Roles of p38 MAPK, PKC and PI3-K in the signaling pathways of NADPH oxidase activation and phagocytosis in bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes

NADPH oxidase-generated reactive oxygen species are involved in estradiol 17ß-d-glucuronide-induced cholestasis

The endogenous metabolite of estradiol, estradiol 17β-D-glucuronide (E17G), is considered the main responsible of the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. E17G alters the activity of canalicular transporters through a signaling pathway-dependent cellular internalization, phenomenon that was attributed to oxidative stress in different cholestatic conditions. However, there are no reports involving oxidative stress in E17G-induced cholestasis, representing this the aim of our work. Using polarized hepatocyte cultures, we showed that antioxidant compounds prevented E17G-induced Mrp2 activity alteration, being this alteration equally prevented by the NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor apocynin. The model antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine prevented, in isolated and perfused rat livers, E17G-induced impairment of bile flow and Mrp2 activity, thus confirming the participation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this cholestasis. In primary cultured hepatocytes, pretreatment with specific inhibitors of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK impeded E17G-induced ROS production; contrarily, NOX inhibition did not affect ERK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation. Both, knockdown of p47phox by siRNA and preincubation with apocynin in sandwich-cultured rat hepatocytes significantly prevented E17G-induced internalization of Mrp2, suggesting a crucial role for NOX in this phenomenon. Concluding, E17G-induced cholestasis is partially mediated by NOX-generated ROS through internalization of canalicular transporters like Mrp2, being ERK1/2 and p38MAPK necessary for NOX activation.

Unveiling the significance of TREM1/2 in hemorrhagic stroke: structure, function, and therapeutic implications

Stroke has long been a major threat to human health worldwide. Hemorrhagic stroke, including intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage, exhibits a high incidence rate and a high mortality and disability rate, imposing a substantial burden on both public health and the economy and society. In recent years, the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family has garnered extensive attention in various pathological conditions, including hemorrhagic stroke. This review comprehensively summarizes the structure and function of TREM1/2, as well as their roles and potential mechanisms in hemorrhagic stroke, with the aim of providing guidance for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies in the future.

Increases in Cellular Immune Responses Due to Positive Effect of CVC1302-Induced Lysosomal Escape in Mice

This study found a higher percentage of CD8+ T cells in piglets immunized with a CVC1302-adjuvanted inactivated foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) vaccine. We wondered whether the CVC1302-adjuvanted inactivated FMDV vaccine promoted cellular immunity by promoting the antigen cross-presentation efficiency of ovalbumin (OVA) through dendritic cells (DCs), mainly via cytosolic pathways. This was demonstrated by the enhanced levels of lysosomal escape of OVA in the DCs loaded with OVA and CVC1302. The higher levels of ROS and significantly enhanced elevated lysosomal pH levels in the DCs facilitated the lysosomal escape of OVA. Significantly enhanced CTL activity levels was observed in the mice immunized with OVA-CVC1302. Overall, CVC1302 increased the cross-presentation of exogenous antigens and the cross-priming of CD8+ T cells by alkalizing the lysosomal pH and facilitating the lysosomal escape of antigens. These studies shed new light on the development of immunopotentiators to improve cellular immunity induced by vaccines.

The role of heat shock protein 90 in the proliferation of Babesia gibsoni in vitro

The present study investigated the role of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in the proliferation and survival of Babesia gibsoni in vitro. To detect the effect on the entry of B. gibsoni into host erythrocytes, the parasite was incubated with an antibody against B. gibsoni HSP90 (BgHSP90) for 24 hr. The results of this experiment demonstrated that both the incorporation of [³H]hypoxanthine into the nucleic acids of B. gibsoni and the number of parasites were not altered, indicating that an anti-BgHSP90 antibody did not directly inhibit the entry of the parasite into erythrocytes. Moreover, two HSP90 inhibitors, geldanamycin (GA) and tanespimycin (17-AAG), were used to evaluate the function of BgHSP90. GA and 17-AAG decreased both the incorporation of [³H]hypoxanthine and the number of infected erythrocytes, suggesting that BgHSP90 plays important roles in DNA synthesis and the proliferation of B. gibsoni. The effect of 17-AAG on the parasites was weaker than that of GA. Additionally, the effect of GA on the survival and superoxide generation of canine neutrophils was assessed. The survival of canine neutrophils was not affected. The superoxide generation was strongly suppressed by GA. This result indicated that GA inhibited the function of canine neutrophils. Additional studies are necessary to elucidate the role of BgHSP90 in the proliferation of the parasite.

Research progress on the mechanism by which skin macrophage dysfunction mediates chronic inflammatory injury in diabetic skin

Macrophages, the main immune cells in the skin, form an innate immune barrier. Under physiological conditions, skin maintains immune barrier function through macrophage phagocytosis and antigen presentation. Parenchymal and stromal cell regeneration plays an important role in skin injury repair and uses macrophage plasticity to influence and stabilize the skin microenvironment. Diabetic skin lesions are the most common diabetes complication and are involved in the early pathophysiology of diabetic foot. Therefore, studying the initial link in diabetic skin lesions is a research hot spot in the early pathogenesis of diabetic foot. Skin inflammation caused by hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and other injuries is an important feature, but the specific mechanism is unknown. Recent studies have suggested that chronic inflammatory injury is widely involved in a variety of skin diseases, and whether it plays an important role in diabetic skin lesions is unclear. In this review, current research hotspots were combined with the pathogenesis of diabetic skin lesions and analysed from the perspectives of the physiological function of skin macrophages, the impairment of skin macrophages in diabetes, and the mechanism of chronic inflammatory injury in macrophages to provide a theoretical basis for early screening and evaluation of diabetic foot.

SLAMF8 Downregulates Mouse Macrophage Microbicidal Mechanisms via PI3K Pathways

Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family 8 (SLAMF8) is involved in the negative modulation of NADPH oxidase activation. However, the impact of SLAMF8 downregulation on macrophage functionality and the microbicide mechanism remains elusive. To study this in depth, we first analyzed NADPH oxidase activation pathways in wild-type and SLAMF8-deficient macrophages upon different stimulus. Herein, we describe increased phosphorylation of the Erk1/2 and p38 MAP kinases, as well as increased phosphorylation of NADPH oxidase subunits in SLAMF8-deficient macrophages. Furthermore, using specific inhibitors, we observed that specific PI3K inhibition decreased the differences observed between wild-type and SLAMF8-deficient macrophages, stimulated with either PMA, LPS, or Salmonella typhimurium infection. Consequently, SLAMF8-deficient macrophages also showed increased recruitment of small GTPases such as Rab5 and Rab7, and the p47^phox subunit to cytoplasmic Salmonella, suggesting an impairment of Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV) progression in SLAMF8-deficient macrophages. Enhanced iNOS activation, NO production, and IL-6 expression were also observed in the absence of SLAMF8 upon Salmonella infection, either in vivo or in vitro, while overexpression of SLAMF8 in RAW264.7 macrophages showed the opposite phenotype. In addition, SLAMF8-deficient macrophages showed increased activation of Src kinases and reduced SHP-1 phosphate levels upon IFNγ and Salmonella stimuli in comparison to wild-type macrophages. In agreement with in vitro results, Salmonella clearance was augmented in SLAMF8-deficient mice compared to that in wild-type mice. Therefore, in conclusion, SLAMF8 intervention upon bacterial infection downregulates mouse macrophage activation, and confirmed that SLAMF8 receptor could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of severe or unresolved inflammatory conditions.

Regulation of Adrenergic, Serotonin, and Dopamine Receptors to Inhibit Diabetic Retinopathy: Monotherapies versus Combination Therapies

We compared monotherapies and combinations of therapies that regulate G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with respect to their abilities to inhibit early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. Metoprolol (MTP; 0.04-1.0 mg/kg b.wt./day), bromocriptine (BRM; 0.01-0.1 mg/kg b.wt./day), doxazosin (DOX; 0.01-1.0 mg/kg b.wt./day), or tamsulosin (TAM; 0.05-0.25 mg/kg b.wt./day) were injected individually daily for 2 months in dose-response studies to assess their effects on the diabetes-induced increases in retinal superoxide and leukocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against vascular endothelial cells, both of which abnormalities have been implicated in the development of DR. Each of the individual drugs inhibited the diabetes-induced increase in retinal superoxide at the higher concentrations tested, but the inhibition was lost at lower doses. To determine whether combination therapies had superior effects over individual drugs, we intentionally selected for each drug a low dose that had little or no effect on the diabetes-induced retinal superoxide for use separately or in combinations in 8-month studies of retinal function, vascular permeability, and capillary degeneration in diabetes. At the low doses used, combinations of the drugs generally were more effective than individual drugs, but the low-dose MTP alone totally inhibited diabetes-induced reduction in a vision task, BRM or DOX alone totally inhibited the vascular permeability defect, and DOX alone totally inhibited diabetes-induced degeneration of retinal capillaries. Although low-dose MTP, BRM, DOX, or TAM individually had beneficial effects on some endpoints, combination of the therapies better inhibited the spectrum of DR lesions evaluated. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The pathogenesis of early stages of diabetic retinopathy remains incompletely understood, but multiple different cell types are believed to be involved in the pathogenic process. We have compared the effects of monotherapies to those of combinations of drugs that regulate GPCR signaling pathways with respect to their relative abilities to inhibit the development of early diabetic retinopathy.

Basil Polysaccharide Reverses Development of Experimental Model of Sepsis-Induced Secondary Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia

Background

Basil polysaccharide (BPS) represents a main active ingredient extracted from basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), which can regulate secondary bacterial pneumonia development in the process of sepsis-mediated immunosuppression.

Methods

In this study, a dual model of sepsis-induced secondary pneumonia with cecal ligation and puncture and intratracheal instillation of Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa was constructed.

Results

The results indicated that BPS-treated mice undergoing CLP showed resistance to secondary S. aureus pneumonia. Compared with the IgG-treated group, BPS-treated mice exhibited better survival rate along with a higher bacterial clearance rate. Additionally, BPS treatment attenuated cell apoptosis, enhanced lymphocyte and macrophage recruitment to the lung, promoted pulmonary cytokine production, and significantly enhanced CC receptor ligand 4 (CCL4). Notably, recombinant CCL4 protein could enhance the protective effect on S. aureus-induced secondary pulmonary infection of septic mice, which indicated that BPS-induced CCL4 partially mediated resistance to secondary bacterial pneumonia. In addition, BPS priming markedly promoted the phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages while killing S. aureus in vitro, which was related to the enhanced p38MAPK signal transduction pathway activation. Moreover, BPS also played a protective role in sepsis-induced secondary S. aureus pneumonia by inducing Treg cell differentiation.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results shed novel lights on the BPS treatment mechanism in sepsis-induced secondary S. aureus pneumonia in mice.

Role of Fractalkine in promoting inflammation in sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

Fractalkine, CX3CL1, is involved in the directional movement of chemokine cells, immune response, inflammatory response, tissue repair, and other processes. However, its role in sepsis is not well known.

METHODS

We measured circulating Fractalkine in adult patients with sepsis. Effects of Fractalkine on the survival, inflammation, tissue injury, and bacterial clearance were assessed using the WT or CX3CL^-/- murine model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis.

RESULTS

Serum Fractalkine concentrations were significantly elevated in adult patients with sepsis compared to healthy adults. Increased Fractalkine correlated positively with the number of blood leukocytes and the level of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17A, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, and correlated negatively with IL-10 in clinical sepsis. Recombinant Fractalkine impaired survival whereas Fractalkine gene knockout or anti-Fractalkine antibody improved survival in the murine model of CLP-induced sepsis. Fractalkine administration increased inflammatory response, evident by higher levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17A, IFN-γ, and IL-6 but not IL-10), and tissue damage (lung, liver, and kidney) in CLP-induced sepsis. Fractalkine reduced bacterial clearance in CLP-induced polymicrobial sepsis by reducing macrophage or neutrophil phagocytosis and intracellular elimination of E. coli.

CONCLUSIONS

Fractalkine aggravates sepsis by increasing inflammation and decreasing bacterial clearance, and is a potential tool for anti-sepsis therapy.

The mechanism of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases to mediate apoptosis and immunotoxicity induced by Benzo[a]pyrene on hemocytes of scallop Chlamys farreri in vitro

Benzo [a]pyrene (B [a]P) has received widespread attention for serious pollution in the sea, which may reduce immunity and lead to the outbreak of disease in bivalves. However, the mechanism of immunotoxicity induced by B [a]P in bivalves was still unclear. Previous studies have found that Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) including three classic pathways (ERK, p38 and JNK) play an important role in mediating this process. Thus, in order to explore the mechanism of immunotoxicity induced by B [a]P in scallop Chlamys farreri, hemocytes were treated with PD98059 (ERK inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) and SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) for 1 h and then incubation with B [a]P for 24 h at 1 μg/mL. Indexes including oxidative damage, apoptotic rate, and immune indicators were detected in the present study. The results showed that the increase of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and DNA damage induced by B [a]P was inhibited with PD98059 and SB203580. Besides, lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) damage was promoted by PD98059, while it was opposite when treated with SB203580. Moreover, the ascended apoptosis rate induced by B [a]P was increased significantly after treatment with PD98059, but it was remarkably attenuated by SB203580 and SP600125. However, the opposite pattern was showed in phagocytosis compared with apoptosis rate in all of three inhibitors. In addition, antibacterial activity and bacteriolytic activity were enhanced by SB203580 while inhibited by PD98059. Therefore, these results showed that MAPKs directly or indirectly mediate the decrease of oxidative damage, apoptosis and immune defense ability of C. farreri hemocytes, which suggesting ERK/p38/JNK pathways have different functions in the apoptosis and immunity of C. farreri hemocytes after B [a]P exposure. In conclusion, this study intended to enrich the theoretical basis for immunotoxicology of bivalves exposed to pollutants.

Reducing state attenuates ectodomain shedding of GPVI while restoring adhesion capacities of stored platelets: evidence addressing the controversy around the effects of redox condition on thrombosis

Thrombosis involves different stages including platelet adhesion to the site of injury, aggregatory events governed by integrin activation, pro-inflammatory responses recruiting leukocytes and finally, pro-coagulant activity which results in fibrin generation and clot formation. As important signaling agents, reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduce thrombus volume and growth, however given such a multistage mechanism, it is not well-elucidated how ROS inhibition modulates thrombosis. PRP-platelet concentrates (PCs) were either treated with ROS-reducing agents (1 mM NAC or 30 μM NOX inhibitor, VAS2870) or kept untreated during storage. Shedding and expression of platelet adhesion receptors in presence of inhibitors, agonists and CCCP (as controls) were analyzed by flow cytometery and western blot respectively. Besides above parameters, platelet adhesion to collagen in stored platelets was examined in presence of ROS inhibitors using fluorescence-microscopy. Highest levels of adhesion receptors shedding were achieved by ionophore and CCCP while collagen induces much more GPVI shedding than that of GPIbα. ROS inhibition reduced receptors shedding from day 3 of storage while enhanced their expressions. ROS inhibition not only did not reduce platelet adhesion capacity but it also enhanced platelets adhesion (in presence of NAC) or spreading (in presence of VAS2870) in 5 days-stored PCs. While reducing state significantly inhibits platelet aggregation and thrombus growth, our results indicated that as a first stage of thrombosis, platelet adhesion is resistance to such inhibitory effects. These findings highlight the fact that integrin-dependent platelet activation is much more vulnerable to the inhibition of ROS generation than GPVI-dependent platelet adhesion. Presumably, inhibition of platelet activating signals by ROS inhibitors preserves platelet adhesiveness to collagen due to lessening GPVI shedding.

Mefenamic acid can attenuate depressive symptoms by suppressing microglia activation induced upon chronic stress

BACKGROUND

Depression is the most debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder, and psychosocial stressors are major risk factors for the onset of depression. Depression is closely associated with chronic inflammation and microglia are the principal mediators of inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). Mefenamic acid (MA) and celecoxib are nonselective and selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX), respectively. COX is a key enzyme in mediating inflammatory response in microglia. In this study, we examine the effects of inhibiting COX by MA on depressive-like behaviors and microglia activation in the hippocampus.

METHODS

We evaluate the effect of MA on chronic mild stress (CMS) induced depressive-like behavior by sucrose preference and forced swimming tests. Effect of MA on microglia activation in dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus was examined by immunohistochemistry. In vitro experiments including western blotting and phagocytosis assay were used to investigate the effect of MA on microglia activation.

RESULTS

Behavioral assays reveal MA and celecoxib ameliorate CMS-induced depressive-like behavior. Compared to the stressed mice, the number of activated/phagocytic microglia (Iba1⁺/CD68⁺) in DG of hippocampus significantly decreases in stressed mice treated with MA or celecoxib. MA and celecoxib play a role in inhibiting microglia activation by inhibiting of ERK1/2 and P38 MAPK activation and iNOS expression. MA or celecoxib also reduce the high phagocytic activity of activated microglia.

CONCLUSION

MA inhibits microglia activation/phagocytosis induced upon chronic stress in the hippocampus, which might result in the improvement of depressive symptoms.

Down-regulation of platelet adhesion receptors is a controlling mechanism of thrombosis, while also affecting post-transfusion efficacy of stored platelets

Physiologically, upon platelet activation, uncontrolled propagation of thrombosis is prevented by regulating mechanisms which affect the expression and function of either platelet adhesion receptors or integrins. Receptor ectodomain shedding is an elective mechanism which is mainly involved in down-regulation of adhesion receptors GPIbα and GPVI. Platelet integrin α_IIbβ₃ can also be modulated with a calpain-dependent proteolytic cleavage. In addition, activating signals may induce the internalization of expressed receptors to selectively down-regulate their intensity. Alternatively, further activation of platelets is associated with microvesiculation as a none-selective mechanism which leads to the loss of membrane- bearing receptors. In a non-physiological condition, the storage of therapeutic platelets has also shown to be associated with the unwilling activation of platelets which triggers receptors down-regulation via aforementioned different mechanisms. Notably, herein the changes are time-dependent and not controllable. While the expression and shedding of pro-inflammatory molecules can induce post-transfusion adverse effects, stored-dependent loss of adhesion receptors by ectodomain shedding or microvesiculation may attenuate post-transfusion adhesive functions of platelets causing their premature clearance from circulation. In its first part, the review presented here aims to describe the mechanisms involved in down-regulation of platelet adhesion receptors. It then highlights the crucial role of ectodomain shedding and microvesiculation in the propagation of "platelet storage lesion" which may affect the post-transfusion efficacy of platelet components.

Local Radiotherapy Affects Drug Pharmacokinetics-Exploration of a Neglected but Significant Uncertainty of Cancer Therapy

Purpose:

Concurrent chemoradiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for many types of malignancies. However, concurrent chemoradiation therapy is associated with a greater number of systemic adverse effects than radiotherapy or chemotherapy alone.

Summary:

Pharmacokinetics is the study of a drug and/or its metabolite kinetics in the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. The incidences of adverse effects are markedly higher in patients who receive concurrent chemoradiation therapy than in those who receive either radiotherapy or chemotherapy alone. This phenomenon implies that irradiation affects the pharmacokinetics of cytotoxic agents, namely the radiotherapy–pharmacokinetic phenomenon. Experimental animal studies have shown that local irradiation affects the systemic pharmacokinetics of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin at both low dose (simulating generous dose distributed to normal tissues) and daily practice dose (mimicking therapeutic dose to target volumes). These effects are significant in the circulation of blood and lymphatic system as well as in the hepatobiliary excretion. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase-8 plays an important role in the radiotherapy–pharmacokinetic phenomenon.

Conclusion:

In the present review, we provide a general overview of the radiotherapy–pharmacokinetic phenomenon and discuss the possible mechanisms governing the phenomenon.

Berkeleyacetal C, a meroterpenoid isolated from the fungus Penicillium purpurogenum MHZ 111, exerts anti-inflammatory effects via inhibiting NF-κB, ERK1/2 and IRF3 signaling pathways

Berkeleyacetal C (BAC), a meroterpenoid compound, was isolated from the fungus Penicillium purpurogenum MHZ 111 and showed favorable activity of inhibiting nitrogen oxide (NO) production of macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in our preliminary screening. In order to develop novel therapeutic drug for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, the anti-inflammatory activity and underlying mechanisms of BAC were investigated in macrophages and neutrophils. The results showed that BAC significantly inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the following NO production by macrophages. The expression and secretion of key pro-inflammatory factors and chemokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)，interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were also intensively suppressed by BAC. Furthermore, BAC also markedly inhibited activation of neutrophils and reactive oxygen species production. In mechanism study, BAC selectively suppressed phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and interferon regulatory transcription factor 3 (IRF3) during the activation of NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and 3 (STAT1/3), and IRF3 signaling pathways induced by LPS. In summary, BAC exerts strong anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB, ERK1/2 and IRF3 signaling pathways and thereby shows great potential to be developed into therapeutic agent for inflammatory disorders.

Early tyrosine phosphorylation events following adenosine A2A receptor in human neutrophils: identification of regulated pathways

Activation of the adenosine _2A receptor (A_2AR) elevates intracellular levels of cAMP and acts as a physiologic inhibitor of inflammatory neutrophil functions. In this study, we looked into the impact of A_2AR engagement on early phosphorylation events. Neutrophils were stimulated with well-characterized proinflammatory agonists in the absence or presence of an A_2AR agonist {3-[4-[2-[ [6-amino-9-[(2R,3R,4S,5S)-5-(ethylcarbamoyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-oxolan-2-yl]purin-2-yl]amino] ethyl] phenyl] propanoic acid (CGS 21680)}, PGE₂, or a mixture of the compounds RO 20-1724 and forskolin. As assessed by immunoblotting, several proteins were tyrosine phosphorylated; CGS 21680 markedly decreased tyrosine phosphorylation levels of 4 regions (37-45, 50-55, 60, and 70 kDa). Key signaling protein kinases-p38 MAPK, Erk-1/2, PI3K/Akt, Hck, and Syk-showed decreased phosphorylation, whereas Lyn, SHIP-1, or phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was spared. PGE₂ or the intracellular cAMP-elevating combination of RO 20-1724 and forskolin mostly mimicked the effect of CGS 21680. Together, results unveil intracellular signaling pathways targeted by the A_2AR, some of which might be key in modulating neutrophil functions.

p38α has an important role in antigen cross-presentation by dendritic cells

The role of the p38 signaling pathway in the innate and adaptive immune responses has been well documented, especially in inflammatory cytokine production by dendritic cells (DCs). However, whether the p38 signaling pathway affects the important antigen (Ag) presentation function of DCs remains largely unknown. In this study, we reported that the deletion of p38α resulted in an impaired cross-presentation ability of CD8⁺ conventional DCs (cDCs) and a reduction in the direct presentation ability of CD8^- cDCs ex vivo. Further study revealed that p38α had a crucial role in Ag processing by CD8⁺ cDCs but did not affect the Ag uptake or co-stimulation of T cells. Moreover, p38α deficiency led to reduced cross-priming of T cells in vivo. The production of the IL-12p40 and IL-12p70 cytokines by p38α-deficient cDCs was also significantly reduced. Our study identified a new role for p38α in modulating the important antigen cross-presentation function of DCs.

Chronic restraint stress increases angiotensin II potency in the rat carotid: role of cyclooxygenases and reactive oxygen species

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of chronic restraint stress on the vascular contractile response induced by angiotensin (Ang) II in rat carotid.

METHODS

Concentration-response curves for AngII were obtained in endothelium-intact or endothelium-denuded carotid rings, in the absence or presence of SC-560 (COX-1 inhibitor), SC-236 (COX-2 inhibitor), wortmannin (PI₃ K-Akt inhibitor), ML171 (NOX-1 inhibitor), VAS2870 (NOX-4 inhibitor), tiron (O2- scavenger) or PEG-catalase (H₂ O₂ scavenger). 6-ketoPGF_1α , TXB₂ , O2- or H₂ O₂ levels and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity or expression were also measured in rat carotid.

KEY FINDINGS

Stress increased AngII potency in rat carotid. Muscular COX-1 or COX-2-derived metabolites negatively modulated AngII-induced contraction in control rat carotid. Endothelial COX-1 or COX-2-derived metabolites positively modulated AngII-induced contraction in stressed rat carotid. PI₃ K-Akt, NOX-1, NOX-4, O2- and H₂ O₂ positively modulated AngII-induced contraction in stressed rat carotid. Stress increased 6-ketoPGF_1α or H₂ O₂ generation and reduced catalase activity in rat carotid. Protein expression of COX-1, NOX-4 or p-Akt was increased in stressed rat carotid.

CONCLUSIONS

Stress increases AngII potency in rat carotid by a mechanism that involves the increased generation of PGI₂ and H₂ O₂ and the activation of Akt pathway. Such mechanism could play a pathophysiological role in cardiovascular diseases correlated with stress.

Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress at Out-of-Field Lung Tissues after Pelvis Irradiation in Rats

OBJECTIVE

The out-of-field/non-target effect is one of the most important phenomena of ionizing radiation that leads to molecular and cellular damage to distant non-irradiated tissues. The most important concern about this phenomenon is carcinogenesis many years after radiation treatment. In vivo mechanisms and consequences of this phenomenon are not known completely. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the oxidative damages to out-of-field lung tissues 24 and 72 hours after pelvic irradiation in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimentalinterventional study, Sprague-Dawleymale rats (n=49) were divided into seven groups (n=7/each group), including two groups of pelvis- exposed rats (out-of-field groups), two groups of whole bodyexposed rats (scatter groups), two groups of lung-exposed rats (direct irradiation groups), and one control sham group. Out- of-field groups were irradiated at a 2×2 cm area in the pelvis region with 3 Gy using 1.25 MeV cobalt-60 gamma-ray source, and subsequently, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in out-of-field lung tissues were measured. Results were compared to direct irradiation, control and scatter groups at 24 and 72 hours after exposure. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

SOD activity decreased in out-of-field lung tissue 24 and 72 hours after irradiation as compared with the controls and scatter groups. GSH level decreased 24 hours after exposure and increased 72 hours after exposure in the out-of-field groups as compared with the scatter groups. MDA level in out-of-field groups only increased 24 hours after irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Pelvis irradiation induced oxidative damage in distant lung tissue that led to a dramatic decrease in SOD activity. This oxidative stress was remarkable, but it was less durable as compared to direct irradiation.

Role of mitochondria and NADPH oxidase derived reactive oxygen species in hyperoxaluria induced nephrolithiasis: therapeutic intervention with combinatorial therapy of N-acetyl cysteine and Apocynin

The interactions between the main cellular sources of ROS, such as mitochondria and NADPH oxidase, are known to play an imperative role in the pathogenesis of hyperoxaluria-induced nephrolithiasis. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of a combinatorial therapy based on the attenuation of oxidative stress with antioxidant (N-acetyl cysteine), and NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin), that might be required to effectively eliminate hyperoxaluric manifestations. Hyperoxaluria was induced in male Wistar rats by administering 0.4% ethylene glycol with 1% ammonium chloride in drinking water for 9 days. Hyperoxaluria accentuated renal oxidative stress in terms of increased ROS production and lipid peroxidation. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a central deleterious event in renal stone crystallization, was evident by decreased activities of electron transport chain complex I, II and IV, augmented mitochondrial ROS, reduced GSH/GSSG ratio, which resulted in the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening as indicated by increased mitochondrial swelling in hyperoxaluric rats. Furthermore, NADPH oxidase activity was significantly increased, with raised expression of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, p38MAPK and MnSOD, in the renal tissue of hyperoxaluric rats compared to control. However, combinatorial therapy with N-acetyl cysteine (50mg/kg/day) and apocynin (200mg/kg/day), intraperitoneally, significantly improved renal functions in hyperoxaluric rats and considerably ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction. NAC with apocynin was also found to be effective in reducing the redundant activity of NADPH oxidase in renal tissue of hyperoxaluric rats. Hence, our investigation provides novel mechanistic insights that combinatorial approaches using targeted modulators of ROS offer therapeutic benefits in hyperoxaluria-induced nephrolithiasis.

Nitrated fatty acids suppress angiotensin II-mediated fibrotic remodelling and atrial fibrillation

AIM

Atrial fibrosis, one of the most striking features in the pathology of atrial fibrillation (AF), is promoted by local and systemic inflammation. Electrophilic fatty acid nitroalkenes, endogenously generated by both metabolic and inflammatory reactions, are anti-inflammatory mediators that in synthetic form may be useful as drug candidates. Herein we investigate whether an exemplary nitro-fatty acid can limit atrial fibrosis and AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Wild-type C57BL6/J mice were treated for 2 weeks with angiotensin II (AngII) and vehicle or nitro-oleic acid (10-nitro-octadec-9-enoic acid, OA-NO2, 6 mg/kg body weight) via subcutaneous osmotic minipumps. OA-NO2 significantly inhibited atrial fibrosis and depressed vulnerability for AF during right atrial electrophysiological stimulation to levels observed for AngII-naive animals. Left atrial epicardial mapping studies demonstrated preservation of conduction homogeneity by OA-NO2. The protection from fibrotic remodelling was mediated by suppression of Smad2-dependent myofibroblast transdifferentiation and inhibition of Nox2-dependent atrial superoxide formation.

CONCLUSION

OA-NO2 potently inhibits atrial fibrosis and subsequent AF. Nitro-fatty acids and possibly other lipid electrophiles thus emerge as potential therapeutic agents for AF, either by increasing endogenous levels through dietary modulation or by administration as synthetic drugs.

A novel function for fibroblast growth factor 21: stimulation of NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS generation

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a major paracrine and endocrine regulator of metabolic homeostasis. Here we demonstrate that FGF-21 is also a potent mediator of innate immunity. Double-staining flow cytometry identified neutrophils and monocytes as the main sources of FGF-21 among circulating leukocytes. Functional assays showed that FGF-21 stimulates phagocytosis and production of reactive oxygen species in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells and monocytic THP-1 cells. The mechanism of action of FGF-21 was observed to involve FGF receptor activation, signal transduction through the PI3K/Akt pathway, and stimulation of NADPH oxidase activity. This study indicates that FGF-21 could be an attractive target for the management of inflammatory disorders.

Adrenergic and serotonin receptors affect retinal superoxide generation in diabetic mice: relationship to capillary degeneration and permeability

Reactive oxygen species play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. We studied the role of adrenergic and serotonin receptors in the generation of superoxide by retina and 661W retinal cells in high glucose and of the α1-adrenergic receptor (AR) on vascular lesions of the retinopathy in experimentally diabetic C57Bl/6J mice (and controls) after 2 and 8 months. Compared with 5 mM glucose, incubating cells or retinal explants in 30 mM glucose induced superoxide generation. This response was reduced or ablated by pharmacologic inhibition of the α1-AR (a Gq-coupled receptor) or Gs-coupled serotonin (5-HT2, 5-HT4, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7) receptors or by activation of the Gi-coupled α2-AR. In elevated glucose, the α1-AR produced superoxide via phospholipase C, inositol triphosphate-induced Ca(2+) release, and NADPH oxidase, and pharmacologic inhibition of these reactions prevented the superoxide increase. Generation of retinal superoxide, expression of proinflammatory proteins, and degeneration of retinal capillaries in diabetes all were significantly inhibited with daily doxazosin or apocynin (inhibitors of α1-AR and NADPH oxidase, respectively), but increased vascular permeability was not significantly affected. Adrenergic receptors, and perhaps other GPCRs, represent novel targets for inhibiting the development of important features of diabetic retinopathy.

In vitro and in vivo safety and efficacy studies of amphotericin B on Babesia gibsoni

Babesia gibsoni is a causative pathogen of canine babesiosis, which is commonly treated with anti-babesial drugs; however, the development of novel, more effective anti-babesial drugs is necessary because the currently used drugs cannot remove the parasites from dogs. Therefore we investigated the anti-babesial effect of amphotericin B (AmB), a membrane-active polyene macrolide antibiotic. The interaction of such compounds with sterols in bilayer cell membranes can lead to cell damage and ultimately cell lysis. AmB exhibits in vitro activity against B. gibsoni in normal canine erythrocytes within 12h. We also studied liposomal AmB (L-AmB), a liposomal formulation of AmB that required a longer incubation period to reduce the number of parasites. However, L-AmB completely inhibited the invasion of free parasites into erythrocytes. These results indicated that free parasites failed to invade erythrocytes in the presence of L-AmB. Both AmB and L-AmB induced mild hemolysis of erythrocytes. Moreover, the methemoglobin level and the turbidity index of erythrocytes were significantly increased when erythrocytes were incubated with AmB, suggesting that AmB induced oxidative damage in erythrocytes. Finally, the anti-babesial activity of AmB in vivo was observed. When experimentally B. gibsoni-infected dogs were administered 0.5 and 1mg/kg AmB by the intravenous route, the number of parasites decreased; however, recurrence of parasitemia was observed, indicating that AmB did not eliminate parasites completely. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine of dogs were abnormally elevated after the administration of 1mg/kg AmB. These results indicate that AmB has in vivo activity against B. gibsoni; however, it does not eliminate parasites from infected dogs and affects kidney function at a high dose.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis nucleoside diphosphate kinase inactivates small GTPases leading to evasion of innate immunity

Defining the mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) persistence in the host macrophage and identifying mycobacterial factors responsible for it are keys to better understand tuberculosis pathogenesis. The emerging picture from ongoing studies of macrophage deactivation by Mtb suggests that ingested bacilli secrete various virulence determinants that alter phagosome biogenesis, leading to arrest of Mtb vacuole interaction with late endosomes and lysosomes. While most studies focused on Mtb interference with various regulators of the endosomal compartment, little attention was paid to mechanisms by which Mtb neutralizes early macrophage responses such as the NADPH oxidase (NOX2) dependent oxidative burst. Here we applied an antisense strategy to knock down Mtb nucleoside diphosphate kinase (Ndk) and obtained a stable mutant (Mtb Ndk-AS) that displayed attenuated intracellular survival along with reduced persistence in the lungs of infected mice. At the molecular level, pull-down experiments showed that Ndk binds to and inactivates the small GTPase Rac1 in the macrophage. This resulted in the exclusion of the Rac1 binding partner p67^phox from phagosomes containing Mtb or Ndk-coated latex beads. Exclusion of p67^phox was associated with a defect of both NOX2 assembly and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to wild type Mtb. In contrast, Mtb Ndk-AS, which lost the capacity to disrupt Rac1-p67^phox interaction, induced a strong ROS production. Given the established link between NOX2 activation and apoptosis, the proportion of Annexin V positive cells and levels of intracellular active caspase 3 were significantly higher in cells infected with Mtb Ndk-AS compared to wild type Mtb. Thus, knock down of Ndk converted Mtb into a pro-apoptotic mutant strain that has a phenotype of increased susceptibility to intracellular killing and reduced virulence in vivo. Taken together, our in vitro and in vivo data revealed that Ndk contributes significantly to Mtb virulence via attenuation of NADPH oxidase-mediated host innate immunity.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a very successful intracellular pathogen that infects lung macrophages. Its resistance to intracellular killing has been linked to the development of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in humans. Thus, understanding the mechanism by which Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) persists in the host is a prerequisite for development of efficient strategies to control TB disease. We have previously shown that Mtb nucleoside diphosphate kinase (Ndk) contributes to phagosome maturation arrest via inactivation of Rab5 and Rab7. In this study, we show that Ndk also targets and inactivates the small GTPase Rac1, an essential component of the macrophage NADPH oxidase (NOX2) complex. Ndk-dependent inactivation of Rac1 was associated with reduced NOX2-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS-dependent apoptosis. Conversely, disruption of Ndk expression converted Mtb into a mutant strain that induces strong ROS and apoptosis responses. This phenotype was associated with reduced survival of Ndk mutant in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that Ndk contributes significantly to mycobacterial virulence.

Pharmacological approaches to regulate neutrophil activity

Although indispensable in host defense against microbial pathogens, misdirected hyperacute and chronic activation of neutrophils presents the potential hazard of tissue damage, organ dysfunction, and carcinogenesis. In many clinical settings, particularly inflammatory disorders of the airways, over-reactivity of neutrophils is exacerbated by their relative resistance to conventional, pharmacological anti-inflammatory therapies, including, but not limited to, corticosteroids. Notwithstanding their sheer numbers, which can increase rapidly and dramatically during inflammatory responses, these cells are not only pre-programmed to release reactive oxygen species, proteinases, and eicosanoids/prostanoids immediately on exposure to pro-inflammatory stimuli but may also subsequently undergo the process of netosis, thereby enhancing and protracting their inflammatory potential. All of these mechanisms are likely to underpin the resistance of neutrophils to pharmacological control and have triggered the search for alternatives to corticosteroids. In addition to macrolides and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophospate-elevating agents, more recent innovations in the control of neutrophilic inflammation include activators of histone deacetylases and antagonists of chemokine receptors, as well as monoclonal antibodies which target neutrophil-activating cytokines and their receptors. These and other neutrophil-targeted strategies represent the focus of the current review.

Increased NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide is involved in the neuronal cell death induced by hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal hippocampal slice cultures

Neonatal brain hypoxia-ischemia (HI) results in neuronal cell death. Previous studies indicate that reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide, play a key role in this process. However, the cellular sources have not been established. In this study we examine the role of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex in neonatal HI brain injury and elucidate its mechanism of activation. Rat hippocampal slices were exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) to mimic the conditions seen in HI. Initial studies confirmed an important role for NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide in the oxidative stress associated with OGD. Further, the OGD-mediated increase in apoptotic cell death was inhibited by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. The activation of NADPH oxidase was found to be dependent on the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation and activation of the p47(phox) subunit. Using an adeno-associated virus antisense construct to selectively decrease p47(phox) expression in neurons showed that this led to inhibition of both the increase in superoxide and the neuronal cell death associated with OGD. We also found that NADPH oxidase inhibition in a neonatal rat model of HI or scavenging hydrogen peroxide reduced brain injury. Thus, we conclude that activation of the NADPH oxidase complex contributes to the oxidative stress during HI and that therapies targeted against this complex could provide neuroprotection against the brain injury associated with neonatal HI.

C-reactive protein promotes adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells via NADPH oxidase-mediated oxidative stress

Enhanced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells is an early event in atherogenesis. It has been shown that C-reactive protein (CRP) plays a key role in atherogenesis. Here, we investigated the effects of CRP on monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and tested the hypothesis that NADPH oxidase (NOX)-mediated oxidative stress might play a key role in CRP-induced monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. Firstly, 36 patients with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) incrassation and 34 controls were enrolled in this study. The levels of glucose, lipids, CRP, monocyte chemotractant protein (MCP-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonylation were analyzed. The results showed that carotid IMT was associated with abnormal lipid metabolism, including elevated CRP, triglycerides (TG) (P < 0.01) and decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) level (P < 0.05). The levels of CRP and MCP-1 in patients with carotid IMT incrassation were increased compared with the controls (P < 0.01). Moreover, patients with carotid IMT incrassation displayed enhanced MDA and protein carbonylation levels (P < 0.01), accompanied by activation and up-regulation of NOX in monocytes (P < 0.05) compared with the controls. The monocytes isolated from five healthy donors were used for in vitro experiments. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NOX expression in monocytes were examined. The results also indicated that CRP could promote the adhesion of monocyte-endothelial cell by up-regulation of MCP-1 expression (P < 0.05). Importantly, NFκ B and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which were activated by NOX-derived ROS, were involved in CRP-induced monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and up-regulation of MCP-1 expression. These data suggested that CRP could promote the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells via NOX-mediated oxidative stress. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 857-867, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Control of JNK for an activation of NADPH oxidase in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia

NADPH oxidase is a main regulator for H(2)O(2) productivity in neuroinflammatory cells, including microglia, under various CNS diseases and its activity is controlled by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 MAPK, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). However, little is known about the link between NADPH oxidase-driven H(2)O(2) productivity and JNK in microglia. The purpose of this study is to uncover the link using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia produced H(2)O(2) that was decreased by NADPH oxidase inhibitors, including 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonylfluoride and diphenyleneiodonium chloride. In addition, NADPH oxidase was activated in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. These results suggest that NAPDH oxidase is a main factor for H(2)O(2) productivity in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia. Based on a semi-quantitative PCR analysis, two of NADPH oxidase components, p47(phox) and gp91(phox), were involved in the activation of NADPH oxidase because transcriptional levels of both components were upregulated by LPS. Role of JNK in NADPH oxidase-regulated H(2)O(2) productivity was pursued using specific inhibitors, including SP600125 and JNK inhibitory peptide (JIP). Inhibition of the JNK pathways significantly reduced H(2)O(2) productivity, which was closely related to the attenuation of NADPH oxidase activation and the upregulation of components. We conclude that JNK pathways are involved in NADPH oxidase-mediated H(2)O(2) productivity in BV2 microglia.

Pulmonary endothelial cell NOX

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have profound influences on cellular homeostasis. In excess, they can potentiate the oxidation of numerous molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, affecting function. Furthermore, ROS-mediated oxidation of proteins can directly or indirectly modulate gene expression via effects on redox-sensitive transcription factors or via effects on phospho-relay-mediated signal transduction. In doing so, ROS impact numerous fundamental cellular processes, and have thus been implicated as critical mediators of both homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Vascular reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) is a major contributor of ROS within the lung. The generation of ROS in the pulmonary vasculature has a pivotal role in endothelial cell (EC) activation and function. Alterations in EC phenotype contribute to vascular tone, permeability, and inflammatory responses and, thus, have been implicated in numerous diseases of the lung, including pulmonary hypertension, ischemic-reperfusion injury, and adult respiratory distress syndrome. Thus, although a detailed understanding of NOX-derived ROS in pulmonary EC biology in the context of health and disease is nascent, there is mounting evidence implicating these enzymes as critical modifiers of diseases of the lung and pulmonary circulation. The purpose of this review is to focus specifically on known as well as putative roles for pulmonary EC NOX, with attention to studies on the intact lung.

Effects and mechanisms of action of polyene macrolide antibiotic nystatin on Babesia gibsoni in vitro

Nystatin is a membrane-active polyene macrolide antibiotic and a channel-forming ionophore. Nystatin exhibits in vitro activity against Babesia gibsoni infecting normal canine erythrocytes containing low potassium (LK) and high sodium concentrations, i.e., LK erythrocytes. The calculated IC(50) value of nystatin against B. gibsoni infecting LK erythrocytes was 31.96 µg/ml. The anti-babesial activity of nystatin disappeared when B. gibsoni in LK erythrocytes were incubated in culture media containing high potassium concentrations (HK). Moreover, when the parasites were harbored in canine HK erythrocytes, which contained high potassium and low sodium concentrations as a result of high Na-K-ATPase activity, the in vitro anti-babesial activities of nystatin also disappeared, apparently due to protection by HK erythrocytes. This suggested that nystatin could show in vitro anti-babesial activity against B. gibsoni by its ionophorous activity, the same as other ionophores such as valinomycin. Subsequently, the effects of nystatin on the host cells were observed. Nystatin could not modify the intracellular concentrations of potassium, sodium, adenosine triphosphate, or glucose in either LK or HK erythrocytes, although it caused weak hemolysis in HK erythrocytes. In addition, nystatin did not affect the survival of canine peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes. In conclusion, nystatin destroyed B. gibsoni by ionophorous activity but did not affect either canine erythrocytes or leukocytes in vitro.

Characterization of bovine neutrophil beta2-adrenergic receptor function

This study compares bovine leukocyte beta-adrenergic receptor densities to that of the rat, demonstrates for the first time a functional beta(2)-adrenergic receptor signaling pathway in steer neutrophils, and investigates the effect of an inflammatory stimulus on that signaling pathway. The beta(1)-/beta(2)-adrenergic antagonist ([3H])CGP-12177 demonstrated that rat lymphocyte specific binding-site density was highest, followed by steer and dairy cow lymphocytes, and lastly steer and dairy cow neutrophils. The beta(2)-adrenergic agonist terbutaline stimulated steer neutrophil adenosine 3,5-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production, an effect increased by inclusion of > or = 1 x 10(-8) M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C. Both terbutaline and the nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) independently decreased steer neutrophil superoxide anion production in a concentration-dependent manner, with 1 x 10(-4) M IBMX enhancing both the potency and efficacy of the terbutaline effect (up to 74% reduction in superoxide anion production). Superoxide anion production was also reduced by the synthetic cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP, which increased the potency of the IBMX effect on superoxide anion production. Taken together, these data demonstrate the presence of a beta(2)-adrenergic receptor signaling pathway in bovine neutrophils much like that described in other animal species, as well as the potential for an inflammatory stimulus to alter its function.

Endocytosis of cationized ferritin in marginal cells of the stria vascularis is regulated by protein kinase, protein phosphatase, and MEK/ERK and PI3-K signaling pathways

HYPOTHESIS

The endocytosis of cationized ferritin (CF) via a clathrin-mediated pathway is regulated by a signaling network.

BACKGROUND

Marginal cells showed the active endocytosis of CF via a clathrin-mediated pathway. The internalization of receptors through the clathrin-mediated pathway is an important regulatory event in signal transduction. Numerous kinases are involved in endocytosis, and each endocytic route is subjected to high-order regulation by cellular signaling mechanisms.

METHODS

CF was infused into the cochlear duct with phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate, okadaic acid, staurosporin, phenylarsine oxide, PD98059, SB20580 and wortmannin. Endocytic activity was measured at 30 minutes post-infusion by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The endocytosis of CF was stimulated by a protein kinase C activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate) and a protein kinase A activator (8-bromoadenosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate). It was inhibited by protein phosphatase inhibitors (okadaic acid and phenylarsine oxide), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase inhibitors (PD98059 and SB20580), and a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (wortmannin).

CONCLUSION

Our previous study showed the endocytosis of microperoxidase to be strongly dependent on protein kinase C, protein phosphatase, extracellular signal-related kinase, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling networks but not on protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling networks. The present study indicated that the signaling cascade regulating CF's internalization differed from the cascade for microperoxidase's endocytosis.

Effect of apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, on acute lung inflammation

NADPH-oxidase is an enzyme responsible for reactive oxygen species production (ROS) and inhibition of this enzyme represents an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of many diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of apocynin, a NADPH-oxidase inhibitor, in a mouse model of carrageenan-induced pleurisy. Injection of carrageenan into the pleural cavity of mice elicited an acute inflammatory response characterized by: infiltration of neutrophils in lung tissues and subsequent lipid peroxidation, increased production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and platelet-adhesion molecule (P-selectin). Furthermore, carrageenan induced the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitrotyrosine, poly-ADP-ribosyl polymerase (PARP) as well as induced apoptosis (TUNEL staining, FAS-ligand expression, Bax and Bcl-2 expression) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in the lung tissues. Administration of apocynin, 30min after the challenge with carrageenan, caused a significant reduction of all the parameters of inflammation measured. Thus, based on these findings we propose that NADPH oxidase inhibitor such as apocynin may be useful in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

Modulation of doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction in dominant-negative p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase mice

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a widely used antitumor drug, but its application is limited because of its cardiotoxic side effects. Increased expression of p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) promotes cardiomyocyte apoptosis and is associated with cardiac dysfunction induced by prolonged agonist stimulation. However, the role of p38α MAPK is not clear in Dox-induced cardiac injury. Cardiac dysfunction was induced by a single injection of Dox into wild-type (WT) mice and transgenic mice with cardiac-specific expression of a dominant-negative mutant form of p38α MAPK (TG). Left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening and ejection fraction were higher and the expression levels of phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho-MAPK-activated mitogen kinase 2 were significantly suppressed in TG mouse heart compared to WT mice after Dox injection. Production of LV proinflammatory cytokines, cardiomyocyte DNA damage, myocardial apoptosis, caspase-3-positive cells, and phospho-p53 expression were decreased in TG mice after Dox injection. Moreover, LV expression of NADPH oxidase subunits and reactive oxygen species was significantly less in TG mice compared to WT mice after Dox injection. These findings suggest that p38α MAPK may play a role in the regulation of cardiac function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory and apoptotic mediators in the heart after Dox administration.

TLR2 enhances NADPH oxidase activity and killing of Staphylococcus aureus by PMN

Toll-like receptors play an essential role in the detection of invading pathogens. TLR2 is expressed in high concentrations on neutrophils and has been implicated as a critical mediator inducing host antimicrobial defenses against Gram-positive bacteria. Neutrophil responses induced via TLR2 are likely to have important clinical consequences, since Gram-positive organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, are an increasingly important source of severe infections. In the present study, we report that TLR2 has a central role in killing of S. aureus by murine PMN via enhancement of NADPH oxidase activity. PMN from TLR2-deficient mice showed a similar inability to kill S. aureus in vitro and under in vivo-like conditions as PMN with a non-functional NADPH oxidase. This defect in killing by TLR2-deficient PMN was not related to phagocytosis but caused by delayed and reduced NADPH oxidase-mediated production of superoxide anion in response to S. aureus and other Gram-positive bacteria. The cause of this was independent of PI3K- and p38 signaling. The TLR2-enhanced induction of superoxide was a defect in proper NADPH oxidase assembly. We hypothesize that early activation of TLR2-signaling may enhance p47(phox) phosphorylation subsequent to phagocytosis-mediated phosphorylation. Summarized, these data demonstrate a novel role of TLR2 in the killing of S. aureus by ensuring a rapid activation of the NADPH oxidase complex.

Ibuprofen attenuates oxidative damage through NOX2 inhibition in Alzheimer's disease

Considerable evidence points to important roles for inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Epidemiological studies have suggested that long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy reduces the risk for Alzheimer's disease; however, the mechanism remains unknown. We report that a 9-month treatment of aged R1.40 mice resulted in 90% decrease in plaque burden and a similar reduction in microglial activation. Ibuprofen treatment reduced levels of lipid peroxidation, tyrosine nitration, and protein oxidation, demonstrating a dramatic effect on oxidative damage in vivo. Fibrillar β-amyloid (Aβ) stimulation has previously been demonstrated to induce the assembly and activation of the microglial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase leading to superoxide production through a tyrosine kinase-based signaling cascade. Ibuprofen treatment of microglia or monocytes with racemic or S-ibuprofen inhibited Aβ-stimulated Vav tyrosine phosphorylation, NADPH oxidase assembly, and superoxide production. Interestingly, Aβ-stimulated Vav phosphorylation was not inhibited by COX inhibitors. These findings suggest that ibuprofen acts independently of cyclooxygenase COX inhibition to disrupt signaling cascades leading to microglial NADPH oxidase (NOX2) activation, preventing oxidative damage and enhancing plaque clearance in the brain.

Effects of p38 MAPK inhibition on early stages of diabetic retinopathy and sensory nerve function

Purpose. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is known to play a regulatory role in inflammatory processes in disease. Inflammation has been linked also to the development of diabetic retinopathy in rodents. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a p38 MAPK inhibitor on the development of early stages of diabetic retinopathy in rats. Methods. Streptozotocin-diabetic rats were assigned to two groups-treated with the p38 MAPK inhibitor PHA666859 (Pfizer, New York, NY) and untreated-and compared with age-matched nondiabetic control animals. Results. At 2 months of diabetes, insulin-deficient diabetic control rats exhibited significant increases in retinal superoxide, nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and leukostasis within retinal microvessels. All these abnormalities were significantly inhibited by the p38 MAPK inhibitor (25 mg/kgBW/d). At 10 months of diabetes, significant increases in the number of degenerate (acellular) capillaries and pericyte ghosts were measured in control diabetic rats versus those in nondiabetic control animals, and pharmacologic inhibition of p38 MAPK significantly inhibited all these abnormalities (all P < 0.05). This therapy also had beneficial effects outside the eye in diabetes, as evidenced by the inhibition of a diabetes-induced hypersensitivity of peripheral nerves to light touch (tactile allodynia). Conclusions. p38 MAPK plays an important role in diabetes-induced inflammation in the retina, and inhibition of p38 MAPK offers a novel therapeutic approach to inhibiting the development of early stages of diabetic retinopathy and other complications of diabetes.

Priming effects of lipopolysaccharide and inflammatory cytokines on canine granulocytes

Granulocytes play a pivotal role in natural immunity. Under inflammatory conditions, granulocytes are universally primed by several agents, such as endotoxins and inflammatory cytokines. Primed granulocytes exert potent adhesiveness, chemotaxis, phagocytosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, effectively eliminating invading agents. Reactivity against priming agents is known to vary with species; however, there have been few reports on the effects of priming agents on canine granulocytes. In the present study, we assayed the priming effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), recombinant canine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rcTNF-alpha) and recombinant canine granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rcGM-CSF) on canine granulocyte function in vitro. Isolated recombinant canine were primed with various concentrations of LPS, rcTNF-alpha and rcGM-CSF, and CD11b expression was assayed. Furthermore, actin polymerization, phagocytosis and ROS production were then assayed at primer concentrations where enhancement of CD11b expression was observed. LPS did not enhance canine granulocyte function. Phagocytosis and actin polymerization were not enhanced by priming agents; however, rcTNF-alpha and rcGM-CSF enhanced CD11b expression and ROS production in canine granulocytes. These results suggest that priming effects are mainly reflected in CD11b expression and ROS production, with rcGM-CSF and rcTNF-alpha having a priming effect similar to that observed in humans.

CD14 and toll-like receptors 2 and 4 are required for fibrillar A{beta}-stimulated microglial activation

Microglia are the brain's tissue macrophages and are found in an activated state surrounding beta-amyloid plaques in the Alzheimer's disease brain. Microglia interact with fibrillar beta-amyloid (fAbeta) through an ensemble of surface receptors composed of the alpha(6)beta(1) integrin, CD36, CD47, and the class A scavenger receptor. These receptors act in concert to initiate intracellular signaling cascades and phenotypic activation of these cells. However, it is unclear how engagement of this receptor complex is linked to the induction of an activated microglial phenotype. We report that the response of microglial cells to fibrillar forms of Abeta requires the participation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the coreceptor CD14. The response of microglia to fAbeta is reliant upon CD14, which act together with TLR4 and TLR2 to bind fAbeta and to activate intracellular signaling. We find that cells lacking these receptors could not initiate a Src-Vav-Rac signaling cascade leading to reactive oxygen species production and phagocytosis. The fAbeta-mediated activation of p38 MAPK also required CD14, TLR4, and TLR2. Inhibition of p38 abrogated fAbeta-induced reactive oxygen species production and attenuated the induction of phagocytosis. Microglia lacking CD14, TLR4, and TLR2 showed no induction of phosphorylated IkappaBalpha following fAbeta. These data indicate these innate immune receptors function as members of the microglial fAbeta receptor complex and identify the signaling mechanisms whereby they contribute to microglial activation.

Exercise-induced extracellular 72 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp72) stimulates neutrophil phagocytic and fungicidal capacities via TLR-2

This study evaluated the role of toll like receptor 2 (TLR-2) in the interaction of 72 kDa extracellular heat shock protein (Hsp72, a stress-inducible protein) with neutrophils and the participation on TLR-2 in the stimulation of neutrophil phagocytic and fungicidal capacities by post-exercise physiological concentrations of Hsp72. Human peripheral blood neutrophils were incubated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Hsp72, and were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Both methods revealed an interaction of Hsp72 with neutrophils. In addition, when neutrophils were pre-incubated with an anti-TLR-2 antibody this interaction was clearly decreased. Post-exercise circulating concentration of Hsp72 (8.6 ng/ml) stimulated the phagocytic and fungicidal capacities of neutrophils and this effect could be also blocked using an antibody against TLR-2. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the nuclear transcription factor kappa beta (NF-kappabeta) were found to be involved in the signaling process, confirming the participation of TLR-2 in the stimulation of neutrophil function by Hsp72. In conclusion, TLR-2 is involved at least in part, in the stimulation of neutrophil phagocytic and fungicidal capacities induced by post-exercise physiological concentrations of Hsp72.

Impaired priming and activation of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase in patients with IRAK4 or NEMO deficiency

The NADPH oxidase (NOX), an oligomeric enzyme, plays a key role in polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)-mediated host defense by producing cytotoxic superoxide anion (O(2)( )). Whereas in vitro and biochemical studies have examined the assembly and activation of this important host immune defense system, few studies have examined the function of NOX in human patients with primary immunodeficiency other than chronic granulomatous disease. We studied the activation of NOX in PMN from patients with two distinct immunodeficiencies, IL-1R-associated kinase (IRAK)4 deficiency and NF-kappaB essential modulator (NEMO or IkappaB kinase gamma) deficiency. We observed impaired O(2)( ) generation by LPS-treated and fMLP-activated IRAK4-deficient PMN that correlated with decreased phosphorylation of p47(phox) and subnormal translocation of p47(phox), p67(phox), Rac2, and gp91(phox)/Nox2 to the membranes indicating that TLR4 signaling to the NOX activation pathway requires IRAK4. NEMO-deficient PMN generated significantly less O(2)( ) in response to LPS-primed fMLP and translocated less p67(phox) than normal PMN, although p47(phox) and Rac2 translocation were normal. Generally, responses of NEMO-deficient cells were intermediate between IRAK4-deficient cells and normal cells. Decreased LPS- and fMLP-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in both IRAK4- and NEMO-deficient PMN implicates additional signal transduction pathways in regulating PMN activation by LPS and fMLP. Decreased activation of NOX may contribute to the increased risk of infection seen in patients with IRAK4 and NEMO deficiency.

Regulation of NADPH oxidase in vascular endothelium: the role of phospholipases, protein kinases, and cytoskeletal proteins

The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vasculature plays a major role in the genesis of endothelial cell (EC) activation and barrier function. Of the several potential sources of ROS in the vasculature, the endothelial NADPH oxidase family of proteins is a major contributor of ROS associated with lung inflammation, ischemia/reperfusion injury, sepsis, hyperoxia, and ventilator-associated lung injury. The NADPH oxidase in lung ECs has most of the components found in phagocytic oxidase, and recent studies show the expression of several homologues of Nox proteins in vascular cells. Activation of NADPH oxidase of nonphagocytic vascular cells is complex and involves assembly of the cytosolic (p47(phox), p67(phox), and Rac1) and membrane-associated components (Noxes and p22(phox)). Signaling pathways leading to NADPH oxidase activation are not completely defined; however, they do appear to involve the cytoskeleton and posttranslation modification of the components regulated by protein kinases, protein phosphatases, and phospholipases. Furthermore, several key components regulating NADPH oxidase recruitment, assembly, and activation are enriched in lipid microdomains to form a functional signaling platform. Future studies on temporal and spatial localization of Nox isoforms will provide new insights into the role of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in the pathobiology of lung diseases.

Regulation of hydrogen peroxide release in circulating hemocytes of the planorbid snail Biomphalaria glabrata

Biomphalaria spp. serve as obligate intermediate hosts for the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Following S. mansoni penetration of Biomphalaria glabrata, hemocytes of resistant snails migrate towards the parasite, encasing the larva in a multicellular capsule resulting in its destruction via a cytotoxic reaction. Recent studies have revealed the importance of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and nitric oxide (NO) in parasite killing [Hahn UK, Bender RC, Bayne CJ. Killing of Schistosoma mansoni sporocysts by hemocytes from resistant Biomphalaria glabrata: role of reactive oxygen species. J Parasitol 2001;87:292-9; Hahn UK, Bender RC, Bayne CJ. Involvement of nitric oxide in killing of Schistosoma mansoni sporocysts by hemocytes from resistant Biomphalaria glabrata. J Parasitol 2001;87:778-85]. It is assumed that H(2)O(2) and NO production is tightly regulated although the specific molecules involved remain largely unknown. Consequently, the potential role of cell signaling pathways in B. glabrata hemocyte H(2)O(2) production was investigated by evaluating the effects of specific inhibitors of selected signaling proteins. Results suggest that both ERK and p38 MAPKs are involved in the regulation of B. glabrata H(2)O(2) release in response to stimulation by PMA and galactose-conjugated BSA. However, the involvement of the signaling proteins PKC, PI(3) kinase and PLA(2) differs between PMA- and BSA-gal-induced H(2)O(2) production.

Effects of p38 MAPK Inhibitor on angiotensin II-dependent hypertension, organ damage, and superoxide anion production

Angiotensin II (Ang II) activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), but the nature of the relationship in vivo is not fully understood. We assess the effect of SB239063AN, a highly selective, orally active, p38 MAPK inhibitor, on Ang II-dependent hypertension, target-organ damage and ROS production. Sprague-Dawley rats and MAPKAP kinase-2 knockout mice were infused with Ang II. Ang II infusion increased the levels of phosphorylated p38 MAPK in the heart and aorta. Production of superoxide anion and expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunit gp91 in the aorta were increased 4- and 5-fold, respectively. In addition, Ang II infusion led to endothelial dysfunction, progressive and sustained hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. Treatment with SB239063AN (800 ppm in the diet) significantly attenuated the levels of phosphorylated p38 MAPK in the heart and aorta, reduced superoxide anion generation by 57% (P < 0.01), markedly suppressed gp91 mRNA expression, prevented endothelial dysfunction, and blunted both the hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. Ang II-dependent hypertension was also significantly attenuated in MAPKAP kinase-2 knockout mice. The results suggest that Ang II induced hypertension, organ damage, and ROS production are possibly mediated by p38 MAPK and inhibition of p38 MAPK may offer a therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease.