1
|
Lara O, Janssen P, Mambretti M, De Pauw L, Ates G, Mackens L, De Munck J, Walckiers J, Pan Z, Beckers P, Espinet E, Sato H, De Ridder M, Marks DL, Barbé K, Aerts JL, Hermans E, Rooman I, Massie A. Compartmentalized role of xCT in supporting pancreatic tumor growth, inflammation and mood disturbance in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:275-286. [PMID: 38447884 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
xCT (Slc7a11), the specific subunit of the cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc-, is present in the brain and on immune cells, where it is known to modulate behavior and inflammatory responses. In a variety of cancers -including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-, xCT is upregulated by tumor cells to support their growth and spread. Therefore, we studied the impact of xCT deletion in pancreatic tumor cells (Panc02) and/or the host (xCT-/- mice) on tumor burden, inflammation, cachexia and mood disturbances. Deletion of xCT in the tumor strongly reduced tumor growth. Targeting xCT in the host and not the tumor resulted only in a partial reduction of tumor burden, while it did attenuate tumor-related systemic inflammation and prevented an increase in immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. The latter effect could be replicated by specific xCT deletion in immune cells. xCT deletion in the host or the tumor differentially modulated neuroinflammation. When mice were grafted with xCT-deleted tumor cells, hypothalamic inflammation was reduced and, accordingly, food intake improved. Tumor bearing xCT-/- mice showed a trend of reduced hippocampal neuroinflammation with less anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. Taken together, targeting xCT may have beneficial effects on pancreatic cancer-related comorbidities, beyond reducing tumor burden. The search for novel and specific xCT inhibitors is warranted as they may represent a holistic therapy in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olaya Lara
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium; Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Pauline Janssen
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium; Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Marco Mambretti
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Laura De Pauw
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Gamze Ates
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Liselotte Mackens
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Jolien De Munck
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Jarne Walckiers
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Zhaolong Pan
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Pauline Beckers
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Elisa Espinet
- Pancreatic Cancer Lab, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain; Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08907, Spain
| | - Hideyo Sato
- Department of Medical Technology, Niigata University, Niigata 950-3198, Japan
| | - Mark De Ridder
- Department of Radiotherapy, UZ Brussels, VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Daniel L Marks
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kurt Barbé
- The Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Department, VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Joeri L Aerts
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Ilse Rooman
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), VUB, Brussels 1090, Belgium.
| | - Ann Massie
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels 1090, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Beckers P, Doyen PJ, Hermans E. Modulation of Type 5 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Intracellular Calcium Mobilization by Regulator of G Protein Signaling 4 (RGS4) in Cultured Astrocytes. Cells 2024; 13:291. [PMID: 38391904 PMCID: PMC10886878 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Acting as GTPase activating proteins promoting the silencing of activated G-proteins, regulators of G protein signaling (RGSs) are generally considered negative modulators of cell signaling. In the CNS, the expression of RGS4 is altered in diverse pathologies and its upregulation was reported in astrocytes exposed to an inflammatory environment. In a model of cultured cortical astrocytes, we herein investigate the influence of RGS4 on intracellular calcium signaling mediated by type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR5), which is known to support the bidirectional communication between neurons and glial cells. RGS4 activity was manipulated by exposure to the inhibitor CCG 63802 or by infecting the cells with lentiviruses designed to achieve the silencing or overexpression of RGS4. The pharmacological inhibition or silencing of RGS4 resulted in a decrease in the percentage of cells responding to the mGluR5 agonist DHPG and in the proportion of cells showing typical calcium oscillations. Conversely, RGS4-lentivirus infection increased the percentage of cells showing calcium oscillations. While the physiological implication of cytosolic calcium oscillations in astrocytes is still under investigation, the fine-tuning of calcium signaling likely determines the coding of diverse biological events. Indirect signaling modulators such as RGS4 inhibitors, used in combination with receptor ligands, could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for diverse neurological disorders with improved efficacy and selectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (P.B.); (P.J.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Belo do Nascimento I, Ates G, Desmet N, Beckers P, Massie A, Hermans E. AMPKα1 Deficiency in Astrocytes from a Rat Model of ALS Is Associated with an Altered Metabolic Resilience. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1183. [PMID: 37627248 PMCID: PMC10452650 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the activity of the regulator of cell metabolism AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) have been reported in motor neurons from patients and animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Considering the key role played by astrocytes in modulating energy metabolism in the nervous system and their compromised support towards neurons in ALS, we examined whether a putative alteration in AMPK expression/activity impacted astrocytic functions such as their metabolic plasticity and glutamate handling capacity. We found a reduced expression of AMPK mRNA in primary cultures of astrocytes derived from transgenic rats carrying an ALS-associated mutated superoxide dismutase (hSOD1G93A). The activation of AMPK after glucose deprivation was reduced in hSOD1G93A astrocytes compared to non-transgenic. This was accompanied by a lower increase in ATP levels and increased vulnerability to this insult, although the ATP production rate did not differ between the two cell types. Furthermore, soliciting the activity of glutamate transporters was found to induce similar AMPK activity in these cells. However, manipulation of AMPK activity did not influence glutamate transport. Together, these results suggest that the altered AMPK responsiveness in ALS might be context dependent and may compromise the metabolic adaptation of astrocytes in response to specific cellular stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Belo do Nascimento
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (I.B.d.N.); (N.D.); (P.B.)
| | - Gamze Ates
- Center for Neurosciences, Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (G.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Nathalie Desmet
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (I.B.d.N.); (N.D.); (P.B.)
| | - Pauline Beckers
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (I.B.d.N.); (N.D.); (P.B.)
| | - Ann Massie
- Center for Neurosciences, Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (G.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (I.B.d.N.); (N.D.); (P.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hang TD, Hung HM, Beckers P, Desmet N, Lamrani M, Massie A, Hermans E, Vanommeslaeghe K. Structural investigation of human cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc− (Sxc−) using homology modeling and molecular dynamics. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1064199. [DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1064199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc− (Sxc−) belongs to the SLC7 family of plasma membrane transporters. It exports intracellular glutamate along the latter’s concentration gradient as a driving force for cellular uptake of cystine. Once imported, cystine is mainly used for the production of glutathione, a tripeptide thiol crucial in maintenance of redox homeostasis and protection of cells against oxidative stress. Overexpression of Sxc− has been found in several cancer cells, where it is thought to counteract the increased oxidative stress. In addition, Sxc− is important in the central nervous system, playing a complex role in regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission and glutamate toxicity. Accordingly, this transporter is considered a potential target for the treatment of cancer as well as neurodegenerative diseases. Till now, no specific inhibitors are available. We herein present four conformations of Sxc− along its transport pathway, obtained using multi-template homology modeling and refined by means of Molecular Dynamics. Comparison with a very recently released cryo-EM structure revealed an excellent agreement with our inward-open conformation. Intriguingly, our models contain a structured N-terminal domain that is unresolved in the experimental structures and is thought to play a gating role in the transport mechanism of other SLC7 family members. In contrast to the inward-open model, there is no direct experimental counterpart for the other three conformations we obtained, although they are in fair agreement with the other stages of the transport mechanism seen in other SLC7 transporters. Therefore, our models open the prospect for targeting alternative Sxc− conformations in structure-based drug design efforts.
Collapse
|
5
|
Belo do Nascimento I, Verfaillie M, Ates G, Beckers P, Joris V, Desmet N, Massie A, Hermans E. AMPK Modulates the Metabolic Adaptation of C6 Glioma Cells in Glucose-Deprived Conditions without Affecting Glutamate Transport. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111800. [PMID: 35681495 PMCID: PMC9180554 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111800] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy homeostasis in the central nervous system largely depends on astrocytes, which provide metabolic support and protection to neurons. Astrocytes also ensure the clearance of extracellular glutamate through high-affinity transporters, which indirectly consume ATP. Considering the role of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the control of cell metabolism, we have examined its implication in the adaptation of astrocyte functions in response to a metabolic stress triggered by glucose deprivation. We genetically modified the astrocyte-like C6 cell line to silence AMPK activity by overexpressing a dominant negative mutant of its catalytic subunit. Upon glucose deprivation, we found that C6 cells maintain stable ATP levels and glutamate uptake capacity, highlighting their resilience during metabolic stress. In the same conditions, cells with silenced AMPK activity showed a reduction in motility, metabolic activity, and ATP levels, indicating that their adaptation to stress is compromised. The rate of ATP production remained, however, unchanged by AMPK silencing, suggesting that AMPK mostly influences energy consumption during stress conditions in these cells. Neither AMPK modulation nor prolonged glucose deprivation impaired glutamate uptake. Together, these results indicate that AMPK contributes to the adaptation of astrocyte metabolism triggered by metabolic stress, but not to the regulation of glutamate transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Belo do Nascimento
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (I.B.d.N.); (M.V.); (P.B.); (N.D.)
| | - Marie Verfaillie
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (I.B.d.N.); (M.V.); (P.B.); (N.D.)
| | - Gamze Ates
- Center for Neurosciences, Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (G.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Pauline Beckers
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (I.B.d.N.); (M.V.); (P.B.); (N.D.)
| | - Virginie Joris
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Nathalie Desmet
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (I.B.d.N.); (M.V.); (P.B.); (N.D.)
| | - Ann Massie
- Center for Neurosciences, Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (G.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (I.B.d.N.); (M.V.); (P.B.); (N.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2764-9339
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Beckers P, Lara O, Belo do Nascimento I, Desmet N, Massie A, Hermans E. Validation of a System xc– Functional Assay in Cultured Astrocytes and Nervous Tissue Samples. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:815771. [PMID: 35095428 PMCID: PMC8793334 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.815771] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the glutamatergic homeostasis is commonly observed in neurological diseases and has been frequently correlated with the altered expression and/or function of astrocytic high-affinity glutamate transporters. There is, however, a growing interest for the role of the cystine-glutamate exchanger system xc– in controlling glutamate transmission. This exchanger is predominantly expressed in glial cells, especially in microglia and astrocytes, and its dysregulation has been documented in diverse neurological conditions. While most studies have focused on measuring the expression of its specific subunit xCT by RT-qPCR or by Western blotting, the activity of this exchanger in tissue samples remains poorly examined. Indeed, the reported use of sulfur- and carbon-radiolabeled cystine in uptake assays shows several drawbacks related to its short radioactive half-life and its relatively high cost. We here report on the elaborate validation of a method using tritiated glutamate as a substrate for the reversed transport mediated by system xc–. The uptake assay was validated in primary cultured astrocytes, in transfected cells as well as in crude synaptosomes obtained from fresh nervous tissue samples. Working in buffers containing defined concentrations of Na+, allowed us to differentiate the glutamate uptake supported by system xc– or by high-affinity glutamate transporters, as confirmed by using selective pharmacological inhibitors. The specificity was further demonstrated in primary astrocyte cultures from transgenic mice lacking xCT or in cell lines where xCT expression was genetically induced or reduced. As such, this assay appears to be a robust and cost-efficient solution to investigate the activity of this exchanger in physiological and pathological conditions. It also provides a reliable tool for the screening and characterization of new system xc– inhibitors which have been frequently cited as valuable drugs for nervous disorders and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Beckers
- Group of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olaya Lara
- Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ines Belo do Nascimento
- Group of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Desmet
- Group of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ann Massie
- Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Group of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Emmanuel Hermans,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Verbruggen L, Ates G, Lara O, De Munck J, Villers A, De Pauw L, Ottestad-Hansen S, Kobayashi S, Beckers P, Janssen P, Sato H, Zhou Y, Hermans E, Njemini R, Arckens L, Danbolt NC, De Bundel D, Aerts JL, Barbé K, Guillaume B, Ris L, Bentea E, Massie A. Lifespan extension with preservation of hippocampal function in aged system x c--deficient male mice. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2355-2368. [PMID: 35181756 PMCID: PMC9126817 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01470-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc- has been identified as the major source of extracellular glutamate in several brain regions as well as a modulator of neuroinflammation, and genetic deletion of its specific subunit xCT (xCT-/-) is protective in mouse models for age-related neurological disorders. However, the previously observed oxidative shift in the plasma cystine/cysteine ratio of adult xCT-/- mice led to the hypothesis that system xc- deletion would negatively affect life- and healthspan. Still, till now the role of system xc- in physiological aging remains unexplored. We therefore studied the effect of xCT deletion on the aging process of mice, with a particular focus on the immune system, hippocampal function, and cognitive aging. We observed that male xCT-/- mice have an extended lifespan, despite an even more increased plasma cystine/cysteine ratio in aged compared to adult mice. This oxidative shift does not negatively impact the general health status of the mice. On the contrary, the age-related priming of the innate immune system, that manifested as increased LPS-induced cytokine levels and hypothermia in xCT+/+ mice, was attenuated in xCT-/- mice. While this was associated with only a very moderate shift towards a more anti-inflammatory state of the aged hippocampus, we observed changes in the hippocampal metabolome that were associated with a preserved hippocampal function and the retention of hippocampus-dependent memory in male aged xCT-/- mice. Targeting system xc- is thus not only a promising strategy to prevent cognitive decline, but also to promote healthy aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lise Verbruggen
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gamze Ates
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olaya Lara
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jolien De Munck
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Agnès Villers
- grid.8364.90000 0001 2184 581XDepartment of Neurosciences, Université de Mons (UMONS), Mons, Belgium
| | - Laura De Pauw
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Ottestad-Hansen
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sho Kobayashi
- grid.268394.20000 0001 0674 7277Department of Food, Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Pauline Beckers
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XInstitute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pauline Janssen
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hideyo Sato
- grid.260975.f0000 0001 0671 5144Department of Medical Technology, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yun Zhou
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XInstitute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rose Njemini
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Frailty in Ageing research Department, VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Arckens
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neuroproteomics, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niels C. Danbolt
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dimitri De Bundel
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, C4N, VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joeri L. Aerts
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kurt Barbé
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069The Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Department, VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Laurence Ris
- grid.8364.90000 0001 2184 581XDepartment of Neurosciences, Université de Mons (UMONS), Mons, Belgium
| | - Eduard Bentea
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ann Massie
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ferraiolo M, Beckers P, Marquet N, Roumain M, Ruiz L, Dupuis N, Hanson J, Hermans E. β-arrestin2 recruitment at the β2 adrenergic receptor: A luciferase complementation assay adapted for undergraduate training in pharmacology. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00706. [PMID: 33508174 PMCID: PMC7842874 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of pharmacology teaching, hands-on activities constitute an essential complement to theoretical lectures. Frequently, these activities consist in exposing fresh animal tissues or even living animals to selected drugs and qualitatively or quantitatively evaluating functional responses. However, technological advancements in pharmacological research and the growing concerns for animal experimentation support the need for innovative and flexible in vitro assays adapted for teaching purposes. We herein report the implementation of a luciferase complementation assay (LCA) enabling to dynamically monitor β-arrestin2 recruitment at the β2 adrenergic receptor in the framework of pharmacological training at the faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences. The assay allowed students to quantitatively characterize the competitive antagonism of propranolol, and to calculate pEC50 , pKB , and pA2 values after a guided data analysis session. Moreover, the newly implemented workshop delivered highly reproducible results and were generally appreciated by students. As such, we report that the luciferase complementation-based assay proved to be a straightforward, robust, and cost-effective alternative to experiments performed on animal tissues, constituting a useful and flexible tool to enhance and update current hands-on training in the context of pharmacological teaching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Ferraiolo
- Neuropharmacology LaboratoryInstitute of NeuroscienceUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Pauline Beckers
- Neuropharmacology LaboratoryInstitute of NeuroscienceUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Nicolas Marquet
- Neuropharmacology LaboratoryInstitute of NeuroscienceUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Martin Roumain
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Lucie Ruiz
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Nadine Dupuis
- Laboratory of Molecular PharmacologyGIGA‐Molecular Biology of DiseaseULiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Julien Hanson
- Laboratory of Molecular PharmacologyGIGA‐Molecular Biology of DiseaseULiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Neuropharmacology LaboratoryInstitute of NeuroscienceUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biomedical SciencesUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Boemer F, Caberg JH, Dideberg V, Beckers P, Marie S, Marcelis L, Bours V, Dangouloff T, Servais L. [(S)un (M)ay (A)rise on SMA : the hope of a region without spinal muscular atrophy]. Rev Med Liege 2019; 74:461-464. [PMID: 31486315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has considerably changed over the last 3 years. Several approaches that aim to increase the deficient SMN protein have demonstrated an efficacy that is inversely correlated with disease duration. In this context, newborn screening (NBS) is increasingly considered as the next step in several countries or regions. In 2018, we initiated a pilot study for NBS of SMA in French- and German-speaking Belgium. We aim to evaluate the feasibility, the efficacy, and the cost-effectiveness of such a program. Initially covering the region of Liege, the program was recently extended to the whole Southern Belgium and currently covers about 55.000 newborns per year. On June 1st 2019, 35.000 newborns had been screened and 5 affected babies were identified and referred to neuromuscular centers for early treatment. A full evaluation of the program will take place after three years to consider the inclusion of SMA screening in the publically-funded NBS program in Southern Belgium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Boemer
- Service de Génétique Humaine, CHU Liège, Belgique
| | - J H Caberg
- Service de Génétique Humaine, CHU Liège, Belgique
| | - V Dideberg
- Service de Génétique Humaine, CHU Liège, Belgique
| | - P Beckers
- Service de Génétique Humaine, CHU Liège, Belgique
| | - S Marie
- Laboratoire de Maladies Métaboliques et Centre de Dépistage Néonatal, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgique
| | - L Marcelis
- Laboratoire de Pédiatrie, Centre de Dépistage Néonatal, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgique
| | - V Bours
- Service de Génétique Humaine, CHU Liège, Belgique
| | - T Dangouloff
- Centre de Références des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Département de Pédiatrie, CHU Liège, Belgique
| | - L Servais
- Division de Neurologie pédiatrique, Centre de Références des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Département de Pédiatrie, CHU Liège, Belgique
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Delwaide C, De Leeuw P, François A, Beckers P, Hennaux V, Lefèvre P. Chronic meningococcemia presenting with recurrent painful rash and poly-arthralgia without fever. IDCases 2018; 14:e00416. [PMID: 30191127 PMCID: PMC6125768 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2018.e00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic meningococcemia is an uncommon disorder, representing a diagnostic challenge. Classically, this pathology would be considered in young adults with a history of episodes of fever, disseminated cutaneous vasculitis and arthralgia. Exact and rapid diagnosis is often further challenged by the fact that routine microbiological investigations frequently failed to identify incriminated micro-organism, Neisseria meningitidis. Here we present the case of a young man not presenting with the classical triad.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Delwaide
- Neurology Service, IFAC-VIVALIA, 6900 Marche en Famenne, Belgium
| | - P De Leeuw
- Internal Medicine service, IFAC-VIVALIA, 6900 Marche en Famenne, Belgium
| | - A François
- Clinical Biology Service, IFAC-VIVALIA, 6900 Marche en Famenne, Belgium
| | - P Beckers
- Clinical Biology Service, IFAC-VIVALIA, 6900 Marche en Famenne, Belgium
| | - V Hennaux
- Clinical Biology Service, IFAC-VIVALIA, 6900 Marche en Famenne, Belgium
| | - Ph Lefèvre
- Clinical Biology Service, IFAC-VIVALIA, 6900 Marche en Famenne, Belgium.,Microbiology and Hygiene Unit of Pharmacological Faculty, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
De La Porte S, Demeulenaere M, Ectors B, Stoop T, Possemiers N, Al Hatawe T, Wuyts K, Beckers P, Vorlat A, Heidbuchel H, Shivalkar B. P2552Cardiac rehabilitation revisited: time to change standard practices? Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy565.p2552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - B Ectors
- University of Antwerp Hospital (Edegem), Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - T Stoop
- University of Antwerp Hospital (Edegem), Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - N Possemiers
- University of Antwerp Hospital (Edegem), Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - T Al Hatawe
- University of Antwerp Hospital (Edegem), Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - K Wuyts
- University of Antwerp Hospital (Edegem), Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - P Beckers
- University of Antwerp Hospital (Edegem), Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A Vorlat
- University of Antwerp Hospital (Edegem), Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - H Heidbuchel
- University of Antwerp Hospital (Edegem), Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - B Shivalkar
- University of Antwerp Hospital (Edegem), Cardiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Beckers P, Vanhees L, Pattyn N, De Maeyer C, Coeckelberghs E, Frederix G, Goetschalckx K, Van Craenenbroeck E, Cornelissen V, Conraads V. Aerobic interval training and continuous training equally improve aerobic exercise capacity in patients with coronary artery disease: the saintex-cad study. Physiotherapy 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2015.03.278] [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: 11/24/2022]
|
13
|
|
14
|
Kibiki GS, Beckers P, Mulder B, Arens T, Mueller A, Boeree MJ, Shao JF, Van der Ven AJAM, Diefenthal H, Dolmans WMV. Aetiology and presentation of HIV/AIDS-associated pulmonary infections in patients presenting for bronchoscopy at a referral hospital in northern Tanzania. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 84:420-8. [PMID: 18074960 DOI: 10.4314/eamj.v84i9.9551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the aetiological agents of pulmonary infections in HIV-infected Tanzanians and to correlate the causative agents with clinical, radiographic features, and mortality. DESIGN A prospective study. SETTING Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Tanzania. SUBJECTS Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) were obtained from 120 HIV infected patients with pulmonary infections. BAL for causative agents was analysed and correlated with clinical and radiographic features, and one-month outcome. RESULTS Causative agents were identified in 71 (59.2%) patients and in 16 of these patients, multiple agents were found. Common bacteria were identified in 35 (29.2%) patients, Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 28 (23.3%), Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV8) in 12 (10%), Pneumocystis jiroveci in nine (7.5%) and fungi in five (4.2%) patients. Median CD4 T cell count of the patients with identified causes was 47 cells/microl (IQR 14-91) and in the 49 patients with undetermined aetiology was 100 cells/ microl (IQR 36-188; p = 0.01). Micronodular chest radiographic lesions were associated with presence of M. tuberculosis (p = 0.002). The one-month mortality was 20 (16.7%). The highest mortality was associated with HHV8 (41.7%) and M. tuberculosis (32.1%). Mortality in patients with undetermined aetiology was 11.3%. No death occurred in patients with PCP. CONCLUSION In this population of severely immunosuppressed HIV-infected patients with pulmonary infection a variety of causative agents was identified. Micronodular radiographic lesions were indicative of TB. High mortality was associated with M. tuberculosis or HHV8. No death occurred in patients with P. jiroveci infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G S Kibiki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endoscopy Unit, KCMC, Tumaini University, P.O. Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Conraads VM, Beckers P, Bosmans J, De Clerck LS, Stevens WJ, Vrints CJ, Brutsaert DL. Combined endurance/resistance training reduces plasma TNF-alpha receptor levels in patients with chronic heart failure and coronary artery disease. Eur Heart J 2002; 23:1854-60. [PMID: 12445534 DOI: 10.1053/euhj.2002.3239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Physical reconditioning of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) improves exercise capacity and restores endothelial function and skeletal muscle changes. The effects of 4 months combined endurance/resistance exercise training on cytokines and cytokine receptors in patients with CHF were studied. In addition, changes in submaximal and maximal exercise performance were addressed. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-three patients with stable CHF due to coronary artery disease (CAD, n=12) or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM, n=11) were trained for 4 months. Blood sampling for measurement of plasma concentrations (ELISA) of interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1) and 2 (sTNFR2), as well as cardiopulmonary exercise testing were performed at baseline and after 4 months. Training induced a significant decrease in sTNFR1 (P=0.02) for the total population, and in both sTNFR1 (P=0.01) and sTNFR2 (P=0.02) concentrations for the CAD group only. IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels were not altered. Cytokine concentrations remained unchanged in an untrained age- and sex-matched control group. NYHA functional class, submaximal and maximal workrate were significantly improved in both patient groups. Oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (P=0.002) and at peak exercise increased in the CAD patients only (P=0.008). CONCLUSION Besides an overall beneficial effect on exercise capacity, combined endurance/resistance exercise training has an anti-inflammatory effect in patients with CHD and CAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V M Conraads
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp (UIA), Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Conraads V, Beckers P, Bosmans J, De Clerck L, Stevens W, Vrints C, Brutsaert D. Combined endurance/resistance training reduces plasma TNF-alpha receptor levels in patients with chronic heart failure and coronary artery disease. J Heart Lung Transplant 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s1053-2498(01)00568-x] [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: 10/18/2022] Open
|
18
|
Tsolaki AG, Beckers P, Wakefield AE. Pre-AIDS era isolates of Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. hominis: high genotype similarity with contemporary isolates. J Clin Microbiol 1998; 36:90-3. [PMID: 9431927 PMCID: PMC124814 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.36.1.90-93.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 07/30/1997] [Accepted: 10/08/1997] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolates of Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. hominis were examined from six individuals who died of P. carinii pneumonia between 1968 and 1981 and who had underlying immunodeficiencies which were not due to human immunodeficiency virus infection. DNA sequence variation was analyzed in the genes encoding the mitochondrial large subunit rRNA (mt LSU rRNA), the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear rRNA, the arom locus, and the mitochondrial small subunit rRNA. No major variations were observed when these isolates were compared to isolates from HIV-infected individuals. A small number of minor differences were detected. A new position at which variation occurred in the mt LSU rRNA was observed in one sample. Three new ITS sequence types were identified. A total of nine different ITS sequence types were found in the six samples. Mixed infection with different ITS sequence types of P. carinii f. sp. hominis was observed in four of the six samples. The ITS locus was the most informative of the four loci for distinguishing among the isolates of P. carinii f. sp. hominis. The data suggest that isolates of P. carinii f. sp. hominis from before the AIDS pandemic are genetically very similar to those currently found in HIV-infected individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A G Tsolaki
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hautvast JL, Tolboom JJ, Derks TJ, Beckers P, Sauerwein RW. Asymptomatic intestinal microsporidiosis in a human immunodeficiency virus-seronegative, immunocompetent Zambian child. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1997; 16:415-6. [PMID: 9109148 DOI: 10.1097/00006454-199704000-00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J L Hautvast
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Nijmegen St. Radboud, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Perenboom RM, Sauerwein RW, Beckers P, van Schijndel AC, van Steenwijk RP, Borleffs JC, van Leusen R, van der Meer JW. Cytokine profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood in HIV-seropositive patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Eur J Clin Invest 1997; 27:333-9. [PMID: 9134383 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2362.1997.1170661.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations and ex vivo production of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1), tumour necrosis alpha (TNF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) and TNF soluble receptors (sTNF-receptors, P55 and P75) were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and blood in 23 HIV-seropositive (HIV+) patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and compared with values found in healthy HIV-seronegative (HIV-) controls and asymptomatic HIV+ subjects. Concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta were increased in BAL fluid of HIV+ patients with PCP (184 +/- 47 pg mL-1) compared with undetectable levels in healthy control subjects (P = 0.0001). In plasma of these patients higher concentrations of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1RA were found during acute PCP than after recovery (2.1 +/- 0.7 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.2 ng mL-1, P = 0.01). No correlations could be found between cytokine concentrations and clinical severity of the infection. Corticosteroid treatment did not influence cytokine concentrations in BAL or blood, nor did it suppress the production in alveolar cells. In whole-blood cultures, however, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated production was significantly suppressed for IL-1 (1.3 vs. 5.5 ng mL-1, P = 0.009) and for IL-6 (0.6 vs. 2.5 ng mL-1, P = 0.01). The overall data show that in HIV+ patients with PCP (similar to what we had found previously in HIV-patients with PCP) proinflammatory cytokines are more prominently present in BAL, whereas anti-inflammatory reaction is predominant in the circulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Perenboom
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Perenboom RM, Beckers P, Van Der Meer JW, Van Schijndel AC, Oyen WJ, Corstens FH, Sauerwein RW. Pro-inflammatory cytokines in lung and blood during steroid-induced Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in rats. J Leukoc Biol 1996; 60:710-5. [PMID: 8975872 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.60.6.710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
To gain more insight into the role of cytokines in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) we followed pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles in rats with steroid-induced PCP at 2-week intervals. The cytokines measured were immunoreactive interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), bioactive interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). In vivo cytokine concentrations were determined in three compartments, i.e., bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, lung homogenates, and plasma. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -stimulated cytokine production by alveolar cells and in whole-blood cultures was measured ex vivo. P carinii load and host inflammatory response, as determined by lung/body weight ratio and 111indium-IgG biodistribution were monitored throughout developing PCP. IL-1beta was elevated in lung homogenates (600, range <20-1260 pg/mL) and IL-6 in BAL fluid (48, range <20-115 pg/mL), whereas the pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations were not increased in plasma. Thus in rats with PCP elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations were found to be restricted to the lung compartments. Corticosteroids did not significantly influence cytokine concentrations, but showed profound inhibitory effects on ex vivo cytokine production. The LPS-stimulated cytokine production by alveolar cells gradually decreased during the 6 weeks after the start of the steroid injections, whereas the production in whole blood cultures was immediately and completely suppressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Perenboom
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
P.carinii molecular epidemiology appears a new interesting investigational field to understand distribution and incidence of isolates from different geographical locations. Recently a typing system, the Type Specific Oligoblotting (TSO) based on 6 different sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITSs) of P.carinii rRNA has been developed [1]. By using P.carinii ITSs nested PCR followed by TSO hybridization we have typed 55 lung derived specimens collected in Italy, The Netherlands and sub-Saharian Africa from pts with microscopically detected P.carinii pneumonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Atzori
- II Div. Inf. Dis., L.Sacco Hosp. Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Perenboom RM, van Schijndel AC, Beckers P, Sauerwein R, Van Hamersvelt HW, Festen J, Gallati H, van der Meer JW. Cytokine profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood in HIV-seronegative patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Eur J Clin Invest 1996; 26:159-66. [PMID: 8904526 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2362.1996.118253.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations and ex vivo production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) and TNF soluble receptors were followed in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and blood from 10 HIV-seronegative patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and compared with values found in healthy volunteers. During the acute phase of PCP, TNF but not IL-6 or IL-1beta was detectable in BAL fluid. At that time, plasma concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokines were low, whereas plasma concentrations of the anti-inflammatory cytokines were high. The ex vivo production capacity of proinflammatory cytokines was suppressed in the acute phase, in the blood as well as at the site of infection. During convalescence the production capacity of the blood cells normalized. The IL-1RA production capacity of the alveolar cells was also suppressed in the acute phase, but preserved in blood cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Perenboom
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Perenboom RM, Oyen WJ, van Schijndel AC, Beckers P, Corstens FH, van der Meer JW. Serial indium-111-labelled IgG biodistribution in rat Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: a tool to monitor the course and severity of the infection. Eur J Nucl Med 1995; 22:1129-32. [PMID: 8542896 DOI: 10.1007/bf00800594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
To study the effect of new therapeutic strategies, we developed an animal model to monitor the course and severity of experimental Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in rats. P. carinii density scores in Giemsa-stained impression smears were used to follow P. carinii load. Indium-111 labelled IgG scintigraphy and biodistribution, histology of paraffin-embedded tissue sections, lung/body weight (L/B wt) ratio and cell count and differentiation of broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were used as parameters of host inflammatory response. Statistically significant differences in L/B wt ratio, number of neutrophils in BAL fluid, P. carinii density score, histological extent of inflammation and 111In-IgG accumulation in the lung were seen between the rats sacrificed at various time points. 111In-IgG accumulation in the lung correlated well with L/B wt ratio and P. carinii density score and correlated moderately with number of neutrophils in BAL fluid and with the histological extent of inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Perenboom
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Roeffen W, Geeraedts F, Eling W, Beckers P, Wizel B, Kumar N, Lensen T, Sauerwein R. Transmission blockade of Plasmodium falciparum malaria by anti-Pfs230-specific antibodies is isotype dependent. Infect Immun 1995; 63:467-71. [PMID: 7822011 PMCID: PMC173018 DOI: 10.1128/iai.63.2.467-471.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
By use of the parental hybridoma cell line 63F2A2 that produces specific antibodies of immunoglobulin isotype G1 (IgG1; 63F2A2.1) against Pfs230, we attempted to enrich for the synthesis of the downstream switch variant IgG2b and IgG2a monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of the hybridoma cell line (63F2A2.2b and 63F2A2.2a, respectively). The parental IgG1 did not reduce the Plasmodium falciparum transmission in a bioassay irrespective of the presence of complement. MAbs 63F2A2.2b and 63F2A2.2a were effective in reducing the infectivity of P. falciparum parasites to Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes in membrane-feeding experiments. A transmission reduction of 91% was accomplished by the 63F2A2.2b switch variant, and a reduction of greater than 99% was accomplished by the 63F2A2.2a switch variant, but only in the presence of active human complement. Subsequently, the transmission-reducing effect of MAb 63F2A2.2b or 63F2A2.2a was confirmed in vitro by the rapid lysis of newly formed macrogametes or zygotes in the presence of active complement. MAb 63F2A2.1 did not lyse the newly formed macrogametes or zygotes irrespective of the presence of complement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Roeffen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Roeffen W, Lensen T, Mulder B, Teelen K, Sauerwein R, Eling W, Meuwissen JH, Beckers P. Transmission blocking immunity as observed in a feeder system and serological reactivity to Pfs 48/45 and Pfs230 in field sera. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 1994; 89 Suppl 2:13-5. [PMID: 7565122 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02761994000600004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and human sera from gametocyte carriers were applied in the bio-assay to test for their transmission-blocking capacity. Competition ELISA's have been developed for the detection of natural transmission blocking antibodies. Approximately 55% of the sera blocking in the bio-assay gave positive results in these competition ELISA's.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Roeffen
- University of Nijmegen, Department of Medical Microbiology, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
The incidence of brittle nails is higher in women than in men. Repeatedly a suspected cause for the higher incidence of brittle nails in women is the frequent exposure to water. This study was aimed at clarifying whether wet working conditions increase the incidence of brittle nails in women and men in a similar degree. We determined the incidence of brittle nails in 511 persons in professions that involve frequent hand contact with water. The data were compared to those of a large, non-selected control group. 50% of the female probands showed the sign of brittle nails (control group: 30.4%, p less than 0.05). Only 13.5% of the male test persons of this study had brittle nails; the difference to the control group (13.2%) was not significant. It is discussed that in women the bridges between nail corneocytes are possibly weaker than in males as a constitutional characteristic. Accordingly, frequent alternating periods of hydration and drying increase the incidence of brittle nails particularly in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Lubach
- Department of Dermatology, Hautklinik Linden, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, FRG
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Graves PM, Doubrovsky A, Beckers P. Antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte antigens during and after malaria attacks in schoolchildren from Madang, Papua New Guinea. Parasite Immunol 1991; 13:291-9. [PMID: 1712931 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.1991.tb00283.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Sera from 49 school children in Madang, Papua New Guinea with malaria and follow-up sera from 40 of these cases were tested by competitive ELISA for antibodies capable of inhibiting binding of eight monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. The proportion of sera inhibiting each MoAb ranged from 31.2% to 85.7%. At follow-up, the proportion of inhibitory sera decreased for 3 MoAbs, did not change significantly for 4 MoAbs and increased for one MoAb. When sera were grouped according to whether the follow-up blood slide was positive or negative, further trends emerged for MoAbs against the gamete surface antigen Pfs 48/45. Antibody levels to the IA3-B8 epitope decreased in follow-up positive cases, but remained unchanged for follow-up negative cases. The converse was observed for the IIC5-B10 epitope with an increase of antibody in follow-up positive cases and no change in the negative cases. Amount of antibody to the 3G12/58 epitope decreased when the follow-up was negative but not when it was positive. Increase in antibody to the 3E12/58 epitope occurred at the follow-up sample irrespective of the blood slide result. Thus four distinct patterns of longitudinal antibody response were observed against four epitopes on the same molecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P M Graves
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Brisbane
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Graves PM, Doubrovsky A, Carter R, Eida S, Beckers P. High frequency of antibody response to Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte antigens during acute malaria infections in Papua New Guinea highlanders. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1990; 42:515-20. [PMID: 1695490 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1990.42.515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sera from 62 adult Papua New Guinea highlanders with suspected acute malaria were tested by competitive ELISA for the presence of antibodies capable of inhibiting binding of 8 monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) directed against epitopes on gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum. Between 33% and 72% of the malaria cases were inhibitory, depending on the Mab. There was no difference between the proportion of persons with P. falciparum (asexuals or gametocytes) and P. vivax whose sera inhibited Mab binding, but all 3 categories had a significantly higher proportion of inhibitors than persons who were malaria negative. The amount of gametocyte antibody recognizing epitopes on Pfs 48/45 and Pfs 230 increased with increasing numbers of previous malaria episodes. The proportion of sera from these relatively nonimmune adults which had gamete antibodies was similar to the proportion seen in sera from a highly endemic area, suggesting that antibody responses to these epitopes are a part of the initial response observed after a limited number of malaria episodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P M Graves
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Graves PM, Bhatia K, Burkot TR, Prasad M, Wirtz RA, Beckers P. Association between HLA type and antibody response to malaria sporozoite and gametocyte epitopes is not evident in immune Papua New Guineans. Clin Exp Immunol 1989; 78:418-23. [PMID: 2482146 PMCID: PMC1534822] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
HLA-A,B,C and DR types were determined for 46 adults living in the Madang area of Papua New Guinea. Sera from these individuals were tested by ELISA for antibodies against: (i) sonicated schizont extract of Plasmodium falciparum; (ii) circumsporozoite repeat regions of P. falciparum and P. vivax; and (iii) epitopes on the 230 and 48/45 kD gametocyte antigens of P. falciparum. All sera were from highly immune individuals and reacted strongly to the schizont antigen. The proportions responding to circumsporozoite repeat regions were 60.7% and 23.9% for P. falciparum and P. vivax, respectively. Between 32.6 and 47.8% of adults responded to each gametocyte epitope as assessed by inhibition of monoclonal antibodies. The limited number of alleles present at each HLA locus which is characteristic of coastal Papua New Guinea was observed. Five HLA-DR alleles were detected, of which only three (HLA-DR2, 4 and w5) were present at frequencies over 0.12. All individuals possessed at least one DR2,4 or w5 allele, and 96% of individuals possessed DR2, or 4 or both. There was no evidence for association between HLA type and antibody response to circumsporozoite repeat regions or the gametocyte epitopes. Homozygotes for DR2 and 4 were able to respond to each antigen. These results imply that either there is no HLA restriction of the response to these antigens or that each DR type is responding to a different variant of the T-epitope. Even in the latter case the results are encouraging for the prospects of inclusion of an HLA-restricted T-epitope in a malaria vaccine for Papua New Guinea since a limited number of versions would be required to cover a population with an HLA profile similar to that in Madang.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P M Graves
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|