Search Results (163)

Background: Secukinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin (IL)-17A and is used to treat axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Treating axSpA and PsA can be challenging in patients with comorbidities. In this multicenter retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of secukinumab treatment in patients with axSpA and PsA who had a history of tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis (MS), or congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods: The study included 44 patients with a diagnosis of axSpA and PsA and a history of tuberculosis, MS, or CHF who received secukinumab treatment at 13 centers in our country. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score CRP, visual analog scale, and Disease Activity Score-28 CRP markers at months 0, 3, and 12 of secukinumab treatment were analyzed. Alongside this, tuberculosis, MS, and CHF were evaluated at follow-up using clinical assessments and imaging methods such as chest radiographs, brain magnetic resonance, and echocardiography. Results: A statistically significant improvement in inflammatory markers and disease activity scores was observed in patients treated with secukinumab. There was no reactivation in patients with a history of tuberculosis. In most MS patients, the disease was stable, while clinical and radiological improvement was observed in one patient. No worsening of CHF stage was observed in patients with a history of CHF. Conclusions: With regular clinical monitoring, secukinumab may be an effective and safe treatment option for axSpA and PsA patients with a history of tuberculosis, MS, or CHF. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cutaneous side effects are the most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and affect 70–90% of patients. Besides diverse types of exanthema, rare skin toxicity includes bullous dermatoses in 0.3% of cases. Systemic steroids are the first-line treatment for immune-related bullous pemphigoid (irBP); however, some cases are corticosteroid-resistant. IrBP is one of the irAEs most frequently chronic and associated with long-term steroid use. However, steroids may interfere with tumor response. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies for irBP are desperately needed. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody blocking the receptor binding of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), has been successfully used to treat spontaneous forms of bullous pemphigoid (BP). In this study, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of BP and irBP. Patients and Methods: A retrospective multicenter study evaluated the gene expression profiles of irBP and BP in comparison to healthy controls. Gene expression analyses of skin biopsies were performed using NanoString technology from patients with BP (n = 17), irBP (n = 19), and healthy skin (n = 24) after the patients had consented to participate in this study, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined using Rosalind software. Results: Compared to healthy skin, BP showed 167 DEGs, and irBP revealed 99 DEGs. Some of the DEGs from irBP and BP vs. healthy skin overlapped. Specifically, IL-4- and IL-13-associated genes were upregulated in both irBP and BP compared to healthy skin. Interestingly, expression profiles of BP vs. irBP also showed 13 DEGs. Conclusions: These findings suggest a possibility for therapeutic efficacy of IL-4 and IL-13 inhibitors in the treatment of irBP. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cellular aging represents a crucial element in the progression of musculoskeletal diseases, contributing to muscle atrophy, functional decline, and alterations in bone turnover, which promote fragility fractures. However, knowledge about expression patterns of factors potentially involved in aging and senescence at the tissue level remains limited. Our pilot study aimed to characterize the expression profile of cell cycle regulators, factors released by aged cells, and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the muscle tissue of 26 elderly patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, including 13 with low-energy fracture and 13 with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: The mRNA expression levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), p53, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-15 (IL-15), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), and SIRT1 were evaluated in muscle tissue by qRT-PCR. In addition, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis were conducted to measure the protein levels of SIRT1. Results: A marked muscle atrophy was observed in fractured patients compared to the OA group, in association with an up-regulation of cell cycle regulators and factors released by the aged cells. The expression of matrix metallopeptidase 3 (MMP3), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and fas cell surface death receptor (FAS) was also investigated, although no significant differences were observed between the two experimental groups. Notably, SIRT1 expression was significantly higher in OA patients, confirming its role in maintaining muscle health during aging. Conclusions: Further studies will be needed to clarify the role of SIRT1 in the senescence characteristic of age-related musculoskeletal disorders, counteracting the muscle atrophy that predisposes to fragility fractures. Full article

The objective of this study was to explore the expression profile of the Interleukin (IL)-37/IL-18/IL-18BP/IL-18R axis in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). This study included 36 patients diagnosed with pSS, 13 patients presenting with sicca symptoms without confirmed pSS, and 14 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of IL-37, IL-18, IL-18BP, and IL-18R were measured using a sandwich ELISA. These levels were then correlated with relevant clinical and biological parameters. Furthermore, expression of the same cytokines was assessed in salivary gland biopsies via immunohistochemistry. No significant difference in serum IL-37 levels was observed among the three groups (p = 0.1695). However, serum levels of IL-18 and IL-18BP were significantly elevated in pSS patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0001), and these levels were strongly correlated. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly higher expression of IL-37 in both the excretory ducts and inflammatory infiltrates of salivary glands in pSS patients compared to sicca patients. No correlation was found between IL-37 expression and the histological severity of glandular infiltration as assessed by the Chisholm score. In addition, an enhanced expression of IL-18, IL-18BP, and IL-18Rα was observed in the salivary glands of pSS patients. These findings suggest the potential contribution of the IL-37/IL-18/IL-18BP/IL-18R signaling axis in the pathogenesis of Sjögren’s syndrome, particularly through its increased expression in salivary glands and correlation with disease-specific inflammatory markers. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of pSS immunopathology and suggest new avenues for biomarker development or therapeutic targeting. Full article

In this study, we present an innovative optical biosensor designed to detect Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pivotal cytokine implicated in many pathological conditions. Our sensing platform is made of a porous silicon (PSi) nanostructured substrate modified with a thin (~5 nm) molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), ensuring both high specificity and sensitivity toward IL-6 molecules. The fabrication process involves electrochemical etching of silicon chips to create the porous structure, followed by the electrodeposition of the MIP, which is tailored to selectively bind the IL-6 target. Extensive testing over a broad IL-6 concentration range demonstrates a clear, proportional optical response, yielding a limit of detection (LOD) of 13 nM. Moreover, the biosensor robustness was verified by evaluating its performance in bovine serum, a complex biological matrix. Despite the presence of various interfering components, the sensor maintained its selectivity and displayed minimal matrix effects, underlining its practical applicability in real-world diagnostic scenarios. Full article

After weaning, piglets no longer consume breast milk, and their immune system is not yet fully developed. At this time, if weaned piglets are infected with E. coli, their subsequent growth will be seriously affected. In the present study, 48 healthy 28-day-old weaned piglets (6.65 ± 1.19 kg, Duroc × Landrace × Large White) were randomly divided into an LPS group and control group. Piglets in the LPS group were intraperitoneally injected with an LPS solution (LPS was dissolved in sterile saline to form a solution of 100 μg/mL and injected at a dose of 1 mL per kilogram of body weight) for 13 consecutive days. Piglets in the control group were injected with the same volume of sterile saline. On days 1, 5, 9, and 13 of the experiment, six piglets from each group were randomly selected for dissection, the blood and heart samples were collected, and then cardiac function-related indicators were detected. A portion of the heart tissue was fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and further used to make paraffin sections; then, hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining was performed. Masson staining was used to detect the changes in collagen fibers in the hearts. The other parts of the heart tissues were frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in a refrigerator at −80 °C for the detection of tissue antioxidant indices. The mRNA expression levels of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, and inflammatory cytokines in heart tissues were detected by real-time PCR. The results showed that catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) contents in the heart tissue homogenates increased significantly on days 1 and 5 in LPS-induced piglets (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), while total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) contents decreased significantly on day 5 (p < 0.05). On day 5, the contents of serum cardiac function indicators lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) were significantly increased in LPS-induced piglets (p < 0.01). On the 1st and 5th days, the heart tissue showed obvious pathological damage, which was manifested as the disordered arrangement of myocardial fibers, depression of myocardial cells, infiltration of inflammatory factors, congestion of capillaries, and significant increase in cardiac collagen fibers. On the 1st day, the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly increased in LPS-induced piglets with heart injury (p < 0.01). On the 5th day, the mRNA expression levels of the TLR4 signaling pathway [TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)], TNF-α, and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were also significantly increased in LPS-induced piglets with heart injury (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of the TGF-β signaling pathway (TGF-β, Smad2, and Smad4) in cardiac fibrosis-related genes were significantly increased on days 5 and 9 (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of Smad3 and Smad7 in cardiac fibrosis-related genes were also significantly increased on day 9 (p < 0.01). These results indicate that oxidative stress occurs in the heart tissue of LPS-induced piglets on the 1st and 5th days, leading to cardiac tissue damage. However, on the 9th and 13th days, the degree of heart damage in the piglets was less than that on the 1st and 5th days, which may be due to the tolerance of piglets’ tissues and organs because of multiple same-dose LPS stimulations. Full article

Background/Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether there is an association between low-grade inflammation markers and primary hypertension (PH) in children. Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched up to March 2025 for cohort, cross-sectional, and case–control studies; additional references were obtained from reviewed articles. The studies needed to investigate an association between any inflammation markers and PH. Participants of the study were children (<18 years old) with PH and healthy controls. This meta-analysis included 13 studies published between 2005 and 2024, enrolling 1306 patients (745 with PH and 561 healthy controls). The data were analyzed using Review Manager. Pooled mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to assess the differences in inflammation markers. Results: There was a significant difference between hypertensive and control groups in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-RCP) concentration (mean difference (MD): 0.07 95%CI (0.04, 0.09)), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) (MD: 85.28 95%CI: (50.57–119.99)), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) (MD: 259.78 95%CI: (22.65–496.91)), neutrophil count (MD: 0.90 95%CI (0.66–1.14)), monocyte count (MD: 0.08 95CI%: (0.04–0.11)), platelet count (MD: 20.24 95CI%: (4.27–36.21)), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (MD: 0.48 95%CI: (0.34–0.62)), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (MD: −0.52 95%CI: (−1.02–−0.02)). There was no difference in terms of interleukin 6 (IL-6), lymphocyte count, mean platelet volume (MPV), or platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratio. Conclusions: Some easily accessible markers of low-grade inflammation might be used as an additional tool for diagnosis and screening for hypertension in children. These results should be validated in large and well-conducted studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: To investigate the value of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), D-Lactate, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), electrolytes and creatinine in athletes with lower gastrointestinal symptoms in a cohort of ultra-trailers. Methods: This is a prospective study set in the ultra-trail of Puy Mary Aurillac, a 105 km race. Athletes included were given two questionnaires to collect demographic data and clinical signs related to the race. Blood samples were also collected before and 1 h after the race. Biomarker results were interpreted according to the occurrence of exercise-induced lower gastrointestinal symptoms, and whether the race was completed or forfeited. Results: Of the 76 runners included, 35 (45.5%) presented lower gastrointestinal symptoms. Runners that presented these symptoms had significantly higher IL-10 concentrations (8.7 pg/mL (interquartile range (IQR): 4.2–1.6)) when compared to runners without symptoms (4.8 pg/mL (IQR: 2.4–9)) (p = 0.01). The pre/post-race amplitude of IL-1Ra variation was greater in the group of runners with lower gastrointestinal symptoms (median: +231% (IQR: 169–551)) compared to runners without symptoms (median: +172% (IQR: 91–393)) (p = 0.04). Finally, the 13 (16.9%) runners who forfeited the race displayed lower AST (p < 0.001), LDH (p = 0.002) and IL-6 (p = 0.002) concentrations, compared to runners who finished the race. These lower concentrations were independent from running time. Conclusions: IL-10 and IL-1Ra could be associated with the occurrence of lower gastrointestinal symptoms. Full article

Background: Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 pathway, is able to dampen T helper (Th)2-mediated inflammation in several conditions characterized by this particular type of phlogosis. The aim of this study was to review the efficacy and safety of dupilumab treatment in conditions underpinned by Th2-type inflammation in a cohort of real-world patients referred to our outpatient clinic. Methods: Data from all patients with atopic dermatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, asthma, and other Th2-type-mediated inflammatory conditions treated with dupilumab were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Twenty-two patients were included in the study: 14 with atopic dermatitis, 5 with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, 2 with asthma, and 1 with prurigo nodularis; some of the patients had more than one atopic condition. A complete response was observed in 13 out of 22 patients (59.1%); when partial responses were included in the analysis, the overall response rate was 86.4%. No adverse events were recorded, either locally or systemically. Total IgE levels dropped in all patients, in some cases reaching values close to those typically observed in nonatopic subjects. When eosinophilia was present at baseline, this also normalized during dupilumab treatment. Conclusions: Dupilumab was safe and effective across multiple conditions driven by Th2-type chronic inflammation; effective interference with the Th2-type pathway was inferred by the progressive reduction in serum total IgE levels, which reached the normal range in a fraction of patients, and by the reduction in peripheral blood eosinophil counts. Further studies in different Th2-mediated diseases are warranted. Full article

Acne is a common skin disease that is closely associated with Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and the inflammatory response it induces. Existing antibiotic treatments are often rendered ineffective due to the development of bacterial resistance, while Scutellaria barbata (SLB) has attracted widespread attention for its remarkable anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. However, its role in acne treatment has not been comprehensively studied. This study used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to analyze the bioactive components in a 70% ethanol extract of SLB. The antibacterial activity against C. acnes was systematically evaluated using well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and biofilm formation assays. Additionally, the effects of SLB on nitric oxide (NO) production and phagocytic activity were tested in RAW 264.7 cells. An acne skin model was established by treating HaCaT keratinocytes with heat-inactivated C. acnes. The results demonstrated that SLB significantly inhibited the growth of C. acnes and disrupted its biofilm formation. Moreover, SLB markedly reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in HaCaT keratinocytes stimulated by C. acnes. Moreover, SLB effectively alleviated skin barrier damage caused by C. acnes by suppressing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-1, -3, -9, and -13. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that SLB possesses potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-protective properties, making it a promising candidate for developing anti-acne products and exploring alternative antibiotic therapies. Full article

We aimed to explore the therapeutic efficacy of miR-7704-modified extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. In vitro experiments demonstrated the successful transfection of miR-7704 into HUCMSCs and the isolation of EVs from these cells. In vivo experiments used an OA mouse model to assess the effects of the injection of miR-7704-modified EVs intra-articularly. Walking capacity (rotarod test), cartilage morphology, histological scores, and the expression of type II collagen, aggrecan, interleukin-1 beta, and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) in the cartilage were evaluated. The EVs were characterized to confirm their suitability for therapeutic use. IL-1beta-treated chondrocytes increased type II collagen and decreased MMP13 after treatment with miR-7704-overexpressed EVs. In vivo experiments revealed that an intra-articular injection of miR-7704-overexpressed EVs significantly improved walking capacity, preserved cartilage morphology, and resulted in higher histological scores compared to in the controls. Furthermore, the decreased expression of MMP13 in the cartilage post treatment suggests a potential mechanism for the observed therapeutic effects. Therefore, miR-7704-overexpressed EVs derived from HUCMSCs showed potential as an innovative therapeutic strategy for treating OA. Further investigations should focus on optimizing dosage, understanding mechanisms, ensuring safety and efficacy, developing advanced delivery systems, and conducting early-phase clinical trials to establish the therapeutic potential of HUCMSC-derived EVs for OA management. Full article

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum, continues to pose a major public health threat in East Asia, with an estimated 71 million people at risk of infection. Domestic animals, especially buffaloes and goats, serve as important reservoir hosts, facilitating the transmission of the parasite to humans. While praziquantel (PZQ) is the first-line treatment for schistosomiasis due to its broad-spectrum efficacy against adult schistosomes, its prophylactic potential is less explored. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PZQ in preventing S. japonicum infection in buffaloes and goats via assessing worm burden, worm size, hematological changes, and immune modulation. In the present study, buffaloes and goats were pretreated with PZQ at various doses (7–25 mg/kg body weight), followed by infection with S. japonicum cercariae. The results showed significant reductions in total worm burden and female worm burden, with one oral administration at 13 mg/kg for buffaloes and one injection at 25 mg/kg for goats offering the most robust protection. Worm length was also significantly reduced in both buffaloes and goats, indicating that PZQ not only prevented infection in this study but also inhibited worm growth. Furthermore, PZQ pretreatment modulated immune responses, as evidenced by increased levels of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in buffaloes and Lym% in goats. These findings suggest that PZQ has significant prophylactic potential in livestock, offering a practical solution for reducing schistosome transmission from animals to humans in endemic regions. Additionally, this study indicates that PZQ pretreatment does not contribute to resistance development, as newly established infections are effectively cleared during the initial treatment window. Full article

Campylaephora hypnaeoides (C. hypnaeoides) was extracted using fermented ethanol. The effect of fermented ethanol extract of C. hypnaeoides (FeCH) on chondrocyte viability was analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-iphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, which showed no cytotoxicity at 2 mg/mL. FeCH pretreatment in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes significantly inhibited the accumulation of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E₂, which was analyzed using the ELISA assay. In addition, protein expression levels of inflammatory-related factors, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cartilage-degrading-related enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases-1, -3, and -13, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-4 and -5 were significantly decreased in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes pretreated with FeCH, which were analyzed using western blot analysis. In addition, as a result of analyzing the content of collagen type II (Col II) and proteoglycan through western blot analysis and alcian blue staining, FeCH pretreatment prevented the degradation of Col II and proteoglycan. It was analyzed through western blot analysis that the chondroprotective effect of FeCH may be mediated through MAPKs and NF-κB-signaling mechanisms. In an in vivo study, an osteoarthritis experimental animal model with damaged medial meniscus (DMM) was utilized and orally administered daily for 8 weeks after surgery. At the study end point, knee joints were harvested and subjected to histological analysis with safranin O staining. As a result, articular cartilage was significantly protected in the FeCH group compared to the DMM group. These results suggest FeCH as a candidate material for the development of pharmaceutical materials for the treatment or prevention of degenerative arthritis. Full article

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterised by insulin resistance and leads to hyperglycaemia. Its prevalence and associated complications continue to rise exponentially, despite the existence of pharmaceutical drugs, and this has prompted research into exploring safer herbal remedies. Portulaca oleracea (purslane) has been investigated in animal and clinical trials to explore its effects on diabetes, yielding conflicting results. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of purslane on inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus. We conducted a comprehensive literature search on Scopus PubMed, and through a manual bibliographical search to find relevant studies from inception to 13 September 2024. The search terms included purslane, portulaca oleracea, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Of the 38 retrieved studies, 12 were considered relevant and underwent critical review. Evidence from rodent studies showed decreased inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-beta (NF-κβ), and C-reactive (CRP), while interleukin-10 (IL-10) was increased after intervention with purslane. The markers of oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels increased, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased. Notably, the evidence from clinical trials showed a significant reduction in NF-κβ and CRP after purslane treatment; however, no effect was observed on MDA and TAC. The evidence gathered in this study suggests that purslane exerts anti-inflammatory properties by downregulating NF-κβ, thus suppressing the production of associated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, purslane may be used as an antioxidant and inflammatory agent for diabetes. However, further clinical evidence with a broader population is required to validate the therapeutic properties of purslane in diabetes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Interleukin 13 receptor alpha 2 (IL-13Rα2) is a receptor with a high affinity for IL-13 and is involved in the progression of human cancers. However, studies on the role of IL-13Rα2 in osteosarcoma are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the expression and roles of IL-13Rα2 in the progression of osteosarcoma. Methods: This study evaluated the roles of IL-13Rα2 in osteosarcomas by evaluating tumor tissues from 37 human osteosarcomas and osteosarcoma cells. Results: Immunohistochemical positivity of IL-13Rα2 was an independent indicator of shorter overall survival and relapse-free survival of 37 osteosarcoma patients and 26 subpopulations of patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy with multivariate analysis. In U2OS and KHOS/NP osteosarcoma cells, overexpression of IL-13Rα2 significantly increased proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells, all of which decreased with knockdown of IL-13Rα2. Overexpression of IL-13Rα2 increased expression of TGF-β, snail, cyclin D1, and BCL2 but decreased BAX, and knockdown of IL-13Rα2 caused a decrease in expression of these molecules. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo, proliferation of osteosarcoma cells increased, and apoptosis decreased with overexpression of IL-13Rα2 under treatment with doxorubicin. Knockdown of IL-13Rα2 sensitized osteosarcoma cells to the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the expression of IL13Rα2 might be used as a potential prognostic indicator in osteosarcoma patients. Furthermore, it is observed that IL13Rα2 influences the resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. Therefore, a therapeutic trial targeting IL13Rα2 might be a new therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma, especially those highly expressing IL13Rα2. Full article