Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gaku Yamanaka, Shinichiro Morichi, Tomoko Takamatsu, Yusuke Watanabe, Shinji Suzuki, Yu Ishida, Shingo Oana, Takashi Yamazaki, Fuyuko Takata, Hisashi Kawashima
Summary: The pathogenesis of epilepsy is associated with neuroinflammation and cerebrovascular dysfunction, with evidence suggesting that peripheral immune cells may play a role in seizure development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Diana Maria Merida, Belen Moreno-Franco, Montse Marques, Montserrat Leon-Latre, Martin Laclaustra, Pilar Guallar-Castillon
Summary: This study aimed to assess the association between phthalate exposure and metabolic syndrome in the general population. Through a comprehensive literature search, including 9 cross-sectional studies and 25,365 participants, it was found that both low molecular weight and high molecular weight phthalates were associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, six specific phthalate metabolites were also associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Nina Z. Heilmann, Katherine W. Reeves, Susan E. Hankinson
Summary: Studies among postmenopausal women suggest an association between urinary phthalate metabolite concentration and decreased BMD. However, studies of childhood BMD are inconclusive due to limited data and study limitations. Further research is needed to investigate the association between phthalate exposure and human BMD.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Yong Fu, Renhong Tang, Xiaofeng Zhao
Summary: Cytokines play a crucial role in cell communication in the tumor microenvironment, but their production and function are often dysregulated during malignant tumor progression. While cytokine-based therapeutics have shown early success in cancer immunotherapy, their clinical translation has been limited due to their pleiotropic nature, complex biological properties, and poor pharmacokinetics. New engineering approaches have been developed to improve the delivery, targeting, and therapeutic efficacy of cytokines, and this review focuses on the recent progress, competitive landscape, and feasibility of these methods in clinical medicine translation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Amir Vahedian-Azimi, Mitra Abbasifard, Farshid Rahimi-Bashar, Paul C. Guest, Muhammed Majeed, Asadollah Mohammadi, Maciej Banach, Tannaz Jamialahmadi, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Summary: This systematic review investigates the efficacy of curcumin supplementation in COVID-19 patients. The findings suggest that curcumin supplementation can significantly decrease symptoms, duration of hospitalization, and deaths. It also shows that curcumin helps balance pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, improving the cytokine storm effect. Overall, curcumin supplementation may offer a safe and effective option for improving COVID-19 disease outcomes.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Gianluigi Laccetta, Maria Di Chiara, Annalisa Cardillo, Maria Chiara De Nardo, Gianluca Terrin
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review on the short- and long-term health consequences of exposure to phthalates during the neonatal period. The findings suggest that phthalate exposure is associated with neurobehavioral performance, motor abilities, gut microbiota, and growth spurt in newborns.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Khalid Eljaaly, Husam Malibary, Shaimaa Alsulami, Muradi Albanji, Mazen Badawi, Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq
Summary: This systematic review highlights the variability in CRS definitions and associated biomarker cutoff values in clinical trials on COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the need for a standardized definition of CRS.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jazmin Cristina Stevens Barron, Christian Chapa Gonzalez, Emilio Alvarez Parrilla, Laura Alejandra De la Rosa
Summary: Flavonoids are plant-derived compounds with various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects. Their low bioavailability has limited their use in treating inflammatory diseases. Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of flavonoids, such as polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, allows sustained release and has shown to significantly downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that this approach may have potential as a therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joe N. Frost, Sarah K. Wideman, Alexandra E. Preston, Megan R. Teh, Zhichao Ai, Lihui Wang, Amy Cross, Natasha White, Yavuz Yazicioglu, Michael Bonadonna, Alexander J. Clarke, Andrew E. Armitage, Bruno Galy, Irina A. Udalova, Hal Drakesmith
Summary: Low plasma iron induced by hepcidin inhibits neutrophil production and alters their effector functions, while having no significant effect on other types of white blood cells. Antagonizing endogenous hepcidin can enhance neutrophil production during acute inflammation. These findings suggest that plasma iron plays a role in modulating the profile of innate immunity, with potential therapeutic implications.
Article
Immunology
Buesra Geckin, Gizem Kilic, Priya A. Debisarun, Konstantin Fohse, Azahara Rodriguez-Luna, Pablo Fernandez-Gonzalez, Ana Lopez Sanchez, Jorge Dominguez-Andres
Summary: The proper functioning of the immune system relies on the balance between pro-inflammation and anti-inflammation. Disruption of this balance can lead to autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. A fungal compound called AM3 has been found to modulate immune responses by decreasing excessive cytokine production and maintaining the capacity of immune cells to respond to stimuli. AM3 may help reduce immune activation and keep immune responses within a normal range.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Robin Kahn, Tobias Schmidt, Karan Golestani, Anki Mossberg, Birgitta Gullstrand, Anders A. Bengtsson, Fredrik Kahn
Summary: In COVID-19 patients, monocytes contribute to ongoing hyperinflammation by producing IL-1 beta and IL-8, and they produce more IL-1 beta when activated. This supports the idea of IL-1 beta blockade in COVID-19 treatment. The source of high levels of IL-6 in COVID-19 remains to be determined.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Qi Zhong, Hui-li Liu, Hong Fu, Qin-shan Niu, Hua-bing Wu, Fen Huang
Summary: The evidence on the relationship between prenatal phthalates exposure and preterm birth is uncertain, with most associations not being statistically significant. Heterogeneity was mainly found in studies conducted in China and matrix collected at the first trimester of pregnancy. A multicenter cohort study with a consistent approach is recommended to unravel the complex associations of prenatal phthalates exposure with birth outcomes.
Article
Immunology
Iwona Karwaciak, Anna Salkowska, Kaja Karas, Jaroslaw Dastych, Marcin Ratajewski
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in over 1.5 million deaths worldwide, with varying disease manifestations. Research has found that SARS-CoV-2 proteins can induce the production of IL-6 in human cells, potentially impacting immune responses and leading to cytokine storms.
Article
Immunology
Xiaogao Jin, Yanlin Wang
Summary: The study revealed that globular adiponectin induced the production of inflammatory cytokines in Raw 264.7 cells, while full-length adiponectin promoted macrophage migration.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Steven Droho, Amrita Rajesh, Carla M. Cuda, Harris Perlman, Jeremy A. Lavine
Summary: By performing single-cell RNA-Seq on immune cells from WT and Ccr2-/- mice, we identified macrophage heterogeneity in patients with nAMD. Spp1+ macrophages expressed a proangiogenic transcriptome through multiple pathways and CD11c+ macrophages were increased and present in CNV lesions. Depletion of CD11c+ macrophages reduced CNV size, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets for treatment-resistant patients with nAMD.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vicente Mustieles, Ria K. Balogh, Marta Axelstad, Parisa Montazeri, Sandra Marquez, Martine Vrijheid, Monica K. Draskau, Camilla Taxvig, Francisco M. Peinado, Tamar Berman, Hanne Frederiksen, Mariana F. Fernandez, Anne Marie Vinggaard, Anna-Maria Andersson
Summary: This study comprehensively evaluated the safety issues of BP-3 and BP-1 in the human body and found that they have endocrine disrupting properties. HBM studies showed that North Americans have potential exposure levels 10 to 20 times higher than Europeans and Asians. Therefore, it is recommended to use commercially available sunscreens with inorganic UV filters for susceptible populations.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pilar Requena, Celia Perez-Diaz, Vicente Mustieles, Francisco M. Peinado, Josefa Leon, Francisco M. Perez-Carrascosa, Hanne Frederiksen, Inmaculada Salcedo-Bellido, Rocio Barrios-Rodriguez, Juan Pedro Arrebola
Summary: This study investigates the associations between human phthalate exposure and the onset of chronic diseases with an immunological component. The results suggest that certain phthalates are correlated with cytokines and acute phase proteins, indicating potential subclinical immuno-inflammatory actions of these pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maja L. Nybo, Jone M. Kvam, John E. Nielsen, Hanne Frederiksen, Katja Spiess, Kristian H. R. Jensen, Sarina Gadgaard, Anna L. S. Walser, Jesper S. Thomsen, Pamela Cowin, Anders Juul, Martin B. Jensen, Mette M. Rosenkilde
Summary: A mouse model lacking the adhesion receptor ADGRA3 (GPR125) exhibited infertility despite having normal spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm count. This infertility was caused by a post-pubertal hormonal imbalance and fluid retention, leading to the blockage between the ejaculatory duct and the urethra, resembling the etiologies of obstructive azoospermia in human male infertility.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Derralynn A. Hughes, Daniel G. Bichet, Roberto Giugliani, Robert J. Hopkin, Eva Krusinska, Kathleen Nicholls, Iacopo Olivotto, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, Norio Sakai, Nina Skuban, Gere Sunder-Plassmann, Roser Torra, William R. Wilcox
Summary: Fabry disease is a rare disorder caused by gene variants that results in enzyme deficiency and accumulation of lipids. This study evaluated the incidence of clinical events in Fabry patients treated with migalastat. The results showed that 17.5% of patients experienced 22 clinical events during long-term treatment, with a rate of 48.3 events per 1000 patient-years. Baseline characteristics such as gender, age, prior treatment, and kidney function were associated with the incidence of clinical events.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Louise Scheutz Henriksen, Hanne Frederiksen, Niels Jorgensen, Anders Juul, Niels E. Skakkebaek, Jorma Toppari, Jorgen Holm Petersen, Katharina M. Main
Summary: This study aimed to explore if there is an association between fetal phthalate exposure and markers of testicular function in young adult men. The results showed that higher maternal phthalate exposure was associated with higher luteinizing hormone (LH) but unchanged testosterone in adult sons. Additionally, higher maternal exposure was associated with lower total and free testosterone/LH ratios in adult sons.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nina Vogel, Hanne Frederiksen, Rosa Lange, Niels Jorgensen, Holger M. Koch, Till Weber, Anna-Maria Andersson, Marike Kolossa-Gehring
Summary: It has been observed over the past 25 years that exposure to certain phthalates can have negative effects on human health, such as disrupting the endocrine system. As a result, the EU implemented regulations which led to a decrease in production of restricted phthalates and an increase in the production of substitutes. A recent study examined the impact of these regulations on exposure patterns in two European populations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clara Sophie Bramsen Andersen, Amanda Kvist-Hansen, Mie Siewertsen, Christian Enevold, Peter Riis Hansen, Diljit Kaur-Knudsen, Claus Zachariae, Claus Henrik Nielsen, Nikolai Loft, Lone Skov
Summary: This study examined the usefulness of various inflammation biomarkers in personalizing biologic treatment for psoriasis patients. It was found that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels could serve as predictive biomarkers for treatment response to TNF-alpha inhibitor therapy. The study also measured other biomarkers such as TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IFN-alpha, IL-17A, IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), and soluble IL-6 signal transducer (sIL-6ST) in different patient groups.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Mikkel Vilmand, Iben Have Beck, Niels Bilenberg, Anna-Maria Andersson, Anders Juul, Greet Schoeters, Henriette Boye, Hanne Frederiksen, Tina Kold Jensen
Summary: This study investigated the association between prenatal and concurrent exposure to phthalates and IQ in 7-year-old children. The results showed that high concentrations of metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were associated with decreased IQ in children. This suggests that exposure to phthalates may be harmful to child neurodevelopment.
NEUROTOXICOLOGY AND TERATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elvira V. Brauner, Cecilie S. Uldbjerg, Astrid L. Beck, Youn-Hee Lim, Henriette Boye, Hanne Frederiksen, Anna-Maria Andersson, Tina K. Jensen
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between maternal paraben concentrations in second trimester urine and birth size of the offspring, specifically looking at sex-specific associations. The findings revealed that higher maternal exposure to n-butylparaben was associated with lower birth size in female offspring, while no significant relationship was observed in male offspring.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Magnus Holm, Peter Vestergaard, Morten Moller Poulsen, Ase Krogh Rasmussen, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, Mette Bay, Lars Rolighed, Stefano Londero, Henrik Baymler Pedersen, Christoffer Holst Hahn, Klara Bay Rask, Heidi Hvid Nielsen, Mette Gaustadnes, Maria Caroline Rossing, Anne Pernille Hermann, Christian Godballe, Jes Sloth Mathiesen
Summary: Studies of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) have shown varying frequencies, definitions, and clinical characteristics. This nationwide population-based retrospective study provides a representative frequency and strict definition of PHPT in MEN 2A. The findings reveal a lower frequency and later onset of PHPT than previously reported, suggesting a milder course of the disease.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nina Vogel, Rosa Lange, Phillipp Schmidt, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Sylvie Remy., Andrea Springer, Vladimira Puklova, Milena Cerna, Peter Rudnai, Szilvia Kozepesy, Beata Janasik, Danuta Ligocka, Lucia Fabelova, Branislav Kolena, Ida Petrovicova, Michal Jajcaj, Milada Estokova, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Argelia Castano, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Anja Stajnko, Lisbeth E. Knudsen, Jorma Toppari, Katharina M. Main, Anders Juul, Anna-Maria Andersson, Niels Jorgensen, Hanne Frederiksen, Cathrine Thomsen, Amrit Kaur Sakhi, Agneta Akesson, Christina Hartmann, Marie Christine Dewolf, Gudrun Koppen, Pierre Biot, Elly Den Hond, Stefan Voorspoels, Liese Gilles, Eva Govarts, Aline Murawski, Antje Gerofke, Till Weber, Maria Ruether, Arno C. Gutleb, Cedric Guignard, Tamar Berman, Holger M. Koch, Marike Kolossa-Gehring
Summary: Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers and can have negative impacts on reproductive functions. However, existing human biomonitoring studies on internal exposure to phthalates in Europe differ in many aspects, making comparability challenging. The HBM4EU initiative gathered data from 29 studies across Europe to describe the general population's exposure to phthalates from 2005 to 2019. This study is an important step towards making internal exposures to phthalates comparable across countries and provides suggestions for improved harmonization in future studies.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Joris A. J. Osinga, Arash Derakhshan, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, Kun Huang, Tanja G. M. Vrijkotte, Tuija Mannisto, Judit Bassols, Abel Lopez-Bermejo, Ashraf Aminorroaya, Marina Vafeiadi, Maarten A. C. Broeren, Glenn E. Palomaki, Ghalia Ashoor, Liangmiao Chen, Xuemian Lu, Peter N. Taylor, Fang-Biao Tao, Suzanne J. Brown, Georgiana Sitoris, Lida Chatzi, Bijay Vaidya, Polina Popova, Elena A. Vasukova, Maryam Kianpour, Eila Suvanto, Elena N. Grineva, Andrew Hattersley, Victor J. M. Pop, Scott M. Nelson, John P. Walsh, Kypros H. Nicolaides, Mary E. D'Alton, Kris G. Poppe, Layal Chaker, Sofie Bliddal, Tim I. M. Korevaar
Summary: The study found that using alternative methods to define reference intervals for thyroid hormones in pregnant women can result in overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis compared to population- and trimester-specific reference intervals.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Arash Derakhshan, Tuija Mannisto, Liangmiao Chen, Joris A. J. Osinga, Ghalia Ashoor, Xuemian Lu, Sofie Bliddal, Fang-Biao Tao, Suzanne J. Brown, Bijay Vaidya, Andrew T. Hattersley, Sachiko Itoh, Polina Popova, Ashraf Aminorroaya, Reiko Kishi, Maryam Kianpour, Elena A. Vasukova, Abel Lopez-Bermejo, Emily Oken, Leda Chatzi, Marina Vafeiadi, Wichor M. Bramer, Judit Bassols, Aitana Lertxundi, Ana Fernandez-Somoano, Paula Carrasco, Juha Auvinen, Kun Huang, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, Elena N. Grineva, Erik K. Alexander, Elizabeth N. Pearce, Layal Chaker, John P. Walsh, Robin P. Peeters, Monica Guxens, Eila Suvanto, Kypros H. Nicolaides, Tim I. M. Korevaar
Summary: This study explores the association between gestational FT3 and TT3 levels and adverse obstetric outcomes. The findings suggest that FT3 and TT3 levels have different associations with various adverse obstetric outcomes, with high TT3 associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension and low TT3 associated with a higher risk of very preterm birth.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Perrine Huisman, Jesper Krogh, Claus Henrik Nielsen, Henriette Svarre Nielsen, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, Sofie Bliddal
Summary: This study examines the prevalence of TgAb positivity in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and its association with the outcome of the next pregnancy. The findings suggest a significant association between RPL and TgAb positivity.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Cecilie Melau, Berta Gayete Mor, Malene Lundgaard Riis, John E. Nielsen, Eva Dreisler, Kasper Aaboe, Pia Tutein Brenoe, Lea Langhoff Thuesen, Kristine Juul Hare, Rod T. Mitchell, Hanne Frederiksen, Anders Juul, Anne Jorgensen
Summary: Administration of dexamethasone (DEX) is effective in suppressing androgenization of external genitalia in fetuses with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. However, the underlying biological mechanism of DEX on fetal development is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the direct effects of DEX on human fetal adrenal (HFA) steroidogenic activity and its influence on the response to ACTH stimulation.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)