Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

Abstract

Pneumococcus is themajor cause of bacterial and invasive pneumococcal infections. Disrupting the alveolarepithelial barrier is an important step in the pathogenesis of invasivepneumococcal infections. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) maintainsthe integrity of the alveolar epithelial barrier. In this study, we showed that secretory pneumococcal molecules decrease the molecular weight of EGFR without peptide degradation and inhibit alveolar epithelial cell proliferation via EGFR.

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.13103

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156369

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

With the rising number of older adults residing at home, there is a growing need for risk assessment and patient management in home nursing. This study aims to develop point-of-care test (POCT) reagents that can aid in risk assessment and home care, especially in settings with limited resources. Our focus was on creating a C-reactive protein (CRP) POCT, which can accurately diagnose clinically significant judgment values in home nursing. Additionally, we assessed the utility of the HemoCue WBC DIFF system in providing differential counts of white blood cells (WBC). These performances were compared with a laboratory test using blood samples from patients with pneumonia. The CRP POCT showed a comparable result to that of a laboratory method, with an average kappa index of 0.883. The leukocyte count showed good agreement with the reference method. While the correlation coefficients for both neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were deemed acceptable, it was observed that the measured values tended to be smaller in cases where the cell count was higher. This proportional error indicates a weak correlation with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. CRP POCT and WBC counts provided reliable and accurate judgments. These tools may benefit risk management for older adults at home, patients with dementia who cannot communicate, and those living in depopulated areas.

DOI： 10.3390/diagnostics13142407

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Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：American Society for Microbiology  

To date, the clinical efficacy of macrolides in pneumococcal disease is assumed to be linked to their ability to inhibit the release of pneumolysin. However, our previous study demonstrated that oral administration of macrolides to mice intratracheally infected with macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae resulted in decreased levels of pneumolysin and proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples compared to the levels in samples from untreated infected control mice, without affecting the bacterial load in the fluid.

DOI： 10.1128/spectrum.00148-23

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

The main causative agent of pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae, is also responsible for invasive diseases. S. pneumoniae recruits human plasminogen for the invasion and colonization of host tissues. We previously discovered that S. pneumoniae triosephosphate isomerase (TpiA), an enzyme involved in intracellular metabolism that is essential for survival, is released extracellularly to bind human plasminogen and facilitate its activation. Epsilon-aminocaproic acid, a lysine analogue, inhibits this binding, suggesting that the lysine residues in TpiA are involved in plasminogen binding. In this study, we generated site-directed mutant recombinants in which the lysine residue in TpiA was replaced with alanine and analyzed their binding activities to human plasminogen. Results from blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and surface plasmon resonance assay revealed that the lysine residue at the C-terminus of TpiA is primarily involved in binding to human plasminogen. Furthermore, we found that TpiA binding to plasminogen through its C-terminal lysine residue was required for the promotion of plasmin activation by activating factors.

DOI： 10.3390/microorganisms11051198

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104760

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

The macrolide erythromycin (ERM) inhibits excessive neutrophil accumulation and bone resorption in inflammatory tissues. We previously reported that the expression of developmental endothelial locus-1 (DEL-1), an endogenous anti-inflammatory factor induced by ERM, is involved in ERM action. Furthermore, DEL-1 is involved in the induction of bone regeneration. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether ERM exerts an osteoblastogenic effect by upregulating DEL-1 under inflammatory conditions. We performed in vitro cell-based mechanistic analyses and used a model of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced periodontitis to evaluate how ERM restores osteoblast activity. In vitro, P. gingivalis LPS stimulation suppressed osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. However, ERM treatment combined with P. gingivalis LPS stimulation upregulated osteoblast differentiation-related factors and Del1, indicating that osteoblast differentiation was restored. Alveolar bone resorption and gene expression were evaluated in a periodontitis model, and the results confirmed that ERM treatment increased DEL-1 expression and suppressed bone loss by increasing the expression of osteoblast-associated factors. In conclusion, ERM restores bone metabolism homeostasis in inflammatory environments possibly via the induction of DEL-1.

DOI： 10.3390/ph16020303

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1002/2211-5463.13396

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Other Link： https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1002/2211-5463.13396

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

Abstract

Neutrophil elastase (NE) functions as a host defense factor; however, excessive NE activity can potentially destroy human tissues. Although NE activity is positively correlated to gingival crevicular fluid and clinical attachment loss in periodontitis, the underlying mechanisms by which NE aggravates periodontitis remain elusive. In this study, we investigated how NE induces periodontitis severity and whether NE inhibitors were efficacious in periodontitis treatment. In a ligature-induced murine model of periodontitis, neutrophil recruitment, NE activity, and periodontal bone loss were increased in the periodontal tissue. Local administration of an NE inhibitor significantly decreased NE activity in periodontal tissue and attenuated periodontal bone loss. Furthermore, the transcription of proinflammatory cytokines in the gingiva, which was significantly upregulated in the model of periodontitis, was significantly downregulated by NE inhibitor injection. An in vitro study demonstrated that NE cleaved cell adhesion molecules, such as desmoglein 1, occludin, and E-cadherin, and induced exfoliation of the epithelial keratinous layer in three-dimensional human oral epithelial tissue models. The permeability of fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate-dextran or periodontal pathogen was significantly increased by NE treatment in the human gingival epithelial monolayer. These findings suggest that NE induces the disruption of the gingival epithelial barrier and bacterial invasion in periodontal tissues, aggravating periodontitis.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-022-12358-3

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Other Link： https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-12358-3

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases resulting in gingival inflammation and tooth loss. Growing evidence indicates that it results from dysbiosis of the oral microbiome, which interferes with the host immune system, leading to bone destruction. Immune cells activate periodontal ligament cells to express the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and promote osteoclast activity. Osteocytes have active roles in periodontitis progression in the bone matrix. Local proteins are involved in bone regeneration through functional immunological plasticity. Here, we discuss the current knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms in periodontitis, the roles of local proteins, and promising synthetic compounds generating a periodontal regeneration effect. It is anticipated that this may lead to a better perception of periodontitis pathophysiology.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms23105540

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a causative pathogen of several human infectious diseases including community-acquired pneumonia. Pneumolysin (PLY), a pore-forming toxin, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pneumococcal pneumonia. In recent years, the use of traditional natural substances for prevention has drawn attention because of the increasing antibacterial drug resistance of S. pneumoniae. According to some studies, green tea exhibits antibacterial and antitoxin activities. The polyphenols, namely the catechins epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC) are largely responsible for these activities. Although matcha green tea provides more polyphenols than green tea infusions, its relationship with pneumococcal pneumonia remains unclear. In this study, we found that treatment with 20 mg/mL matcha supernatant exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae regardless of antimicrobial resistance. In addition, the matcha supernatant suppressed PLY-mediated hemolysis and cytolysis by inhibiting PLY oligomerization. Moreover, the matcha supernatant and catechins inhibited PLY-mediated neutrophil death and the release of neutrophil elastase. These findings suggest that matcha green tea reduces the virulence of S. pneumoniae in vitro and may be a promising agent for the treatment of pneumococcal infections.

DOI： 10.3390/antibiotics10121550

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Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：American Society for Microbiology  

Pneumolysin is a potent intracellular toxin possessing multiple functions that augment pneumococcal virulence. For over 10 years, sub-MICs of macrolides, including clarithromycin, have been recognized to decrease pneumolysin production and release from pneumococcal cells.

DOI： 10.1128/spectrum.00318-21

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Macrolides are used to treat various infectious diseases, including periodontitis. Furthermore, macrolides are known to have immunomodulatory effects; however, the underlying mechanism of their action remains unclear. DEL-1 has emerged as an important factor in homeostatic immunity and osteoclastogenesis. Specifically, DEL-1 is downregulated in periodontitis tissues. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether the osteoclastogenesis inhibitory effects of erythromycin (ERM) are mediated through upregulation of DEL-1 expression. We used a ligature-induced periodontitis model in C57BL/6Ncrl wild-type or DEL-1-deficient mice and in vitro cell-based mechanistic studies to investigate how ERM inhibits alveolar bone resorption. As a result of measuring alveolar bone resorption and gene expression in the tooth ligation model, ERM treatment reduced bone loss by increasing DEL-1 expression and decreasing the expression of osteoclast-related factors in wild-type mice. In DEL-1-deficient mice, ERM failed to suppress bone loss and gene expression of osteoclast-related factors. In addition, ERM treatment downregulated osteoclast differentiation and calcium resorption in in vitro experiments with mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. In conclusion, ERM promotes the induction of DEL-1 in periodontal tissue, which may regulate osteoclastogenesis and decrease inflammatory bone resorption. These findings suggest that ERM may exert immunomodulatory effects in a DEL-1-dependent manner.

DOI： 10.3390/antibiotics10030312

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Frontiers Media SA  

Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is a Gram-positive diplococcus and a major human pathogen. This bacterium is a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, and septicemia, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. To date, studies on S. pneumoniae have mainly focused on the role of its virulence factors including toxins, cell surface proteins, and capsules. However, accumulating evidence indicates that in addition to these studies, knowledge of host factors and host-pathogen interactions is essential for understanding the pathogenesis of pneumococcal diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that neutrophil accumulation, which is generally considered to play a critical role in host defense during bacterial infections, can significantly contribute to lung injury and immune subversion, leading to pneumococcal invasion of the bloodstream. Here, we review bacterial and host factors, focusing on the role of neutrophils and their elastase, which contribute to the progression of pneumococcal pneumonia.

DOI： 10.3389/fcimb.2021.615959

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104956

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Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

Abstract

Bacterial and viral respiratory infections can initiate acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Neutrophils and their granule enzymes, including neutrophil elastase, are key mediators of the pathophysiology of acute respiratory failure. Although intracellular neutrophil elastase functions as a host defensive factor against pathogens, its leakage into airway spaces induces degradation of host connective tissue components. This leakage disrupts host innate immune responses via proteolytic cleavage of Toll-like receptors and cytokines. Here, we investigated whether neutrophils possess proteases that cleave adaptive immune molecules. We found that expression of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecule HLA-DP β1 was decreased in THP-1-derived macrophages treated with supernatants from dead neutrophils. This decreased HLA-DP β1 expression was counteracted by treatment with neutrophil elastase inhibitor, suggesting proteolytic cleavage of HLA-DP β1 by neutrophil elastase. SDS-PAGE showed that neutrophil elastase cleaved recombinant HLA-DP α1, -DP β1, -DQ α1, -DQ β1, -DR α, and -DR β1. Neutrophil elastase also cleaved HLA-DP β1 on extracellular vesicles isolated from macrophages without triggering morphological changes. Thus, leakage of neutrophil elastase may disrupt innate immune responses, antigen presentation, and T cell activation. Additionally, inhibition of neutrophil elastase is a potential therapeutic option for treating bacterial and viral pneumonia.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-021-82212-5

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Other Link： http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-82212-5

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

Abstract

Background

Sulfated vizantin, a recently developed immunostimulant, has also been found to exert antibiofilm properties. It acts not as a bactericide, but as a detachment-promoting agent by reducing the biofilm structural stability. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying this activity and its species specificity using two distinct ex vivo oral biofilm models derived from human saliva.

Results

The biofilm, composed mainly of the genus Streptococcus and containing 50 μM of sulfated vizantin, detached significantly from its basal surface with rotation at 500 rpm for only 15 s, even when 0.2% sucrose was supplied. Expression analyses for genes associated with biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion following identification of the Streptococcus species, revealed that a variety of Streptococcus species in a cariogenic biofilm showed downregulation of genes encoding glucosyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of water-soluble glucan. The expression of some genes encoding surface proteins was also downregulated. Of the two quorum sensing systems involved in the genus Streptococcus, the expression of luxS in three species, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus gordonii, and Streptococcus mutans, was significantly downregulated in the presence of 50 μM sulfated vizantin. Biofilm detachment may be facilitated by the reduced structural stability due to these modulations. As a non-specific reaction, 50 μM sulfated vizantin decreased cell surface hydrophobicity by binding to the cell surface, resulting in reduced bacterial adherence.

Conclusion

Sulfated vizantin may be a candidate for a new antibiofilm strategy targeting the biofilm matrix while preserving the resident microflora.

DOI： 10.1186/s12866-020-02033-w

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Other Link： http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12866-020-02033-w/fulltext.html

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Public Library of Science (PLoS)  

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0240329

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：American Society for Clinical Investigation  

DOI： 10.1172/jci.insight.136706

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Oxford University Press (OUP)  

Abstract

Background

Parechovirus (PeV)-A3 and enteroviruses (EV) are the most common viruses causing sepsis and meningoencephalitis in neonates and young infants. Clinical manifestations of PeV-A3 infection are more severe than those of EV infection, and no pleocytosis with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result for PeV-A3 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are characteristic findings. We hypothesized that innate immune responses to PeV-A3 and EV are distinct in serum and CSF.

Methods

We evaluated 22 cytokines/chemokines in serum and CSF from PeV-A3- or EV-infected patients younger than 4 months in Niigata, Japan, from 2015 through 2018. Infection was diagnosed with real-time PCR followed by sequencing. Febrile neonates and infants with sepsis-like syndrome who had negative bacterial culture and viral PCR for both PeV-A and EV were also included (non-PeV-A/EV patients).

Results

Among 192 febrile patients, we evaluated 16 PeV-A3-infected, 15 EV-infected, and 8 non-PeV-A/EV patients. Serum pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine levels were higher in PeV-A3-infected patients than in EV-infected patients (P < .02). Although most cytokine/chemokine were elevated in CSF from EV-infected patients, levels were low or undetectable in PeV-A3-infected and non-PeV-A/EV patients (P < .001).

Conclusions

Distinct cytokine/chemokine patterns in serum and CSF may explain the different clinical manifestations of PeV-A3-infected and EV-infected neonates and young infants.

DOI： 10.1093/infdis/jiaa131

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Other Link： http://academic.oup.com/jid/article-pdf/222/4/681/33524498/jiaa131.pdf

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12797

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Other Link： https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1111/1348-0421.12797

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104679

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DOI： 10.1002/jper.18-0630

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Other Link： https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1002/JPER.18-0630

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.joen.2019.06.004

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Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12688

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Other Link： https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1111/1348-0421.12688

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.jiac.2018.08.018

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DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12672

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Other Link： https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1111/1348-0421.12672

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2018.11.021

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Elsevier BV  

DOI： 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.11.015

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1186/s12903-018-0517-3

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Other Link： http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12903-018-0517-3/fulltext.html

Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：American Society for Microbiology  

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Over the past 2 decades, macrolide resistance among S. pneumoniae organisms has been increasing steadily and has escalated at an alarming rate worldwide.

DOI： 10.1128/aac.00161-18

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12647

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Blackwell Publishing Asia  

Vizantin is an insoluble adjuvant that activates macrophages and lymphocytes. Recently, 2,2′,3,3′,4,4′-hexasulfated-vizantin (sulfated vizantin), which enables solubilization of vizantin, was developed by the present team. Sulfated vizantin was found to enhance bactericidal activity against multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, spread of P. aeruginosa was inhibited in RAW264.7 cells treated with sulfated vizantin. When only sulfated vizantin and P. aeruginosa were incubated, sulfated vizantin did not affect growth of P. aeruginosa. Formation of DNA-based extracellular traps (ETs), a novel defense mechanism in several types of innate immune cells, helps to eliminate pathogens. In the present study, ET-forming macrophages constituted the majority of immune cells. Sulfated vizantin induced ET formation in RAW264.7 cells, whereas a Ca-chelating reagent, EDTA, and T-type calcium channel blocker, tetrandrine, inhibited ET formation and attenuated inhibition of spread of P. aeruginosa in sulfated vizantin-treated cells. Thus, sulfated vizantin induces ET formation in phagocytic cells in a Ca-dependent manner, thus preventing spread of P. aeruginosa. Hence, sulfated vizantin may be useful in the management of infectious diseases.

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12589

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Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Frontiers Media SA  

DOI： 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00732

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DOI： 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.01.006

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DOI： 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.09.007

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japanese Society for Dental Materials and Devices  

DOI： 10.4012/dmj.2016-321

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DOI： 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2017.04.033

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DOI： 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00300

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SAGE Publications  

The Wingless/integrase-1 (Wnt) family of protein ligands and their functional antagonists, secreted frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs), regulate various biological processes ranging from embryonic development to immunity and inflammation. Wnt5a and sFRP5 comprise a typical ligand/antagonist pair, and the former molecule was recently detected at the messenger RNA (mRNA) level in human periodontitis. The main objective of this study was to investigate the interrelationship of expression of Wnt5a and sFRP5 in human periodontitis (as compared to health) and to determine their roles in inflammation and bone loss in an animal model. We detected both Wnt5a and sFRP5 mRNA in human gingiva, with Wnt5a dominating in diseased and sFRP5 in healthy tissue. Wnt5a and sFRP5 protein colocalized in the gingival epithelium, suggesting epithelial cell expression, which was confirmed in cultured human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs). The HGEC expression of Wnt5a and sFRP5 was differentially regulated by a proinflammatory stimulus (lipopolysaccharide [LPS] from Porphyromonas gingivalis) in a manner consistent with the clinical observations (i.e., LPS upregulated Wnt5a and downregulated sFRP5). In HGECs, exogenously added Wnt5a enhanced whereas sFRP5 inhibited LPS-induced inflammation, as monitored by interleukin 8 production. Consistent with this, local treatment with sFRP5 in mice subjected to ligature-induced periodontitis inhibited inflammation and bone loss, correlating with decreased numbers of osteoclasts in bone tissue sections. As in humans, mouse periodontitis was associated with high expression of Wnt5a and low expression of sFRP5, although this profile was reversed after treatment with sFRP5. In conclusion, we demonstrated a novel reciprocal relationship between sFRP5 and Wnt5a expression in periodontal health and disease, paving the way to clinical investigation of the possibility of using the Wnt5a/sFRP5 ratio as a periodontitis biomarker. Moreover, we showed that sFRP5 blocks experimental periodontal inflammation and bone loss, suggesting a promising platform for the development of a new host modulation therapy in periodontitis.

DOI： 10.1177/0022034516687248

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Other Link： http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/0022034516687248

Authorship：Lead author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1038/srep38013

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Other Link： http://www.nature.com/articles/srep38013

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DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.021

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DOI： 10.1002/mbo3.308

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DOI： 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.10.003

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DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12343

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Pharmaceutical Society of Japan  

DOI： 10.1248/cpb.c15-00828

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DOI： 10.1111/jre.12232

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：American Chemical Society (ACS)  

DOI： 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5b00237

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DOI： 10.1111/jre.12134

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DOI： 10.1111/jre.12080

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DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0077282

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

Abstract

Background

Periodontal disease is suggested to increase the risk of atherothrombotic disease by inducing dyslipidemia. Recently, we demonstrated that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which is known to play a critical role in the regulation of circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, is elevated in periodontitis patients. However, the underlying mechanisms of elevation of PCSK9 in periodontitis patients are largely unknown. Here, we explored whether Porphyromonas gingivalis, a representative periodontopathic bacterium, -induced inflammatory response regulates serum PCSK9 and cholesterol levels using animal models.

Methods

We infected C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally with Porphyromonas gingivalis, a representative strain of periodontopathic bacteria, and evaluated serum PCSK9 levels and the serum lipid profile. PCSK9 and LDL receptor (LDLR) gene and protein expression, as well as liver X receptors (Lxrs), inducible degrader of the LDLR (Idol), and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor (Srebf)2 gene expression, were examined in the liver.

Results

P. gingivalis infection induced a significant elevation of serum PCSK9 levels and a concomitant elevation of total and LDL cholesterol compared with sham-infected mice. The LDL cholesterol levels were significantly correlated with PCSK9 levels. Expression of the Pcsk9, Ldlr, and Srebf2 genes was upregulated in the livers of the P. gingivalis-infected mice compared with the sham-infected mice. Although Pcsk9 gene expression is known to be positively regulated by sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)2 (human homologue of Srebf2), whereas Srebf2 is negatively regulated by cholesterol, the elevated expression of Srebf2 found in the infected mice is thought to be mediated by P. gingivalis infection.

Conclusions

P. gingivalis infection upregulates PCSK9 production via upregulation of Srebf2, independent of cholesterol levels. Further studies are required to elucidate how infection regulates Srebf2 expression and subsequently influences lipid metabolism.

DOI： 10.1186/1476-511x-11-121

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DOI： 10.1016/j.cca.2011.09.023

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：The American Association of Immunologists  

DOI： 10.4049/jimmunol.1003252

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(NPO)日本歯科保存学会  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(NPO)日本歯周病学会  

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DOI： 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2009.01266.x

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DOI： 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2009.01245.x

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)  

Pathogen-instigated crosstalk between the complement C5a receptor and Toll-like receptor 2 disables innate immune function.

DOI： 10.1126/scisignal.2000697

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DOI： 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2009.01209.x

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DOI： 10.1111/j.1399-302x.2009.00545.x

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DOI： 10.1016/j.mad.2009.06.006

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DOI： 10.1016/j.cca.2008.12.007

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DOI： 10.1016/j.cca.2008.06.003

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DOI： 10.1189/jlb.0607432

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DOI： 10.1111/j.1399-302x.2007.00377.x

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03450.x

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Oxford University Press (OUP)  

Summary

The balance between inflammatory mediators and their counter-regulatory molecules may be crucial for determining the outcome of immune pathology of periodontal diseases. Based on clinical and immunological findings, the immune response in stable gingivitis lesion is supposed to be in balance, whereas the response is skewed towards the predominance of proinflammatory reactivity in progressive periodontitis lesion. However, this hypothesis has not been verified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the gene expression profile of inflammatory mediators including proinflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory molecules, and anti-inflammatory cytokines by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in gingivitis and periodontitis lesions showing distinct clinical entities. For inflammatory mediators, interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon (IFN)-γ and receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand tended to be higher in periodontitis, whereas tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-12 p40 showed no difference. Heat-shock protein 60 (HSP60) expression was up-regulated significantly in periodontitis. For anti-inflammatory cytokines, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression tended to be higher in periodontitis compared with gingivitis, whereas no difference was observed for IL-10 and IL-4. These findings support further our previous finding that autoimmune response to HSP60 may exert in periodontitis lesion, and suggest that perhaps subtle differences in the balance of cytokines may result in different disease expression.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03028.x

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

DOI： 10.1111/j.1399-302x.2005.00241.x

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Author：Myself 

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