c-Rel and p65 trans-activate the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 gene in interleukin-1 stimulated mesangial cells

Epstein-Barr virus deubiquitinase downregulates TRAF6-mediated NF-κB signaling during productive replication

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a human oncogenic herpesvirus that establishes a lifelong latent infection in the host, occasionally enters lytic infection to produce progeny viruses. The EBV oncogene latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), which is expressed in both latent and lytic infection, constitutively activates the canonical NF-κB (p65) pathway. Such LMP1-mediated NF-κB activation is necessary for proliferation of latently infected cells and inhibition of viral lytic cycle progression. Actually, canonical NF-κB target gene expression was suppressed upon the onset of lytic infection. TRAF6, which is activated by conjugation of polyubiquitin chains, associates with LMP1 to mediate NF-κB signal transduction. We have found that EBV-encoded BPLF1 interacts with and deubiquitinates TRAF6 to inhibit NF-κB signaling during lytic infection. HEK293 cells with BPLF1-deficient recombinant EBV exhibited poor viral DNA replication compared with the wild type. Furthermore, exogenous expression of BPLF1 or p65 knockdown in cells restored DNA replication of BPLF1-deficient viruses, indicating that EBV BPLF1 deubiquitinates TRAF6 to inhibit NF-κB signal transduction, leading to promotion of viral lytic DNA replication.

Morphine exacerbates HIV-1 Tat-induced cytokine production in astrocytes through convergent effects on [Ca(2+)](i), NF-kappaB trafficking and transcription

Astroglia are key cellular sites where opiate drug signals converge with the proinflammatory effects of HIV-1 Tat signals to exacerbate HIV encephalitis. Despite this understanding, the molecular sites of convergence driving opiate-accelerated neuropathogenesis have not been deciphered. We therefore explored potential points of interaction between the signaling pathways initiated by HIV-1 Tat and opioids in striatal astrocytes. Profiling studies screening 152 transcription factors indicated that the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) subunit, c-Rel, was a likely candidate for Tat or Tat plus opiate-induced increases in cytokine and chemokine production by astrocytes. Pretreatment with the NF-κB inhibitor parthenolide provided evidence that Tat±morphine-induced release of MCP-1, IL-6 and TNF-α by astrocytes is NF-κB dependent. The nuclear export inhibitor, leptomycin B, blocked the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of NF-κB; causing p65 (RelA) accumulation in the nucleus, and significantly attenuated cytokine production in Tat±morphine exposed astrocytes. Similarly, chelating intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) blocked Tat±morphine-evoked MCP-1 and IL-6 release, while artificially increasing the concentration of extracellular Ca²⁺ reversed this effect. Taken together, these results demonstrate that: 1) exposure to Tat±morphine is sufficient to activate NF-κB and cytokine production, 2) the release of MCP-1 and IL-6 by Tat±morphine are highly Ca²⁺-dependent, while TNF-α appears to be less affected by the changes in [Ca²⁺]_i, and 3) in the presence of Tat, exposure to opiates augments Tat-induced NF-κB activation and cytokine release through a Ca²⁺-dependent pathway.

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-delta is induced in mesangial area during the early stages of anti-Thy1.1 glomerulonephritis and regulates cell proliferation and inflammatory gene expression in cultured rat mesangial cells

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-6, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 contribute to renal injury. The promoter regions of these genes contain CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-binding sites. In this study, we investigated the role of C/EBP-delta in mesangial cells (MCs).

METHODS

In an in vivo study, anti-Thy 1.1 glomerulonephritis rats were generated and C/EBP-delta, IL-6, COX-2, and MCP-1 expressions were assessed by immunohistochemistry. In an in vitro study, cultured MCs were transfected with non-silencing (NS) short interfering RNA (siRNA) or C/EBP-delta siRNA. Subsequently, after stimulation with IL-1beta, C/EBP-delta, IL-6, COX-2, and MCP-1 mRNA expression levels were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IL-6 concentration in the culture medium was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, cell proliferative activity against IL-1beta or platelet-derived growth factor-BB was assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation.

RESULTS

In the in vivo study, C/EBP-delta, IL-6, COX-2, and MCP-1 were expressed in the mesangial region of anti-Thy 1.1 glomerulonephritis rats on day 1. In the in vitro study, IL-1beta increased C/EBP-delta mRNA levels in NS siRNA-transfected MCs (7.3-fold), but no increase was evident in C/EBP-delta siRNA-transfected MCs. IL-6, COX-2, and MCP-1 mRNA levels in C/EBP-delta siRNA-transfected MCs were all lower than those in NS siRNA-transfected MCs (decreases of 57.7%, 85.7%, and 69.3%, respectively). The IL-6 concentration in the culture medium from C/EBP-delta siRNA transfected MCs (7.37 +/- 4.3 pg/ml) was also lower than that in the culture medium from NS siRNA-transfected MCs (25.2 +/- 3.4 pg/ml). Cell proliferative activity in C/EBP-delta siRNA-transfected MCs was lower than that in NS siRNA transfected MCs.

CONCLUSIONS

C/EBP-delta was induced in the mesangial region during the early stages of anti-Thy1.1 glomerulonephritis. C/EBP-delta contributes to inflammatory gene expression and MC proliferation.

β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists, Like Glucocorticoids, Repress Eotaxin Gene Transcription by Selective Inhibition of Histone H4 Acetylation

Eotaxin is a potent eosinophil chemoattractant implicated in various allergic inflammatory conditions including asthma, but relatively little is known about its regulation. Human airway smooth muscle cells are an important source of eotaxin in the airway. We have previously demonstrated that beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists (beta(2)-agonists) and glucocorticoids additively inhibit eotaxin production in human airway smooth muscle cells, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we studied the molecular mechanisms of their actions and interactions on eotaxin gene transcription. TNF-alpha-induced eotaxin gene transcription was mediated mainly by the transcription factor NF-kappaB (p65/p50) as analyzed by luciferase reporter gene assay, Western blotting, EMSA, and electrophoretic mobility supershift assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that TNF-alpha also induced selective histone H4 acetylation on lysines 5 and 12 at the eotaxin promoter site and p65 binding to the eotaxin promoter, resulting in eotaxin gene transcription. The inhibition of eotaxin production by beta(2)-agonists and glucocorticoids was transcriptional and not due to altered NF-kappaB nuclear translocation or in vitro promoter binding capability, but due to their inhibition of TNF-alpha-induced histone H4 acetylation and p65 in vivo binding to the promoter. Additive inhibition was achieved when the two groups of drugs were combined. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which beta(2)-agonists, like glucocorticoids, regulate NF-kappaB-mediated inflammatory gene expression through inhibition of histone acetylation. This provides one explanation for the benefits that result when these agents are combined to treat asthma, and may have important implications in a wide range of inflammatory diseases.

Transcriptional regulation of cyclooxygenase 2 by bradykinin and interleukin-1beta in human airway smooth muscle cells: involvement of different promoter elements, transcription factors, and histone h4 acetylation

Bradykinin and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) induce cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in human airway smooth muscle cells. Here we extended our study to explore the gene transcriptional regulation. By transfection with various COX-2 promoter reporter constructs, we found that the bp -327-to-+59 promoter region was essential for COX-2 gene transcription by bradykinin and IL-1beta and that the cyclic AMP response element (CRE) was critical in bradykinin-induced transcription, whereas nuclear factor IL-6 and CRE and, to a lesser extent, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) were involved in IL-1beta-induced transcription. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that both bradykinin and IL-1beta elicited CRE-binding protein-1 (CREB-1) binding, and IL-1beta also elicited CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta and NF-kappaB binding to their respective elements in the COX-2 promoter. These transcription factors were associated with the COX-2 promoter, which was dynamically linked to different patterns of histone H4 acetylation by bradykinin and IL-1beta, as demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. We also revealed that endogenous prostaglandin E(2) was critical in bradykinin-induced COX-2 transcription initiation and involved in IL-1beta-induced COX-2 transcription at a latter stage. Our result provide the first evidence that COX-2 transcriptional regulation by different stimuli involves different promoter elements and transcription factors and is associated with chromatin remodeling after selective histone H4 acetylation in a stimulus-specific manner.

Bone morphogenetic protein-7 inhibits constitutive and interleukin-1 beta-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in human mesangial cells: role for JNK/AP-1 pathway

Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), which belongs to the TGF-beta superfamily, has been shown to reduce macrophage infiltration and tissue injury in animal models of inflammatory renal disease. To explore the mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory effect, we investigated the effect of BMP-7 on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression in cultured human mesangial cells. BMP- 7 significantly inhibited constitutive and IL-1 beta-induced MCP-1 protein production and MCP-1 mRNA expression by mesangial cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. BMP-7 also inhibited IL-1 beta-induced monocyte chemotactic activity released from the mesangial cells. We examined the role of transcription factors NF-kappa B and AP-1 in BMP-7 inhibition of IL-1 beta-induced MCP-1 expression. IL-1 beta increased NF-kappa B and AP-1 activity and both transcription factors mediated IL-1 beta-induced MCP-1 expression in mesangial cells. BMP-7 inhibited IL-1 beta-induced AP-1 activity in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, IL-1 beta-induced NF-kappa B activity and I kappa B alpha degradation were not affected by BMP-7. Furthermore, IL-1 beta-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase was inhibited by BMP-7. These data suggest that BMP-7 inhibits constitutive and IL-1 beta-induced MCP-1 expression in human mesangial cells partly by inhibiting c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity and subsequent AP-1 activity, and provide new insight into the therapeutic potential of BMP-7 in the inflammatory renal diseases.

Heme: a novel inducer of MCP-1 through HO-dependent and HO-independent mechanisms

This study examined the effect of hemin on the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in immortalized rat proximal tubular epithelial cells (IRPTCs). Hemin elicited a dose- and time-dependent induction of HO-1 and MCP-1 mRNA. HO activity contributed to MCP-1 mRNA expression at early time points (4-6 h) because inhibition of HO activity by zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) prevented hemin-induced expression of MCP-1 mRNA. Catalytically active intracellular iron was markedly increased in hemin-treated IRPTCs and contributed to the induction of HO-1 and MCP-1 mRNA because an iron chelator blocked hemin-induced upregulation of both genes, whereas a cell-permeant form of iron directly induced these genes. N-acetylcysteine completely blocked hemin-induced expression of HO-1 and MCP-1 mRNA, thereby providing added evidence for redox regulation of expression of these genes. The redox-sensitive transcription factor NF-kappaB was recruited in hemin-induced upregulation of MCP-1 because two different compounds that abrogate the activation of NF-kappaB (TPCK and BAY 11-7082) completely blocked hemin-induced upregulation of MCP-1 mRNA. In contrast to this HO-mediated induction of MCP-1 through redox-sensitive, iron-dependent, and NF-kappaB-involved pathways observed after 4-6 h, hemin also elicited a delayed induction of MCP-1 at 18 h through HO-independent pathways. We conclude that hemin is a potent inducer of MCP-1 in IRPTCs: HO-dependent, heme-degrading pathways lead to an early, robust, and self-remitting induction of MCP-1, whereas HO-independent mechanisms lead to a delayed expression of MCP-1.

Molecular regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in pancreatic beta-cells

Pancreatic beta-cells are selectively destroyed during the course of type 1 diabetes. In the early stages of the disease, inflammatory infiltrates of mononuclear cells, containing predominantly monocytes and T-cells, are present in the islets (insulitis). Chemokines, such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), play a key role in the recruitment and activation of these immunocytes. We have previously described cytokine-induced MCP-1 gene expression in human and rat pancreatic islets. In the present study, the transcriptional regulation by cytokines of the rat MCP-1 gene in fluorescence-activated cell sorting-purified rat beta-cells, insulin-producing INS-1E cells, and RINm5F cells was investigated. Transient transfections with luciferase-reporter constructs identified an interleukin (IL)-1beta-responsive enhancer region between -2,180 bp and -2,478 bp. Mutation of either of the two nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB sites present in this region abrogated IL-1beta-induced MCP-1 promoter activity. Binding of NF-kappaB to the two sites was shown in vitro by gel shift assays, while supershift assays revealed the presence of p65/p50 heterodimers and p65 homodimers. In vivo binding of NF-kappaB was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Blocking of NF-kappaB activation in cytokine-exposed primary beta-cells by an adenovirus overexpressing a nondegradable form of IkappaBalpha or by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate decreased IL-1beta-induced MCP-1 mRNA expression. We conclude that NF-kappaB plays an important role for MCP-1 expression in beta-cells. This transcription factor may be an interesting target for ex vivo gene therapy before islet transplantation.

Fine tuning the transcriptional regulation of the CXCL1 chemokine

Constitutive activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) plays a major role in inflammatory diseases as well as cancer by inducing the endogenous expression of many proinflammatory proteins such as chemokines, and facilitating escape from apoptosis. The constitutive expression of chemokines such as CXCL1 has been correlated with growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis of cancers such as melanoma. The transcription of CXCL1 is regulated through interactions of NF-κB with other transcriptional regulatory molecules such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP). It has been proposed that these two proteins interact with NF-κB and other enhancers to form an enhanceosome at the promoter region of CXCL1 and modulate CXCL1 transcription. In addition to these positive cofactors, a negative regulator, CAAT displacement protein (CDP), may also be involved in the transcriptional regulation of CXCL1. It has been postulated that the elevated expression of CXCL1 in melanomas is due to altered interaction between these molecules. CDP interaction with the promoter down-regulates transcription, whereas PARP and/or CBP interactions enhance transcription. Thus, elucidation of the interplay between components of the enhanceosome of this gene is important in finding more efficient and new therapies for conditions such as cancer as well as acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Selective regulation of ICAM-1 and RANTES gene expression after ICAM-1 ligation on human renal fibroblasts

Leukocyte infiltration of the cortico-interstitium is characteristic of many forms of progressive renal disease. The principal adhesion molecule expressed on resident interstitial cells and recognized by leukocytes is intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). ICAM-1 is an inducible transmembrane receptor, which forms the counter-receptor for the leukocyte beta 2 integrins. ICAM-1-dependent binding induces the synthesis of the chemokine RANTES and of ICAM-1 itself. This study examines some of the signaling pathways involved in this induction. After ICAM-1 cross-linking on fibroblasts, the mRNA and protein for both RANTES and ICAM-1 were induced. This induction was calcium-dependent and inhibited by BAPTA-AM. The p38, ERK1, and ERK2 MAP kinases were activated in a [Ca2+]i-dependent manner, with a maximum phosphorylation at approximately 3 min after cross-linking. Through the use of selective inhibitors of p38 MAP kinase (SB203580) or MEKK (PD98059), p38 but not ERK activation was shown to be essential for the induction of ICAM-1. Neither was involved in RANTES activation, however. These mechanisms differed from those initiated by TNF-alpha, which were not [Ca2+]i-dependent. Electrophoretic mobility shift analysis demonstrated a time-dependent induction of both AP-1 and NF-kappaB binding activity in nuclear extracts, maximal at approximately 15 min after ICAM-1 cross-linking. Only AP-1 activation, however, was calcium-dependent, suggesting the central involvement of this transcription factor in ICAM-1 and RANTES induction after the ligation of ICAM-1. This study suggests an independent mechanism of inflammatory amplification, which may be characteristic of a persistent leukocytic involvement in areas of chronic inflammation rather than in cytokine-induced acute inflammation.

Enhanced MCP-1 expression during ischemia/reperfusion injury is mediated by oxidative stress and NF-kappaB

BACKGROUND

Renal ischemia/reperfusion injury is a major cause of acute renal failure in both native kidneys and renal allografts. One important feature of such injury is monocyte/macrophage infiltration into the renal tissue. The infiltration of monocytes/macrophages can be induced by chemotactic factors produced by renal cells. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potent chemoattractant protein for monocyte recruitment. The objective of the present study was to investigate mechanisms of elevated MCP-1 expression in rat kidney during ischemia/reperfusion injury.

METHODS

The left kidney was subjected to one hour of ischemia followed by reperfusion for various time periods. The expression of MCP-1 mRNA was determined by nuclease protection assay and MCP-1 protein was identified by immunohistochemistry. Activation of a nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and the level of lipid peroxides in the kidney was measured.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in MCP-1 expression in the ischemia/reperfusion kidney 2 hours after reperfusion (210% of the control). This increase was accompanied by activation of NF-kappaB, suggesting that this transcription factor might be involved in the event. The number of monocytes was significantly elevated in the kidney 3 days after ischemia/reperfusion. Pretreatment of rats with NF-kappaB inhibitors not only prevented NF-kappaB activation induced by ischemia/reperfusion, but also inhibited MCP-1 mRNA expression. Further analysis revealed that oxidative stress and increased IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation might be an underlying mechanism for NF-kappaB activation and subsequent MCP-1 mRNA expression in the ischemia/reperfusion kidney.

CONCLUSION

The present study clearly demonstrates that enhanced MCP-1 expression in rat kidney during ischemia/reperfusion injury is mediated by NF-kappaB activation and oxidative stress. Elevated MCP-1 expression might be responsible for increased monocyte infiltration in the injured kidney.

Expression of the chemokines MCP-1/CCL2 and RANTES/CCL5 is differentially regulated by infiltrating inflammatory cells

BACKGROUND

Chemokines are involved in the regulation of the cellular renal infiltrate in glomerulonephritis; however, it is unclear to which degree resident glomerular cells or infiltrating leukocytes contribute to the formation of chemokines in glomerular inflammatory lesions. We therefore examined whether monocytes/macrophages play a role in the expression of the C-C chemokines MCP-1/CCL2 and RANTES/CCL5 in renal tissue in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced model of inflammation, where previously we have shown increased glomerular RANTES expression and glomerular infiltration of ED-1-positive cells.

METHODS

Inflammatory lesions were induced by an intraperitoneal injection of LPS. The infiltration of monocytes into the glomerulus was reduced by two experimental approaches. First, rats were depleted of monocytes by the use of specific monocyte-antisera or by cytotoxic drugs. Second, the infiltration of monocytes into the kidney was reduced by using intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) knockout mice.

RESULTS

Both experimental approaches demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of infiltrating monocytes/macrophages after lipopolysaccharide injection. This reduction in the infiltration of inflammatory cells was associated with significantly reduced RANTES/CCL5 mRNA expression. However, MCP-1/CCL2 mRNA expression was not inhibited after the LPS injection by monocyte/macrophage depletion. Also, the increase in nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding activity after the LPS injection was not reduced in pretreated animals. The experiments therefore demonstrate that infiltrating monocytes/macrophages contribute to increased RANTES/CCL5 mRNA expression in inflammatory renal lesions, whereas MCP-1/CCL2 mRNA expression and NF-kappaB activation were not reduced by monocyte/macrophage depletion.

CONCLUSION

MCP-1/CCL2 released from renal tissue upon stimulation plays a major role in the regulation of monocyte/macrophage infiltration, which contributes significantly to increased renal RANTES/CCL5 expression. This cross-talk between resident renal cells and monocytes/macrophages is therefore likely to boost the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells.

Suppression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, but not IL-8, by alprazolam: effect of alprazolam on c-Rel/p65 and c-Rel/p50 binding to the monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 promoter region

Alprazolam is a hypnotic/tranquilizer that has been shown to specifically inhibit the platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation of human platelets. The goal of this study was to elucidate whether alprazolam modulates IL-1alpha-initiated responses. For this purpose we investigated the effects of alprazolam on the IL-1alpha-induced production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1)) in a human glioblastoma cell line, T98G, and explored the signaling pathways involved. We found that alprazolam inhibited IL-1alpha-elicited MCP-1 production within a range of 0.1-3 micro M. In contrast, it did not inhibit IL-1alpha-induced IL-8 production. Although NF-kappaB is involved in regulating the IL-1alpha-induced expression of MCP-1 and IL-8, the degradation of IkappaB-alpha stimulated by IL-1alpha was not inhibited by alprazolam. Alprazolam prevented NF-kappaB from binding to the MCP-1 promoter region (the A2 and A1 oligonucleotide probes), but binding of NF-kappaB to IL-8/NF-kappaB was not inhibited. Moreover, alprazolam inhibited c-Rel/p50 binding to the A2 oligonucleotide probe, but not p50/p65 from binding to the IL-8/NF-kappaB site. While AP-1 is involved in regulating the IL-1alpha-induced expression of IL-8, but not MCP-1, alprazolam potentiated the binding of c-Jun/c-Fos to the AP-1 oligonucleotide probe. These results show that the inhibition of IL-1alpha-mediated MCP-1 production by alprazolam is mainly due to inhibition of c-Rel/p65 and c-Rel/p50 binding to the MCP-1 promoter region, since alprazolam did not affect the IL-1alpha-mediated activation of NF-kappaB (p50/p65) or AP-1 (c-Jun/c-Fos) binding to the IL-8 promoter region. In conclusion, a new action of alprazolam was elucidated, as shown in the inhibition of c-Rel/p65- and c-Rel/p50-regulated transcription.

Effects of vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol) on the binding of transcription factors AP-1, NF-kappaB, and NF-IL6 in raw 264.7 macrophage cells

The effects of vomitoxin (VT) on the binding activity of three transcription factors critical to pro-inflammatory cytokine regulation were assessed in the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage model by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). When cells were treated with 100 to 250 ng/ml of VT, activator protein-1 (AP-1 binding) was increased after 2 and 8 h. This effect was potentiated when cells were coincubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (synchronous model) but not when preincubated with LPS (delayed synchronous model). Supershift EMSA revealed that VT preferentially induced JunB, JunD, phosphorylated c-Jun, c-Fos, and Fra-2 binding activities of the AP-1 family. Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding was increased at 2 and 8 h in cells subjected to synchronous and delayed synchronous VT exposure in the presence of LPS. Supershift EMSA indicated that the p-50 and c-Rel subunits of NF-kappaB/ Rel were specifically affected. Nuclear factor-IL6 (NF-IL6) binding was increased at 2 and 8 h with or without LPS in synchronous and delayed synchronous VT-exposure models. Here, the C/EBPbeta subunit was primarily involved in enhanced NF-IL6 binding. The capacity of VT to elevate binding of AP-1, NF-kappaB, and NF-IL6 may contribute to the VT-mediated cytokine up-regulation in vitro and in vivo. The observations that VT was active in synchronous and delayed synchronous models suggest that macrophages activated simultaneously or prior to toxin exposure were vulnerable to the effects of this trichothecene.

Tranilast inhibits interleukin-1beta-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in rat mesangial cells

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a member of the CC subfamily of chemokines, plays a crucial role in the progression of glomerulonephritis by recruitment of monocytes. Tranilast, a clinically used anti-allergic drug, has been demonstrated to have various anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects, and recently has been reported to prevent restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. In this study, we investigated whether tranilast inhibits MCP-1 secretion in mesangial cells. Tranilast inhibited interleukin-1beta-induced MCP-1 secretion and mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Luciferase assay showed that tranilast suppressed interleukin-1beta-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-dependent transcription. Interleukin-1beta-induced Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation was also suppressed selectively by tranilast. These results indicate that tranilast inhibits interleukin-1beta-induced MCP-1 production, at least in part, by inhibiting NF-kappaB activity and that suppression of JNK activation might be involved in the inhibition of MCP-1 production. Tranilast may serve as a new therapeutic agent for glomerulonephritis through anti-chemokine property.

Cytokine induction of Fas gene expression in insulin-producing cells requires the transcription factors NF-kappaB and C/EBP

Fas-mediated cell death may play a role in the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells in type 1 diabetes. beta-Cells do not express Fas under physiological conditions, but Fas mRNA and protein are induced in cytokine-exposed mouse and human islets, rendering the beta-cells susceptible to Fas ligand-induced apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular regulation of Fas by cytokines in rat beta-cells and in insulin-producing RINm5F cells. Fas mRNA expression was increased 15-fold in fluorescence-activated cell sorting-purified rat beta-cells exposed to interleukin (IL)-1beta, whereas gamma-interferon had no effect. Transfection experiments of rat Fas promoter-luciferase reporter constructs into purified rat beta-cells and RINm5F insulinoma cells identified an IL-1beta-responsive region between nucleotides -223 and -54. Inactivation of two adjacent NF-kappaB and C/EBP sites in this region abolished IL-1beta-induced Fas promoter activity in RINm5F cells. Binding of NF-kappaB and C/EBP factors to their respective sites was confirmed by gel shift assays. In cotransfection experiments, NF-kappaB p65 transactivated the Fas promoter. NF-kappaB p50 and C/EBPbeta overexpression had no effect by themselves on the Fas promoter activity, but when cotransfected with p65, each factor inhibited transactivation by p65. These results suggest a critical role for NF-kappaB and C/EBP factors in cytokine-regulation of Fas expression in insulin-producing cells.

Cyclopentenone prostaglandins inhibit cytokine-induced nf-kappab activation and chemokine production by human mesangial cells

In the kidney an uncontrolled inflammatory response to an acute insult may lead to chronic inflammation, permanent tissue damage, and progressive renal insufficiency. Resolution of acute inflammation likely is dependent on endogenous regulatory mechanisms activated in parallel with mediators of renal inflammation. These mechanisms are postulated to attenuate the renal expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including the chemokines responsible for recruiting leukocytes to the kidney, thus facilitating the transition from inflammation to healing. To understand the regulation of the inflammatory response within the kidney, the effects of anti-inflammatory J series cyclopentenone prostaglandins on chemokine production by human mesangial cells were examined. Treatment of mesangial cells with prostaglandin J(2) and 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) blocked interleukin-1beta-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression and protein production. This correlated with failure of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) to translocate to the nucleus and bind to its recognition motif, a step required for cytokine-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 gene activation. NF-kappaB failed to translocate because the cyclopentenone prostaglandins attenuated degradation of the NF-kappaB inhibitor IkappaB-alpha. These data suggest that certain prostaglandins can limit the extent of renal chemokine expression and thus may have an important role in resolving renal inflammation.

Regulation of the gene encoding the monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in the mouse and rat brain in response to circulating LPS and proinflammatory cytokines

Accumulating evidence supports the existence of an innate immune response in the brain during systemic inflammation that is associated with a robust induction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by specific cells of the central nervous system. The present study investigated the genetic regulation and fine cellular distribution of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the brain of mice and rats in response to systemic immune insults. MCP-1 belongs to a superfamily of chemokines that have a leading role in the early chemotaxic events during inflammation. In situ hybridization histochemistry failed to detect constitutive expression of the chemokine transcript in the cerebral tissue except for the area postrema (AP) that exhibited a low signal under basal conditions. This contrasts with the strong and transient induction of the mRNA encoding MCP-1 following a single systemic bolus of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), recombinant interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). These stimuli rapidly triggered (30 to 90 minutes) MCP-1 transcription in all the circumventricular organs (CVOs), the choroid plexus (chp), the leptomeninges, and along the cerebral blood vessels. The time-related induction and intensity of the signal differed among the challenges, route of administration and species, but MCP-1-expressing cells were always found in vascular-associated structures and those devoid of blood-brain barrier. At later times, few isolated microglia across the brain parenchyma depicted positive signal for MCP-1 mRNA. A dual-labeling procedure also provided convincing anatomical evidence that endothelial cells of the microvasculature and a few myeloid cells of the CVOs and chp were positive for the transcript during endotoxemia. This gene is under a sophisticated transcriptional regulation, as the hybridization signal returned to undetectable levels 12 to 24 hours after all the treatments in both species. Of interest are the data that only ligands that triggered nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) signaling had the ability to increase MCP-1 gene expression, because high doses of IL-6 remained without effects. These data provide the anatomical evidence that MCP-1 is expressed within specific populations of cells in response to systemic inflammatory molecules that use NF-kappa B as intracellular signaling system. This chemokine may therefore play a critical role in the cerebral innate immune response and contribute to the early chemotaxic events during chronic cerebral inflammation.

Monoclonal light chain--mesangial cell interactions: early signaling events and subsequent pathologic effects

Glomerulopathic monoclonal light chains (G-LC) interact with mesangial cells (MC), resulting in alterations of mesangial homeostasis. Early signaling events control mitogenic activities and cytokine production, which in turn participate in the subsequent pathologic events. Mesangial homeostasis is affected in two very different ways, depending on whether the G-LC is from a patient with light chain deposition disease (LCDD) or light chain-related amyloidosis (AL-Am). In contrast, tubulopathic (T)-LC chains from patients with myeloma cast nephropathy do not significantly interact with MC and result in no alterations in mesangial homeostasis. Therefore, understanding early events in the monoclonal LC-MC interactions is fundamental. MC in culture were exposed to LC obtained and purified from the urine of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias and biopsy-proven renal disease, including LCDD, AL-Am, and myeloma cast nephropathy. Incubation of MC with G-LC, but not T-LC, resulted in cytoskeletal and cell shape changes, activation of platelet-derived growth factor-beta (PDGF-beta) and its corresponding receptor, cytoplasmic to nuclear migration of c-fos and NF-kappa beta signals, and production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), as well as increased expression of Ki-67, a proliferation marker. Although NF-kappa beta activation was directly related to MCP-1 production, c-fos activation regulated proliferative signals and cytoskeletal changes in MC. Amyloidogenic LC were avidly internalized by the MC, whereas LCDD-LC effector targets were located at the MC surface. These cellular events are likely initiated as a result of interactions of the G-LC with yet-uncharacterized MC surface receptors. Dissecting the events taking place when G-LC interact with MC may define potential important targets for selective therapeutic manipulation to ameliorate or prevent the glomerular injury that ensues.

Heme protein-induced chronic renal inflammation: suppressive effect of induced heme oxygenase-1

BACKGROUND

Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the degradation of heme; its inducible isozyme, HO-1, protects against acute heme protein-induced nephrotoxicity and other forms of acute tissue injury. This study examines the induction of HO-1 in the kidney chronically inflamed by heme proteins and the functional significance of such an induction of HO-1.

METHODS

Studies were undertaken in a patient with chronic tubulointerstitial disease in the setting of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), in a rat model of chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy caused by repetitive exposure to heme proteins, and in genetically engineered mice deficient in HO-1 (HO-1 -/-) in which hemoglobin was repetitively administered.

RESULTS

The kidney in PNH evinces robust induction of HO-1 in renal tubules in the setting of chronic inflammation. The heme protein-enriched urine from this patient, but not urine from a healthy control subject, induced expression of HO-1 in renal tubular epithelial cells (LLC-PK1 cells). A similar induction of HO-1 and related findings are recapitulated in a rat model of chronic inflammation induced by repetitive exposure to heme proteins. Additionally, in the rat, the administration of heme proteins induces monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1). The functional significance of HO-1 so induced was uncovered in the HO-1 knockout mouse: Repeated administration of hemoglobin to HO-1 +/+ and HO-1 -/- mice led to intense interstitial cellular inflammation in HO-1 -/- mice accompanied by striking up-regulation of MCP-1 and activation of one of its stimulators, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). These findings were not observed in similarly treated HO-1 +/+ mice or in vehicle-treated HO-1 -/- and HO-1 +/+ mice.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that up-regulation of HO-1 occurs in the kidney in humans and rats repetitively exposed to heme proteins. Such up-regulation represents an anti-inflammatory response since the genetic deficiency of HO-1 markedly increases activation of NF-kappaB, MCP-1 expression, and tubulointerstitial cellular inflammation.

Chemokines as therapeutic targets in renal disease

Increased understanding of the fundamental importance of the role of chemokines and their receptors in inflammation, together with the demonstration of their involvement in human and experimental inflammatory renal disease, make these molecules potential therapeutic targets. A number of recent studies using genetically deficient mice and chemokine receptor antagonists in animal models have demonstrated that chemokine inhibition can attenuate experimental renal injury. Because there is simultaneous expression of multiple chemokines and receptors in disease, strategies that are aimed at antagonizing multiple chemokines receptor interactions are likely to be more effective than therapies that target a single chemokine. It is also now recognized that chemokines are involved in normal immune development and immune regulation. These observations, together with the results of studies that have demonstrated deleterious effects of chemokine receptor antagonism in experimental renal disease, highlight the need for thorough understanding of the role of individual chemokines in the pathogenesis of different types of renal disease before optimal therapeutic interventions may be achieved.

Chemokine blockade as a therapy for renal disease

Chemokines have been verified as inflammatory mediators of experimental nephritis by using anti-chemokine antibodies, chemokine receptor antagonists or targeted chemokine gene disruption. In human disease, chemokines are expressed in the kidney in association with inflammatory infiltrates. Chemokine blockade is thus a potentially novel approach to therapy of inflammatory renal disease. Several anti-chemokine strategies are under development. Effective use of anti-chemokine therapy for renal disease will require a precise understanding of the unique roles that individual chemokines have in renal pathology, and the genetic factors that regulate chemokine expression.

Bioflavonoid quercetin inhibits interleukin-1-induced transcriptional expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in glomerular cells via suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB

Flavonoids are semiessential food components that possess anti-inflammatory properties. This report describes a novel potential of bioflavonoid quercetin as an inhibitor of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in glomerular cells. Cultured mesangial cells as well as isolated glomeruli expressed MCP-1 mRNA in response to interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Quercetin dramatically inhibited the cytokine-triggered MCP-1 expression. To explore the mechanisms involved, effects of quercetin on the putative transcriptional activators of MCP-1, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), were examined. Exposure of the cells to IL-1beta caused activation of NF-kappaB without significant upregulation of AP-1 activity. NF-kappaB inhibitor MG132 diminished the IL-1-induced expression of MCP-1 in mesangial cells and isolated glomeruli, whereas c-Jun/AP-1 inhibitor curcumin did not affect this process. Consistently, NF-kappaB-inactive mesangial cells expressing a super-repressor mutant of IkappaBalpha showed blunted expression of MCP-1 by IL-1beta. In contrast, AP-1-inactive mesangial cells expressing a dominant-negative mutant of c-Jun exhibited the same level of MCP-1 mRNA as that in control cells. These results suggest that: (1) quercetin has the ability to attenuate activation of NF-kappaB; and (2) it inhibits IL-1-triggered MCP-1 expression via suppression of NF-kappaB, but not AP-1, in glomerular cells.