Effects of in-vivo generation of oxygen free radicals on immune responsiveness in rabbits

A combination of inhibiting microglia activity and remodeling gut microenvironment suppresses the development and progression of experimental autoimmune uveitis

Noninfectious (autoimmune and immune-mediated) uveitis is an ocular inflammatory disease which can lead to blindness in severe cases. Due to the potential side effects of first-line drugs for clinical uveitis, novel drugs and targets against uveitis are still urgently needed. In the present study, using rat experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model, we first found that minocycline treatment can substantially inhibit the development of EAU and improve the retinal function by suppressing the retinal microglial activation, and block the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including Th17, into the retina by decreasing the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) expression in resident and infiltrating cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that minocycline treatment can remodel the gut microenvironment of EAU rats by restoring the relative abundance of Ruminococcus bromii, Streptococcus hyointestinalis, and Desulfovibrio sp. ABHU2SB and promoting a functional shift in the gut via reversing the levels of L-proline, allicin, aceturic acid, xanthine, and leukotriene B4, and especially increasing the production of propionic acid, histamine, and pantothenic acid. At last, we revealed that minocycline treatment can significantly attenuate the progression of EAU after inflammation onset, which may be explained by the role of minocycline in the remodeling of the gut microenvironment since selective elimination of retinal microglia on the later stages of EAU was shown to have little effect. These data clearly demonstrated that inhibition of microglial activation and remodeling of the gut microenvironment can suppress the development and progression of experimental autoimmune uveitis. Considering the excellent safety profile of minocycline in multiple clinical experiments, we suggest that minocycline may have therapeutic implications for clinical uveitis.

Oxygen stress: impact on innate immune system, antioxidant defence system and expression of HIF-1α and ATPase 6 genes in Catla catla

Catla catla catla (2.28 ± 0.1 g) were exposed to six different levels of dissolved oxygen: 1 (DO-1), 3 (DO-3), 5 (DO-5), 7 (DO-7), 9 (DO-9) and 11 (DO-11) mg/L. DO-5 served as control. In DO-1 and DO-3, the number of red blood cells (RBC), lysozyme, respiratory burst activity and nitric oxide synthase were significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared to the control one. In DO-7 and DO-9, RBC and lysozyme were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to the control one. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in catla exposed at low (1 and 3 mg/L) and high (9 and 11 mg/L) dissolved oxygen compared to others. In muscles and hepatopancreas, reduced glutathione was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in DO-5 and DO-7 and in gills of DO-5 compared to others after 1 h. In muscles, glutathione S-transferase (GST) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in DO-5 and DO-7 compared to others. In hepatopancreas, GST and glutathione peroxidise (GPx) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in DO-1 and DO-3 compared to others. In gills, GPx was higher in DO-9 and DO-11 after 48 h. In brain, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α mRNA level was induced in DO-1 and DO-3 compared to others after 1 h of exposure. In gills and hepatopancreas, HIF-1α mRNA level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in DO-1 compared to others after 1 h. The ATPase 6 mRNA level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in brain and hepatopancreas of DO-1 after 1 h and in gills and hepatopancreas of DO-3 and DO-9, respectively, after 48 h compared to others.

Effects of a 900-MHz electromagnetic field on oxidative stress parameters in rat lymphoid organs, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and plasma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The present study investigated the effects of a 900-MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) for 2 h/day for 45 days on lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus, bone marrow), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and plasma of rats, focusing on changes in the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant system. We determined whether there is any difference between immature and mature rats in terms of oxidative damage caused by EMF and tested recovery groups to determine whether EMF-induced damage is reversible in immature and mature rats.

METHODS

Twenty four immature and 24 mature rats were divided randomly and equally into six groups as follows: two control groups, immature (2 weeks old) and mature (10 weeks old); two groups were exposed to 900 MHz (28.2 ± 2.1 V/m) EMF for 2 h/day for 45 days. Two recovery groups were kept for 15 days after EMF exposure.

RESULTS

Substantial, deleterious biochemical changes were observed in oxidative stress metabolism after EMF exposure. Antioxidant enzyme activity, glutathione levels in lymphoid organs and the antioxidant capacity of the plasma decreased, but lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels in PMNs and plasma and also myeloperoxidase activity in PMNs increased. Oxidative damage was tissue specific and improvements seen after the recovery period were limited, especially in immature rats.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, much higher levels of irreversible oxidative damage were observed in the major lymphoid organs of immature rats than in mature rats.

Immunotoxicity and oxidative stress in the Arctic scallop Chlamys islandica: effects of acute oil exposure

With increasing oil exploration in Arctic regions, the risk of an accidental oil spill into the environment is inevitably elevated. As a result, concerns have been raised over the potential impact of oil exposure on Arctic organisms. This study assessed the effects of an acute oil exposure (mimicking an accidental spill) on the immune function and oxidative stress status of the Arctic scallop Chlamys islandica. Scallops were exposed to the water accommodated fraction of crude oil over 21 d (maximum SigmaPAH 163 microg l(-1)) and immune endpoints and oxidative stress parameters were measured. Mortalities were recorded during the exposure and reductions in immunocompetence were observed, with significant impairment of phagocytosis and cell membrane stability. Scallops were also subjected to oxidative stress, with a significant reduction in glutathione levels and induction of lipid peroxidation. After the acute oil exposure had subsided, no recovery of immune function was observed indicating potential for prolonged sublethal effects.

Effects of the model PAH phenanthrene on immune function and oxidative stress in the haemolymph of the temperate scallop Pecten maximus

Phenanthrene, a major component of crude oil, is one of the most abundant PAHs in aquatic ecosystems, and is readily bioavailable and toxic to a range of marine invertebrates. Within bivalves, the haemolymph acts as a transfer medium for these pollutants and their metabolic products, leaving haemocytes susceptible to deleterious effects. Using a suite of biological endpoints, this study determined the sublethal (7-d exposure to 50, 100 and 200microgL(-1)) effects of phenanthrene on several oxidative stress and immunological parameters in the haemolymph of the commercially-important scallop Pecten maximus. Phenanthrene exposure (200microgL(-1)) resulted in immune modulation with significant reductions in cell membrane stability (P<0.05) and phagocytosis (P<0.05), and a significant increase in the number of total haemocytes (P<0.05). Oxidative stress was also observed with a significant decrease in total glutathione (P<0.05) and significantly increased levels of lipid peroxidation in the haemolymph (P<0.05). Changes in the cellular and biochemical endpoints observed in this study illustrate their potential use in assessing the subtle effects of contaminant exposure. Whilst previous reports have suggested a link between free radical generation and immune suppression in vertebrates, this is the first instance where oxidative stress and immune function have been measured together in the haemolymph of a bivalve mollusc, demonstrating a possible link between PAH-induced oxidative stress and the subsequent inhibition in haemocyte immune function.

Evolution of oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers during an open-field vaccination procedure in sheep: effect of melatonin

Melatonin has been shown to exert immunomodularory properties with broad application in veterinary medicine. In previous work we have described that subcutaneous coadministration of melatonin to seeps vaccinated against two stumps of A1 and C strains of Dichelobacter nodosus enhanced both the antibody titer and serum IgG levels to A1 and C strains of D. nodosus compared to vaccinated animals not treated with melatonin. Following a similar protocol here we have investigated the effect of a higher dose of melatonin (36mg/animal) in the improvement of the immune response and in the possible oxidative/nitrosative stress produced during the immunization protocol. Our results show that footrot vaccine application induced nitrosative but not oxidative stress at 42 days post-vaccination, which was neutralized by melatonin administration. On the other hand, melatonin improved the immune response with respect to our previous data increasing the time of permanence of antibodies in serum, opening new perspectives for melatonin as prophylactic drug.

Cell-mediated immune activation rapidly decreases plasma carotenoids but does not affect oxidative stress in red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa)

In animals yellow-orange-red sexual traits pigmented by carotenoids have been suggested to act as signals of current health. Because carotenoids have important physiological functions, individuals might trade-off allocating these pigments to self-maintenance versus coloration. Carotenoids may act as scavengers of free radicals that are released during an immune response. Here, we experimentally assessed whether a local cell-mediated immune response affects circulating carotenoids, antioxidant status, oxidative damage and the expression of a carotenoid-based trait. Male red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) were subcutaneously injected with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or with phosphate buffer solution (controls). The effect of the treatment on circulating carotenoids, total plasma antioxidant status (TAS), lipid oxidative damage in erythrocytes (TBARS) and ornamentation was assessed. Immune challenge induced a 13% decrease in circulating carotenoids within 24 h. However, this treatment did not affect TAS, TBARS or coloration. Coloration, circulating carotenoids and cell-mediated immune response were positively correlated, but these were not related to TAS or TBARS. Carotenoids were only weakly related to TAS after controlling for the effect of uric acid levels. These results suggest that carotenoid-based ornaments may honestly indicate immunocompetence but probably not antioxidant capacity in this species, and that carotenoids might be relatively weak antioxidants in the plasma. Furthermore, even a relatively harmless and locally elicited immune challenge had important effects on circulating carotenoids, but this effect did not appear to be associated with oxidative stress. Alternative mechanisms linking carotenoids to immunity (not necessarily relying on the use of these pigments as antioxidants) should be considered in future studies on birds.

A temporal analysis of the relationships between social stress, humoral immune response and glutathione-related antioxidant defenses

The exposure to different kinds of stress impacts on the reactive oxygen species production with potential risk to the integrity of the tissues. Psychological or biological stress is responsible for a significant increase in the oxidative stress markers and also for activation of the antioxidant defense system. In this study, we analyzed the relationships between social stress, humoral immune response and glutathione-related antioxidant defenses. Groups of male Swiss mice were subjected to different lengths of social stress exposure (social confrontation) which varied from 1 up to 13 days. As a biological stressor, 10(9) sheep red blood cells (SRBC)/mL were injected by intraperitoneal route. As controls, animals not subjected to social stress and/or injected with vehicle solution were used. The serum samples and the cerebral cortex were collected at 4 h, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 days after the end of social confrontation. The results indicated that the antioxidant enzymes activities were affected by psychological as well as by biological stressor. These alterations were dependent on the timing of stress exposure which resulted in a positive or in a negative correlation between the antibody titres to SRBC and antioxidant enzymes. We also discuss the possible role of SRBC injection in the modulation of the effects of psychosocial stress on antioxidant metabolism.

Activation of NF-kappaB in lymphocytes and increase in serum immunoglobulin in hyperthyroidism: possible role of oxidative stress

This study evaluated oxidative stress, serum IgM and IgG, and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB signaling in lymphocytes of hyperthyroidism patients. GSH content in lymphocytes was significantly lower and serum malondialdehyde, IgM and IgG levels were significantly higher in hyperthyroidism as compared to controls. In lymphocytes, the NF-kappaB signaling pathway was studied by western blot analysis of p65 and p-IkappaBalpha. Density of p-IkappaBalpha and p65 (in nuclear fraction) was significantly higher in hyperthyroidism as compared to controls. The density of p-IkappaBalpha and p65 had significant positive correlation with serum malondialdehyde level and negative correlation with lymphocyte GSH level in hyperthyroid cases. The serum IgG and IgM levels were correlated significantly with density of p-IkappaBalpha and p65. As immunoglobulin production is regulated by the NF-kappaB pathway, we conclude that the oxidative stress-induced activation of the NF-kappaB pathway might play a role in the rise of serum immunoglobulin level in hyperthyroidism.

Ozone exposure impairs antigen-specific immunity but activates IL-7-induced proliferation of CD4-CD8- thymocytes in BALB/c mice

It is well known that ozone (O3), a potent reactive oxidant and air pollutant, induces respiratory inflammation and hyperresponsiveness upon inhalation. It was previously shown that O3 exposure (0.6 ppm, 10 h/day for 15 days) not only results in local bronchial inflammation, but also affects the nervous system and thymocyte proliferation, and places mice under oxidative stress. In the present study, data showed that O3 exposure could impair both the natural killer (NK) cell activity and the proliferation potential of spleen T cells to a specific antigen stimulus. Immunological function assays indicated that O3 exposure attenuated the proliferation of spleen mononuclear cells induced by concanavalin A and decreased CD4+ and CD28+ lymphocyte subsets. However, supplementation with natural antioxidants protected mice from O3-induced dysfunction of splenocyte proliferation. Meanwhile, O3 exposure resulted in a decline of mitogen-induced IL-2 production in splenocytes. It was also found that O3 exposure dramatically enhanced the proliferation of CD4-CD8- thymocytes stimulated by recombinant mouse interleukin-7 (rmIL-7), which is usually observed during the mammal aging process. Taken together, data conclude that short-term repetitive O3 exposure damages both innate and acquired immunity via altering the lymphocyte subset and cytokine profile, and via impact on thymocyte early development. O3-induced oxidative damage is one of the key factors leading to immune dysfunction in this mouse model.

Lipid peroxidative damage on malathion exposure in rats

Lipid peroxidation is one of the major outcomes of free radical-mediated injury to tissue in vivo, including the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to examine whether malathion, a commonly used organophosphorus (OP), might induce oxidative stress in cerebrospinal fluid, blood serum and brain structures in male Wistar rats. Malathion was administered intraperitoneally in the doses of 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg for 28 days. Oxidative damage was determined by measuring the thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) content, as an index of lipid peroxidation. TBARS concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain structures were increased, but a decrease in TBARS concentration in serum was observed. The results of the present study suggest the usefulness of TBARS measurement as a good biomarker in the estimation of malathion-induced oxidative stress affecting CSF and brain structures.

Involvement of the extracellular signal regulated kinase pathway in hydrocarbon-induced reactive oxygen species formation in human neutrophil granulocytes

In the present study we have examined the effects of hydrocarbons on the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neutrophil granulocytes in vitro. We found that hydrocarbons induce ROS formation in a concentration-dependent manner and that the ROS-inducing potency increases with increasing number of carbon atoms in the structure. In general, aromatic hydrocarbons were less potent inducers of ROS than aliphatic and cyclic hydrocarbons. The most potent compound in each group, t-butylcyclohexane, n-decane, and n-butylbenzene, were chosen for mechanistic studies. ROS formation was inhibited by the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erbstatin-A, and the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitor wortmannin. The involvement of the ERK1/2 pathway was confirmed by Western blot analysis of phosphorylated ERK1/2. The study revealed only small differences in the mechanisms involved for the three compounds. The responses were not affected by Pertussis toxin, indicating that Gi-protein coupled receptors are not involved in neutrophil activation after hydrocarbon exposure. Based on these findings we propose a mechanism involving tyrosine kinases, PI3 kinase, and the ERK1/2 pathway, leading to activation of the NADPH oxidase and production of ROS in neutrophils stimulated by organic solvents.

The effect of amiodarone and/or antioxidant treatment on splenocyte blast transformation

Previous studies have shown that free radical reactions may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the adverse effects of the antiarrhythmic agent amiodarone. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of free radical reactions in amiodarone-induced changes in the cell-mediated immune response. Therefore, we investigated the effects of amiodarone alone and in combination with either vitamin E or silymarin on (a) spontaneous blast transformation of splenocytes, (b) concanavalin A (con A)-induced proliferation of splenocytes at three different lectin concentrations, and (c) the content of conjugated dienes in liver homogenate. Forty-eight male Fischer 344 rats were randomized to one of the following groups: 1, control; 2, amiodarone; 3, vitamin E; 4, amiodarone+vitamin E; 5, silymarin; 6, amiodarone+silymarin. The con A-induced splenocyte proliferation was significantly decreased in amiodarone-treated rats at all three lectin concentrations. In the amiodarone-treated group, the change of spontaneous blast transformation was not significantly different from the control. In groups treated with amiodarone plus either antioxidant, both the spontaneous and con A-induced splenocyte proliferation were significantly increased compared with the amiodarone-treated group, and were similar to those in the control group. Amiodarone treatment significantly increased, and both silymarin and vitamin E combined with amiodarone significantly decreased, the conjugated diene content of liver homogenate compared with amiodarone treatment alone. In conclusion, free radicals generated by amiodarone may be implicated in the adverse effects of amiodarone on cell-mediated immune response, and antioxidants applied together with amiodarone may protect against or reduce both the unfavorable immunological effects of amiodarone and amiodarone toxicity.

Biochemical effects of some pesticides on lipid peroxidation and free-radical scavengers

Oxidative stress was studied in blood samples obtained from lindane, malathion and propoxur poisoning cases admitted to the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi and evaluated for lipid peroxidation, oxygen free radical (OFR) scavenging enzymes, and glutathione (GSH) and related enzymes. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and GSH level were also assayed in lymphocytes. The level of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and GGT were increased and GSH level was decreased in pesticide poisoning. Apparently lindane (at the concentration examined) was more potent than malathion and propoxur in producing alteration in lipid peroxidation, GSH related parameters and OFR scavenging enzymes. However, AChE activity and GSH level in lymphocytes of malathion poisoning cases were reduced and GGT activity was enhanced in comparison to control subjects. The present results suggest that OFR scavenging enzymes were induced while combating oxidative stress in a differential manner in organochlorine, organophosphate and carbamate poisoning. Increased lipid peroxidation, coupled with altered levels of GSH and OFR scavenging enzymes in the blood are discussed in the light of oxidative stress.

The influence of various factors on immune toxicity assessment of pesticide chemicals

Various physiological and environmental factors are known to modulate pesticide-induced immune toxicity. Some of these factors studied in our laboratory are: (a) level of exposure (amount, duration and frequency), (b) human cases/animal models, (c) antigen, its route and adjuvant used, (d) immunological method used, (e) nutritional status and pathological conditions, (f) biotransformation and activity of metabolites, (g) physical/emotional stress, and (h) oxidative stress. These factors complicate the assessment of immune toxicity of pesticide, generally affecting the dose at which toxic effects are observed. Working with organochlorine, organophosphate and carbamate compound, we have found that: (1) dietary protein deficiency makes the immune system more susceptible to the toxic effects of pesticides; (2) suppression of immune responses by the immediate metabolites is an important determinant of the toxicity of parent compound; (3) the type and duration of physical or emotional stress and possible involvement of free radicals (oxidative stress) are important in the potentiation of pesticide-induced immune toxicity. An understanding of these risk factors depends largely upon the cellular and molecular events underlying pesticide-induced immune alterations in experimental animals. These factors, therefore, must be considered in the safety/toxicity evaluation of any pesticide. This paper reviews the influence of these factors on the immune-toxicity of some common pesticides.