Selected microRNA Expression and Protein Regulator Secretion by Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Metabolic Syndrome.

The role of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) in metabolic syndrome remains unclear. We aimed to assess the expression of selected microRNAs in Ad-MSCs of non-diabetic adults in relation to Ad-MSC secretion of protein regulators and basic metabolic parameters. Ten obese, eight overweight, and five normal weight subjects were enrolled: 19 females and 4 males; aged 43.0 ± 8.9 years. Ad-MSCs were harvested from abdominal subcutaneous fat. Ad-MSC cellular expressions of four microRNAs (2-ΔCt values) and concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, VEGF, and IGF-1 in the Ad-MSC-conditioned medium were assessed. The expressions of miR-21, miR-122, or miR-192 did not correlate with clinical parameters (age, sex, BMI, visceral fat, HOMA-IR, fasting glycemia, HbA1c, serum lipids, CRP, and eGFR). Conversely, the expression of miR-155 was lowest in obese subjects (3.69 ± 2.67 × 10-3 vs. 7.07 ± 4.42 × 10-3 in overweight and 10.25 ± 7.05 × 10-3 in normal weight ones, p = 0.04). The expression of miR-155 correlated inversely with BMI (sex-adjusted r = -0.64; p < 0.01), visceral adiposity (r = -0.49; p = 0.03), and serum CRP (r = -0.63; p < 0.01), whereas it correlated positively with serum HDL cholesterol (r = 0.51; p = 0.02). Moreover, miR-155 synthesis was associated marginally negatively with Ad-MSC secretion of IGF-1 (r = -0.42; p = 0.05), and positively with that of IL-10 (r = 0.40; p = 0.06). Ad-MSC expression of miR-155 appears blunted in visceral obesity, which correlates with Ad-MSC IGF-1 hypersecretion and IL-10 hyposecretion, systemic microinflammation, and HDL dyslipidemia. Ad-MSC studies in metabolic syndrome should focus on miR-155.

Evaluation of potential prevalence of onconeural antibodies in women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To analyse onconeural antibodies in the blood serum of breast cancer patients without neurological symptoms.. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study included 48 women with breast cancer. Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes 12 Ag (IgG) Euroline by EUROIMMUN test was used to determine onconeural antibodies: anti-Hu, anti-Yo, anti-Ri, anti-CV2, anti-Ma/anti-Ta, anti-amphiphysin, anti-recoverin, anti-SOX1, anti-tytin, anti-zic4, anti-GAD65 and anti-Tr (DNER). RESULTS: Results: The conducted analysis revealed the presence of onconeural antibodies such as: anti-recoverin, anti-CV2, anti-Zic4, anti-SOX1, anti-MA2/Ta and antititin in blood serum of women with breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Further analysis may allow the assessment of the possible clinical usefulness of these determinations.

Changes in the Expression Profile of Pyroptosis-Related Genes in Senescent Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells after Lutein Treatment.

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a specialized structure essential for proper vision, which is constantly exposed to oxidative damage. With aging, this damage accumulates within the RPE cells, causing various diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Numerous antioxidant substances are used to prevent this process in humans, including lutein. This study aims to determine the differences in the expression patterns of pyroptosis genes in senescent human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 exposed to lutein. Changes in the expression of pyroptosis-related genes were assessed by oligonucleotide microarrays, and the results were validated by real-time RT-qPCR. The microarray analysis showed seven transcripts were differentially expressed both in the H2O2-treated cells versus the controls and in the lutein/H2O2-treated cells compared to the H2O2-treated cells (FC > 2.0). Depending on the used lutein, H2O2, or co-treatment of ARPE-19 cells, statistically significant differences in the expression of TXNIP, CXCL8, BAX, and CASP1 genes were confirmed by the RT-qPCR (p < 0.05). A STRING database analysis showed that the proteins encoded by the analyzed genes form a strong interaction network (p < 0.001). These data indicate that lutein modulates the expression level of pyroptosis-related genes, which may be useful for the development of new methods preventing pyroptosis pathway activation in the future.

The Influence of Betulin Derivatives EB5 and ECH147 on the Expression of Selected TGFß Superfamily Genes, TGFß1, GDF15 and BMP2, in Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells.

Betulin derivatives are proposed to serve as an alternative to the drugs already established in oncologic treatment. Drug-induced nephrotoxicity leading to acute kidney injury frequently accompanies cancer treatment, and thus there is a need to research the effects of betulin derivatives on renal cells. The objective of our study was to assess the influence of the betulin derivatives 28-propynylobetulin (EB5) and 29-diethoxyphosphoryl-28-propynylobetulin (ECH147) on the expression of TGFß1, BMP2 and GDF15 in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) cultured in vitro. The changes in mRNA expression and copy numbers were assessed using real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the standard curve method, respectively. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate the effect of the betulin derivatives on the protein concentration in the culture media's supernatant. The assessment of the betulin derivatives' influence on gene expression demonstrated that the mRNA level and protein concentration did not always correlate with each other. Each of the tested compounds affected the mRNA expression. The RT-qPCR analyses showed that EB5 and ECH147 induced effects similar to those of betulin or cisplatin and resulted in a decrease in the mRNA copy number of all the analyzed genes. The ELISA demonstrated that EB5 and ECH147 elevated the protein concentration of TGFß1 and GDF15, while the level of BMP2 decreased. The concentration of the derivatives used in the treatment was crucial, but the effects did not always exhibit a simple linear dose-dependent relationship. Betulin and its derivatives, EB5 and ECH147, influenced the gene expression of TGFß1, BMP2 and GDF15 in the renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. The observed effects raise the question of whether treatment with these compounds could promote the development of renal fibrosis.

Correlation between angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 gene polymorphisms and systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease with cardiovascular impairment and polymorphisms of the gene coding of angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) may account for its development. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms of ACE2 (C>G rs879922, G>A rs2285666 and A>G rs1978124) were found to increase the risk for development of arterial hypertension (AH) and cardiovascular (CVS) diseases in different ethnicities. We investigated associations of polymorphisms rs879922, rs2285666 and rs1978124 with the development of SSc. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood. Restriction-fragment-length polymorphism was used for genotyping of rs1978124, while detection of rs879922 and rs2285666 was based on TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay. Serum level of ACE2 was assayed with commercially available ELISA test. RESULTS: 81 SSc patients (60 women, 21 men) were enrolled. Allele C of rs879922 polymorphism was associated with significantly greater risk for development of AH (OR=2.5, p=0.018), but less frequent joint involvement. A strong tendency to earlier onset of Raynaud's phenomenon and SSc was seen in carriers of allele A of rs2285666 polymorphism. They had lower risk for development of any CVS disease (RR=0.4, p=0.051) and tendency to less frequent gastrointestinal involvement. Women with genotype AG of rs1978124 polymorphism had significantly more frequent digital tip ulcers and lower serum level of ACE2. CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms of ACE2 may account for the development of AH and CVS disorders in SSc patients. Strong tendencies to more frequent occurrence of disease specific characteristics distinct to macrovascular involvement will require further studies evaluating significance of ACE2 polymorphisms in SSc.

The Influence of Betulin and Its Derivatives EB5 and ECH147 on the Antioxidant Status of Human Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells.

Betulin and its derivatives, 28-propyne derivative EB5 and 29-diethyl phosphonate analog ECH147, are promising compounds in anti-tumor activity studies. However, their effect on kidney cells has not yet been studied. The study aimed to determine whether betulin and its derivatives-EB5 and ECH147-influence the viability and oxidative status of human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs). The total antioxidant capacity of cells (TEAC), lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPX) were evaluated. Additionally, the mRNA level of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes was assessed. Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil were used as reference substances. Betulin and its derivatives affected the viability and antioxidant systems of RPTECs. Betulin strongly reduced TEAC in a concentration-dependent manner. All tested compounds caused an increase in MDA levels. The activity of SOD, CAT, and GPX, and the mRNA profiles of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes depended on the tested compound and its concentration. Betulin showed an cisplatin-like effect, indicating its nephrotoxic potential. Betulin derivatives EB5 and ECH147 showed different impacts on the antioxidant system, which gives hope that these compounds will not cause severe consequences for the kidneys in vivo.

Effect of Antibiotic Amphotericin B Combinations with Selected 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives on RPTECs in an In Vitro Model.

4-(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-yl) benzene-1,3-diol (C1) and 4-[5-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl] benzene1,3-diol (NTBD) are representative derivatives of the thiadiazole group, with a high antimycotic potential and minimal toxicity against normal human fibroblast cells. The present study has proved its ability to synergize with the antifungal activity of AmB. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of C1 or NTBD, alone or in combination with AmB, on human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) in vitro. Cell viability was assessed with the MTT assay. Flow cytometry and spectrofluorimetric techniques were used to assess the type of cell death and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), respectively. The ELISA assay was performed to measure the caspase-2, -3, and -9 activity. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was used to evaluate biomolecular changes in RPTECs induced by the tested formulas. The combinations of C1/NTBD and AmB did not exert a strong inhibitory effect on the viability/growth of kidney cells, as evidenced by the negligible changes in the apoptotic/necrotic rate and caspase activity, compared to the control cells. Both NTBD and C1 displayed stronger anti-oxidant activity when combined with AmB. The relatively low nephrotoxicity of the thiadiazole derivative combinations and the protective activity against AmB-induced oxidative stress may indicate their potential use in the therapy of fungal infections.

Expression of genes related to inflammation - IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ in monitoring ustekinumab therapy: preliminary results.

Introduction: Psoriasis is classified as an inflammatory and autoimmune disease. Changes in the concentration profile of some cytokines, such as interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-23, and IL-17, play a key role in its pathogenesis. IL-6, IL-8 and interferon- γ (IFN-γ) are also hallmark cytokines in a psoriatic cytokine network. Cytokine-blocking drugs, which are a part of the inflammatory cascade, are now increasingly popular. One of them is ustekinumab, directed against IL-12 and IL-23, but also indirectly against other interleukins, which take part in the inflammatory reaction. Due to the complexity of inflammation pathways, new molecular markers are still being sought. Regardless of the type of therapy used, they allow to determine its effectiveness, signal the lack or loss of sensitivity to treatment. Aim: To evaluate the expression profile of genes related to the inflammatory reaction - IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ - in patients with psoriasis, depending on the duration of ustekinumab therapy. Material and methods: The material for the study was the PBMCs of 14 patients suffering from psoriasis who were treated with ustekinumab. Monitoring was performed after 16, 28, and 40 weeks of therapy. The gene expression of IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ was measured using the RT-qPCR method. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the expression of IL-6 and IFN-γ genes in psoriasis patients, depending on the duration of ustekinumab therapy. Conclusions: The increase in mRNA copy numbers of the pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IFN-γ genes in the following weeks of therapy may suggest that patients treated with ustekinumab may progressively develop resistance to biological treatment.

A static magnetic field changes the expression profile of the transforming growth factor ß family genes in human cells that have been treated with fluoride ions.

One of the molecular pathways that can be modified in cells that are under the influence of fluoride exposure is the transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) signaling pathway. It has also been shown that the effect of static magnetic field on the cellular processes is linked to the activation of many important signal cascades. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether the SMF changes the expression profile of TGFß family genes in NaF-treated human cells. The expression of the genes linked with TGFß were analyzed using the oligonucleotide microarrays technique and the expression of the TGFß isoforms was determined using the RT-qPCR and ELISA techniques. Our research showed that SMF modified the activity of the TGFß-related genes and that their levels are altered by fluoride. This offers hope for planning future therapeutic strategies for the diseases that are associated with changes in the TGFß signaling.

Ustekinumab therapy changes the transcriptional activity pattern of TGF-ß1-3 genes.

INTRODUCTION: One of the examples of genes whose expression can be altered by the action of ustekinumab is TGF-ß. It is a pleiotropic cytokine whose activity affects psoriatic changes and the state of homeostasis of the whole organism. AIM: To evaluate the effect of ustekinumab on the transcriptional activity of TGF-ß family genes in patients with psoriatic arthritis and to check whether the results obtained can be helpful in monitoring the progress of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From total PBMCs obtained from peripheral blood of 14 patients with psoriatic arthritis, total RNA was isolated. The expression level of the TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß3 genes was determined by RT-qPCR in real time. RESULTS: In all the analysed samples, the presence of mRNA of three TGF-ß isoforms was quantitated in each week of therapy. TGF-ß3 and the smallest TGF-ß2 showed the highest expression. Statistically significant correlations were observed in the amount of TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3/µg mRNA RNA, TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß2/µg RNA and TGF-ß3 and TGF-ß3/µg RNA. CONCLUSIONS: Ustekinumab influences the transcriptional activity of TGF-ß genes, and the changes caused have a bearing on the patient's health.

Differences in expression of genes related to drug resistance and miRNAs regulating their expression in skin fibroblasts exposed to adalimumab and cyclosporine A.

Introduction: Adalimumab and cyclosporine A are drugs used in moderate to severe forms of psoriasis. Despite the molecular orientation of the drugs, there is a loss of adequate cell sensitivity to the anti-cytokine therapy. Aim: To determine the changes in the gene expression profile associated with drug resistance in the culture of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) exposed to adalimumab or cyclosporine A compared to the controls. Material and methods: NHDF was exposed to adalimumab/cyclosporine A for 2, 8, 24 h compared to the control culture. Molecular analysis was performed using mRNA and miRNA microarray techniques. The obtained results were analysed using PL - Grid infrastructure (p < 0.05). Results: Of the 22277 ID mRNA, 47 are associated with drug resistance, of which the change in expression of 17 mRNA ID is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The greatest change in transcriptional activity (FC ≥ 1.3) was observed for GLO1, SLC10A3, TUFT1, STATH, ABCB1, AGTR1. Expression of these genes can be regulated by miR-199a-5p, miR-1231, miR-34a, miR-3188, and miR-106a (except AGTR1). Conclusions: The analysis of changes in the expression of mRNA and miRNA related to drug resistance gives the possibility of monitoring the effectiveness of anti-cytokine therapy.

Osteogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells from patients with glucose metabolism disorders.

BACKGROUND: Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) are clinically widely used somatic stem cells obtained from white adipose tissue. They are characterized by ability to differentiate e.g. into osteoblasts and might successfully regenerate bone tissue in fracture repair. However, the main problem of somatic stem cells is a documented influence of various diseases, drugs or age which can inhibit cells activity. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the influence of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) on the proliferation and differentiation potential of ADSCs. METHODS: The fat from subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue was acquired by lipoaspiration from 23 voluntary participants, divided into three groups: with diabetes type 2, with insulin resistance and control healthy donors. The proliferative potential was analyzed by cell cytotoxicity assays and by mRNA expression of genes connected with proliferation. Flow cytometry was done for identifying proteins characteristic for mesenchymal stem cells and an analysis of osteogenic differentiation potential based on the assessment of osteogenic markers by real time RT-qPCR, and the evaluation of calcium deposition were also performed. RESULTS: The results showed that diabetes type 2 lowered the activity of ADSCs in proliferation assays and changed their phenotypical characteristics. Interestingly, we observed differences in the proliferation potential of ADSCs in patients with insulin resistance, which is often the first phase of diabetes, compared to the control. It might suggest that insulin resistance, early-stage T2D, alters the activity of cells. Moreover, expression of osteogenesis markers was higher in cells from T2D patients than in cells from patients with IR and control. CONCLUSION: We conclude that type 2 diabetes changes the activity of stem cells, and insulin resistance influences on the proliferation of ADSCs.

Adalimumab changes the expression profile of selected BCL-2 family genes.

Biological drugs are an alternative to treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Adalimumab is a representative of the anti-TNF group. The underlying of this disease is a cellular homeostasis disorder-apoptosis. Many proteins are involved in the apoptosis induction pathways, including those from the BCL-2 family. The aim of the study was to perform a transcriptional analysis of the genes coding selected proteins from the BCL-2 family in patients treated with adalimumab therapy, and to determine the direction of these changes. The test materials were peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The cells were obtained from 20 patients with psoriatic arthritis who were being treated with adalimumab (study group) and 20 healthy volunteers (control). The gene expression profile was determined using the real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique. Statistically significant changes were observed in the expression level of the BNIP3, BNIP3L, and BCL2L1 genes (p < .05) during a 24-month observation of therapy. We indicated that adalimumab therapy has an impact on the expression of the analyzed genes, which may constitute a new class of molecular markers for assessing the effectiveness of a therapy. It appears that the BNIP3L gene could be used as a potential diagnostic marker of psoriasis.

Anti-apoptotic effect of a static magnetic field in human cells that had been treated with sodium fluoride.

Static magnetic field (SMF) is widely used in industry, in consumer devices and diagnostic medical equipment, hence the widespread exposure to SMF in the natural environment and in people occupationally exposed to it. In environment and in some workplaces, there is a risk of exposure also to various chemicals. Environmental factors can affect the cellular processes which can be the cause of the development of various pathological conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of SMF on the expression of the apoptosis-related genes in human fibroblast cultures that had been co-treated with fluoride ions. The control and NaF-treated cells were subjected to the influence of SMF with a moderate induction. The flow-cytometric analysis showed that the fluoride ions reduced the number of viable cells and induced early apoptosis. However, exposure to the SMF reduced the number of dead cells that had been treated with fluoride ions. Moreover, specific genes that were involved in apoptosis exhibited a differential expression in the NaF-treated cells and exposure to the SMF yielded a modulation of their transcriptional activity. Our results suggest some beneficial properties of using a moderate-intensity static magnetic field to reduce the adverse effects of fluoride.

In silico analysis of CpG islands and miRNAs potentially regulating the JAK-STAT signalling pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Searching for new therapeutic possibilities constitutes a challenge for modern medicine and an answer to better understanding of molecular mechanisms of pro-inflammatory diseases. The JAK-STAT pathway plays an important role in the inflammatory processes, which is supported by the fact that its inhibitors are used to treat, for instance, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. AIM: To determine whether the epigenetic mechanisms - methylation of gene promotion regions and miRNAs may serve as a new therapeutic strategy for JAK-STAT pathway inhibition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Basing on MethPrimer (plus CpG Island Prediction) program and microrna.org database of the said mechanism in the regulation of the JAK-STAT signalling pathway, the gene expression was performed, indicating or excluding the possibility of their use as new potential therapeutic strategies. RESULTS: A different number of CpG islands (CGI) for each gene (JAK1-4 CGI; JAK2-2 CGI; JAK3-5 CGI, TYK2-6 CGI; STAT1-2 CGI; STAT2-1 CGI; STAT3-3 CGI; STAT5A-4 CGI; STAT5B-3 CGI) might be a new therapeutic goal. What is more, our results show that genes associated with JAK-STAT signalling pathways can be regulated by miRNAs (JAK1-42 miRNAs; JAK2-47 miRNAs; JAK3-15 miRNAs, TYK2-4 miRNAs; STAT1-17 miRNAs; STAT2-30 miRNAs, STAT3-36 miRNAs, STAT4-15 miRNAs; STAT5A-10 miRNAs; STAT5B-23 miRNAs). CONCLUSIONS: The epigenetic mechanisms of the regulation of the JAK-STAT signalling pathway gene expression constitute a promising new therapeutic strategy for treatment of those diseases, during which disorders are observed in gene expression models of the analysed signalling pathway.

Comprehensive molecular and clinical analysis of adalimumab and etanercept therapeutic potential in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Adalimumab and etanercept are drugs used in anti-TNF therapy in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Despite the molecular targeting of these drugs, the loss of pharmacological response to treatment is observed in patients. The development of personalized medicine makes it possible to use not only clinical parameters of disease severity, but also molecular marker systems. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 expression in relation to parameters of disease severity (PASI, BSA, DAS28) in patients treated with adalimumab and etanercept. We have attempted to determine whether changes in the TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 expression profile may be a useful molecular marker of the therapeutic potential of anti-TNF drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 3 patients initially treated with adalimumab, followed by etanercept. The control group included 20 healthy volunteers. The expression profile of TNFR1 and TNFR2 was determined at the mRNA level, while TNF-α expression was evaluated at the transcriptome and proteome levels using the RT-qPCR method (transcriptional activity assay) and MALDI-TOF MS (protein level assessment). RESULTS: Depending on the drug, different expression profiles of the studied cytokines are observed. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data indicate that TNF-α, TNFR1, and TNFR2 may be useful markers of the efficacy of anti-TNF therapy, thus complementing clinical parameters.

Evaluation of expression pattern of selected genes associated with IL12/23 signaling paths in psoriatic patients during cyclosporine A therapy.

Molecular analysis is key to a better understanding of drug resistance during therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-IL12A, IL12B, IL23A, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in psoriatic patients during 84 days of treatment and TNF-α on the protein level. The study group consisted of 32 psoriatic patients during cyclosporine A therapy. The molecular analysis was made by using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain assay (RTqPCR) and MALDI ToF mass spectroscopy three times: after 0, 42, 84 days of treatment. Statistically significant differences (p < .05) in transcriptional activity were observed for genes: TNF-α (0 vs. 42nd days p = .006; 0 vs. 84th days p = .005), IL23A (0 vs. 42nd days p = .041), IFN-γ (0 vs. 42th days p = .040; 0 vs. 84th days p = .041), IL17 (0 vs. 42nd p = .000003 0 vs. 84th p = .001650), IL12A (0 vs. 42nd p = .0047 vs. 84th p = .0063). The expression of TNF-α was downregulated during therapy, IL23A was upregulated during CsA treatment, while the expression of IFN-γ and IL17 were higher after 42 days and lower after 84 days compared to 0 days of CsA treatment. It seems that TNF-α, IL12A, IL23A, IFN-γ, and IL17 can be useful complementary molecular markers to assess the efficacy of psoriasis treatment.

The impact of diabetes and metabolic syndromes to the effectiveness of cyclosporine a pharmacotherapy in psoriatic patients.

Metabolic diseases concurrent with psoriasis may considerably affect the intensity of its symptoms and therapy efficacy. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is one of the medicines used in conventional therapy of psoriasis. The aim of the study was to determine whether Diabetes 2 and metabolic syndromes influence the efficacy of the CsA therapy in psoriatic patients. The sample group was composed of 32 patients with diagnosed moderate to severe forms of psoriasis vulgaris. The group was divided into subgroups, with regard to concurrently occurring Diabetes 2 and metabolic syndromes. The subgroups were composed of as follows: with diabetes-7 patients, without diabetes-25, with metabolic syndrome-15, without concurrent metabolic syndrome-17, with a metabolic syndrome without diabetes-8 and with both a metabolic syndrome and diabetes-7 patients. The efficacy of therapy was evaluated in each subgroup on the basis of the following scales: PASI, BSA, DLQI on the day of therapy commencing, after 42 and 84 days of the CsA therapy. The statistical analysis was performed with the use of STATISICA 12 (Cracow, Poland; p < .05). The following tests were used: The ANOVA Friedeman test, the posthoc test for ANOVA Friedeman test, the Mann-Whitney U test. We observed clinical improvement measured with PASI BSA scales in each subgroup. The patients themselves also reported improved comfort in their lives, which is confirmed by the lower score in the DLQI scale after 42 and 84 days of the pharmacotherapy. Differences in the values of each scale in a given subgroup turned to be statistically significant. The biggest differences occur after the first 42 days of therapy and they last in the later period of observations. We did not determine any statistically significant differences as a response to treatment in the subgroups subject to comparison. Diabetes and a metabolic syndrome concurrent with psoriasis vulgaris do not affect the efficacy of CsA therapy, which indicates no necessity to modify the standard dosage of the medicine and therapy regime.

Evaluation of changes in expression pattern of oxidative stress genes under the influence of adalimumab.

The psoriasis therapy consists of the inhibition of cytokines involved in inducing and development of this disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in the expression of genes related to the oxidative stress phenomenon in the culture of normal human dermal fibroblasts of Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF) exposed to adalimumab. NHDF culture was exposed to adalimumab for 2-, 8-, and 24-hr periods. The control consisted of the same cells not exposed to adalimumab. The oligonucleotide microarrays HG-U133A 2.0 were used to analyze the changes in gene expression in NHDF culture. Analysis showed that there are 3,881 ID mRNA involved in the induction and development of oxidative stress, the expression of which changes significantly due to the exposure of NHDF cells to adalimumab (p < .05) among 1,369 ID mRNA of them. These include genes associated with apoptosis, the p38 MAPK pathway and the PDGF pathway, and above all with pathways not yet classified. Studies have shown that two genes: NR4A2 and IL1RN, whose expression has changed the most, expressed as Fold Change (FC) seem to be the most promising molecular markers to monitor therapy and loss of cell sensitivity to treatment.

Assessment of transcriptional activity genes associated with the IL-17 signaling pathway in skin fibroblasts under the influence of adalimumab.

It is believed that IL-17 is involved in the signaling pathways of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and mitogen-activated kinases (MAPKs). Adalimumab, a full anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody, was used for treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adalimumab on changes in the expression of genes associated with IL-17 signaling pathways in normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) culture. NHDFs treated with adalimumab at 2, 8, and 24 hr were compared with those of control. Microarray technique and PANTHER program were used to determine the expression of genes. The number of mRNA IDs differentiating the culture displayed on adalimumab in comparison with the control culture (-3.0 < FC > + 3.0) was as follows: H-2-32 mRNA ID, H-8-3 mRNA ID, H-2 and H-8-47 mRNA ID, H-8 and H-24-1 mRNA ID. Analysis by the PANTHER program indicated that adalimumab significantly affects the six signaling pathways and 19 biological processes associated with IL-17. The strongest changes in the expression profile concerned pathway genes associated with the chemokine and cytokine signaling pathway, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor pathway, and the CCKR signaling map.