Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Feng Wang, Bryant Chau, Sean M. West, Christopher R. Kimberlin, Fei Cao, Flavio Schwarz, Barbara Aguilar, Minhua Han, Winse Morishige, Christine Bee, Gavin Dollinger, Arvind Rajpal, Pavel Strop
Summary: Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR) and GITR ligand (GITRL) are members of the tumor necrosis superfamily that regulate immune cell activities, including anti-tumor immune responses. The structures and visualization of human and mouse GITR-GITRL complexes provide insights into the architecture of higher-order membrane assemblies and their signaling mechanisms.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lin Zhang, Emilie Steinbakk Ulriksen, Havard Hoel, Lene Sandvik, Karl Egil Malterud, Kari Tvete Inngjerdingen, Marit Inngjerdingen, Helle Wangensteen
Summary: This study aimed to explore the content of bioactive compounds in the water extract of Gentiana purpurea roots, commonly used in traditional medicine in Norway, and assess its anti-inflammatory potential. The major bitter compounds in both roots and leaves were also quantified.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janusz P. Sikora, Jakub Karawani, Jaroslaw Sobczak
Summary: This study aims to determine the role of neutrophils in individual phenomena occurring during an inflammatory and anti-inflammatory reaction, considering their cidal, immunoregulatory, and reparative abilities. The study also highlights the pro- and anticoagulatory properties of endothelium in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and their clinical implications. Additionally, it presents clinically useful biomarkers related to neutrophils and emphasizes their role in the diagnosis and forecasting of sepsis, burn disease, and COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yannick S. Rakke, Lucia Campos Carrascosa, Adriaan A. van Beek, Valeska de Ruiter, Rachelle S. van Gemerden, Michail Doukas, Pascal G. Doornebosch, Maarten Vermaas, Susan ter Borg, Erwin van der Harst, Peter Paul L. O. Coene, Mike Kliffen, Dirk J. Grunhagen, Cornelis Verhoef, Jan N. M. IJzermans, Jaap Kwekkeboom, Dave Sprengers
Summary: Overexpression of glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR) was found in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from MMR proficient (pMMR) colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and liver metastases (CRLM). Agonistic targeting of GITR enhances ex vivo human TIL functionality and may be a promising approach for novel monotherapy or combined immunotherapies in primary pMRR CRC and CRLM.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Yulia Suzdaltseva, Kirill Goryunov, Ekaterina Silina, Natalia Manturova, Victor Stupin, Sergey L. Kiselev
Summary: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have multiple paracrine and immunomodulatory properties, providing protection from chronic inflammation and promoting tissue repair. The interaction between MSCs and immune cells can result in immunosuppression, inhibiting the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Direct cell-cell contact between MSCs and PBMCs plays a role in the regulation of IDO, IL-1, IL-6, and G-CSF.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roxana Gonzalez-Stegmaier, Adam Aguirre, Constanza Carcamo, Patricia Aguila-Torres, Franz Villarroel-Espindola
Summary: This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of a recombinant domain (rND1) from flagellin in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs). It was found that rND1 induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, with IL-1 beta showing the highest increase. MoDCs treated with rND1 showed low expression of co-stimulatory and HLA-DR molecules, indicating an immature phenotype.
Article
Biology
Anas Abdelqader, Mohannad Abuajamieh, Mohamed Abedal-Majed, Mohmmad Al-Qaisi, Abdur-Rahman Al-Fataftah
Summary: This study investigated the potential of bovine casein to mitigate inflammatory responses in heat-stressed broiler chickens. The results showed that casein improved growth performance, reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels, and improved intestinal microflora balance in heat-stressed chickens.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Opeyemi Oluwafemi Ojueromi, Ganiyu Oboh, Ayokunle Olubode Ademosun
Summary: This article reviews the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of Nigella sativa and its bioactive compounds, as well as their potential in treating disorders linked to inflammation and immune dysregulation.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ahmad Alshehri, Afza Ahmad, Rohit Kumar Tiwari, Irfan Ahmad, Ali G. Alkhathami, Mohammad Y. Alshahrani, Mohammed A. Asiri, Tahani M. Almeleebia, Mohd Saeed, Dharmendra Kumar Yadav, Irfan Ahmad Ansari
Summary: The study revealed the antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities of Adenium obesum, commonly known as desert rose, suggesting its potential as a herbal-based medicine.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Thrinath Mullapudi, Monojit Debnath, Ramajayam Govindaraj, Praveen Raj, Moinak Banerjee, Shivarama Varambally
Summary: This study aimed to explore the effects of add-on yoga therapy on the immune inflammatory pathway in schizophrenia patients. The results showed that patients in the yoga group had significant reductions in plasma TNF-α and IL-5 levels, and greater clinical improvements compared to the control group. Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between TNF-α levels and negative symptoms and socio-occupational functioning in the yoga group.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valerio Chiurchiu, Lucia Scipioni, Beatrice Arosio, Daniela Mari, Sergio Oddi, Mauro Maccarrone
Summary: Growing evidence suggests that the immune system plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease, with targeting peripheral immune mechanisms showing promise as therapeutic strategies. Research has found that in AD patients, there is significantly reduced expression of CB1 and CB2 in B-lymphocytes, and decreased CB2 and increased FAAH in monocytes. Pharmacological inactivation of FAAH in monocytes from AD patients can modulate immune responses by altering cytokine production.
Article
Oncology
Nadine Aschmoneit, Katharina Kocher, Martin Siegemund, Martina S. Lutz, Lennart Kuhl, Oliver Seifert, Roland E. Kontermann
Summary: Targeting costimulatory receptors of the TNFSF to activate T-cells and promote anti-tumor T-cell function has potential in cancer immunotherapy. Dual-acting costimulatory molecules, formed by combining different members of the TNFSF, can activate two different receptors on cells. Incorporating TNF superfamily costimulatory ligands into a dual-acting molecule enhances T-cell proliferation and anti-tumor activity.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Han Li, Jinyan Xie, Xiuliu Guo, Guilian Yang, Bin Cai, Jingtianyi Liu, Mengjia Yue, Yixin Tang, Gan Wang, Shuxian Chen, Jialin Guo, Xuchen Qi, Donghai Wang, Huijun Zheng, Wei Liu, Hong Yu, Chunfeng Wang, Shu Jeffrey Zhu, Feng Guo
Summary: This study shows that Bifidobacteria, particularly B. animalis, can protect against acute pancreatitis by regulating pancreatic and systemic inflammation. The metabolite lactate produced by B. animalis relieves inflammation through the TLR4/MyD88 and NLRP3/Caspase1 pathways. Clinical research also found a decreased abundance of Bifidobacteria in the intestines of acute pancreatitis patients, which was inversely correlated with the severity of systemic inflammatory responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Opeyemi Oluwafemi Ojueromi, Ganiyu Oboh, Ayokunle Olubode Ademosun
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of black seed as a dietary supplement in improving inflammatory and immune response in mice infected with malaria. It shows that black seed can enhance antioxidant status, modulate inflammatory cytokines, and improve immunomodulatory mediators.
JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Ryan Ha, Yoav Keynan, Zulma Vanessa Rueda
Summary: Immunomodulators like TNF inhibitors are used to treat autoimmune conditions but increase the risk of infections. Different types of TNF inhibitors have varying immunosuppressive effects and infection risks. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Legionella pneumophila, and Pneumocystis jirovecii are common pathogens associated with TNF inhibitor-associated infections. Other immunomodulators and host-directed treatments can influence these infections and mitigate their severity.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rossella Basilotta, Marika Lanza, Alessia Filippone, Giovanna Casili, Deborah Mannino, Federica De Gaetano, Giulia Chisari, Lorenzo Colarossi, Gianmarco Motta, Michela Campolo, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Irene Paterniti, Emanuela Esposito
Summary: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common human tumor with a high mortality rate. Existing treatments for OSCC have poor survival outcomes, so there is a need for new therapeutic strategies. This study found that dimethyl fumarate (DMF) could reduce the expression of anti-apoptotic factors, modulate oxidative stress, and inhibit tumor cell migration, making it a promising strategy to counteract oral cancer progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luigi Cari, Lucrezia Rosati, Giuseppe Leoncini, Eleonora Lusenti, Marco Gentili, Giuseppe Nocentini, Carlo Riccardi, Graziella Migliorati, Simona Ronchetti
Summary: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD) are chronic relapsing inflammatory diseases caused by genetic, environmental, and immune factors. The glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) plays a role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is associated with genes MUC2, TLR2, and TLR4 in the mucosal barrier. Direct correlations between GILZ/TLR2 and GILZ/TLR4 were found in healthy subjects (HSs) and UC patients, while an inverse correlation was observed between GILZ and MUC2 in HS and IBD patients, particularly those with active disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tiziana Genovese, Andrea Duranti, Francesco Monaco, Rosalba Siracusa, Roberta Fusco, Daniela Impellizzeri, Ramona D'Amico, Marika Cordaro, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Rosanna Di Paola
Summary: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a deadly lung condition, worsens over time and has no known cause. Traditional treatments for IPF, such as corticosteroids and immunomodulatory drugs, often have noticeable side effects and are not very effective. By inhibiting the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme, which breaks down endocannabinoids, it is possible to increase the levels of these natural pain-relieving compounds and reduce inflammation. In our study, we used a bleomycin-induced IPF model and found that administering URB878, an FAAH inhibitor, reduced histological changes, cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, inflammation, and nitrosative stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mahdieh Naghavi Alhosseini, Marianna Palazzo, Luigi Cari, Simona Ronchetti, Graziella Migliorati, Giuseppe Nocentini
Summary: B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a common pediatric cancer. Treg and exhausted CD8(+) T cells play important roles in its development and maintenance. In this study, the expression of 20 Treg/CD8 exhaustion markers was evaluated and their correlation with other factors was analyzed. The results suggest that T cells expressing CD39, CTLA-4, TNFR2, TIGIT, and TIM-3 may promote B-ALL progression and targeted immunotherapy against these markers could be a promising approach for treating B-ALL.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Arangia, Ylenia Marino, Roberta Fusco, Rosalba Siracusa, Marika Cordaro, Ramona D'Amico, Francesco Macri, Emanuela Raffone, Daniela Impellizzeri, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Rosanna Di Paola
Summary: The study investigated the beneficial effects of fisetin, a naturally occurring polyphenol, on endometriosis. Fisetin treatment reduced the size and volume of endometriotic implants, as well as histological alterations and inflammatory responses. It also decreased markers of oxidative stress and increased apoptosis in endometrial lesions. Fisetin may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for endometriosis by targeting inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Arangia, Ylenia Marino, Daniela Impellizzeri, Ramona D'Amico, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Rosanna Di Paola
Summary: The phytoconstituents in the Mediterranean diet (MD) have been extensively studied for their beneficial effects on human health. Olive oil, a key component of the MD, has been particularly investigated due to its high content of hydroxytyrosol (HT), which possesses protective properties in various chronic disorders, including intestinal and gastrointestinal diseases. However, there is currently no comprehensive review summarizing the role of HT in these disorders. This review provides an overview of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of HT against intestinal and gastrointestinal diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Alessio Ardizzone, Deborah Mannino, Anna Paola Capra, Alberto Repici, Alessia Filippone, Emanuela Esposito, Michela Campolo
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort, and diarrhea. The immune system plays a crucial role in the development of IBD, with an inappropriate immune response leading to gut inflammation in UC patients. This study investigated the immunomodulatory and pain-relieving effects of Ulva pertusa, a marine green alga, in a murine model of colitis. Results showed that Ulva pertusa administration relieved abdominal pain and modulated innate and adaptive immune-inflammatory responses, specifically through the modulation of TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings suggest that Ulva pertusa could be a promising approach to alleviate immune dysregulation and abdominal discomfort in IBD.
Article
Oncology
Francesca R. Mauro, Diana Giannarelli, Clementina M. Galluzzo, Andrea Visentin, Anna M. Frustaci, Paolo Sportoletti, Candida Vitale, Gianluigi Reda, Massimo Gentile, Luciano Levato, Roberta Murru, Daniele Armiento, Maria C. Molinari, Giulia Proietti, Sara Pepe, Filomena De Falco, Veronica Mattiello, Luca Barabino, Roberta Amici, Marta Coscia, Alessandra Tedeschi, Corrado Girmenia, Livio Trentin, Silvia Baroncelli
Summary: This study investigated the COVID-19 morbidity in 200 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The results showed that 41% of patients contracted COVID-19, with 26% requiring hospitalization and 4% dying. Age, prior treatment, and TP53 gene mutation were significantly associated with vaccine response and susceptibility. The study highlights the importance of prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 in CLL patients.
Article
Oncology
Giovanna Casili, Sarah Adriana Scuderi, Marika Lanza, Alessia Filippone, Deborah Mannino, Raffaella Giuffrida, Cristina Colarossi, Marzia Mare, Anna Paola Capra, Federica De Gaetano, Marco Portelli, Angela Militi, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Irene Paterniti, Emanuela Esposito
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of the selective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, BAY-117082, in an in vivo model of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its role in invasion and metastasis in neighboring organs. The results showed that BAY-117082 treatment reduced tumor presence and nuclear pleomorphism in tongue tissues and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome pathway activation in tongue, lung, and spleen tissues. Furthermore, BAY-117082 treatment modulated the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), markers of cell invasion and migration. Overall, BAY-117082 effectively reduced tumor area and metastasis through NLRP3 inflammasome pathway inhibition.
Review
Cell Biology
Alessio Ardizzone, Rossella Basilotta, Alessia Filippone, Lelio Crupi, Marika Lanza, Sofia Paola Lombardo, Cristina Colarossi, Dorotea Sciacca, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Emanuela Esposito, Michela Campolo
Summary: Primary brain tumors are highly heterogeneous and invasive, leading to high mortality rates worldwide. Current therapies have improved survival rates, but new therapeutic strategies are needed. Immunotherapy approaches, targeting the immunosuppressive microenvironment, have shown promise in CNS tumors. Chemokines, a group of proteins that regulate immune cell recruitment and tumor growth, are examined as potential targets for immunotherapy in primary brain tumors.
Review
Cell Biology
Alessio Ardizzone, Valentina Bova, Giovanna Casili, Alberto Repici, Marika Lanza, Raffaella Giuffrida, Cristina Colarossi, Marzia Mare, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Emanuela Esposito, Irene Paterniti
Summary: Cancer, the leading cause of death worldwide, requires successful strategies for treatment. Growth factors like VEGF, bFGF, and TGF-beta play significant roles in tumor growth, activating essential signaling pathways and promoting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Specifically, bFGF is secreted by tumor cells and interacts with its receptors (FGFRs), leading to tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and upregulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic proteins. Studies have focused on developing therapeutic strategies targeting the bFGF/FGFR axis, considering its involvement in oncogenesis. This review comprehensively examines the biological mechanisms of bFGF in the tumor microenvironment, available anticancer therapies targeting FGFRs, and the prognostic value of bFGF.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Livia Interdonato, Ylenia Marino, Ramona D'Amico, Marika Cordaro, Rosalba Siracusa, Daniela Impellizzeri, Francesco Macri, Roberta Fusco, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Rosanna Di Paola
Summary: This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying endometriosis and how they can be modulated by Actaea racemosa (AR). The findings show that AR can reduce the size and histological morphology of the lesions and suppress the disease development through regulating multiple pathways, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessia Arangia, Agnese Ragno, Marika Cordaro, Ramona D'Amico, Rosalba Siracusa, Roberta Fusco, Francesca Marino Merlo, Antonella Smeriglio, Daniela Impellizzeri, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Giuseppina Mandalari, Rosanna Di Paola
Summary: The study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of almond skin extract (ASE) and found that it inhibited the formation of ROS and apoptosis in vitro, and restored tissue changes and decreased inflammation in an in vivo model. The mechanisms of action could be related to the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor NF-κB and activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathways.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Musetta Paglialunga, Sara Flamini, Raffaele Contini, Marta Febo, Erika Ricci, Simona Ronchetti, Oxana Bereshchenko, Graziella Migliorati, Carlo Riccardi, Stefano Bruscoli
Summary: Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) plays a role in the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids by inhibiting NF-kappa B. In this study, a set of short peptides was designed, and the peptide named PEP-1 showed high efficacy in inhibiting cell activation in vitro. PEP-1 also reduced disease severity in two colitis models by inhibiting NF-kappa B pro-inflammatory activity.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Livia Interdonato, Rosalba Siracusa, Roberta Fusco, Salvatore Cuzzocrea, Rosanna Di Paola
Summary: Endometriosis, an estrogen-dependent gynecologic illness, is potentially influenced by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This review examines human evidence on EDCs and endometriosis, specifically focusing on chemical amounts in women. Dioxins, BPA, Phthalates, and other EDCs are implicated as environmental causes of endometriosis, highlighting the need for prevention strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)