Purpose of Review
Systemic inflammation increases as a consequence of aging (inflammaging) and contributes to age-related morbidities. Inflammation in people living with HIV is elevated compared with ...the general population even after prolonged suppression of viremia with anti-retroviral therapy. Mechanisms that contribute to inflammation during aging and in treated HIV disease are potentially interactive, leading to an exaggerated inflammatory phenotype in people with HIV.
Recent Findings
Recent studies highlight roles for anti-retroviral therapy, co-infections, immune system alterations, and microbiome perturbations as important contributors to HIV-associated inflammation. These factors likely contribute to increased risk of age-related morbidities in people living with HIV.
Summary
Understanding mechanisms that exaggerate the inflammaging process in people with HIV may lead to improved intervention strategies, ultimately, extending both lifespan and healthspan.
The molecular mechanism of Salinomycin's toxicity is not fully understood. Various studies reported that Ca2+, cytochrome c, and caspase activation play a role in Salinomycin-induced cytotoxicity. ...Furthermore, Salinomycin may target Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote differentiation and thus elimination of cancer stem cells. In this study, we show a massive autophagic response to Salinomycin (substantially stronger than to commonly used autophagic inducer Rapamycin) in prostrate-, breast cancer cells, and to lesser degree in human normal dermal fibroblasts. Interestingly, autophagy induced by Salinomycin is a cell protective mechanism in all tested cancer cell lines. Furthermore, Salinomycin induces mitophagy, mitoptosis and increased mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψ) in a subpopulation of cells. Salinomycin strongly, and in time-dependent manner decreases cellular ATP level. Contrastingly, human normal dermal fibroblasts treated with Salinomycin show some initial decrease in mitochondrial mass, however they are largely resistant to Salinomycin-triggered ATP-depletion. Our data provide new insight into the molecular mechanism of preferential toxicity of Salinomycin towards cancer cells, and suggest possible clinical application of Salinomycin in combination with autophagy inhibitors (i.e. clinically-used Chloroquine). Furthermore, we discuss preferential Salinomycins toxicity in the context of Warburg effect.
•We show how Salinomycin, that preferentially kills cancer stem cells, achieves it.•We show how Salinomycin discriminates between normal and cancer cells.•We set Salinomycin's action in the context of energy metabolism in cancer cells.•We employ diverse methods, and cells deficient in genes of interest.•Salinomycin may be combined with autophagy inhibitors for cancer treatment.
Obesity is an increasingly serious socioeconomic and clinical problem. Between (1/4)-(1/3) of population in the developed countries can be classified as obese. Four major etiological factors for ...development of obesity are genetic determinants, environmental factors, food intake and exercise. Obesity increases the risk of the development of various pathologic conditions including: insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, endocrine problems, and certain forms of cancer. Thus, obesity is a negative determinant for longevity. In this review we provide broad overview of pathophysiology of obesity. We also discuss various available, and experimental therapeutic methods. We highlight functions of adipocytes including fat storing capacity and secretory activity resulting in numerous endocrine effects like leptin, IL-6, adiponectin, and resistin. The anti-obesity drugs are classified according to their primary action on energy balance. Major classes of these drugs are: appetite suppressants, inhibitors of fat absorption (i.e. orlistat), stimulators of thermogenesis and stimulators of fat mobilization. The appetite suppressants are further divided into noradrenergic agents, (i.e. phentermine, phendimetrazine, benzphetamine, diethylpropion), serotoninergic agents (i.e. dexfenfluramine), and mixed noradrenergic-serotoninergic agents (i.e. sibutramine). Thus, we highlight recent advances in the understanding of the central neural control of energy balance, current treatment strategies for obesity and the most promising targets for the development of novel anti-obesity drugs.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains an important cause of morbidity in the general population and risk for ASCVD is increased approximately 2-fold in persons living with HIV ...infection (PLWH). This risk is linked to elevated CD8 T cell counts that are abundant in atherosclerotic plaques and have been implicated in disease pathogenesis yet the mechanisms driving T cell recruitment to and activation within plaques are poorly defined. Here we investigated the role of CD8 T cells in atherosclerosis in a non-human primate model of HIV infection and in the HIV-uninfected elderly; we sought to identify factors that promote the activation, function, and recruitment to endothelium of CX3CR1+ CD8 T cells. We measured elevated expression of CX3CL1 and IL-15, and increased CD8 T cell numbers in the aortas of rhesus macaques infected with SIV or SHIV, and demonstrated similar findings in atherosclerotic vessels of HIV-uninfected humans. We found that recombinant TNF enhanced the production and release of CX3CL1 and bioactive IL-15 from aortic endothelial cells, but not from aortic smooth muscle cells. IL-15 in turn promoted CX3CR1 surface expression on and TNF synthesis by CD8 T cells, and IL-15-treated CD8 T cells exhibited enhanced CX3CL1-dependent chemoattraction toward endothelial cells in vitro. Finally, we show that CD8 T cells in human atherosclerotic plaques have an activated, resident phenotype consistent with in vivo IL-15 and CX3CL1 exposure. In this report, we define a novel model of CD8 T cell involvement in atherosclerosis whereby CX3CL1 and IL-15 operate in tandem within the vascular endothelium to promote infiltration by activated CX3CR1+ memory CD8 T cells that drive further endothelial activation via TNF. We propose that these interactions are prevalent in aging and in PLWH, populations where circulating activated CX3CR1+ CD8 T cell numbers are often expanded.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause compromised respiratory function and thrombotic events. SARS-CoV-2 binds to and mediates downregulation of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on cells that it ...infects. Theoretically, diminished enzymatic activity of ACE2 may result in increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory molecules, angiotensin II, and Bradykinin, contributing to SARS-CoV-2 pathology. Using immunofluorescence microscopy of lung tissues from uninfected, and SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals, we find evidence that ACE2 is highly expressed in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells and significantly reduced along the alveolar lining of SARS-CoV-2 infected lungs.
analyses of primary human cells, indicated that ACE2 is readily detected in pulmonary alveolar epithelial and aortic endothelial cells. Exposure of these cells to spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was sufficient to reduce ACE2 expression. Moreover, exposure of endothelial cells to spike protein-induced dysfunction, caspase activation, and apoptosis. Exposure of endothelial cells to bradykinin caused calcium signaling and endothelial dysfunction (increased expression of von Willibrand Factor and decreased expression of Krüppel-like Factor 2) but did not adversely affect viability in primary human aortic endothelial cells. Computer-assisted analyses of molecules with potential to bind bradykinin receptor B2 (BKRB2), suggested a potential role for aspirin as a BK antagonist. When tested in our
model, we found evidence that aspirin can blunt cell signaling and endothelial dysfunction caused by bradykinin in these cells. Interference with interactions of spike protein or bradykinin with endothelial cells may serve as an important strategy to stabilize microvascular homeostasis in COVID-19 disease.
SARS-CoV-2 causes complex effects on microvascular homeostasis that potentially contribute to organ dysfunction and coagulopathies. SARS-CoV-2 binds to, and causes downregulation of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on cells that it infects. It is thought that reduced ACE2 enzymatic activity can contribute to inflammation and pathology in the lung. Our studies add to this understanding by providing evidence that spike protein alone can mediate adverse effects on vascular cells. Understanding these mechanisms of pathogenesis may provide rationale for interventions that could limit microvascular events associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with increased risk of thromboembolic and cardiovascular comorbid conditions. Although systemic inflammation is linked to ...cardiovascular risk, direct evidence of vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction is lacking. Methods. We examined by immunofluorescence microscopy thoracic aortas from 16 simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)– or simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)–infected and 16 uninfected rhesus macaques. Results. Focal endothelial proliferation and subendothelial inflammatory cells were found in sections of all infected animals, compared with minimal changes in sections from the 16 uninfected controls. In the infected animals, we detected increased endothelial levels of bacterial 16s ribosomal DNA as well as increased subendothelial accumulation of CD68+ monocytes/macrophages (P < .001) and CD8+ T lymphocytes (P < .001). Endothelial dysfunction was manifested by decreased levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (P < .005) and Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) (P < .005). KLF2 expression was decreased in primary human aortic endothelial cells exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide or to oxidized low-density lipoprotein in vitro, and this could be prevented by simvastatin. Conclusions. SIV and SHIV infection lead to endothelial inflammation, dysfunction, and decreased KLF2 expression reflecting early atherosclerotic changes. Translocated bacterial components and lipid oxidation products may induce endothelial dysfunction in HIV infection that could be prevented by statin treatment.
Direct recognition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-infected cells is required for protection by CD4+ T cells. While impaired T cell recognition of Mtb-infected macrophages was demonstrated in ...mice, data are lacking for humans. Using T cells and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from individuals with latent Mtb infection (LTBI), we quantified the frequency of memory CD4+ T cell activation in response to autologous MDMs infected with virulent Mtb. We observed robust T cell activation in response to Mtb infection of M1-like macrophages differentiated using GM-CSF, while M2-like macrophages differentiated using M-CSF were poorly recognized. However, non-infected GM-CSF and M-CSF MDMs loaded with exogenous antigens elicited similar CD4+ T cell activation. IL-10 was preferentially secreted by infected M-CSF MDMs, and neutralization improved T cell activation. These results suggest that preferential infection of macrophages with an M2-like phenotype limits T cell-mediated protection against Mtb. Vaccine development should focus on T cell recognition of Mtb-infected macrophages.
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•Human memory CD4+ T cells recognize Mtb-infected M1 but not M2-like macrophages•Both macrophage subsets activate CD4+ T cells when loaded with inactivated Mtb•IL-10 is preferentially expressed by Mtb-infected M2-like (M-CSF) macrophages•IL-10 neutralization augments T cell recognition of infected M2-like macrophages
Immunology; Immune response; Microbiology
While platelets are the essential mediators of hemostasis, they are being increasingly recognized for their potential of contributing to host defenses. Here, using immunofluorescent microscopy, ...western blot, and ELISA, we found that human β-defensin 3 (hBD-3), an important antimicrobial peptide produced by epithelial cells, can be detected in human platelets and megakaryocytes. Flow cytometry and immuno-electron microscopy revealed hBD-3 on the surface of thrombin activated platelets. Moreover, hBD-3 was also found in platelet derived extracellular vesicles (p-EVs), isolated from platelet poor plasma and from platelet supernatants following thrombin stimulation. Incubation of platelets with hBD-3 peptide resulted in modest platelet activation and pre-incubation of platelets with synthetic hBD-3 prior to exposure to thrombin appeared to increase hBD-3 content in platelet lysates as well as in p-EVs, suggesting that hBD-3 can be initially taken up by platelets, perhaps via their open canalicular system. Interestingly,
exposure of primary human endothelial cells to either hBD-3 peptide or purified p-EVs, caused significant endothelial dysfunction as documented by diminished levels of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Krüppel like factor-2 (KLF-2), and elevated relative expression of von Willebrand Factor (vWF). Pre-incubation of platelets with hBD-3 appeared to augment endothelial dysfunction caused by p-EVs. Overall, the current study provides evidence that hBD-3 enriched EVs can be released by activated platelets and may play a role in positive feedback of platelet activation as well as in endothelial dysfunction. Theoretically, these effects could contribute to both cellular recruitment to the endothelium creating a pro-thrombotic vascular microenvironment which serve as a bridge between innate immunity and hemostasis.
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