Alpha-synuclein dynamics bridge Type-I Interferon response and SARS-CoV-2 replication in peripheral cells

Background Increasing evidence suggests a double-faceted role of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) following infection by a variety of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Although α-syn accumulation is known to contribute to cell toxicity and the development and/or exacerbation of neuropathological manifestations, it is also a key to sustaining anti-viral innate immunity. Consistently with α-syn aggregation as a hallmark of Parkinson's disease, most studies investigating the biological function of α-syn focused on neural cells, while reports on the role of α-syn in periphery are limited, especially in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results Results herein obtained by real time qPCR, immunofluorescence and western blot indicate that α-syn upregulation in peripheral cells occurs as a Type-I Interferon (IFN)-related response against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Noteworthy, this effect mostly involves α-syn multimers, and the dynamic α-syn multimer:monomer ratio. Administration of excess α-syn monomers promoted SARS-CoV-2 replication along with downregulation of IFN-Stimulated Genes (ISGs) in epithelial lung cells, which was associated with reduced α-syn multimers and α-syn multimer:monomer ratio. These effects were prevented by combined administration of IFN-β, which hindered virus replication and upregulated ISGs, meanwhile increasing both α-syn multimers and α-syn multimer:monomer ratio in the absence of cell toxicity. Finally, in endothelial cells displaying abortive SARS-CoV-2 replication, α-syn multimers, and multimer:monomer ratio were not reduced following exposure to the virus and exogenous α-syn, suggesting that only productive viral infection impairs α-syn multimerization and multimer:monomer equilibrium. Conclusions Our study provides novel insights into the biology of α-syn, showing that its dynamic conformations are implicated in the innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection in peripheral cells. In particular, our results suggest that promotion of non-toxic α-syn multimers likely occurs as a Type-I IFN-related biological response which partakes in the suppression of viral replication. Further studies are needed to replicate our findings in neuronal cells as well as animal models, and to ascertain the nature of such α-syn conformations.

Genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptome expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to investigate the genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptome expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) with interstitial lung disease (ILD), and to analyze the effects of DNA methylation on Wnt/β-catenin and chemokine signaling pathways.@*METHODS@#PBMCs were collected from 19 patients with SSc (SSc group) and 18 healthy persons (control group). Among SSc patients, there were 10 patients with ILD (SSc with ILD subgroup) and 9 patients without ILD (SSc without ILD subgroup). The genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression level were analyzed by using Illumina 450K methylation chip and Illumina HT-12 v4.0 gene expression profiling chip. The effect of DNA methylation on Wnt/β-catenin and chemokine signal pathways was investigated.@*RESULTS@#Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis identified 71 hypermethylated CpG sites and 98 hypomethylated CpG sites in the SSc with ILD subgroup compared with the SSc without ILD subgroup. Transcriptome analysis distinguished 164 upregulated genes and 191 downregulated genes in the SSc with ILD subgroup as compared with the SSc without ILD subgroup. In PBMCs of the SSc group, 35 genes in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were hypomethylated, while frizzled-1 (FZD1), mitogen-activated protein kinase 9 (MAPK9), mothers against DPP homolog 2 (SMAD2), transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), and wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 5B (WNT5B) mRNA expressions were upregulated as compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Compared with the SSc without ILD subgroup, the mRNA expressions of dickkopf homolog 2 (DKK2), FZD1, MAPK9 were upregulated in the SSc with ILD subgroup, but the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). In PBMCs of the SSc group, 38 genes in chemokine signaling pathway were hypomethylated, while β-arrestin 1 (ARRB1), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16), FGR, and neutrophil cytosolic factor 1C (NCF1C) mRNA expressions were upregulated as compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Compared with the SSc without ILD subgroup, the mRNA expressions of ARRB1, CXCL10, CXCL16 were upregulated in the SSc with ILD subgroup, but the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#There are differences in DNA methylation and transcriptome profiles between SSc with ILD and SSc without ILD. The expression levels of multiple genes in Wnt/β- catenin and chemokine signaling pathways are upregulated, which might be associatea with the pathogenesis of SSc.

Preliminary study on HUVEC permeability changes in FNAIT induced by CD36 antibody / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the pathogenesis of fetal edema caused by CD36 antibody in fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), and to provide reference for clinical prevention and treatment. 【Methods】 The established CD36 monoclonal antibody was incubated with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and the concentrations of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) in the supernatant of cell culture were detected by ELISA. The permeability of endothelial cells were investigated by detecting the fluorescence intensity of FITC-albumin by incubating cytokine-rich cell supernatant with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). 【Results】 Flow cytometry showed that CD36 monoclonal antibody could bind to human monocytes. Compared with isotype IgG control, increased cytokine TNF-α (pg/mL) (407.73±20.40 vs 29.38 ±4.72, P<0.05) and IL-1β (pg/mL) (247.14±83.59 vs 53.68±26.96, P<0.05) were detected in the supernatant of cell culture after incubation of CD36 monoclonal antibody with human PBMC. Detection of fluorescence intensity of FITC-albumin in transwell cultured HUVEC showed that cytokine-rich cell supernatant derived from CD36 monoclonal antibody incubated with human PBMC can increase the permeability of endothelial cells significantly (CD36 antibody vs isotype IgG, MFI value: 492±16 vs 320±11, P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The effect of CD36 monoclonal antibody on PBMC can increase HUVEC permeability, which may be one of the pathogenesis of fetal edema with FNAIT.

Expression of progranulin in mononuclear cells in the peripheral blood of patients with post-stroke aphasia / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To document the expression of aphasia-related progranulin gene (GRN) in mononuclear cells in the peripheral blood (PBMC) of patients with post-stroke aphasia (PSA).Methods:PC12 cells at the logarithmic-growth stage were cultured and divided into a non-specific interference group (the gene control group) and a specific interference group (the gene silencing group) when the cell density reached 30 to 50%. After the expression of GRN was knocked down in the cells, the occurrence of variable splicing events was analyzed using high-throughput transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). Meanwhile, 10 PSA patients were selected into a patient group and 10 healthy counterparts were chosen as a control group. Blood was collected from both groups and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reactions (RT-qPCR) were employed to determine any changes in GRN mRNA expression and the occurrence of variable splicing events in the nuclear factor related to kappa-B-binding protein (NFRKB) in their PBMCs. The patient group received conventional speech therapy, and immediately after their first and second blood collections their speech functioning was assessed using the Chinese Aphasia Battery (ABC). Pearson correlation coefficients were then computed relating the GRN expression and ABC scores.Results:After knocking down GRN in the PC12 cells, the expression of GRN in the gene knockdown group was significantly different from that in the control group. There were 237 genes with significant differences in variable splicing between the two samples. The number of genes with variable splicing events at the 5′ end was the largest. There were also significant differences between the groups in the average occurrence of NFRKB variable splicing events. And significant diffe-rences were observed in the mRNA expression of GRN between the two blood collections from the patient group, as well as between the first collection from the patient group and the controls. The average oral expression score of the PSA patients improved significantly, particularly the retelling score. The changes in the GRN expression level were positively correlated with the recovery of oral expression ability.Conclusion:GRN can promote the recovery of speech function in PSA patients by regulating the variable splicing of NFRKB.

Difference and its clinical significance of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets between elderly and non-elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the difference of lymphocyte subsets between elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis and non-elderly patients and its clinical significance.Methods:A total of 124 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January, 2017 to December, 2019 were enrolled.The patients were divided into elderly group(≥60 years old, 34 cases)and non-elderly group(<60 years old, 90 cases). Rheumatoid arthritis activity(DAS-28)scoring was performed for each patient.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were extracted by Ficoll density centrifugation.Lymphocytes were labeled and detected by 18-color flowcytometry with more than 30 fluorescent antibodies.Results:DAS-28 scoring showed that the disease activity score of the elderly group(4.56±1.89)was higher than that of the non-elderly group(3.37±1.49)( t=3.633, P<0.001). Flow cytometry showed that MAIL%T(mucus-associated lymphoid tissue T cell subset)( Z=-2.798, P=0.005), Tn%CD8 T cells(initial CD8 T cells)( Z=-2.179, P=0.029), VD2% T(Vδ2+ T, γδT cell subtype)( Z=-2.806, P=0.005), PD1-CD28-%Th( Z=-2.050, P=0.040)and IGM+ D-%B( Z=-2.376, P=0.017)were lower in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group.While, CD45+ CD27+ %CD8 T cells( Z=-3.069, P=0.002), abT%T cell(αβT cells)( Z=-2.103, P=0.035), CD27-CD28+ %T cells( Z=-2.341, P=0.019), ASC%PBMC( Z=-2.341, P=0.019)and ASC%CD19+ ( Z=-2.000, P=0.046)subgroup expression were higher in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group. Conclusions:The disease activity of elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis is significantly higher than that of younger patients.The expressions of abT%T and CD4% abT in effector T cells of elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis are higher than those of younger patients, while the expression of VD2% T is lower.The expression level of CD45RA+ CD27+ %CD8 T with cytotoxic effect is higher; However, the expression level of Tn%CD8 T in naive cells is lower.

The effects of thymoquinone on pancreatic cancer and immune cells

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: Black cumin is widely used as a spice and as a traditional treatment. The active ingredient in black cumin seeds is thymoquinone. Thymoquinone has shown anticancer effects in some cancers. We planned to investigate its anticancer effect on pancreatic cancer cell lines. METHODS: Thymoquinone chemical component in various doses was prepared and inoculated on pancreatic cancer cell culture, healthy mesenchymal stem cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture. IC50 values were calculated by absorbance data and measuring cell viability by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide staining of cells incubated with thymoquinone at 24, 48, and 72 h. RESULTS: There was dose-related cytotoxicity. Maximal cytotoxicity was observed at 24 h and 100 μM thymoquinone concentrations in pancreatic cancer cell culture and mesenchymal stem cells. Any concentration of thymoquinone was not cytotoxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cell. Thymoquinone even caused proliferation at a concentration of 6.25 μM. CONCLUSIONS: Since the cytotoxic concentration of thymoquinone on pancreatic cancer cell culture and mesenchymal stem cells is the same, it is not appropriate to use thymoquinone to achieve cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer. However, since thymoquinone provides proliferation in peripheral blood mononuclear cell at a noncytotoxic dose, it may have an immune activator effect. Therefore, in vivo studies are needed to investigate the effect of thymoquinone on the immune system.

Caracterización clínica epidemiológica de los pacientes con enfermedad de la Peyronie infiltrados con células mononucleares / Clinical Epidemiological Characterization of Peyronie's Disease Patients Infiltrated With Mononuclear Cells

Introducción: La enfermedad de la Peyronie resulta poco común e involucra a hombres de mediana edad. Objetivo: Caracterizar los aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos de los pacientes con enfermedad de la Peyronie infiltrados con células mononucleares. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, longitudinal prospectivo en el Hospital General Docente "Comandante Pinares" desde junio de 2015 hasta mayo de 2018, con una muestra de 159 pacientes. Se controlaron las variables de edad, color de la piel, factores etiológicos, curvatura y desviación del pene además de síntomas y signos. Resultados: El mayor número de pacientes correspondieron a la edad de 50-59 años, de piel blanca, grados de curvatura entre 20o y 39o. Después del tratamiento 115 pacientes se encontraron con curvatura menor a 20o y desviación dorsal. Las causas más frecuentes de los microtraumas a nivel de pene resultan durante al acto sexual o en estado flácido del pene (105/159). La diabetes mellitus y la hipertensión arterial, con 59,7 y 30,8 por ciento, respectivamente resultan los factores etiológicos más frecuentes; los síntomas y signos fueron el dolor y la curvatura, 115 pacientes presentaron ausencia de dolor al hacer la comparación de la media al concluir el tratamiento, resultando significativo (p= 0,0000). Conclusiones: La enfermedad de la Peyronie resulta frecuente en pacientes de la quinta década de la vida, con color de piel blanca. La causa más frecuente son los microtraumas en la actividad sexual, la diabetes mellitus y la hipertensión arterial como antecedentes patológicos personales. Existe mejoría de la sintomatología en los pacientes infiltrados con células mononucleares(AU)

Introduction: Peyronie's disease is rare and involves middle-aged men. Objective: To characterize the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with Peyronie's disease infiltrated with mononuclear cells. Methods: An observational, analytical, prospective longitudinal study was carried out at the "Comandante Pinares" General Teaching Hospital from June 2015 to May 2018, with a sample of 159 patients. The variables of age, skin color, etiological factors, curvature and deviation of the penis, as well as symptoms and signs, were controlled. Results: The largest number of patients corresponded to the age of 50-59 years, white skin, degrees of curvature between 20o and 39o. After treatment, 115 patients were found to have curvature less than 20o and dorsal deviation. The most frequent cause of penile microtrauma is during sexual intercourse or in the flaccid state of the penis (105/159). Diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension, with 59.7 and 30.8 percent, respectively, are the most frequent etiological factors; the symptoms and signs were pain and curvature, 115 patients presented absence of pain when comparing the mean at the end of the treatment, being significant (p= 0.0000). Conclusions: Peyronie's disease is frequent in patients of the fifth decade of life, with white skin color. The most frequent cause are microtraumas in sexual activity, diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension as personal pathological antecedents. There is improvement of the symptoms in patients infiltrated with mononuclear cells(AU)

Optimizing the recovery of peripheral blood mononuclear cells trapped in leukoreduction filters - A comparison study

Abstract Introduction The isolation of captured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) from leukoreduction filters (LRFs) can be of great importance in terms of bringing the lost cells back into use. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate various methods based on their potential to recover the peripheral blood cells from LRFs with a focus on mononuclear cells (MNCs). Method For cell isolation from LRFs, three distinct methods (back-flushing, direct and vacuum pump) were compared through the calculation of the yield of isolated MNCs. The viability of extracted cells was determined by the flow cytometry technique. Moreover, the recovered MNCs were characterized regarding the presence of blood stem cell purification. The cell culture, microscopic observation, and immunophenotyping were employed to characterize the blood stem cells (hematopoietic, mesenchymal and progenitor endothelial stem cells). Results The yield of isolation obtained in the back-flushing, direct and vacuum pump methods were 17.7 ± 1.28, 17.3 ± 0.96 and 21.2 ± 0.90 percent, respectively. Although the highest potential for total blood cell recovery belonged to the vacuum pump method, the lowest cell viability (85.73 ± 4.84%) was observed in this method. However, the isolation process of the back-flushing and direct methods had less effect on cell viability. The characterization of the isolated MNCs displayed that the dominant positive phenotype was for CD34/CD45, indicating hematopoietic stem cells. In addition, the endothelial stem/progenitor cells were significantly detected as CD31/CD133 positive cells. Conclusion According to our results and considering the safety and efficiency potential of each of the applied methods, the back-flushing in comparison with the other methods can be considered a suitable procedure for MNC isolation from LRFs.

Correlation of macrophage-related cytokines and silent information regulator 1 and forkhead box protein O3 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To explore the correlation between the levels of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (APTB) and macrophage-related cytokines-inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase-1 (Arg-1). Methods　A total of 64 APTB patients who were treated in Yubei Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2020 to December 2021 were gathered as the APTB group, 59 people with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) were gathered as the LTBI group, and 62 healthy people were gathered as the control group. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) method was performed to measure the levels of SIRT1 mRNA and FOXO3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure serum iNOS and Arg-1 levels; ROC curve was used to analyze the value of SIRT1 mRNA and FOXO3 mRNA levels in the differential diagnosis of LTBI and APTB; Pearson correlation was performed to analyze the correlation of SIRT1 mRNA and FOXO3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of APTB patients with serum iNOS and Arg-1 levels. Results　The levels of SIRT1 mRNA, FOXO3 mRNA and serum iNOS in peripheral blood mononuclear cells decreased in control group, LTBI group and APTB group, and the level of serum Arg-1 increased in turn (P<0.05). The AUCs of SIRT1 mRNA and FOXO3 mRNA in differential diagnosis of LTBI and APTB were 0.876 and 0.887, respectively, the sensitivity was 71.2% and 76.3%, and the specificity was 96.9% and 90.6% respectively. The levels of SIRT1 mRNA and FOXO3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of APTB patients were positively correlated (r=0.500, P<0.05), and they were positively correlated with serum iNOS and negatively correlated with serum Arg-1 (P<0.05). The SIRT1 mRNA, FOXO3 mRNA and serum iNOS in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of APTB patients after 6 months of treatment were higher than those before treatment, and serum Arg-1 was lower than before treatment (P<0.05). Conclusions　The levels of SIRT1 mRNA and FOXO3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of APTB patients are low, and they are positively correlated with macrophage-related cytokine iNOS and negatively correlated with Arg-1.

Single-cell transcriptome analysis of T cells in thyroid and peripheral blood of patients with Hashimoto′s thyroiditis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To construct single-cell transcription landscape of T cell in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) and thyroid tissue of patients with Hashimoto ′s thyroiditis(HT), and to analyze the changes in the proportion and functionality of T cell clusters in HT disease state.Methods:Single cell RNA sequencing was performed on PBMCs and thyroid tissue from 5 HT patients. Single cell RNA sequencing data of PBMCs from 5 healthy individuals were retrieved from public databases. After preliminary clustering, the clusters expressing CD3E were extracted and clustering again, and the names of each cluster were determined according to the known cell markers. The proportion of each cell subtype was compared, and the differentially expressed genes in different samples were analyzed.Results:After quality control, the 71 533 T cells were classified into 19 cell clusters. Among them, the proportion and function of C1_CD4 + Naive T cell clusters, C3_CD4 + Treg cell clusters, C7_CD8 + Naive T cell clusters, C8_GNLY -CD8 + T cell clusters, C10_RORC + CD8 + T cell clusters, C11_ GZMK + CD8 + T cell clusters, C12_CCL4 + CD8 + T cell clusters, and C18_PTGDS + NK cell clusters in thyroid tissue of HT patients were significantly different from those in PBMCs of healthy controls and HT patients. Conclusion:The proportion of multiple T cells in thyroid tissue of HT patients were significantly different from those in PBMCs. Among them, the proportion of three of CD8 + T cell subsets with high expression of cell killing-related genes in thyroid tissue T cells of HT patients is higher than that in PBMCs T cells, and it is statistically significant. In addition, the functionality of various T cells in the thyroid tissue of HT patients are also significantly different from those in PBMCs. A cluster of GZMK + CD8 + T cells showes significantly lower expression of genes related to PD1 pathway in thyroid tissues of HT patients compared with cells in PBMCs of HT patients, also a cluster of CCL4 + CD8 + T cells showes significantly lower expression of genes related to IL-12 pathway.

Induction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to hepatocyte-like cells and preliminary study of cell response to injury under the effect of acetaminophen / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To establish a method for the induction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to hepatocyte-like cells, and preliminarily investigate cell response to injury under the effect of acetaminophen (APAP). Methods: The surface marker CD45 of peripheral blood mononuclear cells wase detected cells by using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence methods. The cellular morphology of induced hepatocyte-like cells was observed under an inverted microscope. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of hepatocyte-specific genes, such as cytochrome (CY) P1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, albumin (ALB), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)4α mRNA. Immunofluorescence method was used to detect intracellular hepatocyte markers AFP, HNF4α, and ALB expression at the protein level. Biochemical analyzer was used to detect hepatocyte-specific secretory functions of AFP, ALB, and urea. Luciferase chemiluminescence method was used to detect the activity of key drug metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4. Colorimetric assay was used to detect the effect of the drug acetaminophen on hepatocyte-like cells, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was used as an indicator of liver cell injury. The statistical differences between the data were compared with t-test and rank-sum test. Results: The positive expression rate of CD45 cell surface markers isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was about 98%, and hepatocyte-like cell morphology changes appeared on 15th day of induction. Compared with isolated mononuclear cells, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, ALB, AFP and HNF4α mRNA was markedly elevated. The expression level of AFP, ALB and HNF4α protein were equally increased, and the secretory function of AFP, ALB and urea were enhanced. Compared with primary hepatocytes, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, AFP, HNF4α mRNA, and CYP3A4 mRNA did not decrease. The expression levels of AFP, ALB, and HNF4α proteins in the cells did not decrease, and the secretory function of AFP, ALB, and urea did not decrease. In addition, the CYP3A4 enzyme activity produced by hepatocyte-like cells was similar to that of primary hepatocytes. Compared with hepatocyte-like cells incubated without APAP, hepatocyte-like cells incubated with APAP had higher ALT level. Under the effect of APAP, the ALT level of hepatocyte-like cells was higher than isolated mononuclear cells. Conclusion: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells can be induced into hepatocyte-like cells with partial characteristics of hepatocytes, including the activity of CYP3A4, a key enzyme of hepatocyte drug metabolism. Additionally, preliminarily ALT secretory features reflect the hepatocytes injury under the effect of acetaminophen.

Cathelicidin LL-37 level in presence and absence of vitamin D in cultured macrophages isolated from elderly women

@#Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency and frequent infections are the two common worldwide phenomenon among elderly. Recent studies have demonstrated that vitamin D regulates the expression of specific endogenous antimicrobial peptides like cathelicidin LL-37 of macrophages and neutrophils, which is active against a broad spectrum of infectious agents. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the level of cathelicidin LL-37 in macrophages of elderly women (classified according to serum 25(OH)D level) after exposure to Vibrio cholera infection and to find out the effect of 1,25(OH)2D added in vitro. Methods: This study was conducted among 40 randomly selected rural elderly women aged between 60 to 70 years of age. Their vitamin D status was assessed by the estimation of serum 25(OH)D and classified into three groups viz. sufficient (14 members), insufficient (13 members), and deficient (13 members). Later, their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated and cultured from fresh blood. 1,25(OH)2D supplementation was given selectively at a dose of 10 ×10-8 M for 72 hours in the culture media; then exposed to infection and screened according to the objectives of this study. Results: Macrophages in all groups, except vitamin D deficient group, responded significantly in terms of LL-37 release during exposure to Vibrio cholera infection. Considering in vitro 1,25(OH)2D, supplementation responded significantly (p<0.05) in all three groups. Conclusion: Vitamin D can be used as a prophylaxis to enhance cathelicidin LL-37 release for all three groups as in the present study.

Terapia periodontal regenerativa con hemocomponentes en Santiago de Cuba desde lo social y formativo

RESUMEN Las periodontitis constituyen la primera causa de pérdida dentaria en la edad adulta y su tratamiento depende, casi por completo, del empleo de la implantación de sustitutos estructurales para lograr el potencial reparador necesario. El uso en los últimos años de la medicina celular regenerativa con células mononucleares, plaquetas y lisado plaquetario, han acelerado el proceso de cicatrización de los tejidos blandos y la regeneración ósea. Los resultados que se presentan derivan de una estrategia de superación profesional dirigida al periodoncista para el mejoramiento del desempeño en la aplicación de esta nueva terapéutica, como proyecto de investigación, en el Hospital Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde septiembre a diciembre del 2020. Su objetivo consiste en analizar la terapia periodontal regenerativa con hemocomponentes en Santiago de Cuba desde lo social y lo formativo.

ABSTRACT Periodontitis is the first cause of tooth loss in adulthood and its treatment depends, almost entirely, on the use of implantation of structural substitutes to achieve the necessary restorative potential. The use in recent years of regenerative cell medicine with mononuclear cells, platelets and platelet lysate, has accelerated the process of soft tissue healing and bone regeneration. The results presented are derived from a professional improvement strategy aimed at the periodontist to improve performance in the application of this new therapy, as a research project, at the Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from September to December 2020. Its objective is to analyze regenerative periodontal therapy with blood components in Santiago de Cuba from a social and educational perspective.

Distancia de claudicación e índice tobillo-brazo en pacientes con insuficiencia arterial tratados con células madre / Claudication distance and ankle-arm index in patients with arterial insufficiency treated with stem cells

Introducción: La enfermedad arterial periférica de miembros inferiores constituye un problema de salud por ser responsable de más del 40 % de las amputaciones no traumáticas en diabéticos y no diabético. Las células madre pudieran contribuir positivamente a su tratamiento, al participar en el proceso angiogénico. Objetivo: Describir la distancia de claudicación y el índice de presiones tobillo-brazo en pacientes con insuficiencia arterial tratados con células madre. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasi experimental, prospectivo y analítico en 36 pacientes con el diagnóstico de insuficiencia arterial, atendidos en el servicio de Angiología del Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay". Los pacientes fueron tratados con células mononucleares autólogas obtenidas de sangre periférica, aplicadas por vía intramuscular. Las variables estudiadas resultaron: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, patrón oclusivo, distancia de claudicación e índice de presiones tobillo-brazo. Resultados: Predominaron el sexo masculino (63,9 por ciento), el grupo de edades de 65 y más años (44,4 percent), y el color de piel blanco (61,1 percent)). Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron el tabaquismo (72,2 percent)) y la hipertensión arterial (69,4 percent)). En el 77,7 percent) desapareció el dolor a la marcha (p < 0,01). La distancia de claudicación aumentó (p < 0) al concluir el sexto mes (397,2 ± 118,8 metros: IC 95 percent): 357; 437,4). Hubo un incremento altamente significativo (p < 0) del índice de presiones tobillo-brazo de la arteria pedia. Conclusiones: Las células mononucleares autólogas resultan eficaces en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia arterial, por eliminar el dolor ante el ejercicio, aumentar la distancia a la marcha y elevar los índices de presiones tobillo-brazo(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower limb´s peripheral artery disease is a health problem as being the cause of more than 40% of non-traumatic amputations in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Stem cells could contribute positively to their treatment by participating in the angiogenic process. Objective: Describe claudication distance and ankle-arm´s pressure index in patients with arterial insufficiency treated with stem cells. Methods: A quasi-experimental, prospective and analytical study was carried out in 36 patients diagnosed with arterial insufficiency, attended in the Angiology service of "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" Central Military Hospital. Patients were treated with autologous mononuclear cells obtained from peripheral blood, and they were used intramuscularly. The studied variables were: age, sex, risk factors, occlusive pattern, claudication distance and ankle-arm´s pressure index. Results: Male sex (63.9%), age group of 65 years and older (44.4%), and white skin (61.1%) predominated. The most common risk factors were: smoking habit (72.2%), and high blood pressure (69.4%). In 77.7% of the cases, the pain while walking disappeared (p < 0.01). The claudication distance increased (p< 0) at the end of the sixth month (397.2 ± 118.8 meters: IC 95 %: 357; 437.4). There was a highly significant increase (p< 0) of the ankle-arm´s pressure index of the dorsalis pedis artery. Conclusions: Autologous mononuclear cells are effective in treating arterial insufficiency as they eliminate pain during exercise, increase distance while walking, and increase ankle-arm´s pressure rates.

Key Genes of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Effective Chinese Herbs： A Bioinformatics Analysis and Systematic Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the key gens of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC-PBMC） and potentially effective Chinese herbs based on bioinformatics， and to verify the clinical efficacy of these Chinese herbs via a systematic review. Method:The chips GSE58208 and GSE36076 of HCC-PBMC were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus （GEO）， followed by the identification of differentially expressed genes （DEGs） using RStudio. After protein-protein interaction （PPI） analysis by STRING， the DAVID was employed for gene ontology （GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） enrichment analysis. The DEGs of HCC-PBMC were visualized by Cytoscape. The key genes of HCC-PBMC were calculated by CytoHubba plug-in and mapped with those in Coremine Medical for screening out the potential Chinese herbs for the treatment of HCC， which were then included for subsequent systematic review. Result:A total of 203 DEGs were obtained （194 up-regulated and nine down-regulated）. As revealed by DAVID analysis， the DEGs were mainly enriched in such biological processes and signaling pathways as transcriptional regulation of DNA template， hydrolysis of ribonucleic acid phosphodiester bond， positive regulation of intranuclear mitosis and division， skeletal muscle fiber development， activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase（MAPK）activity， Fanconi anemia pathway， and metabolic pathway. The key genes of HCC-PBMC were calculated by Cytoscape to be<italic> </italic>GTPase IMAP family member 1 （GIMAP1）， GTPase IMAP family member 4 （GIMAP4）， GTPase IMAP family member 6 （GIMAP6）， GTPase IMAP family member 7 （GIMAP7）， GTPase IMAP family member 8 （GIMAP8）， interleukin-1<italic>β </italic>（IL-1<italic>β）</italic>， CX3C chemokine receptor 1 （CX3CR1）， C-C chemokine receptor type 2 （CCR2）， Toll-like receptor 7（TLR7）， and epidermal growth factor（EGF）. Through Coremine Medical analysis， it was concluded that Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma， Curcumae Longae Rhizoma， Centellae Herba， and Hedyotidis Herba were closely related to the key genes. Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma has the effects of tonifying and benefiting lung and spleen and enhancing strength， suitable for the liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome or Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome of HCC. Hence， Si Junzitang with Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma as the sovereign medicinal was included for systematic review. It has been confirmed that Ginseng Radix Et Rhizoma was superior to western medicine alone in improving the overall clinical efficacy， alleviating TCM syndrome， elevating serum CD4⁺and CD4⁺/CD8⁺levels， and reducing the serum CD8⁺and TBIL levels （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， with high safety. Conclusion:This study conducted at the gene level has provided new ideas for clinical diagnosis and treatment of HCC. The systematic review of Ginseng Radix Et Rhizoma against HCC provides a basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of HCC with TCM.

Relationship between lactic acid concentration and osteoclast differentiation of mouse monocytes / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Preliminary study found that polylactic acid composite material could accelerate the bone construction rate, and the underlying mechanism still needs to be studied further. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of lactic acid at different concentrations on osteoclast differentiation of mononuclear cells in mice. METHODS: Mouse RAW264.7 cells were cultured in DMEM with 0 (control group), 5, 10 and 20 mmol/L lactic acid, respectively, under the induction of 50 µg/L RANKL for 5 days. The effect of lactic acid concentration on the cell proliferation rate was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 assay. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase positive polykaryotic cells were stained and counted with tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining kit. mRNA expression levels of acid phosphatase 5, nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 and RANK were detected by RT-PCR. Protein expression levels of cathepsin K and nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) 5 mmol/L lactic acid produced the highest proliferation rate of raw264.7 cells, whereas the 20 mmol/L lactic acid produced lowest cell proliferation rate. Compared with the control group, the proliferation rate of raw264.7 cells by 10 mmol/L lactic acid was insignificant. (2) Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining showed the highest positive rate and mRNA expression levels of acid phosphatase 5, nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 and RANK under the condition of 10 mmol/L lactic acid. (3) With the increase of lactic acid concentration, the expression level of cathepsin K increased, while the expression level of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 was on a decline. (4) Under the current experimental conditions, with the increase of lactic acid concentration, the ability of lactic acid to promote the osteoclast differentiation of mouse RAW264.7 cells is firstly increased and then decreased, and 10 mmol/L lactic acid was the optimal concentration to promote the osteoclast differentiation of mouse RAW264.7 cells. Lactic acid can affect the osteoclastic differentiation of mouse raw264.7 cells by nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 in nuclear factor-KB signaling pathway.

Relationship between mechanism of ulinastatin reducing perioperative myocardial injury and ferroptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the mechanism of ulinastatin reducing perioperative myocardial injury and ferroptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods:A total of 60 pediatric patients of either sex, aged 4-8 yr, of American Association of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ, undergoing elective repair of ventricular septal defect under CPB, were divided into 2 groups by a random number table method: control group (C group) and ulinastatin group (UTI group), with 30 cases in each group.Combined intravenous-inhalational anesthesia was used.In UTI group, ulinastatin 20 000 U/kg was diluted to 100 ml in normal saline, 50 ml was infused through the central vein over 15 min starting from 20 min before skin incision, and the remaining 50 ml was instilled through the CPB pipeline over 15 min starting from 10 min of CPB.The equal volume of normal saline was given instead in C group.Blood samples from the internal jugular vein were collected after anesthesia induction and before skin incision (T 1), at 30 min after start of CPB (T 2), immediately after termination of CPB (T 3) and at 24 h after termination of CPB (T 4) for determination of the levels of amino-terminal B-type pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) in plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.PBMCs were extracted by modified Ficoll density gradient centrifugation method for determination of the concentrations of Fe 2+ and malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in PBMCs (by colorimetric method) and expression of long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 4 (ACSL4) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in PBMCs (by Western blot). Results:Compared with the baseline at T 1, the levels of NT-proBNP, cTnI and CK-MB in plasma were significantly increased, the concentrations of Fe 2+ and MDA in PBMCs were increased, the expression of ACSL4 in PBMCs was up-regulated, and the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of GPX4 was down-regulated at T 2-4 in two groups ( P<0.05). Compared with C group, the plasma levels of NT-proBNP, cTnI and CK-MB were significantly decreased, the concentrations of Fe 2+ and MDA in PBMCs were decreased, the expression of ACSL4 in PBMCs was down-regulated, the activity of SOD was increased, and the expression of GPX4 was up-regulated at T 2-4 in UTI group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism by which ulinastatin reduces perioperative myocardial injury may be related to inhibition of ferroptosis in PBMCs in the pediatric patients undergoing open heart surgery under CPB.

Mechanism of advanced glycation end products inhibiting the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and osteoblasts in rats / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(PKB/Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways after intervention of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and osteoblasts (OB) in rats, so as to provide certain experimental basis and theoretical basis for further research on the clinical treatment of periodontal tissue inflammation caused by diabetes mellitus.@*METHODS@#AGEs were prepared, PBMCs and OB were isolated and cultured in vitro. CCK-8 was used to detect the cell viability intervened by different concentrations and time of AGEs. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression changes of genes related to NF-κB, PI3K/PKB and MAPK signaling pathways.@*RESULTS@#OB and PBMCs were successfully isolated and cultured in vitro. The activity of PBMCs and OB cells was significantly correlated with the concentration, time and interaction of AGEs. With the increase of AGEs concentration and time, the activity of PBMCs and OB cells significantly decreased (P < 0.001). AGEs stimulation significantly increased the expression of NF-κB in PBMCs and the contents of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β) (P < 0.01). TNF-α, IL-1β levels were significantly reduced after inhibition of NF-κB pathway (P < 0.01). NF-κB p65, JNK, and p38 phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated proteins increased significantly after AGEs stimulation of OB (P < 0.05). The phosphorylated protein expression of IκB was significantly increased, while the expression of non-phosphorylated protein was decreased (P < 0.01).The expressions of NF-κB p65, JNK, and IκB were significantly increased at the mRNA levels, and the expressions of IκB mRNA were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the expression of Akt in either phosphorylated or non-phosphorylated proteins or at the mRNA level (P>0.05). With the addition of MAPK signaling pathway inhibitors, the phosphorylation and non-phosphorylated protein expressions of NF-κB p65, p38 and JNK were significantly reduced, and the phosphorylated protein of IκB was significantly decreased and the non-phosphorylated protein was significantly increased compared with the group with AGEs alone (P < 0.05). The results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression of IκB increased significantly after the addition of the JNK pathway blocker (P < 0.05), and the expression of NF-κB p65, p38 and JNK decreased, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). While NF-κB p65, p38 and JNK were significantly decreased and IκB was significantly increased in the AGEs group after the addition of the p38 pathway blocker (P < 0.05). At this time, there was still no significant change in the expression of Akt at the protein level and mRNA level (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#AGEs inhibit the proliferation of PBMCs and OB, and the NF-κB and MAPK pathways are likely involved in regulating this process, but not the PI3K/PKB pathway.

Single cell RNA sequencing of bone marrow mononuclear cells from elderly patients with hip fracture / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To determine whether subpopulations may exist which are related to regulation of immunization or inflammation in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) from 2 elderly patients with hip fracture and whether there might be any difference in the subpopulations between them.Methods:Two elderly patients with hip fracture were enrolled in this study. Their venous blood was harvested to determine subpopulations of complement (C)3, C4, interleukins (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, and lymphocytes. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) was used to group their BMMNCs. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed of the top 20 differentially expressed genes for each subpopulation to judge the main function of each subpopulation. The subpopulations and the key genes related to regulation of immunization or inflammation were found out. The relationships were explored between subpopulations and prognosis of the patients.Results:By the venous blood indexes, IL-10 was slightly high in patient A; C3 below normal, C4 close to the lower normal limit, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly high, CD8 +T % was low, and CD4 +/CD8 + high in patient B. After scRNA-Seq and bioinformatics analyses, the BMMNCs in the 2 patients were divided into 5 subpopulations. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the functions of subpopulation 2 and subpopulation 4 were related to immunization or inflammation. CCL4, CCL5, LTB and CXCR4 in subpopulation 2 and C1QA, C1QB, CD14 and SPP1 in subpopulation 4 were related to the regulation of immunization or inflammation. The final prognosis of patient A was much better. The proportions of BMMNCs involved in subpopulation 2 and subpopulation 4 from patient A were higher than those from patient B [47.00% (1,431/3,045) versus 29.28% (882/3,012); 5.88% (179/3,045) versus 3.85% (116/3,012)]. Conclusions:The BMMNCs from elderly patients with hip fracture can be divided into subpopulations by scRNA-Seq. Some of the subpopulations may be related to regulation of immunization or inflammation, which may affect the post-injury immune inflammatory state and prognosis of the patients.

Correlation between miR-206 expression and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with hyperthyroidism / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To explore the correlation between the expression level of microRNA (miR)-206 and the expression levels of Wnt-1 and β-catenin in Wnt/β-catenin pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with hyperthyroidism.Methods:Using a prospective design, 79 patients with hyperthyroidism admitted to Wuwei City People's Hospital from January 2018 to June 2020 were selected as observation group, and 70 cases of healthy physical examination in Wuwei City People's Hospital from January 2019 to September 2020 were selected as control group. The observation group was treated with anti-thyroid drugs, and tambazole was orally taken 10-20 mg/d during the treatment period; after the serum thyroid hormone was normal, the dosage was reduced and maintained at 5-10 mg/d for 12 months. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR-206, Wnt-1 and β-catenin mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in observation group before and after treatment and control group.Results:The expression level of miR-206 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of observation group before treatment was lower than that of control group (0.28 ± 0.07 vs 0.79 ± 0.15), and the expression levels of Wnt-1 and β-catenin mRNA were higher than those of control group (6.75 ± 1.39 vs 2.23 ± 0.65, 5.83 ± 1.24 vs 3.21 ± 0.86, P < 0.05). The expression level of miR-206 (0.54 ± 0.13) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of observation group after treatment was higher than that before treatment, and the expression levels of Wnt-1 and β-catenin mRNA (3.62 ± 1.08, 4.34 ± 1.16) were lower than those before treatment ( P < 0.05). The expression level of miR-206 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with hyperthyroidism was negatively correlated with the expression levels of Wnt-1 and β-catenin mRNA ( r = - 0.763, - 0.798, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The expression level of miR-206 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with hyperthyroidism is low, while the expression levels of Wnt-1 and β-catenin mRNA are high. The expression level of miR-206 is negatively correlated with the expression levels of Wnt-1 and β-catenin mRNA.