An Artificial Intelligence-Based Digital Analysis of Immunolocalization of MMP2 and TIMP2 in the Jejunum of Rats Treated with Calcineurin Inhibitors.

(1) Background: The main goal of this study was to analyze the morphology of the rat's jejunum after long-term treatment with calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppressive drugs and to investigate their impact on the location of MMP-2 and its inhibitor TIMP-2, as well as the balance between them. (2) Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups receiving different immunosuppressive regiments. After six months of treatment, the jejunums were collected and analyzed. (3) Results: immunosuppressive drug panels containing calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) have a negative impact on the morphology and morphometry of the small intestinal wall. These drugs disrupt the MMP-2/TIMP-2 balance. Both CsA and TAC interfere with the synthesis of intercellular matrix components in the connective tissue of the small intestine. Furthermore, tacrolimus appears to disrupt the MMP-2/TIMP-2 balance in the small intestine the most, as the results show the highest difference between MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression. The results were also confirmed by digital analysis of tissue segmentation. (4) Conclusions: The research conducted in this study is unique because there is limited information available on the direct effects of immunosuppressive drugs on the expression of MMP-2 and their inhibitors in the jejunum. Additionally, this study involves three drugs instead of one, which accurately reflects the panel of drugs used in organ recipients. Our results suggest that immunosuppressive drugs affect morphology and MMP2/TIMP2 immunoexpression; however, further studies are required. AI-based tools provide a reliable analysis of tissue samples, which represents an exciting approach for future histopathological studies. However, the results of the analyses generated by these tools need to be verified by specialists.

Role of leptin and adiponectin in the pathogenesis of post-transplant diabetes mellitus.

Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure, but it poses unique challenges due to metabolic and immunological changes in recipients. One significant complication is post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM), which affects a variety of solid organ recipients. Leptin, a hormone produced by adipose tissue, regulates appetite and affects glucose metabolism. High leptin levels are associated with the development of PTDM, especially in kidney transplant recipients. Adiponectin, another adipokine, increases insulin sensitivity and has anti-diabetic properties. Low adiponectin levels are associated with insulin resistance and increase the risk of PTDM. As the incidence of PTDM increases due to the increased life expectancy among transplant patients, understanding the role of adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin becomes crucial for early detection and treatment. Additional studies on other adipokines may also provide valuable information on the pathogenesis of PTDM.

Immunolocalization of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and Their Inhibitors in the Hearts of Rats Treated with Immunosuppressive Drugs-An Artificial Intelligence-Based Digital Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive agents represent a broad group of drugs, such as calcineurin inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and glucocorticosteroids, among others. These drugs are widely used in a number of conditions, but lifelong therapy is crucial in the case of organ recipients to prevent rejection. To further increase the safety and efficacy of these agents, their off-target mechanisms of action, as well as processes underlying the pathogenesis of adverse effects, need to be thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of various combinations of cyclosporine/tacrolimus/mycophenolate with rapamycin and steroids (CRG, TRG, MRG), on the morphology and morphometry of rats' cardiomyocytes, together with the presence of cardiac collagen and the immunoexpression of MMPs and TIMPs. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups receiving different immunosuppressive regiments. After six months of treatment, the hearts were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Cardiomyocytes from the CRG cohorts demonstrated the most pronounced morphological alterations. In addition, chronic immunosuppression reduced the width and length of cardiac cells. However, immunosuppressive therapy did not alter the presence of cardiac collagen fibers. Nevertheless, we observed significant alterations regarding MMP/TIMP homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic immunosuppression seems to disturb the MMP/TIMP balance in aspects of immunolocalization in the hearts of rats. Further studies are required to analyze other mechanisms and pathways affected by the use of immunosuppressants.

The Effects of Chronic Immunosuppressive Treatment on Morphological Changes in Cardiac Tissue and the Balance between Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and Their Inhibitors in the Rat Heart.

Using different three-drug immunosuppressive treatment regimens in a rat model, we aimed to determine the effects of long-term therapy on metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 activity and the expression of their inhibitors, as well as to assess the morphology of the animals' cardiac tissue. Our results suggest that chronic use of immunosuppressive drugs disrupts the balance between the activity of MMPs and TIMPs. Depending on the type of drug regimen used, this leads to abnormalities in the cardiac structure, collagen fiber accumulation, or cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The information obtained in the present study allows us to conclude that the chronic treatment of rats with the most common clinical immunosuppressive regimens may contribute to abnormalities in the myocardial structure and function. The results presented in this study may serve as a prelude to more in-depth analyses and additional research into the optimal selection of an immunosuppressive treatment with the lowest possible risk of cardiovascular complications for patients receiving organ transplants.

The Association between CDKAL1 Gene rs10946398 Polymorphism and Post-Transplant Diabetes in Kidney Allograft Recipients Treated with Tacrolimus.

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common complication that occurs in kidney transplant patients, increasing the risk of infection, cardiovascular disease and loss of graft function. Currently, factors that increase the risk of this complication are being sought, among them polymorphisms in genes that regulate carbohydrate metabolism and influence pancreatic ß-cell function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of selected polymorphisms of genes affecting carbohydrate metabolism, such as CDKAL1 rs10946398, GCK rs1799884, GCKR rs780094 and DGKB/TMEM195 rs2191349, with the development of post-transplant diabetes in kidney transplant patients. This study included 201 Caucasian patients after kidney transplantation treated with tacrolimus. An association was observed between the CDKAL1 rs10946398 gene polymorphism and PTDM. Among patients with PTDM, there was an increased prevalence of the CC genotype in the PTDM group compared to the group without PTDM. The chance of PTDM in those with the CC genotype was 2.60 times higher compared to those with the AC + AA genotypes (CC vs. AC + AA OR (95% CI): 2.60 (1.02-6.61), p = 0.040). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age and the CC genotype (rare homozygote) of CDKAL1 rs10946398 were risk factors for the development of PTDM at 1 year after transplantation. There was no statistically significant association between GCK rs1799884, GCKR rs780094 or DGKB/TMEM195 rs2191349 polymorphisms and the development of post-transplant diabetes mellitus in kidney transplant patients. The results of this study suggest that the CDKAL1 rs10946398 CC genotype is associated with the increased risk of PTDM development in patients after kidney graft transplantation treated with tacrolimus.

Current Status Regarding Immunosuppressive Treatment in Patients after Renal Transplantation.

Renal transplantation is now the best treatment for end-stage renal failure. To avoid rejection and prolong graft function, organ recipients need immunosuppressive therapy. The immunosuppressive drugs used depends on many factors, including time since transplantation (induction or maintenance), aetiology of the disease, and/or condition of the graft. Immunosuppressive treatment needs to be personalised, and hospitals and clinics have differing protocols and preparations depending on experience. Renal transplant recipient maintenance treatment is mostly based on triple-drug therapy containing calcineurin inhibitors, corticosteroids, and antiproliferative drugs. In addition to the desired effect, the use of immunosuppressive drugs carries risks of certain side effects. Therefore, new immunosuppressive drugs and immunosuppressive protocols are being sought that exert fewer side effects, which could maximise efficacy and reduce toxicity and, in this way, reduce both morbidity and mortality, as well as increase opportunities to modify individual immunosuppression for renal recipients of all ages. The aim of the current review is to describe the classes of immunosuppressive drugs and their mode of action, which are divided by induction and maintenance treatment. An additional aspect of the current review is a description of immune system activity modulation by the drugs used in renal transplant recipients. Complications associated with the use of immunosuppressive drugs and other immunosuppressive treatment options used in kidney transplant recipients have also been described.

The Effect of the Gut Microbiota on Transplanted Kidney Function.

The intestinal microflora is extremely important, not only in the processes of absorption, digestion and biosynthesis of vitamins, but also in shaping the immune and cognitive functions of the human body. Several studies demonstrate a correlation between microbiota composition and such events as graft rejection, kidney interstitial fibrosis, urinary tract infections, and diarrhoea or graft tolerance. Some of those changes might be directly linked with pathologies such as colonization with pathogenic bacterial strains. Gut microbiota composition also plays an important role in metabolic complications and viral infections after transplantation. From the other side, gut microbiota might induce graft tolerance by promotion of T and B regulatory cells. Graft tolerance induction is still an extremely important issue regarding transplantology and might allow the reduction or even avoidance of immunosuppressive treatment. Although there is a rising evidence of the pivotal role of gut microbiota in aspects of kidney transplantation there is still a lack of knowledge on the direct mechanisms of microbiota action. Furthermore, some of those negative effects could be reversed by probiotics of faecal microbiota trapoinsplantation. While diabetes and hypertension as well as BKV and CMV viremia are common and important complications of transplantation, both worsening the graft function and causing systemic injuries, it opens up potential clinical treatment options. As has been also suggested in the current review, some bacterial subsets exhibit protective properties. However, currently, there is a lack of evidence on pro- and prebiotic supplementation in kidney transplant patients. In the current review, we describe the effect of the microbiota on the transplanted kidney in renal transplant recipients.

The Effect of Chronic Immunosuppressive Regimens Treatment on Aortal Media Morphology and the Balance between Matrix Metalloproteinases (mmp-2 and mmp-9) and Their Inhibitors in the Abdominal Aorta of Rats.

Immunosuppressive drugs are widely and chronically used to avoid graft rejection in transplant recipients. However, they are also known to have organotoxic effects and can exert numerous side effects. The aim of this study was to assess whether the chronic treatment of rats with the most commonly used clinical immunosuppressive regimens in organ recipients had an effect on the morphology and function of the aorta. The rats were divided into five groups and each group was chronically treated with different sets of three immunosuppressive drugs (TRG, CRG, MRG, CMG, TMG) for 6 months. The changes were most profound in calcineurin inhibitor-based protocols. TMG protocol treatment was characterized by the most numerous alterations such as morphological changes, changes in the thickness of the tunic media, wider distances between elastic lamellae, an increase in the number of vSMCs and changes in collagen deposition. We concluded that the morphological changes were connected with MMP-2 and MMP-9/TIMP-2 and TIMP-1 imbalances, which was also determined and noticed.

The Effects of E-Cigarette Aerosol on Oral Cavity Cells and Tissues: A Narrative Review.

A wealth of research has comprehensively documented the harmful effects of traditional cigarette smoking and nicotine on human health. The lower rate of exposure to harmful chemicals and toxic substances offered by alternative electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vaping, etc.) has made these methods of smoking popular, especially among adolescents and young adults, and they are regarded frequently as safer than regular cigarettes. During vaporization of these so-called e-liquids, toxins, carcinogens and various other chemical substances may be released and inhaled by the user. Data on the potential human health effect attendant on exposure to e-vapor are based mainly on animal and in vitro studies. The oral tissues are the first locus of direct interaction with the components of the inhaled vapor. However, the short-term as well as long-term effects of the exposure are not known. The aim of the review is to briefly present data on the effects of the chemical components and toxins of e-cigarette vapor on oral cavity cells and tissues of oral health.

Role of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Therapy of Psoriasis.

Janus kinases inhibitors are molecules that target Janus kinases-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT). They inhibit this intracellular signal pathway, blocking the gene transcription of crucial proinflammatory cytokines that play a central role in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. This process reduces psoriatic inflammation. The JAK inhibitors are divided into two generations. The first generation of JAK inhibitors blocks two or more different Janus kinases. The second generation is more specified and blocks only one type of Janus kinase and has less side effects than the first generation. Tofacitinib, ruxolitinib and baricitinib belong to first generation JAK inhibitors and decernotinib and filgotinib belong to second group. This narrative review summarizes the role of Janus kinase inhibitors in the therapy of psoriasis. Oral JAK inhibitors show promise for efficacy and safety in the treatment of psoriasis. Studies to date do not indicate that JAK inhibitors are superior to recent biologic drugs in terms of efficacy. However, JAK inhibitors, due to their lack of increased incidence of side effects compared to other biologic drugs, can be included in the psoriasis treatment algorithm because they are orally taken. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to evaluate long-term treatment effects with these drugs.

The Effect of Immunosuppressive Drugs on MMPs Activity in The Walls of Blood Vessels - A Systematic Review.

The current study focuses on the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of the vascular damage and at the same time it offers the review referring to the influence of the immunosuppressive treatment on this interdependence. Contemporary immunosuppressive treatment constitutes of four groups of medications, such as: calcineurin inhibitors including cyclosporine A and tacrolimus; inhibitors of the inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase - the only agent from this group currently used in transplantation is mycophenalate mofetil (MMF); mTOR inhibitors, consisting of everolimus and glucocorticosteroids. Due to the fact that the properties of immunosuppressive drugs still remain unclear and transplant recipients need to use these medicines every day, knowledge of this should be further expanded. The deceases of the patients with the functioning graft who were diagnosed with the cardiovascular system diseases, constitute 50% of all renal transplant recipients. Immunosuppressive treatment leads to many pathological alterations within the organs and tissues and additionally they undoubtedly affect the activity of MMPs in the wall of the vessels.

Global Gene Expression of Cultured Human Dermal Fibroblasts: Focus on Cell Cycle and Proliferation Status in Improving the Condition of Face Skin.

Chronological skin ageing is an inevitable physiological process that results in thin and sagging skin, fine wrinkles, and gradual dermal atrophy. The main therapeutic approaches to soft tissue augmentation involve using dermal fillers, where natural fillers, such as autologous fibroblasts, are involved in generating dermal matrix proteins. The aim of this study was to determine the global transcriptome profile of three passages of dermal autologous fibroblasts from a male volunteer, focusing on the processes of the cell cycle and cell proliferation status to estimate the optimal passage of the tested cells with respect to their reimplantation. We performed K-means clustering and validation of the expression of the selected mRNA by qRT-PCR. Ten genes were selected (ANLN, BUB1, CDC20, CCNA2, DLGAP5, MKI67, PLK1, PRC1, SPAG5, and TPX2) from the top five processes annotated to cluster 5. Detailed microarray analysis of the fibroblast genes indicated that the cell population of the third passage exhibited the highest number of upregulated genes involved in the cell cycle and cell proliferation. In all cases, the results of qRT-PCR confirmed the differences in expression of the selected mRNAs between fibroblasts from the primary culture (C0) and from the first (C1), second (C2), and third (C3) cell passage. Our results thus suggest that these cells might be useful for increasing fibroblast numbers after reimplantation into a recipient's skin, and the method used in this study seems to be an excellent tool for autologous transplantation allowing the rejuvenation of aging skin.

Role of Adiponectin in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic inflammatory autoimmune joint disease, characterized by progressive articular damage and joint dysfunction. One of the symptoms of this disease is persistent inflammatory infiltration of the synovial membrane, the principle site of inflammation in RA. In the affected conditions, the cells of the synovial membrane, fibroblast-like synoviocytes and macrophage-like synovial cells, produce enzymes degrading cartilage and underlining bone tissue, as well as cytokines increasing the infiltration of immune cells. In patients with RA, higher levels of adiponectin are measured in the serum and synovial fluid. Adiponectin, a secretory product that is mainly white adipose tissue, is a multifunctional protein with dual anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory properties. Several studies underline the fact that adiponectin can play an important pro-inflammatory role in the pathophysiology of RA via stimulating the secretion of inflammatory mediators. This narrative review is devoted to the presentation of recent knowledge on the role played by one of the adipokines produced by adipose tissue-adiponectin-in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Effects of E-Cigarette Vapor Components on the Morphology and Function of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems: A Systematic Review.

E-cigarettes, a comparatively new phenomenon, are regarded as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. They are increasingly popular among adolescents of both sexes, and many smokers use e-cigarettes in their attempts to quit smoking. There is little understanding of the effects of exposure to e-cigarette vapors on human reproductive health, human development, or the functioning of the organs of the male and female reproductive systems. Data on the effects of the exposure were derived mainly from animal studies, and they show that e-cigarettes can affect fertility. Here, we review recent studies on the effects of exposure to e-cigarettes on facets of morphology and function in the male and female reproductive organs. E-cigarettes, even those which are nicotine-free, contain many harmful substances, including endocrine disruptors, which disturb hormonal balance and morphology and the function of the reproductive organs. E-cigarettes cannot be considered a completely healthy alternative to smoking. As is true for smoking, deleterious effects on the human reproductive system from vaping are likely, from the limited evidence to date.

Personality Traits or Genetic Determinants-Which Strongly Influences E-Cigarette Users?

Presently, a growing popularity of electronic cigarettes may be observed. Used as a means of obtaining nicotine they allow to substitute traditional cigarettes. The origins of substance use disorders are conditioned by dopaminergic signaling which influences motivational processes being elementary factors conditioning the process of learning and exhibiting goal-directed behaviors. The study concentrated on analysis of three polymorphisms located in the dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) gene-rs1076560, rs1799732 and rs1079597 using the PCR method, personality traits determined with the Big Five Questionnaire, and anxiety measured with the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. The study was conducted on a group of 394 volunteers, consisting e-cigarette users (n = 144) and controls (n = 250). Compared to the controls the case group subjects achieved significantly higher scores in regard to the STAI state and the trait scale, as well as the NEO-FFI Neuroticism and Openness scale. Likewise, in the case of the STAI state for DRD2 rs1076560 significant differences were found. Furthermore, while comparing the groups (e-cigarette users vs. controls) we noticed interactions for the NEO FFI Neuroticism and DRD2 rs1076560. The same was observed in the case of interactions significance while comparing groups (e-cigarette users vs. controls) for the STAI trait/scale and DRD2 rs1799732. Findings from this study demonstrate that psychological factors and genetic determinants should be analyzed simultaneously and comprehensively while considering groups of addicted patients. Since the use, and rapid increase in popularity, of electronic cigarettes has implications for public health, e-cigarette users should be studied holistically, especially younger groups of addicted and experimenting users.

Transcriptome Profile of Human Fibroblasts in an Ex Vivo Culture.

Implantation of autologous fibroblasts is a method used to correct age-related changes in facial skin. The aim of this study was to establish the optimal population of cultured human fibroblasts according to the organization of the extracellular matrix in the dermis. Transcriptome profile analysis of cells derived from three consecutive passages indicated that fibroblasts after the second passage were the population with the greatest number of upregulated genes encoding the critical biological processes responsible for skin regeneration, such as extracellular matrix organization, collagen fibril organization, and cell adhesion. Furthermore, genes encoding proteinases responsible for the degradation of dermal extracellular matrix proteins were noticeably downregulated at this stage of culture. Autologous fibroblasts seem to be an optimal and safe biological filler for the renewal of all skin structures.

The Ankyrin Repeat and Kinase Domain Containing 1 Gene Polymorphism (ANKK1Taq1A) and Personality Traits in Addicted Subjects.

The Taq1A polymorphism located in the ANKK1 gene is one of the most widely studied polymorphisms in regards to the genetics of behavior and addiction. The aim of our study was to analyze this polymorphism with regard to personality characteristics and anxiety measured by means of the Personality Inventory-(NEO Five-Factor Inventory-NEO-FFI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in polysubstance addicted subjects. The study group consisted of 600 male volunteers, including 299 addicted subjects and 301 controls. Psychiatrists recruited members for both groups. Addiction was diagnosed in the case group. In the control group mental illness was excluded. The same psychometric test and genotyping using the real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method was performed for both groups. The results were investigated by means of multivariate analysis of the main effects Multi-factor ANOVA. Significantly higher scores on the scale of STAI state and Neuroticism and Openness traits, as well as lower scores on the scales of Extraversion, Agreeability, and Conscientiousness, were found in the case group subjects, compared to the controls. Differences in frequency of genotypes and alleles of Taq1A polymorphism between the studied groups were not found. Multi-factor ANOVA of addicted subjects and control subjects and the ANKK1 Taq1A variant interaction approximated the statistical significance for the STAI state. The main effects ANOVA of both subjects' groups were found for the STAI state and trait, the Neuroticism scale, the Extraversion scale, and the Agreeability scale. The ANKK1 Taq1A main effects approximated the statistical significance of the STAI trait. Our study shows not only differences in personality traits between addicted and non-addicted subjects, but also the possible impact of ANKK1 on given traits and on addiction itself.