Novel neutrophil-stimulating peptides

TNF-induced IL-8 and MCP-1 production in the eosinophilic cell line, EOL-1

The role of eosinophils in inflammation and their mode of activation is not well understood. Eosinophil accumulation and subsequent expression of cytokines at the site of inflammation may play a role in exacerbation of inflammatory responses. In the present study, we have examined the role of TNF-α in eosinophil activation and chemokine production using a human leukaemic eosinophil cell line, EOL-1. Initial studies demonstrated that TNF-α induced the upregulation of IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA and protein. Kinetic studies indicated production of chemokines, IL-8 and MCP-1, as early as 4 h post-activation, with peak levels of chemokine produced at 8 h, and decreasing by 24 h post-TNF-α activation. When IL-10, a suppressive cytokine, was incubated with TNF-α and EOL-1 cells, no effect was observed on IL-8 and MCP-1 production. However, dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on the EOL-1-derived chemokines. These studies indicate that eosinophils may be a significant source of chemokines capable of participating in, and maintaining, leukocyte recruitment during inflammatory responses, such as asthma.

The attraction of chemokines as a target for specific anti-inflammatory therapy

Since the identification of the first chemotactic cytokines 20 years ago, the field has mushroomed, with the discovery of approximately 40 ligands, which interact with 20 different cell surface receptors. At the time of writing this review, a PubMed trawl using the word 'chemokine' will recover over 28,000 manuscripts. In this article, we will give a short history of the discovery of chemokines and provide examples of the potential for therapeutic targeting of the chemokine network in inflammatory disease.

Production of interleukin-8 by human neutrophils stimulated with Trichomonas vaginalis

Neutrophils are the predominant inflammatory cells found in the vaginal discharges of patients infected with Trichomonas vaginalis. Although chemoattractants, such as leukotriene B(4) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), are found in the vaginal discharges of symptomatic trichomoniasis patients, little is known about the mechanism of how neutrophils accumulate or mediate initial inflammatory response after acute T. vaginalis infection. We examined IL-8 production in neutrophils activated by T. vaginalis and evaluated the factors involved in T. vaginalis adherence that might affect IL-8 production. When human neutrophils were stimulated with live trophozoites, T. vaginalis lysate, or T. vaginalis excretory-secretory products, the live trichomonads induced higher levels of IL-8 production than the lysate or products did. When live trichomonads were pretreated with various inhibitors of proteinase, microtubule, microfilament, or adhesin (which are all known to participate in the adherence of T. vaginalis to vaginal epithelial cells), IL-8 production significantly decreased compared with the untreated controls. Furthermore, an NF-kappaB inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate), a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (MEK) inhibitor (PD98059), and a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor (SB203580) significantly suppressed IL-8 synthesis in neutrophils. These results suggest that live T. vaginalis, particularly adherent trophozoites, can induce IL-8 production in neutrophils and that this action may be mediated through the NF-kappaB and MAP kinase signaling pathways. In other words, T. vaginalis-induced neutrophil recruitment may be mediated via the IL-8 expressed by neutrophils in response to activation by live T. vaginalis.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, a clue to neutrophil-mediated inflammatory processes orchestrated by T cells

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Circumstantial evidence exists that certain neutrophilic inflammatory processes are regulated by T cells, but how this occurs is not well understood. The present review presents data on how T cells may directly orchestrate a neutrophilic inflammation by specific release of the neutrophil-attracting chemokine CXCL8 (formerly known as interleukin-8).

RECENT FINDINGS

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an uncommon cutaneous eruption that is most often provoked by drugs, by acute infections with enteroviruses, or by mercury. It is characterized by acute, extensive formation of nonfollicular sterile pustules on an erythematous background, fever and elevated numbers of blood neutrophils. Involvement of T cells in drug-induced AGEP was suggested by positive patch tests and lymphocyte transformation tests. Moreover, drug-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells could be isolated and propagated in vitro from patch test sites and blood from AGEP patients. Their main characteristic is a high level of CXCL8 production.

SUMMARY

T cells are involved even in some neutrophil-rich inflammatory responses, and they may orchestrate the immune reaction directly by high CXCL8 production or indirectly via interleukin-17 production, which induces CXCL8 production in various cell types. AGEP serves as a valuable model for characterizing T cells with a particular function--namely production of CXCL8--leading to neutrophilic inflammation. It is tempting to speculate that elucidation of this pathomechanism will help to improve our understanding of similar neutrophilic eruptions (e.g. pustular psoriasis) and may reveal new targets for pharmacotherapeutic interventions in such diseases.

Inflammatory mediators in dengue virus infection in children: interleukin-8 and its relationship to neutrophil degranulation

The chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) has chemoattractant activity for neutrophils and is able to activate and degranulate these cells. We investigated whether IL-8 may exert these effects in children with dengue virus infection. Circulating levels of IL-8, neutrophilic elastase (a constituent of the azurophilic granula of neutrophils), and lactoferrin, released from specific granula, were measured in 186 children with dengue virus infection, 33 healthy children as negative controls and 11 children with bacterial infections as positive controls. Levels of IL-8 on admission were elevated in 71% of the dengue patients, while the elastase and lactoferrin levels were increased in 68 and 17% of patients, respectively. These levels were significantly higher than in healthy children (P < 0.05) for IL-8 and elastase but not for lactoferrin (by the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney [WMW] U test). Similar levels of IL-8 were found in patients with bacterial infections. Levels of IL-8 and elastase in patients with shock were significantly higher than in patients without shock (P = 0.02; WMW), but those of lactoferrin were not. IL-8 correlated with elastase and lactoferrin (r = 0.19 and P = 0.009 versus r = 0.24 and P = 0.001, respectively; two-tailed Spearman rank correlation). Thus, IL-8 levels are increased in most patients with dengue virus infection and correlate with degranulation of neutrophils as well as with some clinical and hemodynamic variables. These findings suggest a role for IL-8 in the pathogenesis of dengue virus infection.

Expression of adhesion molecules on granulocytes and monocytes from patients with asthma stimulated in vitro with interleukin-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1

Upregulation of adhesion molecule expression on endothelial cells (EC) and circulating leukocytes, by locally produced inflammatory mediators, may result in the enhanced infiltration of leukocytes into tissue, e.g. the airways of asthma patients. The present study investigates whether the expression of adhesion molecules on granulocytes and monocytes from asthma patients is affected by chemotactic factors, i.e. interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). Flow cytometric analysis showed that the intrinsic expression of the various adhesion molecules on peripheral blood phagocytes from asthma patients was not different from that of healthy individuals. However, stimulation of monocytes with MCP-1 resulted only in upregulation of the expression of CD14 on monocytes from symptomatic asthma patients but not on monocytes from asymptomatic asthma patients and healthy individuals. Stimulation of granulocytes with IL-8 did not change the expression of the various beta 1- and beta 2-integrin molecules, such as VLA-4, LFA-1, CR3 and p150,95. Since earlier studies have shown that CD14 on monocytes mediates monocyte adhesion to activated vascular EC the present findings suggest that during the active phase of asthma upregulation of CD14 on monocytes by MCP-1 may lead to an increased adhesion of monocytes to vascular endothelium and their subsequent transendothelial migration into the tissue of the airways.

Photochemistry and photobiology of actinic erythema: defensive and reparative cutaneous mechanisms

Sunlight is part of our everyday life and most people accept it as beneficial to our health. With the advance of our knowledge in cutaneous photochemistry, photobiology and photomedicine over the past four decades, the terrestrial solar radiation has become a concern of dermatologists and is considered to be a major damaging environmental factor for our skin. Most photobiological effects (e.g., sunburn, suntanning, local and systemic immunosuppression, photoaging or dermatoheliosis, skin cancer and precancer, etc.) are attributed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and more particularly to UVB radiation (290-320 nm). UVA radiation (320-400 nm) also plays an important role in the induction of erythema by the photosensitized generation of reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen (1O2), superoxide (O2.-) and hydroxyl radicals (.OH)) that damage DNA and cellular membranes, and promote carcinogenesis and the changes associated with photoaging. Therefore, research efforts have been directed at a better photochemical and photobiological understanding of the so-called sunburn reaction, actinic or solar erythema. To survive the insults of actinic damage, the skin appears to have different intrinsic defensive mechanisms, among which antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems) play a pivotal role. In this paper, we will review the basic aspects of the action of UVR on the skin: a) photochemical reactions resulting from photon absorption by endogenous chromophores; b) the lipid peroxidation phenomenon, and c) intrinsic defensive cutaneous mechanisms (antioxidant systems). The last section will cover the inflammatory response including mediator release after cutaneous UVR exposure and adhesion molecule expression.

Plasma interleukin-8 levels in patients with post-hepatitic cirrhosis: relationship to severity of liver disease, portal hypertension and hyperdynamic circulation

The present study investigated plasma levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in patients with post-hepatitic cirrhosis and correlated it with the severity of liver diseases and haemodynamic parameters. Plasma IL-8 levels were significantly higher in 57 post-hepatitic cirrhotic patients (7.5 +/- 1.8 pg/mL; P < 0.005) than those in 41 healthy subjects (2.0 +/- 0.2 pg/mL). Elevated (> 5 pg/mL) plasma IL-8 levels were found in up to 30% of cirrhotic patients. In cirrhotic patients, plasma IL-8 levels progressively increased in relation to the severity of liver dysfunction (4.5 +/- 1.0, 4.9 +/- 1.4 and 20.5 +/- 8.3 pg/mL for Pugh's class A, B and C, respectively; P < 0.005). A significant correlation was observed between plasma IL-8 levels and serum bilirubin levels (r = 0.72; P < 0.001). There were no differences in the hepatic venous pressure gradient (15.4 +/- 1.1 vs 15.1 +/- 0.9 mmHg; P > 0.05) and systemic vascular resistance (1119 +/- 118 vs 1199 +/- 54 dyn.s/cm5; P > 0.05) between cirrhotic patients with and without elevated plasma IL-8 levels. In addition, plasma IL-8 levels did not correlate with hepatic venous pressure gradient (r = 0.26; P > 0.05) and systemic vascular resistance (r = -0.24; P > 0.05). These results demonstrate that plasma IL-8 levels are increased in patients with post-hepatitic cirrhosis. The severity of liver cirrhosis is an important factor for the occurrence of enhanced IL-8 levels. IL-8 does not play a role in the hyperdynamic circulation observed in patients with post-hepatitic cirrhosis.

P-selectin is upregulated early in the course of hyperoxic lung injury in mice

While treatment with supplemental oxygen is often essential in patients with lung disease, prolonged therapy may cause lung injury by itself. Although the mechanisms responsible for initiating hyperoxic lung damage almost certainly involve primary oxidative transformations, the possible contributions of inflammation to the tissue injury have been attracting increasing research activity. Increases in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) coincide with the inflammation, but in other models of inflammation transient adhesion mediated by members of the Selectin gene family was found to be essential before ICAM-1/beta 2 interactions could occur. We, therefore, wondered whether a similar sequence of initial transient adhesion followed by subsequent responses would be observed in hyperoxic lung inflammation. We, therefore, determined the effects of hyperoxia exposure on lung mRNA for P- and E-Selectin in mouse lungs. We found that there was no detectable mRNA for E-Selectin through 72 h of hyperoxia exposure by Northern blotting, but that mRNA for P-Selectin was detectable as early as 48 h after initiation of hyperoxia. To determine the location of P-Selectin upregulation we examined hyperoxia-exposed mouse lungs by in situ hybridization and found that the upregulation of P-Selectin at 48 h was localized to large muscularized vessels, at 72 h expression was detected in some medium size muscularized vessels, and at 96 h abundant expression was observed also on nonmuscularized small vessels. In conclusion, increases in mRNA for P-Selectin early in the course of hyperoxia exposure suggest that P-Selectin expression in hyperoxic lungs increases in parallel with upregulation of ICAM-1, leading to the accumulation of neutrophils in hyperoxic lungs, and that interventions targeting these two adhesion molecules may lead to a diminution in hyperoxic lung inflammation and lung injury.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis induced by zinc, copper and nickel in vitro

Metallic dental restorations and prosthetic constructions are susceptible to corrosion in oral environment, resulting in the release of various heavy metal ions. Chloride salts of zinc, copper, nickel, chromium, iron and gold were tested for their ability to promote the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Using a modified Boyden chamber assay for chemotaxis zinc, copper and nickel enhanced the migration of PMN cells in concentration range of 0.5-1.0 mM, whereas no augmentation in migratory activity was noted using chromium or iron. In contrast, an inhibition in migratory activity was observed in cells directed toward gold ions. Exposure of cells to zinc, copper or nickel ions induced an orientation reaction in leukocytes in a similar fashion as the polarization reaction induced by a potent peptide chemoattractant, N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP), in these cells. Exposure of PMN cells to zinc or nickel in chemotactic concentrations stimulated the chemotaxis of these cells to fMLP 2-fold, whereas pretreatment of the cells with zinc prior to assay markedly decreased the subsequent chemotactic migration of the cells to this metal or to fMLP. The enhanced locomotion of PMN cells induced by zinc, copper or nickel ions was found to be in greater extent due to an increase in directed migration (chemotaxis) rather than an augmentation in random movement (chemokinesis) as assessed by Zigmond-Hirsch checkerboard analysis. These results suggest that zinc, copper and nickel ions attract leukocytes by inducing and promoting the chemotactic response in these cells, which may modulate the inflammatory response of host tissue around such metals.

Enhanced expression of IL-8 in normal human keratinocytes and human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT in vitro after stimulation with contact sensitizers, tolerogens and irritants

To investigate the interleukin-8 production of keratinocytes after stimulation in vitro we have used various agents: (i) contact sensitizer (2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene, 3-n-pentadecylcatechol); (ii) tolerogen (5-methyl-3-n-pentadecylcatechol); (iii) irritant (sodium lauryl sulfate). Interleukin-8 gene expression was assessed by northern blot hybridization of the total cytoplasmic RNA extracted from subconfluent normal human keratinocyte cultures and the keratinocyte cell line HaCaT using a radiolabeled DNA probe specific for human interleukin-8. Interleukin-8 gene expression was markedly increased upon in vitro stimulation after 1-6 h with contact sensitizers, tolerogen and the irritant. In contrast, interleukin-8 production was not detectable in unstimulated normal human keratinocytes or the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line. These results suggest that the induction and production of interleukin-8 is a response to nonspecific stimuli and may play a critical role in the early response to immunogenic or inflammatory signals in man.

Peritoneal interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and granulocyte elastase activity after elective abdominal surgery

In this study we investigated the interleukin-8 concentration (IL-8) and granulocyte elastase activity (GE) after elective abdominal surgery. Postoperative interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 concentrations and GE in the peritoneal fluid were examined in 27 patients who underwent various types of elective abdominal surgery. We compared these results with clinical parameters of surgical stress, operating time (OT) and blood loss during the operation (BL). P-IL-6 and P-IL-8 were significantly correlated with OT (P-IL-6; r = 0.67, P < 0.001: P-IL-8; r = 0.59, P < 0.001) and BL (P-IL-6; r = 0.61, P < 0.001: P-IL-8: r = 0.48, P < 0.01). P-IL-8 was significantly correlated with P-IL-6 (r = 0.68, P < 0.001) and there was a positive correlation between GE and P-IL-8 (r = 0.37, P < 0.05). These findings indicate that IL-8 might activate granulocytes in the peritoneal cavity after elective abdominal surgery and that assaying P-IL-6 and P-IL-8 is useful in assessing the host's response to surgical stress.

Polarised interleukin 8 secretion by HT 29/19A cells

Interleukin 8 is a neutrophil chemotactic and stimulating cytokine induced by various inflammatory stimuli, including tumour necrosis factor, interleukin 1, and endotoxin. The ability of HT 29/19A enterocytes to synthesise interleukin 8 was studied. The results show that interleukin 1 is an important stimulus for interleukin 8 synthesis and secretion by HT 29/19A cells, being more potent than tumour necrosis factor. The tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 1 induced interleukin 8 secretion by HT 29/19A cells was seen to be polarised according to the direction of stimulation. These results support the concept that mucosal cells (enterocytes) may play an important part in initiating mucosal inflammation. Furthermore, it is proposed that HT 29/19A cells constitute a tool to study stimulus directed polarised cytokine secretion.

Time- and stimulus-dependent secretion of NAP-1/IL-8 by human fibroblasts and endothelial cells

The neutrophil-activating peptide 1/interleukin 8 (NAP-1/IL-8) has in the past been extensively characterized biochemically as well as functionally. Effects of NAP-1/IL-8 on inflammatory cells like neutrophilic granulocytes and lymphocytes, as well as its production by several different cell types, point towards an important role in different inflammatory processes. Recently, monoclonal antibodies have helped to establish immunoassays for detecting the peptide. Using such antibodies, we have performed in vitro studies on the time- and stimulus-dependent production of IL-8 by endothelial cells as well as fibroblasts. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) efficiently induced both focal intracellular expression as well as secretion of the peptide when tested by immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), such effects were seen only in endothelial cells, whereas interferon (IFN)-gamma did not induce any pronounced effect on either of the cells tested. These studies demonstrated in vitro release of IL-8 by different cells upon specific stimulation, thus underlining the significance of the in vivo secretion of this peptide, as noted in recent studies.

Interleukin-8 production by the human cervix

OBJECTIVES

Our purpose was (1) to determine whether the human cervix is capable of producing interleukin-8 in vitro and to examine the possibility of stimulating an increase in any such output and (2) to examine the concomitant production of prostaglandins.

STUDY DESIGN

Cervical tissue was obtained from 48 women, 29 pregnant women undergoing surgical termination of pregnancy (20 of whom were treated with the prostaglandin analog Cervagem), 14 nonpregnant, premenopausal women, and three postmenopausal women. Explants were cultured and the medium was assayed for interleukin-8 and prostaglandin E2. Analysis of variance and Newman-Keuls statistical tests were used.

RESULTS

Significant quantities of interleukin-8 were produced by the tissue, and the data indicate that cervical explants from pregnant and nonpregnant women behave in a similar way when challenged by phorbol myristate acetate but that the postmenopausal cervix loses its capacity for interleukin-8 production.

CONCLUSIONS

Human cervix is capable of producing large amounts of interleukin-8 in vitro, and it may be influenced by the steroid hormones. Thus interleukin-8 could be an excellent candidate for a prime role in neutrophil-mediated cervical ripening.

Induction of interleukin-8 gene expression is associated with herpes simplex virus infection of human corneal keratocytes but not human corneal epithelial cells

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a proinflammatory cytokine released at sites of tissue damage by various cell types. One important function of IL-8 is to recruit neutrophils into sites of inflammation and to activate their biological activity. Stromal keratitis induced by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is characterized by an initial infiltration of neutrophils. This study was carried out to determine whether cells resident in the cornea synthesize IL-8 after virus infection. Pure cultures of epithelial cells and keratocytes established from human corneas were infected with HSV-1, and the medium overlying the cells was subsequently assayed for IL-8 by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cytokine mRNA levels in cell lysates were monitored by Northern (RNA) blot analysis. It was found that virus infection of keratocyte cultures led to the synthesis of IL-8-specific mRNA with more than 30 ng of IL-8 made per 10(6) cells. Neither UV-inactivated virus nor virus-free filtrates collected from HSV-1-infected keratocytes could induce IL-8 protein or mRNA, suggesting that viral gene expression was needed for induction of IL-8 gene expression. Unlike keratocytes, HSV-1-infected epithelial cells failed to synthesize IL-8 protein or mRNA. However, these cells readily produced both molecules following tumor necrosis factor alpha stimulation. HSV-1 had similar titers in both cell types. Thus, the failure to induce IL-8 synthesis was not due to an inability of the virus to replicate in epithelial cells. The capacity of HSV-1-infected corneal keratocytes to synthesize IL-8 suggests that these cells can contribute to the induction of the acute inflammatory response seen in herpes stromal keratitis.

Inhibition of candidacidal activity of polymorphonuclear cells by alveolar macrophage-derived factor from lung cancer patients

Culture supernatants of alveolar macrophages (AM) from lung cancer patients are able to inhibit the candidacidal activity of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) in vitro. This phenomenon is ascribed to a factor secreted in the culture medium by unstimulated AM from tumor-bearing patients, but not from normal subjects. The inhibitor does not apparently affect the phagocytic activity of PMN, but the superoxide release during phagocytosis is significantly impaired when cells are pretreated with supernatants containing the factor. The secretion of the inhibitor seems to be restricted to the pulmonary compartment of lung cancer patients, since culture supernatants of peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) from the same subjects are not capable of depressing the candidacidal activity of PMN. The AM-derived factor is not inactivated after exposure to heat (60 degrees C) and when supernatants are analyzed by HPLC, the inhibitory activity is recovered in the fractions corresponding to a low molecular weight (800 D). In conclusion, AM from lung cancer patients are able to produce a factor capable of inhibiting the antimicrobial activity of PMN. This could account, at least in part, for the enhanced susceptibility to local infections observed in lung cancer patients.

The role of CD18 in IL-8 induced dermal and synovial inflammation

1. The intradermal administration of endothelial IL-8 (IL-8(1-77) or monocyte derived IL-8 (IL-8(1-72) to rabbits produced a concentration-dependent increase in plasma extravasation and an accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) when measured over a 3 h time period. When plasma extravasation and PMN accumulation were measured over a 30 min time period no significant increases in PMN accumulation or plasma extravasation were observed in response to IL-8 alone. However, under these conditions, the addition of prostaglandin E2 (100 pmol) produced a significant potentiation of IL-8-induced plasma extravasation. There was no significant difference between the biological activities of IL-8(1-77) and IL-8(1-72). 2. Plasma extravasation and PMN accumulation induced by IL-8 were inhibited in rabbits pretreated with the monoclonal antibody designated IB4 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) directed against the common beta chain (CD18) of the leukocyte integrins. 3. The intra-articular administration to rabbits of IL-8(1-77) (1 nmol) resulted 24 h later in the appearance of a mixed population of leukocytes (PMNs and mononuclear cells) in synovial lavage fluid. Biochemical analyses revealed the presence of an increased level of sulphated proteoglycans (sPG) and of the metalloproteinase stromelysin. Pretreatment of rabbits with IB4 (3 mg kg-1, i.v.) inhibited the accumulation of PMNs but had no effect on the mononuclear infiltrate nor on the levels of sPG or stromelysin. 4. The intradermal or intra-articular injection of E. coli-derived endotoxin induced similar inflammatory changes to those observed with IL-8.The possibility that the biological activities of IL-8 were attributable to minor contamination with endotoxin is unlikely for two reasons. Firstly, biological effects of endotoxin were observed at levels greater than that contained in the IL-8 preparation. Secondly,reduction of the endotoxin content of the IL-8 preparation by a factor of 10 did not produce a concomitant reduction in the observed biological activity of the IL-8.

Aspects of granulocyte function in workers professionally exposed to pesticides

Granulocyte function in 92 workers from a chemical plant for the production of pesticides was tested by means of the nitro-blue tetrazolium test (spontaneous and stimulated) and the phagocytosis test. Two opposite types of change were identified, namely increased and reduced functional activity. No reliable correlation between the studied parameters and length of service was found. In comparison with the routine hematological methods, the identified functional changes in polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes serve as an early indicator of an impact on the leukocytes. The applied methods are accessible and may be used as an objective means of studying the dynamics of the unfavorable effect of zineb and of identifying groups at increased toxicological risk.

The detection of a novel neutrophil-activating peptide (ENA-78) using a sensitive ELISA

Neutrophil elicitation into tissue is an essential element of the host defense in response to various stimuli, including, tissue injury, infection, or cancer. This event has gained renewed interest with the discovery of a family of small polypeptides (less than 10 kD). The salient features of these cytokines are the presence of four cysteine amino acids (first two separated by one amino acid; C-X-C) and their ability to induce neutrophil chemotaxis and activation. Recently, our laboratories have discovered a new member of this C-X-C chemotactic cytokine supergene family, neutrophil-activating peptide, ENA-78. ENA-78 shares significant amino acid sequence homology with neutrophil activating peptide-2 (NAP-2; 53%), growth regulated oncogene/melanoma growth stimulatory activity (GRO alpha; 52%), and IL-8 (22%). In addition, ENA-78 appears to activate neutrophils through the IL-8 receptor. Since both in vitro and in vivo biological fluids may contain an array of chemotactic cytokines that may be relevant to the activation and chemotaxis of neutrophils, we have developed a highly specific and sensitive sandwich ELISA for the detection of ENA-78.

Anoxia-hyperoxia induces monocyte-derived interleukin-8

Ischemia-reperfusion and hyperoxia-induced pulmonary injury are associated with the presence of activated neutrophils (PMN) and cellular injury. Although the signals orchestrating the directed migration of these PMN during the pathogenesis of these disease states remain to be fully elucidated, it appears they may be dependent upon the production of certain neutrophil activating/chemotactic factors such as C5a, leukotriene B4, platelet-activating factor, and IL-8. The production of the latter chemotaxin by mononuclear phagocytes is especially intriguing as these cells can mediate inflammatory cell migration by either directly generating IL-8, or by inducing its production from surrounding nonimmune cells. In light of these observations, we propose that ischemia-reperfusion and oxidant stress, in vivo, may be simulated by anoxia-hyperoxia induced stress in vitro, and that this stress may act as a stimulus for the production of IL-8. We now show that isolated human blood monocytes respond to such an oxygen stress with augmented production of IL-8. In initial studies, monocytes demonstrated an increase in the production of IL-8 under anoxic preconditioning. Subsequently, monocytes were cultured under one of the following conditions for 24 h: (a) room air/5% CO2; (b) 95% N2/5% CO2 for 6 h, followed by room air/5% CO2 for 18 h; (c) 95% N2/5% CO2 for 6 h, followed by 95% O2/5% CO2 for 18 h; (d) room air/5% CO2 for 6 h, followed by 95% O2/5% CO2 for 18 h; or (e) 95% O2/5% CO2. Supernatants were isolated and analyzed for IL-8 antigen by specific IL-8 ELISA, demonstrating the production of monocyte-derived IL-8: 5.9 +/- 0.9, 11.4 +/- 1.7, 21.1 +/- 2.3, 14.6 +/- 2.4, and 26.3 +/- 4.7, ng/ml by designated conditions a, b, c, d, and e listed above, respectively. This variance in IL-8 production reflects altered rates of transcription as shown by Northern blot analysis and nuclear run-off assay. Furthermore, when monocytes were concomitantly treated with LPS (100 ng/ml) under in vitro hyperoxic conditions, both IL-8 steady-state mRNA and antigenic activity were two- to threefold greater than under room air conditions. The association of anoxic preconditioning and oxygen stress with augmented production of monocyte-derived IL-8 support the potential role for ischemia-reperfusion and hyperoxia-induced IL-8 production in vivo, providing a possible mechanism for PMN migration/activation in disease states characterized by altered tissue oxygenation.

Interleukin-8 stimulates calcium transients and promotes epidermal cell proliferation

The presence of large amounts of biologically active interleukin-8 (IL-8) in psoriatic involved skin suggests that it may contribute, in part, to the changes observed in psoriasis, including hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. To examine the effect of IL-8 on epidermal growth, we monitored cytosolic free Ca++ transients in human keratinocytes adult skin epidermis calcium reduced level, temperature elevated (HaCat) cells and normal keratinocytes loaded with the cell permeable, acetoxymethyl derivative, indo-1AM. Addition of IL-8 (0.06-47 nM) to the HaCat cells induced rapid rises in cytosolic free Ca++ from resting levels of 145 +/- 38 to peak levels of 889 +/- 10 nM. The induced rises in Ca++ were transient and concentration dependent. Half maximal effect was observed at 1.2 nM. Normal keratinocytes also responded to IL-8 (6 nM) by rises in cytosolic free Ca++ from a pre-stimulated level of 269 nM to transient peak value of 393 nM. In addition, IL-8 promoted epidermal cell proliferation. Polyclonal anti-IL-8 antibody blocked IL-8-induced calcium changes and proliferation. Under similar conditions, human neutrophils also responded to IL-8 in a similar dose range by a rapid and transient mobilization of Ca++. The findings indicate that IL-8 has a wider range of responsive target cells than hitherto thought and acts as an autocrine growth factor.

Interplay of complement and cytokines in the pathogenesis of septic shock

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome that is usually induced by bacterial infections. It is generally assumed that the syndrome results from an excessive triggering of endogenous inflammatory mediators by the invading microorganisms. These mediators include substances released by activated monocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells and neutrophils such as cytokines, reactive oxygen species and proteases, as well as activation products of coagulation, fibrinolysis, contact and complement systems. Recent studies have suggested that cytokines and complement activation products may have overlapping biological activities. In addition, multiple interactions in vitro as well as in vivo between cytokines and complement have been described. Here we will review some of these recent studies and will discuss their relevance for the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock.

Production, purification, and characterization of human recombinant IL-8 from the eucaryotic vector expression system baculovirus

The cDNA for the human chemotactic interleukin, IL-8, was subcloned from a bacterial source into the eucaryotic vector expression system baculovirus. Recombinant human IL-8 (rhIL-8) was synthesized and secreted from Sf9 cells derived from Spodoptera frugiperda following infection of a recombinant virus harboring the full-length IL-8 structural gene. Infected Sf9 cells produced rhIL-8 in a range from 0.5 to 2.0 mg of rhIL-8/liter of postinfection cell culture media. The recombinant interleukin was purified (greater than 600-fold) to homogeneity using preparative HPLC. rhIL-8 retained all of the physical, immunological, and biochemical properties observed for the natural product, monocyte-derived IL-8. rhIL-8 was assessed for biological efficacy by three criteria: (a) ability to induce chemotaxis in human neutrophils, (b) ability to induce oxygen burst metabolism, and (c) ability to be recognized by purified rabbit antibody generated against monocyte-derived IL-8. Antibody generated against monocyte-derived IL-8 recognized rhIL-8 isolated during all stages of the purification protocol. rhIL-8 was strongly chemotactic for human neutrophils and exhibited a chemotactic index comparable to that reported for other strong chemotactic peptides. rhIL-8 was identified following sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as a single silver-stained band having an estimated molecular weight of 9.2 kDa and displayed amino acid residue molar abundance homology predicted for the mature form of the interleukin. Baculovirus vector expression coupled to preparative HPLC proved to be a very efficient method for large-scale recombinant interleukin production.

The cytokine network in the critically ill

There is increasing experimental and clinical evidence that a number of cytokines play a major role in the response to injury and infection and in the development of organ damage in critically ill patients. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is now proposed to be a key mediator of organ injury during sepsis. It is elevated early in the course of septic shock and high levels correlate with unfavourable outcome. In animals it can produce the effects of endotoxin. The prophylactic administration of anti-TNF antisera protects mice and rabbits from lethal effects of lipopolysaccharide. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is an endogenous pyrogen which induces leukocytosis and muscle catabolism. It causes hypotension and tachycardia by reducing smooth muscle contractility. IL-1 receptor blockers have been shown to diminish mortality in experimental endotoxic shock. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pyrogen and lymphocyte activator. It is the major stimulus to acute phase protein production by the liver. A recently described neutrophil-activating peptide (Interleukin-8; IL-8) may be involved in the pathogenesis of ARDS. High blood levels of IL-8 have been found in patients with septic shock. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been shown to stimulate TNF production, leukocyte chemotaxis and pulmonary vasoconstriction in response to endotoxin. Other cytokines and growth factors have not yet been studied in critical illness. The cytokine network can be either protective or damaging. Its activation during critical illness triggers complex and still poorly understood interactions. A better comprehension of its role in protection from infection and in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure may allow therapeutic manipulations aimed at minimising adverse effects while retaining immunological protection.

Interleukin-8 in sepsis: relation to shock and inflammatory mediators

Because of its neutrophil-activating properties, interleukin-8 (IL-8) may play an important role in the pathophysiology of sepsis. We measured circulating IL-8 levels in 47 patients with clinical sepsis. Levels on admission were elevated in 42 of the 47 patients (89%) and were comparable in patients with gram-positive or gram-negative infections. Patients with shock had significantly higher IL-8 levels than normotensive patients (P = 0.0014, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test), whereas no differences in IL-8 levels were found between patients with or without adult respiratory distress syndrome. Patients who died had higher IL-8 levels on admission than the patients who survived. The largest differences in IL-8 levels between survivors and nonsurvivors was found when only patients with positive cultures were considered (P = 0.0342). IL-8 levels appeared to correlate significantly with lactate levels and inversely with leukocyte and platelet numbers and mean arterial pressure. In addition, the IL-8 level in the sepsis patients was found to correlate significantly with levels of IL-6, elastase-alpha 1-antitrypsin, and C3a. Serial observations revealed that in most patients IL-8 levels decreased, irrespective of the outcome. Thus, our results demonstrate that IL-8 levels are increased in most patients with sepsis and correlate with some important clinical, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters. These findings suggest a role for IL-8 in the pathophysiology of sepsis.

G-protein activation by interleukin 8 and related cytokines in human neutrophil plasma membranes

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a member of the rapidly growing superfamily of those cytokines which are thought to be involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes and cell proliferation. In neutrophils, IL-8 triggers a variety of cellular responses by interacting with specific cell-surface receptors. To examine whether IL-8 receptors are coupled to activation of guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins), we have investigated the influence of IL-8 on GTP hydrolysis by and guanosine 5'-[gamma-[35S]thio]triphosphate (GTP[35S]) binding to purified human neutrophil plasma membranes. IL-8 stimulated high-affinity GTPase about 2-fold at 100 nM, and half-maximal stimulation was observed at 1 nM. The peptide-stimulated GTPase was confined to plasma membranes upon subcellular fractionation, and was due to an increase in Vmax. rather than a decrease in Km. High-affinity binding of GTP[35S] to neutrophil plasma membranes was stimulated half-maximally and maximally (up to 5-fold) by IL-8 at about 10 nM and 100 nM respectively. GTP[35S] binding to the membranes was also stimulated by two IL-8-related cytokines, neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (NAP-2) and melanoma growth-stimulatory activity (gro/MGSA). Taken together, these results demonstrate that receptors for IL-8 and related cytokines are coupled to and activate G-proteins in neutrophil plasma membranes, indicating that G-protein activation is an important intermediate step in the induction of neutrophil functions by IL-8 and its congeners.

Flare-up of experimental arthritis in mice with murine recombinant IL-1

Intra-articular injections of murine recombinant IL-1 (mrIL-1) during the chronic phase of antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) induced a flare-up of the smouldering inflammation. The exacerbation was characterized by acute and transient joint swelling and this coincided with the extravascular accumulation of neutrophils. IL-1 injected into arthritic joints of neutropenic mice demonstrated that joint swelling was independent of the neutrophil influx into the joint. Both phenomena were absent when IL-1 was injected into a naive joint. The IL-1-induced flare-up was not T cell mediated as in the antigen-induced flare-up, and suggestive evidence is presented that IL-1 sensitivity depended on the resident macrophage population. This explained why the hypersensitivity is not restricted to the immunologically mediated arthritis but reflects a more general hypersensitivity of previously injured joints, e.g. zymosan-induced arthritis and IL-1-affected joints. In addition, IL-1 could also potentiate the antigen-specific flare-up of chronic AIA and prolongs the duration of the exacerbation. Our data indicate that joints bearing a chronic infiltrate are at risk from exacerbations in two ways: a T cell mediated rechallenge with antigen, and a non-specific reactivation by systemic and local IL-1 generation.

Inhibition of chemotaxis of neutrophil leukocytes to interleukin-8 by endotoxins of various bacteria

The effects of endotoxins from various bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhosa, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) on chemotaxis of neutrophil leukocytes to formyl peptide and interleukin-8 were tested in an improved chemotaxis assay involving a "sparse-pore" polycarbonate (Nuclepore) membrane in a Boyden-type chamber. The possible chemotactic activity of the endotoxins themselves were tested by the same technique. In addition, the effects of these substances on random motility of neutrophils were tested with a corresponding assay involving similar chambers fitted with membranes of standard pore density. Possible activation of the complement system of serum by each endotoxin was tested with sheep erythrocyte assays and the maximum endotoxin concentration (100 micrograms/ml) used in the chemotaxis and motility assays. All endotoxins inhibited chemotaxis of neutrophils to interleukin-8. No endotoxin affected chemotaxis to formyl peptide or was itself chemotactic for neutrophils. Endotoxin of S. flexneri inhibited random motility of neutrophils, while the others had no such effect. Endotoxins of K. pneumoniae and of P. aeruginosa produced moderate and marked inhibition, respectively, of total complement, as measured by hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes, without affecting the levels of C3c and C4 in these assays. Endotoxins of the other bacteria had no demonstrable effect in any of these assays of complement activation. These results suggest that chemotaxis to interleukin-8 may be mediated by cellular mechanisms different from those involved in chemotaxis to formyl peptide. Furthermore, the presence of these endotoxins could be significant for the suppression of neutrophil accumulation in inflammatory lesions mediated by interleukin-8.

Interleukin-8 as a mediator of sympathetic pain

1. The hyperalgesic effects of interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and carrageenin were measured in a rat paw pressure test. 2. IL-8 evoked a dose-dependent hyperalgesia which was attenuated by a specific antiserum, the beta-adrenoceptor antagonists atenolol and propranolol, the dopamine receptor antagonist SCH 23390 and the adrenergic neurone-blocking agent guanethidine. The hyperalgesia was not attenuated by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin or the IL-1 beta analogue Lys-D-Pro-Thr. 3. IL-1 beta-evoked hyperalgesia was attenuated by indomethacin and Lys-D-Pro-Thr but not by atenolol or SCH 23390. 4. Carrageenin-evoked hyperalgesia was attenuated by atenolol, indomethacin and anti-IL-8 serum. The effects of atenolol and anti-IL-8 serum were not additive. The effects of indomethacin and anti-IL-8 serum were additive: this combination abolished carrageenin-evoked hyperalgesia. 5. A new biological activity of IL-8 is described, namely the capacity to evoke hyperalgesia by a prostaglandin-independent mechanism. IL-8 is the first endogenous mediator to be identified as evoking hyperalgesia involving the sympathetic nervous system. Since IL-8 is released by activated macrophages and endothelial cells it may be a humoral link between tissue injury and sympathetic hyperalgesia.

Neutrophil chemotactic factor produced by Japanese encephalitis virus stimulated macrophages

The mechanism of neutrophil leucocytosis in cases of Japanese encephalitis is not known. We here report that during Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection in mice the splenic macrophages secrete a chemotactic factor that attracts the neutrophils. The peak activity of macrophage derived factor (MDF) was observed on day 7 following infection. The MDF acted in a dose-dependent manner. This chemoattractant was purified by low pressure liquid chromatography and gave a single band of 10 kD on silver stained polyacrylamide gel. The MDF was found to be heat resistant and sensitive to prolonged incubation with proteases.

Pulmonary fibroblast expression of interleukin-8: a model for alveolar macrophage-derived cytokine networking

The pulmonary fibroblast's (PF) unique location allows it to communicate in a bidirectional fashion between the vascular compartment and alveolar airspace, placing it in a strategic position for the elicitation of inflammatory leukocytes into the lung. In this study, we demonstrate that PF may contribute to pulmonary inflammation through the production of a potent neutrophil chemotactic factor, interleukin (IL)-8. PF-derived IL-8 expression was dependent upon stimulation by either tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or IL-1 but not lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both TNF and IL-1 stimulation of PF resulted in a time- and dose-dependent expression of steady-state levels of mRNA, antigen, and specific chemotactic activity consistent with IL-8. Because it was apparent that cytokine networking may exist in the lung between alveolar macrophage (AM)-derived cytokines and the production of PF-derived IL-8, we next examined an in vitro model of cellular communication within the lung. We determined that LPS-stimulated AM-conditioned media induced significant levels of PF-derived IL-8 mRNA, which was inhibited by preincubation with specific neutralizing TNF and IL-1 beta antibodies. Furthermore, when AM were directly co-cultured with PF and stimulated with LPS, the kinetic analysis of PF-derived antigenic expression of IL-8 was shifted toward the right. This suggested that PF-derived IL-8 expression in co-culture was first dependent upon activation of the AM by LPS and subsequent elaboration of macrophage inflammatory mediators. These data provide evidence that cytokine networking between AM and PF may be operative in the lung, culminating in the generation of IL-8 and elicitation of inflammatory leukocytes.

Neutrophils can generate their activator neutrophil-activating peptide 2 by proteolytic cleavage of platelet-derived connective tissue-activating peptide III

We have investigated the conditions that lead to the generation of the neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (NAP-2) from its precursor, the platelet-derived connective tissue-activating peptide III (CTAP-III). Lysed platelets were found to contain predominantly CTAP-III in the cytosolic fraction, but further truncated derivatives, among these NAP-2, occurred tightly bound to the membrane fraction of fresh platelets. NAP-2 biological activity, as measured by the induction of enzyme release in human neutrophils [polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN)] was released by stimulated platelets to a low degree. Much higher activities were formed in the presence of peripheral blood leukocytes. Coincubation of CTAP-III with PMN resulted in the almost complete conversion of the precursor to NAP-2, as did incubation of CTAP-III with PMN-conditioned medium. In both situations, the generation of NAP-2 could be prevented by serine-protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride but not by inhibitors specific for Ca(2+)-dependent or thiol proteases. From several PMN-derived proteases tested, only cathepsin G had the capacity to cleave CTAP-III into NAP-2 with high specificity and in a relatively short period of time (30 min). Our data indicate that NAP-2, released by platelets in small quantities, could cause PMN to enter into a positive feedback cycle by initiating the secretion of serine proteases, which in turn could convert platelet-derived CTAP-III into biologically active NAP-2.

Cytokine-activated human mesangial cells generate the neutrophil chemoattractant, interleukin 8

Human mesangial cells (MC) in culture, when stimulated by interleukin 1 alpha(IL-1 alpha) or tumour necrosis factor (TNF alpha), but not with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), express interleukin 8 (IL-8) mRNA, and both cell associated and extracellular IL-8. Dexamethasone treatment of mesangial cells induced partial inhibition of the release of extracellular IL-8, while cell-associated IL-8 and IL-8 mRNA were not significantly altered. We propose that the mesangial cell has a direct role in the initiation and propagation of inflammatory events within the glomerulus via the generation of the chemotactic cytokine IL-8.

Therapeutic use of cytokines in dermatology

Cytokines are glycoproteins produced by many different cells. Via binding to specific receptors on target cells they regulate the activation, differentiation, and proliferation of immune and nonimmune cells. After injury keratinocytes synthesize and release cytokines such as interleukins, colony stimulating factors, and growth factors. In addition, a network of interacting cytokines appears to be crucial to maintain proper balance. Dysregulation may contribute to certain diseases, particularly those of infectious and autoimmune origin. Therefore many of these mediators appear to be promising candidates to treat infectious and malignant diseases. This article briefly discusses the most important cytokines. Newly developed regimens with cytokines to treat cutaneous disorders will be reviewed.

Inflammatory properties of neutrophil-activating protein-1/interleukin 8 (NAP-1/IL-8) in human skin: a light- and electronmicroscopic study

Neutrophil-activating protein-1/interleukin 8 (NAP-1/IL-8), purified to homogeneity from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood monocytes, was injected intracutaneously into human skin. Sequential biopsy specimens were taken in order to investigate the sequence of ultrastructural changes induced by the cytokine. Whereas intracutaneous injection of 100 ng of NAP-1/IL-8 per site caused no macroscopic changes, by histology infiltration with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and monocytes was present within 1 h and increased at 3 and 5 h. No lymphocyte infiltration was noted. The first ultrastructural changes (30 min) consisted of the presence of cytoplasmic 7-nm microfilament bundles, as well as numerous protrusions of the luminal plasma membrane of endothelial cells (EC). As a striking feature, multiple 100- to 160-nm electron lucent vesicles could be observed in the EC cytoplasm. These structures differed from plasmalemmal vesicles and suggest secretory activity. When PMN and monocytes appeared in the vascular lumen (1 h and later), the number of 100-160-nm electron-lucent vesicles had decreased significantly. In contrast to C5a-injected skin sites, mast cell degranulation was absent.

Induction of neutrophil-mediated cartilage degradation by interleukin-8

Neutrophil influx into the inflamed joint is a characteristic feature of disease flares in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, a protein produced by monocytes and fibroblasts that has chemoattractive/activating properties for neutrophils has been identified and characterized. This protein has been called interleukin-8 (IL-8). In this study, we cocultured neutrophils with 35S-sulfate-labeled cartilage and found that the addition of recombinant human IL-8 (rHuIL-8) caused rapid, neutrophil-mediated cartilage degradation that was the result of induction of neutrophil degranulation by the cytokine. With 10(-7)M rHuIL-8, 23% of the radiolabel was released into the culture medium in 4 hours, compared with a 9% release without the factor. At concentrations of up to 10(-6)M, rHuIL-8 had no direct effect upon cartilage breakdown. These findings indicate that IL-8 may participate in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis through the induction of neutrophil-mediated cartilage damage.