The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulates the development of airway remodeling in patients with asthma

Airway remodeling is a key characteristic of chronic asthma, particularly in patients with a fixed airflow limitation. The mechanisms underlying airway remodeling are poorly understood, and no therapeutic option is available. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including fibrosis and smooth muscle hypertrophy. In this study, we investigated the roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in airway remodeling in patients with asthma. Wnt7a mRNA expression was prominent in induced sputum from patients with asthma compared with that from healthy controls. Next, we induced a chronic asthma mouse model with airway remodeling features, including subepithelial fibrosis and airway smooth muscle hyperplasia. Higher expression of Wnt family proteins and β-catenin was detected in the lung tissue of mice with chronic asthma compared to control mice. Blocking β-catenin expression with a specific siRNA attenuated airway inflammation and airway remodeling. Decreased subepithelial fibrosis and collagen accumulation in the β-catenin siRNA-treated mice was accompanied by reduced expression of transforming growth factor-β. We further showed that suppressing β-catenin in the chronic asthma model inhibited smooth muscle hyperplasia by downregulating the tenascin C/platelet-derived growth factor receptor pathway. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is highly expressed and regulates the development of airway remodeling in chronic asthma.     

Attenuation of airway inflammation by simvastatin and the implications for asthma treatment: is the jury still out?

Although some studies have explained the immunomodulatory effects of statins, the exact mechanisms and the therapeutic significance of these molecules remain to be elucidated. This study not only evaluated the therapeutic potential and inhibitory mechanism of simvastatin in an ovalbumin (OVA)-specific asthma model in mice but also sought to clarify the future directions indicated by previous studies through a thorough review of the literature. BALB/c mice were sensitized to OVA and then administered three OVA challenges. On each challenge day, 40 mg kg⁻¹ simvastatin was injected before the challenge. The airway responsiveness, inflammatory cell composition, and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were assessed after the final challenge, and the T cell composition and adhesion molecule expression in lung homogenates were determined. The administration of simvastatin decreased the airway responsiveness, the number of airway inflammatory cells, and the interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13 concentrations in BAL fluid compared with vehicle-treated mice (P<0.05). Histologically, the number of inflammatory cells and mucus-containing goblet cells in lung tissues also decreased in the simvastatin-treated mice. Flow cytometry showed that simvastatin treatment significantly reduced the percentage of pulmonary CD4⁺ cells and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T-cell ratio (P<0.05). Simvastatin treatment also decreased the expression of the vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 proteins, as measured in homogenized lung tissues (P<0.05) and human epithelial cells. The reduction in the T cell influx as a result of the decreased expression of cell adhesion molecules is one of the mechanisms by which simvastatin attenuates airway responsiveness and allergic inflammation. Rigorous review of the literature together with our findings suggested that simvastatin should be further developed as a potential therapeutic strategy for allergic asthma.     

TGF-��-treated antigen presenting cells suppress collagen-induced arthritis through the promotion of Th2 responses

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is mediated by self-reactive CD4⁺ T cells that produce inflammatory cytokines. TGF-β₂-treated tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells (Tol-APCs) are known to induce tolerance in various autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated whether collagen-specific Tol-APCs could induce suppression of CIA. We observed that Tol-APCs could suppress the development and severity of CIA and delay the onset of CIA. Treatment of Tol-APCs reduced the number of IFN-γ- and IL-17-producing CD4⁺ T cells and increased IL-4- and IL-5-producing CD4⁺ T cells upon collagen antigen stimulation in vitro. The suppression of CIA conferred by Tol-APCs correlated with their ability to selectively induce IL-10 production. We also observed that treatment of Tol-APCs inhibited not only cellular immune responses but also humoral immune responses in the process of CIA. Our results suggest that in vitro-generated Tol-APCs have potential therapeutic value for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as well as other autoimmune diseases.     

Regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β in mouse dendritic cells through treatment with Clonorchis sinensis crude antigen

Dendritic cells (DCs), which are regarded as the most potent antigen-presenting cells, are involved in innate and adaptive immunity. Upon uptake of pathogens, DCs express cell surface markers and secrete cytokines. In this study, we analyzed production of cytokines and found that interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β production significantly increased in bone marrow-derived DCs and a mouse DC line, DC2.4, after treatment with crude antigen (CA) from liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis. However, expression patterns of several activation molecules did not change. In addition, following treatment of DC2.4 cells with antigen from the lung fluke, Paragonimus westermani, production of IL-10 and TGF-β significantly increased compared with groups treated with other parasite antigens, Spirometra erinacei plerocercoid CA and Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cystic fluid. We also found that treatment of DC2.4 cells with C. sinensis CA resulted in rapid and significant phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, a mitogen-activated protein kinase. Following treatment of DC2.4 cells with C. sinensis CA, treatment with an inhibitor specific to an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibited production of IL-10 and TGF-β. Our results suggest that CA from C. sinensis has a role in the anti-inflammatory function of DC cells by inducing IL-10 and TGF-β through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2.     

Structure of 1-β-d-xylofuranosyluracil in the crystal and in solution

The molecular and crystal structure of 1-β-d-xylofuranosyluracil hydrate was established by X-ray diffraction analysis. The mutual arrangement of the xylofuranose fragment and the nucleic base corresponds to the anti conformation. The furanose ring adopts a C-envelope conformation. The structure of the nucleoside in a DMSO-d₆ solution has been determined by¹H NMR spectroscopy. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1378–1380, July, 1998.     

Mast cells play a key role in Th2 cytokine-dependent asthma model through production of adhesion molecules by liberation of TNF-α

Mast cells are well recognized as key cells in allergic reactions, such as asthma and allergic airway diseases. However, the effects of mast cells and TNF-α on T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine-dependent asthma are not clearly understood. Therefore, an aim of this study was to investigate the role of mast cells on Th2 cytokine-dependent airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. We used genetically mast cell-deficient WBB6F1/J-Kitw/Kitw-v (W/Wv), congenic normal WBB6F1/J-Kit+/Kit+ (+/+), and mast cell-reconstituted W/Wv mouse models of allergic asthma to investigate the role of mast cells in Th2 cytokine-dependent asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA). And we investigated whether the intratracheal injection of TNF-α directly induce the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in W/Wv mice. This study, with OVA-sensitized and OVA-challenged mice, revealed the following typical histopathologic features of allergic diseases: increased inflammatory cells of the airway, airway hyperresponsiveness, and increased levels of TNF-α, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and vascular cellular adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1. However, the histopathologic features and levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 proteins in W/Wv mice after OVA challenges were significantly inhibited. Moreover, mast cell-reconstituted W/Wv mice showed restoration of histopathologic features and recovery of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 protein levels that were similar to those found in +/+ mice. Intratracheal administration of TNF-α resulted in increased ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 protein levels in W/Wv mice. These results suggest that mast cells play a key role in a Th2 cytokine-dependent asthma model through production of adhesion molecules, including ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, by liberation of TNF-α.     

CXCR4 inhibition suppresses Cd-induced renal oxidative stress,apoptosis, and fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad pathway

This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in cadmium (Cd)-induced renal injury. CXCR4 and TGF-β1/Smad pathway protein levels were detected by western blotting. Indicators related to renal function and oxidative stress factors were assessed and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was evaluated by staining. TUNEL was used to measure apoptosis rate. PAS and Masson's trichrome staining were used to detect the level of renal fibrosis. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Cleaved-caspase 3, fibronectin, and collagen I proteins were detected by western blotting, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence. The expression of CXCR4 was increased in a Cd-induced chronic renal injury model in rats. Si-CXCR4 decreased levels of TGF-β1, TGF-βR1, p-Smad2/Smad2, p-Smad3/Smad3, the renal weight index, urine protein, blood urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, and levels of MDA but raised the levels of SOD and GSH-Px. In addition, si-CXCR4 inhibited apoptosis in Cd-treated rats. CXCR4 inhibition alleviated fibrosis levels in Cd-treated rats. In Cd-treated cells, TGF-β attenuated the suppressive effect of CXCR4 inhibition on the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. TGF-β intervention increased MDA and ROS, and downregulated SOD and GSH-Px. TGF-β attenuated the inhibitory effect of CXCR4 on apoptosis and fibrosis. CXCR4 inhibition decreased levels of Cd-induced renal oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.     

IL-12-STAT4-IFN-�� axis is a key downstream pathway in the development of IL-13-mediated asthma phenotypes in a Th2 type asthma model

IL-4 and IL-13 are closely related cytokines that are produced by Th2 cells. However, IL-4 and IL-13 have different effects on the development of asthma phenotypes. Here, we evaluated downstream molecular mechanisms involved in the development of Th2 type asthma phenotypes. A murine model of Th2 asthma was used that involved intraperitoneal sensitization with an allergen (ovalbumin) plus alum and then challenge with ovalbumin alone. Asthma phenotypes, including airway-hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung inflammation, and immunologic parameters were evaluated after allergen challenge in mice deficient in candidate genes. The present study showed that methacholine AHR and lung inflammation developed in allergen-challenged IL-4-deficient mice but not in allergen-challenged IL-13-deficient mice. In addition, the production of OVA-specific IgG2a and IFN-γ-inducible protein (IP)-10 was also impaired in the absence of IL-13, but not of IL-4. Lung-targeted IFN-γ over-expression in the airways enhanced methacholine AHR and non-eosinophilic inflammation; in addition, these asthma phenotypes were impaired in allergen-challenged IFN-γ-deficient mice. Moreover, AHR, non-eosinophilic inflammation, and IFN-γ expression were impaired in allergen-challenged IL-12Rβ2- and STAT4-deficient mice; however, AHR and non-eosinophilic inflammation were not impaired in allergen-challenged IL-4Rα-deficient mice, and these phenomena were accompanied by the enhanced expression of IL-12 and IFN-γ. The present data suggest that IL-13-mediated asthma phenotypes, such as AHR and non-eosinophilic inflammation, in the Th2 type asthma are dependent on the IL-12-STAT4-IFN-γ axis, and that these asthma phenotypes are independent of IL-4Ralpha-mediated signaling.     

Effect of external factors on the curcumin/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: in vitro and in vivo study

The effect of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) on solubility, stability and oral bioavailability of curcumin by external factors adjustment, was investigated with an aim of a simple, stable and effective formulation. The phase solubility studies showed the solubility of curcumin increased slightly with increasing pH. However, the apparent stability constant (K _S) were found to decrease with increasing pH from 1.29?×?10⁴?M^?1 at pH 3.0 to 5.22?×?10³?M^?1 at pH 7.0. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated for inclusion complex formation in aqueous solution. Interestingly, it could be concluded that the degrees of curcumin stability improved by HPβCD grew with increasing drug–cyclodextrin binding ability. Furthermore, in vivo study not only revealed that the bioavailability of curcumin after oral administration to rats was significantly improved by curcumin/HPβCD inclusion complex, but also showed more dramatic changes in the plasma concentration–time curve (1752.76–866.70?ng?mL^?1?h) and the peak plasma concentration (370.10–178.11?ng?mL^?1) of drug by formation of complexes in pH 3–7 solution.     

The Aggregation Pattern of Aβ1–40 is Altered by the Presence of N-Truncated Aβ4–40 and/or CuII in a Similar Way through Ionic Interactions

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common of the multifactorial diseases and is characterized by a range of abnormal molecular processes, such as the accumulation of extracellular plaques containing the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and dyshomeostasis of copper in the brain. In this study, we have investigated the effect of Cu^II on the aggregation of Aβ_1–40 and Aβ_4–40, representing the two most prevalent families of Aβ peptides, that is, the full length and N-truncated peptides. Both families are similarly abundant in healthy and AD brains. For either of the studied peptides, substoichiometric Cu^II concentrations accelerated aggregation, whereas superstoichiometric Cu^II inhibited fibril formation, likely by stabilizing the oligomers. The addition of either Aβ_4–40 or substoichiometric Cu^II affected the aggregation profile of Aβ_1–40, by yielding shorter and thicker fibrils; amorphous aggregates were formed in the presence of a molar excess of Cu^II. The similarity of these two effects can be attributed to the increase in the positive charge on the Aβ N terminus, caused both by Cu^II complexation and N truncation at position 4. Our findings provide a better understanding of the biological Aβ aggregation process as these two Aβ species and Cu^II coexist and interact under physiological conditions.     

The interaction of biliar acids with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in solution and in the solid state

The interaction of two biliar acids (chenodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid) with 2-hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (HPCD) in solution and in the solid state was studied using different techniques. The formation of an inclusion complex with a 1:1 stoichiometry was suggested by the phase solubility studies. Both differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometry exhibited the amorphous state of the complex. The inclusion of both biliar acids into the HPCD cavity was confirmed by the¹³C-NMR studies. Cholic acid showed a weaker affinity with respect to chenodeoxycholic acid probably owing to the presence of a hydroxyl group onC(12) (12) close to the complexation site.     

Preparation of natural borneol/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and its effect on the absorption of tetramethylpyrazine phosphate in mouse

Natural borneol (NB)/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) inclusion complex has been prepared, and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The phase solubility and release of NB, and its effect on the absorption of tetramethylpyrazine phosphate (TMPP) in mice were also measured. The results demonstrated that NB could be efficiently loaded into HP-β-CD to form an inclusion complex at a mass ratio of 1 : 6, and the inclusion complex had different physicochemical characteristics from free NB. The profile of phase solubility displayed a typical A(L)-type, indicating the formation of 1 : 1 stoichiometric inclusion complex. Additionally, the stability of the inclusion complex was greatly improved compared with that of NB. The results of absorption of TMPP in mouse indicated that NB/HP-β-CD enhanced the absorption of TMPP and the concentration of TMPP in brain tissue, especially in the early period. Both TMPP plasma and brain concentration-time courses in mice were fitted to open two-compartment model with first-order absorption after oral administration of TMPP with NB/HP-β-CD. However, the use of NB/HP-β-CD did not change the in vivo behavior of TMPP. Our results suggest the application potential of NB/HP-β-CD inclusion in pharmaceutics.     

Basic studies of the influence ofβ-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropylβ-cyclodextrin on the photo-oxidation reaction of phenothiazine in inclusion complexes,using fluorescence detection

The photo-oxidation reaction of phenothiazine has been studied in the presence of-cyclodextrin (-CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin (HP -CD). The influence of these organized media on the formation of the oxidation photoproduct upon UV irradiation has been investigated. Phenothiazine forms an inclusion complex with the cyclodextrins. The stoichiometry and formation constant of the complex formed with 2-hydroxypropyl -CD have been calculated using the changes of the fluorescence emission signal and of the absorbance of the drug upon inclusion. An increase of the fluorescence intensity of the photogenerated product is attained when it becomes included inside the cyclodextrin cavity.     

Herringbone and Helical Self-Assembly of π-Conjugated Molecules in the Solid State through CH/π Hydrogen Bonds

Self-organization of organic molecules through weak noncovalent forces such as CH/π interactions and creation of large hierarchical supramolecular structures in the solid state are at the very early stage of research. The present study reports direct evidence for CH/π interaction driven hierarchical self-assembly in π-conjugated molecules based on custom-designed oligophenylenevinylenes (OPVs) whose structures differ only in the number of carbon atoms in the tails. Single-crystal X-ray structures were resolved for these OPV synthons and the existence of long-range multiple-arm CH/π interactions was revealed in the crystal lattices. Alignment of these π-conjugated OPVs in the solid state was found to be crucial in producing either right-handed herringbone packing in the crystal or left-handed helices in the liquid-crystalline mesophase. Pitch- and roll-angle displacements of OPV chromophores were determined to trace the effect of the molecular inclination on the ordering of hierarchical structures. Furthermore, circular dichroism studies on the OPVs were carried out in the aligned helical structures to prove the existence of molecular self-assembly. Thus, the present strategy opens up new approaches in supramolecular chemistry based on weak CH/π hydrogen bonding, more specifically in π-conjugated materials.     

Testing the effect of the cavity size and the number of molecular substitutions in host–guest complexes formed by 2-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrins and n-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside

The thermodynamic characterization of host–guest complex formation processes based on modified cyclodextrins (CDs) presents several difficulties that are absent when using native CDs. They are mainly due to the relatively wide distribution of the degree of molecular substitution and also to the indeterminacy in the location of the modified groups. A more common trouble would arise from the coexistence of coupled processes, such as CD-surfactant complexation and surfactant demicellization. In the present work a reasonable approach based on the analysis of isothermal titration calorimetric measurements is employed to assess the effect of the number of molecular substitutions as well as of the CD cavity size in supra-molecular complexes formed by 2-hydroxypropyl-CDs and n-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside. The employed method considers both first- (1:1) and second-order (1:2 and 2:1) stoichiometries. The results were significantly different from those previously observed for native CDs. The substituted groups increase entropically the stability of 1:1 species based on α-CD, while compete with the surfactant for the CD cavity in the case of 1:1 and 1:2 species based on β- and γ-CD, respectively. Also, the modified β-CD seems to enhance the formation of non-inclusion second-order complexes.     

Palladium-catalyzed highly regioselective 2-arylation of 2,x-dibromopyridines and its application in the efficient synthesis of a 17β-HSD1 inhibitor

2,3- and 2,5-Dibromopyridines reacted with arylboronic acids, catalyzed by Pd(OAc)₂/PPh₃ in the presence of K₂CO₃ in CH₃CN/MeOH (2:1) at 50 °C for 24 h, to afford 2-arylpyridines in good to high yields, while 2,4-dibromopyridine reacted with arylboronic acid pinacol esters, catalyzed by Pd(OAc)₂/PPh₃ in the presence of KOH in CH₃CN at 70 °C for 24 h, to afford 2-arylpyridines in good to high yields. To expand this methodology, a 17β-HSD1 inhibitor was synthesized in good yield.     

β-Ketoaldehydes in the synthesis of 6-alkyl-3-cyano-2(1H)-pyridinethiones

An efficient synthesis of 6-alkyl-3-cyano-2(1H)-pyridinethiones by the reactions of the sodium salts of -ketoaldehydes with cyanothioacetamide was developed. Pyridinethiones undergo selectiveS-alkylation with haloacetonitriles and haloacetophenones followed by cyclization to the corresponding thieno[2,3-b]pyridines.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 4, pp. 727–731, April, 1995.This study was financially supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Project No. 94-03-08-823).     

Role of the V(V)/ 1O2Complex in Oxidative Reactions in the H2O2/V(V)/AcOH System: Oxidation of Alkenes and Anthracenes

Anthracene and its alkyl derivatives undergo oxidation in the V^(V)/H₂O₂/AcOH system via a nonradical mechanism through the intermediate formation of the vanadium(V) complex with singlet dioxygen as a ligand. The ¹O₂molecule is transferred from this complex to an unsaturated substrate. The free singlet dioxygen ¹O₂(¹ _g ) is almost inactive toward anthracene in AcOH solution. Consequently, the vanadium(V) complex with singlet dioxygen is the only oxidant species active in the reaction. The ratio between the rate constant of the reaction of this complex with 2-ethylanthracene and the rate constant of its deactivation is an order of magnitude greater than the ratio between the rate constant of the reaction of dissolved free singlet dioxygen with the same substrate and the rate constant of its deactivation (physical quenching).     

Characterization and reactivity with NO/O2 of the soot formed in the pyrolysis of acetylene–ethanol mixtures

Characterization analyses and soot–O₂ and soot–NO interaction experiments have been performed for soot samples obtained in the pyrolysis of acetylene–ethanol mixtures at different temperatures from 1275 to 1475 K. The objective of these analyses is to address the influence of soot formation conditions on soot properties and structure, as well as on its capability to interact with gaseous compounds.The characterization techniques used are: elemental analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunnauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Raman spectroscopy and X ray diffraction (XRD). The characterization of soot samples is useful to increase the database on soot composition and structure and may help to find a dependence of those characteristics with soot formation conditions and the fuel from which soot is formed. From these data it can be observed a certain degree of graphitization for the soot samples formed at higher temperatures and/or from fuel mixtures with a higher content in ethanol.The interaction of soot with NO and O₂ is investigated in order to analyze the capability of soot to interact with gas reactants. Soot samples formed at the highest temperatures are less reactive towards O₂ and NO than those formed at lower temperatures. Soot samples appear to be more reactive when the fuel mixture presents a lower initial volume of ethanol. These observations can be related to the higher C/H ratio, associated to slightly higher degree of ordering, for the soot samples formed in such conditions. Experimental results have also demonstrated that soot samples are more reactive towards O₂ than NO, although the initial concentration of O₂ is lower.     

Electrochemical study of the thermodynamic properties of matildite (β-AgBiS2) in different temperature and compositional ranges

Thermodynamic properties of matildite (β-AgBiS₂) in equilibrium with sulfur and bismuth have been studied by an EMF method, using the fast Ag⁺ ion-conducting solid electrolytes AgI and RbAg₄I₅. The ternary phases were synthesized from the pure binary compounds. Properties of the electrolytes used have been reviewed, and their usage as pure conductors of Ag⁺ ions in the temperature ranges of the electrochemical cells employed was well defined. The EMF measurements were carried out using the solid-state electrochemical cells Pt(?)|Ag|RbAg₄I₅|β‐AgBiS₂?+?AgBi₃S₅?+?S|Pt(+) and Pt(?)|Ag|AgI|β‐AgBiS₂?+?AgBi₃S₅?+?Bi|C|Pt(+), in the temperature range 325–464 K. Based on the obtained results, thermodynamic functions for the formation of matildite (β-AgBiS₂) at sulfur and bismuth saturation have been determined. The obtained experimental values have been compared with the available literature values. New experimentally determined thermodynamic properties of the bismuth-saturated matildite (β-AgBi_1?+?x S₂) and sulfur-saturated matildite (β-AgBiS_2?+?y ) were generated and analyzed in detail.