Antiinflammatory effects of NADPH oxidase inhibitors

Protective Effects of Ammannia baccifera Against CCl4-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats

Ammannia baccifera Linn. is commonly used as a traditional medicine in India and China. The antioxidant potential of an ethanolic extract of A. baccifera (EEAB; 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) was evaluated against CCL4-induced toxicity in rats. Antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Phytochemical constituents of EEAB were also analyzed by using UHPLC-QTOF-MS. EEAB treatment markedly reduced CCl4 effects on lipid peroxidation, cholesterol, triacylglycerides, and protein carbonyls. It increased the levels of phospholipids, total sulfhydryl, and antioxidant enzymes, which were reduced by CCl4 intoxication. Treatment with EEAB significantly alleviated the CCl4 effect on non-enzymatic antioxidants. Isoenzyme pattern analyses revealed that significant alterations in superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx2, GPx3), and catalase (CAT) occurred in rats that were exposed to CCl4 and restored post EEAB treatment. Moreover, CCl4-induced down regulation of SOD, CAT, and GPx gene expression was conversely counteracted by EEAB. Its bioactivity may be due to its incorporation of major compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, quercetin, protocatechuic acid, lamioside, crocetin, and khayasin C. These results suggest that EEAB may be used as a potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent since it is a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.

The influence of alkaloids on oxidative stress and related signaling pathways

Alkaloids have always attracted scientific interest due to either their positive or negative effects on human beings. This review aims to summarize their antioxidant effects by both classical in vitro scavenging assay and at the cellular level. Since most in vitro studies used the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay, the results from those studies are summed up in the first part of the article. In the second part, available data on the effect of alkaloids on NADPH-oxidase, the key enzyme for reactive oxygen species production, at the cellular level, are summarized. More than 130 alkaloids were tested by DPPH assay. However, due to methodological differences, a direct comparison is hardly possible. It can be at least concluded that some of them were either similar to or even more active than standard antioxidants and the number of aromatic hydroxyl groups seems to be the major determinant for the activity. The data on inhibition of NADPH-oxidase activity by alkaloids demonstrated that there is little relationship to the DPPH assay. The mechanism seems to be based on inhibition of synthesis, activation or translocation of NADPH-oxidase subunits. In some alkaloids, activation of the nuclear factor Nrf2 pathway was documented to be the grounds for inhibition of NADPH-oxidase. Interestingly, many alkaloids can behave both as anti-oxidants and pro-oxidants depending on conditions and pro-oxidation might be the reason for activation of Nrf2. Available data on other "antioxidant" transcription factors FOXOs and PPARs are also mentioned.

The Preventive Effects of Standardized Extract of Zataria multiflora and Carvacrol on Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rat: - Zataria multiflora and Carvacrol and Hepatotoxicity

Objectives

The hepatotoxicity induced by Acetaminophen (AAP) mostly mediated by effect on oxidative stress parameters. The Zataria multiflora (Z.M) is an herbal medicine with well-known antioxidant effect. The aim of this study is investigation of preventive effects of Z.M and Carvacrol (CAR) on AAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Methods

Rats were randomly divided into four groups including: 1) Control, 2) Acetaminophen (AAP), 3) and 4) CAR. The saline, Z.M (200 mg/kg) and CAR (20 mg/kg) were administrated orally for 6 days, after that AAP (600 mg/kg) was administrated in the 7^th day. Blood sampling was performed on the first and last days. Also, the liver tissue was removed for evaluation of Malondyaldehide (MDA), Thiol content, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). Total Protein (tPro), Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT), Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (GPT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in liver tissue were evaluated. The changes (Δ) of enzymes activities were presented.

Results

The Δ GOT, Δ GPT and Δ ALP in CAR group significantly decreased compared to AAP group (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001) and Δ GPT in Z.M group was significantly reduced in comparison with AAP group (P < 0.05). Also, MDA, Thiol, SOD and CAT levels in treated groups were attenuated compared to AAP group (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Z.M and CAR have a powerful hepatoprotective effect. CAR is more effective than Z.M. Based on the results. Z.M and CAR could be potent supplementary agents against hepatotoxicity of AAP in patients.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Lactobacillus on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of heat-killed and live Lactobacillus on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury mice. The indexes evaluated included liver pathological changes, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum, related gene expression (IL-1β, TNF-α, Bcl-2, and Bax), and related proteins levels (Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase 3, and NF-κB p65). Compared with the model group, the results indicated that the levels of ALT, AST, and MDA in the serum, the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and Bax, and the protein levels of Bax, Caspase 3, and NF-κB p65 significantly decreased, and the pathologic damage degree all significantly reduced after live Lactobacillus fermentum (L-LF) and live Lactobacillus plantarum (L-LP) treatment. Additionally, the levels of SOD and GSH in the serum, the gene expression of Bcl-2, and the protein level of Bcl-2 significantly increased after L-LF and L-LP treatment. Although HK-LF and HK-LP could also have obvious regulating effects on some of the evaluated indexes (ALT, AST, the expression levels of TNF-α and Bax, and the protein level of Bcl-2) and play an important role in weakening liver damage, the regulating effects of L-LF or L-LP on these indexes were all better compared with the corresponding heat-killed Lactobacillus fermentum (HK-LF) and heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum (HK-LP). Therefore, these results suggested that LF and LP have an important role in liver disease.

The spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 cells

AIM

Exposure of macrophages to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces oxidative and inflammatory stresses, which cause cell damage. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been attributed to the nitrone spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO), commonly used in free radical analysis, but these aspects of DMPO have been little explored. In this study, we sought to establish the anti-inflammatory activity of DMPO, presumably by removing free radicals which otherwise help activate inflammatory response and damage cells.

MAIN METHODS

RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with LPS and/or DMPO for different time points, cell damage, production of inflammatory mediators, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, NF-κB p65 activation, phosphorylation of MAPKs and Akt, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined.

KEY FINDINGS

After cells were treated with LPS and/or DMPO for 24 h, DMPO reduced the LPS-induced inflammatory response as indicated by downregulated iNOS expression and production of inflammatory mediators. Accordingly, DMPO protected cells from LPS-induced cytotoxicity. In order to understand the mechanistic basis of these DMPO effects, the NF-κB p65 activation and the phosphorylation of MAPKs and Akt were examined. We found, by assaying cells treated with LPS and/or DMPO for 15-60 min, that DMPO inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs, Akt, and IκBα, and reduced the NF-κB p65 translocation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that DMPO inhibited LPS-induced ROS production.

SIGNIFICANCE

DMPO showed the anti-inflammatory activity and attenuated LPS-induced cell damage, most likely by reducing ROS production and thus preventing the subsequent inflammatory activation and damage.

Hepatoprotective effects of 2',4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone on CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice

In this paper, the hepatoprotective effects of 2',4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone (DMC) on CCl(4)-induced acute liver injury in Kunming mice were investigated. DMC was administered intraperitoneally (ip) (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg of body weight) for 7 days prior to the administration of CCl(4) (0.1%, ip). Pretreatment with DMC significantly decreased activities of serum hepatic enzymes, namely alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and total bilirubin, and decreased the elevation of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, and protein carbonyl content. Pretreatment with DMC markedly increased activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase and increased levels of nonenzymatic antioxidant markers such as reduced glutathione, total sulfhydryl groups, vitamin C, and vitamin E in liver. These results combined with liver histopathology demonstrate that DMC has potential hepatoprotective effects, which may be related to the attenuation of oxidative stress, accelerating the antioxidant cascade and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Insufficient endogenous redox buffer capacity may underlie neuronal vulnerability to cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key players in ischemia-induced neurodegeneration. We investigated whether hippocampal neurons may lack sufficient redox-buffering capacity to protect against ROS attacks. Using organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) transiently exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and gerbils suffering from a two-vessel occlusion (2VO) as complementary ex vivo and in vivo models, we have elucidated whether the intrinsic redox systems interfere with ischemia-induced neurodegeneration. Cell- type-specific immunohistological staining of hippocampal slice cultures revealed that pyramidal neurons, in contrast to astrocytes and microglia, express free thiols only weakly. In addition, free thiol levels were extensively decreased throughout the hippocampal formation immediately after OGD, but recovered within 24 hr after reperfusion. In parallel, progressive glia activation and proliferation were observed. Increased neuronal exposure to ROS was monitored by dihydroethidium oxidation in hippocampal pyramidal cell layers immediately after OGD. Coadministration of reduction equivalents (α-lipoic acid) and thiol-stimulating agents (enalapril, ambroxol) decreased ischemia-induced neuronal damage in OGD-treated OHSCs and in gerbils exposed to 2VO, whereas single drug applications remained ineffective. In summary, limited redox buffering capacities of pyramidal neurons may underlie their exceptional vulnerability to cerebral ischemia. Consistently, multidrug treatments supporting endogenous redox systems may offer a strategy to promote valid neuroprotection.

Clinical potential of Spirulina as a source of phycocyanobilin

Recent research reveals that free bilirubin functions physiologically as a potent inhibitor of NADPH oxidase activity. The chromophore phycocyanobilin (PCB), found in blue-green algae and cyanobacteria such as Spirulina, also has been found to be a potent inhibitor of this enzyme complex, likely because in mammalian cells it is rapidly reduced to phycocyanorubin, a close homolog of bilirubin. In light of the protean roles of NADPH oxidase activation in pathology, it thus appears likely that PCB supplementation may have versatile potential in prevention and therapy -- particularly in light of rodent studies demonstrating that orally administered Spirulina or phycocyanin (the Spirulina holoprotein that contains PCB) can exert a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects. Until PCB-enriched Spirulina extracts or synthetically produced PCB are commercially available, the most feasible and least expensive way to administer PCB is by ingestion of whole Spirulina. A heaping tablespoon (about 15 g) of Spirulina can be expected to provide about 100 mg of PCB. By extrapolating from rodent studies, it can be concluded that an intake of 2 heaping tablespoons daily would be likely to have important antioxidant activity in humans -- assuming that humans and rodents digest and absorb Spirulina-bound PCB in a comparable manner. An intake of this magnitude can be clinically feasible if Spirulina is incorporated into "smoothies" featuring such ingredients as soy milk, fruit juices, and whole fruits. Such a regimen should be evaluated in clinical syndromes characterized and in part mediated by NADPH oxidase overactivity in affected tissues.

Anti-inflammatory activity of arctigenin from Forsythiae Fructus

Oleaceae Forsythiae Fructus has been used for anti-inflammatory, diuretics, antidote, and antibacterials in traditional herbal medicine. Our previous screening of medicinal plants showed that methanol (MeOH) extract of Forsythiae Fructus had significant anti-inflammatory activity, but the active ingredients remain unclear. For isolation of active ingredient of MeOH extract of Forsythiae Fructus, it was partitioned with n-hexane and ethylacetate (EtOAc), and arctigenin was isolated from EtOAc fraction by column chromatography with anti-inflammatory activity-guided separation. Its activity was evaluated in the animal models of inflammation including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activities in the edematous tissues homogenate, and silica-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the RAW 264.7 cell line. It was shown that arctigenin (100 mg/kg) had significantly decreased not only carrageenan-induced paw edema 3 and 4h after injection of carrageenan, arachidonic acid (AA)-induced ear edema at a painting dose of 0.1-1.0mg/ear, and acetic acid-induced writhing response and acetic acid-induced capillary permeability accentuation at an oral dose of 25-100, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, but also MPO and EPO activities at a painting dose of 0.1-1.0mg/ear in the AA-induced edematous tissues homogenate as indicators of neutrophils and eosinophils recruitment into the inflamed tissue. Further, arctigenin (0.1-10 microM) also significantly inhibited the intracellular ROS production by silica. These results indicate that arctigenin is a bioactive agent of Forsythiae Fructus having significant anti-inflammatory action by inhibition of the exudation, and leukocytes recruitment into the inflamed tissues. The pharmacologic mechanism of action of arctigenin may be due to the inhibition of release/production of inflammatory mediators such as AA metabolites and free radicals.

The NOX family of ROS-generating NADPH oxidases: physiology and pathophysiology

For a long time, superoxide generation by an NADPH oxidase was considered as an oddity only found in professional phagocytes. Over the last years, six homologs of the cytochrome subunit of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase were found: NOX1, NOX3, NOX4, NOX5, DUOX1, and DUOX2. Together with the phagocyte NADPH oxidase itself (NOX2/gp91(phox)), the homologs are now referred to as the NOX family of NADPH oxidases. These enzymes share the capacity to transport electrons across the plasma membrane and to generate superoxide and other downstream reactive oxygen species (ROS). Activation mechanisms and tissue distribution of the different members of the family are markedly different. The physiological functions of NOX family enzymes include host defense, posttranlational processing of proteins, cellular signaling, regulation of gene expression, and cell differentiation. NOX enzymes also contribute to a wide range of pathological processes. NOX deficiency may lead to immunosuppresion, lack of otoconogenesis, or hypothyroidism. Increased NOX activity also contributes to a large number or pathologies, in particular cardiovascular diseases and neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the functions of NOX enzymes in physiology and pathology.

Interaction of rifalazil with oxidant-generating systems of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils

It is well acknowledged that ansamycins display immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. Rifalazil, a new ansamycin derivative, has not been studied in the context of inflammation. In particular, there are no data on the possible interference of rifalazil with oxidant production by phagocytes. We have compared the antioxidant properties of rifalazil to those of rifampin, a drug well known in this context, by using cellular and acellular oxidant-generating systems. Oxidant production by polymorphonuclear neutrophils was measured in terms of cytochrome c reduction, lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence (Lu-ACL), and the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate H2 (DCFDA-H2) technique (intracellular oxidant production). Rifalazil impaired O2- production in a concentration-dependent manner, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) (concentrations which inhibit 50% of the response) of 5.4 (30 and 60 min of incubation) and 6.4 (30 min) mg/liter, respectively, for phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) stimulation. In agreement with the published fMLP-like activity of rifampin, the inhibitory effect of rifampin was significantly greater for fMLP (IC50 of 5.6 mg/liter) than for PMA (IC50 of 58 mg/liter) stimulation. Alteration of intracellular oxidant production was also observed with IC50 values similar to those obtained by the cytochrome assay. In addition, rifalazil and rifampin (> or = 25 mg/liter) scavenged O2-, as demonstrated by the acellular (hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase) system. Interference with light detection systems was evidenced for both drugs by Lu-ACL. The clinical relevance of the antioxidant effect of rifalazil demonstrated in vitro, in particular its potential anti-inflammatory activity, requires further investigation.

The macrolide roxithromycin impairs NADPH oxidase activation and alters translocation of its cytosolic components to the neutrophil membrane in vitro

We have studied the interference of roxithromycin with NADPH oxidase, the key enzymatic system for oxidant production by human neutrophils. Roxithromycin alters the reconstitution of an active enzyme and impairs the translocation to the outer membrane of the cytosolic components p47-phox and p67-phox. Interestingly, in resting cells roxithromycin directly triggers the translocation of these factors without stimulating the oxidative burst.

Positional cloning of Ncf1--a piece in the puzzle of arthritis genetics

Positional cloning of susceptibility genes in complex diseases like rheumatoid arthritis in humans is hampered by aspects like genetic heterogeneity and environmental variations, while genetic studies in animal models contain several advantages. With animal models, the environment can be controlled, the genetic complexity of the disease is minimized and the disease onset can be predicted, which simplify diagnosis and characterization. We use pristane-induced arthritis in rats to investigate the inheritance of arthritis. Until now, we have identified 15 loci that significantly predispose rats to the development of arthritis. One of these arthritis loci has been isolated and confirmed to be caused by a polymorphism in the Ncf1 gene. In this review, we outline the methods used to identify Ncf1 as one single susceptibility gene in a complex puzzle of inherited factors that render susceptibility to a complex autoimmune disorder like arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory effects of tetrahydrobiopterin on early rejection in renal allografts: modulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Oxidative stress contributes to the development of early transplant failure. As nitric oxide synthases (NOS) can act as sources of superoxide, we investigated the effect of the NOS cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) on oxyradical production and early rejection in a rat kidney transplantation model. Allograft transplantation (Brown Norway to Lewis) showed more renal superoxide production and monocyte infiltration when compared with isografts (Lewis to Lewis). Administration of the stable BH4 precursor sepiapterin had no effect on superoxide production in the isografts (51+/-10 vs. 69+/-17 cps/10 mg protein), but led to a marked decrease in superoxide production in the allografts (116+/-11 vs. 60+/-6 cps/10 mg protein; P<0.05) and was accompanied by a reduction in periarterial macrophage infiltration (3.3+/-0.7 vs. 1.3+/-0.3 cells/vessel; P<0.05) and an increase in NO production (78+/-22 vs. 173+/-12 AU/g kidney) (P<0.01). In vitro experiments confirm that iNOS can produce superoxide mainly from the heme domain, whereas BH4 administration can reverse this superoxide production in the presence of adequate anti-oxidant defense. Our findings support the hypothesis that BH4 can be used to modulate the function of the inflammatory iNOS isoform and suggest a potential therapeutic role for sepiapterin in early allograft rejection.

Structure-activity relationships among 9-N-alkyl derivatives of erythromycylamine and their effect on the oxidative burst of human neutrophils in vitro

Macrolide antibiotics have recently triggered much interest owing to the immunomodulatory potential of some derivatives, particularly in the field of inflammatory diseases. Among the possible mechanisms underlying these anti-inflammatory effects, macrolide-induced inhibition of oxidant production by phagocytes has attracted much attention. We and others have previously reported that erythromycin A-derived macrolides impair the phagocyte oxidative burst, a property linked to the presence of L-cladinose. However, we have also demonstrated that other substituents can be involved in the modulation of phagocyte function. Here we have extended the analysis of structure-activity relationships by studying the effects of five 9-N-alkyl derivatives of erythromycylamine on oxidant production by human neutrophils in vitro. LY211397 (2-methoxyethyl derivative) neither altered cell viability nor superoxide anion production. LY281389 (n-propyl derivative) did not alter cell viability and was slightly more inhibitory than erythromycylamine for the production of superoxide anion; its IC50 (concentration that inhibits 50% of the neutrophil response) was about 18 and 24 microM (versus 72 and 74 pM for erythromycylamine) after 60 min of incubation following fMLP and PMA stimulation, respectively. LY80576 (N-phenyl-3-indolylmethyl derivative), LY281981 (3-phenyl-n-propyl derivative) and LY57843 (benzyl derivative) all displayed cellular toxicity at high pharmacological concentrations after 30 to 60 min of incubation. Interestingly, these latter three drugs exhibited a rapid (5 min incubation) and strong inhibitory effect on the neutrophil oxidative burst from either stimulus, with IC50 values of 3 to 10 pM. Further in-vitro and in-vivo investigations are required to analyze the anti-inflammatory potential of these three derivatives.

Evaluation of the protective potential of Ambrosia maritima extract on acetaminophen-induced liver damage

The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous-methanolic extract of Ambrosia maritima was investigated against acetaminophen (paracetamol, 4-hydroxy acetanilide) induced hepatic damage. Acetaminophen at the dose of 640 mg/kg produced liver damage in rats as manifested by the significant (P < 0.001) rise in serum levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to 1178.5 +/-118.05; 607.5 +/- 32.6 and 274.16 +/- 8.89 IU/l (n = 10), respectively, compared with respective control values of 97.83+/-3.23; 46.0 +/- 3.92 and 168.67 +/- 7.86 IU/l. Pretreatment of rats with the plant extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) lowered significantly (P < 0.001) the respective serum AST to 203.3+/-5.74 and 157.1 +/- 8.78 IU/l, ALT to 138.67 +/- 7.7 and 87.5 +/- 3.6 IU/l and ALP levels to 238.0 +/- 5.89 and 206.5 +/- 7.5 IU/l, respectively. Treatment of rats with acetaminophen led to a marked increase in lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) (42%). This was associated with a significant reduction of the hepatic antioxidant system e.g. reduced glutathione (GSH) (65%), glutathione reductase (GSH-R) (35%), total glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (32%) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) (16%). These biochemical alterations resulting from acetaminophen administration were inhibited by pretreatment with A. maritima L. extract. These data suggest that the plant A. maritima L. may act as a hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent.

Therapeutic potential of dietary phase 2 enzyme inducers in ameliorating diseases that have an underlying inflammatory component

Many diseases associated with ageing have an underlying oxidative stress and accompanying inflammatory component, for example, Alzheimer's disease or atherosclerosis. Reviewed in this manuscript are: the role of oxidative stress in activating the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), the role of NFκB in activating pro-inflammatory gene transcription, strong oxidants produced by cells, anti-oxidant defense systems, the central role of phase 2 enzymes in the anti-oxidant defense, dietary phase 2 enzyme inducers and evidence that dietary phase 2 enzymes decrease oxidative stress. It is likely that a diet containing phase 2 enzyme inducers may ameliorate or even prevent diseases that have a prominent inflammatory component to them. Research should be directed into the potential therapeutic effects of dietary phase 2 enzyme inducers in ameliorating diseases with an underlying oxidative stress and inflammatory component to them.Key words: Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, diet, glutathione, inflammation, stroke.

Interference of antibacterial agents with phagocyte functions: immunomodulation or "immuno-fairy tales"?

Professional phagocytes (polymorphonuclear neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages) are a main component of the immune system. These cells are involved in both host defenses and various pathological settings characterized by excessive inflammation. Accordingly, they are key targets for immunomodulatory drugs, among which antibacterial agents are promising candidates. The basic and historical concepts of immunomodulation will first be briefly reviewed. Phagocyte complexity will then be unravelled (at least in terms of what we know about the origin, subsets, ambivalent roles, functional capacities, and transductional pathways of this cell and how to explore them). The core subject of this review will be the many possible interactions between antibacterial agents and phagocytes, classified according to demonstrated or potential clinical relevance (e.g., neutropenia, intracellular accumulation, and modulation of bacterial virulence). A detailed review of direct in vitro effects will be provided for the various antibacterial drug families, followed by a discussion of the clinical relevance of these effects in two particular settings: immune deficiency and inflammatory diseases. The prophylactic and therapeutic use of immunomodulatory antibiotics will be considered before conclusions are drawn about the emerging (optimistic) vision of future therapeutic prospects to deal with largely unknown new diseases and new pathogens by using new agents, new techniques, and a better understanding of the phagocyte in particular and the immune system in general.

Interference of antibacterial agents with phagocyte functions: immunomodulation or "immuno-fairy tales"?

Professional phagocytes (polymorphonuclear neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages) are a main component of the immune system. These cells are involved in both host defenses and various pathological settings characterized by excessive inflammation. Accordingly, they are key targets for immunomodulatory drugs, among which antibacterial agents are promising candidates. The basic and historical concepts of immunomodulation will first be briefly reviewed. Phagocyte complexity will then be unravelled (at least in terms of what we know about the origin, subsets, ambivalent roles, functional capacities, and transductional pathways of this cell and how to explore them). The core subject of this review will be the many possible interactions between antibacterial agents and phagocytes, classified according to demonstrated or potential clinical relevance (e.g., neutropenia, intracellular accumulation, and modulation of bacterial virulence). A detailed review of direct in vitro effects will be provided for the various antibacterial drug families, followed by a discussion of the clinical relevance of these effects in two particular settings: immune deficiency and inflammatory diseases. The prophylactic and therapeutic use of immunomodulatory antibiotics will be considered before conclusions are drawn about the emerging (optimistic) vision of future therapeutic prospects to deal with largely unknown new diseases and new pathogens by using new agents, new techniques, and a better understanding of the phagocyte in particular and the immune system in general.

IkappaB kinases alpha and beta show a random sequential kinetic mechanism and are inhibited by staurosporine and quercetin

Activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB is regulated by phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of its inhibitory subunit IkappaB. The signal-induced phosphorylation of IkappaB involves two IkappaB kinases, IKKalpha and IKKbeta. In the present study, we investigated the kinetic mechanisms of IKKalpha and IKKbeta by substrate and product inhibition. For both IKKalpha and IKKbeta, the product ADP was a competitive inhibitor versus ATP and a non-competitive inhibitor versus IkappaBalpha. An alternative peptide substrate, IkappaBalpha-(21-41), was a competitive inhibitor versus IkappaBalpha and a non-competitive inhibitor versus ATP for both kinases. These results rigorously eliminate the possibility of an ordered sequential mechanism and demonstrate that both kinases have a random sequential bi bi mechanism. Two natural compounds, quercetin and staurosporine, had previously been shown to inhibit the NF-kappaB pathway, but the molecular target(s) of these compounds in the event had not been established. Here we demonstrate that quercetin and staurosporine potently inhibit both IKKalpha and IKKbeta. Daidzein, a quercetin analogue that does not inhibit NF-kappaB activation, showed no significant inhibition of either enzyme. This suggests that the inhibitory properties of quercetin and staurosporine in the NF-kappaB pathway are mediated in part by their inhibition of IKKalpha and IKKbeta. Mechanism studies reveal that staurosporine is a competitive inhibitor versus ATP, whereas quercetin serves as a mixed type inhibitor versus ATP. The strong inhibition of IKKbeta by staurosporine (K(i) = 172 nM) and ADP (K(i) = 136 nM) provides a rationale and structural framework for designing potent ATP-site inhibitors of IKKbeta, which is an attractive drug target for inflammatory diseases.

Hypoxic upregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression is paralleled, but not induced, by increased generation of reactive oxygen species in PC12 cells

Oxygen sensing was investigated in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. They respond to hypoxia with an increased intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), measured by oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123. This increase is abolished by intracellular superoxide scavenging by Mn(III)-tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)-porphyrin, and reduced or absent in the presence of the flavoprotein/complex I inhibitors, diphenyl-eneiodonium and rotenone. The same inhibitors, but neither intra- nor extracellular (superoxide dismutase) superoxide scavenging, abolish the hypoxia-induced increase in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene expression. Thus, ROS production increases in PC12 cells during hypoxia, but this is not the cause of hypoxic TH mRNA upregulation that involves a flavoprotein.

Protein kinase C mediates experimental colitis in the rat

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in the cell signal transduction of many physiological processes. In contrast to these physiological responses, increases in PKC activity have also been associated with inflammatory disease states, including ulcerative colitis. The objective of this study was to examine the role of PKC as a causative mediator in initiation of experimentally induced colitis in the rat. Colitis was induced in rats by intrarectal (0.6 ml) instillation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS; 75 mg/kg in 50% ethanol) or the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 1.5-3.0 mg/kg in 20% ethanol). Gross and histological mucosal damage, mucosal neutrophil infiltration, mucosal PKC activity, and PKC protein content for PKC isoforms alpha, beta, delta, and epsilon were assessed 2 h to 14 days after an inflammatory challenge. Both PKC activity and mucosal injury increased significantly within 4 h of TNBS treatment. PKC activity was maximal at 7 days and declined at 14 days, whereas mucosal damage became maximal at 1 day and declined after 7 days. In contrast, neutrophil infiltration as assessed by myeloperoxidase activity only increased 12 h after TNBS treatment, became maximal 1 day after TNBS administration, and declined thereafter. PKCbeta, -delta, and -epsilon were increased in response to TNBS, whereas PKCalpha protein content was decreased. The PKC antagonists staurosporine and GF-109203X (25 ng/kg iv) reduced TNBS-induced changes in mucosal PKC activity and the degree of mucosal damage. In contrast, neutropenia induced by antineutrophil serum treatment did not significantly affect the degree of injury or mucosal PKC activity. Furthermore, activation of mucosal PKC activity with PMA also induced mucosal damage, which was also inhibited by pretreatment with a PKC antagonist. In conclusion, these results suggest that increases in PKC activity play a causative role in TNBS-induced colitis. The PKC-mediated response to TNBS does not appear to involve neutrophil infiltration.

Glutathione depletion is associated with decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased apoptosis in cholangiocytes

Cholangiocytes are the target of a group of liver diseases termed the cholangiopathies that include conditions characterized by periductal inflammation and cholangiocyte apoptosis. Because inflammation is associated with oxidative stress, we developed the hypothesis that cholangiocytes exposed to oxidative stress will be depleted of endogenous cytoprotective molecules, leading to cholangiocyte apoptosis. To begin to test this hypothesis, we explored the relationships among glutathione (GSH) depletion, expression of Bcl-2 (a protooncogene that inhibits apoptosis), and apoptosis in a nonmalignant human cholangiocyte cell line. Monolayers of human bile duct epithelial cells, derived from normal liver and immortalized by SV40 transformation, were depleted of GSH using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Bcl-2 expression was assessed by quantitative immunoblot analysis, and apoptosis quantified by fluorescence microscopy using the DNA binding dye 4', 6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole. Bcl-2 message was assessed by RNase protection assay, and Bcl-2 protein synthesis and half-life by pulse-chase analysis. Exposure of human cholangiocytes in culture to BSO reduced GSH levels by 93 +/- 3% (P < 0.01). In addition, treatment of cholangiocytes with BSO reduced Bcl-2 levels by 87 +/- 2% (P < 0.01) and was associated with a time-dependent increase in the number of cells undergoing apoptosis; approximately 11 +/- 1% of cultured cells demonstrated morphological changes of apoptosis by 72 h compared with 1.5 +/- 0.1% in untreated cholangiocytes (P < 0. 01). Maintenance of GSH levels by addition of glutathione ethyl ester in the presence of BSO blocked the BSO-associated increase in apoptosis in BSO-treated cholangiocytes and also prevented the decrease in Bcl-2 protein. BSO treatment of cholangiocytes did not change steady-state levels of bcl-2 mRNA or Bcl-2 protein synthesis. However, Bcl-2 protein half-life decreased 57% in BSO-treated vs. untreated cells. Our results using a human cholangiocyte cell line demonstrate that reduction in the cellular levels of an antioxidant such as GSH results in increased degradation of Bcl-2 protein and an increase in apoptosis. These data provide a mechanistic link between the consequences of oxidative stress and cholangiocyte apoptosis, an observation that may be important in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory cholangiopathies.

Rifamycins inhibit human neutrophil functions: new derivatives with potential antiinflammatory activity

In our study we investigated the effect of rifamycin SV, rifamycin B, rifampicin and five semisynthetic derivatives on human neutrophil functions such as locomotion, superoxide production and degranulation stimulated by specific agonists. All compounds were tested at concentrations ranging from 10(-9) to 10(-5) M. Among the newly synthesized compounds the most active we found to be the derivatives carrying an acidic substituent at C3: these significantly lowered the superoxide generation induced by PMA throughout the entire concentration range, whereas rifamycin SV, rifamycin B and rifampicin were effective only at the highest concentrations. Moreover, chemotactic movement was significantly attenuated by derivative R4, rifamycin B and rifamycin SV at high doses; granule enzyme release was unaffected by all compounds.

Involvement of an NAD(P)H oxidase-like enzyme in superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide generation by rat type II cells

BACKGROUND

Although alveolar macrophages are considered to be the primary cellular mediators of host defence in the lung, there is increasing evidence that type II cells may also play an active role in host defence. A study was undertaken to investigate whether type II cells generate O2-. and H2O2 via an NADPH oxidase-like system and whether exposure of the type II cells to soluble or particulate stimuli known to activate NADPH oxidase in macrophages also leads to increased production of H2O2.

METHODS

Rat type II cells and alveolar macrophages were exposed to 10, 100, or 1000 nM phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) and the production of O2-. and H2O2 was determined by chemiluminescence. Thirty minutes before stimulation with 1 microM PMA type II cells were also exposed to the same concentrations of a protein kinase C (PKC) antagonist GF109203x, the non-selective protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine (1, 10, or 100 nM), or the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyliodonium chloride (DPI) (1, 10, 100, or 1000 microM). The effects of arachidonic acid, zymosan and Staphylococcus aureus on H2O2 production were determined. Cell membrane fractions from type II cells and macrophages were assayed for NADPH oxidase activity.

RESULTS

After exposure to 1 microM PMA, O2-. and H2O2 generation increased 6.3-fold and 9.0-fold, respectively, in type II cells and 2.4-fold and 5.2-fold, respectively, in macrophages. In contrast to the macrophages, the increase in O2-. and H2O2 generation by type II cells was completely prevented by 1 mM KCN. Preexposure to GF109203x, staurosporine, or DPI completely prevented the rise in O2-. and H2O2 generation. Mean (SD) NADPH oxidase activity of 138 (38) nmol O2-./min/mg protein was found in membrane fraction I of the type II cells, and 102 (31) nmol O2-./min/mg protein in fraction II. Macrophages showed higher NADPH oxidase activity in membrane fraction II. In type II cells exposure to arachidonic acid led to a significant 5.3-fold increase in H2O2 generation, exposure to zymosan increased H2O2 generation 46-fold, and exposure to S aureus 25-fold with a maximum 30-50 minutes after addition of the bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Type II cells generate O2-. and H2O2 via a PKC-mediated activation of an NAD(P)H oxidase-like membrane bound enzyme. Arachidonic acid, zymosan, and bacteria also give rise to increased H2O2 production. Type II cells might thus play an active role in host defence.

Neutrophil-associated inflammatory responses in rats are inhibited by phenylarsine oxide

NADPH oxidase is a phagocyte-specific enzyme which produces O2- and so initiates a cascade of reactive oxygen species formation. Inflammatory diseases involve overproduction of reactive oxygen species which induce tissue damage. Phenylarsine oxide has been described previously as a complete and direct inhibitor of NADPH oxidase in vitro that acts by covalently binding to vicinal thiol groups of a membrane-associated component of the enzyme. In the present work, the potential anti-inflammatory effect of phenylarsine oxide was tested on two experimental models in rats, carrageenan-induced paw oedema and lipopolysaccharide-mediated lung inflammation. Intraperitoneal injection of phenylarsine oxide reduced (i) reactive oxygen species production by rat phagocytes, (ii) neutrophil infiltration into the lung after inhalation of lipopolysaccharide and (iii) neutrophil-dependent oedema induced by carrageenan in hindpaws. We conclude that phenylarsine oxide has anti-inflammatory properties which are probably exerted by its ability to inhibit neutrophil NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species production. The present work provides the basis for the development of new anti-inflammatory, arsenic-free agents reacting at the phenylarsine oxide site, which seems to be the Achilles' heel of NADPH oxidase.

Anti-inflammatory action of Pluchea sagittalis: involvement of an antioxidant mechanism

Pluchea sagittalis, (Lam.) Cabr., a popular medicinal herb grown in South America, was studied for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The anti-edema action of P. sagittalis aqueous extract was assayed in different models of inflammation: 1) the mouse ear edema test induced by arachidonic acid and croton oil; 2) the rat hind-paw edema test produced by several inflammatory inductors: carrageenan, dextran, zymosan, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and arachidonic acid; 3) a subacute model based on the rat carrageenan air-pouch granuloma test. Blood leukocyte free radical production was measured by flow cytometry with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) in vivo, in rats with induced air-pouch granuloma, and in a model in vitro. stimulating leukocytes with hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous extract of P. sagittalis showed a marked anti-inflammatory effect in both ear edema tests, dextran and carrageenan hind-paw edemas and carrageenan air-pouch model. It also had a potent antioxidant activity in blood leukocytes, both in vivo and in vitro. Our results correlate the reduction of free radical production with the anti-inflammatory effect of this plant.

Priming of NADPH oxidase by tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients with inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Oxidative damage caused by oxygen free radicals from activated phagocytes contributes to the pathology of arthritis. The present study evaluates the activity of NADPH oxidase of neutrophils and monocytes from patients suffering from various inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic disease. Production rates of reactive oxygen species [ROS] of neutrophils and monocytes from rheumatic patients are compared to those of healthy controls and non rheumatic disease controls and correlated with the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein and the sedimentation rates of erythrocytes. There was a two- to eightfold increase in phagocytic superoxide production in rheumatic patients, when compared to healthy subjects or patients with non-rheumatic internal diseases [p < 0.005]. The enhanced NADPH oxidase-dependent superoxide generation correlated well with elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] in plasma [p = 0.005], suggesting a causal relation. There was no correlation with the plasma levels of C-reactive protein and a weak though significant correlation with the sedimentation rates of erythrocytes [p = 0.043]. Removal of circulating TNF-alpha by dialysis of patients blood and inhibition of NADPH oxidase by prednisolone treatment normalized elevated ROS production to the levels of healthy controls and correlated with the clinical improvements. Our data support the hypothesis of a central role for TNF-alpha during the development of arthritis. The chemiluminescence assay described here may be useful as a convenient screen and as a potential follow up procedure for individual patients with rheumatic diseases.

Modulation of inflammatory arthritis by inhibition of poly(ADP ribose) polymerase

Poly(ADPR) polymerase (PARP; EC 2.4.2.30) is a nuclear enzyme, which, when activated by oxygen- and nitrogen-radical-induced DNA strand breaks, transfers ADP ribose units to nuclear proteins and initiates apoptosis by depletion of cellular NAD and ATP pools. The present study investigates whether the oxidative stress-dependent activation of PARP plays a role in the etiopathogenesis of arthritis. The antiarthritic reactivity of the biogenic PARP inhibitor nicotinamide was tested in DBA/1 x B10A(4R) mice suffering from potassium peroxochromate-induced arthritis. Daily doses of 4 mmol/kg of NA suppressed the arthritis by 35% and inhibited the phagocytic generation of reactive oxygen species, which increases sixfold during the development of arthritis. The onset, progression, and remission of arthritis correlated positively to the phorbolester-activated respiratory burst of neutrophils and monocytes, and a dose-dependent inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity was determined with human phagocytes. Our data support the hypothesis that oxidative stress-induced alterations in cellular signal transduction pathways play a pivotal role in the development of arthritis, which can be suppressed by the simultaneous inhibition of poly(ADPR) polymerase and NADPH oxidase.