scholarly journals Growth Arrest-Specific Factor 6 (GAS6) Is Increased in COVID-19 Patients and Predicts Clinical Outcome

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 335
Author(s):  
Albert Morales ◽  
Silvia Rojo Rello ◽  
Helena Cristóbal ◽  
Aida Fiz-López ◽  
Elisa Arribas ◽  
...  

Background: Growth arrest-specific factor 6 (GAS6) and the Tyro3, AXL, and MERTK (TAM) receptors counterbalance pro-inflammatory responses. AXL is a candidate receptor for SARS-CoV-2, particularly in the respiratory system, and the GAS6/AXL axis is targeted in current clinical trials against COVID-19. However, GAS6 and TAMs have not been evaluated in COVID-19 patients at emergency admission. Methods: Plasma GAS6, AXL, and MERTK were analyzed in 132 patients consecutively admitted to the emergency ward during the first peak of COVID-19. Results: GAS6 levels were higher in the SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, increasing progressively with the severity of the disease. Patients with initial GAS6 at the highest quartile had the worst outcome, with a 3-month survival of 65%, compared to a 90% survival for the rest. Soluble AXL exhibited higher plasma concentration in deceased patients, without significant differences in MERTK among SARS-CoV-2-positive groups. GAS6 mRNA was mainly expressed in alveolar cells and AXL in airway macrophages. Remarkably, THP-1 human macrophage differentiation neatly induces AXL, and its inhibition (bemcentinib) reduced cytokine production in human macrophages after LPS challenge. Conclusions: Plasma GAS6 and AXL levels reflect COVID-19 severity and could be early markers of disease prognosis, supporting a relevant role of the GAS6/AXL system in the immune response in COVID-19.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Runze Quan ◽  
Chaoyue Chen ◽  
Wei Yan ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Xi Zhao ◽  
...  

B cell-activating factor (BAFF) production is increased in septic patients. However, the specific role of BAFF in sepsis remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the expression and function of BAFF in an experimental endotoxemia model and to identify the potential mechanisms. We established an endotoxemia mouse (6–8 weeks, 20–22 g) model by administering 30 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). BAFF levels in the circulating system and organ tissues were measured 4 and 8 h after LPS injection. Survival rates in the endotoxemia mice were monitored for 72 h after BAFF blockade. The effects of BAFF blockade on systemic and local inflammation, organ injuries, and intestinal barrier function were also evaluated 4 h after LPS treatment. BAFF production was systemically and locally elevated after LPS challenge. BAFF blockade improved the survival rate, systemic inflammation, and multi-organ injuries. Moreover, BAFF blockade attenuated both intestinal inflammation and impaired intestinal permeability. BAFF blockade upregulated ZO-1 and occludin protein levels via the NF-κB/MLCK/MLC signaling pathway. These results suggested that BAFF blockade protects against lethal endotoxemia at least partially by alleviating inflammation, multi-organ injuries, and improving intestinal barrier function and provides a novel focus for further research on sepsis and experimental evidence for clinical therapy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-180
Author(s):  
Jacqueline P. Kurz ◽  
Mark P. Richards ◽  
Matthew Garcia ◽  
Zhongde Wang

AbstractThis Research Communication addresses the hypothesis that exogenously administered phospholipase A2 (PLA2) affects the inflammatory responses of bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) in vitro with the aim of providing preliminary justification of investigation into the uses of exogenously administered PLA2 to manage or treat bovine mastitis. Primary bMEC lines from 11 lactating Holstein dairy cows were established and the expression of 14 pro-inflammatory genes compared under unchallenged and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged conditions, with and without concurrent treatment with bovine pancreatic PLA2G1B, a secreted form of PLA2. No differences in the expression of these genes were noted between PLA2-treated and untreated bMEC under unchallenged conditions. Following LPS challenge, untreated bMEC exhibited significant downregulation of CXCL8, IL1B, CCL20, and CXCL1. In contrast, PLA2-treated bMEC exhibited significant downregulation of IL1B and CCL20 only. These findings indicate that exogenous PLA2 affects the expression of some pro-inflammatory factors in immune-stimulated bMEC, but does not influence the constitutive expression of these factors. Further investigation of the influence of exogenous PLA2 in the bovine mammary gland is justified.


2018 ◽  
Vol 475 (22) ◽  
pp. 3687-3706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weibing Dong ◽  
Xin Zhu ◽  
Xuan Zhou ◽  
Ying Yang ◽  
Xin Yan ◽  
...  

Antimicrobial peptides have broad-spectrum killing activities against bacteria, enveloped viruses, fungi and several parasites via cell membrane permeation and exhibit primarily immunomodulatory and anti-infective functions in their interactions with host cells. However, the mechanism underlying their anti-inflammatory activity remains to be elucidated. L-K6, an analog of temporin-1CEb isolated from the skin secretion of Rana chensinensis, has demonstrated a wide range of antimicrobial activities against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. In this study, the potent anti-inflammatory mechanism of L-K6 and its analogs in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human macrophage U937 cells were evaluated. We found that L-K6 suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors by two downstream signaling components in the MyD88-dependent pathway, including the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the NF (nuclear factor)-κB signaling pathway, but its analog L-K5, which had the same amino acid sequence as L-K6 but no Lys residue at the –COOH terminal, only inhibited the phosphorylation of I-κB and NF-κB. Importantly, L-K6 and L-K5 were actively taken up by U937 cells through an independent cell membrane disruption mechanism and were eventually localized to the perinuclear region. The L-K6 uptake process was mediated by endocytosis, but L-K5 was specifically taken up by U937 cells via TLR4 endocytosis. Our results demonstrated that L-K6 can neutralize LPS and diassociate LPS micelles to inhibit LPS from triggering the proinflammatory signaling pathway, and by partially inhibiting inflammatory responses by the intracellular target. However, L-K5 may mainly inhibit proinflammatory responses by intracellular reporters to modulate the NF-κB signaling pathway.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Casas ◽  
Clara Meana ◽  
José Ramón López-López ◽  
Jesús Balsinde ◽  
María A. Balboa

ABSTRACTToll-like receptor 4, the receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), drives inflammatory responses that protect against pathogens and boost the adaptive immunity. LPS responses are known to depend on calcium fluxes, but the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here we present evidence that the transient receptor potential canonical channel 3 (TRPC3) is activated intracellularly during macrophage exposure to LPS and is essential for Ca2+ release from internal stores. In this way TRPC3 participates in cytosolic Ca2+ elevations, TLR4 endocytosis, activation of inflammatory transcription factors and cytokine upregulation. We also report that TRPC3 is activated by diacylglycerol (DAG) generated by the phosphatidic acid phosphatase lipin-1. In accord with this, lipin-1-deficient cells show reduced Ca2+ responses to LPS challenge. A cameleon indicator directed to the endoplasmic reticulum shows that this is the organelle from which TRPC3 mediates the Ca2+ release. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of TRPC3 reduces systemic inflammation induced by LPS in mice. Collectively, our study unveils a central component of LPS-triggered Ca2+ signaling that involves intracellular sensing of lipin-1-derived DAG by TRPC3.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manish Sarkar ◽  
Paul Etheimer ◽  
Soham Saha

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 which has affected nearly 220 million people worldwide and death toll close to 5 million as of present day. The approved vaccines are lifesaving yet temporary solutions to such a devastating pandemic. Viroporins are important players of the viral life cycle of SARS-Cov-2 and one of the primary determinants of its pathogenesis. We studied the two prominent viroporins of SARS-CoV-2 (i) Orf3a and (ii) Envelope (E) protein from a structural point of view. Orf3a has several hotspots of mutations which has been reported in SARS-CoV-2 with respect to SARS-CoV-1. Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Orf3a channel forming residues enhances the formation of a prominent the inter-subunit channel, which was not present in the SARS-CoV-1 Orf3a. This enhanced structural feature can be correlated with higher channelling activity in SARS-CoV-2 than in SARS-CoV-1. On the other hand, E protein is one of the most conserved protein among the SARS-CoV proteome. We found that the water molecules form networks of electrostatic interactions with the polar residues in the E protein putative wetted condition while no water channel formation was observed in the putative dewetted condition. This aqueous medium mediates the non-selective translocation of cations thus affecting the ionic homeostasis of the host cellular compartments. This ionic imbalance leads to increased inflammatory response in the host cell. Our results shed light into the mechanism of viroporin action, which can be leveraged for the development of antiviral therapeutics. Furthermore, our results corroborate with previously published transcriptomic data from COVID-19 infected lung alveolar cells where inflammatory responses and molecular regulators directly impacted by ion channelling were upregulated. These observations overlap with transcript upregulation observed in diseases having acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 117 (8) ◽  
pp. 2548-2555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Kathrin Riegel ◽  
Marion Faigle ◽  
Stephanie Zug ◽  
Peter Rosenberger ◽  
Bernard Robaye ◽  
...  

Abstract During a systemic inflammatory response endothelial-expressed surface molecules have been strongly implicated in orchestrating immune responses. Previous studies have shown enhanced extracellular nucleotide release during acute inflammatory conditions. Therefore, we hypothesized that endothelial nucleotide receptors could play a role in vascular inflammation. To address this hypothesis, we performed screening experiments and exposed human microvascular endothelia to inflammatory stimuli, followed by measurements of P2Y or P2X transcriptional responses. These studies showed a selective induction of the P2Y6 receptor (> 4-fold at 24 hours). Moreover, studies that used real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, or immunofluorescence confirmed time- and dose-dependent induction of P2Y6 with tumor necrosis factor α or Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in vitro and in vivo. Studies that used MRS 2578 as P2Y6 receptor antagonist showed attenuated nuclear factor κB reporter activity and proinflammatory gene expression in human microvascular endothelial cells in vitro. Moreover, pharmacologic or genetic in vivo studies showed attenuated inflammatory responses in P2Y6−/− mice or after P2Y6 antagonist treatment during LPS-induced vascular inflammation. These studies show an important contribution of P2Y6 signaling in enhancing vascular inflammation during systemic LPS challenge and implicate the P2Y6 receptor as a therapeutic target during systemic inflammatory responses.


2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fikriye Uras ◽  
Burhanettin Küçük ◽  
Özlem Bingöl Özakpınar ◽  
Ahmet Muzaffer Demir
Keyword(s):  

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 7920
Author(s):  
Ankita Sharma ◽  
Umesh K. Shandilya ◽  
Tianna Sullivan ◽  
Danielle Naylor ◽  
Angela Canovas ◽  
...  

Host–pathogen interactions are complex and influenced by host genetic and epigenetic modifications. Recently, the significance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in pathogenic infection and the regulation of immune response has been highlighted. However, information on miRNAs’ role in the course of inflammation is still very limited in small ruminants. The present study was intended to identify changes in the expression of circulatory miRNAs post-lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenge. In this study, young ewes (n = 18) were challenged with Escherichia coli LPS (400 ng/kg i.v.) and blood samples were collected for serum miRNA isolation at two-time points; prior to challenge (T0), and 4 h (T4) post-challenge, reflecting the peak cortisol response. A total of 91 miRNAs were profiled, including 84 miRNAs on a commercial ovine miRNA-PCR array, and seven individual miRNAs. Forty five miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) with 35 being up-regulated (Fold regulation, FR > 2) and 10 being down-regulated (FR < 1, p < 0.05) at T4. Among the up-regulated miRNAs, 14 were significantly (p < 0.05) induced, including oar-miRs: 369-3p, 495-3p, 376a-3p, 543-3p, 668-3p, 329a-3p, 655-3p, 411a-5p, and 154a-3p, which were located on ovine chromosome 18 forming four miRNA clusters within 10 kb. The elevated miRNAs belonged to different functional classes, playing roles in activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; increasing cell survival and differentiation; and inducing inflammatory responses and targeted PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling and chemokine signaling pathways. In summary, these results reveal the dynamic nature of ovine serum miRNAs during LPS-induced stress and highlight the potential role of identified miRNA-clusters on chromosome 18 to understand the regulation of the acute-phase response. Some of these identified circulating miRNAs may also serve as stress biomarkers for livestock in the future.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsukasa Kochiyama ◽  
Xiaojia Li ◽  
Hitoshi Nakayama ◽  
Madoka Kage ◽  
Yui Yamane ◽  
...  

Macrophages are key immune system cells involved in inflammatory processes. Classically activated (M1) macrophages are characterized by strong antimicrobicidal properties, whereas alternatively activated (M2) macrophages are involved in wound healing. Severe inflammation can induce postoperative complications during the perioperative period. Invasive surgical procedures induce polarization to M1 macrophages and associated complications. As perioperative management, it is an important strategy to regulate polarization and functions of macrophages during inflammatory processes. Although propofol has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory activities in monocytes and macrophages, it is unclear whether propofol regulates the functions of M1 and M2 macrophages during inflammatory processes. This study therefore investigated the effects of propofol on human macrophage polarization. During M1 polarization, propofol suppressed the production of IL-6 and IL-1β but did not affect TNF-α production. In contrast, propofol did not affect the gene expression of M2 markers, such as IL-10, TGF-β, and CD206, during M2 polarization. Propofol was similar to the GABAA agonist muscimol in inducing nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and inhibiting IL-6 and IL-1β, but not TNF-α, production. Knockdown of Nrf2 using siRNA significantly reduced the effect of propofol on IL-6 and IL-1β production. These results suggest that propofol prevents inflammatory responses during polarization of human M1 macrophages by suppressing the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β through the GABAA receptor and the Nrf2-mediated signal transduction pathway.


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