Immunothrombosis and its underlying biological mechanisms

Abstract The evolutionary conserved link between coagulation and innate immunity is a biological process characterized by the thrombosis formation stimulus of immune cells and specific thrombosis-related molecules. In physiological settings, the relationship between the immune system and thrombosis facilitates the recognition of pathogens and damaged cells and inhibits pathogen proliferation. However, when deregulated, the interplay between hemostasis and innate immunity becomes a pathological process named immunothrombosis, which is at the basis of several infectious and inflammation-related thrombotic disorders, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In advanced stages, alterations in both coagulation and immune cell function due to extreme inflammation lead to an increase in blood coagulability, with high rates of thrombosis and mortality. Therefore, understanding underlying mechanisms in immunothrombosis has become decisive for the development of more efficient therapies to treat and prevent thrombosis in COVID-19 and in other thrombotic disorders. In this review, we outline the existing knowledge on the molecular and cellular processes involved in immunothrombosis, focusing on the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), platelets and the coagulation pathway. We also describe how the deregulation of hemostasis is associated with pathological conditions and can significantly aggravate a patient's condition, using COVID-19 as a clinical model.

Immunothrombosis and its underlying biological mechanisms.

The evolutionary conserved link between coagulation and innate immunity is a biological process characterized by the thrombosis formation stimulus of immune cells and specific thrombosis-related molecules. In physiological settings, the relationship between the immune system and thrombosis facilitates the recognition of pathogens and damaged cells and inhibits pathogen proliferation. However, when deregulated, the interplay between hemostasis and innate immunity becomes a pathological process named immunothrombosis, which is at the basis of several infectious and inflammation-related thrombotic disorders, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In advanced stages, alterations in both coagulation and immune cell function due to extreme inflammation lead to an increase in blood coagulability, with high rates of thrombosis and mortality. Therefore, understanding underlying mechanisms in immunothrombosis has become decisive for the development of more efficient therapies to treat and prevent thrombosis in COVID-19 and in other thrombotic disorders. In this review, we outline the existing knowledge on the molecular and cellular processes involved in immunothrombosis, focusing on the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), platelets and the coagulation pathway. We also describe how the deregulation of hemostasis is associated with pathological conditions and can significantly aggravate a patient's condition, using COVID-19 as a clinical model.

Adipokines from adipose tissue and common variable immunodeficiency: Is there any association?

Adiponectin and leptin are adipokines, secreted by white adipose tissue (WAT), which play an important role in energy homeostasis. Some evidence has shown that adipokine-producing adipose cells present in the bone marrow (BM) appear to exert an influence on hematopoiesis and B cell development. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is one of the most common inborn errors of immunity in humans. In CVID, numerical and/or functional defects of B cells and their precursors result in hypogammaglobulinemia, usually Immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG. Manifestations of CVID include immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, inflammation and lymphoproliferation, resulting in a wide range of phenotypes. How adipokines interact and influence the pathophysiology of CVID is still unclear. In this review, we seek to summarize the aspects known so far concerning the interface between adipokines, B cells and CVID. More research is needed to fully understand these interactions; this knowledge is a potential avenue for the discovery of useful biomarkers and may provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of patients with CVID and related diseases.

Adiponectin: A "Friendly adipokine" in Diabetic Retinopathy?

PURPOSE: Adiponectin has also been associated with diabetic retinopathy, a diabetic microvascular complication. However, the mechanism of action of adiponectin in retinopathy is still under investigation. This review summarizes emerging evidence on the association with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We reviwed papers from 2004 to 2022 and included studies related to retinopathy and its association with blood and intraocular adiponectin in type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: Most of the studies analyzed in this review suggested an association between the diabetic retinopathy progression and intraocular, serum, or plasma adiponectin levels. Increased levels of adiponectin contributed to the development of the disease in diabetic patients. In a minority of studies, it was indicated an inversely proportional relationship between adiponectin concentration and diabetic retinopathy severity. CONCLUSION: The high levels of adiponectin in diabetic patients may be related to the decrease in renal clearance. Under this situation, if the predominant isoform is globular adiponectin, this may explain the retinopathy progression, considering a pro-inflammatory response induced by this isoform. However, the actions of adiponectin in diabetic retinopathy pathophysiology are still controversial.

Photobiomodulation for the management of xerostomia and oral mucositis in patients with cancer: a randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the applicability of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM-T) in the management of xerostomia and OM. Fifty-three patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were randomized into two groups: Sham and PBM-T. The Sham group received artificial saliva and laser simulation, while the PBM-T group received artificial saliva and PBM-T. Xerostomia-related quality of life (QoL), the presence or absence of OM lesions, the decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index, and periodontal charts were evaluated. The results of the QoL questionnaire, DMFT index, and periodontal chart were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test, while OM findings were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. QoL scores significantly increased in the Sham group (p < 0.0001), denoting more severe xerostomia symptoms (p = 0.0074), and decreased in the PBM-T group, indicating no or very mild xerostomia. Higher grades of OM were found in the Sham group than the PBM-T group (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in DMFT index or periodontal charts between the groups (p > 0.05). PBM-T improved QoL in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy, whether as radiation alone or as an adjunct to chemotherapy and surgery.

Leptin's Immune Action: A Review Beyond Satiety.

The adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that secretes adipokines such as leptin, which is one of the most important hormones for controlling satiety, metabolism, and energy homeostasis. This hormone acts in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses since immune cells have leptin receptors from which this hormone initiates its biological action. These receptors have been identified in hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow and mature immune cells, inducing signaling pathways mediated by JAK/STAT, PI3K, and ERK 1/2. It is known that the bone marrow also contains leptin-producing adipocytes, which are crucial for regulating hematopoiesis through largely unknown mechanisms. Therefore, we have reviewed the roles of leptin inside and outside the bone marrow, going beyond its action in the control of satiety.

In vitro evaluation of EDTA combined with photodynamic therapy to reduce Streptococcus mutans in carious dentin.

BACKGROUND: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the use of EDTA combined with photodynamic therapy to reduce Streptococcus mutans in carious dentin. METHODS: Sixty third molars were sectioned to obtain flat dentin surfaces. All specimens were waterproofed, except for the coronal dentin, and subjected to cariogenic challenge in brain-heart infusion (BHI) broth supplemented with 0.5% yeast extract, 1% glucose, 1% sucrose, and standard strain of S. mutans (ATCC 25175). The specimens were divided into 6 groups (n = 10 each): (1) control - caries collection; (2) EDTA - 17% EDTA was actively applied with a microbrush for 1 min; (3) aPDT - antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with 0.01% methylene blue photosensitizer (wavelength of 660 nm, energy of 4 J, power of 100 mW, spot size of 0.028 cm2, energy density of 142 J/cm2 for 40 s); (4) EDTA+aPDT - 17% EDTA actively applied for 1 min plus aPDT; (5) (EDTA+PT) + L - application of EDTA compounded with photosensitizer plus laser irradiation; and (6) PT - photosensitizer alone. Collection of caries was performed after the different cavity disinfection protocols. Aliquots from each dilution were seeded for colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. The results were log10-transformed and analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (Student-Newman-Keuls). RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in S. mutans after aPDT (p<0.05), EDTA+aPDT (p<0.001), and (EDTA+PT) + L (p<0.001). The percentage of microbial reduction in ascending order was as follows: EDTA: 1.65%; PT: 15.51%; aPDT: 38.28%; EDTA+aPDT: 75.24%; and (EDTA+PT) + L: 97.35%. CONCLUSION: Application of 17% EDTA prior to photosensitization or compounded with a photosensitizer increased the antimicrobial effect of aPDT on S. mutans in carious dentin.

Effect of cetrimide 2% with and without photodynamic therapy to reduce Streptococcus mutans burden in dentinal carious lesions.

To evaluate the use of cetrimide alone and combined with photodynamic therapy to reduce S. mutans burden in carious lesions. Sixty permanent third molars were sectioned and the coronal dentin exposed. A cariogenic challenge was performed using brain-heart infusion (BHI) medium supplemented and S. mutans ATCC 25175. Specimens were incubated in anaerobic jars at 37 °C for 15 days, with BHI renewed every 24 h. After 15 days, specimens were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10): C, control (no treatment); CHX, application of chlorhexidine 2%; CT, application of cetrimide 2%; CT+aPDT, application of cetrimide 2% followed by methylene blue dye and aPDT (antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: wavelength 660 nm, energy 4J, power 100 mW, spot size 0.0028 cm2, energy density 142 J/cm2 for 40 s); ES+aPDT, application of experimental solution (methylene blue dye with cetrimide) and aPDT; and aPDT alone. Carious tissue from each specimen was collected before and after the applications. Five decimal dilutions were performed, and the resulting solution was seeded in mitis-salivarius-bacitracin agar. Plates were incubated in anaerobic jars at 37 °C for 48 h. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey's test was used to compare total S. mutans counts. Significant reductions in S. mutans were observed after application of CT+aPDT (0.30 (0.97), p < 0.0001) and ES+aPDT (0.52 (1.13), p < 0.0001). Cetrimide 2% with methylene blue dye, applied consecutively or as a mixture, can be used as a photosensitizing agent for aPDT to reduce S. mutans burden in dentinal caries.

Carcinogenesis and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Intravesical Treatment of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer under Tryptophan and Thymine Supplementation.

PURPOSE: Evaluate tryptophan and thymine (TT) impact on carcinogenesis and intravesical BCG bladder cancer treatment. METHODS: After identification of TT in vitro inhibitory effect in multiple cancer cell cultures, bladder cancer animal model was induced by MNU intravesical instillations and randomized into four groups: Control (n = 9), BCG (n = 9), TT (n = 7), and BCG + TT (n = 8). BCG groups received intravesical 106 CFU BCG in 0.2 ml saline for 6 consecutive weeks and TT groups received 1 g/kg (1:1) of TT via daily gavage. After 15 wk of protocol, animals were euthanized and the urinary bladders submitted to histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. RESULTS: Urothelial cancer was identified in 100%, 85.7%, 44.5%, and 37.5% of Control, TT, BCG, and BCG + TT groups, respectively. Cell proliferation marked by nuclear Ki-67 was higher in the Control compared to animals in the other groups (P = 0.03). BCG, TT, and BCG + TT groups showed proliferative cell decline and TLR4/5 labeling increase in the urothelium. BCG decreased the urothelial VEGF labeling, even in TT association. CONCLUSION: TT inhibit urothelial carcinogenesis and potentiate the intravesical BCG in the treatment of bladder cancer by reducing cell proliferation and activating TLRs.

Autoimmunity and periodontal disease: Arguing a possible correlation.

Currently, there is a growing interest in studying systemic conditions associated with periodontal disease such as autoimmune disorders. Periodontal disease is a destructive inflammatory disease of the dental supporting tissues. The microorganisms associated with periodontal disease constitute diverse species that can colonize the oral cavity and influence the emergence or evolution of autoimmunity, characterized by a breakdown in the mechanisms of tolerance to self-antigens. Here, we reviewed and discussed a possible correlation between periodontal disease and autoimmunity, placing periodontal-pathogenic microorganisms as orchestrators of these pathological conditions.

Deciphering targets of Th17 cells fate: From metabolism to nuclear receptors.

Evidence indicates that reprogramming of metabolism is critically important for the differentiation of CD4 + T lymphocytes, and the manipulation of metabolic pathways in these cells may shape their fate and function. Distinct subgroups from T lymphocytes, such as Th17, adopt specific metabolic programmes to support their needs. Some important metabolic reactions, such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, are considered important for the differentiation of these lymphocytes. Since their discovery nearly a decade ago, Th17 lymphocytes have received significant attention because of their role in the pathology of several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In this review, it will be discussed as the involvement of T cell metabolism and as metabolic reprogramming in activated T cells dictates fate decisions to Th17. The involvement of nuclear receptors such as RORyt e PPARs in the induction of Th17 cells was also discussed. Understanding the metabolic pathways involved in the differentiation of the distinct subgroups of T lymphocytes helps in the design of promising therapeutic proposals.

Imunoterapia com células t-car: bioengenharia contra a leucemia linfoblástica aguda car-t cells / Immunotherapy: bioengineering against acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Introdução: Uma atual abordagem da imunoterapia do câncer baseia-se na modifi cação genética de linfócitos T, através da expressão deuma molécula de superfície capaz de atuar como um receptor específi co. Tal molécula foi intitulada Receptor Antigênico Quimérico (CAR)e tem a função de reconhecer antígenos presentes em células tumorais para redirecionar o ataque linfocitário. Desenvolvido como umtratamento para a Leucemia Linfoblástica Aguda (LLA) do tipo B, o receptor CAR expresso pela célula modifi cada atua especifi camente noreconhecimento do CD19, principal cluster de diferenciação da linhagem linfoide B. Ao reconhecer o antígeno, o sítio interno da moléculatransmite um sinal de ativação do ataque citolítico, o qual atinge apenas a célula-alvo e promove sua eliminação com baixa toxicidade.Objetivo: Descrever a manipulação e funcionamento da imunoterapia com Células T-CAR no tratamento da LLA do tipo B e destacar osbenefícios desta técnica para os pacientes. Método: Estudo de revisão bibliográfi ca a partir de artigos de bases de dados online PubMede do Portal Capes, no período de 2011 a 2017 e livros acadêmicos correlacionados. Conclusão: Com as técnicas de engenharia genética,a imunoterapia com Células T-CAR proporcionou melhora signifi cativa na qualidade de vida dos pacientes de ensaios clínicos devido àbaixa agressividade do tratamento e alta especifi cidade contra a célula tumoral, atingindo taxas próximas de 95% de remissão completada doença. Os resultados indicam novas oportunidades de avanço no tratamento da LLA e outras neoplasias.

Introduction: A current approach to cancer immunotherapy is based on the genetic modifi cation of T-lymphocytes by the expression ofa cell surface molecule able to act as a specifi c receptor. Such molecule has been called Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and has thefunction of recognizing antigens in tumor cells to redirect the lymphocyte attack. Developed as a treatment for Acute LymphoblasticLeukemia (ALL) type B, the CAR-receptor expressed by the modifi ed cell acts specifi cally on the recognition of CD19, the majordifferentiation cluster of lymphoid B lineage. After antigen recognition, the molecule internal site transmits a signal of cytolytic attackactivation, which reaches only the target cell, therefore promoting its elimination with low toxicity. Objective: To describe manipulationand functioning of immunotherapy with CAR-T cells on the treatment of type B ALL and to highlight the benefi ts of this technique forthe patients. Method: Bibliographic review study based on articles from online databases PubMed and Capes Portal from 2011 through2017 and correlated academic books. Conclusion: With genetic engineering techniques, CAR-T Cells immunotherapy provided signifi cantimprovement in life quality of clinical trials patients, due to low treatment aggressiveness, as well as high specifi city against tumor cells,with disease complete remission rates near to 95%. The results point out new opportunities for advancement in the treatment of ALLand other neoplasms.

Introducción: Actualmente, uno de los enfoques en inmunoterapia para cáncer es la modifi cación genética de linfocitos T a través dela expresión de moléculas de superfi cie capaces de actuar como receptor específi co. Estas moléculas se llaman Receptor AntigénicoQuimérico (CAR) y su función es reconocer antígenos presentes en las células tumorales direccionando el ataque linfocitario. El receptorCAR fue desarrollado para el tratamiento de Leucemia Linfoblástica Aguda (LLA) tipo B y se expresa en la célula modifi cada para actúarespecífi camente en el reconocimiento de CD19, principal marcador de diferenciación del linaje de linfocitos B. Cuando es reconocido elantígeno, el sitio interno de la molécula trasmite una señal de activación para iniciar el ataque citolítico, atacando de forma específi ca alas células cancerígenas y promoviendo la eliminación de éstas con baja toxicidad. Objetivo: Describir la manipulación y funcionamientode la inmunoterapia con células T-CAR en el tratamiento de LLA tipo B y mostrar los benefi cios de la técnica en los pacientes. Método:Estudio de revisión bibliográfi ca de artículos científi cos de los años 2011-2017 en bases de datos on-line y libros académicos relacionados.Conclusión: Gracias a las técnicas de ingeniería genética, la inmunoterapia con células T-CAR proporcionó una mejora signifi cativa en lacalidad de vida de los pacientes participantes de ensayos clínicos, debido a la baja agresividad del tratamiento y a la alta especifi cad delmismo contra las células tumorales. Siendo la tasa de remisión completa de la enfermedad de aproximadamente un 95%. Los resultadosmuestran nuevas oportunidades de avances en el tratamiento de la LLA y en otras neoplasias.

Fyn mediates leptin actions in the thymus of rodents.

BACKGROUND: Several effects of leptin in the immune system rely on its capacity to modulate cytokine expression and apoptosis in the thymus. Surprisingly, some of these effects are dependent on signal transduction through the IRS1/PI3-kinase, but not on the activation of JAK2. Since all the well known effects of leptin in different cell types and tissues seem to be dependent on JAK2 activation, we hypothesized that, at least for the control of thymic function, another, unknown kinase could mediate the transduction of the leptin signal from the ObR towards the IRS1/PI3-kinase signaling cascade. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here, by employing immunoblot, real-time PCR and flow citometry we show that the tyrosine kinase, Fyn, is constitutively associated with the ObR in thymic cells. Following a leptin stimulus, Fyn undergoes an activating tyrosine phosphorylation and a transient association with IRS1. All these effects are independent of JAK2 activation and, upon Fyn inhibition, the signal transduction towards IRS1/PI3-kinase is abolished. In addition, the inhibition of Fyn significantly modifies the effects of leptin on thymic cytokine expression. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Therefore, in the thymus, Fyn acts as a tyrosine kinase that transduces the leptin signal independently of JAK2 activation, and mediates some of the immunomodulatory effects of leptin in this tissue.

Deletion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor 1 (TNFR1) protects against diet-induced obesity by means of increased thermogenesis.

In diet-induced obesity, hypothalamic and systemic inflammatory factors trigger intracellular mechanisms that lead to resistance to the main adipostatic hormones, leptin and insulin. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is one of the main inflammatory factors produced during this process and its mechanistic role as an inducer of leptin and insulin resistance has been widely investigated. Most of TNF-alpha inflammatory signals are delivered by TNF receptor 1 (R1); however, the role played by this receptor in the context of obesity-associated inflammation is not completely known. Here, we show that TNFR1 knock-out (TNFR1 KO) mice are protected from diet-induced obesity due to increased thermogenesis. Under standard rodent chow or a high-fat diet, TNFR1 KO gain significantly less body mass despite increased caloric intake. Visceral adiposity and mean adipocyte diameter are reduced and blood concentrations of insulin and leptin are lower. Protection from hypothalamic leptin resistance is evidenced by increased leptin-induced suppression of food intake and preserved activation of leptin signal transduction through JAK2, STAT3, and FOXO1. Under the high-fat diet, TNFR1 KO mice present a significantly increased expression of the thermogenesis-related neurotransmitter, TRH. Further evidence of increased thermogenesis includes increased O(2) consumption in respirometry measurements, increased expressions of UCP1 and UCP3 in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, respectively, and increased O(2) consumption by isolated skeletal muscle fiber mitochondria. This demonstrates that TNF-alpha signaling through TNFR1 is an important mechanism involved in obesity-associated defective thermogenesis.

Methods for assessing and modulating UCP2 expression and function.

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a member of the uncoupling protein family. It is expressed in the inner mitochondrial membrane and plays a role in the control of free radical production, oxidative damage, insulin secretion, and fatty-acid peroxide exportation. Although UCP2 expression occurs in several tissues, some of its most remarkable functions are exerted in organs of difficult experimental access, such as the central nervous system, particularly the hypothalamus and the pancreatic islets. In addition, due to its low levels of expression in the mitochondrial membrane, studying UCP2 expression and function depends on specific- and well-established methods. This chapter describes methods for directly assessing UCP2 expression and function in different tissues. Purified mitochondria preparations are used for enhancing the capacity of detection of UCP2 protein or for evaluating the role of UCP2 in mitochondria respiration. Exposure of experimental animals to cold environment leads to increased UCP2 expression, while reduction of its expression can be achieved directly by targeting its mRNA with antisense oligonucleotides, or indirectly by targeting PGC-1alpha expression with antisense oligonucleotides.

Reactive oxygen species generation in peripheral blood monocytes and oxidized LDL are increased in hyperlipidemic patients.

OBJECTIVES: Experimental and in vitro evidences have established that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by vascular wall cells play a key role in atherogenesis. Here, we evaluated the rate of ROS generation by resting peripheral monocytes in naive hyperlipidemic subjects. DESIGN AND METHODS: Primary hypercholesterolemic, combined hyperlipidemic, and normolipidemic individuals were studied. ROS generation and the mitochondrial electrical transmembrane potential were estimated by flow cytometry. Plasma oxidized (ox) LDL levels and lipid profile were measured by ELISA and enzymatic colorimetric methods. RESULTS: Both hyperlipidemic groups presented significantly higher rates of monocyte ROS generation and elevated plasma levels of ox-LDL. Combined hyperlipidemic subjects presented increased levels of small dense LDL and insulin. Significant positive correlations between monocyte ROS generation and ox-LDL concentrations were found in pooled data. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence that ROS production by circulating monocytes from hyperlipidemic subjects may contribute to the systemic oxidative stress and possibly to atherogenesis.

Reactive oxygen species production is increased in the peripheral blood monocytes of obese patients.

Infiltrating macrophages play an important role in the production of inflammatory mediators by the adipose tissue of obese subjects. To reach the adipose tissue, peripheral monocytes are recruited by locally produced chemoattractants. However, little is known about the activation of monocytes in the peripheral blood of obese subjects. The objective of this study was to determine reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum stress as early markers of monocytic commitment with an inflammatory phenotype in the peripheral blood of nondiabetic obese patients. Patients were recruited from an academic general hospital; controls were voluntary students. Seven lean controls and 6 nondiabetic obese patients were included in the study. Monocytes were prepared from peripheral blood. Immunoblot, flow cytometry, and polymerase chain reaction were used to determine reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Increased reactive oxygen species and activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress were detected in the monocytes from obese patients. Reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress with a chemical chaperone reversed monocytic activation, as determined by the reduction of reactive oxygen species production. Thus, monocytes from nondiabetic obese patients are already committed with an inflammatory phenotype in peripheral blood; and reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress negatively modulates their activation.

Saturated fatty acids produce an inflammatory response predominantly through the activation of TLR4 signaling in hypothalamus: implications for the pathogenesis of obesity.

In animal models of diet-induced obesity, the activation of an inflammatory response in the hypothalamus produces molecular and functional resistance to the anorexigenic hormones insulin and leptin. The primary events triggered by dietary fats that ultimately lead to hypothalamic cytokine expression and inflammatory signaling are unknown. Here, we test the hypothesis that dietary fats act through the activation of toll-like receptors 2/4 and endoplasmic reticulum stress to induce cytokine expression in the hypothalamus of rodents. According to our results, long-chain saturated fatty acids activate predominantly toll-like receptor 4 signaling, which determines not only the induction of local cytokine expression but also promotes endoplasmic reticulum stress. Rats fed on a monounsaturated fat-rich diet do not develop hypothalamic leptin resistance, whereas toll-like receptor 4 loss-of-function mutation and immunopharmacological inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 protects mice from diet-induced obesity. Thus, toll-like receptor 4 acts as a predominant molecular target for saturated fatty acids in the hypothalamus, triggering the intracellular signaling network that induces an inflammatory response, and determines the resistance to anorexigenic signals.

UCP2 protects hypothalamic cells from TNF-alpha-induced damage.

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is highly expressed in the hypothalamus; however, little is known about the functions it exerts in this part of the brain. Here, we hypothesized that UCP2 protects hypothalamic cells from oxidative and pro-apoptotic damage generated by inflammatory stimuli. Intracerebroventricular injection of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced an increase of UCP2 expression in the hypothalamus, which was accompanied by increased expression of markers of oxidative stress and pro-apoptotic proteins. The inhibition of UCP2 expression by an antisense oligonucleotide enhanced the damaging effects of TNF-alpha. Conversely, increasing the hypothalamic expression of UCP2 by cold exposure reversed most of the effects of the cytokine. Thus, UCP2 acts as a protective factor against cellular damage induced by an inflammatory stimulus in the hypothalamus.