Hypercapnic acidosis attenuates endotoxin-induced nuclear factor-[kappa]B activation

Although permissive hypercapnia improves the prognosis of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, it has not been conclusively determined whether hypercapnic acidosis (HA) is harmful or beneficial to sustained inflammation of the lung. The present study was designed to explore the molecular mechanism of HA in modifying lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-associated signals in pulmonary endothelial cells. LPS elicited degradation of inhibitory protein kappaB (IkappaB)-alpha, but not IkappaB-beta, resulting in activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Exposure to HA significantly attenuated LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation through suppressing IkappaB-alpha degradation. Isocapnic acidosis and buffered hypercapnia showed qualitatively similar but quantitatively smaller effects. HA did not attenuate the LPS-enhanced activation of activator protein-1. Following the reduced NF-kappaB activation, HA suppressed the mRNA and protein levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-8, resulting in a decrease in both lactate dehydrogenase release into the medium and neutrophil adherence to LPS-activated human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. In contrast, HA did not inhibit LPS-enhanced neutrophil expression of integrin, Mac-1. Based on these findings, we concluded that hypercapnic acidosis would have anti-inflammatory effects essentially through a mechanism inhibiting NF-kappaB activation, leading to downregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-8, which in turn inhibits neutrophil adherence to pulmonary endothelial cells.

Cellular source(s) of platelet-activating-factor acetylhydrolase activity in plasma

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is immediately degraded and inactivated in the bloodstream by plasma PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH). Although plasma PAF-AH-like activity was secreted in vitro from various cell types such as macrophages and hepatocytes, the exact cellular source(s) of this enzyme activity in vivo remains unclear. There is a naturally-occurring missense mutation (V279F) in the plasma PAF-AH gene in the Japanese population which results in complete loss of the enzyme activity. We analyzed 52 Japanese who had received an allogeneic bone marrow transplant and maintained donor-derived hematopoiesis. Ten recipients had chimeric plasma PAF-AH genotypes between the donor-derived peripheral blood leukocytes and the recipient-derived epithelial cells of buccal mucosa. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that PAF-AH activity in plasma depended on the donor's genotype (standardized regression coefficient = 0.68, P < 0.0001), but not on the recipient's genotype (p = 0.48). One recipient who was a V279F homozygote in leukocytes and wild type homozygote in buccal mucosa had undetectable PAF-AH activity in plasma. We conclude that most of the PAF-AH activity in human plasma originates from hematopoietic lineage cells.

Attenuation of endotoxin-induced acute lung injury by the Rho-associated kinase inhibitor, Y-27632

A small GTPase, Rho, plays key roles in cell adhesion, motility, and contraction after stimulation. Among Rho effectors isolated, the family of Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming protein kinases (ROCK) is implicated in Rho-mediated cell adhesion and smooth muscle contraction. The effect of a specific inhibitor of ROCK, Y-27632, was evaluated in a murine model of acute lung injury induced by intravenous injection of Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). Lung edema was evaluated by measuring extravascular leakage of radio-labeled serum albumin, and neutrophil emigration into the lung parenchyma by morphometric observation and measuring myeloperoxidase activity. Pretreatment with Y-27632 attenuated both lung edema and neutrophil emigration after LPS. We also measured albumin transfer through cultured endothelial cell monolayers on a porous filter. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha significantly increased albumin transfer, which was attenuated by pretreatment with Y-27632. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that morphologic changes in endothelial cells induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha were inhibited by Y-27632. In contrast, the increased fraction of neutrophils with polymerized actin after formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine was not altered by Y-27632. These data suggest that ROCK may play an important role in the pathogenesis of LPS-induced lung injury and that ROCK inhibition could attenuate cytoskeletal rearrangement of endothelial cells, leading to decreased neutrophil emigration into the lung parenchyma.

Leukotriene C4 synthase gene A(-444)C polymorphism and clinical response to a CYS-LT(1) antagonist, pranlukast, in Japanese patients with moderate asthma

CysLT(1) antagonists are effective for a subset of patients with asthma; however, there has been no good way to predict a given patient's response. We examined the interaction between the clinical response to a cysLT(1) antagonist, pranlukast, and DNA sequence variant A(-444)C in leukotriene C(4) synthase (LTC(4) S) gene in Japanese patients with moderate asthma. The frequency of LTC(4) S C(-444) allele was 21.6% in the Japanese general population (n = 171) and 19.4% in the asthmatic subjects ( n= 349). A 4-week prospective, open trial of pranlukast (225 mg twice daily) was performed in 50 patients with moderate asthma who had been well controlled with inhaled corticosteroid (beclomethasone 400-800 microg/day or fluticasone 200-400 microg/day). The C(-444) allele carriers (n = 16) responded better to pranlukast compared to the A(-444) allele homozygotes ( n= 31) [14.3 5.3% vs. 3.1 2.4% improvement of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1) ), 0.01], while LTC(4) S genotype-stratified response to inhaled beta-agonist salbutamol (200 microg) was not observed (17.5 2.1% vs. 18.7 2.2% improvement of FEV(1) ). Univariate analysis demonstrated that the better response to pranlukast (more than 10% improvement of FEV(1) ) was correlated with LTC(4) S genotype (P < 0.01) and pretreatment airway reversibility to salbutamol (P < 0.01), but not with sex, age, atopic status, urinary leukotriene E(4) excretion rate, or daily dose of inhaled corticosteroid. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis suggested that LTC(4) S genotype and the bronchodilatory effect of salbutamol were independent variables to predict the clinical response to pranlukast (P < 0.05). We conclude that LTC(4) S genotype is predictive of the clinical response to a cysLT(1) antagonist, pranlukast, in Japanese patients with moderate asthma.

Prostaglandin D2-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation is mediated by CRTH2 receptor

Mast cell-derived prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) is one of the essential modulators of eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma and allergic rhinitis. Two G protein-coupled receptors for PGD(2), prostaglandin D(2) receptor (DP) and chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th(2) cells (CRTH2), are both expressed on the surface of eosinophils, and CRTH2 has been demonstrated to mediate PGD(2)-induced eosinophil mobilization in vitro. However, it has not yet been determined whether PGD(2) and its receptors mediate in vivo eosinophil trafficking into the airways or other organs. We demonstrated that intratracheal administration of PGD(2) in rats pretreated with systemic interleukin-5 (IL-5) injection induced marked airway eosinophilia, determined by the differential counts of cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung histology, within 2 h. Systemic IL-5 alone significantly increased the number of eosinophils in the peripheral blood but showed no effect on airway eosinophilia. Three CRTH2-specific agonists (13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD(2), 11-deoxy-11-methylene-15-keto-PGD(2), and indomethacin) demonstrated equivalent induction of BAL eosinophilia to that of PGD(2), but a DP agonist (BW 245C [5-(6-carboxyhexyl)-1-(3-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxypropyl)-hydantoin]) or a thromboxane A(2) receptor (TP) agonist ([1S-1alpha,2beta(5Z), 3alpha(1E,3R*),4alpha)]-7-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-(4'-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid) showed no effect. PGD(2) or CRTH2 agonist-induced BAL eosinophilia was almost completely inhibited by pretreatment with a CRTH2/TP antagonist, ramatroban [BAY-u3405; (+)-(3R)-3-(4-fluorobenzenesulfonamido)-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydrocarbazole-9-propionic acid], whereas a TP-specific antagonist, SQ29,548 (5-heptenoic, 7-[3-[[2-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]hydrazino]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2-yl]-[1S-[1alpha,2alpha(Z),3alpha,4alpha]]), or a DP-specific antagonist, BW A868C [3-benzyl-5-(6-carboxyhexyl)-1-(2-cyclohexy-2-hydroxyethylamino)-hydantoin], did not inhibit the effects of PGD(2). These results suggest that CRTH2 plays a significant role in the eosinophil trafficking from the bloodstream into the airways in PGD(2)-related airway inflammation.

Longitudinal follow-up study of smoking-induced lung density changes by high-resolution computed tomography

To evaluate the ability of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) to detect longitudinal changes in structural abnormalities caused by smoking, HRCT and pulmonary function tests were used to examine nonsmokers, current smokers, and past smokers annually for 5 yr. Inspiratory HRCT was taken for the upper, middle, and lower lung fields, while expiratory images were obtained for the upper and lower lung fields only. We estimated the three quantitative CT parameters including MLD (mean CT value), HIST (CT value with the most frequent appearance), and %LAA (relative area of low attenuation with CT values less than -912 HU). Most of the pulmonary function tests, excepting FEV(1), did not change annually, whereas many of the inspiratory HRCT parameters did. In nonsmokers, only %LAA in the middle or lower lung fields exhibited an annual increase. In current smokers, %LAA in the upper lung field was augmented, while inspiratory MLD or HIST in the middle or lower lung field became more positive. In past smokers, %LAA in any lung field examined increased. The annual change in %LAA in the upper lung field was larger for past smokers than nonsmokers, with little difference between past and current smokers. Expiratory CT parameters showed few annual changes in all groups. In conclusion, (1) aging increases airspace abnormalities, mainly in the lower lung field; (2) although continuous smoking worsens airspace abnormalities mainly in the upper portion of the lung, this trend does not seem to slow down even after smoking cessation; and (3) inspiratory HRCT images are superior to expiratory images for longitudinal estimation of structural abnormalities caused by aging and smoking.

New bronchoscopic microsample probe to measure the biochemical constituents in epithelial lining fluid of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

OBJECTIVE

A noninvasive bronchoscopic microsampling (BMS) probe was developed to sample biochemical constituents of the epithelial lining fluid in small airways.

DESIGN

Observational, controlled study.

SETTING

Intensive care unit of academic medical center. PATIENTS AND PROCEDURE: BMS was applied in a control group of seven patients who had hemoptysis or small solitary peripheral nodules but no hypoxemia or other signs of acute inflammation and in four patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), to test whether BMS can ascertain the presence of acute pulmonary inflammation without complications.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Complications, including a significant decrease in arterial oxygen saturation, were observed neither during nor after BMS. In the ARDS group, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin-6, basic fibroblast growth factor, and neutrophil elastase concentrations in epithelial lining fluid were significantly higher (p <.0001, p =.012, p <.0001, p <.0001, and p <.0001, respectively) than in the control group. Serial BMS was safely performed in one patient with ARDS, allowing us to observe a correlation between changes in the concentration of inflammation-related biochemical markers and clinical course of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that BMS is safe and useful to monitor pulmonary biochemical events in ARDS.

Senescence-associated secretory phenotype in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced lung injury

Bleomycin produces DNA damage, apoptosis and senescence, all of which play crucial roles in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Recently, close attention has been paid to a DNA damage-induced phenotypic change (senescence-associated secretory phenotype; SASP) as a trigger for the secretion of various mediators which modify the processes of tissue injury, inflammation, repair and fibrosis. We characterized the SASP in a murine model of bleomycin-induced lung injury. Mice were intratracheally administered bleomycin or control saline, and the lungs were obtained on days 7, 14 and 21. The occurrence of DNA damage and the SASP in the lungs was examined by immunostaining. γH2AX immunostaining of the bleomycin-treated lungs revealed double-strand breaks (DSBs), largely within E-cadherin-positive, β4-integirn-positive alveolar epithelial cells. The DSBs were associated with phosphorylation of ATM/ATR, a central signal transducer mediating the DNA damage response, and upregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(CIP1). The DSBs persisted for at least 21 days after the bleomycin exposure, although it began to wane after 7 days. A subpopulation of the γH2AX-positive, DNA-damaged cells exhibited the SASP, characterized by overexpression of IL-6, TNFα, MMP-2 and MMP-9, in association with the phosphorylation of IKKα/β and p38 MAPK. Persistent DNA damage and the SASP are induced in the process of bleomycin-induced lung injury and repair, suggesting that these events play an important role in the regulation of inflammation and tissue remodeling in bleomycin-induced pneumopathy.

Genetic polymorphism in matrix metalloproteinase-9 and pulmonary emphysema

Protease-antiprotease imbalance due to genetic variation may be responsible for the development of pulmonary emphysema induced by smoking. Since matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have recently been suggested to play important roles in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema, the association between the functional polymorphism of MMP-9 (-1562C/T) and the development of pulmonary emphysema was examined in 110 smokers and 94 nonsmokers in Japan. The T allele frequency was higher in subjects with distinct emphysema on chest CT-scans (n = 45) than in those without it (n = 65) (0.244 vs 0.123, P = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the T allele is a risk factor for smoking-induced emphysema (odds ratio = 2.69, P = 0.02). DL(CO)/VA was lower (P = 0.02) and emphysematous changes were more conspicuous (P = 0.03) in subjects with C/T or T/T (n = 35) than in those with C/C (n = 75). These results suggest that the polymorphism of MMP-9 acts as a genetic factor for the development of smoking-induced pulmonary emphysema.

Kinetics of O2 uptake and release by human erythrocytes studied by a stopped-flow technique

The kinetics of O2 uptake into and release from human erythrocytes was investigated at 37 degrees C by a stopped-flow technique. From the time course of O2 saturation (SO2) change a specific transfer conductance of erythrocytes for O2 (GO2) was calculated. The following results were obtained: 1) GO2 decreased in the course of O2 uptake, but initial GO2 was nearly independent of SO2 at which uptake started; 2) addition of albumin to the medium reduced GO2; 3) increasing dithionite concentration in the medium in O2-release experiments progressively enhanced GO2, which became virtually constant for nearly the entire course of release; and 4) O2 uptake and O2 release (without dithoite) in the same SO2 range yielded very similar GO2. These results suggested that O2 uptake and release were importantly limited by diffusion through the external medium and that in the SO2 range between 0.3 and 0.8, chemical reaction exerted little limiting effect. Since O2 release at the highest dithionite concentration (40 mmol/l) appeared to be virtually unlimited by external diffusion, GO2 measured under these conditions, averaging 8.7 ml X min-1 X Torr-1 X ml erythrocytes-1, was considered to mainly reflect intracellular diffusion limitation. The corresponding specific transfer conductance for O2 transfer in whole blood (hematocrit, 0.45) is 3.9 ml X min-1 X Torr-1 X ml blood-1.

Macrophage derived chemokine (CCL22), thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (CCL17), and CCR4 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronically progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology. Previously, we have demonstrated the selective upregulation of the macrophage-derived chemokine CCL22 and the thymus activation-regulated chemokine CCL17 among chemokines, in a rat model of radiation pneumonitis/pulmonary fibrosis and preliminarily observed an increase in bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid CCL22 levels of IPF patients.

METHODS

We examined the expression of CCR4, a specific receptor for CCL22 and CCL17, in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cells, as well as the levels of CCL22 and CCL17, to elucidate their pathophysiological roles in pulmonary fibrosis. We also studied their immunohistochemical localization.

RESULTS

BAL fluid CCL22 and CCL17 levels were significantly higher in patients with IPF than those with collagen vascular diseases and healthy volunteers, and there was a significant correlation between the levels of CCL22 and CCL17 in patients with IPF. CCL22 levels in the BAL fluid did not correlate with the total cell numbers, alveolar lymphocytes, or macrophages in BAL fluid. However, the CCL22 levels significantly correlated with the numbers of CCR4-expressing alveolar macrophages. By immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis, localization of CCL22 and CCR4 to CD68-positive alveolar macrophages as well as that of CCL17 to hyperplastic epithelial cells were shown. Clinically, CCL22 BAL fluid levels inversely correlated with DLco/VA values in IPF patients.

CONCLUSION

We speculated that locally overexpressed CCL22 may induce lung dysfunction through recruitment and activation of CCR4-positive alveolar macrophages.

New simple and rapid test for culture confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex: a multicenter study

Mycobacterial antigen MPB64 has been identified as a Mycobacterium tuberculoisis complex-specific secretory protein since 1984. Recently, a simple culture confirmation test for M. tuberculosis complex has been developed by using lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (ICA) to detect MPB64 with anti-MPB64 monoclonal antibody. The current multicenter study evaluated the performance of an ICA slide test for MPB64 antigen in the clinical setting. Primary positive cultures from clinical specimens, as well as stock cultures, were tested. Approximately 100 microl of positive liquid culture medium or suspension made from colonies on solid medium was placed into the test well of the plastic slide devise, and the test was read after 15 min. No processing or instrumentation was required. A total of 304 mycobacterial isolates consisting of M. tuberculosis complex (171 isolates) and mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis (MOTT) complex (133 isolates) belonging to 18 different species were tested. Growth in liquid media (Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube [MGIT] and Radiometric 12B), as well as in solid (Löwenstein-Jensen and Middlebrook 7H10 agar) media, was evaluated. Results were compared with those obtained with nucleic acid-based and/or high-pressure liquid chromatography identification. All MOTT were found to be negative on the ICA slide with no cross-reaction. All M. tuberculosis and M. africanum cultures were found to be positive, whereas the results of M. bovis and M. bovis BCG cultures were variable since some of the BCG strains are known to lack MPB64 antigen production. The results did not change with prolonged storage of cultures. This low-tech rapid test with high sensitivity and specificity could provide an alternative to currently available identification methods, particularly for recently introduced nonradiometric liquid culture systems such as MGIT.

Inhibition of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activity improves ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat lungs

Although c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of transplantation-induced ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in various organs, its significance in lung transplantation has not been conclusively elucidated. We therefore attempted to measure the transitional changes in JNK and AP-1 activities in I/R-injured lungs. Subsequently, we assessed the effects of JNK inhibition by the three agents including SP600125 on the degree of lung injury assessed by means of various biological markers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and histological examination including detection of apoptosis. In addition, we evaluated the changes in p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity. I/R injury was established in the isolated rat lung preserved in modified Euro-Collins solution at 4 degrees C for 4 h followed by reperfusion at 37 degrees C for 3 h. We found that AP-1 was transiently activated during ischemia but showed sustained activation during reperfusion, leading to significant lung injury and apoptosis. The change in AP-1 was generally in parallel with that of JNK, which was activated in epithelial cells (bronchial and alveolar), alveolar macrophages, and smooth muscle cells (bronchial and vascular) on immunohistochemical examination. The change in NF-kappaB qualitatively differed from that of AP-1. Protein leakage, release of lactate dehydrogenase and TNF-alpha into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung injury were improved, and apoptosis was suppressed by JNK inhibition. In conclusion, JNK plays a pivotal role in mediating lung injury caused by I/R. Therefore, inhibition of JNK activity has potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for preventing I/R injury during lung transplantation.

CCL22 and CCL17 in rat radiation pneumonitis and in human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is caused by various known and unknown aetiologies, but the key pathogenic mechanisms are still ill-defined. Chemokines are a large family of chemotactic cytokines that play pivotal roles in various inflammatory diseases. In the present study, the roles of chemokines in a rat model of radiation pneumonitis/ pulmonary fibrosis were examined. Accumulation of inflammatory cells and pneumonitis were observed on day 28, and diffuse alveolar wall thickening with extensive fibrosis was observed on day 56. In addition to the previously reported CCL2 (macrophage chemoattractant protein-1) induction, selective upregulation of CCL22 (macrophage-derived chemokine) and CCL17 (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine) were demonstrated for the first time in the irradiated lung tissues. Immunohistochemically, it was demonstrated that CCL22 and CCL17 were localised primarily to alveolar macrophages, whereas their receptor CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) was detected on alveolar lymphocytes and macrophages. On further analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis, elevated levels of CCL22, but not of CCL17, were observed in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. Since these two chemokines play pivotal roles in various type-2 T-helper cell-dominant diseases, it was speculated that CCL22, and probably CCL17, are involved in the pathophysiology of radiation pneumonitis/pulmonary fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through the recruitment of CC chemokine receptor 4-positive type-2 T-helper cells and alveolar macrophages.

Importance of interleukin-8 in the development of reexpansion lung injury in rabbits

Reexpansion of a collapsed lung induces increased microvascular permeability leading to reexpansion pulmonary edema (REPE). This study was designed to prove the hypothesis that local overproduction of interleukin-8 (IL-8) induces inflammatory cell accumulation which leads to the induction of REPE. Initially, we examined the detailed characteristics of a rabbit model of REPE in association with IL-8 production and its mRNA expression. The lung tissue to plasma ratio of radiolabeled albumin (T/P ratio), the lung wet to dry ratio, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) neutrophil counts were significantly increased in the reexpanded lung. IL-8 concentrations and mRNA expression were significantly increased in the reexpanded lung homogenate. Immunohistochemically, alveolar macrophages (AMs) and epithelial cells in the reexpanded lung and AMs in the collapsed lung were positive for IL-8. Second, we examined the effect of pretreatment with a specific monoclonal anti-IL-8 antibody (Ab) or control IgG on the development of REPE. The T/P ratio and BAL neutrophil counts were conspicuously decreased by pretreatment with anti-IL-8 Ab, but not with control IgG. On a histopathological study, lung injury and leukocyte infiltration were attenuated by the pretreatment with anti-IL-8 Ab. In conclusion, IL-8 production is enhanced in the reexpanded lung, and contributes to the development of REPE. The pretreatment with anti-IL-8 antibody may be useful as a novel protective therapy for this disease.

Association of CYP2A6 deletion polymorphism with smoking habit and development of pulmonary emphysema

BACKGROUND

Nicotine is responsible for smoking dependence and is mainly metabolised by CYP2A6. Several types of genetic polymorphism of CYP2A6 have been reported, but their relation to smoking habit and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) phenotypes has not been fully clarified.

METHODS

203 current or ex-smokers (lifelong cigarette consumption (CC) >/=10 pack years) with subclinical and established COPD phenotypes were clinically evaluated and pulmonary function tests and a chest CT scan were performed (smoker group). The non-smoker group consisted of 123 healthy volunteers. CYP2A6 genotypes were determined in both groups.

RESULTS

The percentage of subjects with a CYP2A6del allele (genotype D) was lower in heavy smokers (20.5%, n=88, CC >/=60 pack years) than in light smokers (37.4%, n=115, CC 10-59 pack years, chi(2)=6.8, p=0.01) or non-smokers (36.1%, n=122, chi(2)=6.0, p=0.01); lower in ex-smokers (20.7%, n=111) than in current smokers (41.3%, n=92, chi(2)=10.1, p<0.01); and lower in smokers with a high LAA (low attenuation area) score on the chest CT scan (18.4%, n=76, LAA >/=8.0) than in those with a low LAA score (37.0%, n=127, LAA <8.0, chi(2)=7.8, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with the CYP2A6del allele tend not to be heavy habitual smokers but can be light habitual smokers. The CYP2A6del polymorphism may inhibit smokers from giving up smoking, but appears to function as a protective factor against the development of pulmonary emphysema independent of smoking habit.

Differential contribution of various adhesion molecules to leukocyte kinetics in pulmonary microvessels of hyperoxia-exposed rat lungs

To elucidate the differential role of various adhesion molecules in distorting leukocyte behavior in the microvasculature of hyperoxia-exposed rat lungs, we investigated fluorescein-labeled leukocyte and erythrocyte kinetics in isolated lungs taken from the animals exposed to 90% O2 for 48 h under conditions in which endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin were inhibited by appropriate monoclonal antibodies (1A29 for ICAM-1 and ARP2-4 for P-selectin), while leukocyte L-selectin was restrained with fucoidin. Measurements of blood cell kinetics were made by a confocal laser luminescence microscope coupled with a high-speed video camera. In addition, we histologically examined leukocyte accumulation within the alveolar septa and ICAM-1 as well as P-selectin expressions in the lung. We found that P-selectin expression was sparsely enhanced only in arterioles, whereas ICAM-1 was significantly induced in both venules and capillaries. Firm adhesion of leukocytes was not identified in arterioles and venules, whereas leukocyte rolling was evident in both the vessels. Arteriolar rolling was regulated via a P-selectin- and ICAM-1-independent but L-selectin-dependent mechanism, whereas venular rolling was mediated via a P-selectin-independent but ICAM-1- and L-selectin-dependent pathway. Leukocyte sequestration within capillaries was augmented by an ICAM-1-related mechanism. These findings may suggest that, in hyperoxia-exposed lungs, induction of adhesion molecules and their obstacles to leukocyte behavior are qualitatively different among arterioles, venules, and capillaries.

TLR3-mediated synthesis and release of eotaxin-1/CCL11 from human bronchial smooth muscle cells stimulated with double-stranded RNA

Respiratory infections with RNA viruses, such as rhinovirus or respiratory syncytial virus, are a major cause of asthma exacerbation, accompanied by enhanced neutrophilic and/or eosinophilic inflammation of the airways. We studied the effects of dsRNA synthesized during RNA virus replication, and of its receptor, TLR3, on the synthesis of eosinophilic chemokines in bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMC). Synthetic dsRNA, polyinosinic-cystidic acid (poly(I:C)), induced the synthesis of eosinophilic chemokines, eotaxin-1/CCL11 and RANTES/CCL5, from primary cultures of human BSMC, and IL-4 increased synergistically the synthesis of poly(I:C)-induced CCL11. A robust eosinophil chemotactic activity was released from BSMC stimulated with poly(I:C) and IL-4, which was mostly inhibited by preincubation with an anti-CCL11, but not with an anti-CCL5 Ab. Although the immunoreactivity of TLR3 was detectable on the cellular surface of BSMC by flow cytometric analysis, pretreatment with an anti-TLR3-neutralizing Ab failed to block the poly(I:C)-induced synthesis of CCL11. We have determined by confocal laser-scanning microscopy that the immunoreactivity of TLR3 was aggregated intracellularly in poly(I:C)-stimulated BSMC, colocalizing with fluorescein-labeled poly(I:C). The synthesis of CCL11 was prominently inhibited by the transfection of TLR3-specific small interfering RNA or by bafilomycin A1, an endosomal acidification inhibitor, further supporting the essential role played by intracellular TLR3 in the synthesis of poly(I:C)-induced CCL11 in BSMC. In conclusion, these observations suggest that, by activating intracellular TLR3 in BSMC, respiratory RNA virus infections stimulate the production of CCL11 and enhance eosinophilic inflammation of the airways in the Th2-dominant microenvironment.

Optimized scanning conditions of high resolution CT in the follow-up of pulmonary emphysema

PURPOSE

To address the optimal scanning condition of high resolution computerized tomography from the perspective of minimizing exposed dose.

METHOD

The influence of the electric current, the slice number, and the slice thickness on precise percent ratio of the low attenuation area to whole lung field (LAA%) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients was examined. The standard conditions were 250 mA, 3 slices, 2 mm slice thickness, and a varied parameter.

RESULTS

In cases showing an LAA% less than 30, LAA% obtained by < or =150 mA were significantly larger than those by 250 mA. The mean LAA% with 3 and 10 slices were well correlated and the correlation with lung function was similar. The correlation of LAA% with lung function was approximately the same between the 2 and 5 mm slice thicknesses.

CONCLUSION

The electrical current must be > or =200 mA, and 3 slices and 2 mm slice thickness are appropriate.

Effect of CD14 blockade on endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in mice

CD14 functions as a cell surface receptor for endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) and is thought to have an essential role in innate immune responses to infection. Previous studies have revealed attenuation of the systemic response after sepsis by blocking CD14. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that CD14 blockade protects against inflammatory responses associated with LPS pneumonia. We examined the effect of an anti-murine CD14 monoclonal antibody (4C1) on the development of acute lung injury induced by intratracheal LPS in mice. We also measured the production of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2) and nitric oxide by murine peritoneal macrophages exposed to LPS in vitro. Nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B translocation was evaluated in nuclear extracts from lung homogenates. 4C1 significantly attenuated pulmonary edema and neutrophil emigration after LPS administration. The production of cytokines and nitric oxide by LPS-stimulated macrophages was significantly decreased by 4C1 treatment. NF-kappa B translocation induced by LPS instillation was also suppressed by 4C1. These results suggest that blockade of CD14 might attenuate acute lung injury after intratracheal instillation of LPS through the suppression of NF-kappa B translocation. The inhibitory effect of CD14 blockade on cytokine production and nitric oxide release of macrophages might contribute to the attenuation of lung injury.

Suppressive effects of diesel exhaust particles on cytokine release from human and murine alveolar macrophages

Epidemiological studies have shown an increase in the number of hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in association with high concentrations of particulate matter smaller than 10 micro m (PM(10)). Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) are important components of PM(10). This study was designed to test the effect of DEP on the release of cytokines from alveolar macrophages (AMs). Human and murine AMs were exposed to DEP for 24 hours, and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 were measured in the supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). DEP (10 micro g/mL) suppressed the spontaneous release of TNF-alpha and IL-6 from murine AMs (P<.05). This suppression was not seen with exposure to carbon particles. Soluble components of DEP had a similar suppressive effect, suggesting that the chemical composition of DEP is responsible for the suppression. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or IFN-gamma-induced TNF-alpha and IL-6 production by murine AMs were suppressed by DEP in a dose-dependent manner (P<.05). DEP also inhibited LPS-stimulated production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 from human AMs (P<.05). Pretreatment of AMs with superoxide dismutase (SOD) (300 IU/mL) prevented the suppressive effect of DEP on AM cytokine production (P<.05). The authors conclude that DEP exposure suppressed the release of cytokines from AMs, and speculate that this suppression could impair normal host defenses.

Roles of ICAM-1 for abnormal leukocyte recruitment in the microcirculation of bleomycin-induced fibrotic lung injury

To assess the importance of endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in microvascular leukocyte kinetics in diseased lungs, we investigated the transitional changes in ICAM-1 expression, vascular diameter, and leukocyte behavior in rat pulmonary microcirculation during the development of acute lung injury (ALI) and chronic fibrosis (FIB) evoked by bleomycin (BLM). Observations were made in the isolated perfused lung with a real-time confocal laser luminescence microscope. Microvascular cell kinetics were evaluated by measuring the behavior of fluorescence- labeled leukocytes and erythrocytes in the presence or absence of anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody (1A29). Arteriolar ICAM-1 showed little change at any time after BLM treatment. Venular ICAM-1 was first enhanced at the initial phase of ALI followed by the second upregulation at the early phase of FIB. Capillary ICAM-1 showed a sustained increase at both ALI and FIB. Arteriolar and venular diameters were not altered but capillary diameter decreased during ALI and early FIB stages. Although firm adherence of leukocytes to arteriolar and venular walls was not observed, rolling leukocytes were increased in venules both at the initial phase of ALI and at the early phase of FIB. The leukocyte rolling in venules correlated well with transitional changes in ICAM-1 and was inhibited by 1A29. Sustained entrapment of leukocytes in capillaries was attributed to changes in vascular diameter as well as augmented ICAM-1. In conclusion, ICAM-1 plays an important role in microvascular leukocyte recruitment in both ALI and FIB in the BLM-injured lung.

Various adhesion molecules impair microvascular leukocyte kinetics in ventilator-induced lung injury

Although the endothelial expression of various adhesion molecules substantially differs between pulmonary microvessels, their importance for neutrophil and lymphocyte sequestration in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) has not been systematically analyzed. We investigated the kinetics of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and mononuclear cells (MN) in the acinar microcirculation of the isolated rat lung with VILI by real-time confocal laser fluorescence microscopy, with or without inhibition of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, or P-selectin by monoclonal antibodies (MAb). Adhesion molecules in each microvessel were estimated by intravital fluorescence microscopy or immunohistochemical staining. In high tidal volume-ventilated lungs, 1) ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and P-selectin were differently upregulated in venules, arterioles, and capillaries; 2) venular PMN rolling was improved by inhibition of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, or P-selectin, whereas arteriolar PMN rolling was improved by ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 inhibition; 3) capillary PMN entrapment was ameliorated only by anti-ICAM-1 MAb; and 4) MN rolling in venules and arterioles and MN entrapment in capillaries were improved by ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 inhibition. In conclusion, the contribution of endothelial adhesion molecules to abnormal leukocyte behavior in VILI-injured microcirculation is microvessel and leukocyte specific. ICAM-1- and VCAM-1-dependent, but P-selectin-independent, arteriolar PMN rolling, which is expected to reflect the initial stage of tissue injury, should be taken as a phenomenon unique to ventilator-associated lung injury.

Single nucleotide polymorphism of human platelet-activating factor receptor impairs G-protein activation

Various proinflammatory and vasoactive actions of platelet-activating factor (PAF) are mediated through a specific G-protein-coupled PAF receptor (PAFR). We identified a novel DNA variant in the human PAFR gene, which substitutes an aspartic acid for an alanine residue at position 224 (A224D) in the putative third cytoplasmic loop. This mutation was observed in a Japanese population at an allele frequency of 7.8%. To delineate the functional consequences of this structural alteration, Chinese hamster ovary cells were stably transfected with constructs encoding either wild-type or A224D mutated PAFR. No significant difference was observed in the expression level of the receptor or the affinity to PAF or to an antagonist, WEB2086, between the cells transfected with wild-type and mutant PAFR. Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing A224D mutant PAFR displayed partial but significant reduction of PAF-induced intracellular signals such as calcium mobilization, inositol phosphate production, inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, and chemotaxis. These findings suggest that this variant receptor produced by a naturally occurring mutation exhibits impaired coupling to G-proteins and may be a basis for interindividual variation in PAF-related physiological responses, disease predisposition or phenotypes, and drug responsiveness.

Effect of steroid on hyperoxia-induced ICAM-1 expression in pulmonary endothelial cells

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) of the vascular endothelium plays a key role in the development of pulmonary oxygen toxicity. We studied the effect of steroid on hyperoxia-induced ICAM-1 expression using cultured endothelial cells in vitro. Human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) were cultured to confluence, and then the monolayers were exposed to either control (21% O(2)-5% CO(2)) or hyperoxic (90% O(2)-5% CO(2)) conditions with and without a synthetic glucocorticoid, methylprednisolone (MP). MP reduced hyperoxia-induced ICAM-1 and ICAM-1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Neutrophil adhesion to hyperoxia-exposed endothelial cells was also inhibited by MP treatment. In addition, MP attenuated hyperoxia-induced H(2)O(2) production in HPAECs as assessed by flow cytometry. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that hyperoxia activated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) but not activator protein-1 (AP-1) and that MP attenuated hyperoxia-induced NF-kappaB activation dose dependently. With Western immunoblot analysis, IkappaB-alpha expression was decreased by hyperoxia and increased by MP treatment. These results suggest that MP downregulates hyperoxia-induced ICAM-1 expression by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation via increased IkappaB-alpha expression.