Different profiles of chemokines, cytokines and cell growth factors in plasma samples from patients with leprosy, leprosy reactions and households contacts

BACKGROUND Leprosy is a highly neglected disease that is considered a serious public health problem in many countries. This illness is characterised by a variety of clinical and histopathological manifestations that are related to the patient immune response. OBJECTIVES This work aimed evaluate the profile of circulating immune mediators in the plasma from patients classified clinically as paucibacillary (PB), multibacillary (MB), households contacts (HHC), type1 leprosy reaction (T1R), type2 leprosy reaction (T2R) and control individuals without medical history of leprosy (CTL). METHODS To assessment of the plasma immune mediators was used multiplex microbeads immunoassay "Luminex". FINDINGS The results showed that patients (PB) had a regulatory-biased profile, while MB revealed a pro-inflammatory trend of highly expressed biomarkers. HHC display conspicuously increased levels in the plasma of the chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5 and CXCL8), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ,TNF and IL-1β), modulating cytokines (IL-9 and IL-1Ra) and growth factors (PDGF, G-CSF and IL-2). Interestingly, HHC displayed superior production of IFN-γ as compared to other leprosy groups, indicating a putative protective role for this cytokine during chronic Mycobacterium leprae exposure. MAIN CONCLUSION Further investigations are currently underway to elucidate the potential of these mediators as biomarkers applicable to the diagnosis/prognosis of leprosy and also T1R and T2R leprosy reactions.

Enhancing understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals with Down syndrome: An integrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is a non-rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in every 800 live births worldwide. Further, it is associated with comorbidities, anatomical alterations of the respiratory tract, and immunological dysfunctions that make individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. OBJECTIVE: To systematize the current scientific knowledge about the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among individuals with DS. DESIGN AND SETTING: This integrative review was conducted at the Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This review was conducted in the following databases: the Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, BVS), PubMed, and Web of Science, using MeSH descriptors. The search included English or Portuguese studies published between January 1, 2020, and October 14, 2022. RESULTS: A total of 55 articles from 24 countries were selected, comprising 21 case-control or cohort studies, 23 case reports or series, and 11 narrative reviews or opinion studies. The articles were grouped into five categories: previous comorbidities, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical features and evolution, cytokine storm and interleukins, living in institutions as a risk factor, and behavioral actions as a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Individuals with DS are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to variables such as previous comorbidities, immunological factors, and their habitable environments. These aspects confer a higher risk of infection and an unfavorable clinical course. The precise pathways involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in individuals with DS are not clear, thus requiring further studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The Open Science Framework registered the research protocol (https://osf.io/jyb97/).

COVID-19 in the nervous system: physiopathology and neurological manifestations / Covid-19 no sistema nervoso: fisiopatologia e manifestações neurológicas

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although respiratory manifestations have received greater visibility during the pandemic caused by this virus, numerous neurological complaints related to coronavirus 2 infection have been documented in several countries. These records suggest that this pathogen presents neurotropism, and it can cause different neurological conditions of varying intensity. Objective To investigate the ability of coronavirus 2 to invade the central nervous system (CNS) and its neurological clinical outcomes. Methods The present study consists in a comprehensive literature review of the records available in the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases. The descriptors COVID-19, brain and physiopathology, associated with the Boolean operator AND, were used in the search. Regarding the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected the papers published since 2020 with the highest number of citations. Results We selected 41 articles, most of them in English. The main clinical manifestation associated with COVID-19 patients was headache, but cases of anosmia, hyposmia, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and encephalopathies were also described with considerable frequency. Conclusion Coronavirus-2 presents neurotropism, and it can reach the CNS by hematogenous dissemination and by direct infection of the nerve endings. It causes brain injuries through several mechanisms, such as cytokine storm, microglial activation, and an increase in thrombotic factors.

Resumo Antecedentes A doença do coronavírus 2019 (coronavirus disease 2019, Covid-19, em inglês) é uma infecção viral provocada pelo coronavírus 2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, em inglês). Embora as manifestações respiratórias tenham recebido maior visibilidade ao longo da pandemia provocada por esse vírus, inúmeras queixas neurológicas relacionadas à infecção pelo coronavírus 2 foram documentadas em diversos países. Tais registros sugerem que esse patógeno apresenta neurotropismo, e é capaz de provocar quadros neurológicos diversos e de intensidade variáveis. Objetivo Investigar a capacidade de invasão do sistema nervoso central (SNC) pelo coronavírus 2 e seus principais desfechos clínicos neurológicos. Métodos O presente estudo consiste em uma ampla revisão de literatura a partir dos registros das bases de dados PubMed, SciELO e Google Acadêmico. Nesse contexto, os descritores COVID-19, cérebro e fisiopatologia, associados com o operador booleano AND, foram utilizados na busca. Quanto aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, selecionou-se os trabalhos publicados a partir de 2020 com o maior número de citações. Resultados Foram selecionados 41 artigos, a maioria na língua inglesa. A principal manifestação clínica associada a pacientes acometidos pela COVID-19 foi a cefaleia, mas casos de anosmia, hiposmia, síndrome de Guillain-Barré e encefalopatias também foram descritos com frequência considerável. Conclusão O coronavírus 2 apresenta neurotropismo, e é capaz de alcançar o SNC por disseminação hematogênica e por infecção direta das terminações nervosas. Ele provoca injúria cerebral por meio de variados mecanismos, como tempestade de citocinas, ativação da micróglia e aumento dos fatores trombóticos.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Cytokine Storm in the Pathogenesis, Oral Manifestation, Progression and Adverse Effects Related to SARS-Cov2 Infection- A Review

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has been the most challenging global health concern that the world has ever seen and is the focus of active research around the world. The interaction of the SARS CoV2 virus with the target cells, their action on the immune system and the subsequent reaction has all been linked to the inflammatory processes that are taking place in the human body mainly the oxidative stress. Objective: Through this article we aim to analyse the effect of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, highlighting the role of the same in the oral manifestations that are being reported in literature and its subsequent impact in the transmission and propagation of SARS-CoV2. The role of antioxidants in the control of the SARS-CoV2 infection has also been explored. Materials and Methods: Four reviewers independently collected the data pertaining to the topic from case reports and review articles published in electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Research gate. Conclusion: Increased release of cytokines known as cytokine storm has been associated with disease progression, oral manifestation as well as adverse effects in patients with COVID 19. However, as this is an ongoing pandemic with new mu- tations occurring frequently, further clinical trials are required to evaluate the exact mechanisms that may be at play in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV2 infection.

Inmunodeficiencias secundarias relacionadas con la presencia de autoanticuerpos anticitocinas / Secondary immunodeficiencies related to the presence of anti-cytokine autoantibodies

Resumen Los autoanticuerpos anticitocinas (ACAA) han sido reportados como causa importante de inmunodeficiencias secundarias. Altos títulos de autoanticuerpos neutralizantes pueden causar susceptibilidad a diferentes enfermedades infecciosas potencialmente mortales. Por ejemplo, se ha informado que autoanticuerpos neutralizantes contra IFNγ se correlacionan con susceptibilidad a infecciones micobacterianas y patógenos fúngicos intracelulares. Autoanticuerpos contra IL-6 se detectaron en pacientes con abscesos subcutáneos y celulitis estafilocócica recurrente; asimismo, pacientes con criptococosis, nocardiosis y proteinosis alveolar pulmonar fueron positivos a autoanticuerpos contra GM-CSF. También se ha establecido una relación entre los autoanticuerpos contra IL-17 e IL-22 y las infecciones crónicas por Candida en mucosas, que se han identificado en pacientes con poliendocrinopatía autoinmune tipo 1 o timoma. Recientemente se han reportado autoanticuerpos contra interferón tipo I durante el inicio de COVID-19 aguda. Estos ACAA se asemejan a defectos genéticos en citocinas o en sus rutas de señalización. Por ello, pueden considerarse fenocopias de inmunodeficiencias primarias. De esta forma, la detección de ACAA podría ser importante en el diagnóstico, particularmente en pacientes con enfermedades de aparición tardía, para decidir los tratamientos apropiados. Esta revisión presenta una descripción general de la comprensión actual de las inmunodeficiencias secundarias asociadas a ACAA.

Abstract Anti-cytokine autoantibodies (ACAA) have been reported to be an important cause of secondary immunodeficiencies. High titers of neutralizing autoantibodies may cause susceptibility to different life-threatening infectious diseases. For example, neutralizing autoantibodies against IFNγ have been reported to be correlated with susceptibility to mycobacterial infections and intracellular fungal pathogens. Autoantibodies against IL-6 were detected in patients with subcutaneous abscesses and recurrent staphylococcal cellulitis; on the other hand, patients with cryptococcosis, nocardiosis, and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis were positive for autoantibodies to GM-CSF. A relationship has also been established between autoantibodies against IL-17 and IL-22 and chronic mucosal Candida infections, which have been identified in patients with APECED or thymoma. Autoantibodies against type-I IFN have been recently reported during the onset of acute COVID-19. These ACAAs resemble genetic defects in cytokines or their signaling pathways. Therefore, they may be considered to be primary immunodeficiencies phenocopies. Consequently, the detection of ACAA could be important in the diagnosis of patients, particularly in the case of late-onset diseases, in order to decide appropriate treatments. This review presents an overview of current understanding of ACAA-associated secondary immunodeficiencies.

An elevated HScore is associated with poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19 / Un HScore elevado se asocia a mal pronóstico en pacientes con COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) frequently experience a hyperinflammatory syndrome leading to unfavorable outcomes. This condition resembles Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) described in neoplastic, rheumatic and other infectious diseases. A scoring system (HScore) that evaluates underlying immunosuppression, temperature, organomegaly, cytopenias, ferritin, triglycerides, fibrinogen and AST was validated for sHLH, and recently proposed to evaluate hyperinflammation in COVID-19. AIM: To assess the presence of sHLH among patients with COVID-19 admitted for hospitalization and to evaluate Hscore as a prognostic tool for poor outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred forty-three patients aged 21-100 years (64% males) admitted because of COVID-19 were enrolled in a prospective study. HScore was calculated within 72 hours admission. The incidence of sHLH during hospitalization was evaluated. Additionally, the relationship between a HScore ≥ 130 points and either the requirement of mechanical ventilation or 60-days mortality was explored. RESULTS: The median HScore was 96 (33-169). A SHLH was diagnosed in one patient (incidence 0.7%), whose HScore was 169. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities and obesity, HScore ≥ 130 was independently associated with the composite clinical outcome (Hazard rartio 2.13, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: sHLH is not frequent among COVID-19 patients. HScore can be useful to predict the risk for poor outcomes.

ANTECEDENTES: Los pacientes con Enfermedad por Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), experimentan frecuentemente un síndrome hiperinflamatorio que lleva a resultados desfavorables. Esta situación se asemeja al Síndrome Hemofagocítico Secundario (sHLH) descrito en enfermedades neoplásicas, reumatológicas y por otros agentes infecciosos. Un sistema simple de puntaje (HScore) que evalúa inmunosupresión, temperatura organomegalia, citopenias, ferritina, triglicéridos, fibrinógeno y AST ha sido validado para el diagnóstico de sHLH y ha sido propuesto recientemente para evaluar la hiperinflamación en COVID-19. OBJETIVO: Medir la frecuencia de sHLH entre pacientes con COVID-19 hospitalizados, y evaluar a HScore como una herramienta pronóstica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Ciento cuarenta y tres pacientes de 21 a 100 años (64% hombres) fueron ingresados en este estudio de cohorte prospectivo, unicéntrico. Se calculó HScore dentro de las primeras 72 horas desde el ingreso, y se midió la incidencia de sHLH durante la hospitalización. Adicionalmente, se evaluó la relación entre HScore ≥ 130 puntos y un desenlace compuesto de ventilación mecánica o muerte a los 60 días. RESULTADOS: La mediana de HScore fue 96 (33-169) puntos. Un paciente fue diagnosticado con sHLH (incidencia 0,7%). Luego de ajustar por edad, sexo, comorbilidades y obesidad, un HScore ≥ 130 se asoció de manera independiente con el desenlace compuesto. CONCLUSIONES: El sHLH no es frecuente en los pacientes con COVID-19. El uso de HScore puede ser útil para predecir el riesgo de desenlaces clínicos desfavorables.

Targeting TLR-4 Signaling to Treat COVID-19-induced Acute Kidney Injury

The newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) has turned into a potentially fatal pandemic illness. Numerous acute kidney injury (AKI) cases have been reported, although diffuse alveolar destruction and acute respiratory failure are the major symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The AKI, often known as a sudden loss of kidney function, carries a greater risk of mortality and morbidity. AKI was the second most frequent cause of death after acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While most patients with COVID-19 have moderate symptoms, some have severe symptoms, such as septic shock and ARDS. Also, it has been proven that some patients have severe symptoms, such as the failure of several organs. The kidneys are often affected either directly or indirectly. The major signs of kidney involvement are proteinuria and AKI. It is hypothesized that multiple mechanisms contribute to kidney injury in COVID-19. Direct infection of podocytes and proximal tubular cells in the kidneys may lead to acute tubular necrosis and collapsing glomerulopathy. SARS-CoV2 may also trigger a cascade of immunological responses that lead to AKI, including cytokine storm (CS), macrophage activation syndrome, and Toll-like receptor type 4 activation (TLR-4). Other proposed processes of AKI include interactions between organs, endothelial failure, hypercoagulability, rhabdomyolysis, and sepsis. Furthermore, ischemic damage to the kidney might result from the decreased oxygen supply. This article focuses on kidney injury’s epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiological processes. Specifically, it focuses on the CS and the role of TLR-4 in this process. To effectively manage and treat acute kidney damage and AKI in COVID-19, it is crucial to understand the underlying molecular pathways and pathophysiology.

Influence of blood hemodynamics on the treatment outcomes of limited fluid resuscitation in emergency patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock

Abstract Objectives Traumatic hemorrhagic shock is a major death-related factor contributing to mortality in emergencies and can be effectively handled by the Limited Fluid Resuscitation (LFR) method. In the current investigation, the authors analyzed the influence of different administrating blood pressure on the treatment outcomes of LFR. Methods 276 participants were enrolled in the current study retrospectively from January 2016 to December 2021 and were divided into three groups based on the administrating blood pressure of LFR. The difference among the three groups regarding serum levels of cytokines as well as blood hemodynamics parameters was analyzed. Results The results showed after the T2 stage treatment, cytokine levels in the three groups were all significantly influenced by different LFR strategies with medium MAP showing the strongest effects on the expression of all cytokine genes. Moreover, the MAP value was in positive correlation with IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels, but showed no clear relation with IL-4 level in all three groups. Regarding the effects on hemodynamics parameters, the levels of CVP, CO, and CI were slightly increased by the different LFR administrating strategies, and the effect of medium and high MAP was statistically stronger than that of low MAP. Conclusion The present results showed that LFR would influence serum inflammatory levels by improving blood hemodynamics parameters. Medium MAP showed the strongest improving effects with the least side effects, which can be employed as the optimal administrating strategy for LFR in the future.

Efficacy and safety of Ixekizumab vs. low-dose IL-2 vs. Colchicine vs. standard of care in the treatment of patients hospitalized with moderate-to-critical COVID-19: A pilot randomized clinical trial (STRUCK: Survival Trial Using Cytokine Inhibitors)

ABSTRACT Background: Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring hospitalization continue to appear in vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of novel treatments. The hyperinflammatory response underlies the severity of the disease, and targeting this pathway may be useful. Herein, we tested whether immunomodulation focusing on interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, and IL-2, could improve the clinical outcomes of patients admitted with COVID-19. Methods: This multicenter, open-label, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Brazil. Sixty hospitalized patients with moderate-to-critical COVID-19 received in addition to standard of care (SOC): IL-17 inhibitor (ixekizumab 80 mg SC/week) 1 dose every 4 weeks; low-dose IL-2 (1.5 million IU per day) for 7 days or until discharge; or indirect IL-6 inhibitor (colchicine) orally (0.5 mg) every 8 hours for 3 days, followed by 4 weeks at 0.5 mg 2x/day; or SOC alone. The primary outcome was accessed in the "per protocol" population as the proportion of patients with clinical improvement, defined as a decrease greater or equal to two points on the World Health Organization's (WHO) seven-category ordinal scale by day 28. Results: All treatments were safe, and the efficacy outcomes did not differ significantly from those of SOC. Interestingly, in the colchicine group, all participants had an improvement of greater or equal to two points on the WHO seven-category ordinal scale and no deaths or patient deterioration were observed. Conclusions: Ixekizumab, colchicine, and IL-2 were demonstrated to be safe but ineffective for COVID-19 treatment. These results must be interpreted cautiously because of the limited sample size.

Analysis of LMP specific T cell immune response and clinical factors in stage III-IVa nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To explore the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent infection membrane protein (LMP) 1 or LMP2 specific T cell immune response and clinical significance in stage III-IVa nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), aiming to provide ideas and evidence for immunotherapy in NPC.Methods:Fifty-nine NPC patients admitted to the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from February 2018 to October 2020 for primary treatment were collected. Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) were stimulated by LMP antigen. Intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry were applied to study the expression levels of IL-2, IL-13, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from CD4 + T and CD8 + T cells, and then analyzed in conjunction with clinical factors. Results:The positive rates of total PBMCs to LMP1 and LMP2 in NPC patients were different. The positive rate of LMP1 specific CD4 + T cells was statistically higher in stage T 3-T 4 NPC than that in stage T 1-T 2 (51.0% vs. 10.0%, P=0.042). There were also differences in the expression of cytokines between LMP1 and LMP2, CD4 +T cells and CD8 +T cells. Survival analysis showed the 2-year and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 91.5% and 88.2%, and the 2-year and 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 83.3% and 75.3%. Univariate analysis suggested that smoking history, male and LMP1 stimulated IL-13 positive expression in CD4 + T cells affected the disease progression ( P=0.026, 0.045 and 0.006); multivariate analysis showed LMP1 stimulated IL-13 positive expression in CD4 + T cells and smoking history were the independent prognostic factors affecting PFS ( P=0.017, 0.019). Conclusions:LMP1 and LMP2 generate specific T-cell immune response in PBMCs of NPC patients, with differential expression in two T-cell subsets. LMP1 and LMP2 specific T cell immune response is associated with primary tumor size and metastatic lymph node volume. LMP1 stimulated IL-13 positive expression in CD4 + T cells and smoking history affects the disease progression.

Changes and clinical significance of multiple cytokines in exhaled breath condensate in patients with severe inhalation injury / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the changes and clinical significance of multiple cytokine levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in patients undergoing tracheotomy with severe inhalation injury.Methods:A prospective study was conducted. A total of 32 patients with severe burn combined with severe inhalation injury admitted to the department of burns and plastic surgery of Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from May 2021 to August 2022 were enrolled. Twenty healthy volunteers from the same period were served as controls. EBC of patients at 12 hours after burn and the samples of healthy controls were collected. The levels of 27 cytokines in EBC, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-17), were determined by liquid phase chip technology. Meanwhile, plasma of patients at 12 hours after burn and the plasma of volunteers were collected, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected by liquid chip technology, and the differences between the levels in plasma and those in EBC were analyzed. Plasma and EBC of patients with aspiration injury were collected at 12 hours and 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after burn, and TNF-α levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:Finally, 32 patients were enrolled, and the total burned area was (40±16)% of total body surface area (TBSA). The time of admission was (4.2±2.3) hours after injury. ① Twenty-seven cytokines in EBC: 18 kinds of cytokines including macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), IL-6, IL-5, IL-2, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-9, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), TNF-α, chemotactic factor for eosinophil (Eotaxin), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were significantly increased in patients with severe aspiration injury compared with health controls. Eotaxin was not detected in EBC of healthy controls. Five cytokines, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5/RANTES), IL-13, IL-4 and MIP-1α, were not detected in EBC of severe inhalation injury patients and healthy controls. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and IL-12 p70 in EBC of severe aspiration injury patients were slightly decreased as compared with healthy controls, while IL-7 and IL-17 were slightly increased, but the differences were not statistically significant. ② Six inflammatory cytokines in plasma: the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in the severe aspiration injury group were significantly increased as compared with healthy controls [IL-6 (ng/L): 18.51 (10.87, 26.21) vs. 0.22 (0.10, 0.36), IL-8 (ng/L): 10.75 (8.58, 18.79) vs. 1.06 (0.81, 2.14), both P < 0.01]. The plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10 were slightly increased in patients with severe aspiration injury as compared with healthy controls, and IL-17 was slightly decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant. In the EBC collected during the same period, five inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10, in patients with severe inhalation injury were significantly increased as compared with healthy controls [TNF-α (ng/L): 16.42 (12.57, 19.21) vs. 7.34 (6.11, 8.69), IL-1β (ng/L): 15.57 (10.53, 20.25) vs. 0.99 (0.67, 1.41), IL-6 (ng/L): 13.36 (9.76, 16.54) vs. 0.70 (0.42, 0.85), IL-8 (ng/L): 1 059.29 (906.91, 1 462.37) vs. 10.36 (8.40, 12.37), IL-10 (ng/L): 2.69 (1.54, 3.33) vs. 1.54 (1.18, 2.06), all P < 0.05]. ③ Dynamic changes of TNF-α in plasma and EBC: the level of TNF-α in EBC of patients with severe aspiration injury was lower than that in plasma. Plasma TNF-α level was increased gradually with the extension of time after injury, and was significantly higher than that of healthy controls on day 3 [ng/L: 30.38 (24.32, 39.19) vs. 22.94 (17.15, 30.74), P < 0.05], and reached the peak on day 14, then fell back. The level of TNF-α in EBC at 12 hours after injury was significantly higher than that in healthy controls [ng/L: 15.34 (11.75, 18.14) vs. 6.99 (6.53, 7.84), P < 0.01], and reached the peak on 3 days after injury, and then gradually decreased. Conclusion:There are changes in the expression of multiple cytokines in EBC of patients with severe inhalation injury, and the changes of many inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α are more sensitive than those in plasma, which can be used to monitor and evaluate the condition of patients with inhalation injury.

Research advance on the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in sepsis / 中华危重病急救医学

Sepsis, a series of pathophysiological abnormalities caused by infection, is also one of the most important factors of death and disability in infected patients all over the world, so it has always been the focus of the medical community. Cytokines are small molecule proteins secreted by cells with biological activity, involved in the immune and inflammatory regulation of sepsis. Many studies using cytokine targeting to treat sepsis have achieved beneficial effects, and the level of cytokines is also believed to be related to the development, severity of sepsis, so they are reliable biomarkers of sepsis. Among them, pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-β (IFN-β) and interleukins (IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6, and IL-7) are the focus of the discussion in this review. IFN-β and IL-1β are double-sided in the treatment of sepsis, namely early low-dose treatment can reduce sepsis by restoring the function of immune cells and play a protective effect, but they are also related to severe inflammatory response of sepsis and can aggravate the mortality of sepsis patients. IL-3 and IL-6 focus more on enhancing inflammatory factors and play a damage role. IL-7 mainly participates in immune regulation, promoting lymphocyte activation and protecting sepsis.

O-linked N-acetylglucosamine modification induced by lipopolysaccharide is involved in inflammatory signaling pathway in endothelial cells / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore whether the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced modification of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is involved in the inflammatory signaling pathway of endothelial cells.Methods:Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured in vitro, and cells in logarithmic growth phase were used for experiments. Cells were divided into blank control group, LPS group (2 000 mg/L LPS), O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) overexpression (OGT-OE)+LPS group (plasmid transfection OGT+2 000 mg/L LPS), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor+LPS group (10 μmol/L Go 6983+2 000 mg/L LPS), RhoA inhibitor+LPS group (40 μmol/L Rhoin hydrochloride+2 000 mg/L LPS), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor+LPS group (1 μmol/L SL-2052+2 000 mg/L LPS), serine/threonine kinase (Akt) inhibitor+LPS group (10 μmol/L PP2+2 000 mg/L LPS) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) treated Akt (si-AKT)+LPS group (si-Akt+2 000 mg/L LPS). After 24 hours of LPS treatment, real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the transcription levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)]. The protein expression or phosphorylation of OGT, O-GlcNAc, Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were determined by Western blotting. Results:Compared with the blank control group, the expression of OGT and the modification of O-GlcNAc in the LPS group were decreased, while the expressions of phosphorylated ERK, p38MAPK, and STAT3 were increased, and the transcript levels of inflammatory cytokines were also significantly increased [IL-6 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 4.71±0.60 vs. 1.03±0.29, TNF-α mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 1.89±0.11 vs. 1.04±0.35, ICAM-1 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 2.06±0.18 vs. 1.02±0.21, VCAM-1 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 2.94±0.57 vs. 1.01±0.17, all P < 0.05], indicating that LPS could decrease O-GlcNAc modification, activate inflammatory signaling pathways and increase inflammatory cytokines expression. Compared with the LPS group, the expressions of phosphorylated ERK, p38MAPK, NF-κB p65, and STAT3 in the endothelial cells of the OGT-OE+LPS group were decreased, and the expression of inflammatory factors were significantly decreased [IL-6 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.12±0.01 vs. 0.90±0.17, TNF-α mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.31±0.01 vs. 0.91±0.14, ICAM-1 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.64±0.02 vs. 1.13±0.16, VCAM-1 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.11±0.01 vs. 0.93±0.11, all P < 0.05], indicating that the increase of OGT level could inhibit the partial activation of the endothelial inflammatory signal pathway under the LPS stimulation. Compared with the blank control group, the phosphorylation level of Akt in the LPS group was increased. Compared with the LPS group, both OGT expression and O-GlcNAc modification were down-regulated after pretreatment of PKC inhibitor, RhoA inhibitor, PI3K inhibitor, or Akt inhibitor. Compared with the LPS group, the transcript levels of IL-6, TNF-α and ICAM-1 in the PP2+LPS group were significantly decreased [IL-6 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 1.46±0.16 vs. 3.55±0.87, TNF-α mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.98±0.14 vs. 1.76±0.10, ICAM-1 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 1.39±0.24 vs. 2.04±0.13, all P < 0.05], but there was no significant change in VCAM-1. Compared with the LPS group, the expression of OGT and O-GlcNAc modification in the si-Akt+LPS group were decreased, while the transcript levels of inflammatory cytokines were also significantly decreased [IL-6 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.75±0.03 vs. 0.99±0.09, TNF-α mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.69±0.01 vs. 1.10±0.08, ICAM-1 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.76±0.01 vs. 0.99±0.02, VCAM-1 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.93±0.08 vs. 1.20±0.21, all P < 0.05], indicating that Akt participated in the action process of LPS on OGT and affected the inflammatory factor expression. Conclusions:The decreased level of O-GlcNAc modification in endothelial cells stimulated with LPS promotes partial activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, mainly involving ERK, p38MAPK, and STAT3, and affects the expression of inflammatory factors. AKT may be involved in the effect of LPS on the inhibition of O-GlcNAc modification.

Effect of continuous blood purification on immunity and endothelial cell function in patients with sepsis / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the effect of continuous blood purification (CBP) on the immunity and endothelial cell function of patients with sepsis.Methods:A prospective study was conducted. The patients aged ≥18 years old and meeting the diagnostic criteria of sepsis admitted to the department of critical care medicine of Binzhou Medical University Hospital from March 2019 to October 2020 were selected as the research subjects, and the patients were divided into standard treatment group and CBP treatment group according to random number table method. Both groups were given standard treatment including initial fluid resuscitation, infection source control and antibiotics according to the 2016 international guidelines for the management of sepsis and septic shock. CBP treatment group was additionally given continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) at a dose of 25-30 mL·kg -1·h -1 and blood flow rate of 150-200 mL/min for more than 20 hours a day for 3 days. The clinical data of patients including blood lactic acid (Lac), procalcitonin (PCT), lymphocyte count (LYM), acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were recorded before treatment and 1 day and 3 days after treatment. At the same time, the venous blood was collected, and the immune function related indexes [interleukins (IL-4, IL-7), programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), interferon-γ (IFN-γ)] and endothelial cell injury related markers [soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), von Willebrand factor (vWF), heparan sulfate (HS), syndecan-1 (SDC-1)] levels in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay of patients in the two groups was recorded, and the outcomes of patients in the two groups were followed up for 28 days. Results:Finally, 20 patients were enrolled in the standard treatment group, and 19 patients were enrolled in the CBP treatment group. There were no significant differences in gender, age and infection site between the two groups. The length of ICU stay in the standard treatment group was (10±5) days, and 5 patients died and 15 patients survived after 28 days. The length of ICU stay in the CBP treatment group was (9±4) days, and 8 patients died and 11 patients survived after 28 days. There were no significant differences in the length of ICU stay and number of patients who died within 28 days between the two groups (both P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the Lac, PCT, LYM, APACHEⅡ score, SOFA score and immune function and endothelial cell injury related indexes before treatment and 1 day after treatment between the two groups. After 3 days of treatment, the Lac, PCT, APACHEⅡ score and SOFA score of the CBP treatment group were significantly lower than those before treatment, and pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-4, apoptosis-related indicators such as PD-1 and IL-7, and endothelial injury related factors such as sTM, SDC-1 and HS were significantly improved compared with the pre-treatment, the improvement degree of the above indicators was more obvious than that of the standard treatment group, and LYM was significantly higher than that of the standard treatment group (×10 9/L: 1.3±0.3 vs. 0.9±0.4, P < 0.05), IL-4, IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, IL-7, PD-1, sTM, SDC-1, HS, and Ang-2 were significantly lower than those of the standard treatment group [IL-4 (ng/L): 2.8 (1.5, 3.2) vs. 3.3 (2.7, 5.2), IFN-γ (ng/L): 6.3 (5.4, 106.5) vs. 217.9 (71.4, 517.1), IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio: 3.7 (1.8, 70.3) vs. 59.1 (18.3, 124.9), IL-7 (ng/L): 4.6 (3.2, 5.1) vs. 6.3 (5.2, 8.0), PD-1 (μg/L): 0.04 (0.03, 0.06) vs. 0.08 (0.05, 0.12), sTM (μg/L): 4.9 (4.3, 7.4) vs. 8.7 (6.0, 10.8), SDC-1 (μg/L): 0.6 (0.3, 1.1) vs. 0.9 (0.8, 2.5), HS (ng/L): 434.8 (256.2, 805.0) vs. 887.9 (620.1, 957.3), Ang-2 (ng/L): 934.0 (673.3, 1 502.1) vs. 2 233.9 (1 472.5, 3 808.4)], the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Conclusion:CBP treatment can eliminate the patient's immunosuppressive state, reduce a variety of endothelial injury markers and the degradation of glycocalyx, but cannot decrease the 28-day death risk or shorten the length of ICU stay.

Application of immunosuppressive agents in crtical coronavirus disease / 中华危重病急救医学

The outbreak of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection has brought great harm to people's life and social development. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection is more common in mild patients at present, considering the characteristics of crtical disease, rapid progress and high mortality, the treatment of critical patients are the focus of clinical attention. Immune imbalance which is characterized by cytokine storm plays a vital role in SARS-CoV-2 induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), extrapulmonary multiple organ failure and even death. Therefore, the application of immunosuppressive agent in crtical coronavirus disease patients has a promising prospect. In this paper, different immunosuppressive agents and their application in crtical SARS-CoV-2 infection are reviewed, so as to provide reference for crtical coronavirus disease therapy.

Inosine:A broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory against SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced acute lung injury via suppressing TBK1 phosphorylation / 药物分析学报

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)-induced cytokine storms constitute the primary cause of coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19)progression,severity,criticality,and death.Gluco-corticoid and anti-cytokine therapies are frequently administered to treat COVID-19,but have limited clinical efficacy in severe and critical cases.Nevertheless,the weaknesses of these treatment modalities have prompted the development of anti-inflammatory therapy against this infection.We found that the broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agent inosine downregulated proinflammatory interleukin(IL)-6,upregulated anti-inflammatory IL-10,and ameliorated acute inflammatory lung injury caused by mul-tiple infectious agents.Inosine significantly improved survival in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2.It indirectly impeded TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1)phosphorylation by binding stimulator of interferon genes(STING)and glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK3β),inhibited the activation and nuclear trans-location of the downstream transcription factors interferon regulatory factor(IRF3)and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),and downregulated IL-6 in the sera and lung tissues of mice infected with lipopoly-saccharide(LPS),H1N1,or SARS-CoV-2.Thus,inosine administration is feasible for clinical anti-inflammatory therapy against severe and critical COVID-19.Moreover,targeting TBK1 is a promising strategy for inhibiting cytokine storms and mitigating acute inflammatory lung injury induced by SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents.

Effects of metformin on peripheral blood Treg/Th17 cells and related cytokines in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and influenza A / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of metformin on levels of peripheral blood regulatory T cells (Treg)/Th17 cells and related cytokines in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and influenza A.Methods:A total of 108 patients with T2DM and influenza A treated in Zhejiang Veteran Hospital were prospectively enrolled between April 2021 to April 2022. According to different medication methods, they were divided into observation group (54 cases, oseltamivir + metformin) and control group (54 cases, oseltamivir + gliclazide). The average usage time and dosage of oseltamivir, concentration of blood lactate and blood gas level, counts of Th17 and Treg cells, and levels of related cytokines in the two groups were compared before and after treatment.Results:The average usage time and dosage of oseltamivir, and concentration of blood lactate were higher in observation group than control group: (8.94 ± 0.88) d vs. (7.23 ± 0.79) d, (1.32 ± 0.15) g vs. (1.08 ± 0.11) g, (1.83 ± 0.43) mmol/L vs. (1.61 ± 0.32) mmol/L, P<0.05. The differences in pH, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO 2) and partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO 2) between the two groups had no statistically significant before and after treatment ( P>0.05). After treatment, the differences in count of Treg cells, interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-4 (IL-4), CD 3+, CD 4+ and CD 4+/CD 8+ between the observation group and the control group were statistically significant: (35.48 ± 5.64)% vs. (42.53 ± 6.17)%, (30.49 ± 4.72) ng/L vs. (35.64 ± 5.08) ng/L, (32.15 ± 3.06) ng/L vs. (35.33 ± 3.12) ng/L, (61.39 ± 3.28) % vs. (66.27 ± 3.05)%, (34.12 ± 1.93)% vs. (36.59 ± 2.61)%, 1.26 ± 0.34 vs. 1.52 ± 0.41, P<0.05. After treatment, the count of Th17 cells, Th17/Treg, interleukin-17 (IL-17) and γ-interferon (IFN-γ) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group:(8.69 ± 1.42)% vs. (7.94 ± 2.03)%, 0.24 ± 0.06 vs. 0.19 ± 0.05, (17.67 ± 3.11) ng/L vs. (12.18 ± 3.42) ng/L, (287.48 ± 45.12) ng/L vs. (254.27 ± 41.09) ng/L, P<0.05. During treatment, the difference in incidences of adverse reactions between the two groups had no statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Oseltamivir combined with metformin can recover the balance of Th17/Treg cells in patients with T2DM and influenza A to a certain extent. Clinically, level of blood lactate should be monitored.

Expression level and clinical significance of SOCS1 in the serum of patients with chronic HBV-related liver disease / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To study the expression levels of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and its clinical significance in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver diseases. 【Methods】 For this study we enrolled 25 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), hepatitis B cirrhosis, or HBV-associated chronic acute liver failure (HBV-ACLF), and 25 healthy controls. The expression levels of SOCS1 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined using the RT-PCR method. The levels of SOCS1 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the plasma of patients with chronic liver diseases and healthy controls were measured using the ELISA method. The relative expression levels of SOCS1, SOCS1 mRNA, and other laboratory test indicators such as HBV-DNA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), prothrombin activity (PTA) and total bilirubin (TBil) were compared among the groups. Additionally, the correlation between the expression levels of SOCS1 mRNA and the aforementioned laboratory indicators was assessed. 【Results】 The expression levels of SOCS1 mRNA and serum SOCS1 were highest in the HBV-ACLF group, followed by the cirrhosis group, and lowest in the healthy control group, with statistically significant differences (F=109.65, P<0.001). The relative expression of SOCS1 mRNA was positively correlated with TBil (r=0.89, P<0.001), ALT (r=0.89, P<0.001), AST (r=0.84, P<0.001) and IL-6 (r=0.93, P<0.001), but negatively correlated with PTA (r=-0.89, P<0.001) and was not significantly correlated with HBV-DNA (P=0.28). 【Conclusion】 The expression levels of SOCS1 in patients with HBV-related chronic liver diseases can reflect the severity of the disease and show a significant correlation with indicators used to assess the severity of liver diseases.

Effect of Fangji Fulingtang on Macrophage Polarization and Oxidative Stress in Mouse Model of Myocardial Fibrosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Fangji Fulingtang on macrophage polarization and oxidative stress in the mouse model of myocardial fibrosis. MethodThe mouse model of myocardial fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol （ISO， 5 mg·kg-1·d-1）. Fifty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into control （0.9% NaCl）， model （0.9% NaCl）， low- and high-dose （3.315 g·kg-1·d-1 and 13.26 g·kg-1·d-1， respectively） Fangji Fulingtang （FFD-L and FFD-H， respectively）， and metoprolol tartrate （Meto， 15 mg·kg-1·d-1） groups， with 10 mice each group. After 2 weeks of treatment， the heart appearance， cardiac weight index （CWI）， heart weight （HW）/tibia length （TL） ratio， and myocardial histopathological alterations were observed. Meanwhile， the serum levels of creatine kinase-MB （CK-MB）， transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， IL-10， malondialdehyde （MDA）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and glutathione （GSH） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The expression levels of CD86 and CD206 were observed by immunohistochemical staining. ResultCompared with the model group， the FFD-L， FFD-H， and Meto groups showed improved heart appearance， decreased CWI and HW/TL ratio （P<0.01）， lowered serum levels of CK-MB， TGF-β1， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and elevated IL-10 level （P<0.05）. Furthermore， the three groups showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells， myocardial injury， collagen deposition， and myocardial fibrosis， decreased CD86， SOD， and GSH （P<0.01）， and increased CD206 and MDA （P<0.01）. ConclusionFangji Fulingtang can mitigate ISO-induced myocardial fibrosis by regulating macrophage polarization and oxidative stress.

Dendrobium Polysaccharides Mitigate CSE-induced Inflammatory Damage of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells via TLR4/NF-κB Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Dendrobium polysaccharides on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/nuclear factor （NF）-κB pathway in 16HBE cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract （CSE）. MethodThe 16HBE cells were classified into the control， CSE， and CSE+ Dendrobium polysaccharides （100， 200， 400 mg·L-1） groups. The cell-counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay was employed to measure the cell viability， and a microscope was used to observe the cell morphology. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin （IL）-8， IL-1β， IL-4， IL-13， and transforming growth factor （TGF）-β in cell culture supernatants. Real-time PCR was carried out to determine the mRNA levels of Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）， and IL-4. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of interleukin-4 receptor （IL-4R）， TLR4， myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 （MyD88）， NF-κB， phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB （p-NF-κB）， and nucleoproteins nuclear factor-κB （NEs-NF-κB）. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to measure the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. ResultCompared with the control group， the CSE group showed elevated levels of IL-8， IL-1β， IL-4， IL-13， and TGF-β in the cell culture supernatants （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， p-NF-κB， NEs-NF-κB， and IL-4 （P<0.01）， and significant nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Compared with the CSE group， Dendrobium polysaccharides increased the cell survival rate， recovered the cell activity， lowered the levels of IL-8， IL-1β， IL-4， IL-13， and TGF-β， down-regulated the expression of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， p-NF-κB， NEs-NF-κB， and IL-4 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. ConclusionDendrobium polysaccharides showed significant protective effects on the 16HBE cells exposed to CSE by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.