What is TNF-alpha?5 answersTumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a pleiotropic immune cytokine that plays various roles in different physiological and pathological processes. It exists as either a transmembrane or a soluble molecule and targets two distinct receptors, TNF-α receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNF-α receptor 2 (TNFR2). TNF-α is involved in creating a favorable environment for malignant cells to evade the immune system and resist treatment. It is also associated with the progression of several diseases, including cancers, cytokine release syndrome in COVID-19, and autoimmune disorders. TNF-α inhibitors have been used as a therapeutic strategy to inhibit the progression of inflammatory diseases in dermatology. In the cardiovascular system, TNF-α has both beneficial and potentially conflicting roles, with cardioprotective effects against certain conditions but also potential adverse effects. Overall, TNF-α is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes, making it an important target for therapeutic interventions.
What are the therapeutic targets for LPS-induced acute lung injury?5 answersThe therapeutic targets for LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) include the inhibition of neutrophil recruitment and infiltration, regulation of immune cell hyperactivation and enzyme activity, modulation of macrophage polarization, and targeting of specific genes and pathways involved in inflammation. Esculin, a compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to attenuate lung injury, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and inhibit neutrophil migration and chemotaxis by interacting with β2 integrin. Amino derivatives of pyrimidines and triazolopyrimidines have also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting IL-6 and NO synthesis. SERPINA3, a gene associated with inflammation, has been identified as a key target, and pyridoxal phosphate has been suggested as a candidate drug for ALI treatment. Rhein has been shown to promote macrophage M2 polarization and regulate inflammation response through the NFATc1/Trem2 axis. Additionally, cryptotanshinone has been found to inhibit M1 macrophage differentiation and promote M2 polarization by activating AMPK, suggesting its potential as an anti-ALI agent.
What are the biological functions of Tumor necrosis factor alpha?3 answersStep 1: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is involved in various biological functions such as immunomodulation, inflammatory response, regulation of cellular pathways, cellular proliferation, differentiation, and death, as well as synaptic elimination during neuromuscular junction development. It also plays a role in sleep regulation and is associated with inflammatory diseases, particularly cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Step 3: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) plays important roles in processes such as immunomodulation, fever, inflammatory response, inhibition of tumor formation, and inhibition of viral replication. TNF-alpha is involved in many physiologic and pathologic cellular pathways, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, and death, regulation of immunologic reactions to different cells and molecules, local and vascular invasion of neoplasms, and destruction of tumor vasculature. TNFα expressed in postsynaptic muscle cells plays an important role in presynaptic axonal elimination at the neuromuscular junction. TNF is involved in sleep regulation acting within an extensive tightly orchestrated biochemical network to niche-adapt sleep in health and disease. TNF-α is directly associated with secretion of cytokines and plays an extremely important role in cancers and cardiovascular disease, two groups of inflammatory diseases.
What are the receptors that TNF-alpha binds to?5 answersTumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) binds to two receptors: tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (TNFR1) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2).
Does chemotherapy decrease TNF alpha production?5 answersChemotherapy has been found to decrease the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in certain contexts. In a study of breast cancer survivors, it was observed that circulating levels of TNF-alpha were increased among patients exposed to chemotherapy, but these levels declined significantly in the year after treatment. Another study focused on cachexia, a condition associated with various diseases including malignancies, found that TNF-alpha plays a role in its induction and propagation. Additionally, a study examining the effects of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and TNF-alpha on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) metabolism in colon cancer cells found that TNF-alpha alone decreased the production of 5-fluorodeoxuridine monophosphate (FdUMP), while TNF-alpha plus IFN-alpha abolished the enhancement of FdUMP production by IFN-alpha. Thalidomide, a drug that selectively inhibits TNF-alpha production, was found to have no effect on the production of other cytokines such as interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) and IL-6 by monocytes. Therefore, while the effects of chemotherapy on TNF-alpha production may vary depending on the context, there is evidence to suggest that it can decrease TNF-alpha production in certain situations.
Does ascites impact MHC class I surface expression in cancer?5 answersAscites has been shown to impact MHC class I surface expression in cancer. In cervical cancer, the level and pattern of MHC class I expression were investigated, and it was found that MHC class I molecules accumulated in the cytoplasm of cancerous tissues compared to normal cervix tissues. Similarly, in lung cancer, MHC class II expression was assessed, and it was observed that MHC class II was expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and tissues, but not in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines or tumor cells. The loss or downregulation of MHC class I antigens in invasive tumors compared to normal tissues has also been observed in various experimental and human tumors, suggesting a role in tumor escape from immune responses. However, the specific impact of ascites on MHC class I surface expression in cancer was not directly addressed in the provided abstracts.