Retracted: Impaired Th17 cell proliferation and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production in CXCR3/CXCR4 double-deficient mice of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common observed infection, affecting approximately 75% of women of reproductive age. Drug resistance represents a troublesome stumbling block associated with VVC therapy. Thus the aim of the present study was to provide information regarding the selection of potential drug targets for VVC. CXCR3-, CXCR4-, or CXCR/CXCR4 double-deficient mouse models of VVC were subsequently established, with changes to the load of Candida Albicans evaluated accordingly. The biological behaviors of the vaginal epithelial cells were characterized in response to the CXCR3-, CXCR4-, or CXCR3/CXCR4 double-knockout in vivo. Our initial observations revealed that in mice with VVC, CXCR3-, CXCR4-, or CXCR3 - CXCR4 double-knockout resulted in a decreased load of C. Albicans as well as reduced levels and proportion of Th17 cells. Proinflammatory cytokine production was found to be inhibited by CXCR3-, CXCR4-, or CXCR3/CXCR4 double-knockout whereby the mRNA and protein expressions CXCR3, CXCR4, IL-17, IL-6, and TNF-α exhibited decreased levels. CXCR3-, CXCR4-, or CXCR3/CXCR4 double-knockout appeared to function as positive proliferation factors, while playing a negative role in the processes of apoptosis and the cell cycle of vaginal epithelial cells. Taken together, the key findings of the study suggested that CXCR3/CXCR4 double-knockout could act to hinder the progression of VVC, highlighting its promise as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of VVC. CXCR3 and CXCR4 genes may regulate Th17/IL-17 immune inflammatory pathways to participate in antifungal immunity.     

The enigmatic role of matrix metalloproteinases in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of oral squamous cell carcinoma: Implications and nutraceutical aspects

The most prevalent malignancy in the oral cavity is represented by oral squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive disease mostly detected in low-income communities. This neoplasia is mostly diffused in older men particularly exposed to risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and a diet rich in fatty foods and poor in vegetables. In oral squamous cell carcinoma, a wide range of matrix-cleaving proteinases are involved in extracellular matrix remodeling of cancer microenvironment. In particular, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) represent the major and most investigated protagonists. Owing to their strong involvement in malignant pathologies, MMPs are considered the most promising new biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The interest in studying MMPs in oral cancer biology is also owing to their prominent role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is an intricate process involving different complex pathways. EMT-related proteins are attractive diagnostic biomarkers that characterize the activation of biological events that promote cancer's aggressive expansion. Different antioncogenic natural compounds have been investigated to counteract oral carcinogenesis, with the scope of obtaining better clinical results and lower morbidity. In particular, we describe the role of different nutraceuticals used for the regulation of MMP-related invasion and proliferation of oral cancer cells.     

Proteoglycan 4 deficiency protects against glucose intolerance and fatty liver disease in diet-induced obese mice

Objective

Proteoglycan 4 (Prg4) has emerged from human association studies as a possible factor contributing to weight gain, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. In the current study, we investigated the causal role of Prg4 in controlling lipid and glucose metabolism in mice.