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Fu J, Zong X, Jin M, Min J, Wang F, Wang Y. Mechanisms and regulation of defensins in host defense. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:300. [PMID: 37574471 PMCID: PMC10423725 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions in innate immunity, as well as their structure and activity relationships, along with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, have been of great interest in recent years. To highlight the key research into the role of defensins in human and animal health, we first describe their research history, structural features, evolution, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Next, we cover the role of defensins in immune homeostasis, chemotaxis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, intestinal development and regulation of cell death. Further, we discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in various diseases, including infectious disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity, chronic inflammatory lung disease, periodontitis and cancer. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the nutrient-dependent regulation of defensins, including fatty acids, amino acids, microelements, plant extracts, and probiotics, while considering the clinical application of such regulation. Together, the review summarizes the various biological functions, mechanism of actions and potential clinical significance of defensins, along with the challenges in developing defensins-based therapy, thus providing crucial insights into their biology and potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Increased fecal human beta-defensin-2 expression in preterm infants is associated with allergic disease development in early childhood. World Allergy Organ J 2022; 15:100633. [PMID: 35600835 PMCID: PMC9109190 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate whether fecal human beta-defensins (HBD)-2 and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) expression in preterm infants are associated with allergic disease development by age 2 years. Methods Preterm infants' stool samples were collected at the age of 6 and 12 months postnatally. Information regarding medication exposure histories (antibiotics, antipyretics, probiotics) and physician-diagnosed allergic diseases was obtained using age-specific questionnaires and medical records. We compared the 6-month and 12-month fecal HBD-2 and ECP concentrations between the medication exposure and non-exposure group, respectively, and between children who developed allergic diseases and those who did not by 2 years of age. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate independent variables related to physician-diagnosed allergic diseases by 2 years of age. Results Seventy-four preterm infants (gestational age, 31–36 weeks) were included. Fecal HBD-2 levels were significantly increased at 12 months of age among children who developed allergic diseases compared to those who did not (37.18 ± 11.80 ng/g vs. 8.56 ± 4.33 ng/g, P = 0.011). This association was more apparent among allergic children given antibiotics (50.23 ± 16.15 ng/g vs. 9.75 ± 7.16 ng/g, P = 0.008) or antipyretics (46.12 ± 14.22 ng/g vs. 10.82 ± 6.81 ng/g, P = 0.018) during the first year, whereas among allergic children who were previously not exposed to antibiotics or antipyretics, the differences were not significant. Results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that HBD-2 concentration in 12-month stools was an independent indicator associated with physician-diagnosed allergic diseases by 2 years of age (adjusted odds ratio: 1.03 [95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.05], P = 0.036). Our data revealed a lack of association between fecal ECP and allergic diseases. Conclusions We found that preterm infants who expressed high fecal HBD-2 at 12 months of age were associated with physician-diagnosed allergic diseases by the age of 2 years. Further studies are needed to determine the role of fecal HBD-2 in the development of allergic diseases.
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Baseline Concentrations of Various Immune Biomarkers Determine Their Increase after Consumption of a Postbiotic Based on Cow’s Milk Fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 in Both Newborns and Young Children. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12042009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intake of a postbiotic product can support immunity depending on specific conditions of the consumer. The present study evaluates the potential impact of baseline values on the change of various immune factors (α-defensin, β-defensin, cathelicidin, and secretory IgA) after three months of consumption of a postbiotic based on cow’s milk fermented with Lactobacillus paracasei CBA L74 in a young population. For the analysis, raw data of three studies were used in a multivariate analysis applying confounding factors. One study in newborns demonstrated that intake of the postbiotic yielded an increase in the concentrations of α-defensin and secretory IgA (at least p < 0.02), while for all factors, except β-defensin, the higher the baseline values the lower the increase (at least p < 0.002). Two combined studies in young children (aged 1–4 years) showed an increase in the concentration of all factors after intake of the postbiotic (at least p < 0.003), but now showing the higher the baseline values the higher the increase after three months (at least p < 0.02) in only the postbiotic group. It is concluded that consumption of the postbiotic leads to a baseline- and age-dependent increase in the concentrations of the immune factors under study in both newborns and young children. It is hypothesized that maturation of the immune system leads to different effects on optimizing host defense factors via this postbiotic intake.
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Gacesa R, Vich Vila A, Collij V, Mujagic Z, Kurilshikov A, Voskuil M, Festen E, Wijmenga C, Jonkers D, Dijkstra G, Fu J, Zhernakova A, Imhann F, Weersma R. A combination of fecal calprotectin and human beta-defensin 2 facilitates diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease. Gut Microbes 2021; 13:1943288. [PMID: 34313538 PMCID: PMC8317932 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1943288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) show a large overlap in clinical presentation, which presents diagnostic challenges. As a consequence, invasive and burdensome endoscopies are often used to distinguish between IBD and IBS. Here, we aimed to develop a noninvasive fecal test that can distinguish between IBD and IBS and reduce the number of endoscopies.We used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to analyze the composition and function of gut microbiota of 169 IBS patients, 447 IBD patients and 1044 population controls and measured fecal Calprotectin (FCal), human beta defensin 2 (HBD2), and chromogranin A (CgA) in these samples. These measurements were used to construct training sets (75% of data) for logistic regression and machine learning models to differentiate IBS from IBD and inactive from active IBD. The results were replicated on test sets (remaining 25% of the data) and microbiome data obtained using 16S sequencing.Fecal HBD2 showed high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating between IBD and IBS (sensitivity = 0.89, specificity = 0.76), while the inclusion of microbiome data with biomarkers (HBD2 and FCal) showed a potential for improvement in predictive power (optimal sensitivity = 0.87, specificity = 0.93). Shotgun sequencing-based models produced comparable results using 16S-sequencing data. HBD2 and FCal were found to have predictive power for IBD disease activity (AUC ≈ 0.7).HBD2 is a novel biomarker for IBD in patients with gastro-intestinal complaints, especially when used in combination with FCal and potentially in combination with gut microbiome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Gacesa
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands,University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A. Vich Vila
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands,University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - V. Collij
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands,University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Z. Mujagic
- Maastricht University Medical Center, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A. Kurilshikov
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M.D. Voskuil
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands,University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E.A.M. Festen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands,University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - C. Wijmenga
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - D.M.A.E. Jonkers
- Maastricht University Medical Center, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, NUTRIM School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - G. Dijkstra
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J. Fu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands,University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pediatrics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A. Zhernakova
- University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - F. Imhann
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands,University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, The Netherlands,CONTACT F. Imhann University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R.K. Weersma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Shulman RJ, Devaraj S, Heitkemper M. Activation of the Innate Immune System in Children With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Evidenced by Increased Fecal Human β-Defensin-2. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:2121-2127. [PMID: 32961343 PMCID: PMC8041153 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The role of the innate immune system in functional gastrointestinal pain disorders is unclear. We investigated the role of β-defensin-2 and gut permeability in childhood irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain (FAP) symptom generation. METHODS Fecal β-defensin-2 (and in a subset, gut permeability) was measured in children with IBS (n = 116), FAP (n = 33), and healthy control (HC) children (n = 72). IBS and FAP patients were recruited from tertiary and primary care, and HCs were recruited from primary care. RESULTS β-defensin-2 concentration was greater in children with IBS (P = .003) and FAP (P = .03) than in HCs. β-defensin-2 was greater in girls with IBS than female HCs (P = .007) and in girls with IBS vs boys with IBS (P = .036). There was no difference by sex in the FAP and HC groups. For the entire cohort, β-defensin-2 correlated with multiple pain symptoms. In the IBS group, β-defensin-2 correlated with pain interference (P = .014). No correlation with pain was found in the FAP or HC group. Gut permeability was greater in the IBS vs the FAP and HC groups (P = .038). For the entire cohort, permeability correlated with the number of pain episodes (P = .041) and interfering pain episodes (P = .049). For the entire cohort there was a correlation between β-defensin-2 and permeability (P = .003), with borderline correlation in the IBS group (P = .086). For the cohort and IBS and HC groups, the number of bowel movements was modestly inversely related to fecal β-defensin-2 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Increased fecal β-defensin-2 concentration in children with IBS suggests activation of the innate immune system in some, which, along with increased gut permeability, appears related to abdominal pain symptoms. Sex is an important variable in interpreting β-defensin-2 concentration in children with IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Shulman
- Department of Pediatrics; Children's Nutrition Research Center; Texas Children's Hospital; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| | - Sridevi Devaraj
- Texas Children's Hospital; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Pathology and Immunology
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Rüb AM, Tsakmaklis A, Gräfe SK, Simon MC, Vehreschild MJ, Wuethrich I. Biomarkers of human gut microbiota diversity and dysbiosis. Biomark Med 2021; 15:137-148. [PMID: 33442994 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2020-0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The association of gut microbiota dysbiosis with various human diseases is being substantiated with increasing evidence. Metabolites derived from both, microbiota and the human host play a central role in disease susceptibility and disease progression by extensively modulating host physiology and metabolism. Several of these metabolites have the potential to serve as diagnostic biomarkers for monitoring disease states in conjunction with intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. In this narrative review we evaluate the potential of trimethylamine-N-oxide, short-chain fatty acids, 3-indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, secondary bile acids, hippurate, human β-defensin-2, chromogranin A, secreted immunoglobulins and zonulin to serve as biomarkers for metabolite profiling and diagnostic suitability for dysbiosis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina M Rüb
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anastasia Tsakmaklis
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefanie K Gräfe
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marie-Christine Simon
- Department of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Nutrition & Microbiota, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maria Jgt Vehreschild
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Irene Wuethrich
- Department of Biosystems Science & Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
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Day AS, Leach ST, Lemberg DA. An update on diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2017; 17:835-843. [PMID: 28770636 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2017.1364160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diagnosis of the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases relies upon initial recognition of an inflammatory condition, followed by definitive endoscopic, histological and radiological investigations. Various biomarkers are available to assist with initial elucidation of an inflammatory process: these also have important roles after diagnosis in monitoring and ongoing assessment of progress. Areas covered: Various inflammatory markers, serological tests and genetic analyses may be helpful in predicting the course of disease in the coming months. This review provides an update on the current understanding and knowledge about these markers. It also highlights key gaps and identifies aspects that require further study. Expert commentary: Our current approach to the application of non-invasive biomarkers is rudimentary. Further work is required to elucidate the roles of the various markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Day
- a Department of Paediatrics , University of Otago (Christchurch) , Christchurch , New Zealand.,b School of Women's and Children's Health , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Steven T Leach
- b School of Women's and Children's Health , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Daniel A Lemberg
- b School of Women's and Children's Health , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia.,c Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology , Sydney Children's Hospital , Sydney , Australia
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Novel Biomarkers and the Future Potential of Biomarkers in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:1936315. [PMID: 28522897 PMCID: PMC5410373 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1936315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing importance placed upon noninvasive assessment of gut inflammation. These tools are likely to be the key in differentiating intestinal inflammatory disease from functional disorders and in monitoring the response to intervention in individuals with known inflammatory conditions. Although various noninvasive markers are currently available, they have limitations and do not provide ideal utility. This review focuses on emerging markers of gut inflammation, highlighting the potential of specific markers.
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Biomarkers of Gastrointestinal Host Responses to Microbial Infections. Mol Microbiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1128/9781555819071.ch46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ooi CY, Pang T, Leach ST, Katz T, Day AS, Jaffe A. Fecal Human β-Defensin 2 in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: Is There a Diminished Intestinal Innate Immune Response? Dig Dis Sci 2015; 60:2946-52. [PMID: 26271615 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-015-3842-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defects in bacterial host defenses in the cystic fibrosis (CF) airways have been extensively investigated, but the role of the intestinal innate immune system in CF is unknown. Human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) is an antimicrobial protein produced by epithelial surfaces and upregulated by inflammation. Its expression in the CF intestine is unknown. AIM To determine whether HBD-2 was present in the feces of patients with CF, and to compare fecal HBD-2 levels between CF and healthy controls (HC). To compare fecal HBD-2 levels in inflamed and noninflamed states, as measured by fecal calprotectin, as a secondary aim. METHODS Feces from children with CF and HC were collected for analysis. RESULTS Thirty-three CF patients and 33 HC were recruited. All CF patients had detectable fecal HBD-2. There was no difference between fecal HBD-2 in CF and HC (median (IQR) 49.1 (19.7-77.2) versus 43.4 (26.5-71.9) ng/g; P = 0.7). Fecal calprotectin was significantly higher in the CF cohort than in HC (median (IQR) 61.3 (43.8-143.8) versus 19.5 (19.5-35.1) mg/kg; P < 0.0001). There was no difference in fecal HBD-2 levels between CF subjects with fecal calprotectin ≥50 mg/kg and <50 mg/kg (50.5 (19.6-80.2) versus 43.0 (19.0-70.4); P = 0.7). There was no correlation between fecal HBD-2 and calprotectin in CF (r = 0.14; P = 0.4). CONCLUSION Fecal HBD-2 levels were not increased in children with CF, in inflamed or noninflamed states. The lack of HBD-2 induction and upregulation under inflammatory conditions may suggest a diminished intestinal innate immune response in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Y Ooi
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, University of New South Wales, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia. .,Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
| | - Tamara Pang
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, University of New South Wales, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
| | - Steven T Leach
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, University of New South Wales, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
| | - Tamarah Katz
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
| | - Andrew S Day
- Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch Hospital, University of Otago, Christchurch, 4710, New Zealand.
| | - Adam Jaffe
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, University of New South Wales, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia. .,Department of Paediatric Respiratory, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
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Kalló G, Chatterjee A, Tóth M, Rajnavölgyi É, Csutak A, Tőzsér J, Csősz É. Relative quantification of human β-defensins by a proteomics approach based on selected reaction monitoring. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2015; 29:1623-1631. [PMID: 26467114 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE A targeted proteomics method based on selected reaction monitoring (SRM) is a relevant approach for the analysis of multiple analytes in biological samples. Defensins are phylogenetically conserved small antimicrobial peptides contributing to innate host defense and exhibiting low immunogenicity, resistance to proteolysis and a broad range of antimicrobial activities. The goal of the present study was to develop and optimize SRM-based targeted proteomics methods for the detection of human β-defensins 1-4 in various biological fluids. METHODS An SRM-based targeted proteomics method was developed and validated for the detection of human β-defensins 1-4. The supernatants of resting and IL-1β-stimulated Caco2, HT-29 and SW-1116 colonic epithelial cells (CEC), cell lysates of CECs and tear samples of human healthy individuals were analyzed and the feasibility of the developed method was validated by ELISA and dot-blot analysis complemented by RT-qPCR. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that the developed SRM method offers an alternative approach for the cost-effective and rapid analysis of human β-defensins in samples with biological relevance. CONCLUSIONS A semi-quantitative targeted mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the relative quantification of β-defensins 1-4 in cell culture supernatants and body fluid analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergő Kalló
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Proteomics Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4010, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Arunima Chatterjee
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4010, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Márta Tóth
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4010, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Rajnavölgyi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4010, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4010, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - József Tőzsér
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Proteomics Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4010, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Csősz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Proteomics Core Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter. 1, 4010, Debrecen, Hungary
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Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis is an acute inflammatory disease, which primarily affects preterm infants, and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit. Unfortunately, necrotizing enterocolitis can be difficult to distinguish from other diseases and clinical conditions especially during the early course of the disease. This diagnostic uncertainty is particularly relevant to clinical evaluation and medical management and potentially leads to unnecessary and extended periods of cessation of enteral feedings and prolonged courses of parenteral nutrition and antibiotics. Biomarkers are molecular indicators of a disease process, diagnosis, prognosis and can be used to monitor the effects of disease management. Historically, there has been a paucity of reliable and robust biomarkers for necrotizing enterocolitis. However, several studies have recently identified promising biomarkers. Noninvasive samples for biomarker measurement are preferred and may have certain advantages in the preterm infant. In this review article, we focus on recent exciting and promising discoveries in noninvasive biomarkers for necrotizing enterocolitis.
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Baricelli J, Rocafull MA, Vázquez D, Bastidas B, Báez-Ramirez E, Thomas LE. β-defensin-2 in breast milk displays a broad antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2015; 91:36-43. [PMID: 25211380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2014.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the antimicrobial activity of β-defensin-2 produced in the mammary gland and secreted in human breast milk. METHODS The peptide production was performed by DNA cloning. β-defensin-2 levels were quantified in 61 colostrum samples and 39 mature milk samples from healthy donors, by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using halo inhibition assay, this study assessed activity against seven clinical isolates from diarrheal feces of children between 0 and 2 years of age. The activity of β-defensin-2 against three opportunistic pathogens that can cause nosocomial infections was determined by microdilution test. RESULTS The peptide levels were higher in colostrum (n=61) than in mature milk samples (n=39), as follows: median and range, 8.52 (2.6-16.3) μg/ml versus 0.97 (0.22-3.78), p<0.0001; Mann-Whitney test. The recombinant peptide obtained showed high antimicrobial activity against a broad range of pathogenic bacteria. Its antibacterial activity was demonstrated in a disk containing between 1-4 μg, which produced inhibition zones ranging from 18 to 30 mm against three isolates of Salmonella spp. and four of E. coli. β-defensin-2 showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.25 μg/mL and 0.5 μg/mL for S. marcescen and P. aeruginosa, respectively, while a higher MIC (4 μg/mL) was obtained against an isolated of multidrug-resistant strain of A. baumannii. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to report β-defensin-2 levels in Latin American women. The production and the activity of β-defensin-2 in breast milk prove its importance as a defense molecule for intestinal health in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Baricelli
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela; Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Miguel A Rocafull
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela; Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Desiree Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela; Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Betsi Bastidas
- Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela; Laboratorio Delgado Launois, Clínica Lugo, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Estalina Báez-Ramirez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela; Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Luz E Thomas
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Centro de Biofísica y Bioquímica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela; Banco de Leche Humana, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela.
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Baricelli J, Rocafull MA, Vázquez D, Bastidas B, Báez‐Ramirez E, Thomas LE. β‐defensin‐2 in breast milk displays a broad antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2014.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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15
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August KJ, Chiang KY, Qayed M, Dulson A, Worthington-White D, Cole CR, Horan JT. Relative defects in mucosal immunity predict acute graft-versus-host disease. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2014; 20:1056-9. [PMID: 24641826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Impairment of gut mucosal immunity by the transplant process could facilitate translocation of commensal bacteria and thereby augment the graft-versus-host response. To begin to assess the influence of gut mucosal immunity on the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), we conducted a prospective study in 24 pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients, assessing 4 fecal markers of mucosal immunity: calprotectin, soluble CD8 (sCD8), soluble intracellular adhesion molecule 1, and β-defensin-2. Stool samples were collected prospectively on transplant days 0, +5, +10, and +15 and analyzed by ELISA. Lower levels on day +5 (calprotectin and β-defensin-2) and day +10 (calprotectin, β-defensin-2, and sCD8) were associated with subsequent acute GVHD. The most striking difference was with calprotectin on day +10. Patients with levels below 424 mg/kg had an incidence of 77.8%, whereas those with levels above this threshold had a cumulative incidence of 0% (P = .002). Relative defects in gut mucosal immunity may be important in the pathogenesis of acute GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith J August
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - K-Y Chiang
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Muna Qayed
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ashley Dulson
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Diana Worthington-White
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Conrad R Cole
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - John T Horan
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University/Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.
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16
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Pang T, Leach ST, Katz T, Day AS, Ooi CY. Fecal biomarkers of intestinal health and disease in children. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:6. [PMID: 24479111 PMCID: PMC3904282 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of various fecal biomarkers has provided insight into the intestinal milieu. Most of these markers are associated with the innate immune system of the gut, apart from the more novel M2-pyruvate kinase. The innate immunity of the gut plays a role in maintaining a fine balance between tolerance to commensal bacteria and immune response to potential pathogens. It is a complex system, which comprises of multiple elements, including antimicrobial peptides (e.g., defensins, cathelicidins, lactoferrin, and osteoprotegerin), inflammatory proteins (e.g., calprotectin and S100A12), and microbial products (e.g., short-chain fatty acids). Dysfunction of any component can lead to the development of intestinal disease, and different diseases have been associated with different fecal levels of these biomarkers. Each fecal biomarker provides information on specific biological and disease processes. Therefore, stool quantification of these biomarkers provides a non-invasive method to define potential pathways behind the pathogenesis of diseases and can assist in the assessment and diagnosis of various gastrointestinal conditions. The abovementioned fecal biomarkers and their role in intestinal health and disease will be reviewed in this paper with a pediatric focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Pang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Steven T Leach
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia ; Department of Gastroenterology, Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Tamarah Katz
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sydney Children's Hospital , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Andrew S Day
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Otago , Christchurch , New Zealand
| | - Chee Y Ooi
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia ; Department of Gastroenterology, Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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Kato I, Startup J, Ram JL. Fecal Biomarkers for Research on Dietary and Lifestyle Risk Factors in Colorectal Cancer Etiology. CURRENT COLORECTAL CANCER REPORTS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11888-013-0195-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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18
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Defensins: natural component of human innate immunity. Hum Immunol 2013; 74:1069-79. [PMID: 23756165 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2013.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The widespread use of antibiotics has contributed to a huge increase in the number of resistant bacteria. New classes of drugs are therefore being developed of which defensins are a potential source. Defensins are a group of antimicrobial peptides found in different living organisms, involved in the first line of defense in their innate immune response against pathogens. This review summarizes the results of studies of this family of human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). There is a special emphasis on describing the entire group and individual peptides, history of their discovery, their functions and expression sites. The results of the recent studies on the use of the biologically active peptides in human medicine are also presented. The pharmaceutical potential of human defensins cannot be ignored, especially considering their strong antimicrobial activity and properties such as low molecular weight, reduced immunogenicity, broad activity spectrum and resistance to proteolysis, but there are still many challenges and questions regarding the possibilities of their practical application.
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19
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Passariello A, Di Costanzo M, Terrin G, Iannotti A, Buono P, Balestrieri U, Balestrieri G, Ascione E, Pedata M, Canani FB, Canani RB. Crenotherapy modulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoregulatory peptides in nasal secretions of children with chronic rhinosinusitis. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2012; 26:e15-9. [PMID: 22391070 DOI: 10.2500/ajra.2012.26.3733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of crenotherapy on major mucosal markers of inflammation, TNF alpha, human beta-defensins 2 (hBD-2), and calprotectin, are largely unexplored in pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of crenotherapy with sulfate-sodium-chloride water on mucosal markers of inflammation in children with CRS. METHODS Children with CRS received 15-day crenotherapy consisting of sulfate-sodium-chloride thermal water inhalations by nasal aerosol (15 minutes/day). Concentrations of nasal mucosal markers of inflammation (TNF alpha, hBD-2, and calprotectin) were measured before and after crenotherapy. Presence of specific symptoms (nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, facial pain, sense of smell, and cough), value of symptoms score sino-nasal 5 (SN5), quality of life (QoL) score (1 [worse] to 10 [optimal]) were also assessed. RESULTS After crenotherapy a significant reduction was observed in TNF alpha (from 0.14 ± 0.02 to 0.08 ± 0.01; p < 0.001), calprotectin (from 2.9 ± 1.0 to 1.9 ± 0.5; p < 9.001), and hBD-2 (from 2.0 ± 0.1 to 0.9 ± 0.6; p < 0.001) concentrations. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in number of subjects presenting symptoms of nasal obstruction (100% versus 40%), nasal discharge (33% versus 13%), facial pain (30% versus 10%), and sense of smell (60% versus 20%) was observed. A significant improvement of SN5 (from 3.07 ± 0.76 to 2.08 ± 0.42; p < 0.001) was observed after the crenotherapy. QoL also improved after crenotherapy (from 4.2 ± 1.1 to 6.6 ± 1.0; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Crenotherapy induced a down-regulation of nasal mucosal inflammatory mediators in children with CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Passariello
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, Naples, Italy
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20
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Lahtinen SJ, Forssten S, Aakko J, Granlund L, Rautonen N, Salminen S, Viitanen M, Ouwehand AC. Probiotic cheese containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® modifies subpopulations of fecal lactobacilli and Clostridium difficile in the elderly. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2012; 34:133-143. [PMID: 21264685 PMCID: PMC3260371 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-011-9208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Aging is associated with alterations in the intestinal microbiota and with immunosenescence. Probiotics have the potential to modify a selected part of the intestinal microbiota as well as improve immune functions and may, therefore, be particularly beneficial to elderly consumers. In this randomized, controlled cross-over clinical trial, we assessed the effects of a probiotic cheese containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM on the intestinal microbiota and fecal immune markers of 31 elderly volunteers and compared these effects with the administration of the same cheese without probiotics. The probiotic cheese was found to increase the number of L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus NCFM in the feces, suggesting the survival of the strains during the gastrointestinal transit. Importantly, probiotic cheese administration was associated with a trend towards lower counts of Clostridium difficile in the elderly, as compared with the run-in period with the plain cheese. The effect was statistically significant in the subpopulation of the elderly who harbored C. difficile at the start of the study. The probiotic cheese was not found to significantly alter the levels of the major microbial groups, suggesting that the microbial changes conferred by the probiotic cheese were limited to specific bacterial groups. Despite that the administration of the probiotic cheese to the study population has earlier been shown to significantly improve the innate immunity of the elders, we did not observe measurable changes in the fecal immune IgA concentrations. No increase in fecal calprotectin and β-defensin concentrations suggests that the probiotic treatment did not affect intestinal inflammatory markers. In conclusion, the administration of probiotic cheese containing L. rhamnosus HN001 and L. acidophilus NCFM, was associated with specific changes in the intestinal microbiota, mainly affecting specific subpopulations of intestinal lactobacilli and C. difficile, but did not have significant effects on the major microbial groups or the fecal immune markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampo J Lahtinen
- Danisco Bioactives, Health & Nutrition, Sokeritehtaantie 20, 02460, Kantvik, Finland.
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21
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Hirota SA, Ng J, Lueng A, Khajah M, Parhar K, Li Y, Lam V, Potentier MS, Ng K, Bawa M, McCafferty DM, Rioux KP, Ghosh S, Xavier RJ, Colgan SP, Tschopp J, Muruve D, MacDonald JA, Beck PL. NLRP3 inflammasome plays a key role in the regulation of intestinal homeostasis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011; 17:1359-72. [PMID: 20872834 PMCID: PMC3026862 DOI: 10.1002/ibd.21478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attenuated innate immune responses to the intestinal microbiota have been linked to the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). Recent genetic studies have revealed that hypofunctional mutations of NLRP3, a member of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) superfamily, are associated with an increased risk of developing CD. NLRP3 is a key component of the inflammasome, an intracellular danger sensor of the innate immune system. When activated, the inflammasome triggers caspase-1-dependent processing of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β and IL-18. METHODS In the current study we sought to assess the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis through its regulation of innate protective processes. To investigate this role, Nlrp3(-/-) and wildtype mice were assessed in the dextran sulfate sodium and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid models of experimental colitis. RESULTS Nlrp3(-/-) mice were found to be more susceptible to experimental colitis, an observation that was associated with reduced IL-1β, reduced antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10, and reduced protective growth factor TGF-β. Macrophages isolated from Nlrp3(-/-) mice failed to respond to bacterial muramyl dipeptide. Furthermore, Nlrp3-deficient neutrophils exhibited reduced chemotaxis and enhanced spontaneous apoptosis, but no change in oxidative burst. Lastly, Nlrp3(-/-) mice displayed altered colonic β-defensin expression, reduced colonic antimicrobial secretions, and a unique intestinal microbiota. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm an essential role for the NLRP3 inflammasome in the regulation of intestinal homeostasis and provide biological insight into disease mechanisms associated with increased risk of CD in individuals with NLRP3 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A. Hirota
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Ng
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Immunology Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alan Lueng
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Maitham Khajah
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ken Parhar
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yan Li
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Victor Lam
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mireille S. Potentier
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kelvin Ng
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Misha Bawa
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Kevin P. Rioux
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Subrata Ghosh
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ramnik J. Xavier
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Broad Institute of MIT, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sean P. Colgan
- Mucosal Inflammation Program, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA
| | - Jurg Tschopp
- Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Muruve
- Immunology Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Paul L. Beck
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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22
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Influence of gestational age, cesarean section, and type of feeding on fecal human beta-defensin 2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2010; 51:103-5. [PMID: 20453671 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0b013e3181cd26f9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE : Development of the mucosal immune system is essential for controlling antigenic response. External factors are known to influence the immune system, such as breast-feeding or the mode of delivery. The aim of the present study was to investigate maturation of the enteric immune system. PATIENTS AND METHODS : In stool samples of 59 preterm and term-born infants we measured the concentration of human beta-defensin 2 (HBD 2), an endogenous antimicrobial peptide, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine playing a central role in mucosal inflammation, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS : Mode of delivery as well as nutrition (breast-feeding or formula) had no influence on the fecal concentration of HBD-2 or TNF-alpha, but there was a significant increase in the concentration of HBD-2 in correlation with gestational age. TNF-alpha showed no change in concentration. CONCLUSIONS : Low fecal HBD-2 may be a risk factor in preterm infants to develop neonatal enteric disease, such as necrotizing enterocolitis.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adult ileal Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by a specific decrease in ileal Paneth cell alpha-defensins. In addition to NOD2, we previously identified a disturbance of the Wnt-signaling transcription factor TCF-4 as a major mechanism for this deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate human alpha-defensin-5 (HD-5) and TCF-4 in an independent cohort of pediatric CD patients. METHODS Expression levels of HD-5 and TCF-4 mRNA were quantified by real-time PCR in biopsies from newly diagnosed untreated pediatric CD patients (<18 years, n=36) and age-matched symptomatic non-inflammatory bowel disease controls with a histologically normal gut (n=29). To assess the influence of current inflammation, mucosal interleukin-8 (IL-8) and fecal calprotectin levels were determined. RESULTS Small intestinal HD-5 and TCF-4 mRNA were significantly reduced in pediatric ileal CD (L1+L3) (P=0.022 and P=0.0005, respectively) and were significantly correlated (r=0.499; P=0.0001). In ileal but not colonic CD, TCF-4 was also reduced in the colon (P=0.005). Importantly, both HD-5 and TCF-4 were independent of inflammation, as measured by IL-8 expression or fecal calprotectin. In contrast to the small intestine, colonic Paneth cell HD-5 mRNA was significantly elevated in colonic CD (L2) (P=0.026) and was correlated with fecal calprotectin levels (r=0.481; P=0.020). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we describe a specific decrease in HD-5 and TCF-4 mRNA expression levels in children with ileal CD. In the small intestine, this decrease was independent of current inflammation, whereas inflammation seems to induce Paneth cell metaplasia in the colon. Our data extend the hypothesis of an important role of antimicrobial host defense in pediatric CD patients.
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Kübler I, Koslowski MJ, Gersemann M, Fellermann K, Beisner J, Becker S, Rothfuss K, Herrlinger KR, Stange EF, Wehkamp J. Influence of standard treatment on ileal and colonic antimicrobial defensin expression in active Crohn's disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2009; 30:621-33. [PMID: 19549264 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2009.04070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn's Disease (CD), a chronic intestinal inflammation, is currently treated primarily by therapeutics which are directed against inflammatory responses. Recent findings though suggest a central role of the innate immune barrier in the pathophysiology. Important factors providing this barrier are antimicrobial peptides like the alpha- and beta-defensins. Little is known about in vivo effects of common drugs on their expression. AIM To analyse the influence of corticosteroids, azathioprine and aminosalicylate treatment on ileal and colonic antimicrobial peptides in active CD and also assess the role of inflammation. METHODS We measured the expression of antimicrobial peptides and pro-inflammatory cytokines in 75 patients with active CD. RESULTS Ileal and colonic alpha- and beta-defensins as well as LL37 remained unaffected by corticosteroids, azathioprine or aminosalicylate treatment. Additionally, we did not observe a negative coherency between Paneth cell alpha-defensins and any measured cytokines. HBD2 and LL37 unlike HBD1 levels were linked to inflammatory cytokines and increased in highly inflamed samples. CONCLUSIONS Current oral drug treatment seems to have no major effect on the expression of antimicrobial peptides. In contrast to HBD2 and LL37, ileal levels of HD5 and HD6 and colonic HBD1 level are independent of current inflammation. Innovative drugs should aim to strengthen protective innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Kübler
- Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
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