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Sutter MA, Cremona TP, Nita I, Cavarra E, Lungarella G, Lewis EC, Schittny JC, Geiser T, Gazdhar A. In Vivo Electroporation-Mediated, Intrahepatic Alpha1 Antitrypsin Gene Transfer Reduces Pulmonary Emphysema in Pallid Mice. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12090793. [PMID: 32825773 PMCID: PMC7559762 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Mutation in the alpha1 antitrypsin (AAT) gene leads to low circulating levels of AAT, which is associated with several disease processes including pulmonary emphysema. The standard of care relies on substitution with plasma-purified AAT. We studied a novel approach to obtain sustained therapeutic levels of circulating AAT using nonviral in vivo electroporation-mediated gene transfer to the liver. Methods: In vivo intrahepatic electroporation-mediated human AAT gene transfer was performed in C57 Bl/6J mice carrying a genetic deficiency of murine AAT (pallid mice) and suffering from pulmonary emphysema. The animals were evaluated for lung function using flexiVent and detailed stereological assessments. Lung neutrophilic burden was assessed. Results: Pallid mice showed morphologically detectable pulmonary emphysema. Thirty days after in vivo electroporation-mediated gene transfer directly aimed at the liver, circulating human AAT was elevated and lung function was significantly improved compared to non-treated pallid mice. Stereological analysis revealed a reduction in pulmonary emphysema. Conclusion: Our data indicate that in vivo intrahepatic electroporation-mediated gene transfer of AAT is a safe and efficient procedure resulting in reduction of pulmonary emphysema in pallid mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Sutter
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (M.A.S.); (I.N.)
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tiziana P. Cremona
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (T.P.C.)
| | - Izabela Nita
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (M.A.S.); (I.N.)
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Cavarra
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (E.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Lungarella
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (E.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Eli C. Lewis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel;
| | | | - Thomas Geiser
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (M.A.S.); (I.N.)
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (A.G.); Tel.: +41-31-63211111 (T.G.); +41-31-6327634 (A.G.)
| | - Amiq Gazdhar
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (M.A.S.); (I.N.)
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (A.G.); Tel.: +41-31-63211111 (T.G.); +41-31-6327634 (A.G.)
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Schögler A, Caliaro O, Brügger M, Oliveira Esteves BI, Nita I, Gazdhar A, Geiser T, Alves MP. Modulation of the unfolded protein response pathway as an antiviral approach in airway epithelial cells. Antiviral Res 2018; 162:44-50. [PMID: 30550797 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rhinovirus (RV) infection is a major cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung morbidity with limited therapeutic options. Various diseases involving chronic inflammatory response and infection are associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive response to maintain cellular homeostasis. Recent evidence suggests impaired ER stress response in CF airway epithelial cells, this might be a reason for recurrent viral infection in CF. Therefore, assuming that ER stress inducing drugs have antiviral properties, we evaluated the activation of the UPR by selected ER stress inducers as an approach to control virus replication in the CF bronchial epithelium. METHODS We assessed the levels of UPR markers, namely the glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78) and the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), in primary CF and control bronchial epithelial cells and in a CF and control bronchial epithelial cell line before and after infection with RV. The cells were also pretreated with ER stress-inducing drugs and RV replication and shedding was measured by quantitative RT-PCR and by a TCID50 assay, respectively. Cell death was assessed by a lactate dehydrogenate (LDH) activity test in supernatants. RESULTS We observed a significantly impaired induction of Grp78 and CHOP in CF compare to control cells following RV infection. The ER stress response could be significantly induced in CF cells by pharmacological ER stress inducers Brefeldin A, Tunicamycin, and Thapsigargin. The chemical induction of the UPR pathway prior to RV infection of CF and control cells reduced viral replication and shedding by up to two orders of magnitude and protected cells from RV-induced cell death. CONCLUSION RV infection causes an impaired activation of the UPR in CF cells. Rescue of the ER stress response by chemical ER stress inducers reduced significantly RV replication in CF cells. Thus, pharmacological modulation of the UPR might represent a strategy to control respiratory virus replication in the CF bronchial epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Schögler
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Caliaro
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Brügger
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Blandina I Oliveira Esteves
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Izabela Nita
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amiq Gazdhar
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Geiser
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco P Alves
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Mika M, Nita I, Morf L, Qi W, Beyeler S, Bernasconi E, Marsland BJ, Ott SR, von Garnier C, Hilty M. Microbial and host immune factors as drivers of COPD. ERJ Open Res 2018; 4:00015-2018. [PMID: 29992131 PMCID: PMC6028745 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00015-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Compartmentalisation of the respiratory tract microbiota in patients with different chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity degrees needs to be systematically investigated. In addition, it is unknown if the inflammatory and emphysematous milieux in patients with COPD are associated with changes in the respiratory tract microbiota and host macrophage gene expression. We performed a cross-sectional study to compare non-COPD controls (n=10) to COPD patients (n=32) with different disease severity degrees. Samples (n=187) were obtained from different sites of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Microbiota analyses were performed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and host gene expression analyses by quantitative real-time PCR of distinct markers of bronchoalveolar lavage cells. Overall, the microbial communities of severe COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grade 3/4) patients clustered significantly differently to controls and less severe COPD (GOLD 1/2) patients (permutational multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA), p=0.001). However, we could not detect significant associations between the different sampling sites in the lower airways. In addition, the chosen set of host gene expression markers significantly separated COPD GOLD 3/4 patients, and we found correlations between the composition of the microbiota and the host data. In conclusion, this study demonstrates associations between host gene expression and microbiota profiles that may influence the course of COPD. Associations of the host immune response and a disordered microbiota in patients with different COPD severity degreeshttp://ow.ly/h2mW30k9Nua
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Affiliation(s)
- Moana Mika
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern Switzerland
| | - Izabela Nita
- Pulmonary Medicine Laboratory, Dept of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laura Morf
- Pulmonary Medicine Laboratory, Dept of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Weihong Qi
- Functional Genomics Center, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Seraina Beyeler
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern Switzerland.,Pulmonary Medicine Laboratory, Dept of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eric Bernasconi
- Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin J Marsland
- Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian R Ott
- Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christophe von Garnier
- Pulmonary Medicine Laboratory, Dept of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.,These authors contributed equally
| | - Markus Hilty
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,These authors contributed equally
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Al-Qusairi L, Basquin D, Roy A, Stifanelli M, Rajaram RD, Debonneville A, Nita I, Maillard M, Loffing J, Subramanya AR, Staub O. Renal tubular SGK1 deficiency causes impaired K+ excretion via loss of regulation of NEDD4-2/WNK1 and ENaC. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2016; 311:F330-42. [PMID: 27009335 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00002.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The stimulation of postprandial K(+) clearance involves aldosterone-independent and -dependent mechanisms. In this context, serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase (SGK)1, a ubiquitously expressed kinase, is one of the primary aldosterone-induced proteins in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron. Germline inactivation of SGK1 suggests that this kinase is fundamental for K(+) excretion under conditions of K(+) load, but the specific role of renal SGK1 remains elusive. To avoid compensatory mechanisms that may occur during nephrogenesis, we used inducible, nephron-specific Sgk1(Pax8/LC1) mice to assess the role of renal tubular SGK1 in K(+) regulation. Under a standard diet, these animals exhibited normal K(+) handling. When challenged by a high-K(+) diet, they developed severe hyperkalemia accompanied by a defect in K(+) excretion. Molecular analysis revealed reduced neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein (NEDD)4-2 phosphorylation and total expression. γ-Epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) expression and α/γENaC proteolytic processing were also decreased in mutant mice. Moreover, with no lysine kinase (WNK)1, which displayed in control mice punctuate staining in the distal convoluted tubule and diffuse distribution in the connecting tubule/cortical colleting duct, was diffused in the distal convoluted tubule and less expressed in the connecting tubule/collecting duct of Sgk(Pax8/LC1) mice. Moreover, Ste20-related proline/alanine-rich kinase phosphorylation, and Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter phosphorylation/apical localization were reduced in mutant mice. Consistent with the altered WNK1 expression, increased renal outer medullary K(+) channel apical localization was observed. In conclusion, our data suggest that renal tubular SGK1 is important in the regulation of K(+) excretion via the control of NEDD4-2, WNK1, and ENaC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lama Al-Qusairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; National Centre of Competence in Research "Kidney.ch," Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Denis Basquin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; National Centre of Competence in Research "Kidney.ch," Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ankita Roy
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Matteo Stifanelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Renuga Devi Rajaram
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne Debonneville
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Izabela Nita
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marc Maillard
- Service of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Loffing
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; and National Centre of Competence in Research "Kidney.ch," Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Arohan R Subramanya
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Olivier Staub
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; National Centre of Competence in Research "Kidney.ch," Lausanne, Switzerland
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Nita I, Gazdhar A, Geiser T. Bone marrow stromal cell conditioned media reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress in alveolar epithelial cells in vitro. Pneumologie 2013. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1345050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Moscovitch M, Benevides L, Romanyukha A, Hull F, Duffy M, Voss S, Velbeck KJ, Nita I, Rotunda JE. The applicability of the PTTL dose re-analysis method to the Harshaw LiF:Mg,Cu,P material. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2011; 144:161-164. [PMID: 21450701 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncq570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The phototransferred thermoluminescence (PTTL) technique is applied to the Harshaw LiF:Mg,Cu,P material. It is demonstrated that using 254-nm UV light, dose levels as low as 0.2 mGy can be re-estimated. The PTTL efficiency was found to be ∼ 6 % in the dose range of 0.2 mGy-1 Gy, and it appears to be dose-independent. This implies that a simple calibration factor could be applied to the PTTL data for the re-estimation of dose levels. It was demonstrated that with a proper choice of the TL readout parameters, and the UV-light irradiation conditions, dose levels that are relevant to personal or environmental dosimetry can be re-estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Moscovitch
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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Benevides L, Voss S, Nita I, Rotunda J, Velbeck K, Luo LZ, Moscovitch M. UV-induced bleaching of deep traps in Harshaw TLD LiF:Mg,Cu,P and LiF:Mg,Ti. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2011; 144:199-201. [PMID: 21310735 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncq560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The effects of UV-induced bleaching of deep traps on Harshaw thermoluminescent (TL) LiF:Mg,Cu,P and LiF:Mg,Ti materials were investigated. During a normal heating cycle, LiF:Mg,Cu,P is limited to a maximum temperature of 240 °C. LiF:Mg,Ti can be read to higher temperatures; however, encapsulation in polytetrafluoroethylene limits the maximum readout temperature to 300 °C. Generally, for both materials, these respective temperatures are sufficient for emptying traps corresponding to the main dosemetric peaks. However, when the dosemeters are subjected to a high dose level, such as 1 Gy (much higher than individual monitoring dose levels), higher temperature traps are filled that cannot be emptied without exceeding the above-mentioned maximum temperatures. These high temperature traps tend to be unstable during normal readout and can significantly increase the residual TL signal. The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of a UV-induced bleaching technique for emptying higher temperature traps following high-dose applications. In addition, in the case of LiF:Mg,Cu,P, where the maximum readout temperature is significantly lower, we investigated the possibility of reducing the residual signal using the application of repeated readout cycles. The optical bleaching approach was found to be effective in the case of LiF:Mg,Ti; however, for LiF:Mg,Cu,P, no reduction in the residual signal was observed. For this latter material, the application of repeatable readout cycles is very effective and residual signals equivalent to dose levels as low as 0.01 mGy were observed following an initial dose of 5 Gy. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to apply an 'optical annealing' technique to the Harshaw thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD) materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Benevides
- The US Naval Dosimetry Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA
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Nilsson SC, Nita I, Månsson L, Groeneveld TWL, Trouw LA, Villoutreix BO, Blom AM. Analysis of binding sites on complement factor I that are required for its activity. J Biol Chem 2009; 285:6235-45. [PMID: 20044478 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.097212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The central complement inhibitor factor I (FI) degrades activated complement factors C4b and C3b in the presence of cofactors such as C4b-binding protein, factor H, complement receptor 1, and membrane cofactor protein. FI is a serine protease composed of two chains. The light chain comprises the serine protease domain, whereas the heavy chain contains several domains; that is, the FI and membrane attack complex domain (FIMAC), CD5, low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LDLr1) and LDLr2 domains. To understand better how FI acts as a complement inhibitor, we used homology-based models of FI domains to predict potential binding sites. Specific amino acids were then mutated to yield 16 well expressed mutants, which were then purified from media of eukaryotic cells for functional analyses. The Michaelis constant (K(m)) of all FI mutants toward a small substrate was not altered, whereas some mutants showed increased maximum initial velocity (V(max)). All the mutations in the FIMAC domain affected the ability of FI to degrade C4b and C3b irrespective of the cofactor used, whereas only some mutations in the CD5 and LDLr1/2 domains had a similar effect. These same mutants also showed impaired binding to C3met. In conclusion, the FIMAC domain appears to harbor the main binding sites important for the ability of FI to degrade C4b and C3b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Nilsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Protein Chemistry, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, S-205 02 Malmö, Sweden
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Mirandola M, Folch Toda C, Krampac I, Nita I, Stanekova D, Stehlikova D, Toskin I, Gios L, Foschia JP, Breveglieri M, Furegato M, Castellani E, Bonavina MG, the SIALON network. HIV bio-behavioural survey among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, Bratislava, Bucharest, Ljubljana, Prague and Verona, 2008-2009. Euro Surveill 2009; 14. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.14.48.19427-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Data from 23 European countries show that the annual number of HIV diagnoses in men who have sex with men (MSM) increased by 86% between 2000 and 2006. This paper reports the main preliminary results of a bio-behavioural survey in MSM with a specific focus on HIV prevalence and use of United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) indicators in six cities in Southern and Eastern Europe. Time-location sampling (TLS) was used. A total number of 2,356 questionnaires and 2,241 oral fluid samples were collected (invalid samples 4.1%). The data show different socio-demographic patterns across countries regarding age, level of education, living conditions, living area and self-identity. Southern European cities had the highest percentage of people who had tested for HIV and collected the result. More than 50% of respondents in the sample from Barcelona reported having used a condom last time they had anal sex (57.2%), whilst in all other cities this proportion was below 50%. The cities with the highest HIV prevalence in MSM were Barcelona (17.0%) and Verona (11.8%) whilst lower percentages were reported in Bratislava (6.1%), Bucharest (4.6%), Ljubljana (5.1%) and Prague (2.6%). The low prevalence in Eastern European cities is encouraging. However, with the level of high-risk sexual behaviour documented and the lower frequency of HIV test seeking behaviour, there is a clear risk of an increase in HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mirandola
- Regional Centre for Health Promotion, ULSS 20 – Veneto Region, Verona, Italy
| | - C Folch Toda
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/AIDS in Catalonia (CEESCAT), Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Krampac
- Regional Public Health and Health Promotion Centre, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - I Nita
- ACCEPT Association, Bucharest, Romania
| | - D Stanekova
- National Reference Centre for HIV/AIDS - Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - D Stehlikova
- National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - I Toskin
- Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - L Gios
- Regional Centre for Health Promotion, ULSS 20 – Veneto Region, Verona, Italy
| | - J P Foschia
- Regional Centre for Health Promotion, ULSS 20 – Veneto Region, Verona, Italy
| | - M Breveglieri
- Regional Centre for Health Promotion, ULSS 20 – Veneto Region, Verona, Italy
| | - M Furegato
- Regional Centre for Health Promotion, ULSS 20 – Veneto Region, Verona, Italy
| | - E Castellani
- Regional Centre for Health Promotion, ULSS 20 – Veneto Region, Verona, Italy
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Blanco I, Janciauskiene S, Nita I, Fernández-Bustillo E, Cárcaba V, Gallo C, Alvarez-Rico M, de Serres F, Béridze N. Low plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency-related fibromyalgia. Clin Rheumatol 2009; 29:189-97. [PMID: 19924498 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-009-1318-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Revised: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in blood inflammatory markers have been associated with clinical manifestations and the pathogenesis of the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS); a relationship between inherited alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) and FMS has also been recently raised. In this study, plasma levels of inflammatory markers in FMS patients with and without AATD have been investigated. Blood samples from 138 age-matched females (79 FMS) and 59 general population (GP), with normal MM [n = 82 (59.4%)] and with MS, MZ, SZ, and ZZ AATD genotypes [n = 56 (40.6%)], were analyzed by ELISA for monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), soluble TNFalpha receptors I and II, interleukin-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Plasma levels of MCP-1, VEGF, and TNFalpha were significantly lower in FMS and GP subjects with AATD compared with those with normal MM-AAT genotypes. Moreover, plasma levels of MCP-1, VEGF, and TNFalpha were lower in AATD subjects with FMS than in those without FMS (P = 0.000, 0.000, and 0.046, respectively). No statistical differences were found for the other substances measured. Furthermore, a logistic regression model based on plasma MCP-1 cutoff value of <or=130 pg/ml allowed us to discriminate between FMS and GP subjects with a sensitivity of about 93% and a specificity of 79%. Low plasma levels of MCP-1, VEGF, and TNFalpha are related to AATD, although more markedly in FMS patients. Thus, hypotheses considering FMS as an inflammatory condition related to high plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers cannot be supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Blanco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Valle del Nalón Hospital, 33920, Riaño-Langreo, Principado de Asturias, Spain.
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Janciauskiene S, Nita I, Subramaniyam D, Li Q, Lancaster JR, Matalon S. Alpha1-antitrypsin inhibits the activity of the matriptase catalytic domain in vitro. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2008; 39:631-7. [PMID: 18723439 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2008-0015rc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Matriptase is a type II transmembrane protease that is characterized by an N-terminal transmembrane and multiple extracellular domains, in addition to the conserved extracellular serine protease catalytic domain. The expression pattern of matriptase suggests that this protease may play broad roles in the biology of surface lining epithelial cells. In this study we report that alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT), an endogenous inhibitor of serine proteases, inhibits the catalytic domain of human recombinant matriptase in vitro. Co-incubation of AAT with matriptase (at a molar ratio 1:2) resulted in the formation of heat stable complexes, clearly seen in sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis and Western blots. AAT was found to be a slow, tight-binding inhibitor of the catalytic domain of matriptase with a second order reaction rate constant of 0.31 x 10(3) M(-1)s(-1). Notably, the oxidized form of AAT, which lacks serine protease inhibitor activity, failed to generate matriptase complexes and to inhibit matriptase activity. Since matriptase is involved in a number of physiologic processes, including activation of epithelial sodium channels, our findings offer considerable new insights into new regulatory function of AAT in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Janciauskiene
- Lund University, Department of Clinical Sciences, The Wallenberg Laboratory, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
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Nita I, Miller-Larsson A, Janciauskiene S. Formoterol Induces Higher Levels of Total cAMP in TNFα-Stimulated Human Monocytes than Salmeterol. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2005.12.777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Hadzic R, Nita I, Tassidis H, Riesbeck K, Wingren AG, Janciauskiene S. Alpha1-antitrypsin inhibits Moraxella catarrhalis MID protein-induced tonsillar B cell proliferation and IL-6 release. Immunol Lett 2005; 102:141-7. [PMID: 16214222 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2005.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2005] [Revised: 07/05/2005] [Accepted: 08/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a major circulating and tissues inhibitor of serine proteinases implicated in the regulation of inflammation and host defence. There is now increasing evidence that AAT may also exhibit anti-inflammatory activities independent of its protease inhibitor function. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of native (inhibitory) and polymerized (non-inhibitory) forms of AAT on MID (Moraxella IgD binding protein)-induced human tonsillar B cell activation in vitro. We found that 0.5 microg/ml MID induces B cell proliferation and stimulates IL-6 release (p<0.001) relative to non-stimulated controls. Both native and polymerized AAT (0.5 mg/ml) inhibited MID-stimulated B cell proliferation in a similar manner (by 70%, p<0.001), whereas MID-induced IL-6 release was more strongly suppressed by polymerized (9.9-fold, p<0.001) as compared to native AAT (2.8-fold, p<0.01). Electrophoretic analysis of cell culture media did not indicate any interaction between AAT and MID, and flow cytometry data showed no competition for the same receptor. The effects of AATs were observed whether added together with MID or 2h after MID-addition to cell cultures. Thus, our data demonstrate that AAT inhibits MID-induced B cell activation in vitro that is unrelated to its protease inhibitory activity and is not dependent on MID binding to the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radinka Hadzic
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Wallenberg Laboratory, Malmö University Hospital, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden
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Nita I, Hollander C, Westin U, Janciauskiene SM. Prolastin, a pharmaceutical preparation of purified human alpha1-antitrypsin, blocks endotoxin-mediated cytokine release. Respir Res 2005; 6:12. [PMID: 15683545 PMCID: PMC549028 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-6-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2004] [Accepted: 01/31/2005] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) serves primarily as an inhibitor of the elastin degrading proteases, neutrophil elastase and proteinase 3. There is ample clinical evidence that inherited severe AAT deficiency predisposes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Augmentation therapy for AAT deficiency has been available for many years, but to date no sufficient data exist to demonstrate its efficacy. There is increasing evidence that AAT is able to exert effects other than protease inhibition. We investigated whether Prolastin, a preparation of purified pooled human AAT used for augmentation therapy, exhibits anti-bacterial effects. METHODS Human monocytes and neutrophils were isolated from buffy coats or whole peripheral blood by the Ficoll-Hypaque procedure. Cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or zymosan, either alone or in combination with Prolastin, native AAT or polymerised AAT for 18 h, and analysed to determine the release of TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-8. At 2-week intervals, seven subjects were submitted to a nasal challenge with sterile saline, LPS (25 microg) and LPS-Prolastin combination. The concentration of IL-8 was analysed in nasal lavages performed before, and 2, 6 and 24 h after the challenge. RESULTS In vitro, Prolastin showed a concentration-dependent (0.5 to 16 mg/ml) inhibition of endotoxin-stimulated TNFalpha and IL-1beta release from monocytes and IL-8 release from neutrophils. At 8 and 16 mg/ml the inhibitory effects of Prolastin appeared to be maximal for neutrophil IL-8 release (5.3-fold, p < 0.001 compared to zymosan treated cells) and monocyte TNFalpha and IL-1beta release (10.7- and 7.3-fold, p < 0.001, respectively, compared to LPS treated cells). Furthermore, Prolastin (2.5 mg per nostril) significantly inhibited nasal IL-8 release in response to pure LPS challenge. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate for the first time that Prolastin inhibits bacterial endotoxin-induced pro-inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo, and provide scientific bases to explore new Prolastin-based therapies for individuals with inherited AAT deficiency, but also for other clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Nita
- Department of Medicine, Lund University, University Hospital Malmö, 20502 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Camilla Hollander
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Lund University, University Hospital Malmö, 20502 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ulla Westin
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Lund University, University Hospital Malmö, 20502 Malmö, Sweden
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Nita I, Ghivizzani SC, Galea-Lauri J, Bandara G, Georgescu HI, Robbins PD, Evans CH. Direct gene delivery to synovium. An evaluation of potential vectors in vitro and in vivo. Arthritis Rheum 1996; 39:820-8. [PMID: 8639179 DOI: 10.1002/art.1780390515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the abilities of various vectors to transfer genes to the synovial lining of joints. METHODS Vectors derived from retrovirus, adenovirus, and herpes simplex virus as well as cationic liposomes and naked plasmid DNA were evaluated. Each construct contained the lac Z marker gene; and one retroviral construct, and one plasmid also contained a gene encoding human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Gene expression was under the control of the human cytomegalovirus promoter in all vectors except the retrovirus, where the endogenous 5' long terminal repeat was retained as the promoter. Cultures of rabbit synovial fibroblasts were exposed to these vectors and stained with X-gal to identify lac Z+ cells. Vectors were then injected directly into rabbits' knee joints, and gene transfer and expression were assessed by X-gal staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Adenovirus was a highly effective vector both in vitro and in vivo, with lac Z gene expression persisting for at least 28 days. However, an inflammatory response was noted in vivo. Cells infected in vitro and in vivo with herpes simplex virus also expressed the lac Z gene at high levels, but expression was limited by cytotoxicity. Retroviruses, in contrast, were effective only under in vitro conditions, permitting cell division. Liposomes gave variable in vitro results; when injected into joints in vivo, gene expression was low and was detectable for only a few days, even though a PCR signal persisted for at least 28 days. Unexpectedly, plasmid DNA was captured by the synoviocytes and expressed transiently following intraarticular injection. CONCLUSION None of the vectors was ideal for in vivo gene delivery to synovium, although adenovirus was clearly the most effective of those tested. Retroviruses, although poor vectors for in vivo gene delivery, are well suited for ex vivo gene transfer to the synovial lining of joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Nita
- King's College Medical School, University of London, UK
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Otani K, Nita I, Macaulay W, Georgescu HI, Robbins PD, Evans CH. Suppression of antigen-induced arthritis in rabbits by ex vivo gene therapy. J Immunol 1996; 156:3558-62. [PMID: 8617986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy offers a novel approach to treating human joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, we have used the retrovirus, MFG-IRAP, to transfer the human IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) gene to rabbits' knees and have assessed its impact on inflammatory and chondrodestructive aspects of the acute phase of antigen-induced arthritis in these joints. Surprisingly, intra-articular expression of IRAP was three- to fivefold higher in arthritic knees than in nonarthritic knees, accumulating to levels of over 20 ng/knee in the highest expressing joints. This level of expression produced a marked chondroprotective effect but a milder anti-inflammatory one. Both the increased cartilage matrix catabolism and the inhibition of matrix synthesis that occur in antigen-induced arthritis were abrogated in the presence of the IRAP gene; the latter effect was particularly strong. Of the indices of inflammation that were examined, only leukocyte influx into the joint space was inhibited, and this effect declined with time. Concentrations of rabbit IL-1 were reduced by the IRAP gene, suggesting inhibition of an autocrine induction loop. These data demonstrate that the course of arthritic disease in the rabbit knee can be altered by genetic manipulation, thus encouraging the further development of gene treatments for human joint diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Otani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15261, USA
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Otani K, Nita I, Macaulay W, Georgescu HI, Robbins PD, Evans CH. Suppression of antigen-induced arthritis in rabbits by ex vivo gene therapy. The Journal of Immunology 1996. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.156.9.3558] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Gene therapy offers a novel approach to treating human joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In the present study, we have used the retrovirus, MFG-IRAP, to transfer the human IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) gene to rabbits' knees and have assessed its impact on inflammatory and chondrodestructive aspects of the acute phase of antigen-induced arthritis in these joints. Surprisingly, intra-articular expression of IRAP was three- to fivefold higher in arthritic knees than in nonarthritic knees, accumulating to levels of over 20 ng/knee in the highest expressing joints. This level of expression produced a marked chondroprotective effect but a milder anti-inflammatory one. Both the increased cartilage matrix catabolism and the inhibition of matrix synthesis that occur in antigen-induced arthritis were abrogated in the presence of the IRAP gene; the latter effect was particularly strong. Of the indices of inflammation that were examined, only leukocyte influx into the joint space was inhibited, and this effect declined with time. Concentrations of rabbit IL-1 were reduced by the IRAP gene, suggesting inhibition of an autocrine induction loop. These data demonstrate that the course of arthritic disease in the rabbit knee can be altered by genetic manipulation, thus encouraging the further development of gene treatments for human joint diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Otani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15261, USA
| | - I Nita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15261, USA
| | - W Macaulay
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15261, USA
| | - H I Georgescu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15261, USA
| | - P D Robbins
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15261, USA
| | - C H Evans
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15261, USA
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