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Inflammatory Stimuli (inflammatory + stimulus)
Selected AbstractsDextran sodium sulfate strongly promotes colorectal carcinogenesis in ApcMin/+ mice: Inflammatory stimuli by dextran sodium sulfate results in development of multiple colonic neoplasmsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2006Takuji Tanaka Abstract The mouse model for familial adenomatous polyposis, ApcMin/+ mouse, contains a truncating mutation in the Apc gene and spontaneously develops numerous adenomas in the small intestine but few in the large bowel. Our study investigated whether dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment promotes the development of colonic neoplasms in ApcMin/+ mice. ApcMin/+ and Apc+/+ mice of both sexes were exposed to 2% dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water for 7 days, followed by no further treatment for 4 weeks. Immunohistochemistry for cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, ,-catenin, p53, and nitrotyrosine, and mutations of ,- catenin and K- ras and loss of wild-type allele of the Apc gene in the colonic lesions were examined. Sequential observation of female ApcMin/+ mice that received DSS was also performed up to week 5. At week 5, numerous colonic neoplasms developed in male and female ApcMin/+ mice but did not develop in Apc+/+ mice. Adenocarcinomas developed in ApcMin/+ mice that received DSS showed loss of heterozygosity of Apc and no mutations in the ,- catenin and K- ras genes. The treatment also significantly increased the number of small intestinal polyps. Sequential observation revealed increase in the incidences of colonic neoplasms and dysplastic crypts in female ApcMin/+ mice given DSS. DSS treatment increased inflammation scores, associated with high intensity staining of ,-catenin, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosine. Interestingly, strong nuclear staining of p53 was specifically observed in colonic lesions of ApcMin/+ mice treated with DSS. Our results suggest a strong promotion effect of DSS in the intestinal carcinogenesis of ApcMin/+ mice. The findings also suggest that strong oxidative/nitrosative stress caused by DSS-induced inflammation may contribute to the colonic neoplasms development. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Murine and Human Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers: Implications for Therapeutic Approaches,PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002Kathy P. An ABSTRACT Inflammatory stimuli result in the production of cutaneous eicosanoids, which are known to contribute to the process of tumor promotion. Cyclooxygenase (COX), the rate-limiting enzyme for the production of prostaglandins (PG) from arachidonic acid, exists in at least two isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is constitutively expressed in most tissues and plays various physiological roles, whereas increased COX-2 expression is known to occur in several types of epithelial neoplasms. Enhanced PG synthesis is a potential contributing factor in UVB-induced nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). Increased COX-2 staining occurs in murine skin neoplasms after chronic exposure to carcinogenic doses of UVB. In this study, immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were employed to assess longitudinally COX-2 expression in a standard mouse UVB complete carcinogenesis protocol and in human basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). During UVB irradiation of mice, COX-2 expression consistently increased in the hyperplastic skin, the benign papillomas and the SCC. COX-2 expression was also increased in human actinic keratoses, SCC and BCC as well as in murine SCC and BCC. The pattern of COX-2 expression was quite variable, occurring in a patchy distribution in some lesions with staining confined mainly to suprabasal cell layers. In general, COX-2 expression progressively became more extensive in benign papillomas and well-differentiated murine SCC. The staining was predominantly cytoplasmic and perinuclear in some focal areas in tissue stroma around both murine and human tumors. Western blot analysis confirmed negative COX-2 expression in normal skin, whereas acute UVB exposure resulted in increased enzyme expression, which continued to increase in developing papillomas and SCC. Because of the evidence indicating a pathogenic role for eicosanoids in murine and human skin neoplasms, we performed studies to assess the anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects of green tea extracts, which are potent antioxidants. Acute exposure of the human skin to UVB (minimum erythema dose × 4) caused a transient enhancement of the COX-2 expression, which reverted to baseline within hours; however, in murine skin the expression persisted for several days. Pretreatment with the topically applied green tea extract (1 mg/cm2) largely abrogated the acute COX-2 response to UVB in mice or humans. In summary, enhanced COX-2 expression serves as a marker of epidermal UVB exposure for murine and human NMSC. These results suggest that COX-2 inhibitors could have potent anticarcinogenic effects in UVB-induced skin cancer. [source] Inflammatory stimuli accelerate Sjögren's syndrome,like disease in (NZB × NZW)F1 miceARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 5 2008Umesh S. Deshmukh Objective This study was undertaken to determine whether induction of systemic inflammation accelerates the development of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in genetically susceptible mice. Methods Female (NZB × NZW)F1 mice were treated with either Freund's incomplete adjuvant (IFA) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at monthly intervals. Salivary gland function was monitored by measuring pilocarpine-induced saliva volume. Mice were killed at different time points and examined for sialadenitis and salivary gland,infiltrating cells. Sera were analyzed for autoantibodies to salivary gland antigens, nuclear antigens, and Ro60. Results While IFA-treated mice had significantly decreased salivary secretion 7 weeks after the initial treatment, salivary secretion did not decrease in PBS-treated controls until 17 weeks. At 7 weeks, the severity of sialadenitis and the number of T and B cells infiltrating the salivary glands did not differ between the 2 groups. However, at this time point IFA-treated mice showed significantly higher frequencies of CD11clow, B220+, Ly6C+, mouse PDCA-1+ dendritic cells (DCs) in the salivary glands. While levels of autoantibodies did not differ between the 2 groups at early time points, by late time points IFA-treated mice had higher levels. The gland dysfunction observed in IFA-treated mice at earlier time points did not correlate with the severity of sialadenitis or levels of autoantibodies. Instead, it was associated with increased frequency of plasmacytoid DCs in the gland. Conclusion Our data suggest that generalized inflammatory stimuli can accelerate the development of SS-like disease in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice, and that gland dysfunction in SS can develop prior to the generation of a robust adaptive autoimmune response. [source] Inflammatory stimuli from macrophages and cancer cells synergistically promote tumor growth and angiogenesisCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 12 2007Yusuke N. Kimura The focus of the present study was whether and how infiltrating macrophages play a role in angiogenesis and the growth of cancer cells in response to the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1,. Lewis lung carcinoma cells overexpressing IL-1, grew faster and induced greater neovascularization than a low IL-1,-expressing counterpart in vivo. When macrophages were depleted using clodronate liposomes, both neovascularization and tumor growth were reduced in the IL-1,-expressing tumors. Co-cultivation of IL-1,-expressing cancer cells with macrophages synergistically augmented neovascularization and the migration of vascular endothelial cells. In these co-cultures, production of the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor-A and IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were increased markedly. The production of these factors, induced by IL-1,-stimulated lung cancer cells, was blocked by a nuclear factor (NF)-,B inhibitor, and also by the knockdown of p65 (NF-,B) and c-Jun using small interference RNA, suggesting involvement of the transcription factors NF-,B and AP-1. These results demonstrated that macrophages recruited into tumors by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and other chemokines could play a critical role in promoting tumor growth and angiogenesis, through interactions with cancer cells mediated by inflammatory stimuli. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 2009,2018) [source] Gene expression demonstrates increased resilience toward harmful inflammatory stimuli in the proliferating epidermis of human skin woundsEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2010K. Markus Roupé Please cite this paper as: Gene expression demonstrates increased resilience toward harmful inflammatory stimuli in the proliferating epidermis of human skin wounds. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e329,e332. Abstract:, We examined the epidermal gene expression during the proliferative phase of wound healing. Matrix metalloproteases were the group of proteases most prominently up-regulated in skin wounds, whereas serine protease inhibitors were the most strongly up-regulated protease inhibitors. Furthermore, we found down-regulation of genes involved in the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. This together with the up-regulation of inhibitors of leukocyte serine proteases likely represents a protective step to ensure survival of keratinocytes in the inflammatory wound environment. The down-regulation of proapoptotic genes in the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis was not accompanied by a down-regulation of receptors indicating that the keratinocytes in skin wounds did not become less responsive to external stimuli. Examining the transcription factor binding sites in the promoters of the most differentially expressed genes between normal skin and skin wounds a significant overrepresentation of binding sites were found for STAT-5, SRY and members of the FOXO-family of transcription factors. [source] Granulomatous rosacea and Crohn's disease in a patient homozygous for the Crohn-associated NOD2/CARD15 polymorphism R702WEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2008M. A. M. Van Steensel Abstract:, NOD2/CARD15 belongs to the N-terminal caspase recruitment domain family of proteins involved in regulating NF-kB activation in response to inflammatory stimuli transduced through Toll-like receptors. Mutations and polymorphisms in the NOD2/CARD15 gene reduce antibacterial responses and are associated with granulomatous inflammatory conditions such as Blau syndrome and early-onset sarcoidosis. The polymorphism R702W (arginine to tryptophan) is strongly associated with susceptibility to Crohn's disease in Caucasian populations. Skin abnormalities (other than cutaneous manifestations of Crohn's disease) have not been previously associated with R702W. We report on a female patient homozygous for R702W who developed granulomatous rosacea at the age of 12 years old. From the occurrence in the context of Crohn associated with R702W, we speculate that granulomatous rosacea may be an entity distinct from other forms of rosacea, which are associated with increased production of antibacterial proteins such as cathelicidin. [source] Prostaglandin E synthase in the pathophysiology of arthritisFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2005Fumiaki Kojima Abstract Prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) is a recently identified terminal enzyme that acts downstream of cyclooxygenase and catalyzes the conversion of prostaglandin (PG) H2 to PGE2. At least three isozymes have been cloned so far, which are called membrane-associated PGES (mPGES)-1, mPGES-2, and cytosolic PGES. Among them, mPGES-1 is induced by various inflammatory stimuli in some cells and tissues. Induction of mPGES-1 in the component of articular tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis has been demonstrated in vitro. Recent studies using adjuvant induced arthritis model have shown the increase of mPGES-1 expression resulted in the increase of PGE2 production at the sites of inflammation. In addition, reports of mPGES-1-deficient mice clearly suggest the role of mPGES-1 in the process of chronic inflammation such as collagen-induced arthritis and collagen antibody induced arthritis in vivo. Thus, recent in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that mPGES-1 may be a novel therapeutic target for arthritis. This paper introduces recent advances in research about the role of PGES in the pathophysiology of arthritis. [source] Liver failure following partial hepatectomyHPB, Issue 3 2006Thomas S. Helling Abstract While major liver resections have become increasingly safe due to better understanding of anatomy and refinement of operative techniques, liver failure following partial hepatectomy still occurs from time to time and remains incompletely understood. Observationally, certain high-risk circumstances exist, namely, massive resection with small liver remnants, preexisting liver disease, and advancing age, where liver failure is more likely to happen. Upon review of available clinical and experimental studies, an interplay of factors such as impaired regeneration, oxidative stress, preferential triggering of apoptotic pathways, decreased oxygen availability, heightened energy-dependent metabolic demands, and energy-consuming inflammatory stimuli work to produce failing hepatocellular functions. [source] A search for cyclophilin-A gene (PPIA) variation and its contribution to the risk of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarctionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOGENETICS, Issue 2 2008M. Palacín Summary Cyclophilin A is secreted by vascular smooth muscle cells in response to inflammatory stimuli, and could thus contribute to atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that the genetic variation at the cyclophilin A gene (PPIA) could affect the risk for developing atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. This study included 250 myocardial infarction patients (all male and < 60 years; 95% are smokers). All these cases had at least one atherosclerotic diseased coronary vessel. DNA was obtained from patients and from 250 healthy controls. The variation at the PPIA gene was determined in the patients through single-strand conformation analysis and direct sequencing of seven polymerase chain reaction fragments. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between patients and controls. The effect of a promoter polymorphism (,11 G/C) on gene expression was in vitro analysed with luciferase-reporter assays. We found two common polymorphisms in the PPIA promoter (,11 G/C) and the 5, non-translated (+36 G/A) regions. Cells transfected with luciferase-plasmids containing the ,11 G had significantly higher luciferase activity. Genotype frequencies for these polymorphisms did not differ between patients and controls. In conclusion, we reported a functional variant in the PPIA promoter. However, the PPIA variation did not significantly contribute to the risk of suffering from myocardial infarction among patients with atherosclerotic diseased vessels. [source] Glial connexins and gap junctions in CNS inflammation and diseaseJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2008Tammy Kielian Abstract Gap junctions facilitate direct cytoplasmic communication between neighboring cells, facilitating the transfer of small molecular weight molecules involved in cell signaling and metabolism. Gap junction channels are formed by the joining of two hemichannels from adjacent cells, each composed of six oligomeric protein subunits called connexins. Of paramount importance to CNS homeostasis are astrocyte networks formed by gap junctions, which play a critical role in maintaining the homeostatic regulation of extracellular pH, K+, and glutamate levels. Inflammation is a hallmark of several diseases afflicting the CNS. Within the past several years, the number of publications reporting effects of cytokines and pathogenic stimuli on glial gap junction communication has increased dramatically. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent observations characterizing the consequences of inflammatory stimuli on homocellular gap junction coupling in astrocytes and microglia as well as changes in connexin expression during various CNS inflammatory conditions. [source] Neuroprotective actions of noradrenaline: effects on glutathione synthesis and activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor deltaJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2007Jose L. M. Madrigal Abstract The endogenous neurotransmitter noradrenaline (NA) can protect neurons from the toxic consequences of various inflammatory stimuli, however the exact mechanisms of neuroprotection are not well known. In the current study, we examined neuroprotective effects of NA in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons. Exposure to oligomeric amyloid beta (A,) 1-42 peptide induced neuronal damage revealed by increased staining with fluorojade, and toxicity assessed by LDH release. A,-dependent neuronal death did not involve neuronal expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), since A, did not induce nitrite production from neurons, LDH release was not reduced by co-incubation with NOS2 inhibitors, and neurotoxicity was similar in wildtype and NOS2 deficient neurons. Co-incubation with NA partially reduced A,-induced neuronal LDH release, and completely abrogated the increase in fluorojade staining. Treatment of neurons with NA increased expression of ,-glutamylcysteine ligase, reduced levels of GSH peroxidase, and increased neuronal GSH levels. The neuroprotective effects of NA were partially blocked by co-treatment with an antagonist of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), and replicated by incubation with a selective PPARdelta (PPAR,) agonist. NA also increased expression and activation of PPAR,. Together these data demonstrate that NA can protect neurons from A,-induced damage, and suggest that its actions may involve activation of PPAR, and increases in GSH production. [source] Nitric oxide modulation of low-density mononuclear cell transendothelial migrationMICROSURGERY, Issue 5 2005J.S. Isenberg M.D., M.P.H. The blood-endothelial cell interface is a region of significant importance in many physiologic and pathologic processes. Blood-borne macromolecules and cells gain access to the subendothelial space and extravascular tissues by traversing the endothelium. Yet the various factors responsible for modulation of this process remain only partially elucidated. Several agents were found to be involved in this process, including nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is known that under stress conditions (e.g., inflammation), NO can modulate the permeability of endothelial-cell monolayers to low-density mononuclear cells (LDMNCs). However, it is not known if NO can modulate such effects in the absence of inflammatory stimulation. In the present study, we utilized a Transwell chamber model to examine endothelial-cell monolayer permeability to LDMNCs in the absence of inflammatory stimuli. We noted that NO donor and L-arginine increased transendothelial-cell migration, whereas nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition decreased migration. These effects were not significantly abrogated by VEGF antibody, suggesting that they were not VEGF-dependent. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 25:452,456, 2005. [source] Multinucleated astrocytes in old demyelinated plaques in a patient with multiple sclerosisNEUROPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Makoto Nishie A 51-year-old woman with MS of 26 years duration is reported. The patient's MS history began at the age of 25 years with an initial relapsing-remitting course, followed by slow progression without distinct relapses. She became bed-ridden at the age of 40 years. A post-mortem examination revealed numerous demyelinated plaques that exhibited fibrillary gliosis with Rosenthal fibers, but without lymphocytic cuffing or foamy macrophages. Activated microglia were found mainly in the marginal portion of the plaques. These plaques were consistent with so-called ,slowly expanding plaques'. Interestingly, multinucleated astrocytes were observed within the plaques, being more numerous in the area where microglial infiltration had occurred. These findings suggest that mild persistent inflammatory processes are present even in old plaques and that certain inflammatory stimuli cause multinucleation of astrocytes. This might explain the gradual deterioration without definite relapses observed in the late stage of MS. [source] Proinflammatory phenotype with imbalance of KLF2 and RelA: Risk of childhood stroke with sickle cell anemia,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Judy Enenstein Altered inflammation signaling within the cerebral vasculature may be an important risk factor for stroke in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA). This study examines how differential expression of NF,B/p65 (RelA), KLF2, and other transcription factors may act as switches in inflammation signaling leading to observed differences between non-SCA (NS) African Americans and African Americans with SCA who are either at risk (AR) or not at risk (NAR) of childhood stroke based on occurrence of Circle of Willis disease. Clover/Transfac analysis was used to identify overrepresented transcription factor binding motifs on genes associated with inflammation. Transcription factor binding motifs for the NF,B family and RFX1 were overrepresented on inflammation signaling gene set analysis. Variations in protein expression were determined by flow cytometry of blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) from NS, AR, and NAR donors and Western blots of protein extracts from both unstimulated and TNF,/IL1,-stimulated BOECs. BOECs from patients with SCA had more cytoplasmic-derived RelA compared with NS BOECs. Sickle BOECs also had heightened responses to inflammatory stimuli compared with NS BOECs, as shown by increased nuclear RelA, and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) response to TNF,/IL1, stimulation. Multiple control points in RelA signaling were associated with risk of childhood stroke. The ratio of proinflammatory factor RelA to anti-inflammatory factor KLF2 was greater in BOECs from AR donors than NS donors. Group risk of childhood stroke with SCA was greatest among individuals who exhibited increased expression of proinflammatory transcription factors and decreased expression of transcription factors that suppress inflammation. Am. J. Hematol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Retracted: A new inducible adenoviral expression system that responds to inflammatory stimuli in vivo (J Gene Med 2006; 8(12): 1369,1378)THE JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE, Issue 5 2007Article first published online: 1 MAY 200 This paper, by Gang Cai, Xiaomeng Nie, Pin'e Guo, Zheng Guan, Jun Zhang and Qian Shen (DOI: 10.1002/jgm.983) has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editors and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to overlap with text from "An inflammation-inducible adenoviral expression system for local treatment of the arthritic joint" by van de Loo FAJ, de Hooge ASK, Smeets RL, Bakker AC, Bennink MB, Arntz OJ, Joosten LAB, van Beuningen HM, van der Kraan PK, Varley AW and van den Berg WB (Gene Therapy 2004; 11: 581,590) and other published papers. There is also similarity of experimental design compared to the van de Loo et al. paper, which was not cited by Cai et al. [source] A new inducible adenoviral expression system that responds to inflammatory stimuli in vivoTHE JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE, Issue 12 2006Gang Cai Abstract Background Gene transfer using inducible promoters, which control expression of transgenic proteins in response to physiological conditions, may have significant advantages. In this study, we tried to achieve an inducible adenoviral expression system for physiologically responsive gene therapy of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. Methods A luciferase reporter vector with a hybrid promoter containing the human IL-1, enhancer region (,3690 to , 2720) and the human CIITA promoter IV (,399 to + 2) was constructed. A replication-deficient adenovirus was engineered with luciferase controlled by the IL1,/CIITApIV promoter (Ad-IL1,/CIITApIV-Luc). The reporter vector or adenovirus was transfected to C57Bl/6 myeloid dendritic cells (DCs), RAW264.7, and Hep G2 to study the in vitro characteristics of this hybrid promoter. An inflammation model was prepared by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into Balb/c mice intraperitoneally (i.p.), and infected with Ad-IL1,/CIITApIV-Luc or Ad-CMV-Luc to study the in vivo characteristics of the IL1,/CIITApIV promoter. Results The IL1,/CIITApIV hybrid promoter has pronounced promoter activity, broad-range responsiveness to cytokines or LPS, and can be rechallenged after first induction. In the inflammation model, IL1,/CIITApIV could drive hepatic luciferase expression increasedly rapidly after LPS challenge and in a LPS dose-dependent manner. Conclusions Using the IL1,/CIITApIV hybrid promoter in gene transfer vectors may make it possible to produce transgenic proteins in vivo in direct relationship with the intensity and duration of an individual's status. By providing endogenously controlled production of transgenic proteins, this approach might limit the severity of autoimmune or inflammatory response without interfering with the beneficial components of host defense and immunity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] REVIEW ARTICLE: Maternal Transmission of Asthma RiskAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Robert H. Lim Maternal asthma significantly increases the risk of asthma in offspring, but the mechanisms remain poorly defined. We review animal models used to study the maternal effect, focusing on a murine model developed in our laboratory. Mother mice rendered allergic to ovalbumin produce offspring that are more susceptible to allergic sensitization, seen as airway hyperresponsiveness and allergic airway inflammation after a sensitization protocol, which has minimal effects on newborns from normal mothers. Mechanistic analyses identify a role for interleukin-4 (based on pre-mating injection of neutralizing antibodies), dendritic cells and allergen-specific T cells (based on adoptive transfer experiments). Other maternal exposures (e.g. pollutant exposure and non-pulmonary allergy) can increase asthma susceptibility in offspring. This observation implies that the maternal transmission of asthma represents a final common pathway to various types of inflammatory stimuli. Identification of the shared molecular mechanisms in these models may allow better prevention and therapy. Current knowledge, gaps in knowledge and future directions are discussed. [source] SHORT COMMUNICATION: Development of a Human Model to Study Homing Behavior of Immune Cells into Decidua and Placental Villi Under Ex Vivo ConditionsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Joana Heinzelmann Problem, Homing of lymphocytes and NK cells into the decidua and its regulation has been very controversially discussed. Therefore, we aimed to establish an in vivo simulation method for analysis of homing behavior, which might be also useful for other cells such as stem or tumor cells. Method of study, A human term placenta has been perfused with medium to elute blood and then with maternal autologous carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labeled peripheral blood lymphocytes for 3 hr and rinsed for another 2 hr. Tissue was analysed histologically for detection of labeled cells. Labeled lymphocytes and beads in perfusate have been identified and counted by flow cytometry. Results, At the moment of tissue fixation for histology, the perfusate was free of labeled cells. Labeled perfused lymphocytes have been found adhered and integrated in vessel wall structures, in decidual stroma and as colonies in individual villi. Conclusion, Placenta perfusion with a lymphocyte suspension is feasible without plugging the tube system. Time is sufficient for cells to adhere and to migrate into the stroma. Also some villi have been infiltrated which might be caused by inflammatory stimuli. The perfusion system might be useful to test substances for their capacity to influence homing of lymphocytes or other cells. [source] Inflammatory processes of prostate tissue microenvironment drive rat prostate carcinogenesis: Preventive effects of celecoxibTHE PROSTATE, Issue 2 2009Narayanan K. Narayanan Abstract BACKGROUND Prostate tissue microenvironment is susceptible to several risk factors including carcinogens, dietary factors, hormones, cytokines and growth factors that could induce chronic inflammation. Because of the difference in the serum levels and the intrinsic ability of monocytes/macrophages to cause harm, the transcriptional responses triggered by inflammatory stimuli must be controlled. Unfortunately, an in-depth association between prostate cancer and potential mediators of inflammation has not been completely investigated. METHODS To determine whether activated macrophage (infiltrating monocytes), iNOS and NF-,B are primary mediators of inflammation, besides COX-2, in prostate carcinogenesis, we examined tissue sections of rat prostate tumor induced by N -methyl- N -nitrosourea (MNU) plus testosterone in a follow-up study. We performed H&E and immunohsitochemical staining of the prostate tissue to detect specific markers of inflammation. RESULTS We report an increase in infiltrating monocyte, iNOS, NF-,Bp65, VEGF and TNF-, at the early and advanced stages of tumor growth in MNU plus testosterone treated rats. Monocyte infiltration was often found in the stromal and perivascular regions of the DL prostate. We conclude for the first time that prostate cancer induced by MNU plus testosterone partly involves mediators of inflammation which could trigger the process of carcinogenesis and cause loss of apoptosis. Selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib at a dose of 500 mg/kg/bw administered for 52 weeks reduced infiltrating monocytes, inhibited iNOS, NF-,B p65 expression, induced apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition. CONCLUSION Carcinogen plus testosterone induced prostate carcinogenesis showing activation of macrophage, iNOS and NF-,Bp65 could be prevented by celecoxib or related anti-inflammatory agents. Prostate 69: 133,141, 2009. © 2008 Wiley,Liss, Inc. [source] Inflammatory stimuli accelerate Sjögren's syndrome,like disease in (NZB × NZW)F1 miceARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 5 2008Umesh S. Deshmukh Objective This study was undertaken to determine whether induction of systemic inflammation accelerates the development of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in genetically susceptible mice. Methods Female (NZB × NZW)F1 mice were treated with either Freund's incomplete adjuvant (IFA) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at monthly intervals. Salivary gland function was monitored by measuring pilocarpine-induced saliva volume. Mice were killed at different time points and examined for sialadenitis and salivary gland,infiltrating cells. Sera were analyzed for autoantibodies to salivary gland antigens, nuclear antigens, and Ro60. Results While IFA-treated mice had significantly decreased salivary secretion 7 weeks after the initial treatment, salivary secretion did not decrease in PBS-treated controls until 17 weeks. At 7 weeks, the severity of sialadenitis and the number of T and B cells infiltrating the salivary glands did not differ between the 2 groups. However, at this time point IFA-treated mice showed significantly higher frequencies of CD11clow, B220+, Ly6C+, mouse PDCA-1+ dendritic cells (DCs) in the salivary glands. While levels of autoantibodies did not differ between the 2 groups at early time points, by late time points IFA-treated mice had higher levels. The gland dysfunction observed in IFA-treated mice at earlier time points did not correlate with the severity of sialadenitis or levels of autoantibodies. Instead, it was associated with increased frequency of plasmacytoid DCs in the gland. Conclusion Our data suggest that generalized inflammatory stimuli can accelerate the development of SS-like disease in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice, and that gland dysfunction in SS can develop prior to the generation of a robust adaptive autoimmune response. [source] In vivo evidence for a role of protein kinase C in peripheral nociceptive processingBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2002Adriano L S Souza The present study was designed to characterize the nociceptive response induced by protein kinase C (PKC) peripheral activation and to investigate if this biochemical event is important for the nociceptive response induced by formaldehyde, and bradykinin (BK). Intraplantar injection of phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (PDD; 0.01, 0.1 or 1 ,g), a PKC activator, but not of 4,-PDD (inactive analogue), dose-dependently induced thermal hyperalgesia in rats. This response was not observed at the contralateral hindpaw. Intraplantar injection of PDD (0.01, 0.1 or 1 ,g) also induced mechanical allodynia. In mice, injection of PDD (0.1 or 1 ,g) into the dorsum of the hindpaw induced a spontaneous licking behaviour. Intraplantar co-injection of chelerythrine (10 or 50 ,g), a PKC inhibitor, attenuated the thermal hyperalgesia induced by PDD (0.1 ,g) in rats. The second phase of the nociceptive response induced by the injection of formaldehyde (0.92%, 20 ,l) into the dorsum of mice hindpaws was inhibited by ipsi-, but not contralateral, pre-treatment with chelerythrine (1 ,g). Intraplantar injection of BK (10 ,g) induced mechanical allodynia in rats. Ipsi- but not contralateral injection of bisindolylmaleimide I (10 ,g), a PKC inhibitor, inhibited BK-induced mechanical allodynia. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that PKC activation at peripheral tissues leads to the development of spontaneous nociceptive response, thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. Most importantly, it also gives in vivo evidence that peripheral PKC activation is essential for the full establishment of the nociceptive response induced by two different inflammatory stimuli. British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 135, 239,247; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704434 [source] Molecular links between tumor angiogenesis and inflammation: inflammatory stimuli of macrophages and cancer cells as targets for therapeutic strategyCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 8 2008Mayumi Ono Both inflammation and angiogenesis are exacerbated by increased production of chemokines/cytokines, growth factors, proteolytic enzymes, proteoglycans, lipid mediators and prostaglandins. It has been reported that approximately 15,20% of all malignancies are initiated or exacerbated by inflammation. Initiation and progression of cancer are also closely linked to angiogenesis. Infiltration of macrophages is a dramatic and common feature of inflammation, angiogenesis and cancer, and has been recently highlighted in an attempt to develop novel strategies for treating cancer. The recruitment and infiltration of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment activates them to support the malignant progression of cancer cells, and these macrophages are called tumor-associated macrophages. In a model of experimental angiogenesis using mouse corneas, macrophages infiltrated tissue in response to inflammatory cytokines and produced chemokines and angiogenesis-promoting factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor-A, interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinases, prostanoids and reactive oxygen species. Moreover, in a cancer xenograft model, inflammatory stimuli by a representative inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1,, enhanced tumor growth and angiogenesis with infiltration and activation of macrophages. Co-culture of cancer cells with macrophages synergistically stimulated production of various angiogenesis-related factors when stimulated by the inflammatory cytokine. This inflammatory angiogenesis in both mouse cornea and a tumor model was mediated, in part, by activation of nuclear factor ,B and activator protein 1 (Jun/Fos). Administration of either nuclear factor ,B-targeting drugs or cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors or depletion of macrophages could block both inflammatory angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis. Thus, both inflammatory and angiogenic responses in tumor stroma could be targets for development of anticancer therapeutic drugs. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1501,1506) [source] Gene mutations and altered gene expression in azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rodentsCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2004Mami Takahashi Studies of colon carcinogenesis in animal models are very useful to elucidate mechanisms and provide pointers to potential prevention approaches in the human situation. In the rat colon carcinogenesis model induced by azoxymethane (AOM), we have documented frequent mutations of specific genes. K-ras mutations at codon 12 were found to be frequent in hyperplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and large adenocarcinomas. In addition, mutations of the ,-catenin gene in its GSK-3, phosphorylation consensus motif could also be identified in many adenomas and adenocarcinomas, and altered cellular localization of p-catenin protein was observed in all of the dysplastic ACF, adenomas and adenocarcinomas examined, indicating that activation of Wnt signaling by accumulation of ,-catenin is a major mechanism in the AOM-induced colon carcinogenesis model. Frequent gene mutations of ,-catenin and altered cellular localization of the protein are also features of AOM-induced colon tumors in mice. Expression of enzymes associated with inflammation, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS) and the inducible type of cyclooxyge-nase (COX), COX-2, is increased in AOM-induced rat colon carcinogenesis, and overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins is considered to be involved in colon tumor development. We have demonstrated that increased expression of INOS is an early and important event occurring in step with ,-catenin alteration in rat colon carcinogenesis. Activation of K-ras was also found to be involved in up-regulation of INOS in the presence of inflammatory stimuli. In addition, expression levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptors may be altered in colon cancers. For example, the EP, and EP2 subtypes have been shown to be up-regulated and EP3 down-regulated in AOM-induced colon cancers in rats and mice. EP, and EP4 appear to be involved in ACF formation, while alteration in EP2 and EP3 is considered to contribute to later steps in colon carcinogenesis. Increased expression of some other gene products, such as the targets of Wnt/,-catenin signaling, have also been reported. The further accumulation of data with this chemically-induced animal colon carcinogenesis model should provide useful information for understanding colorectal neoplasia in man. [source] 4252: An introduction to autoinflammatory syndromesACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010B BODAGHI To define the spectrum and pathophysiology of autoinflammatory syndromes. This term has been proposed to describe a new group of diseases characterized by attacks of seemingly unprovoked inflammation in the absence of pathogens, without significant levels of autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells. Hereditary periodic fever syndrome, Crohn's disease, Blau syndrome, Chronic infantile neurologic cutaneous and articular syndrome and Muckle-Wells syndrome are examples of autoinflammatory conditions characterized by recurrent attacks of inflammation without any association with auto-antigens. The study of autoinflammatory diseases has progressed from genetics to definition of the functional defects. Although a direct association between defective innate immune responses to bacterial components and these diseases has not been established yet, this hypothesis remains highly plausible. Mutations in genes encoding the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor and pyrin superfamilies of molecules may induce persistence of leukocytes that would ordinarily undergo apoptosis with further amplification of inflammatory stimuli. The use of biologics may control some of these conditions. [source] Selective induction of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor by LPS and allergen in dendritic cellsCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 3 2008O. Noga Summary Background Neurotrophins are produced by various cells upon different stimuli and participate in the initiation and regulation of inflammation in various diseases including allergy and asthma, but little is known about the production and control of neurotrophins by dendritic cells (DCs). The aim of this study was to assess whether DCs produce the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and whether inflammatory stimuli or allergens are able to induce the production of neurotrophic factors. Methods Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) were generated from different donors. The neurotrophins NGF and BDNF were demonstrated by RT-PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence microscopy. MoDCs were cultured and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or allergen for 24 h. The supernatants and cells were collected. Measurement for NGF and BDNF was performed by ELISA. Results DCs express mRNA for the neurotrophins NGF and BDNF. Proteins were detectable by Western blot, FACS analysis and fluorescence microscopy. LPS led to an up-regulation of BDNF, while NGF was unaffected. Cell lysates demonstrated an increased amount of BDNF after stimulation with LPS or allergen, while NGF was not affected significantly. Conclusions DCs are a source of neurotrophins. LPS selectively regulates the production of BDNF. Allergen stimulation leads to an LPS-independent regulation. This contributes to a complex involvement of neurotrophins in allergic diseases. [source] Procalcitonin and other markers of infection.CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 2 2002What should be their role in clinical practice? Clinicians are always faced with a decision when confronted with a febrile patient; they must decide between what is an infectious condition and what is not, and between what merits hospital observation, what requires empirical antibiotic treatment and what needs outpatient follow-up. In this respect, judgement based on medical history and physical examination outweigh the predictive value of various laboratory markers of infection, as the latter generally reflect a nonspecific reaction of the host to widely different infectious and inflammatory stimuli. In the evaluation of specific subgroups of patients, e.g. those in the intensive care unit, laboratory tests should also preferably form a continuum with medical history and physical examination, aimed at clarifying host condition, the setting and the source of a possible infection. [source] Suppression of the Febrile Response in Late Gestation: Evidence, Mechanisms and OutcomesJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 4 2008A. Mouihate Fever is a beneficial host defence response. However, fever caused by the immune stimulant, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are attenuated in many species during pregnancy, particularly near term. A number of parallel mechanisms may be responsible, and these vary in magnitude according to the time of gestation, type of inflammatory stimulus and species of animal. Some studies report a reduction in the plasma levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-,, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 along with increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Associated with the attenuated febrile response to LPS is a reduction in the activation of the prostaglandin synthesising enzyme, cyclo-oxygenase 2, resulting in reduced levels of the obligatory prostaglandin mediators of the febrile response in the brain. There is also a reduction in the sensitivity of the brain to the pyrogenic action of prostaglandins, which does not appear to be due to a change in the levels of hypothalamic EP3 prostaglandin receptors. The suppression of fever at term may be important for the health of the neonate because fever in pregnant mothers may be harmful to the late-term foetus and neonate. [source] Pharmacodynamic interactions between recombinant mouse interleukin-10 and prednisolone using a mouse endotoxemia modelJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 3 2005Abhijit Chakraborty Abstract The pharmacodynamic interactions between recombinant mouse interleukin-10 (IL-10) and prednisolone were examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced experimental endotoxemia in Balb/c mice. Treatment phases consists of single doses of IL-10 (10 ,g/kg i.p.), prednisolone (25 (mg/kg i.p.), IL-10 (2.5 ,g/kg i.p.) with prednisolone (6.25 mg/kg i.p.), or placebo (saline). Measurements included plasma steroid kinetics and IL-10 concentrations and responses to LPS including proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-,, IFN-,) and circulatory NO measured as plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations. The intraperitoneal dosing of LPS produced large and transient elevations of plasma TNF-,, IFN-,, and NO concentrations. Noncompartmental and model fitting using extended indirect response models based on drug inhibition of multiphase stimulation of biomarkers by LPS were used to describe the in vivo pharmacodynamics and drug interactions. Dosing with prednisolone, IL-10, or their combinations produced strong inhibition of cytokine and NO production. The IC50 values of prednisolone ranged from 54 to 171 ng/mL, and IC50 values for IL-10 ranged from 0.06 to 0.69 ng/mL. The production of NO was described as a cascading consequence of the TNF-, and IFN-, plasma concentrations. The joint dosing of IL-10 with prednisolone produces moderately synergistic immunosuppressive effects in this system. Both drugs were sufficiently protective in suppressing the inflammatory mediators when administered prior to the LPS trigger, while such effects were modest when administered after the inflammatory stimulus was provoked. The integrated and complex pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models well capture the in vivo processes, drug potencies, and interactions of IL-10 and prednisolone. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 94:590,603, 2005 [source] Characterization of bovine neutrophil ,2 -adrenergic receptor functionJOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2010T. P. LaBRANCHE LaBranche, T. P., Ehrich, M. F., Eyre, P. Characterization of bovine neutrophil ,2 -adrenergic receptor function. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2009.01143.x. This study compares bovine leukocyte ,-adrenergic receptor densities to that of the rat, demonstrates for the first time a functional ,2 -adrenergic receptor signaling pathway in steer neutrophils, and investigates the effect of an inflammatory stimulus on that signaling pathway. The ,1 -/,2 -adrenergic antagonist [3H]CGP-12177 demonstrated that rat lymphocyte specific binding-site density was highest, followed by steer and dairy cow lymphocytes, and lastly steer and dairy cow neutrophils. The ,2 -adrenergic agonist terbutaline stimulated steer neutrophil adenosine 3,5-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production, an effect increased by inclusion of ,1 × 10,8 m phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C. Both terbutaline and the nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) independently decreased steer neutrophil superoxide anion production in a concentration-dependent manner, with 1 × 10,4 m IBMX enhancing both the potency and efficacy of the terbutaline effect (up to 74% reduction in superoxide anion production). Superoxide anion production was also reduced by the synthetic cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP, which increased the potency of the IBMX effect on superoxide anion production. Taken together, these data demonstrate the presence of a ,2 -adrenergic receptor signaling pathway in bovine neutrophils much like that described in other animal species, as well as the potential for an inflammatory stimulus to alter its function. [source] Expression of Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecules in Neovascularized TissueMICROCIRCULATION, Issue 4 2000GINA VALLIEN ABSTRACT Objective: Recent studies indicate that endothelial cells of newly formed blood vessels are activated and exhibit a distinct phenotype that may influence the responses of these microvessels to an inflammatory stimulus. The objective of this study was to compare the basal and cytokine-stimulated expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules in neovascularized tissue to normal (nonproliferating) vascular beds. Methods: The expression of P- and E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and PECAM-1 was measured, using the dual radiolabeled mAb technique, in subcutaneously implanted (for 10,15 days) polyurethane sponges, skin, heart, lung, and intestine of male C57BL/6 mice (background). Results: Basal values of PECAM-1 and ICAM-2 revealed a low vascular density in the implanted sponge matrices that is comparable to skin. When normalized for vascular surface area (PECAM-1 or ICAM-1 expression), the basal level of E- and P-selectin expression was highest in neovascularized sponge and skin. TNF-, elicited an increased expression of all endothelial CAMs, except PECAM-1 and ICAM-2, but the responses were blunted in sponge and skin, relative to other vascular beds. Conclusions: These findings indicate that endothelial cells in newly formed blood vessels exhibit a pattern of basal and cytokine-induced expression of certain adhesion glycoproteins that is similar to nonproliferating cutaneous vessels. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||