Adrenomedullin and proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide induce histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cell

New insight into prurigo nodularis: Proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide mediates mouse mast cell activation via Mrgprb2

BACKGROUND

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is characterized by extremely itchy nodules. Proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 (PAMP) activates mast cell degranulation via Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2), which is associated with pruritus in allergic contact dermatitis. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of PAMP and MRGPRX2 in PN remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of PAMP-induced mast cell activation via MRGPRX2 (mouse homologous Mrgprb2) in PN.

METHODS

The expression of PAMP and the number of MRGPRX2-expressing mast cells in the skin biopsies of patients with PN, atopic dermatitis (AD), and healthy participants were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, respectively. The biphasic response of PAMP9-20 mediated by Mrgprb2 in mouse peritoneal mast cells (PMC) was validated in vitro using qRT-PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, and siRNA techniques.

RESULTS

PAMP expression and the number of MRGPRX2+ mast cells in lesional PN skin, but not in AD, were elevated compared to healthy skin. PAMP9-20 mediates the immediate and delayed phase responses of PMC, such as degranulation, histamine and β-hexosaminidase release, and secretion of inflammatory factors such as CCL2, TNF-α, and GM-CSF. These effects were inhibited when Mrgprb2 expression was silenced. Silencing Mrgprb2 did not affect the biphasic response of PMC that was induced by IgE-FcεRI activation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that PAMP mediates mouse mast cell activation via Mrgprb2, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of PN. The PAMP/ Mrgprb2 pathway, independent of classical IgE signaling, could be developed as a candidate drug target for treating PN.

Unlocking the Non-IgE-Mediated Pseudo-Allergic Reaction Puzzle with Mas-Related G-Protein Coupled Receptor Member X2 (MRGPRX2)

Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member X2 (MRGPRX2) is a class A GPCR expressed on mast cells. Mast cells are granulated tissue-resident cells known for host cell response, allergic response, and vascular homeostasis. Immunoglobulin E receptor (FcεRI)-mediated mast cell activation is a well-studied and recognized mechanism of allergy and hypersensitivity reactions. However, non-IgE-mediated mast cell activation is less explored and is not well recognized. After decades of uncertainty, MRGPRX2 was discovered as the receptor responsible for non-IgE-mediated mast cells activation. The puzzle of non-IgE-mediated pseudo-allergic reaction is unlocked by MRGPRX2, evidenced by a plethora of reported endogenous and exogenous MRGPRX2 agonists. MRGPRX2 is exclusively expressed on mast cells and exhibits varying affinity for many molecules such as antimicrobial host defense peptides, neuropeptides, and even US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs. The discovery of MRGPRX2 has changed our understanding of mast cell biology and filled the missing link of the underlying mechanism of drug-induced MC degranulation and pseudo-allergic reactions. These non-canonical characteristics render MRGPRX2 an intriguing player in allergic diseases. In the present article, we reviewed the emerging role of MRGPRX2 as a non-IgE-mediated mechanism of mast cell activation in pseudo-allergic reactions. We have presented an overview of mast cells, their receptors, structural insight into MRGPRX2, MRGPRX2 agonists and antagonists, the crucial role of MRGPRX2 in pseudo-allergic reactions, current challenges, and the future research direction.

Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 and its activators in dermatologic allergies

The Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) is a multiligand receptor responding to various exogenous and endogenous stimuli. Being highly expressed on skin mast cells, MRGPRX2 triggers their degranulation and release of proinflammatory mediators, and it promotes multicellular signaling cascades, such as itch induction and transmission in sensory neurons. The expression of MRGPRX2 by skin mast cells and the levels of the MRGPRX2 agonists (eg, substance P, major basic protein, eosinophil peroxidase) are upregulated in the serum and/or skin of patients with inflammatory and pruritic skin diseases, such as chronic spontaneous urticaria or atopic dermatitis. Therefore, MRGPRX2 and its agonists might be potential biomarkers for the progression of cutaneous inflammatory diseases and the response to treatment. In addition, they may represent promising targets for prevention and treatment of signs and symptoms in patients with skin diseases or drug reactions. To assess this possibility, this review explores the role and relevance of MRGPRX2 and its activators in cutaneous inflammatory disorders and chronic pruritus.

AR facilitates YAP-TEAD interaction with the AM promoter to enhance mast cell infiltration into cutaneous neurofibroma

Abundant mast cell infiltration and disease initiation at puberty are hallmark features of cutaneous neurofibroma (cNF). However, the association between mast cell infiltration and steroid hormones in cNF remains unclear. Here, we determined that androgen receptor (AR) expression is positively associated with mast cell density in cNF tissues. Moreover, both in vitro cell experiments and in vivo mouse models verified that activated AR promoted mast cell infiltration and that AR inhibition reduced mast cell infiltration. Analyses in cell models and xenograft tumours both demonstrated that AR upregulated Yes associate  protein 1 (YAP)-adrenomedullin (AM) signalling. Clinical samples from cNF patients further verified that AR was positively related to YAP and AM. Mechanistic analysis revealed that AR accelerates AM transcription via enhancing YAP- TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD) binding to the AM promoter. Consequently, the upregulated AM enhanced mast cell recruitment. Interruption of the YAP-TEAD interaction or inhibition of AM could impair mast cell accumulation induced by active AR, which indicated that this newly found signalling pathway may provide novel targets for cNF treatment.

Benzalkonium Chloride and Anticancer Drugs in Binary Mixtures: Reproductive Toxicity and Genotoxicity in the Freshwater Crustacean Ceriodaphnia dubia

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a cationic surfactant commonly used as a disinfectant. Its ubiquitous nature is the result of high usage and frequent discharge into the environment and evidence of interaction with numerous contaminants, such as pharmaceutical active compound residues. Anticancer drugs, among these compounds, are able to exert eco-genotoxic effects at sub ng-µg/L. The purpose of this study was to assess the reproductive toxicity and the genotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin (CDDP), etoposide (ET), and imatinib mesylate (IM)-binary mixtures combined with BAC in Ceriodaphnia dubia. The effects of the mixtures were assessed under the assumption of independent action in experiments that applied two effect levels. The type of interaction was not the same over the range of effect sizes. The combined action experiment on reproduction showed an antagonistic effect at higher effect levels for all binary combinations, except for BAC/IM, whereas independent action was observed in all mixtures at a low effect level. The results of binary combinations on genotoxicity showed antagonistic effects for BAC + ET and BAC + CDDP, whereas independence was expressed in BAC + IM and BAC + 5-FU. The antagonistic interactions still led to higher effects than those observed after single exposures at the same doses in most cases. The effects of mixtures of drugs should be taken into account for environmental risk assessment.

Mast cells, peptides and cardioprotection - an unlikely marriage?

1 Mast cells have classically been regarded as the 'bad guys' in the setting of acute myocardial ischaemia, where their released contents are believed to contribute both to tissue injury and electrical disturbances resulting from ischaemia. Recent evidence suggests, however, that if mast cell degranulation occurs in advance of ischaemia onset, this may be cardioprotective by virtue of the depletion of mast cell contents that can no longer act as instruments of injury when the tissue becomes ischaemic. 2 Many peptides, such as ET-1, adrenomedullin, relaxin and atrial natriuretic peptide, have been demonstrated to be cardioprotective when given prior to the onset of myocardial ischaemia, although their physiological functions are varied and the mechanisms of their cardioprotective actions appear to be diverse and often ill defined. However, one common denominator that is emerging is the ability of these peptides to modulate mast cell degranulation, raising the possibility that peptide-induced mast cell degranulation or stabilization may hold the key to a common mechanism of their cardioprotection. 3 The aim of this review was to consolidate the evidence implying that mast cell degranulation could play both a detrimental and protective role in myocardial ischaemia, depending upon when it occurs, and that this may underlie the cardioprotective effects of a range of diverse peptides that exerts physiological effects within the cardiovascular system.

The Vasorelaxant Effect of Adrenomedullin, Proadrenomedullin N-Terminal 20 Peptide and Amylin in Human Skin

In this study we aimed to assess in vivo, the vasodilator effects of adrenomedullin, proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) and amylin in human skin vasculature and compare the responses to the effects mediated by the endogenous neuropeptides calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P and to examine the mRNA expression of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CL-R) and receptor-activity modifying proteins, RAMP1, RAMP 2 and RAMP3 in human subcutaneous arteries. Changes in skin blood flow of the forearm were measured using a Laser Doppler Imager after intradermal injection of the peptides. The mRNA expression was assessed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). CGRP, adrenomedullin and amylin induced concentration-dependent, long-lasting increases in skin blood flow. The response to PAMP was shorter in duration appearing similar to the transient response induced by substance P. PAMP (10(-6)-10(-5) M) caused distinct itch sensation and local erythema. This effect could be abolished when combining the histamine H1-receptor antagonist mepyramin and PAMP. Real-time PCR data showed a higher level of mRNA for RAMP2 than CL-R, RAMP1 and RAMP3 in the tissue. Though the PCR data demonstrated the presence of mRNA for both CGRP1 and adrenomedullin receptors the rank order of potency (CGRP>adrenomedullin>amylin) for the blood flow increase indicated vasodilatation for these peptides was induced by activation of CGRP1 receptors. Intradermal injection of CGRP, adrenomedullin and amylin induces long lasting dilatation of human skin vasculature by activation of CGRP1 receptors. PAMP induces transient vasodilatation. PAMP but not CGRP, adrenomedullin and amylin causes itch sensation and local erythema. The transient effect on vasodilatation as response to PAMP is discussed.

Adrenomedullin is a cross-talk molecule that regulates tumor and mast cell function during human carcinogenesis

We have previously demonstrated that adrenomedullin (AM) plays a critical role as an autocrine/paracrine tumor cell survival factor. We now present evidence that AM is an important regulator of mast cell (MC) function and that this modulation is potentially involved in tumor promotion. AM induced histamine or beta-hexosaminidase release from rat and human MCs through a receptor-independent pathway. AM was chemotactic for human MCs and stimulated mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and basic fibroblast growth factor in this cell type. Differentiated but not undifferentiated human MCs responded to hypoxic insult with elevated AM mRNA/protein expression. Using confocal microscopy, we identified AM-producing MCs in tumor infiltrates of human breast and lung cancer patients. In mixed culture assays the AM-producing human MC line HMC-1 augmented both anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of human lung cancer A549 cells, an effect that was suppressed by MC-targeted siRNA AM knockdown. Finally, HMC-1 cells induced in vivo angiogenesis as assessed by directed in vivo angiogenesis assay analysis; neutralizing anti-AM monoclonal antibody blocked this ability. Our collective data suggest a new role for AM as a cross-talk molecule that integrates tumor and MC communication, underlying a unique promotion mechanism of human cancers.

Radioimmunoassay quantification of adrenomedullin in human gingival crevicular fluid

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether adrenomedullin (ADM), a multifunctional peptide with key roles in host antimicrobial defence and inflammation, was present and quantifiable in human gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to study its relationship with periodontal health and disease.

DESIGN

GCF samples (30s) were collected using perio-paper strips from one diseased site in 21 subjects with periodontal disease and one healthy site from 19 control subjects with no evidence of periodontal disease. Samples were analysed by radioimmunoassay using a specific anti-human ADM antibody.

RESULTS

Measurable adrenomedullin-like immunoreactivity (ADM-LI) was present in all the GCF samples collected. ADM-LI was significantly higher in periodontitis sites (mean 493.6 pg) than in control healthy sites (mean 248.5 pg), p = 0.0016.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that ADM is present in GCF at levels at which it could have an antibacterial role in the gingival crevice and modulate the pathophysiology of periodontal inflammation.

Adrenomedullin: a new target for the design of small molecule modulators with promising pharmacological activities

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a 52-amino acid peptide with a pluripotential activity. AM is expressed in many tissues throughout the body, and plays a critical role in several diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and renal disorders, among others. While AM is a protective agent against cardiovascular disorders, it behaves as a stimulating factor in other pathologies such as cancer and diabetes. Therefore, AM is a new and promising target for the development of molecules which, through their ability to regulate AM levels, could be used in the treatment of these pathologies.

The expression of mRNA for calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors in a mucosal type mast cell line, RBL-2H3

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and adrenomedullin (ADM) belong to a calcitonin-family of regulatory peptides. Receptors for CGRP and ADM have been suggested to be present on both mucosal (MMC) and connective tissue (CTMC) type of mast cells, based on histamine release by these peptides. Recently, it was reported that mRNA for ADM receptors, but not for CGRP receptors, was expressed in rat peritoneal mast cells, a representative of type CTMC. However, mRNA expression for the receptors in MMC has not been studied yet. Therefore, we examined whether mRNAs encoding CGRP or ADM receptor subunit, RDC-1, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), and receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) are present, and if so, whether their expression is modified by IgE receptor triggering, in a mucosal type mast cell line, rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells using RT-PCR. RBL-2H3 cells constitutively express mRNA for RDC-1, CRLR, RAMP3 but not that for RAMP1 and RAMP2, and IgE receptor triggering was shown neither to induce the gene expression of RAMP1 and RAMP2, nor to enhance that of RDC-1, CRLR or RAMP3. These results indicate that RBL-2H3 cells posses receptors for both CGRP and ADM, suggesting various functions of these peptides in physiological and pathophysiological conditions where mast cells of the mucosal type are involved.

Vascular Actions of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Adrenomedullin

This review summarizes the receptor-mediated vascular activities of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the structurally related peptide adrenomedullin (AM). CGRP is a 37-amino acid neuropeptide, primarily released from sensory nerves, whilst AM is produced by stimulated vascular cells, and amylin is secreted from the pancreas. They share vasodilator activity, albeit to varying extents depending on species and tissue. In particular, CGRP has potent activity in the cerebral circulation, which is possibly relevant to the pathology of migraine, whilst vascular sources of AM contribute to dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. Both peptides exhibit potent activity in microvascular beds. All three peptides can act on a family of CGRP receptors that consist of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CL) linked to one of three receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) that are essential for functional activity. The association of CL with RAMP1 produces a CGRP receptor, with RAMP2 an AM receptor and with RAMP3 a CGRP/AM receptor. Evidence for the selective activity of the first nonpeptide CGRP antagonist BIBN4096BS for the CGRP receptor is presented. The cardiovascular activity of these peptides in a range of species and in human clinical conditions is detailed, and potential therapeutic applications based on use of antagonists and gene targeting of agonists are discussed.

Cell and molecular biology of the multifunctional peptide, adrenomedullin

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a recently discovered regulatory peptide involved in many functions including vasodilatation, electrolyte balance, neurotransmission, growth, and hormone secretion regulation, among others. This 52-amino acid peptide is expressed by specific cell types in many organs throughout the body. A complex receptor system has been described for AM; it requires at least the presence of a seven-transmembrane-domain G-protein-coupled receptor, a single-transmembrane-domain receptor activity modifying protein, and a receptor component protein needed to establish the connection with the downstream signal transduction pathway, which usually involves cyclicAMP. In addition, a serum-binding protein regulates the biological actions of AM, frequently by increasing AM functional attributes. Changes in levels of circulating AM correlate with several critical diseases, including cardiovascular and renal disorders, sepsis, cancer, and diabetes. Whether AM is a causal agent, a protective reaction, or just a marker for these diseases is currently under investigation. New technologies seeking to elevate and/or reduce AM levels are being investigated as potential therapeutic avenues.

The expression of mRNA for calcitonin receptor-like receptor/receptor-activity modifying proteins in rat peritoneal mast cells

Adrenomedullin is a hypotensive peptide secreted from various cells. Recently, we found that adrenomedullin, but not calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), stimulates histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. In the present studies, we investigated the expression of mRNA for calcitonin-receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and receptor-activity modifying proteins (RAMPs), the components of proposed adrenomedullin receptors, in rat peritoneal mast cells by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results revealed that mRNA for CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 was expressed in rat peritoneal mast cells, whereas mRNA for RAMP1 was not. These data suggest that adrenomedullin might stimulate histamine release via its proposed receptor (CRLR/RAMP2 or 3), rather than via the CGRP receptor (CRLR/RAMP1).

Platelet factor 4 fragment induces histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells

Platelet factor 4 (PF-4) belongs to a superfamily of low-molecular weight proteins known as chemokines. However, its function has not been fully evaluated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of PF-4 on histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells by employing its biologically-active carboxyl-terminal fragment, PF-4 (58-70). PF-4 (58-70) stimulated histamine release from mast cells in a dose-dependent manner (10(-8) to 10(-5)M). Histamine release induced by PF-4 (58-70) occurred rapidly (<30s) and was inhibited by extracellular Ca(2+). These results suggest that PF-4 might play a crucial role at the site of inflammation and/or immune response.

Induction of histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells by histatins

Human salivary histatins (Hsts), which belong to a salivary polypeptide family, have potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, and are expected to be useful as therapeutic reagents against Candida species. However, little is known about the effect of Hsts on host immune systems. Thus we conducted a series of in vitro experiments with rat mast cells to determine whether histatin 5 (Hst 5) or histatin 8 (Hst 8) has a histamine-releasing effect on mast cells. Both Hst 5 and Hst 8 induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells in a dose-dependent manner (10(-9) to 10(-5) M). Hst 5 had a stronger releasing effect than Hst 8. The histamine release induced by Hst 5 (10(-6) M) was increased by the presence of 0.5 mM Ca2+, but decreased by 2mM Ca2+. Alternatively, the histamine release induced by Hst 8 (10(-6) M) was inhibited by the presence of Ca2+ (0.5 to 2 mM). These results suggest that Hsts have limited usefulness as therapeutic agents due to induction of histamine release from mast cells.