Evaluation of some immunological markers in co-infection of COVID-19 with thrush candidiasis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 infection poses significant risks, including life-threatening consequences and fungus synchronization, making it a significant concern. This study seeks to assess the effect of concurrent infection of COVID-19 with Thrush Candida albicans on the patient's health state by measuring the proportion of immune cells and certain interleukins such as IL-8, -10, -17, and -33. METHODS: The study involved 70 patients (30 patients with COVID-19, 17 patients with thrush candidiasis, and 23 patients with Thrush Candida albicans) and 50 healthy individuals as a control group. COVID-19 was identified using RT-PCR, while C. albicans were identified through culture media, biochemical testing, and oral swabs. Ruby equipment and ELISA kits were used for blood counts and interleukin detection. RESULTS: COVID-19, thrush candidiasis, and Thrush Candida albicans infections occur in a wide range of age groups (4-80 years), with no significant differences between sexes (p>0.05). Immunologically, our study found that Thrush Candida albicans patients had the highest rate of neutrophils (89.6%) and basophils (2.01%), while corona patients had the highest percentage of lymphocytes (70.12%) and eosinophils (7.11%), and patients with thrush candidiasis had the highest percentage of monocytes. Thrush Candida albicans patients showed increased IL-8 (56.7 pg/mL) and IL-17 (101.1 pg/mL) concentrations, with the greatest concentration of IL-33 (200.5 pg/mL) in COVID-19, and a decrease in the level of IL-10 in patient groups compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Patient groups showed increased neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and IL-8 levels, with a significant linear association between proinflammatory interleukins and these cells.

Clinical significance of serum microRNA-146a and inflammatory factors in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia after azithromycin treatment

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia after azithromycin treatment. microRNA-146a is known to regulate inflammatory responses, and excessive inflammation is a primary characteristic of MPP. Methods Children with MPP received conventional symptomatic therapy along with intravenous administration of azithromycin for one week. Serum levels of microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA kits, respectively. The correlation between microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors was analyzed by the Pearson method. Pulmonary function indexes were assessed using a pulmonary function analyzer, and their correlation with microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors after treatment was evaluated. Children with MPP were divided into effective and ineffective treatment groups, and the clinical significance of microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results Serum microRNA-146a was downregulated in children with MPP but upregulated after azithromycin treatment, contrasting with the trend observed for pro-inflammatory factors. MicroRNA-146a showed a negative correlation with pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pulmonary function parameters were initially reduced in children with MPP, but increased after treatment, showing positive/inverse associations with microRNA-146a and pro-inflammatory factors. Higher microRNA-146a and lower pro-inflammatory factors predicted better efficacy of azithromycin treatment. MicroRNA-146a, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) were identified as independent factors influencing treatment efficacy. Conclusion Azithromycin treatment in children with MPP upregulates microRNA-146a, downregulates pro-inflammatory factors, and effectively improves pulmonary function.

Evaluation of Salivary IL?8 and Calcium Levels in Postmenopausal Females with and without Periodontitis—A Comparative Study

Background and Objective: Menopause is a normal developmental stage in a woman’s life marking the permanent cessation of menstruation. Calcium is predominant in intracellular signalling and its intracellular increase can affect the cell’s proliferation, phagocytosis and cytokine secretion. IL?8 expression in various cells such as neutrophils and osteoblasts was reported to involve a calcium signalling pathway. Well?known functions of IL?8 includes help in angiogenesis, role in tumour progression, tissue remodelling, etc., Hence, the aim of this study was to establish the relationship between calcium?dependent IL?8 and periodontal disease in postmenopausal females. Method: The study population included 52 postmenopausal women aged 45–57 years. The patients were divided into two groups in which group I included postmenopausal women without periodontitis and group II with periodontitis. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected from all the participants to evaluate IL?8 and calcium levels. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in salivary IL?8 levels between the two groups (P < 0.001), but there was no statistical difference in salivary calcium levels between the two groups (P = 0.730). A weak negative correlation between salivary IL?8 and calcium was found in group I, while a weak positive correlation was found between the same in group II. Conclusion: Analysis of salivary IL?8 from the present study was in accordance with several previous studies. It can be concluded that saliva can also be used as a reliable oral diagnostic fluid for IL?8 and calcium detection in periodontitis.

Levels of IL-8 and IL-12p70 in the aqueous humor of patients with primary acute angle-closure glaucoma and its clinical significance / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To measure the levels of IL-8 and IL-12p70 in the aqueous humor of patients with primary acute angle-closure glaucoma(AACG)and age-related cataract(ARC), and to investigate the clinical significance.<p>METHODS:Totally 29 eyes of 29 AACG patients, and 17 eyes of 17 ARC patients were enrolled in the study from October 2019 to December 2020. The levels of IL-8 and IL-12p70 were measured in the aqueous humor using Cytometric Beads Array. The clinical information was recorded in the same time for the correlation.<p>RESULTS:The level of IL-8 in AACG group was statistically elevated compared with the control group(Z= -5.384, P<0.05). However the IL-12p70 level did not differ in AACG group compared with ARC group(Z= -1.587, P=0.112). The IL-8 level was positively correlated with the duration of acute attack(rs=0.387, P=0.038). The concentrations of IL-8 and IL-12p70 in the filtration surgery group were significantly increased than that of the non-filtration surgery group(P<0.05).<p>CONCLUSION: The level of the inflammatory factor IL-8 in the aqueous humor of patients with AACG was significantly elevated. With the progression of the disease, the concentration of the immune-related factor IL-12p70 increased differentially. Both inflammation and immunity may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AACG.

IL-8 of the eye in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To determine the relationship between interleukin-8(IL-8)levels in aqueous ocular samples and diabetic retinopathy(DR)through systematic evaluation and Meta-analysis. <p>METHODS: The PubMed, Embase and Web of Science database were searched from January 2010 to June 2021. A random effects model was used to combine the results, and the sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the stability and reliability of the arithmetic results, and subgroup analysis was used to identify possible sources of heterogeneity. <p>RESULTS: A total of 25 case-control studies were included. IL-8 levels in patients with DR were significantly higher than those in patients without DR(<i>SMD</i>: 1.57, 95%<i>CI</i>: 1.19-1.95, <i>P</i><0.01). Sensitivity analysis shows that the calculation results of random effects are stable and reliable. Subgroup analysis based on test method, region, sample source, and type of DR showed that the choice of these factors greatly influenced the relationship between IL-8 levels and patients with DR. Among them, the samples from Bead-based multivariate analysis(<i>I</i> 2=18%, <i>P</i>=0.27), Europe(<i>I</i> 2=38%, <i>P</i>=0.17)and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR)(<i>I</i> 2=0%, <i>P</i>=0.49)showed good consistency. ELISA, American, Asian, vitreous fluid, proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR)and other factors may increase the effect size.<p>CONCLUSION: Elevated IL-8 levels in aqueous eye solution are associated with the risk of DR, and IL-8 may serve as a potential predictor or therapeutic target for DR.

Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase 2 controls M2 macrophages polarization to promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression

Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygnease 2 (TDO2) is specific for metabolizing tryptophan to kynurenine (KYN), which plays a critical role in mediating immune escape of cancer. Although accumulating evidence demonstrates that TDO2 overexpression is implicated in the development and progression of multiple cancers, its tumor-promoting role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Here, we observed that TDO2 was overexpressed in ESCC tissues and correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis, advanced clinical stage, and unfavorable prognosis. Functional experiments showed that TDO2 promoted tumor cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation, which could be prevented by inhibition of TDO2 and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Further experimentation demonstrated that TDO2 could promote the tumor growth of KYSE150 tumor-bearing model, tumor burden of C57BL/6 mice with ESCC induced by 4-NQO, enhance the expression of phosphorylated AKT, with subsequent phosphorylation of GSK3

Clinical efficacy of Conbercept combined with different treatment modalities in patients with neovascular glaucoma / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To investigate the impact of intravitreal conbercept injection on the aqueous humor levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-8(IL-8)in patients diagnosed with neovascular glaucoma(NVG), and to evaluate the efficacy of conbercept in combination with different surgical modalities.<p>METHODS: This study was conducted as a retrospective, case series investigation. A total of 102 patients(102 eyes)diagnosed with NVG from Jan. 2019 to Feb. 2020 were enrolled and randomized to trabeculectomy group(50 eyes of 50 cases)or EX-PRESS drain implantation group(52 eyes of 52 cases)3-5d after conbercept injections. The concentrations of VEGF, IL-6 and IL-8 in aqueous humor were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The therapeutic efficacies of different surgical modalities were evaluated and compared by status of iris neovascularization, changes in postoperative intraocular pressure(IOP), improvement of visual acuity and incidence of complications.<p>RESULTS:Decreases in aqueous humor concentrations of VEGF, IL-6 and IL-8 were observed at 3-5d after treatment of conbercept(all <i>P</i><0.05). At 1, 3d, 1, 3, 6 and 12mo after surgery, the IOP levels of patients in both groups were significantly reduced compared to those before surgery(all <i>P</i><0.05), and there was a statistically significant difference in IOP between the two groups at 3, 6, and 12mo postoperatively(all <i>P</i><0.05). At 6 and 12mo after surgery, patients treated with EX-PRESS drain implantation showed better visual acuity compared to patients treated with trabeculectomy(all <i>P</i><0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in types and dosages of anti-glaucoma drugs administered to patients in different groups. At 12mo follow-up, success rate of surgery in the EX-PRESS drain implantation group(86.5%)was higher than that in the trabeculectomy group(70.0%), along with remarkably lower incidence rate of complications compared to that of the trabeculectomy group(<i>P</i><0.05).<p>CONCLUSION: The intravitreal injection of conbercept could down-regulate aqueous humor concentrations of VEGF, IL-6 and IL-8. Both of trabeculectomy and EX-PRESS drain implantation could reduce IOP in NVG patients, but the latter procedure had fewer incidence of complications and was more advantageous in improving visual acuity.

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory And Hepatoprotective Activity Of Turmesac®

Objective: In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective activity of Turmesac® on Human liver cells (HepG2 cell line) and anti-inflammatory effect on Murine macrophages (Raw 264.7 cell line) by flow Cytometry. Methods: Cell viability of HepG2 and Raw 264.7 cells determined by the MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] assay to identify a non-cytotoxic concentration of Turmesac® for the respective cell lines after 24 h exposure period. Further hepatoprotective effect of Turmesac® was performed in H2O2 treated liver cells using H2DCF-DA staining by flow cytometry. The anti-inflammatory potency of Turmesac® was evaluated in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS 2µg/ml) stimulated Murine Raw 264.7 macrophages by measuring the relative fluorescence intensity of 2 cytokines, Interleukin-8(IL-8) and (Interleukin-12) IL-12 by flow cytometric analysis. Results: Turmesac® concentrations of less than 50μg/ml did not show significant cytotoxicity on both HepG2 and Raw 264.7, cell lines following the treatment period of 24 h and selected 50μg/ml as the optimum concentration for hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory models. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) study revealed that Turmesac® (50μg/ml) effectively suppressed the H2DCF-DA expression in HepG2 cells. Secondly, Turmesac® significantly suppressed the anti-inflammatory cytokine expressions of IL-8 and IL-12 in LPS pre-stimulated cells categorising as a potentially potent anti-inflammatory drug. The mean fluorescence intensity percentage of IL-8 is control 8.86, LPS 50.49, Turmesac® 19.63 and IL12 is control 10.41, LPS 68.94, and Turmesac® 15.79 respectively. Conclusion: This study highlighted that Turmesac® could be considered as a promising hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory compound and a therapeutic agent in curing liver-related and inflammation-related diseases.

High expression of ENA-78 in lymphatic epithelial cells associated with cholangiocarcinoma promotes lymphangiogenesis / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveLymphatic epithelial cells (LECs) are important links involved in lymphatic metastasis in the microenvironment of cholangiocarcinoma. This study aims to detect the modulation of inflammatory factors and chemokines secreted by LECs after stimulation of cholangiocarcinoma cells, and observe the effects of highly expressed factors on lymphangiogenesis.MethodsThe culture medium of cholangiocarcinoma (RBE, HCCC9810), LECs stimulated by cholangiocarcinoma cell culture medium (CCM), and normal LECs were prepared. Inflammatory factors and chemokines in the culture medium were detected using protein chip. The experiments are divided into the following groups, including a blank control group, CCM group, CCM coupled with Anti-ENA-78 group, Anti-ENA-78 group, ENA-78 group, ENA-78 coupled with SB2252002, and SB225002 group. The relationship between the content of factor and time was investigated using ELISA, while the relation between target factors and lymphangiogenesis obtained by cell proliferation and tubule formation assay.ResultsWe found ENA-78, IP-10, GCP-2, MCP-2, MCP-3, MIP-3a, HCC-1, and Lymphotactin expression increased in LECs supernatant after CCM stimulation. However, I-TAC, MIP-1d, IL-10, MIG, PDGF-BB, and CXCL16 factors showed down-regulation. The secretion of ENA-78 in CCM was relatively low. By ELISA, we found that the ENA-78 protein in RBE-LECs and HCCC9810-LECs gradually increased over time, and reached the plateau phase at the point of 48h. The lymphatic tube forming ability of LECs cultured in CCM was significantly increased compared with that of the control group, and this ability could be partially weakened by ENA-78 neutralizing antibodies. In the exogenous ENA-78 protein group, the lymphatic tube formation ability was as well significantly increased compared with that in the control group, and this ability could be effectively blocked by the IL-8B inhibitor.ConclusionThe increased secretion ENA-78 of lymphatic epithelial cells induced by cholangiocarcinoma may play a role in promoting lymphangiogenesis through the IL-8B receptor.

High expression of ENA-78 in lymphatic epithelial cells associated with cholangiocarcinoma promotes lymphangiogenesis / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveLymphatic epithelial cells (LECs) are important links involved in lymphatic metastasis in the microenvironment of cholangiocarcinoma. This study aims to detect the modulation of inflammatory factors and chemokines secreted by LECs after stimulation of cholangiocarcinoma cells, and observe the effects of highly expressed factors on lymphangiogenesis.MethodsThe culture medium of cholangiocarcinoma (RBE, HCCC9810), LECs stimulated by cholangiocarcinoma cell culture medium (CCM), and normal LECs were prepared. Inflammatory factors and chemokines in the culture medium were detected using protein chip. The experiments are divided into the following groups, including a blank control group, CCM group, CCM coupled with Anti-ENA-78 group, Anti-ENA-78 group, ENA-78 group, ENA-78 coupled with SB2252002, and SB225002 group. The relationship between the content of factor and time was investigated using ELISA, while the relation between target factors and lymphangiogenesis obtained by cell proliferation and tubule formation assay.ResultsWe found ENA-78, IP-10, GCP-2, MCP-2, MCP-3, MIP-3a, HCC-1, and Lymphotactin expression increased in LECs supernatant after CCM stimulation. However, I-TAC, MIP-1d, IL-10, MIG, PDGF-BB, and CXCL16 factors showed down-regulation. The secretion of ENA-78 in CCM was relatively low. By ELISA, we found that the ENA-78 protein in RBE-LECs and HCCC9810-LECs gradually increased over time, and reached the plateau phase at the point of 48h. The lymphatic tube forming ability of LECs cultured in CCM was significantly increased compared with that of the control group, and this ability could be partially weakened by ENA-78 neutralizing antibodies. In the exogenous ENA-78 protein group, the lymphatic tube formation ability was as well significantly increased compared with that in the control group, and this ability could be effectively blocked by the IL-8B inhibitor.ConclusionThe increased secretion ENA-78 of lymphatic epithelial cells induced by cholangiocarcinoma may play a role in promoting lymphangiogenesis through the IL-8B receptor.

Diagnostic value of combined detection of multiple serum cytokines for gastric adenocarcinoma / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[Abstract] Objective:To explore the clinical significance of multiple serumcytokines in early diagnosis and progression assessment of gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: Peripheral blood samples of 85 healthy subjects (healthy control group) and 81 patients with pathologically confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma (gastric cancer group) were collected from November 2017 to February 2018 at Shanxi Cancer Hospital. Serum levels of 17 cytokines (including IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-17A, TNF-α, TNF-β, GM-CSF, G-CSF, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1 andVEGF-A) were measured byAimPlex multiplex assay technology.Their diagnostic values were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Serum levels of IL-10, IL-8, IL-6, IP-10, MCP-1, VEGF-Aand IL-12p70 were significantly higher in gastric cancer patients than those in healthy controls (all P<0.01). There were significantly increasedlevelsofIL-8,IL-6and VEGF-Ain advanced-stage gastriccancer(stageI/II)groupoverearly-stage gastric cancer (stage III/IV) group (all P<0.01).AUC (areas under the curve) of IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, IP-10, MCP-1, IL-12p70 and VEGF-Afor distinguishing early-stage gastric cancer patientsfromhealthy controls was0.98,0.92,0.89,0.84,0.76,0.74 and 0.58, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity of IL-8, IL-6 and IL-10 was 97.4%, 89.5% and 97.4%, respectively, and the specificity was 87.1%, 85.9%and 77.6%, respectively.TheAUCof IL-8, IL-6 andVEGF-Afor distinguishing advanced-stage gastric cancer patients from early-stage gastric cancer patients was 0.82, 0.72 and 0.69, respectively. Thediagnosticsensitivity of IL-8, IL-6 and VEGF-A was 83.7%, 60.5% and 41.9%, respectively, and the specificity was71.1%,76.3%and 92.1%, respectively. Conclusion: ThecombineddetectionofserumIL-8,IL-6andIL-10 may be a potential approach for early screening of gastric adenocarcinoma, which canalsobeusedtoassessthe progression of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Qingqi Huatan Wan in Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Syndrome of Phlegm-heat Obstructing Lung and Effect on Serum TNF-α, IL-8 and MMP-9 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of modified Qingqi Huatan Wan in treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (syndrome of phlegm-heat obstructing lung) and investigate its effects on serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α),interleukin-8(IL-8) and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9).Method: Sixty-four patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) were randomly divided into control group (32 cases) and treatment group (32 cases) by random number table.The control group was treated with routine western medicine therapy according to the guidance and disease conditions.Based on treatment in control group,patients in treatment group also received modified Qingqi Huatan Wan.The treatment course was 14 days for both groups.The scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT),and modified version of the British Medical Research Council's Respiratory Questionnaire (mMRC),pulmonary function,blood gas analysis indicators,levels of serum TNF-α,IL-8 and MMP-9,clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated and compared once before treatment and 14 d after treatment.Result: The total clinical effective rate was 96.67% in treatment group,higher than 76.67% in control group (χ2=5.192,PPP1),percent of FEV1 in predicted value (FEV1%),and ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) were increased in both groups after treatment (PP2) and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) were increased in both groups,while partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was decreased (P2 and PaO2 in treatment group were higher than those in control group,while PaCO2 was lower than that in control group (Pα,IL-8 and MMP-9 were decreased in both groups (PPConclusion: Modified Qingqi Huatan Wan can control the symptoms safely and ameliorate pulmonary function,reduce the levels of serum TNF-α,IL-8,MMP-9 and inflammation in treatment of AECOPD.

Diterpenoids as PPARγ agonists from Siegesbeckia pubescens and their anti-inflammatory effects in vitro / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to investigate the PPARγ agonists isolated from the aqueous extract of Siegesbeckia pubescens( SPA) and their anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. The 293 T cells transfected transiently with PPARγ recombinant plasmid were used as a screening model to guide the isolation of PPARγ activitating components,and then PPARγ activities were measured by double luciferase reporter gene assay. The chemical structures were identified by chromatography or spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore,a UC inflammatory model in vitro was established on HT-29 cells by stimulating with TNF-α． The mRNA levels and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines on HT-29 cells,such as IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-8,were detected by RT-PCR and ELISA. The results showed that five diterpenoids were obtained from the fraction D_(50) with the strongest PPARγ activity among others in SPA,and determined as kirenol( 1),darutigenol( 2),enantiomeric-2-ketone-15,16,19-three hydroxypinomane-8( 14)-ene-19-O-β-D-glucoside( 3),darutoside( 4),enantiomeric-2-β,15,16,19-four hydroxypinomane-8( 14)-ene-19-O-β-D-glucoside( 5),respectively. All the compounds exhibited active effects on PPARγ in a concentration-dependent manner( P<0. 01). In addition,compound 1 significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β mRNA and secretion of IL-8 on HT-29 cells inflammation model( P<0. 001); both compounds 2 and 3 effectively inhibited the expression of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-8 mRNA and secretion of IL-8( P<0. 01 or P<0. 001),although at different extent; compound 4 significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA( P<0. 01 or P<0. 001),while compound 5 inhibited the expression of IL-1β mRNA obviously( P<0. 001). In conclusion,the diterpenoids 1-5 isolated from S. pubescens have the PPARγ activation activities and potential effects of anti-UC in vitro.

IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α expression levels in serum and aqueous humor in patients with neovascular glaucoma and their significance / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To detect IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α expression levels in serum and aqueous humor of patients with neovascular glaucoma(NVG)and explore the significance. <p>METHODS:A prospective case analysis method was applied to include patients with neovascular glaucoma in 38 cases(38 eyes), and according to grading criteria of iris neovascularization, they were divided into grade Ⅱ with 8 eyes, grade Ⅲ with 19 eyes, grade Ⅳ with 11 eyes. Thirty-one patients(31 eyes)with primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)and 33 patients(33 eyes)with age related cataract were selected as the control. IOP level was detected preoperatively, and venous blood and aqueous humor samples of patients were selected, and IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α contents in serum and humor were detected by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). <p>RESULTS:IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels in serum and aqueous humor of NVG group were significantly higher than those in POAG group and cataract group(<i>P</i><0.05). IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels in serum and aqueous humor of POAG group were significantly higher than those in cataract group(<i>P</i><0.05). IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels in serum and aqueous humor of grade ⅣNVG group were significantly higher than those of patients with grade Ⅲ(<i>P</i><0.05). IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels in serum and aqueous humor of patients with grade Ⅲ were significantly higher than those of grade Ⅱ(<i>P</i><0.05). IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels in serum and aqueous humor of NVG patients were positively correlated with IOP(<i>P</i><0.05). <p>CONCLUSION: IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α are highly-expressed in serum and aqueous humor of NVG patients. It may be involved in iris neovascularization and intraocular pressure elevation.

The effects of IL-8-activated tumor-associated macrophages on hepatocellular carcino-ma invasion and metastasis / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective:To study the effects of IL-8 on the polarization of monocytes and the effects of IL-8-induced tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)on the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:After exogenous IL-8 stimulation of THP-1 cells for 72h,the percentages of M1 and M2 TAMs were examined.RT-PCR and Western blot assays were used to study epitheli-al-mesenchymal transition(EMT),and wound-healing and transwell assays were preformed to study the invasion potential of HCC cells after co-culturing with TAMs and HCC cell lines in vitro.Lastly,100 cases of HCC tissue samples were used to validate the correlation among TAM numbers,IL-8,and EMT features of HCC cells via immunohistochemistry(IHC)staining methods.Results:Exogenous IL-8 induced significant M2 polarization of TAMs in THP-1 cells.TAMs further promoted EMT in HCC and enhanced the invasion potential of HCC in vitro.Finally,significant positive correlations among the numbers of TAMs,IL-8 expression,and N-cadherin expression were identified in primary HCC tissue samples(r=0.22,r=0.20,P<0.05).Conclusions:IL-8 locally attracted and activated TAMs,and promot-ed M2 polarization of TAMs,which further promoted the EMT and invasion potential of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo.

Effects of electroacupuncture on inflammatory response of cardiac muscle tissue in mice with acute myocardial ischemia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on inflammatory reaction of acute myocardial ischemia (MI) in mice, and to explore its action mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group, a sham operation group, a model group and an EA group, 10 mice in each one. The model was established in the model group and EA group by ligating the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery. The mice in the EA group were treated with EA at "Neiguan" (PC 6) with 2 mA of intensity and 2 Hz /100 Hz of frequency; EA was given 30 min per treatment, once a day for totally 5 days. The mice in the control group and model group were treated with immobilization and no EA was given. The mice in the sham operation group were not treated with ligating at the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery, but the remaining procedure was identical to the model group. The electrocardiogram was recorded and △ST was calculated to evaluate the model. TTC and HE staining methods were applied to evaluate the infarct size and pathologic change of myocardial tissue, respectively. Western blot method was applied to test the protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the sham operation group, the S-T segments in the model group and EA group were increased obviously after modeling (both <0.01), indicating the MI model was established successfully. The TTC and HE staining results indicated, compared with the sham operation group, the model group had larger infarction size (<0.01), more myocardial fibers injury and inflammatory infiltration; compared with the model group, the infarction size of the EA group was significantly reduced (<0.01), and the myocardial fibers injury and inflammatory infiltration were improved. Compared with the control group, the protein expression levels in the sham operation group were similar (all >0.05); compared with the sham operation group, the expression levels of TNF-α, NF-κB p65, IL-1β and IL-8 were significantly increased in the model group (<0.01, <0.05); compared with the model group, the expression levels of TNF-α, NF-κB p65, IL-1β and IL-8 were significantly reduced in the EA group (all <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA might reduce the protein expression levels of TNF-α, NF-κB p65, IL-1β and IL-8 in cardiac muscle tissue to inhibit inflammatory reaction and achieve myocardial protective effect in mice with acute myocardial ischemia.</p>

El factor de necrosis tumoral-α, la interleuquina-8 y la resistencia a la insulina en mujeres obesas / Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and insulin resistance in obese women

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación entre los niveles séricos de interleuquina-8 (IL-8) y el factor de necrosis tumoral-α (TNF-α) y los índices de la resistencia a la insulina y la función de la célula β tales como el Modelo de Determinación de la Homeostasis de Resistencia a la Insulina (HOMA-IR) y el Modelo de Determinación de la Homeostasis de la Función de la Célula-β (HOMA-β) en mujeres obesas. Métodos: Se estudió un grupo de 19 mujeres normopeso (IMC 21,6 ± 1,8 kg/m2) y un grupo de 21 mujeres obesas (IMC 35,3 ± 5,3 kg/m2). Se midieron los niveles en ayuno de IL-8, TNF-α, glucemia e insulinemia. Se calculó el HOMA-IR y el HOMA-β. Se determinaron las correlaciones entre las variables. Resultados: No se encontró diferencia significativa de los niveles séricos de la IL-8 (p= 0,30) y del TNF-α (p= 0,32) entre las mujeres obesas y las mujeres normopeso. No se observó correlación entre el HOMA-IR y los niveles séricos de IL-8 en mujeres obesas ni en mujeres normopeso. Se observó correlación positiva entre el índice HOMA-IR y los niveles séricos de TNF-α tanto en mujeres obesas como con normopeso. No se observó correlación entre el índice HOMA-β y los niveles séricos de IL-8 ni TNF-α en mujeres obesas ni en mujeres normopeso. Conclusión: Los niveles séricos de TNF−α se correlacionan con el HOMA-IR en mujeres obesas y en mujeres normopeso, lo cual relaciona al TNF−α con la resistencia a la insulina.

Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels to indices of insulin resistance and β cell function such as Model Homeostasis Determination of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Model Determination Homeostasis Cell Function-β (HOMA-β) in obese women. Methods: Nineteen normal weight women (BMI 21.6 ± 1.8 kg/m2) and a group of 21 obese women (BMI 35.3 ± 5.3 kg/m2) were studied. Levels of IL-8, TNF-α, glycemia and insulinemia were measured in fasting. HOMA-IR and HOMA-β were calculated. Results: No significant differences were found between serum IL-8 (p=0.30) and TNF-α (p=0.32) among obese women and normal weight women. No correlation between HOMA-IR and serum levels of IL-8 in obese women and normal weight women was observed. Positive correlation was observed between HOMA-IR index and serum levels of TNF-α in both obese women and normal weight women. No correlation was observed between HOMA-β index and serum levels of IL-8 and TNF-α in obese women and normal weight women. Conclusion: Serum levels of TNF-α are correlated with HOMA-IR in both obese women and normal weight women, which relate the TNF-α with insulin resistance.

Helicobacter pylori with East Asian-type cagPAI genes is more virulent than strains with Western-type in some cagPAI genes

Abstract The severity of Helicobacter pylori-related disease is correlated with the presence and integrity of a cag pathogenicity island (cagPAI). cagPAI genotype may have a modifying effect on the pathogenic potential of the infecting strain. After analyzing the sequences of cagPAI genes, some strains with the East Asian-type cagPAI genes were selected for further analysis to examine the association between the diversity of the cagPAI genes and the virulence of H. pylori. The results showed that gastric mucosal inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly higher in patients with East Asian-type cagPAI genes H. pylori strain compared with mosaicism cagPAI genes H. pylori strain (p < 0.05). H. pylori strains with the East Asian-type cagPAI genes were closely associated with IL-8 secretion in vitro and in vivo compared with H. pylori strains with the mosaicism cagPAI genes (p < 0.01). H. pylori strains with East Asian-type cagPAI genes are able to strongly translocate CagA to host cells. These results suggest that H. pylori strains with East Asian-type cagPAI genes are more virulent than the strains of cagPAI gene/genes that are Western type.

Anti-Helicobacter and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Sohamhyungtang in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Human Gastric Epithelial AGS cells

This study evaluated the anti-Helicobacter and anti-inflammatory effects of Sohamhyungtang (SHHT). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of SHHT against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was determined by the agar dilution method. Expression of the H. pylori cagA gene in the presence of SHHT was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Inhibition of H. pylori urease by SHHT was determined by the phenol-hypochlorite assay. Antiadhesion activity of SHHT was measured by ureaphenol red reagent. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in AGS cells was measured with Griess reagent. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and IL-8 mRNA expression in AGS cells which were infected with H. pylori was determined by qRT-PCR. IL-8 level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The MIC of SHHT was 100 µg/mL and the expression of cagA gene was decreased about 25 folds in the presence of SHHT. H. pylori urease was inhibited 90% by SHHT. SHHT inhibited H. pylori adhesion on AGS cell in a concentration dependent manner. mRNA expression of iNOS and IL-8 and the production of NO and IL-8 were significantly decreased in the presence of SHHT. In conclusion, SHHT showed anti-Helicobacter activity and has potent anti-inflammatory effect on H. pylori-induced inflammation in human gastric epithelial AGS cells.

Effect of baicalein on ERK signaling pathways of HaCaT cell with light aging / 中草药

Objective To study the effect of baicalein on the skin cell light aging and ERK signaling pathways. Methods Using UVB phototherapy device, of which light intensity was 0.5 mJ/cm2, different exposure time was tried before establishing the best exposure time light aging model. The experiment can be divided into control group, model group and baicalein group (1 × 10-7, 1 × 10-6, 1 × 10-5 mol/L) since the results of preliminary experiments shown that these three concentration of baicalein is the most effective concentration. Using flow cytometry instrument to test cells reactive oxygen species (ROS) content changes of each group. quantitative Real-time RCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were respectively used to detect mRNA and protein expression in each group. Results The best exposure time for 5 min, and cell shrinkage, damage, apoptosis were observed in model group. Compared with model group, cell damage, shrinking phenomenon obviously reduced in 1 × 10-7, 1 × 10-6 mol/L baicalein group, and cell obviously tended to normal form in 1 × 10-5 mol/L baicalein group. Compared with the control group, the ROS content of cells in model group was increased significantly (P < 0.01). Compared with model group, the ROS content was decreased significantly in 1 × 10-7, 1 × 10-6, 1 × 10-5 mol/L baicalein group (P < 0.01); Compared with the control group, the expression of IL-1α and IL-8 mRNA was increased significantly (P < 0.01), and the expression of IL-1-α, IL-8, and p-ERK protein was also increased significantly (P < 0.01) and ERK protein expression quantity remains the same in the model group. In 1 × 10-7, 1 × 10-6, 1 × 10-5 mol/L baicalein group, compared with model group, IL-1α and IL-8 mRNA expression were decreased significantly (P < 0.01), and IL-1-α, IL-8, and p-ERK protein expression were also decreased significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01) and ERK protein expression quantity remains the same. Conclusion Protection of baicalein on UVB induced cell light aging, mainly through reducing ROS content, blocking ERK signaling pathway and inhibiting inflammatory cytokines.