A CRE/ATF-like site in the upstream regulatory sequence of the human interleukin 1 beta gene is necessary for induction in U937 and THP-1 monocytic cell lines

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Suppresses Monocyte-Mediated Astrocyte Production of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 and Interleukin-6 in a Toll-Like Receptor 7-Stimulated Human Coculture

Cannabis is widely used in the United States, with an estimated prevalence of 9.5%. Certain cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in particular, possess immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity. Depending on the context, the anti-inflammatory activity of cannabinoids may be beneficial (e.g., in treating inflammatory diseases) or detrimental to normal immune defense against pathogens. The potential beneficial effect of cannabinoids on chronic neuroinflammation has gained recent attention. Monocyte migration to the brain has been implicated as a key event in chronic neuroinflammation and in the etiology of central nervous system diseases including viral infection (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus-associated neurocognitive disorder). In the brain, monocytes can contribute to neuroinflammation through interactions with astrocytes, including inducing astrocyte secretion of cytokines and chemokines. In a human coculture system, monocyte-derived interleukin (IL)-1β due to Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) activation has been identified to promote astrocyte production of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and IL-6. THC treatment of the TLR7-stimulated coculture suppressed monocyte secretion of IL-1β, resulting in decreased astrocyte production of MCP-1 and IL-6. Furthermore, THC displayed direct inhibition of monocytes, as TLR7-stimulated monocyte monocultures treated with THC also showed suppressed IL-1β production. The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist, JWH-015, impaired monocyte IL-1β production similar to that of THC, suggesting that THC acts, in part, through CB2. THC also suppressed key elements of the IL-1β production pathway, including IL1B mRNA levels and caspase-1 activity. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the anti-inflammatory properties of THC suppress TLR7-induced monocyte secretion of IL-1β through CB2, which results in decreased astrocyte secretion of MCP-1 and IL-6. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Because cannabis use is highly prevalent in the United States and has putative anti-inflammatory properties, it is important to investigate the effect of cannabinoids on immune cell function. Furthermore, cannabinoids have garnered particular interest due to their potential beneficial effects on attenuating viral-induced chronic neuroinflammation. This study utilized a primary human coculture system to demonstrate that the major psychotropic cannabinoid in cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and a cannabinoid receptor-2 selective agonist suppress specific monocyte-mediated astrocyte inflammatory responses.

Roles of Cyclic AMP Response Element Binding Activation in the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK Signalling Pathway in Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular System, Osteoclast Differentiation and Mucin and Cytokine Production

There are many downstream targets of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling that are involved in neuronal development, cellular differentiation, cell migration, cancer, cardiovascular dysfunction and inflammation via their functions in promoting apoptosis and cell motility and regulating various cytokines. It has been reported that cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is phosphorylated and activated by cyclic AMP signalling and calcium/calmodulin kinase. Recent evidence also points to CREB phosphorylation by the MAPK signalling pathway. However, the specific roles of CREB phosphorylation in MAPK signalling have not yet been reviewed in detail. Here, we describe the recent advances in the study of this MAPK-CREB signalling axis in human diseases. Overall, the crosstalk between extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 MAPK signalling has been shown to regulate various physiological functions, including central nervous system, cardiac fibrosis, alcoholic cardiac fibrosis, osteoclast differentiation, mucin production in the airway, vascular smooth muscle cell migration, steroidogenesis and asthmatic inflammation. In this review, we focus on ERK1/2 and/or p38 MAPK-dependent CREB activation associated with various diseases to provide insights for basic and clinical researchers.

A combined computational and experimental approach reveals the structure of a C/EBPβ-Spi1 interaction required for IL1B gene transcription

We previously reported that transcription of the human IL1B gene, encoding the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β, depends on long-distance chromatin looping that is stabilized by a mutual interaction between the DNA-binding domains (DBDs) of two transcription factors: Spi1 proto-oncogene at the promoter and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPβ) at a far-upstream enhancer. We have also reported that the C-terminal tail sequence beyond the C/EBPβ leucine zipper is critical for its association with Spi1 via an exposed residue (Arg-232) located within a pocket at one end of the Spi1 DNA-recognition helix. Here, combining in vitro interaction studies with computational docking and molecular dynamics of existing X-ray structures for the Spi1 and C/EBPβ DBDs, along with the C/EBPβ C-terminal tail sequence, we found that the tail sequence is intimately associated with Arg-232 of Spi1. The Arg-232 pocket was computationally screened for small-molecule binding aimed at IL1B transcription inhibition, yielding l-arginine, a known anti-inflammatory amino acid, revealing a potential for disrupting the C/EBPβ-Spi1 interaction. As evaluated by ChIP, cultured lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated THP-1 cells incubated with l-arginine had significantly decreased IL1B transcription and reduced C/EBPβ's association with Spi1 on the IL1B promoter. No significant change was observed in direct binding of either Spi1 or C/EBPβ to cognate DNA and in transcription of the C/EBPβ-dependent IL6 gene in the same cells. These results support the notion that disordered sequences extending from a leucine zipper can mediate protein-protein interactions and can serve as druggable targets for regulating gene promoter activity.

Interleukin-1 Beta-A Friend or Foe in Malignancies?

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is induced by inflammatory signals in a broad number of immune cell types. IL-1β (and IL-18) are the only cytokines which are processed by caspase-1 after inflammasome-mediated activation. This review aims to summarize current knowledge about parameters of regulation of IL-1β expression and its multi-facetted role in pathophysiological conditions. IL-1 signaling activates innate immune cells including antigen presenting cells, and drives polarization of CD4+ T cells towards T helper type (Th) 1 and Th17 cells. Therefore, IL-1β has been attributed a largely beneficial role in resolving acute inflammations, and by initiating adaptive anti-tumor responses. However, IL-1β generated in the course of chronic inflammation supports tumor development. Furthermore, IL-1β generated within the tumor microenvironment predominantly by tumor-infiltrating macrophages promotes tumor growth and metastasis via different mechanisms. These include the expression of IL-1 targets which promote neoangiogenesis and of soluble mediators in cancer-associated fibroblasts that evoke antiapoptotic signaling in tumor cells. Moreover, IL-1 promotes the propagation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Using genetic mouse models as well as agents for pharmacological inhibition of IL-1 signaling therapeutically applied for treatment of IL-1 associated autoimmune diseases indicate that IL-1β is a driver of tumor induction and development.

The Induction of Pro-IL-1β by Lipopolysaccharide Requires Endogenous Prostaglandin E2 Production

PGE₂ has been shown to increase the transcription of pro-IL-1β. However, recently it has been demonstrated that PGE₂ can block the maturation of IL-1β by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages. These apparently conflicting results have led us to reexamine the effect of PGE₂ on IL-1β production. We have found that in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, PGE₂ via the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway is potently inducing IL-1β transcription, as well as boosting the ability of LPS to induce IL-1β mRNA and pro-IL-1β while inhibiting the production of TNF-α. This results in an increase in mature IL-1β production in macrophages treated with ATP. We also examined the effect of endogenously produced PGE₂ on IL-1β production. By blocking PGE₂ production with indomethacin, we made a striking finding that endogenous PGE₂ is essential for LPS-induced pro-IL-1β production, suggesting a positive feedback loop. The effect of endogenous PGE₂ was mediated by EP2 receptor. In primary human monocytes, where LPS alone is sufficient to induce mature IL-1β, PGE₂ boosted LPS-induced IL-1β production. PGE₂ did not inhibit ATP-induced mature IL-1β production in monocytes. Because PGE₂ mediates the pyrogenic effect of IL-1β, these effects might be especially relevant for the role of monocytes in the induction of fever. A positive feedback loop from IL-1β and back to PGE₂, which itself is induced by IL-1β, is likely to be operating. Furthermore, fever might therefore occur in the absence of a septic shock response because of the inhibiting effect of PGE₂ on TNF-α production.

The p38-MSK1 signaling cascade influences cytokine production through CREB and C/EBP factors in human neutrophils

Neutrophils influence innate and adaptative immunity by generating numerous cytokines and chemokines whose regulation largely depends on transcriptional activators such as NF-κB and C/EBP factors. In this study, we describe the critical involvement of CREB transcription factors (CREB1 and activating transcription factor-1) in this functional response as well as relevant upstream signaling components. Neutrophil stimulation with LPS or TNF led to the phosphorylation, DNA binding activity, and chemokine promoter association of CREB1 and activating transcription factor-1. These responses occurred downstream of the p38-MSK1 signaling axis, as did the phosphorylation and promoter association of another bZIP factor, C/EBPβ. Conversely, inhibition of RSK1 failed to alter the phosphorylation of either CREB1 or C/EBPβ in neutrophils. From a more functional standpoint, the inhibition of p38 MAPK or MSK1 interfered with cytokine generation in neutrophils. Likewise, overexpression of a dominant-negative CREB1 mutant (K-CREB) or of a point mutant (S133A) resulted in a decreased ability of human neutrophil-like PLB-985 cells to generate inflammatory cytokines (CXCL8, CCL3, CCL4, and TNF-α). Collectively, our data show the involvement of CREB1 in neutrophil cytokine production, the key role of its S133 residue, important upstream signaling events, and the parallel activation of another bZIP factor. These are all potential molecular targets that could be exploited in the context of several chronic inflammatory diseases that prominently feature neutrophils and their products.

Cigarette smoke condensate extracts induce IL-1-beta production from rheumatoid arthritis patient-derived synoviocytes, but not osteoarthritis patient-derived synoviocytes, through aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent NF-kappa-B activation and novel NF-kappa-B sites

Cigarette smoking is a major established environmental risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and synoviocyte-derived proinflammatory cytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of RA. We have reported that aryl hydrocarbon or cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) is able to upregulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines from an RA patient-derived synovial fibroblast cell line MH7A. In this study, we compared the effect of CSC on induction of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) from RA or osteoarthritis (OA) patient-derived synovial fibroblasts, and studied the mechanism of the effect of CSC. CSC induced IL-1β mRNA from RA patient-derived synoviocytes and MH7A, but not from OA patient-derived synoviocytes. CSC induced the mRNA and both precursor and mature forms of IL-1β, and caspase-1 activity in MH7A. The mechanism of CSC-induced IL-1β mRNA expression was investigated in MH7A. Reporter gene analyses and promoter pull-down assay indicated that 3 novel NF-κB sites at -3771 to -3762 bp, -3105 to -3096 bp, and -2787 to -2778 bp in the promoter region of the IL-1β gene, especially the far distal NF-κB site and NF-κB activation, are critical for the gene activation by CSC. CSC-induced NF-κB activation, IL-1β promoter activity, IL-1β mRNA upregulation, and CYP1A1 mRNA induction were all inhibited by an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist α-naphthoflavone. These results indicate that CSC induced IL-1β production from RA patient-derived synoviocytes, but not OA patient-derived synoviocytes, through AhR-dependent NF-κB activation and novel NF-κB sites.

Suppressive effects of PG201, an antiarthritic botanical formulation, on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory mediators in Raw264.7 cells

PG201, an ethanol extract from a mixture of 12 herbs, has strong antiarthritic activity. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects, PG201-mediated suppression of inflammatory mediators was studied in Raw264.7, a mouse macrophage cell line. PG201 decreased the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and CC chemokine ligand-2, but not tumor necrosis factor-α, at the protein and mRNA levels in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Raw264.7 cells. Results from a gel retardation assay indicated that PG201 substantially reduced the DNA-binding activity of the activator protein-1 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-responsive element-binding protein transcription factors, but not nuclear factor-κB. Western blot and Northern blot analyses showed that PG201 reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) protein expression, but did not affect mRNA expression, ultimately resulting in decreased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E(2). The protein expression of cPLA(2) was decreased by PG201 in the presence of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of translation, suggesting that PG201 may facilitate the degradation of cPLA(2). Taken together, these results suggest that PG201 selectively affects the expression of proteins that play key roles in the inflammatory response at transcriptional and post-translational levels.

Fucoxanthin inhibits the inflammatory response by suppressing the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages

It has been previously determined that pro-inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 contribute to the courses of a variety of inflammatory diseases. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of fucoxanthin (FX), a natural biologically active substance isolated from Ishige okamurae, by determining its inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. FX induced dose-dependent reductions in the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins and concomitant reductions in the production of NO and PGE₂. Additionally, FX was shown to suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. Furthermore, FX inhibited the cytoplasmic degradation of inhibitors of B (IκB)-α and the nuclear translocation of p50 and p65 proteins, resulting in lower levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB transactivation. Additionally, FX was shown to induce a dose-dependent inhibition of the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; JNK, ERK and p38). Collectively, the results of this study demonstrate that FX reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators including NO, PGE₂, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 via the inhibition of NF-κB activation and the suppression of MAPK phosphorylation in RAW 264.7 cells. These findings reveal, in part, the molecular basis underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of FX.

Differential effects of irradiation with carbon ions and x-rays on macrophage function

Macrophages are potent elicitors of inflammatory reactions that can play both positive and negative roles in radiotherapy. While several studies have investigated the effects of X-rays or gamma-rays on macrophages, virtually no work has been done on the responses of these cells to irradiation with carbon ions. Investigations into the effects of carbon ion irradiation are of particular interest in light of the fact that this type of radiation is being used increasingly for cancer therapy. In the present investigation we compared the effects of 250 kV X-rays with those of 9.8 MeV/u carbon ions on RAW 264.7 macrophages over a wide range of radiation doses. Macrophage functions including vitality, phagocytic activity, production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNFalpha and production of nitric oxide (NO) were measured. In comparison to lymphocytes and fibroblasts, macrophages showed only a small decrease in vitality after irradiation with either X-rays or carbon ions. Proinflammatory cytokines and NO were induced in macrophages by LPS but not by irradiation alone. X-rays or carbon ions had little modulating effect on LPS-induced TNFalpha production. However, LPS-induced NO increased in a dose dependent manner up to 6-fold after carbon ion irradiation, while X-ray irradiation did not have this effect. Carbon ion irradiation mediated a concomitant decrease in IL-1beta production. Carbon ions also had a greater effect than X-rays in enhancing the phagocytic activity of macrophages. These results underscore the greater potential of carbon ion irradiation with regard to radiobiological effectiveness.

Soluble EP2 neutralizes prostaglandin E2-induced cell signaling and inhibits osteolytic tumor growth

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a key role in osteolytic bone metastasis as well as roles in inflammation, cell growth, and tumor development. PGE2 exerts its effects by binding and activating E-prostanoid receptor (EP). In this study, we propose a new approach for blocking EP-mediated cell signaling using a soluble chimeric EP2 fragment. Mammalian expression vectors encoding several human EP2 cDNAs were introduced into 293 cells and the culture medium was tested for their function as a decoy receptor for PGE2. PGE2 binding assays revealed that culture medium containing the second extracellular region of EP2 (FuEP2/Ex2) had binding activity. FuEP2/Ex2 neutralized PGE2-induced cyclic AMP production, cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein phosphorylation, and subsequent induction of cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 mRNAs. In human osteoblasts, this culture medium neutralized the induction of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand mRNA. A stable transfectant expressing FuEP2/Ex2 was established from human prostate cancer PC-3 cells (PC3-FuEP2/Ex2). PC3-FuEP2/Ex2 cells grew at similar rates to vector control cells under normal culture conditions, although PGE2-induced growth stimulation was suppressed. Intraosseous injection of PC3-FuEP2/Ex2 cells into the tibia of athymic nude mice revealed that the degrees of tumor growth and osteolysis were decreased compared with control cell-injected mice, with decreased osteoclasts and increased apoptotic cells. Furthermore, the cyclooxygenase-2, IL-1beta, and IL-6 mRNA levels were reduced in the tumor lesions. These data suggest that FuEP2/Ex2 is useful for treating osteolytic bone metastasis and cancers that depend on EP signaling for their growth and development.

Immunomodulatory effects of phytocompounds characterized by in vivo transgenic human GM-CSF promoter activity in skin tissues

To investigate the immunomodulatory activities of phytocompounds for potential therapeutics, we devised an in vivo, transgenic, human cytokine gene promoter assay using defined epidermal skin cells as test tissue. Test compounds were topically applied to mouse skin before or after gene gun transfection, using a cytokine gene promoter-driven luciferase reporter. Croton oil, an inflammation inducer, induced transgenic GM-CSF and TNF-alpha promoter activities in skin epidermis 6-fold and 3.4-fold, respectively; however, it produced a less than 1.5-fold and 1.7-fold change in IL-1beta and IL-18 promoter activity, respectively. The phytocompound shikonin drastically inhibited inducible GM-CSF promoter activity. However, a fraction of Dioscorea batatas extract significantly increased the GM-CSF promoter activity in normal and inflamed skin. Shikonin suppressed the transcriptional activity of GM-CSF promoter by inhibiting the binding of TFIID protein complex (TBP) to TATA box. Our results demonstrate that this in vivo transgenic promoter activity assay system is cytokine gene-specific, and highly responsive to pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimuli. Currently it is difficult to profile the expression and cross-talk of various types of cytokines in vivo. This investigation has established a bona fide in vivo, in situ, immune tissue system for research into cytokine response to inflammation.

Induction of proinflammatory cytokines by long-chain saturated fatty acids in human macrophages

Increased circulating free fatty acids in subjects with type 2 diabetes may contribute to activation of macrophages, and thus the development of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of the saturated fatty acids (SFA) palmitate, stearate, myristate and laurate, and the unsaturated fatty acid linoleate, on the production of proinflammatory cytokines in phorbol ester-differentiated THP-1 cells, a model of human macrophages. Palmitate induced secretion and mRNA expression of TNF-alpha, IL-8 and IL-1 beta, and enhanced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-1 beta secretion. Proinflammatory cytokine secretion was also induced by stearate, but not by the shorter chain SFA, myristate and laurate, or linoleate. Triacsin C abolished the palmitate-induced cytokine secretion, suggesting that palmitate activation to palmitoyl-CoA is required for its effect. Palmitate-induced cytokine secretion was decreased by knockdown of serine palmitoyltransferase and mimicked by C(2)-ceramide, indicating that ceramide is involved in palmitate-induced cytokine secretion. Palmitate phosphorylated p38 and JNK kinases, and blocking of these kinases with specific inhibitors diminished the palmitate-induced cytokine secretion. Palmitate also activated the AP-1 (c-Jun) transcription factor. Knockdown of MyD88 reduced the palmitate-induced IL-8, but not TNF-alpha or IL-1 beta secretion. In conclusion, our data suggest that the long-chain SFA induce proinflammatory cytokines in human macrophages via pathways involving de novo ceramide synthesis. This might contribute to the activation of macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques, especially in type 2 diabetes.

TLR-independent induction of human monocyte IL-1 by phosphoglycolipids from thermophilic bacteria

The structures of phosphoglycolipids PGL1 and PGL2 from the thermophilic bacteria Meiothermus taiwanensis, Meiothermus ruber, Thermus thermophilus, and Thermus oshimai are determined recently (Yang et al. in J Lipid Res. 47:1823-1932, 2006). These bacteria belong to Gram-negative bacteria that do not contain lipopolysaccharide, but high amounts of phosphoglycolipids and glycoglycerolipids. Here we show that PGL1/PGL2 mixture (PGL1: PGL2 = 10:1 ~ 10:2) from M. taiwanensis and T. oshimai, but not T. thermophilus and M. ruber, up-regulate interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) production in human THP-1 monocytes and blood-isolated primary monocytes. PGL2 was purified after phospholipase A2 hydrolysis of PGL1 in the PGL1/PGL2 mixture followed by column chromatography. PGL2 did not induce proIL-1 production, even, partially (35-40%) inhibited PGL1-mediated proIL-1 production, showing that PGL1 is the main inducer of proIL-1 production in PGL1/PGL2 mixture. The production of proIL-1 stimulated by phosphoglycolipids was strongly inhibited by specific PKC-alpha, MEK1/2, and JNK inhibitors, but not by p38-specific inhibitor. The intracellular calcium influx was involved in phosphoglycolipids-mediated proIL-1 production. Using blocking antibody and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-linked NF-kappaB luciferase assays, we found that the cellular receptor(s) for phosphoglycolipids on proIL-1 production was TLR-independent. Further, phosphoglycolipids isolated from T. thermophilus and M. ruber did not induce proIL-1 production, even though T. thermophilus possess more PGL1 than PGL2 (6:4). Specially, the fatty acid composition of phosphoglycolipids from both T. thermophilus and M. ruber consists of a low percentage of C15 (<10%) and a high percentage of C17 (>75%). It suggests, the C15 percentage of PGL may play a critical role in PGL-mediated proIL-1 induction.

A novel TLR4-mediated signaling pathway leading to IL-6 responses in human bladder epithelial cells

The vigorous cytokine response of immune cells to Gram-negative bacteria is primarily mediated by a recognition molecule, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which recognizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and initiates a series of intracellular NF-κB–associated signaling events. Recently, bladder epithelial cells (BECs) were reported to express TLR4 and to evoke a vigorous cytokine response upon exposure to LPS. We examined intracellular signaling events in human BECs leading to the production of IL-6, a major urinary cytokine, following activation by Escherichia coli and isolated LPS. We observed that in addition to the classical NF-κB–associated pathway, TLR4 triggers a distinct and more rapid signaling response involving, sequentially, Ca²⁺, adenylyl cyclase 3–generated cAMP, and a transcriptional factor, cAMP response element–binding protein. This capacity of BECs to mobilize secondary messengers and evoke a more rapid IL-6 response might be critical in their role as first responders to microbial challenge in the urinary tract.

In spite of frequent cross contamination by bacteria from the gut, urinary tract infections are relatively infrequent. Although much of the credit goes to cells lining the urinary tract, such as bladder cells, how this is achieved remains unclear. Human bladder cells display, on their surfaces, special molecules called Toll-like receptors, which sense the presence of bacteria and trigger the cells to release a variety of chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines contribute to the recruitment of phagocytic cells from the blood to the site of infection to clear bacteria. In this paper, we reveal that the Toll-like receptor–initiated intracellular signals leading to the production of cytokines by bladder cells involve the same pathway seen in other cells, as well as an additional and more rapid signaling pathway. Rapid production of cytokines by bladder cells will facilitate early clearance of bacteria. Additionally, possession of multiple signaling pathways by bladder cells for producing cytokines is advantageous because bacteria that infect the urinary tract have the capability to suppress certain signaling events that lead to cytokine production by bladder cells.

Influence of the fungal NF-kappaB inhibitor panepoxydone on inflammatory gene expression in MonoMac6 cells

The fungal secondary metabolite panepoxydone has been recently described as an inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation which is a pivotal regulator of the inflammatory and immune response. These findings have led to propose that panepoxydone may be useful as anti-inflammatory agent. In this study we investigated for the first time the effects of panepoxydone on inflammatory gene expression in the monocytic cell line MonoMac6, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the phorbolester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). DNA microarray analysis of 110 human genes known to be strongly regulated during inflammation, combined with reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) revealed that low micromolar concentrations (12-24 microM) of panepoxydone strongly inhibited the expression of thirty-three NF-kappaB dependent pro-inflammatory genes such as the chemokines CCL3, CCL4, CCL8; CXCL8, CXCL10, CXCL20, the cytokines IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, pro-inflammatory enzymes like COX-2, and components of the REL/NF-kappaB/IkappaB family without significant effects on the expression of house-keeping genes. Panepoxydone strongly inhibited hTNF-alpha, IL-8 and NF-kappaB promoter activity in LPS/TPA stimulated MonoMac6 cells with IC(50) values of 0.5-1 microg/ml by blocking the phosphorylation of IkappaB and subsequent binding of the activated NF-kappaB transcription factor to the DNA. From our data, panepoxydone may serve as lead structure for the development of transcription-based inhibitors of pro-inflammatory gene expression.

Beta2 adrenergic receptor activation stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages via PKA- and NF-kappaB-independent mechanisms

Activation of the beta(2) adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) located on macrophages has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and cytokine production induced by pro-inflammatory stimuli. Here, we show that activation of the beta(2)AR in the absence of pro-inflammatory stimuli produced up to an 80- and 8-fold increase in IL-1beta and IL-6 transcripts, respectively, in the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line. This increase in mRNA expression was accompanied by a significant increase in IL-1beta and IL-6 protein production. Pre-treatment of RAW cells with pharmacological inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA) or NF-kappaB pathway failed to block this cytokine increase. Instead, the beta(2)AR-mediated increase in cytokines required activation of both the B-raf-ERK1/2 and p38 pathways. Treatment of RAW cells with the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) agonist also resulted in the up-regulation of IL-1beta and IL-6 transcripts. Examination of the main transcription factors downstream of the ERK1/2 and p38 signaling revealed that beta(2)AR activation resulted in the stimulation of CRE-, but not C/EBPbeta-, ETS-, or NF-kappaB-dependent transcription. Western blot analysis further showed that among the transcription factors which recognize the CRE-binding site, ATF-1 and ATF-2 but not CREB proteins were phosphorylated in an ERK1/2- and p38-dependent manner. Collectively, these results demonstrate that beta(2)ARs possess pro-inflammatory properties and that their activation leads to IL-1beta and IL-6 production through ERK1/2- and p38-dependent activation of ATF-1 and ATF-2 transcription factors.

ANP inhibits LPS-induced stimulation of rat microglial cells by suppressing NF-kappaB and AP-1 activations

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) contributes to the inhibition of such causes of inflammation as the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced productions of nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines [including interleukin-1 (IL-1)] in macrophages. In the present study we used primary cultures of rat brain macrophage-like cells (i.e., microglial cells) to investigate whether ANP binding to its receptors inhibits LPS-induced microglial activation via effects on the activation of the proinflammatory transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1. The productions of NO and IL-1, as well as morphological changes, were examined to assess LPS-induced activation of microglial cells. Our RT-PCR study revealed that rat microglial cells express the mRNAs for ANP receptors (types A, B, and C) and that for the ANP molecule. LPS (100 ng/ml)-stimulated microglial cells showed increases in nitrite (a relatively stable metabolite of NO) and IL-1 concentrations, and in the expression of IL-1 mRNA, as well as a morphological change from an amoeboid shape to a multipolar (mostly bipolar, but sometimes tripolar) rod shape. These effects were all significantly inhibited by treatment with ANP (at 10(-6)M or less). The inhibition by ANP of the LPS-induced nitrite response was abrogated by a NP-receptor antagonist, HS-142-1 (100 ng/ml). NF-kappaB and AP-1 activities were enhanced in LPS-stimulated microglial cells, and these enhancements were significantly suppressed by ANP (10(-6)M). These results suggest that ANP inhibits LPS-stimulated activities in microglial cells through activation of microglial ANP receptors, leading to inhibitions of NF-kappaB and AP-1.

Geldanamycin interferes with the 90-kDa heat shock protein, affecting lipopolysaccharide-mediated interleukin-1 expression and apoptosis within macrophages

We have demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and signal transduction are involved in the regulation of interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta gene expression within macrophages. Because the 90-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) plays an important role in the LPS mediation of macrophage activation, using Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin A (GA), we analyzed the mechanism of Hsp90 upon LPS-transduced signaling in the regulation of IL-1 expression and determined the function of Hsp90 regarding the viability of human primary macrophages and murine macrophages cell line. In essence, GA decreased LPS-induced Hsp90/pp60Src heterocomplex formation. In addition, Hsp90 is important for IL-1 protein translation, plays a minor role in IL-1 mRNA transcription, and is involved in nuclear factor-kappaB activation and the phosphorylation and activation of p38, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase; however, Hsp90 plays a more important role in LPS-stimulated p38 activation. In analyzing the function of Hsp90 regarding the cytotoxicity/viability of macrophages, we found that the combination of LPS and GA increases apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased caspase-3 activity and the proportion of nuclear/chromatin condensation. In contrast, N-acetyl-cysteine dramatically blocked GA/LPS-induced ROS production, simultaneously decreasing caspase-3 activity and the presence of apoptotic nuclei. We concluded that Hsp90 plays an indispensable role in the process of LPS-induced IL-1 secretion. Furthermore, we established the mechanism of GA interference with Hsp90 function for LPS-stimulated macrophages, resulting in increased ROS production and caspase-3 activation, and consequently leading to synergistic enhancement of macrophage apoptosis.

Dual regulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression in hypoxia by CREB and HIF-1

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a well-described pro-inflammatory mediator that has also been implicated in the process of oncogenic transformation and tumor progression. However, despite the compelling evidence that MIF is overexpressed in, and contributes to, the pathology of inflammatory and malignant diseases the mechanisms that contribute to exaggerated expression of MIF have been poorly described. Here we show that hypoxia, and specifically HIF-1alpha, is a potent and rapid inducer of MIF expression. In addition, we demonstrate that hypoxia-induced MIF expression is dependent upon a HRE in the 5'UTR of the MIF gene but is further modulated by CREB expression. We propose a model where hypoxia-induced MIF expression is driven by HIF-1 but amplified by hypoxia-induced degradation of CREB. Given the importance of MIF in inflammatory and malignant diseases these data reveal a HIF-1-mediated pathway as a potential therapeutic target for suppression of MIF expression in hypoxic tissues.

Effects of central injection of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist on the brain NF-kappaB and AP-1 activities of rats given LPS

Angiotensin II (ANG II) activation of the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor facilitates the production of brain interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and contributes to the induction of the fever following the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether proinflammatory transcription factors [nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1)] contribute to the ANG II-dependent production of cytokines within the brain. Interestingly, we found that a single i.c.v. injection of LPS had no effect on NF-kappaB and AP-1 activities in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cerebellum at either 1 or 3 h post-injection (except for a decrease in hypothalamic AP-1 activity at 1 h). Furthermore, both an angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and an AT1 receptor antagonist enhanced (rather than reduced) the NF-kappaB and AP-1 activities in the hippocampus and/or cerebellum of rats given LPS. In contrast, an i.c.v. injection of ANG II increased the NF-kappaB activity in the hypothalamus. These results suggest that while "endogenous" ANG II exerts (via AT1 receptors) inhibitory effects on the activation of transcription factors in the brain of rats given LPS, a large dose of exogenous ANG II produces effects opposite to those induced by the presumably small amount of endogenous ANG II released locally by LPS. Our results seem not to support the idea that NF-kappaB and AP-1 play key roles in the ANG II-induced enhancement of the production of proinflammatory cytokines that is induced by LPS in the rat's brain.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced c-Src expression plays a role in nitric oxide and TNFalpha secretion in macrophages

As tyrosine kinases are indispensable in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage activation, the myeloid-specific Src members (i.e. Lyn, Fgr and Hck) are speculated to play important roles in this process. However, the normal LPS responsiveness in lyn(-/-)fgr(-/-)hck(-/-) macrophages implicates the presence of an elusive, compensating tyrosine kinase(s). In this study, we demonstrate the upregulation of c-Src in Raw264.7 and peritoneal macrophages (PEMs) by LPS, which is inhibited by PP2 (an inhibitor for Src family kinases), pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC; NF-kappaB inhibitor) and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor). And this LPS-mediated c-Src induction is also observed in macrophages recovered from LPS-challenged rats. Intriguingly, PP2 attenuates the ability of PEMs to elicit COX-2 expression and nitric oxide production in response to LPS. Similar results are also observed when macrophages recovered from rats receiving either LPS alone or LPS and PP2 both are compared. Furthermore, administration of PP2 in Raw264.7 and animal models of sepsis greatly suppresses TNFalpha secretion and serum TNFalpha level, respectively. Therefore, we conclude that c-Src, with its LPS induction, has an unperceived role in transmitting LPS signaling in macrophages.

Chlorophyllin suppresses interleukin-1 beta expression in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells

Our previous findings demonstrated that chlorophyllin (CHL) inhibits inducible nitric oxide gene expression in macrophages. In the present study, we show that CHL inhibited IL-1beta production and its mRNA expression in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage cell-line, RAW 264.7. The inhibitory effect of CHL on IL-1beta gene expression was further supported by an in vitro transfection assay using a pIL-1(870 bp)-CAT construct, where CHL inhibited the activation of the IL-1beta promoter. Furthermore, CHL attenuated the activation of NF-kappaB, NF-IL6 and AP-1, which are known to be responsible for IL-1beta gene expression, as determined by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and an in vitro transfection assay using p(NF-kappaB)3-CAT, p(NF-IL6)3-CAT, and p(AP-1)3-CAT, respectively. However, it was evident that the inhibitory activity of CHL on IL-1beta expression in the LPS-stimulated macrophages was independent of CRE/ATF. The immunoblot experiment demonstrated that CHL also caused a substantial decrease in the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7. These results suggest that CHL inhibits IL-1beta production in macrophages stimulated with LPS at transcriptional level by blocking the phosphorylation of p38 and by suppressing the activation of transcription factors, NF-kappaB, NF-IL6, and AP-1.

Extracellular human thioredoxin-1 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-1beta expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages

Oxidative stress plays an important role in atherosclerotic vascular disease, and several recent studies were focused on thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) and its potential protective role against oxidative stress. Since human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM) are important cells in several inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis, we conducted this study to evaluate the impact of extracellular recombinant human Trx-1 (rhTrx-1) on gene expression in lipopolysaccharide-activated HMDM. Our results showed that rhTrx-1 was capable of reducing interleukin (IL)-1beta mRNA and protein synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was partly mediated through a reduction of NF-kappaB activation as analyzed by transient transfection and gel shift assays. In addition, we showed that the attenuation of NF-kappaB activity was the result of the reduction of both p50 and p65 subunit mRNA and protein synthesis on one hand and of the induction of I-kappaBalpha mRNA and protein expression on the other hand. Moreover, inhibition of endogenous Trx-1 mRNA was also observed, suggesting a contribution to the diminution of NF-kappaB activity since endogenous Trx-1, in contrast to the exogenous Trx-1, activates the NF-kappaB system. Finally, H2O2-oxidized rhTrx-1 reduced IL-1beta mRNA synthesis in lipopolysaccharide-activated HMDM. This result highly suggested that the rhTrx-1 used in this study could be oxidized in the culture medium and, in turn, reduced IL-1beta mRNA and protein synthesis. Taken together, these data indicated a potential new mechanism through which extracellular rhTrx-1 exerts an anti-inflammatory function in HMDM.

Glucocorticoid inhibits the human pro-interleukin lbeta gene (ILIB) by decreasing DNA binding of transactivators to the signal-responsive enhancer

Elucidating the role of glucocorticoid in regulating gene expression is crucial to developing effective strategies against inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. In this report we demonstrate that glucocorticoid inhibits transcription directed by the IL-lbeta gene (IL1B) upstream induction sequence (UIS) enhancer, and to a much lesser extent by the tissue-specific basal promoter. Within the enhancer, three transcription factor binding sites, previously demonstrated by us to be important for the induction of IL1B by lipopolysaccharide, are now shown to be directly inhibited by the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone. We also previously showed that one of these sites could bind a novel STAT-like factor, while the other two bound heterodimers containing NF-IL6(C/EBPbeta). Although it has been reported by others that NF-IL6 homodimers can interact with glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to enhance transcription of the alpha1-acid glycoprotein gene, it now appears that glucocorticoid represses DNA binding of NF-IL6 heterodimers as well as the novel STAT-like factor to the critical sites within the IL1B UIS. Thus, GR likely disrupts the DNA binding capability of critical IL1B factors via transrepression.

Methanol extract of Xanthium strumarium L. possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities

As an attempt to identify bioactive natural products with anti-inflammatory activity, we evaluated the effects of the methanol extract of the semen of Xanthium strumarium L. (MEXS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in RAW 264.7 cells. Our data indicate that MEXS is a potent inhibitor of NO, PGE2 and TNF-alpha production. Consistent with these findings, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-alpha mRNA were down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, MEXS inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) DNA binding activity and the translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus by blocking the degradation of inhibitor of kappa B-alpha (IkappaB-alpha). We further evaluated the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of MEXS in vivo. MEXS (100, 200 mg/kg/d, p.o.) reduced acute paw edema induced by carrageenin in rats, and showed analgesic activities in an acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test and a hot plate test in mice. Thus, our study suggests that the inhibitions of iNOS, COX-2 expression, and TNF-alpha release by the methanol extract of the semen of Xanthium strumarium L. are achieved by blocking NF-kappaB activation, and that this is also responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Mechanisms of Dimethyl Sulfoxide Augmentation of IL-1β Production

Expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta occurs in various inflammatory diseases, and IL-1beta production is regulated at multiple levels. There are conflicting reports about the effects of antioxidants on IL-1beta production. In this study, we investigated the regulatory role of the antioxidant DMSO on LPS-stimulated IL-1beta gene expression in human PBMC and in vivo. This study demonstrated that 1% DMSO increased LPS-stimulated (50 ng/ml) IL-1beta secretion in a dose- and time-dependent manner without altering TNF or IL-6. DMSO also elevated IL-1beta secretion by PBMC in response to exogenous superoxide anions. Despite the increase in IL-1beta, there was no augmentation of NF-kappaB with the addition of DMSO. The steady state mRNA coding for IL-1beta following LPS stimulation was also increased. Cycloheximide studies demonstrated that the DMSO augmentation of IL-1beta mRNA did not require de novo protein synthesis, and studies with actinomycin D showed that DMSO did not alter the half-life of IL-1beta mRNA, suggesting that DMSO did not change the stability of IL-1beta mRNA. Experiments using a reporter vector containing the 5'-flanking region of the human IL-1beta gene revealed that DMSO augmented LPS-induced IL-1beta reporter activity. In vivo, treatment of mice with DMSO significantly increased plasma levels of IL-1beta after endotoxin challenge. These data indicate that DMSO directly increases LPS-stimulated IL-1beta protein production through the mechanisms of augmenting promoter activity and increasing mRNA levels.

The regulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression induced by pigment epithelium-derived factor in rat cultured microglial cells

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a potent and broadly acting neurotrophic factor that protects various cultured neurons against apoptotic stimuli. To investigate whether PEDF acts not only on neurons, but also glial cells, we analyzed the effects of recombinant human PEDF (rhPEDF) on cytokine mRNA levels, transcription factors, and signal transduction pathways in cultured microglial cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed that pro-inflammatory genes such as IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNFalpha were induced in rhPEDF-treated cultured microglial cells. Furthermore, rapid phosphorylation of CREB protein had occurred in rhPEDF-treated neonatal astrocytes. Up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes by rhPEDF was blocked by overexpression of dominant negative CREB or a mutated form of IkappaBalpha. These results suggest that the induction of pro-inflammatory genes by rhPEDF is mediated via activation of NF-kappaB or CREB in microglial cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PEDF is a multipotent factor, capable of affecting not only neurons, but also microglial cells, and suggests that it may act as a neuro-immune modulator in the rodent brain.

Pigment epithelium-derived factor induces pro-inflammatory genes in neonatal astrocytes through activation of NF-?B and CREB

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a potent and broadly acting neurotrophic factor that protects neurons in various types of cultured neurons against glutamate excitotoxicity and induced-apoptosis. Some of the effects of PEDF reflect specific changes in gene expression, mediated via activation of the transcription factor NF-kappa B in neurons. To investigate whether PEDF also modulates gene expression in astrocytes, we employed the use of RT-PCR to analyze the gene expression of certain pro-inflammatory genes and found that genes such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, MIP1 alpha, and MIP3 alpha were induced in PEDF-treated cultured neonatal astrocytes, but not in adult astrocytes. Electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that a time- and dose-dependent increase of NF-kappa B- and AP-1-DNA binding activity was observed in PEDF-treated neonatal astrocytes. Furthermore, rapid phosphorylation of CREB protein had occurred in PEDF-treated neonatal astrocytes. Upregulation of pro-inflammatory and AP-1-related genes by PEDF was blocked by overexpression of dominant negative CREB or a mutated form of I kappa B alpha. These results suggest that the induction of pro-inflammatory genes is mediated via activation of NF-kappa B, AP-1, and CREB in neonatal astrocytes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PEDF is a multipotent factor, capable of affecting not only neurons, but also neonatal astrocytes, and suggests that it may act as a neuroimmune modulator in the developmental brain.

Transcriptional regulation of the MAIL gene in LPS-stimulated RAW264 mouse macrophages

IkappaB inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), which is known to regulate the expression of various genes, including genes involved in inflammation. Recently, a novel IkappaB family protein, 'molecule possessing ankyrin repeats induced by lipopolysaccharide' (MAIL), was identified. MAIL is a nuclear-acting, inducible protein, unlike typical IkappaB proteins. However, the mechanism of its induction by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is unclear. Using the LPS-reactive region located upstream from the MAIL gene, we investigated the mechanism of MAIL induction. MAIL expression was strongly regulated by NF-kappaB and partly regulated by CREB. Furthermore, deletion, point mutation and binding analyses revealed that the NF-kappaB binding site located at -229 to -220 bp is an essential target of MAIL expression. Overexpression of MAIL protein suppressed the LPS-induced promoter activity of the MAIL gene. These data indicate that MAIL expression is strongly upregulated by NF-kappaB, and it is controlled, at least in part, by an autoregulation mechanism.

Excretory/secretory products from plerocercoids of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei suppress interleukin-1beta gene expression in murine macrophages

The present study shows that ES products from plerocercoids of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei suppressed interleukin-1beta mRNA expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in the absence or presence of a cyclic AMP analogue, dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Investigation using the inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways revealed that extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways are crucial for full induction of interleukin-1beta mRNA expression. ES products additionally suppressed interleukin-1beta mRNA expression in the cells treated with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor (SB203580) or extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 inhibitor (PD98059). Western blot analysis showed that dibutyryl cyclic AMP enhanced lipopolysaccharide-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) and, in turn, we demonstrated that ES products reduced the lipopolysaccharide and dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, but not cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein. These data demonstrate that ES products from the plerocercoids of S. erinaceieuropaei may evade induction of interleukin-1beta mRNA by inhibiting extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in lipopolysaccharide and/or dibutyryl cyclic AMP-stimulated macrophages.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor up-regulates the expression of interleukin-8 messenger RNA in synovial fibroblasts of rheumatoid arthritis patients: common transcriptional regulatory mechanism between interleukin-8 and interleukin-1beta

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) plays an important role in the migration of inflammatory cells into the synovium and joint fluids in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to investigate the IL-8 inductive activity of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in RA synovial fibroblasts. The regulatory mechanism of IL-8 was compared with that of IL-1beta.

METHODS

MIF-induced IL-8 and IL-1beta transcriptional activation was studied in RA synovial fibroblasts by Northern blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and electromobility shift assay. The effect of anti-MIF antibody administration on murine passive collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was also evaluated by histologic examination and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

MIF up-regulated the IL-8 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. The IL-8 mRNA up-regulation started 1 hour poststimulation by MIF, and reached a maximum level at 6 hours. IL-1beta mRNA was also up-regulated by MIF. The mRNA up-regulation of IL-8 and IL-1beta by MIF was inhibited by 2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, an activator protein 1 (AP-1) inhibitor, and by an NF-kappaB inhibitor. A cAMP-dependent kinase inhibitor did not inhibit it. MIF enhanced AP-1 and NF-kappaB binding activities in a dose-dependent manner. Passive CIA enhanced mRNA levels of macrophage inflammatory protein 2 and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractants and, moreover, migration and proliferation of inflammatory cells within the synovium, which were suppressed by administration of an anti-MIF antibody.

CONCLUSION

MIF may play an important role in the migration of inflammatory cells into the synovium of rheumatoid joints via induction of IL-8. MIF up-regulates IL-8 and IL-1beta mRNA via tyrosine kinase-, PKC-, AP-1-, and NF-kappaB-dependent pathways.

Plasminogen-induced IL-1beta and TNF-alpha production in microglia is regulated by reactive oxygen species

Microglia, major immune effector cells in the central nervous system, become activated during brain injury. In this study we showed that the blood component plasminogen/plasmin activates microglia. Plasminogen-induced IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and iNOS mRNA expression in primary cultured rat microglia and BV2 murine microglial cells. Plasmin caused a similar response. Serine protease inhibitors suppressed both plasminogen- and plasmin-induced IL-1beta and TNF-alpha expression, indicating the importance of serine protease activity in plasminogen/plasmin activation of microglia. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) appeared to play an important role in plasminogen-induced microglial activation, with ROS being generated within 15min of plasminogen treatment, and antioxidants (100 microM trolox and 10mM NAC) reducing IL-1beta and TNF-alpha expression in plasminogen-treated cells. Furthermore, plasminogen stimulated CREB and NF-kappaB DNA binding activity, and this activation was also reduced by trolox and NAC. These results suggest that plasminogen activates microglia via stimulation of ROS production.

Peripheral and central proinflammatory cytokine response to a severe acute stressor

The role of proinflammatory cytokines in the response to acute stressor exposure has received recent attention. Exposure to a single session of inescapable shock (IS) induces peripheral and central proinflammatory cytokines. Other stressors also increase expression of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA and/or protein in various tissues. However, the induction of central and peripheral proinflammatory cytokines by stressors remains controversial and the pattern of cytokine induction is not consistent across stressors. The present experiments sought to examine the pattern of the proinflammatory cytokine response to a stressor known to cause elevations of IL-1beta protein. mRNA expression for three proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6, and IL-1beta protein was examined after IS. IS increases IL-1beta mRNA and/or protein in a variety of tissues, including hypothalamus, hippocampus, pituitary and spleen. Furthermore, IS concomitantly alters IL-1beta mRNA and protein in hypothalamus and spleen, while the IL-1beta mRNA increase in pituitary lags behind the increase of IL-1beta protein. Interestingly, IL-1beta mRNA is elevated in hippocampus 4 h after IS, but an increase of IL-1beta protein in hippocampus is not detected. Expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA do not increase in response to IS. Indeed, TNF-alpha mRNA expression decreases in cortex, pituitary and liver immediately after IS. These findings suggest that alterations of proinflammatory cytokine expression by stressors, and IS in particular, are region- and cytokine-specific.

Costunolide inhibits interleukin-1β expression by down-regulation of AP-1 and MAPK activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Costunolide, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the root of Saussurea lappa Clarke, is known to have a variety of biological activities, including anti-carcinogenic and anti-fungal activities. Here, we demonstrated the inhibitory effect of costunolide on the protein and mRNA expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. We also showed that costunolide suppressed the transcriptional activity of the IL-1beta promoter. Moreover, costunolide inhibited the activity of AP-1 transcription factor, and the phosphorylation of MAPKs, including SAPK/JNK and p38 MAP kinase. The inhibitory effect of costunolide on AP-1 activity was also confirmed by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Additionally, specific inhibitors of SAPK/JNK and p38 MAP kinase, SP600125 and SB203580, also suppressed LPS-induced increase in IL-1beta gene expression and AP-1 DNA binding. Taken together, these results demonstrate that costunolide inhibits IL-1beta gene expression by blocking the activation of MAPKs and DNA binding of AP-1 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

2-Acetylaminofluorene inhibits interleukin-1β production in LPS-stimulated macrophages by blocking NF-κB/Rel activation

In the present study, we demonstrate the inhibitory effect of 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) on interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) gene expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. Acetylaminofluorene inhibited IL-1 production in LPS-stimulated splenic macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, AAF also suppressed LPS-induced mRNA expression of IL-1beta in macrophages. To further characterize the molecular mechanism responsible for AAF-mediated suppression of IL-1beta, we investigated the effect of AAF on LPS-mediated activation of transcription factors, such as NF-kappaB, AP-1, CRE and NF-IL6, which are known to be important for LPS-induced gene expression of IL-1beta. Treatment of AAF caused a dose-related inhibition of LPS-induced NF-kappaB/Rel transcriptional activation, while the transcriptional activation of AP-1, CRE and NF-IL6 was not affected by AAF. Furthermore, LPS-induced NF-kappaB/Rel DNA binding was also suppressed by AAF treatment. These results suggest that AAF inhibits IL-1beta gene expression by blocking NF-kappaB/Rel activation.

Parathyroid hormone-induced E4BP4/NFIL3 down-regulates transcription in osteoblasts

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), a major regulator of bone metabolism, activates the PTHR1 receptor on the osteoblast plasma membrane to initiate signaling and induce transcription of primary response genes. Subsequently, primary genes with transcriptional activity regulate expression of downstream PTH targets. We have identified the adenovirus E4 promoter-binding protein/nuclear factor regulated by IL-3 (E4bp4) as a PTH-induced primary gene in osteoblasts. E4BP4 is a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that represses or activates transcription in non-osteoblastic cells. We report here that PTH rapidly and transiently induced E4bp4 mRNA in osteoblastic cells and that this induction did not require protein synthesis. PTH also induced E4BP4 protein synthesis and E4BP4 binding to a consensus but not to a mutant E4BP4 response element (EBPRE). E4BP4 overexpression inhibited an EBPRE-containing promoter-reporter construct, whereas PTH treatment attenuated activity of the same construct in primary mouse osteoblasts. Finally, E4BP4 overexpression inhibited PTH-induced activity of a cyclooxygenase-2 promoter-reporter construct. Our data suggest a role for E4BP4 in attenuation of PTH target gene transcription in osteoblasts.

Targeting cytokines in autoimmunity: new approaches, new promise

The increasing understanding of the pathophysiology of a number of human autoimmune diseases, and the realisation that cytokines play a major role, has provided the pharmaceutical industry with a wide array of new targets for therapeutic intervention. This has also resulted in a surge of interest for the development of ways of blocking cytokines and their actions in a specific and safe manner. This article reviews the current status of anticytokine therapy and the major efficacy that anti-TNF-a monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and soluble TNF receptors have demonstrated in the clinic, which has led to their approval for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease (CD), juvenile arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. In addition, the development of novel approaches of cytokine blockade that are based on the characterisation of intracellular signalling pathways regulating cytokine expression (e.g., nuclear factor kappa B [NF-kB] and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase [MAPK]) and the use of small molecule inhibitors are discussed. Whether these approaches will keep up with their early promise and become a major and widespread treatment for several devastating autoimmune diseases will depend on specificity, safety, durability of the benefit, and pharmacoeconomic issues.

Distinct involvement of cAMP-response element-dependent transcriptions in functional and morphological maturation during retinoid-mediated human myeloid differentiation

We evaluated the involvement of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element (CRE)-dependent transcriptions in all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced myeloid differentiation using human monoblastic U937 cells. ATRA treatment caused an increment in the CRE-dependent transcription activity and induced a wide variety of differentiation phenotypes including functional and morphological maturation. Indeed, ATRA treatment induced the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta), a CRE-dependent transcription factor important in monocytic differentiation, and the inhibition of CRE-enhancer activity by the expression of a dominant-negative CRE-binding protein (dn-CREB) abolished the induction of C/EBPbeta. Functional maturation, such as the enhancement of cell adhesion and respiratory burst activity, was dramatically suppressed by the expression of dn-CREB. In addition, the differentiation-dependent induction of an adhesion molecule (CD11b), the phagocyte oxidase required for respiratory burst, and the transcription factor PU.1 responsible for phagocyte oxidase induction were all abolished by dn-CREB. Surprisingly, morphological maturation, including nuclear convolution and cytoplasmic vacuolar formation, was augmented by dn-CREB. Under the same conditions, the differentiation-associated cell-growth arrest was not affected by the expression of dn-CREB. Our results clearly indicate that CRE-driven transcription plays at least three distinct roles during myeloid differentiation: It stimulates functional maturation but suppresses morphological maturation and has no effects on cell-growth arrest.

Existence of functional beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors on microglia

We examined the expression and function of beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) subtypes in both isolated primary rat microglia and a rat microglial cell line. RT-PCR analyses revealed that microglia expressed beta(1)- and beta(2)-ARs but not beta(3)-ARs, whereas rat primary peritoneal macrophages expressed only beta(2)-ARs. Stimulation of beta-ARs on microglia by norepinephrine (NE) resulted in an increase in the level of intracellular cAMP and the subsequent expression of interleukin-1beta mRNA. These effects were prevented by propranolol. Similar results were obtained with other selective beta(1)-AR agonists and antagonists. beta(2)-ARs on microglia were also functional. It is possible that noradrenergic innervations participate in the control of microglial functions via beta(1)-ARs on microglia in the brain, because NE has high affinity for beta(1)- and beta(3)-ARs but little or no affinity for beta(2)-ARs. It seems physiologically significant that microglia can be controlled by NE, which predominates over epinephrine in the brain, whereas macrophages in peripheral tissues can be controlled by epinephrine, which is at higher levels in peripheral tissues.

Lipopolysaccharide-mediated reactive oxygen species and signal transduction in the regulation of interleukin-1 gene expression

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates macrophages to release inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). LPS-induced TNF suppresses scavenger receptor functions in macrophages (van Lenten, B. J., and Fogelman, A. M. (1992) J. Immunol. 148, 112-116), which is regulated by TNF-mediated protein kinases (Hsu, H. Y., and Twu, Y. C. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 41035-41048). To examine the molecular mechanism for LPS induction of IL-1 in macrophages, we demonstrated that LPS quickly stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and 3 h later induced prointerleukin-1 beta (pro-IL-1, precursor of IL-1) production and IL-1 secretion. LPS stimulated pro-IL-1 message/protein between 3 and 10 h; however, there was a 40% reduction of pro-IL-1 in preincubation of the antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Moreover, NAC moderated LPS-induced IL-1 secretion partially via interleukin 1-converting enzyme. The maximal activity of LPS-induced ERK, JNK, and p38 was 12- (30 min), 5- (30 min), and 16-fold (15 min), respectively. In contrast, NAC reduced ERK activity to 60% and decreased p38 activity to the basal level, but JNK activity was induced 2-fold. Furthermore, the pharmacological antagonists LY294002, SB203580, curcumin, calphostin C, and PD98059 revealed the diverse roles of LPS-mediated protein kinases in pro-IL-1. On the other hand, NAC and diphenyleneiodonium chloride partially inhibited LPS-induced Rac activity and protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK), indicating that LPS-mediated ROS and NADPH oxidase correspond to Rac activation and IL-1 expression. Our findings establish for the first time that LPS-mediated PTK/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Rac/p38 pathways play a more important role than pathways of PTK/PKC/MEK/ERK and of PTK/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Rac/JNK in the regulation of pro-IL-1/IL-1. The findings also further elucidate the critical role of LPS-mediated ROS in signal transduction pathways. Our results suggest that understanding LPS-transduced signals in IL-1 induction upon the antibacterial action of macrophages should provide a therapeutic strategy for aberrant inflammatory responses leading to severe cellular injury or concurrent multiorgan septic damage.

A differential role for the mitogen-activated protein kinases in lipopolysaccharide signaling: the MEK/ERK pathway is not essential for nitric oxide and interleukin 1beta production

Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) is a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and promotes the activation of macrophages and microglia. Although these cells are highly LPS-responsive, they serve unique tissue-specific functions and exhibit different LPS sensitivities. Accordingly, it was of interest to evaluate whether these biological differences reside in variations within LPS signaling pathways between these two cell types. Because the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK-1 and ERK-2 have been implicated in the control of many immune responses, we tested the concept that they are a key indicator for differences in cellular LPS sensitivity. We observed that murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and murine BV-2 microglial cells both respond to LPS by exhibiting increased IkappaBalpha degradation, enhanced NF-kappaB DNA binding activity, and elevated nitric oxide and interleukin-1beta production. Although LPS potently stimulates ERK activation in RAW 264.7 macrophages, it does not activate ERK-1/-2 in BV-2 microglia. Moreover, antagonism of the MEK/ERK pathway potentiates LPS-stimulated nitric oxide production, suggesting that LPS-stimulated ERK activation can exert inhibitory effects in macrophage-like cells. These data support the idea that ERK activation is not a required function of LPS-mediated signaling events and illustrate that alternative/additional pathways for LPS action exist in these cell types.

Negative regulation of IL-1beta production at the level of transcription in macrophages stimulated with LPS

The IL-1beta gene is rapidly and transiently expressed in LPS-stimulated macrophages. While several studies have addressed the molecular basis of LPS-induced transcriptional activity, the mechanisms which underlie the subsequent decrease in IL-1beta gene expression have not been as extensively examined. In this regard, we found that the characteristic decrease in IL-1beta production after LPS stimulation could be abrogated by treatment of macrophages with the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine. This inhibitor mediated an enhancement of IL-1beta production which was first evident 8-12 h after LPS stimulation and continued at peak levels for the rest of the incubation period (24 h). IL-1beta production was correlated with the level of mRNA specific for the cytokine. Staurosporine also mediated an enhancement of LPS-induced IL-1beta promoter activity measured in RAW 264.7 cells transiently transfected with an IL-1beta reporter plasmid. This increase paralleled the enhancement of IL-1beta mRNA by staurosporine both in intensity and time after LPS stimulation, suggesting that the negative regulation of IL-1beta is exerted primarily at the level of transcription. This regulation may be at least partially due to an observed inhibition of nitric oxide production by staurosporine in LPS-activated macrophages, which was correlated with enhanced IL-1beta production. However, the intensity of the observed effects suggested that additional staurosporine-sensitive regulatory mechanisms are in operation at the level of promoter activity.

Differential regulation of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha RNA expression by MEK1 inhibitor after focal cerebral ischemia in mice

Activation of the extracellular-signal-responsive kinase (ERK 1/2) by MAP kinase/ERK kinase (MEK1/2) following ischemia/reperfusion in the brain has been associated with cell death since inhibition of MEK1/2 provides neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia injury. Since inflammation has been implicated in ischemic brain injury, the present study investigated whether MEK1/2 modifies expression of two key inflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta and TNFalpha, that have been shown to exacerbate ischemic brain injury. A mouse model of transient cerebral ischemia was deployed to test the effect of selective MEK1/2 inhibitor (SL327) on infarct size and cytokine expression. SL327 (100 mg/kg, i.p.) administered 15 min prior to ischemia resulted in 64% reduction in infarct size over controls (n = 8, P < 0.01). Under the same condition, SL327 significantly reduced peak expression of IL-1beta mRNA (59% reduction compared to vehicle, P < 0.01, n = 4) but not TNF-alpha mRNA. A parallel reduction in IL-1beta protein (67%, P < 0.05, n = 6) was also observed using ELISA analysis. These data suggest that the neuroprotective effect of MEK1/2 inhibition may be mediated by suppression of IL-1beta. The study also demonstrates for the first time that these two cytokines are differentially regulated by kinase mediated signaling pathways.

Transcriptional regulation of the human interleukin 1beta gene by fibronectin: role of protein kinase C and activator protein 1 (AP-1)

Interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) is a multifunctional polypeptide considered a key cytokine during inflammation. Fibronectin (FN), a matrix glycoprotein highly expressed in injured tissues, can induce expression of IL-1beta in human blood monocytic cells. Herein, we explore the intracellular signals and transcriptional mechanisms responsible for IL-1beta induction by FN using human promonocytic U937 cells transfected with the human IL-1beta promoter connected to a reporter gene. Exposure of transfected U937s to FN resulted in increased expression of the full-length IL-1beta promoter. This effect, mediated via the alpha5beta1 integrin, was associated with activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and was abolished by pre-treatment of cells with Calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Deletion analysis and co-transfection studies using consensus activator protein 1 (AP-1) oligonucleotides suggested that an AP-1 site present in the 5' end of the IL-1beta promoter was involved in the FN-induced response. Finally, electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that FN induced binding of AP-1, but not NF-kappaB. Together, these experiments demonstrate that FN binding to the alpha5beta1 integrin activates MAPK-dependent signal pathways, and results in the transcription of the IL-1beta promoter in U937 cells by activating PKC and inducing AP-1.

Dexamethasone inhibits IL-1 beta gene expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by blocking NF-kappa B/Rel and AP-1 activation

In the present study, the mechanism by which dexamethasone (DEX) inhibited IL-1beta gene expression in bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells was investigated. The decrease in LPS-induced IL-1beta mRNA expression was demonstrated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Since the promoter in IL-1beta gene contains binding motifs for NF-kappaB/Rel, AP-1, NF-IL6, and CREB/ATF, which appear to be important in LPS-mediated IL-1beta induction, the effects of DEX on the activation of these transcription factors were examined. Treatment of DEX to RAW 264.7 cells induced a dose-related inhibition of NF-kappaB/Rel and AP-1 in chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity, while neither NF-IL6 nor CREB/ATF activation was affected by DEX. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with DEX inhibited DNA binding of NF-kappaB/Rel and AP-1 proteins to their cognate DNA sites as measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). DEX treatment caused a significant reduction in nuclear c-rel, p65, and p50 protein contents, and these decreases were paralleled by the accumulation of cytoplasmic c-rel, p65, and p50. DEX treatment of RAW 264.7 cells did not inhibit the nuclear translocation of c-jun and c-fos. We found that the inhibition of IL-1beta production by DEX is not related to p38, which is important in the IL-1beta induction. These results suggest that DEX may inhibit IL-1beta gene expression by a mechanism involving the blocking of LPS-induced NF-kappaB/Rel and AP-1 activation.

CBP: A target molecule of HTLV-1 Tax in synoviocyte activation

Previous studies have shown that human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax is a key molecule of synoviocyte activation in HTLV-1 associated arthropathy (HAAP). To clarify the molecular mechanism of HTLV-1 Tax-induced transcriptional activation in synoviocytes from HAAP, we investigated the role of cyclicAMP (cAMP)-regulated enhancer (CRE) binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP), as a target molecule of HTLV-1 Tax. Activation of cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase-A (PK-A) pathway resulted in a significantly high response of CRE promoter in synoviocytes from patients with HAAP as well as in Tax-transiently transfected synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Mammalian two-hybrid analysis showed that the recruitment of CBP was responsible for CREB activation. Furthermore, PK-A activation induced CBP-Tax complex in synoviocytes from HAAP and the complex contained CREB. These findings demonstrated that complex formation of CBP and Tax is critical for enhanced CREB activity in synoviocytes from HAAP.