Group A Streptococcus establishes pharynx infection by degrading the deoxyribonucleic acid of neutrophil extracellular traps.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) secretes deoxyribonucleases and evades neutrophil extracellular killing by degrading neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, limited information is currently available on the interaction between GAS and NETs in the pathogenicity of GAS pharyngitis. In this study, we modified a mouse model of GAS pharyngitis and revealed an essential role for DNase in this model.

Macrophage extracellular trap formation promoted by platelet activation is a key mediator of rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury.

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious syndrome caused by skeletal muscle injury and the subsequent release of breakdown products from damaged muscle cells into systemic circulation. The muscle damage most often results from strenuous exercise, muscle hypoxia, medications, or drug abuse and can lead to life-threatening complications, such as acute kidney injury (AKI). Rhabdomyolysis and the AKI complication can also occur during crush syndrome, an emergency condition that commonly occurs in victims of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, and man-made disasters, such as wars and terrorism.

Lactoferrin Suppresses Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Release in Inflammation.

Neutrophils are central players in the innate immune system. They generate neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which protect against invading pathogens but are also associated with the development of autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases and thrombosis. Here, we report that lactoferrin, one of the components of NETs, translocated from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane and markedly suppressed NETs release.

The high prevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in wild boars in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is known as a causative agent of zoonosis and food poisoning. Pigs and some species of wild animals, including wild boar, are known to be a reservoir of HEV. In this study, we investigated the situation regarding HEV infection in wild boars in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.

Immunomodulation with eicosapentaenoic acid supports the treatment of autoimmune small-vessel vasculitis.

Small-vessel vasculitis is a life-threatening autoimmune disease that is frequently associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs). Conventional immunotherapy including steroids and cyclophosphamide can cause serious adverse events, limiting the efficacy and safety of treatment. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a key component of fish oil, is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid widely known to be cardioprotective and beneficial for vascular function.

Identification of the plant origin of propolis from Jeju Island, Korea, by observation of honeybee behavior and phytochemical analysis.

Propolis collected on Jeju Island, Korea, contains characteristic components not present in propolis from other regions. Hence, the plant origin of the propolis from Jeju Island can be expected to be a novel plant. To identify the plant origin of this propolis, first we observed honeybee behavior, and found them collecting the resin from Angelica keiskei.