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Lin GL, Chang HH, Lin WT, Liou YS, Lai YL, Hsieh MH, Chen PK, Liao CY, Tsai CC, Wang TF, Chu SC, Kau JH, Huang HH, Hsu HL, Sun DS. Dachshund Homolog 1: Unveiling Its Potential Role in Megakaryopoiesis and Bacillus anthracis Lethal Toxin-Induced Thrombocytopenia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3102. [PMID: 38542074 PMCID: PMC10970148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Lethal toxin (LT) is the critical virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. One common symptom observed in patients with anthrax is thrombocytopenia, which has also been observed in mice injected with LT. Our previous study demonstrated that LT induces thrombocytopenia by suppressing megakaryopoiesis, but the precise molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unknown. In this study, we utilized 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced megakaryocytic differentiation in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells to identify genes involved in LT-induced megakaryocytic suppression. Through cDNA microarray analysis, we identified Dachshund homolog 1 (DACH1) as a gene that was upregulated upon TPA treatment but downregulated in the presence of TPA and LT, purified from the culture supernatants of B. anthracis. To investigate the function of DACH1 in megakaryocytic differentiation, we employed short hairpin RNA technology to knock down DACH1 expression in HEL cells and assessed its effect on differentiation. Our data revealed that the knockdown of DACH1 expression suppressed megakaryocytic differentiation, particularly in polyploidization. We demonstrated that one mechanism by which B. anthracis LT induces suppression of polyploidization in HEL cells is through the cleavage of MEK1/2. This cleavage results in the downregulation of the ERK signaling pathway, thereby suppressing DACH1 gene expression and inhibiting polyploidization. Additionally, we found that known megakaryopoiesis-related genes, such as FOSB, ZFP36L1, RUNX1, FLI1, AHR, and GFI1B genes may be positively regulated by DACH1. Furthermore, we observed an upregulation of DACH1 during in vitro differentiation of CD34-megakaryocytes and downregulation of DACH1 in patients with thrombocytopenia. In summary, our findings shed light on one of the molecular mechanisms behind LT-induced thrombocytopenia and unveil a previously unknown role for DACH1 in megakaryopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Ling Lin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (G.-L.L.); (H.-H.C.); (P.-K.C.)
- Integration Center of Traditional Chinese and Modern Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (G.-L.L.); (H.-H.C.); (P.-K.C.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Wei-Ting Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Yu-Shan Liou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Yi-Ling Lai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Min-Hua Hsieh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Po-Kong Chen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (G.-L.L.); (H.-H.C.); (P.-K.C.)
| | - Chi-Yuan Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mennonite Christian Hospital, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (C.-Y.L.); (C.-C.T.)
| | - Chi-Chih Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mennonite Christian Hospital, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (C.-Y.L.); (C.-C.T.)
| | - Tso-Fu Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (T.-F.W.); (S.-C.C.)
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Chao Chu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (T.-F.W.); (S.-C.C.)
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Buddhist Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (J.-H.K.); (H.-H.H.); (H.-L.H.)
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (J.-H.K.); (H.-H.H.); (H.-L.H.)
| | - Hui-Ling Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (J.-H.K.); (H.-H.H.); (H.-L.H.)
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (G.-L.L.); (H.-H.C.); (P.-K.C.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (W.-T.L.); (Y.-S.L.); (Y.-L.L.); (M.-H.H.)
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Li CC, Munalisa R, Lee HY, Lien TS, Chan H, Hung SC, Sun DS, Cheng CF, Chang HH. Restraint Stress-Induced Immunosuppression Is Associated with Concurrent Macrophage Pyroptosis Cell Death in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12877. [PMID: 37629059 PMCID: PMC10454201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress is widely acknowledged as a major contributor to immunosuppression, rendering individuals more susceptible to various diseases. The complex interplay between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems underlies stress-induced immunosuppression. However, the underlying mechanisms of psychological-stress-induced immunosuppression remain unclear. In this study, we utilized a restraint stress mouse model known for its suitability in investigating physiological regulations during psychological stress. Comparing it with cold exposure, we observed markedly elevated levels of stress hormones corticosterone and cortisol in the plasma of mice subjected to restraint stress. Furthermore, restraint-stress-induced immunosuppression differed from the intravenous immunoglobulin-like immunosuppression observed in cold exposure, with restraint stress leading to increased macrophage cell death in the spleen. Suppression of pyroptosis through treatments of inflammasome inhibitors markedly ameliorated restraint-stress-induced spleen infiltration and pyroptosis cell death of macrophages in mice. These findings suggest that the macrophage pyroptosis associated with restraint stress may contribute to its immunosuppressive effects. These insights have implications for the development of treatments targeting stress-induced immunosuppression, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Cheng Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan;
- Center of Stem Cell & Precision Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Rina Munalisa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan; (R.M.); (H.-Y.L.); (T.-S.L.); (H.C.); (S.-C.H.); (D.-S.S.)
| | - Hsuan-Yun Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan; (R.M.); (H.-Y.L.); (T.-S.L.); (H.C.); (S.-C.H.); (D.-S.S.)
| | - Te-Sheng Lien
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan; (R.M.); (H.-Y.L.); (T.-S.L.); (H.C.); (S.-C.H.); (D.-S.S.)
| | - Hao Chan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan; (R.M.); (H.-Y.L.); (T.-S.L.); (H.C.); (S.-C.H.); (D.-S.S.)
| | - Shih-Che Hung
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan; (R.M.); (H.-Y.L.); (T.-S.L.); (H.C.); (S.-C.H.); (D.-S.S.)
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan; (R.M.); (H.-Y.L.); (T.-S.L.); (H.C.); (S.-C.H.); (D.-S.S.)
| | - Ching-Feng Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taipei 231, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan; (R.M.); (H.-Y.L.); (T.-S.L.); (H.C.); (S.-C.H.); (D.-S.S.)
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Lien TS, Chan H, Sun DS, Wu JC, Lin YY, Lin GL, Chang HH. Exposure of Platelets to Dengue Virus and Envelope Protein Domain III Induces Nlrp3 Inflammasome-Dependent Platelet Cell Death and Thrombocytopenia in Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:616394. [PMID: 33995345 PMCID: PMC8118162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.616394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In tropical and subtropical regions, mosquito-borne dengue virus (DENV) infections can lead to severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhage fever, which causes bleeding, thrombocytopenia, and blood plasma leakage and increases mortality. Although DENV-induced platelet cell death was linked to disease severity, the role of responsible viral factors and the elicitation mechanism of abnormal platelet activation and cell death remain unclear. DENV and virion-surface envelope protein domain III (EIII), a cellular binding moiety of the virus particle, highly increase during the viremia stage. Our previous report suggested that exposure to such viremia EIII levels can lead to cell death of endothelial cells, neutrophils, and megakaryocytes. Here we found that both DENV and EIII could induce abnormal platelet activation and predominantly necrotic cell death pyroptosis. Blockages of EIII-induced platelet signaling using the competitive inhibitor chondroitin sulfate B or selective Nlrp3 inflammasome inhibitors OLT1177 and Z-WHED-FMK markedly ameliorated DENV- and EIII-induced thrombocytopenia, platelet activation, and cell death. These results suggest that EIII could be considered as a virulence factor of DENV, and that Nlrp3 inflammasome is a feasible target for developing therapeutic approaches against dengue-induced platelet defects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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Sun DS, Chang YW, Kau JH, Huang HH, Ho PH, Tzeng YJ, Chang HH. Soluble P-selectin rescues mice from anthrax lethal toxin-induced mortality through PSGL-1 pathway-mediated correction of hemostasis. Virulence 2017; 8:1216-1228. [PMID: 28102766 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2017.1282027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis, lethal toxin (LT) induces various pathogenic responses including the suppression of the coagulation system. In this study, we observed that LT markedly increased the circulating soluble P-selectin (sP-sel) levels and microparticle (MP) count in wild-type but not P-selectin (P-sel, Selp-/-) or P-sel ligand-1 (PSGL-1, Selplg-/-) knockout mice. Because sP-sel induces a hypercoagulable state through PSGL-1 pathway to generate tissue factor-positive MPs, we hypothesized that the increase in plasma sP-sel levels can be a self-rescue response in hosts against the LT-mediated suppression of the coagulation system. In agreement with our hypothesis, our results indicated that compared with wild-type mice, Selp-/- and Selplg-/- mice were more sensitive to LT. In addition, the recombinant sP-sel treatment markedly ameliorated LT-mediated pathogenesis and reduced mortality. As a result, elicitation of circulating sP-sel is potentially a self-rescue response, which is beneficial to host recovery from an LT-induced hypocoagulation state. These results suggest that the administration of sP-sel is likely to be useful in the development of a new strategy to treat anthrax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Der-Shan Sun
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan.,b Center for Vascular Medicine , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan
| | - Yao-Wen Chang
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- c Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center , Taipei , Taiwan.,d Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- d Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsun Ho
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan
| | - Yin-Jeh Tzeng
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan.,b Center for Vascular Medicine , Tzu-Chi University , Hualien , Taiwan
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Antibacterial Properties of Visible-Light-Responsive Carbon-Containing Titanium Dioxide Photocatalytic Nanoparticles against Anthrax. NANOMATERIALS 2016; 6:nano6120237. [PMID: 28335365 PMCID: PMC5302719 DOI: 10.3390/nano6120237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The bactericidal activity of conventional titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst is effective only on irradiation by ultraviolet light, which restricts the applications of TiO2 for use in living environments. Recently, carbon-containing TiO2 nanoparticles [TiO2(C) NP] were found to be a visible-light-responsive photocatalyst (VLRP), which displayed significantly enhanced antibacterial properties under visible light illumination. However, whether TiO2(C) NPs exert antibacterial properties against Bacillus anthracis remains elusive. Here, we evaluated these VLRP NPs in the reduction of anthrax-induced pathogenesis. Bacteria-killing experiments indicated that a significantly higher proportion (40%–60%) of all tested Bacillus species, including B. subtilis, B. cereus, B. thuringiensis, and B. anthracis, were considerably eliminated by TiO2(C) NPs. Toxin inactivation analysis further suggested that the TiO2(C) NPs efficiently detoxify approximately 90% of tested anthrax lethal toxin, a major virulence factor of anthrax. Notably, macrophage clearance experiments further suggested that, even under suboptimal conditions without considerable bacterial killing, the TiO2(C) NP-mediated photocatalysis still exhibited antibacterial properties through the reduction of bacterial resistance against macrophage killing. Our results collectively suggested that TiO2(C) NP is a conceptually feasible anti-anthrax material, and the relevant technologies described herein may be useful in the development of new strategies against anthrax.
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Abstract
Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming, gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The bacterium's major virulence factors are (a) the anthrax toxins and (b) an antiphagocytic polyglutamic capsule. These are encoded by two large plasmids, the former by pXO1 and the latter by pXO2. The expression of both is controlled by the bicarbonate-responsive transcriptional regulator, AtxA. The anthrax toxins are three polypeptides-protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF)-that come together in binary combinations to form lethal toxin and edema toxin. PA binds to cellular receptors to translocate LF (a protease) and EF (an adenylate cyclase) into cells. The toxins alter cell signaling pathways in the host to interfere with innate immune responses in early stages of infection and to induce vascular collapse at late stages. This review focuses on the role of anthrax toxins in pathogenesis. Other virulence determinants, as well as vaccines and therapeutics, are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Moayeri
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; , , , ,
| | - Stephen H Leppla
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; , , , ,
| | - Catherine Vrentas
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; , , , ,
| | - Andrei P Pomerantsev
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; , , , ,
| | - Shihui Liu
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; , , , ,
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Sun DS, Lee PC, Kau JH, Shih YL, Huang HH, Li CR, Lee CC, Wu YP, Chen KC, Chang HH. Acquired coagulant factor VIII deficiency induced by Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin in mice. Virulence 2015; 6:466-75. [PMID: 25906166 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1031454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice treated with anthrax lethal toxin (LT) exhibit hemorrhage caused by unknown mechanisms. Moreover, LT treatment in mice induced liver damage. In this study, we hypothesized that a suppressed coagulation function may be associated with liver damage, because the liver is the major producing source of coagulation factors. The hepatic expression of coagulant factors and the survival rates were analyzed after cultured cells or mice were exposed to LT. In agreement with our hypothesis, LT induces cytotoxicity against hepatic cells in vitro. In addition, suppressed expression of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) in the liver is associated with a prolonged plasma clotting time in LT-treated mice, suggesting a suppressive role of LT in coagulation. Accordingly, we further hypothesized that a loss-of-function approach involving treatments of an anticoagulant should exacerbate LT-induced abnormalities, whereas a gain-of-function approach involving injections of recombinant FVIII to complement the coagulation deficiency should ameliorate the pathogenesis. As expected, a sublethal dose of LT caused mortality in the mice that were non-lethally pretreated with an anticoagulant (warfarin). By contrast, treatments of recombinant FVIII reduced the mortality from a lethal dose of LT in mice. Our results indicated that LT-induced deficiency of FVIII is involved in LT-mediated pathogenesis. Using recombinant FVIII to correct the coagulant defect may enable developing a new strategy to treat anthrax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Der-Shan Sun
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics; Tzu-Chi University ; Hualien , Taiwan
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Chang HH, Chiang YW, Lin TK, Lin GL, Lin YY, Kau JH, Huang HH, Hsu HL, Wang JH, Sun DS. Erythrocytic mobilization enhanced by the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is associated with reduced anthrax-lethal-toxin-induced mortality in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111149. [PMID: 25384016 PMCID: PMC4226491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax lethal toxin (LT), one of the primary virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis, causes anthrax-like symptoms and death in animals. Experiments have indicated that levels of erythrocytopenia and hypoxic stress are associated with disease severity after administering LT. In this study, the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was used as a therapeutic agent to ameliorate anthrax-LT- and spore-induced mortality in C57BL/6J mice. We demonstrated that G-CSF promoted the mobilization of mature erythrocytes to peripheral blood, resulting in a significantly faster recovery from erythrocytopenia. In addition, combined treatment using G-CSF and erythropoietin tended to ameliorate B. anthracis-spore-elicited mortality in mice. Although specific treatments against LT-mediated pathogenesis remain elusive, these results may be useful in developing feasible strategies to treat anthrax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Hou Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Chiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Kai Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Ling Lin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - You-Yen Lin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ling Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Remy KE, Qiu P, Li Y, Cui X, Eichacker PQ. B. anthracis associated cardiovascular dysfunction and shock: the potential contribution of both non-toxin and toxin components. BMC Med 2013; 11:217. [PMID: 24107194 PMCID: PMC3851549 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cardiovascular dysfunction and shock in patients with invasive Bacillus anthracis infection has a particularly poor prognosis. Growing evidence indicates that several bacterial components likely play important pathogenic roles in this injury. As with other pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria, the B. anthracis cell wall and its peptidoglycan constituent produce a robust inflammatory response with its attendant tissue injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation and shock. However, B. anthracis also produces lethal and edema toxins that both contribute to shock. Growing evidence suggests that lethal toxin, a metalloprotease, can interfere with endothelial barrier function as well as produce myocardial dysfunction. Edema toxin has potent adenyl cyclase activity and may alter endothelial function, as well as produce direct arterial and venous relaxation. Furthermore, both toxins can weaken host defense and promote infection. Finally, B. anthracis produces non-toxin metalloproteases which new studies show can contribute to tissue injury, coagulopathy and shock. In the future, an understanding of the individual pathogenic effects of these different components and their interactions will be important for improving the management of B. anthracis infection and shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth E Remy
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Tseng YH, Sun DS, Wu WS, Chan H, Syue MS, Ho HC, Chang HH. Antibacterial performance of nanoscaled visible-light responsive platinum-containing titania photocatalyst in vitro and in vivo. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1830:3787-95. [PMID: 23542693 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional antibacterial photocatalysts are primarily induced by ultraviolet light to elicit antibacterial reactive oxygen species. New generation visible-light responsive photocatalysts were discovered, offering greater opportunity to use photocatalysts as disinfectants in our living environment. Recently, we found that visible-light responsive platinum-containing titania (TiO2-Pt) exerted high performance antibacterial property against soil-borne pathogens even in soil highly contaminated water. However, its physical and photocatalytic properties, and the application in vivo have not been well-characterized. METHODS Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum and the removal rate of nitrogen oxides were therefore analyzed. The antibacterial performance under in vitro and in vivo conditions was evaluated. RESULTS The apparent quantum efficiency for visible light illuminated TiO2-Pt is relatively higher than several other titania photocatalysts. The killing effect achieved approximately 2 log reductions of pathogenic bacteria in vitro. Illumination of injected TiO2-Pt successfully ameliorated the subcutaneous infection in mice. CONCLUSIONS This is the first demonstration of in vivo antibacterial use of TiO2-Pt nanoparticles. When compared to nanoparticles of some other visible-light responsive photocatalysts, TiO2-Pt nanoparticles induced less adverse effects such as exacerbated platelet clearance and hepatic cytotoxicity in vivo. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggest that the TiO2-Pt may have potential application on the development of an antibacterial material in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Hsuan Tseng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chen PK, Chang HH, Lin GL, Wang TP, Lai YL, Lin TK, Hsieh MC, Kau JH, Huang HH, Hsu HL, Liao CY, Sun DS. Suppressive effects of anthrax lethal toxin on megakaryopoiesis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59512. [PMID: 23555687 PMCID: PMC3605335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax lethal toxin (LT) is a major virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis. LT challenge suppresses platelet counts and platelet function in mice, however, the mechanism responsible for thrombocytopenia remains unclear. LT inhibits cellular mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are vital pathways responsible for cell survival, differentiation, and maturation. One of the MAPKs, the MEK1/2-extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, is particularly important in megakaryopoiesis. This study evaluates the hypothesis that LT may suppress the progenitor cells of platelets, thereby inducing thrombocytopenic responses. Using cord blood-derived CD34(+) cells and mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells to perform in vitro differentiation, this work shows that LT suppresses megakaryopoiesis by reducing the survival of megakaryocytes. Thrombopoietin treatments can reduce thrombocytopenia, megakaryocytic suppression, and the quick onset of lethality in LT-challenged mice. These results suggest that megakaryocytic suppression is one of the mechanisms by which LT induces thrombocytopenia. These findings may provide new insights for developing feasible approaches against anthrax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Kong Chen
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Ling Lin
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Pao Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Lai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Kai Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chun Hsieh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hsien Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ling Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yuan Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mennonite Christian Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Der-Shan Sun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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12
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Kau JH, Shih YL, Lien TS, Lee CC, Huang HH, Lin HC, Sun DS, Chang HH. Activated protein C ameliorates Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin-induced lethal pathogenesis in rats. J Biomed Sci 2012; 19:98. [PMID: 23170801 PMCID: PMC3536616 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-19-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lethal toxin (LT) is a major virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis. Sprague Dawley rats manifest pronounced lung edema and shock after LT treatments, resulting in high mortality. The heart failure that is induced by LT has been suggested to be a principal mechanism of lung edema and mortality in rodents. Since LT-induced death occurs more rapidly in rats than in mice, suggesting that other mechanisms in addition to the heart dysfunction may be contributed to the fast progression of LT-induced pathogenesis in rats. Coagulopathy may contribute to circulatory failure and lung injury. However, the effect of LT on coagulation-induced lung dysfunction is unclear. METHODS To investigate the involvement of coagulopathy in LT-mediated pathogenesis, the mortality, lung histology and coagulant levels of LT-treated rats were examined. The effects of activated protein C (aPC) on LT-mediated pathogenesis were also evaluated. RESULTS Fibrin depositions were detected in the lungs of LT-treated rats, indicating that coagulation was activated. Increased levels of plasma D-dimer and thrombomodulin, and the ameliorative effect of aPC further suggested that the activation of coagulation-fibrinolysis pathways plays a role in LT-mediated pathogenesis in rats. Reduced mortality was associated with decreased plasma levels of D-dimer and thrombomodulin following aPC treatments in rats with LT-mediated pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the activation of coagulation in lung tissue contributes to mortality in LT-mediated pathogenesis in rats. In addition, anticoagulant aPC may help to develop a feasible therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyh-Hwa Kau
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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13
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Huang HS, Chang HH. Platelets in inflammation and immune modulations: functions beyond hemostasis. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2012; 60:443-51. [PMID: 22940877 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-012-0193-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Platelets play central roles for maintaining the homeostasis of the blood coagulation. As they are also involved in immune responses and host defenses, increasing evidences have suggested that platelets exert other roles beyond their well-recognized function in preventing bleeding. This review is focused on inflammation, allergy and immune modulations of platelets. Platelets conduct immunoregulation through secretion of functional mediators, interaction with various immune cells, endothelial cells and beneficial for the leukocyte infiltration to inflamed/allergic tissues. In these regulations, the leukocytes are influenced by and receiving the signals from platelets. In contrast, rare attentions were focused on platelet regulations by immune system. An intriguingly example in the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment is discussed, in which dendritic cells exert anti-inflammatory effect through platelets. This further suggests that coagulant and immune systems are tightly associated rather than separate entities. The cross-talks between these two systems implicate that platelet therapy may have application beyond thrombosis, and immune interventions may have potentials to treat thrombosis diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Shun Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, 701 Sec. 3, Chung Yang Rd, Hualien, 970, Taiwan, ROC
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14
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Lowe DE, Glomski IJ. Cellular and physiological effects of anthrax exotoxin and its relevance to disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2012; 2:76. [PMID: 22919667 PMCID: PMC3417473 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2012.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, secretes a tri-partite exotoxin that exerts pleiotropic effects on the host. The purification of the exotoxin components, protective antigen, lethal factor, and edema factor allowed the rapid characterization of their physiologic effects on the host. As molecular biology matured, interest focused on the molecular mechanisms and cellular alterations induced by intoxication. Only recently have researchers begun to connect molecular and cellular knowledge back to the broader physiological effects of the exotoxin. This review focuses on the progress that has been made bridging molecular knowledge back to the exotoxin’s physiological effects on the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Lowe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville VA, USA
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15
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Trescos Y, Tournier JN. Cytoskeleton as an emerging target of anthrax toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:83-97. [PMID: 22474568 PMCID: PMC3317109 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4020083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the agent of anthrax, has gained virulence through its exotoxins produced by vegetative bacilli and is composed of three components forming lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET). So far, little is known about the effects of these toxins on the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Here, we provide an overview on the general effects of toxin upon the cytoskeleton architecture. Thus, we shall discuss how anthrax toxins interact with their receptors and may disrupt the interface between extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. We then analyze what toxin molecular effects on cytoskeleton have been described, before discussing how the cytoskeleton may help the pathogen to corrupt general cell processes such as phagocytosis or vascular integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Trescos
- Unité Interactions Hôte-Agents pathogènes, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherche du Service de Santé des Armées, BP 87, 24 avenue des Maquis du Grésivaudan 38702 La Tronche Cedex, France;
- Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, 1 place Alphonse Lavéran, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Nicolas Tournier
- Unité Interactions Hôte-Agents pathogènes, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherche du Service de Santé des Armées, BP 87, 24 avenue des Maquis du Grésivaudan 38702 La Tronche Cedex, France;
- Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, 1 place Alphonse Lavéran, 75005 Paris, France
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +33-4-76636850; Fax: +33-4-76636917
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16
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Liou JW, Gu MH, Chen YK, Chen WY, Chen YC, Tseng YH, Hung YJ, Chang HH. Visible light responsive photocatalyst induces progressive and apical-terminus preferential damages on Escherichia coli surfaces. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19982. [PMID: 21589873 PMCID: PMC3093399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent research shows that visible-light responsive photocatalysts have potential usage in antimicrobial applications. However, the dynamic changes in the damage to photocatalyzed bacteria remain unclear. Methodology/Principal Findings Facilitated by atomic force microscopy, this study analyzes the visible-light driven photocatalyst-mediated damage of Escherichia coli. Results show that antibacterial properties are associated with the appearance of hole-like structures on the bacteria surfaces. Unexpectedly, these hole-like structures were preferentially induced at the apical terminus of rod shaped E. coli cells. Differentiating the damages into various levels and analyzing the percentage of damage to the cells showed that photocatalysis was likely to elicit sequential damages in E. coli cells. The process began with changing the surface properties on bacterial cells, as indicated in surface roughness measurements using atomic force microscopy, and holes then formed at the apical terminus of the cells. The holes were then subsequently enlarged until the cells were totally transformed into a flattened shape. Parallel experiments indicated that photocatalysis-induced bacterial protein leakage is associated with the progression of hole-like damages, further suggesting pore formation. Control experiments using ultraviolet light responsive titanium-dioxide substrates also obtained similar observations, suggesting that this is a general phenomenon of E. coli in response to photocatalysis. Conclusion/Significance The photocatalysis-mediated localization-preferential damage to E. coli cells reveals the weak points of the bacteria. This might facilitate the investigation of antibacterial mechanism of the photocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Je-Wen Liou
- Department of Biochemistry, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Nanotechnology Research Center, National Dong-Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hui Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yen-Kai Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wen-Yi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Cheng Chen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yao-Hsuan Tseng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jiun Hung
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hsin-Hou Chang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Nanotechnology Research Center, National Dong-Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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