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  1. Influence of genetic polymorphisms of cytokine genes in the outcome of HLA-matched allogeneic stem cell transplantation in a South East Asian population
    Gan GG, Leong YC, Bee PC, Chin EF, Abdul Halim H, Nadarajan VS, et al.
    Cytokine, 2016 Feb;78:55-61.
    PMID: 26638029 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.11.022
    Non-HLA gene polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and outcome of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). This study aims to investigate the role of IL6, TNFα, IL10, IL2 and IL12 gene polymorphisms in the outcome of AHSCT in a South East Asian population. A total of 67 patients and 59 donors who underwent HLA-identical matched sibling AHSCT were available for analysis. There was no significant association between the different cytokine genotypes of patients with the incidence and severity of acute GVHD. Patients with IL2 166∗T allele and patients who received donor stem cells who had IL2 166∗G allele appeared to have reduced incidence of cGVHD. Patients who received donor stem cells with IL12 1188∗C allele are found to be associated with better disease free survival. These results suggest a possible role of IL2 and IL12 gene polymorphisms in the outcome of AHSCT in a South East Asian population.
  2. Helicobacter pylori protein HP0986 (TieA) interacts with mouse TNFR1 and triggers proinflammatory and proapoptotic signaling pathways in cultured macrophage cells (RAW 264.7)
    Ansari SA, Devi S, Tenguria S, Kumar A, Ahmed N
    Cytokine, 2014 Aug;68(2):110-7.
    PMID: 24767863 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.03.006
    HP0986 protein of Helicobacter pylori has been shown to trigger induction of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and TNF-α) through the activation of NF-κB and also to induce Fas mediated apoptosis of human macrophage cells (THP-1). In this study, we unravel mechanistic details of the biological effects of this protein in a murine macrophage environment. Up regulation of MCP-1 and TNF-α in HP0986-induced RAW 264.7 cells occurred subsequent to the activation and translocation of NF-κB to the cell nucleus. Further, HP0986 induced apoptosis of RAW 264.7 cells through Fas activation and this was in agreement with previous observations made with THP-1 cells. Our studies indicated activation of TNFR1 through interaction with HP0986 and this elicited the aforementioned responses independent of TLR2, TLR4 or TNFR2. We found that mouse TNFR1 activation by HP0986 facilitates formation of a complex comprising of TNFR1, TRADD and TRAF2, and this occurs upstream of NF-κB activation. Furthermore, FADD also forms a second complex, at a later stage, together with TNFR1 and TRADD, resulting in caspase-8 activation and thereby the apoptosis of RAW 264.7 cells. In summary, our observations reveal finer details of the functional activity of HP0986 protein in relation to its behavior in a murine macrophage cell environment. These findings reconfirm the proinflammatory and apoptotic role of HP0986 signifying it to be an important trigger of innate responses. These observations form much needed baseline data entailing future in vivo studies of the functions of HP0986 in a murine model.
  3. Tumour necrosis factor alpha down-regulates the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα) in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells by activation of NF-κB pathway
    Lim WS, Ng DL, Kor SB, Wong HK, Tengku-Muhammad TS, Choo QC, et al.
    Cytokine, 2013 Jan;61(1):266-74.
    PMID: 23141142 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2012.10.007
    Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) plays a major role in the regulation of lipid and glucose homeostasis, and inflammatory responses. The objectives of the study were to systematically investigate the effects of TNF-α and its regulatory pathway on PPARα expression in HepG2 cells using Real-Time RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Here, TNF-α suppressed PPARα mRNA expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner at the level of gene transcription. Pre-treatment of cells with 10μM of Wedelolactone for 2h was sufficient to restore PPARα expression to basal levels and also affected the expression of PPARα-regulated genes. This study also demonstrated that TNF-α represses PPARα expression by augmenting the activity of canonical NF-κB signalling pathway. This was shown by the abrogation of TNF-α-mediated PPARα down-regulation, after both p65 and p50 were knocked down via siRNA. The IKK contributes to IκBα degradation and mediates inducible phosphorylation of p105 at Ser933. Surprisingly, phosphorylation of p65 at Ser468 and Ser536 were severely abrogated with Wedelolactone inhibition, suggesting that Ser468 and Ser536, but not Ser276, may mediate the TNF-α inhibitory action on PPARα gene expression. These results suggest that TNF-α might, at least in part, suppress PPARα expression through activation of IKK/p50/p105/p65 pathway. Furthermore, phosphorylation of p65 at Ser468 and Ser536 may play a crucial role in the mechanism that limits PPARα production in the human HepG2 cells.
  4. Effect of transforming growth factor-β3 on mono and multilayer chondrocytes
    Sefat F, Youseffi M, Khaghani SA, Soon CF, Javid F
    Cytokine, 2016 07;83:118-126.
    PMID: 27108397 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.04.008
    Articular cartilage is an avascular and flexible connective tissue found in joints. It produces a cushioning effect at the joints and provides low friction to protect the ends of the bones from wear and tear/damage. It has poor repair capacity and any injury can result pain and loss of mobility. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), a cytokine superfamily, regulates cell function, including differentiation and proliferation. Although the function of the TGF-βs in various cell types has been investigated, their function in cartilage repair is as yet not fully understood. The effect of TGF-β3 in biological regulation of primary chondrocyte was investigated in this work. TGF-β3 provided fibroblastic morphology to chondrocytes and therefore overall reduction in cell proliferation was observed. The length of the cells supplemented with TGF-β3 were larger than the cells without TGF-β3 treatment. This was caused by the fibroblast like cells (dedifferentiated chondrocytes) which occupied larger areas compared to cells without TGF-β3 addition. The healing process of the model wound closure assay of chondrocyte multilayer was slowed down by TGF-β3, and this cytokine negatively affected the strength of chondrocyte adhesion to the cell culture surface.
  5. Profiling of cytokines, chemokines and other soluble proteins as a potential biomarker in colorectal cancer and polyps
    Johdi NA, Mazlan L, Sagap I, Jamal R
    Cytokine, 2017 11;99:35-42.
    PMID: 28689023 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2017.06.015
    Soluble proteins including cytokines, chemokines and growth factors are small proteins that mediate and regulate immunity. They involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancers. The concentration of these proteins in biological fluids (serum or plasma) and tissues in diseases may suggest pathway activation that leads to inflammatory response or disease progression. Therefore, these soluble proteins may be useful as a tool for screening, diagnosis classification between stages of disease or surveillance for therapy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and bioassay have been used as a gold standard in cytokine level measurements in clinical practice. However, these methods allow only single cytokine detection at a time and ineffective for screening purposes. Hence, the innovation of multiplexing technology allows measurement of many these soluble proteins simultaneously, thus allowing rapid, cost effective and better efficiency by using a minute amount of sample. In this study, we explored the profiles of key inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and other soluble proteins from the serum derived from colorectal carcinoma (CRC, n=20), colorectal polyps (P, n=20) and healthy volunteers (N, n=20) using multiplexed bead-based immunoassays. We aimed to evaluate if the levels of these soluble proteins can classify these groups of populations and explore the possible application of the soluble proteins as biomarkers in early stage screening and/or surveillance. We observed significant high IL-4, MIP-1β, FasL and TGF-β1 levels but lower levels for RANTES in P-derived serum as compared to N-derived serum. Significant high IL-8, VEGF, MIP-1β, Eotaxin and G-CSF observed in CRC-derived serum when compared to N-derived serum. Between CRC- and P-derived serum, significantly higher levels of IL-8, Eotaxin and G-CSF but lower levels for TGF-β1 were detected in CRC-derived serum. These preliminary results were obtained from small sample size and could be further validated with larger sample size cohort to produce a panel of biomarkers for CRC and P patients. Our findings might be useful in developing a disease-specific panel for biomarker screening assay. This could be used for early diagnosis and/or treatment surveillance.
  6. Interferon-γ induces biphasic changes in caldesmon localization as well as adherens junction organization and expression in HUVECs
    Ng CT, Fong LY, Yong YK, Hakim MN, Ahmad Z
    Cytokine, 2018 11;111:541-550.
    PMID: 29909980 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.06.010
    Endothelial barrier dysfunction leads to increased endothelial permeability and is an early step in the development of vascular inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a proinflammatory cytokine, is known to cause increased endothelial permeability. However, the mechanisms by which IFN-γ disrupts the endothelial barrier have not been clarified. This study aimed to investigate how IFN-γ impairs the endothelial barrier integrity by specifically examining the roles of caldesmon, adherens junctions (AJs) and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in IFN-γ-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. IFN-γ exhibited a biphasic effect on caldesmon localization and both the structural organization and protein expression of AJs. In the early phase (4-8 h), IFN-γ induced the formation of peripheral caldesmon bands and discontinuous AJs, while AJ protein expression was unchanged. Interestingly, IFN-γ also stimulated caldesmon phosphorylation, resulting in actin dissociation from caldesmon at 8 h. Conversely, changes seen in the late phase (16-24 h) included cytoplasmic caldesmon dispersal, AJ linearization and junctional area reduction, which were associated with reduced membrane, cytoskeletal and total AJ protein expression. In addition, IFN-γ enhanced myosin binding to caldesmon at 12 h and persisted up to 24 h. Furthermore, inhibition of p38 MAP kinase by SB203580 did not reverse either the early or late phase changes observed. These data suggest that IFN-γ may activate signaling molecules other than p38 MAP kinase. In conclusion, our findings enhance the current understanding of how IFN-γ disrupts endothelial barrier function and reveal potential therapeutic targets, such as caldesmon and AJs, for the treatment of IFN-γ-associated vascular inflammatory diseases.
  7. Survival and immunomodulation of stem cells from human extracted deciduous teeth expanded in pooled human and foetal bovine sera
    Haque N, Khan IM, Abu Kasim NH
    Cytokine, 2019 08;120:144-154.
    PMID: 31071675 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.04.018
    The immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from autologous and allogeneic sources are useful in stimulating tissue regeneration and repair. To obtain a high number of MSCs for transplantation requires extensive in vitro expansion with culture media supplements that can cause xeno-contamination of cells potentially compromising function and clinical outcomes. In this study stem cells from human extracted deciduous teeth (SHED) were cultured in Knockout™ DMEM supplemented with either pooled human serum (pHS) or foetal bovine serum (FBS) to compare their suitability in maintaining immunomodulatory properties of cells during in vitro expansion. No significant difference in cell survival of SHED grown in pHS (pHS-SHED) or FBS (FBS-SHED) was observed when co-cultured with complement, monocytes or lymphocytes. However, significant changes in the expression of sixteen paracrine factors involved in immunomodulation were observed in the supernatants of FBS-SHED co-cultures with monocytes or lymphocytes compared to that in pHS-SHEDs after both 24 and 120 h of incubation. Further analysis of changing protein levels of paracrine factors in co-cultures using biological pathway analysis software predicted upregulation of functions associated with immunogenicity in FBS-SHED and lymphocyte co-cultures compared to pHS-SHED co-cultures. Pathway analysis also predicted significant stimulation of HMGB1 and TREM1 signalling pathways in FBS-SHED co-cultures indicating activation of immune cells and inflammation. Though FBS supplementation does not impact survival of SHED, our combinatorial biological pathway analysis supports the idea that in vitro expansion of SHEDs in pHS provides optimal conditions to minimise xeno-contamination and inflammation and maintain their immunomodulatory properties.
  8. A novel nano-anti-malarial induces redox damage and elicits cytokine response to the parasite
    Das S, Tripathy S, Pramanik P, Saha B, Roy S
    Cytokine, 2021 08;144:155555.
    PMID: 33992538 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155555
    Emergence and spread of resistant parasites to the newest chemotherapeutic anti-malarial agents are the biggest challenges against malaria control programs. Therefore, developing a novel effective treatment to reduce the overgrowing burden of multidrug resistant malaria is a pressing need. Herein, we have developed a biocompatible and biodegradable, non-toxic chitosan-tripolyphosphate-chloroquine (CS-TPP CQ) nanoparticle. CS-TPP CQ nanoparticles effectively kill the parasite through redox generation and induction of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in both sensitive and resistant parasite in vitro. The in vitro observations showed a strong inhibitory effect (p 
  9. Fulltext IL-6 antagonists to replace systemic corticosteroids as the preferred anti-inflammatory therapy in patients with COVID-19?
    Kow CS, Zaihan AF, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS
    Cytokine, 2022 Jan;149:155730.
    PMID: 34628129 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155730
  10. Uncovering the complex role of interferon-gamma in suppressing type 2 immunity to cancer
    Bhat AA, Goyal A, Thapa R, Almalki WH, Kazmi I, Alzarea SI, et al.
    Cytokine, 2023 Nov;171:156376.
    PMID: 37748333 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156376
    Cancer involves cells' abnormal growth and ability to invade or metastasize to different body parts. Cancerous cells can divide uncontrollably and spread to other areas through the lymphatic or circulatory systems. Tumors form when malignant cells clump together in an uncontrolled manner. In this context, the cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is crucial in regulating immunological responses, particularly malignancy. While IFN-γ is well-known for its potent anti-tumor effects by activating type 1 immunity, recent research has revealed its ability to suppress type 2 immunity, associated with allergy and inflammatory responses. This review aims to elucidate the intricate function of IFN-γ in inhibiting type 2 immune responses to cancer. We explore how IFN-γ influences the development and function of immune cells involved in type 2 immunity, such as mast cells, eosinophils, and T-helper 2 (Th2) cells. Additionally, we investigate the impact of IFN-mediated reduction of type 2 immunity on tumor development, metastasis, and the response to immunotherapeutic interventions. To develop successful cancer immunotherapies, it is crucial to comprehend the complex interplay between type 2 and type 1 immune response and the regulatory role of IFN-γ. This understanding holds tremendous promise for the development of innovative treatment approaches that harness the abilities of both immune response types to combat cancer. However, unraveling the intricate interplay between IFN-γ and type 2 immunity in the tumor microenvironment will be essential for achieving this goal.
  11. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ): Reviewing its mechanisms and signaling pathways on the regulation of endothelial barrier function
    Ng CT, Fong LY, Abdullah MNH
    Cytokine, 2023 Jun;166:156208.
    PMID: 37088004 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156208
    Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a critical role in mediating an array of immune responses including promotes antiviral activity, facilitates macrophage activation, controls Th1/Th2 balance, and regulates cellular apoptosis and proliferation. A few articles have previously reviewed the effects of IFN-γ in the regulation of barrier permeability, but none of these articles focuses on barrier function of endothelial cells. This review aims to discuss the regulatory mechanisms of IFN-γ on endothelial barrier function and its underlying signaling pathways. Articles were retrieved from electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords "Interferon-gamma", "endothelial cells", "barrier function", and "signaling pathway". The articles published between 2000 and 2022 that are related to the aforementioned topics were selected. A few journals published beyond this period were also included due to limited information available. The results showed that IFN-γ modulates endothelial barrier function, mainly involves small GTPases, STAT1-dependent pathway, p38 MAPK and nitric oxide. In conclusion, more in depth cellular and molecular studies are needed to elucidate the pathways of IFN-γ in the regulation of endothelial barrier function.
  12. Aberrant frequency of TNFR2-expressing CD4+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
    Engku Abd Rahman ENS, Irekeola AA, Shueb RH, Mat Lazim N, Mohamud R, Chen X, et al.
    Cytokine, 2023 Oct;170:156341.
    PMID: 37657236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156341
    TNFR2 is a surface marker of highly suppressive subset of CD4+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in humans and mice. This study examined the TNFR2 expression by Tregs of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients and healthy controls. The proliferation, migration, survival of TNFR2+ Tregs, and association with clinicopathological characteristics were assessed. The expression levels of selected cytokines were also determined. The results demonstrated that in both peripheral blood (PB) (10.45 ± 5.71%) and tumour microenvironment (TME) (54.38 ± 16.15%) of NPC patients, Tregs expressed TNFR2 at noticeably greater levels than conventional T cells (Tconvs) (3.91 ± 2.62%, p  0.05), the proportions of PB and TME TNFR2+ Tregs in NPC patients showed more proliferative, higher migration capacity, and better survival ability, as compared to those in healthy controls. Furthermore, TNFR2+ Tregs from NPC patients expressed significantly higher amounts of IL-6 (p = 0.0077), IL-10 (p = 0.0001), IFN-γ (p = 0.0105) and TNF-α (p 
  13. CD4+ Foxp3+ Regulatory T-cells in Modulating Inflammatory Microenvironment in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Progress and Future Prospect
    M Yusoff NNF, Ahmad S, Wan Abdul Rahman WF, Mohamud R, C Boer J, Plebanski M, et al.
    Cytokine, 2024 Jun;178:156557.
    PMID: 38452440 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156557
    Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) characterized by the presence of nasal polyps (NP) in the paranasal mucosa. Despite the complex etiology, NP is believed to result from chronic inflammation. The long-term aftermath of the type 2 response is responsible for symptoms seen in NP patients, i.e. rhinorrhea, hyposmia, and nasal obstruction. Immune cellular tolerogenic mechanisms, particularly CD4 + Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (Tregs), are crucial to curtail inflammatory responses. Current evidence suggests impaired Treg activity is the main reason underlying the compromise of self-tolerance, contributing to the onset of CRSwNP. There is compelling evidence that tumor necrosis factor 2 (TNFR2) is preferentially expressed by Tregs, and TNFR2 is able to identify the most potent suppressive subset of Tregs. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-TNFR2 interaction plays a decisive role in the activation and expansion of Tregs. This review summarizes current understanding of Tregs biology, focusing on the discussion of the recent advances in the study of TNF-TNFR2 axis in the upregulation of Treg function as a negative feedback mechanism in the control of chronic inflammation. The role of dysregulation of Tregs in the immunopathogenesis of CRSwNP will be analyzed. The future perspective on the harnessing Tregs-mediated self-tolerant mechanism in the management of CRSwNP will be introduced.
  14. Elevated serum soluble programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) level correlate with clinical characteristics in breast cancer patients: A study at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
    Amira Khairil Anwar N, Najmi Mohd Nazri M, Rosliza Mohd Adzemi E, Amilda Anthony A, Mohd Azlan M, Balakrishnan V, et al.
    Cytokine, 2024 Jul 22;182:156698.
    PMID: 39042994 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156698
    BACKGROUND: Elevated serum levels of soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) have been reported in many cancers; however, there is limited data of sPD-L1 in breast cancer, especially those representing Asian (Malay) women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sPD-L1 serum levels and analyze its correlation with clinical characteristics in breast cancer patients at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).

    METHODS: Blood specimens were obtained from 92 malignant, 16 benign breast cancer patients and 23 healthy controls. The serum concentrations of sPD-L1 were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

    RESULTS: The median serum sPD-L1 concentration of malignant and benign breast cancer patients was significantly elevated compared to the healthy cohorts (12.50 ng/mL vs 13.97 ng/mL vs 8.75 ng/mL, p 

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