FOXA2-initiated transcriptional activation of INHBA induced by methylmalonic acid promotes pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm progression.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are a group of highly heterogeneous neoplasms originating from the endocrine islet cells of the pancreas with characteristic neuroendocrine differentiation, more than 60% of which represent metastases when diagnosis, causing major tumor-related death. Metabolic alterations have been recognized as one of the hallmarks of tumor metastasis, providing attractive therapeutic targets. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of metabolic changes regulating PanNEN progression. In this study, we first identified methylmalonic acid (MMA) as an oncometabolite for PanNEN progression, based on serum metabolomics of metastatic PanNEN compared with non-metastatic PanNEN patients. One of the key findings was the potentially novel mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) triggered by MMA. Inhibin ßA (INHBA) was characterized as a key regulator of MMA-induced PanNEN progression according to transcriptomic analysis, which has been validated in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, INHBA was activated by FOXA2, a neuroendocrine (NE) specific transcription factor, which was initiated during MMA-induced progression. In addition, MMA-induced INHBA upregulation activated downstream MITF to regulate EMT-related genes in PanNEN cells. Collectively, these data suggest that activation of INHBA via FOXA2 promotes MITF-mediated EMT during MMA inducing PanNEN progression, which puts forward a novel therapeutic target for PanNENs.

A bispecific antibody targeting HER2 and CLDN18.2 eliminates gastric cancer cells expressing dual antigens by enhancing the immune effector function.

Gastric cancer (GC) is widely regarded as one of the toughest cancers to treat. Trastuzumab, which targets the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) for GC treatment, has demonstrated clinical success. However, these patients have a high likelihood of developing resistance. Additionally, Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a promising emerging target for GC treatment. Therefore, therapies that simultaneously target both HER2 and CLDN18.2 targets are of great significance. Here, we constructed a bispecific antibody targeting both HER2 and CLDN18.2 (HC-2G4S; BsAb), which displayed satisfactory purity, thermostability and enhancing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity. In a tumor spheroids model of GC, BsAb demonstrated greater therapeutic efficacy than monoclonal antibodies (mAb) or combination treatment strategies. We propose that the enhanced anti-tumor potency of BsAbs in vivo is due to the monovalent binding of single-chain antibodies to more targets due to weaker affinity, resulting in a more potent immune effect function. Therefore, HC-2G4S could be a productive agent for treating GC that is HER2-positive, CLDN18.2-positive, or both, with the potential to overcome trastuzumab resistance and provide significant clinical benefits and expanded indications.

Case-controlled study of tuberculosis in in-vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer and natural pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the understanding of the clinical features and imaging characteristics of pregnant women with and without in-vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer combined with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 50 patients with pregnancy who had pulmonary TB and were admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Kunming (China) between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2021. These patients were divided into an in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) conception group and a natural conception group according to the conception method. The clinical and imaging data were then collected and compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the IVF-ET group (n = 13, 31.85 ± 5.84 years) was higher than in the natural conception group (n = 37, 27.05 ± 5.5 years). The proportions of fever, haematogenous TB and extrapulmonary TB in the IVF-ET group (92.31%, 84.62% and 76.92%, respectively) were higher than those in the natural conception group (40.54%,16.22%,27.03%,respectively). The percentage of patients with pregnancy who had intracranial TB (76.9%) in the IVF-ET group was higher than in the natural conception group (10.8%). The percentage of pregnancy terminations in the IVF-ET conception group (84.62%) was higher than in the natural conception group (48.65%). All the above results had statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, IVF-ET conception combined with extensive pulmonary TB lesions lead to heavy systemic toxic symptoms, severe disease and poor pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, screening for TB prior to performing IVF-ET is recommended.

Defective autophagic flux aggravates cadmium-induced Sertoli cell apoptosis.

The male reproductive dysfunction accounts for 50% of infertile couples in the world. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most harmful heavy metals to both the environment and inhabitants. Accumulating data suggest that Cd could cause male infertility. Sertoli cell (SC) is a somatic cell of testis and a key regulator of spermatogenesis by providing physical and nutritional support for developing sperm. Many studies showed that Cd induced dysfunction of SCs was directly related to male reproductive damage. However, the mechanism of SCs injury caused by Cd remains to be clarified. We found that Cd treatment caused a significant increase of apoptosis in SCs cells, accompanied by a marked increase in the production of ROS. These results were associated with the formation of mitochondria-containing autophagosomes and increased expression of LC3-II in vitro. Interestingly, our results showed that Cd did not promote but inhibited the fusion of mitochondria-containing autophagosomes with lysosomes by reducing the function of lysosomes. Together, this study provides insight into the negative effects of Cd, which interferes with autophagic flux and induces the apoptosis of SCs.

Influence of pasteurization and spray drying on the fat digestion behavior of human milk fat analog emulsion: a simulated in vitro infant digestion study.

BACKGROUND: Human milk fat analog emulsion (HMFAE) is an emulsion that mimics the composition and structure of human milk (HM) fat globules. The application of HMFAE in infant formula requires a series of milk powder processing steps, such as pasteurization and spray drying. However, the effect of milk powder processing on fat digestion of HMFAE is still unclear. In this study, the influence of pasteurization and spray drying on the lipolysis behavior of HMFAE was studied and compared with HM using a simulated infant in vitro digestion model. RESULTS: Pasteurization and spray drying increased the flocculation and aggregation of lipid droplets in HMFAE during digestion. Spray drying destroyed the lipid droplet structure of HMFAE, and partial milk fat globule membrane-covered lipid droplets turned into protein-covered lipid droplets, which aggravated lipid-protein aggregation during gastric digestion and hindered fat digestion in the small intestine. The final lipolysis degree was in the order HM (64.55%) > HMFAE (63.41%) > pasteurized HMFAE (61.75%) > spray-dried HMFAE (60.57%). After complete gastrointestinal digestion, there were no significant differences in free fatty acid and sn-2 monoacylglycerol profile among the HMFAE, pasteurized HMFAE, and spray-dried HMFAE. CONCLUSION: Milk powder processing can reduce lipolysis by altering the lipid droplet structure of HMFAE and the degree of lipid droplet aggregation during digestion. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Co-drivers of Air Pollutant and CO2 Emissions from On-Road Transportation in China 2010-2020.

Co-controlling the emissions of air pollutants and CO2 from automobiles is crucial for addressing the intertwined challenges of air pollution and climate change in China. Here, we analyze the synergetic characteristics of air pollutant and CO2 emissions from China's on-road transportation and identify the co-drivers influencing these trends. Using detailed emission inventories and employing index decomposition analysis, we found that despite notable progress in pollution control, minimizing on-road CO2 emissions remains a formidable task. Over 2010-2020, the estimated sectoral emissions of VOCs, NOx, PM2.5, and CO declined by 49.9%, 25.9%, 75.2%, and 63.5%, respectively, while CO2 emissions increased by 46.1%. Light-duty passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks have been identified as the primary contributors to carbon-pollution co-emissions, highlighting the need for tailored policies. The driver analysis indicates that socioeconomic changes are primary drivers of emission growth, while policy controls, particularly advances in emission efficiency, can facilitate co-reductions. Regional disparities emphasize the need for policy refinement, including reducing dependency on fuel vehicles in the passenger subsector and prioritizing co-reduction strategies in high-emission provinces in the freight subsector. Overall, our study confirms the effectiveness of China's on-road control policies and provides valuable insights for future policy makers in China and other similarly positioned developing countries.

Sensory impairment and cognitive function among older adults in China: The mediating roles of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: Through a cross-sectional study, we explored the association between sensory impairment and cognitive function in Chinese older adults, and tested the mediating roles of anxiety and depressive symptoms between this relationship. METHODS: Based on the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, a total of 10,895 older adults aged 65 and above were selected as samples for research. Anxiety, depressive symptoms and cognitive function were evaluated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D10) and the Chinese version of modified Mini-Mental State Examination scales, respectively. Sensory impairment was assessed from self-reported vision and hearing functions. Multiple linear regression and SPSS Macro PROCESS were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Compared with no sensory impairment, vision impairment (B = -1.012, 95%CI: -1.206, -0.818), hearing impairment (B = -2.683, 95%CI: -2.980, -2.386) and dual sensory impairment (B = -6.302, 95%CI: -6.585, -6.020) have a significant association with cognitive function in older adults, respectively. Anxiety and depressive symptoms not only acted as independent mediators, but also played sequential mediating effects on the relationship between sensory impairment and cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: Greater attention should be paid to anxiety and depressive symptoms of older adults with sensory impairment, which might be beneficial to maintain cognitive function.

Biochar-supported magnesium oxide as high-efficient lead adsorbent with economical use of magnesium precursor.

With unique porous structure inherited from lignocellulose, biochar was an appropriate carrier for small-size MgO materials, which could simplify the synthetic process and better solve agglomeration and separation problems during adsorption. Biochar-supported MgO was prepared with impregnation method. Under different synthesis conditions, the obtained MgO presented diverse properties, and moderate pyrolysis condition was conducive to the improvement of Mg conversion rate. The Pb(II) capacity was highly correlated with Mg content, rather than the specific surface area. Reducing the pyrolysis temperature or increasing the usage of supporter could improve adsorption efficiency when using Mg content-normalized capacity as the criterion. The better release ability of Mg, contribute by the higher extent of hydration and better spread of MgO, were the critical factors. The maximal Mg content-normalized capacity could reach 0.932 mmol·mmol-Mg-1 with the mass ratio of biochar/MgCl2·6H2O = 4:1 at the pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C. Considering the ultimate utilization efficiency of Mg in precursor, the optimum Mg consumption-normalized capacity was 0.744 mmol·mmol-Mg-1 with the mass ratio of biochar/MgCl2·6H2O = 1:1 at 600 °C.

Emblica officinalis mitigates intestinal toxicity of mice by modulating gut microbiota in lead exposure.

Lead (Pb) contamination has been affecting public health for decades. As a plant-derived medicine, the safety and effectiveness of Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) fruit extract has been emphasized. The current study focused on mitigating the adverse effects of lead (Pb) exposure in reducing its toxicity worldwide. According to our findings, E. officinalis significantly improved weight loss and colon length shortening (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The data of colon histopathology and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines indicated a positive impact to the colonic tissue and inflammatory cell infiltration in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we confirmed the expression level improvement of tight junction proteins (TJPs), including ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin. Furthermore, we found that the abundance of some commensal species necessary for maintaining homeostasis and other beneficial function decreased in Pb exposure model, while a remarkable reversion impact was noticed on the intestinal microbiome composition in the treatment group. These findings were consistent with our speculations that E. officinalis could mitigate the adverse effects caused by Pb in alleviating intestinal tissue damage, intestinal barrier disruption, and inflammation. Meanwhile, the variations in gut microbiota might drive the fulfilling current impact. Hence, the present study could provide the theoretical basis for mitigating intestinal toxicity induced by Pb exposure with the help of E. officinalis.

Swertia bimaculata moderated liver damage in mice by regulating intestine microbiota.

Swertia bimaculata (SB) is a medicinal herb in China having an array of therapeutic and biological properties. This study aimed to explore the attenuating effect of SB on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepato-toxicity by regulation of gut microbiome in ICR mice. For this purpose, CCl4 was injected intraperitoneally in different mice groups (B, C, D and E) every 4th day for a period of 47 days. Additionally, C, D, and E groups received a daily dose (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg respectively) of Ether extract of SB via gavage for the whole study period. The results of serum biochemistry analysis, ELISA, H&E staining, and sequencing of the gut microbiome, indicated that SB significantly alleviates the CCl4-induced liver damage and hepatocyte degeneration. The serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were significantly lower in SB treated groups compared to control while levels of glutathione peroxidase were raised. Also, the sequencing data indicate that supplementation with SB could restore the microbiome and its function in CCl4-induced variations in intestinal microbiome of mice by significantly downregulating the abundances of pathogenic intestinal bacteria species including Bacteroides, Enterococcus, Eubacterium, Bifidobacterium while upregulating the levels of beneficial bacteria like Christensenella in the gut. In conclusion, we revealed that SB depicts a beneficial effect against hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in mice through the remission of hepatic inflammation and injury, through regulation of oxidative stress, and by restoring gut microbiota dysbiosis.

A new strategy of transforming an ACQ compound into an AIE theranostic system for bacterial imaging and photodynamic antibacterial therapy.

An organic chemical with fluorescence quenching properties [aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ)] may often be transformed by adding functional groups that cause aggregation-induced emission (AIE) to its molecular scaffold. Such structural change techniques, however, sometimes require challenging chemical reactions. SF136 is a type of chalcone, and it is an typical ACQ organic compound. In this study, cationic surfactants like hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were used to convert the ACQ compound SF136 into an AIE compound without adding any AIE structure units. In comparison to SF136, the SF136-CTAB NPS system not only demonstrated improved bacterial fluorescence imaging capabilities, but also increased photodynamic antibacterial activity, which is connected to its improved targeting and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production abilities. It is a promising theranostic substance against bacteria owing to these enhanced qualities. Other ACQ fluorescent compounds may also benefit from using this approach, broadening the scope of their potential applications.

Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy With Transanal Specimen Extraction for Periampullary Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of LPD with transanal specimen extraction for periampullary tumors. BACKGROUND: Natural orifice specimen extraction has been widely performed in colorectal surgery. But so far there is no report regarding natural orifice specimen extraction in LPD. METHODS: Data of 3 patients who underwent LPD with transanal specimen extraction by the same surgeon between July 2018 and March 2019 due to periampullary tumors were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: All patients underwent LPD with no conversion to open surgery. Specimens were all extracted transanally. No complications occurred except for delayed gastric emptying in 1 patient. The patients' anorectal function was intact and no opioids were required postoperatively. After a follow-up of 17-25 months, all patients were alive with no tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: Treatment of periampullary tumors by LPD with transanal specimen extraction is feasible and safe.

Prognosis of patients with poorly differentiated gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms: a multi-center study in China.

Background: The incidence of poorly differentiated gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (G-NENs) has been increasing during the past decades. Methods: A total of 183 patients diagnosed with poorly differentiated G-NENs were enrolled from eight hospitals during 2010-2019 in China. All cases included have accepted abdominal surgery in tertiary hospitals. Result: T3 (HR: 2.66, p = 0.019), T4 (HR: 3.62, p = 0.005), stage IV (HR: 5.67, p < 0.001), vascular invasion (HR: 1.59, p = 0.048) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of poorly differentiated G-NENs. In stratified analysis, for patients with stage III tumors, those treated with chemotherapy had significantly longer survival than those accepting surgery alone. Conclusion: T3/T4 stage, TNM stage IV and vascular invasion were independent negative prognostic factors for patients with poorly differentiated G-NENs. Patients with stage III tumors can benefit from chemotherapy. Highly selected patients with stage IV tumors may also benefit from surgery.

This study mainly describes a rare cancerous gastric tumor. Numerous people have been diagnosed with this disease during the past decades. Owing to the small number of patients diagnosed with this disease, the treatment method is still not clear. In our study, we found that the outcome of patients who were diagnosed at late stage was much poorer than those diagnosed at early stage. So, it is important for patients to get accurate diagnosis in time. For a part of patients accepting surgery, they may benefit from chemotherapy.

Predicting efficacy of combined assessment with fragmented QRS and severely depressed heart rate variability on outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction.

The association between fragmented QRS (fQRS) and autonomic nervous dysfunction, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is not fully clear in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aimed to observe whether combined assessment with fQRS and cardiac autonomic nervous function could enhance the predicting efficacy on outcome in AMI patients. A total of 153 consecutive hospitalized AMI patients were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into non-fQRS (nfQRS) group and fQRS group according to 12-lead electrocardiogram, into sHRV [severely depressed heart rate variability (HRV): standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) < 100 ms and very low frequency (VLF) < 26.7 ms] group and nsHRV (non-severely depressed HRV) group according to 24 h Holter monitoring, and into non-MACE (nMACE) group and MACE group according to 12 months' follow-up results. The incidence of sHRV was significantly higher in the fQRS group than in the nfQRS group (71.9 vs. 39.3%, p < 0.05). The incidences of MACE were 7.4, 22.2, 25.7 and 56.5%, respectively, in nsHRV + nfQRS group, nsHRV + fQRS group, sHRV + nfQRS group and sHRV + fQRS group (p < 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that patients in the sHRV + fQRS group had a sixfold higher risk of MACE compared to patients in the nsHRV + nfQRS group (HR = 6.228, 95% CI 1.849-20.984, p = 0.003). The predicting sensitivity and specificity on MACE were 81.4 and 58.2% by sHRV, 69.8 and 69.1% by fQRS in these AMI patients. The specificity (81.8%) was the highest with the combination of sHRV and fQRS. Adding sHRV and fQRS to clinical data offered incremental prognostic value. Present results indicate that fQRS is closely related to sHRV, suggesting significant impairment of sympathetic nerve function in AMI patients with fQRS. Combined assessment with fQRS and sHRV enhances the predicting efficacy on outcome in AMI patients.

A strategy for the enrichment and characterization of disulfide bond-contained proteins from Chinese cobra (Naja atra) venom.

A new strategy combined gold-coated magnetic nanocomposites assisted enrichment with mass spectrometry was developed for the characterization of disulfide bond-contained proteins from Chinese cobra (Naja atra) venom. In this work, core-shell nanocomposites were synthesized by the seed-mediated growth method and used for the enrichment of snake venom proteins containing disulfide bonds. A total of 3545 tryptic digested peptides derived from 96 venom proteins in Naja atra venom were identified. The venom proteins comprised 14 toxin families including three-finger toxins, phospholipase A2 , snake venom metalloproteinase, cobra venom factor, and so forth. Extra 16 venom proteins were detected exclusively in the nanocomposites set, among which 11 venom proteins were from the three-finger toxins family. In the present study, the proposed simple and efficient protocol replaced the tedious and laborious technologies commonly used for pre-separating crude snake venom, suggesting widely implementation in low-abundance or trace disulfide bond-contained proteins or peptides characterization.

The mechanism of nicotinamide on reducing acute lung injury by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signal pathway.

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury is an important factor that leads to the death of patients with pneumonia. Previous studies have shown that nicotinamide (NAM) plays a role in reducing cell damage, so this study explored the mechanism by which NAM functions in acute lung injury. METHODS: We explored the mechanism by which NAM affects acute lung injury in vivo and in vitro by qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA. RESULTS: The results showed that NAM could significantly reduce lung injury and proinflammatory mediator accumulation. Further mechanistic studies showed that NAM could significantly inhibit the MAPK and AKT/NF-κB signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that NAM may reduce the release of proinflammatory mediators by inhibiting the MAPK and AKT/NF-κB signaling pathways and ultimately alleviate lung injury.

Severe pneumonia in adults caused by Tropheryma whipplei and Candida sp. infection: a 2019 case series.

BACKGROUND: Whipple's disease is a chronic infectious disease caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Tropheryma whipplei (TW), which not only affects the gastrointestinal tract and causes malabsorption of nutrients, but several other systems, such as the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, the joints, and the vascular system, can also be simultaneously involved. The aim of this report was to be able to alert the clinician to severe pneumonia caused by TW combined with Candida sp. CASE PRESENTATION: The case study was conducted on patients in September and November 2019. After routine examination and treatment, the results were not satisfactory. A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) using metagenomics next-generation sequencing was conducted on two adults who presented with fever, cough, and progressive dyspnea and who had no history of gastrointestinal symptoms, immunodeficiency diseases, or use of immunosuppressive agents. TW and Candida sp. were detected in in BAL. CONCLUSIONS: This is a report of life-threatening pneumonia caused by TW combined with Candida sp. in a Chinese population.

Proctotomy leak following laparoscopic total gastrectomy with transrectal specimen extraction for gastric cancer: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing acceptance in colorectal surgery, natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) surgery for the treatment of gastric cancer is still in its infancy, especially via the transrectal approach, which was barely reported. So little is known about its complications. Here we report the first case of proctotomy leak after transrectal NOSE gastrectomy, and our experience in preventive interventions. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old male patient complaining of upper abdominal pain who underwent open distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer one year ago was diagnosed with recurrent gastric cancer by gastroscopic biopsy. We performed laparoscopic total gastrectomy with transrectal specimen extraction on the patient. The operation was completed in a total laparoscopic approach and the specimen was extracted through a 3 cm longitudinal incision in the anterior wall of the upper rectum, then interrupted sutures were used for full-thickness closure of the rectal incision. The operative time was 470 min and intra-operative blood loss was 100 mL. The postoperative pathological examination showed pT1bN0M0 gastric adenocarcinoma. The patient developed proctotomy leak on the 10th postoperative day. We analyzed the causes of this rare complication and put forward a series of technical improvements. After failure of conservative treatment, a diverting ileostomy was created and the patient eventually recovered. We successfully prevented proctotomy leak in the subsequent 20 transrectal NOSE gastrectomies using improved techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Proctotomy leak after transrectal specimen extraction should be considered among the complications of NOSE surgery and can be prevented by technical precautions.

Decreased Serum Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) Expression in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and its correlation with the blood lipid level in upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 118 patients with UGIB were enrolled in this study. The relevant indicators for blood lipid levels were detected using a biochemical analyzer. MCP-1 levels in the serum of patients was determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 17.0 software was used for the statistical analysis. Two-sample t-test was used for the intergroup comparison. The significant indicators were included in a multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the prognostic factors of UGIB. Pearson analysis was applied to the correlation analysis. P<0.05 suggested that the difference was statistically significant. RESULTS MCP-1 expression levels in patients with UGIB were significantly lower than that in the control group and were even further reduced in patients with massive hemorrhage. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the serum of patients with UGIB were decreased compared with those in the control group and these indicators of the blood lipid level were decreased much more in patients with massive hemorrhage. The MCP-1 expression was positively correlated with the levels of TC, TG, and LDL in serum. MCP-1 and TC were the prognostic influencing factors of UGIB. CONCLUSIONS Serum MCP-1 expression was significantly decreased in patients with UGIB and correlated with blood lipid level, suggesting it might be a prognostic factor for UGB.

Interleukin-32: its role in asthma and potential as a therapeutic agent.

Interleukin (IL)-32, also named natural killer cell transcript 4 (NK4), has increasingly been described as an immunoregulator that controls cell differentiation and cell death and is involved in the stimulation of anti-/pro-inflammatory cytokines. Abnormal presence of IL-32 has been repeatedly noticed during the pathogenesis of allergic, infectious, cancerous, and inflammatory diseases. Of particular note was the observation of the anti-inflammatory property of IL-32 in a murine ovalbumin model of allergic asthma. Compared to wild-type mice, IL-32γ transgenic mice show decreased levels of inflammatory cells, recruited eosinophils, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in a mouse model of acute asthma. To date, the molecular mechanism underlying the role of IL-32 in asthma remains to be elucidated. This review aims to summarize recent advances in the pathophysiology of asthma and describe the links to IL-32. The possibilities of using IL-32 as an airway inflammation biomarker and an asthma therapeutic agent are also evaluated.