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Permuth JB, Mesa T, Williams SL, Cardentey Y, Zhang D, Pawlak EA, Li J, Cameron ME, Ali KN, Jeong D, Yoder SJ, Chen DT, Trevino JG, Merchant N, Malafa M. A pilot study to troubleshoot quality control metrics when assessing circulating miRNA expression data reproducibility across study sites. Cancer Biomark 2022; 33:467-478. [PMID: 35491771 PMCID: PMC9428925 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-210255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given the growing interest in using microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers of early disease, establishment of robust protocols and platforms for miRNA quantification in biological fluids is critical. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this multi-center pilot study was to evaluate the reproducibility of NanoString nCounter™ technology when analyzing the abundance of miRNAs in plasma and cystic fluid from patients with pancreatic lesions. METHODS: Using sample triplicates analyzed across three study sites, we assessed potential sources of variability (RNA isolation, sample processing/ligation, hybridization, and lot-to-lot variability) that may contribute to suboptimal reproducibility of miRNA abundance when using nCounter™, and evaluated expression of positive and negative controls, housekeeping genes, spike-in genes, and miRNAs. RESULTS: Positive controls showed a high correlation across samples from each site (median correlation coefficient, r> 0.9). Most negative control probes had expression levels below background. Housekeeping and spike-in genes each showed a similar distribution of expression and comparable pairwise correlation coefficients of replicate samples across sites. A total of 804 miRNAs showed a similar distribution of pairwise correlation coefficients between replicate samples (p= 0.93). After normalization and selecting miRNAs with expression levels above zero in 80% of samples, 55 miRNAs were identified; heatmap and principal component analysis revealed similar expression patterns and clustering in replicate samples. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this pilot investigation suggest the nCounter platform can yield reproducible results across study sites. This study underscores the importance of implementing quality control procedures when designing multi-center evaluations of miRNA abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer B. Permuth
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Tania Mesa
- Molecular Genomics Core Facility, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sion L. Williams
- Oncogenomics Shared Resource, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yoslayma Cardentey
- Oncogenomics Shared Resource, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dongyu Zhang
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Jiannong Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Miles E. Cameron
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Karla N. Ali
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Jeong
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sean J. Yoder
- Molecular Genomics Core Facility, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Dung-Tsa Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jose G. Trevino
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Nipun Merchant
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
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Davis ES, Ghosh A, Coakley RD, Wrennall JA, Lubamba BA, Rowell TR, Dang H, Pawlak EA, Li Q, Alexis NE, Ribeiro CMP, Tarran R. Chronic E-Cigarette Exposure Alters Human Alveolar Macrophage Morphology and Gene Expression. Nicotine Tob Res 2021; 24:395-399. [PMID: 34519792 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are lung-resident immune cells that phagocytose inhaled particles and pathogens, and help coordinate the lung's immune response to infection. Little is known about the impact of chronic e-cigarette use (i.e. vaping) on this important pulmonary cell type. Thus, we determined the effect of vaping on alveolar macrophage (AM) phenotype and gene expression. METHODS We recruited never-smokers, smokers, and e-cigarette users (vapers) and performed research bronchoscopies to isolate AMs from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples and epithelial cells from bronchial brushings. We then performed morphological analyses and used the Nanostring platform to look for changes in gene expression. RESULTS AMs obtained from smokers and vapers were phenotypically distinct from those obtained from non-smokers, and from each other. Immunocytochemistry revealed that vapers AM's had significantly elevated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS; M1) expression and significantly reduced CD301a (M2) expression compared to non-smokers or smokers. Vapers' AMs and bronchial epithelia exhibited unique changes in gene expression compared to non-smokers or smokers. Moreover, vapers' AMs were the most affected of all groups and had 124 genes uniquely downregulated. Gene ontology analysis revealed that vapers and smokers had opposing changes in biological processes. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that vaping causes unique changes to AMs and bronchial epithelia compared to non-smokers and smokers which may impact pulmonary host defense. IMPLICATIONS These data indicate that normal "healthy" vapers have altered AMs and may be at risk of developing abnormal immune responses to inflammatory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Davis
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Arunava Ghosh
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Raymond D Coakley
- Department of Medicine; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Joe A Wrennall
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Bob A Lubamba
- Marsico Lung Institute; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Temperance R Rowell
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Hong Dang
- Marsico Lung Institute; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Erica A Pawlak
- Center for Environmental Medicine Asthma and Lung Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Quefeng Li
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Neil E Alexis
- Center for Environmental Medicine Asthma and Lung Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Carla M P Ribeiro
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Department of Medicine; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Marsico Lung Institute; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Robert Tarran
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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Rebuli ME, Glista-Baker E, Hoffman JR, Duffney PF, Robinette C, Speen AM, Pawlak EA, Dhingra R, Noah TL, Jaspers I. Electronic-Cigarette Use Alters Nasal Mucosal Immune Response to Live-attenuated Influenza Virus. A Clinical Trial. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 64:126-137. [PMID: 33095645 PMCID: PMC7781000 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2020-0164oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhalation of tobacco smoke has been linked to increased risk of viral infection, such as influenza. Inhalation of electronic-cigarette (e-cigarette) aerosol has also recently been linked to immune suppression within the respiratory tract, specifically the nasal mucosa. We propose that changes in the nasal mucosal immune response modify antiviral host-defense responses in e-cigarette users. Nonsmokers, cigarette smokers, and e-cigarette users were inoculated with live-attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) to safely examine the innate immune response to influenza infection. Before and after LAIV inoculation, we collected nasal epithelial-lining fluid, nasal lavage fluid, nasal-scrape biopsy specimens, urine, and blood. Endpoints examined include cytokines and chemokines, influenza-specific IgA, immune-gene expression, and markers of viral load. Statistical analysis included primary comparisons of cigarette and e-cigarette groups with nonsmokers, as well as secondary analysis of demographic factors as potential modifiers. Markers of viral load did not differ among the three groups. Nasal-lavage-fluid anti-LAIV IgA levels increased in nonsmokers after LAIV inoculation but did not increase in e-cigarette users and cigarette smokers. LAIV-induced gene-expression changes in nasal biopsy specimens differed in cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users as compared with nonsmokers, with a greater number of genes changed in e-cigarette users, mostly resulting in decreased expression. The top downregulated genes in cigarette smokers were SMPD3, NOS2A, and KLRB1, and the top downregulated genes in e-cigarette users were MR1, NT5E, and HRAS. Similarly, LAIV-induced cytokine levels in nasal epithelial-lining fluid differed among the three groups, including decreased antiviral host-defense mediators (IFNγ, IL6, and IL12p40). We also detected that sex interacted with tobacco-product exposure to modify LAIV-induced immune-gene expression. Our results demonstrate that e-cigarette use altered nasal LAIV-induced immune responses, including gene expression, cytokine and chemokine release, and LAIV-specific IgA levels. Together, these data suggest that e-cigarette use induces changes in the nasal mucosa that are consistent with the potential for altered respiratory antiviral host-defense function. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 02019745).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E Rebuli
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine.,Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, and.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine
| | | | - Jessica R Hoffman
- Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology, College of Arts and Sciences
| | | | | | - Adam M Speen
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine
| | - Erica A Pawlak
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, and
| | - Radhika Dhingra
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, and.,Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Terry L Noah
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, and.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine.,Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, and.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine.,Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, and
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4
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Rebuli ME, Speen AM, Martin EM, Addo KA, Pawlak EA, Glista-Baker E, Robinette C, Zhou H, Noah TL, Jaspers I. Wood Smoke Exposure Alters Human Inflammatory Responses to Viral Infection in a Sex-Specific Manner. A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 199:996-1007. [PMID: 30360637 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201807-1287oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Exposure to particulates from burning biomass is an increasing global health issue. Burning biomass, including wood smoke, is associated with increased lower respiratory infections. OBJECTIVES To determine whether acute exposure to wood smoke modifies nasal inflammatory responses to influenza. METHODS Healthy young adults (n = 39) were randomized to a 2-hour controlled chamber exposure to wood smoke, where exposure levels were controlled to particulate number (wood smoke particles [WSP]; 500 μg/cm3) or filtered air, followed by nasal inoculation with a vaccine dose of live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV). Nasal lavage was performed before exposure (Day 0) and on Days 1 and 2 after exposure. Nasal lavage fluid cells were analyzed for inflammatory gene expression profiles, and cell-free fluid was assayed for cytokines. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Only IP-10 protein levels were affected, suppressed, by WSP exposure in aggregate analysis. Subsequent analysis indicated an exposure × sex interaction, prompting additional analyses of WSP- and LAIV-induced changes in males and females. Inflammation-related gene expression profiles differed between the sexes, at baseline (males greater than females), after LAIV inoculation (females greater than males), and after WSP exposure (increase in males and decrease in females), demonstrating that WSP- and LAIV-induced changes in antiviral defense responses in the nasal mucosa occur in a sex-specific manner. CONCLUSIONS WSP exposure resulted in minimal modification of LAIV-induced responses in aggregate analysis. In contrast, analyzing WSP-induced modification of LAIV responses in the sexes separately unmasked sex-specific differences in response to exposure. These data highlight the need for additional studies to understand sex-specific pollutant-induced effects. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02183753).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam M Speen
- 1 Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine
| | - Elizabeth M Martin
- 1 Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine.,2 Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health
| | - Kezia A Addo
- 1 Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine
| | - Erica A Pawlak
- 3 Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology
| | | | | | | | - Terry L Noah
- 1 Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine.,3 Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology.,5 Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- 1 Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine.,3 Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology.,5 Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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5
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Rebuli ME, Pawlak EA, Walsh D, Martin EM, Jaspers I. Distinguishing Human Peripheral Blood NK Cells from CD56 dimCD16 dimCD69 +CD103 + Resident Nasal Mucosal Lavage Fluid Cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3394. [PMID: 29467466 PMCID: PMC5821812 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21443-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are members of the innate lymphoid cells group 1 (ILC1s), which play a critical role in innate host defense against viruses and malignancies. While many studies have examined the role of circulating peripheral blood (PB) CD56+ NK cells, little is known about the resident CD56+ cell population. Therefore, matched CD56+ cells from nasal lavage fluid (NLF) and PB of smokers and non-smokers were compared phenotypically, via flow cytometry, and functionally, via NK-cell specific gene expression. NLF and PB CD56+ cells had similar expression of CD56, but differentially expressed tissue residency (CD69 and CD103) and cytotoxicity (CD16) markers. In addition, NLF CD56dim cells expressed lower levels of cytotoxicity-associated genes, perforin (PRF1) and granzyme B (GZMB), and increased levels of cytokines and cell signaling molecules, TRAIL, IFNGR2, and IL8, as compared to PB CD56dim cells. In smokers, ITGA2 was downregulated in NLF CD56dim cells, while markers of cytotoxic function were primarily downregulated in PB CD56dim NK cells. Overall, NLF CD56dim cells are a unique cell population that likely play a role in orchestrating innate immune responses in the nasal cavity, which is distinct from their role as a non-antigen-restricted cytotoxic CD56dim lymphocytes in the PB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E Rebuli
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erica A Pawlak
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dana Walsh
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Martin
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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6
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Clapp PW, Pawlak EA, Lackey JT, Keating JE, Reeber SL, Glish GL, Jaspers I. Flavored e-cigarette liquids and cinnamaldehyde impair respiratory innate immune cell function. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 313:L278-L292. [PMID: 28495856 PMCID: PMC5582929 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00452.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells of the respiratory tract are the first line of defense against pathogenic and environmental insults. Failure of these cells to perform their immune functions leaves the host susceptible to infection and may contribute to impaired resolution of inflammation. While combustible tobacco cigarettes have been shown to suppress respiratory immune cell function, the effects of flavored electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) and individual flavoring agents on respiratory immune cell responses are unknown. We investigated the effects of seven flavored nicotine-free e-liquids on primary human alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells. Cells were challenged with a range of e-liquid dilutions and assayed for their functional responses to pathogenic stimuli. End points included phagocytic capacity (neutrophils and macrophages), neutrophil extracellular trap formation, proinflammatory cytokine production, and cell-mediated cytotoxic response (NK cells). E-liquids were then analyzed via mass spectrometry to identify individual flavoring components. Three cinnamaldehyde-containing e-liquids exhibited dose-dependent broadly immunosuppressive effects. Quantitative mass spectrometry was used to determine concentrations of cinnamaldehyde in each of the three e-liquids, and cells were subsequently challenged with a range of cinnamaldehyde concentrations. Cinnamaldehyde alone recapitulated the impaired function observed with e-liquid exposures, and cinnamaldehyde-induced suppression of macrophage phagocytosis was reversed by addition of the small-molecule reducing agent 1,4-dithiothreitol. We conclude that cinnamaldehyde has the potential to impair respiratory immune cell function, illustrating an immediate need for further toxicological evaluation of chemical flavoring agents to inform regulation governing their use in e-liquid formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip W Clapp
- Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
| | - Erica A Pawlak
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
| | - Justin T Lackey
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - James E Keating
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Steven L Reeber
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gary L Glish
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina;
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
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7
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Martin EM, Clapp PW, Rebuli ME, Pawlak EA, Glista-Baker E, Benowitz NL, Fry RC, Jaspers I. E-cigarette use results in suppression of immune and inflammatory-response genes in nasal epithelial cells similar to cigarette smoke. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 311:L135-44. [PMID: 27288488 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00170.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to cigarette smoke is known to result in impaired host defense responses and immune suppressive effects. However, the effects of new and emerging tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, on the immune status of the respiratory epithelium are largely unknown. We conducted a clinical study collecting superficial nasal scrape biopsies, nasal lavage, urine, and serum from nonsmokers, cigarette smokers, and e-cigarette users and assessed them for changes in immune gene expression profiles. Smoking status was determined based on a smoking history and a 3- to 4-wk smoking diary and confirmed using serum cotinine and urine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) levels. Total RNA from nasal scrape biopsies was analyzed using the nCounter Human Immunology v2 Expression panel. Smoking cigarettes or vaping e-cigarettes resulted in decreased expression of immune-related genes. All genes with decreased expression in cigarette smokers (n = 53) were also decreased in e-cigarette smokers. Additionally, vaping e-cigarettes was associated with suppression of a large number of unique genes (n = 305). Furthermore, the e-cigarette users showed a greater suppression of genes common with those changed in cigarette smokers. This was particularly apparent for suppressed expression of transcription factors, such as EGR1, which was functionally associated with decreased expression of 5 target genes in cigarette smokers and 18 target genes in e-cigarette users. Taken together, these data indicate that vaping e-cigarettes is associated with decreased expression of a large number of immune-related genes, which are consistent with immune suppression at the level of the nasal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Martin
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Phillip W Clapp
- Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Meghan E Rebuli
- Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Erica A Pawlak
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
| | - Ellen Glista-Baker
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
| | - Neal L Benowitz
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Pawlak EA, Noah TL, Zhou H, Chehrazi C, Robinette C, Diaz-Sanchez D, Müller L, Jaspers I. Diesel exposure suppresses natural killer cell function and resolution of eosinophil inflammation: a randomized controlled trial of exposure in allergic rhinitics. Part Fibre Toxicol 2016; 13:24. [PMID: 27154411 PMCID: PMC4859992 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-016-0135-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) is known to exacerbate allergic inflammation, including virus-induced eosinophil activation in laboratory animals. We have previously shown that in human volunteers with allergic rhinitis a short-term exposure to DE prior to infection with the live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) increases markers of allergic inflammation in the nasal mucosa. Specifically, levels of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) were significantly enhanced in individuals exposed to DE prior to inoculation with LAIV and this effect was maintained for at least seven days. However, this previous study was limited in its scope of nasal immune endpoints and did not explore potential mechanisms mediating the prolonged exacerbation of allergic inflammation caused by exposure to DE prior to inoculation with LAIV. In this follow-up study, the methods were modified to expand experimental endpoints and explore the potential role of NK cells. The data presented here suggest DE prolongs viral-induced eosinophil activation, which was accompanied by decreased markers of NK cell recruitment and activation. Separate in vitro studies showed that exposure to DE particles decreases the ability of NK cells to kill eosinophils. Taken together, these follow-up studies suggest that DE-induced exacerbation of allergic inflammation in the context of viral infections may be mediated by decreased activity of NK cells and their ability to clear eosinophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Pawlak
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 104 Mason Farm Rd, Campus Box 7310, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7310, USA
| | - Terry L Noah
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 104 Mason Farm Rd, Campus Box 7310, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7310, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Haibo Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Claire Chehrazi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carole Robinette
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 104 Mason Farm Rd, Campus Box 7310, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7310, USA
| | | | - Loretta Müller
- University Children's Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 104 Mason Farm Rd, Campus Box 7310, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7310, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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9
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Dickinson AJ, Meyer M, Pawlak EA, Gomez S, Jaspers I, Allbritton NL. Analysis of sphingosine kinase activity in single natural killer cells from peripheral blood. Integr Biol (Camb) 2015; 7:392-401. [PMID: 25786072 PMCID: PMC4566154 DOI: 10.1039/c5ib00007f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid second messenger formed upon phosphorylation of sphingosine by sphingosine kinase (SK), plays a crucial role in natural killer (NK) cell proliferation, migration, and cytotoxicity. Dysregulation of the S1P pathway has been linked to a number of immune system disorders and therapeutic manipulation of the pathway has been proposed as a method of disease intervention. However, peripheral blood NK cells, as identified by surface markers (CD56(+)CD45(+)CD3(-)CD16) consist of a highly diverse population with distinct phenotypes and functions and it is unknown whether the S1P pathway is similarly diverse across peripheral blood NK cells. In this work, we measured the phosphorylation of sphingosine-fluorescein (SF) and subsequent metabolism of S1P fluorescein (S1PF) to form hexadecanoic acid fluorescein (HAF) in 111 single NK cells obtained from the peripheral blood of four healthy human subjects. The percentage of SF converted to S1PF or HAF was highly variable amongst the cells ranging from 0% to 100% (S1PF) and 0% to 97% (HAF). Subpopulations of cells with varying levels of S1PF formation and metabolism were readily identified. Across all subjects, the average percentage of SF converted to S1PF or HAF was 37 ± 36% and 12 ± 19%, respectively. NK cell metabolism of SF by the different subjects was also distinct with hierarchical clustering suggesting two possible phenotypes: low (<20%) or high (>50%) producers of S1PF. The heterogeneity of SK and downstream enzyme activity in NK cells may enable NK cells to respond effectively to a diverse array of pathogens as well as incipient tumor cells. NK cells from two subjects were also loaded with S1PF to assess the activity of S1P phosphatase (S1PP), which converts S1P to sphingosine. No NK cells (n = 41) formed sphingosine, suggesting that S1PP was minimally active in peripheral blood NK cells. In contrast to the SK activity, S1PP activity was homogeneous across the peripheral blood NK cells, suggesting a bias in the SK pathway towards proliferation and migration, activities supported by S1P.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan Meyer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Erica A. Pawlak
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Shawn Gomez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nancy L. Allbritton
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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Wang L, Pawlak EA, Johnson PJ, Belknap JK, Alfandari D, Black SJ. Expression and activity of collagenases in the digital laminae of horses with carbohydrate overload-induced acute laminitis. J Vet Intern Med 2013; 28:215-22. [PMID: 24479657 PMCID: PMC3910380 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are hypothesized to degrade structurally important components of the laminar extracellular matrix (ECM) in horses with laminitis. Objective To compare levels of expression of stromelysin‐1 (MMP‐3), collagenases (MMP‐1, ‐13), and membrane type‐MMPs (MMP‐14, ‐15, ‐16), and the distribution of their ECM substrates, in laminae of healthy horses and horses with carbohydrate overload laminitis. Animals Twenty‐five adult horses. Methods Gene and protein expression were determined in extracts of laminae using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting after sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Distribution of MMP‐13 and ECM components was determined using indirect immunofluorescent microscopy of nonfixed frozen sections. ECM morphology was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results Of the genes studied, only those encoding MMP‐1 and ‐13 were upregulated in CHO‐induced laminitis; MMP‐1 at Obel grade (OG)1 lameness and MMP‐13 at OG3 lameness. Laminar MMP‐1 was present as 52 kDa proenzyme only. MMP‐13 was present as pro‐ (61 kDa) and processed (48 kDa) enzyme. MMP‐13 localized to the basal epithelium of the secondary epidermal laminae and its increased expression were accompanied by the appearance in secondary dermal laminae (SDL) of multiple foci that were devoid of collagen I, fibronectin, chondroitin and keratan sulfate glycosaminoglycans, and eosin‐staining material. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance MMP‐13 is upregulated in laminae of horses with CHO‐induced OG3 lameness and, by degrading components of the ECM, may contribute to the formation of ECM‐free lesions (gaps or tears) that appear in the SDL with OG3 lameness.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
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11
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Pawlak EA, Geor RJ, Watts MR, Black SJ, Johnson PJ, Belknap JK. Regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and related genes in equine digital lamellae and in cultured keratinocytes. Equine Vet J 2013; 46:203-9. [PMID: 23663159 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1A) is an important protein in the regulation/induction of many genes in the cellular and tissue response to hypoxia and a central mediator in inflammatory signalling. As both hypoxia and inflammatory events are purported to occur in the lamellar epidermis in sepsis-related laminitis in the equid, HIF-1A may play a central role in this disease process. OBJECTIVESS To assess the regulation of HIF-1A and HIF-1A-related genes in the equine keratinocyte in vitro and in the lamellar tissue of horses with sepsis-related laminitis. STUDY DESIGN In vivo and in vitro experiments. METHODS Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunoblotting were performed to assess the mRNA and protein concentrations of HIF-1A and the mRNA concentrations of HIF-1A-related genes in cultured equine keratinocytes and in lamellar samples from black walnut extract (BWE)- and carbohydrate overload (CHO)-induced laminitis. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α was further localised via indirect immunofluorescence in frozen lamellar tissue sections. RESULTS Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α appears to be regulated primarily at the post transcriptional level in the cultured equine keratinocyte, resulting in increased HIF-1A in response to hypoxia but not to lipopolysaccharide exposure. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α is present at high concentrations in the normal equine lamina, and is increased in Obel grade 1 (OG1) stage laminitis in the CHO model of laminitis. Equine lamellar mRNA concentrations of cyclo-oxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, but not glucose transporter 1, are increased in the BWE and CHO models of laminitis. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE These data indicate that the normal equine lamellae are profoundly hypoxic in comparison with other tissues. The increased mRNA concentrations of cyclo-oxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 in equine keratinocytes exposed to hypoxia and lipopolysaccharide, and in lamellar tissue from BWE and CHO models of sepsis-related laminitis, suggest that the marked lamellar inflammatory gene expression in sepsis-related laminitis may be due to an interaction of constitutively high lamellar keratinocyte HIF-1A signalling with inflammatory signalling, possibly induced by circulating inflammatory mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Pawlak
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, USA
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