Relationship between SCL-90, Maudsley Personality Inventory and CCK4-induced intracellular calcium response in T cells

Cholecystokinin octapeptide regulates lipopolysaccharide-activated B cells co-stimulatory molecule expression and cytokines production in vitro

Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK8) can exert the immunoregulatory roles through activating immune cell surface receptors such as T lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and so on. In this study, we discussed the effects of CCK8 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated B cells in terms of the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, and the capacity to activate CD4(+) T cells and cytokines production in vitro. The results revealed that B cells expressed two types of CCK receptors; CCK8 inhibited the expression of co-stimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 on LPS-activated B cells, suppressed the proliferation of allogeneic T cells in a dose-dependent manner, and also reduced the secretion of Th1-type cytokine IFN-γ, whereas enhanced the secretion of Th2-type cytokine IL-4 by LPS-activated B cells. Both CCK1R and CCK2R participated in these effects. Taken together, CCK8 is capable of exerting immunomodulatory functions through B cells.

CCK-8 inhibits LPS-induced IL-1beta production in pulmonary interstitial macrophages by modulating PKA, p38, and NF-kappaB pathway

The neuropeptide cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) inhibits inflammation by downregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin (IL) 1beta during endotoxin shock. However, the signaling mechanism of CCK-8 action has not yet been clearly elucidated. In this study, we have examined the possible signaling pathways by which CCK-8 inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-1beta production in rat pulmonary interstitial macrophages. In macrophages, LPS is known to activate p38 kinase, which, in turn, activates nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB to induce IL-1beta production. We found that the pretreatment of cells with CCK-8 blocked the LPS-induced p38 kinase, NF-kappaB activation, and IL-1beta production. Furthermore, CCK-8 treatment activated the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A signaling pathway and H-89 (a protein kinase A inhibitor), abrogated the inhibitory effects of CCK-8 on p38 kinase activation and NF-kappaB activation. In addition, we also demonstrate that the specific antagonist to CCK-1 receptor (CCK-1R) and CCK-2 receptor (CCK-2R) abrogate the CCK action, and that the effects of the antagonist specific to CCK-1R is more significant. These results suggest that these responses were mediated through CCK-1R and CCK-2R, and CCK-1R might be the major receptor responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect of CCK-8. Taken together, our results indicate that the stimulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A signaling pathway by CCK-8 through CCK-1R and CCK-2R inhibits the LPS-induced activation of p38 kinase and NF-kappaB to block the IL-1beta production in rat pulmonary interstitial macrophages.

Pre-and postoperative psychological characteristics in mothers of patients with idiopathic scoliosis

The purpose of the present study was to clarify changes in the psychological state of mothers of patients with idiopathic scoliosis, and to clarify relationships between the psychological states of the mothers and patients. The Maudsley personality inventory (MPI) was administered to 30 patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent surgery and their mothers preoperatively and at about 1 year postoperatively. We investigated the relationships between preoperative MPI scores and postoperative scores in patients and their mothers, respectively, and the relationships between MPI scores for patients and mothers. The results of the present study revealed that patients became more extroverted following surgery, while mothers displayed reduced neurotic tendencies. In conclusion, the mothers of patients who undergo corrective treatment for scoliosis may have experienced a substantial psychological burden before surgery, and doctors who treat patients with scoliosis should bear this point in mind.

A study of patients with spinal disease using Maudsley Personality Inventory

We administered the Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI) preoperatively to 303 patients with spinal diseases about to undergo surgery. Patients younger than 20 years, patients previously treated in the Department of Psychiatry, and patients with poor postoperative results were excluded. Patients with N-scores (neuroticism scale) of 39 points or greater or L-scores (lie scale) of 26 points or greater were regarded as "abnormal." Based on clinical definitions we identified 24 "problem patients" during the course and categorized them as "Unsatisfied," "Indecisive," "Doctor shoppers," or "Distrustful." Preoperative MPI categorized 26 patients as abnormal; 22 patients categorized as abnormal became problem patients ( p<0.001). MPI sensitivity and specificity was 84.6% and 99.3%, respectively. Preoperative MPI to patients with spinal disease was found to be useful in detecting problem patients.

Effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide on tumor necrosis factor α transcription and nuclear factor-κB activity induced by lipopolysaccharide in rat pulmonary interstitial macrophages

AIM: To elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of an intestinal neuropeptide, sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (sCCK-8), the effects of sCCK-8 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) mRNA expression and NF-κB activity in pulmonary interstitial macrophages (PIMs) were studied.

METHODS: PIMs from rat were stimulated with LPS (1 mg·L^-1) in the presence or absence of sCCK-8 (10^-8 - 10^-6 mol·L^-1) or/and CCK receptor antagonist proglumide (2 mg·L^-1). The expression of TNF-α mRNA was assayed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at 3 h of the stimulation, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) binding activity was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) at 1 h of stimulation. The IκB-α protein level in the cytoplasma at 30 min of the stimulation was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS: sCCK-8, at concentrations from 10^-8 mol·L^-1 to 10^-6 mol·L^-1 obviously inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α mRNA expression and NF-κB binding activity in a dose-dependent manner, P < 0.05, P < 0.01. Stimulation PIMs with LPS resulted in a reduction of IκB-α protein level, P < 0.01, which was elevated by sCCK-8, P < 0.05. The effects of sCCK-8 on NF-κB activity and IκB protein level were attenuated by CCK receptor antagonist proglumide, P < 0.01.

CONCLUSION: sCCK-8 inhibits LPS-induced TNF-α mRNA expression by regulating NF-κB activity in rat PIMs, which is mediated through CCK receptors and inhibiting IκB-α degradation. This represents one of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of sCCK-8.