Article
Immunology
Jerald R. Chavez, Wangyuan Yao, Harrison Dulin, Jasmine Castellanos, Duo Xu, Rong Hai
Summary: Due to the lack of pandemic potential, research on the pathology and immunological responses of IBV lags behind that of IAV. The impact of lifestyle and environmental factors, such as cigarette smoking, on IBV infections is still unclear. By pre-treating mice with cigarette smoke extract for two weeks, infecting them with IBV, and monitoring the effects, we developed an animal model system. The results showed that cigarette smoke extract treatment decreased IBV specific IgG levels but did not change viral replication and weight recovery post infection in the upper airway/lung. However, higher concentrations of cigarette smoke extract did lead to higher mortality post infection, suggesting that inflammation induced by smoking coupled with IBV infection resulted in exacerbated disease outcome.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wenxin Wu, Lili Tian, Wei Zhang, J. Leland Booth, Jerry William Ritchey, Shuhua Wu, Chao Xu, Brent R. Brown, Jordan P. Metcalf
Summary: In smokers, early administration of IFN-beta can improve survival during influenza infection, while late administration does not alter mortality. In addition, IFN-beta treatment increases inflammation and lung injury induced by IAV infection, especially in nonsmokers.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kurtis F. Budden, Shaan L. Gellatly, Annalicia Vaughan, Nadia Amorim, Jay C. Horvat, Nicole G. Hansbro, David L. A. Wood, Philip Hugenholtz, Paul G. Dennis, Peter A. B. Wark, Philip M. Hansbro
Summary: In this study, it was found that regardless of its acetate-producing capacity, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum alleviated cigarette smoke-induced inflammation, reduced inflammatory cytokine expression and adhesion factor expression, and improved the depletion of cecal butyrate levels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Alaa T. Abdelhafez, Asmaa M. S. Gomaa, Asmaa M. Ahmed, Manal M. Sayed, Marwa A. Ahmed
Summary: The study revealed that smoking induces a COPD model with endothelial dysfunction in mice, while Pio and Irb alone or in combination can provide protective effects against the disease, with better results in the combined group. There is a strong correlation between NO and H2S levels and the other measured parameters.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Minami Nagai, Miyu Moriyama, Chiharu Ishii, Hirotake Mori, Hikaru Watanabe, Taku Nakahara, Takuji Yamada, Dai Ishikawa, Takamasa Ishikawa, Akiyoshi Hirayama, Ikuo Kimura, Akihito Nagahara, Toshio Naito, Shinji Fukuda, Takeshi Ichinohe
Summary: The ambient environmental temperature plays a role in the severity of a virus infection. Research shows that infection with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 at higher temperatures promotes gut microbiota derived deoxycholic acid signaling, which increases the host's resistance to infection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Xiaotong Hu, Ya Zhao, Yong Yang, Wenxiao Gong, Xiaomei Sun, Li Yang, Qiang Zhang, Meilin Jin
Summary: Influenza virus infection can alter gut microbiota composition, while specific gut bacterial strains like A. muciniphila can protect against infection by reducing weight loss, mortality, and viral titers, while also exhibiting anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandra Pulliero, Luca Mastracci, Letizia Tarantini, Zumama Khalid, Valentina Bollati, Alberto Izzotti
Summary: This study reveals the relationship between KRAS mutation and let-7a downregulation in cigarette smoke-induced lung carcinogenesis. Long-term exposure to cigarette smoke leads to a significant decrease in let-7a expression and an increase in KRAS mutation, resulting in a higher incidence of lung cancer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Xiaofeng Mei, Ruilong Lu, Lili Cui, Yange Tian, Peng Zhao, Jiansheng Li
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Poly I:C on pathological changes in CS-induced COPD mice, such as airway inflammation and remodeling.
Article
Respiratory System
Jef Serre, Ajime Tom Tanjeko, Carolien Mathyssen, An-Sofie Vanherwegen, Tobias Heigl, Rob Janssen, Eric Verbeken, Karen Maes, Bart Vanaudenaerde, Wim Janssens, Ghislaine Gayan-Ramirez
Summary: In this study, a standardized CS exposure protocol resulted in higher serum cotinine levels and more severe inflammation in the whole-body exposure system compared to the nose-only system. Both exposure systems showed similar lung function impairment, but differences were observed in lung inflammation and remodeling, indicating potential sensitization to CS. Researchers should consider these differences when designing future studies for early intervention in COPD.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lingyue Zhong, Lina Qin, Xinwen Ding, Long Ma, Yao Wang, Minghua Liu, Hui Chen, Hongli Yan, Lihua Song
Summary: This study investigated the protective effects of fermented black barley on cigarette smoke induced damage. The results showed that fermented black barley can alleviate lung and reproductive organ injury, improve sperm motility and antioxidative capacity of the lung. Furthermore, it can also regulate intestinal microbiome diversity and metabolic dysbiosis induced by cigarette smoking.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
So-Won Park, A. Yeong Lee, Je-Oh Lim, Se-Jin Lee, Woong-Il Kim, Yea-Gin Yang, Bohye Kim, Joong-Sun Kim, Sung-Wook Chae, Kun Na, Yun-Soo Seo, In-Sik Shin
Summary: The study found that Loranthus tanakae 70% ethanol extract (LTE) effectively alleviates pulmonary inflammation caused by exposure to cigarette smoke condensate and lipopolysaccharide by modulating the activity of Nrf2 and NF-κB, potentially making it a treatment option for pulmonary inflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Article
Biology
Yasmine Issah, Amruta Naik, Soon Y. Tang, Kaitlyn Forrest, Thomas G. Brooks, Nicholas Lahens, Katherine N. Theken, Mara Mermigos, Amita Sehgal, George S. Worthen, Garret A. FitzGerald, Shaon Sengupta
Summary: Early-life exposure to neonatal hyperoxia eliminates the clock-mediated protection against influenza A virus infection in mice, mainly through dysregulation of the lung intrinsic clock. Loss of the circadian protein Bmal1 in AT2 cells recapitulates the increased mortality and loss of temporal gating observed in animals exposed to hyperoxia. These findings suggest a novel role for the circadian clock in AT2 cells in mediating the long-term effects of early-life exposures to the lungs.
Article
Microbiology
Weigang Ren, Shuli Pei, Wenming Jiang, Meixia Zhao, Le Jiang, Honggang Liu, Yongxiang Yi, Mizhou Hui, Junwei Li
Summary: A replication-deficient recombinant influenza virus was developed in this study, which stimulated robust immune response and conferred complete protection against H5N1 or H9N2 influenza virus infections in mice.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kevin Mou, Stanley M. H. Chan, Kurt Brassington, Aleksandar Dobric, Simone N. De Luca, Huei Jiunn Seow, Stavros Selemidis, Steven Bozinovski, Ross Vlahos
Summary: This study examined the impact of influenza A virus-induced exacerbation on limb muscle parameters and found that the virus worsened the force-generating capacity of the muscle. Additionally, the study suggested that certain parameters of limb muscle dysfunction during viral-induced acute exacerbation of COPD may be independent of airway inflammation.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tingting Wu, Keye Xu, Chaobo Liu, Yan Li, Mingcai Li
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of interleukin-37 (IL-37) on cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation. By administering IL-37-expressing lentivirus to mice, it was found that IL-37 can alleviate weight loss and pulmonary inflammation induced by cigarette smoke. IL-37 also significantly inhibited inflammatory cell recruitment, reduced inflammatory cell increase, and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Harit Panda, Huaichun Wen, Mikiko Suzuki, Masayuki Yamamoto
Summary: In a multicellular environment, the KEAP1-NRF2 system plays various roles in different types of cells, defending against electrophilic and oxidative stresses. NRF2 activation benefits cancer cells by promoting proliferation and therapeutic resistance, while it suppresses tumor development in immune cells. In chronic inflammatory diseases, NRF2 activation helps mitigate inflammation and organ damage. Thus, targeting the cell-specific roles of the KEAP1-NRF2 system can be used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer.
Article
Ophthalmology
Akiko Hanyuda, Atsushi Goto, Masahiro Nakatochi, Yoichi Sutoh, Akira Narita, Shiori Nakano, Ryoko Katagiri, Kenji Wakai, Naoyuki Takashima, Teruhide Koyama, Kokichi Arisawa, Issei Imoto, Yukihide Momozawa, Kozo Tanno, Atsushi Shimizu, Atsushi Hozawa, Kengo Kinoshita, Taiki Yamaji, Norie Sawada, Masao Iwagami, Kenya Yuki, Kazuo Tsubota, Kazuno Negishi, Keitaro Matsuo, Masayuki Yamamoto, Makoto Sasaki, Shoichiro Tsugane, Motoki Iwasaki
Summary: This study conducted a Mendelian randomization analysis to assess the causal association between genetically predicted glycemic traits and the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The results did not provide strong evidence to support the association between genetically predicted glycemic traits and POAG in the Japanese population.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kinuko Ohneda, Yohei Hamanaka, Hiroshi Kawame, Nobuo Fuse, Fuji Nagami, Yoichi Suzuki, Yumi Yamaguchi-Kabata, Muneaki Shimada, Atsushi Masamune, Yoko Aoki, Takanori Ishida, Masayuki Yamamoto
Summary: Returning individual genomic results to participants in a population-based genome cohort study is beneficial for preventing or providing early intervention for associated diseases. In this study, the majority of participants were willing to know their genomic information and did not experience remarkable negative psychological impact.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Akiko Saito-Hakoda, Atsuo Kikuchi, Tadahisa Takahashi, Yu Yokoyama, Noriko Himori, Mika Adachi, Ryoukichi Ikeda, Yuri Nomura, Jun Takayama, Junko Kawashima, Fumiki Katsuoka, Fumiyoshi Fujishima, Takehiko Yamaguchi, Akiyo Ito, Takushi Hanita, Junko Kanno, Toshimi Aizawa, Toru Nakazawa, Tetsuaki Kawase, Gen Tamiya, Masayuki Yamamoto, Ikuma Fujiwara, Shigeo Kure
Summary: This study identified a novel duplication variant of TNFRSF11A (72dup27) and suggested a broad spectrum of phenotypes in bone disorders associated with this variant.
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yuka Sugawara, Yosuke Hirakawa, Hajime Nagasu, Akira Narita, Akihiro Katayama, Jun Wada, Miho Shimizu, Takashi Wada, Hiromasa Kitamura, Toshiaki Nakano, Hideki Yokoi, Motoko Yanagita, Shin Goto, Ichiei Narita, Seizo Koshiba, Gen Tamiya, Masaomi Nangaku, Masayuki Yamamoto, Naoki Kashihara
Summary: This study conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Japanese individuals to identify genetic loci related to kidney-related traits. The results identified 10 loci for CKD, 9 loci for eGFR, and 22 loci for UACR. Among these loci, 22 have not been previously reported. The study also found that the group characterized by increased UACR had genetically distinct features from the group characterized by decreased eGFR.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Andrology
Naoki Fujita, Mizuri Ishida, Takuro Iwane, Hiroyuki Suganuma, Mai Matsumoto, Shingo Hatakeyama, Takahiro Yoneyama, Yasuhiro Hashimoto, Tatsuya Mikami, Ken Itoh, Chikara Ohyama
Summary: This study found a significant association between skin AGEs levels, blood antioxidative vitamin and carotenoid concentrations, and severe ED. Serum zeaxanthin levels were negatively correlated with skin AGEs levels, suggesting the potential effects of zeaxanthin on ED by reducing tissue AGEs levels.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Toshitaka Yamauchi, Naoko Koyama, Ayumi Hirai, Hiroyuki Suganuma, Shigenori Suzuki, Koichi Murashita, Tatsuya Mikami, Yoshinori Tamada, Noriaki Sato, Seiya Imoto, Ken Itoh, Shigeyuki Nakaji
Summary: This cross-sectional study included 1019 healthy individuals in a rural area of Japan, and found a positive correlation between dietary patterns rich in vegetables and fruits and the intestinal microbiota. This is the first study to reveal this correlation in a rural area of Japan.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nobuo Fuke, Takahiro Yamashita, Sunao Shimizu, Mai Matsumoto, Kaori Sawada, Songee Jung, Itoyo Tokuda, Mina Misawa, Shigenori Suzuki, Yusuke Ushida, Tatsuya Mikami, Ken Itoh, Hiroyuki Suganuma
Summary: This study investigated the associations between the influx of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), dietary factors, gut microbiota, and health status in a Japanese adult population. The results showed that plasma LPS-binding protein (LBP) concentration was correlated with various health issues and was affected by dietary habits and the composition of intestinal bacteria.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Kazuki Nakamura, Eiichiro Uchino, Noriaki Sato, Ayano Araki, Kei Terayama, Ryosuke Kojima, Koichi Murashita, Ken Itoh, Tatsuya Mikami, Yoshinori Tamada, Yasushi Okuno
Summary: Early disease detection and prevention methods based on effective interventions are gaining attention worldwide. Machine-learning techniques have enabled precise personal-level disease prediction by capturing individual differences in multivariate data. However, it is challenging to identify what aspects should be improved for disease prevention based on future disease-onset prediction because of the complex relationships among multiple biomarkers.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shu Tadaka, Junko Kawashima, Eiji Hishinuma, Sakae Saito, Yasunobu Okamura, Akihito Otsuki, Kaname Kojima, Shohei Komaki, Yuichi Aoki, Takanari Kanno, Daisuke Saigusa, Jin Inoue, Matsuyuki Shirota, Jun Takayama, Fumiki Katsuoka, Atsushi Shimizu, Gen Tamiya, Ritsuko Shimizu, Masahiro Hiratsuka, Ikuko N. Motoike, Seizo Koshiba, Makoto Sasaki, Masayuki Yamamoto, Kengo Kinoshita
Summary: Personalized medicine focuses on multi-omics data, and cohort studies from different ethnic populations contribute to understanding disease mechanisms and developing personalized medicine. The Tohoku Medical Megabank project collects biological specimens for multi-omics analysis, providing a multidimensional approach to the diversity of the Japanese population.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mahiro Sato, Kyi Mar Wai, Ken Itoh, Yichi Yang, Yuka Uchikawa, Yukihiko Ito, Shigeyuki Nakaji, Kazushige Ihara
Summary: This study found that higher zinc concentration was significantly associated with longer G-tail length. The protective effect of zinc on G-tail did not differ by hypertension status, but it disappeared in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liam Baird, Masayuki Yamamoto
Summary: In human cancer, abnormal activation of the NRF2 pathway can allow cancer cells to evade immune surveillance and develop into malignant tumors by reducing antigen presentation and activating signals for NK cells, which inhibits the involvement of immune effector cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuya Kasai, Daichi Kokubu, Hiroki Mizukami, Ken Itoh
Summary: This review focuses on the etiology of insulin resistance and early events, particularly the production of mitochondrial ROS in insulin-sensitive tissues. It highlights the association of insulin resistance with defects in adipogenesis in white adipose tissues, fatty acid and ceramide accumulation, and downregulation of mitochondrial catabolism. The review also discusses the role of NF-E2-related factor 2 in regulating antioxidant enzyme expression and how its downregulation is involved in insulin resistance. Finally, it explores the potential of Nrf2 inducers in restoring Nrf2 and attenuating insulin resistance.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Kota Sato, Daisuke Saigusa, Taiki Kokubun, Amane Fujioka, Qiwei Feng, Ritsumi Saito, Akira Uruno, Naomi Matsukawa, Michiko Ohno-Oishi, Hiroshi Kunikata, Yu Yokoyama, Masayuki Yasuda, Noriko Himori, Kazuko Omodaka, Satoru Tsuda, Shigeto Maekawa, Masayuki Yamamoto, Toru Nakazawa
Summary: Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in older people, and studying the metabolites in the aqueous humor can provide insights into its physiological and pathological conditions. This study used mass spectrometry to characterize the metabolomic profile of the aqueous humor in glaucoma patients. The findings showed that glutathione levels were significantly reduced in glaucoma patients and correlated with visual field defects. The study demonstrates the potential of aqueous humor profiling in diagnosing glaucoma and suggests that oxidative stress may be involved in its pathogenesis.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Kazuaki Ikejiri, Takafumi Suzuki, Satsuki Muto, Hirotaka Takama, Kengo Yamawaki, Tatsuya Miyazawa, Itaru Urakawa, Yuichi Aoki, Akihito Otsuki, Fumiki Katsuoka, Kengo Kinoshita, Masaomi Nangaku, Tadao Akizawa, Masayuki Yamamoto
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the regulatory single nucleotide polymorphism, rs6721961, on the effects of bardoxolone methyl in patients with chronic kidney disease. The results showed that the efficacy and safety of bardoxolone methyl were unaffected by the rs6721961 polymorphism, indicating its positive impact on renal function in patients with various forms of CKD.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL NEPHROLOGY
(2023)