Interleukin-1beta secreted from monocytic cells induces the expression of matrilysin in the prostatic cell line LNCaP

The role of proinflammatory cytokines and CXC chemokines (CXCL1-CXCL16) in the progression of prostate cancer: insights on their therapeutic management

Reproductive cancers are malignancies that develop in the reproductive organs. One of the leading cancers affecting the male reproductive system on a global scale is prostate cancer (PCa). The negative consequences of PCa metastases endure and are severe, significantly affecting mortality and life quality for those who are affected. The association between inflammation and PCa has captured interest for a while. Inflammatory cells, cytokines, CXC chemokines, signaling pathways, and other elements make up the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is characterized by inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines and CXC chemokines are especially crucial for PCa development and prognosis. Cytokines (interleukins) and CXC chemokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-7, IL-17, TGF-β, TNF-α, CXCL1-CXCL6, and CXCL8-CXCL16 are thought to be responsible for the pleiotropic effects of PCa, which include inflammation, progression, angiogenesis, leukocyte infiltration in advanced PCa, and therapeutic resistance. The inflammatory cytokine and CXC chemokines systems are also promising candidates for PCa suppression and immunotherapy. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to provide insight on how the spectra of inflammatory cytokines and CXC chemokines evolve as PCa develops and spreads. We also discussed recent developments in our awareness of the diverse molecular signaling pathways of these circulating cytokines and CXC chemokines, as well as their associated receptors, which may one day serve as PCa-targeted therapies. Moreover, the current status and potential of theranostic PCa therapies based on cytokines, CXC chemokines, and CXC receptors (CXCRs) are examined.

Role of Interleukin-1 family in bone metastasis of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most fatal diseases in male patients with high bone metastatic potential. Bone metastasis severely shortens overall survival and brings skeletal-related events (SREs) which reduces the life quality of patients, and this situation is currently regarded as irreversible and incurable. The progression and metastasis of PCa are found to be closely associated with inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. As pivotal members of inflammatory cytokines, Interleukin-1 (IL-1) family plays a crucial role in this process. Elevated expression of IL-1 family was detected in PCa patients with bone metastasis, and accumulating evidences proved that IL-1 family could exert vital effects on the progression and bone metastasis of many cancers, while some members have dual effects. In this review, we discuss the role of IL-1 family in the bone metastasis of PCa. Furthermore, we demonstrate that many members of IL-1 family could act as pivotal biomarkers to predict the clinical stage and prognosis of PCa patients. More importantly, we have elucidated the role of IL-1 family in the bone metastasis of PCa, which could provide potential targets for the treatment of PCa bone metastasis and probable directions for future research.

Interleukin-1β and Cancer

Within a tumor, IL-1β is produced and secreted by various cell types, such as immune cells, fibroblasts, or cancer cells. The IL1B gene is induced after "priming" of the cells and a second signal is required to allow IL-1β maturation by inflammasome-activated caspase-1. IL-1β is then released and leads to transcription of target genes through its ligation with IL-1R1 on target cells. IL-1β expression and maturation are guided by gene polymorphisms and by the cellular context. In cancer, IL-1β has pleiotropic effects on immune cells, angiogenesis, cancer cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Moreover, anti-cancer treatments are able to promote IL-1β production by cancer or immune cells, with opposite effects on cancer progression. This raises the question of whether or not to use IL-1β inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Rhodobacter sphaeroides Extract Lycogen™ Attenuates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in Rats

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urological problems in mid-aged to elderly men. Risk factors of BPH include family history, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high oxidative stress. The main medication classes for BPH management are alpha blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors. However, these conventional medicines cause adverse effects. Lycogen™, extracted from Rhodobacter sphaeroides WL-APD911, is an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. In this study, the effect of Lycogen™ was evaluated in rats with testosterone-induced benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Testosterone injections and Lycogen™ administration were carried out for 28 days, and body weights were recorded twice per week. The testosterone injection successfully induced a prostate enlargement. BPH-induced rats treated with different doses of Lycogen™ exhibited a significantly decreased prostate index (PI). Moreover, the Lycogen™ administration recovered the histological abnormalities observed in the prostate of BPH rats. In conclusion, these findings support a dose-dependent preventing effect of Lycogen™ on testosterone-induced BPH in rats and suggest that Lycogen™ may be favorable to the prevention and management of benign prostate hyperplasia.

MMP7 cleaves remyelination-impairing fibronectin aggregates and its expression is reduced in chronic multiple sclerosis lesions

Upon demyelination, transient expression of fibronectin precedes successful remyelination. However, in chronic demyelination observed in multiple sclerosis (MS), aggregates of fibronectin persist and contribute to remyelination failure. Accordingly, removing fibronectin (aggregates) would constitute an effective strategy for promoting remyelination. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes known to remodel extracellular matrix components, including fibronectin. Here, we examined the ability of MMPs to degrade fibronectin aggregates. Our findings reveal that MMP7 cleaved fibronectin aggregates resulting into a prominent 13 kDa EIIIA (16 kDa EDA)‐containing fragment. MMP7 was upregulated during lysolecithin‐induced demyelination, indicating its potential for endogenous fibronectin clearance. In contrast, the expression of proMMP7 was substantially decreased in chronic active and inactive MS lesions compared with control white matter and remyelinated MS lesions. Microglia and macrophages were major cellular sources of proMMP7 and IL‐4‐activated, but not IFNγ+LPS‐activated, microglia and macrophages secreted significant levels of proMMP7. Also, conditioned medium of IL‐4‐activated macrophages most efficiently cleaved fibronectin aggregates upon MMP‐activating conditions. Yet, coatings of MMP7‐cleaved fibronectin aggregate fragments inhibited oligodendrocyte maturation, indicating that further degradation and/or clearance by phagocytosis is essential. These findings suggest that MMP7 cleaves fibronectin aggregates, while reduced (pro)MMP7 levels in MS lesions contribute to their persistent presence. Therefore, upregulating MMP7 levels may be key to remove remyelination‐impairing fibronectin aggregates in MS lesions.

By activating matrix metalloproteinase-7, shear stress promotes chondrosarcoma cell motility, invasion and lung colonization

Interstitial fluid flow and associated shear stress are relevant mechanical signals in cartilage and bone (patho)physiology. However, their effects on chondrosarcoma cell motility, invasion and metastasis have yet to be delineated. Using human SW1353, HS.819.T and CH2879 chondrosarcoma cell lines as model systems, we found that fluid shear stress induces the accumulation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which in turn markedly enhance chondrosarcoma cell motility and invasion via the induction of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7). Specifically, shear-induced cAMP and IL-1β activate PI3-K, ERK1/2 and p38 signaling pathways, which lead to the synthesis of MMP-7 via transactivating NF-κB and c-Jun in human chondrosarcoma cells. Importantly, MMP-7 upregulation in response to shear stress exposure has the ability to promote lung colonization of chondrosarcomas in vivo. These findings offer a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying MMP-7 activation in shear-stimulated chondrosarcoma cells, and provide insights on designing new therapeutic strategies to interfere with chondrosarcoma invasion and metastasis.

Soluble Syndecan-1 Levels Are Elevated in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Syndecan-1 plays a central role in maintaining normal intestinal barrier function. Shedding of syndecan-1, reflected by soluble syndecan-1 serum concentrations, is highly regulated by inflammation.

AIM

To determine soluble syndecan-1 levels in inflammatory bowel disease patients and its relationship with other inflammatory markers, disease activity, and medical treatment.

METHODS

Cross-sectional, pilot study in which serum concentrations of soluble syndecan-1 were analyzed by ELISA in a cohort of 41 inflammatory bowel disease patients (22 Crohn's disease, 19 ulcerative colitis) and 16 healthy controls. Disease activity was estimated by the Crohn's disease activity index, partial Mayo score, and C-reactive protein.

RESULTS

Soluble syndecan-1 levels were significantly higher in inflammatory bowel disease patients compared to healthy controls (29.5 ± 13.4 vs. 21.1 ± 10.4 ng/ml, respectively, P = 0.03). Soluble syndecan-1 displayed a reliable ability to discriminate inflammatory bowel disease patients from healthy controls with a sensitivity of 95 %, specificity of 50 %, and positive predictive value of 83 %. Patients treated with anti-inflammatory medications demonstrated significantly lower soluble syndecan-1 levels compared to untreated patients (26.45 ± 9.75 vs. 38 ± 18.43 ng/ml, respectively, P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that soluble syndecan-1 is potentially a novel diagnostic marker in the management of inflammatory bowel disease patients. Its applicability as a surrogate, prognostic biomarker remains to be determined.

Low molecular weight heparin relieves experimental colitis in mice by downregulating IL-1β and inhibiting syndecan-1 shedding in the intestinal mucosa

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, but its effect on inflammation in colitis remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of LMWH on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, in which acute colitis progresses to chronic colitis, and to explore the potential mechanism involved in this process. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control, DSS, and DSS plus LMWH groups (n = 18). Disease activity was scored by a disease activity index (DAI). Histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The mRNA levels of syndecan-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-10 were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression of syndecan-1 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The serum syndecan-1 level was examined by a dot immunobinding assay. LMWH ameliorated the disease activity of colitis induced by DSS administration in mice. Colon destruction with the appearance of crypt damage, goblet cell loss, and a larger ulcer was found on day 12 after DSS administration, which was greatly relieved by the treatment of LMWH. LMWH upregulated syndecan-1 expression in the intestinal mucosa and reduced the serum syndecan-1 level on days 12 and 20 after DSS administration (P<0.05 vs. DSS group). In addition, LMWH significantly decreased the expression of both IL-1β and IL-10 mRNA on days 12 and 20 (P<0.05 vs. DSS group). LMWH has therapeutic effects on colitis by downregulating inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting syndecan-1 shedding in the intestinal mucosa.

Role of inflammasomes and their regulators in prostate cancer initiation, progression and metastasis

Prostate cancer is one of the main cancers that affect men, especially older men. Though there has been considerable progress in understanding the progression of prostate cancer, the drivers of its development need to be studied more comprehensively. The emergence of resistant forms has also increased the clinical challenges involved in the treatment of prostate cancer. Recent evidence has suggested that inflammation might play an important role at various stages of cancer development. This review focuses on inflammasome research that is relevant to prostate cancer and indicates future avenues of study into its effective prevention and treatment through inflammasome regulation. With regard to prostate cancer, such research is still in its early stages. Further study is certainly necessary to gain a broader understanding of prostate cancer development and to create successful therapy solutions.

Activated Syndecan-1 shedding contributes to mice colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium

BACKGROUND

Syndecan-1(Sdc1) plays important roles in many steps of inflammatory responses. In ulcerative colitis patients, decreased Sdc1 expression was observed and Sdc1 analogue heparin could improve the disease course. A better understanding of how Sdc1 functions in colitis will benefit the disease intervention.

AIMS

To evaluate the role of Sdc1 in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were grouped randomly into control, DSS, and heparin+DSS. The DSS group was given 4% DSS orally and heparin+DSS group was given 4% DSS with heparin (enoxaparin) subcutaneously, while the control was given distilled water orally. All mice were killed at day 7. Disease activities, histopathological changes, membrane-bound and free Sdc1 level and mRNA expression of Sdc1, IL-1, and IL-10 in colon mucosa were detected.

RESULTS

Significant colitis was observed in the DSS group, but disease activity index and histological score showed significant lower in the heparin+DSS group than those in the DSS group. Compared to the control group, decreased Sdc1 protein expression was detected in colon mucosa of DSS-induced colitis while Sdc1 ectodomain level in serum was much higher. Inhibited Sdc1 ectodomain shedding was detected in the heparin+DSS group compared to the DSS group. RT-PCR demonstrated that both IL-1 and IL-10 expression were up-regulated in DSS-induced colitis while heparin lessened the up-regulation extent.

CONCLUSIONS

Sdc1 shedding is activated in DSS-induced colitis and heparin, which mimics Sdc1 functions, relieves colitis severity by inhibiting Sdc1 shedding and down-regulating cytokines expression.

Differential astroglial responses in the spinal cord of rats submitted to a sciatic nerve double crush treated with local injection of cultured Schwann cell suspension or lesioned spinal cord extract: implications on cell therapy for nerve repair

PURPOSE

Reactive astrocytes are implicated in several mechanisms after central or peripheral nervous system lesion, including neuroprotection, neuronal sprouting, neurotransmission and neuropathic pain. Schwann cells (SC), a peripheral glia, also react after nerve lesion favoring wound/repair, fiber outgrowth and neuronal regeneration. We investigated herein whether cell therapy for repair of lesioned sciatic nerve may change the pattern of astroglial activation in the spinal cord ventral or dorsal horn of the rat.

METHODS

Injections of a cultured SC suspension or a lesioned spinal cord homogenized extract were made in a reservoir promoted by a contiguous double crush of the rat sciatic nerve. Local injection of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) served as control. One week later, rats were euthanized and spinal cord astrocytes were labeled by immunohistochemistry and quantified by means of quantitative image analysis.

RESULTS

In the ipsilateral ventral horn, slight astroglial activations were seen after PBS or SC injections, however, a substantial activation was achieved after cord extract injection in the sciatic nerve reservoir. Moreover, SC suspension and cord extract injections were able to promote astroglial reaction in the spinal cord dorsal horn bilaterally.

CONCLUSION

Spinal cord astrocytes react according to repair processes of axotomized nerve, which may influence the functional outcome. The event should be considered during the neurosurgery strategies.

90K/Mac-2 binding protein is expressed in prostate cancer and induces promatrilysin expression

BACKGROUND

90K/Mac-2 binding protein is a cell adhesive protein whose level of expression has been correlated with metastatic potential in many different tumor types. The purpose of this investigation was to examine 90K expression in prostate cancer and to determine a possible role for 90K in cancer progression.

METHODS

90K expression in prostate cell lines and tissue samples was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Expression in cell lines was also evaluated by Western blot analysis and real-time RT-PCR. Induction of promatrilysin by 90K was evaluated by ELISA.

RESULTS

Some of the human prostate cell lines studied expressed 90K. 90K was over-expressed in 38.8% of prostate cancer tumor samples, 7.14% of PIN lesions, and 18.6% of normal tissue. 90K was also shown to induce promatrilysin expression in the prostate cell line, LNCaP.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that 90K is over-expressed in a large fraction of malignant tumors. The fact that 90K can induce expression of promatrilysin indicates a possible role for 90K in cancer progression and metastasis. This suggests that 90K over-expression may be a useful marker for examining prostate cancer progression.

MMP-7 promotes prostate cancer-induced osteolysis via the solubilization of RANKL

We developed a rodent model that mimics the osteoblastic and osteolytic changes associated with human metastatic prostate cancer. Microarray analysis identified MMP-7, cathepsin-K, and apolipoprotein D as being upregulated at the tumor-bone interface. MMP-7, which was produced by osteoclasts at the tumor-bone interface, was capable of processing RANKL to a soluble form that promoted osteoclast activation. MMP-7-deficient mice demonstrated reduced prostate tumor-induced osteolysis and RANKL processing. This study suggests that inhibition of MMP-7 will have therapeutic benefit in the treatment of prostate cancer-induced osteolysis.

BPH and inflammation: pharmacological effects of Permixon on histological and molecular inflammatory markers. Results of a double blind pilot clinical assay

INTRODUCTION

The role of infiltrating cells (I.C.), commonly observed in the adenoma interstitial tissue, is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that I.C. are related with BPH progression by: phenotypically characterising these cells; quantifying the expression of lymphokines and growth factors; investigating the response to Permixon (P) in a clinical study. Permixon is a lipido sterolic extract of Serenoa repens possessing pharmacological activities and widely used in the treatment of men with BPH.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicenter open pilot study of two parallel groups on BPH patients was carried out. They were randomized to receive either oral Permixon (P) 160 mg bid for three months or to be followed for 3 weeks without any treatment before surgery (control group C). Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to conform homogeneous groups, avoiding interferences of inflammatory drugs or others. Baseline clinical profile was almost identical in both groups in terms of age (65.7+/-5.1 vs. 67.1+/-5.8 years), IPSS (19.8+/-6.1 vs. 19.0+/-5.8), prostate volume (64.8+/-18.9 vs. 71.5+/-29.3cc), Q(max) (9.6+/-3.2 vs. 10.6+/-2.6 ml/s), and Q(L) (4.0+/-1.1 vs. 3.5+/-0.7). Surgery was ultimately performed on 29 patients (17C, 12P) by TURP or retropubic adenomectomy. Adenoma samples were routinely stained with HE and later prepared for immunohistochemical studies using CD3, CD20 and CD68 antibodies. Counting of positives cells, lymphoid aggregates and foci were done using EnVision technique and the Tech Mate processor. Cytokines, growth factors and eicosanoids were determined by Elisa kits following the manufactured recommendation.

RESULTS

HISTOLOGICAL: A difference was observed in the number of lymphocytes B between C (91.4+/-44.1) and P treated (58.2+/-53.7) groups (p=0.097). BIOLOGICAL MARKERS: TNFalpha and IL-1beta were dramatically lower in the Permixon treated group. Other parameters did not show significant changes. CLINICAL: IPSS in the Permixon treated group was significantly reduced (p<0.006) from 20.0+5.9 to 14.9+3.8 after three months of treatment.

COMMENTS

The BPH inflammatory hypothesis was tested in humans. Our pilot study shows a significant reduction of some inflammatory parameters in prostatic tissues of patients treated with Permixon. These biological findings justify a pharmacological effect of this drug on the inflammatory status of the adenoma. A correlation with clinical improvement was observed.

Pharmacological inhibition of FGF receptor signaling inhibits LNCaP prostate tumor growth, promatrilysin, and PSA expression

Previously we have shown that the matrix metalloproteinase matrilysin (MMP-7) is overexpressed in human prostate cancers compared with normal epithelium. However, the mechanism for this overexpression is not understood. Human prostate fibroblasts have been shown to express certain fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), including FGF-1. Evidence from our laboratory and others has indicated that FGFs can regulate the expression of certain matrix metalloproteinases, including matrilysin. The goal of this study was to determine whether pharmacological inhibition of FGFR signaling would alter LNCaP tumor growth as well as expression of promatrilysin when LNCaP cells were co-injected subcutaneously with human prostate fibroblasts into athymic nude mice. For these inhibitor studies, AG1-X2 beads were coated with the pharmacological FGFR inhibitor SU5402 and were co-injected along with LNCaP and human prostate fibroblast cells (PF). Mice injected with LNCaP/PF and LNCaP/PF/beads alone demonstrated significant tumor growth, whereas mice injected with LNCaP/PF/SU5402-coated beads showed a significant decrease in tumor volume and weight. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that significant promatrilysin expression in tumors was inhibited by the FGFR inhibitor SU5402. Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and promatrilysin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mice injected with LNCaP/PF and LNCaP/PF/beads expressed promatrilysin and serum PSA levels that were inhibited by co-injecting with SU5402. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of FGF receptor signaling results in a decrease in the growth of LNCaP tumors generated subcutaneously by co-injecting LNCaP cells and human prostate fibroblasts. The inhibition in tumor growth was correlated with a decrease in tumor promatrilysin expression and a decrease in serum promatrilysin and PSA.

Androgens block interleukin-1 beta-induced promatrilysin expression in prostate carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

We have shown previously that interleukin (IL) -1 beta- and IL-6-induced promatrilysin expression is mediated by an indirect pathway that requires NF kappa B-dependent synthesis of IL-6 and STAT3 signaling. We now demonstrate that IL-1 beta-induced but not IL-6-induced promatrilysin expression can be blocked by androgens in the prostate carcinoma cell line LNCaP (lymph node-derived carcinoma cells of the prostate).

METHODS

By using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses, promatrilysin was measured in LNCaP cells stimulated with IL-1 beta or IL-6 LNCaP-treated cells pretreated with testosterone. In addition, promatrilysin message was measured by using Northern analyses after IL-6-treated cells pretreated with testosterone.

RESULTS

In LNCaP treated with testosterone before IL-1 beta stimulation induced promatrilysin expression was completely abrogated. Furthermore, testosterone completely abrogated NF kappa B transactivation activity and induction of IL-6 protein expression and mRNA. Testosterone and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone did not have an inhibitory effect on IL-6-induced promatrilysin expression. Testosterone also had no effect on basal promatrilysin expression or basal NF kappa B transactivation activity.

CONCLUSION

From these data, we conclude that testosterone blocks IL-1 beta-induced promatrilysin expression by inhibition of NF kappa B transactivation activity, which in turn, blocks IL-6 expression. These data suggest a mechanism in vivo by which invasive and metastatic prostatic carcinoma cell clones refractory to hormone ablation therapy may develop after chemical or surgical castration. Furthermore, these data suggest that, perhaps, upstream targets such as the cytokines IL-1 beta and IL-6 may provide alternative drug targets for inhibiting prostate cancer progression.

Relationship of the interleukin-1 system with neuroendocrine and exocrine markers in human colon cancer cell lines

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is known to regulate the proliferation and differentiation of normal and malignant immune cells as well as other cell types. Expression of IL-1 (alpha and beta), IL-1 receptors (RI and RII) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) was determined by RT-PCR in seven human colon carcinoma cell lines (COLO 320DM, LoVo, SW403, SW1116, SW1417, LS123 and LS174t). Influence of IL-1 on the secretion of the neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation marker chromogranin A (CGA) and the exocrine marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was examined by Western blotting. Our data indicate that CGA and IL-1RI are expressed by all seven, IL-1 beta by five, IL-1RII and IL-1RA by six lines. IL-1 alpha transcripts were found only in three lines (LoVo, SW1116 and LS174t) and correlated with high CEA levels and aggressive growth behavior. "Pure" NE cell lines (COLO 320DM and LS123) secreted the highest levels of CGA, but the lowest levels of CEA and were IL-1 (alpha and beta) negative. Exogenously added IL-1 caused a decrease in CGA, but an increase in CEA secretion. Our results suggest an inverse relationship between IL-1 and NE differentiation, as well as a direct relationship between IL-1 and CEA expression in colon carcinoma.

Interleukin-1beta-induced promatrilysin expression is mediated by NFkappaB-regulated synthesis of interleukin-6 in the prostate carcinoma cell line, LNCaP

Previously, our laboratory showed that interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) secreted by lipopolysaccharide-activated monocytes induces promatrilysin expression in the prostate carcinoma cell line, LNCaP. We now demonstrate that IL-1beta-induced promatrilysin expression is mediated by an indirect mechanism that requires nuclear factor Kappa B (NFkappaB)-dependent synthesis of IL-6. Inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide blocked IL-1beta-mediated induction of matrilysin mRNA suggesting that synthesis of one or more additional factors is required for IL-1beta-induced promatrilysin protein expression. Blockage of NFkappaB transactivation activity abrogated IL-1beta-induced promatrilysin expression to baseline levels suggesting that NFkappaB transactivation activity is necessary. Inhibition of IL-6 activity attenuated IL-1beta-induced promatrilysin, but not NFkappaB transactivation activity indicating that IL-6 acts downstream of NFkappaB in potentiation of IL-1beta-mediated promatrilysin expression. Inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide did not alter IL-6-induced induction of matrilysin mRNA indicating that, contrary to the mechanism by which IL-1beta regulates promatrilysin expression, IL-6-mediated matrilysin mRNA expression does not require new protein synthesis. Transient transfection with dominant negative STAT3 inhibited IL-1beta- and IL-6-induced promatrilysin. These data provide evidence that NFkappaB-mediated IL-6 synthesis is required for IL-1beta-induced promatrilysin expression, and IL-6 signaling through STAT3 plays a role in IL-1beta-induced promatrilysin expression.

Integrin- and cadherin-mediated induction of the matrix metalloprotease matrilysin in cocultures of malignant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells and dermal fibroblasts

Matrilysin is a matrix metalloprotease (MMP) overexpressed in a number of cancers including skin, head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and prostate and colon adenocarcinomas. Matrilysin has been shown to play a role in the degradation of the basement membrane that separates epithelium from stroma allowing tumor cells to intravasate into the bloodstream and metastasize. Here, we show that an oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SCC-25) expresses low levels of promatrilysin when cultured alone. However, when SCC-25 cells are cocultured with human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF), there is a 40-fold induction of promatrilysin expression. We tested whether this induction of promatrilysin expression was due to the release of paracrine factors, cell-cell interactions, or cell-matrix interactions. Our results indicate induced promatrilysin expression is the result of both cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. We demonstrate that beta1 integrins as well as cadherins, specifically N-cadherin and E-cadherin, are involved in the induction of promatrilysin expression. Our results are of general interest in relation to the regulation of MMP expression through cell surface receptor regulation. Further investigation may lead to the identification of novel targets for suppression of invasion and metastasis in oral tumors.

Expression of the matrix metalloproteinase promatrilysin in coculture of prostate carcinoma cell lines

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in tumor progression. Matrilysin (MMP-7) has been shown to be upregulated in prostatic carcinomas and can increase the invasive capacity of DU-145 cells. Because of the heterogenous nature of prostatic tumors, we examined promatrilysin expression in cocultures containing two different prostatic carcinoma cell lines, DU-145 and LNCaP.

METHODS

Using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses, promatrilysin expression was measured in DU-145/LNCaP cocultures and conditioned media cross-cultures. The effects of blocking IL-6 on promatrilysin expression were examined by pretreating conditioned media with IL-6 neutralizing antibody.

RESULTS

A significant induction of promatrilysin expression was observed in DU-145/LNCaP cocultures compared to LNCaP cells alone. In addition, DU-145 conditioned medium induced the same fold induction of promatrilysin as was observed in the cocultures. LNCaP cell conditioned medium did not induce promatrilysin expression in DU-145 cells. Neutralization of IL-6 with neutralizing antibody abrogated DU-145 conditioned media induced promatrilysin expression to baseline levels.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-6 secreted by DU-145 cells can induce promatrilysin expression in LNCaP cells. IL-6, in vivo, may act as a paracrine signaling factor that regulates matrix metalloproteinase expression. Therefore, IL-6 may play a role in invasive metastatic processes of a prostate carcinoma.

Bacterial exposure induces and activates matrilysin in mucosal epithelial cells

Matrilysin, a matrix metalloproteinase, is expressed and secreted lumenally by intact mucosal and glandular epithelia throughout the body, suggesting that its regulation and function are shared among tissues. Because matrilysin is produced in Paneth cells of the murine small intestine, where it participates in innate host defense by activation of prodefensins, we speculated that its expression would be influenced by bacterial exposure. Indeed, acute infection (10-90 min) of human colon, bladder, and lung carcinoma cells, primary human tracheal epithelial cells, and human tracheal explants with type 1-piliated Escherichia coli mediated a marked (25-50-fold) and sustained (>24 h) induction of matrilysin production. In addition, bacterial infection resulted in activation of the zymogen form of the enzyme, which was selectively released at the apical surface. Induction of matrilysin was mediated by a soluble, non-LPS bacterial factor and correlated with the release of defensin-like bacteriocidal activity. Bacteria did not induce matrilysin in other cell types, and expression of other metalloproteinases by epithelial cells was not affected by bacteria. Matrilysin was not detected in germ-free mice, but the enzyme was induced after colonization with Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. These findings indicate that bacterial exposure is a potent and physiologically relevant signal regulating matrilysin expression in epithelial cells.

Differences in the expression and effects of interleukin-1 and -2 on androgen-sensitive and -insensitive human prostate cancer cell lines

The presence of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-2 mRNA in five human prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines and their effects on cellular proliferation and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were examined. IL-1 was found in androgen-unresponsive PC-3 and DU-145 but not in the androgen-responsive LNCaP, MDA-PCA-2a and MDA-PCA-2b cell lines. IL-2 message was absent while that of GAPDH (positive control) was present in all five cell lines. IL-1 decreased while IL-2 increased PSA levels of near-confluent LNCaP cells after 24 h of treatment. IL-1 inhibited whereas IL-2 stimulated the growth of sub-confluent LNCaP cells (72 h). Neither cytokine affected the proliferation of DU-145 or PC-3 cells.

Promatrilysin expression is induced by fibroblast growth factors in the prostatic carcinoma cell line LNCaP but not in normal primary prostate epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

It has been determined that prostate cancer cells overexpress the matrix metalloprotease matrilysin (MMP-7), but the factors regulating this expression have not been identified. Fibroblast growth factors (FGF), which are expressed in the prostate, might participate in paracrine regulation of matrilysin expression by prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

We tested the ability of recombinant FGF proteins and prostate fibroblast-conditioned media (PFCM) to induce promatrilysin expression in the prostate carcinoma cell line, LNCaP, and in normal prostate epithelial (PrEC) cells. We also characterized prostate fibroblast FGF expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). An inhibitor of FGF receptor activation (SU5402) was used to determine the role of FGF proteins in the induction of promatrilysin expression by PFCM.

RESULTS

Recombinant FGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-9, FGF-10, and PFCM significantly induced promatrilysin expression in LNCaP cells but not in PrEC cells. Prostate fibroblasts express mRNAs for these FGF proteins, and inhibition of LNCaP cell FGF receptors with SU5402 substantially reduced the induction of promatrilysin expression by PFCM.

CONCLUSIONS

Stromally expressed FGF proteins induce promatrilysin expression in a prostate carcinoma cell, and may provide a mechanism for the overexpression of promatrilysin observed in prostate cancer.

Production of Metalloproteinase-7 (Matrilysin) by Human Myeloma Cells and Its Potential Involvement in Metalloproteinase-2 Activation

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a critical role in bone remodeling and tumor spreading. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy primarily localized within the bone marrow and characterized by its capacity to destroy bone matrix and to disseminate. We have reported recently that human myeloma cells were able to induce the conversion of pro-MMP-2 produced by the tumoral environment in its activated form. In the current study, we have investigated the mechanism involved in this process. We demonstrate that a soluble MMP constitutively produced by myeloma cells was responsible for pro-MMP-2 activation. Furthermore, we show that the soluble MMP, MMP-7, also known as matrilysin, was able to activate the MMP-2 produced in its latent form by bone marrow stromal cells. Finally, we demonstrate that myeloma cells constitutively produce MMP-7 with expected proteolytic activity. Our results suggest that MMP-7 produced by myeloma cells could participate in bone destruction and tumor spreading in MM, on one hand by its own proteolytic activity and on the other hand by its capacity to activate pro-MMP-2. These findings strengthen the idea that inhibition of MMP activity could represent an interesting therapeutic approach in MM.

EGF induces the expression of matrilysin in the human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line, LNCaP

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are regulated both positively and negatively at the transcriptional level by a variety of growth factors, oncogenes, and tumor promoters. Induction of the MMP, matrilysin, by epidermal growth factor (EGF) was investigated in a human prostate cancer cell line.

METHODS

Secreted protein and messenger RNA were detected using Western and Northern methods, respectively. EGF receptor antibodies were used for neutralization of the EGF receptor to determine the role of the EGF growth factor family (EGF, transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha), or amphiregulin) in the basal induction of matrilysin.

RESULTS

EGF increased mRNA and secreted protein levels for the MMP matrilysin in LNCaP cells, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) had no inhibitory effect on the levels of mRNA or secreted protein induced by EGF in LNCaP cells. Decay of matrilysin mRNA after the addition of actinomycin D indicated that the half-life of matrilysin mRNA was not altered by EGF. Blocking with a neutralizing antibody to the EGF receptor did not alter the basal level of secreted matrilysin.

CONCLUSIONS

Exogenously added EGF increased matrilysin mRNA, perhaps at a transcriptional level. Growth factors, other than the members of the EGF family which act through the EGF receptor, may be involved in the regulation of the basal level of secreted matrilysin in LNCaP cells. Our data with LNCaP cells suggest that paracrine regulation of matrilysin expression in human prostate carcinoma cells could be via the EGF receptor.

Metastatic and non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) cells induce host metalloproteinase production in vivo

Numerous studies have demonstrated the persistent localization of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression to the interface between invading human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and surrounding stroma supporting a role for MMPs in CRC invasion and metastasis. The present study sought to determine whether CRC cells of varying metastatic potential would have differential effects on host MMP release. Subcutaneous CRC tumors were generated in BALB/c nude mice using three CRC cell lines: SW480, SW620, and the highly metastatic SW620S5 clone. Representative samples from the subcutaneous CRC were then orthotopically implanted on the cecum of recipient nude mice. Subcutaneous and cecal tumors were analyzed for MMP expression via zymography, western blot, and RT-PCR. In vitro, none of the three cell lines expressed MMP-2 nor MMP-9. In contradistinction, the subcutaneous tumors expressed limited amounts of MMP-2 and MMP-9 while the cecal tumors expressed significant amounts of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as well as other smaller members of the MMP family. MMP-9 mRNA and protein was confirmed as host in origin by RT-PCR with mouse specific primers and a mouse MMP-9 molecular weight of 105 kDa as determined by zymography and western blot analysis. In situ hybridization also localized the mRNA for MMP-9 to the host stromal cells. In conclusion, CRC cells appear incapable of producing MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vitro but are capable of up-regulating host MMP production in vivo. Enhanced host MMP-9 production in metastatic CRC cell-derived subcutaneous and cecal tumors suggests that metastatic colon cells may acquire the expression of important MMP regulating factor(s) in vivo.

Matrilysin expression and function in airway epithelium

We report that matrilysin, a matrix metalloproteinase, is constitutively expressed in the epithelium of peribronchial glands and conducting airways in normal lung. Matrilysin expression was increased in airway epithelial cells and was induced in alveolar type II cells in cystic fibrosis. Other metalloproteinases (collagenase-1, stromelysin-1, and 92-kD gelatinase) were not produced by normal or injured lung epithelium. These observations suggest that matrilysin functions in injury-mediated responses of the lung. Indeed, matrilysin expression was increased in migrating airway epithelial cells in wounded human and mouse trachea. In human tissue, epithelial migration was reduced by > 80% by a hydroxamate inhibitor, and in mouse tissue, reepithelialization in trachea from matrilysin-null mice was essentially blocked. In vivo observations and cell culture studies demonstrated that matrilysin was secreted lumenally by lung epithelium, but upon activation or while migrating over wounds, some matrilysin was released basally. The constitutive production of matrilysin in conducting airways, its upregulation after injury, its induction by alveolar epithelium, and its release into both lumenal and matrix compartments suggest that this metalloproteinase serves multiple functions in intact and injured lung, one of which is to facilitate reepithelialization.

Interleukin 1beta mediates the modulatory effects of monocytes on LNCaP human prostate cancer cells

Proliferative and secretory responses in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer LNCaP cells are regulated by steroid and peptide hormones and by differentiation-promoting substances. In the present study, we evaluated whether peripheral blood monocytes that exhibit anti-tumour activity in haematopoietic and solid tumours influence growth and secretion in the LNCaP cell line. For this purpose, LNCaP cells were incubated with monocyte-conditioned medium (MCM), and proliferation as well as expression of androgen receptor (AR) and secretion of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were assessed. Conditioned medium from monocytes reduced proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Incubation with 40% MCM caused a 50% reduction in cell proliferation. AR protein decreased by 70% and PSA levels in supernatants from LNCaP cells were reduced by approximately 80% following treatment with MCM. We focused on the contribution of two major products of activated monocytes, prostaglandin E2 and interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), to the MCM modulatory action. LNCaP cells treated with prostaglandin E2 showed neither a reduction in proliferation nor a down-regulation of AR and PSA levels. The effects of MCM on cellular proliferation, AR protein and PSA secretion were abolished by pretreatment of MCM with a neutralizing anti-IL-1beta antibody. In addition, recombinant IL-1beta was able to replace MCM for the inhibition of proliferation and down-regulation of AR and PSA proteins. LNCaP cells were shown to express the IL-1beta receptor type 1, which transduces IL-1beta signal. Our findings reveal that monocyte-derived IL-1beta inhibits the proliferation of androgen-responsive prostate tumour cells and reduces AR and PSA levels.