Chuanjun Huang^1,2, Yan Sun², Na Liu², Ziping Zhang¹, Xiyan Wang², Degan Lu², Ling Zhou^2,a, Caiqing Zhang^3,a

European Cytokine Network, Vol.33, No.1, pp. 13-24, 2022, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2021.0476

Abstract Background: Asthma is an airway disease characterized by airflow limitation and various additional clinical manifestations. Repeated inflammatory stimulation of the airways leads to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which aggravates subepithelial fibrosis during the process of airway remodelling and enhances resistance to corticosteroids and bronchodilators in refractory asthma. There is growing evidence that IL-27 modulates airway remodelling, however, the molecular mechanisms involving IL-27 and EMT are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of IL-27 on ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged asthmatic mice in vivo and TGF-β1-induced EMT in 16HBE cells in vitro. METHODS: Airway inflammation, mucus… More >

Yasser Bagheri^1,2,#, Mohsen Saeidi^1,2,#, Reza Yazdani^3,4, Fateme Babaha³, Reza Falak^5,6, Gholamreza Azizi⁷, Marjan Taherian^5,6, Fereshteh Salami³, Yaghoob Yazdani^1,2, Somayeh Sadani⁸, Ali Hosseini⁸, Morteza Motallebnezhad^5,6, Hassan Abolhassani^3,9, Mehdi Shekarabi^5,6, Asghar Aghamohammadi³

European Cytokine Network, Vol.33, No.1, pp. 1-12, 2022, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2021.0464

Abstract Background: Selective IgA deficiency is the most prevalent form of primary immunodeficiencies. The pathogenesis of the disease is still unknown. Several studies have suggested a defect in B cell responses to IL-10; however, the main reason for this defect has not been reported. Elucidating IL-10 signaling defects and their correlation with clinical manifestations could be helpful for better understanding and treatment of the disease. Methods: In this study, 15 SIgAD patients and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Surface expression of transforming growth factor β receptor II (TGF-β RII), IL-10R and IgA was… More >

Christopher J. Papayannakos^1,*, Daniel Zhu^1,*, Bongseok Jung², Ali A. Rana², James A. DeVoti^2,3, Allan L. Abramson⁴, Vincent R. Bonagura^2,3, Bettie M. Steinberg^2,5

European Cytokine Network, Vol.33, No.2, pp. 19-29, 2022, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2022.0479

Abstract IL-36γ, a pro-inflammatory member of the IL-1 cytokine superfamily, can be induced and secreted by normal human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) in response to pathogenic stimuli, however, the mechanisms underlying the secretion are unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that stimulation with the TLR3 agonist, poly (I:C), led to a delayed secretion of IL-36γ compared to stimulation with the TLR5 agonist, flagellin, despite equal levels of the cytokine (p = 0.006). IL-36γ was shown to be released from HFKs in its inactive, uncleaved form, based on western blotting. Moreover, recombinant IL-36γ in its activated, cleaved form… More >

Fatemeh Bayati^1,*, Maryam Valadi^1,*, Armin Ahmadi^1,2, Farangis Najaf¹, Bita Ansaripour¹, Ehsan Sharif-Paghaleh^1,3

European Cytokine Network, Vol.33, No.3, pp. 70-78, 2022, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2022.0482

Abstract Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have exhibited promising immunomodulatory potential in preclinical studies, clinical studies have revealed variable results. These results often depend on environmental cues. Pre-conditioning MSCs with cytokines is one of the methods used to enhance their immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we harvested adipose-derived MSCs from mice and cultured them with different doses of the cytokine, IFN-γ, and the corticosteroid drug, dexamethasone, in order to investigate their effects on MSC immunosuppressive function. We found the co-culture or supernatant of MSCs, pre-conditioned with IFN-γ, together with spleen mononuclear cells resulted in a significant More >

Mohammad Reza Haghshenas¹, Mina Roshan Zamir¹, Mahboubeh Sadeghi¹, Mohammad Javad Fattahi¹, Kimia Mirshekari¹, Abbas Ghaderi^1,2,*

European Cytokine Network, Vol.33, No.3, pp. 54-69, 2022, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2022.0480

Abstract Interleukin-38 (IL-38) is the most recent member of the IL-1 family that acts as a natural inflammatory inhibitor by binding to cognate receptors, particularly the IL-36 receptor. In vitro, animal and human studies on autoimmune, metabolic, cardiovascular and allergic diseases, as well sepsis and respiratory viral infections, have shown that IL-38 exerts an anti-inflammatory activity by modulating the generation and function of inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-6, IL-8, IL-17 and IL-36) and regulating dendritic cells, M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Accordingly, IL-38 may possess therapeutic potential for these types of diseases. IL-38 down-regulates CCR3+… More >

Ping Li^1,2,*, Kewen Zhou^2,*, Jiehao Li², Xiaodan Xu², Ling Wang², Tinghuai Wang²

European Cytokine Network, Vol.33, No.4, pp. 79-89, 2022, DOI:10.1684/ecn.2023.0481

Abstract Background and Objective: Endothelial cell activation plays a critical role in leukocyte recruitment during inflammation and infection. We previously found that cholinergic stimulation (via vagus nerve stimulation) attenuates vascular endothelial impairment and reduces the inflammatory profile in ovariectomized rats. However, the specific molecular mechanism is unclear. This study was designed to explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of cholinergic agonists (acetylcholine [ACh]) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial cell activation in vitro. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with different concentrations of LPS (10/100/1000 ng/mL) to activate endothelial cells. HUVECs were untreated, treated with ACh (10^⁻⁵… More >

Zachary Snow¹, Lauren S. Jones², Javier Piraino¹, Matthew Sterling¹

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.29, No.1, pp. 11036-11039, 2022

Abstract Lymphoma of the urinary bladder is quite rare, accounting for a small percentage of all bladder neoplasms. Here we discuss the case of a 68-year-old male patient who initially presented with acute renal failure and severe bilateral hydronephrosis on ultrasound. Cross-sectional imaging further revealed a diffusely thickened bladder wall with extensive retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Bladder biopsies ultimately led to a diagnosis of stage IV chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). This is a rare instance of upper tract dilatation being the first sign of a widely disseminated hematologic malignancy. More >

Jacob R. Stephens¹, Kenneth M. Peters^1,2

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.29, No.1, pp. 11032-11035, 2022

Abstract Vulvodynia is a debilitating disorder which can prove extremely difficult to treat. Neuromodulation is increasingly becoming a frontline therapy in various chronic pain syndromes. We present a relatively simple surgical technique utilizing targeted neuromodulation leading to the successful treatment of vulvodynia. More >

M. Ryan Farrell, Lawrence T. Zhang, Alex J. Vanni

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.29, No.1, pp. 11027-11031, 2022

Abstract Duplicated anterior urethras are a rare congenital anomaly that is exceedingly uncommon among adult patients, as surgical correction is often completed during childhood. We present the case of a 33-year-old man with uncorrected duplicated anterior urethras and urinary retention due to severe urethral stricture disease involving both of his uncorrected duplicated anterior urethras. This report highlights an operative management strategy for reconstruction to create a single, unobstructed urethra that terminates in an orthotopic meatus. Further, we provide an overview of the anatomic variants of urethral duplication. More >

Kevin A. Diaz¹, Philippe E. Spiess^2,3,4, Andrea Necchi⁵, Roger Li², Marco Bandini⁶, Herney Andrés García-Perdomo^1,7

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.29, No.1, pp. 11024-11026, 2022

Abstract Research is very competitive but vital in medical training at all levels and disciplines. Given the evidence-based practice, people are reinforced to adopt a constant change attitude and critically appraise all the literature to make the best medical decisions. Nonetheless, the motivation to generate new knowledge and scientific research is relegated to small groups due to multiple factors. Such as the lack of research education from early stages in medical training, the absence of early results, and the lack of mentors willing to sponsor a person who wants to begin this way. This mini review More >