Release of sICAM-1 in oocytes and in vitro fertilized human embryos

Effect of bisphenol A on alterations of ICAM-1 and HLA-G genes expression and DNA methylation profiles in cumulus cells of infertile women with poor response to ovarian stimulation

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between follicular fluid Bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations with alterations of ICAM-1 and HLA-G genes and proteins expression as well as methylation profiles in the cumulus cells of poor ovarian response (POR) women based on their healthy lifestyle habit. Eighty women under the age of 35 were divided into two groups: 1-POR without using plastic containers (n = 40) and 2-POR with using plastic containers (n = 40). The ICAM-1 and HLA-G genes and protein expressions were examined by the quantitative PCR and western blotting technique. The methylation pattern was investigated by the methylation-specific PCR. Total BPA in follicular fluid was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography technique and the detection limit was 1.14 ng/ml. ICAM-1 and HLA-G genes were differentially expressed between the two groups studied. ICAM-1, HLA-G genes, and protein expressions in group 1 were up-regulated compared to the second group (P < 0.05). While DNA methylation status in group 1 were decreased compared to the other group (P < 0.05). The concentration of BPA in the follicular fluid of group 1 was lower compared to the second group (P < 0.05). The oocyte quality and clinical pregnancy ratio showed significantly higher in group 1 than in the other ones (P < 0.05). The alteration of ICAM-1 and HLA-G gene expressions in POR women is probably related to BPA concentration. As a result Lifestyle habits may also affect the methylation pattern and protein levels in the cumulus cells of POR women. Additionally, lifestyle habits may be considered as a marker for ovulation, oocyte maturation, preimplantation, and clinical pregnancy process.

Cytokines in embryonic secretome as potential markers for embryo selection

Despite performing certain morphological assessments for selecting the best embryo for transfer, the results have not been satisfactory. Given the global tendency for performing quick and noninvasive tests for embryo selection, great efforts have been made to discover the predictive biomarkers of embryo implantation potential. In recent years, many factors have been detected in embryo culture media as a major source of embryo secretions. Previous studies have evaluated cytokines, miRNAs, extracellular vesicles, and other factors such as leukemia inhibitory factor, colony-stimulating factor, reactive oxygen species, soluble human leukocyte antigen G, amino acids, and apolipoproteins in these media. Given the key role of cytokines in embryo implantation, these factors can be considered promising molecules for predicting the implantation success of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The present study was conducted to review embryo-secreted molecules as potential biomarkers for embryo selection in ART.

An antisense peptide nucleic acid against Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibiting bacterial-induced inflammatory responses in the cystic fibrosis IB3-1 cellular model system

Discovery of novel antimicrobial agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa able to inhibit bacterial growth as well as the resulting inflammatory response is a key goal in cystic fibrosis research. We report in this paper that a peptide nucleic acid (PNA3969) targeting the translation initiation region of the essential acpP gene of P. aeruginosa, and previously shown to inhibit bacterial growth, concomitantly also strongly inhibits induced up-regulation of the pro-inflammatory markers IL-8, IL-6, G-CSF, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1 and TNF-α in IB3-1 cystic fibrosis cells infected by P. aeruginosa PAO1. Remarkably, no effect on PAO1 induction of VEGF, GM-CSF and IL-17 was observed. Analogous experiments using a two base mis-match control PNA did not show such inhibition. Furthermore, no significant effects of the PNAs were seen on cell growth, apoptosis or secretome profile in uninfected IB3-1 cells (with the exception of a PNA-mediated up-regulation of PDGF, IL-17 and GM-CSF). Thus, we conclude that in cell culture an antimicrobial PNA against P. aeruginosa can inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines otherwise induced by the infection. In particular, the effects of PNA-3969 on IL-8 gene expression are significant considering the key role of this protein in the cystic fibrosis inflammatory process exacerbated by P. aeruginosa infection.

Comparative effects between electronic and cigarette smoke in human keratinocytes and epithelial lung cells

Information about the harmful effects of vaping is sparse and inconsistent, therefore, since the use of electronic cigarettes (e-CIGs) has become increasingly popular as a tool to limit tobacco smoking, it is urgent to establish the toxicity of the commercial e-CIGs. Skin (HaCaT) and lung (A549) cells, the main targets of cigarette smoke (CS), were exposed to e-CIG vapor and CS using an in vitro system. The cytotoxic effect of the exposure was analyzed in both cell types by ultrastructural morphology, Trypan Blue exclusion test and LDH assay. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by the Bio-Plex assay. The cytotoxic components of e-CIG were restrained to the flavoring compound and, to a lesser extent, to nicotine although their effects were less harmful to that of CS. Humectants alone exhibited no cytotoxicity but induced the release of cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators. Based on our results, we can state that exposure to e-CIG vapors results in far less toxic than exposure to CS. In fact, besides the deleterious effect of flavor and nicotine, even the humectants alone are able to evocate cytokines release. This study will hopefully promote the development of safer e-CIGs to help people quit smoking.

Effect of atrial natriuretic peptide on reactive oxygen species-induced by hydrogen peroxide in THP-1 monocytes: role in cell growth, migration and cytokine release

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a cardiovascular hormone, elicits different biological actions in the immune system. The aim of the present study was to investigate in THP-1 monocytes the ANP effect on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), cell proliferation and migration. A significant increase of H2O2-dependent ROS production was induced by physiological concentration of ANP (10(-10)M). The ANP action was partially affected by cell pretreatment with PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen activated-protein kinases (MAPK) as well as by wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and totally suppressed by diphenylene iodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. The hormone effect was mimicked by cANF and an ANP/NPR-C signaling pathway was studied using pertussis toxin (PTX). A significant increase of H2O2-induced cell migration was observed after ANP (10(-10)M) treatment, conversely a decrease of THP-1 proliferation, due to cell death, was found. Both ANP actions were partially prevented by DPI. Moreover, H2O2-induced release of IL-9, TNF-α, MIP-1α and MIP-1β was not counteracted by DPI, whereas no effect was observed in any experimental condition for both IL-6 and IL-1β. Our results support the view that ANP can play a key role during the inflammatory process.

Modulation of the expression of the proinflammatory IL-8 gene in cystic fibrosis cells by extracts deriving from olive mill waste water

A persistent recruitment of neutrophils in the bronchi of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients contributes to aggravate the airway tissue damage, suggesting the importance of modulating the expression of chemokines, including IL-8 during the management of the CF patients. Polyphenols rich extracts derived from waste water from olive mill, obtained by a molecular imprinting approach, have been investigated in order to discover compounds able to reduce IL-8 expression in human bronchial epithelial cells (IB3-1 cells), derived from a CF patient with a ΔF508/W1282X mutant genotype and stimulated with TNF-alpha. Initially, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) were performed to determine whether the different active principles were able to inhibit the binding between transcription factor (TF) NF-kappaB and DNA consensus sequences. Among different representative active principles present in the extract, three compounds were selected, apigenin, oleuropein, and cyanidin chloride, which displayed remarkable activity in inhibiting NF-kappaB/DNA complexes. Utilizing TNF-alpha-treated IB3-1 cells as experimental model system, we demonstrated that apigenin and cyanidin chloride are able to modulate the expression of the NF-kappaB-regulated IL-8 gene, while oleuropein showed no effect in regulating the expression of the gene IL-8.

Secretome profile of mouse oocytes after activation using mass spectrum

OBJECTIVE

Mammalian oocytes undergo a cortical reaction after fertilization, releasing cortical granules and other proteins into the perivitelline space and inhibiting polyspermy. Few studies have evaluated the biological functions and properties of these proteins.

STUDY DESIGN

We investigated mouse oocytes in which the zona pellucida (ZP) was present (ZP-intact group) or absent (ZP-free group).

RESULTS

After being activated by Srcl2, secreted proteins are collected from mouse oocytes. Mass spectrometry analysis was performed that identified proteins such as Ldhb, PADi6, Uchl1, Pebp1, Alb, Hsp90aa1, Prss1, trypsinogen 7, trypsin 4, trypsin 10, Sod1, Zp1, Zp2, Zp3, Akap8, Npm2, Pkm2 and Ppia in the ZP-free group. Proteins such as Ldhb, Uchl1, Prss1, trypsin 10, trypsinogen 7, and Ast1 were identified in the ZP-intact groups. The expression of some proteins, including Ldhb, Alb and Sod1, were initially detected following oocyte activation. The finding of four trypsin subtypes, such as Prss1, further support previous observations. Studies investigating the physiological functions and properties of these proteins are ongoing.

CONCLUSIONS

Research on these cortical proteins provides a theoretical basis for understanding polyspermy inhibition at the level of ZP and gives technological support for fertilization detection, assessment of oocyte quality and embryonic culture.

Corilagin is a potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB activity and downregulates TNF-alpha induced expression of IL-8 gene in cystic fibrosis IB3-1 cells

Corilagin (beta-1-O-galloyl-3,6-(R)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-d-glucose), a gallotannin identified in several plants, including Phyllanthus urinaria, has been shown to exhibit versatile medicinal activities. As far as possible anti-inflammatory effects of corilagin, only few reports are available, and the potential use of corilagin as possible therapeutic molecule for cystic fibrosis has not been evaluated. In the present paper we report experiments aimed at determining the activity of corilagin on nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding to DNA target and on the expression of the major pro-inflammatory gene involved in cystic fibrosis, interleukin-8 (IL-8). Both IL-8 mRNA content and IL-8 protein secretion were analyzed in cystic fibrosis bronchial IB3-1 cells stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), one of the most potent pro-inflammatory agents. The data obtained demonstrate that corilagin binds to NF-kappaB, inhibits NF-kappaB/DNA interactions and affects IL-8 gene expression in TNF-alpha treated IB3-1 cells. In addition, corilagin inhibits TNF-alpha induced secretion of MCP-1 and RANTES, exhibiting low or no effect on the release of G-CSF, IL-6 and VEGF. Therefore, corilagin might be of interest for experimental anti-inflammatory therapy of cystic fibrosis.

Encapsulation of eukaryotic cells in alginate microparticles: cell signaling by TNF-alpha through capsular structure of cystic fibrosis cells

Entrapment of mammalian cells in natural or synthetic biomaterials represents an important tool for both basic and applied research in tissue engineering. For instance, the encapsulation procedures allow to physically isolate cells from the surrounding environment, after their transplantation maintaining the normal cellular physiology. The first part of the current paper describes different microencapsulation techniques including bulk emulsion technique, vibrating-nozzle procedure, gas driven mono-jet device protocol and microfluidic based approach. In the second part, the application of a microencapsulation procedure to the embedding of IB3-1 cells is also described. IB3-1 is a bronchial epithelial cell line, derived from a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient. Different experimental parameters of the encapsulation process were analyzed, including frequency and amplitude of vibration, polymer pumping rate and distance between the nozzle and the gelling bath. We have found that the microencapsulation procedure does not alter the viability of the encapsulated IB3-1 cells. The encapsulated IB3-1 cells were characterized in term of protein secretion, analysing the culture medium by Bio-Plex strategy. The analyzed factors include members of the interleukin family (IL-6), chemokines (IL-8 and MCP-1) and growth factors (G-CSF). The experiments demonstrated that most of the analyzed proteins, were secreted both by the free and encapsulated cells, even if in a different extent.

Induction by TNF-α of IL-6 and IL-8 in cystic fibrosis bronchial IB3-1 epithelial cells encapsulated in alginate microbeads

We have developed a microencapsulation procedure for the entrapment and manipulation of IB3-1 cystic fibrosis cells. The applied method is based on generation of monodisperse droplets by a vibrational nozzle. Different experimental parameters were analyzed, including frequency and amplitude of vibration, polymer pumping rate and distance between the nozzle and the gelling bath. We have found that the microencapsulation procedure does not alter the viability of the encapsulated IB3-1 cells. The encapsulated IB3-1 cells were characterized in term of secretomic profile, analyzing the culture medium by Bio-Plex strategy. The experiments demonstrated that most of the analyzed proteins, were secreted both by the free and encapsulated cells, even if in a different extent. In order to determine the biotechnological applications of this procedure, we determined whether encapsulated IB3-1 cells could be induced to pro-inflammatory responses, after treatment with TNF-α. In this experimental set-up, encapsulated and free IB3-1 cells were treated with TNF-α, thereafter the culture media from both cell populations were collected. As expected, TNF-α induced a sharp increase in the secretion of interleukins, chemokines and growth factors. Of great interest was the evidence that induction of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 occurs also by encapsulated IB3-1 cells.