scholarly journals Role of Maternal Infections and Inflammatory Responses on Craniofacial Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjali Y. Bhagirath ◽  
Manoj Reddy Medapati ◽  
Vivianne Cruz de Jesus ◽  
Sneha Yadav ◽  
Martha Hinton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Defects ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Prenatal Development ◽  
Craniofacial Development ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Maternal Infections ◽  
Environmental Perturbations ◽  
Epigenetic Effects

Pregnancy is a tightly regulated immunological state. Mild environmental perturbations can affect the developing fetus significantly. Infections can elicit severe immunological cascades in the mother's body as well as the developing fetus. Maternal infections and resulting inflammatory responses can mediate epigenetic changes in the fetal genome, depending on the developmental stage. The craniofacial development begins at the early stages of embryogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the immunology of pregnancy and its responsive mechanisms on maternal infections. Further, we will also discuss the epigenetic effects of pathogens, their metabolites and resulting inflammatory responses on the fetus with a special focus on craniofacial development. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of infections and dysregulated inflammatory responses during prenatal development could provide better insights into the origins of craniofacial birth defects.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanoparticles

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Pogribna ◽  
George Hammons
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Epigenetic Changes ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Epigenetic Effects

AbstractThe rise of nanotechnology and widespread use of engineered nanomaterials in everyday human life has led to concerns regarding their potential effect on human health. Adverse effects of nanomaterials and nanoparticles on various molecular and cellular alterations have been well-studied. In contrast, the role of epigenetic alterations in their toxicity remains relatively unexplored. This review summarizes current evidence of alterations in cytosine DNA methylation and histone modifications in response to nanomaterials and nanoparticles exposures in vivo and in vitro. This review also highlights existing knowledge gaps regarding the role of epigenetic alterations in nanomaterials and nanoparticles toxicity. Additionally, the role of epigenetic changes as potential translational biomarkers for detecting adverse effects of nanomaterials and nanoparticles is discussed.

FAITH–BASED COMMUNITIES AND POLITICS IN DULLSTROOM-EMNOTWENI: LOCAL STORIES OF IDENTITY

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Landman
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Traditional Role ◽  
Cultural Conflicts ◽  
Local Identities ◽  
Political Interests ◽  
Local Municipality ◽  
The Face

A majority of the black community of Dullstroom-Emnotweni in the Mpumalanga highveld in the east of South Africa trace their descent back to the southern Ndebele of the so-called ‘Mapoch Gronden’, who lost their land in the 1880s to become farm workers on their own land. A hundred years later, in 1980, descendants of the ‘Mapoggers’ settled in the newly built ‘township’ of Dullstroom, called Sakhelwe, finding jobs on the railways or as domestic workers. Oral interviews with the inhabitants of Sakhelwe – a name eventually abandoned in favour of Dullstroom- Emnotweni – testify to histories of transition from landowner to farmworker to unskilled labourer. The stories also highlight cultural conflicts between people of Ndebele, Pedi and Swazi descent and the influence of decades of subordination on local identities. Research projects conducted in this and the wider area of the eMakhazeni Local Municipality reveal the struggle to maintain religious, gender and youth identities in the face of competing political interests. Service delivery, higher education, space for women and the role of faith-based organisations in particular seem to be sites of contestation. Churches and their role in development and transformation, where they compete with political parties and state institutions, are the special focus of this study. They attempt to remain free from party politics, but are nevertheless co-opted into contra-culturing the lack of service delivery, poor standards of higher education and inadequate space for women, which are outside their traditional role of sustaining an oppressed community.

The Immunomodulatory Role of G2013 (α-L-Guluronic Acid) on the Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in HT29 cell line

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Farhang ◽  
Laleh Sharifi ◽  
Mohammad Mehdi Soltan Dallal ◽  
Mona Moshiri ◽  
Zahra Norouzbabaie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Cell Plate ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Ht29 Cells ◽  
Guluronic Acid ◽  
Tlr4 Mrna

Background: The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play crucial role in the controlling of inflammatory diseases. Due to the vast side effects of NSAIDs, its use is limited. G2013 or &amp;#945;-L-Guluronic Acid is a new NSAID with immunomodulatory features. Objectives: Considering the leading role of TLRs in inflammatory responses, in this study, we aimed to evaluate G2013 cytotoxicity and its effect on the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 molecules. Methods: HEK293-TLR2 and HEK293-TLR4 cells were cultured and seeded on 96-well cell plate, and MTT assay was performed for detecting the viability of the cells after treatment with different concentrations of G2013. HT29 cells were grown and treated with low and high doses of G2013. After total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, quantitative real-time PCR were performed to assess the TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA synthesis. Results: We found that concentrations of ≤125 &amp;#181;g/ml of G2013 had no apparent cytotoxicity effect on the HEK293-TLR2 and -TLR4 cells. Our results indicated that after G2013 treatment (5 &amp;#181;g/ml) in HT29 cells, TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expression decreased significantly compared with the untreated control group (p=0.02 and p=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that G2013 can down regulate the TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression and exerts its inhibitory effect. Our findings are parallel to our previous finding which showed G2013 ability to down regulate the signaling pathway of TLRs. However, further studies are needed to identify the molecular mechanism of G2013.<p&gt;

Can the Lewis basicity of an isolated solvent molecule be used for characterizing solvent effects?

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Gal ◽  
Pierre-Charles Maria
Keyword(s):  
Solvent Effects ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Solvent Molecule ◽  
Lewis Base ◽  
Bulk Liquid ◽  
Donor Number ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Solution Processes ◽  
Inert Solvent

Background: The ubiquitous Lewis acid/base interactions are important in solution processes. Analytical chemistry may benefit of a better understanding of the role of Lewis basicity, at the molecular level or acting through a bulk solvent effect. Objective: To clearly delineate (i) the basicity at a molecular level, hereafter referred as solute basicity, and (ii) the solvent basicity, which is a bulk-liquid property. Method: The literature that relates Lewis basicity scales and solvent effects is analyzed. A special focus is placed on two extensive scales, the Donor Number, DN, and the BF3 affinity scale, BF3A, which were obtained by calorimetric measurement on molecules as solutes diluted in a quasi-inert solvent, and therefore define a molecular Lewis basicity. We discuss the validity of these solute scales when regarded as solvent scales, in particular when the basicity of strongly associated liquids is discussed. Results: We demonstrate the drawbacks of confusing the Lewis basicity of a solvent molecule, isolated as solute, and that of the bulk liquid solvent itself. Conclusion: Consequently, we recommend a reasoned use of the concept of Lewis basicity taking clearly into account the specificity of the process for which a Lewis basicity effect may be invoked. In particular, the action of the Lewis base, either as an isolated entity, or as a bulk liquid, must be distinguished.

scholarly journals Manipulation of Quercetin and Melatonin in the Down-Regulation of HIF-1α, HSP-70 and VEGF Pathways in Rat’s Kidneys Induced by Hypoxic Stress

Dose-Response ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 155932582094979
Author(s):  
Aliah R. Alshanwani ◽  
Sameerah Shaheen ◽  
Laila M. Faddah ◽  
Ahlam M. Alhusaini ◽  
Hanaa M. Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Hemoglobin Concentration ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Hsp 70 ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Defensive Role ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Hypoxia may lead to inflammatory responses by numerous signaling pathways. This investigation intended to inspect the defensive role of Quercetin (Quer) and/ or Melatonin (Mel) against reno toxicity induced by Sodium nitrite (Sod ntr). Sod ntr injection significantly decreased blood hemoglobin concentration (Hb) with a concurrent increase in serum tumor necrosis factor- α, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, creatinine, and urea levels. Over protein-expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and heat shock, protein-70 and mRNA of HIF-1α were also observed. Pretreatment of the Sod ntr- injected rats with the aforementioned antioxidants; either alone or together significantly improved such parameters. Histopathological examination reinforced the previous results. It was concluded that the combined administration of Quer and Mel may be useful as a potential therapy against renal injury induced by Sod ntr. HIF-1α and HSP-70 are implicated in the induction of hypoxia and its treatment.

scholarly journals Modulation of Macrophages M1/M2 Polarization Using Carbohydrate-Functionalized Polymeric Nanoparticles

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Raquel G. D. Andrade ◽  
Bruno Reis ◽  
Benjamin Costas ◽  
Sofia A. Costa Lima ◽  
Salette Reis
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Polymeric Nanoparticles ◽  
Interaction Mechanism ◽  
Mannose Receptor ◽  
The Body ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Polymeric Nanocarriers ◽  
Efficient Delivery

Exploiting surface endocytosis receptors using carbohydrate-conjugated nanocarriers brings outstanding approaches to an efficient delivery towards a specific target. Macrophages are cells of innate immunity found throughout the body. Plasticity of macrophages is evidenced by alterations in phenotypic polarization in response to stimuli, and is associated with changes in effector molecules, receptor expression, and cytokine profile. M1-polarized macrophages are involved in pro-inflammatory responses while M2 macrophages are capable of anti-inflammatory response and tissue repair. Modulation of macrophages’ activation state is an effective approach for several disease therapies, mediated by carbohydrate-coated nanocarriers. In this review, polymeric nanocarriers targeting macrophages are described in terms of production methods and conjugation strategies, highlighting the role of mannose receptor in the polarization of macrophages, and targeting approaches for infectious diseases, cancer immunotherapy, and prevention. Translation of this nanomedicine approach still requires further elucidation of the interaction mechanism between nanocarriers and macrophages towards clinical applications.

scholarly journals Role of MDA5 in regulating CXCL10 expression induced by TLR3 signaling in human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuro Saruga ◽  
Tadaatsu Imaizumi ◽  
Shogo Kawaguchi ◽  
Kazuhiko Seya ◽  
Tomoh Matsumiya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Poly I:C ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Polyinosinic:Polycytidylic Acid ◽  
Tlr3 Signaling ◽  
Fibroblast Like Synoviocytes

AbstractC-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) is an inflammatory chemokine and a key molecule in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) is an RNA helicase that plays a role in innate immune and inflammatory reactions. The details of the regulatory mechanisms of CXCL10 production and the precise role of MDA5 in RA synovitis have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the role of MDA5 in regulating CXCL10 expression in cultured human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RFLS). RFLS was stimulated with Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligand polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic double-stranded RNA mimetic. Expression of interferon beta (IFN-β), MDA5, and CXCL10 was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A neutralizing antibody of IFN-β and siRNA-mediated MDA5 knockdown were used to determine the role of these molecules in regulating CXCL10 expression downstream of TLR3 signaling in RFLS. Poly I:C induced IFN-β, MDA5, and CXCL10 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. IFN-β neutralizing antibody suppressed the expression of MDA5 and CXCL10, and knockdown of MDA5 decreased a part of CXCL10 expression (p < 0.001). The TLR3/IFN-β/CXCL10 axis may play a crucial role in the inflammatory responses in RA synovium, and MDA5 may be partially involved in this axis.

scholarly journals Crosstalk between Gut and Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Role of Gut Microbiota Modulation Strategies

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 690
Author(s):  
Umair Shabbir ◽  
Muhammad Sajid Arshad ◽  
Aysha Sameen ◽  
Deog-Hwan Oh
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽  
Fecal Microbiota ◽  
Gut Dysbiosis ◽  
Dynamic Population

The gut microbiota (GM) represents a diverse and dynamic population of microorganisms and about 100 trillion symbiotic microbial cells that dwell in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies suggest that the GM can influence the health of the host, and several factors can modify the GM composition, such as diet, drug intake, lifestyle, and geographical locations. Gut dysbiosis can affect brain immune homeostasis through the microbiota–gut–brain axis and can play a key role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The relationship between gut dysbiosis and AD is still elusive, but emerging evidence suggests that it can enhance the secretion of lipopolysaccharides and amyloids that may disturb intestinal permeability and the blood–brain barrier. In addition, it can promote the hallmarks of AD, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, amyloid-beta formation, insulin resistance, and ultimately the causation of neural death. Poor dietary habits and aging, along with inflammatory responses due to dysbiosis, may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. Thus, GM modulation through diet, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation could represent potential therapeutics in AD. In this review, we discuss the role of GM dysbiosis in AD and potential therapeutic strategies to modulate GM in AD.

scholarly journals Involvement of HECTD1 in LPS-induced astrocyte activation via σ-1R-JNK/p38-FOXJ2 axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Tang ◽  
Mengchun Zhou ◽  
Rongrong Huang ◽  
Ling Shen ◽  
Li Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Astrocyte Activation ◽  
Hect Domain ◽  
P38 Inhibitor ◽  
Ubiquitin Protein Ligase ◽  
Primary Mouse ◽  
Lps Treatment

Abstract Background Astrocytes participate in innate inflammatory responses within the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). HECT domain E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (HECTD1) functions during microglial activation, suggesting a connection with neuroinflammation. However, the potential role of HECTD1 in astrocytes remains largely unknown. Results Here, we demonstrated that HECTD1 was upregulated in primary mouse astrocytes after 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Genetic knockdown of HECTD1 in vitro or astrocyte-specific knockdown of HECTD1 in vivo suppressed LPS-induced astrocyte activation, whereas overexpression of HECTD1 in vitro facilitated LPS-induced astrocyte activation. Mechanistically, we established that LPS activated σ-1R-JNK/p38 pathway, and σ-1R antagonist BD1047, JNK inhibitor SP600125, or p38 inhibitor SB203580 reversed LPS-induced expression of HECTD1, thus restored LPS-induced astrocyte activation. In addition, FOXJ2 functioned as a transcription factor of HECTD1, and pretreatment of primary mouse astrocytes with BD1047, SB203580, and SP600125 significantly inhibited LPS-mediated translocation of FOXJ2 into the nucleus. Conclusions Overall, our present findings suggest that HECTD1 participates in LPS-induced astrocyte activation by activation of σ-1R-JNK/p38-FOXJ2 pathway and provide a potential therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammation induced by LPS or any other neuroinflammatory disorders.

scholarly journals Hypoxia, Acidification and Inflammation: Partners in Crime in Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis?

Immuno ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-90
Author(s):  
Johannes Burtscher ◽  
Grégoire P. Millet
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Brain Cell ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Molecular Alterations ◽  
Research Fields

Like in other neurodegenerative diseases, protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Differentiating characteristics of PD include the central role of α-synuclein in the aggregation pathology, a distinct vulnerability of the striato-nigral system with the related motor symptoms, as well as specific mitochondrial deficits. Which molecular alterations cause neurodegeneration and drive PD pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we summarize evidence of the involvement of three interdependent factors in PD and suggest that their interplay is likely a trigger and/or aggravator of PD-related neurodegeneration: hypoxia, acidification and inflammation. We aim to integrate the existing knowledge on the well-established role of inflammation and immunity, the emerging interest in the contribution of hypoxic insults and the rather neglected effects of brain acidification in PD pathogenesis. Their tight association as an important aspect of the disease merits detailed investigation. Consequences of related injuries are discussed in the context of aging and the interaction of different brain cell types, in particular with regard to potential consequences on the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. A special focus is put on the identification of current knowledge gaps and we emphasize the importance of related insights from other research fields, such as cancer research and immunometabolism, for neurodegeneration research. The highlighted interplay of hypoxia, acidification and inflammation is likely also of relevance for other neurodegenerative diseases, despite disease-specific biochemical and metabolic alterations.

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