Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rocio Rivera Rodriguez, Jeremy James Johnson
Summary: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by intestinal inflammation. The incidence of IBD is rapidly increasing in newly developed countries, making it a global concern. Two major types of IBD, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), have different manifestations and locations of inflammation in the digestive tract. Current FDA-approved treatments for IBD are only effective for 50% of patients and come with serious side effects, highlighting the need for safer and more effective therapies. Plant-based diets, such as the Mediterranean diet rich in anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, have shown benefits in preventing and improving symptoms of IBD. Terpenes, a class of phytochemicals abundant in Mediterranean herbs and citrus fruits, have been studied for their potential to modulate inflammatory signaling in IBD. However, there is still conflicting and inconclusive evidence regarding their effectiveness. This review evaluates preclinical studies on terpenes and their impact on basic inflammatory signaling in IBD.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Priyal Patel, Sandip Patel, Piyush Chudasama, Shailesh Soni, Manan Raval
Summary: The present investigation explored the potential treatment option of roflumilast as a PDE4 inhibitor for chronic kidney disease. The results demonstrated that roflumilast significantly reduced serum creatinine, urea, uric acid levels, increased serum calcium, and regulated protein expression of inflammatory markers. Moreover, roflumilast noticeably improved the structure and functioning of glomeruli, tubules, and cells. Therefore, roflumilast has the potential to ameliorate renal injury.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Qiyu Yang, Jing Ouyang, Damao Pi, Li Feng, Jiadan Yang
Summary: There is accumulating evidence that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of developing different cancers, and the presence of Malassezia fungus may worsen the inflammatory response and promote tumorigenesis in these patients. Surveillance and intervention should be taken to minimize the cancer risk in individuals with IBD.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Wenbin Gong, Jiafei Yu, Tao Zheng, Peizhao Liu, Fan Zhao, Juanhan Liu, Zhiwu Hong, Huajian Ren, Guosheng Gu, Gefei Wang, Xiuwen Wu, Yun Zhao, Jianan Ren
Summary: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global disease with varied treatment responses, thus novel therapeutic approaches are needed. This study found that using Syk inhibitor piceatannol and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles conjugated with chemokine C-C motif ligand 4 effectively treated IBD.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingang Liu, He Ren, Chen Zhang, Jiexin Li, Qian Qiu, Nan Zhang, Ning Jiang, Jonathan F. Lovell, Yumiao Zhang
Summary: A nested delivery system for orally taking the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is developed. Compared with intravenous or intramuscular administration routes, this new method for orally taking protein has high patient compliance. This study also provides a versatile methodology for other oral protein-based therapeutics delivery.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria E. Prados, Adela Garcia-Martin, Juan D. Unciti-Broceta, Belen Palomares, Juan A. Collado, Alberto Minassi, Marco A. Calzado, Giovanni Appendino, Eduardo Munoz
Summary: Intestinal fibrosis, a common complication of IBD, can be effectively treated with small-molecule inhibitors targeting HIF prolyl-hydroxylases. The hypoxia mimetic derivative BHA shows promising therapeutic efficacy for colon inflammation and fibrosis, improving colon barrier integrity and wound healing. These findings support further clinical studies on the use of BHA for treating IBD.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brunette Katsandegwaza, William Horsnell, Katherine Smith
Summary: This article reviews the current murine models used for studying human inflammatory bowel disease, including chemical-induced models, gene-deficient models, and cell transfer models. The application and limitations of these models in understanding the disease pathogenesis and developing new clinical treatment strategies are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuri Haneishi, Yuma Furuya, Mayu Hasegawa, Antonio Picarelli, Mauro Rossi, Junki Miyamoto
Summary: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a rapidly increasing inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract worldwide. Recent research suggests that factors such as genetics, environment, microbiota, and immune responses are involved in its development, but the underlying causes are unclear. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota, particularly a decrease in specific genera, has been identified as a possible trigger for IBD. Improving gut microbiota and identifying specific bacterial species are crucial for understanding and treating IBD and autoimmune diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Si Wang, Lei Li, Yuhan Chen, Qian Liu, Shengyu Zhou, Ning Li, Yueying Wu, Jiali Yuan
Summary: This article summarizes the potential mechanisms by which Houttuynia cordata thunb. and related traditional Chinese medicine preparations alleviate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by regulating the intestinal microenvironment. It also discusses the medicinal and edible safety of Houttuynia cordata thunb., providing ideas for further research and development and more treatment options for IBD patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chao Liu, Yuhong Jiang, Ganglei Liu, Zhushu Guo, Qianqian Jin, Dongju Long, Weihan Zhou, Ke Qian, Hua Zhao, Kuijie Liu
Summary: This study found that PPARGC1A was downregulated in DSS-induced colitis and DSS-stimulated colonic epithelial cells, and PDT treatment could upregulate PPARGC1A expression. Knockdown of PPARGC1A could attenuate the therapeutic effects of PDT on DSS-induced colitis and DSS-stimulated colonic epithelial cells.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ting Zhang, Xinghui Ji, Gaochen Lu, Faming Zhang
Summary: Akkermansia muciniphila is a promising next-generation probiotic with recognized potential applications in metabolic diseases and tumor immunotherapy. Its safety and therapeutic value in human metabolic diseases have been confirmed in recent clinical trials. Additionally, A. muciniphila shows promise in the treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Timon E. Adolph, Jingwan Zhang
Summary: The diet and gut microbiota play a crucial role in gut inflammation in IBD. Specific nutrients in a Western diet can trigger or worsen experimental gut inflammation in genetically susceptible individuals. Nutritional trials provide common grounds for dietary advice in pediatric and adult IBD, with exclusive enteral nutrition showing effectiveness in treating pediatric Crohn's disease.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yang Zheng, Yang Yu, Xu-Feng Chen, Sheng-Lan Yang, Xiao-Long Tang, Zheng-Guo Xiang
Summary: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory disorders, with unclear mechanisms and lack of ideal treatments. Intestinal macrophage autophagy plays an important role in IBD, with potential implications for treatment by regulating inflammation and immune responses.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paulina Krawiec, Elzbieta Pac-Kozuchowska
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the level of serum elafin in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its relationship with disease activity. The results showed that serum elafin levels were significantly elevated in children with IBD, especially during active phases. ROC analysis suggested that serum elafin could be a potential biomarker for ulcerative colitis.
Review
Immunology
Xiaowen Zheng, Yi Zhu, Zihan Zhao, Ying Chu, Wenjing Yang
Summary: Inflammation is a characteristic symptom of many diseases, and this review summarizes the changes and mechanisms of amino acids in inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory diseases.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Wuttipong Phumrattanaprapin, Sujittra Chaiyadet, Paul J. Brindley, Mark Pearson, Michael J. Smout, Alex Loukas, Thewarach Laha
Summary: The study successfully developed an oral vaccine to prevent Opisthorchis viverrini infection in hamsters, resulting in a reduction in infection intensity. This vaccine may serve as the basis for controlling carcinogenic liver fluke infection in humans.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karen J. Montano, Alex Loukas, Javier Sotillo
Summary: Helminths can interact with their hosts through the secretion of soluble molecules and extracellular vesicles, and research in the field of helminth secreted EVs has significantly advanced in recent years. However, the lack of appropriate isolation and purification methods is hindering the discovery of suitable biomarkers for differentiating helminth EV populations.
MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Geraldine Buitrago, Darren Pickering, Roland Ruscher, Claudia Cobos Caceres, Linda Jones, Martha Cooper, Ashley Van Waardenberg, Stephanie Ryan, Kim Miles, Matthew Field, Keith Dredge, Norelle L. Daly, Paul R. Giacomin, Alex Loukas
Summary: The study identified two netrin domain-containing proteins from the secretome of Necator americanus, showing potential in treating intestinal inflammation, with Na-AIP-1 being effective at suppressing colitis. Experimental and clinical trials demonstrated the ability of these proteins to reduce inflammation in the intestine, making them promising candidates for novel therapies in human inflammatory bowel diseases.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Paul R. Chapman, Paul Giacomin, Alex Loukas, James S. McCarthy
Summary: Experimental human hookworm infection has been proven to be safe and useful for studying the immune response, evaluating vaccines, and therapeutic interventions. However, challenges such as improving larval culture and storage methods, as well as developing more meaningful potency assays, need to be addressed.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kane Langdon, Geraldine Buitrago, Darren Pickering, Paul Giacomin, Alex Loukas, Nagaraja Haleagrahara
Summary: This study assessed the effects of a helminthic protein Na-AIP-1 as monotherapy and in combination with MTX in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results showed that Na-AIP-1, either as monotherapy or in combination with MTX, significantly reduced joint pathology in a mouse model of RA. This suggests that Na-AIP-1 could be a potential new candidate for drug development in the treatment of RA.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Allergy
Sandip D. Kamath, Tiange Liu, Paul Giacomin, Alex Loukas, Severine Navarro, Andreas L. Lopata
Article
Allergy
Ahmed O. Shalash, Luke Becker, Jieru Yang, Paul Giacomin, Mark Pearson, Waleed M. Hussein, Alex Loukas, Istvan Toth, Mariusz Skwarczynski
Summary: This study compared the protective efficacy of peptide vaccines and a clinical vaccine, and found that peptide vaccines based on p3 provided safer and higher protection against hookworm infection compared with the clinical vaccine Na-APR-1.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
M. J. Quinzo, M. J. Perteguer, P. J. Brindley, A. Loukas, J. Sotillo
Summary: Helminth infections have a significant impact on global health and livestock farming. Genomic and proteomic approaches can provide insights into helminth biology, leading to advancements in understanding host-helminth interactions and the development of vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics. Despite methodological limitations, new techniques like CRISPR offer new possibilities for transgenesis research in trematodes and nematodes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zainab Khudhair, Rafid Alhallaf, Ramon M. Eichenberger, Matt Field, Lutz Krause, Javier Sotillo, Alex Loukas
Summary: The gastrointestinal helminth Nippostrongylus brasiliensis has therapeutic potential for treating metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D) by modulating the immune response and gut microbiota composition.
Article
Plant Sciences
Casey A. Schmidt, Ira Cooke, David T. Wilson, David J. Miller, Steve Peigneur, Jan Tytgat, Matthew Field, Rozita Takjoo, Michael J. Smout, Alex Loukas, Norelle L. Daly
Summary: This study explores the structural diversity of peptides in stony corals and identifies new peptide sequences and structures. One of the peptides promotes cell proliferation in human cells and may be involved in coral regeneration. Additionally, other peptides with structural linkages to fascin and small cysteine-rich proteins are discovered. These findings provide initial insights into the diversity and potential functions of coral peptides.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Paul R. Chapman, Stacey Llewellyn, Helen Jennings, Luke Becker, Paul Giacomin, Rodney McDougall, Jennifer Robson, Alex Loukas, James McCarthy
Summary: This study provides detailed information about the production and characterization of Necator americanus larvae. The researchers found that larval yield varied significantly between batches and was not associated with faecal hookworm DNA content. Larval viability decreased over time and the age of the larvae at the time of use was found to be important. Incubation in antiseptics temporarily reduced microbial bioburden but had little effect on viability, while incubation in gentamicin reduced microbial bioburden but also significantly lowered larval motility.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stephanie M. Ryan, Roland Ruscher, Wayne A. Johnston, Darren A. Pickering, Malcolm W. Kennedy, Brian O. Smith, Linda Jones, Geraldine Buitrago, Matt A. Field, Adrian J. Esterman, Connor P. McHugh, Daniel J. Browne, Martha M. Cooper, Rachael Y. M. Ryan, Denise L. Doolan, Christian R. Engwerda, Kim Miles, Makedonka Mitreva, John Croese, Tony Rahman, Kirill Alexandrov, Paul R. Giacomin, Alex Loukas
Summary: A biologics discovery and validation pipeline was used to generate and screen a recombinant cell-free secretome library of helminth-derived immunomodulatory proteins. The identified proteins offer promise as novel and safe biologics for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Claudia Cobos, Paramjit S. Bansal, David T. Wilson, Linda Jones, Guangzu Zhao, Matthew A. Field, Ramon M. Eichenberger, Darren A. Pickering, Rachael Y. M. Ryan, Champa N. Ratnatunga, John J. Miles, Roland Ruscher, Paul R. Giacomin, Severine Navarro, Alex Loukas, Norelle L. Daly
Summary: The decrease in parasites such as hookworms is associated with the rise of non-communicable inflammatory conditions. Proteins produced by hookworms have been found to suppress inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. Researchers have discovered that certain peptides derived from hookworm proteins exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic activity in a mouse model of acute colitis. These findings have the potential to lead to improved treatments for inflammatory conditions.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edita Ritmejeryte, Rachael Y. M. Ryan, Brendan Byatt, Yoshimi Peck, Karma Yeshi, Norelle L. Daly, Guangzu Zhao, Darren Crayn, Alex Loukas, Stephen G. Pyne, Roland Ruscher, Phurpa Wangchuk
Summary: Two new compounds were isolated from Uromyrtus metrosideros leaf extract and showed significant suppression on proinflammatory cytokines involved in inflammatory bowel disease. These compounds have the potential to be candidates for IBD treatment.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2022)