Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles differentiating tuberculous from malignant pleural effusions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Review question / Objective: To clarify which one has a different predominance of Th1 and Th2 immune responses in malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions. We did a meta-analysis of the results published previously to assess the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines in two types of pleural effusion and evaluated its ability to distinguish TPE from MPE. Condition being studied: Malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions are the two most common types of exudative pleural effusions, both of which can be seen with the typical accumulation of lymphocytes. Immune responses mediated by either the Th1 or Th2 subset dominate, depending on different types of pleural effusion. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis of all available studies to quantitatively evaluate the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in TPE and MPE, as well as to assess the potential diagnostic value of these cytokines in discriminating TPE from MPE.

Effects of Lactobacillus on Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-Alpha) and Immune Function in Allergic Rhinitis Rats

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a type of nasal mucosal inflammation. Lactobacillus plays a critical role in maintaining micro-ecological balance. This study aims to detect its effects on IL-4, TNF-α, Th1 and Th2 in AR sprapue-dawley (SD) rat after lactobacillus intervention. Ovalbumin (OVA) allergic AR SD rat model was established and assigned into model group, experimental group and blank group followed by analysis of Nasal mucosa under the microscope, IL-4 and TNF-α level by ELISA and immunohistochemistry assay, and Th1 and Th2 cells in spleen by flow cytometry. AR symptom in experimental group was significantly severe compared to blank group, but relative better compared to model group (p < 0.05). Nasal mucosal hyperemia and inflammation was significantly ameliorated in experimental group with significantly increased Th1 cells and Th1/Th2 ratio and decreased Th2 cells compared to model group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Lactobacillus intervention reduced IL-4 and TNF-α expression in serum and tissue and ameliorated the inflammation in AR rat.

Distinct functions of genome-wide chromatin remodeling in the differentiation of T helper Type 1 and 2 cells

T helper type 1 and 2 (Th1 and Th2) cells play critical roles in infectious, autoimmune and allergic diseases. Here we mapped genome-wide distribution of DNase I hypersensitive (DHS) sites in Th1, Th2 and their precursors naïve CD4 T cells. DHS sites were found unevenly distributed in the genomes with highest densities within 2kb of the transcription start sites (TSS). At the whole genome level, the DHS values, representing chromatin openness, but not the numbers of DHS sites showed strong positive correlation with gene expression. Th1 and Th2 differentiations were accompanied by changes of genome-wide distribution of DHS sites. The differentiated cells assumed more open chromatin structures than their precursors. During Th1 differentiation changes of DHS values could be statistically positively or negatively associated with changes of gene expression depending on the locations of the DHS sites, whereas only positive association was found during Th2 differentiation.

Identification of the Molecular Subgroups in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Gene Expression Profiles

Background. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most common idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, which can occur all over the world. The median survival time of patients is about 3-5 years, and the mortality is relatively high. Objective. To reveal the potential molecular characteristics of IPF and deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanism of IPF. In order to provide some guidance for the clinical treatment, new drug development, and prognosis judgment of IPF. Although the preliminary conclusion of this study has certain guiding significance for the treatment of IPF and so on, it needs more accurate analytical approaches and large sample clinical trials to verify. Methods. 220 patients with IPF were divided into different subgroups according to the gene expression profiles, which were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In addition, these subgroups present different expression forms and clinical features. Therefore, weighted gene coexpression analysis (WGCNA) was used to seek the differences between subtypes. And six subgroup-specific WGCNA modules were identified. Results. Combined with the characteristics of WGCNA and KEGG enrichment modules, the autophagic pathway was only upregulated in subgroup I and enriched significantly. The differentiation pathways of Th1 and Th2 cells were only upregulated and enriched in subgroup II. At the same time, combined with clinical information, IPF patients in subgroup II were older and more serious, which may be closely related to the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells. In contrast, the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway and Ca+ signaling pathway were significantly upregulated and enriched in subgroup III. Although there was no significant difference in prognosis between subgroup I and subgroup III, their intrinsic biological characteristics were very different. These results suggest that the subtypes may represent risk factors of age and intrinsic biological characteristics and may also partly reflect the severity of the disease. Conclusion. In conclusion, current studies have improved our understanding of IPF-related molecular mechanisms. At the same time, because the results show that patients from different subgroups may have their own unique gene expression patterns, it reminds us that patients in each subgroup should receive more personalized treatment.

Influence of the Microbiome on Chronic Rhinosinusitis With and Without Polyps: An Evolving Discussion

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is widely prevalent within the population and often leads to decreased quality of life, among other related health complications. CRS has classically been stratified by the presence of nasal polyps (CRSwNP) or the absence nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Management of these conditions remains a challenge as investigators continue to uncover potential etiologies and therapeutic targets. Recently, attention has been given to the sinunasal microbiota as both an inciting and protective influence of CRS development. The healthy sinunasal microbiologic environment is largely composed of bacteria, with the most frequent strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus epidermidis, and Corynebacterium genera. Disruptions in this milieu, particularly increases in S. aureus concentration, have been hypothesized to perpetuate both Th1 and Th2 inflammatory changes within the nasal mucosa, leading to CRS exacerbation and potential polyp formation. Other contributors to the sinunasal microbiota include fungi, viruses, and bacteriophages which may directly contribute to underlying inflammation or impact bacterial prevalence. Modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, have also been linked to microbiota alterations. Research interest in CRS continues to expand, and thus the goal of this review is to provide clinicians and investigators alike with a current discussion on the microbiologic influence on CRS development, particularly with respect to the expression of various phenotypes. Although this subject is rapidly evolving, a greater understanding of these potential factors may lead to novel research and targeted therapies for this often difficult to treat condition.

Mechanisms of Sex Differences in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Interleukin 2 Receptor Subunit Beta and CD3d Molecule Play an Important Role

Introduction:ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterized by sexual dimorphism in clinical manifestations. Our aim is to reveal the reason for gender difference in AS. Material and Methods: we used bioinformatics to analyze gene expression data of GSE73754. And verified by PCR and ELISA. Results: the pathogenic pathways leading to AS are Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation. The key gene involved in this pathway in male is interleukin 2 receptor subunit beta (IL2RB). The key genes involved in female are IL2RB and CD3d molecule (CD3D) . Both genes are immune-related genes.Conclusion: differences in key genes contribute to gender differences in AS. Male AS may require only one gene, while female AS requires two genes.