Development of a magnetic bead-based method for the collection of circulating extracellular vesicles.

Cells release different types of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs contain biomolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids, from their parent cells, which can be useful for diagnostic applications. The aim of this study was to develop a convenient procedure to collect circulating EVs with detectable mRNA or other biomolecules.

Rosiglitazone regulates anti-inflammation and growth inhibition via PTEN.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, the mechanisms by which PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone interferes with inflammation and cancer via phosphatase and tensin homolog-(PTEN)-dependent pathway remain unclear. We found that lower doses (<25  μ M) of rosiglitazone significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-(LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) release (via inducible nitric oxide synthase, iNOS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production (via cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2), and activation of Akt in RAW 264.

Blockade of reactive oxygen species and Akt activation is critical for anti-inflammation and growth inhibition of metformin in phosphatase and tensin homolog-deficient RAW264.7 cells.

Context: Metformin is widely used for treatment of type 2 diabetes and has a potential application on the treatment of inflammation and cancer. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) plays a critical role in cancer cell growth and inflammation; however, precise mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of how PTEN regulates metformin against cell growth and inflammation.

A modified fixed staining method for the simultaneous measurement of reactive oxygen species and oxidative responses.

The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a live-cell system is routinely measured using the oxidation-sensitive fluorescent probe dichlorofluorescein (DCF). However, it is difficult to simultaneously monitor cellular oxidative responses and ROS generation in cells, and analyses of cellular oxidative responses are typically performed after ROS generation has been evaluated. In this study, we developed a modified fixed staining method that allows the simultaneous analysis of ROS generation and oxidative responses using standard immunostaining techniques.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β regulates anti-inflammatory property of fluoxetine.

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine not only is widely used in the treatment of depression but also has an anti-inflammatory property. Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3β) is a vital factor in the inflammation process. How fluoxetine interferes with inflammation via a GSK-3β-dependent pathway remains unclear.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β is critical for interferon-α-induced serotonin uptake in human Jurkat T cells.

Dysregulation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β contributes to the pathophysiology of mood disorders. However, how its regulation is responsible for the functioning of serotonin (5-HT) requires further investigation. Although enhancement of T-cell function may present an alternative strategy to treat depression, the precise mechanisms have yet to be established.

The acid sphingomyelinase inhibitors block interferon-α-induced serotonin uptake via a COX-2/Akt/ERK/STAT-dependent pathway in T cells.

Sphingomyelinase (SMase) regulates an activation of the sphingomyelin cycle. Recent studies have shown that it is a novel modulator of monoamine receptor and transporter functions; however, its mechanisms are not fully understood. Our previous studies have found that interferon-alpha (IFN-α) up-regulates serotonin (5-HT) transporter expression and induces 5-HT uptake via an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2-dependent pathway in T cells, which is blocked by a selective 5-HT transporter inhibitor fluoxetine.

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 2 regulates nerve growth factor release to induce airway inflammation via a reactive oxygen species-dependent pathway.

Group 2 allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 2 (Der p2) induces airway inflammation without protease activity, and elevated nerve growth factor (NGF) levels are also found in this inflammation. How the allergen Der p2 regulates NGF release via reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce inflammation remains unclear. In the present study, intratracheal administration of Der p2 to mice led to inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus gland hyperplasia, and NGF upregulation in the bronchial epithelium, as well as elevated ROS and NGF production in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids.