scholarly journals Interleukin-6: Molecule in the Intersection of Cancer, Ageing and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 7937
Author(s):  
Jan Brábek ◽  
Milan Jakubek ◽  
Fréderic Vellieux ◽  
Jiří Novotný ◽  
Michal Kolář ◽  
...  

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine with multifaceted effects playing a remarkable role in the initiation of the immune response. The increased level of this cytokine in the elderly seems to be associated with the chronic inflammatory setting of the microenvironment in aged individuals. IL-6 also represents one of the main signals in communication between cancer cells and their non-malignant neighbours within the tumour niche. IL-6 also participates in the development of a premetastatic niche and in the adjustment of the metabolism in terminal-stage patients suffering from a malignant disease. IL-6 is a fundamental factor of the cytokine storm in patients with severe COVID-19, where it is responsible for the fatal outcome of the disease. A better understanding of the role of IL-6 under physiological as well as pathological conditions and the preparation of new strategies for the therapeutic control of the IL-6 axis may help to manage the problems associated with the elderly, cancer, and serious viral infections.

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauro Velazquez-Salinas ◽  
Antonio Verdugo-Rodriguez ◽  
Luis L. Rodriguez ◽  
Manuel V. Borca

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 37-42
Author(s):  
Ana Popa ◽  
Anatolie Negară ◽  
Gabriela Șoric ◽  
Ion Sîrbu ◽  
Ana Popescu

Abstract Fragility is an important concept in geriatric medicine, and the study of its etiology has become a fundamental aspiration of many researchers in the field of aging(1) Fried’s model of defining fragile individuals has been praised for reproducibility and clinical consistency and has been validated despite negative results from large population studies. This index based on physical parameters evaluates only one aspect of frailty, while frailty is probably a complex, multidimensional concept(2). Therefore, new strategies for identifying and assessing frailty in the elderly are needed. The use of biomarkers as new methods for diagnosing frailty could ensure greater accuracy in the detection of fragile subjects in the early stages(3). The aim of the paper was to evaluate the role of biomarkers in identifying people at high risk of frailty. The results of studies on biomarkers used to assess fragility were evaluated from the PubMed and Cochrane databases. Conclusion. It is considered that biomarkers may be useful for the management of fragile patients only in combination with several biomarkers or with a clinical marker.


Author(s):  
Paulina Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej ◽  
Dominika Bębnowska ◽  
Roman Kołacz ◽  
Wiesław Deptuła

Research on the health of mammals invariably shows how dynamic immunology is and how the role of many elements and immune processes of the macroorganism, developed in the process of evolution in protecting against threats, including infections, is changing. Among these elements conditioning the homeostasis of the macroorganism are mitochondria, PRR receptors (pattern recognition receptors) and the phenomenon of autophagy. In the context of physiological and pathological states in the body, mitochondria perform various functions. The primary function of these organelles is to produce energy in the cell, but on the other hand, they are heavily involved in various cellular processes, including ROS production and calcium homeostasis. They are largely involved in the activation of immune mechanisms during infectious and non-infectious conditions through mtDNA and the mitochondrial MAVS protein. Mitochondrial involvement has been also determined in PRR-related mechanisms as mtDNA has the ability to directly stimulate TLRs. On the other hand, mitochondria are also associated with apoptotic cell death and autophagy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 1100-1115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Elmadfa ◽  
Alexa L. Meyer

Objective: This narrative review gives an overview on the essential role of adequate nutrition to an optimally functioning immune defence. Micronutrients act as regulators of the immune response, with the focus of this review on the immunomodulatory effects of the trace elements iron, zinc and selenium, and the vitamins A, D, E, C, B6 and B12 and folic acid. Results: Iron deficiency especially impairs the Th1 cell-borne cellular immunity. T lymphocytes are also most affected by a deficiency of zinc, needed for their maturation and the balance between the different T cell subpopulations and acting as a redox signal in the regulation of many enzymes. Selenium is also involved in redox reactions as the glutathione peroxidases and other redox enzymes are selenoproteins. Selenium status has shown special effects on cellular immunity and resistance to viral infections. : Vitamin A in the form of retinoic acid induces a humoral Th2 cell response via antigen-presenting cells and is involved in maintaining intestinal immune defence and tolerance through its nuclear receptor RAR and via kinase signalling cascades. Immune tolerance is particularly promoted by vitamin D acting through dendritic cells to stimulate the differentiation of regulatory T cells. Vitamin E has antiinflammatory effects and stimulates naïve T cells especially in the elderly. Besides its antioxidative properties, vitamin C has effects on cell signalling and epigenetic regulation. The B vitamins are required for cytotoxic cellular immunity and modulateT cell responses. : A diverse diet and regular exposure to sunlight are the best sources for a balanced nutrient supply to maintain an optimal immune defence.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Homa Rezaei ◽  
Sajad Khiali ◽  
Haleh Rezaee ◽  
Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi ◽  
Matin Pourghasem ◽  
...  

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a public health crisis worldwide. However, data regarding the protective factors of the disease is limited. Consequently, preventive health measures that can decrease the risk of infection, progression, and severity are dreadfully required. It is well-documented that people with immunodeficiency, such as the elderly, people who already have comorbidities (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypertension, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders), and underrepresented minorities, are placed in a group with a higher risk of getting infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants plays an essential role in strengthening the immune system and fighting against invading pathogens. The present comprehensive review has discussed published literature regarding the potential role of vitamins in strengthening the immune system and managing viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although there are controversial data regarding the plasma level of vitamin D and the severity of the disease, according to the limited evidence, vitamin D may lower the mortality rate. Moreover, vitamin C could reduce the development of inflammatory response; however, the results of ongoing clinical trials are required to confirm these primary findings.


Author(s):  
Aldo Venuti ◽  
Sara Donzelli ◽  
Paola Nisticò ◽  
Giovanni Blandino ◽  
Gennaro Ciliberto

ABSTRACT To date SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), a member of the Coronaviridae family, has infected more than 40 million people worldwide. A second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection is aggressively surging. The clinical worsening of SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be strictly associated with comorbidities, which can be used to establish an intrinsic patient network whose molecular profile is pivotal for identifying and successfully treating populations at risk. Herein, we focus on the direct interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and virus-associated cancers, exploring the critical role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a mediator of this complex cross talk. IL-6 production is enhanced in diverse viral infections ranging from human papilloma virus (HPV) to hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and SARS-CoV-2 infection. High systemic levels of IL-6 are associated with viral persistence and poor clinical outcomes in SARS-CoV-2–infected patients. Blockade of IL-6/IL-6R, using specific molecules, is under investigation in active clinical trials for the treatment of patients with SARS-CoV-2. Although the data are as yet inconclusive, they pave the way for selective targeting of crucial cytokine-activated aberrant signaling in SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2014 ◽  
Vol 67 (11) ◽  
pp. 932-937 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parvin Ataie-Kachoie ◽  
Mohammad H Pourgholami ◽  
Des R Richardson ◽  
David L Morris

The Interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene encodes the classic proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. It is also known as interferon-β2 (IFN-β2), B cell stimulatory factor-2 and hybridoma/plasmacytoma growth factor. IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine with a central role in many physiological inflammatory and immunological processes. Due to its major role in initiation as well as resolving inflammation, deregulation of IL-6 is a mainstay of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, IL-6 has been shown to be implicated in pathogenesis of many human malignancies. Thus, a better understanding of IL-6 and its role in various pathological conditions could enable the development of strategies to use it as a therapeutic target. This short review focuses on the structure, regulation and biological activities of IL-6. In addition we discuss the role of IL-6 in diseases with inflammatory background and cancer and also the therapeutic applications of anti-IL-6 agents.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (04) ◽  
pp. 853-856
Author(s):  
Kozlova Mariia Nikolaevna

Annotation currently, in domestic cats (felis silvestris catus), degenerative processes of the intestine and stomach are widespread. The leading place among pathologies is occupied by conditions caused by the regular consumption of lactose. Veterinary gastroenterology as an independent area is a relatively young science, which is being improved from year to year. The increase in cases of visits to veterinary clinics of owners of cats with pathological conditions of the intestines and stomach causes increased professional interest among veterinarians of general practice, as well as the felinological community. The article presents the results of studies proving the important role of food antigens in the early formation of degenerative processes of the intestine and stomach, leading to a significant deterioration in the standard of living of the animal with a subsequent fatal outcome.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 3495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prashanta Silwal ◽  
Jin Kim ◽  
Jae-Min Yuk ◽  
Eun-Kyeong Jo

5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays diverse roles in various physiological and pathological conditions. AMPK is involved in energy metabolism, which is perturbed by infectious stimuli. Indeed, various pathogens modulate AMPK activity, which affects host defenses against infection. In some viral infections, including hepatitis B and C viral infections, AMPK activation is beneficial, but in others such as dengue virus, Ebola virus, and human cytomegaloviral infections, AMPK plays a detrimental role. AMPK-targeting agents or small molecules enhance the antiviral response and contribute to the control of microbial and parasitic infections. In addition, this review focuses on the double-edged role of AMPK in innate and adaptive immune responses to infection. Understanding how AMPK regulates host defenses will enable development of more effective host-directed therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases.


Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naseer A. Kutchy ◽  
Eric S. Peeples ◽  
Susmita Sil ◽  
Ke Liao ◽  
Ernest T. Chivero ◽  
...  

Almost all types of cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the extracellular space. EVs such as exosomes and microvesicles are membrane-bound vesicles ranging in size from 30 to 1000 nm in diameter. Under normal conditions, EVs mediate cell to cell as well as inter-organ communication via the shuttling of their cargoes which include RNA, DNA and proteins. Under pathological conditions, however, the number, size and content of EVs are found to be altered and have been shown to play crucial roles in disease progression. Emerging studies have demonstrated that EVs are involved in many aspects of viral infection-mediated neurodegenerative diseases. In the current review, we will describe the interactions between EV biogenesis and the release of virus particles while also reviewing the role of EVs in various viral infections, such as HIV-1, HTLV, Zika, CMV, EBV, Hepatitis B and C, JCV, and HSV-1. We will also discuss the potential uses of EVs and their cargoes as biomarkers and therapeutic vehicles for viral infections.


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