Genetic fate-mapping reveals surface accumulation but not deep organ invasion of pleural and peritoneal cavity macrophages following injury

During injury, monocytes are recruited from the circulation to inflamed tissues and differentiate locally into mature macrophages, with prior reports showing that cavity macrophages of the peritoneum and pericardium invade deeply into the respective organs to promote repair. Here we report a dual recombinase-mediated genetic system designed to trace cavity macrophages in vivo by intersectional detection of two characteristic markers. Lineage tracing with this method shows accumulation of cavity macrophages during lung and liver injury on the surface of visceral organs without penetration into the parenchyma. Additional data suggest that these peritoneal or pleural cavity macrophages do not contribute to tissue repair and regeneration. Our in vivo genetic targeting approach thus provides a reliable method to identify and characterize cavity macrophages during their development and in tissue repair and regeneration, and distinguishes these cells from other lineages.

Tissue-Resident Memory-Like CD8+ T Cells Exhibit Heterogeneous Characteristics in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion

Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells are well known to play critical roles in peripheral tissues during virus infection and tumor immunology. Our previous studies indicated that CD69+CD4+ and CD69+CD8+ T cells in tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) were antigen-specific memory T cells. However, the phenotypical and functional characteristics of CD8+ TRM cells in tuberculosis remain unknown. We found that CD103+CD8+ T cells were the predominant subset of CD103+ lymphocytes in TPE; both CD103 and CD69 expressed on memory CD8+ T cells from TPE were significantly increased compared with those from paired peripheral blood. Phenotypically, CD103+CD69+ and CD103+CD69-CD8+ T cells expressed higher levels of CD45RO than CD103-CD69+CD8+ T cells did; CD103+CD69-CD8+ T cells highly expressed CD27, CD127, and CD62L and some chemokine receptors. We further compared the functional differences among the four distinct CD45RO+CD8+ T subsets identified by CD103 and CD69 expression. In consist with our published results, CD69+CD8+ T cells, but not CD103+CD8+, produced high levels of IFN-γ after treatment with BCG in the presence of BFA. Nevertheless, CD103-CD69+ and CD103+CD69+ memory CD8+ T cells expressed higher levels of Granzyme B, while CD103+CD69- memory CD8+ T cells were characterized as a possibly immunosuppressive subset by highly expressing CTLA-4, CD25, and FoxP3. Furthermore, TGF-β extremely increased CD103 expression but not CD69 in vitro. Together, CD103+CD8+ T cells form the predominant subset of CD103+ lymphocytes in TPE; CD103 and CD69 expression defines distinct CD8+ TRM-like subsets exhibiting phenotypical and functional heterogeneity. Our findings provide an important theoretical basis to optimize and evaluate new tuberculosis vaccines.

Modulatory effect of Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng) Less. in a murine model of inflammation induced by carrageenan into the pleural cavity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng) Less (S. brasiliensis), known as "Flor-das-almas", "Margaridinha" or "Maria mole", is used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and to treat gastric ulcers and stomach pain. While the Senecio genus has been widely studied for its pharmacological activities to support its use in traditional medicine, few studies focus on the anti-inflammatory activities of the species.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of S. brasiliensis, a specie native to Brazil, using a murine model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The flowers of S. brasiliensis were air-dried for 3 days and subjected to ethanol (96%) extraction for 7 days to obtain the crude extract (CE). The CE was subjected to acid-base extraction to obtain the alkaloid fraction (AF). The hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions were obtained by extracting from CE with different solvents. The alkaloids senecionine (Sen), integerrimine (Int) and senecionine N-oxide were obtained from AF by chromatographic fractionation and a mixture of 1,4-, 3,4-, 3,5- and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids (DCQs) were obtained from the EtOAc fraction. The isolated alkaloids were identified through spectroscopic analysis of IR, NMR and LC-MS coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and the dicaffeoylquinic acids through the hierarchical key method. Swiss mice were used in the in vivo experiments. We evaluated the effect of the CE, its derived fractions (AF, HEX, DCM and EtOAc), and the isolated compounds (Sen, Int, N-oxide senecionine, and DCQs) on: leukocyte migration, exudate concentrations, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine-deaminase (ADA) activities, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 17A levels in the fluid leakage from the pleural cavity using a mouse model of pleurisy induced by carrageenan. The effects of the isolated compounds, Sen, Int, N-oxide senecionine and DCQs, were also analyzed for their ability to inhibit p65 phosphorylation (p-p65) in the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in the lung tissue. MPO and ADA were analyzed by colorimetric assays, and the cytokines and protein p65 levels were determined using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

RESULTS

The CE, its EtOAc and AF fractions, and its isolated compounds (Sen, Int and DCQs), significantly reduced leukocyte migration (P < 0.05), MPO and ADA activities (P < 0.01), and TNF-α (P < 0.05), and IL-17A levels (P < 0.01). The CE, the EtOAc and AF fractions, and the DCQs also decreased IL-1β levels (P < 0.01). The isolated compounds, Sen, Int and the DCQs, inhibited p65 phosphorylation (NF-κB) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that S. brasiliensis has important anti-inflammatory properties that are capable of inhibiting activated leukocytes by decreasing neutrophil migration. This effect may be attributed to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the reduction of the NF-κB pathway. The compounds Sen, Int, and DCQs may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory actions of S. brasiliensis.

Immunological screening for tumor cells in serous body fluids has added value with the CELL-DYN Sapphire

BACKGROUND

Conventional cytological examination has limited sensitivity for detecting tumor cells in serous body cavity effusions and therefore, adjuvant techniques are necessary for a reliable diagnosis. Flow cytometry has proven benefit in these circumstances. The aim of our study was to explore the feasibility of CELL-DYN Sapphire, an advanced hematology analyzer with flow cytometric capabilities, for detecting tumor cells in serous body fluids, using CD326 monoclonal antibodies, which are directed against the epithelial marker EpCAM.

METHODS

One hundred and five serous fluids (39 peritoneal and 66 pleural effusions) were analyzed by the CELL-DYN Sapphire using monoclonal antibody combinations CD3/CD19 and CD45/CD326. Of all samples a cytospin preparation was made and microscopically examined; the pathology findings served as a reference.

RESULTS

Using a threshold of 1% CD326+ cells, CELL-DYN Sapphire identified nine out of 12 cases with tumor cells in the serous effusions (sensitivity 75%), whereas routine cytology found eight cases (sensitivity 67%). The combination of immunophenotyping and cytology identified all 12 cases with tumor cells in the effusion fluid (sensitivity 100%). The specificities were 92% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that it is feasible to run an immunophenotypic assay on CELL-DYN Sapphire for detecting tumor cells in serous body fluids. In addition, this study confirmed that a combination of conventional cytology and flow cytometry had a very high diagnostic yield in cases of carcinomatous effusions.

Purification and immune phenotyping of B-1 cells from body cavities of mice

B-1 cells are innate-like lymphocytes that generate natural, polyreactive antibodies with important functions in tissue homeostasis and immune defense. While B-1-cell frequencies in secondary lymphoid tissues are low, relative high frequencies are found within peritoneal and pleural cavities of mice, including both CD5(+) B-1a and CD5(-) B-1b cells. They represent reservoirs of B-1 cells that can be activated for migration to lymphoid tissues to secrete antibodies and/or cytokines. Here, we outline efficient methods for the extraction and magnetic isolation of B-1a cells from the peritoneal and pleural cavities and the separation and phenotypic characterization of B-1a and B1-b cells by flow cytometry.

Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanolic extract, dichloromethane fraction and costunolide from Magnolia ovata (Magnoliaceae)

AIM OF THE STUDY

Magnolia ovata (A.St.-Hil.) Spreng (formerly Talauma ovata), known as "pinha-do-brejo" or "baguaçu", is a large tree widely distributed in Brazil. Its trunk bark has been used in folk medicine against fever. However, no data have been published to support the antipyretic ethnopharmacological use. This study investigated the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extract (EEMO), dichloromethane fraction (DCM), and the isolated compound costunolide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated in experimental models of fever and inflammation in mice.

RESULTS

The oral administration of EEMO, DCM and costunolide inhibited carrageenan (Cg)-induced paw oedema (ID(50) 72.35 (38.64-135.46) mg/kg, 5.8 (2.41-14.04) mg/kg and 0.18 (0.12-0.27) mg/kg, respectively) and was effective in abolishing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fever (30 mg/kg, 4.5 mg/kg and 0.15 mg/kg, respectively). EEMO was also effective in reducing cell migration in the pleurisy model. Intraplantar injection of costunolide also reduced the paw oedema, myeloperoxidase and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activity induced by Cg in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these results show, for the first time, that extracts obtained from Magnolia ovata possess antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties, and costunolide appears to be the compound responsible for these effects.

Cytology of body fluids from different sites: an approach for early diagnosis of malignancy

Malignant effusions are a common presenting sign of malignancy and reflect dissemination. A retrospective study of all fluid samples accessioned at the Department of Pathology, TUTH from April 2000 to October 2002 were done. Over the study period, a total of 584 specimens were examined- 324 peritoneal fluid, 224 pleural fluid, 19 pericardial fluid, 9 knee joint effusion and 8 Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF). One hundred and nine (18.66%) out of 584 cases were found to have malignancy, 57 were male and 52 were female. The age group of the adult male ranged from 42-78 years and female ranged from 43-62 years. Three patients were children with age ranging from 8-11 years. Adenocarcinoma was the commonest that comprised 89%, followed by Non Hodgkin's lymphoma 6.5% squamous cell carcinoma 2.7% and small cell carcinoma comprised 1.8 %. Exfoliative cytology is cheap, rapid and highly effective tool for the evaluation of body fluid and should be advised in all effusion cases.

Aldose reductase inhibitor zopolrestat restores allergic hyporesponsiveness in alloxan-diabetic rats

This study was undertaken to investigate the role of the aldose reductase in the refractoriness of diabetic rats to allergic inflammation. Wistar rats were actively sensitized with a mixture of Al(OH)3 plus ovalbumin and intrapleurally challenged with ovalbumin, 14 days later. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of alloxan into fasted rats, 7 days before sensitization, and the aldose reductase inhibitor zopolrestat was administered after 3 days of diabetes induction, once a day during 18 consecutive days. The treatment with zopolrestat restored antigen-induced protein extravazation and mast cell degranulation in the pleural cavity of diabetic sensitized rats. Zopolrestat also significantly reversed the suppression in the increase of total and specific levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) noted in sensitized animals under conditions of diabetes. In addition, we noted that the drop in the pleural mast cell numbers as well as the increase in serum corticosterone levels in diabetic rats were inhibited by the drug. Our findings show that zopolrestat restored the hyporesponsiveness of diabetic rats to antigen provocation, in parallel with impairment of alloxan-induced mast cell depletion and hypercorticolism, indicating that polyol pathway activity seems to play an important role in these phenomena.

Intraoperative Pleural Lavage: Is It a Valid Prognostic Factor in Lung Cancer?

BACKGROUND

In patients undergoing lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the primary TNM (tumor-regional lymph node-distant metastasis) staging system is the best prognostic factor. However, it is necessary to investigate other factors that could more accurately predict a patient's prognosis. In this study we evaluated the significance of positive intraoperative pre-resectional lavage in patients with NSCLC.

METHODS

We enrolled 84 patients (79 men, 5 women) aged between 36 and 81 years (mean age, 64.8 years) undergoing a major lung resection for NSCLC, with no preoperative evidence of pleural effusions. Intraoperatively, the patients were given a pre-resectional pleural lavage with physiologic saline solution. The fluid was aspirated and sent to cytology.

RESULTS

Pre-resectional pleural lavage was positive in 19 patients (22.6%). The lavage was positive in 7.3% in patients with early stage I disease (3/41) and 37.2% in patients with stage II/III disease. In the group of 16 patients with chest wall neoplastic involvement (T3), 9 had a positive lavage (56.2%; p = 0.05). No significant correlation was found between positive lavage and nodal status, visceral pleural involvement, or histologic findings. Patients with malignant cells in the pre-resectional lavage had a significantly shorter survival than patients with a negative lavage (p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

A positive cytology finding of intraoperative pre-resectional pleural lavage could be an important prognostic factor in patients undergoing major lung resection for NSCLC. Patients with a positive lavage should be upstaged. However, larger series are needed to define accurately the role of this technique in early stage lung cancer.

Significance of psammoma bodies in serous cavity fluid

BACKGROUND

Psammoma bodies (PBs) are encountered only rarely in body cavity fluids (BCF). Although to the authors' knowledge their presence in certain neoplasms (e.g., those of the thyroid, ovary, lung, brain, etc.) is established, their significance in BCF has not been well defined.

METHODS

Diagnoses concerning 3335 BCF samples were reviewed from the cytopathology files for the presence of PBs over an 8-year period. Cytologic preparations included cytospin preparations and Millipore filters stained with the Papanicolaou stain. Clinicopathologic correlation was performed on any subsequent surgical studies.

RESULTS

Of the 3335 BCF samples studies (2444 pleural samples, 688 peritoneal samples, and 203 pericardial samples), PBs were noted in 123 cases (3.7%). Of these 123 cases, 112 were the peritoneal fluid (91%), 10 were the pleural fluid (8.1%), and 1 was in the pericardial fluid (0.81%). All 11 cases of pleural and pericardial effusions with PBs were malignant (carcinomas of the thyroid, lung, and ovary) compared with 62 of 112 peritoneal fluid samples (55.4%) (carcinoma of the ovary and uterus and mesothelioma). Nine of the remaining 50 cases of cytologically benign peritoneal fluids with PBs detected on follow-up tissue biopsy demonstrated peritoneal metastases from ovarian or endometrial carcinoma. Therefore, 41 of 112 cases of peritoneal fluid with PBs remained benign even after clinical follow-up and/or tissue biopsy (36.6%) and demonstrated ovarian cystadenoma/cystadenofibroma, papillary mesothelial hyperplasia, endosalpingiosis, endometriosis, and other miscellaneous benign diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

PBs in BCF is a rare finding. Although in the authors' experience their presence in pleural and pericardial effusions signifies carcinomatous involvement, in the current study, peritoneal fluids with PBs were found to be benign in a significant number of cases (36.6%). In the latter scenario and in the absence of an obvious malignancy, attempts should be made to rule out the above-mentioned benign lesions.

Factors secreted by peritoneal macrophages are cytotoxic for transformed rat pleural mesothelium and mesothelioma cells

The report is devoted to the investigation of cytotoxic action of macrophages and asbestos on transformed mesothelium and mesothelioma cells, the characterization of its specificity, and the nature of the factors mediating it. The viability of different cells after asbestos exposure was studied in co-culture with macrophages. Mesothelioma cell lines obtained from tumors developed in vivo were the most sensitive to the cytotoxic action of macrophages and asbestos. Mesothelium cells of late passages and ras-transformed cell lines IAR2 and Rat1 were somewhat less sensitive, whereas untransformed cells of IAR2 and Rat1 lines and early passage mesothelium were low sensitive to that cytotoxic action. In experiments performed on Petri dishes with inserts that allowed treatment with asbestos of only one of two cell populations, it was shown that asbestos treatment of mesothelioma cells was necessary and sufficient for manifestation of cytotoxic effect (in the absence of macrophages asbestos caused very low cytotoxicity). The medium conditioned by macrophages was not cytototoxic by itself but it strongly enhanced cytotoxic action of asbestos on transformed mesothelium and mesothelioma cells but not on normal mesothelial cells and IAR2 and Rat1 cells (both normal and ras-transformed). The specificity of this augmenting effect for different toxicants was also investigated. It was shown that medium conditioned by macrophages enhanced cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide and sodium azide but not that of nonfibrous silicon dioxide, ethylmethanesulfonate, and sodium dodecylsulfate. The factor mediating this effect is thermolabile, non-dialyzable and protease-sensitive. Its m.w. is approximately 3-5 kD.

Synergism between platelet-activating factor-like phospholipids and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonists generated during low density lipoprotein oxidation that induces lipid body formation in leukocytes

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) has an important proinflammatory role in atherogenesis. In this study, we investigated the ability of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and its phospholipid components to induce lipid body formation in leukocytes. Incubation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with oxidized, but not with native LDL led to lipid body formation within 1 h. This was blocked by platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonists or by preincubation of oxLDL with rPAF acetylhydrolase. HPLC fractions of phospholipids purified from oxLDL induced calcium flux in neutrophils as well as lipid body formation in macrophages. Injection of the bioactive phospholipid fractions or butanoyl and butenoyl PAF, a phospholipid previously shown to be present in oxLDL, into the pleural cavity of mice induced lipid body formation in leukocytes recovered after 3 h. The 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 colocalized within lipid bodies formed after stimulation with oxLDL, bioactive phospholipid fractions, or butanoyl and butenoyl PAF. Lipid body formation was inhibited by 5-lipoxygenase antagonists, but not by cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. Azelaoyl-phosphatidylcholine, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist in oxLDL phospholipid fractions, induced formation of lipid bodies at late time points (6 h) and synergized with suboptimal concentrations of oxLDL. We conclude that lipid body formation is an important proinflammatory effect of oxLDL and that PAF-like phospholipids and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists generated during LDL oxidation are important mediators in this phenomenon.