Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yukari Nakajima, Noriko Aramaki, Nao Takeuchi, Ayumi Yamanishi, Yoshiko Kumagai, Keisuke Okabe, Tomoaki Yokoyama, Kazuo Kishi
Summary: Mast cells and inflammatory cells are abundant in keloid and hypertrophic scar tissues. Degranulated mast cells are more prevalent in giant keloid tissues, and collagen production tends to increase. The persistent inflammatory state of obesity may also be involved in the growth of keloid lesions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irene Tsilioni, Theoharis C. C. Theoharides
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infects cells by binding its spike protein to ACE2 receptors, resulting in the production of proinflammatory cytokines and causing COVID-19. This study used human cultured mast cells to demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 full-length S protein, but not its receptor-binding domain, stimulates the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and proteolytic enzymes. The secretion is further enhanced by interleukin-33 (IL-33), and the effect is mediated by toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) for cytokines and ACE2 for enzymes. These findings suggest potential targeted treatments for inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xueyan Li, Yan Li, Songqing Lv, Hailin Xu, Ru Ma, Zhiwei Sun, Yanbo Li, Caixia Guo
Summary: This study investigated the long-term systemic effects of inhaled amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) using a sensitive mouse model. The results showed that long-term exposure to inhaled SiNPs could lead to systemic histopathological alterations, characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. Cytokine array analysis indicated the crucial role of mast cells in the progression of inflammation and fibrosis induced by inhaled SiNPs.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiu Yan Lam, Vinay Tergaonkar, Alan Prem Kumar, Kwang Seok Ahn
Summary: Mast cells, as innate immune cells with unique features, play sentinel roles in response to rapid changes within their microenvironment and are increasingly recognized for their involvement in various pathophysiological processes, including COVID-19. This review highlights the emerging roles of mast cells in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the potential of mast cells as novel therapeutic targets for COVID-19 and other non-allergic inflammatory diseases.
Review
Immunology
Zhongwei Zhang, Peter B. Ernst, Hiroshi Kiyono, Yosuke Kurashima
Summary: Mast cells are widely distributed immune cells with diverse phenotypes and functions. They exhibit high functional heterogeneity and plasticity due to their unique maturation mechanism. Mast cells can adapt to different microenvironments and regulate allergy and inflammation under the peripheral immune education system. This review focuses on the mechanism and heterogeneity of mast cell migration to mucosal tissues, such as the gastrointestinal tract. The immunosuppressive properties of mast cells suggest a potential new approach for treating inflammatory and allergic disorders.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samir Dekali, Alexandra Bourgois, Sabine Francois
Summary: Nanoparticles of alumina released in occupational environments can lead to lung inflammation, respiratory symptoms, and long-term pulmonary fibrosis. This review provides a critical update on the toxicological, molecular, and cellular mechanisms induced by exposure to these nanoparticles in the lungs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caterina Fede, Lucia Petrelli, Carmelo Pirri, Cesare Tiengo, Raffaele De Caro, Carla Stecco
Summary: Recent findings demonstrated that the superficial fascia is a highly innervated and vascularized fibrous layer in the middle of hypodermis, which is more complex than previously believed. This study revealed the presence of mast cells in the superficial fascia of the human abdomen, suggesting their possible involvement in inflammatory processes, tissue healing, and regeneration. Understanding the anatomical structure of the hypodermis is crucial for comprehending fascial dysfunctions and improving targeted clinical practice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aernoud A. van Batenburg, Matthijs F. M. van Oosterhout, Sebastiaan N. Knoppert, Karin M. Kazemier, Joanne J. van der Vis, Jan C. Grutters, Roel Goldschmeding, Coline H. M. van Moorsel
Summary: Familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF) is a monogenic disease involving TERT or SFTP mutations, which alter lymphocytic inflammatory responses. The degree of fibrosis, rather than inflammation, correlates with survival, suggesting fibrogenesis as a key therapeutic target.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Lijia Mai, Qing Liu, Fang Huang, Hongwen He, Wenguo Fan
Summary: Mast cells play important roles in immune responses, participating not only in allergic diseases but also in host defense, immunity, and immunoregulation. Activation of mast cells releasing various mediators has effects on the nervous system, being involved in different pain conditions.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Margherita Sisto, Sabrina Lisi
Summary: Fibrosis, which can develop spontaneously or as a result of underlying diseases, is characterized by immune cells infiltration and the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Defects in the abilities of non-immune cells to regulate immune responses may contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. However, the precise cellular mechanisms involved in this process have not been fully elucidated.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hee Jin, Michaela Jeong, Gyeongseok Lee, Minjeong Kim, Youngjo Yoo, Hyun Jin Kim, Jaeho Cho, Yun-Sil Lee, Hyukjin Lee
Summary: In this study, engineered lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were developed for delivering RNA therapeutics to the lungs, showing potential as a new treatment regimen for pulmonary fibrosis.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Marisol I. Gonzalez, Danielle T. Vannan, Bertus Eksteen, Iran Flores-Sotelo, Jose Luis Reyes
Summary: Cholestasis, which is impaired bile flow from the liver into the intestine, can be caused by cholangitis and/or bile duct obstruction. Immune-mediated cholangitis in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterized by a strong immune response targeting the biliary epithelial cells (BECs). Mast cells (MCs) have been found to play a role in biliary inflammation and neoplasia, suggesting that they are relevant players in these diseases.
Review
Immunology
Xu-Yue Zhou, Kun Chen, Jia-An Zhang
Summary: This article reviews the interactions of mast cells with T cells, Tregs, keratinocytes, adipocytes, and sensory neurons in psoriasis, highlighting the important role of mast cell-centered cell networks in the development of psoriasis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pathology
Catharina Mueller, Oskar Rosmark, Emma Ahrman, Hans Brunnstrom, Katharina Wassilew, Annika Nybom, Barbora Michalikova, Hillevi Larsson, Leif T. Eriksson, Hans H. Schultz, Michael Perch, Johan Malmstrom, Jenny Wigen, Martin Iversen, Gunilla Westergren-Thorsson
Summary: This study analyzed the protein composition of lesions in lung transplant patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, revealing distinct protein profiles in different lesions that reflect morphological variations. The findings provide insights into the development of chronic rejection after lung transplantation, with the protein patterns in the lesions correlated to pathways of extracellular matrix organization, tissue development, and wound healing processes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Silvia Aidee Solorio-Rodriguez, Andrew Williams, Sarah Sos Poulsen, Kristina Bram Knudsen, Keld Alstrup Jensen, Per Axel Clausen, Pernille Hogh Danielsen, Hakan Wallin, Ulla Vogel, Sabina Halappanavar
Summary: This study aimed to determine the influence of single or multi-walled structures and surface functionalization on pulmonary toxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and to identify the underlying mechanisms. Mice were exposed to different doses of SWCNTs or MWCNTs, and inflammation and DNA damage were assessed. Transcriptomics analysis showed similar responses across all CNTs, with inflammation, cellular stress, metabolism, and DNA damage responses being affected. One pristine SWCNT was found to be the most potent and potentially fibrogenic, warranting further toxicity testing.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alejandro Delgado, Christos Cholevas, Theoharis C. Theoharides
Summary: Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia globally, is expected to continue to rise in prevalence in the coming decades. Despite historical research on the amyloid cascade hypothesis, recent literature emphasizes the key role of neuroinflammation, particularly microglial activation, in the pathogenesis of AD. In addition, flavonoids like luteolin in olive pomace oil combined with hydroxytyrosol show promise as a prophylactic treatment due to their beneficial effects.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Theoharis C. Theoharides, Christos Cholevas, Konstantinos Polyzoidis, Antonios Politis
Summary: COVID-19 not only causes severe respiratory problems but also leads to long-COVID syndrome, with symptoms including cognitive dysfunction and fatigue, particularly brain fog. The pathogenesis of brain fog in these illnesses is currently unknown, but may involve neuroinflammation caused by mast cells, which could be mitigated by the phytosomal formulation of the natural flavonoid luteolin.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Theoharis C. Theoharides
Summary: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing, and while the exact pathogenesis and effective treatment remain unknown, research suggests that brain inflammation may play a significant role in neurodegenerative changes affecting emotions and fear regulation. Inflammation of the brain can be triggered by various factors, leading to disruptions in neuronal connectivity and emotional expression, as seen in ASD. Personalized treatment approaches targeting factors like mast cells and microglia activation may offer potential benefits for individuals with ASD.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Tziastoudi, Christos Cholevas, Theoharis C. Theoharides, Ioannis Stefanidis
Summary: This study utilized gene ontology analysis and protein network construction to identify the potential roles of immune-related molecules and Cadherin/Wnt signaling pathways in diabetic nephropathy, suggesting them as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of DN.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Theoharis C. Theoharides
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infects cells through its spike protein binding to the surface receptor, resulting in acute symptoms known as COVID-19. Increasing evidence suggests the development of a chronic condition called long-COVID, characterized by fatigue and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Studies have found that the spike protein may have neurotoxic effects, causing perivascular inflammation and neuro-inflammation, contributing to long-COVID symptoms.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Georgios Kassianidis, Athanasios Siampanos, Garyphalia Poulakou, George Adamis, Aggeliki Rapti, Haralampos Milionis, George N. Dalekos, Vasileios Petrakis, Styliani Sympardi, Symeon Metallidis, Zoi Alexiou, Theologia Gkavogianni, Evangelos J. Giamarellos-Bourboulis, Theoharis C. Theoharides
Summary: This study investigates the trajectory of moderate and severe COVID-19 progressing to ARDS requiring MV. The levels of various mediators were analyzed in patients at different stages of severity. The study found that levels of proinflammatory mediators were increased in patients with ARDS and MV, while levels of anti-inflammatory mediators also showed an increase. Pathways involving IL-6, IL-33, and calprotectin were significantly associated with worse outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the importance of these findings in relation to other acute-phase reactants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Filio Petsini, Maria Detopoulou, Theoharis C. Theoharides, Constantinos A. Demopoulos
Summary: This study found that mRNA vaccination for COVID-19 affects human platelet aggregation response and the Spike protein modulates PAF production and activity. This finding may provide new directions for treating patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Theoharis C. Theoharides, Smaragdi Antonopoulou, Constantinos A. Demopoulos
Review
Immunology
Theoharis C. Theoharides, Adam I. Perlman, Assma Twahir, Duraisamy Kempuraj
Summary: Mast cells are involved in various disorders, including MCADs, and their activation mechanisms and released mediators can vary. Current emphasis on histamine and tryptase as mediators is insufficient to explain all the symptoms of MCADs, leading to a need for better detection and treatment methods.
EXPERT REVIEW OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Theoharis C. Theoharides, Duraisamy Kempuraj
Summary: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, and approximately 45% of patients experience long-term fatigue and neurovascular inflammation. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, damage neurons, and activate brain mast cells and microglia, resulting in the release of neuroinflammatory molecules. Recent evidence suggests that the flavanol eriodictyol, along with oleuropein and sulforaphane, may be effective in treating COVID-19 and its long-term consequences.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Theoharis C. Theoharides, Duraisamy Kempuraj
Summary: In addition to allergic reactions, mast cells can play a critical role in homeostasis and inflammation through secretion of various mediators. The molecular mechanisms regulating this secretion, particularly the involvement of ERM proteins, are not well understood. Phosphorylation of moesin was found to be associated with the inhibition of mast cell secretion, suggesting a potential role for moesin in regulating this process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Theoharis C. Theoharides
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Tziastoudi, Theoharis C. Theoharides, Evdokia Nikolaou, Maria Efthymiadi, Theodoros Eleftheriadis, Ioannis Stefanidis
Summary: This study aimed to identify the key factors of fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, 16 genes were found to play a crucial role in driving the fibrosis process in diabetic nephropathy. However, caution should be exercised in interpreting the results due to the relatively small number of studies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
