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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gene expression of FOXP3, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), IL10 and CSF1 in the uterus of cows that received an intrauterine infusion of maternal and paternal antigens / Expressão gênica de FOXP3, indoleamina 2,3-dioxigenase (IDO), IL10 e CSF1 em útero de vacas que receberam infusão intrauterina de antígenos paternos e maternos

Sensitization with conceptus antigens has been shown to be useful for improving reproductive performance facilitating maternal acceptance of an allogeneic embryo through the induction of cytokines and immunoregulatory cells in the uterine microenvironment. As FOXP3, IDO, IL10 and CSF1 in the uterus are important on the recognition and development of embryos during early pregnancy, this study aimed to determine whether simultaneous or isolated administration of paternal (semen) and maternal (PBMCs) antigens in the uterus of cow, on the day of estrus, influence the gene expression of these cytokines. Forty crossbred cows were divided into four treatments: T0: Control; T1: Semen; T2: PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) from another cow and T3: PBMCs+Semen. Antigens were administered into the uterine body on the estrus day (D0). Uterine biopsies designed for molecular analysis of gene expression were collected in vivo seven (D7) and fourteen (D14) days after immunostimulation. Transcripts from FOXP3, IDO, IL-10 and CSF-1 were detected in all RNA samples extracted from uterine biopsies. The semiquantitative analysis showed that none of the treatments caused significant increase in the expression of these genes. Furthermore, on D14 all treatments led to a decline in the number of CSF-1 transcripts; moreover, treatment with PBMCs+Semen also led to a drop in the abundance of IL-10 transcripts. Such results suggest that isolated or simultaneous administration of both antigens would not increase maternal tolerance to embryo alloantigens, nor would it create favorable conditions to its growth and pre-implantation development, at least regarding the effects mediated by these genes on D7 and D14 of the estrous cycle.

A sensibilização intrauterina com antígenos do concepto tem-se mostrado útil para melhorar o desempenho reprodutivo, facilitando a aceitação materna de um embrião alogênico por meio da indução de citocinas e células imunorreguladoras no microambiente uterino. Como FOXP3, IDO, IL10 e CSF1 no útero são importantes no reconhecimento e desenvolvimento de embriões durante a gestação inicial, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar se a administração simultânea ou isolada de antígenos paterno (sêmen) e materno (PBMCs) no útero de vacas, no dia do estro, influenciam a expressão gênica dessas citocinas. Quarenta vacas mestiças foram divididas em quatro tratamentos: T0: Controle; T1: Sêmen; T2: PBMCs (células mononucleares do sangue periférico) e T3: PBMCs + Sêmen. Os antígenos foram administrados no corpo do útero no dia do estro (D0). Biópsias uterinas projetadas para análise molecular da expressão gênica foram coletadas in vivo sete (D7) e catorze (D14) dias após imunoestimulação. Transcritos de FOXP3, IDO, IL-10 e CSF-1 foram detetados em todas as amostras de RNA extraídas de biópsias uterinas. A análise semiquantitativa mostrou que nenhum dos tratamentos causou um aumento significativo na expressão desses genes. Além disso, no D14, todos os tratamentos levaram a um declínio na quantidade de transcritos do CSF-1; Além disso, o tratamento com PBMCs + sêmen também levou a uma queda na abundância de transcritos de IL-10. Estes resultados sugerem que a administração isolada ou simultânea de ambos os antígenos não deve aumentar a tolerância materna aos aloantígenos do embrião, nem deve criar condições favoráveis ao seu crescimento e desenvolvimento pré-implantação, pelo menos em relação aos efeitos mediados por esses genes nos dia sete e catorze do ciclo estral.

Cichoric acid from extracted Echinacea purpurea induces the proliferation and apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from yaks

BACKGROUND: Cichoric acid (CA) is extracted from Echinacea purpurea. It is well known and widely used for its immunological function. However, the effect of CA on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from yaks is still unclear. This study investigated the potential influences of CA on the proliferation, cytokine induction, and apoptosis of PBMCs from Datong yak in vivo, and aimed to provide a basis for exploring the pharmacological activities of CA on yaks. RESULTS: In this study, CA promoted PBMCs proliferation by combining concanavalin A (Con A) and exhibited a dose-dependent effect as demonstrated by a Cell Counting Kit-8. The concentration of 60 µg/ml CA was the best and promoted the transformation from the G0/G1 phase to the S and G2/M phases with Con A. Furthermore, 60 µg/ml CA significantly increased IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ levels and PCNA, CDK4 and Bcl-2 expression levels, but it significantly inhibited the TP53, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression levels. Transcriptome analysis revealed a total of 6807 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the CA treatment and control groups. Of these genes, 3788 were significantly upregulated and 3019 were downregulated. Gene Ontology and pathway analysis revealed that DEGs were enriched in cell proliferation and immune function signaling pathways. The expression level of some transcription factors (BTB, Ras, RRM_1, and zf-C2H2) and genes (CCNF, CCND1, and CDK4) related to PBMCs proliferation in yaks were significantly promoted after CA treatment. By contrast, anti-proliferation-associated genes (TP53 and CDKN1A) were inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, CA could regulate the immune function of yaks by promoting proliferation and inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis of PBMCs.

Immunoregulation of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and its significance in oral diseases and tissue regeneration / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be isolated from different tissues such as dental pulp, periodontal ligament, exfoliated deciduous teeth, apical papilla, dental follicle, gingiva and other tissues. A large number of experimental studies have found that the effect of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on immune cells may depend on many factors such as the surrounding microenvironment, the tissue source of the stem cells and the type of immune cell preparation. Moreover, it has been proved that activated immune cells can up-regulate the immunomodulatory activity of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and this research on the immunomodulatory activity of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells will lay the foundation for its application in regenerative repair. OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in immune regulation. METHODS: A computer-based search of China Biology Medicine (CBM), CNKI, PubMed and Elsevier databases was performed, and the search terms included “immunomodulation; immune system; mesenchymal stem cells; regeneration; oral diseases; pathogenic bacteria; dental-tissue.” We reviewed related articles regarding the immunoregulation of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells published from 2000 to 2019, including reviews, basic research, and clinical research. Preliminary screening of reading titles and abstracts was performed to exclude documents that are not related to the topic of the article. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 88 articles were finally included for result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In recent years, dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells have been widely used, but the immunomodulatory effect of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells is not clear. The interaction between dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and immune cells represents a mechanism that contributes to the study of tissue homeostasis and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, immunomodulation-based strategies may be a very promising tool. This paper reviews the complex mechanism of the interaction between dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and immune cells and discusses the potential significance of its mediated immunoregulation in the progression of oral diseases and oral tissue regeneration.

Incremento de la viabilidad, producción de especies reactivas de oxígeno, IL-1 y TNF-α en células mononucleares de sangre periférica humana tratadas con fucoidan de Lessonia trabeculata

Las algas pardas constituyen una fuente de alto contenido de polisacáridos como los fucoidanos que poseen importantes propiedades inmunomoduladoras. El objetivo fue determinar la viabilidad de células mononucleares de sangre periférica humana (CMSPh), producción de óxido nítrico (NO), especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS) y de las citoquinas proinflamatorias IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α e IFN-γ en cultivos tratados con fucoidan de Lessonia trabeculata. Se empleó fucoidan de Lessonia trabeculata proveniente de la bahía San Nicolás de Marcona-Ica. Las CMSPh se aislaron empleando Ficoll-Hypaque, se distribuyeron a una concentración de 1x105 células/pocillo en medio RPMI-1640 completo y se trataron con diferentes concentraciones de fucoidan durante 24 y 48 h. La actividad citotóxica se determinó por la reducción de MTT, la producción de NO por la reacción de Griess y las ROS por la reducción del NBT. La producción de citoquinas se cuantificó por ELISA. El fucoidan de L. trabeculata estimuló la proliferación de CMSPh y produjo el incremento de ROS a concentraciones de 100-2000 μg/mL respecto al control (p<0.001), la reacción para nitritos resultó negativa. El fucoidan incrementó la producción de IL-1α y TNF-α a concentraciones de 100 y 10 μg/mL respectivamente, mientras que la producción de IL-6 e IFN-γ no mostró diferencias significativas. Se concluye que el fucoidan de L. trabeculata estimula la proliferación de CMSPh, producción de especies reactivas de oxígeno y las citoquinas proinflamatorias IL-1α y TNF-α que poseen importantes propiedades inmunomoduladoras.

Brown algae are a source of high content of polysaccharides such as fucoidans that have important immunomodulatory properties. The aim was to determine the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC), production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN -γ in cultures treated with fucoidan from Lessonia trabeculata. Fucoidan from Lessonia trabeculata from San Nicolás de Marcona-Ica Bay was used. The hPBMC were isolated using Ficoll-Hypaque, distributed at a concentration of 1x105 cells/well in complete RPMI-1640 medium and treated with different concentrations of fucoidan for 24 and 48 h. The cytotoxic activity was determined by the reduction of MTT, NO production by the Griess reaction and ROS by the reduction of NBT. The production of cytokines was quantified by ELISA. The fucoidan of L. trabeculata stimulated the proliferation of hPBMC and produced the increase of ROS at concentrations of 100-2000 μg/mL with respect to the control (p <0.001), the reaction for nitrites was negative. Fucoidan increased the production of IL-1α and TNF-α at concentrations of 100 and 10 μg/mL respectively, while the production of IL-6 and IFN-γ did not show significant differences. It is concluded that the fucoidan of L. trabeculata stimulates the proliferation of hPBMC, production of reactive oxygen species and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α and TNF-α that possess important immunomodulatory properties.

Seronegative Occult Hepatitis C Virus Infection (OCI) in a Main Haemodialysis Centre In Pahang, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Occult HCV infection has a predilection for specific populations such as haemodialysis (HD) patients. The exact natural course, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical importance of OCI are unknown. We investigated the existence of OCI among local patients undergoing routine HD at a referral hospital in Pahang, Malaysia. Methods: Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs) were collected from peripheral venous blood samples of seropositive (anti-HCV positive) and seronegative (anti-HCV negative) HD patients as well as healthy individuals (negative control group). Inclusion criteria for the seronegative patients included elevated liver enzymes. Both conventional PCR and strand-specific PCR were used to detect the viral RNA and to indicate active viral replication in PBMCs respectively. Direct DNA sequencing was done to confirm the viral HCV RNA and their genotypes. Results: In the majority (90-100%) of seropositive chronic hepatitis C patients, viral RNA was detected in both serum and PMBCs . Meanwhile, out of 22 seronegative patients, 6 (27%) showed active viral replication in PBMCs but no detectable viral RNA presence in the serum. None of the negative control group had detectable viral RNA. All seronegative patients with OCI were infected with HCV genotype 3 and two of them (2/6) had a slight elevation of their liver enzymes. Conclusion: Seronegative OCI does exist among local hemodialysis patients, with normal or persistently abnormal liver enzyme values. Further investigation is needed to study the mode of viral transmission and clinical significance of OCI in HD setting.

Effect of Modified Erchentang on Expressions of Chemokine Receptor CXCR1/2 and CXCL8 in Patients with AECOPD / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of modified Erchentang on CXC chemokine ligand receptors (CXCR1/2)and their ligands CXCL8,macrophage inflammatory protein -2(MIP-2) in patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)at acute exacerbation stage,and assess the effect and mechanism of modified Erchentang on anti-inflammatory in patients of AECOPD. Method:This study was a multicenter, randomized single blind, controlled trial. The authors selected 200 cases in conformity to the standards of AECOPD. The AECOPD patients were randomly divided into modified Erchentang group and control group. In addition to the western medicine, modified Erchentang was also given to the modified Erchentang group, and Jizhitangjiang was given to the control group for 14 days. Each group was observed for the alleviation of the symptoms. Euzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of CXCL8 and MIP-2 in the patients' plasma of all groups before and after treatment. Western blot were used to detect the levels of CXCR1, CXCR2 and CXCL8 protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs). Immunocytochemistry (ICC) method was used to detect the expressions of CXCL8, CXCR1 and CXCR2 protein in PBMCs. Result:The level of CXCL8 in plasma, and the expressions of CXCR1, CXCR2 and CXCL8 mRNA and protein in the modified Erchentang group were decreased significantly than those in the control group(PPConclusion:Modified Erchentang has an anti-inflammatory effect on AECOPD. Its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the expressions of CXCL8, CXCR1 and CXCR2, the reduction of synthesis and release of CXCL8 and MIP-2, the inhibition of the chemotaxis and activity of inflammatory cells, and the prevention of inflammation progress.

Relationship between Maternal PBMC HBV cccDNA and HBV Serological Markers and its Effect on HBV Intrauterine Transmission / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the relationship between maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalenty closed circular deoxyribonucleic acid (cccDNA) and other HBV serological markers and its effects on HBV intrauterine transmission.@*METHODS@#We enrolled 290 newborns and their hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive mothers. HBV cccDNA in PBMC and HBV DNA in serum were detected by a real-time PCR-TaqMan probe while HBV serological markers were detected with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.@*RESULTS@#There was a positive correlation between the levels of PBMC HBV cccDNA and serum HBV DNA and HBeAg (r = 0.436 and 0.403, P < 0.001). The detection rate of pattern A ['HBsAg (+), HBeAg (+), and anti-HBc (+)'] was significantly higher in the PBMC HBV cccDNA positive group than in the control group (χ2 = 48.48, P < 0.001). There was a significant association between HBV intrauterine transmission and PBMC HBV cccDNA (χ2 = 9.28, P = 0.002). In the presence of serum HBV DNA, HBeAg, and PBMC HBV cccDNA, the risk of HBV intrauterine transmission was three times higher (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.30-10.42) than that observed in their absence. The risk of HBV intrauterine transmission was the greatest (OR = 5.89, 95% CI: 2.35-14.72) when both PBMC HBV cccDNA and pattern A were present. A Bayesian network model showed that maternal PBMC HBV cccDNA was directly related to HBV intrauterine transmission.@*CONCLUSION@#PBMC HBV cccDNA may be a direct risk factor for HBV intrauterine transmission. Our study suggests that serological markers could be combined with PBMC-related markers in prenatal testing.

Antioxidant mechanism of diallyl sulfide in inhibiting leucopenia in peripheral blood induced by benzene in rats / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the antioxidant mechanism of diallyl sulfide (DAS) in antagonizing the reduction in peripheral blood white blood cells (WBC) induced by benzene in rats.@*Methods@#A total of 60 specific pathogen-free adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, with a body weight of 180-220 g, were selected, and after 5 days of adaptive feeding, they were randomly divided into blank control group, DAS control group, benzene model group, benzene+low-dose DAS group, benzene+middle-dose DAS group, and benzene+high-dose DAS group, with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the benzene+low-dose DAS group, the benzene+middle-dose DAS group, the benzene+high-dose DAS group, and the DAS control group were given DAS by gavage at a dose of 40, 80, 160, and 160 mg/kg·bw, respectively, and those in the blank control group and the benzene model group were given an equal volume of corn oil; 2 hours later, the rats in the benzene model group, the benzene+low-dose DAS group, the benzene+middle-dose DAS group, and the benzene+high-dose DAS group were given a mixture of benzene (1.3 g/kg·bw) and corn oil (with a volume fraction of 50%), and those in the blank control group and the DAS control group were given an equal volume of corn oil. The above treatment was given once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. At 1 day before treatment, anticoagulated blood was collected from the jugular vein for peripheral blood cell counting. After anesthesia with intraperitoneally injected pentobarbital (50 mg/kg·bw), blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta, serum was isolated, and the thymus, the spleen, and the femur were freed at a low temperature to measure oxidative and antioxidant indices. The femur at one side was freed for WBC counting in bone marrow.@*Results@#Compared with the blank control group, the benzene model group had significant reductions in the volume, weight, and organ coefficient of the spleen and the thymus (P<0.05) ; compared with the benzene model group, the benzene+low-dose DAS group, the benzene+middle-dose DAS group, and the benzene+high-dose DAS group had significant increases in the volume of the spleen and the thymus and the weight and organ coefficient of the spleen (P<0.05), and the benzene+middle-dose DAS group and the benzene+high-dose DAS group had significant increases in the weight and organ coefficient of the thymus (P<0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the benzene model group had a significant reduction in WBC count in peripheral blood and bone marrow (P<0.05), and compared with the benzene model group, the benzene+middle-dose DAS group and the benzene+high-dose DAS group had a significant increase in WBC count in peripheral blood and bone marrow (P<0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the benzene model group had a significant increase in the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P<0.05) and significant reductions in total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) level, GSH/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (P<0.05) ; compared with the benzene model group, the benzene+high-dose DAS group had a significant reduction in the serum level of MDA and significant increases in T-SOD activity, GSH level, GSH/GSSG ratio, and T-AOC (P<0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the benzene model group had a significant increase in the level of MDA (P<0.05) and significant reductions in GSH level, GSH/GSSG ratio, and T-AOC (P<0.05) in the spleen; compared with the benzene model group, the benzene+low-dose DAS group, the benzene+middle-dose DAS group, and the benzene+high-dose DAS group had a significant reduction in MDA level (P<0.05) and significant increases in GSH level and T-AOC (P<0.05), and the benzene+high-dose DAS group had significant increases in T-SOD activity and GSH/GSSG ratio (P<0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the benzene model group had a significant increase in the level of MDA in bone marrow cells (BMCs) and peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs) (P<0.05) and a significant reduction in T-AOC in PBMCs (P<0.05) ; compared with the benzene model group, the benzene+low-dose DAS group, the benzene+middle-dose DAS group, and the benzene+high-dose DAS group had a significant reduction in the level of MDA in BMCs and PBMCs (P<0.05), and the benzene+high-dose DAS group had significant increases in GSH level and GSH/GSSG ratio (P<0.05) .@*Conclusion@#DAS can antagonize the benzene-induced reduction in peripheral blood WBC, possibly by exerting an anti-oxidative stress effect.

The study of detection methods of cytomegalovirus infection in newborns / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(FQ-PCR) assay in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection by detecting quantitatively HCMV DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cell ( PBMC) of newborns,to evaluate the choice of detection methods for neonatal HCMV infection,and to provide a reasonable diagnosis basis for the clinic. Methods The urina-ry HCMV-DNA levels in 102 neonates with suspected HCMV infection were detected by FQ-PCR. The HCMV-DNA in PBMC was detected by FQ-PCR,and serum HCMV-IgM antibody was detected by chemilu-minescence immunoassay ( CLIA) . Then the sensitivity, specificity, coincidence rate and other indicators in the three kinds of detection methods were compared. Results Among 102 cases of suspected HCMV-infec-ted newborns,56 cases were symptomatic and 46 cases were non-symptomatic. The positive rate of HCMV-DNA in urine[87. 3％(89/102)] was significantly higher than that of PBMC HCMV-DNA [58. 8％ (60/102)] and serum HCMV-IgM antibody [40. 2％ (41/102)](all P<0. 01). For symptomatic HCMV-infec-ted newborns, PBMC HCMV-DNA quantitative detection sensitivity ( 71. 4％) was higher than serum HCMV-IgM antibody (57. 1％), and the specificity (56. 5％) was higher than urine HCMV-DNA quantifi-cation (8. 7％). The area under receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve of PBMC HCMV-DNA quan-tification and HCMV-IgM antibody detection were 0. 642 (P=0. 014) and 0. 659 (P=0. 006),respectively;therefore PBMC HCMV-DNA and HCMV-IgM antibodies were of great importance in diagnosing symptom-atic HCMV infection in neonates. The area under the ROC curve of urinary HCMV-DNA quantification was 0. 461 ( P =0. 496 ) , and there was no significant difference between symptomatic and non-symptomatic HCMV infections in neonates. Conclusion HCMV-DNA detection in PBMC has higher sensitivity compared with HCMV-DNA detection in urine and higher specificity compared with IgM antibody detection in serum. It can be used to detect the early infection of HCMV in newborns. The rate of detection of HCMV infection can be improved by combination of the three methods.