2024 Impact Factor: 1.2
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pISSN: 1735-1502
eISSN: 1735-5249
Chairman:
Mostafa Moin, M.D.
Editors-in-Chief:
Masoud Movahedi, M.D.
Articles in Press
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health challenge, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, many CRC cases exhibit treatment resistance and immune evasion, necessitating the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Follistatin-like protein 3 (FSTL3) has recently emerged as a key regulator in CRC progression, influencing immune suppression and therapy resistance. FSTL3 modulates the tumor microenvironment by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), sustaining β-catenin signaling, and stabilizing c-Myc, which collectively enhance tumor invasiveness and metastatic potential. Additionally, FSTL3 contributes to immune evasion by upregulating immune checkpoint molecules such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), thereby suppressing cytotoxic T-cell activity. High FSTL3 expression correlates with poor prognosis and resistance to conventional chemotherapy, targeted agents, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Given its pivotal role in CRC pathophysiology, FSTL3 represents a promising biomarker for disease prognosis and a potential therapeutic target. Future research should focus on developing FSTL3-targeted interventions, including monoclonal antibodies, small-molecule inhibitors, and combination strategies with immunotherapy. Understanding the precise molecular mechanisms underlying FSTL3-mediated tumor progression and immune escape will be essential for translating these insights into clinical applications.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disorder that is characterized by demyelination, neurodegeneration, and immune dysregulation. The experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model has helped to elucidate MS pathophysiology and test therapies. This review synthesizes current literature on the development, applications, and translational significance of EAE models in MS research. It discusses various EAE induction protocols, including active and passive immunization, and highlights advancements such as humanized mice and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal models. The review evaluates the role of EAE in identifying immune pathways, validating therapeutic agents like glatiramer acetate and natalizumab, and exploring precision medicine approaches through biomarker discovery. The EAE model replicated the key features of MS, including inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss, facilitating therapy development. However, its predictive validity faces limitations, such as heterogeneity in disease induction, underrepresentation of chronic progression, and species differences. Innovations, such as humanized mouse models and iPSC-derived neurons, show promise in addressing these challenges. EAE research has advanced biomarker-based personalized treatments, although further validation is required. Despite its widespread use, EAE has limitations in terms of variability in disease induction, incomplete MS feature replication, species-specific responses, and clinical translation. Addressing these limitations remains crucial for therapeutic development, focusing on analyzing model limitations and strategies to overcome translational barriers. This review offers immunologists a comprehensive overview of EAE's contributions of EAE to MS research and its potential to inform the development of novel therapeutic approaches for this debilitating disease.
This study explored the mechanisms of action of inflammation related central genes in severe depression (MDD) and analyzes their potential as therapeutic targets. By identifying key genes and establishing the link between immune regulatory mechanisms and depression, we provide a theoretical basis for developing more accurate diagnostic and treatment methods.
Gene expression datasets related to MDD were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with inflammatory processes were identified and analyzed through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify hub genes. Additionally, we explored regulatory networks of miRNAs, transcription factors, and potential drug interactions were explored. Immune infiltration analysis was performed to examine immune cell profiles.
Seven key genes—HMGB1, HSP90AB1, MAPK1, MMP9, MYD88, S100A12, and TLR2—were identified as central players in the inflammatory pathways underlying MDD. These genes demonstrated moderate diagnostic accuracy with AUC values ranging from 0.5 to 0.7. Enrichment analyses revealed significant associations with immune signaling pathways, including IL-17 and Toll-like receptor signaling. Immune infiltration analysis highlighted altered abundances of regulatory T cells, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in MDD samples.
Inflammatory-related hub genes play crucial roles in linking immune dysregulation to the pathophysiology MDD pathophysiology. These findings offer insights into the immunological underpinnings of MDD and present potential therapeutic targets for intervention through immune-modulatory approaches.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with high-risk cases showing increased aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Recent studies suggest that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) such as C6orf223 may play crucial roles in CRC progression. This study investigated the expression and regulatory role of C6orf223 in high-risk versus low-risk CRC patients, focusing on its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis.
We conducted differential expression analysis using RNA-seq data to identify key genes in high-risk CRC, followed by correlation and pathway enrichment analyses to understand C6orf223. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed the prognostic and diagnostic potential of C6orf223. RNA methylation and mutation patterns were analyzed to explore post-transcriptional regulation and genetic alterations in high-risk CRC.
C6orf223 was significantly upregulated in high-risk CRC. High C6orf223 expression was associated with poor overall survival, and a biomarker panel that includes C6orf223 and microRNAs showed strong potential for accurate diagnosis. Methylation and mutation analyses revealed potential mechanisms enhancing C6orf223’s stability and oncogenic activity.
Our findings indicate that C6orf223 acts as a binder to and inhibits tumor-suppressive microRNAs, reducing their availability to regulate cancer-promoting genes and may serve as a valuable biomarker for CRC diagnosis and prognosis. Further research on lncRNA-microRNA interactions could provide insights for novel CRC therapies.
It can sometimes be very difficult to control the manifestations of autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases, and there is no adequate response to first-line treatments. Rituximab (RTX), as a second-line treatment, is efficacious and well-tolerated for the management of these clinical manifestations.
This retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical, immunological, and genetic findings together with the response rate to RTX therapy in subjects with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and autoimmune or autoinflammatory manifestations. In this study, 23 individuals with IEI and autoimmune or lymphoproliferation manifestations who received RTX between April 2008 and 2021 were evaluated.
Fifteen out of the 23 patients were female. The median age of cases was 12 years. The moderate and severe adverse reactions, including fever, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis shock, were manifested during RTX infusion in 5 patients. In total, 86.9% of patients responded to rituximab (complete response: n=14, partial response: n=6) while three failed to respond. The median response time to RTX treatment was 50 days. All patients were given monthly intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. Pneumonia and candidiasis occurred in one patient a week after receiving the second injection of RTX. Eight patients expired during follow-up.
In conclusion, the response rate of RTX could be improved through administering monthly IVIG for hypogammaglobulinemia treatment following RTX infusion. Early use of rituximab leads to a better response rate in comparison with late use of rituximab in multitreated refractory patients. The efficient cumulative dose of rituximab remains undefined.
The impacts of the CXC motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12)/ C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) axis on the infiltration of anti-tumor and pro-tumor immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast cancer (BCa) have been noted in previous studies. Accordingly, regulating the downstream signals of this axis can effectively increase CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and decrease the frequency of immunosuppressive cells in the TME. This study investigated the anti-tumor effects of N, N''-thiocarbonylbis (N'-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-2,2,2 trifluoroacetimidamide) (A1), a novel fluorinated CXCR4 inhibitor on a BCa cell line.
In this study, the impacts of A1 on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle were examined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assays. Moreover, the effect of A1 on the number of CXCR4+ 4T1 cells was measured by flow cytometry.
A1 treatment exhibited cytotoxic effects on 4T1 cells, promoting cell apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest. In addition, A1-treated cells showed a reduced cell proliferation than CXCL12 treated cells. Furthermore, treatment with A1 alongside CXCL12 significantly decreased the number of CXCR4+ cells compared to the control group treated with only CXCL12 as a proliferator factor.
These results indicate that A1 exerts potential anti-tumor effects and may serve as a possible therapeutic agent for BCa treatment; however, further studies are required.
Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern, particularly in women infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Recent evidence suggests that host genetic factors, specifically those related to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, may also play a crucial role in determining susceptibility to cervical cancer in HPV-infected individuals.
In this study, 86 patients with HPV and 27 healthy donors were selected from May 2023 to February 2024. HLA-DRB1 genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction followed by high-resolution melting curve analysis (HRM). Genotype frequencies in patients were compared with those in the control group from donors.
Based on the HRM analysis, 10 genotypes were found in both patients and controls (profiles A-J). In the analysis of HLA-DRB1 genotypes, C, F, and I showed significant associations with HPV infection, indicating a possible protective effect against infection. Notably, genotype B was strongly linked to high-risk HPV, while genotype A was associated with low-risk HPV and is relevant to infection history. However, the remaining genotypes examined in the study did not exhibit significant associations with the analyzed parameters.
This study contributes valuable evidence regarding the role of HLA-DRB1 genotypes in cervical cancer susceptibility and highlights the potential clinical implications for risk assessment and targeted immunotherapies. The use of HRM for HLA typing offers advantages that are efficient, accurate, and scalable, making it suitable for large-scale studies and clinical applications.
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) lead to complex primary and secondary damage that disrupts neural function. Current treatments are often insufficient and unable to fully repair spinal cord injuries, highlighting the urgent need for new medicines and innovative therapies.
This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of abscisic acid (ABA) in SCI by examining its effects on immune-inflammatory genes’ expression in rats. This phytohormone possesses anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, rendering it a potential agent for reducing secondary damage following spinal cord injury. Additionally, we performed protein-protein interaction (PPI), pathway enrichment, functional annotation, and gene ontology (GO) analyses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the functions of the affected genes.
Based on the results, SCI led to changes in the expression of immune/inflammation-related genes in rats. However, the administration of ABA alleviated the effects. ABA downregulated proinflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-1β, MCP, TLR2, TLR4) and neural signaling components (NMDA, AMPA, NK1R), while upregulating adrenergic receptors (ADRA1A, ADRB1) and a gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (AGBRA2). PPI analysis identified FOS, IL-1β, IL-6, MMP9, and TLR4 as crucial nodes in the network, exhibiting the highest degree of interaction. Functional analyses revealed potential impacts on cellular responses, metabolic processes, and synapse-associated extracellular matrix components. Notably, these genes were enriched in inflammatory signaling pathways according to KEGG analysis.
These findings suggest that ABA has a significant modulatory effect on gene expression following SCI, particularly in reducing inflammation and immune responses, thereby highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for SCI.
To explore the relationship between thioredoxins (Trx) -2, systemic-immune inflammatory index (SII), and short-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in septic cardiomyopathy (SCM).
A retrospective study was conducted on 98 SCM patients admitted to Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University Emergency Intensive Care Unit (EICU) from July 2022 to June 2024. Patients underwent routine blood tests and data assessment upon admission. Based on the occurrence of MACE by day 28, patients were divided into the MACE group and the non-MACE (N-MACE) group. Clinical data were collected, and logistic regression, along with restricted cubic spline models, analyzed the relationships between SII, Trx-2, and MACE risk in SCM patients.
Among the 98 SCM patients included, there were 35 (35.71%) in the MACE group and 63 (64.29%) in the N-MACE group. Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated SII and serum Trx-2 levels correlated with an increased risk of MACE within 28 days post-admission for SCM patients. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a linear dose-response relationship between both SII and Trx-2 levels with short-term MACE risk in SCM. The ROC curve showed AUC values of 0.869 for LVEF, 0.881 for SII, while combining SII + Trx-2 yielded 0.926 (95% CI: 0.862-0.989), with specificity at 83.98 % and sensitivity at 98.80%.
The abnormal increase of serum SII and Trx-2 levels in SCM patients is related to the occurrence of MACE within 28 days after admission. The risk of MACE increases with the increase of serum SII and Trx-2 levels.
This study aimed to explore the relationship between the preoperative pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and the clinicopathological characteristics and surgical prognosis of thyroid cancer.
This retrospective cohort study included 165 patients with thyroid cancer who underwent surgery. The value and clinical applicability of PIV and other immune-inflammatory biomarkers in assessing disease-free survival (DFS) were compared based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA). Patients were divided into high and low PIV groups according to the optimal cutoff value to assess the correlation between PIV and pathological characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for DFS analysis, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the factors affecting DFS.
The AUC of PIV for predicting DFS was higher than that of other immune-inflammatory biomarkers, and PIV demonstrated the highest clinical utility. Compared with the low PIV group, the high PIV group had a lower proportion of papillary thyroid carcinoma, a higher proportion of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, and higher rates of stage III–IV disease, lymph node metastasis, maximum tumor diameter ≥2 cm, and multiple lesions. The DFS was significantly shorter in the high PIV group than in the low PIV group. After adjusting for confounding factors, a high PIV level was an independent risk factor for poor surgical outcomes.
In conclusion, preoperative PIV is associated with the pathological type of thyroid cancer, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis status, and maximum tumor diameter. Furthermore, a high PIV level can increase the risk of poor surgical outcomes.
Occupational exposure in hairdressing is associated with significant respiratory health risks, including impaired lung function and respiratory symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate and compare respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function across subgroups of hairdressers categorized by their specific exposure profiles.
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 152 female hairdressers in Tehran, Iran, who were stratified into four subgroups: (1) individuals with direct exposure to hair dyes, dechlorinating agents, and keratinizing substances; (2) individuals exposed to varnish, acetone, and nail implant materials; (3) individuals exposed to adhesives for hair and eyelash extensions; and (4) individuals with minimal or no direct chemical exposure. Respiratory and nasal symptoms were assessed using the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) III questionnaire. Spirometric measurements, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of FVC (FEF25–75), were performed to evaluate pulmonary function.
Overall, 42.1% of participants reported respiratory symptoms, with subgroup 1 exhibiting the highest prevalence. Cough (64.3%), wheezing (35.7%), and dyspnea (64.3%) were the most commonly reported symptoms, while 22.4% reported nasal symptoms. Subgroup 1 demonstrated significantly lower pulmonary function indices and a higher prevalence of obstructive lung patterns (40.5%). Bronchodilator responsiveness indicative of asthma was observed in 34.2% of participants.
In conclusion, direct occupational exposure to hairdressing chemicals, particularly hair dyes and bleaching agents, is associated with substantial respiratory impairment. Implementation of regular health surveillance, personal protective equipment, and enhanced workplace ventilation is strongly recommended.
Celiac disease is a gluten-induced immune-mediated enteropathy. Recent studies suggest an increasing association between celiac disease and atopic conditions such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
In this matched case-control study, the prevalence of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis was evaluated among 173 children with celiac disease and 173 age- and sex-matched healthy controls in Zahedan, Iran, in 2023. The diagnosis of celiac disease was based on European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines. Allergic conditions were assessed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and confirmed through clinical evaluation.
Children with celiac disease had a significantly higher prevalence of asthma (12.1% versus 5.8%; odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 4.05) and allergic rhinitis (29.5% versus 14.5%; odds ratio, 2.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 4.26) compared to controls. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis between the two groups (12.1% versus 9.2%; odds ratio, 1.35).
These results indicate that children with celiac disease are at increased risk for certain respiratory allergic diseases, particularly asthma and allergic rhinitis. This highlights the need for integrated care between gastroenterology and allergy specialists. Further research is needed to clarify the shared immunological pathways involved.
MicroRNA (miR)-425-5p is used as a molecular biomarker to identify cervical cancer (CxCa). However, few studies have examined the miR-425-5p-based modulation of the vital activities of CxCa cells.
The levels of neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) and miR-425-5p in CxCa tissues and cells were tested using western blot and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) tests. CxCa cells’ malignant phenotype was examined through clone formation tests, and transwell tests. CD8+T cells were co-cultured with CxCa cells and then analyzed for apoptosis rates and the expression of activation proteins (granzyme B (GZMB) and perforin) as well as immune factors (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) using flow cytometry, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Finally, in nude mouse experiments, the tumor size was measured for subcutaneous tumors, and the expression of CD8+T cell-related factors was detected.
The NCAM1 and miR-425-5p were down-regulated and up-regulated in CxCa tissue and cells, respectively. After silencing miR-425-5p, CxCa cells showed attenuation in vitality, clone formation rate, and their capacities to migrate, penetrate, and evade immune responses. NCAM1 was targeted and silenced by miR-425-5p. When NCAM1 was silenced, it partially counteracted miR-425-5p’s inhibitory effects on the immune escape and proliferation. In nude mice, the tumor size and weight decreased after silencing miR-425-5p, and levels of CD8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, perforin, and GZMB were elevated. However, these changes were reversed when NCAM1 was silenced.
In conclusion, miR-425-5p mediates the biological behavior and immune evasion of CxCa cells by regulating NCAM1.
Premature infants with immature gastrointestinal tracts rely on parenteral nutrition (PN) to meet nutritional and energy requirements for growth. In this study, we compared the nutrition-related immune status of premature infants receiving SMOF emulsions (multiple oil-fat emulsions) versus those receiving MCT/LCT emulsions (medium-/long-chain triglyceride emulsions) at different times during PN, and we analyzed the relationship between immune function and clinical outcomes.
Sixty premature infants from Dongxihu District People’s Hospital, recruited between September 2023 and September 2024, were divided into an observation group and a control group. The observation group received SMOF emulsions, while the control group received MCT/LCT-containing emulsions. We compared immune function, clinical outcomes, and complications between the two groups at different PN timings. The effects of fat-emulsion type on immune indices and their relationship with clinical outcomes were assessed using logistic regression and ROC analysis.
The clinical data of the preterm infants in both groups were similar. Immune function and clinical outcomes were better in the observation group than in the control group, and the complication rate was lower. Logistic and ROC analyses revealed that the type of fat emulsion was closely related to immune indices, and these immune indices were highly correlated with clinical outcomes.
Both interventions improved immunity in preterm infants, with better results in the observation group than in the control group. The use of SMOF emulsions was superior to MCT/LCT-containing emulsions in preterm infants requiring long-term PN, and this immune improvement significantly optimizes clinical outcomes.
This study aims to investigate the role of notopterol in alleviating endometritis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to explore its underlying mechanisms.Human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs) were treated with LPS to establish an in vitro model of endometritis, and the cells were divided into five groups: control, LPS, LPS+notopterol(15 mol/L), LPS+notopterol(305 mol/L) and LPS+notopterol(45 mol/L) groups. The expression levels of inflammatory factors were determined by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). Apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) method. Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) test. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) p65, NF-κB inhibitor (IκBα), p-NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα.
Following LPS treatment, cytokine levels significantly increased compared to the control group.; moreover, cell proliferation decreased, apoptosis increased, and the expression level of p-NF-κB p65 was increased. Subsequently, the LPS-treated hEECs were exposed to notopterygium. Compared to the LPS group.
Treatment with LPS + notopterol resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in inflammatory cytokines, increased cell proliferation, and a significant reduction in apoptosis. Furthermore, the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα were downregulated.
These findings suggest that notopterol alleviates LPS-induced endometritis by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Adenovirus infection is a common cause of pediatric respiratory disease, often misdiagnosed as a bacterial infection. This study compared immune-inflammatory markers in children with adenovirus- vs bacterial-induced suppurative tonsillitis and evaluated their correlation with adenovirus pneumonia.
A retrospective study of 275 children (145 with adenovirus, 130 with bacterial infections) admitted to The First People’s Hospital of Changde, China (January–June 2019), was conducted. Laboratory markers (white blood cell [WBC] count, C-reactive protein [CRP], serum amyloid A [SAA], procalcitonin [PCT], heparin-binding protein [HBP], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], and interleukin 6 [IL-6]) were analyzed. Adenovirus cases were stratified by pneumonia status (58 with pneumonia, 87 without pneumonia) via chest computed tomography.
Compared with the bacterial group, the adenovirus group had lower WBC counts (14.97 [1.37] vs 18.86 [2.65] ×109/L), CRP levels (15.26 [3.44] vs 26.36 [3.18] mg/L), and PCT levels (15.06 [2.12] vs 42.53 [4.58] ng/L) but higher SAA levels (216.75 [39.23] vs 136.55 [28.66] mg/L). Among children with adenovirus, those with pneumonia had elevated SAA (236.39 [38.67] vs 203.65 [33.95] mg/L), HBP (44.30 [8.93] vs 35.62 [6.77] ng/mL), TNF-α (731.52 [99.21] vs 604.21 [95.53] ng/L), and IL-6 (96.86 [17.63] vs 76.55 [15.50] ng/L) levels. A combination of SAA, HBP, TNF-α, and IL-6 predicted pneumonia with an area under the curve of 0.927 (sensitivity, 87.93%; specificity, 88.51%).
SAA, HBP, TNF-α, and IL-6 are strongly associated with adenovirus pneumonia, and their combined measurement improves diagnostic accuracy.
Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most prevalent Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent food allergies in children. Currently, the only accepted treatment for food allergy is avoiding the relevant allergen. The purpose of this study is to investigate the immunological changes following the consumption of heated cow's milk products compared to the usual method of oral desensitization in children aged over two years old with cow's milk allergy.
In a prospective double-blind clinical trial study, 25 children aged two years and older with a definite diagnosis of IgE-dependent cow's milk allergy referred to the allergy clinic of the Children's Medical Center from 2016 to 2017 were enrolled. The eligible patients were randomly divided into two groups: the first group was desensitized with raw milk (normal desensitization: n=13), and the second group was desensitized with heated cow's milk products (intervention group, n=12).
The mean ages in the raw milk group and heated milk group were 3.92±1.44 and 4.50±1.73 years, respectively. The rate of anaphylaxis in the heated milk group was higher than in the raw milk group (50% vs. 15.4%), although the incidence of urticaria and angioedema was not significantly different between the two groups. The mean concentration of serum IgE in the two groups decreased after desensitization compared to before, although there was no significant difference between the two groups. The increase in the number of CD4+Foxp3+ and CD4+ CD25+ cells was less in the heated milk group than the raw milk group, but this difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, the number of eosinophil cells was higher in the heated milk group than in the raw milk group, but this difference was not statistically significant difference.
We concluded that the changes in the level of eosinophil, IgE, and regulatory T cells in the conventional desensitization group were not significantly different compared to desensitization with heated milk. Further multicenter studies with a higher sample size are recommended to confirm these results.
The objective of this study was to compare the concentrations of relative and absolute regulatory T cells (Tregs) in preterm neonates diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with those in the control group.
The study consisted of 60 preterm neonates, 30 with NEC and 30 without NEC. Blood samples were obtained and processed for the enumeration of Treg cells by multiparameter flow cytometry with markers such as CD4, CD25, and FOXP3, and the activation markers CD45RA, CD45RO, HLA-DR, and CTLA-4.
There were no significant differences in gestational age, body weight, Apgar score, delivery mode, or incidence of maternal infection between the NEC group and the control group. The relative Treg percentage (% of CD4+ T cells) in the NEC group was 7.5 ± 1.2%, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (9.8 ± 1.5%). Compared with that in the control group, the absolute Treg count in the NEC group showed the same trend, and the total CD4+ T-cell count decreased significantly. The percentage of naive Tregs (% of Tregs) was significantly higher, whereas those of memory Tregs (% of Tregs), Ki-67+ (% of Tregs), and CD39+ (% of Tregs) cells were significantly lower. Tregs may be activated more as the severity of NEC increases, and the elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-10 in NEC may reflect attempts at an effective anti-inflammatory response to the proinflammatory effects of IL-6 and TNF-ɑ.
Treg pathways may hold promise for NEC prognosis, although additional samples should be evaluated to validate these results.
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Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Increased expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), encoded by the PDCD1 gene, indicates NK cell exhaustion, a process that may be influenced by microRNAs (miRNAs). In this study, we examined PD-1 expression on NK cells from RA patients and evaluated whether miRNAs modulate this pathway.
Although antibiotics are critical for treating infections, they can provoke harmful immune responses by releasing bacterial components that overstimulate the immune system. Such responses may lead to excessive inflammation or cytokine storms. To address this risk, we assessed the immune safety of a newly designed chimeric endolysin, ZAM-MSC, and compared its effects with traditional antibiotics using transcriptomic, proteomic, and computational analyses.
We analyzed public gene and protein expression datasets from antibiotic-treated human cells and performed in silico studies on ZAM-MSC. Differential expression analysis and pathway enrichment were conducted, alongside structural modeling of the endolysin and its predicted interactions with immune receptors.
Antibiotic treatment strongly activated inflammatory genes and pathways, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In contrast, ZAM-MSC minimally affected immune-related gene expression, with downregulation of interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1A (TNFRSF1A). Structural modeling showed weak interactions with Toll-like receptors, and epitope analysis predicted low immunogenicity. These results suggest ZAM-MSC may offer a safer antimicrobial alternative, though all protein-level findings are based on computational predictions and require experimental validation.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe lung disease with a poor prognosis, characterized by immune cell activation. The role of T helper (Th) cell transcription factors in IPF pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated Th cell transcription factors and related cytokines in IPF patients.
Twelve IPF patients and eight healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this pilot study. Serum levels of fibrosis-associated mediators (Interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β), CXCL-8, interferon-γ (IFN-γ)) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry assessed Th transcription factors T box transcription factor (T-bet,), GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3), Retinoic acid-related orphan recepto (ROR-γt), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3)) and intracellular cytokines (IL-4, IL-17).
SerumTGF-β, CXCL-8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were significantly elevated, while IP-10 (pT-bet, GATA3, ROR-γt, or FOXP3 were observed. Positive correlations were found between T-bet and GATA3, IL-4, ROR-γt, and TNF-α expression with age, while FOXP3 expression negatively correlated with age.
T-cell transcription factors were unchanged in IPF despite changes in inflammatory protein expression. Reduced IP-10 may serve as a potential marker.
Cisplatin resistance presents a significant challenge in cancer therapy, emphasizing the necessity for identifying new regulatory elements that influence drug response. Recent research has revealed the importance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in chemotherapy resistance, with LINC02381 identified as a potential regulatory factor.
Through an in-depth bioinformatics analysis, we investigated the impact of LINC02381 on cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer across various datasets. By conducting differential expression analysis, survival analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and constructing protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, we identified key pathways associated with LINC02381 expression.
The results indicated that the altered expression of LINC02381 in patients treated with cisplatin was associated with reduced survival. Functional studies and correlation analyses further demonstrated that this LncRNA influences critical pathways and genes related to apoptosis, efflux, DNA repair, and EMT. Lastly, through an examination of its interactions with microRNA and protein networks, we identified LINC02381 as a ceRNA implicated in cisplatin resistance.
Our findings suggest that LINC02381 may influence cisplatin sensitivity in ovarian cancer and establish a basis for further experimental validation, including molecular assays or in vivo analyses, and suggest the potential therapeutic targeting of LINC02381 to combat chemoresistance.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced inflammation in macrophages involves complex signaling pathways. This investigation explored the regulatory roles of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM1) and interleukin (IL)-26 in the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.
RAW 264.7 cells were treated with LPS to assess TREM1 expression. TREM1 or IL-26 was silenced using short hairpin RNA (shRNA), while IL-26 was overexpressed via plasmid transfection. The JAK2 inhibitor AG490 was used to block JAK/STAT signaling. Western blot, reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to analyze the protein and mRNA levels of inflammatory markers and signaling molecules.
Results showed that LPS upregulated TREM1 expression. In addition, TREM1 knockdown suppressed p65 activation and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels. Moreover, silencing TREM1 inhibited IL-26 and JAK/STAT phosphorylation (p-JAK1, p-JAK2, p-STAT1, and p-STAT3). Similarly, IL-26 knockdown or AG490 treatment attenuated p65 activation and inflammation. Furthermore, IL-26 overexpression reversed the anti-inflammatory effects of TREM1 silencing.
Overall, TREM1 promoted LPS-induced macrophage inflammation via IL-26–mediated JAK/STAT and NF-κB pathway activation, suggesting that TREM1 and IL-26 are potential therapeutic targets.
The risks associated with in vivo tests in the diagnosis of immediate drug hypersensitivities result in evaluating alternative in vitro tests, such as the Basophil Activation Test (BAT). This pilot study aimed to set up a BAT and compare it with a specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE) assay for penicillin G and Ibuprofen in patients with immediate hypersensitivity to β-lactams or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Eleven subjects with a clear history of immediate hypersensitivity to one of the β-lactams (n=5), the NSAIDs (n=3), or both (n=3) entered this study. BAT and sIgE assays were performed regarding the patient’s history.
The most frequent manifestations were angioedema, shortness of breath, urticaria, and nausea. Eight patients had anaphylactic reactions. The results presented a positive BAT for penicillin G and one for Ibuprofen. Moreover, three patients with a history of the β-lactams reaction demonstrated positive sIgE to β-lactams in the ImmunoCAP. Despite a lack of agreement between the positive results of the BAT and sIgE assay, five patients were identified by one of these methods.
Despite positive BAT and sIgE results in two and three patients, respectively, the risks, high cost, and time-consuming nature of drug challenges render these tests valuable for reducing the number of patients who are candidates for a drug challenge.
Adenosine deaminase 2 (ADA2) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease with varying degrees of clinical phenotypes and disease severity. The phenotypic spectrum of the disorder has expanded from vasculitis with stroke to include pure red cell aplasia, bone marrow failure, autoimmune cytopenia, lymphoproliferation, and variable degrees of immunodeficiency.
Here, we describe two cases of ADA2 deficiency: one presented with an early-onset stroke that resembled an early-onset polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), and the other as an adult-onset vasculitis that progressed to severe neutropenia with recurrent infection and lymphoproliferation. Patient 1, a 10-year-old male, had a reported pathogenic ADA2 homozygote variant; c.139G˃C (p.Gly47Arg), and patient 2, a 34-year-old male, had a reported likely pathogenic homozygous ADA2 variant; c.578C>T (p.Pro193Lys).
Our second patient was the first DADA2 patient who showed that DADA2 is not a static disease and can progress from vasculitis to bone marrow failure in the course of the disease. Therefore, the previous recommendation introducing anti–TNF-α as a preferred treatment for vasculitis manifestations and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as the preferred treatment for bone marrow failure can no longer apply. We should consider HSCT for DADA2 patients from the very beginning.
The Physician has to be aware of this monogenic disorder's varied presentation and multi-organ involvement. Early recognition and proper treatment are crucial for this potentially fatal disease.
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