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Fu J, Zong X, Jin M, Min J, Wang F, Wang Y. Mechanisms and regulation of defensins in host defense. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:300. [PMID: 37574471 PMCID: PMC10423725 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions in innate immunity, as well as their structure and activity relationships, along with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, have been of great interest in recent years. To highlight the key research into the role of defensins in human and animal health, we first describe their research history, structural features, evolution, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Next, we cover the role of defensins in immune homeostasis, chemotaxis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, intestinal development and regulation of cell death. Further, we discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in various diseases, including infectious disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity, chronic inflammatory lung disease, periodontitis and cancer. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the nutrient-dependent regulation of defensins, including fatty acids, amino acids, microelements, plant extracts, and probiotics, while considering the clinical application of such regulation. Together, the review summarizes the various biological functions, mechanism of actions and potential clinical significance of defensins, along with the challenges in developing defensins-based therapy, thus providing crucial insights into their biology and potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Gobert AP, Latour YL, Asim M, Barry DP, Allaman MM, Finley JL, Smith TM, McNamara KM, Singh K, Sierra JC, Delgado AG, Luis PB, Schneider C, Washington MK, Piazuelo MB, Zhao S, Coburn LA, Wilson KT. Protective Role of Spermidine in Colitis and Colon Carcinogenesis. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:813-827.e8. [PMID: 34767785 PMCID: PMC8881368 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Because inflammatory bowel disease is increasing worldwide and can lead to colitis-associated carcinoma (CAC), new interventions are needed. We have shown that spermine oxidase (SMOX), which generates spermidine (Spd), regulates colitis. Here we determined whether Spd treatment reduces colitis and carcinogenesis. METHODS SMOX was quantified in human colitis and associated dysplasia using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. We used wild-type (WT) and Smox-/- C57BL/6 mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) or azoxymethane (AOM)-DSS as models of colitis and CAC, respectively. Mice with epithelial-specific deletion of Apc were used as a model of sporadic colon cancer. Animals were supplemented or not with Spd in the drinking water. Colonic polyamines, inflammation, tumorigenesis, transcriptomes, and microbiomes were assessed. RESULTS SMOX messenger RNA levels were decreased in human ulcerative colitis tissues and inversely correlated with disease activity, and SMOX protein was reduced in colitis-associated dysplasia. DSS colitis and AOM-DSS-induced dysplasia and tumorigenesis were worsened in Smox-/- vs WT mice and improved in both genotypes with Spd. Tumor development caused by Apc deletion was also reduced by Spd. Smox deletion and AOM-DSS treatment were both strongly associated with increased expression of α-defensins, which was reduced by Spd. A shift in the microbiome, with reduced abundance of Prevotella and increased Proteobacteria and Deferribacteres, occurred in Smox-/- mice and was reversed with Spd. CONCLUSIONS Loss of SMOX is associated with exacerbated colitis and CAC, increased α-defensin expression, and dysbiosis of the microbiome. Spd supplementation reverses these phenotypes, indicating that it has potential as an adjunctive treatment for colitis and chemopreventive for colon carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain P Gobert
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Center for Mucosal Inflammation and Cancer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Program in Cancer Biolog Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yvonne L Latour
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mohammad Asim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Daniel P Barry
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Margaret M Allaman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jordan L Finley
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Thaddeus M Smith
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kara M McNamara
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Program in Cancer Biolog Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kshipra Singh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Center for Mucosal Inflammation and Cancer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Johanna C Sierra
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Center for Mucosal Inflammation and Cancer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alberto G Delgado
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Paula B Luis
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Claus Schneider
- Center for Mucosal Inflammation and Cancer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - M Kay Washington
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - M Blanca Piazuelo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Center for Mucosal Inflammation and Cancer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shilin Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lori A Coburn
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Center for Mucosal Inflammation and Cancer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Program in Cancer Biolog Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Keith T Wilson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Center for Mucosal Inflammation and Cancer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Program in Cancer Biolog Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee.
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Gubatan J, Holman DR, Puntasecca CJ, Polevoi D, Rubin SJS, Rogalla S. Antimicrobial peptides and the gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7402-7422. [PMID: 34887639 PMCID: PMC8613745 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i43.7402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are highly diverse and dynamic molecules that are expressed by specific intestinal epithelial cells, Paneth cells, as well as immune cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They play critical roles in maintaining tolerance to gut microbiota and protecting against enteric infections. Given that disruptions in tolerance to commensal microbiota and loss of barrier function play major roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and converge on the function of AMP, the significance of AMP as potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets in IBD have been increasingly recognized in recent years. In this frontier article, we discuss the function and mechanisms of AMP in the GI tract, examine the interaction of AMP with the gut microbiome, explore the role of AMP in the pathogenesis of IBD, and review translational applications of AMP in patients with IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gubatan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, CA 94063, United States
| | - Derek R Holman
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford , Stanford University, Stanford , CA 94305, United States
| | | | - Danielle Polevoi
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94063, United States
| | - Samuel JS Rubin
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94063, United States
| | - Stephan Rogalla
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, CA 94063, United States
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Kanmura S, Morinaga Y, Tanaka A, Komaki Y, Iwaya H, Kumagai K, Mawatari S, Sasaki F, Tanoue S, Hashimoto S, Sameshima Y, Ono Y, Ohi H, Ido A. Increased Gene Copy Number of DEFA1A3 Is Associated With the Severity of Ulcerative Colitis. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 12:e00331. [PMID: 33825720 PMCID: PMC8032364 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION DEFA1A3 encodes human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) 1-3 and has multiple copy number variations (CNVs). HNPs are associated with innate immunity. Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disorder, is a life-threatening condition, and predictive markers of UC severity are needed. This study investigated the relationship between DEFA1A3 CNV and UC severity. METHODS This study enrolled 165 patients with UC. The relationship between DEFA1A3 CNV and disease severity was analyzed based on Mayo score, patient characteristics, and treatment methods. In addition, serum and stimulated neutrophil-derived HNP concentrations were also measured in patients with high and low DEFA1A3 CNV. RESULTS DEFA1A3 CNV was significantly correlated with Mayo score and white blood cell count (R = 0.46, P < 0.0001; R = 0.29, P = 0.003, respectively), and only high copy numbers of DEFA1A3 were independent factors for severe UC (P < 0.001, odds ratio: 1.88, 95% confidence interval, 1.34-2.61). The number of severe UC patients with high DEFA1A3 CNV was significantly greater than those with low CNV. We confirmed the associations between DEFA1A3 and UC severity using a validation cohort. In addition, the HNP concentration in high-copy number patients was significantly higher after neutrophil stimulation than that in low-copy number patients. DISCUSSION This study demonstrated that there is a correlation between DEFA1A3 copy number and severity in patients with UC. In addition, neutrophils from UC patients with higher DEFA1A3 CNV had high reactivity of secretion of HNPs after stimulation. DEFA1A3 CNV may be a novel severity marker and a potential therapeutic target for UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Kanmura
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yuko Morinaga
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Akihito Tanaka
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yuga Komaki
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Iwaya
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kumagai
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Seiichi Mawatari
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Fumisato Sasaki
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Shiroh Tanoue
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hashimoto
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yoichi Sameshima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Imamura General Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yohei Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology, Idzuro Imamura Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hidehisa Ohi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Idzuro Imamura Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Akio Ido
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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Moazzezy N, Asadi Karam MR, Rafati S, Bouzari S, Oloomi M. A Synthetic Peptide 2Abz 23S 29 Reduces Bacterial Titer and Induces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in a Murine Model of Urinary Tract Infection. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:2797-2807. [PMID: 32764879 PMCID: PMC7381768 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s259937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Introduction A urinary tract infection (UTI), which is often caused by uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains, affects many people worldwide annually. UPEC causes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by the bladder epithelial cells; however, it has been proven that the UPEC can inhibit the early activation of the innate immune system. Methods This study aimed to examine the antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects of different doses of truncated alpha-defensins (human neutrophil peptide (HNP)-1) analog 2Abz23S29 on the mouse UTI model. Experimentally uropathogenic E. coli CFT073-infected mice were treated with low-dose 2Abz23S29 (250µg/mL), high-dose 2Abz23S29 (750µg/mL), ciprofloxacin (cip) (800µg/mL), or high-dose 2Abz23S29plus cip once a day 24 h post-infection. The 2Abz23S29 and cip treatment were given for two consecutive days. Results The in vivo results showed that fewer UPEC were recovered from the bladders of mice treated transurethrally with 2Abz23S29. Moreover, low-dose 2Abz23S29 significantly decreased the level of the interleukin-6 (IL-6), whereas high-dose 2Abz23S29 increased pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, macrophage inflammatory protein/2 (MIP/2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in infected bladders of mice. Besides, the levels of cytokines IL-6 and MIP/2 in infected mice treated with a combination of high-dose 2Abz23S29 and cip were significantly higher than the untreated mice. In contrast, CFT073-infected mice treated with a combination of high-dose 2Abz23S29 and cip showed no changes in cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β levels, indicating that ciprofloxacin may play an anti-inflammatory role. Conclusion Collectively, apart from the direct antibacterial role of 2Abz23S29, our data illustrated that 2Abz23S29 modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production of bladder in a dose-dependent manner, which has implications for the development of new anti-infective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Moazzezy
- Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sima Rafati
- Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Bouzari
- Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mana Oloomi
- Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Dall'Acqua S, Grabnar I, Verardo R, Klaric E, Marchionni L, Luidy-Imada E, Sut S, Agostinis C, Bulla R, Perissutti B, Voinovich D. Combined extracts of Echinacea angustifolia DC. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe in softgel capsules: Pharmacokinetics and immunomodulatory effects assessed by gene expression profiling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 65:153090. [PMID: 31557666 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Echinacea angustifolia DC. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe are two natural products with documented immunomodulatory activity, both able to modulate the expression of important immune-related genes. Thus, their use in combination seems to be particularly promising. In this context, we have considered the oral supplementation of a highly standardized lipophilic extract combining both above-mentioned phytocomplexes, formulated in attractive softgel capsules, with two objectives: on the one hand to study oral pharmacokinetic of main active extracts' components and on the other hand to examine the immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory properties by gene expression profiling. METHODS Softgel capsules containing a combination of E. angustifolia DC. and Z. officinale Roscoe (5 mg and 25 mg, respectively) were given by oral administration to 10 healthy volunteers. The plasma concentrations of dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z-tetraenoic isobutylamide (tetraene) for E. angustifolia DC., 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol (free and glucuronide) for Z. officinale Roscoe were determined by LC-MS analysis, and the pharmacokinetic analysis was performed. To understand the functional mechanisms responsible for the documented health benefits, we also examined the overall transcriptional remodeling induced in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and performed an integrative functional analysis on the generated gene expression. RESULTS All bioactive components were absorbed very rapidly, and their tmax were detected in plasma from 30 min to 1.40 h. The peak concentrations of tetraene, 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol and their glucuronide metabolites were 14.74, 5.66, 9.25, 29.2 and 22.24 ng/ml, respectively. Integrated analysis performed on the generated gene expression data highlighted immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects similar to those exerted by hydrocortisone. CONCLUSION These data demonstrated that the bioactive ingredients are highly and rapidly absorbed from softgel capsules containing the combination of the above-mentioned lipophilic extracts, providing evidence to support their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. These data also help in defining the mechanistic pathways underlying the health benefits of these plant-derived bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Dall'Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Iztok Grabnar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roberto Verardo
- National Laboratory of the Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology, Area Science Park - Padriciano 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Enio Klaric
- National Laboratory of the Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology, Area Science Park - Padriciano 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luigi Marchionni
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eddie Luidy-Imada
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, ICB, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Stefania Sut
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and the Environment, Viale dell'Università 16 - 35020 Legnaro, Pd, Italy
| | - Chiara Agostinis
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, via dell'Istria 65/1, 34143, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberta Bulla
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, via Valerio, 28, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Beatrice Perissutti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, P.le Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Dario Voinovich
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, P.le Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
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Antimicrobial Host Defence Peptides: Immunomodulatory Functions and Translational Prospects. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1117:149-171. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3588-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Dias Bastos PA, Lara Santos L, Pinheiro Vitorino RM. How are the expression patterns of gut antimicrobial peptides modulated by human gastrointestinal diseases? A bridge between infectious, inflammatory, and malignant diseases. J Pept Sci 2018. [PMID: 29542263 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The human gut barrier is the tissue exposed to the highest load of microorganisms, harbouring 100 trillion bacteria. In addition, the gut's renewal rate outruns that of any other human tissue. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are highly optimized defense molecules in the intestinal barrier optimized to maintain gastrointestinal homeostasis. Alterations in AMPs activity can lead to or result from human gastrointestinal diseases. In this review, unique, conserved, or otherwise regular alterations in the expression patterns of human AMPs across gastrointestinal inflammatory and infectious diseases were analyzed for pattern elucidation. Human gastrointestinal diseases are associated with alterations in gut AMPs' expression patterns in a peptide-specific, disease-specific, and pathogen-specific way, modulating human gastrointestinal functioning. Across diseases, there is a (i) marked reduction in otherwise constitutively expressed AMPs, leading to increased disease susceptibility, and a (ii) significant increase in the expression of inducible AMPs, leading to tissue damage and disease severity. Infections and inflammatory conditions are associated with altered gene expression in the gut, whose patterns may favour cellular metaplasia, mucosal dysfunction, and disease states. Altered expression of AMPs can thus thrive disease severity and evolution since its early stages. Nevertheless, the modulation of AMP expression patterns unveils promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lúcio Lara Santos
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group - Research Center, Portuguese Oncology Institute - Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Portuguese Oncology Institute - Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Miguel Pinheiro Vitorino
- iBiMED, Institute for Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Ibusuki R, Uto H, Oda K, Ohshige A, Tabu K, Mawatari S, Kumagai K, Kanmura S, Tamai T, Moriuchi A, Tsubouchi H, Ido A. Human neutrophil peptide-1 promotes alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis and hepatocyte apoptosis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174913. [PMID: 28403148 PMCID: PMC5389644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Neutrophil infiltration of the liver is a typical feature of alcoholic liver injury. Human neutrophil peptide (HNP)-1 is an antimicrobial peptide secreted by neutrophils. The aim of this study was to determine if HNP-1 affects ethanol-induced liver injury and to examine the mechanism of liver injury induced by HNP-1. METHODS Transgenic (TG) mice expressing HNP-1 under the control of a β-actin-based promoter were established. Ethanol was orally administered to HNP-1 TG or wild-type C57BL/6N (WT) mice. SK-Hep1 hepatocellular carcinoma cells were used to investigate the effect of HNP-1 on hepatocytes in vitro. RESULTS After 24 weeks of ethanol intake, hepatic fibrosis and hepatocyte apoptosis were significantly more severe in TG mice than in WT mice. Levels of CD14, TLR4, and IL-6 in liver tissues were higher in TG mice than in WT mice. Apoptosis was accompanied by higher protein levels of caspase-3, caspase-8, and cleaved PARP in liver tissue. In addition, phosphorylated ASK1, ASK1, phosphorylated JNK, JNK1, JNK2, Bax, Bak and Bim were all more abundant in TG mice than in WT mice. In contrast, the level of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 in the liver was significantly lower in TG mice than in WT mice. Analysis of microRNAs in liver tissue showed that miR-34a-5p expression was significantly higher in TG mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, in the presence of ethanol, HNP-1 increased the apoptosis with the decreased level of Bcl2 in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. CONCLUSIONS HNP-1 secreted by neutrophils may exacerbate alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis and hepatocyte apoptosis with a decrease in Bcl2 expression and an increase in miR-34a-5p expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Ibusuki
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
- Department of International Island and Community Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Uto
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
- Center for Digestive and Liver Diseases, Miyazaki Medical Center Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Kohei Oda
- Department of HGF Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Akihiko Ohshige
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Tabu
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Seiichi Mawatari
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kotaro Kumagai
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Shuji Kanmura
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Tamai
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Akihiro Moriuchi
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hirohito Tsubouchi
- Department of HGF Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
- Kagoshima City Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Akio Ido
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
- Department of HGF Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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Maeda T, Sakiyama T, Kanmura S, Hashimoto S, Ibusuki K, Tanoue S, Komaki Y, Arima S, Nasu Y, Sasaki F, Taguchi H, Numata M, Uto H, Tsubouchi H, Ido A. Low concentrations of human neutrophil peptide ameliorate experimental murine colitis. Int J Mol Med 2016; 38:1777-1785. [PMID: 27840892 PMCID: PMC5117768 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) not only have antimicrobial properties, but also exert multiple immunomodulatory effects depending on the concentration used. We have previously demonstrated that the intraperitoneal administration of high-dose HNP-1 (100 µg/day) aggravates murine dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, suggesting a potential pro-inflammatory role for HNPs at high concentrations. However, the role of low physiological concentrations of HNPs in the intestinal tract remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of low concentrations of HNPs on intestinal inflammation. We first examined the effects of the mild transgenic overexpression of HNP-1 in DSS-induced colitis. HNP-1 transgenic mice have plasma HNP-1 levels similar to the physiological concentrations in human plasma. Compared to wild-type mice treated with DSS, HNP-1 transgenic mice treated with DSS had significantly lower clinical and histological scores, and lower colonic mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. We then injected low-dose HNP-1 (5 µg/day) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) intraperitoneally into C57BL/6N and BALB/c mice administered DSS. The HNP-1-treated mice exhibited significantly milder colitis with reduced expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with the PBS-treated mice. Finally, we examined the in vitro effects of HNP-1 on the expression of cytokines associated with macrophage activation. Low physiological concentrations of HNP-1 did not significantly affect the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 or IL-10 in colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells activated with heat-killed Escherichia coli, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effects of HNP-1 on murine colitis may not be exerted by direct action on intestinal macrophages. Collectively, our data demonstrated a biphasic dose-dependent effect of HNP-1 on DSS-induced colitis: an amelioration at low concentrations and an aggravation at high concentrations. Low concentrations of HNPs may contribute to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuro Maeda
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Toshio Sakiyama
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Shuji Kanmura
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hashimoto
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Kazunari Ibusuki
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Shiroh Tanoue
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yuga Komaki
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Shiho Arima
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Nasu
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Fumisato Sasaki
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hiroki Taguchi
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Numata
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Uto
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hirohito Tsubouchi
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Akio Ido
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
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11
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Defensins: “Simple” antimicrobial peptides or broad-spectrum molecules? Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 26:361-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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IBUSUKI KAZUNARI, SAKIYAMA TOSHIO, KANMURA SHUJI, MAEDA TAKURO, IWASHITA YUJI, NASU YUICHIRO, SASAKI FUMISATO, TAGUCHI HIROKI, HASHIMOTO SHINICHI, NUMATA MASATSUGU, UTO HIROFUMI, TSUBOUCHI HIROHITO, IDO AKIO. Human neutrophil peptides induce interleukin-8 in intestinal epithelial cells through the P2 receptor and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Int J Mol Med 2015; 35:1603-9. [DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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13
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Kim JM. Antimicrobial proteins in intestine and inflammatory bowel diseases. Intest Res 2014; 12:20-33. [PMID: 25349560 PMCID: PMC4204685 DOI: 10.5217/ir.2014.12.1.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal surface of the intestinal tract is continuously exposed to a large number of microorganisms. To manage the substantial microbial exposure, epithelial surfaces produce a diverse arsenal of antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) that directly kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Thus, AMPs are important components of innate immunity in the gut mucosa. They are frequently expressed in response to colonic inflammation and infection. Expression of many AMPs, including human β-defensin 2-4 and cathelicidin, is induced in response to invasion of pathogens or enteric microbiota into the mucosal barrier. In contrast, some AMPs, including human α-defensin 5-6 and human β-defensin 1, are constitutively expressed without microbial contact or invasion. In addition, specific AMPs are reported to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to altered expression of AMPs or development of autoantibodies against AMPs. The advanced knowledge for AMPs expression in IBD can lead to its potential use as biomarkers for disease activity. Although the administration of exogenous AMPs as therapeutic strategies against IBD is still at an early stage of development, augmented induction of endogenous AMPs may be another interesting future research direction for the protective and therapeutic purposes. This review discusses new advances in our understanding of how intestinal AMPs protect against pathogens and contribute to pathophysiology of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Mogg Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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14
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Ibusuki R, Uto H, Arima S, Mawatari S, Setoguchi Y, Iwashita Y, Hashimoto S, Maeda T, Tanoue S, Kanmura S, Oketani M, Ido A, Tsubouchi H. Transgenic expression of human neutrophil peptide-1 enhances hepatic fibrosis in mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined diet. Liver Int 2013; 33:1549-56. [PMID: 23682724 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neutrophils infiltrate the livers of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) induce cytokine and chemokine production under inflammatory conditions, which may contribute to the progression of NASH. In this study, we focused on the effects of HNP-1 on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a mouse model of NASH induced by a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet. MATERIALS & METHODS We generated transgenic mice expressing HNP-1 under the control of a β-actin-based promoter. HNP-1 transgenic and wild-type C57BL/6N mice were fed a CDAA diet for 16 weeks to induce hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Serological and histological features were examined, and the effects of HNP-1 on hepatic stellate cell lines were assessed. RESULTS HNP-1 transgenic and wild-type mice fed the CDAA diet showed no significant differences in serum alanine aminotransferase levels or the degree of hepatic steatosis based on Oil red O staining and hepatic triglyceride content. In contrast, Sirius Red and Azan staining showed significantly more severe hepatic fibrosis in HNP-1 transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice. In addition, significantly more α-smooth muscle actin-positive hepatic stellate cells were observed in the transgenic mice than in the wild-type mice. Finally, the proliferation of the LI90 hepatic stellate cell line increased in response to HNP-1. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that HNP-1 enhances hepatic fibrosis in fatty liver by inducing hepatic stellate cell proliferation. Thus, neutrophil-derived HNP-1 may contribute to the progression of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Ibusuki
- Digestive and Lifestyle Diseases, Department of Human and Environmental Sciences, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan
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15
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Ho S, Pothoulakis C, Koon HW. Antimicrobial peptides and colitis. Curr Pharm Des 2013; 19:40-7. [PMID: 22950497 DOI: 10.2174/13816128130108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of innate immunity. They are often expressed in response to colonic inflammation and infection. Over the last several years, the roles of several antimicrobial peptides have been explored. Gene expression of many AMPs (beta defensin HBD2-4 and cathelicidin) is induced in response to invasion of gut microbes into the mucosal barrier. Some AMPs are expressed in a constitutive manner (alpha defensin HD 5-6 and beta defensin HBD1), while others (defensin and bactericidal/ permeability increasing protein BPI) are particularly associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) due to altered defensin expression or development of autoantibodies against Bactericidal/permeability increasing protein (BPI). Various AMPs have different spectrum and strength of antimicrobial effects. Some may play important roles in modulating the colitis (cathelicidin) while others (lactoferrin, hepcidin) may represent biomarkers of disease activity. The use of AMPs for therapeutic purposes is still at an early stage of development. A few natural AMPs were shown to be able to modulate colitis when delivered intravenously or intracolonically (cathelicidin, elafin and SLPI) in mouse colitis models. New AMPs (synthetic or artificial non-human peptides) are being developed and may represent new therapeutic approaches against colitis. This review discusses the latest research developments in the AMP field with emphasis in innate immunity and pathophysiology of colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ho
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, The University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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High fidelity processing and activation of the human α-defensin HNP1 precursor by neutrophil elastase and proteinase 3. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32469. [PMID: 22448222 PMCID: PMC3308943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The azurophilic granules of human neutrophils contain four α-defensins called human neutrophil peptides (HNPs 1–4). HNPs are tridisulfide-linked antimicrobial peptides involved in the intracellular killing of organisms phagocytosed by neutrophils. The peptides are produced as inactive precursors (proHNPs) which are processed to active microbicides by as yet unidentified convertases. ProHNP1 was expressed in E. coli and the affinity-purified propeptide isolated as two species, one containing mature HNP1 sequence with native disulfide linkages (“folded proHNP1”) and the other containing non-native disulfide linked proHNP1 conformers (misfolded proHNP1). Native HNP1, liberated by CNBr treatment of folded proHNP1, was microbicidal against Staphylococcus aureus, but the peptide derived from misfolded proHNP1 was inactive. We hypothesized that neutrophil elastase (NE), proteinase 3 (PR3) or cathepsin G (CG), serine proteases that co-localize with HNPs in azurophil granules, are proHNP1 activating convertases. Folded proHNP1 was converted to mature HNP1 by both NE and PR3, but CG generated an HNP1 variant with an N-terminal dipeptide extension. NE and PR3 cleaved folded proHNP1 to produce a peptide indistinguishable from native HNP1 purified from neutrophils, and the microbicidal activities of in vitro derived and natural HNP1 peptides were equivalent. In contrast, misfolded proHNP1 conformers were degraded extensively under the same conditions. Thus, NE and PR3 possess proHNP1 convertase activity that requires the presence of the native HNP1 disulfide motif for high fidelity activation of the precursor in vitro.
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