Activation of JAK/STAT in ovarian high-grade serous cancers and its prognostic significance / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#The activation of Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) plays an important role in the prognosis and targeted therapy of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Utilizing simple and practicable technique, this study aimed to evaluate the activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway in ovarian HGSC patients, and investigated the correlation between the activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway and the prognosis of the HGSC patients.@*METHODS@#We performed immunohistochemistry of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) and phosphorylated STAT5 (pSTAT5) on paraffin imbedded slides of 73 ovarian HGSC patients, and evaluated the expression level and range of both markers. According to the grading score of the immunostaining of pSTAT3 and pSTAT5, we divided the 73 ovarian HGSC cases into STAT3 low/high expression and STAT5 low/high expression groups, and analyzed the prognosis of the patients in different groups, in order to explore the relationship between the expression of pSTAT3 and pSTAT5 proteins and the prognosis of the HGSC patients.@*RESULTS@#Some of the ovarian HGSC cases showed high expression of pSTAT3 and pSTAT5 protein level, which was related to the poorer prognosis of the HGSC patients. There was a significant difference in the expression level of pSTAT3 and pSTAT5 between the patients with better prognosis (survival time ≥3 years) and poorer prognosis (survival time < 3 years). The patients with higher protein expression of pSTAT3, pSTAT5 or both markers might have poorer prognosis, with significant shorter progression-free survival time and overall survival time (P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Immunostaining of pSTAT3 and pSTAT5 proteins might be helpful to evaluate and predict the prognosis of the ovarian HGSC patients, and to identify the patients who might have higher chances to respond to the STAT inhibitors and anti-angiogenesis therapy.

Targeting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in the treatment of psoriasis / 中华皮肤科杂志

The Janus kinase (JAK) -signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is closely related to the occurrence of psoriasis. Various cytokines, including interleukin (IL) -23, IL-22, interferon (IFN) -γ, etc., can promote some key pathologic processes (such as the proliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes, and infiltration of inflammatory cells) via the JAK-STAT pathway in psoriasis, which suggests that targeting JAK-STAT pathway is a new strategy for the treatment of psoriasis. In recent years, small-molecule JAK inhibitors have shown good efficacy and safety in the treatment of psoriasis, and drugs targeting STAT pathway have been under development, which provide more treatment options for psoriasis. This review summarizes progress in drugs targeting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in the treatment of psoriasis.

Progress of research on Janus kinase inhibitors in treatment of ulcerative colitis / 胃肠病学

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease caused by multiple factors, and its etiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood. Janus kinases (JAK) are non‑transmembrane tyrosine kinases that play a key role in many immune‑related cytokine signaling pathways. JAK‑STATs signaling pathway is a cytokine‑mediated signaling pathway, which is involved in many important biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and immune regulation. JAK inhibitors are small molecule drugs that can be administered orally and are relatively inexpensive, therefore, JAK inhibitors may become a new target for the treatment of UC. This article reviewed progress of research on the efficacy and safety of small molecule JAK inhibitors in treatment of UC.

Importancia de la ruta de señalización JAK/STAT en la sepsis / Importance of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in sepsis

RESUMEN El transductor de señal Janus-Kinasa y la vía de activación de la transcripción conocida como JAK/STAT es una ruta de señalización principal para la transducción de información en muchas citocinas inflamatorias implicadas durante la sepsis. Se ha demostrado que la vía JAK/STAT está fuertemente relacionada con el fallo multiorgánico, además que muchas citocinas pueden ejercer sus efectos biológicos a través de esta ruta. En los últimos años, se ha logrado un progreso significativo en la comprensión de las funciones de este complejo, sin embargo, su rol en la sepsis como objetivo terapéutico permanece en experimentación. En esta revisión se describen las funciones específicas de la vía JAK/STAT, su rol en la sepsis y presentamos un enfoque traslacional respecto a la perspectiva terapéutica para inhibir esta ruta de señalización durante la sepsis y su interacción con enfermedades inflamatorias como la COVID-19.

ABSTRACT The Janus-Kinase signal transducer and the transcription activation pathway known as JAK /STAT is a major signaling pathway for the transduction of information in many inflammatory cytokines involved during sepsis. The JAK /STAT pathway has been shown to be strongly related to multiorgan failure, and many cytokines can exert their biological effects through this pathway. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in understanding functions of this complex; however, its role in sepsis as a therapeutic target remains under experimentation. This review describes the specific functions of the JAK /STAT pathway, its role in sepsis, and presents a translational approach to the therapeutic perspective aiming to inhibit this signaling pathway during sepsis and its interaction with inflammatory diseases such as COVID-19.

Efficacy and safety of baricitinib in the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a clinical observation / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) .Methods:From June 2020 to June 2021, patients with moderate-to-severe AD who were insensitive or intolerant to topical agents were enrolled from Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital. Before treatment, the patients were evaluated by 4 scales, including the Investigator′s Global Assessment (IGA), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Itch Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) ; meanwhile, photos of skin lesions were taken, routine blood test was performed, blood biochemical indices and total IgE levels were measured. After exclusion of contraindications, the patients were treated with oral baricitinib at a dose of 2 mg/d for 16 weeks. Regular follow-up was conducted at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 after the start of treatment, clinical evaluation was carried out with the above 4 scales, and adverse events were recorded during the treatment.Results:A total of 24 patients were enrolled in the study, and all completed 16-week oral treatment and 20-week follow-up. All the 4 scale scores showed a continuous downward trend within 20 weeks after the start of treatment. At week 20, the patients′ IGA, EASI, NRS, and DLQI scores significantly decreased from 4.13 ± 0.61, 37.59 ± 14.86, 6.83 ± 2.26 and 18.67 ± 8.64 points respectively at baseline to 1.12 ± 0.49, 4.53 ± 3.78, 0.72 ± 0.58 and 1.39 ± 0.85 points respectively ( t = 22.70, 10.55, 10.69, 8.40, respectively, all P < 0.001). During the follow-up period, no serious adverse reactions were observed; 3 patients experienced gastric discomfort at the start of oral treatment, but the symptoms disappeared after the treatment continued; 3 developed acute allergic manifestations (1 case of allergic conjunctivitis, 2 cases of acute urticaria), which resolved rapidly after the use of antihistamines without recurrence. Conclusion:Baricitinib can provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe AD, especially those who are insensitive or intolerant to topical agents and need systemic treatments.

Presente y futuro del tratamiento biológico y moléculas pequeñas en la dermatitis atópica / Present and future of biological treatment and small molecules in atopic dermatitis

La dermatitis atópica (DA) es una condición inflamatoria crónica de la piel de etiología multifactorial. Buscando mejorar la respuesta clínica minimizando los efectos adversos y ampliar el arsenal terapéutico disponible, se ha dado pie al desarrollo de nuevos fármacos con resultados prometedores en la calidad de vida. Los inmunomoduladores sistémicos clásicos son considerados el tratamiento estándar en los casos de DA moderada a severa refractaria al tratamiento con corticoides tópicos. Estos se encasillan dentro de las denominadas moléculas pequeñas, junto con los inhibidores de Janus- en un efecto pleiotrópico en las citoquinas y por ende, no selectivo. Los medicamentos biológicos poseen ventajas frente a los inmunomoduladores clásicos, principalmente su mayor especificidad gracias a la similitud con las moléculas endógenas. Dupilumab se mantiene siendo el único fármaco biológico aprobado por la FDA para el tratamiento de la DA, con una seguridad a corto plazo demostrada. Algunas moléculas nuevas, como el tralokinumab y los inhibidores JAK, presentan resultados prometedores. De este grupo, abrocitinib pareciera posicionarse como una alternativa al menos similar que dupilumab. La creciente investigación de nuevas alternativas ha creado una revolución terapéutica para que nuestros pacientes puedan acceder a una mejor calidad de vida. No obstante, es difícil lograr comprender la efectividad y seguridad de cada uno de los tratamientos disponibles, por la falta de estudios comparativos. La siguiente revisión muestra las nuevas terapias biológicas y algunas moléculas pequeñas con evidencia para su uso en DA

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin with a multifactorial etiology. Seeking to improve the clinical response by minimizing adverse effects and expanding the available therapeutic arsenal, the development of new drugs has led to promising results on quality of life. Classic systemic immunomodulators are considered the standard treatment in cases of moderate to severe AD refractory to treatment with topical corticosteroids. These are classified into molecules, along with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKs). Small molecules act on intracellular targets, with the inconveniency of producing a pleiotropic effect on cytokines and, therefore, non-selective actions. Biologics have advantages over classical immunomodulators, mainly their greater specificity thanks to the similarity between endogenous molecules. Dupilumab remains the only biologic drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of AD, with demonstrated short-term safety. Some new molecules, such as tralokinumab and JAK inhibitors, have shown promising results. Of this group, abrocitinib seems to be positioned as an alternative at least similar to dupilumab. The current investigation of new alternatives has created a therapeutic revolution so that we can offer our patients a better quality of life. However, it is difficult to understand the efficacy and safety of each of the available treatments due to the lack of comparative studies. The following review shows the new biological therapies and small molecules with evidence for their use in DA.

Partial repigmentation of vitiligo with tofacitinib, without exposure to ultraviolet radiation

Abstract Vitiligo is a disease that causes macules and achromic and/or hypochromic patches, which can affect from small areas to the entire tegument. Treatment options are few and are generally ineffective. Recently, some case reports have appeared which show positive results with the use of Janus kinase inhibitors associated with phototherapy. This report details the case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis associated with vitiligo in treatment for two years, whose condition partially improved initially after eight months of oral tofacitinib at a dose of 5 mg twice a day, without exposure to ultraviolet radiation and with continuous improvement during these two years of treatment.

Tofacitinib en el tratamiento de la colitis ulcerosa: casos clínicos / Tofacitinib for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: report of two cases

Biological therapy dramatically changed the management of Ulcerative Colitis (UC). However, a significant number of these patients fail to respond or have secondary loss of response to this strategy. In this clinical situation, the options include intensification of anti-TNF therapy, the use of a second anti-TNF or being switched to another drug class. Among the later, tofacitinib, an oral small molecule directed against the JAK/STAT pathway, is safe and effective in inducing and maintaining remission in patients with moderate-severe UC. We report two patients with UC refractory to conventional treatment and biological therapy, who responded successfully to the use of tofacitinib.

Tratamento adjuvante com minoxidil oral para tratamento de alopecia areata refratária a inibidores de JAK / Adjuvant oral minoxidil for the treatment of alopecia areata refractory to Janus kinase inhibitors

Inibidores de Janus quinase mudaram o paradigma terapêutico de alopecia areata grave. Alguns pacientes são refratários ao aumento da dosagem. Neste artigo, descrevemos a aplicabilidade da terapia adjuvante com minoxidil oral.

Janus kinase inhibitors have changed the therapeutic paradigm of severe alopecia areata therapy. Some patients are refractory to dosage escalating. In this article, we describe the applicability of adjuvant oral minoxidil therapy

Tratamiento con tofacitinib en adolescentes con alopecia areata / Tofacitinib as a treatment of alopecia areata in adolescents

Resumen Introducción: Actualmente no existe un tratamiento estandarizado para la alopecia areata (AA) grave. Se han reportado numerosos casos exitosos del uso de tofacitinib; sin embargo, no existen publicaciones en México. En este trabajo se reportan cuatro casos de pacientes mexicanos con AA grave tratados con tofacitinib oral. Métodos: Serie de casos de adolescentes con alopecia grave tratados con tofacitinib oral. Para determinar la respuesta al tratamiento se utilizó la Escala de gravedad de alopecia (Severity of alopecia tool). Resultados: Se incluyeron cuatro pacientes de entre 13 y 19 años con AA. En todos los casos se observó crecimiento de cabello y disminución de la gravedad de la alopecia después del tratamiento con tofacitinib. En dos pacientes se observó una respuesta intermedia (del 51 al 90%), y en los otros, moderada (del 6 al 50%), sin efectos adversos serios. Las limitaciones del estudio fueron el tamaño reducido de la muestra y la naturaleza retrospectiva de la recolección de los datos. Conclusiones: El tofacitinib demostró ser una buena alternativa de tratamiento para la AA, total y universal, refractarias a otras terapias.

Abstract Background: Currently, no standardized treatment for severe alopecia areata (AA) exists. Numerous successful cases of the use of tofacitinib have been reported in the world literature, but not in Mexico. Four Mexican adolescents with severe AA treated with oral tofacitinib are reported in the present work. Methods: Series of cases of adolescents with severe AA treated with oral tofacitinib. The severity of alopecia tool was used to determine the response to treatment. Results: Four patients from 13 to 19 years old, were included. In all cases, hair growth was observed, and the alopecia severity decreased after the treatment with tofacitinib. In two patients, an intermediate response (from 51 to 90%) was observed; in the other, a moderate response (from 6 to 50%) was observed, without serious adverse effects. The limitations of the study were the small sample size and the retrospective nature of data collection. Conclusions: Tofacitinib showed to be a good treatment alternative for AA, total and universal, refractory to other therapies.

Effect of pyruvate peritoneal resuscitation on JAK/STAT signaling pathway in intestinal tissues of rats with hemorrhagic shock / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of pyruvate peritoneal resuscitation on Janus kinase (JAK) /signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway in intestinal tissues of rats with hemorrhagic shock.Methods Twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 200-300 g,were divided into 3 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table method:sham operation group (S group),intravenous resuscitation group (VR group),and peritoneal resuscitation with pyruvate group (PY group).Hemorrhagic shock was induced by blood-letting and infusing blood withdrawn with mean arterial pressure reduced to 30-40 mmHg for 60 min in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats.Hemorrhagic shock was resuscitated with autologous blood and normal saline 2 times the volume of blood withdrawn at the end of hemorrhagic shock in group VR.Pyruvate was intraperitoneally infused for 30 min using a micro-perfusion pump simultaneously with the intravenous resuscitation in group PY.The animals were sacrificed at 2 h after resuscitation,and intestinal tissues were obtained for determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) content (by thiobarbituric acid method),superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (using xanthine oxidase method),myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (using chemical colorimetry),and expression of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3),phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2) and caspase-3 expression (by Western blot).Results Compared with group S,the MDA content and MPO activity were significantly increased,the SOD activity was decreased,and the expression of p-STAT3,p-JAK2 and caspase-3 was up-regulated in the other two groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group VR,the MDA content and MPO activity were significantly decreased,the SOD activity was increased,and the expression of p-STAT3,p-JAK2 and caspase-3 was down-regulated in group PY (P＜0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which peritoneal resuscitation with pyruvate mitigates intestinal damage may be related to inhibiting activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the rats with hemorrhagic shock.

Association between psoriasis and STAT3 / 中华皮肤科杂志

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease.Its pathogenesis remains unclear,and is currently considered to be co-mediated by heredity,environment and immunity.Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an important transcription factor,which is associated with cancer and autoimmune diseases.STAT3 plays a crucial role in the occurrence of psoriasis by participating in the differentiation of T helper 17 cells,hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes,interaction with inflammatory cells,hyperplasia of dermal vessels and other important pathological processes.In recent studies,therapies targeting STAT3 and its upstream Janus kinases (JAK) have shown good efficacy and safety in the management of psoriasis.This review summarizes the association between psoriasis and STAT3,so as to provide evidence for the feasibility of the treatment of psoriasis with targeted inhibition of STAT3.

JAK inhibitors for the treatment of alopecia areata / 中华皮肤科杂志

Alopecia areata (AA) is a kind of localized scalp hair loss of sudden onset,and patients with severe AA can progress to alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU).At present,AA is considered as a kind of organ-specific autoimmune disease with a genetic background,and destruction of immune privileged structures of hair follicles is an important pathogenesis of AA.Currently,therapeutic methods for AA include oral or topical glucocorticoids,intramuscular or intralesional injection of glucocorticoids,topical minoxidil tincture,etc.,but some patients still show no response to the treatments.In recent years,various clinical trials have been conducted in abroad using JAK inhibitors for the treatment of AA.Researches have revealed that about half of patients with moderate to severe AA showed almost complete recovery after the treatment with oral JAK inhibitors.Topical ruxolitinib was also reported for the treatment of AA,but patients showed different response.Although some patients suffered from recurrence after drug withdrawal or infections and other adverse reactions during the treatment,JAK inhibitors can be an effective treatment option for moderate to severe AA.

Effects of tacrolimus on the secretion of chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 by γ-interferon-simulated HaCaT cells / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To analyze effects of tacrolimus on the secretion of chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 by γ-interferon (IFN-γ)-simulated HaCaT cells,as well as phosphorylated Janus kinase 1 (p-JAK1) and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (p-STAT1),and to explore the mechanism of tacrolimus in the treatment of vitiligo.Methods HaCaT cells were treated with l,10,20,40,60,80,100,120 mg/L tacrolimus solution separately for 4 hours,and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was performed to evaluate the cellular proliferative activity.HaCaT cells were divided into 4 groups:blank control group receiving no treatment,IFN-γgroup treated with 500 U/ml IFN-γfor 12 or 48 hours,tacrolimus group treated with 20 mg/L tacrolimus for 4 hours,and tacrolimus + IFN-γgroup treated with 20 mg/L tacrolimus for 4 hours followed by the treatment with 500 U/ml IFN-γfor 12 or 48 hours.Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR was conducted to measure the mRNA expression of CXCL9 and CXCL10,Western blot analysis to determine the protein expression of CXCL9,CXCL10,p-JAK1,and p-STAT1,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in the culture supernatants of HaCaT cells.Results Tacrolimus at the maximum concentration of 20 mg/L had no effect on the proliferation of HaCaT cells (P ＞ 0.05).After the pretreatment with 20 mg/L tacrolimus,the mRNA expression of CXCL9 and CXCL10 significantly decreased from 10 369.08 ± 7.99 and 290.02 ± 2.16 to 5 914.33 ± 4.59 and 114.96 ± 0.73,respectively,after the treatment with IFN-γ(both P ＜ 0.01),and the protein expression of CXCL9,CXCL10,p-JAK1,and p-STAT1 also significantly decreased from 8.47 ± 0.29,7.87 ± 0.17,4.20 ± 0.18 and 4.29 ± 0.11 to 7.36 ± 0.13,7.36 ± 0.09,2.60 ± 0.16 and 3.62 ± 0.19,respectively,after the treatment with IFN-γ (all P ＜ 0.01).Moreover,the levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in the culture supernatants of HaCaT cells significantly decreased in the IFN-γgroup (1 213.36 ± 0.95,1 722.41 ± 2.57,respectively) compared with the tacrolimus + IFN-γ group (426.45 ± 0.31,554.12 ± 0.56,respectively,both P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Tacrolimus can inhibit the secretion of CXCL9,CXCL10,p-JAK1 and p-STAT1 by HaCaT cells stimulated by IFN-γ.

Advances in Treatment for Polycythemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythemia / 대한내과학회지

Although there have been substantial advances in confirming diagnoses and defining the molecular characteristics of polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET), treatments for these conditions remain elementary. The main goal is still mainly focused on reducing the risk of thrombosis. The prevention of hemorrhage, leukemia transformation, and progression to myelofibrosis has yet to be established. To reduce the risk of thrombosis, risk-adapted treatment is recommended. Phlebotomy is the most important and effective treatment modality for patients with erythrocytosis, while cytoreduction using hydroxyurea, busulfan, or interferon-α is an ancillary treatment for patients at high risk for thrombosis. Anagrelide is used to decrease platelet counts in patients with thrombocytosis by inhibiting the maturation of platelets from megakaryocytes. Recent trials have shown that ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has clinical benefits in patients with polycythemia vera who show an inadequate response, or unacceptable side effects, to therapeutic doses of hydroxyurea. Theoretically, JAK inhibitors may also delay the progression of leukemia transformation and myelofibrosis but there is still no evidence of this. The cost of JAK inhibitors for the treatment of patients with PV/ET is a difficult hurdle for its use as a first-line treatment.

Effect of dexmedetomidine pretreatment on activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway during intestinal injury in rats undergoing liver transplantation / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine pretreatment on activation of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway during intestinal injury in rats undergoing liver transplantation.Methods Thirty-two pathogen-free healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 220-250 g,aged 8-10 weeks,were divided into 4 groups (n =8 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (S group),liver transplantation group (LT group),dexmedetomidine pretreatment group (D group) and dexmedetomidine plus atipamezole (specific α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) group (D+A group).The model of liver transplantation was established in LT,D and D+A groups except group S.In group D,dexmedetomidine 50 μg/kg was injected intraperitoneally at 30 min before skin incision.In group D+A,atipamzole 250 μg/kg was injected intraperitoneally at 5 min before administration of dexmedetomidine.At 6 h of reperfusion,blood samples were collected from the inferior vena cava for determination of serum concentrations of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (iFABP),lipopolysaccharide (LPS),tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-ct) and high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1).Intestinal specimens were then obtained for examination of the pathological changes of intestinal tissues (under light microscope) and for determination of the expression of activated caspase-3,phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2),phosphorylated STAT1 (p-STAT1) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3).Intestinal damage was assessed and scored.Wet/dry weight ratio (W/D ratio) was calculated.Results Compared with group S,the concentrations of iFABP,LPS,TNF-α and HMGB1 in serum,intestinal damage scores and W/D ratio were significantly increased,and the expression of activated caspase-3,p-JAK2,pSTATI and p-STAT3 in intestinal tissues was up-regulated in LT and D groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group LT,the concentrations of iFABP,LPS,TNF-cα and HMGB1 in serum,intestinal damage scores and W/D ratio were significantly decreased,and the expression of activated caspase-3,p-JAK2,p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 in intestinal tissues was down-regulated in group D (P＜0.05).Compared with group D,the concentrations of iFABP,LPS,TNF-cα and HMGB1 in serum,intestinal damage scores and W/D ratio were significantly increased,and the expression of activated caspase-3,p-JAK2,p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 in intestinal tissues was up-regulated in group D+A (P＜0.05).The pathological changes of intestinal tissues were significantly attenuated in group D as compared with group LT.Conclusion The mechanism by which dexmedetomidine pretreatment reduces intestinal injury may be related to inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling pathway activation in rats undergoing liver transplantation.

Modulation of host cell signaling pathways as a therapeutic approach in periodontal disease

Recently, new treatment approaches have been developed to target the host component of periodontal disease. This review aims at providing updated information on host-modulating therapies, focusing on treatment strategies for inhibiting signal transduction pathways involved in inflammation. Pharmacological inhibitors of MAPK, NFκB and JAK/STAT pathways are being developed to manage rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease and other inflammatory diseases. Through these agents, inflammatory mediators can be inhibited at cell signaling level, interfering on transcription factors activation and inflammatory gene expression. Although these drugs offer great potential to modulate host response, their main limitations are lack of specificity and developments of side effects. After overcoming these limitations, adjunctive host modulating drugs will provide new therapeutic strategies for periodontal treatment.

Interleukin-1β promotes the expression of pSTAT3 in rat retinal Müller cells / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To observe the influence of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on the expression of phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (pSTAT 3) in rat retinal MOiler cells. Methods For in vitro study cultured Mailer cells were treated with IL-1β of different concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 ng/ml) for 24 hours. For in vivo study, 32 Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were divided into 4 groups randomly (control group, 100,500 and 1000 ng/ml group) with 8 rats in each group. After 24 hours of injection with phosphate buffered solution (PBS), or 100, 500, 1000 ng/ml IL-1β into the vitreous treated retinas were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence and western blotting. Results After 24 hours of incubation without IL-1β, pSTAT3 has little expression in cultured Muller cells, but was up-regulated by 1 ng/ml or higher IL-1β in a dosage-dependent manner (F=46.64, 43.78; P<0.01). pSTAT3 was not expressed in adult rat retina, but was up-regulated by vitreous injection of 100 ng/ml or higher IL-1β in a dosage-dependent manner (F=73.53, 43.70; P<0.01). pSTAT3 expressed mainly in inner nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer. Double-labeling showed that there was no co-staining of pSTAT3 and glial fibrillary treated with IL-1β. Conclusions Expression of pSTAT3 in MUller cells could be activated by IL-1β which may represent one pathway link to reactive gliosis.

The effect of endotoxin tolerance on the D-galactosamine/lipopolysacharide induced Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signal transduction in rats / 中华传染病杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of endotoxin tolerance(ETT) on the rats with acute liver failure (ALF) and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/ STAT) signal transduction pathway. Methods S-D male rats were divided randomly into three groups: control group, ALF model group anti ETT group, lipopolysacharide (LPS) 0.1 mg/kg(ETT groups) or saline(ALF groups)was administered by five consecutive intraperitoneal injections at 24 h intervals. On the sixth day all animals were treated with intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (D-GaIN) 800 mg/kg and LPS 8 μg/rat. The blood was gathered from portal vein and livers were take out before and 2, 6,12, 24 and 48 h after the injection of D-GalN/LPS. Liver function and liver histopathology of each group were observed. The gene expressions of STAT3 and SOCS3 in the livers were measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The tumor necrosing factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6 level were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The data analysis was performed by using t test. Results The histological damage in the liver tissue was significantly milder in ETT group compared to ALF group, but still severer than that of control group (TNF-α: 6 h: t=2. 670,P<0.05,12 h: t=3. 604,24 h: t=6. 426, 48 h: t=3. 274,all P<0.01;IL-6:6 h: t=2. 333,P<0. 05,12 h: t=4. 266, 24 h: t=8. 063,48 h: t=4. 177, all P<0. 01). The gene expressions of STAT3 and SOCS3 in the liver were increased significantly in ALF group, however, in ETT group the expression of STAT3 was inhibited while the expression of SOCS3 was increased and much higher than those in ALF groups. Conclusions LPS pretreatment can induce ETT in rats, which will reduce the expression of TNF-α and IL-6. In ETT groups, the gene expression of STAT3 is lower while the gene expression of SOCS3 is higher compared to those in ALF groups. It suggests that JAK/STAT pathway may involve in mechanisms of ETT.