Selective activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade in human neutrophils stimulated by IL-1beta

Understanding chronic inflammation: couplings between cytokines, ROS, NO, Cai 2+, HIF-1α, Nrf2 and autophagy

Chronic inflammation is an important component of many diseases, including autoimmune diseases, intracellular infections, dysbiosis and degenerative diseases. An important element of this state is the mainly positive feedback between inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), increased intracellular calcium, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) stabilisation and mitochondrial oxidative stress, which, under normal conditions, enhance the response against pathogens. Autophagy and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant response are mainly negatively coupled with the above-mentioned elements to maintain the defence response at a level appropriate to the severity of the infection. The current review is the first attempt to build a multidimensional model of cellular self-regulation of chronic inflammation. It describes the feedbacks involved in the inflammatory response and explains the possible pathways by which inflammation becomes chronic. The multiplicity of positive feedbacks suggests that symptomatic treatment of chronic inflammation should focus on inhibiting multiple positive feedbacks to effectively suppress all dysregulated elements including inflammation, oxidative stress, calcium stress, mito-stress and other metabolic disturbances.

Progesterone suppresses rhinovirus-induced airway inflammation by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and extracellular traps formation

BACKGROUND

The process of NETosis is observed in a range of inflammatory conditions. Progesterone (P4) has been shown to alleviate inflammation caused by viral infections such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2. However, the precise molecular mechanisms responsible for this effect are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the present investigation aims to explore whether P4 can exert its anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting NETosis and the related molecular pathways.

METHODS

Airway inflammation caused by rhinovirus serotype-1b (RV-1b) was induced in male BALB/c mice. The inflammation was assessed through histological examination and calculation of inflammatory cells present in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the inflammatory cells and NETotic neutrophils. Western blotting analysis was conducted to detect proteins associated with NETosis, inflammasome activation, and signaling. Furthermore, confocal microscopy was utilized to observe neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) structures in vivo tissues and in vitro neutrophils, neutrophil infiltration, and inflammasome formation.

RESULTS

The administration of P4 proved to be an effective treatment for reducing airway inflammation and the production of NETs caused by RV-1b infection. The infection triggered the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in neutrophils, which led to the maturation of IL-1β and subsequent activation of both the NF-κB and p38 signaling pathways. The activation of NF-κB signaling resulted in the secretion of downstream chemokines CCL3 and IL-6, which led to an increase in neutrophil infiltration into the lung airways. Moreover, the activation of p38 signaling led to the generation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in NETosis. However, the administration of P4 inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which subsequently led to the deactivation of both the IL-1β-NF-κB and IL-1β-p38 axes. As a result, there was a reduction in neutrophil infiltration and NETosis. Furthermore, TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) was identified as an intermediary enzyme. P4 inhibits both the NF-κB and IL-1β-p38 pathways by suppressing the activity of TAK1.

CONCLUSION

The capacity of P4 to mitigate rhinovirus-induced airway inflammation is attributed to its ability to impede the infiltration of neutrophils and NETosis. As inflammation mediated by NETosis is widespread in diverse disorders, our findings propose that P4 could potentially function as a universal therapeutic agent in the management of such ailments.

Progesterone modulates the immune microenvironment to suppress ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation by inhibiting NETosis

Studies have demonstrated that prior to puberty, girls have a lower incidence and severity of asthma symptoms compared to boys. This study aimed to explore the role of progesterone (P4), a sex hormone, in reducing inflammation and altering the immune microenvironment in a mouse model of allergic asthma induced by OVA. Female BALB/c mice with or without ovariectomy to remove the influence of sex hormones were used for the investigations. Serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissue samples were collected for analysis. The results indicated that P4 treatment was effective in decreasing inflammation and mucus secretion in the lungs of OVA-induced allergic asthma mice. P4 treatment also reduced the influx of inflammatory cells into the BALF and increased the levels of Th1 and Th17 cytokines while decreasing the levels of Th2 and Treg cytokines in both BALF and lung microenvironment CD45+ T cells. Furthermore, P4 inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lungs, suppressed NETosis, and reduced the number of pulmonary CD4+ T cells while increasing the number of regulatory T cells. The neutrophil elastase inhibitor GW311616A also suppressed airway inflammation and mucus production and modified the secretion of immune Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cytokines in lung CD45+ immune cells. These changes led to an alteration of the immunological milieu with increased Th1 and Th17 cells, accompanied by decreased Th2, Treg, and CD44+ T cells, similar to the effects of P4 treatment. Treatment with P4 inhibited NETosis by suppressing the p38 pathway activation, leading to reduced reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, P4 treatment hindered the release of double-stranded DNA during NETosis, thereby influencing the immune microenvironment in the lungs. These findings suggest that P4 treatment may be beneficial in reducing inflammation associated with allergic asthma by modulating the immune microenvironment. In conclusion, this research indicates the potential of P4 as a therapeutic agent for ameliorating inflammation in OVA-induced allergic asthma mice.

Hyaluronan promotes intracellular ROS production and apoptosis in TNFα-stimulated neutrophils

Background

Hyaluronan (HA) is an important structural component of the extracellular matrix and has well-described roles in maintaining tissue integrity and homeostasis. With inflammation, HA metabolism (synthesis and degradation) increases and results in higher concentrations of soluble HA. Previously, we demonstrated that (soluble) HA primed resting neutrophils for the oxidative burst in response to a secondary stimulus. Notably, HA-mediated priming was not dependent on degranulation, which is a hallmark of priming by classical agents such as TNFα. In this study, we queried the ability of HA to prime neutrophils to different stimuli and its capacity to modulate neutrophil function in the presence of TNFα.

Methods

Blood neutrophils from healthy donors were stimulated ex vivo with HA in the absence and presence of classic neutrophil agonists, inclusive of TNFα. Western blotting was used to assess the activation (phosphorylation) of p38 MAPK, and key neutrophil functions associated with priming and activation, such as intracellular and extracellular ROS production, degranulation, and apoptosis, were evaluated by standard chemiluminescence assays (ROS) and flow cytometry.

Results

Hyaluronan is capable of atypical priming and, with TNFα, co-priming neutrophils for an enhanced (rate and/or magnitude) oxidative burst to various secondary stimuli. In addition, HA can augment intracellular ROS production that is directly induced by TNFα in resting neutrophils, which coincided with the activation of p38 MAPK and apoptosis.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that the extracellular matrix component HA is a key modulator of neutrophil function(s) in the presence of inflammatory agents such as TNFα. Moreover, it provides additional evidence for the diversity and complexity of neutrophil priming and activation during inflammation.

Characteristics and mechanisms of resorption in lumbar disc herniation

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) can be spontaneously absorbed without surgical treatment. However, the pathogenesis and physiological indications for predicting protrusion reabsorption are still unclear, which prevents clinicians from preferentially choosing conservative treatment options for LDH patients with reabsorption effects. The purpose of this review was to summarize previous reports on LDH reabsorption and to discuss the clinical and imaging features that favor natural absorption. We highlighted the biological mechanisms involved in the phenomenon of LDH reabsorption, including macrophage infiltration, inflammatory responses, matrix remodeling, and neovascularization. In addition, we summarized and discussed potential clinical treatments for promoting reabsorption. Current evidence suggests that macrophage regulation of inflammatory mediators, matrix metalloproteinases, and specific cytokines in intervertebral disc is essential for the spontaneous reabsorption of LDH.

Role of Palatine Tonsil and Epipharyngeal Lymphoid Tissue in the Development of Glomerular Active Lesions (Glomerular vasculitis) in Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy

Hematuria is an essential symptom of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Although the etiology of hematuria in IgAN has not been fully elucidated, it is thought that the rupture of the glomerular basement membranes caused by intra-capillary leukocyte influx, so-called glomerular vasculitis, is the pathological condition responsible for severe hematuria. Glomerular vasculitis are active lesions that exist in the glomeruli of acute phase IgAN and it is important because it is suspected to make the transition to segmental glomerular sclerosis (SGS) as a repair scar lesion in the chronic phase, and the progression of SGS would eventually lead to glomerular obsolescence. Worsening of hematuria concomitant with acute pharyngitis is common in patients with IgAN; therefore, elucidating the relationship between the immune system of Waldeyer's ring, including the palatine tonsil and epipharyngeal lymphoid tissue, and the glomerular vasculitis may lead to understanding the nature of IgAN. The epipharynx is an immunologically activated site even under normal conditions, and enhanced activation of innate immunity is likely to occur in response to airborne infection. Hyperactivation of innate immunity via upregulation of Toll-like receptors in the interfollicular area of the palatine tonsil and epipharyngeal lymphoid tissue, followed by enhanced fractalkine/CX3CR1 interactions, appears to play an important role in the development of glomerular vasculitis in IgAN. As latent but significant epipharyngitis is present in most patients with IgAN, it is plausible that acute upper respiratory infection may contribute as a trigger for the innate epipharyngeal immune system, which is already upregulated in a chronically inflamed environment. Given that epipharyngitis and its effects on IgAN are not fully understood, we propose that the so-called "epipharynx-kidney axis" may provide an important focus for future research.

Transcriptome Profiling Reveals CD73 and Age-Driven Changes in Neutrophil Responses against Streptococcus pneumoniae

Neutrophils are required for host resistance against Streptococcus pneumoniae, but their function declines with age. We previously found that CD73, an enzyme required for antimicrobial activity, is downregulated in neutrophils (also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]) from aged mice. This study explored transcriptional changes in neutrophils induced by S. pneumoniae to identify pathways controlled by CD73 and dysregulated with age. Pure bone marrow-derived neutrophils isolated from wild-type (WT) young and old and CD73 knockout (CD73KO) young mice were mock challenged or infected with S. pneumoniae ex vivo. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We found that infection triggered distinct global transcriptional changes across hosts that were strongest in CD73KO neutrophils. Surprisingly, there were more downregulated than upregulated genes in all groups upon infection. Downregulated DEGs indicated a dampening of immune responses in old and CD73KO hosts. Further analysis revealed that CD73KO neutrophils expressed higher numbers of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) than those in WT controls. Predicted network analysis indicated that CD73KO-specific lncRNAs control several signaling pathways. We found that genes in the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were upregulated upon infection in CD73KO mice and in WT old mice, but not in WT young mice. This corresponded to functional differences, as phosphorylation of the downstream AP-1 transcription factor component c-Jun was significantly higher in neutrophils from infected CD73KO mice and old mice. Importantly, inhibition of JNK/AP-1 rescued the ability of these neutrophils to kill S. pneumoniae. Together, our findings revealed that the ability of neutrophils to modify their gene expression to better adapt to bacterial infection is in part regulated by CD73 and declines with age.

Neutrophils in respiratory viral infections

Viral respiratory infections are a common cause of severe disease, especially in infants, people who are immunocompromised, and in the elderly. Neutrophils, an important innate immune cell, infiltrate the lungs rapidly after an inflammatory insult. The most well-characterized effector mechanisms by which neutrophils contribute to host defense are largely extracellular and the involvement of neutrophils in protection from numerous bacterial and fungal infections is well established. However, the role of neutrophils in responses to viruses, which replicate intracellularly, has been less studied. It remains unclear whether and, by which underlying immunological mechanisms, neutrophils contribute to viral control or confer protection against an intracellular pathogen. Furthermore, neutrophils need to be tightly regulated to avoid bystander damage to host tissues. This is especially relevant in the lung where damage to delicate alveolar structures can compromise gas exchange with life-threatening consequences. It is inherently less clear how neutrophils can contribute to host immunity to viruses without causing immunopathology and/or exacerbating disease severity. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of how neutrophils in the lung direct immune responses to viruses, control viral replication and spread, and cause pathology during respiratory viral infections.

Cathepsin C promotes breast cancer lung metastasis by modulating neutrophil infiltration and neutrophil extracellular trap formation

Lung metastasis is the major cause of breast cancer-related mortality. The neutrophil-associated inflammatory microenvironment aids tumor cells in metastatic colonization in lungs. Here, we show that tumor-secreted protease cathepsin C (CTSC) promotes breast-to-lung metastasis by regulating recruitment of neutrophils and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). CTSC enzymatically activates neutrophil membrane-bound proteinase 3 (PR3) to facilitate interleukin-1β (IL-1β) processing and nuclear factor κB activation, thus upregulating IL-6 and CCL3 for neutrophil recruitment. In addition, the CTSC-PR3-IL-1β axis induces neutrophil reactive oxygen species production and formation of NETs, which degrade thrombospondin-1 and support metastatic growth of cancer cells in the lungs. CTSC expression and secretion are associated with NET formation and lung metastasis in human breast tumors. Importantly, targeting CTSC with compound AZD7986 effectively suppresses lung metastasis of breast cancer in a mouse model. Overall, our findings reveal a mechanism of how tumor cells regulate neutrophils in metastatic niches and support CTSC-targeting approaches for cancer treatment.

TEOA Inhibits Proliferation and Induces DNA Damage of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Cells Through Activation of the ROS-Dependent p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of lymphoma, accounting for approximately 30% to 40% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). The administration of rituximab significantly improved the outcomes of DLBCL; however, the unavoidable development of resistance limits the long-term efficacy. Therefore, a new generation of less toxic drugs with higher chemotherapy response is required to prevent or reverse chemoresistance. TEOA is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound isolated from the roots of Actinidia eriantha. Studies have confirmed that TEOA has significant cytotoxicity on gastrointestinal cancer cells. However, there are no relevant reports on DLBCL cells. In this study, we investigated the potential molecular mechanism of the anticancer activity of TEOA in DLBCL cells. The results demonstrated that TEOA inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in time-and dose-dependent manners. TEOA induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which was reversed by N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). TEOA induced DNA damage, increased the level of γ-H2AX, and the phosphorylation of CHK1 and CHK2. In addition, TEOA induced the activation of the p38 MAPK pathway and pretreated with p38 inhibitor SB20358 or ROS scavenger could block TEOA-induced DNA damage. Taken together, these results suggest that ROS mediated activation of the p38 MAPK signal pathway plays an important role in initiating TEOA-induced DNA damage.

Mechanism of Nanoformulated Graphene Oxide-Mediated Human Neutrophil Activation

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of graphene oxide (GO)-based biomaterials is important for logical biomedical applications. Previous studies have revealed biointeractions between GO and immune effector cells, but the effects on neutrophils, crucial cells in the immune system, have not been thoroughly discussed. In this study, GO nanoformulations were synthesized with different functional groups, including GO, GO-carboxylated (GO-COOH), and PEGylated GO (GO-PEG), with different surface features, which were elucidated using imaging methods and surface-sensitive quantitative spectroscopic techniques, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). The GO-based nanoformulations elicited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in human neutrophils. Nanoformulated GO stimulates NET development via the formation of ROS. An endocytosis study revealed that nanoformulated GO facilitated internalization by neutrophils via macropinocytosis and actin-dependent phagocytosis. Importantly, calcium mobilization and phosphorylation proteins such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38) and AKT were involved in the activation of neutrophils. These findings offer the first verification that nanoformulated GO exhibits direct effects on human neutrophils.

The epipharynx-kidney axis triggers glomerular vasculitis in immunoglobulin A nephropathy

Macroscopic hematuria concomitant with acute pharyngitis is a characteristic feature of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Although the underlying mechanism of worsening hematuria has not been fully elucidated, activation of the innate immune system of nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue is thought to play an important role. The epipharynx is an immunologically activated site even under normal conditions, and enhanced activation of innate immunity is likely to occur in response to airborne infection. As latent but significant epipharyngitis presents in most IgAN patients, it is plausible that acute pharyngitis due to airway infection may contribute as a trigger of the epipharyngeal innate immune system, which is already upregulated in the chronically inflamed environment. The aim of this review was to discuss the mechanism of epipharynx-kidney axis involvement in glomerular vasculitis responsible for the worsening of hematuria in IgAN.

Prognostic values of lymphocyte and eosinophil counts in resectable cervical squamous cell carcinoma

Aim: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in women. Peripheral white blood cell parameters such as neutrophil (NE), eosinophil (EO), basophil (BA), as well as lymphocyte (LY) and monocyte (MO), are correlated with tumor outcomes. Methods: In total, 110 cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients were recruited in this study. The potential prognostic factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariate survival analysis. Results: Cox regression analysis model indicated that higher pretreatment EO level and increased post-/preradiotherapy EO ratio were independently associated with worse progression-free survival. Lower pretreatment LY or higher EO levels and increased post-/preradiotherapy EO ratio were independently associated with worse overall survival. Conclusion: LY and EO are correlated with outcomes of cervical squamous cell cancer.

Lysozyme from hen egg white ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation in mice

Lysozyme is an anti-bacterial protein that is widely distributed in nature. Our previous studies revealed that lysozyme shows anti-inflammatory effect on hyperinflammatory macrophages in vitro. The effect of lysozyme on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation model mice was examined in this study. Oral administration of lysozyme at 2250 mg/kg body weight/day (high-dose group) significantly suppressed interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in the serum. IL-6 level in the spleen was significantly suppressed by lysozyme at 450 mg/kg body weight/day (middle-dose group) and high-dose group due to the suppression of gene expression level. The gene expression levels of IL-1β and IL-12 were also decreased by lysozyme in the high-dose group. In addition, lysozyme significantly suppressed IL-6 level in the liver in the high-dose group. Our findings suggest that lysozyme mitigates inflammatory condition in vivo by suppressing inflammatory cytokine levels in serum and organs from LPS-induced inflammation model mice.

Potential of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Managing Chemotherapy- or Radiotherapy-Related Intestinal Microbial Dysbiosis

Chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-related intestinal microbial dysbiosis is one of the main causes of intestinal mucositis. Cases of bacterial translocation into peripheral blood and subsequent sepsis occur as a result of dysfunction in the intestinal barrier. Evidence from recent studies depicts the characteristics of chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-related intestinal microbial dysbiosis, which creates an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut. Decreases in beneficial bacteria can lead to a weakening of the resistance of the gut to harmful bacteria, resulting in robust activation of proinflammatory signaling pathways. For example, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing bacteria activate the nuclear transcription factor-κB signaling pathway through binding with Toll-like receptor 4 on stressed epithelial cells, subsequently leading to secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, various studies have found that the omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid can reverse intestinal microbial dysbiosis by increasing beneficial bacteria species, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Roseburia and Coprococcus. In addition, the n-3 PUFAs decrease the proportions of LPS-producing and mucolytic bacteria in the gut, and they can reduce inflammation as well as oxidative stress. Importantly, the n-3 PUFAs also exert anticancer effects in colorectal cancers. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-related intestinal microbial dysbiosis and introduce the contributions of dysbiosis to the pathogenesis of intestinal mucositis. Next, we discuss how n-3 PUFAs could alleviate chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-related intestinal microbial dysbiosis. This review provides new insights into the clinical administration of n-3 PUFAs for the management of chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-related intestinal microbial dysbiosis.

Betulinic acid attenuates liver fibrosis by inducing autophagy via the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of betulinic acid on human hepatic stellate cells in vitro and C57BL/6 mice in vivo, as well as the signaling pathways involved. In this study, we explored the effects of betulinic acid on expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and autophagy-related proteins. Betulinic acid reduced pathological damage associated with liver fibrosis, as well as serum platelet-derived growth factor and serum hydroxyproline levels. Furthermore, betulinic acid downregulated the expression of alpha smooth muscle actin and type I collagen in mouse liver and upregulated the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B and autophagy-related gene 7 at the gene and protein levels. LC3II expression was increased and alpha smooth muscle actin expression was decreased in betulinic acid-treated hepatic stellate cells. Interventions with bafilomycin A1 and mCherry-GFP-LC3 adenoviruses promoted the formation of autophagosomes in hepatic stellate cells and the development of autophagic flow. Our study found that mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase may be involved in the effects of betulinic acid on liver fibrosis. The present study suggests that betulinic acid has anti-hepatic fibrosis activity by inducing autophagy and could serve as a promising new agent for treating hepatic fibrosis.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor expression in clinical pain disorder tissues and role in neuronal sensitization

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Introduction:

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (GM-CSFR) is highly expressed in peripheral macrophages and microglia, and is involved in arthritis and cancer pain in animal models. However, there is limited information on GM-CSFR expression in human central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nerves, or dorsal root ganglia (DRG), particularly in chronic pain conditions.

Objectives:

Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify GM-CSFR expression levels in human tissues, and functional sensory effects of GM-CSF were studied in cultured DRG neurons.

Results:

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor was markedly increased in microglia at lesional sites of multiple sclerosis spinal cords (P = 0.01), which co-localised with macrophage marker CD68 (P = 0.009). In human DRG, GM-CSFR was expressed in a subset of small/medium diameter cells (30%) and few large cells (10%), with no significant change in avulsion-injured DRG. In peripheral nerves, there was a marked decrease in axonal GM-CSFR after chronic painful nerve injury (P = 0.004) and in painful neuromas (P = 0.0043); CD-68–positive macrophages were increased (P = 0.017) but did not appear to express GM-CSFR. Although control synovium showed absent GM-CSFR immunostaining, this was markedly increased in macrophages of painful osteoarthritis knee synovium. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor was expressed in 17 ± 1.7% of small-/medium-sized cultured adult rat DRG neurons, and in 27 ± 3.3% of TRPV1-positive neurons. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor treatment sensitized capsaicin responses in vitro, which were diminished by p38 MAPK or TrkA inhibitors.

Conclusion:

Our findings support GM-CSFR as a therapeutic target for pain and hypersensitivity in clinical CNS and peripheral inflammatory conditions. Although GM-CSFR was decreased in chronic painful injured peripheral nerves, it could mediate CNS neuroinflammatory effects, which deserves study.

CD47 overexpression is associated with decreased neutrophil apoptosis/phagocytosis and poor prognosis in non-small-cell lung cancer patients

Background:

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients often exhibit neutrophilia, which has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, the mechanisms that lead to neutrophilia have not been fully established. CD47 is an antiphagocytic molecule that promotes neutrophil recruitment.

Methods:

Blood was collected from 50 treatment-naive patients with advanced NSCLC and from 25 healthy subjects. The frequency of CD66b⁺ cells and the expression of CD47 were determined by flow cytometry. Neutrophil apoptosis was determined by 7-amino-actinomycin D/Annexin V-APC staining. Phagocytosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species production after phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatment was quantified by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence. Pro-inflammatory plasma cytokines were quantified using a cytometric bead array assay.

Results:

The percentage of circulating neutrophils was significantly higher in patients than in controls (P<0.001). Patient-derived neutrophils had a higher oxidative potential than those of controls (P=0.0286). The number of neutrophils in late apoptosis/necrosis was lower in patients than in controls (P=0.0317). Caspase 3/7 activation was also lower in patients than in controls (P=0.0079). CD47 expression in whole-blood samples and in the neutrophil fraction was higher in NSCLC patients than in controls (P=0.0408 and P<0.001). Patient-derived neutrophils were phagocytosed at a lower rate than those of controls (P=0.0445). CD47 expression in neutrophils negatively correlated with their ingestion by macrophages (P=0.0039). High CD47 expression was associated with a lower overall survival.

Conclusions:

Increased CD47 expression on the surface of neutrophils was associated with a delay in neutrophil apoptosis and with an impairment in their phagocytic clearance by macrophages, suggesting that CD47 overexpression may be one of the underlying mechanisms leading to neutrophilia in NSCLC patients.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide Attenuates Acute Lung Injury Induced by Hemorrhagic Shock/Resuscitation in Rats

Inflammation following hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation (HS/RES) induces acute lung injury (ALI). Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidative capacities. We sought to clarify whether DMSO could attenuate ALI induced by HS/RES. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to receive either a sham operation, sham plus DMSO, HS/RES, or HS/RES plus DMSO, and these were denoted as the Sham, Sham + DMSO, HS/RES, or HS/RES + DMSO group, respectively (n = 12 in each group). HS/RES was achieved by drawing blood to lower mean arterial pressure (40-45 mmHg for 60 min) followed by reinfusion with shed blood/saline mixtures. All rats received an intravenous injection of normal saline or DMSO immediately before resuscitation or at matching points relative to the sham groups. Arterial blood gas and histological assays (including histopathology, neutrophil infiltration, and lung water content) confirmed that HS/RES induced ALI. Significant increases in pulmonary expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) confirmed that HS/RES induced pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress. DMSO significantly attenuated the pulmonary inflammation and ALI induced by HS/RES. The mechanisms for this may involve reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through inhibition of pulmonary NF-κB, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 expression.

P38 MAPK Pharmacological Inhibitor SB203580 Alleviates Total Parenteral Nutrition-Induced Loss of Intestinal Barrier Function but Promotes Hepatocyte Lipoapoptosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Our previous studies have provided evidence that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is involved in total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-associated complications, but its exact effects and mechanisms have not been fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the roles of p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 in the TPN-induced loss of intestinal barrier function and liver disease.

METHODS

A rodent model of TPN was used to analyze the roles of SB203580 in TPN-associated complications.Intestinal barrier function was evaluated by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and paracellular permeability in Caco-2 cells. The palmitic acid (PA) was used to induce hepatic lipoapoptosis in vitro. The lipoapoptosis was detected using Caspase-3/7 and lipid staining.

RESULTS

In the present study, we showed that SB203580 treatment significantly suppressed TPN-mediated intestinal permeability in rats. SB203580 treatment significantly inhibited IL-1β-induced an increase in tight junction permeability of Caco-2 cells via repressing the p38/ATF-2 signaling. Unexpectedly, SB203580 treatment enhanced hepatic lipoapoptosis in the model of TPN. Palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatic lipoapoptosis in human liver cells was significantly augmented by the SB203580 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203508 ameliorates intestinal barrier function but promotes hepatic lipoapoptosis in model of TPN.

Force-induced IL-8 from Periodontal Ligament Cells Requires IL-1β

During orthodontic tooth movement, mechanical stresses induce inflammatory reactions in the periodontal ligament (PDL). We hypothesized that chemokines released from PDL cells under mechanical stress regulate osteoclastogenesis, and investigated the profiles and mechanisms of chemokine expression by human PDL cells in response to mechanical stress. In vitro, shear stress and pressure force rapidly increased the gene and protein expressions of IL-8/CXCL8 by PDL cells. Consistently, amounts of IL-8 in the gingival crevicular fluid of healthy individuals increased within 2 to 4 days of orthodontic force application. The PDL cells constitutively expressed low levels of IL-1β, which were not further increased by mechanical stress. Interestingly, neutralization of IL-1β abolished IL-8 induction by mechanical stresses, indicating that IL-1β is essential for IL-8 induction, presumably though autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. Finally, experiments with signal-specific inhibitors indicated that MAP kinase activation is essential for IL-8 induction.

GATA Factor-Dependent Positive-Feedback Circuit in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

The master regulatory transcription factor GATA-2 triggers hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell generation. GATA2 haploinsufficiency is implicated in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and GATA2 overexpression portends a poor prognosis for AML. However, the constituents of the GATA-2-dependent genetic network mediating pathogenesis are unknown. We described a p38-dependent mechanism that phosphorylates GATA-2 and increases GATA-2 target gene activation. We demonstrate that this mechanism establishes a growth-promoting chemokine/cytokine circuit in AML cells. p38/ERK-dependent GATA-2 phosphorylation facilitated positive autoregulation of GATA2 transcription and expression of target genes, including IL1B and CXCL2. IL-1β and CXCL2 enhanced GATA-2 phosphorylation, which increased GATA-2-mediated transcriptional activation. p38/ERK-GATA-2 stimulated AML cell proliferation via CXCL2 induction. As GATA2 mRNA correlated with IL1B and CXCL2 mRNAs in AML-M5 and high expression of these genes predicted poor prognosis of cytogenetically normal AML, we propose that the circuit is functionally important in specific AML contexts.

Timosaponin AIII induces apoptosis and autophagy in human melanoma A375-S2 cells

Timosaponin AIII (AIII), a steroidal saponin isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. Our study showed that AIII induced both apoptosis and autophagy, and autophagy inhibited apoptosis in A375S2 cells. Furtherly, this study was carried out to investigate what kind of cytokines plays an important role in this process. The results revealed that AIII induced apoptosis through activating c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) or extracellular signal related kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and generating NO. However, JNK or ERK inhibited autophagy, while NO had no effect on autophagy. Therefore, JNK, ERK or NO regulates two programmed death processes in different ways. AIII did not show obvious cytotoxic effect on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which indicated that AIII has less side effects on normal cells, and could be considered as a leading compound for developing novel anticancer drug.

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition modulates nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis in spontaneous resorption of herniated intervertebral discs: An experimental study in rats

The present study was performed to investigate the role of p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the resorption of herniated intervertebral discs in 30 rats. In the non‑contained and p38 MAPK inhibition (p38i) groups, two coccygeal intervertebral discs (IVDs) were removed and wounded prior to relocation into the subcutaneous space of the skin of the back. In the contained group, the cartilage endplates maintained their integrity. Furthermore, SB203580 was injected intraperitoneally into the p38i group, whereas saline was injected into the other two groups. In the non‑contained group, the weight of the relocated IVDs decreased to a greater extent over time when compared with the contained and p38i groups. Phosphorylated p38, tumor necrosis factor‑α, and interleukin‑1β were observed to exhibit higher expression levels in the non‑contained group compared with the contained and p38i groups, at weeks 1 and 4 post‑surgery. The expression level of caspase‑3 and the densities of apoptotic disc cells were significantly higher in the non‑contained group compared with the contained and p38i groups at 4 weeks post‑surgery. In conclusion, p38 MAPK induces apoptosis in IVDs, while also accelerating the resorption of the relocated IVDs. Thus, p38 MAPK may be important in spontaneous resorption of IVDs.

Effect of Lactational Exposure to Tributyltin Chloride on Innate Immunodefenses in the F1 Generation in Mice

We examined the effect of lactational exposure to tributyltin on innate immunodefenses in the F1 generation using in vivo and in vitro experiments. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were given drinking water containing 0, 15, or 50 microg/ml of tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) from parturition to weaning. At weaning time, offspring were inoculated with Escherichia coli K-12, and bacterial clearances from the peritoneal cavity and spleen were examined. In vivo infection experiments indicated that bacterial clearance was significantly depressed in offspring breast-fed by dams exposed to 15 microg/ml of TBTCl (15 ppm F1), but not in offspring by dams exposed to 50 microg/ml of TBTCl (50 ppm F1). In vitro functional assays revealed that the killing activity of neutrophils decreased significantly in 15 ppm F1, but not in 50 ppm F1. We suggest that lactational exposure to TBT impairs innate immunodefenses in the F1 generation against non-pathogenic bacterial infection.

Inflammation and hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with both acute and chronic liver dysfunction, spanning a spectrum that ranges from mild neuropsychological disturbances to coma. The central role of ammonia in the pathogenesis of HE remains incontrovertible however, there is a robust evidence base indicating the important role of inflammation in exacerbating the neurological effects of HE. Inflammation can arise directly within the brain itself as a result of deranged nitrogen and energy homeostasis, with resultant neuronal, astrocyte and microglial dysfunction. Inflammation may also originate in the peripheral circulation and exert effects on the brain indirectly, via the release of pro-inflammatory mediators which directly signal to the brain via the vagus nerve. This review summarises the data that demonstrate the synergistic relationship of inflammation and ammonia that culminates in the manifestation of HE. Sterile inflammation arising from the inflamed or necrotic liver, circulating endotoxin arising from the gut (bacterial translocation) inducing immune dysfunction, and superimposed sepsis will be comprehensively discussed. Finally, this review will provide an overview of the existing and novel treatments on the horizon which can target the inflammatory response, and how they might translate into clinical practise as therapies in the prophylaxis and treatment of HE.

The tyrphostin AG1478 augments oridonin-induced A431 cell apoptosis by blockage of JNK MAPK and enhancement of oxidative stress

Oridonin, a diterpenoid compound, extracted and purified from Rabdosia rubescen has been reported to have cytotoxic effect on tumour cells through apoptosis, and tyrosine kinase pathways are involved in these processes. A specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor AG1478 was used to examine the relationship between EGFR signal pathways and oridonin-induced apoptosis and autophagy in EGFR abundant human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Inhibition of EGFRaugmented oridonin-induced A431 cell apoptosis, while the changes of expression of downstream proteins, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bax, cytochrome c, pro-caspase-3, Fas, FADD and pro-caspase-8 suggested that both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways are involved in these processes. Pretreatment with AG1478 aggravated oridonin-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and increased ROS generation in A431 cells, while a ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) completely reversed oridonin- and AG1478-induced ROS generation and apoptosis. Therefore, AG1478 augmented oridonin-induced apoptosis by enhancing oxidative stress. Pretreatment with AG1478 decreased the expression of downstream MAPK proteins ERK, JNK and P38 and their phosphorylated forms to varying degrees compared with oridonin alone treatment. Then after administration of ERK, JNK and P38 inhibitors, only JNK inhibitor SP600125 effectively augmented oridonin-induced apoptosis and ROS generation. Therefore, in EGFR downstream pathways, JNK played a major role in preventing oridonin-induced apoptosis. Autophagy antagonised apoptosis and exerted a protective effect in A431 cells, and both AG1478 and SP600125 decreased oridonin-induced autophagy. Inhibition of EGFR augmented oridonin-induced apoptosis and this was caused by enhanced oxidative stress, and JNK played a major protective role by increasing autophagy, leading to antagonising apoptosis and ROS generation.

Activation of ERK-p53 and ERK-mediated phosphorylation of Bcl-2 are involved in autophagic cell death induced by the c-Met inhibitor SU11274 in human lung cancer A549 cells

SU11274, a small molecule inhibitor of c-Met, was reported to induce apoptosis in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. However, SU11274-mediated autophagy in NSCLC cells has rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms mediating SU11274-induced autophagy in NSCLC A549 cells. Here we reported that SU11274-induced autophagy was accompanied with an increase in the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and up-regulation of Beclin-1 expression. Subsequently, we also found that small interfering RNA against c-Met induced A549 cell autophagy while promotion of c-Met by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) suppressed A549 cell autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) suppressed SU11274-induced cell death, suggesting that SU11274-induced autophagy caused cell death. Further study showed that ERK and p53 were activated after SU11274 treatment. Interruption of ERK and p53 activities decreased SU11274-induced autophagy, and blocking of ERK by the specific inhibitor PD98059 suppressed SU11274-induced p53 activation. Moreover, ERK activation upregulated Beclin-1 expression through induction of Bcl-2 phosphorylation, but p53 did not induce Bcl-2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, inhibition of c-Met induced autophagic cell death, which was associated with ERK-p53 activation and ERK-mediated Bcl-2 phosphorylation in A549 cells.

Role of pro-inflammatory cytokines released from microglia in neurodegenerative diseases

Microglia are activated in response to a number of different pathological states within the CNS including injury, ischemia, and infection. Microglial activation results in their production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α. While release of these factors is typically intended to prevent further damage to CNS tissue, they may also be toxic to neurons and other glial cells. Mounting evidence indicates that chronic microglial activation may also contribute to the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Unfortunately, determining the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in these disorders has been complicated by their dual roles in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. The purpose of this review is to summarize current understanding of the involvement of cytokines in neurodegenerative disorders and their potential signaling mechanisms in this context. Taken together, recent findings suggest that microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines merit interest as targets in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Early infection during burn-induced inflammatory response results in increased mortality and p38-mediated neutrophil dysfunction

Following burn injury, the host is susceptible to bacterial infections normally cleared by healthy patients. We hypothesized that during the systemic immune response that follows scald injury, the host's altered immune status increases infection susceptibility. Using a murine model of scald injury under inhaled anesthesia followed by intraperitoneal infection, we observed increased neutrophil numbers and function at postburn day (PBD) 1 compared with sham-burned and PBD4 mice. Further, increased mortality, bacteremia, and serum IL-6 were observed in PBD1 mice after Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection compared with sham-burned and PBD4 mice infected with PA. To examine these disparate responses, we investigated neutrophils isolated at 5 and 24 h following PA infection from PBD1 and sham-burned mice. Five hours after infection, there was no significant difference in number of recruited neutrophils; however, neutrophils from injured mice had decreased activation, active-p38, and oxidative burst compared with sham-burned mice. In direct contrast, 24 h after infection, we observed increased numbers, active-p38, and oxidative burst of neutrophils from PBD1 mice. Finally, we demonstrated that in neutrophils isolated from PBD1 mice, the observed increase in oxidative burst was p38 dependent. Altogether, neutrophil activation and function from thermally injured mice are initially delayed and later exacerbated by a p38-dependent mechanism. This mechanism is likely key to the observed increase in bacterial load and mortality of PBD1 mice infected with PA.

Novel insights for systemic inflammation in sepsis and hemorrhage

The inflammatory responses in sepsis and hemorrhage remain a major cause of death. Clinically, it is generally accepted that shock in sepsis or hemorrhage differs in its mechanisms. However, the recognition of inflammatory cytokines as a common lethal pathway has become consent. Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or high-mobility group box1 (HMGB1) are fanatically released and cause lethal multiorgan dysfunction. Inhibition of these cytokines can prevent the inflammatory responses and organ damage. In seeking potential anti-inflammatory strategies, we reported that ethyl pyruvate and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR) agonists effectively restrained cytokine production to provide therapeutic benefits in both experimental sepsis and hemorrhage. Here, we review the inflammatory responses and the anti-inflammatory strategies in experimental models of sepsis and hemorrhage, as they may have a consistent inflammatory pathway in spite of their different pathophysiological processes.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor negatively regulates Toll-like receptor agonist-induced cytokine production in human neutrophils

We studied the effect of G-CSF on TLR agonist-induced cytokine production in human neutrophils. Human neutrophils produced IL-8 and TNF-alpha in response to stimulation with TLR agonists such as LPS and N-palmitoyl-S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2RS)-propyl]-(R)-cysteinyl-seryl-(lysyl)(3)-lysine. This response was dependent on activation of ERK, p38, and PI3K, but not JNK. TLR agonist-induced cytokine production in neutrophils was inhibited by G-CSF, whereas it was enhanced by GM-CSF, and GM-CSF-mediated enhancement was attenuated by G-CSF. G-CSF and GM-CSF did not affect TLR agonist-induced phosphorylation of ERK, p38, JNK, Akt, and IkappaBalpha. STAT3 activation was much greater in G-CSF-stimulated neutrophils than that in GM-CSF-stimulated cells. G-CSF-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation and inhibition of TLR agonist-induced cytokine production were prevented by pretreatment of cells with AG-490 (JAK2 inhibitor). These findings suggest that G-CSF and GM-CSF exert the opposite effects on TLR agonist-induced cytokine production, and G-CSF negatively regulates TLR agonist-induced cytokine production in neutrophils via activation of STAT3.

Molecular mechanism of proinflammatory cytokine-mediated squamous metaplasia in human corneal epithelial cells

PURPOSE

The cornified envelope protein small proline-rich protein 1B (SPRR1B) is a biomarker for squamous metaplasia. Proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IFN-gamma are potent inducers of ocular surface keratinization and SPRR1B expression. Here the molecular mechanisms controlling SPRR1B gene expression in response to IL-1beta and IFN-gamma are elucidated.

METHODS

A 3-kb fragment of the SPRR1B gene 5'-flanking region was amplified from human chromosome 1, sequentially deleted, and cloned into a luciferase vector. Constructs were transiently transfected into human corneal epithelial cells, and activity was assessed in response to IL-1beta, IFN-gamma, or basal medium. Functional cis-elements responding to IL-1beta and IFN-gamma were characterized by site-directed mutagenesis and gel mobility shift assay. Effects of mitogen-activated protein kinases p38, ERK, and JNK were assessed using inhibitors and dominant-negative mutants. Results were validated by real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The first 620 bp of the SPRR1B 5'-flanking region regulated constitutive expression and increased promoter activity in response to IL-1beta and IFN-gamma. Corresponding cis-elements for IL-1beta and IFN-gamma were bound by cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), respectively. Inhibition of p38 abolished the stimulatory effects of IL-1beta and IFN-gamma on SPRR1B, whereas inhibition of JNK and ERK had no effect. Dominant-negative mutants targeting p38alpha and p38beta2 blocked cytokine-induced SPRR1B promoter activity and mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

SPRR1B is upregulated by the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IFN-gamma via p38 MAPK-mediated signaling pathways that lead to the activation of transcription factors CREB and ZEB1, respectively. These results identify key intracellular signaling intermediates involved in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated ocular surface squamous metaplasia.

Evodiamine-induced human melanoma A375-S2 cell death was mediated by PI3K/Akt/caspase and Fas-L/NF-kappaB signaling pathways and augmented by ubiquitin-proteasome inhibition

Evodiamine, a major alkaloidal component of Evodiae fructus exhibits anti-tumor activities. We have previously reported that evodiamine has a marked inhibitory effect on IL-1 sensitive human melanoma A375-S2 cells proliferation, and this action might be through inactivation of PI3K signaling. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of evodiamine-induced cell death remains poorly understood. In present study, we further confirmed that Akt is the main effector molecule involved in this pathway. Evodiamine also led to IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation that reflect translocation of NF-kappaB. Pretreatment of A375-S2 cells with ubiquitin-proteasome inhibitor MG132 was shown to aggregate the evodiamine caused cell death at 24h. In addition, MG132 reduced ERK phosphorylation, increased caspase-3 activation, Fas-L expression and Bcl-2 cleavage in evodiamine-treated A375-S2 cells. These results suggested the PI3K/Akt/caspase and Fas-L/NF-kappaB signaling pathways might account for the responses of A375-S2 cell death induced by evodiamine, and these signals could be augmented by ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.

Type 3 deiodinase expression in inflammatory spinal cord lesions in rat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

BACKGROUND

We have shown substantial expression of type 3 deiodinase (D3, a major enzyme involved in the inactivation of thyroid hormone) in infiltrating leukocytes in several models of inflammation. Recently, thyroid hormone has been shown to improve remyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. As induction of D3 may play an important role in decreasing local bioavailability of thyroid hormone at inflammation sites, we hypothesized that D3 is induced in spinal cord inflammatory lesions in EAE.

METHODS

The aim of the study was to evaluate D3 expression in spinal cord inflammatory lesions of EAE Dark Agouti rats and to investigate D3 induction in activated monocytes.

RESULTS

Here, we show marked expression of D3 by granulocytes and macrophages in spinal cord inflammatory lesions of EAE rats. We further confirm induction of D3 expression in vitro in monocytes that were activated toward proinflammatory or immunomodulatory phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed increased D3 expression both in spinal cord inflammatory lesions during EAE and in activated monocytes. Although increased D3 expression theoretically results in decreased triiodothyronine availability, it is unknown at present whether reduced local triiodothyronine concentrations are involved in impaired remyelination as observed during EAE.

Kinin B1 receptor activation turns on exocytosis of matrix metalloprotease-9 and myeloperoxidase in human neutrophils: involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase family

During neutrophil activation and degranulation, MMP-9 and MPO are released into the extracellular space to propagate inflammatory disorders. As kinin peptides are major participants in acute inflammatory responses, and the G-protein-coupled B(1)R mediates the chemotaxis of human neutrophils, we examined the release of the neutrophil enzymes MMP-9 and MPO by the B(1)R agonist LDBK and determined the signaling pathways that may regulate this cellular effect. Cytochalasin-treated and -untreated neutrophils were suspended in HBSS and stimulated with a range concentration of LDBK for 5 min. Zymography and Western blotting revealed that LDBK induced the release of MMP-9 and MPO. The use of specific signaling transduction inhibitors showed that release of MMP-9 depended on ERK1/2 and p38 MAPKs, whereas release of MPO involved only the p38 cascade. Inhibition of the key steps in these pathways showed that the release of both enzymes depended on PKC and PI3K. Stimulation of neutrophils with LDBK produced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, which was inhibited by B(1)R antagonists. The phosphorylated ERK1/2 MAPK translocated to the neutrophil nucleus, suggesting that transcription of new genes may follow activation of B(1)R. Our results demonstrate that in human neutrophils, activation of kinin B(1)R by LDBK initiates separate signaling cascades that trigger the release of MMP-9 and MPO from tertiary and primary granules, respectively, suggesting that the B(1)R plays a pivotal role in inflammatory disorders.

Involvement of c-Abl, p53 and the MAP kinase JNK in the cell death program initiated in A2E-laden ARPE-19 cells by exposure to blue light

The lipofuscin fluorophore A2E has been shown to mediate blue light-induced damage to retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells. To understand the events that lead to RPE cell apoptosis under these conditions, we explored signaling pathways upstream of the cell death program. Human RPE cells (ARPE-19) that had accumulated A2E were exposed to blue light to induce apoptosis and the involvement of the transcription factors p53 and c-Abl and the mitogen activated protein kinases p38 and JNK were examined. We found that A2E/blue light caused upregulation and phosphorylation of c-Abl, and upregulation of p53. Pretreatment with the c-Abl inhibitor STI571 and transfection with siRNA specific to c-Abl and p53 prior to irradiation reduced A2E/blue light-induced cell death. Gene and protein expression of JNK and p38 was upregulated in response to A2E/blue light. Treatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 before irradiation resulted in increase in cell death whereas inhibition of p38 with SB203580 had no effect. This study indicates that c-Abl and p53 are important for execution of the cell death program initiated in A2E-laden RPE cells exposed to blue light, while JNK might play an anti-apoptotic role.

Cellular and molecular basis of deiodinase-regulated thyroid hormone signaling

The iodothyronine deiodinases initiate or terminate thyroid hormone action and therefore are critical for the biological effects mediated by thyroid hormone. Over the years, research has focused on their role in preserving serum levels of the biologically active molecule T(3) during iodine deficiency. More recently, a fascinating new role of these enzymes has been unveiled. The activating deiodinase (D2) and the inactivating deiodinase (D3) can locally increase or decrease thyroid hormone signaling in a tissue- and temporal-specific fashion, independent of changes in thyroid hormone serum concentrations. This mechanism is particularly relevant because deiodinase expression can be modulated by a wide variety of endogenous signaling molecules such as sonic hedgehog, nuclear factor-kappaB, growth factors, bile acids, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha, as well as a growing number of xenobiotic substances. In light of these findings, it seems clear that deiodinases play a much broader role than once thought, with great ramifications for the control of thyroid hormone signaling during vertebrate development and metamorphosis, as well as injury response, tissue repair, hypothalamic function, and energy homeostasis in adults.