ß-escin activates ALDH and prevents cigarette smoke-induced cell death.

BACKGROUND: The tobacco use is one of the biggest public health threats worldwide. Cigarette smoke contains over 7000 chemicals among other aldehydes, regarded as priority toxicants. ß-escin (a mixture of triterpenoid saponins extracted from the Aesculus hippocastanum. L) is a potent activator of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) - an enzyme catalyzing oxidation of aldehydes to non-toxic carboxylic acids. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ß-escin on ALDH activity, ALDH isoforms mRNA expression and cytotoxicity in nasal epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). METHODS: Nasal epithelial cells from healthy non-smokers were treated with ß-escin (1 µM) and exposed to 5% CSE. After 6- or 24-hours of stimulation cell viability, DNA damage, ALDH activity and mRNA expression of ALDH isoforms were examined. RESULTS: 24 h ß-escin stimulation revised CSE induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage. Cells cultured with ß-escin or exposed to CSE responded with strong increase in ALDH activity. This effect was more pronounced in cultures treated with combination of ß-escin and CSE. The strongest stimulatory effect on ALDH isoform mRNA expression was observed in cells cultured simultaneously with ß-escin and CSE: at 6 h for ALDH1A1 and ALDH3A1, and at 24 h for ALDH1A3, ALDH3A2, ALDH3B1, and ALDH18A1. Combined ß-escin and CSE treatment prevented the CSE-induced inhibition of ALDH2 expression at 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: ß-escin is an effective ALDH stimulatory and cytoprotective agent and might be useful in the prevention or supportive treatment of tobacco smoke-related diseases.

New, Low-Molecular Weight Chemical Compounds Inhibiting Biological Activity of Interleukin 15.

Chronic overproduction of IL-15 contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Experimental methods used to reduce the cytokine activity show promise as potential therapeutic approaches to modify IL-15 signaling and alleviate the development and progression of IL-15-related diseases. We previously demonstrated that an efficient reduction of IL-15 activity can be obtained by selective blocking of the specific, high affinity subunit alpha of the IL-15 receptor (IL-15Rα) with small-molecule inhibitors. In this study, we determined the structure-activity relationship of currently known IL-15Rα inhibitors in order to define the critical structural features required for their activity. To validate our predictions, we designed, analyzed in silico, and assessed in vitro function of 16 new potential IL-15Rα inhibitors. All newly synthesized molecules were benzoic acid derivatives with favorable ADME properties and they efficiently reduced IL-15 dependent peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) proliferation, as well as TNF-α and IL-17 secretion. The rational design of IL-15 inhibitors may propel the identification of potential lead molecules for the development of safe and effective therapeutic agents.

Beneficial effects of ß-escin on muscle regeneration in rat model of skeletal muscle injury.

BACKGROUND: Recent advancements in understanding ß-escin action provide basis for new therapeutic claims for the drug. ß-escin-evoked attenuation of NF-κB-dependent signaling, increase in MMP-14 and decrease in COUP-TFII content and a rise in cholesterol biosynthesis could be beneficial in alleviating muscle-damaging processes. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ß-escin on skeletal muscle regeneration. METHODS: Rat model of cardiotoxin-induced injury of fast-twich extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and slow-twich soleus (SOL) muscles and C2C12 myoblast cells were used in the study. We evaluated muscles obtained on day 3 and 14 post-injury by histological analyses of muscle fibers, connective tissue, and mononuclear infiltrate, by immunolocalization of macrophages and by qPCR to quantify the expression of muscle regeneration-related genes. Mechanism of drug action was investigated in vitro by assessing cell viability, NF-κB activation, MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion, and ALDH activity. RESULTS: In rat model, ß-escin rescues regenerating muscles from atrophy. The drug reduces inflammatory infiltration, increases the number of muscle fibers and decreases fibrosis. ß-escin reduces macrophage infiltration into injured muscles and promotes their M2 polarization. It also alters transcription of muscle regeneration-related genes: Myf5, Myh2, Myh3, Myh8, Myod1, Pax3 and Pax7, and Pcna. In C2C12 myoblasts in vitro, ß-escin inhibits TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB, reduces secretion of MMP-9 and increases ALDH activity. CONCLUSIONS: The data reveal beneficial role of ß-escin in muscle regeneration, particularly in poorly regenerating slow-twitch muscles. The findings provide rationale for further studies on ß-escin repositioning into conditions associated with muscle damage such as strenuous exercise, drug-induced myotoxicity or age-related disuse atrophy.

Lower BAFF Levels in Myasthenic Patients Treated with Glucocorticoids.

B-cell activating factor (BAFF), a member of tumor necrosis factor family, activates B cells, promotes their survival and proliferation. BAFF is considered to have an influence on development of autoimmune diseases including myasthenia gravis (MG). We aimed to evaluate BAFF serum levels in MG patients, their potential connection with therapy and course of MG. Cross-sectional study. Two hundred eighteen adult patients with MG (67% women, age: 18-89 years, 82.6% AChR antibody seropositive (AChRAb(+)). Serum BAFF levels, their relationship with severity of clinical symptoms, therapy conducted, clinical and demographic features and other factors were analyzed. Patients with AChRAb(+) MG demonstrated significantly higher BAFF levels than MuSK-MG patients (831.2 ± 285.4 pg/ml vs. 745.6 ± 633.4 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.030). Serum BAFF levels in women were significantly higher than in men (855.9 ± 302.5 vs. 756.6 ± 289.4, respectively; p = 0.017). Mean serum BAFF level was significantly decreased in patients who were ever treated with corticosteroids (CS) (770.4 ± 327.8 pg/ml vs. 891.3 ± 246.1 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.001). Thymoma-MG patients demonstrated significantly lower BAFF levels (671.2 ± 244.9 vs. 833.5 ± 302.4, respectively; p = 0.044). Thymectomized patients did not differ in BAFF levels from the MG patients who had not undergone thymectomy. In multiple linear regression model, recent CS therapy and male sex were found to be independent predictors of lower BAFF levels. Serum BAFF level is decreased in patients treated with CS, which may suggest inhibiting influence of CS on BAFF-a potential mechanism contributing to the effectiveness of such therapy.

The anti-inflammatory potential of cefazolin as common gamma chain cytokine inhibitor.

A continuing quest for specific inhibitors of proinflammatory cytokines brings promise for effective therapies designed for inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Cefazolin, a safe, first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, has been recently shown to specifically interact with interleukin 15 (IL-15) receptor subunit α (IL-15Rα) and to inhibit IL-15-dependent TNF-α and IL-17 synthesis. The aim of this study was to elucidate cefazolin activity against IL-2, IL-4, IL-15 and IL-21, i.e. four cytokines sharing the common cytokine receptor γ chain (γc). In silico, molecular docking unveiled two potential cefazolin binding sites within the IL-2/IL-15Rß subunit and two within the γc subunit. In vitro, cefazolin decreased proliferation of PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) following IL-2, IL-4 and IL-15 stimulation, reduced production of IFN-γ, IL-17 and TNF-α in IL-2- and IL-15-treated PBMC and in IL-15 stimulated natural killer (NK) cells, attenuated IL-4-dependent expression of CD11c in monocyte-derived dendritic cells and suppressed phosphorylation of JAK3 in response to IL-2 and IL-15 in PBMC, to IL-4 in TF-1 (erythroleukemic cell line) and to IL-21 in NK-92 (NK cell line). The results of the study suggest that cefazolin may exert inhibitory activity against all of the γc receptor-dependent cytokines, i.e. IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15 and IL-21.

Serum interleukin 15 levels in patients with seropositive myasthenia gravis do not correlate with disease severity.

AIM: To assess interleukin 15 (IL-15) serum levels in patients with seropositive myasthenia gravis (MG); searching for potential relationship between IL-15 levels and clinical features such as gender, age at onset, clinical presentation or treatment received. BACKGROUND: IL-15 plays pivotal role in T-cell dependent autoimmunity. Increased IL-15 serum levels have been reported in several autoimmune diseases including MG patients from Japan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sera of 42 seropositive MG patients (66.7% women), mean age 50.6±23.7 years) have been tested by ELISA for IL-15 levels. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between IL-15 serum levels in MG patients in comparison with controls as well as between subgroups of MG patients (early vs. late onset and thymoma MG). Mean/median IL-15 serum levels were similar in MG patients treated with corticosteroids (CS) and CS naïve. Outliers (very high values) were seen only in untreated generalized MG patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum interleukin 15 levels in patients with seropositive myasthenia gravis do not correlate with disease severity.

Pharmacophore guided discovery of small-molecule interleukin 15 inhibitors.

Upregulation of interleukin 15 (IL-15) contributes directly i.a. to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Selective blockade of IL-15 aimed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and other IL-15-related disorders has been recognized as an efficient therapeutic method. The aim of the study was to identify small molecules which would interact with IL-15 or its receptor IL-15Rα and inhibit the cytokine's activity. Based on the crystal structure of IL-15Rα·IL-15, we created pharmacophore models to screen the ZINC database of chemical compounds for potential IL-15 and IL-15Rα inhibitors. Twenty compounds with the highest predicted binding affinities were subjected to in vitro analysis using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to validate in silico data. Twelve molecules efficiently reduced IL-15-dependent TNF-α and IL-17 synthesis. Among these, cefazolin - a safe first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic - holds the highest promise for IL-15-directed therapeutic applications.

Molecular Mechanism for Cellular Response to ß-Escin and Its Therapeutic Implications.

ß-escin is a mixture of triterpene saponins isolated from the horse chestnut seeds (Aesculus hippocastanum L.). The anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory and venotonic properties of ß-escin have been the most extensively clinically investigated effects of this plant-based drug and randomized controlled trials have proved the efficacy of ß-escin for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. However, despite the clinical recognition of the drug its pharmacological mechanism of action still remains largely elusive. To determine the cellular and molecular basis for the therapeutic effectiveness of ß-escin we performed discovery and targeted proteomic analyses and in vitro evaluation of cellular and molecular responses in human endothelial cells under inflammatory conditions. Our results demonstrate that in endothelial cells ß-escin potently induces cholesterol synthesis which is rapidly followed with marked fall in actin cytoskeleton integrity. The concomitant changes in cell functioning result in a significantly diminished responses to TNF-α stimulation. These include reduced migration, alleviated endothelial monolayer permeability, and inhibition of NFκB signal transduction leading to down-expression of TNF-α-induced effector proteins. Moreover, the study provides evidence for novel therapeutic potential of ß-escin beyond the current vascular indications.

Prevalence and impact of autoimmune thyroid disease on myasthenia gravis course.

OBJECTIVES: Autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATDs) frequently accompany myasthenia gravis (MG) and may influence its course. We aimed to determine the association and impact of ATD with early- (<50 years), late-onset MG, or thymoma-MG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prevalence of ATD was measured in a cross-sectional study of 343 consecutive patients with MG (236 F, 107 M) aged 4-89 years; 83.8% were seropositive, in 2.9%, anti-MuSK antibodies were detected. Concentrations of antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, antithyroglobulin antibodies, antithyrotropin receptor antibodies, and TSH level were measured in all patients. MG clinical course, treatment received, and treatment results were evaluated. RESULTS: Autoimmune thyroid diseases were diagnosed in 92 (26.8%) of MG patients including 4.4% with Graves (GD), 9% with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), and 13.4% with antithyroid antibodies only. GD patients had ocular symptoms more often than patients with antithyroid antibodies or HT (p = .008). ATD prevalence was comparable in MG with early and late onset, while non-ATDs were more frequent in thymoma-MG (p = .049). Immunosuppressive therapy was less frequently needed in the patients with MG and ATD, indirectly indicating milder MG course (p = .005). Risk of myasthenic crisis and the results of treatment did not differ between patients with and without ATD. CONCLUSIONS: Autoimmune thyroid diseases are frequently accompanied by early-and late-onset MG, while thymoma-MG is related to higher risk of non-ATD. Myasthenia coexisting with ATD follows milder course than MG alone.

Netrin-1 and semaphorin 3A predict the development of acute kidney injury in liver transplant patients.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication after liver transplantation. Currently there are no validated biomarkers available for early diagnosis of AKI. The current study was carried out to determine the usefulness of the recently identified biomarkers netrin-1 and semaphorin 3A in predicting AKI in liver transplant patients. A total of 63 patients' samples were collected and analyzed. AKI was detected at 48 hours after liver transplantation using serum creatinine as a marker. In contrast, urine netrin-1 (897.8 ± 112.4 pg/mg creatinine), semaphorin 3A (847.9 ± 93.3 pg/mg creatinine) and NGAL (2172.2 ± 378.1 ng/mg creatinine) levels were increased significantly and peaked at 2 hours after liver transplantation but were no longer significantly elevated at 6 hours after transplantation. The predictive power of netrin-1, as demonstrated by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for diagnosis of AKI at 2, 6, and 24 hours after liver transplantation was 0.66, 0.57 and 0.59, respectively. The area under the curve for diagnosis of AKI was 0.63 and 0.65 for semaphorin 3A and NGAL at 2 hr respectively. Combined analysis of two or more biomarkers for simultaneous occurrence in urine did not improve the AUC for the prediction of AKI whereas the AUC was improved significantly (0.732) only when at least 1 of the 3 biomarkers in urine was positive for predicting AKI. Adjusting for BMI, all three biomarkers at 2 hours remained independent predictors of AKI with an odds ratio of 1.003 (95% confidence interval: 1.000 to 1.006; P = 0.0364). These studies demonstrate that semaphorin 3A and netrin-1 can be useful early diagnostic biomarkers of AKI after liver transplantation.