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Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Apr 2024, a microsporidian parasite, as one of the stressors that contribute to honey bee decline, has a significant negative impact on the longevity, productivity, and...
, a microsporidian parasite, as one of the stressors that contribute to honey bee decline, has a significant negative impact on the longevity, productivity, and reproductive capacity of honey bee colonies. There are several different strategies for infection control, including natural-based and antibiotic-based products. In this study, we tested wormwood and oak bark-based supplement "Medenko forte" on survival, infection, oxidative stress, and expression of immune-related genes in artificially -infected bees. The results revealed a positive influence on the survival of -infected bees, irrespectively of the moment of supplement application (day 1, day 3, or day 6 after bee emergence), as well as reduction of loads and, consequently, -induced oxidative stress. Supplementation had no negative effects on bee immunity, but better anti- than immune-stimulating effects were affirmed based on expression levels of abaecin, defensin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin genes. In conclusion, the tested supplement "Medenko forte" has great potential in the health protection of -infected bees. However, further investigations need to be performed to elucidate its mechanisms of action.
PubMed: 38672343
DOI: 10.3390/ani14081195 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 2024Nicotine, a naturally occurring alkaloid found in tobacco, is a potent neurotoxin extensively used to control Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a destructive insect pest of...
Nicotine, a naturally occurring alkaloid found in tobacco, is a potent neurotoxin extensively used to control Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a destructive insect pest of rice crops. The insect gut harbors a wide array of resident microorganisms that profoundly influence several biological processes, including host immunity. Maintaining an optimal gut microbiota and immune homeostasis requires a complex network of reciprocal regulatory interactions. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving these symbiotic exchanges, particularly between specific gut microbe and immunity, remain largely unknown in insects. Our previous investigations identified and isolated a nicotine-degrading Burkholderia cepacia strain (BsNLG8) with antifungal properties. Building on those findings, we found that nicotine intake significantly increased the abundance of a symbiotic bacteria BsNLG8, induced a stronger bacteriostatic effect in hemolymph, and enhanced the nicotine tolerance of N. lugens. Additionally, nicotine-induced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibited significant antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. We adopted RNA-seq to explore the underlying immunological mechanisms in nicotine-stressed N. lugens. Bioinformatic analyses identified numerous differentially expressed immune genes, including recognition/immune activation (GRPs and Toll) and AMPs (i.e., Defensin, Lugensin, lysozyme). Temporal expression profiling (12, 24, and 48 hours) of immune genes revealed pattern recognition proteins and immune effectors as primary responders to nicotine-induced stress. Defensin A, a broad-spectrum immunomodulatory cationic peptide, exhibited significantly high expression. RNA interference-mediated silencing of Defensin A reduced the survival, enhanced nicotine sensitivity of N. lugens to nicotine, and decreased the abundance of BsNLG8. The reintroduction of BsNLG8 improved the expression of immune genes, aiding nicotine resistance of N. lugens. Our findings indicate a potential reciprocal immunomodulatory interaction between Defensin A and BsNLG8 under nicotine stress. Moreover, this study offers novel and valuable insights for future research into enhancing nicotine-based pest management programs and developing alternative biocontrol methods involving the implication of insect symbionts.
Topics: Animals; Nicotine; Hemiptera; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Burkholderia cepacia; Defensins; Stress, Physiological; Symbiosis
PubMed: 38663196
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116371 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Apr 2024Colorectal cancer has a low 5-year survival rate and high mortality. Human β-defensin-1 (hBD-1) may play an integral function in the innate immune system, contributing...
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer has a low 5-year survival rate and high mortality. Human β-defensin-1 (hBD-1) may play an integral function in the innate immune system, contributing to the recognition and destruction of cancer cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the process of cell differentiation and growth.
AIM
To investigate the effect of hBD-1 on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and autophagy in human colon cancer SW620 cells.
METHODS
CCK8 assay was utilized for the detection of cell proliferation and determination of the optimal drug concentration. Colony formation assay was employed to assess the effect of hBD-1 on SW620 cell proliferation. Bioinformatics was used to screen potentially biologically significant lncRNAs related to the mTOR pathway. Additionally, p-mTOR (Ser2448), Beclin1, and LC3II/I expression levels in SW620 cells were assessed through Western blot analysis.
RESULTS
hBD-1 inhibited the proliferative ability of SW620 cells, as evidenced by the reduction in the colony formation capacity of SW620 cells upon exposure to hBD-1. hBD-1 decreased the expression of p-mTOR (Ser2448) protein and increased the expression of Beclin1 and LC3II/I protein. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis identified seven lncRNAs (2 upregulated and 5 downregulated) related to the mTOR pathway. The lncRNA TCONS_00014506 was ultimately selected. Following the inhibition of the lncRNA TCONS_00014506, exposure to hBD-1 inhibited p-mTOR (Ser2448) and promoted Beclin1 and LC3II/I protein expression.
CONCLUSION
hBD-1 inhibits the mTOR pathway and promotes autophagy by upregulating the expression of the lncRNA TCONS_00014506 in SW620 cells.
PubMed: 38660658
DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1465 -
Journal of Proteome Research May 2024Alcohol consumption perturbs the gut immune barrier and ultimately results in alcoholic liver diseases, but little is known about how immune-related cells in the gut are...
Alcohol consumption perturbs the gut immune barrier and ultimately results in alcoholic liver diseases, but little is known about how immune-related cells in the gut are perturbed in this process. In this study, we employed laser capture microdissection and a label-free proteomics approach to investigate the consequences of alcohol exposure to the proteomes of crypts and villi in the proximal small intestine. Intestinal tissues from alcohol-fed and pair-fed mice were microdissected to selectively capture cells in the crypts and villi regions, followed by one-pot protein digestion and data-independent LC-MS/MS analysis. We successfully identified over 3000 proteins from each of the crypt or villi regions equivalent to ∼3000 cells. Analysis of alcohol-treated tissues indicated an enhanced alcohol metabolism and reduced levels of α-defensins in crypts, alongside increased lipid metabolism and apoptosis in villi. Immunofluorescence imaging further corroborated the proteomic findings. Our work provides a detailed profiling of the proteomic changes in the compartments of the mouse small intestine and aids in molecular-level understanding of alcohol-induced tissue damage.
Topics: Animals; Intestine, Small; Proteomics; Mice; Ethanol; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Proteome; Laser Capture Microdissection; Chromatography, Liquid; Intestinal Mucosa; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Male; Apoptosis; Lipid Metabolism
PubMed: 38655769
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00037 -
JEADV Clinical Practice Mar 2024Beta-defensins (BDs) are antimicrobial peptides secreted upon epithelial injury. Both chemotactic and antimicrobial properties of BDs function as initial steps in host...
BACKGROUND
Beta-defensins (BDs) are antimicrobial peptides secreted upon epithelial injury. Both chemotactic and antimicrobial properties of BDs function as initial steps in host defense and prime the adaptive immune system in the body. Psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease, has both visible cutaneous manifestations as well as known associations with higher incidence of cardiometabolic complications and vascular inflammation.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to investigate the circulating expression of beta-defensin-2 (BD2) in psoriasis at baseline compared to control subjects, along with changes in BD2 levels following biologic treatment at one-year. The contribution of BD2 to subclinical atherosclerosis is also assessed. In addition, we have sought to unravel signaling mechanisms linking inflammation with BD2 expression.
METHODS
Multimodality imaging as well inflammatory biomarker assays were performed in biologic naïve psoriasis (n=71) and non-psoriasis (n=53) subjects. A subset of psoriasis patients were followed for one-year after biological intervention (anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNFα), n=30; anti-Interleukin17A (IL17A), n=21). Measurements of circulating BD2 were completed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Using HaCaT transformed keratinocytes, expression of BD2 upon cytokine treatment was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and ELISA.
RESULTS
Herein, we confirm that human circulating BD2 levels associate with psoriasis, which attenuate upon biologic interventions (anti-TNFα, anti-IL-17A). A link between circulating BD2 and sub-clinical atherosclerosis markers was not observed. Furthermore, we demonstrate that IL-17A-driven BD2 expression occurs in a Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) and Rac1 GTPase-dependent manner.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings expand on the potential role of BD2 as a tractable biomarker in psoriasis patients and describes the role of an IL-17A-PI3-kinase/Rac signaling axis in regulating BD2 levels in keratinocytes.
PubMed: 38646149
DOI: 10.1002/jvc2.278 -
Integrative and Comparative Biology Apr 2024Organisms produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) either in response to infection (induced) or continuously (constitutively) to combat microbes encountered during normal...
Organisms produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) either in response to infection (induced) or continuously (constitutively) to combat microbes encountered during normal trophic activities and/or through pathogenic infections. The expression of AMPs is tightly regulated often with specificity to particular tissues or developmental stages. As a result, AMPs face varying selective pressures based on the microbes the organism's tissue or developmental stage encounters. Here, we analyzed the evolution and developmental-specific expression of Defensins, which are ancient AMPs in insects, in the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans). Stable fly larvae inhibit microbe-rich environments, whereas adult flies, as blood-feeders, experience comparatively fewer encounters with diverse microbial communities. Using existing RNA-seq datasets, we identified six Defensins that were only expressed in larvae (larval Defensins) and five that were not expressed in larvae (non-larval Defensins). Each of the non-larval Defensins was expressed in at least one adult tissue sample. Half of the larval Defensins were induced by mating or feeding in adults, and all three of the induced Defensins were located downstream of canonical binding sites for an Imd transcription factor involved in the highly conserved NF-κB signaling that regulates induction of AMPs. The larval and non-larval Defensins were located in distinct genomic regions, and the amino acid sequences of the larval Defensins formed a monophyletic clade. There were more amino acid substitutions across non-larval Defensins, with multiple genes losing a highly conserved furin cleavage site thought to be required for the removal of the amino terminus from the mature Defensin domain. However, larval Defensins had a higher proportion of radical amino acid substitutions, altering amino acid size and polarity. Our results reveal insights into the developmental stage-specific regulation of AMPs, and they suggest different regulatory regimes impose unique selection pressures on AMPs, possibly as a result of variation in exposure to microbial communities across development.
PubMed: 38637295
DOI: 10.1093/icb/icae015 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Apr 2024The current study aimed to investigate the effects of ageing on oral immunity using -defensin (DEFB) 1/2 as a marker and evaluate the effects of curcumin (CUR) on these...
The current study aimed to investigate the effects of ageing on oral immunity using -defensin (DEFB) 1/2 as a marker and evaluate the effects of curcumin (CUR) on these processes. The study sample included thirty male C57BL/6J mice divided into three groups based on the treatment method used. The young control (YC) and old control (OC) groups received 0·5 % methylcellulose-400 (CUR vehicle) orally for 5 days, whereas the CUR group of older mice received a CUR solution suspended in 0·5 % methylcellulose-400 (dose: 3·0 mg/kg body). DEFB1/2 and immune indicator levels were measured in the saliva and salivary glands post-treatment. The saliva volume and protein content were significantly reduced in the OC group compared with the YC group. CUR administration restored these parameters, decreased DEFB1 expression in the salivary gland and increased DEFB1/2 secretion and DEFB2 expression. These findings were supported by epigenetic gene regulation and partial cytokine activation from changes in WD40 repeat protein 5, TNF alpha and IL-1beta. CUR can partially restore age-related changes in oral immune responses and promote oral health, thereby preventing frailty in the older population through a nutritional therapeutic pathway.
PubMed: 38634264
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114524000801 -
Open Veterinary Journal Jan 2024Affection with (C. pseudotuberculosis) and development of cellulitis and/or abscess formation with cutaneous lymphangitis in cattle is rare to some extent, so...
Clinicopathological studies on ulcerative lymphangitis in cattle: Alterations in serum inflammatory cytokines, anti-microbial, organs functions, and oxidative stress-related biomarkers.
BACKGROUND
Affection with (C. pseudotuberculosis) and development of cellulitis and/or abscess formation with cutaneous lymphangitis in cattle is rare to some extent, so literature about the biochemical changes that would accompany this infection is rare.
AIM
In this context, the present study was designed to screen the effect of the infection with C. cutaneous lymphangitis on the release of some immune molecules, organ functions, and redox state in Baladi cows.
METHODS
Fourteen Baladi cows from a small dairy farm in El-Behira, Egypt, were selected to complete this study. After bacteriological culture confirmation, seven of them were found suffering from cutaneous lesions due to infection with C. (Diseased group), while the others were healthy (Healthy group). Serum samples were obtained to evaluate the presumptive changes in some clinicopathological parameters.
RESULTS
Serum analysis revealed a significant decrease in the levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-17 as well as a significant decrement in the concentration of beta-defensin (β-defensin) and lipocalin-2. While serum level of interleukin-10 recorded a significant increase in these animals when compared to healthy control animals. Concurrently, the affected animals recorded a significant elevation in serum levels of hepato-cardiac enzymes, urea, and creatinine in addition to disturbance in the serum redox state.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, infection with C. cattle may disturb the defensive immune state, body organ function, and redox state of the animals.
Topics: Female; Cattle; Animals; Lymphangitis; Cytokines; beta-Defensins; Inflammation; Cattle Diseases; Corynebacterium Infections
PubMed: 38633174
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i1.4 -
Heliyon Apr 2024Today, designing nanofibers with antibacterial properties using electrospinning technology is one of the attractive approaches for wound healing.
Evaluation of the wound healing efficacy of new antibacterial polymeric nanofiber based on polyethylene oxide coated with copper nanoparticles and defensin peptide: An to assessment.
OBJECTIVE
Today, designing nanofibers with antibacterial properties using electrospinning technology is one of the attractive approaches for wound healing.
METHODS
: This study aims to fabricate a nanocomposite from polyethylene oxide (PEO) coated with copper nanoparticles (NPs) and defensin peptide with wound healing and antimicrobial properties in different ratios of CuNPs/defensin (2/0 mg), (1.5/0.5 mg), and (1/1 mg) in the fixed contain polymer (98 mg). Then, the nanofiber properties were investigated by SEM, tensile, DSC, and BET analysis. Also, the antibacterial properties against and , antioxidant, and wound healing effects and histological analysis of the designed nanocomposites were evaluated in rat models.
RESULTS
Our SEM images showed that CuNPs and defensin were properly coated on the PEO surface. According to the tensile, DSC, and antibacterial analysis results, the most appropriate feature was related to CuNPs/defensin (1.5/0.5 mg), with maximum elasticity, heat resistance, and antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the designed nanocomposites showed the best performance as a wound closure agent by increasing dermis and epidermis volume density, stimulating fibroblast cells and collagen fiber production, and improving skin vessels.
CONCLUSION
According to our results, PEO nanofibers loaded with CuNPs and defensin have the best potential for wound healing, and they can be used as antibacterial materials in the textile, drug, and medical industries.
PubMed: 38628749
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29542 -
International Journal For Parasitology Apr 2024The interaction between pathogens and vectors' physiology can impact parasite transmission. Studying this interaction at the molecular level can help in developing...
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from Leishmania and bacteria increase gene expression of antimicrobial peptides and gut surface proteins in sand flies.
The interaction between pathogens and vectors' physiology can impact parasite transmission. Studying this interaction at the molecular level can help in developing control strategies. We study leishmaniases, diseases caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted by sand fly vectors, posing a significant global public health concern. Lipophosphoglycan (LPG), the major surface glycoconjugate of Leishmania, has been described to have several roles throughout the parasite's life cycle, both in the insect and vertebrate hosts. In addition, the sand fly midgut possesses a rich microbiota expressing lipopolysaccharides (LPS). However, the effect of LPG and LPS on the gene expression of sand fly midgut proteins or immunity effectors has not yet been documented. We experimentally fed Lutzomyia longipalpis and Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies with blood containing purified LPG from Leishmania infantum, Leishmania major, or LPS from Escherichia coli. The effect on the expression of genes encoding gut proteins galectin and mucin, digestive enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attacin and defensins was assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The gene expression of a mucin-like protein in L. longipalpis was increased by L. infantum LPG and E. coli LPS. The gene expression of a galectin was increased in L. longipalpis by L. major LPG, and in P. papatasi by E. coli LPS. Nevertheless, the gene expression of trypsins and chymotrypsins did not significantly change. On the other hand, both L. infantum and L. major LPG significantly enhanced expression of the AMP attacin in both sand fly species and defensin in L. longipalpis. In addition, E. coli LPS increased the expression of attacin and defensin in L. longipalpis. Our study showed that Leishmania LPG and E. coli LPS differentially modulate the expression of sand fly genes involved in gut maintenance and defence. This suggests that the glycoconjugates from microbiota or Leishmania may increase the vector's immune response and the gene expression of a gut coating protein in a permissive vector.
PubMed: 38626865
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.04.005