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Inflammatory Sites (inflammatory + site)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	73%
Life Sciences	21%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Immunology	49%
Periodontology	13%

Selected Abstracts

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) produced via NF-,B signaling pathway mediates migration of amoeboid microglia in the periventricular white matter in hypoxic neonatal rats

GLIA, Issue 6 2009
Y. Y. Deng
Abstract Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a member of ,-chemokine subfamily, regulates the migration of microglia, monocytes, and lymphocytes to the inflammatory site in the central nervous system. We sought to determine if amoeboid microglial cells (AMC) produce MCP-1 that may be linked to migration of AMC in the corpus callosum periventricular white matter in hypoxic neonatal rats. A striking feature in 1-day-old rats subjected to hypoxia was a marked increase in cell numbers of AMC and immunoexpression of MCP-1 and its receptor (CCR2). By BrdU immunostaining, there was no significant change in the proliferation rate of AMC after hypoxic exposure when compared with the corresponding control rats. When injected intracerebrally into the corpus callosum of 7-day-old postnatal rats, MCP-1 induced the chemotactic migration of AMC to the injection site. In primary microglial cell culture subjected to hypoxia, there was a significant increase in MCP-1 release involving NF-,B signaling pathway. In in vitro chemotaxis assay, the medium derived from hypoxia-treated microglial cultures attracted more migratory microglial cells than that from the control microglial culture. The present results suggest that following a hypoxic insult, AMC in the neonatal rats increase MCP-1 production via NF-,B signaling pathway. This induces the migration and accumulation of AMC from the neighboring areas to the periventricular white matter (PWM). It is concluded that the preponderance and active migration of AMC, as well as them being the main cellular source of MCP-1, may offer an explanation for the PWM being susceptible to hypoxic damage in neonatal brain. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Dexamethasone suppresses monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production via mitogen activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 dependent inhibition of Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in activated rat microglia

JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2007
Yan Zhou
Abstract Microglial cells release monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) which amplifies the inflammation process by promoting recruitment of macrophages and microglia to inflammatory sites in several neurological diseases. In the present study, dexamethasone (Dex), an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug has been shown to suppress the mRNA and protein expression of MCP-1 in activated microglia resulting in inhibition of microglial migration. This has been further confirmed by the chemotaxis assay which showed that Dex or MCP-1 neutralization with its antibody inhibits the microglial recruitment towards the conditioned medium of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated microglial culture. This study also revealed that the down-regulation of the MCP-1 mRNA expression by Dex in activated microglial cells was mediated via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. It has been demonstrated that Dex inhibited the phosphorylation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAP kinases as well as c-jun, the JNK substrate in microglia treated with LPS. The involvement of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways in induction of MCP-1 production in activated microglial cells was confirmed as there was an attenuation of MCP-1 protein release when microglial cells were treated with inhibitors of JNK and p38. In addition, Dex induced the expression of MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), the negative regulator of JNK and p38 MAP kinases in microglial cells exposed to LPS. Blockade of MKP-1 expression by triptolide enhanced the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways and the mRNA expression of MCP-1 in activated microglial cells treated with Dex. In summary, Dex inhibits the MCP-1 production and subsequent microglial cells migration to the inflammatory site by regulating MKP-1 expression and the p38 and JNK MAPK pathways. This study reveals that the MKP-1 and MCP-1 as novel mediators of biological effects of Dex may help developing better therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with neuroinflammatory diseases. [source]

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation by experimental periodontal disease in rats

JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2001
T. 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]

T lymphocyte rolling and recruitment into peripheral lymph nodes is regulated by a saturable density of L-selectin (CD62L)

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
Elena Galkina Dr.
Abstract L-selectin mediates tethering and rolling of lymphocytes in high endothelial venules (HEV) of lymph nodes (LN) and of leukocytes at inflammatory sites. We used transgenic mice expressing varying levels of wild-type or a non-cleavable mutant form of L-selectin on T cells to determine the relationship between L-selectin density, tethering and rolling, and migration into LN. T cells expressing supraphysiological levels of either wild-type or non-cleavable L-selectin showed rolling parameters similar to C57BL/6 T cells in hydrodynamic flow assays and during rolling in Peyer's patch HEV. In contrast, PMA- or antigen-activated T cells and L-selectin+/, T cells expressing subphysiological levels of L-selectin showed reduced numbers of rolling cells with increased rolling velocity. Short-term homing studies showed that elevated expression of L-selectin above physiological levels had no effect on T cell migration to LN; however, low L-selectin expression resulted in reduced T cell homing to LN. Thus, T lymphocyte migration into LN is regulated by the density of cell surface L-selectin. In addition, there is a saturable density of L-selectin required for optimal homing to PLN in C57BL/6 mice, the L-selectin level on circulating naive T cells promotes optimal homing, and increased expression above saturating levels promotes no further increase in T cell recruitment. [source]

Role of mast cells in experimental anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 10 2005
Kathrin Hochegger
Abstract Recently, divergent reports on the role of mast cells (MC) in different glomerular diseases have brought our attention to their role in an accelerated model of anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis (GN). Genetically MC-deficient KitW/KitW - v mice, MC-reconstituted KitW/KitW - v mice and Kit+/+ control mice were subjected to anti-GBM GN. Kit+/+ mice developed moderate proteinuria and glomerular damage following the induction of anti-GBM nephritis. In contrast, proteinuria and glomerular damage were dramatically increased in MC-deficient KitW/KitW - v mice. MC-reconstituted KitW/KitW - v mice showed proteinuria and glomerular damage comparable to Kit+/+ mice. A significant increase in infiltrating T cells and macrophages was detected in MC-deficient KitW/KitW - v mice as compared to Kit+/+ control mice and MC-reconstituted KitW/KitW - v mice. Accordingly, we observed an increase of TGF-,1 mRNA in kidneys from KitW/KitW - v mice. Interestingly, we did not detect MC in the kidney using either Giemsa staining or RT-real-time PCR, but MC were found in the regional lymph nodes. Finally, mortality of KitW/KitW - v mice was significantly increased after the induction of anti-GBM GN due to uremia. Our report provides the first direct evidence that MC are protective in anti-GBM GN, possibly by modulating the influx of effector T cells and macrophages to inflammatory sites in the kidney. [source]

Incomplete effector/memory differentiation of antigen-primed CD8+ T,cells in gene gun DNA-vaccinated mice

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 7 2003
Christina Bartholdy
Abstract DNA vaccination is an efficient way to induce CD8+ T,cell memory, but it is still unclear to what extent such memory responses afford protection in vivo. To study this, we induced CD8+ memory responses directed towards defined viral epitopes, using DNA vaccines encoding immunodominant MHC class,I-restricted epitopes of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus covalently linked to ,2-microglobulin. This vaccine construct primed for a stronger recall response than did a more conventional minigene construct. Despite this, vaccinated mice were only protected against systemic infection whereas protection against the consequences of peripheral challenge was limited. Phenotypic analysis revealed that DNA vaccine-primed CD8+ T,cells in uninfected mice differed from virus-primed CD8+ T,cells particularly regarding expression of very-late antigen (VLA)-4, an adhesion molecule important for targeting T,cells to inflammatory sites. Thus, our DNA vaccine induces a long-lived memory CD8+ T,cell population that provides efficient protection against high-dose systemic infection. However, viral replication in solid non-lymphoid organs is not curtailed sufficiently fast to prevent significant virus-induced inflammation. Our results suggest that this is due to qualitative limitations of the primed CD8+ T,cells. [source]

Gastrointestinal effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2003
Brendan J. R. Whittle
Abstract Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) causes extensive damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The underlying mechanisms of gastric injury include topical irritant actions that disrupt the epithelial barrier, as well as the inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX), which is predominantly the COX-1 isoform in the mucosa. This damage can be attenuated by antisecretory agents or by mucosal protective agents such as the synthetic prostanoids or nitric oxide (NO) donors. Compounds designed to attenuate topical irritancy, or have protective agents incorporated, such as NO-containing NSAIDs, the CINODs (cyclo-oxygenase-inhibiting NO-donating drugs) show reduced mucosal injury. NSAIDs also cause injury in the small intestine, which appears to result from initial COX inhibition, with subsequent translocation of indigenous bacteria, induction of NO synthase and production of the cytotoxic moiety, peroxynitrite. The COX-2 selective agents, the coxibs, which inhibit prostanoid biosynthesis at inflammatory sites, but not the endogenous protective prostanoids in the gut formed by COX-1, have proved so far to be a successful therapeutic approach to reducing NSAIDs GI damage. The clinical outcome of the use of the second generation of coxibs, and the newer NO NSAIDs is now awaited. [source]

,1 -antitrypsin prevents polymorphonuclear leucocyte-elastase effects on spermatozoa quality

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 1 2010
J. Leßig
Summary Elevated levels of polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN)-derived elastase, which is suggested as marker for inflammations in the male genital tract, correlate well with spermatozoa deterioration. PMN elastase caused a time- and concentration-dependent (up to a elastase concentration of 0.5 ,g/mL) externalization of phosphatidylserine and intercalation of propidium iodide on human spermatozoa. There are apparently a limited number of target sites for elastase on spermatozoa surface, because the further enhancement of elastase amount did not fasten alterations in spermatozoa parameters. Analysis of flow cytometry data revealed that most spermatozoa were in a necrotic state after an exposure with elastase for 22 h. Some apoptotic cells were only detected at shorter incubation periods. Seminal plasma prevented in a concentration-dependent manner the PMN elastase-mediated loss of vitality of spermatozoa. We detected by blotting techniques large amounts of ,1 -antitrypsin in seminal plasma. This antiproteinase is known to inactivate elastase at inflammatory sites. Increasing concentrations of ,1 -antitrypsin prevented gradually spermatozoa deterioration induced by elastase. Thus, ,1 -antitrypsin contributes to an efficient protease/antiproteinase balance in seminal plasma. A disturbed balance will promote the development of chronic inflammations which can also be the reason for male infertility problems. [source]

Quantitative analysis of MRP-8 in gingival crevicular fluid in periodontal health and disease using microbore HPLC

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 12 2001
Fionnuala T. Lundy
Abstract Background: The protein components of GCF can be separated by reverse-phase microbore HPLC on a C18 column with detection on the basis of 214 nm absorbance. A single major symmetrical protein peak eluting with a retention time of 26 min (50% acetonitrile) was evident in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from periodontitis patients but not in healthy GCF. This protein was identified as human MRP-8 by N-terminal amino acid sequencing and liquid chromotography quadropole mass spectrometry. Aims: To quantify the amount of MRP-8 detectable in GCF from individual healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis affected sites and to study the relationship, if any, between the levels of this responsive protein and periodontal health and disease. Methods: GCF was sampled (30 s) from healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis sites in peridontitis subjects (n=15) and from controls (n=5) with clinically healthy gingiva and no periodontitis. Purified MRP-8 was sequenced by Edmann degradation and the phenylthiohydantoin (PTH) amino acid yield determined (by comparison of peak area with external PTH amino acid standards). This value was subsequently used to calculate the relative amount of protein in the peak eluting with a retention time of 26.0 min (MRP-8) in individual GCF chromatograms. Results: Higher levels of MRP-8 were detected in inflammatory sites: periodontitis 457.0 (281.0) ng; gingivitis 413.5 (394.5) ng compared with periodontally healthy sites in diseased subjects 14.6 (14.3) ng and in controls 18.6 (18.5) ng, p=0.003. There was at least 20-fold more MRP-8 in the inflammatory compared with the healthy sites studied. Conclusions: The preliminary data indicate that MRP-8 is present in GCF, with significantly greater amounts present at diseased than healthy sites. A systematic study of the relationship of this protein to periodontal disease could prove useful in further clarifying whether MRP-8 could be a reliable GCF biomarker of gingivitis and periodontitis. Zusammenfassung Grundlagen: Der Proteingehalt des GCF, abgetrennt werden mit einer reversphasigen Microbore-HPLC auf einer C18-Säule mit Detektion auf der Basis der Absorption von 214 nm. Ein einziges symmetrisches Protein-Hauptpeak-Eluat, der mit einer Retentionszeit von 26 Minuten eluiert wurde (50% Acetonnitril) war in gingivalen Sulkusfluid (GCF) von Parodontitispatienten deutlich sichtbar, jedoch nicht im GCF von Gesunden. Dieses Protein wurde mitels N-terminaler Aminosären-Sequenzierung und Flüssigkeits-Chromatographie mit Quadropol-Massenspektrometrie als humanes MRP-8 identifiziert. Ziele: Quantifizierung der Menge an MRP-8, die im GCF von gesunden Personen, Patienten mit Gingivitis und mit Parodontitis nachweisbar ist und Studieren der eventuell möglichen Beziehungen zwischen den Titern dieses Reaktionsproteins und parodontaler Gesundheit bzw. Erkrankung. Methoden: Bei Parodontitispatienten (n=15) wurde das GCF von gesunden Bereichen, sowie von Stellen mit Gingivitis und Parodontitis gewonnen (30 Sek.) sowie bei Kontrollpersonen (n=5) mit klinisch gesunder Gingiva und ohne Parodontitis. Das gereinigte MRP-8 wurde mittels Edman-Degradierung Sequenziert und der Phenyl-Thiohydantoin (PTH) Aminosäure-Yield bestimmt (durch Vergleich der Peakbereiche mit externen PTH Aminosäurestandards). Darauffolgend wurde dieser Wert verwendet, um die relative Menge des Proteins im Peak-Eluat mit einer Retentionszeit von 26.0 Min. (MRP-8) in den individuellen Chromatogrammen zu berechnen. Ergebnisse: An entzündeten Stellen wurden höhere Titer von MRP-8 nachgewiesen: Parodontitis 457.0 (281.0) ng; Gingivitis 413.5 (394.5) ng verglichen mit parodontal gesunden Stellen bei erkrankten Patienten 14.6 (14.3) ng und den Kontrollen 18.6 (18.5) ng, p=0.003. An den entzündeten Stellen gab es im Vergleich mit den gesunden Stellen wenigstens 20 mal mehr MRP-8. Schlußfolgerungen: Die vorläufigen Daten zeigen, daß MRP-8 im GCF vorhanden ist und an erkrankten Stellen signifikant höhere Mengen vorhanden sind, als an gesunden Stellen. Eine systematische Studie der Beziehung dieses Proteins zur Parodondalerkrankung könnte sich als nützlich erweisen, um des weiteren zu klären, ob MRP-8 eine verläßlicher Biomarker für Gingivitis und Parodontitis ist. Résumé Origine: Les composants proéiques du fluide gingival peuvent être séparés par HPLC microbore en phase inverse sur une colonne C18 avec une détection sur une base d'absorption de 214 nm. Un unique pic majeur symétrique ayant un temps de rétention de 26 min (50% acetonitrile) était manifeste dans le fluide gingival (GCF) des patients atteints de parodontite, mais pas chez les patients sans. Cette protéine fut identifiée comme étant l'MRP-8 humaine après séquençage de l'acide aminé N terminal et spectrométrie de masse quadropole par chromatographie liquide. But: L'objectif est de quantifier la quantité de MRP-8 détectable dans le GCF de site sains, atteints de gingivite ou de parodontite et d'étudier, s'il y en a, la relation entre les niveaux de cette réponse protéique et la santé et la maladie parodontale. Méthodes: Le GCF frut prélevé (30 s) dans des sites sains, atteints de gingivite ou de parodontite, chez des sujets atteints de parodontite (n=15) ou chez des contrôles (n=5), ayant une gencive cliniquement saine sans parodontite. Le MRP-8 purifié fut séquencé par dégradation d'Edmann et le débit d'acide aminé phenylthiohydantoine (PTH) déterminé (par comparaison avec la surface de pic avec des standards d'acide aminé PTH externe). Cette valeur fut ensuite utilisée pour calculer la quantité relative de protéine dans le pic avec un temps de rétention de 26.0 mn (MRP-8) sur des chromatogrammes individuels de GCF. Résultats: De plus hauts niveaux de MRP-8 étaints détectés dans les sites inflammatoires: Parodontite 457.0 (281.0) ng; gingivite 413.5 (394.5) ng par rapport aux sites sains des sujets malades 14.6 (14.3) ng et des sujets contrôles 18.6 (18.5) ng, p=0.003. Il y avait au moins 20× plus de MRP-8 dans les sites inflammatoires par rapport au sites sains. Conclusions: Les données préliminaires indiquent que la MRP-8 est présente dans le GCF, en quantité significativement plus importante dans les sites malades. Une étude systèmatique de la relation entre cette protéine et la maladie parodontale pourrait se révéler utile pour encore plus expliciter si MRP-8 pourrait être un biomarqueur fiable du GCF des gingivites et des parodontites. [source]

Dexamethasone suppresses monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production via mitogen activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 dependent inhibition of Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in activated rat microglia

Chemokine receptor CCR2 undergoes transportin1-dependent nuclear translocation

PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 21 2008
Nicolas Favre
Abstract Chemokines (CCs) are small chemoattractant cytokines involved in a wide variety of biological and pathological processes. Released by cells in the milieu, and extracellular matrix and activating signalling cascades upon binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), they trigger many cellular events. In various pathologies, CCs are directly responsible for excessive recruitment of leukocytes to inflammatory sites and recent studies using chemokine receptor (CCR) antagonists permitted these molecules to reach the market for medical use. While interaction of CCs with their receptors has been extensively documented, downstream GPCR signalling cascades triggered by CC are less well understood. Given the pivotal role of chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) in monocyte recruitment, activation and differentiation and its implication in several autoimmune-inflammatory pathologies, we searched for potential new CCR2-interacting proteins by engineering a modified CCR2 that we used as bait. Herein, we show the direct interaction of CCR2 with transportin1 (TRN1), which we demonstrate is followed by CCR2 receptor internalization. Further characterization of this novel interaction revealed that TRN1-binding to CCR2 increased upon time in agonist treated cells and promotes its nuclear translocation in a TRN1-dependent manner. Finally, we provide evidence that following translocation, the receptor localizes at the outer edge of the nuclear envelope where it is finally released from TRN1. [source]

The interaction of neutrophils with respiratory epithelial cells in viral infection

RESPIROLOGY, Issue 1 2000
Shan-Ze Wang
Abstract: Viral respiratory infection is very common. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects almost all children during the first 2 years of life. Respiratory syncytial virus is the most frequent cause of bronchiolitis, which is strongly linked with asthma. However, the pathophysiology of RSV bronchiolitis is unclear. Neutrophils are the predominant airway leucocytes in RSV bronchiolitis and other viral infections. Neutrophils and their products are likely to play an important role in viral infection. Current evidence indicates that: (i) viral infection of epithelial cells increases the production of neutrophil chemoattractants or chemokines, which induce neutrophil migration into the inflammatory sites; (ii) the expression of adhesion molecules on neutrophils and epithelial cells is up-regulated in viral infection, and neutrophil-epithelial adhesion is increased; (iii) neutrophils augment epithelial damage and detachment induced by viral infection and contribute to the pathophysiology of viral disease; (iv) neutrophil apoptosis is up-regulated in RSV infection, which may be an in vivo mechanism to limit neutrophil-induced epithelial damage; (v) inhibitors of chemokines, adhesion molecules or neutrophil proteases may be useful in prevention of neutrophil-induced epithelial damage. In conclusion, neutrophils play an important role in viral infection, and intervention to prevent neutrophil-induced epithelial damage may be a potential clinical therapy. [source]

Reproductive Functions of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2004
Potential Clinical Utility of Antalarmins (CRH Receptor Type 1 Antagonists), Research
Background:, The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis exerts a complex, mostly inhibitory, effect on the female reproductive system. In addition, the principal regulator of this axis, the hypothalamic neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and its receptors have been identified in most female reproductive tissues, including the ovary, uterus, and placenta. Furthermore, CRH is secreted in peripheral inflammatory sites where it exerts strong inflammatory actions. Antalarmins (CRH receptor type 1 antagonists) have been used to elucidate the roles of CRH in stress, inflammation and reproduction. Method of study:, We review existing data on the effects of CRH in the female reproductive system. Results:, Ovarian CRH participates in female sex steroid production, follicular maturation, ovulation and luteolysis. Uterine CRH participates in decidualization, implantation, and early maternal tolerance. Placental CRH participates in the physiology of pregnancy and the onset of parturition. Circulating placental CRH is secreted mostly during the latter half of pregnancy and is responsible for the concurrently increasing physiologic hypercortisolism of this period. After labor and delivery, this hypercortisolism is ensued by a transient suppression of hypothalamic CRH secretion, which may explain the postpartum blues and depression and the increased autoimmune manifestations depression of period, the postpartum period. Conclusions:, These data show that CRH is present in female reproductive tissues, and is regulating key reproductive functions with an inflammatory component, such as ovulation, luteolysis, implantation, and parturition. [source]

FOXP3 Expression in Human Kidney Transplant Biopsies Is Associated with Rejection and Time Post Transplant but Not with Favorable Outcomes

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 7 2008
S. Bunnag
Expression of the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) in transplant biopsies is of interest due to its role in a population of regulatory T cells. We analyzed FOXP3 mRNA expression using RT-PCR in 83 renal transplant biopsies for cause in relationship to histopathology, clinical findings and expression of pathogenesis-based transcript sets assessed by microarrays. FOXP3 mRNA was higher in rejection (T-cell and antibody-mediated) than nonrejection. Surprisingly, some native kidney controls also expressed FOXP3 mRNA. Immunostaining for FOXP3 was consistent with RT-PCR, showing interstitial FOXP3+ lymphocytes, even in some native kidney controls. FOXP3 expression correlated with interstitial inflammation, tubulitis, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, C4d positivity, longer time posttransplant, younger donors, class II panel reactive antibody >20% and transcript sets reflecting inflammation and injury, but unlike these features was time dependent. In multivariate analysis, higher FOXP3 mRNA was independently associated with rejection, T-cell-associated transcripts, younger donor age and longer time posttransplant. FOXP3 expression did not correlate with favorable graft outcomes, even when the analysis was restricted to biopsies with rejection. Thus FOXP3 mRNA expression is a time-dependent feature of inflammatory infiltrates in renal tissue. We hypothesize that time-dependent entry of FOXP3-positive cells represents a mechanism for stabilizing inflammatory sites. [source]

The role of bacteriolysis in the pathophysiology of inflammation, infection and post-infectious sequelae

APMIS, Issue 11 2002
Review article
The literature dealing with the biochemical basis of bacteriolysis and its role in inflammation, infection and in post-infectious sequelae is reviewed and discussed. Bacteriolysis is an event that may occur when normal microbial multiplication is altered due to an uncontrolled activation of a series of autolytic cell-wall breaking enzymes (muramidases). While a low-level bacteriolysis sometimes occurs physiologically, due to "mistakes" in cell separation, a pronounced cell wall breakdown may occur following bacteriolysis induced either by beta-lactam antibiotics or by a large variety of bacteriolysis-inducing cationic peptides. These include spermine, spermidine, bactericidal peptides defensins, bacterial permeability increasing peptides from neutrophils, cationic proteins from eosinophils, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, the highly cationic proteinases elastase and cathepsins, PLA2, and certain synthetic polyamino acids. The cationic agents probably function by deregulating lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in Gram-positive bacteria and phospholipids in Gram-negative bacteria, the presumed regulators of the autolytic enzyme systems (muramidases). When bacteriolysis occurs in vivo, cell-wall- and -membrane-associated lipopolysaccharide (LPS (endotoxin)), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PPG), are released. These highly phlogistic agents can act on macrophages, either individually or in synergy, to induce the generation and release of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, cytotoxic cytokines, hydrolases, proteinases, and also to activate the coagulation and complement cascades. All these agents and processes are involved in the pathophysiology of septic shock and multiple organ failure resulting from severe microbial infections. Bacteriolysis induced in in vitro models, either by polycations or by beta-lactams, could be effectively inhibited by sulfated polysaccharides, by D-amino acids as well as by certain anti-bacteriolytic antibiotics. However, within phagocytic cells in inflammatory sites, bacteriolysis tends to be strongly inhibited presumably due to the inactivation by oxidants and proteinases of the bacterial muramidases. This might results in a long persistence of non-biodegradable cell-wall components causing granulomatous inflammation. However, persistence of microbial cell walls in vivo may also boost innate immunity against infections and against tumor-cell proliferation. Therapeutic strategies to cope with the deleterious effects of bacteriolysis in vivo include combinations of autolysin inhibitors with combinations of certain anti-inflammatory agents. These might inhibit the synergistic tissue- and- organ-damaging "cross talks" which lead to septic shock and to additional post-infectious sequelae. [source]

Inhibitory effect of the coffee diterpene kahweol on carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats

BIOFACTORS, Issue 1 2006
Ji Young Kim
Abstract Previous studies reported that kahweol, a coffee-specific diterpene, inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in cultured lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages. The aim of this study was to confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of kahweol by examining its effect on the inflammatory response induced by carrageenan in a rat using an acute air pouch inflammation model. Kahweol significantly reduced the levels of the inflammatory process markers in the air pouch, such as the volume of exudates, the amount of protein and the number of leukocytes and neutrophils. The levels of nitrite, TNF-a and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were also markedly lower in the air pouch of the kahweol-treated animals than in the controls. Immunoblot analysis showed that kahweol reduced the COX-2 and iNOS expression level in the exudate cells. The histological examination showed that there was a lower inflammatory response in the pouch tissues from the kahweol-treated animals. In addition, kahweol significantly reduced the paw edema induced by carrageenan and also markedly reduced the level of PGE2 production in the inflamed paw. These results suggest that kahweol has significant anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, which might be due to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression in the inflammatory sites. [source]

Effect of H1 -receptor antagonists on proliferative response, cytokine production, and cellular migration of human T cells and macrophages

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY REVIEWS, Issue 2 2008
S. Iwata
Summary Cytokine imbalance and cellular migration to inflammatory sites are critical components of allergic diseases. Redirecting cytokine imbalance and inhibiting cell migration therefore represent important therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these disorders. We studied the in vitro effect of the non-sedating H1 -receptor antagonists ebastine, carebastine, epinastine, cetirizine, and ketotifen on cytokine secretion by human T cells under various co-stimulatory conditions and the migratory activity of activated T cells as well as production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Ebastine and carebastine inhibited T cell proliferation and production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and TNF-, by T cells under co-stimulation with CD28 plus CD3, CD26 plus CD3, and CD3 plus phorbol myristate acetate, whereas these drugs had no effect on the production of IL-2 and IFN-,. Ebastine and carebastine also inhibited T cell migration and production of TNF-, and IL-6 by macrophages. Epinastine inhibited T cell proliferation and production of IL-2, IFN-,, IL-4, and IL-5, whereas it elicited no effect on the production of IL-6 and TNF-, by T cells and macrophages as well as T cell migration. Cetirizine and ketotifen had no effects on cytokine production and T cell migration. Our results suggest that certain H1 -receptor antagonists, most notably ebastine and carebastine, can influence T cell migration and cytokine production in addition to antagonizing the H1 receptor. These drugs therefore might be useful against T cell-mediated allergic inflammatory disorders such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. [source]

BAFF: a local and systemic target in autoimmune diseases

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
I. Moisini
Summary BAFF (B lymphocyte activating factor of the tumour necrosis factor family) is a vital homeostatic cytokine for B cells that helps regulate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Increased serum levels of BAFF are found in a number of different autoimmune diseases, and BAFF is found in inflammatory sites in which there is lymphoid neogenesis. BAFF antagonism has been used in several autoimmune disease models, resulting in B cell depletion, decreased activation of T cells and dendritic cells (DC) and a reduction in the overall inflammatory burden. BAFF, through its interaction with BAFF-R, is required for survival of late transitional, marginal zone and mature naive B cells, all of which are depleted by BAFF blockade. Through their interactions with TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor) and BCMA (B cell maturation protein), BAFF and its homologue APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand), support the survival of at least some subsets of plasma cells; blockade of both cytokines results in a decrease in serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G. In contrast, neither BAFF nor APRIL is required for the survival or reactivation of memory B cells or B1 cells. BAFF also helps DC maturation and interleukin (IL)-6 release and is required for proper formation of a follicular dendritic cell (FDC) network within germinal centres, although not for B cell affinity maturation. The clinical efficacy of BAFF blockade in animal models of autoimmunity may be caused both by the decline in the number of inflammatory cells and by the inhibition of DC maturation within target organs. Blockade of BAFF and its homologue APRIL are being explored for human use; several Phase I and II clinical trials of BAFF inhibitors for autoimmunity have been completed and Phase III trials are in progress. [source]

Neutrophils and monocytes as potentially important sources of proinflammatory cytokines in diabetes

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
E. Hatanaka
Summary Neutrophils and monocytes play a central role in host defence. The invading leucocytes are capable of synthesizing and releasing a variety of proinflammatory mediators including cytokines. Given the importance of cytokines in the progression of chronic and acute inflammatory processes, we aimed to ascertain whether the release of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1,, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-, and IL-1ra of neutrophils and monocytes was modified in diabetes. To this end, we measured the release of cytokines in suspensions of cell culture in basal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated conditions. In basal conditions, neutrophils of diabetics release 1·6, 3·2, 1·9 and 1·9-fold higher amounts of IL-8, IL-1,, TNF-, and IL-1ra, respectively, than do healthy controls. Under our experimental conditions, this effect was more evident for neutrophils than for monocytes. Incremental cytokine production was also found to occur when neutrophils were stimulated with LPS. IL-8, IL-1, and TNF-, increased, respectively, by 4·0, 1·7 and 2·8-fold. Although the effect was more marked for neutrophils, monocytes showed a tendency for increased cytokine production. The discovery of this increase in cytokines released by the neutrophils of diabetics contributes towards a clearer understanding of other deficiencies described for neutrophils in diabetes, such as the migration of neutrophils to inflammatory sites, phagocytes, release of lytic proteases, production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. The excessive production of cytokines may lead to inappropriate activation and tissue injury and even to increased susceptibility to invasive microorganisms. Thus, the increased responsiveness of neutrophils of diabetics demonstrated in this study may be considered part of the scenario of diabetes physiopathology. [source]