Highly sensitive and specific graphene oxide-based FRET aptasensor for quantitative detection of human soluble growth stimulating gene protein 2

Soluble growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (sST2) is a new generation biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure (HF). Here, the sST2-specific aptamers were selected from a random ssDNA library with the full length of 88 nucleotides (nt) via target-immobilized magnetic beads (MB)-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technology. After eight rounds of selection, six aptamers with the most enrichment were selected. Among, the aptamer L1 showed the high-affinity binding to sST2 with the lowest Kd value (77.3 ± 0.05 nM), which was chosen as the optimal aptamer for further molecular docking. Then, the aptamer L1 was used to construct a graphene oxide (GO) - based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor for sST2, which exhibits a linear detection range of 0.1-100 μg/ml and a detection limit of 3.7 ng/ml. The aptasensor was applied to detect sST2 in real samples, with a good correlation and agreement with the traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) when quantitative analyzing the sST2 concentration in serum samples from HF patients. The results show that not only an efficient strategy for screening the practicable aptamer, but also a rapid and sensitive detection platform for sST2 were established.

Pharmacological blockade of the interleukin-1 receptor suppressed Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation in preterm fetal sheep

BACKGROUND

Intraamniotic inflammation is associated with preterm birth, especially in cases occurring before 32 weeks' gestation, and is causally linked with an increased risk for neonatal mortality and morbidity. Targeted anti-inflammatory interventions may assist in improving the outcomes for pregnancies impacted by intrauterine inflammation. Interleukin-1 is a central upstream mediator of inflammation. Accordingly, interleukin-1 is a promising candidate target for intervention therapies and has been targeted previously using the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, anakinra. Recent studies have shown that the novel, noncompetitive, allosteric interleukin-1 receptor inhibitor, rytvela, partially resolved inflammation associated with preterm birth and fetal injury. In this study, we used a preterm sheep model of chorioamnionitis to investigate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of rytvela and anakinra, administered in the amniotic fluid in the setting of intraamniotic Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide exposure.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that both rytvela and anakinra would reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced intrauterine inflammation and protect the fetal brain.

STUDY DESIGN

Ewes with a singleton fetus at 105 days of gestation (term is ∼150 days) were randomized to one of the following groups: (1) intraamniotic injections of 2 mL saline at time=0 and time=24 hours as a negative control group (saline group, n=12); (2) intraamniotic injection of 10 mg Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in 2 mL saline and intraamniotic injections of 2 mL saline at time=0 hours and time=24 hours as an inflammation positive control group (lipopolysaccharide group, n=11); (3) intraamniotic injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in 2 mL saline and intraamniotic injections of 2.5 mg rytvela at time=0 hours and time=24 hours to test the anti-inflammatory efficacy of rytvela (lipopolysaccharide + rytvela group, n=10); or (4) intraamniotic injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in 2 mL saline and intraamniotic injections of 100 mg anakinra at time=0 hours and time=24 hours to test the anti-inflammatory efficacy of anakinra (lipopolysaccharide + anakinra group, n=12). Amniotic fluid was sampled at time 0, 24, and 48 hours (ie, at each intervention and at delivery). Fetal umbilical cord blood was collected at delivery for differential blood counts and chemical studies. Inflammation was characterized by the analysis of fetal tissue cytokine and chemokine levels using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked inmmunosorbent assay, and histology. The primary study outcome of interest was the assessment of anakinra and rytvela brain-protective effects in the setting of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide-induced intrauterine inflammation. Secondary outcomes of interest were to assess protection from fetal and intrauterine (ie, amniotic fluid, chorioamnion) inflammation.

RESULTS

Intraamniotic administration of lipopolysaccharide caused inflammation of the fetal lung, brain, and chorioamnionitis in preterm fetal sheep. Relative to treatment with saline only in the setting of lipopolysaccharide exposure, intraamniotic administration of both rytvela and anakinra both significantly prevented periventricular white matter injury, microglial activation, and histologic chorioamnionitis. Anakinra showed additional efficacy in inhibiting fetal lung myeloperoxidase activity, but its use was associated with metabolic acidaemia and reduced fetal plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 levels at delivery.

CONCLUSION

Intraamniotic administration of rytvela or anakinra significantly inhibited fetal brain inflammation and chorioamnionitis in preterm fetal sheep exposed to intraamniotic lipopolysaccharide. In addition, anakinra treatment was associated with potential negative impacts on the developing fetus.

TNF and IL-1 exhibit distinct ubiquitin requirements for inducing NEMO-IKK supramolecular structures

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) essential modulator (NEMO), a regulatory component of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex, controls NF-κB activation through its interaction with ubiquitin chains. We show here that stimulation with interleukin-1 (IL-1) and TNF induces a rapid and transient recruitment of NEMO into punctate structures that are anchored at the cell periphery. These structures are enriched in activated IKK kinases and ubiquitinated NEMO molecules, which suggests that they serve as organizing centers for the activation of NF-κB. These NEMO-containing structures colocalize with activated TNF receptors but not with activated IL-1 receptors. We investigated the involvement of nondegradative ubiquitination in the formation of these structures, using cells deficient in K63 ubiquitin chains or linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC)-mediated linear ubiquitination. Our results indicate that, unlike TNF, IL-1 requires K63-linked and linear ubiquitin chains to recruit NEMO into higher-order complexes. Thus, different mechanisms are involved in the recruitment of NEMO into supramolecular complexes, which appear to be essential for NF-κB activation.

The innate immunity receptor TIR8/SIGIRR is expressed in the early developmental stages of chicken embryos

The orphan receptor TIR8, also known as SIGIRR (Single Immunoglobulin IL-1R-Related molecule), belongs to the IL-1R/TLR (TIR) superfamily and plays an important role in the inflammatory responses. The signaling pathways of the receptors belonging to the TIR family are tightly regulated by both extracellular and intracellular mechanisms. TIR8 does not activate the transcription factors NFkB (nuclear factor kB) and IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor 3), although it negatively modulates the inflammatory responses. It acts as an antagonist for the IL-1 receptor family and triggers a negative pathway of the Toll-like/IL-1 receptor system, crucial for dampening inflammation stimuli in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and in other organs (e.g. lung and kidney). The recent findings of TLRs expression in ovary and embryos of different species (mammals and chickens) are very important for an understanding of reproductive physiology and transovarian pathogen transmission. TIR8 was well characterized in mouse, humans and in other mammalian species, but it is still poorly characterized in the chicken. When TIR8 expression was measured in selected organs of chicken embryos of both broiler and layer types at different time points a unique pattern of expression was observed. Interestingly, TIR8 was detected during the first stages of chicken development (day 1 of incubation), and reached a remarkable level of expression by day 10. We observed this receptor to be ubiquitously expressed in the kidney, GI tract, Bursa of Fabricius, with the highest expression levels in liver and kidney. This pattern was comparable to those observed in post-hatching chickens and in mammals examined to date. No expression differences were observed between the two different chicken breeds (layer- and broiler-type) in the first incubation period (8 days). Whereas in some organs starting from day 10, higher TIR8 expression was observed in broiler-type compared to layer-type. These are the first findings concerning TIR8 expression in developmental stages and therefore they are of comparative value.

Elevated tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-α in vulvar vestibulitis syndrome

The purpose of this study was to compare levels of inflammatory cytokines, namely TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor in women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) relative to levels in controls. The authors hypothesized that tissue concentrations of inflammatory cytokines would be elevated significantly in women with VVB compared to pain-free controls. The study population consisted of 15 women with strictly defined VVB in reproductive age and 13 age-matched women with no history of vulvodynia. For TNF-α, positive staining was observed in 40% of the samples from the study group and in 7.7% of the samples from the control group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a limitation of the present study was the relatively small sam- ple size. However, the authors' intention was simply to propose that the local inflammation may be mediated by cytokines as TNF-α may rather than trying to single out a pathogenesis of VVS. The authors' findings of elevated TNF-α may suggest new therapeutic alternatives for VVS, as inhibiting cytokine synthesis or antagonism of the cytokine receptor.

The relationships among acculturation, body mass index, depression, and interleukin 1-receptor antagonist in Hispanic pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between acculturation, body mass index (BMI), and depressive symptoms with the Interleukin 1-mediated inflammatory response marker IL-1RA in pregnant Hispanic women at 22-24 weeks gestation.

DESIGN

An observational, prospective design with data collected at 22-24 weeks gestation.

SETTING

Public prenatal health clinics and private physician practices in central and south Texas serving low-income women.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Body mass index (BMI), depression scores on the Center for Epidemiological Studies of Depression (CES-D), years in the United States, the Language Proficiency Scale (LPS), and Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist levels (IL-1RA).

RESULTS

The longer the Hispanic women were in the United States, the higher the IL-1RA levels in plasma (F=4.55; P=.002). IL-1RA plasma levels were significantly different between low and normal BMI vs overweight and obese categories of BMI (F=8.54; P<.001). IL-1RA levels were significantly higher between those women who had high scores for depressive symptoms on the CES-D (using a cut off of 20) and those who had scores less than 20 (t-value=-2.41; P=.018). In structural equation modeling, years in the United States significantly positively predicted increased depressive symptoms, increased BMI, and increased IL-1RA levels with a good model fit.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that increasing years of residency in the United States is associated with the elevated inflammatory marker IL-1RA, and increased BMI. Increased depressive symptoms also predict IL-1RA levels among Hispanic women at 22-24 weeks of pregnancy. The significance of these findings is discussed in relationship to the development and course of disease.

Effects of indomethacin and dexamethasone on mechanical scratching-induced cutaneous barrier disruption in mice

Effects of indomethacin and dexamethasone on recovery of cutaneous barrier disruption induced by mechanical scratching were examined. Cutaneous barrier was disrupted by scratching using a stainless-steel wire brush (mechanical scratching) and compared to cutaneous application of acetone/ether (1:1) mixture (AE) and tape-stripping. Increase of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), as an indicator of a broken skin barrier, and recovery period for mechanical scratching were higher and longer than those for AE treatment and tape-stripping and we also confirmed the severity of skin damage in a histological study. Topical application of moisturizers showed a temporal effect, rapidly decreased TEWL on mechanical scratching- or AE treatment-induced cutaneous barrier disruption, and gradually increased base levels from 4 to 12 h after treatment. Topical application of indomethacin or dexamethasone prolonged the recovery period for the cutaneous barrier, and concomitant use further worsened the status of the barrier. Additionally, we examined the effects of prostaglandins (PGs) and inflammatory cytokine on mechanical scratching-induced cutaneous barrier disruption pretreated with indomethacin and dexamethasone. As a results, PGD2 and interleukin (IL)-1beta significantly accelerated the recovery of cutaneous barrier disruption by mechanical scratching but such was not the case with PGE2, IL-1alpha, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha treatment. These results suggest that indomethacin and dexamethasone prolonged the recovery period caused by inhibition of PGD2 and IL-1beta. Mechanical scratching-induced cutaneous barrier disruption may be a useful method for evaluating means of recovery from skin damage.

T cell and eosinophil activation in mild and moderate atopic and nonatopic children's asthma in remission

BACKGROUND

Inflammation in the pathogenesis of asthma is associated with products of activated T cells and eosinophils. The aim of this study was to determine whether ongoing inflammation persists in children with different phenotypes of asthma despite the disease in remission.

METHODS

Serum samples were collected from 68 children with atopic or nonatopic asthma in remission and from 15 healthy children. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), IL-2 and IL-4 were examined by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total and specific immunoglobulin E, and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were analysed by fluoroimmunoassay (Pharmacia CAP System).

RESULTS

In patients with moderate persistent atopic asthma, sIL-2R was increased significantly when compared with mild persistent atopic asthma (P < 0.05). No changes of sIL-2R were seen in nonatopic asthmatics compared with atopics and controls. The level of IL-2 was elevated in moderate persistent atopic and nonatopic asthmatic children compared with controls (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 respectively) and compared with mild persistent atopic asthmatics and mild persistent nonatopic asthmatics (P < 0.05 in both cases). The levels of IL-4 in most patients and controls remained below the sensitivity of the assay. Eosinophil cationic protein levels in moderate persistent atopic and nonatopic asthmatics were significantly higher than in mild persistent asthma severity cases (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01 respectively) and in healthy children (P < 0.01 in both cases).

CONCLUSION

Changes in the concentration of sIL-2R, IL-2 and ECP reflect increased T cell and eosinophil activity in relation to the level of severity of asthma in atopic and nonatopic children, thereby proving the presence of persistent inflammation despite the absence of disease symptoms.

Anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas with squamous features: report of a case and immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

Anaplastic carcinomas of the pancreas are rare aggressive tumors with survival measurable in weeks. Many terms have been applied used to describe these tumors, and anaplastic foci are identified in ductal adenocarcinomas and in ectopic pancreata, but are not the dominant pattern of growth. We herein present our experience with a case of anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas with squamous features in order that allowed us to delineate the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of this rare entity.

CASE REPORT

According to imaging findings, the 77-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed as the malignant pancreatic tumor, and underwent a surgical resection. Histopathologically, anaplastic tumor cells showed focal ductal and squamous features infiltrated into pancreatic parenchyma, extrapancreatic fatty tissue, and stomach. The tumor cells showed strong reactivity for cytokeratin, alpha-SMA, vimentin, NSE, and S-100 protein. Although immunoreactivity against p53 was negative, strong positive immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen and interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) was observed in a the majority of tumor cells, while the alpha6 integrin subunit was predominantly strong expressed in the adenocarcinomatous lesion. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and he was treated with a chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine. After discharging from the hospital, he had subsequently been observed as an outpatient and same chemotherapy was followed by weekly. However, the patient suffered from peritonitis carcinomatosa and re-increases of multiple liver metastases, and he died in the fourteenth month after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our immunohistochemical studies suggested that the prognosis of the case with anaplastic carcinoma presented here would be poor, due to the strong expression of integrins and IL-1RI.

Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1 soluble receptor type II (IL-1 sRII) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 Ra) in the peritoneal fluid and serum of infertile women with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

Endometriosis is an immune system-related gynaecological disease, characterised by an increase in number and activation of peritoneal macrophages. One of macrophage-derived factors is interleukin (IL)-1. The effects of IL-1 are inhibited by IL-1 receptor type II (IL-1 RII), soluble forms of IL-1 RII (IL-1 sRII) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 Ra). The aim of our work was to study the IL-1alpha, IL-1 sRII and IL-1 Ra levels in the peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum of women with endometriosis in relation to stage of disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Concentrations of IL-1alpha, IL-1 sRII and IL-1 Ra were measured by ELISA assay in the PF and serum of 58 women; 43 with and 15 without endometriosis (control group).

RESULTS

Elevated PF and serum IL-1alpha and IL-1 Ra levels in the women with endometriosis in comparison with the control group were observed. IL-1 sRII levels in PF and serum were higher in the controls than in the women with endometriosis. Concentrations of IL-1alpha and IL-1 sRII were higher in advanced endometriosis, but higher IL-1 Ra was observed in the early stage of the disease.

CONCLUSION

Impairment of regulation IL-1 activity in the peritoneal fluid and serum of women with endometriosis may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of the disease.

Soluble interleukin-1 receptor type II, IL-18 and caspase-1 in mild cognitive impairment and severe Alzheimer's disease

In the present study, we have determined levels of soluble interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor type II (sIL-1RII), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and caspase-1 in cerebrospinal fluid and serum from mild cognitive impairment patients that later progressed to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and severe AD patients. Previous studies have shown that a chronic local inflammatory process is a part of AD neuropathology. In this process, activated microglial production of IL-1 seems to play an important role. In a previous study, we have shown increased levels of sIL-1RII in CSF from AD patients in a mild-moderate disease stage. In the present study, we found no significant differences in CSF or serum levels of sIL-1RII in either mild cognitive impairment or advanced AD patients as compared to control subjects. Likewise, there was no significant difference between mild cognitive impairment and severe AD patients. The same was true for caspase-1 and IL-18 serum levels, whereas CSF levels of caspase-1 and IL-18 were below detection limits. Our data indicate that the IL-1 system is relatively intact in the early and late stages of AD.

Levels of soluble cytokine factors in temporomandibular joint effusions seen on magnetic resonance images

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the correlations between joint effusion (JE) on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the levels of various cytokine receptors, cytokine antagonists, and protein in the synovial fluid of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).

STUDY DESIGN

Fifty-five TMJs of 55 patients with TMD were scanned by MRI, and synovial fluid samples were obtained on the same day. The grade of JE was evaluated on a scale of 0 to 3: Grades 0 and 1 indicated absence, and grades 2 and 3 indicated the presence of JE. Correlations were evaluated between JE and the concentrations of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors I and II (sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II, respectively), IL-6 soluble receptor (IL-6sR), IL-1 soluble receptor type II, and IL-1 receptor antagonist and protein in the synovial fluid of patients with TMD.

RESULTS

The concentrations of sTNFR-I and protein in the group with JE (18 joints) were significantly higher than in the group without JE (37 joints). In addition, there were significant positive correlations between the grade of JE and the levels of sTNFR-I, sTNFR-II, and protein.

CONCLUSIONS

sTNFRs and protein may play important roles in the pathogenesis of TMD. These mediators seem to influence the expression of JE, which may reflect synovial inflammation of the TMJ.

Analysis of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors I and II, interleukin-6 soluble receptor, interleukin-1 soluble receptor type II, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, and protein in the synovial fluid of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

OBJECTIVE

To measure the levels of various cytokines, cytokine receptors, and cytokine antagonists in the synovial fluid of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and to determine the correlations among these expression levels.

STUDY DESIGN

Synovial fluid was obtained from 55 patients with TMD and from 5 asymptomatic healthy volunteers as controls. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors I and II (sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II), IL-6 soluble receptor (IL-6sR), IL-1 soluble receptor type II, and IL-1 receptor antagonist were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta, sTNFR-I, and sTNFR-II were significantly higher in the synovial fluid of patients than in controls (P < .05). TNF-alpha level was positively correlated with those of IL-6, sTNFR-I, and sTNFR-II. In particular, there was a highly significant positive correlation between sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II.

CONCLUSION

TNF and sTNFRs in the synovial fluid of patients with TMD may be important in the pathogenesis of these disorders.

Expression of mRNAs encoding receptors that mediate stress signals in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons of the mouse

Neurons that synthesize and secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) represent the neural control point for fertility modulation in vertebrates. As such GnRH neurons are ideally situated to integrate stress responses on reproduction. By isolating individual GnRH neurons from acute brain slices of adult female GnRH-EGFP transgenic mice and using microarray analyses, we have identified a range of transcripts encoding receptors known to be involved in stress responses in GnRH neurons. Prominent among these were receptors for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), vasopressin, interleukins, prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor alpha and other inflammatory mediators. We selected 4 of these targets [interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1Racc), prostaglandin E(2) receptor subtype EP2 (PGER2), CRH receptor type 1 (CRH-R1), and arginine-vasopressin receptor type 1b (AVP-R1b)] for validation using single-cell RT-PCR from individual GnRH neurons. In total, 54% of GnRH neurons (n = 26) were found to express at least 1 of these transcripts. The IL-1Racc, PGER2 and CRH-R1 mRNAs were each detected in approximately 25% of the GnRH neurons tested, but no evidence was found for AVP-R1b transcripts. Overlap was found between the expression of CRH-R1 and PGER2, and IL-1Racc and PGER2 in individual GnRH neurons. Dual immunofluorescence experiments confirmed the expression of CRH-R1/2 in a subpopulation ( approximately 30%) of GnRH neurons. These observations indicate that a variety of different stressors and stress pathways have the capacity to have an impact directly upon a subpopulation of GnRH neurons to influence the reproductive axis.

Immunohistochemical analysis of molecular biological factors in intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors and mucinous cystic tumors of the pancreas

BACKGROUND

To investigate the malignancy and differentiation of intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors (IPMTs) and mucinous cystic tumors (MCTs) of the pancreas, clinicopathologic characteristics and immunohistochemical features were analyzed.

METHODS

The clinicopathologic characteristics and immunohistochemical features of 24 patients with IPMT and 8 with MCT who underwent pancreatic resections at our hospital were examined. Immunohistochemical features analyzed included expression of p53 protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, integrins, interleukin-1 receptor type I, and hormone-associated receptors, and the factors correlated with malignancy were identified by multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among the IPMTs, there were 16 intraductal papillary adenomas, 5 intraductal papillary adenocarcinomas, and 3 moderate dysplasias. Among the MCTs, there were 6 mucinous cyst adenomas and 2 mucinous cyst adenocarcinomas. Multivariate analysis revealed that of the clinicopathologic characteristics, only the presence of mural nodules (odds ratio (OR) 7.12, P = 0.044) was independently correlated with the malignancy of IPMTs, and that of the immunohistochemical features, only alpha integrin subunit expression was independently correlated with malignancy of pancreatic mucinous tumors (OR 15.6, P = 0.036), especially IPMTs (OR 35.7, P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that alpha-containing integrin expression can be a significant marker of malignancy in pancreatic mucinous tumors.

Imbalance between interleukin-1 agonists and antagonists: relationship to severity of inflammatory bowel disease

Interleukin (IL)-1 is a key mediator in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Naturally occurring IL-1 modulators include IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-1 soluble receptor Type I (IL-1sRI), IL-1sRII and IL-1 receptor accessory protein (AcP). Systemic and mucosal levels of IL-1 soluble receptors remain unknown in IBD. Plasma or colonic tissues were obtained from 185 consecutive unselected patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) and from 52 control subjects. Plasma and colonic explant culture supernatants were assessed for IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1Ra, IL-1sRI and IL-1sRII. Plasma IL-1Ra levels were higher in UC (+93%) than in healthy subjects. IL-1alpha and IL-1beta were not detected. IL-1sRII levels were marginally lower in CD (-10%) and UC (-9%), whereas IL-1sRI levels were elevated in CD (+28%) only. Plasma IL-1sRI levels correlated positively (P < 0.01) with Crohn's disease activity index (r = 0.53), C-reactive protein (r = 0.46) and alpha1-acid glycoprotein (r = 0.42). In colonic explant cultures, IL-1alpha and IL-1Ra levels were elevated in non-lesional (+233% and +185% respectively) and lesional CD (+353% and +1069%), lesional UC (+604% and +1138%), but not in non-lesional UC. IL-1beta was elevated in lesional UC (+152%) and CD (+128%). In contrast, IL-1sRII levels were elevated in non-lesional CD (+65%), but remained unchanged in lesional CD, non-lesional and lesional UC. IL-1sRI levels did not differ between patient and control groups. These results indicate that (i) the proinflammatory moiety IL-1sRI is a systemic marker of inflammation and activity in CD and (ii) local shedding of the functional antagonist IL-1sRII may dampen colonic inflammation in CD, but not in UC.

Decreased interleukin-1 receptor antagonist response following moderate exercise in patients with colorectal carcinoma after primary treatment

Clinical and experimental studies have shown that a moderately increased physical activity level may have beneficial effects in terms of exercise conditioning, resistance to infection and decreased relative risk of cancer. Modulation of the innate and adaptive components of the immune system with a shift of cytokines and their antagonists to a more pro- and less anti-inflammatory response was found to be a prominent feature in non-tumor patients and healthy volunteers. As quantitative data concerning the cytokine/antagonist response following exercise are not available for tumor patients, we compared the effects of a post-operative rehabilitation program with moderate exercise (ME) intensity (0.55-0.65 x maximal aerobic power) with a program with low exercise (LE) intensity (0.30-0.40 x maximal aerobic power) in patients with curatively treated colorectal carcinoma (UICC II and III) measuring pro- (IL-1beta, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 receptor antagonist, sTNF receptors I and II). Twenty-three patients participated in this prospective trial, N = 13 in the ME group, N = 10 in the LE group. Exercise was performed daily 30-40 min for 2 weeks. Basal (circulating) and LPS-stimulated (phasic) cytokine and antagonist response was determined before exercise and after 1 and 2 weeks using appropriate ELISA tests. The LPS-stimulated interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) response in the ME group gradually decreased from 31,532.6 (160.0-70,028.0) to 18,033.0 pg/ml (5040.0-52,570.0) after one and to 22,892.0 pg/ml (6376.0-34,726.0) after 2 weeks (P < 0.05) with a concomitant decrease of the corresponding IL-1ra/IL-6 and IL-1ra/IL-1beta ratio: 2.51-1.41 and 4.1-3.1, respectively. In contrast, in the LE group LPS-stimulated cytokines and antagonists did not significantly change during exercise. Circulating cytokines and antagonists remained unchanged in both groups. In providing quantitative data in patients with curatively-treated colorectal cancer, we demonstrated that a short-term rehabilitation program with moderate exercise leads to a decreased LPS-induced antagonist response with a shift to a more pro-inflammatory state (decreased antagonist/cytokine ratio). Whether this change of the phasic immune response to moderate exercise may be clinically beneficial (decreased rates of infection, relapses and/or second tumours) is possible, but has to be investigated in long-term studies.

Altered Levels of the Soluble IL-1, IL-4 and TNF Receptors, as well as the IL-1 Receptor Antagonist, in Intermittent Allergic Rhinitis

BACKGROUND

The effects of cytokines are modulated by soluble cytokine receptors (SCR) and receptor antagonists. Therefore, allergic disease may depend on altered proportions between cytokines, their SCR and receptor antagonists, rather than absolute changes in cytokine levels. Little is known about SCR in intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR).

OBJECTIVE

To examine the concentrations of SCR, i.e. sIL-1R2, sIL-4R, sIL-6R and sTNFR1, as well as the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in nasal fluids from allergen-challenged patients with IAR and healthy controls.

METHODS

30 patients with birch- or grass-pollen-induced IAR and 30 healthy controls were studied. In the patients nasal fluids were obtained before as well as 1 and 6 h after allergen provocation.

RESULTS

Both symptom scores and rhinoscopic signs of rhinitis increased in the patients after allergen challenge. Comparisons between patients and controls showed that sIL-4R was lower in patients before and 1 and 6 h after provocation. IL-1Ra was lower before and 1 h after provocation. In addition, lower concentrations of sTNFR1 were found in patients after 1 h, while sIL-1R2 concentrations were higher after 1 h. Comparisons of patients before and after challenge showed that IL-1Ra and sTNFR1 decreased after 1 h, while sIL-1R2 increased. No significant differences were found compared to 6 h. sIL-6R did not significantly differ between the study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

After allergen challenge, significant changes in the nasal fluid levels of IL-1Ra, sIL-1R2 and sTNFR1 were found. By contrast, sIL-4R remained at lower levels than in controls both before and after challenge. Since sIL-4R modulates IgE synthesis, this may play a role in the pathogenesis of IAR.

Rat brain vascular distribution of interleukin-1 type-1 receptor immunoreactivity: relationship to patterns of inducible cyclooxygenase expression by peripheral inflammatory stimuli

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is thought to act on the brain to induce fever, neuroendocrine activation, and behavioral changes during disease through induction of prostaglandins at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, despite the fact that IL-1 beta induces the prostaglandin-synthesizing enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in brain vascular cells, no study has established the presence of IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) protein in these cells. Furthermore, although COX inhibitors attenuate expression of the activation marker c-Fos in the preoptic and paraventricular hypothalamus after administration of IL-1 beta or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), they do not alter c-Fos induction in other structures known to express prostaglandin receptors. The present study thus sought to establish whether IL-1R1 protein is present and functional in the rat cerebral vasculature. In addition, the distribution of IL-1R1 protein was compared to IL-1 beta- and LPS-induced COX-2 expression. IL-1R1-immunoreactive perivascular cells were mostly found in choroid plexus and meninges. IL-1R1-immunoreactive vessels were seen throughout the brain, but concentrated in the preoptic area, subfornical organ, supraoptic hypothalamus, and to a lesser extent in the paraventricular hypothalamus, cortex, nucleus of the solitary tract, and ventrolateral medulla. Vascular IL-1R1-ir was associated with an endothelial cell marker, not found in arterioles, and corresponded to the induction patterns of phosphorylated c-Jun and inhibitory-factor kappa B mRNA upon IL-1 beta stimulation, and colocalized with peripheral IL-1 beta- or LPS-induced COX-2 expression. These observations indicate that functional IL-1R1s are expressed in endothelial cells of brain venules and suggest that vascular IL-1R1 distribution is an important factor determining BBB prostaglandin-dependent activation of brain structures during infection.

Essential microenvironment for thymopoiesis is preserved in human adult and aged thymus

Normal human thymuses at various ages were immunohistologically examined in order to determine whether adult or aged thymus maintained the microenvironment for the T cell development and thymopoiesis was really ongoing. To analyze the thymic microenvironment, two monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) were employed. One is MoAb to IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) recognizing medullary and subcapsular cortical epithelial cells of normal infant human thymus. The other is UH-1 MoAb recognizing thymic epithelial cells within the cortex, which are negative with IL-1R-MoAb. Thymus of subjects over 20 years of age was split into many fragments and dispersed in the fatty tissue. However, the microenvironment of each fragment was composed of both IL-1R positive and UH-1 positive epithelial cells, and the UH-1 positive portion was populated with lymphocytes showing a follicle-like appearance. Lymphocytes in these follicle-like portions were mostly CD4⁺CD8⁺ double positive cells and contained many proliferating cells as well as apoptotic cells. Thus these follicle-like portions in adult and aged thymus were considered to be functioning as cortex as in infant thymus. Proliferative activity of thymocytes in the thymic cortex and the follicle-like portions definitely declined with advance of age, while incidence of apoptotic thymocytes increased with aging.

Analysis of chondrocyte functional markers and pericellular matrix components by flow cytometry

Flow cytometry has been used as a procedure to characterize the phenotype and function of human articular cartilage cells cultured as monolayers or in gelled artificial matrices. Procedures allowing intact cells with their cell-associated matrix, to be obtained have been described. Appropriate monoclonal antibodies have allowed plasma membrane-associated proteins, e.g., growth factors and cytokine receptors, as well as the cell-associated extracellular matrix macromolecules, to be studied. Intracellular compounds have been traced in permeabilized cells after blocking of their intracellular transport and secretion mechanisms. We report the use of fluorescent dye-labeled monoclonal antibodies or specific binding proteins against extracellular matrix compounds such as hyaluronan, aggrecan, types I and II collagen, and fibronectin. The autocrine and paracrine growth factor and cytokine pathways considered include the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)/IGF receptor I (IGFRI), and the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)/TGF-beta receptor II (TGF-betaRII) cascades, as well as the interleukin-1alpha/beta (IL-1alpha/beta)/interleukin-1 receptors I and II (IL-1RI and II) systems. Catabolic enzymes that mediate extracellular matrix turnover, e.g., some matrix metalloproteinases and their natural inhibitors, were also studied. Finally, flow cytometry was used to assess the results of some pharmacological interventions on the aforementioned variables in cultured chondrocytes.

Compartmentalisation of cytokines and cytokine inhibitors in ventilator-associated pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether cytokine concentrations change in the pulmonary compartment during the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

DESIGN

Non-directed bronchial lavage (NBL) was performed every 48 h in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients. Serial measurements of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10 and the cytokine inhibitors soluble TNFalpha receptor type I (sTNFalphaRI), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and soluble IL-1 receptor II (sIL-1RII) were performed on the NBL fluid and matching plasma samples by ELISA.

SETTING

An adult medical and surgical university hospital intensive care unit.

PATIENTS

Nine patients who developed VAP and nineteen patients who did not develop VAP served as controls.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

RESULTS

Plasma concentrations of the measured cytokines and cytokine inhibitors did not change significantly in any patients. In control patients, NBL fluid concentrations of sIL-1RII decreased significantly over time (P=0.01). In patients who developed VAP, NBL fluid concentrations of TNFalpha, sTNFalphaRI, IL-1alpha, and IL-1beta increased significantly (P=0.002, P=0.03, P=0.04 and P=0.02, respectively). Furthermore, NBL fluid/plasma concentration ratios for TNFalpha, sTNFalphaRI, IL-1alpha, IL-1Ra and IL-6 increased significantly as VAP developed (P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.04, P=0.03, and P=0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the production of important cytokines and cytokine inhibitors is compartmentalised within the lung in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients who develop VAP.

Distribution of interleukin-1 receptor in chicken and quail brain

Interleukin 1 isoforms (IL-1) are major regulators of vertebrate immune responses. In the mammalian CNS, this function is reflected in physiological and anatomical evidence implicating IL-1 in a suite of behaviors associated with sickness. Although birds show sickness behavior, a parallel role of IL-1 in birds has not been investigated. As proinflammatory effects of IL-1 are mediated via the IL-1 type I receptor (IL-1RI), we investigated the distribution of IL-1RI protein and mRNA after lipopolysaccharide challenge in brains of two avian species, the chicken and Japanese quail. In some respects, the neuroanatomic distribution of IL-1R mRNA and protein in chicken and Japanese quail resembled that reported in mammals and was consistent with its putative role in the physiology and behavior of sickness. For example, we found IL-1RI mRNA or IL-1RI immunoreactivity in lemnothalamic visual projection areas of the pallium, surrounding blood vessels in pallial areas, in the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, in the nucleus taenia, in cerebeller Purkinje cells and the motor components of the trigeminal and vagus nuclei. However, in contrast to mammals, we did not find evidence of IL1-RI receptors in medial or lateral pallial structures, paraventricular nucleus, areas homologous to the arcuate nucleus, the choroid plexus, organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis or the reticular activating system. The distribution of IL-1RI suggests that a role for IL-1 in sickness behavior is conserved in birds, but that roles in other putative mammalian functions (e.g. hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axes regulation, transport through barrier-related tissues, arousal) may differ.

Interleukin-1β, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, and interleukin-1 soluble receptor II in temporomandibular joint synovial fluid from patients with chronic polyarthritides

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), or soluble IL-1 receptor II (sIL-1RII) in synovial fluid or plasma is associated with joint pain or signs of tissue destruction in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement of polyarthritides.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-three patients with TMJ involvement of polyarthritides were included. TMJ resting pain, tenderness to palpation, pressure pain threshold, pain on mandibular movement, and anterior open bite were assessed. TMJ synovial fluid samples and plasma were obtained for analysis of IL-1beta, IL-1ra, and sIL-1RII.

RESULTS

IL-1beta was detected in 18% of the synovial fluid samples and in 44% of the plasma samples. The concentrations of IL-1ra in plasma were lower than in the synovial fluid, whereas the opposite condition was found for sIL-1-RII. IL-1ra in synovial fluid and plasma was associated with low intensity of TMJ pain. sIL-1RII in synovial fluid was associated with low degree of anterior open bite, whereas sIL-1RII in plasma was associated with widespread musculoskeletal pain, TMJ pain and tenderness, and decreased pressure pain threshold over the TMJ.

CONCLUSION

IL-1ra and sIL-1RII are present in different proportions in TMJ synovial fluid and blood plasma from patients with TMJ involvement of polyarthritis. Both of these molecules seem to influence the clinical features of these forms of TMJ inflammation.

[Effects of IL-1 receptor antagonist on the level of cytokine in the rat corneal grafts and aqueous humor after corneal transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

By detecting the expression of IL-1RI and TGF-beta(1) on the normal rat cornea and graft, and the amount of IL-1 beta in the aqueous humor of normal rat eye and the eye after keratoplasty, to investigate the relationship between these cytokines and graft rejection and to observe the effects of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) on graft rejection.

METHODS

All rats after keratoplasty were divided into five groups. Immunohistochemistry method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the expression of IL-1RI and TGF-beta(1) on the normal rat cornea and graft and the amount of IL- 1 beta in the aqueous humor of normal rat eye and the eye after keratoplasty at different time points: pre-rejection, acute-rejection and two weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

IL-1RI could be detected in normal rat cornea. TGF-beta(1) expressed mainly in the epithelium of normal cornea, especially the basal cell layer and the basement membrane. After keratoplasty, IL-1RI and TGF-beta(1) could be detected in the corneal epithelium, stroma and endothelium, and the level of expression decreased in sequence as negative control group, 50 micro g IL-1ra group, 100 micro g IL-1ra group, 200 micro g IL-1ra group and dexamethasone group. In the acute rejection period, the expression of IL-1RI and TGF-beta(1) in the 200 micro g IL-1ra group was less than that of the 50 micro g IL-1ra group, the difference was significant (P < 0.01). The expression of IL-1RI and TGF-beta(1) in the negative control group was higher than that of all experimental groups, the difference was significant (P < 0.01). IL-1 beta was detected in normal aqueous humor; the mean level was (96.0 +/- 11.3) ng/L. In the eye after keratoplasty, the IL-1 beta level increased significantly compared to normal aqueous humor (P < 0.01). In the acute rejection period, the quantity of IL-1 beta reached its peak at (552.2 +/- 68.3) ng/L in the negative control group, which was the highest quantity of IL-1 beta in all experimental groups (P < 0.01). The IL-1 beta level in all experimental groups in the pre-rejection period had no difference compared with that in the acute rejection period (P > 0.05), but the level of IL-1 beta in the pre-rejection and rejection periods was significantly different compared with that in the post-rejection period (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-1RI and TGF-beta(1) play a active role in the corneal graft immunogenic rejection. IL-1 beta is a key factor in starting corneal graft rejection. The keratoplasty graft rejecting reaction can be reduced and mean survival time can be prolonged by IL-1ra, which inhibits the expression of IL-1RI and TGF-beta(1) and decreases the level of IL-1 beta in the aqueous humor.

Comparison of inflammatory markers in patients with diabetes mellitus versus those without before and after coronary arterial stenting

Patients with diabetes are at increased risk for adverse events after coronary stenting, perhaps reflecting a pro-inflammatory state. To characterize the inflammatory response to coronary stenting in patients with and without diabetes, blood samples were obtained from 75 patients before stenting and 10 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours later. C-reactive protein (CRP, microg/ml), interleukin (IL)-6 (pg/ml), IL-1 receptor antagonist (pg/ml), and soluble CD40 ligand (ng/ml) were assayed in each sample by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Concentration changes after stenting were identified by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Multivariate analysis was performed to delineate independent predictors of increased concentrations of inflammation markers. Overall, 88% of patients had acute coronary syndromes; 36% had elevated markers of cardiac injury. The preprocedural concentrations of CRP in those with diabetes were more than twice as high as those in patients without diabetes. Two independent predictors of elevated preprocedural CRP concentrations were diabetes (odds ratio 3.95, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 13.4) and a cardiac marker-positive acute coronary syndrome (odds ratio 3.70, 95% confidence interval 1.22 to 11.2). Preprocedural concentrations of IL-6, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and soluble CD40 ligand tended to be greater in patients with diabetes. The increase in CRP after stenting was much greater for patients without diabetes compared with that in patients with diabetes such that the apparent intensity of inflammation after 24 hours was similar in those with and without diabetes. Thus, patients with and without diabetes exhibit different inflammatory responses to stenting, reflecting the lower preprocedural inflammation in those without diabetes versus those with diabetes.

Potential role of interleukin-1 at the peri-ovulation stage in a species of placental viviparous reptile, the three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides (Squamata: Scincidae)

We recently showed that interleukin-1 (IL-1) is secreted by the placenta of a species of squamate reptile, the three-toed skink, Chalcides chalcides. In this study, we used immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the expression of IL-1 (in the two isoforms, IL-1alpha and IL-1beta) and its specific membrane receptor IL-1 RtI in uterine oviduct during the peri-implantation period. We found that both IL-1 and its receptor were expressed in uterine tissues before and after ovulation (in the pre-ovulatory stage, even before the yolk had formed in the ovary). However, while IL-1alpha was mostly localized in the uterine mesenchyme tissue, IL-1beta and IL-1RtI were present in the uterine epithelium. Our data provide a further comparison between the reproduction of mammals and squamate reptiles.

Modulation of cytokine release from colonic explants by bacterial antigens in inflammatory bowel disease

The intestinal flora play an important role in experimental colitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using colonic explant cultures from 132 IBD and control subjects, we examined tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) production in vitro in response to bacterial activators. Unstimulated TNF-alpha release was increased significantly in rectal biopsies from involved IBD tissue, correlating with inflammation severity. Whereas lipopolysaccharide (LPS) only moderately stimulated TNF-alpha production from inflamed tissue, pokeweed mitogen (PWM) induced its release in all groups, with a stronger response in involved IBD tissue. Superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) had a similar, but weaker effect. SEB was observed to be the strongest inducer of TNF-alpha for all groups, again with a more marked response in inflamed tissue. Stimulated release of IL-1 was considerably less than for TNF-alpha. The superantigens' superior potency over LPS was not as marked for IL-1 as it was for TNF-alpha. In addition to IL-1, IL-1RA release was also triggered by the bacterial products. The net effect of activation on the IL-1RA/IL-1 ratio was relatively modest. Release of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1, as well as that of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1RA was increased by incubation of colonic tissue with bacterial factors. TNF-alpha production and release was increased significantly in involved colonic explants from IBD. SEB was even capable of inducing TNF-alpha release from uninvolved colonic tissue.

Inflammatory events are involved in acne lesion initiation

The earliest subclinical acne "lesion" is a microcomedone, of which hyperproliferation of the follicular epithelium is a characteristic feature. Inflammatory cells have been observed at the periphery of these "lesions". This study investigated whether inflammatory events occur pre or post hyperproliferative changes. Cellular, vascular, and proliferative markers were examined by immunohistochemical techniques on biopsies of clinically normal follicles from uninvolved skin and early inflamed lesions from acne patients. Control follicles were obtained from non-acne subjects. Follicles from uninvolved skin exhibited no microcomedonal features. Proliferation in the epithelium was comparable to controls and was significantly lower than in inflamed lesions. Numbers of CD3+, CD4+ T cells were elevated in the perifollicular and papillary dermis although levels were not equivalent to those in papules. The number of macrophages was also greatly increased and similar to those in papules. There were no changes in blood vessel numbers or vascular intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression but E-selectin expression was increased to levels found in papules and vascular adhesion molecule 1 levels were upregulated. Levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 were also upregulated perifollicularly. Moreover, aberrant integrin expression was demonstrated in the epidermis around these uninvolved follicles and inflamed lesions whereas the basement membrane was still intact. These results provide novel evidence for vascular endothelial cell activation and involvement of inflammatory responses in the very earliest stages of acne lesion development.

Intracellular interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in osteoarthritis chondrocytes

The objective of the current study was to determine whether the balance of interleukin-1 and intracellular interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in chondrocytes in osteoarthritic human joints favors agonist action. Chondrocytes were isolated from cartilage specimens taken at the time of joint arthroplasty. Interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-1beta, and intracellular interleukin-1 receptor antagonist messenger ribonucleic acids were assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and chondrocyte lysates were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the respective proteins. Type I intracellular interleukin receptor antagonist transcripts were the only intracellular variant detected in osteoarthritis chondrocytes. In cartilage graded as advanced osteoarthritis both interleukin proteins in chondrocyte lysates decreased, correlating with decreased interleukin-1alpha and beta messenger ribonucleic acids. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist exceeded interleukin-1alpha in chondrocyte lysates by one order of magnitude except that in moderate osteoarthritis, antagonist was only two- to fourfold in excess. Interleukin-1alpha and interleukin-1beta proteins were correlated closely in individual lysates, with interleukin-1beta exceeding interleukin-1beta by one order of magnitude. In moderately degenerated cartilage, intracellular antagonist may not be sufficiently abundant to block postulated intracellular functions of precursor interleukin-1alpha. Furthermore, if stored interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin receptor antagonist are released from chondrocytes, the localized antagonist would be insufficient to prevent signaling through cell surface receptors. Chondrocyte-derived interleukin-1alpha and interleukin-1beta may locally overwhelm inhibition by interleukin receptor antagonist to promote the early degenerative changes in osteoarthritis.

Interleukin-1beta does not contribute to genetic strain-based differences in iNOS expression and activity in chicken macrophages

The expression of IL-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) from iNOS hypo (GB2, B(6)B(6)) and hyper (K-strain, B(15)B(15)) responder chickens was examined. Compared to GB2, macrophages from K-strain expressed higher iNOS mRNA as quantitated by reverse transcriptase polymerase (RT-PCR) chain reaction after stimulation with 1 microgram/ml of Escherichia coli (E. coli) lipopolysaccharide (LPS). On the contrary, IL-1beta mRNA expression was comparable between K and GB2 macrophages at 3h post-LPS stimulation but persisted up to 9h only in GB2 macrophages. The LPS-inducible interleukin-1 (IL-1) surface receptor expression, measured by flow cytometry, was higher in GB2 than on K-strain macrophages. Blocking of IL-1 receptor by the anti-IL-1 receptor antibody reduced the LPS-mediated iNOS expression by 50% as quantified by competitive RT-PCR. Furthermore, iNOS activity (nitrite) was also reduced to 50%. However, this magnitude of inhibition was similar in both K and GB2 macrophages. While these observations suggest that IL-1beta is involved in mediating LPS-induced iNOS expression and activity, the differential response of GB1 and K-strain macrophages in terms of LPS-induced iNOS expression and activity is unlikely to be modulated by IL-1beta.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-converting enzyme: its role in community-acquired pneumonia

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid recovered from infected and uninvolved lungs of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP; n=16) on day 6+/-0.8 was analyzed for cytokine, soluble receptor, and antagonist levels. The role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE) in the resolution of the local inflammatory response was investigated. TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 were elevated in the infected versus uninvolved lobe, whereas IL-10 was not. Epithelial lining fluid (ELF) cytokine levels correlated with intracellular cytokine expression. Levels of proTNF-alpha were reciprocally related to TNF-alpha ELF levels. Levels of soluble receptors, generated by TACE cleavage of membrane-bound precursors, were compartmentalized to infected ELF. TACE was down-regulated by internalization in cells from the site of infection. These data demonstrate that, in vivo during CAP, TACE has a role in regulating resolution of the local inflammatory response by modulating levels of pro- and counterinflammatory mediators.

Interleukin-1 receptor immunoreactivity in sympathetic vascular and non-vascular neurons in guinea-pig coeliac ganglion

Immunoreactivity (IR) for the interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL1RI) was examined in sympathetic neurons in guinea-pig coeliac ganglion using multiple-labelling immunofluorescence. IL1RI-IR was present in 8% of sympathetic neurons in untreated preparations. The proportion of neurons with IL1RI-IR increased significantly after incubation in interleukin-6 (200 ng/ml) for 2-4 h (16-26% neurons), or after incubation for 4 h without cytokine (16%), with interleukin-1beta (IL1beta, 200 ng/ml; 18%) or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (200 ng/ml; 16%). This increase occurred predominantly in neuropeptide Y-IR, vasoconstrictor neurons. IL1RI-IR also was present in varicose axons, some of which projected from the gut, and in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelium. These potential binding sites for the proinflammatory cytokine, IL1beta, on vasoconstrictor neurons and blood vessels may modulate sympathetic regulation of intestinal blood flow in inflammatory conditions.

Immunohistological analysis of thymoma by molecules differentially expressed in the thymic cortex and medulla, and its application in the differential diagnosis of thymoma from esophageal and lung cancer

The purpose of this study was to verify the WHO classification of thymic tumors using immunohistological methods, and to discover whether these methods can be applied to differentiate thymoma from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus and the lung. Twenty-nine thymoma cases were classified according to WHO and were then immunohistologically examined for the positivity of these molecules. All thymoma cases investigated in this study were positive for IL-1R, and most of them were also positive for bek. In contrast, UH-1 was highly positive in B1 and B2 type thymomas, but negative or weakly positive in A, AB and B3 type thymomas. Twelve esophageal cancers and 21 lung cancers were also examined for the positivity of the same molecules. All esophageal cancers were negative for UH-1. Three of 12 cases were weakly positive for IL-1R, and four of these 12 cases were also weakly positive for bek. Twelve of 21 lung cancer cases were adenocarcinomas, all of them negative for IL-1R, bek and UH-1. Nine of 21 lung cancer cases were SCCs, all of them negative for UH-1. Eight of nine SCC cases were strongly positive for IL-1R, while seven of these were weakly positive for bek. We conclude that the WHO classification of thymic tumors is still valid as demonstrated by immunohistological analysis and that the positivity of UH-1, IL- 1R and bek might be helpful in differentiating thymoma from SCC of the esophagus and the lung.

Cytokine balance in the lungs of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) involves an intense inflammatory response in the lungs, with accumulation of both pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Our goal was to determine how the balance between pro- and antiinflammatory mediators in the lungs changes before and after the onset of ARDS. We identified 23 patients at risk for ARDS and 46 with established ARDS and performed serial bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). We used immunoassays to measure tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and soluble TNF-alpha receptors I and II; interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-1 beta receptor antagonist, and soluble IL-1 receptor II; IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor; and IL-10. We used sensitive bioassays to measure net TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 activity. Although individual cytokines increased before and after onset of ARDS, greater increases occurred in cognate receptors and/or antagonists, so that molar ratios of agonists/antagonists declined dramatically at the onset of ARDS. The molar ratios remained low for 7 d or longer, limiting the activity of soluble IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in the lungs at the onset of ARDS. This significant antiinflammatory response early in ARDS may provide a key mechanism for limiting the net inflammatory response in the lungs.

Alteration of integrins by interleukin-1alpha in human pancreatic cancer cells

INTRODUCTION

Adhesion of tumor cells to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins plays an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis.

AIMS

To investigate the expression of integrins in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and its alteration by interleukin (IL)-1alpha to examine the mechanism of adhesion of metastatic human pancreatic cancer cells to ECM proteins.

METHODOLOGY

The expression of integrin subunits and their alteration by IL-1alpha were examined by flow-cytometric analysis and cellular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in three metastatic human pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPC-1, BxPC-3, and SW1990) and two nonmetastatic cancer cell lines (PaCa-2 and PANC-1). In addition, assays of cancer cell adhesion to ECM proteins were performed to investigate if increased integrin expression actually affected the adhesive interaction between cancer cells and the putative integrin ECM ligands.

RESULTS

The alpha(6) subunit expressed in metastatic cancer cells was enhanced by IL-1alpha. Metastatic cancer cells also showed preferential adherence to laminin compared with nonmetastatic cancer cells, and this was enhanced by IL-1alpha.

CONCLUSION

In pancreatic cancer, the enhancement of alpha(6)beta(1) integrin by IL-1alpha through IL-1 receptor type I, as well as the expression of alpha(6)beta(1) integrin, plays an important role in metastasis formation.

Cycle-dependent expression of interleukin-1 receptor type II in the human endometrium

Cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) play a major role in the reparative and inflammatory-like processes that occur in human endometrium during every menstrual cycle, but they also seem to be implicated in critical reproductive events such as ovulation and implantation. Interleukin-1 is tightly regulated in the body by a complex network of control systems. In the present study, we examined the expression of IL-1RII, a natural specific inhibitor of IL-1, in the human endometrium and found an interesting distribution and temporal pattern of expression throughout the menstrual cycle. Immunoreactive IL-1RII was found in stromal as well as epithelial cells, but it was predominant within the lumen of the glands and the apical side of surface epithelium. In situ hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses showed higher levels of mRNA in epithelial than in stromal cells. The IL-1RII cellular and luminal secretion followed a regulated cycle phase-dependent pattern of expression. Although elevated in the late proliferative/early secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, IL-1RII luminal secretion significantly decreased in the midsecretory phase, reaching its lowest levels at Day 21, before augmenting markedly again during the late secretory phase. This pattern of expression was less obvious at the level of cellular staining, as examined by immunohistochemistry, but it was corroborated by Western blot analysis of IL-1RII protein and semiquantitative RT-PCR of IL-1RII mRNA in the whole endometrial tissue and separated glandular epithelial cells. The reduced expression of IL-1RII within the implantation window suggests the existence of accurate regulatory mechanisms that, by down-regulating IL-1RII expression, alleviate IL-1 inhibition during this crucial period and facilitate IL-1 proimplantation actions. The elevated expression of IL-1RII observed during the late secretory phase suggests an involvement of IL-1RII in control of the proinflammatory state that takes place in the endometrium during the premenstrual and menstrual periods.

Synovial fluid cytokine levels in Behçet's disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the synovial fluid levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2r) and IL-8 in patients with Behçet's disease (BD) and to compare them to levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

The cytokine levels of BD (n = 14), RA (n = 15) and OA (n = 15) patients were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent method.

RESULTS

Median synovial IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels were higher in RA compared to BD and OA patients. IL-1 beta levels were also higher in BD than OA whereas TNF levels were similar in these two groups. IL-1ra and TGF-beta activity in BD were higher than OA but lower than RA. sIL-2r and IL-8 levels were increased in BD and RA in comparison to OA patients.

CONCLUSION

The arthritis of BD is non-erosive and accordingly, its synovial fluid contains lower levels of cytokines primarily involved in cartilage destruction, namely IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, than RA. IL-1ra and TGF might serve as protective factors against erosion in the inflamed joints. High synovial fluid levels of sIL-2r and IL-8 probably reflect a non-specific inflammatory process.

Epidermal growth factor inhibits 8-Br-cAMP-induced decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells

The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on human endometrial stromal cells have not been characterized well, although production of EGF in endometrial epithelial and stromal cells and expression of EGF receptors in endometrial stromal cells have been reported. We investigated the effects of EGF on endometrial cell viability, 8-Br-cAMP-induced stromal decidualization, and prolactin secretion from decidualized endometrial stromal cells using an in vitro decidualization activity assay of human endometrial stromal cells. EGF did not show any significant effects on viable cell numbers of nondecidualized and 8-Br-cAMP-induced decidualized cells. Prolactin release from the 8-Br-cAMP-induced decidualized cells was not affected by EGF. However, EGF dose-dependently inhibited prolactin release from the stromal cells that were in the process of decidualization by co-stimulation with 8-Br-cAMP and EGF, though there was no significant change in viable cell numbers of the 8-Br-cAMP-stimulated decidualizing cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that 8-Br-cAMP enhanced EGF receptor expression on the endometrial stromal cells. These results indicate that endometrial EGF inhibits decidualization through autocrine/paracrine mechanisms.

Human milk anti-inflammatory component contents during acute mastitis

Mastitis is a common complication of human lactation. We examined milk specimens from eight women with clinical mastitis to determine their content of anti-inflammatory components. Antioxidant activity (spontaneous cytochrome c reducing activity), selected pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1beta), selected endogenous cytokine control molecules (sIL-6R, sIL-1RII, and sTNFRI), lactoferrin, Na(+):K(+) ratios, and milk bioactivities that cause shedding of sIL-1RII from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), suppress PMN aggregation, and suppress PMN adherence responses were not increased compared to normal milks. Neither the bioactivities that deplete PMN intracellular Ca(2+) stores nor those that block Ca(2+) influx into fMLP-stimulated PMN were significantly increased in mastitis milks. In contrast, levels of TNFalpha, sTNFRII, and IL-1RA and bioactivities that cause shedding of sTNFRI from human PMN were significantly increased compared to normal milks. Mastitis milk has the same anti-inflammatory components and characteristics of normal milk, with elevations in selected components/activities that may help protect the nursing infant from developing clinical illness due to feeding on mastitis milk.

The inflammatory response following delivery is amplified in women who previously suffered from major depression, suggesting that major depression is accompanied by a sensitization of the inflammatory response system

BACKGROUND

There is now evidence that some patients with major depression show an activation of the inflammatory response system (IRS). This study was carried out to examine whether major depression may induce sensitization with increased IRS responses to the stress of child birth.

METHODS

Serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), the soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), sgp130 (the IL-6 signal transducing protein) and the sIL-1R antagonist (sIL-1RA) were determined in 16 and 50 women with and without a lifetime history of major depression, respectively. Blood was collected 3-6 days before delivery and 1 and 3 days after delivery. On each occasion the women completed the Zung Depression Rating Scale (ZDS).

RESULTS

Serum IL-6, sIL-6R, sIL-1RA were significantly higher 1 and 3 days after delivery than before. Women who had suffered from a lifetime history of major depression had greater increases in serum IL-6 and sIL-1RA in the early puerperium than women without a lifetime history. Women who had suffered from a lifetime history of major depression had significantly higher IL-6, and sIL-1RA concentrations 1 and 3 days after delivery than women with a negative life-time history.

CONCLUSIONS

The responses of IL-6 and sIL-1RA following delivery are amplified in women who previously suffered from major depression. The results suggest that major depression is accompanied by a sensitization of the IRS.

Age-related regional difference of interleukin-1 expression in rat brain after lipopolysaccharide treatment

Aging is associated with altered immune responses including dysregulation of cytokine production. Of cytokines, interleukin-1 (IL-1) family has been primarily involved with central nervous system. To evaluate the age-related different response of IL-1 family following peripheral administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), immunohistochemical study of IL-1beta and IL-1 receptor expression was performed on Sprague-Dawley rat brain. Experimental animals were divided into four groups; saline-treated young (3-5 months) and old (over 24 months), and LPS-treated young and old groups. After intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of LPS, three to five rats within each group were killed at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 hr. After fixation in 4% neutral buffered formalin, the brain slices were paraffin-embedded. Immunohistochemical staining using labelled streptavidin biotin was performed. The results showed that IL-1beta immunoreactivity was seen in the endothelial cell of pons in both LPS-treated young and old rats, with slightly longer persistency in old group. IL-1RI immunoreactivity appeared initially in the neurons of cerebral cortex in LPS-treated old group, compared with predominantly the cerebellum in LPS-treated young group. In conclusion, our study shows that there is age-related, different neuronal localization of IL-1RI expression at different points of time after LPS treatment.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in ascites indicates acute graft rejection after pediatric liver transplantation

Acute graft rejection is one of the most frequent complications after pediatric liver transplantation (LTx). In clinical practice, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate acute cellular graft rejection from other complications because clinical and chemical findings are often nonspecific. We therefore investigated the value of cytokine quantification in drained ascites, in addition to quantification of cytokine concentrations of serum, in 30 children in the first 2 weeks after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Six of 30 patients showed acute graft rejection, with rising levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alpha-glutathione-S-transferase (alpha-GST) in serum up to 24 h prior to biopsy-proven rejection. There were no significant elevations of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2r) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and ascites. In contrast to these findings, the concentration in ascites of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) increased 48 h before rejection was proven by liver biopsy (p < 0.01, in comparison with the non-rejecting group, n = 24). The IL-1ra concentration in ascites was up to 11-fold higher than in serum during rejection (15.43 vs. 1.38 ng/mL). Two children with early infectious complication showed no significant increase in ascitic IL-1ra concentration. We conclude from these data that quantification of IL-1ra in ascites indicates the start of graft rejection after LTx. As long as abdominal drainage is performed, this non-invasive procedure may be of additional value in differential diagnoses and early diagnosis of rejection.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist expression in human endothelial cells and atherosclerosis

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 is expressed mainly within the endothelium of atherosclerotic plaques and may be linked with inflammatory mechanisms of atherogenesis. IL-1 action is complex and regulated in part by its naturally occurring inhibitor, the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). Therefore, we studied differential and specific isoform expression of IL-1ra in the endothelium of diseased coronary arteries and in endothelial cells (ECs) stimulated under defined conditions. In view of an association with IL-1ra gene (IL-1RN) polymorphism, the influence of endothelial cell genotype at IL-1RN on IL-1ra protein production was also examined. Secreted IL-1ra and intracellular IL-1ra mRNAs were detected by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in human atherosclerotic and dilated cardiomyopathic coronary arteries; protein expression appeared increased in atherosclerotic compared with dilated cardiomyopathic arteries, where IL-1ra appeared to be confined to the endothelium. Only intracellular IL-1ra type I mRNA was detected in human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) and human coronary artery ECs (HCAECs) when they were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide/phorbol myristate acetate and transforming growth factor-beta. IL-1beta and IL-1alpha were without effect. IL-1ra protein was detected in HUVECs (intracellular IL-1ra), HCAECs (intracellular IL-1ra), and human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (intracellular IL-1ra) by immunoprecipitation and Western blot. IL-1ra was detected in HUVEC cell lysates by ELISA and appeared to be influenced by the genotype of the IL-1RN variable number tandem repeat, an 86-bp repeat polymorphism in intron 2 of the IL-1ra gene, with lower levels of IL-1ra produced by IL-1RN allele 2-containing cells (ratio of IL-1ra to total protein: for 1,1 homozygotes, 1.38+/-0.28x10(-9) [n=15]; for 1,2 heterozygotes, 0.81+/-0.17x10(-9) [n=8]; and for 2,2 homozygotes, 0.63+/-0.19x10(-9) [n=5]; P<0.05 compared with 1,1 homozygotes). This is the first demonstration of IL-1ra in human diseased arteries, stimulated HUVECs, and HCAECs and indicates the endothelial cell as an important source. Endothelial IL-1ra production may be controlled by the endothelial IL-1RN genotype. These data further support the role of the IL-1 system of cytokines in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Effects of early inhaled beclomethasone therapy on tracheal aspirate inflammatory mediators IL-8 and IL-1ra in ventilated preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia

We tested the hypothesis that inhaled beclomethasone therapy for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) reduces pulmonary inflammation. As part of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) concentrations in tracheal aspirates were measured as markers of pulmonary inflammation. On study days 1 (baseline), 8, 15, and day 28 of age, samples were obtained from enrolled infants (birth weights <1,251 g, gestational age <33 week, 3 to 14 days of age) who remained ventilated and had not received systemic glucocorticoid therapy. Cytokine levels (pg/microg of free secretory component of immunoglobulin A) were compared between groups. We determined whether baseline cytokine levels modified treatment effect regarding subsequent need for systemic glucocorticoid therapy or occurrence of BPD (age 28 days). Tracheal aspirates were obtained from 161 infants (77 receiving beclomethasone, 84 receiving placebo). Median IL-8 levels were lower in beclomethasone versus placebo infants on study days 8 (82.9 vs. 209.2, P < 0.01) and 15 (37.4 vs. 77.4, P < 0.03) after controlling for antenatal glucocorticoid therapy and maternal race. Median IL-1ra levels were lower in beclomethasone versus placebo infants only on study day 8 (86.5 vs. 153.3, P < 0.01). Fewer beclomethasone infants with baseline IL-8 levels in the interquartile range required systemic glucocorticoid therapy (beclomethasone 30.6% vs. placebo 65.8%, P < 0.01) or developed BPD (beclomethasone 42.4% vs. placebo 69.4%, P < 0.03). We conclude that early-inhaled beclomethasone therapy was associated with a reduction in pulmonary inflammation after 1 week of therapy. Beclomethasone-treated infants with moderately elevated baseline IL-8 levels received less subsequent systemic glucocorticoid therapy and had a lower incidence of BPD than nontreated infants.

Induction of intracellular interleukin-1 beta signals via type II interleukin-1 receptor in human gingival fibroblasts

The type II interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1RII) has been thought to be incapable of transducing signals to cells because of its short intracellular domain, while type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1RI) does transduce signals. Since over-expression of IL-1RII has been demonstrated to inhibit cytokine production in the fibroblastic cell line, it has been proposed to use IL-1RII to prevent IL-1-induced inflammation in connective tissue. In this study, trace amounts of IL-1RII mRNA expression were detected in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), which are affected by cytokines in inflammatory periodontal disease. Cloning of the cDNA encoding IL-1RII expressed in HGFs revealed 3 amino acid substitutions in the extracellular domain, when compared with the 408 residues predicted from human B-cells. Over-expression of IL-1RII on HGFs by gene transfer down-regulated the expression of IL-1 beta mRNA and IL-6 mRNA in response to IL-1 beta stimulation, while the expression of IL-8 mRNA was not affected. In the IL-1RII-transfected HGFs, phosphorylation of 25- and 74-kDa proteins was up-regulated upon IL-1 beta stimulation in the transfected HGFs. The phosphorylation of these proteins was suppressed by the addition of a neutralizing antibody against IL-1RII. These results suggest that the IL-1RII may regulate HGFs expression of cytokine mRNA upon IL-1 beta stimulation, possibly by altering the IL-1RI-dependent signals.

ELISA for bovine interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and its application to mastitic sera and whey

A sandwich ELISA for the bovine IL-1 receptor antagonist (bIL-1ra) was developed using recombinant (r) bIL-1ra produced by Escherichia coli, anti-rbIL-1ra rabbit IgG, its biotinylated one and avidin-peroxidase. This ELISA system enabled detection of rbIL-1ra at a concentration of more than 2 ng/ml. This ELISA was applied to quantitation of bIL-1ra in sera and whey of mastitic and healthy cows. The results indicate that although IL-1ra levels in healthy and mastitic sera and whey were comparable, serum IL-1ra/IL-1beta ratio of euthanized cows was significantly lower than that of the recovered.