scholarly journals Thymoquinone Rescues T Lymphocytes from Gamma Irradiation-Induced Apoptosis and Exhaustion by Modulating Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Levels and PD-1, Bax, and Bcl-2 Signaling

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 786-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Samy Guida ◽  
Ali Abd El-Aal ◽  
Yehya Kafafy ◽  
Safwat Farid Salama ◽  
Badr Mohamed Badr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Gamma Radiation ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokine ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Flow Cytometry Analysis ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Gamma Irradiated

Background/Aims: Recent studies have shown that thymoquinone (TQ) exerts protective effects against ionizing radiation-induced cataracts in lens after total cranium irradiation of rats. Nevertheless, there is no published work investigated the effects of TQ on T cell development and biology in animal models exposed to gamma radiation. Therefore, in the present study we focused on determining the effects of TQ on radiation damage in the thymus, radiation-induced T cell imbalance, and on immune dysfunction induced by gamma-rays. Methods: Three groups of rats were used: a control group, a gamma-irradiated group, and a gamma-irradiated group that was orally supplemented with TQ. Serum lipid profiles, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured to assess gamma irradiation-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory capacity. T cell apoptosis was evaluated by annexin V/propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry analysis. The expression of pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax and caspase-3, the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and an exhaustion marker of T cells (PD-1) in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations was evaluated using flow cytometry analysis. The T cell architecture of the thymus gland was evaluated by histological analysis. Results: Exposure to gamma radiation increased triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-C, MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 levels and decreased HDL-C levels. The altered lipid profile and MDA and pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) levels induced by exposure to gamma radiation were significantly restored in TQ-treated gamma-irradiated rats. Rats exposed to gamma radiation exhibited increased exhaustion of T lymphocytes via down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression and upregulation of PD-1, Bax, and caspase-3 expression, which sensitized these cells to apoptosis. Interestingly, treatment of gamma-irradiated rats with TQ decreased T cell exhaustion and apoptosis by modulating the expression of Bcl-2, PD-1, Bax, and caspase-3. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence for the beneficial effects of TQ as an effective radioprotective candidate that enhances cellular immunity.

scholarly journals Electron Ultra-High Dose Rate FLASH And Conventional Irradiation Induce Distinct Regulations of Inflammatory Cytokines And CD8 T Lymphocytes Ratio In Mice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
De-Huan Xie ◽  
Yi-Chuan Li ◽  
Sai Ma ◽  
Xin Yang ◽  
Ruo-Ming Lan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Dose Rate ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokine ◽  
High Dose Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Ifn Γ

Abstract Purpose: Ultra-high dose rate FLASH irradiation has been shown to cause less normal tissue damage compared with conventional irradiation, also termed “FLASH effect”. However, the underlying mechanism was scarcely known. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether FLASH and conventional irradiation would induce differential inflammatory cytokines expression. Materials and methods: Female FvB mice were randomly assigned to three different groups: non-irradiated control, conventional (CONV) and FLASH groups. Mice were irradiated at 6 to 19 Gy of CONV (0.1 Gy/s) or FLASH (38.5-600 Gy/s) irradiation using an Elekta Synergy linac (6 MeV). Mice were immobilized in prone position in a custom-designed applicator with dosimetry films positioned under the body. Dose were verified by Gafchromic films. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed in serum samples of the mice at 6, 18 and 31 days after irradiation for four inflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10. Flow cytometry using antibodies for CD3, CD8, CD4 and CD45 in blood were performed pre- and 1-week post irradiation. Results: At D6 (18-19 Gy), both IL-6 and TNF-α were elevated, and IL-10 was reduced in FLASH and CONV group, while IFN-γ was only significantly increased in conventional group, compared with control group. At D18 (10 Gy) and D31 (13-19 Gy), conventional RT significantly elevated levels of IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α and reduced IL-10 level compared with FLASH group and control group. Additionally, even low dose conventional irradiation (13 Gy) could induce higher level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lower level of anti-inflammatory cytokine than high dose (17-19 Gy) FLASH irradiation at D31. Flow cytometry showed that the CD8+/CD45+ ratio in the blood were higher in the conventional than in FLASH. These data indicate that minor inflammatory cytokine levels of serum in FLASH could be result of the absent of immune overactivation induced by conventional irradiation. Conclusions: Ultra-high dose rate electron FLASH caused less inflammatory cytokine levels of serum which might be a result from less CD8+/CD45+ ratio in the blood. Thus, differential cytokines and CD8+ T cell expression between FLASH and conventional irradiation would be a potential mechanism for “FLASH effect”.

The Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy on IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ Levels and their Relationship with HIV-RNA and CD4+ T Cells in HIV Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 354-361
Author(s):  
Gülay Okay ◽  
Meliha Meric Koc ◽  
Eray Metin Guler ◽  
Ayşegül Yabaci ◽  
Abdürrahim Kocyigit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Cd4 T Cell ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Hiv Rna ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Cd4 T Cell Count

Background: Serum cytokine levels over the course of HIV infection usually increase with immunosuppression and decrease after antiretroviral treatment (ART). Objectives: The aim of the study is to compare cytokine levels between HIV-infected patients (HIP) and controls and investigate the relationship between CD4+T cell count, HIV-RNA levels, and cytokine levels. Methods: The study subjects comprised ART-naive HIP (n=30) with no comorbidities and age-and sex-matched healthy controls. We measured levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in serum samples of HIP at the beginning and at month 6 of ART and in controls. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 38.7 ±10.3 years, with men making up 86.7% of the study subjects (n=26). IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in both ART-naive (p<0.001, p=0.002, p=0.001) and ART-experienced HIP (p<0.001) than controls. The IFN-γ level was lower in both ART-naive and ART-experienced HIP compared to controls (p=0.082 and p=0.002). There was a positive correlation between the CD4+T cell count and serum concentration of IFN- γ(r=0.320, p<0.05). While the serum IFN-γ concentration showed a negative correlation with the HIVRNA level(r=-0.412, p<0.001), the serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations showed a positive correlation with the HIV-RNA level (r=0.349, p<0.001; r:0.54, p<0.001; r:0.438, p<0.00). Conclusions: Although serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α showed a significant decrease after ART, they were still significantly higher than the controls. IFN-γ responded differently to ART compared to the other cytokines, indicating that it may play a distinct and important role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection.

Melatonin attenuates radiation-induced cortical bone-derived stem cells injury and enhances bone repair in postradiation femoral defect model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Hu ◽  
Jiawu Liang ◽  
Song Liao ◽  
Zhidong Zhao ◽  
Yuxing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Genomic Stability ◽  
Bone Defects ◽  
Self Renewal ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Γ Ray

Abstract Background Ionizing radiation poses a challenge to the healing of bone defects. Radiation therapy and accidental exposure to gamma-ray (γ-ray) radiation inhibit bone formation and increase the risk of fractures. Cortical bone-derived stem cells (CBSCs) are essential for osteogenic lineages, bone maintenance, and repair. This study aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin on postradiation CBSCs and bone defects. Methods CBSCs were extracted from C57/BL6 mice and were identified by flow cytometry. The effects of exogenous melatonin on the self-renewal and osteogenic capacity of postradiation CBSCs were detected in vitro. The underlying mechanisms in terms of genomic stability, apoptosis and oxidative stress-related signaling were further analyzed by western blotting, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Finally, the effects of melatonin on healing in postradiation bone defects were evaluated in vivo by micro-CT and immunohistochemical analysis. Results The radiation-induced reduced self-renewal and osteogenic capacity were partially reversed in postradiation CBSCs treated with melatonin. Melatonin maintained the genomic stability and apoptosis of postradiation CBSCs, and intracellular oxidative stress was decreased significantly while antioxidant-related enzymes were enhanced. Western blotting verified the anti-inflammatory effect of melatonin by downregulating the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α via extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) signaling, distinct from its antioxidant effect via NRF2 signaling. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the newly formed bone in the melatonin plus Matrigel group had higher trabecular bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) and bone mineral density (BMD) values, and lower levels of IL-6 and TNF-α than those in the irradiation and the Matrigel groups. Conclusions This study suggested the potential of melatonin to protect CBSCs against γ-ray radiation and to assist the healing of postradiation bone defects.

scholarly journals TheBDKRB2 +9/-9 Polymorphisms Influence Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Knee Osteoarthritis by Altering TLR-2 Expression: Clinical and in Vitro Studies

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 1245-1256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuo Chen ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Ruonan Xu ◽  
Yunfan Ti ◽  
Yunlong Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokine ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Background/Aims: The bradykinin B2 receptor (BDKRB2) +9/-9 gene polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with the susceptibility and severity of osteoarthritis (OA); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the BDKRB2 +9/-9 polymorphisms and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in OA and the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods: A total of 156 patients with primary knee OA and 121 healthy controls were enrolled. The BDKRB2 +9/-9 polymorphisms were genotyped. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were determined using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR-4 mRNA levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The basal and bradykinin-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in human OA synoviocytes and the involvement of TLR-2 and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were investigated. Results: The presence of -9 bp genotype is associated with higher TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 levels and higher TLR-2 expression in OA patients. The basal and bradykinin-induced TLR-2 expressions in human OA synoviocytes were significantly reduced by specific inhibitors of p38, JNK1/2, and ERK1/2. Both the B2 receptor antagonist MEN16132 and TLR-2 silencing inhibited IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in human OA synoviocytes. Conclusion: The data suggested that the BDKRB2 +9/-9 polymorphisms influence pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in knee osteoarthritis by altering TLR-2 expression.

scholarly journals B7-H4 Inhibits the Development of Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome by Regulating Treg Differentiation in NOD/Ltj Mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Xu Zheng ◽  
Qikai Wang ◽  
Xiang Yuan ◽  
Yingbo Zhou ◽  
Hui Chu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Salivary Gland ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Salivary Glands ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Lymphocyte Infiltration ◽  
Flow Cytometry Analysis ◽  
Treg Differentiation

Background. This study is aimed at exploring the role of B7-H4 in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) in NOD/Ltj mouse. Methods. B7-H4 expression in salivary glands was examined by IHC, and lymphocyte infiltration was showed by H&E. Next, anti-B7-H4 mAb or immunoglobulin isotype was injected into NOD/Ltj mice. Cytokine levels were measured by quantitative RT-PCR, and immunoglobulins were measured by ELISA. T cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Last, we treated NOD/Ltj mice with B7-H4Ig and control Ig. CD4+Foxp3+ T cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Two-tailed Student’s t-tests were used to detect the statistical difference in various measures between the two groups. Results. B7-H4 expression was remarkably reduced in salivary glands of NOD/Ltj mice at 15 weeks compared with the NOD/Ltj mice at 8 weeks. Anti-B7-H4 mAb treatment increased lymphocyte infiltration in salivary glands. Inflammatory cytokines including IL-12, IL-18, IL-1α, TNF-α, IFN-α, and BAFF were upregulated markedly in anti-B7-H4 mAb-treated mice compared to IgG isotype-treated mice. Flow cytometry analysis showed that anti-B7-H4 mAb-treated mice had lower levels of CD4+Foxp3+/CD4+ T cells in spleen. Moreover, Foxp3 mRNA levels of salivary glands were diminished in anti-B7-H4 mAb-treated mice. Flow cytometry analysis showed that anti-B7-H4 mAb inhibited CD4+Foxp3+/CD4+ T cell production, while B7-H4Ig would promote naïve CD4+ T into Treg differentiation. Administration with B7-H4Ig displayed significantly decreased lymphocyte infiltration in salivary glands and low levels of total IgM and IgG in serum. Analysis of inflammatory cytokines in salivary glands after B7-H4Ig treatment revealed that the mRNA levels of IL-12, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1α, TNF-α, and IFN-α were significantly downregulated in B7-H4Ig-treated mice compared to control Ig treatment. B7-H4Ig-treated mice had significantly higher levels of CD4+Foxp3+/CD4+ T cells in spleen. IHC in salivary gland revealed that CD4+Foxp3+ T cells of B7-H4Ig treatment mouse were more than control Ig treatment. Conclusions. Our findings implicate that B7-H4 has a protective role for salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) and therapeutic potential in the treatment of pSS.

scholarly journals TNF-α- Mediated-p38-Dependent Signaling Pathway Contributes to Myocyte Apoptosis in Rats Subjected to Surgical Trauma

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 1454-1466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaxing Wu ◽  
Guonian Wang ◽  
Shuai Li ◽  
Mingyue Zhang ◽  
Hulun Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Surgical Trauma ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Myocyte Apoptosis ◽  
Dependent Signaling Pathway

Background: The accumulation of cytokines in the plasma after trauma can induce myocyte apoptosis. We aimed to identify which cytokine(s) present in the plasma responsible for myocyte apoptosis, and delineated the signal transduction mechanism in rats subjected to surgical trauma. Methods: Rats were randomized into two groups: control and trauma groups, which was divided into five subgroups: posttraumatic 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h subgroups. Cardiomyocytes isolated from traumatized rats were incubated with one of the factors for 12 h (normal plasma; Cytomix; TNF-α; IL-1β; IFN-γ; trauma plasma; anti-TNF-α antibody; SB203580). Myocyte apoptosis, cytokine levels, and MAPKs activation, as the primary experimental outcomes, were measured by TUNEL, flow cytometry, ELISA and Western blot, respectively. Results: Myocyte apoptosis was induced by surgical trauma during the early stage after trauma. Accompanying this change, plasma TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ levels were elevated in traumatized rats. Incubation of traumatized cardiomyocytes with cytomix or TNF-α alone induced myocyte apoptosis, and increased the activation of p38 and ERK1/2. Myocyte apoptosis and p38 activation were elevated in traumatized cardiomyocytes with trauma plasma, and these increases were partly abolished by anti-TNF-α antibody or SB203580. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that there exists the TNF-α-mediated-p38-dependent signaling pathway that contributed to posttraumatic myocyte apoptosis of rats undergoing surgical trauma.

Effects of hepatitis B virus X protein on human T cell cytokines

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (9) ◽  
pp. 620-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
XiaoLi Lou ◽  
YanQiang Hou ◽  
DongYu Liang
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokine ◽  
Jurkat Cells ◽  
Cytokine Secretion ◽  
X Protein ◽  
Human T Cell ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
B Virus

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays a significant role in hepatocellular carcinoma development. To investigate the effect of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) on inflammatory cytokines of human T cell, a eukaryotic expression vector, HBx-pEGFP-C1, was constructed and transfected into the Jurkat human T-cell line. Jurkat cells were transfected transiently using Lipofectamine 2000 and activated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-14 mRNA was measured. The results showed that the vector HBx-pEGFP-C1 was successfully constructed, and HBx was expressed in Jurkat cells. Compared with a control group, mRNA of IL-1β and TNF-α was significantly elevated in the HBx-pEGFP-C1 group (p < 0.05), while IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-14 mRNA was decreased (p < 0.05). Therefore, transient overexpression of HBx promoted PHA-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and repressed anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion in human T cells.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document