Coordinated antiinflammatory effects of interleukin 4: interleukin 4 suppresses interleukin 1 production but up-regulates gene expression and synthesis of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist

Physical activity and circulating inflammatory markers and cytokines during pregnancy: A population-based cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has numerous benefits, which may be mediated via effects on the immune system. However, supportive evidence is inconsistent and is mainly from studies in high-risk groups. We estimated the effect of PA during pregnancy on systemic inflammatory markers and cytokines in mothers recruited in the Barwon infant study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The Barwon infant study is a prebirth cohort of 1064 mothers recruited in the Barwon Region of Victoria, Australia. Participants reported their previous week's PA at their 28-week antenatal appointment using the International PA Questionnaire. Women were grouped into low, moderate, and high PA categories based on daily duration and weekly frequency of walking, moderate- or vigorous-intensity PA. Women reporting moderate levels of PA, consistent with current recommendations, served as the comparison group. Markers of systemic inflammation, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA), and 17 cytokines were measured at 28 weeks gestation and log transformed as appropriate. Regression analyses adjusted for maternal smoking, gestational diabetes mellitus, prepregnancy BMI, and household size were performed.

RESULTS

Compared to women in the moderate group (n = 371, 42%), women reporting low PA (n = 436, 50%) had 10.1% higher hsCRP (95% CI (3.7% to 16.6%), p < 0.01) while women in high PA (n = 76, 9%) had a 14% higher hsCRP (95% CI (3.1% to 24.8%), p = 0.01). Women in the high PA category had higher interleukin (IL)-4 (q = 0.03) and IL-9 (q = 0.03) levels compared to those in moderate category. Each vigorous MET minute/week was associated with lower GlycA (β = -0.004, 95% CI (-0.044 to 0.035); p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Low and high PA are each associated with higher hsCRP than moderate PA, suggesting that undertaking the recommended moderate PA during pregnancy decreases systemic inflammation. High PA affects T cell-associated cytokines during pregnancy. Evidence from our study suggests that PA can modulate the immune responses during pregnancy. Studies are now required to assess whether PA during pregnancy impacts maternal and infant clinical outcomes by modifying inflammatory responses.

Acute phase reactions in Daboia siamensis venom and fraction-induced acute kidney injury: the role of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways in in vivo rabbit and ex vivo rabbit kidney models

Background

This study examines the direct nephrotoxic effects of Daboia siamensis venom (RVV) and venom fractions in in vivo and isolated perfused kidneys (IPK) to understand the role of inflammation pathways and susceptibility to oxidative stress in venom or fraction-induced acute renal failure.

Methods

We administered RVV and its venom fractions (PLA2, MP, LAAO, and PDE) to rabbits in vivo and in the IPK model. We measured oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA) in kidney tissue, as well as inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10), MDA and GSH levels in plasma and urine. We also calculated fractional excretion (FE) for pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers, including the ratios of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines in urine after envenomation.

Results

In both kidney models, significant increases in MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH levels were observed in kidney tissues, along with elevated concentrations of MDA and GSH in plasma and urine after injecting RVV and venom fractions. Moreover, RVV injections led to progressive increases in FEMDA and decreases in FEGSH. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in plasma increased in vivo, as well as in the urine of the IPK model, but not for IL-1β in both plasma and urine after RVV administrations. Urinary fractional excretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 tended to decrease in vivo but showed elevated levels in the IPK model. A single RVV injection in vivo disrupted the balance of urinary cytokines, significantly reducing either the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio or the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio.

Conclusion

RVV induces renal tubular toxicity by increasing oxidative stress production and elevating inflammatory cytokines in urine. During the acute phase of acute kidney injury, the balance of urine cytokines shifts toward anti-inflammatory dominance within the first two hours post-RVV and venom fractions.

Temporal and differential proteomic profile of molecular mediators associated with chronic and acute wound healing

The underlying pathophysiology of nonhealing chronic wounds is poorly understood due to the changes occurring at the gene level and the complexity arising in their proteomic profile. Here, we elucidated the temporal and differential profile of the normal and diabetic wound-healing mediators along with their interactions and associated pathways. Skin tissues corresponding to normal and diabetic wounds were isolated at Days 0, 3, 6, and 9 representing different healing phases. Temporal gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Concurrently, differential protein patterns in the wound tissues were identified by Nano LC-ESI-TOF mass spectrometry and later confirmed by Western blot analysis. Gene ontology annotation, protein-protein interaction, and protein pathway analysis were performed using DAVID, PANTHER, and STRING bioinformatics resources. Uniquely identified proteins (complement C3, amyloid beta precursor protein, and cytoplasmic linker associated protein 2) in the diabetic wound tissue implied that these proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic wound. They exhibit enhanced catalytic activity, trigger pathways linked with inflammation, and negatively regulate wound healing. However, in the normal wound tissue, axin 1, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor were identified, which are involved in proliferation, angiogenesis, and remodeling. Our findings demonstrate the correlation between elevated gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and identified mediators: aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator, 5'-aminolevulinate synthase 2, and CXC-family, that inflicted an inflammatory response by activating downstream MAPK, JAK-STAT, and NF-κB pathways. Similarly, in normal wound tissue, the upregulated IL-4 and hepatocyte growth factor levels in conjunction with the identified proteins, serine/threonine-protein kinase mTOR and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, played a significant role in the cellular response to platelet-derived growth factor stimulus, dermal epithelialization, and cell proliferation, processes associated with the repair mechanism. Furthermore, Western blot analysis indicated elevated levels of inflammatory markers and reduced levels of proliferative and angiogenic factors in the diabetic wound.

Molecular Basic of Pharmacotherapy of Cytokine Imbalance as a Component of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Treatment

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and associated conditions are an important problem in modern medicine. The onset of IDD may be in childhood and adolescence in patients with a genetic predisposition. With age, IDD progresses, leading to spondylosis, spondylarthrosis, herniated disc, spinal canal stenosis. One of the leading mechanisms in the development of IDD and chronic back pain is an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, classical therapeutic strategies for correcting cytokine imbalance in IDD do not give the expected response in more than half of the cases. The purpose of this review is to update knowledge about new and promising therapeutic strategies based on the correction of the molecular mechanisms of cytokine imbalance in patients with IDD. This review demonstrates that knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of the imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines may be a new key to finding more effective drugs for the treatment of IDD in the setting of acute and chronic inflammation.

Mepolizumab decreases tissue eosinophils while increasing type-2 cytokines in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis is an often treatment-resistant inflammatory disease mediated by type-2 cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-5. Mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody drug targeting IL-5, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in inflammatory airway disease, but there is negligible evidence on direct tissue response. The study's aim was to determine the local effect of mepolizumab on inflammatory biomarkers in sinonasal tissue of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

METHODS

Adult patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis received 100mg mepolizumab subcutaneously at four-weekly intervals for 24 weeks in this prospective phase 2 clinical trial. Tissue eosinophil counts, eosinophil degranulation (assessed as submucosal eosinophil peroxidase deposition by immunohistochemistry) and cytokine levels (measured in homogenates by immunoassay) were evaluated in ethmoid sinus tissue biopsies collected at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, 16 and 24.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (47.7 ± 11.7 years, 50% female) were included. Sinonasal tissue eosinophil counts decreased after 24 weeks of treatment with mepolizumab (101.64 ± 93.80 vs 41.74 ± 53.76 cells per 0.1 mm² ; p = .035), eosinophil degranulation remained unchanged (5.79 ± 2.08 vs 6.07 ± 1.20, p = .662), and type-2 cytokine levels increased in sinonasal tissue for IL-5 (10.84 ± 18.65 vs 63.98 ± 50.66, p = .001), IL-4 (4.48 ± 3.77 vs 9.38 ± 7.56, p = .004), IL-13 (4.02 ± 2.57 vs 6.46 ± 3.99, p = .024) and GM-CSF (1.51 ± 1.74 vs 4.50 ± 2.97, p = .001).

CONCLUSION

Mepolizumab reduced eosinophils in sinonasal tissue, demonstrating that antagonism of IL-5 suppresses eosinophil trafficking. With reduced tissue eosinophils, a local type-2 inflammatory feedback loop may occur. The study exposes mechanistic factors which may explain incomplete treatment response.

The role of macrophages in thermal injury

Macrophages, first discovered for their phagocytic ability, are a complicated and heterogeneous cell type. The unique properties of macrophages allow them to perform a vast array of functions, including phagocytosis, cytokine production, antigen presentation, and wound healing. Some macrophage populations are derived from monocytes and are induced into specific phenotypes by the local tissue microenvironment, while other macrophages form during early embryonic development. The exposure of the host to local pathogens and/or traumatic injury alters the tissue microenvironment and, in turn, influences changes in macrophage phenotype and function. Perhaps the most significant change in the local tissue microenvironment and subsequent macrophage phenotype occurs after thermal injury, which causes localized tissue damage and a massive systemic inflammatory response. However, few studies have explored the influence of burn injury on the host macrophages and macrophage function in burn wounds. Furthermore, the literature is scant regarding the impact macrophage function has on outcomes in thermal injury. This review will focus on the current knowledge of macrophage function in burn wounds and the phenotypic changes in macrophages during thermal injury while identifying knowledge gaps.

Cartilage tissue engineering: From proinflammatory and anti‑inflammatory cytokines to osteoarthritis treatments (Review)

Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common joint diseases, is characterized by fibrosis, rhagadia, ulcers and attrition of articular cartilage due to a number of factors. The etiology of OA remains unclear, but its occurrence has been associated with age, obesity, inflammation, trauma and genetic factors. Inflammatory cytokines are crucial for the occurrence and progression of OA. The intra-articular proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines jointly maintain a dynamic balance, in accordance with the physiological metabolism of articular cartilage. However, dynamic imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines can cause abnormal metabolism in knee articular cartilage, which leads to deformation, loss and abnormal regeneration, and ultimately destroys the normal structure of the knee joint. The ability of articular cartilage to self-repair once damaged is limited, due to its inability to obtain nutrients from blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels, as well as limitations in the extracellular matrix. There are several disadvantages inherent to conventional repair methods, while cartilage tissue engineering (CTE), which combines proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, offers a new therapeutic approach for OA. The aim of the present review was to examine the proinflammatory factors implicated in OA, including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-15, IL-17 and IL-18, as well as the key anti-inflammatory factors reducing OA-related articular damage, including IL-4, insulin-like growth factor and TGF-β. The predominance of proinflammatory over anti-inflammatory cytokine effects ultimately leads to the development of OA. CTE, which employs mesenchymal stem cells and scaffolding technology, may prevent OA by maintaining the homeostasis of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors.

Cytokine profile in patients with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to evaluate the cytokine levels in pediatric chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) patients and compare these with other immune-mediated diseases and healthy controls.

METHODS

In this prospective study, we included 42 children with CNO, 28 patients with non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 17 children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and 30 healthy age-matched controls. In each of the CNO patients and comparison groups, the levels of 14-3-3-η protein, S100A8/A9 protein, interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA assay.

RESULTS

All studied cytokines in the CNO patients were significantly higher than controls, and IDDM, 14-3-3-η protein, IL-18, IL-4, IL-17, IL-1β, and TNF-α were less than in JIA patients. In the discriminant analysis, ESR, 14-3-3 protein, S100A8/A9, IL-18, IL-4, and TNF-α can discriminate CNO from JIA, and 14-3-3 protein, S100A8/A9, IL-18, IL-17, IL-4, and TNF-α can distinguish CNO from other diseases and HC.

CONCLUSION

The increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines confirms the role of monocyte-driven inflammation in CNO patients. Cytokines may prove valuable as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for CNO.

The Role of Antibodies Against the Crude Capsular Extract in the Immune Response of Porcine Alveolar Macrophages to In Vitro Infection of Various Serovars of Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis

In Glässer’s disease outbreaks, Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis has to overcome the non-specific immune system in the lower respiratory tract, the alveolar macrophages. Here we showed that porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) were able to recognize and phagocyte G. parasuis with strain-to-strain variability despite the presence of the capsule in virulent (serovar 1, 5, 12) as well in avirulent strains (serovar 6 and 9). The capsule, outer membrane proteins, virulence-associated autotransporters, cytolethal distending toxins and many other proteins have been identified as virulence factors of this bacterium. Therefore, we immunized pigs with the crude capsular extract (cCE) from the virulent G. parasuis CAPM 6475 strain (serovar 5) and evaluated the role of the anti-cCE/post-vaccinal IgG in the immune response of PAMs to in vitro infection with various G. parasuis strains. We demonstrated the specific binding of the antibodies to the cCE by Western-blotting assay and immunoprecipitation as well as the specific binding to the strain CAPM 6475 in transmission electron microscopy. In the cCE, we identified several virulence-associated proteins that were immunoreactive with IgG isolated from sera of immunized pigs. Opsonization of G. parasuis strains by post-vaccinal IgG led to enhanced phagocytosis of G. parasuis by PAMs at the first two hours of infection. Moreover, opsonization increased the oxidative burst and expression/production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The neutralizing effects of these antibodies on the antioxidant mechanisms of G. parasuis may lead to attenuation of its virulence and pathogenicity in vivo. Together with opsonization of bacteria by these antibodies, the host may eliminate G. parasuis in the infection site more efficiently. Based on these results, the crude capsular extract is a vaccine candidate with immunogenic properties.

Delivery of Interleukin 4 from a Titanium Substrate Coated with Graphene Oxide for Enhanced Osseointegration by Regulating Macrophage Polarization

Macrophage-related inflammation has been identified as a possible predictor of the success or failure of implants based on their polarization of the pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory (M1/M2) phenotype. The purpose of this study was to deliver interleukin 4 (IL-4, a cytokine that triggers M2 polarization of macrophages) from a titanium substrate by a graphene oxide (GO) coating to regulate the macrophage-related inflammatory response and improve the implant performance. The GO/IL-4 coating showed good biocompatibility and promoted macrophages polarization to the M2 phenotype in vitro. Conditioned media from macrophages cultured on a GO/IL-4 surface promoted the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). As the inflammatory response at the interface of GO/IL-4 weakened, the percentage of M2-polarized macrophages increased and the best stability, bone-implant contact, and osteogenesis were observed in vivo. These results demonstrate that the macrophage-related inflammatory response plays a crucial role in osteogenesis around implants and that this GO/IL-4 coating provides an effective strategy for promoting implant osseointegration by regulating immune function.

Analysis of serum inflammatory mediators in type 2 diabetic patients and their influence on renal function

Aim

To evaluate the serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without renal alteration (RA) function.

Methods

Serum samples from 76 patients with T2DM and 24 healthy individuals were selected. Patients with T2DM were divided into two groups according to eGFR (> or < 60mL/min/1.73m²). Cytokines, chemokines and adipokines levels were evaluated using the Multiplex immunoassay and ELISA.

Results

TNFR1 and leptin were higher in the T2DM group with RA than in the T2DM group without RA and control group. All patients with T2DM showed increased resistin, IL-8, and MIP-1α compared to the control group. Adiponectin were higher and IL-4 decreased in the T2DM group with RA compared to the control group. eGFR positively correlated with IL-4 and negatively with TNFR1, TNFR2, and leptin in patients with T2DM. In the T2DM group with RA, eGFR was negatively correlated with TNFR1 and resistin. TNFR1 was positively correlated with resistin and leptin, as well as resistin with IL-8 and leptin.

Conclusion

Increased levels of TNFR1, adipokines, chemokines and decrease of IL-4 play important role in the inflammatory process developed in T2DM and decreased renal function. We also suggest that TNFR1 is a strong predictor of renal dysfunction in patients with T2DM.

Anti-inflammatory effects of interleukin-4 on intervertebral disc cells

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Inflammation has been associated with a number of pathological conditions including intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, increased risks of low back pain and other spinal diseases. Downregulating disc inflammation may be a strategy to reduce degeneration and more importantly back pain. Interleukin (IL)-4 was first discovered as a T-cell secreted factor that enhanced the proliferation of anti-IgM stimulated B cells and is now known as a cytokine that can stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation, tissue regeneration and neurological functions. IL-4 has been shown to be effective in inhibiting inflammatory pathways in chondrocytes. Immunohistochemical studies have shown that disc tissues are immunopositive for IL-4 receptor α (IL-4Rα) and IL-4. Yet, the roles of IL-4 and IL-4R in disc biology remain unknown.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to understand the roles of IL-4 and IL-4Rα in IVDs and to determine if IL-4 can function to inhibit inflammation in IVD cells.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

In vitro experiment.

METHODS

Deidentified patient IVD tissues were collected after surgery under the Orthopedic Information, Tissue and Implant Repository (ORA L00011021). IVD cells were isolated and cultured in monolayer. IL-4R protein expression was analyzed using immunocytochemistry. To test if the IL-4R was responsive to its ligand, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) phosphorylation was analyzed on cell lysates of IVD cells treated with recombinant human IL-4 for 30 minutes using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit. Gene expression analysis of IL-4 up- and downregulated genes were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR. Anti-inflammatory effects of IL-4 were determined by cotreating disc cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IL-4 and measuring gene expression and protein release of inflammatory markers, IL-6 and IL-8. The significance of differences among means of data on gene expression and protein analyses were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance or student t test. Differences were considered significant when the p value was below 0.05.

RESULTS

Immunocytochemistry staining for IL-4Rα in primary IVD cells (n=8) showed the majority of immunopositive staining was intracellular. After IVD cells (n=3-7) were treated with different concentrations of recombinant human IL-4 (0.1-100 ng/mL) for 30 minutes, phospho-STAT6 levels significantly increased by two- to four-fold at all concentrations tested compared with untreated cells. Gene expression of IL-4Rα and IL-6 increased significantly in cells undergoing IL-4 treatment for 24 hours compared with control treated IVD cells (n=5-10). LPS stimulated inflammatory gene expression of interferon (IFN)β, IL-12, IL-6, and IL-8 were downregulated significantly in the presence of IL-4 (n=7). Lastly, protein release of IL-6 and IL-8 were reduced significantly in cells treated with IL-4 and LPS compared with those treated with LPS alone (n=7).

CONCLUSIONS

This study was the first to explore the function of IL-4 and IL-4R in IVD cells. Immunocytochemistry studies confirmed that the majority of cells isolated from patient IVDs expressed IL-4Rα at the protein level. Also, IVD cells can respond to IL-4 by up-regulating IL-4Rα and IL-6 genes and inhibiting inflammatory genes and proteins induced by LPS. Further studies to test the anti-inflammatory effects of IL-4 in the IVD would be needed in animal models.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Biological therapies which include intradiscal delivery of cells, anti-inflammatories or growth factors are being investigated to treat disc degeneration and back pain in animal models and in the clinic. Based on our findings that IL-4 has anti-inflammatory effects on IVD cells, the results of this study suggest including recombinant IL-4 delivery into the intervertebral disc may be a beneficial therapeutic strategy to treat patients with back pain by reducing disc inflammation.

Cytokines in Pain: Harnessing Endogenous Anti-Inflammatory Signaling for Improved Pain Management

Current pain therapeutics offer inadequate relief to patients with chronic pain. A growing literature supports that pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling between immune, glial, and neural cells is integral to the development of pathological pain. Modulation of these communications may hold the key to improved pain management. In this review we first offer an overview of the relationships between pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine signaling and pathological pain, with a focus on the actions of cytokines and chemokines in communication between glia (astrocytes and microglia), immune cells (macrophages and T cells), and neurons. These interactions will be discussed in relation to both peripheral and central nervous system locations. Several novel non-neuronal drug targets for controlling pain are emerging as highly promising, including non-viral IL-10 gene therapy, which offer the potential for substantial pain relief through localized modulation of targeted cytokine pathways. Preclinical investigation of the mechanisms underlying the success of IL-10 gene therapy revealed the unexpected discovery of the powerful anti-nociceptive anti-inflammatory properties of D-mannose, an adjuvant in the non-viral gene therapeutic formulation. This review will include gene therapeutic approaches showing the most promise in controlling pro-inflammatory signaling via increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10 (IL-10) or IL-4, or by directly limiting the bioavailability of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines, as with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by the TNF soluble receptor (TNFSR). Approaches that increase endogenous anti-inflammatory signaling may offer additional opportunities for pain therapeutic development in patients not candidates for gene therapy. Promising novel avenues discussed here include the disruption of lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA-1) activity, antagonism at the cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonism. Given the partial efficacy of current drugs, new strategies to manipulate neuroimmune and cytokine interactions hold considerable promise.

SCID/NOD mice model for 5-FU induced intestinal mucositis: Safety and effects of probiotics as therapy

BACKGROUND

For chemotherapy patients, intestinal mucositis is a frequent complication. Previously, we evaluated the beneficial effect of oral probiotics in 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) induced mucositis in BALB/c mice. Here, we used SCID/NOD mice instead to simulate the immunodeficiency of chemotherapy patients: first, to evaluate the safety of probiotic supplementation and second, to determine the probiotic effect in response to 5-FU intestinal mucositis.

METHODS

Thirty-six SCID/NOD mice were injected with saline (three control groups) or 5-FU (three experimental groups) intraperitoneally daily for five days. Mice were given either oral saline daily, probiotic suspension of Lactobacillus casei variety rhamnosus (Lcr35, Antibiophilus™, France) or Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum (LaBi, Infloran™, Italy). Blood, liver, spleen, and lymph node tissue samples were evaluated for probiotic translocation via culture and Q-PCR. Weight change, diarrhea score, jejunal villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD), and serum cytokine levels of TNF-α, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-17 were also assessed.

RESULTS

No weight loss was found in the SCID control group. Mean weight loss of 10.63 ± 0.87% was noted by day five in 5-FU group without probiotics but it was only 6.2 ± 0.43% if mice were given Lcr35 (p < 0.01) and 7.1 ± 1.80% (p < 0.01) if they were given LaBi. Diarrhea score of 5-FU group without probiotics was 2.0 ± 0.0 by day five, which dropped to 1.33 ± 0.17 (p < 0.05) and 1.42 ± 0.24 (p < 0.05) with Lcr35 and LaBi, respectively. Average VH significantly decreased and CD significantly increased in SCID mice given 5-FU. With probiotics, average CD improved (p < 0.05) while VH lengthened as well. Besides IL-13, all cytokine levels increased in 5-FU SCID mice. Both Lcr35 and LaBi significantly inhibited serum cytokines (p < 0.05). No probiotic strains were detected in blood cultures of any mice.

CONCLUSION

Using SCID/NOD mice as a novel model for 5-FU induced intestinal mucositis, we find that probiotics Lcr35 and LaBi do not lead to bacteremia, can improve diarrhea and body weight, can restore jejunal crypt depth, and significantly inhibit cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IFNγ, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17.

Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-4 Receptor Alpha Gene Polymorphisms in Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

BACKGROUND

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral condition with a major impact on the quality of life. The condition is thought to be due to the overexpression of T helper-1(Th1)-related cytokines. Since interleukin-4 (IL-4) and its receptor (IL-4Rα) are antagonistic to Th-1 pathways, polymorphisms in their genes may also be involved in the pathogenesis of aphthous stomatitis.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients diagnosed with minor RAS and 141 (age- and sex-matched) healthy controls were assessed for 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promoter region of the IL-4 gene (-1098G/T, -590C/T, and -33C/T), and 1 SNP in IL-4Rα gene (+1902 A/G).

RESULTS

No significant differences were detected between the patient and the control group regarding IL-4 allele frequencies. However, the patient group demonstrated a higher frequency of IL-4 -590 CC genotype and a lower rate of IL-4 -590 TC genotype. The TCT, GTT, GCT, and GTC haplotypes of the IL-4 gene (-1098, -590, -33) were significantly more frequent in the patients and the GCC, and TTT haplotypes were more common in healthy controls. No significant differences were found in IL-4Rα gene polymorphism between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain polymorphisms of IL4 gene could predispose individuals to RAS.

Capsaicin-Sensitive Sensory Nerves Are Necessary for the Protective Effect of Ghrelin in Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Rats

Ghrelin was shown to exhibit protective and therapeutic effect in the gut. Aim of the study was to investigate the role of sensory nerves (SN) in the protective effect of ghrelin in acute pancreatitis (AP). Studies were performed on male Wistar rats or isolated pancreatic acinar cells. After capsaicin deactivation of sensory nerves (CDSN) or treatment with saline, rats were pretreated intraperitoneally with ghrelin or saline. In those rats, AP was induced by cerulein or pancreases were used for isolation of pancreatic acinar cells. Pancreatic acinar cells were incubated in cerulein-free or cerulein containing solution. In rats with intact SN, pretreatment with ghrelin led to a reversal of the cerulein-induced increase in pancreatic weight, plasma activity of lipase and plasma concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). These effects were associated with an increase in plasma interleukin-4 concentration and reduction in histological signs of pancreatic damage. CDSN tended to increase the severity of AP and abolished the protective effect of ghrelin. Exposure of pancreatic acinar cells to cerulein led to increase in cellular expression of mRNA for TNF-α and cellular synthesis of this cytokine. Pretreatment with ghrelin reduced this alteration, but this effect was only observed in acinar cells obtained from rats with intact SN. Moreover, CDSN inhibited the cerulein- and ghrelin-induced increase in gene expression and synthesis of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in those cells. Ghrelin exhibits the protective effect in cerulein-induced AP on the organ and pancreatic acinar cell level. Sensory nerves ablation abolishes this effect.

Labor prediction based on the expression patterns of multiple genes related to cervical maturation in human term pregnancy

PROBLEM

This study explored the possibility of evaluating cervical maturation using swabbed cervical cell samples at term pregnancy, and aimed to develop a novel approach to predict labor onset.

METHOD OF STUDY

Women with uncomplicated pregnancies (n=117 from 62 women at term pregnancy) were recruited. Messenger RNA expression levels of cervical cells for ten genes were quantified by qPCR. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted, and principal components that significantly contributed to the prediction of days to delivery were determined.

RESULTS

PCA demonstrated that 76% of the expression information from the ten genes can be represented by three principal components (PC1-3). By the multiple regression analysis, PC2 and Bishop score but not PC1 or PC3 were significant variables in the prediction of days to delivery.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the concurrent assessment of multiple gene activities in cervical cells as a promising approach to predict the initiation of labor.

Interleukin 4 and interleukin 13 downregulate the lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory response by human gestation-associated tissues

Inflammation is a key feature of preterm and term labor. Proinflammatory mediators are produced by gestation-associated tissues in response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns. Interleukin (IL)4, IL10, and IL13 are anti-inflammatory cytokines with potential as anti-inflammatory therapies to prevent preterm birth. The objective of this study was to determine if IL4 and IL13 exert anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated production of proinflammatory cytokines produced by human term gestation-associated tissues (placenta, choriodecidua, and amnion). Both IL4 and IL13 reduced LPS-stimulated IL1B and macrophage inflammatory protein1A; this effect diminished with delay to exposure to either cytokine. There was no effect on LPS-stimulated prostaglandin production. Interleukin 4 receptor alpha (IL4RA) was expressed throughout the placenta, choriodecidua, and amnion, and the inhibitory effects of IL4 and IL13 were IL4RA dependent. Combined IL4 and IL13 did not enhance the anti-inflammatory potential of either cytokine; however, a combination of IL4 and IL10 had a greater anti-inflammatory effect than either cytokine alone. These findings demonstrate that human term gestation-associated tissues are responsive to the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL4 and IL13, which could downregulate LPS-induced cytokine production in these tissues. Anti-inflammatory cytokines might offer an adjunct to existing therapeutics to prevent adverse obstetric outcome.

Tumor Associated Macrophages in Kidney Cancer

Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important element of tumor stroma. They originate from blood monocytes attracted by chemokines and cytokines produced by tumor cells and, being instructed by tumor microenvironment, develop into potent tumor-supporting cell population. TAMs were demonstrated to directly stimulate tumor cell proliferation and to promote angiogenesis. Further TAMs provide for efficient immune escape by producing immunosuppressive cytokines and facilitate tumor dissemination by producing extracellular matrix remodeling enzymes. In renal cell carcinoma (RCC), numerous studies were performed for elucidation of the role of TAM in tumor progression. Using pan-macrophages marker CD68 and type 2 macrophage (M2) markers CD163 and CD206, it was demonstrated that increased density of TAMs is associated with poor survival of patients. Although most of the studies are focused on M2 population in RCC, several markers rather typical for type 1 macrophages (M1) were also characterized. Macrophages isolated from RCC tumors were shown to produce proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and CCL2. It can be concluded that RCC is an excellent example of a tumor with hybrid phenotype of TAMs that share both M1 and M2 properties. Moreover, TAMs seem to be an attractive therapeutic target as well. Further investigations are needed for identification of RCC-specific TAM markers with high predictive capacity and/or suitable for therapeutic targeting.

Tissue Engineering Approaches to Modulate the Inflammatory Milieu following Spinal Cord Injury

Tissue engineering strategies have shown promise in promoting healing and regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI); however, these strategies are limited by inflammation and the immune response. Infiltration of cells of the innate and adaptive immune responses and the inflammation that follows cause secondary damage adjacent to the injury, increased scarring, and a potently inhibitory environment for the regeneration of damaged neurons. While the inflammation that ensues is typically associated with limited regeneration, the immune response is a crucial element in the closing of the blood-brain barrier, minimizing the spread of injury, and initiating healing. This review summarizes the strategies that have been developed to modulate the immune response towards an anti-inflammatory environment that is permissive to the regeneration of neurons, glia, and parenchyma. We focus on the use of biomaterials, biologically active molecules, gene therapy, nanoparticles, and stem cells to modulate the immune response, and illustrate concepts for future therapies. Current clinical treatments for SCI are limited to systemic hypothermia or methylprednisolone, which both act by systemically mitigating the effects of immune response but have marginal efficacy. Herein, we discuss emerging research strategies to further enhance these clinical treatments by directly targeting specific aspects of the immune response.

Blocking interleukin-1 in sepsis

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a polypeptide which possesses a broad spectrum of biological activities, many of which are associated with disease. It has been studied for its ability to induce fever, sleep and anorexia, elevate prostaglandins and nitric oxide, stimulate the release of pituitary hormones, elevate hepatic acute phase proteins, increase gene expression for other cytokines and augment the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes. In addition, IL-1 increases the synthesis of collagenases and decreases the synthesis of proteoglycans, resulting in joint destruction. More recently, IL-1 has been shown to induce hypotension and upregulate endothelial cell adhesion molecules, both important parameters of the septic shock syndrome. IL-1 also possesses host defense properties. For example, pretreatment with IL-1 non-specifically reduces lethality to bacterial and fungal infections, even in the absence of circulating neutrophils. IL-1 has been given to humans in clinical trials; as increasing doses are given, IL-1 is toxic, producing gastrointestinal disturbances and hypotension. It appears that low doses of exogenously administered IL-1 may prove useful as a therapy. On the other hand, blocking the toxic effects of IL-1 may be necessary in the treatment of certain diseases. IL-1 receptor blockade has been studied in human disease including sepsis. Similar to other studies using corticosteroids, antibodies to tumor necrosis factor, bradykinin antagonists and inhibitors of platelet activating factor, clear-cut beneficial effects of IL-1 receptor blockade have not matched those demonstrated in animals.

Pre-treatment of C57BL6/J mice with the TLR4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A prevents LPS-induced sickness behaviors and elevations in dorsal hippocampus interleukin-1β, independent of interleukin-4 expression

Peripheral administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) elevates production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and motivates the expression of sickness behaviors. In this study, we tested the ability of an LPS-derived adjuvant, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), to prevent LPS-induced sickness behaviors in a burrowing paradigm. Testing occurred over a three-day period. Animals received a single injection of either MPLA or saline the first two days of testing. On day three, animals received either LPS or saline. Tissue from the dorsal hippocampus was collected for qRT-PCR to assess expression of IL-1β and IL-4. Results indicate that, during the pre-treatment phase, administration of MPLA induces an immune response sufficient to trigger sickness behaviors. However, we observed that animals pre-treated with MPLA for two days were resistant to LPS-induced sickness behaviors on day three. Results from the qRT-PCR analysis indicated that LPS-treated animals pre-treated with MPLA expressed significantly less IL-1β compared to LPS-treated animals pre-treated with saline. However, we did not observe a significant difference in IL-4 expression between groups. Therefore, results indicate that under the given parameters of the study, MPLA pre-treatment protects against LPS-induced sickness behaviors, at least in part, by decreasing expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β.

IL-1 Receptor Blockade Alleviates Graft-versus-Host Disease through Downregulation of an Interleukin-1β-Dependent Glycolytic Pathway in Th17 Cells

T helper (Th) 17 cells are a subset of Th cells expressing interleukin- (IL-) 17 and initiating an inflammatory response in autoimmune diseases. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an immune inflammatory disease caused by interactions between the adaptive immunity of donor and recipient. The Th17 lineage exhibits proinflammatory activity and is believed to be a central player in GVHD. IL-1 performs a key function in immune responses and induces development of Th17 cells. Here, we show that blockade of IL-1 signaling suppresses Th17 cell differentiation and alleviates GVHD severity. We hypothesized that the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) would suppress Th17 cell differentiation in vitro via inhibition of glycolysis-related genes. Blockade of IL-1 using IL-1Ra downregulated Th17 cell differentiation, an alloreactive T cell response, and expression of genes of the glycolysis pathway. Severity of GVHD was reduced in mice with a transplant of IL-Ra-treated cells, in comparison with control mice. To clarify the mechanisms via which IL-1Ra exerts the therapeutic effect, we demonstrated in vivo that IL-1Ra decreased the proportion of Th17 cells, increased the proportion of FoxP3-expressing T regulatory (T_reg) cells, and inhibited expression of glycolysis-related genes and suppressed Th17 cell development and B-cell activation. These results suggest that blockade of IL-1 signaling ameliorates GVHD via suppression of excessive T cell-related inflammation.

Plasma levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1Ra) predict radiographic progression of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β and IL1Ra, are produced by joint tissues in osteoarthritis (OA), where they may contribute to pathogenesis. We examined whether inflammatory events occurring within joints are reflected in plasma of patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (SKOA).

DESIGN

111 SKOA subjects with medial disease completed a 24-month prospective study of clinical and radiographic progression, with clinical assessment and specimen collection at 6-month intervals. The plasma biochemical marker IL1Ra was assessed at baseline and 18 months; other plasma biochemical markers were assessed only at 18 months, including IL-1β, TNFα, VEGF, IL-6, IL-6Rα, IL-17A, IL-17A/F, IL-17F, CRP, sTNF-RII, and MMP-2.

RESULTS

In cross-sectional studies, WOMAC (total, pain, function) and plasma IL1Ra were modestly associated with radiographic severity after adjustment for age, gender and body mass index (BMI). In addition, elevation of plasma IL1Ra predicted joint space narrowing (JSN) at 24 months. BMI did associate with progression in some but not all analyses. Causal graph analysis indicated a positive association of IL1Ra with JSN; an interaction between IL1Ra and BMI suggested either that BMI influences IL1Ra or that a hidden confounder influences both BMI and IL1Ra. Other protein biomarkers examined in this study did not associate with radiographic progression or severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma levels of IL1Ra were modestly associated with the severity and progression of SKOA in a causal fashion, independent of other risk factors. The findings may be useful in the search for prognostic biomarkers and development of disease-modifying OA drugs.

Large-Scale Discovery and Validation Studies Demonstrate Significant Reductions in Circulating Levels of IL8, IL-1Ra, MCP-1, and MIP-1β in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

CONTEXT

Previous studies have attempted to elucidate the potential role of various cytokines and chemokines in human type 1 diabetes (T1D); however, the precise role of these serum proteins in T1D is still controversial and undetermined primarily due to the small sample sizes of the previous studies. We profiled a panel of serum cytokines and chemokines using a large-scale, two-stage study design for the discovery and validation of the serum proteins associated with T1D.

PARTICIPANTS

The participants were patients with T1D and islet autoantibody-negative control subjects from the Phenome and Genome of Diabetes Autoimmunity study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Thirteen cytokines and chemokines were measured in serum of 4424 subjects using multiplex immunoassays.

RESULTS

Using 1378 samples in Stage 1, we found that four of the 13 proteins are significantly lower in patients with T1D than controls (IL8: odds ratio [OR] = 0.40; P = 5.7 × 10(-19); IL-1Ra: OR = 0.42; P = 1.1 × 10(-13); MCP-1: OR = 0.60; P = 6.7 × 10(-9); and MIP-1β: OR = 0.63; P = 4.2 × 10(-7)). Our confirmation data with 3046 samples in Stage 2 further confirmed the significant negative associations of these four proteins with T1D (IL8: OR = 0.43; P = 8.9 × 10(-32); IL-1Ra: OR = 0.56, P = 3.7 × 10(-27); MCP-1: OR = 0.61, P = 4.3 × 10(-17); and MIP-1β: OR = 0.69, P = 2.4 × 10(-13)). Quartile analyses also suggested that significantly more T1D cases have protein levels in the bottom quartile than in the top quartile for all four proteins: IL8 (OR = 0.09), IL-1Ra (OR = 0.18), MCP-1 (OR = 0.38), and MIP-1β (OR = 0.44). Furthermore, the negative associations between T1D and serum levels of all four proteins are stronger in genetically high-risk groups compared with the moderate and low-risk groups.

CONCLUSIONS

IL8, IL-1Ra, MCP-1, and MIP-1β are significantly lower in patients with T1D than controls.

Non-transcriptional regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling by IL-4

Th2 cytokine IL-4 has been previously shown to suppress the production of proinflammatory cytokines in monocytes. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which IL-4 signaling antagonizes proinflammatory responses is poorly characterized. In particular, whether IL-4 can modulate inflammasome signaling remains unknown. Here, we provide evidence that IL-4 suppresses NLRP3-dependent caspase-1 activation and the subsequent IL-1β secretion but does not inhibit absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2)- or NLRC4 (NOD-like receptor family, CARD domain-containing 4)-dependent caspase-1 activation in THP-1 and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. Upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS/ATP stimulation, IL-4 markedly inhibited the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome, including NLRP3-dependent ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain) oligomerization, NLRP3-ASC interaction and NLRP3 speck-like oligomeric structure formation. The negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by IL-4 was not due to the impaired mRNA or protein production of NLRP3 and proinflammatory cytokines. Supporting this observation, IL-4 attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation even in reconstituted NLRP3-expressing macrophages in which NLRP3 expression is not transcriptionally regulated by TLR-NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, the IL-4-mediated suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome was independent of STAT6-dependent transcription and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Instead, IL-4 inhibited subcellular redistribution of NLRP3 into mitochondria and microtubule polymerization upon NLRP3-activating stimulation. Our results collectively suggest that IL-4 could suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation in a transcription-independent manner, thus providing an endogenous regulatory machinery to prevent excessive inflammasome activation.

Fasciola hepatica fatty acid binding protein induces the alternative activation of human macrophages

The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica is a highly evolved parasite that uses sophisticated mechanisms to evade the host immune response. The immunosuppressive capabilities of the parasite have been associated with antigens secreted through the parasite's tegument, called excretory-secretory products (ESPs). Proteomic studies have identified the fatty acid binding protein (FABP) as one of molecules present in the parasite ESPs. Although FABP has been investigated for potential use in the development of vaccines against fascioliasis, its direct interaction with cells of immune system has not been studied. In this study, FABP was purified in native form from soluble extracts of F. hepatica adult flukes using a combination of molecular sieving chromatography and preparative isoelectric focusing. The immunological effect of the purified protein, termed Fh12, was assayed in vitro using monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) obtained from healthy human donors. Results from the assay indicate that Fh12 produced a significantly increased arginase expression and activity and induced the expression of chitinase-3-like protein (CHI3L1). The assay also showed that Fh12 downregulated the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS2). This indicates that Fh12 induced the production of alternatively activated macrophages (AAMϕ). The results also demonstrated the ability of Fh12 to downregulate the secretion of the proinflammatory and inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and IL-1βB, even after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as its ability to stimulate the overexpression of IL-10. These results suggest a potent anti-inflammatory role for Fh12, which could occur via targeting of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4).

μ opioid receptor agonist-selective regulation of interleukin-4 in T lymphocytes

Opioids are irreplaceable for the treatment of severe pain. However, opioid-induced immunomodulation affects therapies. Here we report that treatment of human T lymphocytes with the opioids fentanyl, methadone, loperamide and beta-endorphin resulted in a strong induction of the cytokine interleukin-4. In contrast, morphine and buprenorphine induced markedly and significantly lower levels of interleukin-4 mRNA and protein. These findings suggest agonist-biased μ opioid receptor signaling in T cells. In the future, better knowledge about agonist-specific immunomodulatory effects of opioids offers the possibility to select drugs for a therapy with more favorable and/or less detrimental side effects in immune cells.

Association of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α gene polymorphism with malnutrition inflammation syndrome and survival among end stage renal disease patients

During end stage renal disease (ESRD) inflammatory pathways are activated which may lead to malnutrition inflammation syndrome (MIS). In the present study, 257 ESRD patients and 200 controls were included. Cytokine levels and genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Risk was estimated through binary logistic regression. Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier were used for survival analysis. Tumor necrosis factor TNF-α-308 AA conferred 3.6-fold higher susceptibility (P=0.001) and higher TNF-α levels (P=0.05). TNF-α-238 AA was associated with 3.3-fold higher susceptibility to ESRD (P=0.002). IL-6-174 CC genotype conferred 3-fold risk to disease (P=0.001) along with higher IL-6 levels (P=0.001). IL-10-1082 GG genotype exhibited 2.2-fold higher susceptibility to disease (P=0.013). IL-10-592 AA/-819 TT genotypes were associated with high C reactive protein (P=0.02) and low IL-10 (P=0.03) levels. TNF-α-308 A allele was significantly associated with 2.3-fold higher risk of malnutrition. TNF-α-GAC, AGC and IL-6-CC were risk haplotypes associated with higher disease susceptibility. Combined analysis revealed 1.6-fold higher susceptibility to disease (P=0.02), there was 2-fold higher susceptibility to malnutrition (P=0.02) in high inflammation group. TNF-α-238 AA genotype was associated with 2.5-fold higher death hazard risk (P=0.02). Our study suggests that TNF-α and its genetic variants are major contributors to susceptibility to MIS in ESRD patients.

Anti-inflammatory cytokines: important immunoregulatory factors contributing to chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal mucositis

“Mucositis” is the clinical term used to describe ulceration and damage of the mucous membranes of the entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT) following cytotoxic cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation resulting in both a significant clinical and financial burden. Chemotherapeutic drugs cause upregulation of stress response genes including NFκB, that in turn upregulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). These proinflammatory cytokines are responsible for initiating inflammation in response to tissue injury. Anti-inflammatory cytokines and specific cytokine inhibitors are also released to limit the sustained or excessive inflammatory reactions. In the past decade, intensive research has determined the role of proinflammatory cytokines in development of mucositis. However, a large gap remains in the knowledge of the role of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the setting of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. This critical paper will highlight current literature available relating to what is known regarding the development of mucositis, including the molecular mechanisms involved in inducing inflammation particularly with respect to the role of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as provide a detailed discussion of why it is essential to consider extensive research in the role of anti-inflammatory cytokines in chemotherapy-induced mucositis so that effective targeted treatment strategies can be developed.

A subset of human uterine endometrial macrophages is alternatively activated

PROBLEM

Human uterine macrophages must maintain an environment hospitable to implantation and pregnancy and simultaneously provide protection against pathogens. Although macrophages comprise a significant portion of leukocytes within the uterine endometrium, the activation profile and functional response of these cells to endotoxin are unknown.

METHOD OF STUDY

Flow cytometric analysis of surface receptors and intracellular markers expressed by macrophages isolated from human endometria was performed. Uterine macrophages were stimulated with LPS. Cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors expressed by these cells were analyzed using Bio-Plex analysis.

RESULTS

CD163(high) human endometrial macrophages constitutively secrete both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as pro-angiogenic factors and secretion of these factors is LPS-inducible.

CONCLUSION

A major population of human uterine macrophages is alternatively activated. These cells secrete factors in response to LPS that are involved in the activation of immune responses and tissue homeostasis.

Interleukin-4 modulates the inflammatory response in ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis

We investigated whether interleukin-4 (IL-4) is present and capable of reducing inflammatory changes seen in ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. Male Swiss mice were treated with saline or ifosfamide alone or ifosfamide with the classical protocol with mesna and analyzed by changes in bladder wet weight (BWW), macroscopic and microscopic parameters, exudate, and hemoglobin quantification. In other groups, IL-4 was administered intraperitoneally 1 h before ifosfamide. In other experimental groups, C57BL/6 WT (wild type) and C57BL/6 WT IL-4 (-/-) knockout animals were treated with ifosfamide and analyzed for changes in BWW. Quantification of bladder IL-4 protein by ELISA in control, ifosfamide-, and mesna-treated groups was performed. Immunohistochemistry to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) as well as protein identification by Western blot assay for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was carried out on ifosfamide- and IL-4-treated animals. In other experimental groups, antiserum against IL-4 was given 30 min before ifosfamide. In IL-4-treated animals, the severity of hemorrhagic cystitis was significantly milder than in animals treated with ifosfamide only, an effect that was reverted with serum anti-IL-4. Moreover, knockout animals for IL-4 (-/-) exhibit a worse degree of inflammation when compared to C57BL/6 wild type. Exogenous IL-4 also attenuated TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and COX-2 expressions in ifosfamide-treated bladders. IL-4, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, attenuates the inflammation seen in ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.

Effect of herpes simplex virus vector-mediated interleukin-4 gene therapy on bladder overactivity and nociception

We investigated the effects of replication-defective herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) on bladder overactivity and nociception. HSV vector expressing murine interleukin-4 (S4IL4) or the control vector expressing β-galactosidase (SHZ) were injected to the rat bladder wall. At 1 week after viral injection, in cystometry performed under urethane anesthesia, the S4IL4-treated group did not show the intercontraction intervals reduction during intravesical administration of 10 nM resiniferatoxin (RTx). At 2 weeks after viral injection, behavioral studies were performed on vector-injected animals in an awakened state. Freezing behavior induced by 3 μM RTx, administered for 1 min into the bladder, was significantly suppressed in the S4IL4 group compared with the SHZ group. Murine IL-4 levels examined by ELISA were significantly increased in bladder and bladder afferent dorsal root ganglia at 2 weeks after viral injection. The expression of IL-1β and IL-2 and bladder inflammatory responses were significantly suppressed in the RTx-irritated bladder of S4IL4-injected rats. These results indicate that HSV vector-mediated interleukin-4 expression in the bladder and bladder afferent pathways reduces the inflammatory response, bladder overactivity and nociceptive behavior induced by bladder irritation in the rat model. Therefore, IL-4 gene therapy could be a new strategy for treating urinary frequency and/or bladder pain.

Prevention of 1-palmitoyl lysophosphatidylcholine-induced inflammation by polyunsaturated acyl lysophosphatidylcholine

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the inflammation induced by saturated acyl lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in vivo and to investigate whether it could be attenuated by the action of polyunsaturated acyl lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), which are known as anti-inflammatory lipid mediators.

METHODS

First, saturated acyl LPC was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to mice and the inflammatory profile was extensively characterized. Subsequently, the preventive effect of polyunsaturated acyl LPCs, i.p. administered 30 min after saturated acyl LPC, was evaluated by measuring indices of inflammation such as leukocyte migration, plasma leakage, and eicosanoid or cytokine formation by light microscopy, Evans blue dye as indicator, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

RESULTS

Saturated acyl LPCs as LPC16:0 (100 mg/kg, i.p.) proved to be an effective inflammation inducer which causes a significant increase in plasma leakage, leukocyte migration into peritoneum and elevation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Interestingly, LPC20:4 and LPC22:6 (50 and 150 μg/kg) significantly nullified LPC16:0-induced inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of LPC20:4 and LPC22:6 were related to down-regulation of leukocyte extravasation, plasma leakage, and formation of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-5, IL-6, NO, 12-HETE and PGE(2)) stimulated by LPC16:0, and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-4 and IL-10).

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that the pro-inflammatory activity of saturated acyl LPCs could be antagonized by the actions of polyunsaturated acyl LPCs, anti-inflammatory lipid mediators.

Allelic variation on murine chromosome 11 modifies host inflammatory responses and resistance to Bacillus anthracis

Anthrax is a potentially fatal disease resulting from infection with Bacillus anthracis. The outcome of infection is influenced by pathogen-encoded virulence factors such as lethal toxin (LT), as well as by genetic variation within the host. To identify host genes controlling susceptibility to anthrax, a library of congenic mice consisting of strains with homozygous chromosomal segments from the LT-responsive CAST/Ei strain introgressed on a LT-resistant C57BL/6 (B6) background was screened for response to LT. Three congenic strains containing CAST/Ei regions of chromosome 11 were identified that displayed a rapid inflammatory response to LT similar to, but more severe than that driven by a LT-responsive allele of the inflammasome constituent NRLP1B. Importantly, increased response to LT in congenic mice correlated with greater resistance to infection by the Sterne strain of B. anthracis. The genomic region controlling the inflammatory response to LT was mapped to 66.36–74.67 Mb on chromosome 11, a region that encodes the LT-responsive CAST/Ei allele of Nlrp1b. However, known downstream effects of NLRP1B activation, including macrophage pyroptosis, cytokine release, and leukocyte infiltration could not fully explain the response to LT or the resistance to B. anthracis Sterne in congenic mice. Further, the exacerbated response in congenic mice is inherited in a recessive manner while the Nlrp1b-mediated response to LT is dominant. Finally, congenic mice displayed increased responsiveness in a model of sepsis compared with B6 mice. In total, these data suggest that allelic variation of one or more chromosome 11 genes in addition to Nlrp1b controls the severity of host response to multiple inflammatory stimuli and contributes to resistance to B. anthracis Sterne. Expression quantitative trait locus analysis revealed 25 genes within this region as high priority candidates for contributing to the host response to LT.

We show that genetic variation within an 8.3 Mb region on mouse chromosome 11 controls host response to anthrax lethal toxin (LT) and resistance to infection by the Sterne strain of Bacillus anthracis. Specifically, congenic C57BL/6 mice in which this region of chromosome 11 is derived from a genetically divergent CAST/Ei strain presented with a rapid and strong innate immune response to LT and displayed increased survival following infection with Sterne spores. CAST/Ei chromosome 11 encodes a dominant LT-responsive allele of Nlrp1b that may partially account for the severe response to LT. However, the strength of this response was attenuated in mice with only one copy of chromosome 11 derived from CAST/Ei indicating the existence of a recessive modifier of the inflammatory response to LT. In addition, congenic mice displayed a pronounced immune response using an experimental model of sepsis, indicating that one or more genes within the chromosome 11 region control host response to multiple inflammatory stimuli. Analyzing the influence of allelic variation on gene expression identified 25 genes as candidates for controlling these responses. In summary, we report a genetic model to study inflammatory responses beneficial to the host during anthrax.

Interaction of pregnancy and autoimmune rheumatic disease

During pregnancy, the fetus represents a natural allograft that is not normally rejected. While the maternal immune system retains the ability to respond to foreign antigens, tolerance mechanisms are up-regulated to protect the fetus from immunologic attacks by the mother. The profound immunologic adaptations during and after pregnancy do influence maternal autoimmune rheumatic diseases in several ways. One is triggering the onset of a rheumatic disease in the post partum period, the other influencing disease activity of established rheumatic disease. The review will discuss the mechanisms of increased susceptibility of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the first year post partum with a specific emphasis on the role of fetal cells or antigens persisting in the maternal circulation (so called microchimerism). Furthermore, the different influences of pregnancy on established rheumatic diseases will be highlighted. A marked beneficial effect of pregnancy is observed on RA whereas several other rheumatic diseases as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) show either no particular effect or an aggravation of symptoms during pregnancy. Differences emerging in regard to modulation of disease symptoms during pregnancy seem related to response to hormones, the type of cytokine profile and immune response prevailing as well as further downstream interactions of molecular pathways that are important in disease pathogenesis.

Protective effects of IL-4 on Bacillus Calmette-Guerin and lipopolysaccharide induced immunological liver injury in mice

OBJECTIVE

Mice injected with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammatory liver injury. This study was performed to explore the protective effects of interleukin (IL)-4 against liver injury induced by BCG and LPS in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice injected with BCG (125 mg/kg) were challenged with LPS (10 μg/kg) to induce the model of inflammatory liver injury. Half an hour after injection of LPS, mice were subcutaneously administered rmIL-4 at 5 and 0.5 μg/kg, respectively. Liver injury was evaluated by serum transaminase assay and H & E staining. Liver cytokine concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and intrahepatic cytokine and iNOS mRNA levels by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Intrahepatic apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling. NF-κB p65 and ERK signal pathway was detected by Western-blotting. NF-κB signal pathway was also detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

RESULTS

IL-4 reduced the serum ALT, AST and LDH, alleviated the inflammatory cells infiltration, down regulated the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-6 and iNOS mRNA in liver, and alleviated hepatic glutathione depletion (GSH). In addition, IL-4 displayed inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and NF-κB activation.

CONCLUSION

IL-4 may protect mice against BCG/LPS-induced immune liver injury, besides ERK and NF-κB signal pathways were involved in the effects.

The influence of interleukin-4 on ligament healing

Despite a complex cascade of cellular events to reconstruct the damaged extracellular matrix, ligament healing results in a mechanically inferior scarred ligament. During normal healing, granulation tissue expands into any residual normal ligamentous tissue (creeping substitution), resulting in a larger region of healing, greater mechanical compromise and an inefficient repair process. To control creeping substitution and possibly enhance the repair process, the antiinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-4 (IL-4), was administered to rats before and after rupture of their medial collateral ligaments. In vitro experiments showed a time-dependent effect on fibroblast proliferation after IL-4 treatment. In vivo treatments with IL-4 (100 ng/mL IV) for 5 days resulted in decreased wound size and type III collagen and increased type I procollagen, indicating a more regenerative early healing in response to the IL-4 treatment. However, continued treatment of IL-4 to day 11 antagonized this early benefit and slowed healing. Together, these results suggest that IL-4 not only influences the macrophages and T lymphocytes but also stimulates fibroblasts associated with the proliferative phase of healing in a dose-, cell-, and time-dependent manner. Although treatment significantly influenced healing in the first week after injury, IL-4 alone was unable to maintain this early regenerative response.