People Living With HIV Have More Intact HIV DNA in Circulating CD4+ T Cells if They Have History of Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Background: A primary barrier to curing HIV is the HIV reservoir. The leading infectious cause of death worldwide for people living with HIV is tuberculosis (TB), but we do not know how TB impacts the HIV reservoir. Methods: Participants in identification and validation cohorts were selected from previously enrolled studies at Groupe Haïtien d'Étude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes (GHESKIO) in Port au Prince, Haiti. Intact and non-intact proviral DNA were quantified using droplet digital PCR of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived CD4+ T cells. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare medians with tobit regression for censoring. Results: In the identification cohort, we found that people living with HIV with a history of active pulmonary TB (n=19) had higher levels of intact provirus than people living with HIV without a history of active TB (n=47) (median 762; IQR, 183-1173 vs 117; IQR, 24-279 intact provirus per million CD4, respectively; P=0.0001). This difference also was seen in the validation cohort (n=31), (median 102; IQR, 0-737 vs 0; IQR, 0-24.5 intact provirus per million CD4, P=0.03) for TB vs no-TB history groups, respectively. The frequencies of CD4+ T cells with any detectable proviral fragment was directly proportional to the levels of interleukin-1 beta (r=0.524, P= 0.0025) and interleukin-2 (r=0.622, P=0.0002). Conclusions: People living with HIV with a history of active pulmonary TB have more HIV pro-virus in their circulating CD4+ T cells, even years after TB cure. We need to characterize which CD4+ T cells are harboring intact provirus to consider the impact of T cell-targeting HIV cure interventions for people living in TB-endemic areas.

Association between the IL1B-511 C>T polymorphism and the risk of hematologic malignancies: data from a meta-analysis.

The relationship between the IL1B-511C>T (rs16944) polymorphism and the risk of developing hematologic malignancies remains controversial. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between IL1B-511C>T polymorphism and the risk of developing hematologic malignancies. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify all eligible studies on IL1B-511C>T polymorphism and hematologic malignancies. Twelve case-control studies, with 2,896 cases and 3,716 controls, were selected for the analysis. The overall data failed to indicate a significant association between IL1B-511C>T polymorphism and the risk of hematologic malignancies (OR:1.06, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.93-1.22). Moreover, non-significant associations were observed in a stratified analysis according to neoplasm type (multiple myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), ethnicity (European and Asian), and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In summary, our results suggest that there is no association between the IL1B-511C>T polymorphism and the risk of hematologic malignancies. As such, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.

DAP1-2: a synthetic peptide targeting IL-1R1 receptor effectively suppresses IL-1ß in vitro.

The pathological manifestation of the inflammatory process primarily stems from the heightened release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with IL-1ß standing out as a pivotal cytokine. The excessive presence of IL-1ß disrupts immune signaling, thereby assuming a pathogenic and exacerbating role in the pathophysiology of numerous inflammatory diseases. Regulating IL-1ß levels becomes crucial, and the IL-1Ra molecule serves this purpose by binding to the IL-1R1 receptor, thereby impeding the binding of IL-1ß. Several pharmaceuticals have entered the market, aiming to neutralize IL-1ß's biological function through diverse mechanisms. However, the existing IL-1ß inhibitors are recombinant proteins, characterized by a high production cost and limited stability. Therefore, this study aimed to predict a peptide, named DAP1-2, based on the IL-1Ra molecule. DAP1-2 was designed to attenuate responses triggered by IL-1ß by blocking the IL-1R1 receptor. The selection of amino acids from the IL-1Ra molecule (PDB: I1RA) that interact with the three domains of the IL-1R1 receptor was performed using Swiss PDB Viewer. After prediction, chemical synthesis was made using the Fmoc-Synthesis technique. The efficacy of DAP1-2 was assessed using RAW 264.7 cells, which were exposed to LPS (5 µg/mL) for 24 h to induce IL-1ß expression and treated with the peptides in different concentrations. IL-1ß levels were assessed using ELISA, and the gene expression of IL-1ß was measured by RT-qPCR, additionally to the viability test. Results revealed a significant reduction in IL-1ß levels and gene expression in cells stimulated by LPS and treated with DAP1-2 in different concentrations. Furthermore, the MTT assay confirmed the nontoxic nature of the peptides on the cell lineage. This alternative approach shows promise as an IL-1 inhibitor, due to the stability, ease of production, and cost-effectiveness provided by the use of synthetic peptides.

IL-1β and IL-17 in cutaneous lupus erythematous skin biopsies: could immunohistochemicals indicate a tendency towards systemic involvement?

Abstract Background: Only a fraction of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) will eventually progress toward systemic disease (SLE). Objective: To find inflammatory biomarkers which could predict the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using immunohistochemical (IHC) assays. Methods: Immunohistochemical markers for cytotoxic, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory responses and morphometric methods were applied to routine paraffin sections of skin biopsies, taken from lesions of 59 patients with discoid lupus, subacute lupus, and lupus tumidus. For the diagnosis of SLE, patients were classified by both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR-82) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC-12) systems. Results: Skin samples from CLE/SLE +patients presented higher expression of IL-1β (ARC-82: p = 0.024; SLICC-12: p = 0.0143) and a significantly higher number of cells marked with granzyme B and perforin (ARC: p = 0.0097; SLICC-12: p = 0.0148). Biopsies from CLE/SLE- individuals had higher expression of IL-17 (ARC-82: p = 0.0003; SLICC-12: p = 0.0351) and presented a positive correlation between the density of granzyme A+and FoxP3+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0257; SLICC-12: p = 0.0285) and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0075; SLICC-12: p = 0.0102), as well as between granulysin-positive and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p = 0.0024; SLICC-12: p = 0.0116). Study limitations: Patients were evaluated at a specific point in their evolution and according to the presence or not of systemic disease. The authors cannot predict how many more, from each group, would have evolved towards SLE in the following years. Conclusions: In this cohort, immunohistochemical findings suggested that patients with a tendency to systemic disease will show strong reactivity for IL-1β, while those with purely cutaneous involvement will tend to express IL-17 more intensely.

IL-1ß and IL-17 in cutaneous lupus erythematous skin biopsies: could immunohistochemicals indicate a tendency towards systemic involvement?

BACKGROUND: Only a fraction of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) will eventually progress toward systemic disease (SLE). OBJECTIVE: To find inflammatory biomarkers which could predict the progression of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using immunohistochemical (IHC) assays. METHODS: Immunohistochemical markers for cytotoxic, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory responses and morphometric methods were applied to routine paraffin sections of skin biopsies, taken from lesions of 59 patients with discoid lupus, subacute lupus, and lupus tumidus. For the diagnosis of SLE, patients were classified by both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR-82) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC-12) systems. RESULTS: Skin samples from CLE/SLE+patients presented higher expression of IL-1ß (ARC-82: p=0.024; SLICC-12: p=0.0143) and a significantly higher number of cells marked with granzyme B and perforin (ARC: p=0.0097; SLICC-12: p=0.0148). Biopsies from CLE/SLE- individuals had higher expression of IL-17 (ARC-82: p=0.0003; SLICC-12: p=0.0351) and presented a positive correlation between the density of granzyme A+and FoxP3+ cells (ARC-82: p=0.0257; SLICC-12: p=0.0285) and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p=0.0075; SLICC-12: p=0.0102), as well as between granulysin-positive and CD8+ cells (ARC-82: p=0.0024; SLICC-12: p=0.0116). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Patients were evaluated at a specific point in their evolution and according to the presence or not of systemic disease. The authors cannot predict how many more, from each group, would have evolved towards SLE in the following years. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, immunohistochemical findings suggested that patients with a tendency to systemic disease will show strong reactivity for IL-1ß, while those with purely cutaneous involvement will tend to express IL-17 more intensely.

The clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of 60 cutaneous glomus tumor: a retrospective case series study.

BACKGROUND: Glomus Tumor (GT) are benign neoplasms that originate from mesenchymal cells. It presents as tenderness and cold allodynia in the digits, especially in the subungual region. There are a few studies that investigated the mechanism of pain. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical-pathologic characteristics of GT and to identify the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and CGRP in it, further, to explore the possible mechanism of pain. METHODS: The clinical and pathological data of 60 GT patients were retrospectively analyzed. Tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6 and CGRP. RESULTS: GT is more common in females and the ratio of male to was near to 1:2, mostly in middle-aged people. It often occurs in fingertips, especially the thumbs. Patients often present with spontaneous pain, tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity. Both the two pain mediators IL-1ß and IL-6 were highly expressed in GT cells of patients with and without cold hypersensitivity. While CGRP was not expressed in GT. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Low sample size and further research is needed to explore the specific mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1ß and IL-6 were highly expressed in GT cells, suggesting that IL-1ß and IL-6 have certain nociceptive roles in GT. In the 4 patients with cold intolerance, the intensity of IL-1ß and IL-6 staining was also strong, suggesting that they may not play a role in the cold hypersensitivity. However, since there are only 4 patients with cold intolerance, it's necessary to conduct further in-depth research using a larger sample size. The specific role of CGRP in GT has not been found yet.

The clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of 60 cutaneous glomus tumor: a retrospective case series study

Abstract Background Glomus Tumor (GT) are benign neoplasms that originate from mesenchymal cells. It presents as tenderness and cold allodynia in the digits, especially in the subungual region. There are a few studies that investigated the mechanism of pain. Objectives To analyze the clinical-pathologic characteristics of GT and to identify the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and CGRP in it, further, to explore the possible mechanism of pain. Methods The clinical and pathological data of 60 GT patients were retrospectively analyzed. Tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and CGRP. Results GT is more common in females and the ratio of male to was near to 1:2, mostly in middle-aged people. It often occurs in fingertips, especially the thumbs. Patients often present with spontaneous pain, tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity. Both the two pain mediators IL-1β and IL-6 were highly expressed in GT cells of patients with and without cold hypersensitivity. While CGRP was not expressed in GT. Study limitations Low sample size and further research is needed to explore the specific mechanism. Conclusions IL-1β and IL-6 were highly expressed in GT cells, suggesting that IL-1β and IL-6 have certain nociceptive roles in GT. In the 4 patients with cold intolerance, the intensity of IL-1β and IL-6 staining was also strong, suggesting that they may not play a role in the cold hypersensitivity. However, since there are only 4 patients with cold intolerance, it's necessary to conduct further in-depth research using a larger sample size. The specific role of CGRP in GT has not been found yet.

Association between genetic polymorphisms of NOD1, Interleukin-1B, and cagA strain with low-grade duodenal eosinophilia in Helicobacter pylori-related dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a multifactorial disorder. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related dyspepsia (HpD) may be considered a separate entity. Duodenal eosinophilia is a potential pathogenic mechanism in FD. However, the impact of duodenal eosinophilia and host genetic polymorphism of innate and pro-inflammatory cascade, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD-1), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) in HpD was not explored. AIM: To evaluate the association of NOD1-796G>A and IL-1B-511C>T gene variants and low-grade duodenal eosinophilia in HpD. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 253 patients who met Rome-IV criteria were selected before upper endoscopy and 98 patients were included after unremarkable upper endoscopy and positive H. pylori in gastric biopsies were assessed. Clinical parameters, H. pylori cagA and duodenal histology, were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-four (65%) patients had epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), 24 (25%) postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), and 10 (10%) EPS/PDS overlap. FD subtypes were not associated with NOD1-796G>A and IL-1B-511C>T gene variants. Low-grade duodenal eosinophilia was significantly increased in NOD1-796 GG versus single A-allele, but not in IL-1B-511 single T-allele or CC-allele. This association is dependent of cagA infection, since harboring cagA strain was significantly associated with low-grade duodenal eosinophilia with isolated variants NOD1-796 GG and IL-1B-511 single T-allele, but not without cagA. When we performed combined polymorphism analysis with NOD1-796 GG/IL-1B-511 single T-allele, a synergistic effect on low-grade duodenal eosinophilia was found between these two loci irrespective of cagA strain status in HpD. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that low-grade duodenal eosinophilia is significantly associated with NOD1-796 GG allele specially in cagA strain and with allelic combination NOD1-796 GG/IL-1B-511 single T-allele independent of cagA strain infection in HpD patients.

Calotropis procera latex protein reduces inflammation and bone loss in ligature-induced period ontitis in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: Calotropis procera latex protein (CpLP) is a popular anti-inflammatory and therefore we aimed to study its effects on inflammatory bone loss. DESIGN: Male Wistar rats were subjected to a ligature of molars. Groups of rats received intraperitoneally CpLP (0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, or 3 mg/kg) or saline (0.9% NaCl) one hour before ligature and then daily up to 11 days, compared to naïve. Gingiva was evaluated by myeloperoxidase activity and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) expression by ELISA. Bone resorption was evaluated in the region between the cement-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest. The histology considered alveolar bone resorption and cementum integrity, leukocyte infiltration, and attachment level, followed by immunohistochemistry bone markers between 1st and 2nd molars. Systemically, the weight of the body and organs, and a leukogram were performed. RESULTS: The periodontitis significantly increased myeloperoxidase activity and the IL-1ß level. The increased bone resorption was histologically corroborated by periodontal destruction, leukocyte influx, and attachment loss, as well as the increasing receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio, and Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)+ cells when compared to naïve. CpLP significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity, level of IL-1ß, alveolar bone resorption, periodontal destruction, leukocyte influx, and attachment loss. The CpLp also reduced the RANKL/OPG ratio and TRAP+ cells, when compared with the saline group, and did not affect the systemic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: CpLP exhibited a periodontal protective effect by reducing inflammation and restricting osteoclastic alveolar bone resorption in this rat model.

Association of the Interleukin 1B-31*C Proinflammatory Allele with the Severity of COVID-19 Patients: A Preliminary Report.

Individuals with no known comorbidities or risk factors may develop severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study assessed the effect of certain host polymorphisms and viral lineage on the severity of COVID-19 among hospitalized patients with no known comorbidities in Mexico. The analysis included 117 unrelated hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Patients were stratified by whether they required intensive care unit (ICU) admission: the ICU group (n = 40) and non-ICU group (n = 77). COVID-19 was diagnosed on the basis of a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and clinical and radiographic criteria. The presence of the IL1B-31 (T/C) polymorphism was determined for all patients using PCR and nucleotide sequencing. Genotyping of the IL-4 (-590, T/C) and IL-8 (-251, T/A) polymorphisms was performed by the amplification refractory mutation system-PCR method. Genotyping of IL1-RN was performed using PCR. Viral genome sequencing was performed using the ARTIC Network amplicon sequencing protocol using a MinION. Logistic regression analysis identified the carriage of IL-1 B*-31 *C as an independent potential risk factor (odds ratio [OR] = 3.1736, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0748-9.3705, p = 0.0366) for ICU admission and the presence of IL-RN*2 as a protective factor (OR = 0.4371, 95% CI = 0.1935-0.9871, p = 0.0465) against ICU admission. Under the codominant model, the CC genotype of IL1B-31 significantly increased the risk of ICU admission (OR: 6.38, 95% CI: 11.57-25.86, p < 0.024). The IL1B-31 *C-IL-4-590 *T haplotype increased the risk of ICU admission (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.02-6.25, p = 0.047). The 42 SARS-CoV-2 genomes sequenced belonged to four clades, 20A-20D. No association was detected between SARS-CoV-2 clades and ICU admission or death. Thus, in patients with no known comorbidities or risk factors, the IL1B-31*C proinflammatory allele was observed to be associated with the risk of ICU admission owing to COVID-19.

Oral lichen planus in a young patient: a case report with nine-year follow-up / Líquen plano oral em paciente jovem: um relato de caso com acompanhamento de nove anos

INTRODUCTION: Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that affects the stratified squamous epithelium of the oral mucosa. It occurs more frequently in female patients and it is rarely observed in children, adolescents, or young adults. This study aims to report a case of oral lichen planus in a young patient with a nine-year followup. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old man reported to the Dentistry Department with a complaint of an asymptomatic white lesion on the dorsum and left lateral border of his tongue, which had appeared a few weeks before. Two weeks later, a second lesion, very similar to the previous one, appeared on the central region of his tongue. An incisional biopsy was performed. The histological slides were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and the expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. No pharmacological treatment was prescribed. The clinical and histopathological findings were suggestive of oral lichen planus. The IL-1ß/TNF-α expression was low. There was a spontaneous regression of the lesions after approximately one year. The nine-year follow-up showed no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: This case presents atypical features such as the age of the patient and the spontaneous remission of the lesions.

INTRODUÇÃO: O líquen plano oral é uma condição inflamatória que acomete o epitélio escamoso estratificado da mucosa oral. Ocorre mais frequentemente em pacientes do gênero feminino e é raramente encontrado em pacientes pediátricos ou juvenis. O objetivo do presente estudo é relatar um caso de líquen plano oral em um paciente jovem com acompanhamento de nove anos. RELATO DE CASO: Um rapaz de 19 anos procurou atendimento no Departamento de Odontologia com a queixa de uma lesão branca assintomática em região de dorso e borda lateral esquerda de sua língua, com tempo de evolução de algumas semanas. Duas semanas depois, uma segunda lesão, muito similar à primeira, apareceu na região central de sua língua. Uma biópsia incisional foi realizada. As lâminas histológicas foram coradas com hematoxilina-eosina e a expressão de interleucina-1beta (IL-1ß) e de fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) foram avaliadas por imunohistoquímica. Nenhum tratamento farmacológico foi prescrito. Os achados clínicos e histopatológicos foram sugestivos de líquen plano oral. A expressão de IL-1ß/TNF-α foi baixa. Houve uma regressão espontânea das lesões após aproximadamente um ano. O acompanhamento de nove anos não detectou sinais de recorrência. CONCLUSÃO: Esse caso apresenta características atípicas, como a idade do paciente e a remissão espontânea das lesões.

Pediatric Recurrent Pericarditis: Appropriateness of the Standard of Care and Response to IL-1 Blockade.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze, in a cohort of pediatric patients with recurrent pericarditis undergoing anti-interleukin (IL)-1 treatment: the agent and dosing used as first-line treatment, the long-term efficacy of IL-1 blockers, the percentage of patients achieving a drug-free remission, and the presence of variables associated with drug-free remission. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected from patients' charts. The annualized relapse rate (ARR) was used for evaluation of treatment efficacy, and bivariate logistic regression analysis was used for variables associated with drug-free remission. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients, treated between 2008 and 2018, were included in the study (mean follow-up. 2.6 years). Of the 56 patients treated with first-line drugs, 14 not responsive patients were underdosed. Fifty-seven patients were treated with anakinra: the ARR before and during daily treatment was 3.05 and 0.28, respectively (P < .0001); an increase to 0.83 was observed after the reduction/withdrawal of treatment (P < .0001). The switch from anakinra to canakinumab (5 patients) was associated to an increase of the ARR (0.49 vs 1.46), but without statistical significance (P = .215). At last follow-up, only 9 of the 58 patients had withdrawn all treatments. With the limits of a retrospective study and the heterogeneity between the patients enrolled in the study, a shorter duration of treatment with anakinra was the only variable associated with drug-free remission. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that most pediatric patients with recurrent pericarditis needing IL-1 blockade received an inadequate treatment with first-line agents. The effectiveness of anakinra is supported by this study, but few patients achieved drug-free remission. The different rate of response to anakinra and canakinumab may suggest a possible role of IL-1α in the pathogenesis of recurrent pericarditis.

Endometrial expression of members of the IL-1 family: their involvement in delayed conception of dairy cows.

The cytokines of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family are closely involved in the resolution of inflammation in cows with metritis and endometritis. However, little is known about the role of these cytokines beyond uterine regression in the absence of disease, especially around conception. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the gene and protein expression of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-1RI, IL-1RII and IL-1Ra in endometrial biopsies previous to conception, to evaluate the possible association of these cytokines with delayed conception in dairy cows. Gene and protein expression levels were evaluated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The gene expression levels of cytokines were not associated with the duration of the period to conception following parturition. However, high protein expression of IL-1ß and low protein expression of IL-1Ra were significantly associated with early conception. These results suggest that an imbalanced protein expression of IL-1ß and IL-1Ra in the endometrium of dairy cows could be part of the maternal immune response mechanism necessary to propitiate early conception and probably to maintain pregnancy.

Leptin and interleukin-1β levels associated with osteoarthritis in Vietnamese patients: a cross-sectional analysis

Leptin and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) are two extensively studied biomarkers associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies have mostly focused on either MetS or OA alone, with no available data on Vietnamese patients. This study aimed to investigate the levels of leptin and IL-1β in this patient population and explore their association with clinical parameters of MetS and OA. The study included 164 patients with primary knee OA, who were classified into two categories based on the presence of MetS, and 78 healthy controls. The plasma leptin and IL-1β levels were quantified by ELISA and correlated with clinical parameters. Leptin levels were higher in patients with OA (11.50±10.04 ng/mL) than in healthy controls (0.54±0.37 ng/mL) and increased in patients with MetS compared to those without MetS. IL-1β levels were also significantly higher in OA patients (14.63±15.87 pg/mL) than in controls (7.79±5.11 pg/mL), but were not significantly different between the MetS and non-MetS groups. Leptin levels were positively correlated with body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, visual analogue scale scores, HbA1c and insulin levels, and HOMA-IR index, whereas IL-1β levels were only correlated with insulin levels and HOMA-IR index. ROC curve analysis revealed that leptin and IL-1β levels could distinguish individuals with and without OA (AUC=0.96; 0.88, respectively), and individuals with and without MetS (AUC=0.82; 0.71, respectively). Our findings suggested that both leptin and IL-1β levels were associated with both MetS and OA and may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MetS-related OA.

An in vitro anti-inflammatory effect of Thai propolis in human dental pulp cells

Abstract Objective To explore the potential for development of Thai propolis extract as a pulp capping agent to suppress pulpal inflammation from dental pulp infections. This study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of the propolis extract on the arachidonic acid pathway, activated by interleukin (IL)-1β, in cultured human dental pulp cells. Methodology Dental pulp cells, isolated from three freshly extracted third molars, were first characterized for their mesenchymal origin and treated with 10 ng/ml of IL-1β in the presence or absence of non-toxic concentrations of the extract from 0.08 to 1.25 mg/ml, as determined by the PrestoBlue cytotoxic assay. Total RNA was harvested and analyzed for mRNA expressions of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Western blot hybridization was performed to investigate COX-2 protein expression. Culture supernatants were assayed for released prostaglandin E2 levels. Immunofluorescence was conducted to determine involvement of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB) in the inhibitory effect of the extract. Results Stimulation of the pulp cells with IL-1β resulted in the activation of arachidonic acid metabolism via COX-2, but not 5-LOX. Incubation with various non-toxic concentrations of the propolis extract significantly inhibited upregulated COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions upon treatment with IL-1β (p<0.05), resulting in a significant decrease in elevated PGE2 levels (p<0.05). Nuclear translocation of the p50 and the p65 subunits of NF-kB upon treatment with IL-1β was also blocked by incubation with the extract. Conclusions Upregulated COX-2 expression and enhanced PGE2 synthesis upon treatment with IL-1β in human dental pulp cells were suppressed by incubation with non-toxic doses of Thai propolis extract via involvement of the NF-kB activation. This extract could be therapeutically used as a pulp capping material due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

IL-1ß is not critical to chronic heart dysfunction in mice with Chagas disease.

Long after Trypanosoma cruzi infection, 40% of individuals develop a progressive chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), with systolic dysfunction and arrhythmias. Since we previously showed IL-1ß mediates the development of systolic dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmias in diabetes mellitus and cardiorenal syndrome, and IL-1ß remains elevated in Chagas disease patients, here we tested the role of IL-1ß in CCC using a mouse model. Mice deficient in IL-1R expression (Il-1r-/- ) survived acute T. cruzi infection with greater parasitemia than controls but did not lose weight as wild-type (WT) did. At the chronic stage, WT presented prolonged ventricular repolarization intervals (QJ), while Il-1r-/- presented intervals like noninfected controls. Infected Il-1r-/- and WT did not differ in stroke volume (SV), the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias on electrocardiography (EKG), whole heart action potential duration (APD), or the incidence of triggered activity after S1-S2 protocol, which is a measure of susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias. We also treated chronically infected WT mice with an IL-1R antagonist, anakinra. Treatment shortened the QJ interval but did not improve the SV or the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias on EKG. Anakinra failed to reduce triggered activity following the electrical extra-stimulation protocol. In conclusion, the absence of functional IL-1ß/IL-1R signaling did not prevent or reverse the decrease of SV or the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias induced by chronic T. cruzi infection, implying this is not a critical mechanism in generating or maintaining CCC. Since similar cardiac abnormalities were previously credited to IL-1ß signaling, ruling out this mechanism is important to discourage further attempts of IL-1ß blockade as a therapeutical measure.

Evaluation of platelet indices and pro-inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether platelet parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with platelet activation could be surrogate markers of the diabetic retinopathy stages in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 108 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 48 healthy controls. After fundoscopic examination, patients were divided into three groups: no retinopathy, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, or proliferative retinopathy. Platelet selectin, interleukin-1alpha, and interleukin-6 values were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance formula was used to assess insulin resistance in patients. RESULTS: Mean platelet volume was lower and interleukin-1alpha was higher in the patients compared to the healthy controls (p=0.046 and p<0.001, respectively). In addition, a positive correlation between the platelet distribution width and HbA1C levels was observed in the patients (r=0.334, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In the studies evaluating the utility of platelet indices and the associated cytokines in diabetic retinopathy, there is a need for the standardization of the measurements. All medications that can affect platelet activation should be taken into consideration.

Pycard and BC017158 Candidate Genes of Irm1 Locus Modulate Inflammasome Activation for IL-1ß Production.

We identified Pycard and BC017158 genes as putative effectors of the Quantitative Trait locus (QTL) that we mapped at distal chromosome 7 named Irm1 for Inflammatory response modulator 1, controlling acute inflammatory response (AIR) and the production of IL-1ß, dependent on the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. We obtained the mapping through genome-wide linkage analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in a cross between High (AIRmax) and Low (AIRmin) responder mouse lines that we produced by several generations of bidirectional selection for Acute Inflammatory Response. A highly significant linkage signal (LOD score peak of 72) for ex vivo IL-1ß production limited a 4 Mbp interval to chromosome 7. Sequencing of the locus region revealed 14 SNPs between "High" and "Low" responders that narrowed the locus to a 420 Kb interval. Variants were detected in non-coding regions of Itgam, Rgs10 and BC017158 genes and at the first exon of Pycard gene, resulting in an E19K substitution in the protein ASC (apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD) an adaptor molecule in the inflammasome complex. Silencing of BC017158 inhibited IL1-ß production by stimulated macrophages and the E19K ASC mutation carried by AIRmin mice impaired the ex vivo IL-1ß response and the formation of ASC specks in stimulated cells. IL-1ß and ASC specks play major roles in inflammatory reactions and in inflammation-related diseases. Our results delineate a novel genetic factor and a molecular mechanism affecting the acute inflammatory response.

Inflammatory biomarkers on an LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell model: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Several experimental models have been designed to promote the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. The in vitro model using RAW 264.7 cells has been widely used. However, there is still no consensus on which inflammatory mediators should initially be measured to screen for possible anti-inflammatory effects. To determine the rationality of measuring inflammatory mediators together with NO, such as the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukins (IL) 1ß and 6, we carried out this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA). METHODOLOGY: We conducted this SR and MA in accordance with the Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention. This review was registered in the Open Science Framework ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8C3HT ). RESULTS: LPS-induced cells produced high NO levels compared to non-LPS induced, and this production was not related to cell density. TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6, also showed high levels after cells had been stimulated with LPS. Though with some restrictions, all studies were reliable, as the risk of bias was detected in the test compounds and systems. CONCLUSION: Measurement of NO levels may be sufficient to screen for possible anti-inflammatory action in the context of LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.