Postconditioning has been shown to protect the mouse brain from ischemic injury. However, the neuroprotective mechanisms of postconditioning remain elusive. We have found that toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) plays an integral role in postconditioning-induced neuroprotection through Akt/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation in cerebral ischemia. Compared to animals that received 30 min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) group, animals that also underwent postconditioning showed a significant reduction of up to 60.51% in infarct volume. Postconditioning increased phospho-Akt (p-Akt) levels and NF-κB translocation to the nucleus as early as 1 h after tMCAO and oxygen-glucose deprivation. Furthermore, inhibition of Akt by Akt inhibitor IV decreased NF-κB promoter activity after postconditioning. Immunoprecipitation showed that interactions between TLR5, MyD88, and p-Akt were increased from postconditioning both in vivo and in vitro. Similar to postconditioning, flagellin, an agonist of TLR5, increased NF-κB nuclear translocation and Akt phosphorylation. Our results suggest that postconditioning has neuroprotective effects by activating NF-κB and Akt survival pathways via TLR5 after cerebral ischemia. Additionally, the TLR5 agonist flagellin can simulate the neuroprotective mechanism of postconditioning in cerebral ischemia.
Animals ; Brain ; Brain Ischemia* ; Flagellin ; Immunoprecipitation ; In Vitro Techniques ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; Mice* ; Neuroprotection ; Neuroprotective Agents ; NF-kappa B ; Phosphorylation ; Toll-Like Receptor 5

OBJECTIVE: To determine which ultrasonographic measurement can be used as an indicator reflecting the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), by comparing electrodiagnostic results with ultrasonographic measurements in females. Many previous studies have tried to reveal that the ultrasonography (US) can possibility be used for diagnosis and severity of CTS. However, the criteria are different by gender. Thus far, there have been many efforts towards providing patients with a CTS diagnosis and severity prediction using US, but studies' results are still unclear due to lack of data on gender differences. METHODS: We collected data from 54 female patients. We classified the severity of CTS according to electrodiagnostic results. Ultrasonographic measurements included proximal and distal cross-sectional areas of the median nerve and carpal tunnel. RESULTS: The severity by electrodiagnostic results statistically correlated to the proximal cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve and carpal tunnel. However, there was no relationship between the proximal and distal nerve/tunnel indexes and the severity by electrodiagnostic results. CONCLUSION: In female patients with CTS, the proximal CSAs of the median nerve and carpal tunnel increase. They correlate with the severity by electrodiagnostic findings. The CSA of the proximal median nerve could be particularly used as a predictor of the severity of CTS in female patients. However, the nerve/tunnel index is constant, irrespective of the severity of CTS.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome* ; Diagnosis ; Electrodiagnosis ; Female* ; Humans ; Median Nerve ; Ultrasonography

The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the differentiation and proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hADSCs) represents a critical step in the development of hADSCs-based cellular therapies. To examine the role of the microRNA-103a-3p (miR-103a-3p) in hADSCs functions, miR-103a-3p mimics were transfected into hADSCs in order to overexpress miR-103a-3p. Osteogenic differentiation was induced for 14 days in an osetogenic differentiation medium and assessed by using an Alizarin Red S stain. The regulation of the expression of CDK6 (cyclin-dependent kinase 6), a predicted target of miR-103a-3p, was determined by western blot, real-time PCR and luciferase reporter assays. Overexpression of miR-103a-3p inhibited the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. In addition, it downregulated protein and mRNA levels of predicted target of miR-103a-3p (CDK6 and DICER1). In contrast, inhibition of miR-103a-3p with 2'O methyl antisense RNA increased the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. The luciferase reporter activity of the construct containing the miR-103a-3p target site within the CDK6 and DICER1 3'-untranslated regions was lower in miR-103a-3p-transfected hADSCs than in control miRNA-transfected hADSCs. RNA interference-mediated downregulation of CDK6 and DICER1 in hADSCs inhibited their proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The results of the current study indicate that miR-103a-3p regulates the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs and proliferation of hADSCs by direct targeting of CDK6 and DICER1 partly. These findings further elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing the differentiation and proliferation of hADSCs.
Adipose Tissue/*cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; *Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 6/genetics ; DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics/*metabolism ; *Osteogenesis ; Ribonuclease III/genetics ; Stromal Cells/cytology/metabolism

IL-17 is produced by RAR-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt)-expressing cells including Th17 cells, subsets of γδT cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). The biological significance of IL-17-producing cells is well-studied in contexts of inflammation, autoimmunity and host defense against infection. While most of available studies in tumor immunity mainly focused on the role of T-bet-expressing cells, including cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells and NK cells, and their exhaustion status, the role of IL-17-producing cells remains poorly understood. While IL-17-producing T-cells were shown to be anti-tumorigenic in adoptive T-cell therapy settings, mice deficient in type 17 genes suggest a protumorigenic potential of IL-17-producing cells. This review discusses the features of IL-17-producing cells, of both lymphocytic and myeloid origins, as well as their suggested pro- and/or anti-tumorigenic functions in an organ-dependent context. Potential therapeutic approaches targeting these cells in the tumor microenvironment will also be discussed.
Animals ; Autoimmunity ; Child ; Child, Orphaned ; Friends ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-17 ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Lymphocytes ; Mice ; T-Lymphocytes ; Th17 Cells ; Tumor Microenvironment

IL-17 is produced by RAR-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt)-expressing cells including Th17 cells, subsets of γδT cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). The biological significance of IL-17-producing cells is well-studied in contexts of inflammation, autoimmunity and host defense against infection. While most of available studies in tumor immunity mainly focused on the role of T-bet-expressing cells, including cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells and NK cells, and their exhaustion status, the role of IL-17-producing cells remains poorly understood. While IL-17-producing T-cells were shown to be anti-tumorigenic in adoptive T-cell therapy settings, mice deficient in type 17 genes suggest a protumorigenic potential of IL-17-producing cells. This review discusses the features of IL-17-producing cells, of both lymphocytic and myeloid origins, as well as their suggested pro- and/or anti-tumorigenic functions in an organ-dependent context. Potential therapeutic approaches targeting these cells in the tumor microenvironment will also be discussed.

Objective: To assess whether performing exercises during hemodialysis reduces the risk of developing intradialytic hypotension and enhances exercise capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: This study included patients aged ≥18 years undergoing hemodialysis. Participants performed exercises using a portable lower extremity ergometer during hemodialysis sessions for 3 weeks. Data regarding walking distance, knee strength, quality of life, fat-free mass, arterial pressure, blood pressure, heart rate, frequency of intradialytic hypotension, fatigue, and duration of hemodialysis were collected and analyzed. Results: Significant improvements in walking distance and knee strength were observed following the implementation of exercise training during hemodialysis. Although there was no significant reduction in the frequency of intradialytic hypotension, a decreasing trend was noted. Other parameters such as quality of life and fatigue did not show significant changes. Conclusion Using a portable ergometer during hemodialysis improved exercise capacity and knee strength in patients with chronic kidney disease. There was a trend toward reduced intradialytic hypotension, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings.

Objective: To assess whether performing exercises during hemodialysis reduces the risk of developing intradialytic hypotension and enhances exercise capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: This study included patients aged ≥18 years undergoing hemodialysis. Participants performed exercises using a portable lower extremity ergometer during hemodialysis sessions for 3 weeks. Data regarding walking distance, knee strength, quality of life, fat-free mass, arterial pressure, blood pressure, heart rate, frequency of intradialytic hypotension, fatigue, and duration of hemodialysis were collected and analyzed. Results: Significant improvements in walking distance and knee strength were observed following the implementation of exercise training during hemodialysis. Although there was no significant reduction in the frequency of intradialytic hypotension, a decreasing trend was noted. Other parameters such as quality of life and fatigue did not show significant changes. Conclusion Using a portable ergometer during hemodialysis improved exercise capacity and knee strength in patients with chronic kidney disease. There was a trend toward reduced intradialytic hypotension, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings.

Objective: To assess whether performing exercises during hemodialysis reduces the risk of developing intradialytic hypotension and enhances exercise capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: This study included patients aged ≥18 years undergoing hemodialysis. Participants performed exercises using a portable lower extremity ergometer during hemodialysis sessions for 3 weeks. Data regarding walking distance, knee strength, quality of life, fat-free mass, arterial pressure, blood pressure, heart rate, frequency of intradialytic hypotension, fatigue, and duration of hemodialysis were collected and analyzed. Results: Significant improvements in walking distance and knee strength were observed following the implementation of exercise training during hemodialysis. Although there was no significant reduction in the frequency of intradialytic hypotension, a decreasing trend was noted. Other parameters such as quality of life and fatigue did not show significant changes. Conclusion Using a portable ergometer during hemodialysis improved exercise capacity and knee strength in patients with chronic kidney disease. There was a trend toward reduced intradialytic hypotension, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings.

Objective: To assess whether performing exercises during hemodialysis reduces the risk of developing intradialytic hypotension and enhances exercise capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: This study included patients aged ≥18 years undergoing hemodialysis. Participants performed exercises using a portable lower extremity ergometer during hemodialysis sessions for 3 weeks. Data regarding walking distance, knee strength, quality of life, fat-free mass, arterial pressure, blood pressure, heart rate, frequency of intradialytic hypotension, fatigue, and duration of hemodialysis were collected and analyzed. Results: Significant improvements in walking distance and knee strength were observed following the implementation of exercise training during hemodialysis. Although there was no significant reduction in the frequency of intradialytic hypotension, a decreasing trend was noted. Other parameters such as quality of life and fatigue did not show significant changes. Conclusion Using a portable ergometer during hemodialysis improved exercise capacity and knee strength in patients with chronic kidney disease. There was a trend toward reduced intradialytic hypotension, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings.

Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, which block inactivation of GLP-1, are currently in clinical use for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently, GLP-1 has also been reported to have neuroprotective effects in cases of cerebral ischemia. We therefore investigated the neuroprotective effects of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, exendin-4 (ex-4), after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) was induced in rats by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of ex-4 or ex9-39. Oxygen-glucose deprivation was also induced in primary neurons, bEnd.3 cells, and BV-2. Ischemia-reperfusion injury reduced expression of GLP-1R. Additionally, higher oxidative stress in SOD2 KO mice decreased expression of GLP-1R. Downregulation of GLP-1R by ischemic injury was 70% restored by GLP-1R agonist, ex-4, which resulted in significant reduction of infarct volume. Levels of intracellular cyclic AMP, a second messenger of GLP-1R, were also increased by 2.7-fold as a result of high GLP-1R expression. Moreover, our results showed that ex-4 attenuated pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E₂ after MCAO. C-Jun NH₂ terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which stimulates activation of COX-2, was 36% inhibited by i.c.v. injection of ex-4 at 24 h. Islet-brain 1 (IB1), a scaffold regulator of JNK, was 1.7-fold increased by ex-4. GLP-1R activation by ex-4 resulted in reduction of COX-2 through increasing IB1 expression, resulting in anti-inflammatory neuroprotection during stroke. Our study suggests that the anti-inflammatory action of GLP-1 could be used as a new strategy for the treatment of neuroinflammation after stroke accompanied by hyperglycemia.
Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; Cyclic AMP ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Down-Regulation ; Glucagon* ; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 ; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor ; Hyperglycemia ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; Insulin ; Mice ; Neurons ; Neuroprotection ; Neuroprotective Agents ; Oxidative Stress ; Phosphotransferases ; Rats ; Reperfusion Injury ; Second Messenger Systems ; Stroke*