usual infections of childhood. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome is part of these entities and is characterized by episodes of prolonged fever, myalgias, abdominal pain, migratory cutaneous erythema, conjunctivitis and/or periorbital edema, with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The most important for the diagnosis is the genetic analysis and its prognosis is determined by the appearance of amyloidosis. In 1999 its genetic basis was discovered by identifying disease-causing mutations in the gene encoding tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1A. In recent years, significant advances have been achieved in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, thanks to a better understanding of its pathogenesis. This paper describes the most relevant aspects regarding pathogenesis, relation of mutations with the disease phenotype, clinical characteristics and treatment(AU)

In-office tooth bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide promotes moderate/severe pulp inflammation and production of ll-1ß, TNF-ß, GPX, FGF-2 and osteocalcin in rats

Abstract Objectives: To study the intensity of inflammatory infiltrate and production of interleukin-1β (ll-1β), tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and osteocalcin in response to in-office tooth bleaching in rats. Material and Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=5) according to the received treatment (tooth bleaching or no treatment - control) and the period of euthanasia after treatment (24 h or 10 days). We performed tooth bleaching using a 38% hydrogen peroxide gel on maxillary and mandibular incisors. After euthanasia, incisors (20 per group) were processed for histological analysis, immunohistochemistry staining of ll-1β, TNF-β, FGF-2 and GPX and osteocalcin by immunofluorescence. We analyzed data using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests (p<0.05). Results: The bleached groups presented statistically significant differences regarding the pulp inflammation stage compared with the control groups. Bleached teeth showed moderate/severe inflammatory infiltrate and control groups presented absent inflammatory cells or a negligible number of mononuclear cells (p<0.001) at two times (24 h and 10 days). There was strong staining for ll-1β, TNF-β, and GPX in bleached groups at 24 h and strong staining for ll-1β, TNF-β, GPX and FGF-2 at 10 days. After 10 days of tooth bleaching, the bleached group showed a statistically superior amount of osteocalcin than the other groups (p<0.01). Conclusions: Tooth bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide causes severe pulp inflammation, but characteristics of tissue repair after 10 days.

Guillain-Barré syndrome in a patient on adalimumab for the treatment of psoriasis

Abstract The use of TNF-α inhibitors for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is increasingly more frequent. The authors report a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome as a late manifestation of the treatment with adalimumab. Although unusual, this is relevant for professionals who prescribe biologic drugs. We also stress the importance of investigating the past and family medical history regarding demyelinating diseases before starting treatment.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha -308 promoter polymorphism and insulin resistance in overweight and obese adolescents

Study Model/Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 104 overweight/obese adolescents, with a mean weight of 52.98 kg ± 22.00, mean age 16.01 ± 2.91 years. We used the homeostasis model assessment-estimated IR (HOMA-IR) index to quantify the insulin resistance (IR). The -308 polymorphism of the promoter of TNF-α was performed using polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Statistical analysis of the quantitative measures was conducted with a student's t-test. For correlation between the genotype and alleles, we used chisquare statistical test. To test the heterogeneity between HOMA-IR and the anthropometric parameters the Mann-Whitney test was used, associated with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The association between -308G/A polymorphism of the promoter of TNF-α and HOMA-IR was tested by univariate linear regression analysis. Objective: Investigate the association between -308G/A polymorphism in the promoter of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and susceptibility to IR in overweight/obese adolescents. Results: The prevalence of IR was 18.30% according to the HOMA-IR. The frequency of GG, AG and AA genotype was found 75 (72.12%), 28 (26.92%) and 1.0 (0.96%) respectively. Allele frequencies for guanine (G) and adenine (A) were 178 (85.58%) and 30 (14.42%), respectively. The allele A as well as GA and AA genotype contributed to increase RI (14.42% and 27.88% respectively). Conclusion: The - 308 G/A polymorphism of the promoter of TNF-α can contribute to the IR increase in obese adolescents with GA and AA genotypes. (AU)

Modelo de Estudo / Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com uma amostra de 104 adolescentes com sobrepeso/ obesidade, com peso médio de 52,98 kg ± 22,00, média de idade de 16,01 ± 2,91 anos. Utilizamos o índice estimado (HOMA-IR) do modelo de homeostase para quantificar a resistência insulínica (RI). O polimorfismo do promotor -308 do TNF-α foi realizado utilizando a técnica de polimorfismo de comprimento de fragmento de restrição. A análise estatística das medidas quantitativas foi realizada com o teste t student. Para a correlação entre o genótipo e os alelos, utilizamos o teste estatístico qui-quadrado. Para testar a heterogeneidade entre HOMA-IR e os parâmetros antropométricos foi utilizado o teste de Mann-Whitney associado ao equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg. A associação entre o polimorfismo -308G/A do promotor do TNF-α e HOMA-IR foi testada por análise de regressão linear univariada. Objetivo: investigar a associação entre o polimorfismo -308G/A no promotor do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e a susceptibilidade à RI em adolescentes com sobrepeso/ obesidade. Resultados: A prevalência de RI foi de 18,30% de acordo com o HOMA-IR. A frequência dos genótipos GG, AG e AA encontrados foram 75 (72,12%), 28 (26,92%) e 1,0 (0,96%), respectivamente. As frequências de alelos para guanina (G) e adenina (A) foram 178 (85,58%) e 30 (14,42%), respectivamente. O alelo A, bem como o genótipo GA e AA, contribuíram para aumentar o RI (respectivamente 14,42% e 27,88%). Conclusão: O polimorfismo -308 G / A do promotor do TNF-α pode contribuir para o incremento de RI em adolescentes sobrepesos/obesos com genótipos GA e AA.(AU)