Cytokine profiling in patients with hepatic glycogen storage disease: Are there clues for unsolved aspects?

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic Glycogen Storage Diseases (GSD) are rare genetic disorders in which the gluconeogenesis pathway is impaired. Cytokines control virtually every aspect of physiology and may help to elucidate some unsolved questions about phenotypes presented by GSD patients. METHODS: This was an exploratory study in which 27 GSD patients on treatment (Ia = 16, Ib = 06, III = 02, IXα = 03) and 24 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects had plasma samples tested for a panel of 20 cytokines (G-CSF,GM-CSF, IL-1α,IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, GRO, IP-10/CXCL10, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1α/CCL3, MIP-1ß/CCL4, MDC/CCL22, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TNF-ß, VEGF) through a multiplex kit and analyzed in comparison to controls and among patients, regarding to clinical features as anemia, hepatic adenocarcinoma and triglyceride levels. RESULTS: Patients (GSD-Ia/III/IX) presented reduced levels of IL-4 (p = 0.040), MIP-1α/CCL3 (p = 0.003), MDC/CCL22 (p < 0.001), TNF-ß (p = 0.045) and VEGF (p = 0.043) compared to controls. When different types of GSD were compared, G-CSF was higher in GSD-Ib than -Ia (p < 0.001) and than -III/IX (p = 0.033) patients; IL-10 was higher in GSD-Ib than in GSD-Ia patients (p = 0.019); and GSD-III/IX patients had increased levels of IP-10/CXCL10 than GSD-Ib patients (p = 0.019). When GSD-I patients were gathered into the same group and compared with GSD-III/IX patients, IP10/CXCL10 and MCP-1 were higher in the latter group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.013, respectively). GSD-I patients with anemia presented higher levels of IL-4 and MIP-1α in comparison with patients who had not. Triglyceride level was correlated with neutrophil count and MDC levels on GSD-Ia patients without HCA. CONCLUSION: Altogether, altered levels of cytokines in GSD-I patients reflect an imbalance in immunoregulation process. This study also indicates that neutrophils and some cytokines are affected by triglyceride levels, and future studies on the theme should consider this variable.

Variación en un solo nucleótido en genes de citocinas como marcadores de enfermedades / Single nucleotide variation in cytokine genes as disease markers

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la asociación de las variantes en los genes que codifican por citocinas participantes en el proceso inflamatorio con la susceptibilidad y la gravedad clínica de las enfermedades. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio documental con revisión de literatura científica encontrada en las siguientes bases de datos: Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Scielo, PLOS, Hinari, Redalyc, Dialnet, Taylor, ProQuest. Se revisaron 84 referencias relacionadas con artículos de investigación, revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis con los términos ''variante'', ''variante en un solo nucléotido'', ''polimorfismo de nucleótido único'', ''citocinas proinflamatorias'', ''citocinas antiinflamatorias'', ''interleucinas'', ''factor de necrosis tumoral'', ''susceptibilidad genética'', ''enfermedades'' y ''patologías''. Resultados: La evidencia señala que las variantes en un solo nucleótido se detectan principalmente en regiones promotoras de genes que codifican para citocinas reguladoras de procesos inflamatorios, como son: IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22 y el factor de necrosis tumoral. Conclusiones: La expresión y la producción diferencial de estas citocinas desempeñan un papel relevante en la patogenia y la predisposición a sufrir enfermedades, especialmente metabólicas, malignas, autoinmunes e infecciosas. Se mostró también un efecto diferencial de las variantes según las características étnicas, lo que resulta ser una herramienta eficaz en la medicina preventiva.

Abstract Aim: To describe the association of variations in cytokine genes that participate in the inflammatory process with the susceptibility and clinical severity of diseases. Methods: A documentary study was carried out with a review of the scientific literature of the database: Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Scielo, PLOS, Hinari, Redalyc, Dialnet, Taylor, ProQuest. Eighty-four references were reviewed that included research articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyzes, using the terms ''Variants'', ''Single Nucleotide Variation'', ''Proinflammatory cytokines'', ''Anti-inflammatory cytokines'', ''Interleukins'', ''Tumor Necrosis Factor'', ''genetic susceptibility'', ''diseases'', pathologies''. Results: The evidence indicates that Single Nucleotide Variants are detected mainly in promoter regions of genes that code for cytokines that regulate inflammatory processes such as: IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL -17, IL-18, IL-22 and tumoral necrosis factor. Conclusions: The expression and differential production of these cytokines play a role in the pathogenesis and predisposition to diseases, especially metabolic, malignant, autoimmune, and infectious. A differential effect of variants according to ethnic characteristics is also observed, which turns out to be an effective tool to be used in preventive medicine.

Análise do polimorfismo genético do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-a) em idosos com hipertensão arterial / Analysis of the genetic polymorphism of the tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-a) in the elberly with arterial hypertension

Objetivo: analisar o polimorfismo genético do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α -308G/A) em idosos com hipertensão arterial. Método: estudo quantitativo, descritivo e transversal realizado com 130 idosos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do Distrito Federal. A coleta de dados iniciou com coleta de sangue para análises das concentra- ções de triglicerídeos, HDL, LDL, colesterol total, glicemia de jejum e níveis de fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α). Foi mensurada a pressão arterial, investigado dados sociodemográficos, hábitos de vida e dados antropométricos. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi padronizada e realizada para os genes do TNF-α. A análise estatística foi realizada no SPSS 20.0. Resultados: A idade elevada (p=0,007), aposentadoria (p=0,024) e tabagismo (p=0,019) foram significativamente relacionados à hipertensão arterial. Os idosos hipertensos apresentaram menores níveis de HDL (p=0,013) e maiores expressões de TNF-α (p=0,025). Uma frequência maior para o genó- tipo de homozigotos GG (61,8%) foi observada nos normotensos. Por outro lado, nos heterozigotos 54,7% apresentaram genótipo GA. Os idosos que possuíram o genótipo AA demonstraram 2,87 vezes mais chances de terem HAS. Conclusão: Esse achado tem importância clínica no que diz respeito ao manejo da hipertensão e de outras doenças crônicas, pois o controle da inflamação poderia reduzir a variação da pressão arterial e de suas consequências cardiovasculares.(AU)

Objective: to analyze the genetic polymorphism of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα -308 G/A) in elderly people with arterial hypertension. Method: a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out with 130 elderly people in a Basic Health Unit in the Federal District. Data gathering started with blood collection for analysis of triglyceride concentrations, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, fasting glucose and levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Blood pressure was measured, and sociodemographic data, life style and anthropometric data were investigated. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was standardized and performed for TNFα genes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. Results: High age (p = 0.007), retirement (p = 0.024), and smoking (p = 0.019) were significantly related to arterial hypertension. Hypertensive elderly people had lower HDL levels (p = 0.013) and higher expressions of TNFα (p = 0.025). A higher frequency for the GG homozygous genotype (61.8%) was observed in normotensive individuals. On the other hand, in the heterozygotes, 54.7% had GA genotype. The elderly who had the AA genotype were 2.87 times more likely to have arterial hypertension. Conclusion: This finding is of clinical importance with regard to the management of hypertension and other chronic disease, as the control of inflammation could reduce the variation in blood pressure and its cardiovascular consequences.(AU)

THE BRANCHED-CHAIN AMINO ACID TRANSAMINASE 1 -23C/G POLYMORPHISM CONFERS PROTECTION AGAINST ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown an association between polymorphisms of the BAT1-NF-κB inhibitor-like-1 (NFKBIL1)-LTA genomic region and susceptibility to myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to study the role of three polymorphisms in the BAT1, NFKBIL1, and LTA genes on the susceptibility or protection against ACS; we included a group of cases-controls from Central Mexico. METHODS: The BAT1 rs2239527C/G, NFKBIL1 rs2071592T/A, and LTA rs1800683G/A polymorphisms were genotyped using a 5' TaqMan assay in a group of 625 patients with ACS and 617 healthy controls. RESULTS: Under a recessive model, the BAT1 -23C/G (rs2239527) polymorphism showed an association with protection against ACS (odds ratio = 0.56, and p-corrected = 0.019). In contrast, the genotype and allele frequencies of the NFKBIL1 rs2071592T/A and LTA rs1800683G/A polymorphisms were similar between ACS patients and controls and no association was identified. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest an association between the BAT1 -23C/G polymorphism and protection against ACS in Mexican patients.

The branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 -23c/g polymorphism confers protection against acute coronary syndrome

ABSTRACT Background: Previous studies have shown an association between polymorphisms of the BAT1-NF-κB inhibitor-like-1 (NFKBIL1)-LTA genomic region and susceptibility to myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Objective: The objective of the study was to study the role of three polymorphisms in the BAT1, NFKBIL1, and LTA genes on the susceptibility or protection against ACS; we included a group of cases-controls from Central Mexico. Methods: The BAT1 rs2239527C/G, NFKBIL1 rs2071592T/A, and LTA rs1800683G/A polymorphisms were genotyped using a 5' TaqMan assay in a group of 625 patients with ACS and 617 healthy controls. Results: Under a recessive model, the BAT1 -23C/G (rs2239527) polymorphism showed an association with protection against ACS (odds ratio = 0.56, and p-corrected = 0.019). In contrast, the genotype and allele frequencies of the NFKBIL1 rs2071592T/A and LTA rs1800683G/A polymorphisms were similar between ACS patients and controls and no association was identified. Conclusion: Our data suggest an association between the BAT1 -23C/G polymorphism and protection against ACS in Mexican patients.

The plasma Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) does not have any correlation with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

We performed this study to measure the Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) plasma level and to survey its correlation with disease activity in the newly diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and those who were under treatment with the combination of Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) plus Prednisolone (PSL).We enrolled 30 newly diagnosed RA patients who received no treatment regarding their disease, 30 patients under treatment with the combination of Methotrexate (MTX) + Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) + PSL and 30 healthy subjects in this case-control study from September 2017 to December 2017. The level of plasma TNF-α was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in each group. For assessment of disease severity, we used Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) formula, and regarding DAS-28, we divided patients into four groups, including remission, low, moderate and high disease activity. There were no significant differences in the plasma level of TNF-α between the newly diagnosed RA patients and subjects who received MTX + HCQ + PSL, as well as healthy controls (p>0.05). There was a significant correlation between plasma levels of TNF-α and DAS-28 in the newly diagnosed patients with RA (r = 0.594, P = 0.001). Targeting TNF-α at the early stage of RA could have more beneficial effects on the amelioration of disease activity

Eficacia y seguridad de ustekinumab y secukinumab en pacientes adultos con psoriasis vulgar severa, con falla terapéutica a terapia sistémica convencional, fototerapia y terapia biológica con antagonistas del factor de necrosis tumoral disponibles en EsSalud / Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab and secukinumab in adult patients with severe psoriasis vulgaris, with therapeutic failure to conventional systemic therapy, phototherapy and biological therapy with tumor necrosis factor antagonists available in EsSalud

INTRODUCCIÓN: El presente dictamen expone la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad de ustekinumab y secukinumab para el tratamiento de pacientes adultos con psoriasis vulgar severa, con falla terapéutica a terapia sistémica convencional, fototerapia y terapia biológica con antagonistas del factor de necrosis tumoral (anti-FNT) disponibles, en comparación con la mejor terapia de soporte paliativo (MTSP). La psoriasis es la enfermedad auto inflamatoria crónica dermatológica más frecuente, la cual tiene una prevalencia cercana al 2.5 % en el Perú. La psoriasis vulgar es la forma clínica más común, la cual puede clasificarse, según la severidad, en leve, moderada y severa, de acuerdo a los instrumentos de medición clínica, tales como el Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), el Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) y el grado de afectación de la superficie corporal total (SCT). La psoriasis severa se define como aquella que cuenta con un PASI ≥ 10, o un DLQI ≥ 10 o la afectación ≥ 10 % del área de SCT. La importancia clínica de la clasificación de acuerdo a la severidad de la psoriasis radica en el tratamiento, el cual requiere de medidas sistémicas para las formas severas. El Petitorio Farmacológico de EsSalud cuenta con terapia tópica, fototerapia, y terapia sistémica convencional (i. e. metotrexato, ciclosporina y acitretina), para el tratamiento de pacientes con psoriasis vulgar severa. Luego de falla terapéutica a los tratamientos mencionados, se cuenta con terapia biológica con los antagonistas del factor de necrosis tumoral (anti-FNT), tales como infliximab, etanercept y adalimumab. La mejor terapia de soporte paliativa (MTSP) se utiliza en los pacientes con psoriasis vulgar severa que presentan falla terapéutica a todos los tratamientos antes mencionados, y consiste en el uso de terapia tópica, fototerapia y terapia sistémica convencional de forma paliativa. METODOLOGÍA: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica exhaustiva y jerárquica de la literatura con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de ustekinumab y secukinumab para el tratamiento de pacientes adultos con psoriasis vulgar severa con falla terapéutica a terapia tópica, fototerapia, terapia sistémica convencional y terapia biológica anti-FNT (i. e. infliximab, etanercept, y adalimumab); comparados con el placebo o la MTSP. La búsqueda se inició revisando la información sobre el uso del medicamento de acuerdo con entidades reguladoras como FDA, EMA y DIGEMID en el Perú. Además, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las principales bases de datos, tales como MEDLINE vía PubMed y en Cochrane Library. Asimismo, se realizó una búsqueda manual en las páginas web de grupos dedicados a la investigación y educación en salud que elaboran guías de práctica clínica y/o evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), Haute Authorité de Santé (HAS), la Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), la Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) y el Ministerio de Salud del Perú (MINSA). Además, se realizó una búsqueda de las guías de las principales sociedades o instituciones especializadas en dermatología y en psoriasis, tales como la American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), la British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), la European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), y la International Psoriasis Council (IPC). Por último, se buscaron ensayos clínicos en desarrollo o que no hayan sido publicados en la página web www.clinicaltrials.gov que contengan información acerca de las tecnologías evaluadas, y así disminuir el sesgo de publicación. RESULTADOS: De acuerdo con la pregunta PICO, se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de evidencia científica relacionada al uso de ustekinumab y secukinumab como tratamiento de pacientes adultos con psoriasis vulgar severa con falla terapéutica a terapia tópica, fototerapia, terapia sistémica convencional y terapia biológica anti-FNT (i. e. infliximab, etanercept, y adalimumab); comparados con el placebo o la MTSP. En la presente sinopsis se describe la evidencia disponible según el tipo de publicación, siguiendo lo indicado en los criterios de elegibilidad (GPC, ETS, RS, MA y ECA fase III). Los ECA fueron agrupados en tres comparaciones: (i) ustekinumab vs. placebo o la MTSP; (ii) secukinumab vs. placebo o la MTSP; (iii) secukinumab vs. ustekinumab. CONCLUSIONES: El presente dictamen evaluó la evidencia científica disponible a la actualidad en relación a la eficacia y seguridad de secukinumab y ustekinumab comparados con la MTSP y el placebo en pacientes adultos con psoriasis vulgar severa con falla terapéutica a terapia tópica, fototerapia, terapia sistémica convencional, y terapia biológica anti-FNT disponibles en EsSalud, en términos de PASI 75, DLQI, SCT, y EA. Nuestra revisión de la evidencia disponible hasta agosto del 2019, agrupadas en tres comparaciones (ustekinumab vs. placebo, secukinumab vs. placebo y secukinumab vs. ustekinumab) permitió identificar una GPA de la BAD del Reino Unido y nueve ECA como las principales fuentes de información para la evaluación de los efectos de secukinumab y ustekinumab en nuestra población de interés. El Equipo Técnico del IETSI llevó a cabo un MA con los ECA incluidos para derivar las conclusiones del presente dictamen. Respecto a la comparación ustekinumab vs. placebo, se evidenció un balance riesgo beneficio favorable para ustekinumab en la población de la pregunta PICO a corto plazo (12 semanas), en vista que presentó diferencias clínicamente relevantes y estadísticamente significativas respecto al PASI 75, DLQI 0-1 y DLQI, en la población total de los estudios incluidos. Además, ustekinumab mostró un similar riesgo de presentar EAT, EAS, TII y TIS que el placebo, mientras que presentó un menor riesgo de DT a causa de EA. El MA de la comparación de secukinumab vs. placebo mostró un balance riesgo beneficio favorable para secukinumab en la población de la pregunta PICO a corto plazo (12 semanas), dado que se evidenciaron diferencias clínicamente relevantes y estadísticamente significativas respecto al PASI 75 y DLQI 0-1, a favor de secukinumab, mientras que secukinumab y placebo presentaron un similar riesgo de desenlaces clave de seguridad, tales como EAS, DT por EA y TIS en la población total de los estudios incluidos. Para la comparación de secukinumab vs. ustekinumab, se realizó un MA de los resultados a corto plazo (12 semanas) y se analizaron los resultados del ECA CLEAR a largo plazo (52 semanas). Los resultados de eficacia mostraron que tanto a corto como a largo plazo, las diferencias entre secukinumab y ustekinumab respecto al PASI 75 y al DLQI 0-1 fueron estadísticamente significativas, pero con intervalos de confianza cercanos al punto de no diferencia, y estuvieron sujetas a las limitaciones que presentan los desenlaces de naturaleza subjetiva (PASI y DLQI) que luego de ser ajustadas para convertirlos en desenlaces categóricos (PASI 75 y DLQI 0-1) podrían representar diferencias espurias. Es decir, tanto a corto como a largo plazo, se tiene que secukinumab y ustekinumab presentarían una eficacia similar en la población de la pregunta PICO. Asimismo, el análisis de los EA mostró que secukinumab y ustekinumab presentarían un perfil de seguridad similar en la población de la pregunta PICO. En vista que, tanto a corto como a largo plazo, no se presentaron diferencias respecto al riesgo de presentar desenlaces clave de seguridad, tales como EAS y DT por EA. Los resultados muestran que secukinumab y ustekinumab presentan un balance riesgo beneficio comparable en la población de la pregunta PICO del presente dictamen preliminar. En vista que, el impacto presupuestario sería menor con el uso de secukinumab que con ustekinumab (diferencia en alrededor de S/ 12,053.80, a favor de secukinumab), la aprobación de secukinumab sería la decisión más costo-oportuna para un sistema de salud público como EsSalud. Por lo expuesto, el Instituto de Evaluaciones de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación ­ IETSI aprueba el uso de secukinumab para el manejo de los pacientes con psoriasis vulgar severa con falla terapéutica a terapia tópica, fototerapia, terapia sistémica convencional y terapia biológica anti-FNT disponibles en EsSalud.

Candesartan inhibits inflammation through an angiotensin II type 1 receptor independent way in human embryonic kidney epithelial cells.

Besides stimulating vasoconstriction, Angiotensin II is also well known in inducing reactive oxygen species and promoting inflammatory phenotype switch via its type 1 receptor. In clinic, Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker like candesartan has been widely applied as an antihypertensive medication. We previous have demonstrated that a higher dose of candesartan plays a protective role after kidney injury. However, whether candesartan could exhibit anti-inflammatory effects remains unclear. Here, by stimulating isolated human embryonic kidney epithelial cells with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), we observed the anti-inflammation capacity of candesartan ex vivo. It was found that pre-treat with candesartan significantly suppressed transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression after incubation with TNF-α. Surprisingly, silence of angiotensin II type 1 receptor has little effects on reducing TGF-ß or IL-6 products. Furthermore, candesartan inhibited TNF-α-induced oxidative stress in the primary cultured tubular epithelial cells. Overall, our data indicates that candesartan suppresses TNF-α-induced inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting oxidative stress, rather than block AT1 receptor activity.

TNF-ß +252 A>G (rs909253) polymorphism is independently associated with presence of autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The TNF-ß +252 A>G (rs909253) polymorphism has been associated with a risk of development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and could influence plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the TNF-ß +252 A>G polymorphism with plasma TNF-α levels, the presence of autoantibodies, and the susceptibility for RA. This cross-sectional study included 261 patients with RA and 292 controls. The polymorphism was studied using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Soluble TNF-α and receptors swere measured by multiplex assay. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) were measured using immunoassay. No differences were observed in allele frequency and genotype distribution among patients and controls. The presence of RF (p = 0.020) and anti-CCP (p = 0.001) increased 4.23-fold and 8.13-fold, respectively, in patients with B1 allele (B1/B2 + B1/B1 genotypes) independently of demographic, clinical, and inflammatory markers. Among patients with B1/B2 + B1/B1 genotypes, higher TNF-α levels were associated with positive RF (p = 0.040), anti-CCP (p = 0.011), or both (p = 0.038). In patients carrying B1 allele, the increased sTNFR1 together with RF or anti-CCP or both explained about 39.0% the variations in TNF-α level. However, in B2/B2 genotype, the presence of those autoantibodies was not associated with TNF-α level. Our findings indicate that the TNF-ß +252 A>G polymorphism was not associated with RA susceptibility and TNF-α plasma levels. However, B1 allele was associated with the presence of autoantibodies. In addition, interaction between the presence of B1 allele and autoantibodies was associated with the increase of plasma TNF-α level in RA patients.

Involvement of TLR4 in the protective effect of intra-articular administration of curcumin on rat experimental osteoarthritis

Abstract Purpose In view of the principal role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in mediating sterile inflammatory response contributing to osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a known TLR4 activator, to clarify whether modulation of TLR4 contributed to the protective actions of intra-articular administration of curcumin in a classical rat OA model surgically induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Methods The rats underwent ACLT and received 50μl of curcumin at the concentration of 1 mg mL-1 and 10 μg LPS by intra-articular injection once a week for 8 weeks. Morphological changes of the cartilage and synovial tissues were observed. Apoptotic chondrocytes were detected using TUNEL assay. The concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-ɑ in synovial fluid were determined using ELISA kits. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results Intra-articular administration of curcumin significantly improved articular cartilage injury, suppressed synovial inflammation and down-regulated the overexpression of TLR4 and its downstream NF-κB caused by LPS-induced TLR4 activation in rat osteoarthritic knees. Conclusion The data suggested that the inhibition of TLR4 signal might be an important mechanism underlying a protective effect of local curcumin administration on OA.

Higher levels of tumor necrosis factor ß are associated with frailty in socially vulnerable community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: The complex physiology underpinning the frailty syndrome is responsible for the absence of robust biomarkers that can be used for screening, diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes and has made clinical implementation difficult. Considering socially vulnerable populations, who have poor health status and increased morbidity and mortality, this scenario is even more complex. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies available to investigate frailty biomarkers in socially vulnerable populations. Thus, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify potential blood-based biomarkers of frailty in a socially vulnerable population. METHODS: A sample consisting of 347 community-dwelling older people living in a context of high social vulnerability was divided into non-frail (robust), pre-frail and frail groups, according to modified Fried frailty phenotype criteria. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for basic metabolic parameters and for inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: Levels of Interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) were significantly higher in pre-frail subjects, compared to non-frail ones. Tumor Necrosis Factor ß (TNF-ß) levels presented higher values in the frail compared to non-frail individuals. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in pre-frail and frail subjects were significantly higher compared to the levels of non-frail subjects. Using an ordinal regression analysis, we observed that socially vulnerable older people at higher risk of developing frailty were subjects above 80 years old (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.6) and who presented higher levels of TNF-ß (≥0.81 pg/mL, OR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.3-4.9). CONCLUSION: As vulnerable populations continue to age, it is imperative to have a greater understanding of the frailty condition, identifying novel potential blood-based biomarkers. The results presented here could help to implement preventive healthcare strategies by evaluating frailty and at the same time measuring a set of inflammatory biomarkers, paying special attention to TNF-ß plasmatic levels.

Clinical aspects and polymorphisms in the LTA, TNFA, LTB genes and association with dental implant loss.

BACKGROUND: This study shows the relationship between host factors and environmental factors in the influence of susceptibility to loss of dental implants. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of clinical aspects and tag SNPs of the genes LTA, TNFA, and LTB with dental implant loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects consisted of 244 patients, divided into two groups: control group (C)-163 individuals who did not lose any implants, being in function for at least 6 months; and study group (S)-81 individuals who had lost at least one implant. DNA was collected from saliva, and the genotypes were determined by real time PCR. Univariate and multivariate analysis were employed p < .05. RESULTS: After multivariate analysis, dental implant loss remained associated with the presence of teeth (p = .011), a larger amount of placed implants (p = .001), and allelle C of rs2009658 of the LTA gene (p = .006). For the other tag SNPs of these studied genes, there was no association between the groups C and S with dental implants loss. CONCLUSION: Presence of teeth, number of placed implants and allele C of rs2009658 of LTA gene were associated with implant loss.

In-office tooth bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide promotes moderate/severe pulp inflammation and production of ll-1ß, TNF-ß, GPX, FGF-2 and osteocalcin in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To study the intensity of inflammatory infiltrate and production of interleukin-1ß (ll-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-ß (TNF-ß), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and osteocalcin in response to in-office tooth bleaching in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=5) according to the received treatment (tooth bleaching or no treatment - control) and the period of euthanasia after treatment (24 h or 10 days). We performed tooth bleaching using a 38% hydrogen peroxide gel on maxillary and mandibular incisors. After euthanasia, incisors (20 per group) were processed for histological analysis, immunohistochemistry staining of ll-1ß, TNF-ß, FGF-2 and GPX and osteocalcin by immunofluorescence. We analyzed data using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: The bleached groups presented statistically significant differences regarding the pulp inflammation stage compared with the control groups. Bleached teeth showed moderate/severe inflammatory infiltrate and control groups presented absent inflammatory cells or a negligible number of mononuclear cells (p<0.001) at two times (24 h and 10 days). There was strong staining for ll-1ß, TNF-ß, and GPX in bleached groups at 24 h and strong staining for ll-1ß, TNF-ß, GPX and FGF-2 at 10 days. After 10 days of tooth bleaching, the bleached group showed a statistically superior amount of osteocalcin than the other groups (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Tooth bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide causes severe pulp inflammation, but characteristics of tissue repair after 10 days.

TNF promoter polymorphisms are associated with genetic susceptibility in COPD secondary to tobacco smoking and biomass burning.

Background: Smoking and smoke from biomass burning (BB) are the main environmental risk factors for COPD. Clinical differences have been described between COPD related to smoking and related to wood smoke, but no studies have shown genetic differences between patients exposed to these two risk factors. Methods: To investigate a possible association of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) promoter polymorphisms, we conducted a case-control study. A total of 1,322 subjects were included in four groups: patients with a diagnosis of COPD secondary to smoking (COPD-S, n=384), patients with COPD secondary to biomass burning (COPD-BB, n=168), smokers without COPD (SWOC, n=674), and biomass burning-exposed subjects (BBES n=96). Additionally, a group of 950 Mexican mestizos (MMs) was included as a population control. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected in the TNF gene (rs1800629, rs361525, and rs1800750) and one SNP in the lymphotoxin alpha gene (rs909253). Results: Statistically significant differences were found with genotype GA of the rs1800629: COPD-S vs SWOC, (p<0.001, odds ratio [OR] =2.55, 95% CI=1.53-4.27); COPD-S vs COPD-BB (p,0.01). When performing the comparison of the less severe (G1: I + II) and the more severe (G2: III + IV) levels, differences were identified in G1 (p<0.05, OR=1.94, 95% CI=1.04-3.63) and G2 (p<0.001, OR=3.68, 95% CI=1.94-3.07) compared with SWOC. Regarding genotype GA of rs361525, it has been associated when comparing COPD-BB vs BBES (p=0.0079, OR=5.99, 95% CI=1.38-53.98). Conclusion: The heterozygous genotype GA of polymorphisms rs1800629 and rs361525 in the TNF promoter are associated with the risk of COPD.

Aspectos más relevantes del síndrome periódico asociado al receptor del factor de necrosis tumoral / Most relevant aspects of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome

Los desórdenes autoinflamatorios hereditarios constituyen una gama de condiciones heterogéneas que tienen como característica común la aparición de ataques no provocados de inflamación, la cual podría ser sistémica u ocurrir en nichos localizados del organismo. Dentro de estos se encuentran los síndromes hereditarios de fiebre periódica, caracterizados por ataques cortos y recurrentes de fiebre e inflamación localizada grave, que ocurre periódica o irregularmente y que no se explican por las infecciones usuales de la infancia. Forma parte de estas entidades el síndrome periódico asociado al receptor del factor necrosis tumoral, el cual se caracteriza por episodios de fiebre prolongada, mialgias, dolor abdominal, eritema cutáneo migratorio, conjuntivitis o edema periorbitario, con un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante. Lo más importante para el diagnóstico es el análisis genético y su pronóstico está determinado por la aparición de amiloidosis. En 1999, se descubrió su base genética, al identificarse las mutaciones causantes de la enfermedad en el gen que codifica para la superfamilia 1 A del receptor del factor de necrosis tumoral. En años recientes se han logrado avances significativos en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta enfermedad gracias a un mejor conocimiento de su patogénesis. En este trabajo se describen los aspectos más relevantes en cuanto a patogénesis, relación de las mutaciones con el fenotipo de la enfermedad, características clínicas y tratamiento(AU)

Hereditary autoinflammatory disorders are a range of heterogeneous conditions that have as a common feature the appearance of unprovoked inflammatory attacks, which may be systemic or occur in localized niches of the body. Among these are hereditary periodic fever syndrome, characterized by short and recurrent attacks of fever and severe localized inflammation, occurring periodically or irregularly and not explained by the usual infections of childhood. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome is part of these entities and is characterized by episodes of prolonged fever, myalgias, abdominal pain, migratory cutaneous erythema, conjunctivitis and/or periorbital edema, with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The most important for the diagnosis is the genetic analysis and its prognosis is determined by the appearance of amyloidosis. In 1999 its genetic basis was discovered by identifying disease-causing mutations in the gene encoding tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1A. In recent years, significant advances have been achieved in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, thanks to a better understanding of its pathogenesis. This paper describes the most relevant aspects regarding pathogenesis, relation of mutations with the disease phenotype, clinical characteristics and treatment(AU)

ASSOCIATION STUDY BETWEEN POLYMORPHISMS OF THE p53 AND LYMPHOTOXIN ALPHA (LTA) GENES AND THE RISK OF PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY/RETINAL DETACHMENT IN A MEXICAN POPULATION.

PURPOSE: To report the results of an association study between single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the p53 and LTA genes and the risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)/retinal detachment (RD) in a Mexican cohort. METHODS: A total of 380 unrelated subjects were studied, including 98 patients with primary rhegmatogenous RD without PVR, 82 patients with PVR after RD surgery, and 200 healthy, ethnically matched subjects. Genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs1042522 (p53 gene) and rs2229094 (LTA gene) was performed by direct nucleotide sequencing. Allele frequencies, genotype frequencies, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were assessed with HaploView software. RESULTS: No significant differences in the allelic distributions of the previously identified risk C allele for LTA rs2229094 were observed between RD subjects and controls (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.8 [0.5-1.2]; P = 0.3). Conversely, the C allele for rs1042522 in p53 was positively associated with an increased risk for RD (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.4 [1.01-1.9]; P = 0.04). No significant differences were observed when the subgroup of 82 RD + PVR subjects was compared with the subgroup of 98 patients with RD. CONCLUSION: The C allele for rs1042522 in p53 was genetically associated with a higher risk for RD but not for PVR in this cohort. This is the first association study attempting replication of PVR-associated risk alleles in a nonwhite population.

Interferência do TSPO sobre as vias de ativação de adipócitos da linhagem 3T3-L1 / Interference of TSPO upon the activation pathways of 3T3-L1 adipocytes

A obesidade está associada a um processo inflamatório crônico de baixa intensidade e representa um dos fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de uma série de comorbidades. A proteína TSPO está envolvida em inúmeras funções celulares, incluindo biossíntese e transporte de esteróides, transporte de porfirinas, apoptose, biossíntese do heme, processos oxidativos e imunomodulação. Ademais, a presença e a função da proteína TSPO no tecido adiposo e na inflamação ainda não estão bem estabelecidas. Deste modo, o objetivo do presente estudo foi validar a expressão e função do TSPO durante a diferenciação de células 3T3-L1, e investigar se o tratamento de adipócitos 3T3-L1 com diazepam, um benzodiazepínico de ação central (GABAA) e periférica (TSPO), é capaz de modular os efeitos inflamatórios induzidos pela incubação das células 3T3-L1 com TNF-α. Nossos resultados evidenciaram que, em nosso estudo, o tratamento de pré-adipócitos com diazepam não modulou a adipogênese. Entretanto, apesar de o diazepam per se não modular o acúmulo de triacilglicerol e a expressão gênica e protéica de PPAR-γ; em células estimuladas pelo TNF-α, o tratamento com diazepam foi capaz de reverter a diminuição da expressão gênica e protéica de PPAR-γ induzida pelo TNF-α. Ademais, o tratamento dos adipócitos com diazepam foi capaz de modular positivamente a expressão protéica de TSPO, efeito este que não observamos em células tratadas pelo clonazepam, um benzodiazepínico de ação exclusivamente central. Em resumo, os dados obtidos neste estudo, pela primeira vez, demonstram a possível relação entre as vias que controlam a sinalização de TSPO, TNF-α e PPAR-γ. Assim, nos é possível inferir que a ativação de TSPO pelo seu ligante diazepam foi capaz de modular a ativação de NF-kB induzida pelo TNF-α, promovendo, com a diminuição da lipólise e aumento da expressão gênica de TSPO e gênica e protéica de PPAR-γ, o reestabelecimento da homeostase celular, o que aumentaria a sobrevida das células, a atividade mitocondrial, e a atividade adipogênica dos adipócitos

Obesity is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammation and these represents one of the risk factors to development of other non-communicable diseases. TSPO 18 kDa is involved in several cellular functions, including biosynthesis and steroids transport, porphyrin transport, apoptosis, heme biosynthesis, oxidative metabolism and immunomodulation. Furthermore, the TSPO expression and function on adipose tissue and in the chronic low-grade inflammation have not been established. Thus, the aim of present study was to validate the TSPO expression and function on the 3T3-L1 differentiation process and to investigate whether diazepam treatment is able to modulate the TNF-α induced inflammatory effects on 3T3-L1 cells. Our results showed that diazepam treatment of preadipocytes was not able to modulate the adipogenesis. However, although diazepam treatment per se does not modulate the triacylglycerol accumulation and gene and protein expression of PPAR-γ; in TNF-α stimulated adipocytes, the treatment with diazepam was able to modulate the decreased of PPAR-γ gene and protein expression induced by TNF-α. In addition, the diazepam treatment of adipocytes was able to positively modulate the TSPO protein expression, an effect that we did not observe in cells treated with clonazepam, a central benzodiazepine ligand. In summary, the data obtained in this study, for the first time, demonstrate the possible relationship between the pathways that control the TSPO, TNF-α and PPAR-γ signaling. Thus, it is possible that the activation of TSPO by diazepam was able to modulate TNF-α-induced activation of NF-kB, promoting the reduction of lipolysis and increased of TSPO gene expression and PPAR-γ gene and protein expression, reestablishment of cellular homeostasis, which would increase cell survival, mitochondrial activity, and adipogenic activity of adipocytes

In-office tooth bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide promotes moderate/severe pulp inflammation and production of ll-1ß, TNF-ß, GPX, FGF-2 and osteocalcin in rats

Abstract Objectives: To study the intensity of inflammatory infiltrate and production of interleukin-1β (ll-1β), tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and osteocalcin in response to in-office tooth bleaching in rats. Material and Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=5) according to the received treatment (tooth bleaching or no treatment - control) and the period of euthanasia after treatment (24 h or 10 days). We performed tooth bleaching using a 38% hydrogen peroxide gel on maxillary and mandibular incisors. After euthanasia, incisors (20 per group) were processed for histological analysis, immunohistochemistry staining of ll-1β, TNF-β, FGF-2 and GPX and osteocalcin by immunofluorescence. We analyzed data using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests (p<0.05). Results: The bleached groups presented statistically significant differences regarding the pulp inflammation stage compared with the control groups. Bleached teeth showed moderate/severe inflammatory infiltrate and control groups presented absent inflammatory cells or a negligible number of mononuclear cells (p<0.001) at two times (24 h and 10 days). There was strong staining for ll-1β, TNF-β, and GPX in bleached groups at 24 h and strong staining for ll-1β, TNF-β, GPX and FGF-2 at 10 days. After 10 days of tooth bleaching, the bleached group showed a statistically superior amount of osteocalcin than the other groups (p<0.01). Conclusions: Tooth bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide causes severe pulp inflammation, but characteristics of tissue repair after 10 days.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha -308 promoter polymorphism and insulin resistance in overweight and obese adolescents

Study Model/Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 104 overweight/obese adolescents, with a mean weight of 52.98 kg ± 22.00, mean age 16.01 ± 2.91 years. We used the homeostasis model assessment-estimated IR (HOMA-IR) index to quantify the insulin resistance (IR). The -308 polymorphism of the promoter of TNF-α was performed using polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Statistical analysis of the quantitative measures was conducted with a student's t-test. For correlation between the genotype and alleles, we used chisquare statistical test. To test the heterogeneity between HOMA-IR and the anthropometric parameters the Mann-Whitney test was used, associated with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The association between -308G/A polymorphism of the promoter of TNF-α and HOMA-IR was tested by univariate linear regression analysis. Objective: Investigate the association between -308G/A polymorphism in the promoter of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and susceptibility to IR in overweight/obese adolescents. Results: The prevalence of IR was 18.30% according to the HOMA-IR. The frequency of GG, AG and AA genotype was found 75 (72.12%), 28 (26.92%) and 1.0 (0.96%) respectively. Allele frequencies for guanine (G) and adenine (A) were 178 (85.58%) and 30 (14.42%), respectively. The allele A as well as GA and AA genotype contributed to increase RI (14.42% and 27.88% respectively). Conclusion: The - 308 G/A polymorphism of the promoter of TNF-α can contribute to the IR increase in obese adolescents with GA and AA genotypes. (AU)

Modelo de Estudo / Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com uma amostra de 104 adolescentes com sobrepeso/ obesidade, com peso médio de 52,98 kg ± 22,00, média de idade de 16,01 ± 2,91 anos. Utilizamos o índice estimado (HOMA-IR) do modelo de homeostase para quantificar a resistência insulínica (RI). O polimorfismo do promotor -308 do TNF-α foi realizado utilizando a técnica de polimorfismo de comprimento de fragmento de restrição. A análise estatística das medidas quantitativas foi realizada com o teste t student. Para a correlação entre o genótipo e os alelos, utilizamos o teste estatístico qui-quadrado. Para testar a heterogeneidade entre HOMA-IR e os parâmetros antropométricos foi utilizado o teste de Mann-Whitney associado ao equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg. A associação entre o polimorfismo -308G/A do promotor do TNF-α e HOMA-IR foi testada por análise de regressão linear univariada. Objetivo: investigar a associação entre o polimorfismo -308G/A no promotor do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e a susceptibilidade à RI em adolescentes com sobrepeso/ obesidade. Resultados: A prevalência de RI foi de 18,30% de acordo com o HOMA-IR. A frequência dos genótipos GG, AG e AA encontrados foram 75 (72,12%), 28 (26,92%) e 1,0 (0,96%), respectivamente. As frequências de alelos para guanina (G) e adenina (A) foram 178 (85,58%) e 30 (14,42%), respectivamente. O alelo A, bem como o genótipo GA e AA, contribuíram para aumentar o RI (respectivamente 14,42% e 27,88%). Conclusão: O polimorfismo -308 G / A do promotor do TNF-α pode contribuir para o incremento de RI em adolescentes sobrepesos/obesos com genótipos GA e AA.(AU)