Journal Of Inflammation (London, England)[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Plasma surrogate markers of neutrophil extracellular traps correlate with disease severity in patients with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Aoki JA, Denorme F, Cody MJ … +8 more , Perry DP, Rustad JL, Brown SM, Goldstein SA, Middleton EA, Yost CC, Harris ES, NHLBI Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) Network Investigators
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Jun · PMID 40514693 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Although studies have evaluated the presence of cell-free DNA and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the kinetics of NET formation during the early ICU admiss...
BACKGROUND: Although studies have evaluated the presence of cell-free DNA and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the kinetics of NET formation during the early ICU admission and whether plasma NET markers correlate with clinical outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe hypoxemia remain unknown. We sought to determine whether serial plasma NET marker levels in study participants collected over 48 h post enrollment predict disease severity and mortality in non-COVID-19 ARDS patients. METHODS: We obtained previously collected plasma samples (trial enrollment, 24 h, 48 h) from 200 randomly selected ARDS participants in the completed Reevaluation of Systemic Early Neuromuscular Blockade (ROSE) Trial, as well as from 20 healthy control donors. We determined plasma levels of surrogate biomarkers for NETs using a cell-free DNA fluorescence assay and a plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO)-DNA complex ELISA. We correlated these surrogate biomarker levels with clinical outcomes from the ROSE trial study participants. RESULTS: ROSE plasma samples demonstrated significantly higher NET levels compared to healthy donor controls. Individual study participant NET levels did not change over the forty-eight hours after trial enrollment. Higher levels of both surrogate markers correlated with fewer ventilator-free days, but only cell free-DNA correlated with mortality and higher illness severity scores. CONCLUSION: Surrogate markers for plasma NET levels measured in patients with moderate or severe ARDS correlate directly with adverse clinical outcomes and may serve as biomarkers for predicting severe disease. Further studies of surrogate biomarkers for NET formation in moderate-to-severe ARDS are warranted.
RhIL-11 reverses liver damage in septic mice by STAT3-mediated M-MDSCs induction modulated by a parallel mTORC1 signaling branch.
Liu Y, Gao S, Li Z … +6 more , Yin L, Ge S, Zhao Y, Wang H, Wan B, Shao Q
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Jun · PMID 40500712 · Full text
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hyperinflammatory response in early stage of sepsis was the key factor leading to multi-organ injury. Therefore, exploring an effective therapy to attenuate or reverse hyperinflammation was the...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hyperinflammatory response in early stage of sepsis was the key factor leading to multi-organ injury. Therefore, exploring an effective therapy to attenuate or reverse hyperinflammation was the priority of sepsis treatment. Previous study from our team showed that recombinant human interleukin-11 (rhIL-11) was a promising anti-inflammation cytokine in sepsis. However, the molecular mechanism was not fully elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of rhIL-11 in septic mice model and explore the underlying the molecular mechanism. METHODS: A cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model was applied to induce septic mice. Mice were separated into five groups with six animals in each group, including normal, sham, sham + rhIL-11, CLP and CLP + rhIL-11 groups. Therapeutic potential of rhIL-11 was evaluated by comparing body weight, survival time and liver damage (hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, pro-inflammatory cytokines and serum measurements of liver enzymes). Hepatic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) percentage was also compared. In vitro, MDSC differentiation from bone marrow (BM) cells was induced in the presence of appropriate stimuli, followed by the proportion and subsets analysis via flow cytometer. The related signal pathways including STAT3 and mTORC1 were detected by western blotting. The effect of MDSCs inhibition by STAT3 and mTORC1 inhibitors on septic mice was evaluated by comparing survival time, liver damage and MDSCs percentage. RESULTS: Here, we declared that early treatment of rhIL-11 exerted a liver protective effect and caused the expansion of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) in septic mice model. The results of in vitro studies declared that rhIL-11 promoted differentiation of BM cells into M-MDSCs phenotypically and functionally via activating STAT3 signaling, which was cross-regulated by the mTORC1. Furthermore, we also elucidated that mTORC1 bound directly to STAT3 through an interaction between raptor and TOS motif in STAT3. Finally, inhibition of mTORC1 or STAT3 in vivo blocked the differentiation of M-MDSCs and attenuated liver protective effect of rhIL-11. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results suggested that early treatment of rhIL-11 in septic mice might reverse the hepatic damage at least in part by inducing the differentiation of M-MDSCs via STAT3 signaling pathway, and STAT3 signaling is modulated by a parallel branch of mTORC1.
LL-37 and citrullinated-LL-37 modulate IL-17A/F-mediated responses and selectively suppress Lipocalin-2 in bronchial epithelial cells.
Altieri A, Lloyd D, Ramotar P … +3 more , van der Does AM, Hemshekhar M, Mookherjee N
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 May · PMID 40410820 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Levels of the human cationic antimicrobial host defence peptide LL-37 are enhanced in the lungs during neutrophilic airway inflammation. LL-37 drives Th17 differentiation, and Th17 cells produce IL-17A and IL...
BACKGROUND: Levels of the human cationic antimicrobial host defence peptide LL-37 are enhanced in the lungs during neutrophilic airway inflammation. LL-37 drives Th17 differentiation, and Th17 cells produce IL-17A and IL-17F which form the biologically active heterodimer IL-17A/F. While IL-17 is a critical mediator of neutrophilic airway inflammation, LL-37 exhibits contradictory functions; LL-37 can both promote and mitigate neutrophil recruitment depending on the inflammatory milieu. The impact of LL-37 on IL-17-induced responses in the context of airway inflammation remains largely unknown. Therefore, we examined signaling intermediates and downstream responses mediated by the interplay of IL-17A/F and LL-37 in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). As LL-37 can become citrullinated during airway inflammation, we also examined LL-37-mediated downstream responses compared to that with citrullinated LL-37 (citLL-37) in HBEC. RESULTS: Using an aptamer-based proteomics approach, we identified proteins that are altered in response to IL-17A/F in HBEC. Proteins enhanced in response to IL-17A/F were primarily neutrophil chemoattractants, including chemokines and proteins associated with neutrophil migration such as lipocalin-2 (LCN-2). We showed that selective depletion of LCN-2 mitigates neutrophil migration, functionally demonstrating LCN-2 as a critical neutrophil chemoattractant. We further demonstrated that LL-37 and citLL-37 selectively suppress IL-17A/F-induced LCN-2 abundance in HBEC. Mechanistic studies revealed that LL-37 and citLL-37 suppresses IL-17 A/F-mediated enhancement of C/EBPβ, a transcription factor required for LCN-2 production. In contrast, LL-37 and citLL-37 enhance the abundance of ribonuclease Regnase-1, which is a negative regulator of IL-17 and LCN-2 in HBEC. In an animal model of allergen-challenged airway inflammation with elevated IL-17A/F and neutrophil elastase in the lungs, we demonstrated that CRAMP (mouse orthologue of LL-37) negatively correlates with LCN-2. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings showed that LL-37 and citLL-37 can selectively suppress the abundance of IL-17A/F-mediated LCN-2, a protein that is critical for neutrophil migration in HBEC. These results suggest that LL-37, and its modified citrullinated form, have the potential to negatively regulate IL-17-mediated neutrophil migration during airway inflammation. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that the immunomodulatory function of LL-37 enhances the RNA binding protein Regnase-1, suggesting that a post-transcriptional mechanism of action is mediated by the peptide.
Exosomes derived from M2 macrophages regulate airway inflammation by modulating epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Ren Y, Zhou M, Li Y … +9 more , Li Y, Xiang J, Deng F, Luo Z, Liu E, Yu J, Fu Z, Ding F, Liu B
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 May · PMID 40390011 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway remodeling and immune dysregulation. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2Φ-Exos) regulate air...
BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway remodeling and immune dysregulation. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2Φ-Exos) regulate airway inflammation in asthma by modulating epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis. METHODS: M2Φ-Exos were extracted and characterized by morphology, size, and marker protein expression. In vitro, the effects of M2Φ-Exos on House Dust Mites (HDM)-stimulated mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-12s) were evaluated using western blotting to analyze Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 expression. In vivo, M2Φ-Exos were administered to HDM-induced asthmatic mice to assess their impact on airway inflammation, epithelial remodeling, and proliferation-apoptosis balance using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Cytokine levels in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by qRT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: M2Φ-Exos displayed typical cup-shaped morphology, an average diameter of 115.5 nm, and expressed marker proteins CD9, TSG101, and CD63. MLE-12 cells internalized M2Φ-Exos, leading to reduced abnormal proliferation and apoptosis in HDM-stimulated cells. In asthmatic mice, M2Φ-Exos alleviated airway inflammation and epithelial thickening while reducing PCNA, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax levels and increasing Bcl-2 expression. M2Φ-Exos suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, while enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ and IL-10. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that M2Φ-Exos regulate the imbalance in epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in asthma, reducing inflammation and mitigating tissue remodeling, and provide new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for asthma management.
Exosomal non-coding RNAs: gatekeepers of inflammation in autoimmune disease.
Saadh MJ, Allela OQB, Al-Hussainy AF … +9 more , Baldaniya L, Rekha MM, Nathiya D, Kaur P, Aminov Z, Sameer HN, Hameed HG, Athab ZH, Adil M
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 May · PMID 40369549 · Full text
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are marked by systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation, yet current therapies often fail to target their underlying causes. Emerging evidence positions exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)-i...
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are marked by systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation, yet current therapies often fail to target their underlying causes. Emerging evidence positions exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)-including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs-as key regulators of inflammatory pathways, providing critical insights into AID pathogenesis. This review synthesizes recent advances in how these ncRNAs orchestrate immune cell communication, modulate inflammatory mediators, and drive microglial activation in neuroinflammatory AIDs. It evaluates their dual role as disease amplifiers (e.g., miR-155 in lupus, miR-326 in rheumatoid arthritis) and therapeutic targets, emphasizing their potential to reprogram immune responses or deliver anti-inflammatory agents. In this review, we first provide a glimpse into the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and delve into the structure and function of exosomes, emphasizing their role in cell-cell communication. We then discuss the regulatory roles of exosomal ncRNAs in immune modulation, detailing their types, functions, and mechanisms of action. Finally, we examine the implications of exosomes and exosomal ncRNAs in the context of autoimmune diseases, with a particular focus on microglial activation and its contribution to neuroinflammation.
Biological mechanisms and therapeutic prospects of interleukin-33 in pathogenesis and treatment of allergic disease.
Jamali MC, Mohamed AH, Jamal A … +8 more , Kamal MA, Al Abdulmonem W, Saeed BA, Mansuri N, Ahmad F, Mudhafar M, Shafie A, Hattiwale HM
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 May · PMID 40355878 · Full text
Allergic diseases significantly impact the quality of life of people around the world. Cytokines play a crucial role in regulating the immune system. Due to their importance in pro-inflammatory mechanisms, cytokines are...
Allergic diseases significantly impact the quality of life of people around the world. Cytokines play a crucial role in regulating the immune system. Due to their importance in pro-inflammatory mechanisms, cytokines are used to understand pathogenesis and serve as biomarkers in many diseases. One such cytokine is interleukin-33, a member of the IL-1 family, including IL- 1α, IL-1β, and IL-18. The IL-33 receptor is a heterodimer of IL-1 receptor-like 1 and IL-1 receptor accessory protein. IL-33 plays a critical role in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses. The primary targets of IL-33 in vivo are tissue-resident immune cells, including mast cells, group 2 innate lymphoid cells, regulatory T cells, T helper 2 cells, eosinophils, basophils, dendritic cells, Th1 cells, CD8 + T cells, NK cells, iNKT cells, B cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. However, IL-33 appears to act as an alarm signal that is promptly released by producing cells under cellular damage or stress conditions. IL-33 regulates signaling and various biological functions, including induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, regulation of cell proliferation, and involvement in tissue remodeling. IL-33 is fundamental in immune-related diseases and plays a critical role in the control of inflammation. Recently, IL-33 has been shown to significantly impact allergic diseases, primarily by inducing Th2 immune responses. IL-33 is a key regulator of mast cell function and a promising therapeutic target for treating allergic diseases. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the role of IL-33 in allergy pathogenesis and potential clinical approaches.
Comparison of the inflammatory biomarkers IL- 6, TNF-α, and CRP to predict the effect of nutritional therapy on mortality in medical patients at risk of malnutrition : A secondary analysis of the randomized clinical trial EFFORT.
Wunderle C, Martin E, Wittig A … +6 more , Tribolet P, Lutz TA, Köster-Hegmann C, Stanga Z, Mueller B, Schuetz P
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Apr · PMID 40275239 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Inflammation is a key driver of disease-related malnutrition and patients with high inflammation may not show the same benefits from nutritional therapy as other patients. We compared in an exploratory manner...
BACKGROUND: Inflammation is a key driver of disease-related malnutrition and patients with high inflammation may not show the same benefits from nutritional therapy as other patients. We compared in an exploratory manner the prognostic ability of interleukin- 6 (IL- 6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to predict outcome and response to nutritional therapy, respectively, within a large cohort of patients from a previous nutritional trial. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the Swiss-wide, multicenter, randomized controlled Effect of early nutritional therapy on Frailty, Functional Outcomes, and Recovery of malnourished medical inpatients Trial (EFFORT) trial comparing individualized nutritional support with usual care nutrition in medical inpatients. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. RESULTS: We included 996 patients with an overall mortality rate of 6% within 30 days. Compared to patients with low IL- 6 level < 11.2pg/mL, patients with high levels had a more than 3-fold increase in mortality at 30-days (adjusted HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.95-6.28, p < 0.001), but tended to have a less pronounced mortality benefit from individualized nutritional therapy as compared to usual nutritional care (hazard ratio 0.82 vs. 0.32). CRP and TNF-α were not associated with mortality, but patients with increased CRP levels > 100 mg/dl also showed a trend towards a diminished response to nutritional intervention (hazard ratio 1.25 vs. 0.47). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the thesis that a high inflammatory state is linked to reduced benefits from nutritional therapy. Apparently, CRP and IL- 6 effectively predict treatment response, but IL- 6 may additionally serve as a prognostic marker for increased mortality. This finding might help to develop improved treatment strategies for patients with elevated inflammatory profiles. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02517476 (registered 7 August 2015).
Mucosal immunotherapy targeting APC in lung disease.
Liu Y, Chen Z, Cheng H … +2 more , Zheng R, Huang W
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Apr · PMID 40229816 · Full text
Several studies have demonstrated that the pulmonary immune response is primarily facilitated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and that both professional and non-professional APCs contribute to overall pulmonary immun...
Several studies have demonstrated that the pulmonary immune response is primarily facilitated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and that both professional and non-professional APCs contribute to overall pulmonary immunity. APCs play unique roles and mechanisms in pathogen elimination and immunomodulation. Mucosal immunity exhibits potential advantages over traditional parenteral immunity in that it stimulates immune defenses in mucosal and systemic tissues, which is important for reducing the burden of lung disease. However, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the crosstalk between mucosal immunity and APC in the context of various lung diseases remains challenging. This mini-review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of novel mucosal immunity, targeting APC action during lung infections, allergies, and malignant tumorigenesis. This minreview provides important insights into more effective therapeutic approaches for various lung diseases.
Exploring the mitigating potential of anthocyanin Malvidin in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and oxidative stress.
Zhou D, Cai L, Xu J … +3 more , Fu D, Yan L, Xie L
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40165218 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Malvidin (MV), an essential anthocyanin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help treat pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a progressive and occasionally fatal condition characterized by severe lung...
BACKGROUND: Malvidin (MV), an essential anthocyanin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help treat pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a progressive and occasionally fatal condition characterized by severe lung scarring, oxidative stress, and inflammation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of MV in PF by assessing its effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrotic markers through in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The compound was evaluated by molecular docking. BEAS-2B and RLE-6TN cells were treated with 200 µg/mL BLM to induce inflammation, followed by MV treatment. Cell viability, ROS levels, and wound healing were analyzed. In vivo, BLM-induced mice were evaluated to assess fibrotic and antioxidant biomarkers. RESULTS: MV interacted with NLRP3 with a binding energy of -7 kcal/mol. MV increased cell viability in BLM-induced cells, reducing ROS and oxidative stress. Wound healing was enhanced in MV-treated groups. A decrease in HYP proteins confirms MV's antifibrotic effects. In the mice model, MV reduced TXNIP, MDA, and MPO while increasing CAT, GSH, and SOD, confirming its antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSION: MV alleviated PF in the BLM-induced model via the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, demonstrating its potential as an antifibrotic and antioxidant agent.
Semaphorin 7a is protective through immune modulation during acetaminophen-induced liver injury.
Livingstone EJ, Cartwright JA, Campana L … +8 more , Lewis PJS, Dwyer BJ, Aird R, Man TY, Vermeren M, Rossi AG, Boulter L, Forbes SJ
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40114253 · Full text
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Acetaminophen (APAP) induced acute liver injury (ALI), the leading cause acute liver failure in the western world, has limited treatment options. APAP toxicity results in massive hepatic necrosis and...
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Acetaminophen (APAP) induced acute liver injury (ALI), the leading cause acute liver failure in the western world, has limited treatment options. APAP toxicity results in massive hepatic necrosis and secondary infiltrating monocytes and neutrophils, which contribute to pathogenesis. Semaphorin 7a (Sema7a), a chemoattractant and modulator of monocytes and neutrophils, is a potential therapeutic target in other conditions, but its role in APAP-ALI is unexplored. METHODS: Wild-type (WT) and Sema7a knockout (KO) mice were examined during APAP-ALI. Serum liver function tests, histological analysis and cellular localisation of Sema7a and its receptors, Plexin C1 and Integrin β1, were examined. Serum cytokines were quantified, tissue macrophages and neutrophils were localised, and in vivo phenotype, including phagocytosis, was assessed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Sema7a was expressed by HNF4α + peri-necrotic hepatocytes circumferentially during APAP-ALI injury phases, and serum concentrations were increased, and correlated with hepatic injury. Sema7a KO mice had increased circulating inflammatory cytokines and significantly less hepatic F4/80 + macrophages, a cell type required for hepatic repair. Sema7a KO mice had higher necrotic area neutrophils, and increased neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL1. Without Sema7a expression, mice displayed increased necrosis and liver injury markers compared to Sema7a WT mice. Without peri-necrotic hepatocyte Sema7a expression, we also identified increased cell death and hepatic cellular stress outside of necrosis. CONCLUSION: We have identified a novel protective role of Sema7a during injury phases of APAP-ALI. Without peri-necrotic hepatocyte Sema7a expression and secretion, there is increased inflammation, time specific worsened hepatic necrosis and increased hepatic cell stress and death outside of the necrotic zone.
Prehospital pulse-dose glucocorticoid on index of microvascular resistance in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a sub-study of the PULSE-MI trial.
Marquard JM, Lønborg J, Obling LER … +17 more , Beske RP, Zhou Y, Nepper-Christensen L, Vejlstrup N, Bang LE, Hassager C, Folke F, Andersen LB, Christensen HC, Holmvang L, Pedersen F, Ahlehoff O, Jabbari R, Minkkinen M, Sørensen R, Tilsted HH, Engstrøm T
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40102868 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Microvascular injury in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurs in up to 50%, yet no therapeutic target exists. Inflammation contributes directly to myocardial damage in STEMI...
BACKGROUND: Microvascular injury in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurs in up to 50%, yet no therapeutic target exists. Inflammation contributes directly to myocardial damage in STEMI and may also cause deleteriously effects on the microcirculation. The aim of this prespecified sub-study was to determine the effect of prehospital pulse-dose glucocorticoid on the microcirculation determined by index of microvascular resistance (IMR) and its relation to inflammation. The PULSE-MI trial was a 1:1 randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with STEMI transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) investigating the cardioprotective effects of prehospital pulse-dose glucocorticoid (methylprednisolone 250 mg) compared with placebo. In this prespecified sub-study, we investigated microvascular function as IMR by thermodilution after primary PCI and inflammation defined by C-reactive protein (CRP) at 24 hours after onset of STEMI. RESULTS: Of 530 patients included in the PULSE-MI trial, 295 (56%) were assessed with coronary physiology of whom 142 (48%) were treated with glucocorticoid and 153 (52%) with placebo. Baseline characteristics were overall well-balanced in both groups. The median IMR in the glucocorticoid group was 23 (interquartile range (IQR), 11-38) and 18 (IQR, 11-42) in the placebo group (p=0.49). CRP upon arrival did not differ between treatment groups (p=0.81), but CRP at 24 hours was significantly lower in the glucocorticoid group compared to placebo (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital glucocorticoid did not impact IMR assessed immediately after primary PCI, albeit this compound, demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects as determined by CRP levels at 24 hours. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ; Unique Identifier: NCT05462730.
Contribution of brain pericytes to neuroinflammation following repetitive head trauma.
Cembran A, Eisenbaum M, Paris D … +4 more , Mullan M, Crawford F, Ferguson S, Bachmeier C
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Mar · PMID 40033399 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation is a prominent pathological hallmark of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and glia cells have been widely characterized in the onset or progression of brain inflammation. While an effect of infla...
BACKGROUND: Neuroinflammation is a prominent pathological hallmark of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and glia cells have been widely characterized in the onset or progression of brain inflammation. While an effect of inflammation on cerebrovascular breakdown has been observed, little is known about the specific contribution of brain pericytes to the inflammatory response in TBI. Here, we focused on studying the pericyte response to inflammatory stimuli commonly found in the brain following TBI. METHODS: Mouse brain vascular pericytes were exposed to IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ for 2 h and 24 h and probed for markers of pericyte health and a panel of inflammatory mediators. As the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) pathway is critical to pericyte function, we also assessed the effect of PDGF-BB stimulation on the inflammatory response in pericytes. Cultured pericytes were treated with PDGF-BB (10 ng/mL) prior to, simultaneously, and following inflammatory insult. To further investigate their role in brain immunosurveillance, we analyzed the cytokine secretome in mouse pericyte cultures treated with PDGF-BB, as well as in brain vascular pericytes isolated from repetitive mild TBI (r-mTBI) mice that were fed phenytoin-enriched chow, an inducer of PDGF-BB secretion. RESULTS: Cytokine stimulation with TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ for 2 and 24 h led to significant upregulation of PDGFRβ in cultured pericytes, with an 8-fold increase after 24 h. MTT assays showed no significant change in cell viability, indicating that cytokine treatment did not induce cytotoxicity. Further, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory markers STAT1 and p-NFkB were observed in response to cytokine exposure, with a concurrent increase in VCAM1 and MMP9 expression. PDGF-BB treatment significantly attenuated the inflammatory response in pericytes, reducing PDGFRβ levels and the activation of inflammatory pathways, including STAT1 and NFkB. Cytokine secretion profiles also revealed that PDGF-BB, when administered post-inflammatory insult, selectively reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IFN-γ. Additionally, phenytoin treatment in r-mTBI mice decreased IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-5, and KC/GRO levels in isolated brain pericytes, while IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 levels were unchanged compared to untreated r-mTBI animals. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate an immunoreactive role for brain pericytes in the propagation of neuroinflammation. Moreover, following brain insults, we found PDGF-BB stimulation can normalize pericyte function and reduce cerebrovascular inflammation, a key factor in secondary brain injury. Targeting brain pericytes may provide novel therapeutic opportunities to improve cerebrovascular health and reduce brain inflammation in the aftermath of TBI.
Retraction Note: Ginsenoside Rg3 alleviates septic liver injury by regulating the lncRNA TUG1/miR-200c-3p/SIRT1 axis.
Wu P, Yu X, Peng Y … +3 more , Wang QL, Deng LT, Xing W
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Feb · PMID 39966817 · Full text
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Correction: Sodium pyruvate exerts protective effects against cigarette smoke extract-induced ferroptosis in alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells through the GPX4/Nrf2 axis.
Zhao Z, Xu Z, Chang J … +6 more , He L, Zhang Z, Song X, Hou X, Fan F, Jiang Z
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Feb · PMID 39962577 · Full text
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Unfractionated heparin attenuated histone-induced pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx injury through Ang/Tie2 pathway.
Yin J, Chi Y, Liu D … +2 more , Li X, Li X
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Feb · PMID 39962477 · Full text
PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the involvement of angiopoietin (Ang)/Tie2 pathway in mediating pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx injury in histone-induced acute lung injury in mice, and the protective mechanism...
PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the involvement of angiopoietin (Ang)/Tie2 pathway in mediating pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx injury in histone-induced acute lung injury in mice, and the protective mechanism of unfractionated heparin (UFH). METHODS: Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice (20-25 g), 8-12 weeks old, were randomly divided into control, histone, and histone + UFH groups. The histone (50 mg/kg) was administered via tail vein. UFH (400 U/kg) was administered 1 h after histone injection. The control group was administered by an equal amount of sterile saline solution. The lungs of all groups were harvested 4 h after the injection of histones or sterile saline. RESULTS: UFH attenuated histone-induced lung histopathological changes and edema. UFH alleviated pulmonary endothelial injury and glycocalyx shedding by reducing histone-induced low expression of thrombomodulin (TM) and decreased lung syndecan-1 levels. UFH improved histone-induced low mRNA expression of TM, syndecan-1, Ang-1, Tie2 and high expression of heparinase (HPA), Ang-2. CONCLUSION: UFH may attenuate histone-induced lung injury and pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx degradation via the Ang/Tie2 pathway.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin reduces inflammation and vasculopathy in mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy.
Suphapimol V, Liu YH, Prato S … +6 more , Karnowski A, Hardy C, Morelli AB, Jayasimhan A, Deliyanti D, Wilkinson-Berka JL
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Feb · PMID 39934776 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Damage to the retinal vasculature is a major cause of vision loss and is influenced by a pro-inflammatory environment within retinal tissue. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a potent inhibitor of serine proteases...
BACKGROUND: Damage to the retinal vasculature is a major cause of vision loss and is influenced by a pro-inflammatory environment within retinal tissue. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a potent inhibitor of serine proteases and has anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesised that AAT could reduce inflammation and vasculopathy in neovascular retinopathies including oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). METHODS: Litters of C57BL/6J mice were randomised to develop OIR by exposure to high oxygen between postnatal days 7 to 12 resulting in vaso-obliteration (phase I OIR), and then room air from postnatal days 12 to 18 resulting in neovascularisation (phase II OIR). Control mice were exposed to room air. Separate cohorts of mice were administered control vehicle or human AAT (120 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection every second day in phase I or phase II OIR. RESULTS: In phase I OIR, plasma levels of AAT were reduced compared to room air controls, and AAT treatment reduced vaso-obliteration. In phase II OIR, AAT treatment influenced inflammation by reducing the density of ionised calcium binding adaptor protein 1 + cells (microglia/macrophages) and modulating their cell process length and reducing mRNA levels of tumour necrosis factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, but not interleukin-1b and interleukin-6 in retina. Furthermore, AAT treatment reduced retinal neovascularisation, gliosis, vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and protein expression, and vascular leakage, compared to OIR controls. CONCLUSIONS: This research demonstrates the vasculo-protective actions of AAT, and thereby the potential of AAT as a therapeutic option for neovascular retinopathies.
Auto-antibodies against carbonyl-modified vimentin in COPD: potential role as a biomarker.
Heinemann L, Adcock I, Chung KF … +5 more , Lollinga W, Hylkema MN, Papi A, Caramori G, Kirkham PA
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Feb · PMID 39934770 · Full text
COPD has many hallmarks of autoimmune dysfunction. Driving this autoimmune response are self-antigens, such as highly abundant structural proteins and cellular proteins, which can lead to the production of auto-antibodie...
COPD has many hallmarks of autoimmune dysfunction. Driving this autoimmune response are self-antigens, such as highly abundant structural proteins and cellular proteins, which can lead to the production of auto-antibodies. However, controversy surrounds the detection of some of these auto-antibodies as they have often been screened against native, unmodified proteins. Autoantigens arise as a result of a conformational change in the native protein exposing hidden epitopes or by the creation of neo-epitopes through chemical or enzymatic modifications, often caused by oxidative/carbonyl stress. In this study, we screened for auto-antibodies targeting key structural proteins modified by oxidative/carbonyl stress in peripheral blood from stable COPD patients versus control subjects using ELISA. We found an auto-antibody response against unmodified, carbonyl-modified and citrinylated vimentin, with the highest response observed against carbonyl-modified vimentin. Both the IgG and IgM antibody titres against carbonyl-modified were significantly increased in COPD patients compared to healthy non-smokers. Smokers also displayed increased antibody levels against carbonyl-modified vimentin, but only for the IgG isotype. Selectivity analysis indicated that 70% and 63% of COPD patients had higher IgM and IgG titres, respectively, compared to non-smokers. In contrast only 26% and 48% of smokers had higher IgM and IgG titres, respectively, than non-smokers. ROC analysis gave AUC values of 0.78 (p < 0.01) and 0.84 (p < 0.001) for IgM and IgG, respectively, for COPD versus non-smokers, which fell to 0.70 (p < 0.01) and 0.64 (NS), respectively, when asymptomatic smokers were included. No significant increase in antibody titre against carbonyl-modified elastin or collagen was observed in COPD patients or asymptomatic smokers. We conclude that IgM autoantibody responses against carbonyl modified vimentin could serve as a simple blood-based biomarker for COPD, reflecting the disease's pathophysiology, and could help in patient stratification and diagnosis.
Divergence in photoreceptor cell death and neuroinflammation in transvitreal and transscleral subretinal delivery in mice.
Maidana DE, Puente SP, Wang C … +5 more , Chandra S, Gonzalez-Buendia L, Ilios EP, Kazlauskas A, Vavvas DG
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Feb · PMID 39920719 · Full text
Subretinal injections provide direct access to photoreceptors and RPE, which is crucial for the delivery of gene therapy and neuroprotective approaches. To access the subretinal space, transvitreal (TV) and transscleral...
Subretinal injections provide direct access to photoreceptors and RPE, which is crucial for the delivery of gene therapy and neuroprotective approaches. To access the subretinal space, transvitreal (TV) and transscleral (TS) subretinal injections have been widely used in humans and animal models. In this work, we investigated recent trends and outcomes of utilizing TV and TS subretinal models of retinal detachment (RD). A literature review revealed an increasing utilization of both models over the past two decades, with TS emerging as the predominant model since 2012. Subretinal injection in CX3CR1 + /GFP CCR2 + /RFP mice revealed early inflammatory responses, with TS injections inducing higher infiltration of CD11b + CCR2 + cells compared to TV. Further leukocyte immunophenotyping indicated divergent infiltration patterns, with the TS approach exhibiting higher proportions of neutrophils and macrophages/microglia-like cells, while the TV injections had higher CD45hi CD11b + Ly6G- Ly6C + infiltration. Notably, late-stage analysis demonstrates higher photoreceptor cell death in the TS approach, paralleled by increased subretinal infiltration of CD11b + cells. Both models showed significant reactive gliosis, suggesting comparable late-stage wound healing responses. These findings underscore the utility of these approaches for subretinal delivery, offering insights into their distinctive leukocyte infiltration and late-stage tissue responses.
The injury effect of osteopontin in sepsis-associated lung injury.
Wang Q, Yu Z, Song Z … +5 more , Lu X, Li Z, Pi D, Li J, Xu F
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Jan · PMID 39856697 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a severe condition causing organ failure due to an abnormal immune reaction to infection, characterized by ongoing excessive inflammation and immune system issues. Osteopontin (OPN) is secreted by v...
BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a severe condition causing organ failure due to an abnormal immune reaction to infection, characterized by ongoing excessive inflammation and immune system issues. Osteopontin (OPN) is secreted by various cells and plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses and immune regulation. Nonetheless, the precise function of OPN in sepsis remains to be elucidated. METHODS: In the present study, we evaluated the levels of OPN in paediatric patients with sepsis and healthy individuals. We examined the impact of OPN on survival rates, systemic inflammation, and lung injury within an experimental sepsis model using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory effects and potential mechanisms of OPN in sepsis were investigated through Mouse Hemophagocytic Synuclein (MH-S) cells. RESULTS: The OPN level was found to be elevated in patients with sepsis (368.5 ± 249.4 ng/ml) compared to children with infections (73.78 ± 40.46 ng/ml) (p < 0.0001) and healthy individuals (44.03 ± 20.76 ng/ml) (p < 0.0001). The serum concentration of OPN was elevated in pediatric patients with septic shock compared to those with sepsis (504 ± 266.3 ng/ml vs. 238.6 ± 143.8 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Intravenous administration of OPN inhibitor into the tail vein decreased the mortality rate (HR = 0.2695, p = 0.0015), suppressed systemic inflammatory responses and mitigated lung tissue damage. The concentration of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in serum of CLP mice treated with OPN inhibitor decreased compared with CLP mice. Within the sepsis mouse model, there was a marked increase in OPN expression in the lung's tissues compared to the sham group mice. This surge was accompanied by a significant accumulation of alveolar macrophages and an upregulation of inflammasome expression. Mechanistic investigations in MH-s cells revealed that OPN-siRNA suppressed the LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory response by inhibiting caspase1-dependent classical pyroptosis signaling pathway. However, recombinant OPN was supplemented after OPN silencing, the protective effects in MH-s cells treated with LPS were reversed. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that OPN has an adverse impact on the host's immune response to sepsis. Suppressing OPN expression holds potential therapeutic value for the treatment of sepsis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study on the diagnostic value of osteopontin in children with sepsis. MR5024001771. Registered 22 January 2024. https//www.medicalresearch.org.cn.
TRPV4 modulates inflammatory responses and apoptosis in enteric glial cells triggered by Clostridioides difficile toxins A and B.
Pacífico DM, Costa DVDS, Lima Barbosa ML … +6 more , Rebouças CSM, Simonato SG, Warren CA, Morais MLGDS, Leitao RFC, Brito GAC
J Inflamm (Lond) · 2025 Jan · PMID 39810162 · Full text
Clostridioides difficile, a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium, is the primary cause of hospital antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Key virulence factors, toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB), significantly contribute to C. difficil...
Clostridioides difficile, a spore-forming anaerobic bacterium, is the primary cause of hospital antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Key virulence factors, toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB), significantly contribute to C. difficile infection (CDI). Yet, the specific impact of these toxins, particularly on enteric glial cells (EGCs), still needs to be fully understood. This study examines the role of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a calcium-permeable channel, in the inflammatory response and apoptosis of EGCs induced by TcdA and TcdB and evaluates TRPV4 expression in the cecum and colon of infected mice. EGCs were treated with TcdA (50ng/mL) or TcdB (1ng/mL) for 18 h, with or without the TRPV4 antagonist RN-1734 (100 µM), to assess TRPV4 gene and protein levels, inflammatory markers, and cell death. C. difficile infected mice were euthanized on day 3 post-infection for TRPV4 expression in the cecum and colon. Findings reveal that EGCs naturally express TRPV4, increasing its expression by TcdA and TcdB exposure. CDI significantly upregulates TRPV4 in the cecum and colon's submucosal and myenteric plexus regions. TRPV4 mediates TNF-α release in EGCs and is partially involved in the increase in IL-6 gene expression triggered by these toxins. Our results highlight TRPV4's role in triggering EGC apoptosis via caspase 3 activation and inhibiting the reduction of Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein in EGCs caused by C. difficile toxins. These results highlight TRPV4's significant role in CDI pathogenesis and its potential as a therapeutic target to counteract the detrimental effects of C. difficile toxins on enteric glia.
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