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Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (bacterial + lipopolysaccharide)
Selected AbstractsInhibition of Caspases In Vivo Protects the Rat Liver Against Alcohol-Induced Sensitization to Bacterial LipopolysaccharideALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2001Ion V. Deaciuc Background: The mechanisms of liver sensitization by alcohol to Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) remain elusive. The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to test the hypothesis that alcohol-enhanced liver apoptosis may be a sensitizing mechanism for LPS and (2) to further characterize the liver apoptotic response to alcohol. Methods: Rats were fed a high-fat, alcohol-containing liquid diet for 14 weeks, treated with LPS (1.0 mg/kg of body weight, intravenously) or saline, followed by injection of a pan-caspase inhibitor {IDN1965;N -[(1,3-dimethylindole-2-carbonyl)-valinyl]-3-amino-4-oxo-5-fluoropentanoic acid; 10 mg/kg of body weight, intraperitoneally} or vehicle, and killed. The following parameters were assessed: plasma aspartate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase activity (AST); liver histology and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) response; caspase-3, ,8, and ,9 activity; and mRNA and protein expression for two apoptosis-signaling molecules: Fas receptor and Fas ligand; and three apoptosis adaptors: Bax, Bcl-XL, and Bcl-2. Results: Alcohol-feeding-induced liver steatosis, slightly increased caspases' activity, the number of TUNEL-positive nuclei, and facilitated the LPS necrotic effect without affecting mRNA expression of apoptosis signals and adaptors. LPS induced a significant increase in AST and the number of TUNEL-positive nuclei, both effects being more pronounced in alcohol-treated rats. LPS produced hepatic necrosis only in alcohol-treated rats. LPS effects were associated with up-regulation of mRNA expression for both apoptosis adaptors and signaling molecules. IDN1965 administration 3 hr after LPS injection strongly inhibited caspases' activity, particularly that of caspase-3. IDN1965 also abolished the increase in TUNEL-positive nuclei, reversed the effect of LPS on plasma AST in alcohol-treated rats, and prevented LPS-induced necrosis. Conclusions: (1) Alcohol-enhanced liver apoptosis may not involve regulatory steps at the transcriptional level. LPS-induced liver apoptosis seems to involve transcriptional regulation of several apoptosis adaptors. Therefore, alcohol and LPS may enhance liver apoptosis through different mechanisms. (2) Alcohol-enhanced liver apoptosis precedes and may facilitate the hepatic effects of LPS. LPS superimposed on alcohol further elevates the rate of apoptosis in the liver. This may exceed the phagocytosing capacity of the liver so that all the apoptotic cells are not phagocytosed, but rather die of necrosis. [source] Expression of interleukin-1 receptors and their role in interleukin-1 actions in murine microglial cellsJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2002Emmanuel Pinteaux Abstract Interleukin (IL)-1 is an important mediator of acute brain injury and inflammation, and has been implicated in chronic neurodegeneration. The main source of IL-1 in the CNS is microglial cells, which have also been suggested as targets for its action. However, no data exist demonstrating expression of IL-1 receptors [IL-1 type-I receptor (IL-1RI), IL-1 type-II receptor (IL-1RII) and IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP)] on microglia. In the present study we investigated whether microglia express IL-1 receptors and whether they present target or modulatory properties for IL-1 actions. RT,PCR analysis demonstrated lower expression of IL-1RI and higher expression of IL-1RII mRNAs in mouse microglial cultures compared with mixed glial or pure astrocyte cultures. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) caused increased expression of IL-1RI, IL-1RII and IL-1RAcP mRNAs, induced the release of IL-1,, IL-6 and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), and activated nuclear factor ,B (NF-,B) and the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38, and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in microglial cultures. In comparison, IL-1, induced the release of PGE2, IL-6 and activated NF-,B, p38, JNK and ERK1/2 in mixed glial cultures, but failed to induce any of these responses in microglial cell cultures. IL-1, also failed to affect LPS-primed microglial cells. Interestingly, a neutralizing antibody to IL-1RII significantly increased the concentration of IL-1, in the medium of LPS-treated microglia and exacerbated the IL-1,-induced IL-6 release in mixed glia, providing the first evidence that microglial IL-1RII regulates IL-1, actions by binding excess levels of this cytokine during brain inflammation. [source] Authors' reply: Bacterial lipopolysaccharide promotes profibrotic activation of intestinal fibroblasts (Br J Surg 2010; 97: 1126,1134)BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 11 2010J. P. Burke No abstract is available for this article. [source] Bacterial lipopolysaccharide promotes profibrotic activation of intestinal fibroblasts,BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 7 2010J. P. Burke Background: Fibroblasts play a critical role in intestinal wound healing. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a cell wall component of commensal gut bacteria. The effects of LPS on intestinal fibroblast activation were characterized. Methods: Expression of the LPS receptor, toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, was assessed in cultured primary human intestinal fibroblasts using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Fibroblasts were treated with LPS and/or transforming growth factor (TGF) ,1. Nuclear factor ,B (NF,B) pathway activation was assessed by inhibitory ,B, (I,B,) degradation and NF,B promoter activity. Fibroblast contractility was measured using a fibroblast-populated collagen lattice. Smad-7, a negative regulator of TGF-,1 signalling, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression were assessed using reverse transcriptase,polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The NF,B pathway was inhibited by I,B, transfection. Results: TLR-4 was present on the surface of intestinal fibroblasts. LPS treatment of fibroblasts induced I,B, degradation, enhanced NF,B promoter activity and increased collagen contraction. Pretreatment with LPS (before TGF-,1) significantly increased CTGF production relative to treatment with TGF-,1 alone. LPS reduced whereas TGF-,1 increased smad-7 expression. Transfection with an I,B, plasmid enhanced basal smad-7 expression. Conclusion: Intestinal fibroblasts express TLR-4 and respond to LPS by activating NF,B and inducing collagen contraction. LPS acts in concert with TGF-,1 to induce CTGF. LPS reduces the expression of the TGF-,1 inhibitor, smad-7. Copyright © 2010 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Lipopolysaccharide mobility in leaf tissue of Arabidopsis thalianaMOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2010DANA ZEIDLER SUMMARY Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are triggers of defence responses in plants, and induce local as well as systemic acquired resistance. Arabidopsis thaliana plants pretreated with LPS show an increased resistance to the virulent bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. To investigate the mobilization and transport of LPS in Arabidopsis leaves, fluorescently labelled LPS (Alexa Fluor® 488 conjugate) from Salmonella minnesota was used. Leaves were pressure infiltrated with fluorescein-labelled LPS and fluorescence microscopy was used to follow the movement and localization of LPS as a function of time. The observation of leaves 1 h after supplementation with fluorescein-labelled LPS revealed a fluorescent signal in the intercellular space. Capillary zone electrophoresis was used for the detection and analysis of the labelled LPS in directly treated leaves and systemic leaves. In addition, gel electrophoresis was used to confirm LPS mobilization. The results indicated that LPS mobilization/translocation occurs through the xylem from local, treated leaves to systemic, untreated leaves. Consequently, care should be taken when ascribing the observed biochemical responses and induced resistance from LPS perception as being uniquely local or systemic, as these responses might overlap because of the mobility of LPS in the plant vascular system. [source] A female-specific pentraxin, CrOctin, bridges pattern recognition receptors to bacterial phosphoethanolamineEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 12 2007Yue Li Abstract Pathogen recognition and binding are crucial functions of innate immunity. It has been observed that the short pentraxin superfamily including C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid,P component are pathogen pattern recognition receptors (PRR) in the plasma. We isolated and characterized a novel and distinctive pentraxin from the plasma of horseshoe crab, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, henceforth named CrOctin, which binds to bacteria via phosphoethanolamine (PE), a chemical component present on lipid,A and core polysaccharide moieties of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Infection enhances the formation of the PRR interactome constituting CrOctin, CRP and galactose-binding protein. In particular, infection increases the affinity of CRP to CrOctin by 1000-fold. Furthermore, we observed that by binding to PE, CrOctin acts as a linker that bridges the PRR interactome to the inner core of LPS. On the other hand, under normal physiological conditions, binding of CrOctin to PE appears to obscure other PRR from interacting directly with PE. Interestingly, the cluster of "CrOctin-interactive PRR" is sex specific. We report, for the first time, the change in PRR protein profiles with a distinctive gender difference during Pseudomonas infection. [source] Cold-seeking behavior as a thermoregulatory strategy in systemic inflammationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2006Maria C. Almeida Abstract Systemic inflammation (SI) is a leading cause of hospital death. Although fever and hypothermia are listed as symptoms in every definition of SI, how SI affects thermoregulatory behavior is unclear. SI is often modeled by systemic administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to rats. When rats are not allowed to regulate their body temperature (Tb) behaviorally, LPS causes either fever or hypothermia, and the direction of the response is determined by LPS dose and ambient temperature (Ta). However, in many studies in which rats were allowed to regulate Tb behaviorally (by selecting their preferred Ta in a thermogradient apparatus), they consistently expressed warmth-seeking behavior and developed fever. We hypothesized that SI can cause not only warmth-seeking behavior but also cold-seeking behavior; we then tested this hypothesis by studying LPS-induced thermoregulatory behavior in adult Wistar rats. A multichannel thermogradient apparatus, implantable data loggers and infrared thermography were used; multiple control experiments were conducted; and the ability of the apparatus to reliably register the changes in rats' preferred Ta induced by thermal (external cooling or heating) or chemical (TRPV1 or TRPM8 agonist) stimuli was confirmed. The rats responded to a low dose of LPS (10 µg/kg i.v.) with warmth-seeking behavior and a polyphasic fever, but to a high dose (5 mg/kg i.v.) with marked cold-seeking behavior and hypothermia followed by warmth-seeking behavior and fever. This is the first well-controlled study to report SI-associated cold-seeking behavior in rats. Cold-seeking behavior is likely to be an important defense response in severe SI. [source] Route of Administration Differentially Affects Fevers Induced by Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Pyrogens in RabbitsEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2002T. Cartmell We have investigated the febrile responses of New Zealand White rabbits to a Gram-negative pyrogen (bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Salmonella typhosa), commonly associated with systemic infection, and a Gram-positive pyrogen (Staphylococcus aureus), more frequently associated with superficial soft tissue infection, each administered via one of four different routes (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intraperitoneal) at each of three different doses (LPS: 0.1, 1 and 10 ,g kg,1; S. aureus: 1.5 × 107, 1.5 × 108 and 1.5 × 109 cell walls kg,1). Intravenous administration of LPS evoked rapid, dose-dependent biphasic fever. Injection of LPS by the other routes also evoked dose-dependent fever. However, these fevers were monophasic, had increased latency of onset, and were of lower amplitude. It is important to note that a dose of approximately 10 and 100 times that of the standard intravenous dose was required to produce a similar peak rise in temperature when administered subcutaneously and intraperitoneally, respectively. Intravenous injection of the highest dose of S. aureus evoked dose-dependent biphasic fever, with short latency of onset, which was very similar to that induced by intravenous LPS. At lower doses, intravenous S. aureus induced monophasic fever. No fever occurred when the same doses of S. aureus were administered by any other route. We conclude that any of the four routes may be used for the study of LPS-induced fever, provided that the doses are adjusted. However, studies of S. aureus -induced fever, and detection of contamination with either pyrogen, requires intravenous injection. [source] Biophysical characterization of the interaction of Limulus polyphemus endotoxin neutralizing protein with lipopolysaccharideFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 10 2004Jörg Andrä Endotoxin-neutralizing protein (ENP) of the horseshoe crab is one of the most potent neutralizers of endotoxins [bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]. Here, we report on the interaction of LPS with recombinant ENP using a variety of physical and biological techniques. In biological assays (Limulus amebocyte lysate and tumour necrosis factor-, induction in human mononuclear cells), ENP causes a strong reduction of the immunostimulatory ability of LPS in a dose-dependent manner. Concomitantly, the accessible negative surface charges of LPS and lipid A (zeta potential) are neutralized and even converted into positive values. The gel to liquid crystalline phase transitions of LPS and lipid A shift to higher temperatures indicative of a rigidification of the acyl chains, however, the only slight enhancement of the transition enthalpy indicates that the hydrophobic moiety is not strongly disturbed. The aggregate structure of lipid A is converted from a cubic into a multilamellar phase upon ENP binding, whereas the secondary structure of ENP does not change due to the interaction with LPS. ENP contains a hydrophobic binding site to which the dye 1-anilino-8-sulfonic acid binds at a Kd of 19 µm, which is displaced by LPS. Because lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) is not able to bind to LPS when ENP and LPS are preincubated, tight binding of ENP to LPS can be deduced with a Kd in the low nonomolar range. Importantly, ENP is able to incorporate by itself into target phospholipid liposomes, and is also able to mediate the intercalation of LPS into the liposomes thus acting as a transport protein in a manner similar to LBP. Thus, LPS,ENP complexes might enter target membranes of immunocompetent cells, but are not able to activate due to the ability of ENP to change LPS aggregates from an active into an inactive form. [source] A pathway through interferon-, is the main pathway for induction of nitric oxide upon stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide in mouse peritoneal cellsFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 19 2003Motohiro Matsuura Production of nitric oxide (NO) in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated using cultures of mouse peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and the macrophage cell line RAW264.7. In the presence of anti-(interferon-,) (IFN-,), NO production was markedly suppressed in the PEC culture but not in the RAW264.7 culture. In the PEC culture, LPS induced both IFN-, production and activation of IFN response factor-1, which leads to the gene expression of inducible NO synthase, but neither was induced in the culture of RAW264.7 cells. In addition to anti-(IFN-,), antibodies against interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 showed a suppressive effect on LPS-induced NO production in the PEC culture, and these antibodies in synergy showed strong suppression. Stimulation of the PEC culture with IL-12 or IL-18 induced production of IFN-, and NO, and these cytokines, in combination, exhibited marked synergism. Stimulation of the culture with IFN-, induced production of NO, but not IL-12. The macrophage population in the PEC, prepared as adherent cells, responded well to LPS for IL-12 production, but weakly for production of IFN-, and NO. The macrophages also responded well to IFN-, for NO production. For production of IFN-, by stimulation with LPS or IL-12 + IL-18, nonadherent cells were required in the PEC culture. Considering these results overall, the indirect pathway, through the production of intermediates (such as IFN-,-inducing cytokines and IFN-,) by the cooperation of macrophages with nonadherent cells, was revealed to play the main role in the LPS-induced NO production pathway, as opposed to the direct pathway requiring only a macrophage population. [source] Myelin-phagocytosing macrophages in isolated sciatic and optic nerves reveal a unique reactive phenotypeGLIA, Issue 3 2008Denise van Rossum Abstract Macrophages are key effectors in demyelinating diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system by phagocytosing myelin and releasing immunoregulatory mediators. Here, we report on a distinct, a priori anti-inflammatory reaction of macrophages phagocytosing myelin upon contact with damaged nerve tissue. Macrophages rapidly invaded peripheral (sciatic) and central (optic) nerve tissues in vitro, readily incorporated myelin and expressed high levels of phagocytosis-associated molecules (e.g., Fc and scavenger receptors). In contrast, factors involved in antigen presentation (MHC class-II, CD80, CD86) revealed only a restricted expression. In parallel, a highly ordered appearance of cytokines and chemokines was detected. IL-10, IL-6, CCL22, and CXCL1 were immediately but transiently induced, whereas CCL2, CCL11, and TGF, revealed more persisting levels. Such a profile would attract neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and Th2 cells as well as bias for a Th2-supporting environment. Importantly, proinflammatory/Th1-supporting factors, such as TNF,, IL-12p70, CCL3, and CCL5, were not induced. Still the simultaneous presence of TGF, and IL-6 could assist Th17 development, further depending on yet not present IL-23. The release pattern was clearly distinct from reactive phenotypes induced in isolated macrophages and microglia upon treatment with IL-4, IL-13, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, IFN,, or purified myelin. Nerve-exposed macrophages thus commit to a unique functional orientation. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Oncostatin M enhances the expression of prostaglandin E2 and cyclooxygenase-2 in astrocytes: Synergy with interleukin-1,, tumor necrosis factor-,, and bacterial lipopolysaccharideGLIA, Issue 4 2003Pavle Repovic Abstract Oncostatin M (OSM), a cytokine of the interleukin-6 family, is expressed in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, multiple myeloma, and other inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an eicosanoid also associated with inflammation and cancer, has recently been shown to induce OSM expression. We report here that OSM in turn induces PGE2 production by astrocytes and astroglioma cells. More importantly, in combination with the inflammatory mediators IL-1,, tumor necrosis factor-,, and lipopolysaccharide, OSM exhibits a striking synergy, resulting in up to 50-fold higher PGE2 production by astrocytes, astroglioma, and neuroblastoma cell lines. Enhanced PGE2 production by OSM and IL-1, treatment is explained by their effect on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme that catalyzes the committed step in PGE2 synthesis. Of the enzymes involved in PGE2 biosynthesis, only COX-2 mRNA and protein levels are synergistically amplified by OSM and IL-1,. Nuclear run-on assays demonstrate that OSM and IL-1, synergistically upregulate transcription of the COX-2 gene, and the mRNA stability assay indicates that COX-2 mRNA is posttranscriptionally stabilized by OSM and IL-1,. To effect synergy on the PGE2 level, OSM signals in part through its gp130/OSMR, receptor, since neutralizing antibodies against gp130 and OSMR,, but not LIFR,, decrease PGE2 production in response to OSM plus IL-1,. SB202190 and U0126, inhibitors of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 activation, respectively, inhibit IL-1, and OSM upregulation of COX-2 and PGE2, indicating that these MAPK cascades are utilized by both stimuli. This mechanism of PGE2 amplification may be active in brain pathologies where both OSM and IL-1, are present, such as glioblastomas and multiple sclerosis. GLIA 42:433,446, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The liver as a crucial organ in the first line of host defense: the roles of Kupffer cells, natural killer (NK) cells and NK1.1 Ag+ T cells in T helper 1 immune responsesIMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 1 2000Shuhji Seki Summary: The liver remains a hematopoietic organ after birth and can produce all leukocyte lineages from resident hematopoietic stem cells. Hepatocytes produce acute phase proteins and complement in bacterial infections. Liver Kupffer cells are activated by various bacterial stimuli, including bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and bacterial superantigens, and produce interleukin (IL)-12. IL-12 and other monokines (IL-18 etc.) produced by Kupffer cells activate liver natural killer (NK) cells and NK1.1 Ag+ T cells to produce interferon-g and thereby acquire cytotoxicity against tumors and microbe-infected cells. These liver leukocytes and the T helper 1 immune responses induced by them thus play a crucial role in the first line of defense against bacterial infections and hematogenous tumor metastases. However, if this defense system is inadequately activated, shock associated with multiple organ failure takes place. Activated liver NK1.1 Ag+ T cells and NK cells also cause hepatocyte injury. NK1.1 Ag+ T cells and another T-cell subset with an intermediate T-cell receptor, CD122+CD8+ T cells, can develop independently of thymic epithelial cells. Liver NK cells and NK1.1 Ag+ T cells physiologically develop in situ from their precursors, presumably due to bacterial antigens brought from the intestine via the portal vein. NK cells activated by bacterial superantigens or LPS are also probably involved in the vascular endothelial injury in Kawasaki disease. [source] Sulphasalazine inhibits macrophage activation: inhibitory effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, interleukin-12 production and major histocompatibility complex II expressionIMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2001György Haskó Summary The anti-inflammatory agent sulphasalazine is an important component of several treatment regimens in the therapy of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Sulphasalazine has many immunomodulatory actions, including modulation of the function of a variety of cell types, such as lymphocytes, natural killer cells, epithelial cells and mast cells. However, the effect of this agent on macrophage (M,) function has not been characterized in detail. In the present study, we investigated the effect of sulphasalazine and two related compounds , sulphapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid , on M, activation induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-, (IFN-,). In J774 M, stimulated with LPS (10 µg/ml) and IFN-, (100 U/ml), sulphasalazine (50,500 µm) suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was suppressed by sulphasalazine at 500 µm. Sulphasalazine inhibited the LPS/IFN-,-induced production of both interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40 and p70. The suppression of both NO and IL-12 production by sulphasalazine was superior to that by either sulphapyridine or 5-aminosalicylic acid. Although the combination of LPS and IFN-, induced a rapid expression of the active forms of p38 and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases and c-Jun terminal kinase, sulphasalazine failed to interfere with the activation of any of these kinases. Finally, sulphasalazine suppressed the IFN-,-induced expression of major histocompatibility complex class II. These results demonstrate that the M, is an important target of the immunosuppressive effect of sulphasalazine. [source] Immulectin-4 from the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta binds to lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acidINSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006X.-Q. Yu Abstract Insect C-type lectins function as pattern recognition receptors in innate immunity. In the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta, we have previously isolated three C-type lectins named immulectins, which are involved in innate immune responses. Here, we report a new member of the immulectin family, immulectin-4 (IML-4). IML-4 mRNA was detected in the fat body of control larvae and was induced in the fat body when larvae were injected with bacteria. Recombinant IML-4 bound to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and the binding activity was not affected by addition of calcium or EGTA. IML-4 agglutinated bacteria and yeast, and agglutination of Escherichia coli by IML-4 was concentration- and calcium-dependent. IML-4 also enhanced haemocyte encapsulation and melanization. [source] Phage-selected lipopolysaccharide mutants of Pectobacterium atrosepticum exhibit different impacts on virulenceJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010T.J. Evans Abstract Aims:, To positively select Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pa) mutants with cell surface defects and to assess the impact of these mutations on phytopathogenesis. Methods and Results:, Several phages were isolated from treated sewage effluent and were found to require bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for infection. Two strains with distinct mutations in LPS were obtained by transposon mutagenesis. Along with a third LPS mutant, these strains were characterized with respect to various virulence-associated phenotypes, including growth rate, motility and exoenzyme production, demonstrating that LPS mutations are pleiotropic. Two of the strains were deficient in the synthesis of the O-antigen portion of LPS, and both were less virulent than the wild type. A waaJ mutant, which has severe defects in LPS biosynthesis, was dramatically impaired in potato tuber rot assays. The infectivity of these novel phages on 32 additional strains of Pa was tested, showing that most Pa isolates were sensitive to the LPS-dependent phages. Conclusions:, Native LPS is crucial for optimal growth, survival and virulence of Pa in vivo, but simultaneously renders such strains susceptible to phage infection. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This work demonstrates the power of phages to select and identify the virulence determinants on the bacterial surface, and as potential biocontrol agents for Pa infections. [source] Effects of sequential exposure to lipopolysaccharide and heat stress on dental pulp cellsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2006Chiaki Kitamura Abstract In the present study, we examined the effects of sequential exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and heat stress on dental pulp cells. LPS induced the proliferation of pulp cells through the activation of p38 MAPK. HSP27 was expressed in cells with or without LPS during the entire period of heat stress, while transiently phosphorylated by short-term heat stress. In LPS-treated cells, short-term heat stress also induced the phosphorylation of HSF1. The immediate phosphorylation of HSF1 and HSP27 in LPS-treated cells by short-term heat stress occurred dependent on the activation of p38 MAPK. However, with long-term heat stress, the activation of HSF1 and induction of HSP27 occurred independent of p38 MAPK. Further, full activation of Akt in LPS-treated cells was immediately induced by short-term heat stress and lasted during the entire period of heat stress. I,B, was induced and phosphorylated throughout sequential exposure to LPS and heat stress. These results suggest that LPS has the unique effects on the cytoprotection and the cell death of pulp cells during heat stress through the modification and the activation of heat stress responsive molecules, HSF1 and HSP27, and cell survival molecules, Akt and NF-,B/I,B,. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 797,806, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of lipopolysaccharide on platelet-derived growth factor isoform and receptor expression in cultured rat common bile duct fibroblasts and cholangiocytesJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 7 2009Tae-Hyeon Kim Abstract Background and Aim:, Little is known about the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in biliary fibrosis in the setting of bacterial colonization of the biliary tree. We therefore sought to investigate whether exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alters PDGF isoform and receptor expression in cultured rat common bile duct fibroblasts (CBDF) and normal rat cholangiocytes (NRC). Methods:, Collagen content in cells and media was assessed by colorimetric assay and gel electrophoresis. mRNA levels of PDGF-A and -B, and PDGF-Receptors (PDGF-R) , and , were measured by relative quantitative real-time PCR. Protein levels of PDGF-AA, AB and BB were measured by ELISA, and PDGF-R, and PDGF-R, by Western blot. Results:, In CBDF, LPS increased total soluble collagen synthesis and secretion. PDGF-R, and , mRNA and protein were also increased by LPS treatment in CBDF. Lipopolysaccharide treatment elicited an increase in PDGF-A and -B mRNA levels in CBDF. In NRC, levels of PDGF-A mRNA increased in a dose-dependent fashion following LPS treatment, whereas PDGF-B mRNA showed no response. PDGF-AA secretion was higher by CBDF than by NRC. PDGF-BB levels were also higher in CBDF than in NRC. While PDGF-BB levels did not respond to LPS treatment in CBDF, there was a dose-dependent response of this isoform to LPS in NRC. Intracellular and secreted PDGF-AB increased with LPS treatment in NRC. Conclusions:, These results support a model in which chronic bacterial colonization of the biliary tree induces fibrosis through PDGF-dependent mechanisms. [source] Loss of lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in scrapie-infected N2a cellsJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2003Heléne Lindegren Abstract In scrapie-infected cells, the conversion of the cellular prion protein to the pathogenic prion has been shown to occur in lipid rafts, which are suggested to function as signal transduction platforms. Neuronal cells may respond to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment with a sustained and elevated nitric oxide (NO) release. Because prions and the major LPS receptor CD14 are colocalized in lipid rafts, the LPS-induced NO production in scrapie-infected neuroblastoma cells was studied. This study shows that LPS induces a dose- and time-dependent increase in NO release in the murine neuroblastoma cell line N2a, with a 50-fold increase in NO production at 1 ,g/ml LPS after 96 hr, as measured by nitrite in the medium. This massive NO release was not caused by activation of the neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), but by increased expression of the inducible NOS (iNOS) mRNA and protein. However, in scrapie-infected N2a cells (ScN2a), the LPS-induced NO production was completely abolished. The absence of LPS-induced NO production in ScN2a was due not to abolished enzymatic activity of iNOS but to a complete inhibition of the LPS-induced iNOS gene expression as measured by Western blot and RT-PCR. These results indicate that scrapie infection inhibits the LPS-mediated signal transduction upstream of the transcriptional step in the signaling cascade and may reflect the important molecular and cellular changes induced by scrapie infection. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation by experimental periodontal disease in ratsJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2001T. Breivik Organisms respond to inflammatory conditions by mounting a co-ordinated complex series of adaptive responses involving the immune, nervous and endocrine systems that are aimed at restoring the homeostatic balance. We have recently shown in a rat model that inappropriate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation and a subsequent inability to mount a suitable glucocorticoid response to gingival inflammation may influence susceptibility to periodontal disease. This study was designed to investigate whether ligature- and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in the gingival connective tissues may activate this physiological axis, and to further explore the significance of HPA regulation in periodontal disease. Experimental periodontal disease was induced in major histocompability complex (MHC)-identical but HPA low (LEW) and high (F344) responding rat strains. We tested (1) whether ongoing periodontal disease activates the HPA axis as measured by corticosterone levels, and (2) whether genetic differences in HPA regulation modulate periodontal disease progression. In the F344 strain, the periodontal tissue destruction was more severe. This observation was associated with a significant increase of corticosterone levels in F344 rats only. Addition of LPS at the gingival inflammatory site led to a further increase of corticosterone levels and disease severity in F344 rats. These findings illustrate a positive feedback loop between the HPA axis and periodontal disease: the disease activates the HPA axis, and a genetically determined high HPA responsitivity further increases disease susceptibility. [source] Nitric oxide synthase type-II is synthesized by human gingival tissue and cultured human gingival fibroblastsJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2000H. K. Kendall Nitric oxide is known to be an important inflammatory mediator, and is implicated in the pathophysiology of a range of inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the localization and distribution of endothelial NOS (NOSII) in human gingival tissue, and to ascertain if human gingival fibroblasts express NOS-II when stimulated with interferon gamma (IFN-,) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The distribution of NOS-II in inflamed and non-inflamed specimens of human gingivae was studied using a monoclonal antibody against nitric oxide synthase II. Cultures of fibroblasts derived from healthy human gingivae were used for the cell culture experiments. The results from immunohistochemical staining of the tissues indicated an upregulation of NOS-II expression in inflamed compared to non-inflamed gingival tissue. Fibroblasts and inflammatory cells within the inflamed connective tissue were positively stained for NOS-II. In addition, basal keratinocytes also stained strongly for NOS-II, in both healthy and inflamed tissue sections. When cultured human gingival fibroblasts were stimulated by INF-, and Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS, NOS-II was more strongly expressed than when the cells were exposed to LPS or IFN-, alone. These data suggest that, as for other inflammatory diseases, NO plays a role in the pathophysiology of periodontitis. [source] Melatonin prevents endotoxin-induced circulatory failure in ratsJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2001Chin-Chen Wu The pineal secretory product melatonin was found to exert protective effects in septic shock. In a host infected by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the expression and release of proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,) is rapidly increased, suggesting that TNF-, is associated with the etiology of endotoxic shock. Recent reports show that the expression of NO synthase (NOS) II and the production of superoxide anion ( in aortae. In addition, the infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils into the liver from the surviving LPS mice treated with melatonin was reduced. Thus, our results support the clinical use of melatonin in endotoxemia. [source] Inhibition of Caspases In Vivo Protects the Rat Liver Against Alcohol-Induced Sensitization to Bacterial LipopolysaccharideALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2001Ion V. Deaciuc Background: The mechanisms of liver sensitization by alcohol to Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) remain elusive. The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to test the hypothesis that alcohol-enhanced liver apoptosis may be a sensitizing mechanism for LPS and (2) to further characterize the liver apoptotic response to alcohol. Methods: Rats were fed a high-fat, alcohol-containing liquid diet for 14 weeks, treated with LPS (1.0 mg/kg of body weight, intravenously) or saline, followed by injection of a pan-caspase inhibitor {IDN1965;N -[(1,3-dimethylindole-2-carbonyl)-valinyl]-3-amino-4-oxo-5-fluoropentanoic acid; 10 mg/kg of body weight, intraperitoneally} or vehicle, and killed. The following parameters were assessed: plasma aspartate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase activity (AST); liver histology and terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) response; caspase-3, ,8, and ,9 activity; and mRNA and protein expression for two apoptosis-signaling molecules: Fas receptor and Fas ligand; and three apoptosis adaptors: Bax, Bcl-XL, and Bcl-2. Results: Alcohol-feeding-induced liver steatosis, slightly increased caspases' activity, the number of TUNEL-positive nuclei, and facilitated the LPS necrotic effect without affecting mRNA expression of apoptosis signals and adaptors. LPS induced a significant increase in AST and the number of TUNEL-positive nuclei, both effects being more pronounced in alcohol-treated rats. LPS produced hepatic necrosis only in alcohol-treated rats. LPS effects were associated with up-regulation of mRNA expression for both apoptosis adaptors and signaling molecules. IDN1965 administration 3 hr after LPS injection strongly inhibited caspases' activity, particularly that of caspase-3. IDN1965 also abolished the increase in TUNEL-positive nuclei, reversed the effect of LPS on plasma AST in alcohol-treated rats, and prevented LPS-induced necrosis. Conclusions: (1) Alcohol-enhanced liver apoptosis may not involve regulatory steps at the transcriptional level. LPS-induced liver apoptosis seems to involve transcriptional regulation of several apoptosis adaptors. Therefore, alcohol and LPS may enhance liver apoptosis through different mechanisms. (2) Alcohol-enhanced liver apoptosis precedes and may facilitate the hepatic effects of LPS. LPS superimposed on alcohol further elevates the rate of apoptosis in the liver. This may exceed the phagocytosing capacity of the liver so that all the apoptotic cells are not phagocytosed, but rather die of necrosis. [source] Phosphorylcholine mimics the effects of ES-62 on macrophages and dendritic cellsPARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2007H. S. GOODRIDGE SUMMARY Modulation of macrophage/dendritic cell (DC) cytokine production by the filarial nematode phosphorylcholine (PC)-containing product, ES-62, is mediated by Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and signal transduction depends on the TLR adaptor MyD88. Intriguingly, comparison of TLR4 knock-out (ko) mice with TLR4 mutant C3H/HeJ mice indicates that ES-62 cytokine responses are not dependent on the Pro712 residue of TLR4, which is crucial for the response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Because other immunomodulatory effects of ES-62 have been attributed to PC we have now investigated, using PC conjugated to ovalbumin (PC-Ova), whether PC is responsible for the interaction of ES-62 with TLR4. PC-Ova mimicked the modulation of interleukin (IL)-12 production by ES-62 in a TLR4- and MyD88-dependent manner and as with native ES-62, PC-Ova effects were not dependent on Pro712. Furthermore, both native ES-62 and PC-Ova suppressed Akt phosphorylation, whereas neither altered the activation of p38 or Erk MAP kinases. To rule out any role for the ES-62 protein component, we tested a PC-free recombinant ES-62 (rES-62) generated in the yeast Pichia pastoris. Surprisingly, rES-62 also modulated IL-12 production, but in a TLR4/MyD88-independent manner. Furthermore, rES-62 strongly activated both the p38 and Erk MAP kinases and Akt. However, recent biophysical analysis suggests there are differences in folding/shape between native and rES-62 and hence data obtained with the latter should be treated with caution. Nevertheless, although our study indicates that PC is likely to be primarily responsible for the modulation of cytokine production observed with native ES-62, an immunomodulatory role for the protein component cannot be ruled out. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Isolation of Non-Activated Monocytes from Human Umbilical Cord BloodAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Erik Normann Problem, Methods for monocyte purification are common but few work with umbilical cord monocytes that do not activate the cell for subsequent culture analysis. Methods of study, The collection procedure avoids use of needles and procedures that variably activate blood clotting and uses a purification procedure that involves diluted Ficoll, autologous serum to remove platelets and 42% and 51% Percoll step gradients for the final purification. The resulting monocytes were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and formalin-treated bacteria Escherichia coli and group B streptococci (GBS) to secrete TNF-, and IL-1,, measured by ELISA. Results, The purification procedure results in non-active but stimulation-competent monocytes with high yields (2.3,9 × 107 cells) and purity (from 70% to 98%). Conclusion, We describe a procedure that is easy, uses common reagents and provides a uniformly high yield and purity of non-activated fetal monocytes for studies of innate defense responses. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: IL-10 Modulates Placental Responses to TLR LigandsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Mehmet Bayraktar Problem, Intra-uterine infections increase production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is unclear whether different infectious agents determine the relative expression of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Methods of study, We compared the placental inflammatory response induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin from Gram-negative bacteria) with those induced by lipoteichoic acid (LTA, a cell wall component of Gram-positive bacteria). Placental explants from term delivery were treated with either LPS or LTA, in the presence or absence of IL-10, for 24 hrs. Cytokines, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression were quantified. Results, Both LTA and LPS significantly induced several cytokines with LPS eliciting more potent effects. IL-6 and IL-8 were induced to comparable levels in response to both LTA and LPS whereas monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) production was induced more by LTA, demonstrating a differential placental response to a specific toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand. IL-10 treatment significantly reduced most pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as PGE2 induced by both LPS and LTA. Interestingly, IL-10 down-regulated LTA-mediated MCP1 induction, but not that mediated by LPS. Moreover, IL-10 was more effective in down-regulating PGE2 after LPS- when compared with LTA stimulation. Conclusions, Our results demonstrate that placental exposure to LTA and LPS appear to trigger distinct cytokine responses that can be modulated by IL-10. [source] Combined cell wall polysaccharide, mycotoxin and bacterial lipopolysaccharide exposure and inflammatory cytokine responsesAPMIS, Issue 7 2009LENE JOHANNESSEN Human exposure to environmental microbes occurs regularly. Microbial compounds may interact with each other to affect cellular responses. We hypothesized that interactions between microbial compounds could modulate inflammatory cytokine responses in vitro. We investigated monocyte production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-, (TNF-,) and the regulatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) after combined exposure to the fungal cell wall polysaccharide mannan and to the ,-glucan laminarin, the mycotoxin citrinin and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Interactions between the cell wall microbial compounds were estimated statistically in a general linear mixed model. We found that LPS (100 ng/ml) and the used ,-glucan (up to 1000 ,g/ml) significantly interacted with each other to reduce TNF-, production. Mannan (up to 100 ,g/ml) did not interact with the ,-glucan, but interacted with LPS. IL-10 production was induced by LPS only. The mycotoxin citrinin did not induce cytokine production, but was toxic to the cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. However, non-toxic doses of citrinin reduced LPS-induced IL-10 production while LPS-induced TNF-, production was not similarly reduced by citrinin. In conclusion, interactions between microbial compounds can modulate cellular inflammatory cytokine production and experimental investigations of one compound at a time could give misleading conclusions about these combined effects. [source] Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases by olomoucine and roscovitine reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses via down-regulation of nuclear factor ,BCELL PROLIFERATION, Issue 2 2009R-S. Jhou Objectives:, Initiation and maintenance of pro-inflammatory reactions elicited by bacterial lipopolysaccharide and/or cytokines in the macrophage lineage have been reported to play a crucial role in acute and chronic pathogenic effects. Whether pro-inflammatory responses triggered by lipopolysaccharide in growth arrested cells differ from those in proliferating cells remains unanswered. Materials and methods:, Olomoucine and roscovitine are cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors that prevent progression through the cell cycle. After treatment with CDK inhibitors, expression of pro-inflammatory genes was analysed by reverse transcriptase,polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-,B) were determined by Western blotting. Promoter activity of iNOS was measured by the luciferase activity assay. Results:, In this study we have demonstrated that both olomoucine and roscovitine inhibit cell proliferation and diminish nitric oxide production and cytokine gene expression, in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, olomoucine reduces iNOS promoter activity and alleviates NF-,B transcription activation. After co-transfection with E2F1 interference RNA, suppression of lipopolysaccharide-mediated iNOS promoter activity and NF-,B activation was observed. Furthermore, we demonstrated that olomoucine-induced growth arrested cells reduce expression of the p65 subunit of NF-,B. Conclusions:, The findings of this study suggest that inhibition of cell-cycle progression is capable of reducing pro-inflammatory responses via down-regulation of NF-,B. [source] Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced renal injury in the ratCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 12 2004M Kadkhodaee SUMMARY 1.,Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) release and subsequent septic shock is a major cause of death in intensive care units. Lipopolysaccharide has been reported to increase the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the formation of oxygen-derived free radicals (OFR) in different organs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of an inducible form of NO synthase (iNOS) and OFR production in LPS-induced renal impairment. 2.,Measurement of vitamin E as the most important fat-soluble anti-oxidant was used as a marker of tissue oxidative stress. Lipopolysaccharide (10 mg/kg), l -iminoethyl lysine (L-Nil; 3 mg/kg, i.p.; a specific inhibitor of iNOS activity) and dimethyl thiourea (DMTU; 500 mg/kg i.p.; a well-known OFR scavenger) were used. Four groups of eight rats were studied. One group received LPS, whereas a second group received LPS + L-Nil. A third group received LPS + DMTU and the fourth group, receiving saline, acted as a control group. To evaluate renal function, plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. High-pressure liquid chromatography and ultraviolet detection were used to measure plasma and tissue vitamin E levels. Light microscopy was used to examine histopathological changes in the four groups. 3.,Lipopolysaccharide markedly decreased the vitamin E content of renal plasma and tissue (P < 0.05). Administration of L-Nil attenuated renal dysfunction and preserved vitamin E levels. However, DMTU failed to prevent renal injury, as indicated by plasma BUN levels and renal histology, despite the fact that it maintained renal vitamin E levels and increased plasma vitamin E levels. Thus, the overproduction of NO by iNOS may have a role in this model of LPS-induced renal impairment. [source] COSTS OF AN INDUCED IMMUNE RESPONSE ON SEXUAL DISPLAY AND LONGEVITY IN FIELD CRICKETSEVOLUTION, Issue 10 2004Alain Jacot Abstract Immune system activation may benefit hosts by generating resistance to parasites. However, natural resources are usually limited, causing a trade-off between the investment in immunity and that in other life-history or sexually selected traits. Despite its importance for the evolution of host defense, state-dependent fitness costs of immunity received little attention under natural conditions. In a field experiment we manipulated the nutritional condition of male field crickets Gryllus campestris and subsequently investigated the effect of an induced immune response through inoculation of bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Immune system activation caused a condition-dependent reduction in body condition, which was proportional to the condition-gain during the preceding food-supplementation period. Independent of nutritional condition, the immune insult induced an enduring reduction in daily calling rate, whereas control-injected males fully regained their baseline level of sexual signaling following a temporary decline. Since daily calling rate affects female mate choice under natural conditions, this suggests a decline in male mating success as a cost of induced immunity. Food supplementation enhanced male life span, whereas the immune insult reduced longevity, independent of nutritional status. Thus, immune system activation ultimately curtails male fitness due to a combined decline in sexual display and life span. Our field study thus indicates a key role for fitness costs of induced immunity in the evolution of host defense. In particular, costs expressed in sexually selected traits might warrant the honest advertisement of male health status, thus representing an important mechanism in parasite-mediated sexual selection. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||