OBJECTIVES Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are crucial players in the pathogenesis of synovitis in rheumatic diseases. Targeting FLS activation represents an approach to the development of therapeutic strategies. Our aim was to investigate whether the microenvironment of inflamed joints could modulate the expression of IL-22 and IL-22R1 on OA and RA FLSs. We also examined the effect of IL-2...

Calprotectin has been recently described as a novel marker of obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the circulating concentrations and expression levels of calprotectin subunits (S100A8 and S100A9) in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), exploring its impact on insulin resistance and inflammation and the effect of weight loss. We included 53 subjects in the study. Gene expression levels of ...

Uterine inflammation occurs after calving in association with extensive endometrial remodelling and bacterial contamination. If the inflammation persists, it leads to reduced fertility. Chronic endometritis is highly prevalent in high-yielding cows that experience negative energy balance (NEB) in early lactation. This study investigated the effect of NEB on the antimicrobial peptides S100A8 and...

Calprotectin is a major cytosolic calcium-binding protein of leukocytes which belongs to the S100 protein family. S100A8 and S100A9, major types of calprotectin are heterodimeric complexes being composed of light- and heavy-chain subunits. The calprotectin levels in the plasma, feces, synovial fluid, gingival crevicular fluid, dental calculus and saliva change when the host animal suffers from ...

Emerging evidence indicates a link between inflammation and cancer metastasis, but the molecular mechanism(s) remains unclear. Uteroglobin (UG), a potent anti-inflammatory protein, is constitutively expressed in the lungs of virtually all mammals. UG-knock-out (UG-KO) mice, which are susceptible to pulmonary inflammation, and B16F10 melanoma cells, which preferentially metastasize to the lungs,...

PURPOSE To study the expression and cellular distribution of multiple S100A genes and proteins in normal corneal-limbal epithelium and ocular surface squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tissue. METHODS Normal corneal-limbal tissue was obtained from the Lions Eye Bank, Tampa, FL. Ocular surface SCC tissues were excised from patients undergoing surgery at Singapore National Eye Centre. S100A mRNA exp...

BACKGROUND The processes that drive fibrotic diseases are complex and include an influx of peripheral blood monocytes that can differentiate into fibroblast-like cells called fibrocytes. Monocytes can also differentiate into other cell types, such as tissue macrophages. The ability to discriminate between monocytes, macrophages, fibrocytes, and fibroblasts in fibrotic lesions could be beneficia...