Single-nucleus transcriptomics reveals a gatekeeper role for FOXP1 in primate cardiac aging

Aging poses a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in the aged population. However, the cell type-specific changes underlying cardiac aging are far from being clear. Here, we performed single-nucleus RNA-sequencing analysis of left ventricles from young and aged cynomolgus monkeys to define cell composition changes and transcriptomic alterations across different cell types associated with age. We found that aged cardiomyocytes underwent a dramatic loss in cell numbers and profound fluctuations in transcriptional profiles. Via transcription regulatory network analysis, we identified FOXP1, a core transcription factor in organ development, as a key downregulated factor in aged cardiomyocytes, concomitant with the dysregulation of FOXP1 target genes associated with heart function and cardiac diseases. Consistently, the deficiency of FOXP1 led to hypertrophic and senescent phenotypes in human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Altogether, our findings depict the cellular and molecular landscape of ventricular aging at the single-cell resolution, and identify drivers for primate cardiac aging and potential targets for intervention against cardiac aging and associated diseases.

Treg Cells, FoxP3 and TGF-β Expression and Significance in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression and significance of regulatory T cells (Tregs), FoxP3 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in different phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).@*METHODS@#Peripheral blood of 73 CML patients in Department of Hematology, Heze Municipal Hospital from March 2018 to March 2021 were collected. According to patient's period in CML, they were divided into ND CML group (newly diagnosed), CP CML group (chronic period), and BP CML group (blast phase). The percentage of Tregs, expression level of FoxP3 mRNA and TGF-β were detected by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and ELISA, respecitively. The roles of above indices in clinical pathogenesis of patients with CML were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The proportion of Treg in the ND CML group was slightly higher than the CP CML group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P =0.695), while the BP CML group was significantly higher than the other two groups (P =0.008, P <0.001). The expression levels of FoxP3 mRNA in ND CML group, CP CML group and BP CML group were 11.61±2.21, 6.46±1.35 and 8.54±2.13, respectively. Significant difference in FoxP3 mRNA levels was observed among patients in different phases of CML (F =55.199, P <0.001). The expression levels of FoxP3 mRNA both in ND CML group and BP CML group were significantly higher than that in CP CML group (P <0.001), and the ND CML group was the highest (P <0.001). However, the expression levels of TGF-β in different phases of CML showed no statistical differences (H =0.634, P =0.728).@*CONCLUSION@#The abnormal distribution of Treg subset in different phases of CML and the significant increase of the expression level of FoxP3 mRNA in the new onset and blast phase of CML suggest that Tregs may promote the occurrence and progression of CML through immune regulation.

FOXP4 promotes proliferation of human spermatogonial stem cells / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Continuous self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is vital for maintenance of adult spermatogenesis. Although several spermatogonial stem cell regulators have been extensively investigated in rodents, regulatory mechanisms of human SSC self-renewal and differentiation have not been fully established. We analyzed single-cell sequencing data from the human testis and found that forkhead box P4 (FOXP4) expression gradually increased with development of SSCs. Further analysis of its expression patterns in human testicular tissues revealed that FOXP4 specifically marks a subset of spermatogonia with stem cell potential. Conditional inactivation of FOXP4 in human SSC lines suppressed SSC proliferation and significantly activated apoptosis. FOXP4 expressions were markedly suppressed in tissues with dysregulated spermatogenesis. These findings imply that FOXP4 is involved in human SSC proliferation, which will help elucidate on the mechanisms controlling the fate decisions in human SSCs.

Effects of Foxp3 gene silencing on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the proliferation and migration of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts in an inflammatory environment / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to clarify the effects of Foxp3 silencing on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLFs) in an inflammatory environment and on cell proliferation and invasiveness, as well as to explore the role of Foxp3 gene in the development of periodontitis.@*METHODS@#An small interfering RNA (siRNA) construct specific for Foxp3 was transfected into hPDLFs. Foxp3 silencing efficiency was verified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, and the siRNA with the optimum silencing effect of Foxp3 gene was screened. Using lipopolysaccharide to simulate an inflammatory environment in vitro, CCK-8 detected the effect of silencing Foxp3 on hPDLFs proliferation under inflammatory conditions. Wound-healing experiments and transwell assays were conducted to detect the effect of silencing Foxp3 on hPDLF migration under inflammatory conditions. The expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting under inflammatory conditions.@*RESULTS@#After siRNA transfection, RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses showed that the expression of Foxp3 mRNA in the Foxp3-si3 group decreased significantly (t=21.03, P<0.000 1), and the protein expression of Foxp3 also decreased significantly (t=12.8, P<0.001). In the inflammatory environment, Foxp3 gene silencing had no significant effect on hPDLFs proliferation (P>0.05), and Foxp3 gene silencing promoted hPDLFs migration (P<0.05). Moreover, the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 increased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In an inflammatory environment, Foxp3 gene silencing promoted hPDLFs migration but had no significant effect on hPDLFs proliferation. The expression of inflammatory factors expressed in hPDLFs increased after Foxp3 gene silencing, indicating that Foxp3 gene inhibited inflammation in periodontitis.

Regulation of Notch1 and Foxp1 by MiR-34a in psoriasis vulgaris / Regulación de Notch1 y Foxp1 por MiR-34ª en psoriasis vulgaris

SUMMARY: This study is to investigate the regulation of Notch1 and Foxp1 by miR-34a in the development of psoriasis vulgaris. RT-PCR was used to compare the levels of miR-34a in the skin lesions of 20 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 20 normal skin tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Notch1 and Foxp1 in 51 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, which were further compared with that in 29 normal control tissues. In addition, in HaCaT cells, we used miR-34a mimics and inhibitors to overexpress and inhibit miR-34a, respectively, and detected the mRNA and protein levels of miR-34a, Notch1, and Foxp1. The level of miR-34a in the skin lesions of patients with psoriasis vulgaris was significantly higher than that in normal skin tissues (t=2.192, P<0.05). The positive rate of Notch1 in the skin lesions of patients with psoriasis vulgaris was 76.47 %, which was significantly higher than that in normal skin tissues (13.79 %) (t=29.215, P<0.01). The positive rate of FOXP1 in the psoriasis vulgaris group was 92.16 %, which was also significantly higher than that in the normal skin group (65.52 %) (t=9.087, P<0.01). In addition, overexpression of miR-34a significantly promoted the expression of Notch1 and Foxp1. However, inhibition of miR-34a significantly reduced Notch1 and Foxp1 levels. miR- 34a is highly expressed in the skin tissues of patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and may participate in the development of psoriasis vulgaris by regulating Notch1 and Foxp1.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la regulación de Notch1 y Foxp1 por miR-34a en el desarrollo de la psoriasis vulgar. Se utilizó RT-PCR con el fin de comparar los niveles de miR-34a en las lesiones cutáneas de 20 pacientes con psoriasis vulgar y 20 tejidos de piel normales. Se utilizó inmunohistoquímica para detectar la expresión de Notch1 y Foxp1 en 51 pacientes con psoriasis vulgar, que se compararon además con la de 29 tejidos normales control. Además, en las células HaCaT, usamos miméticos e inhibidores de miR-34a para sobreexpresar e inhibir miR-34a, respectivamente, y detectamos los niveles de ARNm y proteína de miR-34a, Notch1 y Foxp1. El nivel de miR- 34a en las lesiones cutáneas de pacientes con psoriasis vulgar fue significativamente mayor que en los tejidos normales de la piel (t=2,192, P<0,05). La tasa de positividad de Notch1 en las lesiones cutáneas de pacientes con psoriasis vulgar fue del 76,47 %, que fue significativamente mayor que la de los tejidos normales de la piel (13,79 %) (t=29,215, P<0,01). La tasa positiva de FOXP1 en el grupo de psoriasis vulgar fue del 92,16 %, que también fue significativamente mayor que la del grupo de piel normal (65,52 %) (t=9,087, P<0,01). Además, la sobreexpresión de miR-34a promovió significativamente la expresión de Notch1 y Foxp1. Sin embargo, la inhibición de miR-34a redujo de manera importante los niveles de Notch1 y Foxp1. miR-34a se expresa en gran medida en los tejidos de la piel en pacientes con psoriasis vulgar y puede participar en el desarrollo de la psoriasis vulgar mediante la regulación de Notch1 y Foxp1.

Protective effects of Wuwei Xiaodu Drink against chronic osteomyelitis through Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ Treg cells via the IL-2/STAT5 signaling pathway / 中国天然药物

To explore the effectiveness and safety of a Chinese medicinal decoction Wuwei Xiaodu Drink (WWXDD) in inhibiting chronic osteomyelitis via regulatory T cells signaling. The effective constitutes of WWXDD and osteomyelitis related genes were screened. Target proteins were cross-validated using the Venny database. GO function and KEGG pathway analysis were performed for target proteins, while pharmacological network was constructed. The bone properties were analyzed by HE staining and the concentrations of immune factors were measured by ELISA. The expression of CTLA-4 and Foxp3 mRNA and STAT5, p-STAT5, CTLA-4 and Foxp3 protein were detected using Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. FACS was used to analyze the percentages of cells. A total of 117 genes overlapped between 785 target genes of the active compounds of WWXDD and 912 osteomyelitis related genes. Inflammation-related genes, including IL-6, TNFα, IL-1β and IL-2 showed high connection degree in the drug-compound-disease-target network. GO function and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that 117 intersection genes mainly enriched in virus infection related pathways, immune related pathways and chemokine signaling pathway. Furthermore, the development of chronic osteomyelitis was suppressed in model rats after treatment with WWXDD. Meanwhile, the concentrations of IL-2 and CD4+CD25+Foxp3 Treg percentages together with the levels of p-STAT5, CTLA-4 and Foxp3 were also down-regulated. Furthermore, IL-2 and WWXDD drug-containing serum exhibited opposite effects on regulating IL-2, IL-10, TGF-β1, Foxp3, CTLA4 and STAT5. In addition, a STAT5 phosphorylation inhibitor suppressed the expression of Foxp3 and CTLA-4. WWXDD can treat chronic osteomyelitis through suppressing the main regulating factors of Tregs and interfere its immunodepression. Our results bring a new solution for chronic osteomyelitis.

FOXC2-AS1 regulates phenotypic transition, proliferation and migration of human great saphenous vein smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVES: In varicose veins, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) often shows phenotypic transition and abnormal proliferation and migration. Evidence suggests the FOXC2-Notch pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of varicose veins. Here, this study aimed to explore the role of long non-coding RNA FOXC2-AS1 (FOXC2 antisense RNA 1) in phenotypic transition, proliferation, and migration of varicose vein-derived VSMCs and to explore whether the FOXC2-Notch pathway was involved in this process. METHODS: The effect of FOXC2-AS1 on the proliferation and migration of human great saphenous vein smooth muscle cells (SV-SMCs) was analyzed using MTT assay and Transwell migration assay, respectively. The levels of contractile marker SM22α and synthetic marker osteopontin were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot to assess the phenotypic transition. RESULTS: The human varicose veins showed thickened intima, media and adventitia layers, increased synthetic VSMCs, as well as upregulated FOXC2-AS1 and FOXC2 expression. In vitro assays showed that FOXC2-AS1 overexpression promoted phenotypic transition, proliferation, and migration of SV-SMCs. However, the effect of FOXC2-AS1 overexpression could be abrogated by both FOXC2 silencing and the Notch signaling inhibitor FLI-06. Furthermore, FOXC2-AS1 overexpression activated the Notch pathway by upregulating FOXC2. CONCLUSION: FOXC2-AS1 overexpression promotes phenotypic transition, proliferation, and migration of SV-SMCs, at least partially, by activating the FOXC2-Notch pathway.

Assessment of nursing care using indicators generated by software / Avaliação da assistência de enfermagem utilizando indicadores gerados por um software / Evaluación de la asistencia de enfermería utilizando indicadores generados por un software

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the efficacy of the Nursing Process in an Intensive Care Unit using indicators generated by software. METHOD: cross-sectional study using data collected for four months. RNs and students daily registered patients, took history (at admission), performed physical assessments, and established nursing diagnoses, nursing plans/prescriptions, and assessed care delivered to 17 patients using software. Indicators concerning the incidence and prevalence of nursing diagnoses, rate of effectiveness, risk diagnoses, and rate of effective prevention of complications were computed. RESULTS: the Risk for imbalanced body temperature was the most frequent diagnosis (23.53%), while the least frequent was Risk for constipation (0%). The Risk for Impaired skin integrity was prevalent in 100% of the patients, while Risk for acute confusion was the least prevalent (11.76%). Risk for constipation and Risk for impaired skin integrity obtained a rate of risk diagnostic effectiveness of 100%. The rate of effective prevention of acute confusion and falls was 100%. CONCLUSION: the efficacy of the Nursing Process using indicators was analyzed because these indicators reveal how nurses have identified patients' risks and conditions, and planned care in a systematized manner. .

OBJETIVO: analisar a eficácia do Processo de Enfermagem em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, utilizando indicadores gerados por um software. MÉTODO: estudo transversal, cujos dados foram coletados durante quatro meses. Enfermeiros e acadêmicos realizaram, diariamente, cadastro e anamnese (na admissão), exame físico, diagnósticos de enfermagem, planejamento/prescrição de enfermagem e avaliação da assistência de 17 pacientes, utilizando um software. Calculou-se os indicadores incidência e prevalência de diagnósticos de enfermagem, taxa de efetividade diagnóstica de risco e taxa de efetividade na prevenção de complicações. RESULTADOS: o Risco de desequilíbrio na temperatura corporal foi o diagnóstico mais incidente (23,53%) e o menos incidente foi o Risco de constipação (0%). O Risco de integridade da pele prejudicada foi prevalente em 100% dos pacientes, enquanto o Risco de confusão aguda foi o menos prevalente (11,76%). Risco de constipação e Risco de integridade da pele prejudicada obtiveram taxa de efetividade diagnóstica de risco de 100%. A taxa de efetividade na prevenção de confusão aguda e de queda foi de 100%. CONCLUSÃO: analisou-se a eficácia do Processo de Enfermagem utilizando indicadores, pois retratam como o enfermeiro tem identificado os problemas e riscos do paciente, e planejado a assistência de forma sistematizada. .

OBJETIVO: analizar la eficacia del Proceso de Enfermería en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva, utilizando indicadores generados por un software. MÉTODO: estudio transversal, cuyos datos fueron recolectados durante cuatro meses. Enfermeros y académicos realizaron, diariamente, registro y anamnesis (en la admisión), examen físico, diagnósticos de enfermería, planificación/prescripción de enfermería y evaluación de la asistencia en 17 pacientes, utilizando un software. Se calculó los indicadores incidencia y prevalencia de diagnósticos de enfermería, la tasa de efectividad diagnóstica de riesgo y la tasa de efectividad en la prevención de complicaciones. RESULTADOS: el Riesgo de desequilibrio en la temperatura corporal fue el diagnóstico más prevalente (23,53%) y el menos prevalente fue el Riesgo de constipación (0%). El Riesgo de integridad de la piel perjudicada fue prevalente en 100% de los pacientes, en cuanto el Riesgo de confusión aguda fue el menos prevalente (11,76%). El Riesgo de constipación y el Riesgo de integridad de la piel perjudicada obtuvieron una tasa de efectividad diagnóstica de riesgo de 100%. La tasa de efectividad en la prevención de confusión aguda y de caída fue de 100%. CONCLUSIÓN: se analizó la eficacia del Proceso de Enfermería utilizando indicadores, ya que retratan cómo el enfermero ha identificado los problemas y riesgos del paciente, y planificado la asistencia de forma sistematizada. .

Perception of the relationship between TMD and orthodontic treatment among orthodontists

INTRODUCTION: The consensus about the relationship between TMD and orthodontic treatment has gone from a cause and effect association between TMD and orthodontic treatment to the idea that there is no reliable evidence supporting this statement. OBJECTIVE: To assess the beliefs, despite scientific evidence, of Brazilian orthodontists about the relationship between TMD and orthodontic treatment with regards to treatment, prevention and etiology of TMD. METHODS: A survey about the relationship between TMD and orthodontic treatment was prepared and sent to Brazilian orthodontists by e-mail and social networks. Answers were treated by means of descriptive statistics and strong associations between variables were assessed by qui-square test. RESULTS: The majority of orthodontists believe that orthodontic treatment not only is not the best treatment option for TMD, but also is not able to prevent TMD. Nevertheless, the majority of orthodontists believe that orthodontic treatment can cause TMD symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that orthodontists' beliefs about the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD are in accordance with scientific evidence only when referring to treatment and prevention of TMD. The majority of orthodontists believe that, despite scientific evidence, orthodontic treatment can cause TMD. .

INTRODUÇÃO: o consenso sobre a relação entre DTM e tratamento ortodôntico foi de uma associação de causa e efeito à ideia de que não há evidências confiáveis que suportem essa afirmação. OBJETIVO: avaliar as crenças, sem considerar as evidências, de ortodontistas brasileiros sobre a relação entre DTM e tratamento ortodôntico com relação ao tratamento, prevenção e etiologia da DTM. MÉTODOS: um questionário sobre a relação entre DTM e tratamento ortodôntico foi preparado e enviado a ortodontistas brasileiros por meio de e-mail e mídias sociais. As respostas foram analisadas por estatística descritiva, e fortes associações entre as variáveis foram verificadas pelo teste χ2. RESULTADOS: a maioria dos ortodontistas acredita que o tratamento ortodôntico não é o melhor tratamento para DTM. Além disso, acreditam que não é a melhor forma para sua prevenção. Também, a maioria dos ortodontistas acredita que o tratamento ortodôntico pode causar sintomas de DTM. CONCLUSÃO: este estudo sugere que as crenças dos ortodontistas sobre a relação entre tratamento ortodôntico e DTM estão de acordo com as evidências científicas apenas quando se trata do tratamento e da prevenção de DTM. A maioria dos ortodontistas acredita que, apesar das evidências científicas, o tratamento ortodôntico pode causar DTM. .

Base of the skull morphology and Class III malocclusion in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the morphological differences in the base of the skull of individuals with cleft lip and palate and Class III malocclusion in comparison to control groups with Class I and Class III malocclusion. METHODS: A total of 89 individuals (males and females) aged between 5 and 27 years old (Class I, n = 32; Class III, n = 29; and Class III individuals with unilateral cleft lip and palate, n = 28) attending PUC-MG Dental Center and Cleft Lip/Palate Care Center of Baleia Hospital and PUC-MG (CENTRARE) were selected. Linear and angular measurements of the base of the skull, maxilla and mandible were performed and assessed by a single calibrated examiner by means of cephalometric radiographs. Statistical analysis involved ANCOVA and Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: No significant differences with regard to the base of the skull were found between the control group (Class I) and individuals with cleft lip and palate (P > 0.017). The cleft lip/palate group differed from the Class III group only with regard to CI.Sp.Ba (P = 0.015). Individuals with cleft lip and palate had a significantly shorter maxillary length (Co-A) in comparison to the control group (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the mandible (Co-Gn) of the control group and individuals with cleft lip and palate (P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that there are no significant differences in the base of the skull of individuals Class I or Class III and individuals with cleft lip and palate and Class III malocclusion. .

OBJETIVO: o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar diferenças morfológicas da base do crânio de indivíduos portadores de fissura de lábio e palato e de má oclusão de Classe III, comparado-os com indivíduos controle com má oclusão de Classes I ou III. MÉTODOS: oitenta e nove indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, com idade variando entre 5 e 27 anos, Classe I (n = 32), Classe III não fissurados (n = 29) e Classe III com fissura labiopalatina unilateral (n = 28), oriundos do Centro de Odontologia e Pesquisa da PUC-MG e do Centro de Atendimento de Fissurados do Hospital da Baleia e da PUC-MG (CENTRARE), foram selecionados. Medições lineares e angulares da base do crânio, maxila e mandíbula foram realizadas e avaliadas por um único examinador calibrado, por meio de radiografias cefalométricas. Foram utilizados os testes ANCOVA e correção de Bonferroni para a análise estatística dos dados. RESULTADOS: com relação à base do crânio, os resultados não indicaram diferença estatística entre indivíduos controle (Classe I) e os indivíduos com fissuras (p > 0,017). O grupo com fissura foi diferente do grupo Classe III somente em relação à medida CI.Sp.Ba (p = 0,015). O comprimento maxilar (Co-A) apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa na comparação entre o grupo controle (Classe I) e o grupo com fissuras (p < 0,001), sendo que os fissurados apresentaram uma maxila menor. Não foram encontradas diferenças na mandíbula (Co-Gn) entre indivíduos do grupo controle (Classe I) e indivíduos fissurados (p = 1,000). CONCLUSÃO: os resultados sugerem que não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na base do crânio entre indivíduos Classe I e III e indivíduos com fissuras de lábio e palato com má oclusão de Classe III. .

Cross-Regulation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity: A New Perspective for the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

No abstract available.

Expression of TIM-3, Human beta-defensin-2, and FOXP3 and Correlation with Disease Activity in Pediatric Crohn's Disease with Infliximab Therapy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study investigated the expression of T cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule 3 (TIM-3), human beta-defensin (HBD)-2, forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3), and the frequency of CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in children with Crohn's disease (CD) during infliximab therapy. METHODS: We enrolled 20 CD patients who received infliximab treatment for 1 year. Peripheral blood and colonic mucosal specimens were collected from all CD patients and from healthy control individuals. RESULTS: A significant difference in TIM-3 mRNA expression was evident in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and colonic mucosa between CD patients before infliximab therapy and the healthy controls (p<0.001 and p=0.005, respectively). A significant difference in HBD-2 mRNA expression was found in colonic mucosa between CD patients before infliximab therapy and the healthy controls (p=0.013). In the active phase of CD, at baseline, the median percentage of T cells that were CD25+ FOXP3+ was 1.5% (range, 0.32% to 3.49%), which increased after inflixmab treatment for 1 year to 2.2% (range, 0.54% to 5.02%) (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that both the adaptive and innate immune systems are closely linked to each other in CD pathogenesis. And the results of our study indicate that it could be a useful therapeutic tool, where restoration of TIM-3, HBD-2 and the function of Tregs may repair the dysfunctional immunoregulation in CD.

The Role of Foxo3 in Leydig Cells

PURPOSE: Foxo3 in female reproduction has been reported to regulate proliferation of granulose cells that form follicles. There are no reports so far that discuss on the role of Foxo3 in males. This study was designed to outline the role of Foxo3 in the testes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Testes from mice at birth to postpartum week (PPW) 5 were isolated and examined for the expression of Foxo3 using immunostaining. To elucidate role of Foxo3 in Leydig cells, R2C cells were treated with luteinizing hormone (LH) and the phosphorylation of Foxo3. Testosterone and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein levels were measured after constitutive active [triple mutant (TM)] human FOXO3 adenovirus was transduced and StAR promoter assay was performed. RESULTS: Foxo3 expression in the testicles started from birth and lasted until PPW 3. After PPW 3, most Foxo3 expression occurred in the nuclei of Leydig cells; however, at PPW 5, Foxo3 was expressed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. When R2C cells were treated with luteinizing hormone, Foxo3 phosphorylation levels by AKT increased. After blocking the PI3K pathway, LH-induced phosphorylated Foxo3 levels decreased, indicating that LH signaling regulates Foxo3 localization. When active FOXO3-TM adenovirus was introduced into a Leydig tumor cell line, the concentrations of testosterone and StAR protein decreased. When FOXO3 and a StAR promoter vector were co-transfected into HEK293 cells for a reporter assay, FOXO3 inhibited the StAR promoter. CONCLUSION: FOXO3 affects testosterone synthesis by inhibiting the formation of StAR protein. LH hormone, meanwhile, influences Foxo3 localization, mediating its function.

Tempol Attenuates Renal Fibrosis in Mice with Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction: The Role of PI3K-Akt-FoxO3a Signaling

This study investigated whether tempol, an anti-oxidant, protects against renal injury by modulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-Forkhead homeobox O (FoxO) signaling. Mice received unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) surgery with or without administration of tempol. We evaluated renal damage, oxidative stress and the expression of PI3K, Akt, FoxO3a and their target molecules including manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase, Bax, and Bcl-2 on day 3 and day 7 after UUO. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis, collagen deposition, alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive area, and F4/80-positive macrophage infiltration were significantly lower in tempol-treated mice compared with control mice. The expression of PI3K, phosphorylated Akt, and phosphorylated FoxO3a markedly decreased in tempol-treated mice compared with control mice. Tempol prominently increased the expressions of MnSOD and catalase, and decreased the production of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation in the obstructed kidneys. Significantly less apoptosis, a lower ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 expression and fewer apoptotic cells in TUNEL staining, and decreased expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 were observed in the obstructed kidneys from tempol-treated mice compared with those from control mice. Tempol attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in the obstructed kidneys of UUO mice, and the modulation of PI3K-Akt-FoxO3a signaling may be involved in this pathogenesis.

Benzoxazole Derivative B-98 Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Acute Murine Colitis and the Change of T Cell Profiles in Acute Murine Colitis Model / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The unique role of enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in the production of leukotrienes makes it a therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of B-98, a newly synthesized benzoxazole derivatives and a novel 5-LO inhibitor, in a mouse model of IBD induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups: normal control, DSS colitis (DSS+saline), low dose B-98 (DSS+B-98 20 mg/kg) and high dose B-98 (DSS+B-98 100 mg/kg). B-98 was administered with 3% DSS intraperitoneally. The severity of the colitis was assessed via the disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and histopathologic grading. The production of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 was determined by RT-PCR. Th cells were examined for the proportion of Th1 cell, Th2 cell, Th9 cell, Th17 cell and Treg cell using intracellular cytometry. RESULTS: The B-98 group showed lower DAI, less shortening of the colon length and lower histopathologic grading compared with the DSS colitis group (p<0.01). The expression of IL-6 in colonic tissue was significantly lower in the B-98 groups than the DSS colitis group (p<0.05). The cellular profiles revealed that the Th1, Th9 and Th17 cells were increased in the DSS colitis group compared to the B-98 group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that acute intestinal inflammation is reduced in the group treated with B-98 by Th1, Th9 and Th17 involved cellular immunity.

Decreased Expression of Surfactant Protein Genes Is Associated with an Increased Expression of Forkhead Box M1 Gene in the Fetal Lung Tissues of Premature Rabbits

PURPOSE: Recently, Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) was reported to be correlated with lung maturation and expression of surfactant proteins (SPs) in mice models. However, no study has been conducted in rabbit lungs despite their high homology with human lungs. Thus, we attempted to investigate serial changes in the expressions of FoxM1 and SP-A/B throughout lung maturation in rabbit fetuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were grouped according to gestational age from 5 days before to 2 days after the day of expected full term delivery (F5, F4, F3, F2, F1, F0, P1, and P2). A total of 64 fetuses were enrolled after Cesarean sections. The expressions of mRNA and proteins of FoxM1 and SP-A/B in fetal lung tissue were tested by quantitative reverse-transcriptase real-time PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, their correlations were analyzed. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of SP-A/B showed an increasing tendency positively correlated with gestational age, while the expression of FoxM1 mRNA and protein decreased from F5 to F0. A significant negative correlation was found between the expression levels of FoxM1 and SP-A/B (SP-A: R=-0.517, p=0.001; SP-B: R=-0.615, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Preterm rabbits demonstrated high expression of FoxM1 mRNA and protein in the lungs compared to full term rabbits. Also, the expression of SP-A/B was inversely related with serial changes in FoxM1 expression. This is the first report to suggest an association between FoxM1 and expression of SP-A/B and lung maturation in preterm rabbits.

An association study of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the FOXP3 intron-1 and the risk of Psoriasis vulgaris.

Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) is a common autoimmune disease that involves the dysfunction of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. FOXP3 is a key transcription factor in the development and function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells. Previous studies have demonstrated a genetic association between the FOXP3 gene and some autoimmune diseases. To elucidate the association between the FOXP3 gene and the risk of PV, 408 patients diagnosed with PV and 363 age and sex-matched healthy controls from a cohort of the Chinese majority Han population were recruited. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2232365, rs3761547, rs3761548 and rs3761549) of the FOXP3 gene were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction and ligase detection reaction. The major allele of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs — rs2232365 A, rs3761547 A and rs3761549 C) were associated with an increased risk of PV in a clinical subgroup of female patients, who were less than 40 yrs of age, had a family history of the disease and did not have disease complications (p < 0.05 for all parameters). The haplotype was structured between rs3761547 and rs3761549. An increased risk of PV was observed in haplotype A/A-T/T (p = 0.0055; adjusted OR = 3.188; 95% CI = 0.4354-23.34) and A/G-C/C (p = 0.0082; adjusted OR = 1.288; 95% CI = 0.1529-10.85) between rs3761547 and rs3761549. A synergistic effect was found among the three SNPs. Subjects with the rs2232365AA- rs3761547 AG + GG genotype were more susceptible to PV (p = 0.0393; OR = 2.90; 95% CI = 1.05-7.97). No correlation was found between rs3761548 and the onset of PV. Therefore, the FOXP3 polymorphisms appear to contribute to the risk of psoriasis among the Chinese majority Han population. These findings may aid in our understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis

Subpopulations of Regulatory T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Behcet's Disease

Recently, subpopulations of regulatory T (Treg) cells, resting Treg (rTreg) and activated Treg (aTreg), have been discovered. The authors investigated the relationship between the change of Treg, aTreg and rTreg and autoimmune diseases. Treg cells and those subpopulations were analyzed by using the human regulatory T cell staining kit and CD45RA surface marker for 42 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 13 systemic lupus sclerosis (SLE), 7 Behcet's disease (BD), and 22 healthy controls. The proportion of Treg cells was significantly lower in RA (3.8% +/- 1.0%) (P < 0.001) and BD (3.3% +/- 0.5%) (P < 0.01) compared to healthy controls (5.0% +/- 1.3%). The proportion of aTreg cells was also significantly lower in RA (0.4% +/- 0.2%) (P = 0.008) and BD (0.3% +/- 0.1%) (P = 0.013) compared to healthy controls (0.6% +/- 0.3%). The rTreg cells showed no significant differences. The ratio of aTreg to rTreg was lower in RA patients (0.4% +/- 0.2%) than that in healthy controls (0.7% +/- 0.4%) (P = 0.002). This study suggests that the decrement of aTreg not rTreg cells contributes the decrement of total Treg cells in peripheral blood of RA and BD autoimmune diseases. Detailed analysis of Treg subpopulations would be more informative than total Treg cells in investigating mechanism of autoimmune disease.

Higher infiltration by Th17 cells compared with regulatory T cells is associated with severe acute T-cell-mediated graft rejection

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Th17 and Treg cell infiltration into allograft tissue is associated with the severity of allograft dysfunction and tissue injury in acute T cell-mediated rejection (ATCMR). Seventy-one allograft tissues with biopsy-proven ATCMR were included. The biopsy specimens were immunostained for FOXP3 and IL-17. The allograft function was assessed at biopsy by measuring serum creatinine (Scr) concentration, and by applying the modified diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula, which provides the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The severity of allograft tissue injury was assessed by calculating tissue injury scores using the Banff classification. The average numbers of infiltrating Treg and Th17 cells were 11.6 +/- 12.2 cells/mm2 and 5.6 +/- 8.0 cells/mm2, respectively. The average Treg/Th17 ratio was 5.6 +/- 8.2. The Treg/Th17 ratio was significantly associated with allograft function (Scr and MDRD eGFR) and with the severity of interstitial injury and tubular injury (P < 0.05, all parameters). In separate analyses of the number of infiltrating Treg and Th17 cells, Th17 cell infiltration was significantly associated with allograft function and the severity of tissue injury. By contrast, Treg cell infiltration was not significantly associated with allograft dysfunction or the severity of tissue injury. The results of this study show that higher infiltration of Th17 cell compared with Treg cell is significantly associated with the severity of allograft dysfunction and tissue injury.

CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ Regulatory T-cells in Hematologic Diseases / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) play a critical role in immune responses. We explored the status of Tregs in neoplastic and autoimmune hematologic diseases. We also evaluated the technical aspects of Treg measurement in terms of sample type and detection markers. METHODS: A total of 68 subjects were enrolled: 11 with AML, 8 with MDS, 10 with autoimmune diseases, and 39 controls. Tregs were analyzed in peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples from each subject. Flow cytometry and the Human Regulatory T cell Staining Kit (eBioscience, USA) for CD4, CD25, and FoxP3 (forkhead box P3) were used. RESULTS: The CD4+CD25high/CD4 and CD4+CD25highFoxP3+/CD4 populations were significantly correlated (P<0.0001). The AML and high-risk MDS groups had significantly larger CD4+CD25high/CD4 and CD4+CD25highFoxP3+/CD4 populations in PB than the autoimmune (P=0.007 and 0.012, respectively) and control groups (P=0.004 and 0.006, respectively). Comparable findings were observed in BM. The CD4+CD25highFoxP3+/CD4 population was significantly larger in PB than in BM (P=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides comparison data for Tregs in AML, MDS, and autoimmune hematologic diseases, and would be helpful for understanding the different immunologic bases of various hematologic diseases. Treg measurement using CD4, CD25, and/or FoxP3 in PB rather than in BM seems to be practical for routine hematologic purposes. Large-scale analysis of the diagnostic role of Treg measurement is needed.