The effects and mechanisms of Toll like receptors 4/9 mediating IL-10, IL-35 and TGF-β expressions by CD25+B cells from periodontitis individuals / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To analyze the expressions of IL-10, IL-35 and TGF-β in CD25+B cells from periodontitis individuals, and then establish how the activation of TLR4/9 affects the above processes. 【Methods】 SD rats were randomly divided into healthy group, primary periodontitis groups and severe periodontitis group; experimental models were performed by ligation. Expression of IL-10, IL-35 and TGF-β mRNA in CD25+B cells from gingiva and peripheral blood, expression and activation of TLR 2/4/7/9, MyD88, TRAF6 in gingival CD25+B cells were detected. The effect of TLRs/MyD88 on IL-10, IL-35 and TGF-β expressions and production were evaluated by cell culture experiments. 【Results】 CD25+B cells from gingiva of primary periodontitis individuals showed improved expression of IL-10 and TGF-β mRNA compared with the healthy ones (P<0.05); cells from peripheral blood did not present the same tendency. CD25+B cells from gingiva of severe periodontitis individuals showed improved expression of IL-10, IL-35 and TGF-β mRNA compared with the healthy ones (P<0.05), cells from peripheral blood showed higher IL-10 mRNA level than the healthy ones (P<0.05). Compared with healthy individuals, the expression and phosphorylation of TLR4/9 and MyD88 in CD25+B cells from gingiva of severe periodontitis individuals were increased (P<0.01). In cell culture experiments, TLR4 agonist promoted IL-10, IL-35 and TGF-β mRNA expression and IL-10 secretion (P<0.05); TLR9 agonist improved IL-10 and TGF-β mRNA expression and IL-10 secretion (P<0.05). The combined use of TLR4/9 agonist could increase the expression and secretion of all the detected indexes (P<0.05); MyD88 antagonism decrease the above effects (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The expressions of IL-10, IL-35 and TGF-β in gingiva CD25+B cells increase during periodontitis, which may be regulated by TLR4 /9-MyD88 pathway.

Expression of Toll like receptor in pancreatic cancer cells / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To compare the expression difference of Toll like receptor (TLR) and inflammatory factors between pancreatic cancer and normal pancreatic epithelial cells, and explore the correlation between TLR and inflammatory microenvironment.Methods:Normal pancreatic duct epithelium cells (HPNE) and pancreatic cancer cells (Panc-1 and Mia-PACA-2) were cultured and proteins were obtained. The expression of TLR family protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) were examined by western blot in HPNE, Panc-1 and Mia-PACA-2. The correlations between TLR and inflammation cytokines of pancreatic cancer were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.Results:Compared with HPNE, the TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9 were highly expressed in Panc-1 and Mia-PACA-2 (all P<0.05). Compared with Panc-1, the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in Mia-PACA-2 were increased obviously, while the TLR9 expression was mildly decreased (all P<0.05). The expression of IL-6 in HPNE was found less than that in Panc-1 (0.52±0.03 vs. 0.76±0.04) and Mia-PACA-2 (0.52±0.03 vs. 1.12±0.09) with statistical differences ( P<0.05). Similarly, the expression of TNF-α was found significantly less than that of Panc-1 cells (0.63±0.04 vs. 0.87±0.06) and Mia-PACA-2 cells (0.63±0.04 vs. 0.95±0.10) with statistical differences (all P<0.05). The expression of IL-6 was found positively correlated with expressions of TLR2 ( r=0.964), TLR4 ( r=0.968), TLR7 ( r=0.844), TLR8 ( r=0.668) (all P<0.05), and the expression of TNF-α was found positively correlated with expressions of TLR2 ( r=0.805), TLR4 ( r=0.893), TLR7 ( r=0.847), TLR8 ( r=0.780) (all P<0.05). In contrast with HPNE, the expression of MyD88 was found highly expressed in Panc-1 (0.91±0.10 vs. 0.33±0.03) and Mia-PACA-2 (1.14±0.10 vs. 0.33±0.03) (all P<0.001). Compared with Panc-1, the expression of MyD88 in Mia-PACA-2 was obviously increased (1.14±0.10 vs. 0.91±0.10) with statistical difference ( P=0.048). Conclusion:The TLR family may play a critical role in development of pancreatic cancer by regulating the immune microenvironment, and its mechanism may be through upregulating MyD88 which functions as key signal transduction.

Research progress of Toll-like receptors and pulmonary infection / 中国医师杂志

Due to the increase of susceptible individual species and drug-resistant pathogens, pulmonary infection is still a global problem that threatens human health. Toll-like receptors (TLR) can identify pathogenic pattern related molecules on the surface of pathogenic microorganisms in innate immunity and initiate innate immune response. It can participate in different anti-infection mechanisms and play an important role in pulmonary infectious diseases caused by different pathogens. In this paper, the research progress of TLR in pulmonary infection at home and abroad in recent years is reviewed.

Anti-tumor and Phenotypic Regulation Effect of Matrine on Dendritic Cells through Regulating TLRs Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of matrine on antigen presentation of dendritic cells (DCs), and to explore the pharmacological mechanism of matrine on anti-tumor effect.@*METHODS@#Different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 µ g/mL) of matrine were co-cultured with DCs, the harvested DCs were co-cultured with antigens of Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells, and then DCs and T cells were co-cultured to produce DCs-activated killer (DAK) cells, which have significant tumor-killing activity. The expression of cytokines, mRNA and protein of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in DCs were detected by enzyme linked immunosobent assay, polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. And the killing effect of DAK were measured by MTT assay.@*RESULTS@#Matrine significantly increased the mRNA expression of TLR7, TLR8, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF-6) and I κ B kinase (IKK), as well as the protein expression of TLR7 and TLR8, and up-regulated the levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), meanwhile, it also increased the expressions of MHC-II, CD54, CD80 and CD86 in DCs. DCs-activated effector T cells had significant tumor-killing activity. When the concentration of matrine was more than 4 µg/mL, all indices had significant difference (P<0.01 or P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Matrine plays an anti-tumor role by regulating TLRs signal transduction pathway, promoting the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and enhancing immune function.

Study on the peripheral blood levels changes of soluble receptor for advanced glycosylation end product, endotoxin and Toll-like receptor in patients with severe acute pancreatitis complicated with peritoneal cavity infection / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the peripheral blood levels changes of soluble glycosylation end product receptor (sRAGE), endotoxin and Toll-like receptor (TLR) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) complicated with peritoneal cavity infection, and clarify the relationship between indexes and pathogenetic condition.Methods:The clinical data of 105 patients with SAP in Shanghai Pudong New Area People′s Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 28 cases had peritoneal cavity infection (infection group), and 77 cases had peritoneal cavity infection symptoms but undiagnosed (non-infection group). The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) at admission was recorded. When patients had the suspected symptoms and signs of peritoneal cavity infection, the serum levels of sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR4 and TLR9 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation between serum levels of sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4, TLR-9 and APACHE Ⅱ was analyzed by Pearson analysis; the risk factors of peritoneal cavity infection in SAP patients were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the diagnostic efficacy of serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 in peritoneal cavity infection were evaluated in patients with SAP; the Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn, and the comparison used log-rank test.Results:The serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 in infection group were significantly higher than those in non-infection group: (822.16 ± 104.51) ng/L vs. (728.09 ± 96.47) ng/L, (62.59 ± 20.11) ng/L vs. (41.62 ± 13.64) ng/L, (45.17 ± 8.54) μg/L vs. (37.34 ± 6.22) μg/L, (26.35 ± 6.73) μg/L vs. (20.02 ± 5.49) μg/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). Pearson correlation analysis result showed that the serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 were positively correlated with APACHE Ⅱ in patients with SAP ( r = 0.632, 0.556, 0.521 and 0.631; P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that the combined organ function damage, shock, hypoxemia and serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 were independent risk factors of peritoneal cavity infection in patients with SAP ( P<0.05). ROC curve analysis result showed that the area under the curve for the serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 combined diagnosis of peritoneal cavity infection in patients with SAP was the largest, which was 0.910 (95% CI 0.838 to 0.957, P<0.01), with a sensitivity of 82.14% and a specificity of 87.01%. According to the ROC curve cut-off value of serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 (764.58 ng/L, 58.01 ng/L, 40.24 μg/L and 22.61 μg/L), the 28 patients with SAP complicated with peritoneal cavity infection were divided into high levels patients (21, 14, 23 and 22 cases) and low levels patients (7, 14, 5 and 6 cases); Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis result showed that the 28-day survival rates in patients with high levels of sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 were significantly lower than those in patients with low levels (61.90% vs. 71.43%, 50.00% vs. 78.57%, 60.87% vs. 80.00% and 59.09% vs. 83.33%), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 have a high combined diagnostic value in SAP complicated with peritoneal cavity infection, and they are all related to the severity of the disease and have a significant impact on survival.

Hidroxicloroquina: Del fármaco de herencia Inca hasta la inmunología moderna / Hydroxychloroquine: Inca inheritance drug to modern immunology

Resumen La hidroxicloroquina es un antiguo fármaco proveniente del árbol de quino (Cinchona pubescens), a partir del componente químico alcaloide llamado quinina. Sus primeros usos se documentaron en el Imperio Inca del Perú. Se caracteriza por distintos efectos beneficiosos en enfermedades inmunológicas, al disminuir los procesos de autoinflamación y autoinmunidad persistente. Esta revisión se enfoca en describir los mecanismos inmunomoduladores de la hidroxicloroquina, así como los efectos del fármaco en algunas de las enfermedades autoinmunes más prevalentes: lupus eritematoso sistémico, artritis reumatoide, síndrome de Sjögren, vasculitis sistémicas, nefropatía por IgA, síndrome antifosfolípido, distintas enfermedades inmunológicas de la piel. También se revisarán los efectos adversos descritos para este fármaco, especialmente la toxicidad de retina, que es el más temido.

Abstract Hydroxychloroquine is an old drug derived from the quino tree (Cinchona pubescens), from the alkaloid chemical component called quinine. Its first uses trace back to the Inca empire of Peru. It is characterized by different beneficial effects in immunological diseases, decreasing the processes of autoinflammation and persistent autoimmunity. This review focuses on describing the immunomodulatory mechanisms of hydroxychloroquine as well as the effects of the drug on some of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic vasculitis, IgA nephropathy, antiphospholipid syndrome, different skin-related autoimmune disorders. The main adverse effects will be revised, focusing in the retinal toxicity.

Regulatory T cells isolated from endometriotic peritoneal fluid express a different number of Toll-like receptors / Células T reguladoras isoladas do fluido peritoneal de mulheres com endometriose expressam um número diferente de receptores do tipo Toll

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze and compare the expression of Toll-like receptors by regulatory T cells present in the peritoneal fluid of patients with and without endometriosis. Methods Regulatory T cells were isolated from peritoneal fluid of women with and without endometriosis, collected during surgery, and mRNA was extracted for analysis of Toll-like receptors expression by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results Patients with endometriosis presented regulatory T cells expressing a larger number and variety of Toll-like receptors when compared to regulatory T cells from patients in the Control Group. Toll-like receptor-1 and Toll-like receptor-2 in regulatory T cells were expressed in both groups. All other expressed Toll-like receptors types were only found in regulatory T cells from the Endometriosis Group. Conclusion Patients with endometriosis had peritoneal regulatory T cells expressing various Toll-like receptors types.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar e comparar a expressão de receptores do tipo Toll por células T reguladoras presentes no líquido peritoneal de pacientes com endometriose. Métodos Células T reguladoras foram isoladas do líquido peritoneal de mulheres com e sem endometriose, coletadas durante a cirurgia, e o RNAm foi extraído para análise da expressão de receptores do tipo Toll por reação em cadeia da polimerase com transcriptase reversa. Resultados Pacientes com endometriose apresentaram células T reguladoras expressando maior número e variedade de Toll por células quando comparadas com T reguladoras de pacientes do Grupo Controle. Receptores do tipo Toll-1 e receptores do tipo Toll-2 foram expressos em ambos os grupos. Todos os outros tipos de receptores Toll foram encontrados expressos apenas em células T reguladoras do grupo com endometriose. Conclusão Pacientes com endometriose apresentaram células T reguladoras peritoneais expressando vários tipos de receptores tipo Toll.

Pam2CSK4 (TLR2 agonist) induces periodontal destruction in mice

Abstract Lipoproteins are important bacterial immunostimulating molecules capable of inducing receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANKL) and osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo . Although these molecules are present in periodontopathogenic bacteria, their role in periodontitis is not known. In this study, we used Pam2CSK4 (PAM2), a synthetic molecule that mimics bacterial lipoprotein, to investigate the effects of lipoproteins on periodontitis in mice. C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups: 1) Negative control group: animals received vehicle injection; 2) Positive control group: animals received injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS); 3) PAM2 group: animals received PAM2 injection. All the injections were performed bilaterally every other day into the palatal mucosa between first and second molars. After twenty-four days, the animals were euthanized to assess alveolar bone volume (micro-CT), cellular and extracellular composition in the gingiva (stereometric analysis), and osteoclast numbers (TRAP staining). Treatment with either PAM2 or LPS induced gingival inflammation, as demonstrated by increased infiltration of inflammatory cells and enhanced angiogenesis, associated with a smaller number of fibroblasts and decreased extracellular matrix. Importantly, treatment not only with LPS but also with PAM2 resulted in a larger number of TRAP+ multinucleated osteoclasts and significant loss of alveolar bone. Collectively, our data demonstrate that PAM2 can induce gingival inflammation and bone loss in mice, broadening the avenues of investigation into the role of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Role of hepatic macrophages in the development and progression of primary biliary cholangitis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease characterized by cholestasis and has unknown etiology. Its specific pathogenesis remains unclear, but hepatic macrophages are one of the key aspects of the immune and inflammatory response of PBC and the injury of biliary epithelial cells. Hepatic macrophages are classified into resident Kupffer cells and monocyte-derived macrophages according to their source, and these cells play an important role in the development and progression of PBC. This article reviews the role of hepatic macrophages in the development and progression of PBC.

Effect of Coptidis Rhizoma-Zingiberis Rhizoma Extract on Colonic Epithelium TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To observe the effect of berberine and 6-shogaol, main components of Coptiae Rhizoma and Zingiberis Rhizoma, on the inflammatory signaling pathway of Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in colonic epithelial cells of mice with ulcerative colitis. Method::Fifty Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, berberine group (100 mg·kg-1), 6-shogaol group (100 mg·kg-1), and 6-shogaol combined with berberine group (200 mg·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. A mouse model of ulcerative colitis was established through oral administration with 2% dextroan sulfate for two weeks. Each group was given corresponding drugs by gavage, while normal group and model group were given equal amount of normal saline. Serum and colon tissue samples were taken 20 days after administration. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent method was used to detect serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expressions, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot method were used to detect TLR4, NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expressions in colon epithelial tissue. Result::Compared with the normal group, relative expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein were increased in the model group (P<0.01), and the contents of serum IL-1β and TNF-α were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, relative expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in 6-shogaol group, berberine group and 6-shogaol combined with berberine group (P<0.01), and the contents of serum IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Among the three groups, 6-shogaol combined with berberine group had the strongest effect (P<0.01). Conclusion::Both 6-shogaol and berberine can inhibit colonic inflammation, reduce inflammatory damage and treat ulcerative colitis. The combined application of 6-shogaol and berberine has a significant synergism effect. The mechanism is related to the excessive activation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the regulation of non-controllable intestinal inflammation.

Interferon-gamma combined with lipopolysaccharide polarizes human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells to a MSC2 phenotype / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells have been widely applied in autoimmune diseases and graft-versus-host diseases because of their immunomodulatory capabilities. However, mesenchymal stem cells have plasticity in immunomodulation, which leads to heterogeneity and instability when used in vivo. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the polarization of human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells to an immunosuppressive phenotype (MSC2) in the inflammatory microenvironment induced by interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide. METHODS: Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured in vitro, and then were identified by morphological characteristics, surface markers, adipogenesis and osteoinduction activity. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells were treated with interferon-γ (10 μg/L), lipopolysaccharide (100 μg/L), or their combination for 24 hours, respectively, and were then co-cultured with phytohemagglutinin pre-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 5 days under direct or Transwell indirect contact. The percentages of regulatory T cells and T helper 1 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry at different times. The mRNA expression levels of Toll-like receptors 2, 3 and 4 were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells exhibited spindle-shaped or fibroblast-like morphology, highly expressed CD73, CD90 and CD105, and lacked expression of CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR. (2) Under direct or indirect co-culture, human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells pre-treated with interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide could promote the generation of regulatory T cells, which was superior to the interferon-γ, lipopolysaccharid, un-treated and control groups (P < 0.05). (3) The percentage of T helper 1 cells gradually decreased over time. (4) Under indirect co-culture, human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells pre-treated with interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide were polarized into immunosuppressive MSC2 phenotype at an earlier period and highly expressed Toll-like receptor 3 (P < 0.05). (5) In conclusion, the combination of interferon-γ (10 μg/L) and lipopolysaccharide (100 μg/L) results in the high-efficient polarization of mesenchymal stem cells toward the MSC2 phenotype under indirect co-culture, and the immunosuppressive capability of MSC2 is independent of intercellular contact, which provides clinical evidence for the MSC2-derived exosome therapy in the future.

Insights into immunoregulatory properties of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells in oral diseases / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells have strong immunoregulatory capabilities. The immunoregulatory characteristics of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells are closely related to the occurrence and development of oral diseases. However, the specific mechanism of this immunomodulatory effect on the disease is unknown. Therefore, the application of the immunomodulatory properties of dental derived mesenchymal stem cells may play an important role in the treatment and prevention of oral diseases in the future. OBJECTIVE: To review the role of the Immunomodulatory properties of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells in oral diseases from the three following aspects: the mutual regulation mechanism of mesenchymal stem cells derived from different oral tissues and activated immune cells, and the effects of various cytokines and oral pathogens on the immunoregulatory capacity of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS: CNKI and PubMed databases were retrieved for relevant literature published from January 2000 to June 2019. The search terms were “tooth-derived mesenchymal stem cells, immunomodulatory properties, immune cells, oral diseases, Porphyromonas gingivalis, periodontitis, dental plaque, dental caries, toll-like receptors” in Chinese and English, respectively. A total of 221 articles were obtained, 64 of which met the standards for result analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the past 20 years since the dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated, researchers have conducted a large number of in vitro experiments on the interaction between several oral tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and activated immune cells. The mechanism of action between them has been preliminarily discussed. Different inflammatory mediators and cytokines can differentially activate various immunomodulatory proteins in mesenchymal stem cells, and thus activate their immunomodulatory activities. Therefore, exploration on specific stimuli that activate mesenchymal stem cells and oral pathogenic bacteria to activate dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells may improve the application efficiency of dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells at different stages of the tissue healing process. It will make a breakthrough in the way that the disease is treated.

Roles of Platelet Toll-like Receptors in Thrombosis / 中国医学科学院学报

Platelets are non-nuclear blood cells that are widely involved in physiological and pathological processes.Their main role is to participate in hemostasis and thrombosis.Toll-like receptors(TLRs)are innate immune receptors.Platelets express multiple TLRs and can promote thrombosis by recognizing ligand-induced platelet activation and aggregation.This article reviews the relationship between platelets/TLR and thrombosis and the roles of TLRs in the development of thrombotic diseases.

Pam2CSK4 (TLR2 agonist) induces periodontal destruction in mice

Abstract Lipoproteins are important bacterial immunostimulating molecules capable of inducing receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANKL) and osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo . Although these molecules are present in periodontopathogenic bacteria, their role in periodontitis is not known. In this study, we used Pam2CSK4 (PAM2), a synthetic molecule that mimics bacterial lipoprotein, to investigate the effects of lipoproteins on periodontitis in mice. C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups: 1) Negative control group: animals received vehicle injection; 2) Positive control group: animals received injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS); 3) PAM2 group: animals received PAM2 injection. All the injections were performed bilaterally every other day into the palatal mucosa between first and second molars. After twenty-four days, the animals were euthanized to assess alveolar bone volume (micro-CT), cellular and extracellular composition in the gingiva (stereometric analysis), and osteoclast numbers (TRAP staining). Treatment with either PAM2 or LPS induced gingival inflammation, as demonstrated by increased infiltration of inflammatory cells and enhanced angiogenesis, associated with a smaller number of fibroblasts and decreased extracellular matrix. Importantly, treatment not only with LPS but also with PAM2 resulted in a larger number of TRAP+ multinucleated osteoclasts and significant loss of alveolar bone. Collectively, our data demonstrate that PAM2 can induce gingival inflammation and bone loss in mice, broadening the avenues of investigation into the role of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Insights into the evolution of extracellular leucine-rich repeats in metazoans with special reference to Toll-like receptor 4

The importance of the widely spread leucine-rich repeat (LRR) motif was studied considering TLRs, the LRR-containingprotein involved in animal immune response. The protein connects intracellular signalling with a chain of molecularinteractions through the presence of LRRs in the ectodomain and TIR in the endodomain. Domain analyses with humanTLR1-9 reported ectodomain with tandem repeats, transmembrane domain and TIR domain. The repeat number variedacross members of TLR and remained characteristic to a particular member. Analysis of gene structure revealed absence ofcodon interruption with TLR3 and TLR4 as exceptions. Extensive study with TLR4 from metazoans confirmed thepresence of 23 LRRs in tandem. Distinct clade formation using coding and amino acid sequence of individual repeatsillustrated independent evolution. Although ectodomain and endodomain exhibited differential selection pressure, withinthe ectodomain, however, the individual repeats displayed positive, negative and neutral selection pressure depending ontheir structural and functional significance.

Effect of preoperative sleep deprivation on hippocampal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in aged mice with postoperative cognitive dysfunction / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of preoperative sleep deprivation on hippocampal Tolllike receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in aged mice with postoperative cognitive dysfunction.Methods Sixty clean-grade healthy male C57BL/6J mice,aged 16 months,weighing 28-36 g,were divided into 4 groups (n=15 each) using a random number table method:control group (group C),surgery group (group S),sleep deprivation group (group SD) and sleep deprivation plus surgery group (group SD+S).Mice were fed a common diet in group C.Mice were sleep-deprived for 24 h in group SD.Tibial fracture internal fixation was performed in group S.Tibial fracture internal fixation was performed after 24-h sleep deprivation in group SD+S.Cognitive function was assessed using the contextual fear conditioning test at days 3 and 7 after operation.The animals were sacrificed at day 7 after operation,brains were removed and hippocampi were isolated for determination of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) content (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and expression of TLR4 and p-NF-κB p65 (by Western blot).Results Compared with group C,the percentage of time spent freezing induced by condition and percentage of time spent freezing induced by context were significantly decreased at days 3 and 7 after operation,the content of TNF-α was increased,and the expression of TLR4 and p-NF-κB p65 was up-regulated in S,SD and SD+S groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group S and group SD,the percentage of time spent freezing induced by condition and percentage of time spent freezing induced by context were significantly decreased at days 3 and 7 after operation,the content of TNF-α was increased,and the expression of TLR4 and p-NF-κB p65 was up-regulated in group SD+S (P＜0.05).Conclusion Preoperative sleep deprivation further accentuates postoperative cognitive dysfunction,and the mechanism is related to activating TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and inducing inflammatory responses of aged mice.

Association of TLR1 gene polymorphisms with pulmonary candida infection and candida colonization in Guizhou Han patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 医学研究生学报

Objective Studies are rarely reported on the correlation of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) gene polymorphisms with fungal infection in the Chinese Han population. This study aims to explore the association between TLR gene polymorphisms and pulmonary candida infection (PCI) and candida colonization (CC) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Guizhou Han population. Methods Using the polymerase chain reaction-direct sequencing (PCR-SBT) method, we genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the TLR1, TLR2 and TLR4 genes in 344 Guizhou Han patients with COPD, including 80 cases complicated by PCI (the PCI group), 103 cases complicated by CC (the CC group), and 161 negative controls. We analyzed the correlation of the SNPs with PCI and CC in the COPD patients in different genetic models with the SNPstats online software, measured the levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α proteins in the plasma of the patients by ELISA, and assessed the functional consequences of these polymorphisms. Results The polymorphisms of rs5743611, rs5743708, rs4986790 and rs4986791 were found in none of the patients. The genotype frequency of rs4833095 was significantly different between the PCI and control groups in the codominant, dominant and overdominant models (P < 0.05), with the dominant model as the best genetic pattern. No statistically significant difference was observed either in the rs4833095 genotype frequency between the CC and control groups (P > 0.05) or in the rs5743618 genotype frequency between any two groups (P > 0.05). In the PCI group, the T allele of the rs4833095 polymorphism significantly decreased the levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β in the plasma (P < 0.05), and that of TNF-α as well, though with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion The rs4833095 polymorphism of the TLR1 gene is associated with PCI in COPD patients. The T allele of rs4833095 may affect the function of TLR1, decrease the levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β proteins in the plasma. Neither rs4833095 nor rs5743618 gene polymorphism is correlated with the susceptibility to candida colonization.

Downregulation of IL-18 Expression in the Gut by Metformin-induced Gut Microbiota Modulation

IL-18 is a crucial pro-inflammatory cytokine that mediates chronic intestinal inflammation. Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, was reported to have ameliorative effects on inflammatory bowel disease. Recently, the mechanism of action of metformin was explained as a modulation of gut microbiota. In this study, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) using fecal material from metformin-treated mice was found to upregulate the expression of GLP-1 and pattern-recognition receptors TLR1 and TLR4 for the improvement in hyperglycemia caused by a high-fat diet. Further, FMT downregulated the expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-18. Within the genera Akkermansia, Bacteroides, and Butyricimonas, which were promoted by metformin therapy, Butyricimonas was found to be consistently abundant following FMT. Our findings suggest that modulation of gut microbiota is a key factor for the anti-inflammatory effects of metformin which is used for the treatment of hyperglycemia.

X-linked Toll-like receptor 7 polymorphism associated with susceptibility to Chikungunya Fever

Objective: To investigate the association between TLR3 and TLR7 polymorphisms with susceptibility and clinical manifestations of Chikungunya Fever. Methods: A total of 177 individuals were studied: 73 patients with a confirmed diagnosis for Chikungunya virus and 104 non-infected individuals. Polymorphisms were determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: Our analysis showed an increased CC genotype frequency of the TLR7 rs3853839 polymorphism in male patients compared to control (29% versus 2%, respectively; OR=20.69; 95 % CI= 2.55-167.36; P<0.001). Furthermore, arthritis (acute and chronic) was frequently found in CC male patients. On the contrary, 65% of CG carriers were no-infected males (29% versus 65%, respectively; OR=0.23, 95% CI=0.48-3.04; P=0.002). Finally, we observed a higher frequency of lymphopenia in CG male patients (CG=666.86±233.77, GG=1,314.27±752.29 cells/mm3, P=0.047). Conclusions: Our results suggest the TLR7 rs3853839 polymorphism is associated with lymphopenia and increased susceptibility to Chikungunya Fever in males.

Relationship Between Rotavirus and TLRs and Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Rotavirus (RV) infection of human body is mainly colonized in human intestinal epithelial cells, which results in small intestinal epithelial cell damage, and then induces diarrhea, fever and other symptoms. It is one of the most common causes of infantile diarrhea. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), as a kind of pattern recognition receptors, play an important role in the host immune system after virus infection. After different viruses infect human body, various pathogens trigger the host immune response through TLRs, induce the release of various cytokines, and stimulate a series of inflammatory reactions, such as fever, cough and diarrhea, which may further lead to more serious adverse consequences. According to the findings, the anti-inflammatory and anti-viral mechanisms of various effective drugs developed for different pathogens may be closely related to the intervention of TLRs signaling pathway and the regulation of immune response. A large number of studies have shown that rotavirus infection can induce inflammation by affecting the expressions of related proteins and genes in Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal transduction pathways, stimulating the release of inflammatory cytokines and inducing inflammatory response. Some studies on the mechanism of drug treatment for rotavirus diarrhea also started with TLRs, but only a few clinical and experimental studies on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and rotavirus diarrhea involve TLRs signaling pathway. Therefore, this article will focus on the relationship between TLRs signaling pathway and different viral infections, especially with rotavirus infection, in three aspects:viral infection and TLRs signaling pathway, RV infection and TLRs signaling pathway, and the research of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of rotavirus diarrhea, in order to guide the clinical and experimental studies on the treatment of rotavirus diarrhea with TCM based on TLR3 and TLR4 signaling pathways.