CD4＋ helper T （TH） cells play crucial roles in immune responses. Recently a novel subset of TH cells, termed THIL-17, TH 17 or inflammatory TH （THi）, has been identified as critical mediators of tissue inflammati...CD4＋ helper T （TH） cells play crucial roles in immune responses. Recently a novel subset of TH cells, termed THIL-17, TH 17 or inflammatory TH （THi）, has been identified as critical mediators of tissue inflammation. These cells produce IL-17 （also called IL-17A） and IL-17F, two most homologous cytokines sharing similar regulations. Here we report that when overexpressed in 293T cells, IL-17 and IL-17F form not only homodimers but also heterodimers, which we name as IL-17A/F. Fully differentiated mouse THi cells also naturally secrete IL-17A/F as well as IL-17 and IL-17F homodimeric cytokines. Recombinant IL-17A/F protein exhibits intermediate levels of potency in inducing IL-6 and KC （CXCL 1） as compared to homodimeric cytokines. IL-17A/F regulation of IL-6 and KC expression is dependent on IL-17RA and TRAF6. Thus, IL-17A/F cytokine represents another mechanism whereby T cells regulate inflammatory responses and may serve as a novel target for treating various immune-mediated diseases.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a complex series of interactions between susceptibility genes, the environment, and the immune system. The host microbiome, as well as viruses and fungi, play important ro...Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a complex series of interactions between susceptibility genes, the environment, and the immune system. The host microbiome, as well as viruses and fungi, play important roles in the development of IBD either by causing inflammation directly or indirectly through an altered immune system. New technologies have allowed researchers to be able to quantify the various components of the microbiome, which will allow for future developments in the etiology of IBD. Various components of the mucosal immune system are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and include intestinal epithelial cells, innate lymphoid cells, cells of the innate (macrophages/monocytes, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) and adaptive (T-cells and B-cells) immune system, and their secreted mediators (cytokines and chemokines). Either a mucosal susceptibility or defect in sampling of gut luminal antigen, possibly through the process of autophagy, leads to activation of innate immune response that may be mediated by enhanced toll-like receptor activity. The antigen presenting cells then mediate the differentiation of naïve T-cells into effector T helper (Th) cells, including Th1, Th2, and Th17, which alter gut homeostasis and lead to IBD. In this review, the effects of these components in the immunopathogenesis of IBD will be discussed.展开更多
Background and objective： Umbilical cord （UC）-derived mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） have shown immunoregulation of various immune cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of UC MSCs in the re...Background and objective： Umbilical cord （UC）-derived mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） have shown immunoregulation of various immune cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of UC MSCs in the regulation of peripheral regulatory T cells （Treg） and T helper 17 （Th17） cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE）. Methods： Thirty patients with active SLE, refractory to conventional therapies, were given UC MSCs infusions. The percentages of peripheral blood CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3＋ regulatory T cells （Treg） and CD3＋CD8-1L17A＋ Th17 cells and the mean fluorescence intensities （MFI） of Foxp3 and IL- 17 were measured at I week, I month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after MSCs transplantation （MSCT）. Serum cytokines, including transforming growth factor beta （TGF-β）, tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α）, interleukin 6 （IL-6）, and IL-17A were detected using ELISA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients were collected and co-cultured with UC MSCs at ratios of 1：1, 10：1, and 50：1, respectively, for 72 h to detect the proportions of Treg and Th17 cells and the MFIs of Foxp3 and IL-17 were determined by flow cytometry. The cytokines in the supernatant solution were detected using ELISA. Inhibitors targeting TGF-β, IL-6, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase （IDO）, and prostaglandin E2 were added to the co-culture system, and the percentages of Treg and Th17 cells were observed. Results： The percentage of peripheral Treg and Foxp3 MFI increased 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after UC MSCs transplantation, while the Th17 proportion and MFI of IL-17 decreased 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the treatment, along with an increase in serum TGF-β at I week, 3 months, and 12 months and a decrease in serum TNF-a beginning at I week. There were no alterations in serums IL-6 and IL-17A before or after MSCT. In vitro studies showed that the UC MSCs dose-dependently up-regulated peripheral Treg proportion in SLE patients, which was no展开更多
AIM: To investigate the role of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).METHODS: We enrolled 79 patients with HBV infection into ...AIM: To investigate the role of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).METHODS: We enrolled 79 patients with HBV infection into the study, 50 patients with HBV-related ACLF and 29 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), from the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College from January 2009 to June 2012. The ACLF patients were diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by The 19th Conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver in 2009. Twenty healthy individuals with a similar gender and age structures to the two patient groups were also included as the normal controls (NC). Of the 50 ACLF patients, 28 were subsequently classified as non-survivors: 19 patients died from multiorgan failure, 3 underwent liver transplantation, and 6 discontinued therapy during follow-up because of financial reasons. The remaining 22 ACLF patients whose liver and anticoagulation function recovered to nearly normal levels within the next 6 mo were classified as survivors. The number of circulating Treg and Th17 cells was determined upon diagnosis and during the 8th week of follow-up through flow cytometry. RESULTS: The percentage of circulating Treg cells in the ACLF group was significantly higher than that in the CHB group (5.50% ± 1.15% vs 3.30% ± 1.13%, P < 0.01). The percentages of circulating Th17 cells in the ACLF and the CHB groups were significantly higher than that in the NC group (6.32% ± 2.22% vs 1.56% ± 0.44%, P < 0.01; 3.53% ± 1.65% vs 1.56% ± 0.44%, P < 0.01). No significant difference in Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio was observed between the ACLF group and the CHB group (0.98 ± 0.44 vs 1.12 ± 0.64, P = 0.991), whereas those in the two HBV infection groups were significantly lower than that in the NC group (1.85 ± 1.22; both P < 0.01). The percentage of Treg cells in the survivors during the 8th week of follow-up was significantly lower than that during peak ACLF severity [total bilirubin (TBIL) 展开更多
Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the major cancers in China and all over the world.Most GCs are diagnosed at an advanced stage with unfavorable prognosis.Along with some other countries,China has developed the government-f...Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the major cancers in China and all over the world.Most GCs are diagnosed at an advanced stage with unfavorable prognosis.Along with some other countries,China has developed the government-funded national screening programs for GC and other major cancers.GC screening has been shown to effectively decrease the incidence of and mortality from GC in countries adopting nationwide screening programs(Japan and Korea)and in studies based on selected Chinese populations.The screening of GC relies mostly on gastroendoscopy,the accuracy,reliability and safety of which have been indicated by previous studies.However,considering its invasive screening approach,requirements on skilled endoscopists and pathologists,and a high cost,developing noninvasive methods to amend endoscopic screening would be highly needed.Numerous studies have examined biomarkers for GC screening and the combination of biomarkers involving pepsinogen,gastrin,and Helicobacter pylori antibodies has been proposed for risk stratification,seeking to narrow down the high-risk populations for further endoscopy.Despite all the achievements of endoscopic screening,evidence on appropriate screening age,intervals for repeated screening,novel biomarkers promoting precision prevention,and health economics need to be accumulated to inform policymakers on endoscopic screening in China.With the guide of Health China 2030 Planning Outline,we have golden opportunities to promote prevention and control of GC.In this review,we summarize the characteristics of screening programs in China and other East Asian countries and introduce the past and current approaches and strategies for GC screening,aiming for featuring the latest advances and key challenges,and illustrating future visions of GC screening.展开更多
Immune-mediated liver injury is widely seen during hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection. Unsuccessful immune clearance of HBV results in chronic hepatitis and increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carci...Immune-mediated liver injury is widely seen during hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection. Unsuccessful immune clearance of HBV results in chronic hepatitis and increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV-related liver fibrosis(HBVLF),occurring as a result of HBV-induced chronic hepatitis,is a reversible,intermediate stage of chronic hepatitis B(CHB) and liver cirrhosis. Therefore,defining the pathogenesis of HBVLF is of practical significance for achieving better clinical outcomes. Recently,the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells was considered to be pivotal in the process of HBVLF. To better uncover the underlying mechanisms,in this review,we systematically retrospect the impacts of different CD4+T-cell subsets on CHB and HBVLF. We emphasize CD4+ T-cell homeostasis and the important balance between regulatory T(Treg) and T helper 17(Th17) cells. We discuss some cytokines associated with Treg and Th17 cells such as interleukin(IL)-17,IL-22,IL-21,IL-23,IL-10,IL-35 and IL-33,as well as surface molecules such as programmed cell death protein 1,cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4,T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 and cannabinoid receptor 2 that have potential therapeutic implications for the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells in CHB and HBVLF.展开更多
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） is characterized by an irreversible limitation on pulmonary airflow associated with chronic inflammation and mucous hypersecretion （chronic bronchitis） and/or the patho...Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） is characterized by an irreversible limitation on pulmonary airflow associated with chronic inflammation and mucous hypersecretion （chronic bronchitis） and/or the pathological destruction of alveolar airspaces leading to emphysema. COPD, predominantly as a result of tobacco smoke exposure, represents the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. Despite this, much of the basic mechanisms which contribute to disease progression remain to be elucidated and current therapeutic approaches are, for the most part, based upon alleviating patient symptoms （bronchodilators） as opposed to treating the underlying pathological mechanisms triggered in response to cigarette smoke exposure. The classic disease paradigm suggests that an imbalance of pulmonary matrix proteases versus anti-proteases underlies the tissue destruction and inflammation associated with COPD. However, there is a growing appreciation of the complex and multifaceted nature of the pathological mechanisms associated with disease progression. Recently, there has been mounting evidence indicating that COPD patients exhibit many of the characteristics of a classical autoimmune response. We will discuss current evidence in support of this paradigm and outline how future therapeutic approaches may be tailored to address this.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the effect of interleukin(IL)-22 onhepatic fibrosis in mice and the possible mechanism involved.METHODS:Liver fibrosis was induced in male BALB/c mice by CCl4.Recombinant IL-22(rm IL-22) was adminis...AIM:To investigate the effect of interleukin(IL)-22 onhepatic fibrosis in mice and the possible mechanism involved.METHODS:Liver fibrosis was induced in male BALB/c mice by CCl4.Recombinant IL-22(rm IL-22) was administered intraperitoneally in CCl4-treated mice.Fibrosis was assessed by histology and Masson staining.The activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) was investigated by analysis of α-smooth muscle actin expression.The frequencies of T helper(Th) 22 cells,Th17 cells and Th1 cells,the expression of inflammatory cytokines [IL-22,IL-17 A,interferon-γ(IFN-γ),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-6,IL-1b] and transcription factors [aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AHR),RAR-related orphan receptor(RORγt),T-bet] m RNA in the liver were investigated.In addition,the plasma levels of IL-22,IL-17 A,IFN-γ,TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1b were evaluated.RESULTS:Significant elevations in circulating Th22 cells,Th17 cells,Th1 cells,IL-22,IL-17 A,and IFN-γ were observed in the hepatic fibrosis group compared with the control group(P < 0.01).Treatment with rm IL-22 in mice with hepatic fibrosis ameliorated the severity of hepatic fibrosis,which was confirmed by lower hepatic fibrosis pathological scores(P < 0.01).Rm IL-22 decreased the frequencies of Th22 cells(6.71% ± 0.97% vs 8.09% ± 0.74%,P < 0.01),Th17 cells(4.34% ± 0.37% vs 5.71% ± 0.24%,P < 0.01),Th1 cells(3.09% ± 0.49% vs 4.91% ± 0.73%,P < 0.01),and the levels of IL-22(56.23 ± 3.08 vs 70.29 ± 3.01,P < 0.01),IL-17A(30.74 ± 2.77 vs 45.68 ± 2.71,P < 0.01),and IFN-γ(74.78 ± 2.61 vs 124.89 ± 2.82,P < 0.01).Down-regulation of IL-22,IL-17 A,IFN-γ,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1b,AHR RORγt,and T-bet gene expression in the liver was observed in the rm IL-22 group(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:The frequencies of Th22,Th17 andTh1 cells are elevated in hepatic fibrosis.Rm IL-22 can attenuate HSC activation and down-regulate the levels of inflammatory cytokines,thereby ameliorating liver fibrogenesis.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The exact etiology and pathology of IBD remain unknown. Available evidence suggests that an abnormal immune response against the mi...Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The exact etiology and pathology of IBD remain unknown. Available evidence suggests that an abnormal immune response against the microorganisms in the intestine is responsible for the disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Dysregulation of immune response in the intestine plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of IBD, involving a wide range of molecules including cytokines. On the other hand, besides T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cell immune responses, other subsets of T cells, namely Th17 and regulatory T cells, are likely associated with disease progression. Studying the interactions between various constituents of the innate and adaptive immune systems will certainly open new horizons of the knowledge about the immunologic mechanisms in IBD. (c) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.展开更多
AIM To investigate the levels, ratios, and clinical significance of T helper 17(Th17) cells and regulatory T(Treg) cells in the peripheral blood of patients with autoimmune liver disease(AILD). METHODS F o r t y-t w o...AIM To investigate the levels, ratios, and clinical significance of T helper 17(Th17) cells and regulatory T(Treg) cells in the peripheral blood of patients with autoimmune liver disease(AILD). METHODS F o r t y-t w o A I L D p a t i e n t s w e r e i n c l u d e d i n t h e experimental group(group E), and 11 healthy subjects were recruited as the control group(group C). Flow cytometry was performed to determine the percentages of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Furthermore, a range of biochemical indices was measured simultaneously in the blood of group E patients. RESULTS The percentage of Th17 cells and the Th17/Treg ratio were higher in group E than in group C(P < 0.01), whereas the percentage of Tregs was lower in the group E patients(P < 0.05). Patients in group E who were admitted with AILD in the active stage showed significantly higher Th17 percentages and Th17/Treg ratios than those measured in patients with AILD in remission(P < 0.05). In addition, among patients with AILD in the active stage, individuals that remained unhealed after hospitalization showed significantly higher baseline values of the Th17 percentage and the Th17/Treg ratio than those detected in patients who improved after treatment(P < 0.05). The results suggested that imbalance in the Th17/Treg ratio plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of AILD.CONCLUSION A high Th17/Treg ratio appears to predict poor shortterm prognosis in patients with AILD in the active stage.展开更多
Background Interleukin-l7 （IL-17）, which exerts strong pro-inflammatory effects, has emerged as an important mediator in inflammation-associated cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between...Background Interleukin-l7 （IL-17）, which exerts strong pro-inflammatory effects, has emerged as an important mediator in inflammation-associated cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between IL-17 and tumor associated macrophages （TAMs）, and the correlation of the microvessel density in the development of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma （LSCC）.Methods Histopathological observations and immunohistochemistry staining for IL-17, CD68, and CD34 were performed on 72 specimens （32 cases of LSCC, 20 cases of adjacent tissues of carcinoma as controls, and 20 cases of chronic hypertrophic laryngitis）. Double immunohistochemical staining was done to determine which cells expressed IL-17. Real-time quantitative PCR determined the mRNA expression of IL-17. ELISA was used to detect the expression of the serum level of IL-17 in the three groups.Results The inflammation response had increased in LSCC. Overexpression of IL-17 and CD68 protein were seen in LSCC （P 〈0.01）. The expression of IL-17 was different between well and poorly differentiated LSCC （P 〈0.01）. The IL-17 expressing cells were mainly located in macrophages （CD68＋/IL17＋） as demonstrated by double immunohistochemical staining. IL-17 expression significantly correlated with high microvessel density （CD34＋） in LSCC （P 〈0.05）. Relatively higher mRNA expression levels of IL-17 were seen in LSCC compared to the controls （P 〈0.05）. The serum expression of IL-17 was similar among the three groups （P 〉0.05）.Conclusion IL-17 was expressed by TAMs, and IL-17 may significantly correlate to the differentiation and angiogenesis in the development of LSCC.展开更多
AIM To investigate the role of regulatory T cell(Treg) subsets in the balance between Treg and T helper 17(Th17) cells in various tissues from mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.METHODS T r e g c e l l s...AIM To investigate the role of regulatory T cell(Treg) subsets in the balance between Treg and T helper 17(Th17) cells in various tissues from mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.METHODS T r e g c e l l s, T r e g c e l l s u b s e t s, T h 1 7 c e l l s, a n d CD4+CD25+FoxP 3+IL-17+ cells from the lamina propria of colon(LPC) and other ulcerative colitis(UC) mouse tissues were evaluated by flow cytometry. Forkhead box protein 3(FoxP 3), interleukin 17A(IL-17A), and RORC m RNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR, while interleukin-10(IL-10) and IL-17 A levels were detected with a Cytometric Beads Array.RESULTS In peripheral blood monocytes(PBMC), mesenteric lymphnode(MLN), lamina propria of jejunum(LPJ) and LPC from UC mice, Treg cell numbers were increased(P < 0.05), and FoxP 3 and IL-10 mR NA levels were decreased. Th17 cell numbers were also increased in PBMC and LPC, as were IL-17 A levels in PBMC, LPJ, and serum. The number of FrI subset cells(CD4+CD45RA+FoxP 3low) was increased in the spleen, MLN, LPJ, and LPC. FrI I subset cells(CD4+CD45RA-Fox P3high) were decreased among PBMC, MLN, LPJ, and LPC, but the number of Fr III cells(CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low) and CD4+CD25+FoxP 3+IL-17A+ cells was increased. Fox P3 m RNA levels in CD4+CD45RA-Fox P3 low cells decreased in PBMC, MLN, LPJ, and LPC in UC mice, while IL-17 A and RORC mR NA increased. In UC mice the distribution of Treg, Th17 cells, CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3high, and CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low cells was higher in LPC relative to other tissues.CONCLUSION Increased numbers of CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low cells may cause an imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells that is mainly localized to the LPC rather than secondary lymphoid tissues.展开更多
文摘CD4＋ helper T （TH） cells play crucial roles in immune responses. Recently a novel subset of TH cells, termed THIL-17, TH 17 or inflammatory TH （THi）, has been identified as critical mediators of tissue inflammation. These cells produce IL-17 （also called IL-17A） and IL-17F, two most homologous cytokines sharing similar regulations. Here we report that when overexpressed in 293T cells, IL-17 and IL-17F form not only homodimers but also heterodimers, which we name as IL-17A/F. Fully differentiated mouse THi cells also naturally secrete IL-17A/F as well as IL-17 and IL-17F homodimeric cytokines. Recombinant IL-17A/F protein exhibits intermediate levels of potency in inducing IL-6 and KC （CXCL 1） as compared to homodimeric cytokines. IL-17A/F regulation of IL-6 and KC expression is dependent on IL-17RA and TRAF6. Thus, IL-17A/F cytokine represents another mechanism whereby T cells regulate inflammatory responses and may serve as a novel target for treating various immune-mediated diseases.
基金Supported by NIH KO8 DK093578CCFA Career Development Award 3467(DQS)F Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from a complex series of interactions between susceptibility genes, the environment, and the immune system. The host microbiome, as well as viruses and fungi, play important roles in the development of IBD either by causing inflammation directly or indirectly through an altered immune system. New technologies have allowed researchers to be able to quantify the various components of the microbiome, which will allow for future developments in the etiology of IBD. Various components of the mucosal immune system are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and include intestinal epithelial cells, innate lymphoid cells, cells of the innate (macrophages/monocytes, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) and adaptive (T-cells and B-cells) immune system, and their secreted mediators (cytokines and chemokines). Either a mucosal susceptibility or defect in sampling of gut luminal antigen, possibly through the process of autophagy, leads to activation of innate immune response that may be mediated by enhanced toll-like receptor activity. The antigen presenting cells then mediate the differentiation of naïve T-cells into effector T helper (Th) cells, including Th1, Th2, and Th17, which alter gut homeostasis and lead to IBD. In this review, the effects of these components in the immunopathogenesis of IBD will be discussed.
文摘Background and objective： Umbilical cord （UC）-derived mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） have shown immunoregulation of various immune cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of UC MSCs in the regulation of peripheral regulatory T cells （Treg） and T helper 17 （Th17） cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE）. Methods： Thirty patients with active SLE, refractory to conventional therapies, were given UC MSCs infusions. The percentages of peripheral blood CD4＋CD25＋Foxp3＋ regulatory T cells （Treg） and CD3＋CD8-1L17A＋ Th17 cells and the mean fluorescence intensities （MFI） of Foxp3 and IL- 17 were measured at I week, I month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after MSCs transplantation （MSCT）. Serum cytokines, including transforming growth factor beta （TGF-β）, tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α）, interleukin 6 （IL-6）, and IL-17A were detected using ELISA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients were collected and co-cultured with UC MSCs at ratios of 1：1, 10：1, and 50：1, respectively, for 72 h to detect the proportions of Treg and Th17 cells and the MFIs of Foxp3 and IL-17 were determined by flow cytometry. The cytokines in the supernatant solution were detected using ELISA. Inhibitors targeting TGF-β, IL-6, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase （IDO）, and prostaglandin E2 were added to the co-culture system, and the percentages of Treg and Th17 cells were observed. Results： The percentage of peripheral Treg and Foxp3 MFI increased 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after UC MSCs transplantation, while the Th17 proportion and MFI of IL-17 decreased 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the treatment, along with an increase in serum TGF-β at I week, 3 months, and 12 months and a decrease in serum TNF-a beginning at I week. There were no alterations in serums IL-6 and IL-17A before or after MSCT. In vitro studies showed that the UC MSCs dose-dependently up-regulated peripheral Treg proportion in SLE patients, which was no
基金Supported by The Major National Science and Technology Projects for Infectious Diseases (11th and 12th Five Year, China),No. 2008ZX10002-007, No. 2012ZX10002-007the Foundation of Shaanxi Provincial Science and Technology Plan Projects,No. 2011K14-09-09
文摘AIM: To investigate the role of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).METHODS: We enrolled 79 patients with HBV infection into the study, 50 patients with HBV-related ACLF and 29 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), from the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College from January 2009 to June 2012. The ACLF patients were diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by The 19th Conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver in 2009. Twenty healthy individuals with a similar gender and age structures to the two patient groups were also included as the normal controls (NC). Of the 50 ACLF patients, 28 were subsequently classified as non-survivors: 19 patients died from multiorgan failure, 3 underwent liver transplantation, and 6 discontinued therapy during follow-up because of financial reasons. The remaining 22 ACLF patients whose liver and anticoagulation function recovered to nearly normal levels within the next 6 mo were classified as survivors. The number of circulating Treg and Th17 cells was determined upon diagnosis and during the 8th week of follow-up through flow cytometry. RESULTS: The percentage of circulating Treg cells in the ACLF group was significantly higher than that in the CHB group (5.50% ± 1.15% vs 3.30% ± 1.13%, P < 0.01). The percentages of circulating Th17 cells in the ACLF and the CHB groups were significantly higher than that in the NC group (6.32% ± 2.22% vs 1.56% ± 0.44%, P < 0.01; 3.53% ± 1.65% vs 1.56% ± 0.44%, P < 0.01). No significant difference in Treg cell to Th17 cell ratio was observed between the ACLF group and the CHB group (0.98 ± 0.44 vs 1.12 ± 0.64, P = 0.991), whereas those in the two HBV infection groups were significantly lower than that in the NC group (1.85 ± 1.22; both P < 0.01). The percentage of Treg cells in the survivors during the 8th week of follow-up was significantly lower than that during peak ACLF severity [total bilirubin (TBIL)
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2018YFC1313105)the third batch of public welfare development and reform pilot projects of Beijing Municipal Medical Research Institutes(Beijing Medical Research Institute,2019-1)Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals’Ascent Plan(No.DFL 20181102)。
文摘Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the major cancers in China and all over the world.Most GCs are diagnosed at an advanced stage with unfavorable prognosis.Along with some other countries,China has developed the government-funded national screening programs for GC and other major cancers.GC screening has been shown to effectively decrease the incidence of and mortality from GC in countries adopting nationwide screening programs(Japan and Korea)and in studies based on selected Chinese populations.The screening of GC relies mostly on gastroendoscopy,the accuracy,reliability and safety of which have been indicated by previous studies.However,considering its invasive screening approach,requirements on skilled endoscopists and pathologists,and a high cost,developing noninvasive methods to amend endoscopic screening would be highly needed.Numerous studies have examined biomarkers for GC screening and the combination of biomarkers involving pepsinogen,gastrin,and Helicobacter pylori antibodies has been proposed for risk stratification,seeking to narrow down the high-risk populations for further endoscopy.Despite all the achievements of endoscopic screening,evidence on appropriate screening age,intervals for repeated screening,novel biomarkers promoting precision prevention,and health economics need to be accumulated to inform policymakers on endoscopic screening in China.With the guide of Health China 2030 Planning Outline,we have golden opportunities to promote prevention and control of GC.In this review,we summarize the characteristics of screening programs in China and other East Asian countries and introduce the past and current approaches and strategies for GC screening,aiming for featuring the latest advances and key challenges,and illustrating future visions of GC screening.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81070341 and No.81270517
文摘Immune-mediated liver injury is widely seen during hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection. Unsuccessful immune clearance of HBV results in chronic hepatitis and increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV-related liver fibrosis(HBVLF),occurring as a result of HBV-induced chronic hepatitis,is a reversible,intermediate stage of chronic hepatitis B(CHB) and liver cirrhosis. Therefore,defining the pathogenesis of HBVLF is of practical significance for achieving better clinical outcomes. Recently,the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells was considered to be pivotal in the process of HBVLF. To better uncover the underlying mechanisms,in this review,we systematically retrospect the impacts of different CD4+T-cell subsets on CHB and HBVLF. We emphasize CD4+ T-cell homeostasis and the important balance between regulatory T(Treg) and T helper 17(Th17) cells. We discuss some cytokines associated with Treg and Th17 cells such as interleukin(IL)-17,IL-22,IL-21,IL-23,IL-10,IL-35 and IL-33,as well as surface molecules such as programmed cell death protein 1,cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4,T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 and cannabinoid receptor 2 that have potential therapeutic implications for the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells in CHB and HBVLF.
文摘Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） is characterized by an irreversible limitation on pulmonary airflow associated with chronic inflammation and mucous hypersecretion （chronic bronchitis） and/or the pathological destruction of alveolar airspaces leading to emphysema. COPD, predominantly as a result of tobacco smoke exposure, represents the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. Despite this, much of the basic mechanisms which contribute to disease progression remain to be elucidated and current therapeutic approaches are, for the most part, based upon alleviating patient symptoms （bronchodilators） as opposed to treating the underlying pathological mechanisms triggered in response to cigarette smoke exposure. The classic disease paradigm suggests that an imbalance of pulmonary matrix proteases versus anti-proteases underlies the tissue destruction and inflammation associated with COPD. However, there is a growing appreciation of the complex and multifaceted nature of the pathological mechanisms associated with disease progression. Recently, there has been mounting evidence indicating that COPD patients exhibit many of the characteristics of a classical autoimmune response. We will discuss current evidence in support of this paradigm and outline how future therapeutic approaches may be tailored to address this.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81260083Grants from the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation of China,No.2014jj AA40237
文摘AIM:To investigate the effect of interleukin(IL)-22 onhepatic fibrosis in mice and the possible mechanism involved.METHODS:Liver fibrosis was induced in male BALB/c mice by CCl4.Recombinant IL-22(rm IL-22) was administered intraperitoneally in CCl4-treated mice.Fibrosis was assessed by histology and Masson staining.The activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) was investigated by analysis of α-smooth muscle actin expression.The frequencies of T helper(Th) 22 cells,Th17 cells and Th1 cells,the expression of inflammatory cytokines [IL-22,IL-17 A,interferon-γ(IFN-γ),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-6,IL-1b] and transcription factors [aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AHR),RAR-related orphan receptor(RORγt),T-bet] m RNA in the liver were investigated.In addition,the plasma levels of IL-22,IL-17 A,IFN-γ,TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1b were evaluated.RESULTS:Significant elevations in circulating Th22 cells,Th17 cells,Th1 cells,IL-22,IL-17 A,and IFN-γ were observed in the hepatic fibrosis group compared with the control group(P < 0.01).Treatment with rm IL-22 in mice with hepatic fibrosis ameliorated the severity of hepatic fibrosis,which was confirmed by lower hepatic fibrosis pathological scores(P < 0.01).Rm IL-22 decreased the frequencies of Th22 cells(6.71% ± 0.97% vs 8.09% ± 0.74%,P < 0.01),Th17 cells(4.34% ± 0.37% vs 5.71% ± 0.24%,P < 0.01),Th1 cells(3.09% ± 0.49% vs 4.91% ± 0.73%,P < 0.01),and the levels of IL-22(56.23 ± 3.08 vs 70.29 ± 3.01,P < 0.01),IL-17A(30.74 ± 2.77 vs 45.68 ± 2.71,P < 0.01),and IFN-γ(74.78 ± 2.61 vs 124.89 ± 2.82,P < 0.01).Down-regulation of IL-22,IL-17 A,IFN-γ,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1b,AHR RORγt,and T-bet gene expression in the liver was observed in the rm IL-22 group(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:The frequencies of Th22,Th17 andTh1 cells are elevated in hepatic fibrosis.Rm IL-22 can attenuate HSC activation and down-regulate the levels of inflammatory cytokines,thereby ameliorating liver fibrogenesis.
基金Supported by Grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81061120521 and No.81270470Shanghai Science and Technology Commission,No.12XD1404000
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The exact etiology and pathology of IBD remain unknown. Available evidence suggests that an abnormal immune response against the microorganisms in the intestine is responsible for the disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Dysregulation of immune response in the intestine plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of IBD, involving a wide range of molecules including cytokines. On the other hand, besides T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cell immune responses, other subsets of T cells, namely Th17 and regulatory T cells, are likely associated with disease progression. Studying the interactions between various constituents of the innate and adaptive immune systems will certainly open new horizons of the knowledge about the immunologic mechanisms in IBD. (c) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
基金Supported by the Tianqing Liver Disease Research Foundation,China Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control,No.TQGB20150026Kejiaoxingwei Project of Suzhou,No.KJXW2016004
文摘AIM To investigate the levels, ratios, and clinical significance of T helper 17(Th17) cells and regulatory T(Treg) cells in the peripheral blood of patients with autoimmune liver disease(AILD). METHODS F o r t y-t w o A I L D p a t i e n t s w e r e i n c l u d e d i n t h e experimental group(group E), and 11 healthy subjects were recruited as the control group(group C). Flow cytometry was performed to determine the percentages of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Furthermore, a range of biochemical indices was measured simultaneously in the blood of group E patients. RESULTS The percentage of Th17 cells and the Th17/Treg ratio were higher in group E than in group C(P < 0.01), whereas the percentage of Tregs was lower in the group E patients(P < 0.05). Patients in group E who were admitted with AILD in the active stage showed significantly higher Th17 percentages and Th17/Treg ratios than those measured in patients with AILD in remission(P < 0.05). In addition, among patients with AILD in the active stage, individuals that remained unhealed after hospitalization showed significantly higher baseline values of the Th17 percentage and the Th17/Treg ratio than those detected in patients who improved after treatment(P < 0.05). The results suggested that imbalance in the Th17/Treg ratio plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of AILD.CONCLUSION A high Th17/Treg ratio appears to predict poor shortterm prognosis in patients with AILD in the active stage.
文摘Background Interleukin-l7 （IL-17）, which exerts strong pro-inflammatory effects, has emerged as an important mediator in inflammation-associated cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between IL-17 and tumor associated macrophages （TAMs）, and the correlation of the microvessel density in the development of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma （LSCC）.Methods Histopathological observations and immunohistochemistry staining for IL-17, CD68, and CD34 were performed on 72 specimens （32 cases of LSCC, 20 cases of adjacent tissues of carcinoma as controls, and 20 cases of chronic hypertrophic laryngitis）. Double immunohistochemical staining was done to determine which cells expressed IL-17. Real-time quantitative PCR determined the mRNA expression of IL-17. ELISA was used to detect the expression of the serum level of IL-17 in the three groups.Results The inflammation response had increased in LSCC. Overexpression of IL-17 and CD68 protein were seen in LSCC （P 〈0.01）. The expression of IL-17 was different between well and poorly differentiated LSCC （P 〈0.01）. The IL-17 expressing cells were mainly located in macrophages （CD68＋/IL17＋） as demonstrated by double immunohistochemical staining. IL-17 expression significantly correlated with high microvessel density （CD34＋） in LSCC （P 〈0.05）. Relatively higher mRNA expression levels of IL-17 were seen in LSCC compared to the controls （P 〈0.05）. The serum expression of IL-17 was similar among the three groups （P 〉0.05）.Conclusion IL-17 was expressed by TAMs, and IL-17 may significantly correlate to the differentiation and angiogenesis in the development of LSCC.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81300294State Scholarship Fund of China,No.201509110033
文摘AIM To investigate the role of regulatory T cell(Treg) subsets in the balance between Treg and T helper 17(Th17) cells in various tissues from mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.METHODS T r e g c e l l s, T r e g c e l l s u b s e t s, T h 1 7 c e l l s, a n d CD4+CD25+FoxP 3+IL-17+ cells from the lamina propria of colon(LPC) and other ulcerative colitis(UC) mouse tissues were evaluated by flow cytometry. Forkhead box protein 3(FoxP 3), interleukin 17A(IL-17A), and RORC m RNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR, while interleukin-10(IL-10) and IL-17 A levels were detected with a Cytometric Beads Array.RESULTS In peripheral blood monocytes(PBMC), mesenteric lymphnode(MLN), lamina propria of jejunum(LPJ) and LPC from UC mice, Treg cell numbers were increased(P < 0.05), and FoxP 3 and IL-10 mR NA levels were decreased. Th17 cell numbers were also increased in PBMC and LPC, as were IL-17 A levels in PBMC, LPJ, and serum. The number of FrI subset cells(CD4+CD45RA+FoxP 3low) was increased in the spleen, MLN, LPJ, and LPC. FrI I subset cells(CD4+CD45RA-Fox P3high) were decreased among PBMC, MLN, LPJ, and LPC, but the number of Fr III cells(CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low) and CD4+CD25+FoxP 3+IL-17A+ cells was increased. Fox P3 m RNA levels in CD4+CD45RA-Fox P3 low cells decreased in PBMC, MLN, LPJ, and LPC in UC mice, while IL-17 A and RORC mR NA increased. In UC mice the distribution of Treg, Th17 cells, CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3high, and CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low cells was higher in LPC relative to other tissues.CONCLUSION Increased numbers of CD4+CD45RA-FoxP 3low cells may cause an imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells that is mainly localized to the LPC rather than secondary lymphoid tissues.
