Albumin causes increased myosin light chain kinase expression in astrocytes via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

The association between lactate to albumin ratio and outcomes at early phase in patients with traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

The majority of traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases result in death in the early phase; predicting short-term progno-sis of affected patients is necessary to prevent this. This study aimed to examine the association between the lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) on admission and outcomes in the early phase of TBI.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included patients with TBI who visited our emergency department between January 2018 and December 2020. TBI was considered as an head abbreviated injury scale (AIS) score of 3 or higher and other AIS of 2 or lower. The primary and secondary outcomes were 24-h mortality and massive transfusion (MT), respectively.

RESULTS

In total, 460 patients were included. The 24-h mortality was 12.6% (n=28) and MT was performed in 31 (6.7%) patients. In the multivariable analysis, LAR was associated with 24-h mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.021; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.301-3.139) and MT (OR, 1.898; 95% CI, 1.288-2.797). The areas under the curve of LAR for 24-h mortality and MT were 0.805 (95% CI, 0.766-0.841) and 0.735 (95% CI, 0.693-0.775), respectively.

CONCLUSION

LAR was associated with early-phase outcomes in patients with TBI, including 24-h mortality and MT. LAR may help predict these outcomes within 24 h in patients with TBI.

Baicalin Protects Vascular Tight Junctions in Piglets During Glaesserella parasuis Infection

Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) can cause Glässer's disease and severely affect swine industry worldwide. This study is an attempt to address the issue of the capability of G. parasuis to damage the vascular barrier and the effects of baicalin on vascular tight junctions (TJ) in order to investigate the interactions between the pathogen and the porcine vascular endothelium. Piglets were challenged with G. parasuis and treated with or without baicalin. The expressions of vascular TJ genes were examined using RT-PCR. The distribution patterns of TJ proteins were detected by immunofluorescence. The involved signaling pathways were determined by Western blot assays on related proteins. G. parasuis can downregulate TJ expression and disrupt the distribution of TJ proteins. Baicalin can alleviate the downregulation of vascular TJ mRNA, maintain the distribution, and prevent the abnormalities of TJ. These results provide ample evidence that baicalin has the capacity to protect vascular TJ damaged by G. parasuis through inhibiting PKC and MLCK/MLC pathway activation. As a result, baicalin is a promising candidate for application as a natural agent for the prevention and control of G. parasuis infection.

Protective Effects of Baicalin on Peritoneal Tight Junctions in Piglets Challenged with Glaesserella parasuis

Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) causes inflammation and damage to piglets. Whether polyserositis caused by G. parasuis is due to tight junctions damage and the protective effect of baicalin on it have not been examined. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of baicalin on peritoneal tight junctions of piglets challenged with G. parasuis and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Piglets were challenged with G. parasuis and treated with or without baicalin. RT-PCR was performed to examine the expression of peritoneal tight junctions genes. Immunofluorescence was carried out to detect the distribution patterns of tight junctions proteins. Western blot assays were carried out to determine the involved signaling pathways. Our data showed that G. parasuis infection can down-regulate the tight junctions expression and disrupt the distribution of tight junctions proteins. Baicalin can alleviate the down-regulation of tight junctions mRNA in peritoneum, prevent the abnormalities and maintain the continuous organization of tight junctions. Our results provide novel evidence to support that baicalin has the capacity to protect peritoneal tight junctions from G. parasuis-induced inflammation. The protective mechanisms of baicalin could be associated with inhibition of the activation of PKC and MLCK/MLC signaling pathway. Taken together, these data demonstrated that baicalin is a promising natural agent for the prevention and treatment of G. parasuis infection.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate and PEDF 335 Peptide, 67LR Activators, Attenuate Vasogenic Edema, and Astroglial Degeneration Following Status Epilepticus

Non-integrin 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR) is involved in cell adherence to the basement membrane, and it regulates the interactions between laminin and other receptors. The dysfunction of 67LR leads to serum extravasation via blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Polyphenol (–)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) bind to 67LR and inhibit neovascularization. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of EGCG and NU335, a PEDF-derive peptide, on BBB integrity and their possible underlying mechanisms against vasogenic edema formation induced by status epilepticus (SE, a prolonged seizure activity). Following SE, both EGCG and NU335 attenuated serum extravasation and astroglial degeneration in the rat piriform cortex (PC). Both EGCG and NU335 reversely regulated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT–eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) mediated BBB permeability and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression in endothelial cells and astrocytes through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathways, respectively. Furthermore, EGCG and NU335 decreased p47Phox (a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase subunit) expression in astrocytes under physiological and post-SE conditions. Therefore, we suggest that EGCG and PEDF derivatives may activate 67LR and its downstream effectors, and they may be considerable anti-vasogenic edema agents.

MicroRNA-126 Modulates Palmitate-Induced Migration in HUVECs by Downregulating Myosin Light Chain Kinase via the ERK/MAPK Pathway

MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) is an endothelial-specific microRNA that has shown beneficial effects on endothelial dysfunction. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. The present study evaluated the effects of miR-126 on the cell migration and underlying mechanism in HUVECs treated with palmitate. The present results demonstrated that overexpression of miR-126 was found to decrease cell migration in palmitate-treated HUVECs, with decreased MLCK expression and subsequent decreased phosphorylated MLC level. miR-126 also decreased the phosphorylation of MYPT1 in palmitate-treated HUVECs. In addition, it was demonstrated that miR-126 decreases expression of the NADPH oxidase subunits, p67 and Rac family small GTPase 1 with a subsequent decrease in cell apoptosis. Moreover, the phosphorylation of ERK was reduced by miR-126 in palmitate-induced HUVECs. Taken together, the present study showed that the effect of miR-126 on cell migration and cell apoptosis is mediated through downregulation of MLCK via the ERK/MAPK pathway.

Blockade of 67-kDa Laminin Receptor Facilitates AQP4 Down-Regulation and BBB Disruption via ERK1/2-and p38 MAPK-Mediated PI3K/AKT Activations

Recently, we have reported that dysfunctions of 67-kDa laminin receptor (67LR) induced by status epilepticus (SE, a prolonged seizure activity) and 67LR neutralization are involved in vasogenic edema formation, accompanied by the reduced aquaporin 4 (AQP4, an astroglial specific water channel) expression in the rat piriform cortex (PC). In the present study, we found that the blockade of 67LR activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathways, which enhanced phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT phosphorylations in endothelial cells and astrocytes, respectively. 67LR-p38 MAPK-PI3K-AKT activation in endothelial cells increased vascular permeability. In contrast, 67LR-ERK1/2-PI3K-AKT signaling pathways in astrocytes regulated astroglial viability and AQP4 expression. These findings indicate that PI3K/AKT may integrate p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways to regulate AQP4 expression when 67LR functionality is reduced. Thus, we suggest that 67LR-p38 MAPK/ERK1/2-PI3K-AKT-AQP4 signaling cascades may mediate serum extravasation and AQP4 expression in astroglio-vascular systems, which is one of the considerable therapeutic targets for vasogenic edema in various neurological diseases.

MAP/ERK Signaling in Developing Cognitive and Emotional Function and Its Effect on Pathological and Neurodegenerative Processes

The signaling pathway of the microtubule-associated protein kinase or extracellular regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) is a common mechanism of extracellular information transduction from extracellular stimuli to the intracellular space. The transduction of information leads to changes in the ongoing metabolic pathways and the modification of gene expression patterns. In the central nervous system, ERK is expressed ubiquitously, both temporally and spatially. As for the temporal ubiquity, this signaling system participates in three key moments: (i) Embryonic development; (ii) the early postnatal period; and iii) adulthood. During embryonic development, the system is partly responsible for the patterning of segmentation in the encephalic vesicle through the FGF8-ERK pathway. In addition, during this period, ERK directs neurogenesis migration and the final fate of neural progenitors. During the early postnatal period, ERK participates in the maturation process of dendritic trees and synaptogenesis. During adulthood, ERK participates in social and emotional behavior and memory processes, including long-term potentiation. Alterations in mechanisms related to ERK are associated with different pathological outcomes. Genetic alterations in any component of the ERK pathway result in pathologies associated with neural crest derivatives and mental dysfunctions associated with autism spectrum disorders. The MAP-ERK pathway is a key element of the neuroinflammatory pathway triggered by glial cells during the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as prionic diseases. The process triggered by MAPK/ERK activation depends on the stage of development (mature or senescence), the type of cellular element in which the pathway is activated, and the anatomic neural structure. However, extensive gaps exist with regards to the targets of the phosphorylated ERK in many of these processes.

Dysfunction of 67-kDa Laminin Receptor Disrupts BBB Integrity via Impaired Dystrophin/AQP4 Complex and p38 MAPK/VEGF Activation Following Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus (SE, a prolonged seizure activity) impairs brain-blood barrier (BBB) integrity, which results in secondary complications following SE. The non-integrin 67-kDa laminin receptor (67-kDa LR) plays a role in cell adherence to laminin (a major glycoprotein component in basement membrane), and participates laminin-mediated signaling pathways including p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). Thus, we investigated the role of 67-kDa LR in SE-induced vasogenic edema formation in the rat piriform cortex (PC). SE diminished 67-kDa LR expression, but increased laminin expression, in endothelial cells accompanied by the reduced SMI-71 (a rat BBB barrier marker) expression. Astroglial 67-kDa LR expression was also reduced in the PC due to massive astroglial loss. 67-kDa LR neutralization led to serum extravasation in the PC concomitant with the reduced SMI-71 expression. 67-kDa LR neutralization also decreased expressions of dystrophin and aquaporin-4 (AQP4). In addition, it increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), laminin and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which were abrogated by SB202190, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Therefore, our findings indicate that 67-kDa LR dysfunction may disrupt dystrophin-AQP4 complex, which would evoke vasogenic edema formation and subsequent laminin over-expression via activating p38 MAPK/VEGF axis.

The Contractile Apparatus Is Essential for the Integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier After Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Development of vasogenic brain edema is a key event contributing to mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The precise underlying mechanisms at the neurovascular level that lead to disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are still unknown. Activation of myosin light chain kinases (MLCK) may result in change of endothelial cell shape and opening of the intercellular gap with subsequent vascular leakage. Male C57Bl6 mice were subjected to endovascular perforation. Brain water content was determined by wet-dry ratio and BBB integrity by Evans-Blue extravasation. The specific MLCK inhibitor ML-7 was administered to the mice to determine the role of the contractile apparatus of the neurovascular unit in determining brain water content, BBB integrity, neurofunctional outcome, brain damage, and survival at 7 days after SAH. Inhibition of MLCK significantly reduced BBB permeability (Evans Blue extravasation − 28%) and significantly decreased edema formation in comparison with controls (− 2%). MLCK-treated mice showed reduced intracranial pressure (− 53%), improved neurological outcome at 24 h and 48 h after SAH, and reduced 7-day mortality. Tight junction proteins claudin-5 and zonula occludens-1 levels were not influenced by ML-7 at 24 h after insult. The effect of ML-7 on pMLC was confirmed in brain endothelial cell culture (bEnd.3 cells) subjected to 4-h oxygen-glucose deprivation. The present study indicates that MLCK contributes to blood-brain barrier dysfunction after SAH by a mechanism that does not involve modulation of tight junction protein levels, but via activation of the contractile apparatus of the endothelial cell skeleton. This underlying mechanism may be a promising target for the treatment of SAH.

Transforming growth factor-β enhances Rho-kinase activity and contraction in airway smooth muscle via the nucleotide exchange factor ARHGEF1

Key points

Transforming growth‐factor‐β (TGF‐β) and RhoA/Rho‐kinase are independently implicated in the airway hyper‐responsiveness associated with asthma, but how these proteins interact is not fully understood.

We examined the effects of pre‐treatment with TGF‐β on expression and activity of RhoA, Rho‐kinase and ARHGEF1, an activator of RhoA, as well as on bradykinin‐induced contraction, in airway smooth muscle.

TGF‐β enhanced bradykinin‐induced RhoA translocation, Rho‐kinase‐dependent phosphorylation and contraction, but partially suppressed bradykinin‐induced RhoA activity (RhoA‐GTP content).

TGF‐β enhanced the expression of ARHGEF1, while a small interfering RNA against ARHGEF1 and a RhoGEF inhibitor prevented the effects of TGF‐β on RhoA and Rho‐kinase activity and contraction, respectively.

ARHGEF1 expression was also enhanced in airway smooth muscle from asthmatic patients and ovalbumin‐sensitized mice.

ARHGEF1 is a key TGF‐β target gene, an important regulator of Rho‐kinase activity and therefore a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of asthmatic airway hyper‐responsiveness.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), RhoA/Rho‐kinase and Src‐family kinases (SrcFK) have independently been implicated in airway hyper‐responsiveness, but how they interact to regulate airway smooth muscle contractility is not fully understood. We found that TGF‐β pre‐treatment enhanced acute contractile responses to bradykinin (BK) in isolated rat bronchioles, and inhibitors of RhoGEFs (Y16) and Rho‐kinase (Y27632), but not the SrcFK inhibitor PP2, prevented this enhancement. In cultured human airway smooth muscle cells (hASMCs), TGF‐β pre‐treatment enhanced the protein expression of the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARHGEF1, MLC₂₀, MYPT‐1 and the actin‐severing protein cofilin, but not of RhoA, ROCK2 or c‐Src. In hASMCs, acute treatment with BK triggered subcellular translocation of ARHGEF1 and RhoA and enhanced auto‐phosphorylation of SrcFK and phosphorylation of MYPT1 and MLC₂₀, but induced de‐phosphorylation of cofilin. TGF‐β pre‐treatment amplified the effects of BK on RhoA translocation and MYPT1/MLC₂₀ phosphorylation, but suppressed the effects of BK on RhoA‐GTP content, SrcFK auto‐phosphorylation and cofilin de‐phosphorylation. In hASMCs, an ARHGEF1 small interfering RNA suppressed the effects of BK and TGF‐β on RhoA‐GTP content, RhoA translocation and MYPT1 and MLC₂₀ phosphorylation, but minimally influenced the effects of TGF‐β on cofilin expression and phosphorylation. ARHGEF1 expression was also enhanced in ASMCs of asthmatic patients and in lungs of ovalbumin‐sensitized mice. Our data indicate that TGF‐β enhances BK‐induced contraction, RhoA translocation and Rho‐kinase activity in airway smooth muscle largely via ARHGEF1, but independently of SrcFK and total RhoA‐GTP content. A role for smooth muscle ARHGEF1 in asthmatic airway hyper‐responsiveness is worthy of further investigation.

Transforming growth‐factor‐β (TGF‐β) and RhoA/Rho‐kinase are independently implicated in the airway hyper‐responsiveness associated with asthma, but how these proteins interact is not fully understood.

We examined the effects of pre‐treatment with TGF‐β on expression and activity of RhoA, Rho‐kinase and ARHGEF1, an activator of RhoA, as well as on bradykinin‐induced contraction, in airway smooth muscle.

TGF‐β enhanced bradykinin‐induced RhoA translocation, Rho‐kinase‐dependent phosphorylation and contraction, but partially suppressed bradykinin‐induced RhoA activity (RhoA‐GTP content).

TGF‐β enhanced the expression of ARHGEF1, while a small interfering RNA against ARHGEF1 and a RhoGEF inhibitor prevented the effects of TGF‐β on RhoA and Rho‐kinase activity and contraction, respectively.

ARHGEF1 expression was also enhanced in airway smooth muscle from asthmatic patients and ovalbumin‐sensitized mice.

ARHGEF1 is a key TGF‐β target gene, an important regulator of Rho‐kinase activity and therefore a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of asthmatic airway hyper‐responsiveness.

Dietary myo-inositol deficiency decreased the growth performances and impaired intestinal physical barrier function partly relating to nrf2, jnk, e2f4 and mlck signaling in young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary myo-inositol on the growth and intestinal physical barrier functions of young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). A total of 540 young grass carp (221.83 ± 0.84 g) were fed six diets containing graded levels of myo-inositol (27.0, 137.9, 286.8, 438.6, 587.7 and 737.3 mg/kg) for 10 weeks. After the growth trial, fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila for 14 days. The results indicated that compared with optimal myo-inositol levels, myo-inositol deficiency (27.0 mg/kg diet): (1) decreased glutathione (GSH) contents and antioxidant enzymes activities, and down-regulated the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes [not glutathione-S-transferase (gst) p1 and gstp2] and NF-E2-related factor 2 (nrf2), whereas up-regulated the reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) contents, and the mRNA levels of Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (keap1) in three intestinal segments of young grass carp (P < 0.05). (2) Up-regulated cysteinyl aspartic acid-protease (caspase)-2, -3, -7, -8, -9, apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (apaf-1), Bcl2-associated X protein (bax), fas ligand (fasl), gen-activated protein kinase (p38mapk) and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (jnk) mRNA levels, whereas down-regulated B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2), inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (iap) and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (mcl-1) mRNA levels in three intestinal segments of young grass carp (P < 0.05). (3) Down-regulated mRNA levels of cell cycle proteins cyclin b, cyclin d, cyclin e and E2F transcription factor 4 (e2f4) in three intestinal segments of young grass carp (P < 0.05). (4) Down-regulated the mRNA levels of zonula occludens (zo) 1, zo-2, occludin, claudin-b, -c, -f, -3c, -7a, -7b as well as -11, and up-regulated the mRNA levels of claudin-12, -15a (not -15b) and myosin light chain kinase (mlck) in three intestinal segments of young grass carp (P < 0.05). All above data indicated that dietary myo-inositol deficiency could damage physical barrier function in three intestinal segments of fish. Finally, the myo-inositol requirements based on the percent weight gain (PWG), reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents in the proximal intestine (PI), relative mRNA levels of caspase-2 (PI), cyclin b (MI) as well as claudin-b (PI) were estimated to be 276.7, 304.1, 327.9, 416.7 and 313.2 mg/kg diet, respectively.

Deficiency of dietary niacin impaired gill immunity and antioxidant capacity, and changes its tight junction proteins via regulating NF-κB, TOR, Nrf2 and MLCK signaling pathways in young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

To investigate the effects of dietary niacin on gill immunity, tight junction proteins, antioxidant system and related signaling molecules mRNA expression, young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were fed six diets containing graded levels of niacin (3.95-55.01 mg/kg diet) for 8 weeks. The study indicated that niacin deficiency decreased lysozyme and acid phosphatase activities, and complement 3 content, and caused oxidative damage that might be partly due to the decreased copper, zinc superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase activities and reduced glutathione content in fish gills (P < 0.05). Moreover, the relative mRNA levels of antimicrobial peptides (liver expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 and Hepcidin), anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor β1), tight junction proteins (Occludin, zonula occludens 1, Claudin-15 and -3), signaling molecules (inhibitor of κBα (IκBα), target of rapamycin (TOR), ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)) and antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in niacin-deficient diet group. Conversely, the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 8, interferon γ2, and interleukin 1β), signaling molecules (nuclear factor kappa B p65, IκB kinase α, IκB kinase β, IκB kinase γ, Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1b, myosin light chain kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in fish gills fed niacin-deficient diet. Interestingly, the varying niacin levels of 3.95-55.01 mg/kg diet had no effect on the mRNA level of Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1a, Claudin-c and -12 in fish gills (P > 0.05). In conclusion, niacin deficiency decreased gill immunity, impaired gill antioxidant system, as well as regulated mRNA expression of gill tight junction proteins and related signaling molecules of fish.

Deficiency of dietary niacin impaired intestinal mucosal immune function via regulating intestinal NF-κB, Nrf2 and MLCK signaling pathways in young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

This study investigated the effects of dietary niacin on intestinal mucosal immune and physical barrier, and relative mRNA levels of signaling molecules in the intestine of young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). A total of 540 young grass carp (255.63 ± 0.41 g) were fed six diets containing graded levels of niacin (3.95, 14.92, 24.98, 35.03, 44.97 and 55.01 mg/kg diet) for 8 weeks. Results observed that niacin deficiency decreased lysozyme (LA) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities, and complement 3 (C3) content in the intestine (P < 0.05), down-regulated mRNA levels of liver expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2), hepcidin, interleukin 10, transforming growth factor β1 and inhibitor of κBα (IκBα) (P < 0.05), up-regulated tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, interferon γ2, interleukin 8, nuclear factor kappa B P65 (NF-κB P65), IκB kinase α (IKKα), IκB kinase β (IKKβ) and IκB kinase γ (IKKγ) in all intestinal segments of young grass carp (P < 0.05). In addition, niacin deficiency increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) contents, decreased glutathione content, and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferases (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities in the intestine of young grass carp (P < 0.05). Additionally, niacin deficiency decreased mRNA levels of CuZnSOD, MnSOD, GPx, CAT, GST, GR, Claudin b, Claudin 3, Claudin c, Occludin, ZO-1, Claudin 15 and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) (P < 0.05), and increased Claudin 12, Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1a (Keap1a), myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) mRNA expression levels in the intestine of young grass carp (P < 0.05), while the mRNA level of Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1b (Keap1b) did not change (P > 0.05). In conclusion, niacin deficiency decreased intestinal mucosal immune and intestinal physical function, as well as regulated mRNA levels of NF-κB P65, IκBα, IKKα, IKKβ, IKKγ, Nrf2, Keap1a, p38 MAPK and MLCK in the intestine of young grass carp. Based on the broken-line model analysis of intestinal lysozyme activity, the requirement of niacin for young grass carp (255.63 ± 0.41 g) were estimated to be 39.80 mg/kg diet.

Modulation of immune response, physical barrier and related signaling factors in the gills of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed supplemented diet with phospholipids

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary phospholipids (PL) on the gill immune response and physical barrier of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). A total of 1080 juvenile grass carp with an average initial weight of 9.34 ± 0.03 g were fed six semi-purified diets containing 0.40% (unsupplemented control group), 1.43%, 2.38%, 3.29%, 4.37% and 5.42% PL for 2 months. Compared with the control group, optimal PL supplementation increased (P < 0.05): (1) the lysozyme activity, acid phosphatase activity, complement component 3 (C3) content, liver expressed antimicrobial peptide 1 (LEAP-1) and LEAP-2 mRNA expression; (2) the relative mRNA expression of interleukin 10, transforming growth factor β1, inhibitor factor κBα (IκBα) and target of rapamycin (TOR); (3) the activities of anti-superoxide anion (ASA), anti-hydroxyl radical (AHR), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione content and mRNA levels of SOD1, CAT, GPx, GR and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) genes; (4) the transcription abundance of occludin, claudin b, claudin c, claudin 12 and zonula occludens 1 genes. At the same time, appropriate PL supplementation decreased (P < 0.05): (1) tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65), IκB kinase β (IKKβ) and IκB kinase γ (IKKγ) mRNA expression; (2) malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and the relative mRNA expression of Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1a (Keap1a) and Keap1b; (3) the transcription abundance of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) genes. In conclusion, the positive effect of PL on gill health is associated with the improvement of the immunity, antioxidant status and tight junction barrier of fish gills. Finally, based on ACP activity, C3 content, PC content and ASA activity in the gills, the optimal dietary PL level for juvenile grass carp (9.34-87.50 g) was estimated to be 3.62%, 4.30%, 3.91% and 3.86%, respectively.

Folic acid deficiency impairs the gill health status associated with the NF-κB, MLCK and Nrf2 signaling pathways in the gills of young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary folic acid on fish growth, the immune and barrier functions of fish gills, and the potential mechanisms of these effects. Young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were fed diets containing graded levels of folic acid at 0.10 (basal diet), 0.47, 1.03, 1.48, 1.88 and 3.12 mg kg(-1) diet for 8 weeks. The results showed that acid phosphatase and lysozyme activities and the complement component 3 content in fish gills decreased with folic acid deficiency (P < 0.05). Folic acid deficiency up-regulated liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 1, interleukin 1β, interleukin 8, tumor necrosis factor α, nuclear factor κB p65, IκB kinase α (IKK-α), IKK-β and IKK-γ gene expression. Folic acid deficiency down-regulated interleukin 10, transforming growth factor β, IκB and target of rapamycin gene expression in fish gills (P < 0.05). These results showed that limited folic acid decreased fish gill immune status. Furthermore, folic acid deficiency down-regulated claudin-b, claudin-c, claudin-3, occludin and zonula occludens 1 gene expression, whereas folic acid deficiency up-regulated claudin-12, claudin-15, myosin light chain kinase and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase gene expression in fish gills (P < 0.05). These results suggested that folic acid deficiency disrupted tight junction-mediated fish gill barrier function. Additionally, folic acid deficiency increased the content of reactive oxygen species, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde (MDA); Mn superoxide dismutase activity and gene expression; and Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1a (Keap1a) and Keap1b gene expression (P < 0.05). Conversely, folic acid deficiency decreased Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione s-transferases and glutathione reductase activities and gene expression as well as NF-E2-related factor 2 gene expression in fish gills (P < 0.05). All of these results indicated that folic acid deficiency impaired fish gill health status via regulating gene expression of cytokines, tight junction proteins, antioxidant enzymes, NF-κB p65, MLCK and Nrf2. Based on percent weight gain, LZ activity and MDA content in the gills, the dietary folic acid requirements for young grass carp were 1.60, 2.07 and 2.08 mg kg(-1), respectively.

Exogenous phospholipids supplementation improves growth and modulates immune response and physical barrier referring to NF-κB, TOR, MLCK and Nrf2 signaling factors in the intestine of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary phospholipids (PL) on the growth performance, intestinal enzyme activity and immune response and intestinal physical barrier of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). A total of 1080 juvenile grass carp with an average initial weight of 9.34 ± 0.03 g were fed six semi-purified diets containing 0.40% (unsupplemented control group), 1.43%, 2.38%, 3.29%, 4.37% and 5.42% PL for 2 months. Results indicated that 3.29% PL increased lysozyme (LZ) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities and complement component 3 (C3) content (P < 0.05), up-regulated the mRNA relative expression levels of interleukin 10, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), inhibitor protein κBα (IκBα), target of rapamycin (TOR) and casein kinase 2 (CK2) (P < 0.05), and down-regulated tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β, nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65), IκB kinase β (IKKβ) and IκB kinase γ (IKKγ) mRNA relative expression levels (P < 0.05) in the intestine, suggesting that optimum PL could improve fish intestinal immunity. In addition, 3.29% PL increased the activities of anti-superoxide anion (ASA), anti-hydroxyl radical, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), the content of glutathione (P < 0.05), and the mRNA relative expression levels of occludin, zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), claudin 3, claudin 12, claudin b, claudin c, SOD1, GPx, GR and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) and ROS content (P < 0.05), the mRNA relative expression levels of Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1a (Keap1a), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in the intestine, indicating that the optimum PL could improve fish intestinal physical barrier. Finally, based on the PWG, C3 content in the DI, ACP activity in the DI, intestinal PC content and intestinal ASA activity, the optimal dietary PL levels for juvenile grass carp (9.34-87.50 g) were estimated to be 3.46%, 3.79%, 3.93%, 3.72%, and 4.12%, respectively.

Dietary pantothenic acid depressed the gill immune and physical barrier function via NF-κB, TOR, Nrf2, p38MAPK and MLCK signaling pathways in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

This study explored the effects of pantothenic acid (PA) on the immune and physical barrier function, and relative mRNA levels of signaling molecules in the gill of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The results indicated that compared with optimal PA supplementation, PA deficiency (1.31 mg/kg diet) decreased gill interleukin 10, transforming growth factor β1, inhibitor of κBα (IκBα), eIF4E-binding protein 2, Claudin b and ZO-1 mRNA levels; anti-superoxide anion activity, and activities and mRNA levels of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and NF-E2-related factor (P < 0.05). Additionally, PA deficiency and excess (75.08 mg/kg diet) decreased gill complement 3 and glutathione contents, lysozyme and acid phosphatase, anti-hydroxy radical, catalase and glutathione S-transferases activities, and liver-expression antimicrobial peptide 2, hepcidin, Claudin 3, Claudin c and Occludin mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Conversely, PA deficiency increased gill reactive oxygen species and protein carbonyl contents, and interferon γ2, interleukin 8, nuclear factor kappa B P65, Claudin 15a, Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1a and Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1b mRNA levels (P<0.05). Moreover, PA deficiency and excess increased gill malondialdehyde content, and tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, IκB kinase α, IκB kinase β, IκB kinase γ, target of rapamycin and ribosomal S6 protein kinase1 p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and myosin light-chain kinase mRNA levels (P<0.05). In conclusion, PA deficiency decreased immune and physical barrier function, and regulated relative mRNA levels of signaling molecules in fish gill. Based on the quadratic regression analysis of gill lysozyme activity, the optimal PA levels in grass carp (253.44-745.25 g) were estimated to be 36.97 mg/kg diet.

Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 Upregulation Precedes the Development of Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Cerebral Edema after Traumatic Brain Injury in Young Mice

Recent studies show that myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) plays a pivotal role in development of cerebral edema, a known complication following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and a contributing factor to worsened neurologic recovery. Interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is upregulated after cerebral ischemia and is neuroprotective. The significant role of ISG15 after TBI has not been studied. Postnatal Day (PND) 21 and PND24 mice were subjected to lateral closed-skull injury with impact depth of 2.0 or 2.25 mm. Behavior was examined at 7 d using two-object novel recognition and Wire Hang tests. Mice were sacrificed at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 7 d. ISG15 and MLCK were analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption with Evans Blue (EB), and cerebral edema with wet/dry weights. EB extravasation and edema peaked at 72 h in both ages. PND21 mice had more severe neurological deficits, compared with PND24 mice. PND24 mice showed peak ISG15 expression at 6 h, and PND21 mice at 72 h. MLCK peaked in both age groups at 12 h and co-localized with ISG15 on immunohistochemistry and co-immunoprecipitation. These studies provide evidence, ISG15 is elevated following TBI in mice, preceding MLCK elevation, development of BBB disruption, and cerebral edema.

Myosin light chain kinase inhibitor ML7 improves vascular endothelial dysfunction via tight junction regulation in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis

Vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) is an important factor in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis (AS). Previous studies have demonstrated that endothelial permeability is increased in diet‑induced AS. However, the precise underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to analyze whether the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitor ML7 is able to improve VED and AS by regulating the expression of the tight junction (TJ) proteins zona occludens (ZO)‑1 and occludin via mechanisms involving MLCK and MLC phosphorylation in high‑fat diet‑fed rabbits. New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: Control group, AS group and ML7 group. The rabbits were fed a standard diet (control group), a high‑fat diet (AS group) or a high‑fat diet supplemented with 1 mg/kg/day ML7 (ML7 group). After 12 weeks, endothelium‑dependent relaxation and endothelium‑independent relaxation were measured using high-frequency ultrasound. Administration of a high‑fat diet significantly increased the levels of serum lipids and inflammatory markers in the rabbits in the AS group, as compared with those in the rabbits in the control group. Furthermore, a high‑fat diet contributed to the formation of a typical atherosclerotic plaque, as well as an increase in endothelial permeability and VED. These symptoms of AS were significantly improved following treatment with ML7, as demonstrated in the ML7 group. Hematoxylin & eosin and immunohistochemical staining indicated that ML7 was able to decrease the expression of MLCK and MLC phosphorylation in the arterial wall of rabbits fed a high‑fat diet. A similar change was observed for the TJ proteins ZO‑1 and occludin. In addition, western blot analysis demonstrated that ML7 increased the expression levels of occludin in the precipitate, but reduced its expression in the supernatant of lysed aortas. These results indicated that occludin, which is a dynamic protein at the TJ, is associated with remodeling from cell membrane to cytoplasm. The present study was the first, to the best of our knowledge, to indicate that ML7 may ameliorate VED and AS by regulating the TJ proteins ZO‑1 and occludin via mechanisms involving MLCK and MLC phosphorylation.

Brain tissue responses to neural implants impact signal sensitivity and intervention strategies

Implantable biosensors are valuable scientific tools for basic neuroscience research and clinical applications. Neurotechnologies provide direct readouts of neurological signal and neurochemical processes. These tools are generally most valuable when performance capacities extend over months and years to facilitate the study of memory, plasticity, and behavior or to monitor patients’ conditions. These needs have generated a variety of device designs from microelectrodes for fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) and electrophysiology to microdialysis probes for sampling and detecting various neurochemicals. Regardless of the technology used, the breaching of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to insert devices triggers a cascade of biochemical pathways resulting in complex molecular and cellular responses to implanted devices. Molecular and cellular changes in the microenvironment surrounding an implant include the introduction of mechanical strain, activation of glial cells, loss of perfusion, secondary metabolic injury, and neuronal degeneration. Changes to the tissue microenvironment surrounding the device can dramatically impact electrochemical and electrophysiological signal sensitivity and stability over time. This review summarizes the magnitude, variability, and time course of the dynamic molecular and cellular level neural tissue responses induced by state-of-the-art implantable devices. Studies show that insertion injuries and foreign body response can impact signal quality across all implanted central nervous system (CNS) sensors to varying degrees over both acute (seconds to minutes) and chronic periods (weeks to months). Understanding the underlying biological processes behind the brain tissue response to the devices at the cellular and molecular level leads to a variety of intervention strategies for improving signal sensitivity and longevity.

Melatonin alleviates myosin light chain kinase expression and activity via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway during atherosclerosis in rabbits

Melatonin (MLT) is an endogenous indole compound with numerous biological activities that has been associated with atherosclerosis (AS). In the present study, rabbits were used as an AS model in order to investigate whether MLT affects endothelial cell permeability, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activity and MLCK expression via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Expression and activity of MLCK were measured using western blot analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and γ-³²P-adenosine triphosphate incorporation. Endothelial permeability was detected using rhodamine phalloidin fluorescence staining. The phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 in endothelial cells were also analyzed using western blot analysis. Atheromatous plaques were formed in rabbits with a high cholesterol diet; however, following treatment with MLT, the number and areas of atheromatous plaques were significantly reduced. In addition, MLT treatment reversed the increase of MLCK activity and expression that occurred in rabbits with high cholesterol intake. Furthermore, levels of phosphorylated ERK, JNK and p38 decreased following MLT treatment. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that AS may be associated with increased MLCK expression and activity, which was reduced following treatment with MLT. The mechanism of action of MLT was thought to proceed via modulating MAPK pathway signal transduction; however, further studies are required in order to fully elucidate the exact regulatory mechanisms involved.

Effects of caspase-1 knockout on chronic neural recording quality and longevity: insight into cellular and molecular mechanisms of the reactive tissue response

Chronic implantation of microelectrodes into the cortex has been shown to lead to inflammatory gliosis and neuronal loss in the microenvironment immediately surrounding the probe, a hypothesized cause of neural recording failure. Caspase-1 (aka Interleukin 1β converting enzyme) is known to play a key role in both inflammation and programmed cell death, particularly in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Caspase-1 knockout (KO) mice are resistant to apoptosis and these mice have preserved neurologic function by reducing ischemia-induced brain injury in stroke models. Local ischemic injury can occur following neural probe insertion and thus in this study we investigated the hypothesis that caspase-1 KO mice would have less ischemic injury surrounding the neural probe. In this study, caspase-1 KO mice were implanted with chronic single shank 3 mm Michigan probes into V1m cortex. Electrophysiology recording showed significantly improved single-unit recording performance (yield and signal to noise ratio) of caspase-1 KO mice compared to wild type C57B6 (WT) mice over the course of up to 6 months for the majority of the depth. The higher yield is supported by the improved neuronal survival in the caspase-1 KO mice. Impedance fluctuates over time but appears to be steadier in the caspase-1 KO especially at longer time points, suggesting milder glia scarring. These findings show that caspase-1 is a promising target for pharmacologic interventions.

IgE regulates the expression of smMLCK in human airway smooth muscle cells

Previous studies have shown that enhanced accumulation of contractile proteins such as smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (smMLCK) plays a major role in human airway smooth muscle cells (HASM) cell hypercontractility and hypertrophy. Furthermore, serum IgE levels play an important role in smooth muscle hyperreactivity. However, the effect of IgE on smMLCK expression has not been investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that IgE increases the expression of smMLCK at mRNA and protein levels. This effect was inhibited significantly with neutralizing abs directed against FcεRI but not with anti-FcεRII/CD23. Furthermore, Syk knock down and pharmacological inhibition of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) (ERK1/2, p38, and JNK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) significantly diminished the IgE-mediated upregulation of smMLCK expression in HASM cells. Taken together, our data suggest a role of IgE in regulating smMLCK in HASM cells. Therefore, targeting the FcεRI activation on HASM cells may offer a novel approach in controlling the bronchomotor tone in allergic asthma.

Serum albumin and prealbumin predict the poor outcome of traumatic brain injury

Background

Serum albumin and prealbumin are both negative acute-phase reactants, and usually at low levels in stress. We aim to determine their predictive values for poor outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

A total of 326 patients of TBI were enrolled and followed-up by telephone 6 months after discharge. They were divided into a favorable group (GOS: 3 to 5) and an unfavorable group (GOS: 1 to 2). Serum albumin and prealbumin were measured from vein blood within 24 h after admission.

Results

Ninety one (27.9%) patients were with poor outcome (GOS: 1 to 2). The unfavorable group had lower albumin and prealbumin (P<0.001). Albumin and prealbumin were both positively correlated with GCS (r = 0.489, P<0.001; r = 0.222, P<0.001, respectively) and GOS (r = 0.518, P<0.001; r = 0.314, P<0.001, respectively). After adjustment for confounding factors, the odds ratios of albumin and prealbumin were 0.866, 95% CI: 0.829 to 0.904 and 0.990, 95% CI: 0.985 to 0.995, respectively. In subgroup of GCS≤8 (n = 101), the crude and adjusted odds ratios of serum albumin were both statistically significant (P = 0.027, P = 0.033, respectively), while prealbumin were not (P = 0.553, P = 0.576, respectively). The AUC of albumin for predicting poor outcome was 0.762, 95% CI: 0.712 to 0.807, which was significantly higher than that of prealbumin (0.664, 95% CI: 0.610 to 0.715). In analyses of all patients and subgroup of GCS≤8, the AUCs of serum albumin were both significantly higher than those of prealbumin (P = 0.001, P = 0.045, respectively).

Conclusions

Both serum albumin and prealbumin could predict the poor outcome of TBI, but the former is much better, especially, in patients with severe TBI.

Inhibition of Myosin light-chain kinase attenuates cerebral edema after traumatic brain injury in postnatal mice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children less than 8 years of age leads to decline in intelligence and executive functioning. Neurological outcomes after TBI correlate to development of cerebral edema, which affect survival rates after TBI. It has been shown that myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) increases cerebral edema and that pretreatment with an MLCK inhibitor (ML-7) reduces cerebral edema. The aim of this study was to determine whether inhibition of MLCK after TBI in postnatal day 24 (PND-24) mice would prevent breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and development of cerebral edema and improve neurological outcome. We used a closed head injury model of TBI. ML-7 or saline treatment was administered at 4 h and every 24 h until sacrifice or 5 days after TBI. Mice were sacrificed at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h and 7 days after impact. Mice treated with ML-7 after TBI had decreased levels of MLCK-expressing cells (20.7±4.8 vs. 149.3±40.6), less albumin extravasation (28.3±11.2 vs. 116.2±60.7 mm(2)) into surrounding parenchymal tissue, less Evans Blue extravasation (339±314 vs. 4017±560 ng/g), and showed a significant difference in wet/dry weight ratio (1.9±0.07 vs. 2.2±0.05 g), compared to saline-treated groups. Treatment with ML-7 also resulted in preserved neurological function measured by the wire hang test (57 vs. 21 sec) and two-object novel recognition test (old vs. new, 10.5 touches). We concluded that inhibition of MLCK reduces cerebral edema and preserves neurological function in PND-24 mice.

Extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 signaling is a critical regulator of interleukin-1β-mediated astrocyte tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression

Astrocytes are essential for proper central nervous system (CNS) function and are intricately involved in neuroinflammation. Despite evidence that immune-activated astrocytes contribute to many CNS pathologies, little is known about the inflammatory pathways controlling gene expression. Our laboratory identified altered levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in brain lysates from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infected patients, compared to age-matched controls, and interleukin (IL)-1β as a key regulator of astrocyte TIMP-1. Additionally, CCAAT enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)β levels are elevated in brain specimens from HIV-1 patients and the transcription factor contributes to astrocyte TIMP-1 expression. In this report we sought to identify key signaling pathways necessary for IL-1β-mediated astrocyte TIMP-1 expression and their interaction with C/EBPβ. Primary human astrocytes were cultured and treated with mitogen activated protein kinase-selective small molecule inhibitors, and IL-1β. TIMP-1 and C/EBPβ mRNA and protein expression were evaluated at 12 and 24 h post-treatment, respectively. TIMP-1 promoter-driven luciferase plasmids were used to evaluate TIMP-1 promoter activity in inhibitor-treated astrocytes. These data show that extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2-selective inhibitors block IL-1β-induced astrocyte TIMP-1 expression, but did not decrease C/EBPβ expression in parallel. The p38 kinase (p38K) inhibitors partially blocked both IL-1β-induced astrocyte TIMP-1 expression and C/EBPβ expression. The ERK1/2-selective inhibitor abrogated IL-1β-mediated increases in TIMP-1 promoter activity. Our data demonstrate that ERK1/2 activation is critical for IL-1β-mediated astrocyte TIMP-1 expression. ERK1/2-selective inhibition may elicit a compensatory response in the form of enhanced IL-1β-mediated astrocyte C/EBPβ expression, or, alternatively, ERK1/2 signaling may function to moderate IL-1β-mediated astrocyte C/EBPβ expression. Furthermore, p38K activation contributes to IL-1β-induced astrocyte TIMP-1 and C/EBPβ expression. These data suggest that ERK1/2 signals downstream of C/EBPβ to facilitate IL-1β-induced astrocyte TIMP-1 expression. Astrocyte ERK1/2 and p38K signaling may serve as therapeutic targets for manipulating CNS TIMP-1 and C/EBPβ levels, respectively.

Albumin induces upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in astrocytes via MAPK and reactive oxygen species-dependent pathways

BACKGROUND

Astrocytes are an integral component of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which may be compromised by ischemic or traumatic brain injury. In response to trauma, astrocytes increase expression of the endopeptidase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. Compromise of the BBB leads to the infiltration of fluid and blood-derived proteins including albumin into the brain parenchyma. Albumin has been previously shown to activate astrocytes and induce the production of inflammatory mediators. The effect of albumin on MMP-9 activation in astrocytes is not known. We investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the production of MMP-9 by albumin in astrocytes.

METHODS

Primary enriched astrocyte cultures were used to investigate the effects of exposure to albumin on the release of MMP-9. MMP-9 expression was analyzed by zymography. The involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the TGF-β receptor-dependent pathways were investigated using pharmacological inhibitors. The production of ROS was observed by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence. The level of the MMP-9 inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 produced by astrocytes was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

We found that albumin induces a time-dependent release of MMP-9 via the activation of p38 MAPK and extracellular signal regulated kinase, but not Jun kinase. Albumin-induced MMP-9 production also involves ROS production upstream of the MAPK pathways. However, albumin-induced increase in MMP-9 is independent of the TGF-β receptor, previously described as a receptor for albumin. Albumin also induces an increase in TIMP-1 via an undetermined mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

These results link albumin (acting through ROS and the p38 MAPK) to the activation of MMP-9 in astrocytes. Numerous studies identify a role for MMP-9 in the mechanisms of compromise of the BBB, epileptogenesis, or synaptic remodeling after ischemia or traumatic brain injury. The increase in MMP-9 produced by albumin further implicates both astrocytes and albumin in the acute and long-term complications of acute CNS insults, including cerebral edema and epilepsy.