Xiao-Lei Huang

MicroRNA-150: A potential regulator in pathogens infection and autoimmune diseases

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that play an important role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The past studies showed that miR-150 might emerge as a master regulator of gene expression during the immune cells differentiation and immune response process. Its regulation ability in immune cellular process might contribute to the host defense against invading pathogens, and dysregulated expression of miR-150 in immune cells might result in autoimmune diseases. This review summarized that miR-150 could regulate B cells, T cells and NK/iNKT cells differentiation and immune response. And also, this review provides a comprehensive view on the association of miR-150 and autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and contact sensitivity. Especially, the duplex role of miR-150 in the fibrosis process might contribute to the pathomechanism of SSc. Though much remains to be explored about the roles of miR-150 in pathogenic infection and autoimmune diseases, targeting miR-150 may serve as a promising therapy strategy.

Effects of meteorological factors on incidence of scarlet fever during different periods in different districts of China

OBJECTIVE To reveal the difference of meteorological effect on scarlet fever in Beijing and Hong Kong, China, during different periods among 2004-2014. METHODS The data of monthly incidence of scarlet fever and meteorological variables from 2004 to 2014 in Beijing and Hong Kong were collected from Chinese science data center of public health, meteorological data website and Hong Kong observatory website. The whole study period was separated into two periods by the outbreak year 2011 (Jan 2004-Dec 2010 and Jan 2011-Dec 2014). A generalized additive Poisson model was conducted to estimate the effect of meteorological variables on monthly incidence of scarlet fever during two periods in Beijing and Hong Kong, China. RESULTS Incidence of scarlet fever in two districts were compared and found the average incidence during period of 2004-2010 were significantly different (Z=203.973, P<0.001) while average incidence became generally equal during 2011-2014 (Z=2.125, P>0.05). There was also significant difference in meteorological variables between Beijing and Hong Kong during whole study period, except air pressure (Z=0.165, P=0.869). After fitting GAM model, it could be found monthly mean temperature showed a negative effect (RR=0.962, 95%CI: 0.933, 0.992) on scarlet fever in Hong Kong during the period of 2004-2010. By comparison, for data in Beijing during the period of 2011-2014, the RRs of monthly mean temperature range growing 1°C and monthly sunshine duration growing 1h was equal to 1.196(1.022, 1.399) and 1.006(1.001, 1.012), respectively. The changes of meteorological effect on scarlet fever over time were not significant both in Beijing and Hong Kong. CONCLUSION This study suggests that meteorological variables were important factors for incidence of scarlet fever during different period in Beijing and Hong Kong. It also support that some meteorological effects were opposite in different period although these differences might not completely statistically significant.

Association between the serum level of vitamin D and systemic sclerosis in a Chinese population: a case control study.

Several autoimmune diseases have been associated with reduced vitamin D levels. However, the serum level of vitamin D in Chinese systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients have not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of vitamin D in Chinese SSc patients and analyze the association between vitamin D and SSc.

The Influence of Different Solvents on Systemic Sclerosis: An Updated Meta-analysis of 14 Case-Control Studies.

BackgroundSeveral studies have collected detailed data to examine which specific solvents account for the association between solvents and risk of systemic sclerosis (SSc). These studies generally reported elevated risks associated with many of the specific solvents examined, such as toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene. The previous meta-analysis was not able to conduct separate analyses for specific solvent subtypes. ObjectiveThe aims of the new meta-analysis were to investigate a more comprehensive estimate and to consider the effect of different solvents on SSc. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Biosis Previews, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang for all articles published before July 2015. Fourteen case-control studies (1657 patients and 3838 controls) were included. The quality of studies was scored according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The final odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by a fixed- or random-effects model according to heterogeneity test. Publication bias was assessed using Begg test. ResultsThe risk of SSc was significantly different among sex, age, and exposure assessment methods. Separate analyses for specific solvent subtypes indicated that SSc was associated with aromatic solvents (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.21–6.09), trichloroethylene (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.34–3.17), halogenated solvents (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.12–1.99), and ketones (OR, 4.20; 95% CI, 2.19–8.06). ConclusionsExposure to identified types solvents does seem to be a risk factor for developing SSc. Needed efforts to decrease such exposures are discussed.

The Association Between Systemic Sclerosis, Arginine and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a kind of autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), as an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, can cause or contribute to the inflammatory syndrome and endothelial dysfunction. Recently, increased ADMA levels have been demonstrated in SSc, revealing that ADMA might play an important role for the associated manifestations of SSc. Besides, ADMA may play a significant role in the level of NO, which is produced by arginine. In the review, we discuss the role of arginine and ADMA in patients with SSc.

Serum adipokines levels in patients with systemic sclerosis: A meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Systemic sclerosis is an chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Adipokine has been reported to play an important role in modulating immune responses. Recent studies suggest that adipokine also plays some roles in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, published data regarding the relationship between plasma/serum adipokine levels and SSc are contradictory. The aim of this study was at performing a meta-analysis to derive a more accurate estimation and further investigate the association of plasma/serum leptin and adiponectin levels with SSc patients. Methods: PubMed, and Web of Science databases (up to Feb 20, 2016) were used to obtain all relative published literatures. The study quality was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by random-effect model analysis. Results: A total of fourteen studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. Among them, six of which were studied for the serum adiponectin levels in SSc patients, six of which were studied for the serum leptin levels in SSc patients, and two of them were studied both for serum adiponectin levels and serum leptin levels in SSc patients. The meta-analysis results showed that the serum adiponectin levels in SSc patients were significantly lower than that in normal controls (SMD = −0.608 ng/ml, 95% CI = −1.029 to −0.186, p = 0.005). However, there were no significant differences in serum leptin levels between SSc patients and healthy controls (SMD = −0.990 ng/ml, 95% CI = −2.340 to 0.359, p = 0.150). The subgroup analysis showed that Asia SSc patients with age less than 50 years old had lower plasma/serum adiponectin levels when compared with controls. Conclusion: The serum adiponectin levels, but not serum leptin levels, in SSc patients were significantly lower than that in normal controls.

Association between cigarette smoking and impaired clinical symptoms in systemic sclerosis: A review

It has been established that smoking has a profound impact on susceptibility and severity in some rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), a mild impact in others (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus) through epidemiological studies. And smoking is known to affect many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases through various mechanisms, including immunomodulation and chemical exposure. Although similar studies investigating the role of cigarette exposure in susceptibility to SSc have been rarely reported and specific mechanisms have never been established, the relationship between smoking and some SSc-related symptoms have been demonstrated during the last decade. However, due to the diversity of study designs, control populations, patient populations and the methodology used to determine smoking history, these results are contradictory in some respects. This paper will review current evidence on the association between smoking and SSc and summarize potential mechanisms.

E3 ubiquitin ligase: A potential regulator in fibrosis and systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis in the skin and internal organs. The pathogenesis of SSc is not completely understood until now. Recently, many studies have focused on the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in organ fibrosis. However, the possible regulatory mechanisms of E3 ubiquitin ligases in fibrosis and SSc are not well documented. In this review, we summarized that E3 ubiquitin ligases regulated fibrosis through ubiquitin-mediated degradation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Moreover, E3 ubiquitin ligases participated in regulating fibrosis by other methods, such as inducing epithelial transition to mesenchymal cell, enhancing the production of TGF-β and protecting activated hepatic stellate cells from apoptosis. However, the specific regulatory mechanisms of E3 ubiquitin ligases in scleroderma is still not fully understood. There are more works to be done to specify the mechanism of E3 ubiquitin ligases in regulation of fibrosis in SSc.

The association of HLA-B27 and Klebsiella pneumoniae in ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis of unknown origin. Its autoimmune origin has been suggested but never proven. Several reports have implicated K. pneumoniae as a triggering or perpetuating factor in AS; and the HLA-B27 antigen has also been found in association with AS. But there is no satisfactory explanation of why the presence of HLA-B27 predisposes to AS and the precise role played by K. pneumoniae in the disease has not yet been clarified. However, various studies have shown that the results of molecular, immunological, and microbiological studies could establish the link between K. pneumoniae infections and HLA-B27 in the aetiopathogenesis of AS. In this review, we have examined the evidence linking the interaction between K. pneumoniae infections and HLA-B27 in AS, and tried to exploit the possible mechanisms by which K. pneumoniae infections might induce pathologic processes to develop novel diagnostic criteria. Finally, we have also summarized some dietary regimens that could be helpful in the therapeutic management of AS patients.

The association between vibration and vascular injury in rheumatic diseases: A review of the literature

Abstract Vascular manifestations can be seen early in the pathogenesis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Animal experiments, laboratory and clinical findings indicated that acute or long-term vibration exposure can induce vascular abnormalities. Recent years, in addition to Raynauds phenomenon (RP), vibration as a risk factor for other rheumatic diseases has also received corresponding considered. This review is concentrated upon the role of vibration in the disease of systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this review, we are going to discuss the main mechanisms which are thought to be important in pathophysiology of vascular injury under the three broad headings of “vascular”, “neural” and “intravascular”. Aspects on the vibration and vascular inflammation are briefly discussed. And the epidemiological studies related to vibration studies in SSc and other rheumatic diseases are taken into account.