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Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (inducible + nitric_oxide_synthase)
Terms modified by Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Selected AbstractsRole of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Skeletal Adaptation to Acute Increases in Mechanical Loading,,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2002Makoto Watanuki M.D. Abstract To clarify the role of nitric oxide (NO) in regulation of bone metabolism in response to skeletal loading, we examined inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene knockout mice in the tail-suspension model. Histomorphometric analyses of proximal tibias revealed that 7 days of tail suspension decreased the bone volume (BV/TV) and bone formation rate (BFR/BS) and increased the osteoclast surface (Oc.S/BS) in mice with all iNOS genotypes. Both iNOS+/+ and iNOS+/, mice responded to subsequent 14-day reloading, with increases in BV/TV and BFR/BS and a decrease in Oc.S/BS, whereas these responses were abolished in iNOS,/, mice. The osteoblasts flattened after tail suspension appeared cuboidal during subsequent reloading. Immunoreactivity for iNOS was detected in these osteoblasts and osteocytes by immunohistochemistry. These defective responses after reloading were rescued in iNOS,/, mice by treatment with an NO donor nitroglycerine (NG). Conversely, the responses in iNOS+/+ mice were inhibited by treatment with an NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (AG). In bone marrow cell cultures, mineralized nodules derived from iNOS,/, mice after reloading were significantly reduced. Taken together, our results suggest that NO generated by iNOS in osteoblasts plays a critical role in adjusting bone turnover and increasing osteogenic activity in response to the acute increase in mechanical loading after tail suspension. [source] Lycopene Inhibits LPS-Induced Proinflammatory Mediator Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Mouse Macrophage CellsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007Mohamed M. Rafi ABSTRACT:, Lycopene is a fat-soluble red-orange carotenoid found primarily in tomatoes and tomato-derived products, including tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ketchup, and other dietary sources, including dried apricots, guava, watermelon, papaya, and pink grapefruit. In this study, we have demonstrated the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of lycopene using a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). Treatment with lycopene (10 ,M) inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production (40% compared with the control). Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that lycopene treatment decreased LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein and mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 cells, respectively. These results suggest that lycopene has anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting iNOS proteins and mRNA expressions in mouse macrophage cell lines. Furthermore, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and mRNA expression were not affected by treatment with lycopene. [source] Expression of zebrafish nos2b surrounds oral cavityDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 6 2008Kar-Lai Poon Abstract Inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) catalyzes the production of nitric oxide (NO), and is one of the factors establishing innate immunity. In zebrafish, Nos2 is represented by nos2a and nos2b. Here, we report the cloning and expression pattern of the zebrafish nos2b gene, which does not seem to participate in induced immune response. nos2b was mapped to zebrafish linkage group 15. The spatial and temporal expression pattern of nos2b in embryonic zebrafish was analyzed by whole-mount in situ hybridization. nos2b is expressed constitutively in two primordia located along the ventral midline. The first group of cells contributes to the neurohypophysis. Initially at the level of the ventral hindbrain, the second group of cells migrates closely with the thyroid primordium to its final position at the basihyal by 3 dpf. Thus, the analysis of expression pattern of nos2b reveals complex morphogenetic movements resulting in its expression surrounding the oral cavity. Developmental Dynamics 237:1662,1667, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Nitric oxide and p53 in cancer-prone chronic inflammation and oxyradical overload disease,ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 1 2004Julie E. Goodman Abstract Nitric oxide (NO·), which is generated under chronic inflammatory conditions that predispose individuals to cancer, has paradoxical effects. NO· can activate p53, which can result in anti-carcinogenic effects, or it can be mutagenic and increase cancer risk. We explored the mechanisms by which NO· induced p53 activation in vitro and found that NO· induced p53 accumulation and phosphorylation, particularly at ser-15, via ATM and ATR kinases, which then led to cell cycle arrest at G2/M. We next examined proteins in these pathways in both inflamed and normal human colon tissue. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels and p53-P-ser15 levels were positively correlated with the degree of inflammation and with each other. Additionally, the p53 targets, HDM-2 and p21 (WAF1), were present in ulcerative colitis (UC) colon, but undetectable in normal colon, consistent with activated p53. We also found higher p53 mutant frequencies of both G:C , A:T transitions at the CpG site of codon 248 and C:G , T:A transitions at codon 247 in lesional colon tissue from UC cases versus nonlesional tissue from these cases or colon tissue from normal adult controls. Consistent with nitrosative stress and the deamination of 5-methylcytosine, p53 mutations were also detected in sporadic colon cancer tissue and were associated with iNOS activity in these tissues. These studies identified a potential mechanistic link between NO· and p53 in UC and sporadic colon cancer. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 44:3,9, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Helicobacter pylori Infection Increases Serum Nitrate and Nitrite More Prominently Than Serum PepsinogensHELICOBACTER, Issue 1 2002Kanji Kodama Abstract Background.Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic gastritis and results in increased serum concentrations of pepsinogens I and II as well as gastrin, while the ratio of pepsinogen I to II (I : II) is decreased. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is induced in H. pylori -associated gastritis and may modulate inflammation. However serum nitrate and nitrite (NOx) concentrations in patients with H. pylori -induced chronic gastritis have not been reported. We examined differences in serum NOx between H. pylori -negative and positive volunteers relative to differences in pepsinogens and gastrin. Materials and methods. Sera from 80 healthy asymptomatic volunteers younger than 36 years were analyzed for anti- H. pylori antibody, NOx, gastrin and pepsinogens. Results. In H. pylori antibody-positive subjects serum NOx concentrations were higher than in negative subjects (p < .005). In H. pylori -negative subjects, NOx correlated with pepsinogen II (r = .405, p < .05). In subjects with low pepsinogen I or II, NOx was higher in H. pylori -positive than negative subjects (p < .001). In subjects with high pepsinogen I : II (6 or higher), serum NOx was higher in H. pylori -positive than in negative subjects. Conclusions.H. pylori -induced gastritis increases serum NOx concentrations more prominently than those of pepsinogen. In H. pylori -negative subjects, serum correlates with serum pepsinogen II. [source] Poster Sessions CP08: Signal TransductionJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2002G. Taglialatela Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and high levels of nitric oxide (NO) are present in the CNS of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), resulting in both DNA and protein oxidative damage. While iNOS can result in damaging levels of NO, the neuronal constitutive form of NOS (nNOS) has a role in cell signalling and can prevent neuronal apoptosis. iNOS can be induced by inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis alpha (TNF,). TNF, is found in the CNS of AD, where neurons dependent on neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor (NGF) are particularly affected. Here we determined the effect of TNF, on the three NOS isoforms (endothelial, neuronal and inducible) in NGF-responsive PC12 cells. We found that while TNF, and NGF alone were uneffective, their simultaneous addition resulted in iNOS induction and the release of NO. In addition TNF, and NGF synergistically reduced nNOS, independently of the presence of high NO levels promoted by iNOS, while no effect was observed on eNOS. A similar pattern was observed in the brain of aged human subjects as compared to young individuals. Our results suggest that synergistic iNOS induction by TNF, and NGF may occur in selective populations of NGF-responsive neurons. Oxidative damage in such neurons could then occur in the presence of elevated levels of TNF,, that potentially occur in the brain of AD patients. This damaging scenario may further be aggravated by a concomitant reduction of nNOS, brought about by similar synergistic effects between TNF, and NGF. Acknowledgements:, Supported by NIA (AG13945) and Sealy Res. Dev. grants to GT. [source] Effect of adamantylamide dipeptide as adjuvant therapy to praziquantel in mice infected with different S. mansoni isolates,APMIS, Issue 7-8 2006SANAA BOTROS This work investigated the possible use of AdDP as adjuvant therapy to praziquantel (PZQ) in mice infected with PZQ-insusceptible Schistosoma mansoni isolate in a trial to increase the susceptibility of this isolate to the drug. Two batches of C57 BL/6 mice were infected with PZQ-susceptible and -insusceptible S. mansoni isolates, and each batch was divided into five groups. Seven weeks postinfection, the experimental group received AdDP (5 mg/kg) in addition to PZQ in reduced dose (3×100 mg/kg). Three of the remaining four groups were treated controls; they received AdDP, PZQ in reduced dose and in full dose (2×500 mg/kg), and the fourth group was infected untreated. In mice infected with PZQ-susceptible or -insusceptible S. mansoni isolate, praziquantel alone, and in addition to AdDP, reduced worm and egg loads and increased percentage dead eggs. Also, they improved the histopathological changes (reduction in granuloma diameter, percentage fibrotic area with increased percentage degenerated eggs). Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO) in culture of peritoneal macrophages, and number of CD68-positive cells were decreased with improved alanine amino transaminase. In mice receiving combined therapy AdDP+PZQ, the antischistosomal efficacy and the reductions in the inflammatory granulomatous reactions, NO in cultured peritoneal macrophages, percentage fibrotic areas recorded, were comparable to that in mice receiving full dose of PZQ, with significantly higher reduction in CD68 cells denoting enhanced antischistosomal efficacy and healing of the inflammatory reactions in the liver. [source] Increased inducible nitric oxide synthase in lung carcinoma of smokersCANCER, Issue 2 2008George G. Chen MD Abstract BACKGROUND. Cigarette smoking is well known to play an important role in the development of lung cancer. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) can either promote or inhibit cell proliferation and growth, which makes its role in the development of malignant tumors controversial. The relation between cigarette smoking and iNOS in human lung cancer is unknown. METHODS. The study examined the levels of iNOS/NO in nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues of smokers and nonsmokers and in NSCLC cells (NCI-H23) treated by 4-(N-Methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), a potent tobacco-specific carcinogen. RESULTS. The level of iNOS/NO was significantly higher in lung cancer tissues of smokers than that of nonsmokers. Unlike iNOS/NO, the activity of caspase-3 was reduced in the former compared with the latter. The expression of the cleaved caspase-3 was deceased in NCI-H23 cells treated with S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), an NO donor, whereas treatment with NG-methyl-L-arginine (NMA), an NO inhibitor, caused an increase in cleaved caspase-3. Consistent with the change in caspase-3, SNAP treatment inhibited cell death induced by UCN01, a potent cell death-inducer. NMA treatment greatly enhanced the sensitivity of the cells to UCN01. Further, the cells treated by NNK showed an increase in iNOS protein, accompanied by an elevation of cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS. The study demonstrates that cigarette smoking promotes the level of iNOS/NO but suppresses the activity of caspase-3, which may lead to the proliferation and growth of lung cancer cells. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society. [source] Endothelially Derived Nitric Oxide Affects the Severity of Early Acetaminophen-induced Hepatic Injury in MiceACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 5 2006Steven D. Salhanick MD Abstract Objectives: The precise mechanism of hepatocellular toxicity following acetaminophen (APAP) poisoning remains unclear. Nitric oxide is implicated in APAP toxicity as an inflammatory signaling molecule and as a precursor to the free radical peroxynitrate. The effects of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-derived NO in APAP toxicity are known; however, the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived NO is unknown. The authors sought to evaluate the effect of eNOS-derived NO during APAP toxicity. Methods: C57BL6/J mice deficient in eNOS (eNOS KO) or iNOS (iNOS KO) and wild-type mice (WT) were treated with 300 mg/kg APAP. Alanine aminotransferase levels and plasma nitrate and nitrite levels were measured. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1, and Glucose Transporter 1 (Glut-1) levels were determined by Western blot. Results: Alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly elevated in all treated animals. Alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly lower in eNOS KO and iNOS KO than in treated WT animals. Plasma nitrate/nitrite levels were significantly higher in WT animals than in iNOS KO and eNOS KO animals. HIF-1, expression was increased in WT mice and decreased in iNOS KO mice. Glut-1 is a downstream, indirect marker of HIF function. Glut-1 expression was increased in WT and eNOS KO mice. Conclusions: Deficiency of either iNOS or eNOS results in decreased NO production and is associated with reduced hepatocellular injury following APAP poisoning. HIF-1, and Glut-1 levels are increased following APAP poisoning, implying that HIF-1, is functional during the pathogenic response to APAP poisoning. [source] Suppression of inflammatory responses by celastrol, a quinone methide triterpenoid isolated from Celastrus regeliiEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 9 2009D. H. Kim Abstract Background, Celastrol, a quinone methide triterpenoid isolated from the Celastraceae family, exhibits various biological properties, including chemopreventive, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. In this study, we showed that celastrol inhibits inflammatory reactions in macrophages and protects mice from skin inflammation. Materials and methods, Anti-inflammatory effects of celastrol (0,1 ,M) were examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264·7 macrophages. To investigate the effects of celastrol (0,50 ,g per mice) in vivo, activation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and histological assessment were examined in the 12- O -tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear oedema model. Results, Our in vitro experiments showed that celastrol suppressed not only LPS-stimulated generation of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, but also expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in RAW264·7 cells. Similarly, celastrol inhibited LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-, and interleukin-6. In an animal model, celastrol protected mice from TPA-induced ear oedema, possibly by inhibiting MPO activity and production of inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions, Our data suggest that celastrol inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators and is a potential target for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. [source] AgC10, a mucin from Trypanosoma cruzi, destabilizes TNF and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase p38EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2004Pilar Alcaide Abstract Secretion of proinflammatory mediators by activated macrophages plays an important role in the immune response to Trypanosoma cruzi. We have previously reported that AgC10, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored mucin from T. cruzi, inhibits TNF secretion by activated macrophages (de Diego, J., Punzon, C., Duarte, M. and Fresno, M., Alteration of macrophage function bya Trypanosoma cruzi membrane mucin. J. Immunol. 1997. 159: 4983,4989). In this report we have further investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying this inhibition. AgC10 inhibited TNF, IL-10 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) synthesis by macrophages activated with LPS or LPS plus IFN-, in a dose-dependent manner. AgC10 did not affect other aspects of macrophage activation induced by LPS, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. AgC10 also had no effect on TNF or COX-2 transcription or the induction of their promoters but inhibited the stability of TNF and COX-2 mRNA, which are regulated post-transcriptionally by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 pathway. AgC10 was found to inhibit both the activation and the activity of p38 MAPK, since MAPK activated protein kinase-2 (MAPKAP-K2 or MK-2) phosphorylation was also strongly inhibited. This led to TNF and COX-2 mRNA destabilization. In contrast, AgC10 did not affect p38 activation induced by TNF. Furthermore, AgC10 inhibition must lie upstream in the MAPK activation pathway by LPS, since this mucin also inhibited extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK) and Jun kinase (JNK)activation. [source] Decreased iNOS synthesis mediates dexamethasone-induced protection of neurons from inflammatory injury in vitroEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 9 2003Sabine Golde Abstract Brain inflammation is accompanied by transection of axons and death of neurons in the acute lesions of multiple sclerosis. We explored mechanisms of inflammatory damage to neurons in vitro using cocultures of rat embryonal cortical neurons with microglia activated by interferon-gamma (IFN,) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Previously, we have demonstrated that microglia are highly toxic to neurons and that nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is necessary and sufficient to mediate this toxicity. Here, we show that addition of dexamethasone (1 µM) to activated cocultures provides effective neuroprotection. We demonstrate that dexamethasone down-regulates NO production of primary microglia by ,,50% and reduces steady-state iNOS protein and mRNA expression by ,,70%. These changes were reversed by the glucocorticoid receptor blocker RU-486. Furthermore, we analysed the stability of iNOS protein and show that whilst inhibitors of the proteasome blocked iNOS degradation they did not reverse the dexamethasone effect. Our results indicate that the main mechanism of corticosteroid activity on iNOS is reduction in protein synthesis, not destabilization as previously suggested. [source] Potentiation of 3-hydroxyglutarate neurotoxicity following induction of astrocytic iNOS in neonatal rat hippocampal culturesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 11 2001Stefan Kölker Abstract Neuronal damage in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (GDD) has previously been addressed to N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated neurotoxicity of the accumulating neurotoxic metabolite 3-hydroxyglutarate. However, acute encephalopathic crises in GDD patients are typically precipitated by febrile illness or even routine vaccinations, suggesting a potentiating role of inflammatory cytokines. In the present study we investigated the effect of interleukin-1, and interferon-, on 3-hydroxyglutarate toxicity in rat cortical astrocyte cultures and neonatal rat hippocampal cultures. A cotreatment of both culture systems with interleukin-1, and interferon-, induced the protein expression of astrocytic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), resulting in increased nitric oxide (NO) production. Cytokine pretreatment alone had no effect on cell viability but potentiated 3-hydroxyglutarate neurotoxicity. NOS inhibition by aminoguanidine and L-NAME prevented an iNOS-mediated potentiation of 3-hydroxyglutarate neurotoxicity but failed to protect neurons against 3-hydroxyglutarate alone. In contrast, superoxide dismutase/catalase as well as MK-801 prevented toxicity of 3-hydroxyglutarate alone as well as its potentiation by iNOS, supporting a central role of NMDA receptor stimulation with subsequently increased superoxide anion production. It is concluded that the potentiation of 3-hydroxyglutarate neurotoxicity is most probably due to an induction of astrocytic iNOS and concomitantly increased NO production, enabling enhanced peroxynitrite formation. Thus, we provide evidence for a neuroimmunological approach to the precipitation of acute encephalopathic crises in GDD by inflammatory cytokines. [source] Reactivity of the heme,dioxygen complex of the inducible nitric oxide synthase in the presence of alternative substratesFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 1 2006David Lefèvre-Groboillot Single turnover reactions of the inducible nitric oxide synthase oxygenase domain (iNOSoxy) in the presence of several non ,-amino acid N -hydroxyguanidines and guanidines were studied by stopped-flow visible spectroscopy, and compared with reactions using the native substrates l -arginine (l -arg) or N, -hydroxy- l -arginine (NOHA). In experiments containing dihydrobiopterin, a catalytically incompetent pterin, and each of the studied substrates, l -arg, butylguanidine (BuGua), para -fluorophenylguanidine (FPhGua), NOHA, N -butyl- and N -(para -fluorophenyl)- N,-hydroxyguanidines (BuNOHG and FPhNOHG), the formation of a iron(II) heme,dioxygen intermediate (FeIIO2) was always observed. The FeIIO2 species then decayed to iron(III) iNOSoxy at rates that were dependent on the nature of the substrate. Identical reactions containing the catalytically competent cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), iNOSoxy and the three N -hydroxyguanidines, all exhibited an initial formation of an FeIIO2 species that was successively converted to an FeIIINO complex and eventually to high-spin iron(III) iNOSoxy. The formation and decay kinetics of the FeIIINO complex did not vary greatly as a function of the N -hydroxyguanidine structure, but the formation of FeIIINO was substoichiometric in the cases of BuNOHG and FPhNOHG. Reactions between BH4 -containing iNOSoxy and BuGua exhibited kinetics similar to those of the corresponding reaction with l -arginine, with formation of an FeIIO2 intermediate that was directly converted to high-spin iron(III) iNOSoxy. In contrast, no FeIIO2 intermediate was observed in the reaction of BH4 -containing iNOSoxy and FPhGua. Multi-turnover reaction of iNOS with FPhGua did not lead to formation of NO or to hydroxylation of the substrate, contrary to reactions with BuGua or l -arg. Our results reveal how different structural and chemical properties of NOS substrate analogues can impact on the kinetics and reactivity of the FeIIO2 intermediate, and support an important role for substrate pKa during NOS oxygen activation. [source] Insulin resistance, a new target for nitric oxide-delivery drugsFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 6 2002Stéphane Cook Abstract In the Western hemisphere, the incidence of insulin resistance and its complications has been growing rapidly and is reaching epidemic proportions. Over the past decade, evidence has accumulated, indicating that nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in the regulation of metabolic and cardiovascular homeostasis. Defective endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) driven NO synthesis causes insulin resistance, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia in mice, and characterizes insulin-resistant humans. On the other hand, stimulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and NO overproduction in mice, may also cause metabolic insulin resistance, suggesting a Yin,Yang effect of NO in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Here, we will review the evidence for this novel concept, and thereby provide the conceptual framework for the use of NO-delivery drugs and pharmacological agents that modulate the bioavailability of endogenously produced NO for the treatment of insulin resistance. [source] Neuroprotective effects of human mesenchymal stem cells on dopaminergic neurons through anti-inflammatory action,GLIA, Issue 1 2009You-Joung Kim Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Numerous studies have provided evidence suggesting that neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PD. In this study, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced in vitro and in vivo inflammation models to investigate whether human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have a protective effect on the dopaminergic system through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The hMSC treatment significantly decreased LPS-induced microglial activation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-,, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression, and production of NO and TNF-, compared with the LPS-only treatment group. In co-cultures of microglia and mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, hMSC treatment significantly decreased the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunopositive (TH-ip) cells. The hMSC treatment in rats showed that TH-ip neuronal loss induced by LPS stimulation in the SN was considerably decreased and was clearly accompanied by a decrease in activation of microglia, as well as TNF-, and iNOS mRNA expression and production of TNF-,. These data suggest that hMSCs have a neuroprotective effect on dopaminergic neurons through anti-inflammatory actions mediated by the modulation of microglial activation. Along with various trophic effects and trans-differentiational potency, the anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs could have major therapeutic implications in the treatment of PD. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Differential regulation of trophic and proinflammatory microglial effectors is dependent on severity of neuronal injuryGLIA, Issue 3 2008Aaron Y. Lai Abstract Microglial activation has been reported to promote neurotoxicity and also neuroprotective effects. A possible contributor to this dichotomy of responses may be the degree to which proximal neurons are injured. The aim of this study was to determine whether varying the severity of neuronal injury influenced whether microglia were neuroprotective or neurotoxic. We exposed cortical neuronal cultures to varying degrees of hypoxia thereby generating mild (<20% death, 30min hypoxia), moderate (40,60% death, 2 h hypoxia), or severe (>70% death, 6 h hypoxia) injuries. Twenty-four hours after hypoxia, the media from the neuronal cultures was collected and incubated with primary microglial cultures for 24 h. Results showed that the classic microglial proinflammatory mediators including inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor ,, and interleukin-1-, were upregulated only in response to mild neuronal injuries, while the trophic microglial effectors brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor were upregulated in response to all degrees of neuronal injury. Microglia stimulated with media from damaged neurons were co-cultured with hypoxic neurons. Microglia stimulated by moderate, but not mild or severe damage were neuroprotective in these co-cultures. We also showed that the severity-dependent phenomenon was not related to autocrine microglial signaling and was dependent on the neurotransmitters released by neurons after injury, namely glutamate and adenosine 5,-triphosphate. Together our results show that severity of neuronal injury is an important factor in determining microglial release of "toxic" versus "protective" effectors and the resulting neurotoxicity versus neuroprotection. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Gangliosides activate microglia via protein kinase C and NADPH oxidaseGLIA, Issue 3 2004Kyoung-Jin Min Abstract Microglia, the major immune effector cells in the central nervous system, are activated when the brain suffers injury. A number of studies indicate that gangliosides activate microglia. However, the signaling mechanisms involved in microglial activation are not yet to be elucidated. Our results show that gangliosides induce the expression of interleukin (IL)-1,, tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rat brain microglia and BV2 murine microglia via protein kinase C (PKC) and NADPH oxidase. Expression of IL-1,, TNF-,, and iNOS in ganglioside-treated cells was significantly reduced in the presence of inhibitors of PKC (GF109203X, Gö6976, Ro31-8220, and rottlerin) and NADPH oxidase (diphenyleneiodonium chloride [DPI]). In response to gangliosides, PKC-,, ,II, and , and NADPH oxidase p67phox translocated from the cytosol to the membrane. ROS generation was also activated within 5 min of ganglioside treatment. Ganglioside-induced ROS generation was blocked by PKC inhibitors. Furthermore, ganglioside-induced activation of NF-,B, an essential transcription factor that mediates the expression of IL-1,, TNF-,, and iNOS, was reduced in the presence of GF109203X and DPI. Our results collectively suggest that gangliosides activate microglia via PKC and NADPH oxidase, which regulate activation of NF-,B. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Oxidative stress in glial cultures: Detection by DAF-2 fluorescence used as a tool to measure peroxynitrite rather than nitric oxideGLIA, Issue 2 2002Sanjoy Roychowdhury Abstract 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA) is widely used as a fluorescent probe to detect endogenously produced nitric oxide (NO). Recent reports that refer to the high sensitivity of DAF-2 toward NO prompted us to test its efficiency and specificity in a mixed murine primary glial culture model, in which the NO-synthesizing enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is expressed by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-, (IFN-,). Cultures were loaded with DAF-2DA and the fluorescence was measured using confocal microscopy. NO production in the cultures was determined using the ozone/chemiluminescence technique. Due to the extremely high photosensitivity of DAF-2, low laser intensities were used to avoid artifacts. No difference in DAF-2 fluorescence was observed in NO-producing cultures compared to control cultures, whereas the NO/peroxynitrite-sensitive dye 2,7-dihydrodichlorofluorescein (DCF) showed a significant fluorescence increase specifically in microglia cells. A detectable gain in fluorescence was seen when NO-containing buffer was added to the DAF-2DA,loaded cells with a minimum NO concentration at 7.7 ,M. An additional gain of DAF-2 fluorescence was obtained when the cells were depleted of glutathione (GSH) with L-buthionine S,R-sulfoximine (BSO). Hence, we monitored the change in DAF-2 fluorescence intensity in the presence of NO and O in a cell-free solution. The fluorescence due to NO was indeed larger when O was added, implying a higher sensitivity of DAF-2 for peroxynitrite. Nevertheless, our results also indicate that measurement of DCF fluorescence is a better tool for monitoring intracellular changes in the levels of NO and/or peroxynitrite than DAF-2. GLIA 38:103,114, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Trisialoganglioside GT1b induces in vivo degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons: Role of microgliaGLIA, Issue 1 2002Jae K. Ryu Abstract We recently showed that trisialoganglioside (GT1b) induces cell death of dopaminergic neurons in rat mesencephalic cultures (Chung et al., Neuroreport 12:611,614, 2001). The present study examines the in vivo neurotoxic effects of GT1b on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of Sprague-Dawley rats. Seven days after GT1b injection into the SN, immunocytochemical staining of SN tissue revealed death of nigral neurons, including dopaminergic neurons. Additional immunostaining using OX-42 and OX-6 antibodies showed that GT1b-activated microglia were present in the SN where degeneration of nigral neurons was found. Western blot analysis and double-labeled immunohistochemistry showed that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was expressed in the SN, where its levels were maximal at 8 h post-GT1b injection, and that iNOS was localized exclusively within microglia. GT1b-induced loss of dopaminergic neurons in the SN was partially inhibited by NG -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, an NOS inhibitor. Our results indicate that in vivo neurotoxicity of GT1b against nigral dopaminergic neurons is at least in part mediated by nitric oxide released from activated microglia. Because GT1b exists abundantly in central nervous system neuronal membranes, our data support the hypothesis that immune-mediated events triggered by endogenous compounds such as GT1b could contribute to the initiation and/or the progression of dopaminergic neuronal cell death that occurs in Parkinson's disease. GLIA 38:15,23, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Hepatic recruitment of the inflammatory Gr1+ monocyte subset upon liver injury promotes hepatic fibrosis,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Karlin Raja Karlmark In addition to liver-resident Kupffer cells, infiltrating immune cells have recently been linked to the development of liver fibrosis. Blood monocytes are circulating precursors of tissue macrophages and can be divided into two functionally distinct subpopulations in mice: Gr1hi (Ly6Chi) and Gr1lo (Ly6Clo) monocytes. The role of these monocyte subsets in hepatic fibrosis and the mechanisms of their differential recruitment into the injured liver are unknown. We therefore characterized subpopulations of infiltrating monocytes in acute and chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in mice using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Inflammatory Gr1hi but not Gr1lo monocytes are massively recruited into the liver upon toxic injury constituting an up to 10-fold increase in CD11b+F4/80+ intrahepatic macrophages. Comparing wild-type with C-C chemokine receptor (CCR2)-deficient and CCR2/CCR6,deficient mice revealed that CCR2 critically controls intrahepatic Gr1hi monocyte accumulation by mediating their egress from bone marrow. During chronic liver damage, intrahepatic CD11b+F4/80+Gr1+ monocyte-derived cells differentiate preferentially into inducible nitric oxide synthase,producing macrophages exerting proinflammatory and profibrogenic actions, such as promoting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, T helper 1,T cell differentiation and transforming growth factor , (TGF-,) release. Impaired monocyte subset recruitment in Ccr2,/, and Ccr2,/,Ccr6,/, mice results in reduced HSC activation and diminished liver fibrosis. Moreover, adoptively transferred Gr1hi monocytes traffic into the injured liver and promote fibrosis progression in wild-type and Ccr2,/,Ccr6,/, mice, which are otherwise protected from hepatic fibrosis. Intrahepatic CD11b+F4/80+Gr1+ monocyte-derived macrophages purified from CCl4 -treated animals, but not naïve bone marrow monocytes or control lymphocytes, directly activate HSCs in a TGF-,,dependent manner in vitro. Conclusion: Inflammatory Gr1+ monocytes, recruited into the injured liver via CCR2-dependent bone marrow egress, promote the progression of liver fibrosis. Thus, they may represent an interesting novel target for antifibrotic strategies. (HEPATOLOGY 2009;50:261,274.) [source] Mitochondrial protection by the JNK inhibitor leflunomide rescues mice from acetaminophen-induced liver injury,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Calivarathan Latchoumycandane Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug that is safe at therapeutic doses but which can precipitate liver injury at high doses. We have previously found that the antirheumatic drug leflunomide is a potent inhibitor of APAP toxicity in cultured human hepatocytes, protecting them from mitochondria-mediated cell death by inhibiting the mitochondrial permeability transition. The purpose of this study was to explore whether leflunomide protects against APAP hepatotoxicity in vivo and to define the molecular pathways of cytoprotection. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with a hepatotoxic dose of APAP (750 mg/kg, ip) followed by a single injection of leflunomide (30 mg/kg, ip). Leflunomide (4 hours after APAP dose) afforded significant protection from liver necrosis as assessed by serum ALT activity and histopathology after 8 and 24 hours. The mechanism of protection by leflunomide was not through inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP),catalyzed APAP bioactivation or an apparent suppression of the innate immune system. Instead, leflunomide inhibited APAP-induced activation (phosphorylation) of c-jun NH2 -terminal protein kinase (JNK), thus preventing downstream Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL inactivation and protecting from mitochondrial permeabilization and cytochrome c release. Furthermore, leflunomide inhibited the APAP-mediated increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and prevented the formation of peroxynitrite, as judged from the absence of hepatic nitrotyrosine adducts. Even when given 8 hours after APAP dose, leflunomide still protected from massive liver necrosis. Conclusion: Leflunomide afforded protection against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice through inhibition of JNK-mediated activation of mitochondrial permeabilization. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.) [source] Inactivation of oxidized and S -nitrosylated mitochondrial proteins in alcoholic fatty liver of rats,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2006Kwan-Hoon Moon Increased oxidative/nitrosative stress is a major contributing factor to alcohol-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. However, which mitochondrial proteins are oxidatively modified under alcohol-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate oxidized and/or S -nitrosylated mitochondrial proteins and to use a biotin- N -maleimide probe to evaluate their inactivation in alcoholic fatty livers of rats. Binge or chronic alcohol exposure significantly elevated nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and ethanol-inducible CYP2E1. The biotin- N -maleimide-labeled oxidized and/or S -nitrosylated mitochondrial proteins from pair-fed controls or alcohol-fed rat livers were subsequently purified with streptavidin-agarose. The overall patterns of oxidized and/or S -nitrosylated proteins resolved by 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were very similar in the chronic and binge alcohol treatment groups. Seventy-nine proteins that displayed differential spot intensities from those of control rats were identified by mass spectrometry. These include mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), ATP synthase, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, and many proteins involved in chaperone activity, mitochondrial electron transfer, and ion transport. The activity of 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase involved in mitochondrial ,-oxidation of fatty acids was significantly inhibited in alcohol-exposed rat livers, consistent with hepatic fat accumulation, as determined by biochemical and histological analyses. Measurement of activity and immunoblot results showed that ALDH2 and ATP synthase were also inhibited through oxidative modification of their cysteine or tyrosine residues in alcoholic fatty livers of rats. In conclusion, our results help to explain the underlying mechanism for mitochondrial dysfunction and increased susceptibility to alcohol-mediated liver damage. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;44:1218,1230.) [source] Biliverdin therapy protects rat livers from ischemia and reperfusion injuryHEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2004Constantino Fondevila Heme oxygenase (HO-1) provides a cellular defense mechanism during oxidative stress and catalyzes the rate-limiting step in heme metabolism that produces biliverdin (BV). The role of BV and its potential use in preventing ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) had never been studied. This study was designed to explore putative cytoprotective functions of BV during hepatic IRI in rat liver models of ex vivo perfusion and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) after prolonged periods of cold ischemia. In an ex vivo hepatic IRI model, adjunctive BV improved portal venous blood flow, increased bile production, and decreased hepatocellular damage. These findings were correlated with amelioration of histological features of IRI, as assessed by Suzuki's criteria. Following cold ischemia and syngeneic OLT, BV therapy extended animal survival from 50% in untreated controls to 90% to 100%. This effect correlated with improved liver function and preserved hepatic architecture. Additionally, BV adjuvant after OLT decreased endothelial expression of cellular adhesion molecules (P-selectin and intracellular adhesion molecule 1), and decreased the extent of infiltration by neutrophils and inflammatory macrophages. BV also inhibited expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1,, tumor necrosis factor ,, and interleukin 6) in OLTs. Finally, BV therapy promoted an increased expression of antiapoptotic molecules independently of HO-1 expression, consistent with BV being an important mediator through which HO-1 prevents cell death. In conclusion, this study documents and dissects potent cytoprotective effects of BV in well-established rat models of hepatic IRI. Our results provide the rationale for a novel therapeutic approach using BV to maximize the function and thus the availability of donor organs. (HEPATOLOGY 2004;40:1333,1341.) [source] The role of endothelin-1 and the endothelin B receptor in the pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome in the ratHEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2004Yiqun Ling Endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) via pulmonary endothelial endothelin B (ETB) receptors and pulmonary intravascular macrophage accumulation with expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) are implicated in experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) after common bile duct ligation (CBDL). Our aim was to evaluate the role of ET-1 in the development of experimental HPS. The time course of molecular and physiological changes of HPS and the effects of selective endothelin receptor antagonists in vivo were assessed after CBDL. Effects of ET-1 on intralobar pulmonary vascular segment reactivity and on eNOS expression and activity in rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMVECs) were also evaluated. Hepatic and plasma ET-1 levels increased 1 week after CBDL in association with a subsequent increase in pulmonary microvascular eNOS and ETB receptor levels and the onset of HPS. Selective ETB receptor inhibition in vivo significantly decreased pulmonary eNOS and ETB receptor levels and ameliorated HPS. CBDL pulmonary artery segments had markedly increased ETB receptor mediated, nitric oxide dependent vasodilatory responses to ET-1 compared with controls and ET-1 triggered an ETB receptor dependent stimulation of eNOS in RPMVECs. Pulmonary intravascular macrophages also accumulated after CBDL and expressed HO-1 and iNOS at 3 weeks. Selective ETB receptor blockade also decreased macrophage accumulation and iNOS production. In conclusion, ET-1 plays a central role in modulating pulmonary micovascular tone in experimental HPS. (HEPATOLOGY 2004;39:1593,1602.) [source] Mechanisms for sensitization to TNF-induced apoptosis by acute glutathione depletion in murine hepatocytesHEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Katsuhiko Matsumaru We previously reported that depletion of glutathione in murine hepatocytes by diethylmaleate (DEM) or acetaminophen (APAP) leads to oxidative stress,dependent necrosis and sensitizes to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced apoptosis in an oxidative stress,independent fashion, which could not be explained by interference with nuclear factor ,B (NF-,B) nuclear translocation. The present report explores the mechanisms of these effects. We observed that DEM led to necrosis when both mitochondrial and cytosol glutathione were depleted profoundly but sensitized to TNF-induced apoptosis when cytosol glutathione was depleted selectively. DEM and APAP lead to a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio. Glutathione depletion by DEM or APAP was associated with inhibition of TNF-induced NF-,B transactivation of anti-apoptotic genes, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS). Provision of exogenous NO partially abrogated the sensitization to TNF in response to glutathione depletion. Glutathione depletion alone led to sustained increase in phospho-jun levels and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. JNK inhibitor partially blocked the sensitization to TNF-induced apoptosis accompanying glutathione depletion. In conclusion, these findings suggest that extramitochondrial glutathione depletion alters the thiol-disulfide redox state, leading to inhibition of NF-,B transactivation of survival genes and to sustained activation of JNK, both of which contribute to the sensitization to TNF-induced apoptosis. [source] Terlipressin inhibits in vivo aortic iNOS expression induced by lipopolysaccharide in rats with biliary cirrhosisHEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Richard Moreau In cirrhosis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, a product of Gram-negative bacteria) in the blood may cause septic shock. LPS-elicited induction of arterial inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) results in nitric oxide (NO)-induced vasodilation, which causes arterial hypotension and hyporeactivity to ,1 -adrenergic constrictors. In vitro studies have suggested that vasopressin inhibits iNOS expression in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells exposed to LPS. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of terlipressin administration (a vasopressin analog) on in vivo LPS-induced aortic iNOS in rats with cirrhosis. LPS (1 mg/kg, intravenously) was administered followed by the intravenous administration of terlipressin (0.05 mg/kg, intravenously) or placebo 1 hour later. Arterial pressure was measured, and contractions to phenylephrine (an ,1 -adrenoceptor agonist), iNOS activity, and iNOS expressions (mRNA and protein) were investigated in isolated aortas. LPS-induced arterial hypotension and aortic hyporeactivity to phenylephrine were abolished in rats that received terlipressin. LPS-induced aortic iNOS activity and expression were suppressed in terlipressin-treated rats. In conclusion, in LPS-challenged rats with cirrhosis, terlipressin administration inhibits in vivo LPS-induced aortic iNOS expression. Terlipressin administration may be a novel approach for the treatment of arterial hypotension and hyporeactivity to ,1 -adrenergic constrictors in patients with cirrhosis and septic shock. [source] Overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and accumulation of 8-OHdG in nasopharyngeal carcinomaHISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Y Segawa Aims:, Nitric oxide (NO), produced by inducible NO synthase (iNOS), has been suggested to cause oxidative stress, leading to 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) accumulation and subsequent transversion mutation of DNA. The aim was to evaluate iNOS expression and the status of oxidative stress in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods and results:, Seventy-three cases of NPC were investigated to examine the immunohistochemical expression of iNOS, 8-OHdG and latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) and Epstein,Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) expression using in situ hybridization. iNOS mRNA expression and p53 gene mutations were also assessed. Overexpression of iNOS, LMP-1 and EBER was observed in 62 (84.9%), 28 (38.4%) and 53 (72.6%) cases respectively. p53 gene mutation was found in 10 of 73 (13.7%) cases. Immunohistochemical iNOS expression was associated with the 8-OHdG labelling index, iNOS mRNA expression and p53 gene alteration (P < 0.0001, P = 0.016 and 0.0082 respectively). Conclusions:, Our present findings suggest that the expression of iNOS induces oxidative stress in NPC. Although the presence of p53 mutation was associated with iNOS overexpression, the type of acid,base change of p53 was transition, but not transversion, which suggests that the p53 gene is not the direct target of DNA damage by 8-OHdG accumulation. [source] Interferon-, priming is involved in the activation of arginase by oligodeoxinucleotides containing CpG motifs in murine macrophagesIMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1pt2 2009Miriam V. Liscovsky Summary Recognition of microbial products by macrophages (M,) stimulates an inflammatory response and plays a critical role in directing the host immune response against infection. In the present work, we showed for the first time that synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated cytosine guanine motifs (CpG) are able to stimulate, in the presence of interferon-, (IFN-,), both arginase and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in murine M,. Unexpectedly, IFN-,, a cytokine believed to be an inhibitor of arginase activity, intervened in the activation of this enzyme. A significant increase in arginase activity was observed upon a short pre-incubation (1 hr) with IFN-, and subsequent CpG stimulation. Therefore, a very interesting observation of this study was that the CpG-mediated arginase activity is dependent on IFN-, priming. The increase in arginase activity as a result of stimulation with CpG plus IFN-,was correlated with augmented expression of the arginase II isoform. The use of pharmacological specific inhibitors revealed that arginase activity was dependent on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), but independent of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. This report reveals a singular effect of the combination of CpG and IFN-,, one of the mayor cytokines produced in response to CpG administration in vivo. [source] Bone morphogenetic protein-6 induces the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in macrophagesIMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1pt2 2009Seok J. Kwon Summary Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor-, (TGF-,) superfamily. In the present study, we investigated the effect of BMPs on the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, and in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Among the BMPs, only BMP-6 induced iNOS expression in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner in both cell types. Induction of iNOS was inhibited by both cycloheximide and actinomycin D, indicating that the induction of iNOS expression by BMP-6 requires new protein synthesis. Mechanistic studies revealed that the BMP-6-induced iNOS expression requires both Smads and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-,B) signalling pathways. Furthermore, induction of interleukin-1, (IL-1,) was necessary for iNOS induction by BMP-6. These observations suggest that BMP-6 stimulates macrophages to produce iNOS through IL-1, via Smad and NF-,B signalling pathways and that BMP-6 may be an important regulator of macrophages. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||