Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-10, nerve growth factor and substance P in the painful degenerate intervertebral disc.

PubMed

Richardson, Stephen M; Doyle, Paul; Minogue, Ben M; Gnanalingham, Kanna; Hoyland, Judith A

2009-01-01

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to be involved in the degradation of the nucleus pulposus (NP) during intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. This study investigated MMP-10 (stromelysin-2) expression in the NP during IVD degeneration and correlated its expression with pro-inflammatory cytokines and molecules involved in innervation and nociception during degeneration which results in low back pain (LBP). Human NP tissue was obtained at postmortem (PM) from patients without a history of back pain and graded as histologically normal or degenerate. Symptomatic degenerate NP samples were also obtained at surgery for LBP. Expression of MMP-10 mRNA and protein was analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression for pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), nerve growth factor (NGF) and the pain-associated neuropeptide substance P were also analysed. Correlations between MMP-10 and IL-1, TNF-alpha and NGF were assessed along with NGF with substance P. MMP-10 mRNA was significantly increased in surgical degenerate NP when compared to PM normal and PM degenerate samples. MMP-10 protein was also significantly higher in degenerate surgical NP samples compared to PM normal. IL-1 and MMP-10 mRNA demonstrated a significant correlation in surgical degenerate samples, while TNF-alpha was not correlated with MMP-10 mRNA. NGF was significantly correlated with both MMP-10 and substance P mRNA in surgical degenerate NP samples. MMP-10 expression is increased in the symptomatic degenerate IVD, where it may contribute to matrix degradation and initiation of nociception. Importantly, this study suggests differences in the pathways involved in matrix degradation between painful and pain-free IVD degeneration.

15-Deoxy-{delta}{sup 12,14}-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) mediates repression of TNF-{alpha} by decreasing levels of acetylated histone H3 and H4 at its promoter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Engdahl, Ryan; Monroy, M. Alexandra; Temple University School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, 3400 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140

2007-07-20

Prostaglandin metabolite 15-Deoxy-{delta}{sup 12,14}-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is known to inhibit a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as being a ligand for nuclear receptor PPAR{gamma}. We investigated the ability of 15d-PGJ2 to inhibit TNF-{alpha} gene expression through mechanisms that involve histone modification. Pretreatment with 15d-PGJ2 (10 {mu}M) inhibited LPS-stimulated TNF-{alpha} mRNA in THP-1 monocytes or PMA-differentiated cells to nearly basal levels. A specific PPAR{gamma} ligand, GW1929, failed to inhibit LPS-induced TNF-{alpha} mRNA expression nor did a PPAR{gamma} antagonist, GW9662, alter the repression of TNF-{alpha} mRNA in LPS-stimulated cells pretreated with 15d-PGJ2 suggesting a PPAR{gamma}-independent inhibition of TNF-{alpha} mRNA in THP-1more » cells. Transfection studies with a reporter construct and subsequent treatment with 15d-PGJ2 demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of the TNF-{alpha} promoter. Additional studies demonstrated that inhibition of histone deacetylases with trichostatin A (TSA) or overexpression of histone acetyltransferase CBP could overcome 15d-PGJ2-mediated repression of the TNF-{alpha} promoter, suggesting that an important mechanism whereby 15d-PGJ2 suppresses a cytokine is through factors that regulate histone modifications. To examine the endogenous TNF-{alpha} promoter, chromatin immunoprecipitations (ChIP) were performed. ChIP assays demonstrated that LPS stimulation induced an increase in histone H3 and H4 acetylation at the TNF-{alpha} promoter, which was reduced in cells pretreated with 15d-PGJ2. These results highlight the ability of acetylation and deacetylation factors to affect the TNF-{alpha} promoter and demonstrate that an additional important mechanism whereby 15d-PGJ2 mediates TNF-{alpha} transcriptional repression by altering levels of acetylated histone H3 and H4 at its promoter.« less

Effect of tocopherol supplementation during last trimester of pregnancy on mRNA abundances of interleukins and angiogenesis in ovine placenta and uterus.

PubMed

Kasimanickam, Ramanathan K; Kasimanickam, Vanmathy R; Haldorson, Gary J; Tibary, Ahmed

2012-01-23

Interleukins (IL) play an important role in angiogenesis. Tocopherol possesses immunomodulating effect in addition to antioxidant property. The objective of this study was to determine whether gamma tocopherol's (gT) angiogenic activity in placental network is enhanced via promoting interleukins. Pregnant ewes (N=18) were supplemented, orally, with 500 mg of alpha tocopherol (aT; N=6) or 1,000 mg of gT (N=7) or placebo (CON; N=5) once daily from 107 to 137 days post breeding. Uterine and placental tissue samples were obtained at the end of supplementation to evaluate relative mRNA expressions of IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR; VGFR2; a type III receptor tyrosine kinase), and soluble fms-like tyrosine kniase-1 (sFlt1 or sVEGFR1) in uterus, caruncle and cotyledon. Oral supplementation of gT increased IL-6, IL-8, KDR and VEGF mRNA abundances whereas sFlt1 mRNA abundance was suppressed in uterus, caruncle and cotyledon, compared to aT and placebo treated ewes (P<0.05). The TNF alpha and IL-1b mRNA abundances were suppressed in uterus, caruncle and cotyledon but TNF alpha is higher in gT group compared to aT group (P<0.05), whereas IL-1b was similar between treatment groups (P>0.1). Gamma tocopherol supplementation increased IL-6, IL-8, and KDR mRNA abundances and suppressed sFlt1 and TNFalpha mRNA abundances thereby increased VEGF mRNA expression and angiogenesis in placental vascular network during late gestation. It is plausible that the angiogenic effect of gamma tocopherol in placental vascular network is exerted via an alternate path by enhancing IL-6 and IL-8.

Effect of tocopherol supplementation during last trimester of pregnancy on mRNA abundances of interleukins and angiogenesis in ovine placenta and uterus

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Interleukins (IL) play an important role in angiogenesis. Tocopherol possesses immunomodulating effect in addition to antioxidant property. The objective of this study was to determine whether gamma tocopherol's (gT) angiogenic activity in placental network is enhanced via promoting interleukins. Methods Pregnant ewes (N = 18) were supplemented, orally, with 500 mg of alpha tocopherol (aT; N = 6) or 1,000 mg of gT (N = 7) or placebo (CON; N = 5) once daily from 107 to 137 days post breeding. Uterine and placental tissue samples were obtained at the end of supplementation to evaluate relative mRNA expressions of IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR; VGFR2; a type III receptor tyrosine kinase), and soluble fms-like tyrosine kniase-1 (sFlt1 or sVEGFR1) in uterus, caruncle and cotyledon. Results Oral supplementation of gT increased IL-6, IL-8, KDR and VEGF mRNA abundances whereas sFlt1 mRNA abundance was suppressed in uterus, caruncle and cotyledon, compared to aT and placebo treated ewes (P < 0.05). The TNF alpha and IL-1b mRNA abundances were suppressed in uterus, caruncle and cotyledon but TNF alpha is higher in gT group compared to aT group (P < 0.05), whereas IL-1b was similar between treatment groups (P > 0.1). Conclusions Gamma tocopherol supplementation increased IL-6, IL-8, and KDR mRNA abundances and suppressed sFlt1 and TNFalpha mRNA abundances thereby increased VEGF mRNA expression and angiogenesis in placental vascular network during late gestation. It is plausible that the angiogenic effect of gamma tocopherol in placental vascular network is exerted via an alternate path by enhancing IL-6 and IL-8. PMID:22269218

Reactive oxygen species-generating mitochondrial DNA mutation up-regulates hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha gene transcription via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt/protein kinase C/histone deacetylase pathway.

PubMed

Koshikawa, Nobuko; Hayashi, Jun-Ichi; Nakagawara, Akira; Takenaga, Keizo

2009-11-27

Lewis lung carcinoma-derived high metastatic A11 cells constitutively overexpress hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha mRNA compared with low metastatic P29 cells. Because A11 cells exclusively possess a G13997A mutation in the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) gene, we addressed here a causal relationship between the ND6 mutation and the activation of HIF-1alpha transcription, and we investigated the potential mechanism. Using trans-mitochondrial cybrids between A11 and P29 cells, we found that the ND6 mutation was directly involved in HIF-1alpha mRNA overexpression. Stimulation of HIF-1alpha transcription by the ND6 mutation was mediated by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways. The up-regulation of HIF-1alpha transcription was abolished by mithramycin A, an Sp1 inhibitor, but luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that Sp1 was necessary but not sufficient for HIF-1alpha mRNA overexpression in A11 cells. On the other hand, trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, markedly suppressed HIF-1alpha transcription in A11 cells. In accordance with this, HDAC activity was high in A11 cells but low in P29 cells and in A11 cells treated with the ROS scavenger ebselene, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, and the PKC inhibitor Ro31-8220. These results suggest that the ROS-generating ND6 mutation increases HIF-1alpha transcription via the PI3K-Akt/PKC/HDAC pathway, leading to HIF-1alpha protein accumulation in hypoxic tumor cells.

Alleviative effects of s-allyl cysteine and s-ethyl cysteine on MCD diet-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

PubMed

Lin, Chun-che; Yin, Mei-chin; Liu, Wen-hu

2008-11-01

Alleviative effects of s-allyl cysteine (SAC) and s-ethyl cysteine (SEC) upon methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet-induced hepatotoxicity in mice were examined. SAC or SEC at 1g/L was added into drinking water for 7 weeks with MCD diet. MCD feeding significantly increased hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and elevated the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), malic enzyme, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (P < 0.05). However, the intake of SAC or SEC significantly decreased hepatic triglyceride accumulation, and reduced G6PDH and FAS activities (P < 0.05). MCD feeding significantly lowered serum and hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) formation, and suppressed the activity and mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (P < 0.05). The intake of SAC or SEC significantly increased serum and hepatic GSH levels, decreased MDA and GSSG formation, restored the activity and mRNA expression of GPX, SOD and catalase (P < 0.05). MCD feeding significantly enhanced the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) and collagen-alpha1 (P < 0.05). The intake of SAC and SEC significantly blunted the mRNA expression of IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1 and collagen-alpha1 (P < 0.05). SEC was greater than SAC in suppressing IL-6 and TNF-alpha expression (P < 0.05), but SAC was greater than SEC in suppressing collagen-alpha1 and TGF-beta1 expression (P < 0.05). These data suggest that SAC and SEC are potent agents against MCD-induced hepatotoxicity.

Effect of transforming growth factor-alpha on enterocyte apoptosis is correlated with EGF receptor expression along the villus-crypt axis during methotrexate-induced intestinal mucositis in a rat.

PubMed

Sukhotnik, Igor; Shteinberg, Dan; Ben Lulu, Shani; Bashenko, Yulia; Mogilner, Jorge G; Ure, Benno M; Shaoul, Ron; Coran, Arnold G

2008-11-01

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of transforming-growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) on enterocyte apoptosis following methotrexate (MTX) induced intestinal mucositis in a rat and in Caco-2 cells. Non-pretreated and pretreated with MTX Caco-2 cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of TGF-alpha. Cell apoptosis was determined by FACS cytometry. Adult rats were divided into four groups: Control, Control-TGF-alpha, MTX, and MTX- TGF-alpha rats. Three days later rats were sacrificed. Enterocyte apoptosis were measured at sacrifice. RT-PCR and Western Blotting was used to determine the level of Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein. Real time PCR was used to measure epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) expression along the villus-crypt axis. The in vitro experiment has shown that treatment with TGF-alpha of Caco-2 cells results in a significant inhibition of cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo experiment, a decreased levels of apoptosis in MTX- TGF-alpha rats corresponded with the decrease in Bax and with the increase in Bcl-2 at both mRNA and protein levels. The inhibiting effect of TGF-alpha on enterocyte apoptosis was strongly correlated with EGFr expression along the villus-crypt axis. In conclusion, treatment with TGF-alpha inhibits enterocyte apoptosis following MTX- injury in the rat.

Cell-extracellular matrix interactions can regulate the switch between growth and differentiation in rat hepatocytes: reciprocal expression of C/EBP alpha and immediate-early growth response transcription factors.

PubMed Central

Rana, B; Mischoulon, D; Xie, Y; Bucher, N L; Farmer, S R

1994-01-01

Previous investigations have shown that culture of freshly isolated hepatocytes under conventional conditions, i.e., on dried rat tail collagen in the presence of growth factors, facilitates cell growth but also causes an extensive down-regulation of most liver-specific functions. This dedifferentiation process can be prevented if the cells are cultured on a reconstituted basement membrane gel matrix derived from the Englebreth-Holm-Swarm mouse sarcoma tumor (EHS gel). To gain insight into the mechanisms regulating this response to extracellular matrix, we are analyzing the activities of two families of transcription factors, C/EBP and AP-1, which control the transcription of hepatic and growth-responsive genes, respectively. We demonstrate that isolation of hepatocytes from the normal quiescent rat liver by collagenase perfusion activates the immediate-early growth response program, as indicated by increased expression of c-jun, junB, c-fos, and c-myc mRNAs. Adhesion of these activated cells to dried rat tail collagen augments the elevated levels of these mRNAs for the initial 1 to 2 h postplating; junB and c-myc mRNA levels then drop steeply, with junB returning to normal quiescence and the c-myc level remaining slightly elevated during the 3-day culture period. Levels of c-jun mRNA and AP-1 DNA binding activity, however, remain elevated from the outset, while C/EBP alpha mRNA expression is down-regulated, resulting in a decrease in the steady-state levels of the 42- and 30-kDa C/EBP alpha polypeptides and C/EBP alpha DNA binding activity. In contrast, C/EBP beta mRNA production remains at near-normal hepatic levels for 5 to 8 days of culture, although its DNA binding activity decreases severalfold during this time. Adhesion of hepatocytes to the EHS gel for the same period of time dramatically alters this program: it arrests growth and inhibits AP-1 DNA binding activity and the expression of c-jun, junB, and c-myc mRNAs, but, in addition, it restores C/EBP alpha mRNA and protein as well as C/EBP alpha and C/EBP beta DNA binding activities to the abundant levels present in freshly isolated hepatocytes. These changes are not due merely to growth inhibition, because suppression of hepatocyte proliferation on collagen by epidermal growth factor starvation or addition of transforming growth factor beta does not inhibit AP-1 activity or restore C/EBP alpha DNA binding activity to normal hepatic levels. These data suggest that expression of the normal hepatic phenotype requires that hepatocytes exist in a G0 state of growth arrest, facilitated here by adhesion of cells to the EHS gel, in order to express high levels of hepatic transcription factors such as C/EBP alpha. Images PMID:8065319

Tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} enhances IL-15-induced natural killer cell differentiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Jiwon; Lee, Suk Hyung; Korea University of Science and Technology, Yusong, Daejeon 305-333

2009-09-04

The differentiation of natural killer (NK) cells is regulated by various factors including soluble growth factors and transcription factors. Here, we have demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) is a positive regulator of NK cell differentiation. TNF-{alpha} augmented the IL-15-induced expression of NK1.1 and CD122 in mature NK cells, and TNF-{alpha} alone also induced NK cell maturation as well as IL-15. TNF-{alpha} also increased IFN-{gamma} production in NK cells in the presence of IL-15. Meanwhile, mRNA expression of several transcription factors, including T-bet and GATA-3, was increased by the addition of TNF-{alpha} and IL-15. In addition, TNF-{alpha} increased nuclear factor-kappamore » B (NF-{kappa}B) activity in NK cells and inhibition of NF-{kappa}B impeded TNF-{alpha}-enhanced NK cell maturation. Overall, these data suggest that TNF-{alpha} significantly increased IL-15-driven NK cell differentiation by increasing the expression of transcription factors that play crucial roles in NK cell maturation and inducing the NF-{kappa}B activity.« less

Thalidomide inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production via down-regulation of MyD88 expression.

PubMed

Noman, Abu Shadat M; Koide, Naoki; Hassan, Ferdaus; I-E-Khuda, Imtiaz; Dagvadorj, Jargalsaikhan; Tumurkhuu, Gantsetseg; Islam, Shamima; Naiki, Yoshikazu; Yoshida, Tomoaki; Yokochi, Takashi

2009-02-01

The effect of thalidomide on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production was studied by using RAW 264.7 murine macrophage-like cells. Thalidomide significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-alpha production. Thalidomide prevented the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-KB by down-regulating phosphorylation of inhibitory KB factor (IKB), and IKB kinase (IKK)-alpha and IKK-beta Moreover, thalidomide inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of AKT, p38 and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/JNK. The expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) protein and mRNA was markedly reduced in thalidomide-treated RAW 264.7 cells but there was no significant alteration in the expression of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) 1 and TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6 in the cells. Thalidomide did not affect the cell surface expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and CD14, suggesting the impairment of intracellular LPS signalling in thalidomide-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Thalidomide significantly inhibited the TNF-alpha production in response to palmitoyl-Cys(RS)-2,3-di(palmitoyloxy) propyl)-Ala-Gly-OH (Pam(3)Cys) as a MyD88-dependent TLR2 ligand. Therefore, it is suggested that thalidomide might impair LPS signalling via down-regulation of MyD88 protein and mRNA and inhibit LPS-induced TNF-alpha production. The putative mechanism of thalidomide-induced MyD88 down-regulation is discussed.

Cytokine gene expression in skin of susceptible guinea-pig infected with Treponema pallidum.

PubMed Central

Wicher, V; Scarozza, A M; Ramsingh, A I; Wicher, K

1998-01-01

Using a semi-quantitative multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay, we examined cytokine mRNA expression for interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), IL-2, IL-10, IL-12p40, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in skin samples obtained from C4-deficient (C4D) guinea-pigs inoculated intradermally with virulent Treponema pallidum (VTP). Controls included unmanipulated animals, guinea-pigs injected with T. pallidum-free rabbit inflammatory testicular fluid (ITF) alone, or mixed with heat-killed organisms (HKTP). The expression of IL-1alpha, IL-12p40, and TNF-alpha mRNA [T helper type 1 (Th1)] remained within the normal range in both infected and control animals throughout the experimental period. However, a significant increase (P<0.05) in IL-10 mRNA (Th2) was found exclusively in the VTP-inoculated animals from 3 to 30 days post-infection. Another unique characteristic of the inflammatory response in infected guinea-pigs was the appearance, between 11 and 30 days post-inoculation, of a substantial number of eosinophils in addition to infiltrating mononuclear cells. The results showed a local Th2 response which is consistent with an inadequate immune response. This is reflected by the lengthy and incomplete clearance of the pathogen from the local site of entry and the chronic infection of distant organs. Images Figure 1 Figure 4 PMID:9824482

Curcumin accelerates cutaneous wound healing via multiple biological actions: The involvement of TNF-α, MMP-9, α-SMA, and collagen.

PubMed

Yen, Yu-Hsiu; Pu, Chi-Ming; Liu, Chen-Wei; Chen, Ya-Chun; Chen, Yu-Chen; Liang, Chan-Jung; Hsieh, Jung-Hsien; Huang, Hui-Fu; Chen, Yuh-Lien

2018-04-16

Curcumin, a constituent of the turmeric plant, has antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects, but its effects on wound healing are unclear. We created back wounds in 72 mice and treated them with or without topical curcumin (0.2 mg/mL) in Pluronic F127 gel (20%) daily for 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 days. Healing in wounds was evaluated from gross appearance, microscopically by haematoxylin and eosin staining, by immunohistochemistry for tumour necrosis factor alpha and alpha smooth muscle actin, and by polymerase chain reaction amplification of mRNA expression levels. Treatment caused fast wound closure with well-formed granulation tissue dominated by collagen deposition and regenerating epithelium. Curcumin increased the levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha mRNA and protein in the early phase of healing, which then decreased significantly. However, these levels remained high in controls. Levels of collagen were significantly higher in curcumin-treated wounds. Immunohistochemical staining for alpha smooth muscle actin was increased in curcumin-treated mice on days 7 and 12. Curcumin treatment significantly suppressed matrix metallopeptidase-9 and stimulated alpha smooth muscle levels in tumour necrosis factor alpha-treated fibroblasts via nuclear factor kappa B signalling. Thus, topical curcumin accelerated wound healing in mice by regulating the levels of various cytokines. © 2018 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Limitations of commonly used internal controls for real-time RT-PCR analysis of renal epithelial-mesenchymal cell transition.

PubMed

Elberg, Gerard; Elberg, Dorit; Logan, Charlotte J; Chen, Lijuan; Turman, Martin A

2006-01-01

Progressive renal fibrotic disease is accompanied by the massive accumulation of myofibroblasts as defined by alpha smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) expression. We quantitated gene expression using real-time RT-PCR analysis during conversion of primary cultured human renal tubular cells (RTC) to myofibroblasts after treatment with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). We report herein the limitations of commonly used reference genes for mRNA quantitation. We determined the expression of alphaSMA and megakaryoblastic leukemia-1 (MKL1), a transcriptional regulator of alphaSMA, by quantitative real-time PCR using three common internal controls, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), cyclophilin A and 18S rRNA. Expression of GAPDH mRNA and cyclophilin A mRNA, and to a lesser extent, 18S rRNA levels varied over time in culture and with exposure to TGF-beta1. Thus, depending on which reference gene was used, TGF-beta1 appeared to have different effects on expression of MKL1 and alphaSMA. RTC converting to myofibroblasts in primary culture is a valuable system to study renal fibrosis in humans. However, variability in expression of reference genes with TGF-beta1 treatment illustrates the need to validate mRNA quantitation with multiple reference genes to provide accurate interpretation of fibrosis studies in the absence of a universal internal standard for mRNA expression. 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Identification of a novel cyclosporin-sensitive element in the human tumor necrosis factor alpha gene promoter

PubMed Central

1993-01-01

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine with pleiotropic biological effects, is produced by a variety of cell types in response to induction by diverse stimuli. In this paper, TNF-alpha mRNA is shown to be highly induced in a murine T cell clone by stimulation with T cell receptor (TCR) ligands or by calcium ionophores alone. Induction is rapid, does not require de novo protein synthesis, and is completely blocked by the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A (CsA). We have identified a human TNF-alpha promoter element, kappa 3, which plays a key role in the calcium-mediated inducibility and CsA sensitivity of the gene. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, an oligonucleotide containing kappa 3 forms two DNA protein complexes with proteins that are present in extracts from unstimulated T cells. These complexes appear in nuclear extracts only after T cell stimulation. Induction of the inducible nuclear complexes is rapid, independent of protein synthesis, and blocked by CsA, and thus, exactly parallels the induction of TNF-alpha mRNA by TCR ligands or by calcium ionophore. Our studies indicate that the kappa 3 binding factor resembles the preexisting component of nuclear factor of activated T cells. Thus, the TNF-alpha gene is an immediate early gene in activated T cells and provides a new model system in which to study CsA-sensitive gene induction in activated T cells. PMID:8376940

Hepcidin regulation in wild-type and Hfe knockout mice in response to alcohol consumption: evidence for an alcohol-induced hypoxic response.

PubMed

Heritage, Mandy L; Murphy, Therese L; Bridle, Kim R; Anderson, Gregory J; Crawford, Darrell H G; Fletcher, Linda M

2009-08-01

Expression of Hamp1, the gene encoding the iron regulatory peptide hepcidin, is inappropriately low in HFE-associated hereditary hemochromatosis and Hfe knockout mice (Hfe(-/-)). Since chronic alcohol consumption is also associated with disturbances in iron metabolism, we investigated the effects of alcohol consumption on hepcidin mRNA expression in Hfe(-/-) mice. Hfe(-/-) and C57BL/6 (wild-type) mice were pair-fed either an alcohol liquid diet or control diet for up to 8 weeks. The mRNA levels of hepcidin and ferroportin were measured at the mRNA level by RT-PCR and protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1alpha) was measured by western blot. Hamp1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased and duodenal ferroportin expression was increased in alcohol-fed wild-type mice at 8 weeks. Time course experiments showed that the decrease in hepcidin mRNA was not immediate, but was significant by 4 weeks. Consistent with the genetic defect, Hamp1 mRNA was decreased and duodenal ferroportin mRNA expression was increased in Hfe(-/-) mice fed on the control diet compared with wild-type animals and alcohol further exacerbated these effects. HIF-1alpha protein levels were elevated in alcohol-fed wild-type animals compared with controls. Alcohol may decrease Hamp1 gene expression independently of the HFE pathway possibly via alcohol-induced hypoxia.

Induction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha and activation of caspase-3 in hypoxia-reoxygenated bone marrow stroma is negatively regulated by the delayed production of substance P.

PubMed

Qian, J; Ramroop, K; McLeod, A; Bandari, P; Livingston, D H; Harrison, J S; Rameshwar, P

2001-10-15

The bone marrow (BM), which is the major site of immune cell development in the adult, responds to different stimuli such as inflammation and hemorrhagic shock. Substance P (SP) is the major peptide encoded by the immune/hemopoietic modulator gene, preprotachykinin-1 (PPT-I). Differential gene expression using a microarray showed that SP reduced hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) mRNA levels in BM stroma. Because long-term hypoxia induced the expression of PPT-I in BM mononuclear cells, we used timeline studies to determine whether PPT-I is central to the biologic responses of BM stroma subjected to 30-min hypoxia (pO(2) = 35 mm Hg) followed by reoxygenation. HIF-1alpha mRNA and protein levels were increased up to 12 h. At this time, beta-PPT-I mRNA was detected with the release of SP at 16 h. SP release correlated with down-regulation of HIF-1alpha to baseline. A direct role for SP in HIF-1alpha expression was demonstrated as follows: 1) transient knockout of beta-PPT-I showed an increase in HIF-1alpha expression up to 48 h of reoxygenation; and 2) HIF-1alpha expression remained baseline during reoxygenation when stroma was subjected to hypoxia in the presence of SP. Reoxygenation activated the PPT-I promoter with concomitant nuclear translocation of HIF-1alpha that can bind to the respective consensus sequences within the PPT-I promoter. SP reversed active caspase-3, an indicator of apoptosis and erythropoiesis, to homeostasis level after reoxygenation of hypoxic stroma. The results show that during reoxgenation the PPT-I gene acts as a negative regulator on the expression of HIF-1alpha and active caspase-3 in BM stroma subjected to reoxygenation.

Comparison of prostaglandin F2alpha, bimatoprost (prostamide), and butaprost (EP2 agonist) on Cyr61 and connective tissue growth factor gene expression.

PubMed

Liang, Yanbin; Li, Chen; Guzman, Victor M; Evinger, Albert J; Protzman, Charles E; Krauss, Achim H-P; Woodward, David F

2003-07-18

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and Cyr61 (cysteine-rich angiogenic protein 61) are members of the CCN gene family that encode multifunctional, extracellular matrix-associated signaling proteins. Because the mechanism of action of certain anti-glaucoma drugs involves extracellular matrix remodeling of ocular ciliary muscle, with a resultant increase in drainage of aqueous humor from the eye, we compared the effects of three pharmacologically distinct ocular hypotensive agents on Cyr61 and CTGF gene expression. Thus, prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) (FP receptor agonist), Butaprost (EP2 receptor agonist), and Bimatoprost (a prostamide) were compared. Using Affymetrix gene chip technology, we first identified that PGF2alpha dramatically up-regulated Cyr61 and CTGF mRNA expression in HEK 293/EBNA cells (hFP-HEK 293/EBNA). Northern blot further confirmed the Cyr61 and CTGF up-regulation is in a dose- and time-dependent manner. PGF2alpha-induced up-regulation of Cyr61 appeared to exclusively involve the Rho pathway, and up-regulation of CTGF was via multiple intracellular pathways. Because prostamide receptors are, to date, defined only at the pharmacological level, Bimatoprost effects on Cyr61 and CTGF were studied in the isolated feline iris sphincter preparation, a tissue highly responsive to prostamides. Both PGF2alpha and Bimatoprost up-regulated Cyr61 mRNA expression in the cat iris tissue. Only PGF2alpha up-regulated CTGF mRNA expression in the cat iris. Therefore, PGF2alpha and Bimatoprost appear to interact with different receptors populations in the cat iris, according to their markedly different effects on CTGF. Activation of prostaglandin EP2 receptors (Gs-coupled) also up-regulated Cyr61 but not CTGF mRNA expression in the isolated cat iris. Similar data were observed in human primary ciliary smooth muscle cells. Thus, despite quite different signal transduction pathways, FP receptor stimulation up-regulates CTGF and Cyr61. The prostamide analog Bimatoprost and an EP2-selective agonist affects only Cyr61.

Phospholipase C-{delta}{sub 1} regulates interleukin-1{beta} and tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} mRNA expression

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chung, Eric; Jakinovich, Paul; Bae, Aekyung

Phospholipase C-{delta}{sub 1} (PLC{delta}{sub 1}) is a widely expressed highly active PLC isoform, modulated by Ca{sup 2+} that appears to operate downstream from receptor signaling and has been linked to regulation of cytokine production. Here we investigated whether PLC{delta}{sub 1} modulated expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1{beta} (IL-1{beta}), tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rat C6 glioma cells. Expression of PLC{delta}{sub 1} was specifically suppressed by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the effects on cytokine mRNA expression, stimulated by the Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were examined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results showed that PLC{delta}{sub 1}more » knockdown enhanced expression IL-1{beta} and tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) mRNA by at least 100 fold after 4 h of LPS stimulation compared to control siRNA treatment. PLC{delta}{sub 1} knock down caused persistently high Nf{kappa}b levels at 4 h of LPS stimulation compared to control siRNA-treated cells. PLC{delta}{sub 1} knockdown was also associated with elevated nuclear levels of c-Jun after 30 min of LPS stimulation, but did not affect LPS-stimulated p38 or p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation, normally associated with TLR activation of cytokine gene expression; rather, enhanced protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation of cellular proteins was observed in the absence of LPS stimulation. An inhibitor of PKC, bisindolylmaleimide II (BIM), reversed phosphorylation, prevented elevation of nuclear c-Jun levels, and inhibited LPS-induced increases of IL-1{beta} and TNF-{alpha} mRNA's induced by PLC{delta}{sub 1} knockdown. Our results show that loss of PLC{delta}{sub 1} enhances PKC/c-Jun signaling and up-modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine gene transcription in concert with the TLR-stimulated p38MAPK/Nf{kappa}b pathway. Our findings are consistent with the idea that PLC{delta}{sub 1} is a suppressor of PKC activity.« less

Alterations of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha in the hippocampus of mice acutely and repeatedly exposed to hypoxia.

PubMed

Shao, Guo; Gao, Cui-Ying; Lu, Guo-Wei

2005-01-01

This work aims at investigating the effects of hypoxic preconditioning on hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1alpha) expression in the hippocampus of mice during acute and repeated hypoxic exposures. The mice were randomly divided into three groups and exposed, respectively, to hypoxia for 4 runs (group H4), 1 run (group H1), and 0 run (group H0). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to examine the HIF-1alpha responses in the mouse hippocampus following exposure to hypoxia. The tolerance of mice to hypoxia increased significantly following acute and repetitive exposure to autoprogressive hypoxia. Total mRNA, total protein, and nuclear protein were extracted from the hippocampus for RT-PCR, Western blot, and EMSA, respectively. The HIF-1alpha mRNA levels were found to be increased in group H1 and decreased in group H4. The HIF-1alpha protein levels and HIF-1 DNA-binding activities were increased in group H1 and markedly increased in group H4. One of the HIF-1 target genes, vascular endothelial growth factor, increased in group H4. HIF-1 activation is thought to be involved in the protection of the brain of hypoxic preconditioned mice. Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

[Effect of Yiguan Decoction on differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells: an experimental research].

PubMed

Ping, Jian; Chen, Hong-Yun; Yang, Zhou; Yang, Cheng; Xu, Lie-Ming

2014-03-01

To observe the effect of Yiguan Decoction (YGD) on differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro. Rat BMSCs were isolated using whole bone marrow adherent method. The properties of BMSCs were identified by analyzing the expression of surface cytokines by flow cytometry. The third passage cells were differentiated into fat cells to identify their features. BMSCs were incubated with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plus fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) or YGD containing serum YGD for 21 days. The mRNA expression of alpha-fetoprotein (alphaAFP), albumin (Alb), and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha) were detected by real time PCR. Expression of AFP and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) protein was detected by cell immunofluorescence. Glycogen synthesis was observed using periodic acid-Schiff stain (PAS). CK18, Wnt 3alpha, and alphacatenin protein expressions were detected by Western blot. High expression of CD90, CD29, and CD44, and low expression of CD34 and CD11b were observed in BMSCs isolated by whole bone mar- row adherent method, and numerous lipid droplets were observed in BMSCs using oil red O staining. Both YGD containing serum and growth factor stimulated the expression levels of Alb, AFP, HNF4alpha mRNA and CK18 protein. The down-regulated expression of Wnt 3alpha and beta-catenin could be detected at 21 days after induction. The synthesized glycogen granule could be seen. Down-regulated Wnt 3alpha and beta-catenin expression could also be observed. YGD could induce the differentiation of rat BMSCs into hepatocyte-like cells, which was related to down-regulating Wnt/beta-catenin signal pathway.

Equine colostral carbohydrates reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

PubMed

Vendrig, J C; Coffeng, L E; Fink-Gremmels, J

2012-12-01

Increasing evidence suggests that reactions to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), particularly in the gut, can be partly or completely mitigated by colostrum- and milk-derived oligosaccharides. Confirmation of this hypothesis could lead to the development of new therapeutic concepts. To demonstrate the influence of equine colostral carbohydrates on the inflammatory response in an in vitro model with equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Carbohydrates were extracted from mare colostrum, and then evaluated for their influence on LPS-induced inflammatory responses in PBMCs isolated from the same mares, mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 was measured as well as the protein levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Equine colostral carbohydrates significantly reduced LPS-induced TNF-alpha protein at both times measured and significantly reduced LPS-induced TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA expression by PBMCs. Moreover, cell viability significantly increased in the presence of high concentrations of colostral carbohydrates. Carbohydrates derived from equine colostrum reduce LPS-induced inflammatory responses of equine PBMCs. Colostrum and milk-derived carbohydrates are promising candidates for new concepts in preventive and regenerative medicine.

Creatine kinase and alpha-actin mRNA levels decrease in diabetic rat hearts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Popovich, B.; Barrieux, A.; Dillmann, W.H.

1987-05-01

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with cardiac atrophy and isoenzyme redistribution. To determine if tissue specific changes occur in mRNAs coding for ..cap alpha..-actin and creatine kinase (CK), they performed RNA blot analysis. Total ventricular RNA from control (C) and 4 wk old diabetic (D) rats were hybridized with /sup 32/P cDNA probes for ..cap alpha..-actin and CK. A tissue independent cDNA probe, CHOA was also used. Signal intensity was quantified by photodensitometry. D CK mRNA was 47 +/- 16% lower in D vs C. Insulin increases CK mRNA by 20% at 1.5 hs, and completely reverses the deficit after 4more » wks. D ..cap alpha..-actin mRNA is 66 +/- 18% lower in D vs C. Insulin normalized ..cap alpha..-actin mRNA by 5 hs. CHOA mRNA is unchanged in D vs C, but D + insulin CHOA mRNA is 30 +/- 2% lower than C. In rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy, muscle specific CK and ..cap alpha..-actin mRNAs are decreased. Insulin treatment reverses these changes.« less

Stimulation of EphB2/ephrin-B1 signalling by tumour necrosis factor alpha in human dental pulp stem cells.

PubMed

Zhu, Lifang; Dissanayaka, Waruna Lakmal; Green, David William; Zhang, Chengfei

2015-04-01

The aim of this study was to investigate whether in vitro stimulation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) by tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) would induce secretion of EphB2/ephrin-B1 signalling. Dental pulp stem cells isolated from human dental pulp were treated with TNF-α (5-100 ng/ml) over 2-48 h. EphB2/ephrin-B1 mRNA and protein levels were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis respectively. Additionally, DPSCs were pre-incubated with TNF-α receptor neutralizing antibodies or infected with nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB) inhibitor, p38 MAPK inhibitor, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor and MEK inhibitor before TNF-α treatment. Results were analysed by one-way ANOVA. Tumour necrosis factor alpha increased EphB2 mRNA expression in DPSCs at concentrations up to 20 ng/ml and ephrin-B1 at concentrations up to 40 ng/ml (P < 0.05). Its mRNA expression reached maximum at 24 h when treated with TNF-α at 20 ng/ml (P < 0.05). EphB2/ephrin-B1 protein expression levels were high at 16 and 24 h as shown by western blotting. Neutralizing antibodies for TNFR1/2 receptors down-regulated EphB2/ephrin-B1 mRNA expression (P < 0.05) and ephrin-B1 protein expression, but not EphB2 protein expression. JNK-inhibitor inhibited EphB2 mRNA expression only (P < 0.05). EphB2/ephrin-B1 were invoked in DPSCs with TNF-α treatment via the JNK-dependent pathway, but not NF-ĸB, p38 MAPK or MEK signalling. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Endometrial IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, mRNA expression in mares resistant or susceptible to post-breeding endometritis. Effects of estrous cycle, artificial insemination and immunomodulation.

PubMed

Fumuso, Elida; Giguère, Steeve; Wade, José; Rogan, Dragan; Videla-Dorna, Ignacio; Bowden, Raúl A

2003-11-15

Endometrial mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) was assessed in mares resistant (RM) or susceptible (SM) to persistent post-breeding endometritis (PPBE). Eight RM and eight SM, were selected based on reproductive records and functional tests out of a herd of 2,000 light cross-type mares. Three experiments were done to study transcription patterns in (i) basal conditions; (ii) after artificial insemination (AI); and (iii) after administration of an immunomodulator at time of artificial insemination. Endometrial biopsies were taken during consecutive cycles: (i) at estrus, when follicles reached 35 mm and at diestrus (7 +/- 1 days after ovulation); (ii) at 24 h post-AI, with dead semen (estrus) and in diestrus; (iii) at 24 h after treatment with a Mycobacterium phlei cell-wall extract (MCWE) preparation and AI (with dead semen), and at diestrus. mRNA expression was quantitated by real time PCR. Under basal conditions, SM had significantly higher mRNA expression of all cytokines in estrus and of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in diestrus, compared to RM. After AI, there were no differences between RM and SM in estrus; however, mRNA expression for all three pro-inflammatory cytokines was higher than under basal conditions. In diestrus, RM showed significantly lower IL-1beta and TNF-alpha mRNA expression than SM. When MCWE was administered at time of AI, no differences between cytokine induction from RM and SM were found. Globally, mRNA expression for all three cytokines correlated well among themselves when expression was high. The present study showed that (i) in basal conditions RM had lower mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines than SM with no effect of estrous cycle; (ii) AI upregulated mRNA expression for all three cytokines in both RM and SM, with persistance in diestrus in the latter; (iii) treatment with MCWE at time of AI down-regulated mRNA expression of IL-1 with significant effects in SM which behaved like RM. Immunomodulation with MCWE could be of help in restoring homeostatic local inflammatory mechanisms, thus assisting in the prophylaxis of post-breeding endometritis in mares.

Epidermal growth factor system is a physiological regulator of development of the mouse fetal submandibular gland and regulates expression of the alpha6-integrin subunit.

PubMed

Kashimata, M; Gresik, E W

1997-02-01

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) regulate branching morphogenesis of fetal mouse submandibular gland (SMG) rudiments in vitro. The EGF system (EGF, TGF-alpha, and their shared receptor, EGFR) also regulates expression of integrins and their ligands in the extracellular matrix. We show here that inhibition of EGFR tyrosine-kinase activity by a tyrphostin retards in vitro development of SMGs. Using total RNA isolated from pooled SMGs taken from intact mouse fetuses, mRNA transcripts for EGF, TGF-alpha, and EGFR were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and age-dependent variations in the levels of these mRNA were quantitatively determined by nuclease protection assays. These findings suggest that the EGF system is operative in the in vivo development of this gland. alpha6-Integrin subunit was localized by immunofluorescence at the basal surface of epithelial cells. Branching morphogenesis of cultured SMG rudiments was inhibited by anti-alpha6 antibodies. Synthesis of alpha6-subunit in cultured SMGs, detected by metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitation, was increased by EGF and drastically reduced by tyrphostin. RT-PCR revealed that mRNAs for alpha6- and beta1- and beta4-integrin subunits are expressed at all ages between embryonic day 13 and postnatal day 7. These findings suggest that 1) the EGF system is a physiologic regulator of development of fetal mouse SMG, and 2) one mechanism by which it acts may be by regulating expression of integrins, which in turn control interaction of epithelial cells with the extracellular matrix.

Role of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-dependent expression of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in thermal hyperalgesia induced by chronic inflammation in mice.

PubMed

Narita, M; Shimamura, M; Imai, S; Kubota, C; Yajima, Y; Takagi, T; Shiokawa, M; Inoue, T; Suzuki, M; Suzuki, T

2008-03-18

The present study investigated whether the endogenous pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)]-dependent expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA within the spinal cord could be involved in the development of chronic inflammatory pain-like behaviors in mice. We demonstrated that the expression of COX-2 mRNA on the ipsilateral side of the spinal cord was significantly increased 6 h and 3 days after intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), compared with the expression in saline-treated mice. In addition, the chronic pain-like behaviors following CFA injection were markedly suppressed by repeated intrathecal (i.t.) pre-treatment with the COX-2 inhibitor etodolac, but not with the COX-1 inhibitor mofezolac. The cytosolic level of the activated form of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), which is a major contributor to the induction of COX-2, on the ipsilateral side of the mouse spinal cord was also increased compared with that in the saline-treated mice. The key finding in the present study was that a single i.t. injection with either IL-1beta or TNF-alpha induced a marked increase in spinal COX-2 mRNA and persistent thermal hyperalgesia in mice. Furthermore, CFA-induced hypersensitivity to inflammatory pain was significantly reduced by repeated i.t. pre-injection of the recombinant Fc chimera of IL-1 receptor I or soluble TNF receptor I, which sequesters endogenous IL-1beta or TNF-alpha, respectively. In contrast, the expression of spinal COX-2 mRNA in CFA-treated mice was similar to that in saline-treated mice at 7 days after CFA injection. The present findings strongly indicate the early intrathecal use of the COX-2 inhibitor for the relief of chronic inflammatory pain. Furthermore, together with the result in a previous study that pro-inflammatory cytokines lead to stimulation of a NF-kappaB-dependent transcriptional pathway, these findings suggest that a spinal cytokine/NF-kappaB/COX-2 pathway may play an important role in the development, but not maintenance, of chronic pain following peripheral tissue inflammation.

The PPARdelta agonist GW501516 suppresses interleukin-6-mediated hepatocyte acute phase reaction via STAT3 inhibition.

PubMed

Kino, T; Rice, K C; Chrousos, G P

2007-05-01

Interleukin-6 and downstream liver effectors acute phase reactants are implicated in the systemic inflammatory reaction. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARdelta), which binds to and is activated by a variety of fatty acids, was recently shown to have anti-inflammatory actions. We examined the ability of the synthetic PPARdelta agonist GW501516 to suppress interleukin-6-induced expression of acute phase proteins in human hepatoma HepG2 cells and rat primary hepatocytes. Results GW501516 dose-dependently suppressed interleukin-6-induced mRNA expression of the acute phase protein alpha1-antichymotrypsin in HepG2 cells. The compound also suppressed interleukin-6-induced mRNA expression of alpha2-acid glycoprotein, beta-fibrinogen and alpha2-macroglobulin in and the secretion of C-reactive protein by rat primary hepatocytes. Depletion of the PPARdelta receptor, but not of PPARalpha or gamma, attenuated the suppressive effect of GW501516 on interleukin-6-induced alpha1-antichymotrypsin mRNA expression, indicating that PPARdelta specifically mediated this effect. Since interleukin-6 stimulates the transcriptional activity of the alpha1-antichymotrypsin promoter by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, we examined functional interaction of this transcription factor and PPARdelta on this promoter. Overexpression of PPARdelta enhanced the suppressive effect of GW501516 on STAT3-activated transcriptional activity of the alpha1-antichymotrypsin promoter, while GW501516 suppressed interleukin-6-induced binding of this transcription factor to this promoter. These findings indicate that agonist-activated PPARdelta interferes with interleukin-6-induced acute phase reaction in the liver by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of STAT3. PPARdelta agonists might be useful for the suppression of systemic inflammatory reactions in which IL-6 plays a central role.

Thalidomide and lenalidomide extend survival in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PubMed

Kiaei, Mahmoud; Petri, Susanne; Kipiani, Khatuna; Gardian, Gabrielle; Choi, Dong-Kug; Chen, Junyu; Calingasan, Noel Y; Schafer, Peter; Muller, George W; Stewart, Charles; Hensley, Kenneth; Beal, M Flint

2006-03-01

Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Important mediators of inflammation such as the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and its superfamily member fibroblast-associated cell-surface ligand (FasL) have been implicated in apoptosis. We found increased TNF-alpha and FasL immunoreactivity in lumbar spinal cord sections of ALS patients and G93A transgenic mice. Both increased TNF-alpha and FasL immunostaining in the lumbar spinal cord of the G93A SOD1 transgenic mice occurred at 40-60 d, well before the onset of symptoms and loss of motor neurons. We tested the neuroprotective effect of thalidomide and its analog lenalidomide, pharmacological agents that inhibit the expression of TNF-alpha and other cytokines by destabilizing their mRNA. Treatment with either thalidomide or lenalidomide attenuated weight loss, enhanced motor performance, decreased motor neuron cell death, and significantly increased the life span in G93A transgenic mice. Treated G93A mice showed a reduction in TNF-alpha and FasL immunoreactivity as well as their mRNA in the lumbar spinal cord. Both compounds also reduced interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-1alpha, and IL-1beta and increased IL-RA and TGF-beta1 mRNA. Therefore, both thalidomide and lenalidomide bear promise as therapeutic interventions for the treatment of ALS.

Radiocurability by Targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor-{alpha} Using a Bispecific Antibody in Carcinoembryonic Antigen Transgenic Mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Larbouret, Christel; Robert, Bruno; Linard, Christine

2007-11-15

Purpose: Tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) enhances radiotherapy (RT) killing of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. To overcome systemic side effects, we used a bispecific antibody (BsAb) directed against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and TNF-{alpha} to target this cytokine in a CEA-expressing colon carcinoma. We report the evaluation of this strategy in immunocompetent CEA-transgenic mice. Methods and Materials: The murine CEA-transfected colon carcinoma MC-38 was used for all experiments. In vitro, clonogenic assays were performed after RT alone, TNF-{alpha} alone, and RT plus TNF-{alpha}. In vivo, the mice were randomly assigned to treatment groups: control, TNF-{alpha}, BsAb, BsAb plus TNF-{alpha},more » RT, RT plus TNF-{alpha}, and RT plus BsAb plus TNF-{alpha}. Measurements of endogenous TNF-{alpha} mRNA levels and evaluation of necrosis (histologic evaluation) were assessed per treatment group. Results: In vitro, combined RT plus TNF-{alpha} resulted in a significant decrease in the survival fraction at 2 Gy compared with RT alone (p < 0.00001). In vivo, we observed a complete response in 5 (50%) of 10, 2 (20%) of 10, 2 (18.2%) of 11, and 0 (0%) of 12 treated mice in the RT plus BsAb plus TNF-{alpha}, RT plus TNF-{alpha}, RT alone, and control groups, respectively. This difference was statistically significant when TNF-{alpha} was targeted with the BsAb (p = 0.03). The addition of exogenous TNF-{alpha} to RT significantly increased the endogenous TNF-{alpha} mRNA level, particularly when TNF-{alpha} was targeted with BsAb (p < 0.01). The percentages of necrotic area were significantly augmented in the RT plus BsAb plus TNF-{alpha} group. Conclusion: These results suggest that targeting TNF-{alpha} with the BsAb provokes RT curability in a CEA-expressing digestive tumor syngenic model and could be considered as a solid rationale for clinical trials.« less

Thiazolidinediones inhibit REG I{alpha} gene transcription in gastrointestinal cancer cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yamauchi, Akiyo; Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sendai 980-8578; Department of Biochemistry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521

2009-02-13

REG (Regenerating gene) I{alpha} protein functions as a growth factor for gastrointestinal cancer cells, and its mRNA expression is strongly associated with a poor prognosis in gastrointestinal cancer patients. We here demonstrated that PPAR{gamma}-agonist thiazolidinediones (TZDs) inhibited cell proliferation and REG I{alpha} protein/mRNA expression in gastrointestinal cancer cells. TZDs inhibited the REG I{alpha} gene promoter activity, via its cis-acting element which lacked PPAR response element and could not bind to PPAR{gamma}, in PPAR{gamma}-expressing gastrointestinal cancer cells. The inhibition was reversed by co-treatment with a specific PPAR{gamma}-antagonist GW9662. Although TZDs did not inhibit the REG I{alpha} gene promoter activity in PPAR{gamma}-non-expressingmore » cells, PPAR{gamma} overexpression in the cells recovered their inhibitory effect. Taken together, TZDs inhibit REG I{alpha} gene transcription through a PPAR{gamma}-dependent pathway. The TZD-induced REG I{alpha} mRNA reduction was abolished by cycloheximide, indicating the necessity of novel protein(s) synthesis. TZDs may therefore be a candidate for novel anti-cancer drugs for patients with gastrointestinal cancer expressing both REG I{alpha} and PPAR{gamma}.« less

Molecular analysis of nicotinic receptor expression in autism.

PubMed

Martin-Ruiz, C M; Lee, M; Perry, R H; Baumann, M; Court, J A; Perry, E K

2004-04-07

Autism is a developmental disorder of unknown aetiopathology and lacking any specific pharmacological therapeutic intervention. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine have been implicated. Abnormalities in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have been identified including cortical loss of binding to the alpha4/beta2 subtype and increase in cerebellar alpha7 binding. Receptor expression (mRNA) has not so far been systematically examined. This study aims to further explore the role of nicotinic receptors in autism by analysing nicotinic receptor subunit mRNA in conjunction with protein levels and receptor binding in different brain areas. Quantitative RT-PCR for alpha4, alpha7 and beta2 subunit mRNA expression levels; alpha3, alpha4, alpha7 and beta2 subunit protein expression immunochemistry and specific radioligand receptor binding were performed in adult autism and control brain samples from cerebral cortex and cerebellum. Alpha4 and beta2 protein expression and receptor binding density as well as alpha4 mRNA levels were lower in parietal cortex in autism, while alpha7 did not change for any of these parameters. In cerebellum, alpha4 mRNA expression was increased, whereas subunit protein and receptor levels were decreased. Alpha7 receptor binding in cerebellum was increased alongside non-significant elevations in mRNA and protein expression levels. No significant changes were found for beta2 in cerebellum. The data obtained, using complementary measures of receptor expression, indicate that reduced gene expression of the alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor in the cerebral cortex is a major feature of the neurochemical pathology of autism, whilst post-transcriptional abnormalities of both this and the alpha7 subtype are apparent in the cerebellum. The findings point to dendritic and/or synaptic nicotinic receptor abnormalities that may relate to disruptions in cerebral circuitry development.

Quantitative RT-PCR for inhibin/activin subunits: measurements of rat hypothalamic and ovarian inhibin/activin subunit mRNAs during the estrous cycle.

PubMed

Murata, T; Takizawa, T; Funaba, M; Fujimura, H; Murata, E; Takahashi, M; Torii, K

1997-02-01

Inhibins (alpha-beta(A) and alpha-beta(B)) and activins (beta(A)-beta(A), beta(A)-beta(B) and beta(B)-beta(B)) were originally isolated from ovarian follicular fluids as FSH secretion modifiers. Inhibin/activin subunits, alpha, beta(A) and beta(B), are widely distributed in several tissues, including gonads and brain, and inhibins and activins have been reported to be involved in ovarian or hypothalamic functions. In this study, we established and employed a competitive RT-PCR assay system for rat inhibin/activin subunits by capillary electrophoresis to determine rat hypothalamic and ovarian inhibin/activin subunit mRNA levels during the estrous cycle. Linearity of standards for alpha, beta(A), and beta(B) subunit assays were between 0.01-0.3 amol, 0.003-0.09 amol and 0.002-0.02 amol of each fragment DNA as a standard, respectively. Hypothalamic beta(A) subunit mRNA during the estrous morning (1000 h) tended to be increased compared with that of the proestrous evening (1700 h), although they were not significantly different. Ovarian alpha subunit mRNA levels tended to be increased during the proestrous morning (1000 h) and were significantly increased in the proestrous evening (1700 h), compared with diestrus and estrus (P < 0.05). Ovarian beta(A) subunit mRNA was also significantly higher in the proestrous evening, compared with diestrus and estrus (P < 0.05), but in the case of beta(B) subunit mRNA there was no difference among diestrus, proestrus and estrus. We thus established a sensitive competitive RT-PCR system for the measurement of inhibin/activin alpha, beta(A) and beta(B) subunits, and this assay system would be helpful for the study of inhibin/activin action in brain and other tissues where these factors are expressed at low levels.

Cytoplasmic delivery of ribozymes leads to efficient reduction in alpha-lactalbumin mRNA levels in C127I mouse cells.

PubMed Central

L'Huillier, P J; Davis, S R; Bellamy, A R

1992-01-01

Ribozymes targeted to five sites along the alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-lac) mRNA were delivered to the cytoplasm of mouse C127I mammary cells using the T7-vaccinia virus delivery system and the amount of alpha-lac mRNA was monitored 24-48 h post-transfection. Three target sites were selected in the alpha-lac coding region (nucleotides 15, 145 and 361) and two were located in the 3' non-coding region (nucleotides 442 and 694). Acting in trans and at a target:ribozyme ratio of 1:1000, ribozymes targeting sites 361 and 694 reduced alpha-lac mRNA by > 80%; another two ribozymes (targeting nucleotides 442 and 145) reduced mRNA levels by 80 and 60% respectively; the fifth ribozyme (targeting nucleotide 15, near the AUG) was largely ineffective. The kinetic activity (kcat) of each ribozyme in vitro was somewhat predictive of the activity of the two ribozymes that targeted nucleotides 361 and 694, but was not predictive of the in vivo activity of the other three ribozymes. Down-regulation of the intracellular levels of alpha-lac paralleled the ribozyme-dependent reduction achieved for mRNA. For site 442, the reduction in both mRNA and protein was attributed to the catalytic activity of the ribozyme rather than to the antisense effects of the flanking arms, because delivery of an engineered (catalytically-inactive) variant had no effect on mRNA levels and a minimal effect on the level of alpha-lac present in the cell. Images PMID:1425576

Dexamethasone enhances agonist induction of tissue factor in monocytes but not in endothelial cells.

PubMed

Bottles, K D; Morrissey, J H

1993-06-01

Stimulation of monocytic cells by inflammatory agents such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide or tumour necrosis factor-alpha leads to the rapid and transient expression of tissue factor, the major cellular initiator of the extrinsic coagulation cascade in both haemostasis and tissue inflammation. In this study we investigated whether the synthetic anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, would inhibit agonist induction of tissue factor expression in both monocytes and endothelial cells. Surprisingly, dexamethasone significantly enhanced the induction of tissue factor expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and an established monocytic cell line, THP-1, in response to lipopolysaccharide or tumour necrosis factor-alpha. However, unlike monocytic cells, dexamethasone did not enhance agonist induction of tissue factor in endothelial cells. Synergistic enhancement of tissue factor expression by dexamethasone was also reflected in tissue factor mRNA levels in THP-1 cells, but was not the result of improved TF mRNA stability. Synergism between bacterial lipopolysaccharide and glucocorticoid in the induction of monocyte effector function is extremely unusual and may help to explain the variable outcome of glucocorticoid treatment of septic shock.

Reduced transcript stabilization restricts TNF-alpha expression in RAW264.7 macrophages infected with pathogenic mycobacteria: evidence for an involvement of lipomannan.

PubMed

Basler, Tina; Holtmann, Helmut; Abel, Jens; Eckstein, Torsten; Baumer, Wolfgang; Valentin-Weigand, Peter; Goethe, Ralph

2010-01-01

Despite the critical role that TNF-alpha plays in the containment of mycobacterial infection, the mechanisms involved in regulation of its expression by mycobacteria are poorly defined. We addressed this question by studying MAP, which causes a chronic enteritis in ruminants and is linked to human Crohn's disease. We found that in MAP infected macrophages, TNF-alpha gene expression was substantially lower than in macrophages infected with nonpathogenic MS or stimulated with LPS. TNF-alpha transcriptional one could not fully explain the differential TNF-alpha mRNA expression, suggesting that there must be a substantial contribution by post-transcriptional mechanisms.Accordingly, we found reduced TNF-alpha mRNA stability in MAP-infected macrophages. Further comparison of MAP- and MS-infected macrophages revealed that lower TNF-alpha mRNA stability combined with lower mRNA and protein expression in MAP-infected macrophages correlated with lower p38 MAPK phosphorylation. These findings were independent of viability of MAP and MS. We demonstrate that the major mycobacterial cell-wall lipoglycan LM of MAP and MS induced TNF-alpha mRNA transcription,but only the MS-LM induced p38 MAPK-dependent transcript stabilization. Overall, our data suggest that pathogenic mycobacteria cause weak p38 and TNF-alpha mRNA stabilization as a result of their structural cell-wall components such as LM and thereby, restrict TNF-alpha expression in macrophages.

Interferon-alpha receptor 1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with response to interferon-alpha therapy of patients with chronic hepatitis C.

PubMed

Massirer, K B; Hirata, M H; Silva, A E B; Ferraz, M L G; Nguyen, N Y; Hirata, R D C

2004-05-01

Interferon (IFN)-alpha receptor mRNA expression in liver of patients with chronic hepatitis C has been shown to be a response to IFN-alpha therapy. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the expression of mRNA for subunit 1 of the IFN-alpha receptor (IFNAR1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) is associated with the response to IFN-alpha in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Thirty patients with positive anti-HCV and HCV-RNA, and abnormal levels of alanine aminotransferase in serum were selected and treated with IFN-alpha 2b for one year. Those with HBV or HIV infection, or using alcohol were not included. Thirteen discontinued the treatment and were not evaluated. The IFN-alpha response was monitored on the basis of alanine aminotransferase level and positivity for HCV-RNA in serum. IFNAR1-mRNA expression in PBMC was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction before and during the first three months of therapy. The results are reported as IFNAR1-mRNA/beta-actin-mRNA ratio (mean +/- SD). Before treatment, responder patients had significantly higher IFNAR1-mRNA expression in PBMC (0.67 +/- 0.15; N = 5; P < 0.05) compared to non-responders (0.35 +/- 0.17; N = 12) and controls (0.30 +/- 0.16; N = 9). Moreover, IFNAR1-mRNA levels were significantly reduced after 3 months of treatment in responders, whereas there were no differences in IFNAR1 expression in non-responders during IFN-alpha therapy. Basal IFNAR1-mRNA expression was not correlated with the serum level of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases or the presence of cirrhosis. The present results suggest that IFNAR1-mRNA expression in PBMC is associated with IFN-alpha response to hepatitis C and may be useful for monitoring therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Effect of Alpha-Hederin, the active constituent of Nigella sativa, on miRNA-126, IL-13 mRNA levels and inflammation of lungs in ovalbumin-sensitized male rats

PubMed Central

Fallahi, Maryam; Keyhanmanesh, Rana; Khamaneh, Amir Mahdi; Ebrahimi Saadatlou, Mohammad Ali; Saadat, Saeideh; Ebrahimi, Hadi

2016-01-01

Objective: In previous studies the therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa have been demonstrated on asthmatic animals. In the present study, the preventive effect of single dose of alpha-hederin, its active constituent, has been evaluated on lung inflammation and some inflammatory mediators in lungs of ovalbumin sensitized rat in order to elicit its mechanism. Materials and Methods: Forty rats were randomly grouped in 4 groups; control (C), sensitized (S), sensitized pretreated groups with thymoquinone (3 mg/kg i.p., S+TQ) and alpha-hederin (0.02 mg/kg i.p., S+AH). Levels of IL-13 mRNA and miRNA-126 in lung tissue and its pathological changes in each group were assessed. Results: Elevated levels of miRNA-126, IL-13 mRNA and pathological changes were observed in the sensitized group compared to the control group (p<0.001 to p<0.05). All of these factors were significantly reduced in S+TQ and S+AH groups in comparison to S group (p<0.001 to p<0.05). Although alpha-hederin decreased the levels of miRNA-126, IL-13 mRNA and pathological changes in comparison with thymoquinone, the results were statistically not significant. Conclusion: The results suggested that alpha-hederin had preventive effect on sensitized rats like thymoquinone. It may intervene in miRNA-126 expression, which consequently could interfere with IL-13 secretion pathway leading to a reduction in inflammatory responses. PMID:27247924

TGF-beta1 modulates matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression in hepatic stellate cells by complex mechanisms involving p38MAPK, PI3-kinase, AKT, and p70S6k.

PubMed

Lechuga, Carmen G; Hernández-Nazara, Zamira H; Domínguez Rosales, José-Alfredo; Morris, Elena R; Rincón, Ana Rosa; Rivas-Estilla, Ana María; Esteban-Gamboa, Andrés; Rojkind, Marcos

2004-11-01

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), the main cytokine involved in liver fibrogenesis, induces expression of the type I collagen genes in hepatic stellate cells by a transcriptional mechanism, which is hydrogen peroxide and de novo protein synthesis dependent. Our recent studies have revealed that expression of type I collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) mRNAs in hepatic stellate cells is reciprocally modulated. Because TGF-beta1 induces a transient elevation of alpha1(I) collagen mRNA, we investigated whether this cytokine was able to induce the expression of MMP-13 mRNA during the downfall of the alpha1(I) collagen mRNA. In the present study, we report that TGF-beta1 induces a rapid decline in steady-state levels of MMP-13 mRNA at the time that it induces the expression of alpha1(I) collagen mRNA. This change in MMP-13 mRNA expression occurs within the first 6 h postcytokine administration and is accompanied by a twofold increase in gene transcription and a fivefold decrease in mRNA half-life. This is followed by increased expression of MMP-13 mRNA, which reaches maximal values by 48 h. Our results also show that this TGF-beta1-mediated effect is de novo protein synthesis-dependent and requires the activity of p38MAPK, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, AKT, and p70(S6k). Altogether, our data suggest that regulation of MMP-13 by TGF-beta1 is a complex process involving transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms.

Decreased heat tolerance is associated with hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis impairment.

PubMed

Michel, V; Peinnequin, A; Alonso, A; Buguet, A; Cespuglio, R; Canini, F

2007-06-29

When rats are exposed to heat, they adapt themselves to the stressor with a wide inter-individual variability. Such differences in heat tolerance may be related to particularities in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activation. To further this hypothesis, 80 rats instrumented with a telemetric device for abdominal temperature (Tabd) measurement were separated into two groups. Sixty-eight rats were exposed during 90 min at an ambient temperature of 40 degrees C, and 12 rats to an ambient temperature of 22 degrees C. Heat-exposed rats were then divided into three groups using the a posteriori k-means clustering method according to their Tabd level at the end of heat exposure. Heat tolerant rats (Tol, n=30) exhibiting the lowest Tabd showed a slight dehydration, a moderate triglyceride mobilization, but the highest plasma adrenocorticotropic-hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels. Conversely, heat exhausted rats (HE, n=14) presented the highest Tabd, a higher degree of dehydration, a greater metabolic imbalance with the lowest plasma triglyceride level and the highest lactate concentration, as well as a lowest plasma corticosterone and ACTH levels. The fact that the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA content within the pituitary was low despite of a high c-fos mRNA level is also relevant. Current inflammatory processes in HE rats were underlined by lower inhibitory factor kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha) mRNA and higher tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) mRNA. In conclusion, data show that intolerance to heat exposure is associated to an HPA axis impairment, possibly related to changes occurring in the IkappaBalpha and TNF-alpha mRNA levels.

Modeling corticosteroid effects in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis II: mechanistic pharmacodynamic model for dexamethasone effects in Lewis rats with collagen-induced arthritis.

PubMed

Earp, Justin C; Dubois, Debra C; Molano, Diana S; Pyszczynski, Nancy A; Almon, Richard R; Jusko, William J

2008-08-01

A mechanism-based model for pharmacodynamic effects of dexamethasone (DEX) was incorporated into our model for arthritis disease progression in the rat to aid in identification of the primary factors responsible for edema and bone loss. Collagen-induced arthritis was produced in male Lewis rats after injection of type II porcine collagen. DEX was given subcutaneously in single doses of 0.225 or 2.25 mg/kg or 7-day multiple doses of 0.045 or 0.225 mg/kg at 21 days postdisease induction. Effects on disease progression were measured by paw swelling, bone mineral density (BMD), body weights, plasma corticosterone (CST), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA expression in paw tissue. Lumbar and femur BMD was determined by PIXImus II dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Plasma CST was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Cytokine and GR mRNA were assayed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Indirect response models, drug interaction models, transduction processes, and the fifth-generation model of corticosteroid dynamics were integrated and applied using S-ADAPT software to describe how dexamethasone binding to GR can regulate diverse processes. Cytokine mRNA, GR mRNA, plasma CST, and paw edema were suppressed after DEX administration. TNF-alpha mRNA expression and BMD seemed to increase immediately after dosing but were ultimately reduced. Model parameters indicated that IL-6 and IL-1beta were most sensitive to inhibition by DEX. TNF-alpha seemed to primarily influence edema, whereas IL-6 contributed the most to bone loss. Lower doses of corticosteroids may be sufficient to suppress the cytokines most relevant to bone erosion.

Mucin gene mRNA levels in broilers challenged with eimeria and/or Clostridium perfringens.

PubMed

Kitessa, Soressa M; Nattrass, Gregory S; Forder, Rebecca E A; McGrice, Hayley A; Wu, Shu-Biao; Hughes, Robert J

2014-09-01

The effects of Eimeria (EM) and Clostridium perfringens (CP) challenges on the mRNA levels of genes involved in mucin (Muc) synthesis (Muc2, Muc5ac, Muc13, and trefoil family factor-2 [TFF2]), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] and interleukin-18 [IL-18]), and metabolic processes (cluster of differentiation [CD]36) in the jejunum of broilers were investigated. Two parallel experiments involving 1) EM challenge and 2) EM and CP challenges were conducted. The first experiment was a 2 X 2 study with 12 birds per treatment (N = 48) involving fishmeal substitution (25%) in the diet (FM) and EM challenge. The treatments were: Control (FM-, EM-), Fishmeal (FM+, EM-), EM challenge (FM-, EM+), and fishmeal substitution and EM challenge (FM+, EM+). The second experiment was a 2 X 2 X 2 experiment with six birds per treatment (N = 48) involving fishmeal (FM-, FM+), Eimeria (EM-, EM+), and C perfringens (CP-, CP+). In both arms of the study, male broilers were given a starter diet for the whole period of 16 days, except those assigned to FM+, where 25% of the starter ration was replaced with fishmeal from days 8 to 14. EM inoculation was performed on day 9 and CP inoculation on days 14 and 15. The EM challenge birds were euthanatized for sampling on day 13; postmortem examination and sampling for the Eimeria plus C perfringens challenge arm of the study were on day 16. In the Eimeria challenge arm of the study, fishmeal supplementation significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of TNF-alpha, TFF2, and IL-18 pre-CP inoculation but simultaneously increased the levels of Muc13 and CD36 mRNAs. Birds challenged with Eimeria exhibited increased mRNA levels of Muc13, Muc5ac, TNF-alpha, and IL-18. In the Eimeria and C. perfringens challenge arm, birds exposed to EM challenge exhibited significantly lower mRNA levels of Muc2 and CD36. The mRNA levels of CD36 were also significantly suppressed by CP challenge. Our results showed that the transcription of mucin synthesis genes in the jejunum of broilers is modulated by fishmeal inclusion in the diet. Furthermore, we show for the first time suppression of CD36 mRNA levels in the intestine of broilers challenged with Eimeria or C. perfringens.

Protection against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy is related to modulation by testosterone of FOXO1 and PGC-1{alpha}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qin, Weiping, E-mail: weiping.qin@mssm.edu; Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY; Pan, Jiangping

Research highlights: {yields} In rat gastrocnemius muscle, dexamethasone reduced PGC-1{alpha} cellular and nuclear levels without altering mRNA levels for this factor. {yields} Dexamethasone reduced phosphorylating of p38 MAPK, which stabilizes PGC-1{alpha} and promotes its nuclear entry. {yields} Co-administration of testosterone with dexamethasone increased cellular and nuclear levels of PGC-1{alpha} protein without changing its mRNA levels. {yields} Co-administration of testosterone restored p38 MAPK levels to those of controls. -- Abstract: Glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy results from muscle protein catabolism and reduced protein synthesis, associated with increased expression of two muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases (MAFbx and MuRF1), and of two inhibitors of protein synthesis,more » REDD1 and 4EBP1. MAFbx, MuRF1, REDD1 and 4EBP1 are up-regulated by the transcription factors FOXO1 and FOXO3A. The transcriptional co-activator PGC-1{alpha} has been shown to attenuate many forms of muscle atrophy and to repress FOXO3A-mediated transcription of atrophy-specific genes. Dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy can be prevented by testosterone, which blocks up-regulation by dexamethasone of FOXO1. Here, an animal model of dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy was used to further characterize effects of testosterone to abrogate adverse actions of dexamethasone on FOXO1 levels and nuclear localization, and to determine how these agents affect PGC-1{alpha}, and its upstream activators, p38 MAPK and AMPK. In rat gastrocnemius muscle, testosterone blunted the dexamethasone-mediated increase in levels of FOXO1 mRNA, and FOXO1 total and nuclear protein. Dexamethasone reduced total and nuclear PGC-1{alpha} protein levels in the gastrocnemius; co-administration of testosterone with dexamethasone increased total and nuclear PGC-1{alpha} levels above those present in untreated controls. Testosterone blocked dexamethasone-induced decreases in activity of p38 MAPK in the gastrocnemius muscle. Regulation of FOXO1, PGC-1{alpha} and p38 MAPK by testosterone may represent a novel mechanism by which this agent protects against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy.« less

Pioglitazone inhibits LOX-1 expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells by reducing intracellular superoxide radical generation.

PubMed

Mehta, Jawahar L; Hu, Bo; Chen, Jiawei; Li, Dayuan

2003-12-01

LOX-1, a novel lectin-like receptor for oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), is expressed in response to ox-LDL, angiotensin II (Ang II), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and other stress stimuli. It is highly expressed in atherosclerotic tissues. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma ligands, such as pioglitazone, exert antiatherosclerotic effects. This study examined the regulation of LOX-1 expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) by pioglitazone. Fourth generation HCAECs were treated with ox-LDL, Ang II, or TNF-alpha with or without pioglitazone pretreatment. All 3 stimuli upregulated LOX-1 expression (mRNA and protein). Pioglitazone, in a concentration-dependent manner, reduced LOX-1 expression (P<0.01 versus ox-LDL, Ang II, or TNF-alpha alone). Ox-LDL, Ang II, and TNF-alpha each enhanced intracellular superoxide radical generation, and pioglitazone pretreatment reduced superoxide generation (P<0.01 versus ox-LDL, Ang II, or TNF-alpha). Furthermore, all 3 stimuli upregulated the expression of the transcription factors nuclear factor-kappaB and activator protein-1 (determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay), and pioglitazone pretreatment reduced this expression (P<0.01 versus ox-LDL, Ang II, or TNF-alpha). To determine the biological significance of pioglitazone-mediated downregulation of LOX-1, we studied monocyte adhesion to ox-LDL-treated HCAECs. Pioglitazone reduced the adhesion of monocytes to activated HCAECs in a fashion similar to that produced by antisense to LOX-1 mRNA. These observations suggest that the PPAR-gamma ligand pioglitazone reduces intracellular superoxide radical generation and subsequently reduces the expression of transcription factors, expression of the LOX-1 gene, and monocyte adhesion to activated endothelium. The salutary effect of PPAR-gamma ligands in atherogenesis may involve the inhibition of LOX-1 and the adhesion of monocytes to endothelium.

In vitro C3 mRNA expression in Pemphigus vulgaris: complement activation is increased by IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha.

PubMed

Feliciani, C; Toto, P; Amerio, P

1999-01-01

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially life-threatening disease, characterized immunohistologically by IgG deposits and complement activation on the surface of keratinocytes. Complement activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis with C3 deposits in about 90% of patients. In order to further elucidate the role of complement in PV and to define which cytokines play a role in C3 mRNA expression, we performed an in vitro study in human keratinocytes. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHuK) were incubated with PV serum and C3 mRNA was measured. We previously had shown that IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha are expressed in PV in vivo and in vitro. Since cytokines are able to modulate complement activation, mRNA expression was evaluated in a similar experiment after pretreatment using antibodies against IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha. Incubation of NHuK with PV sera caused their detachment from the plates after 20-30 minutes with a complete acantholysis within 12 hours. An early C3 mRNA expression was seen after 30 minutes with a peak level after 1 hour. Blocking studies, using antibodies against human IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha in NHuK together with PV-IgG, showed reduction of in vitro induced acantholysis and inhibition of C3 mRNA expression. This study supports the hypothesis that complement C3 is important in PV acantholysis and that complement activation is increased by IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha.

Hepatic effects of a methionine-choline-deficient diet in hepatocyte RXR{alpha}-null mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gyamfi, Maxwell Afari; Tanaka, Yuji; He Lin

Retinoid X receptor-{alpha} (RXR{alpha}) is an obligate partner for several nuclear hormone receptors that regulate important physiological processes in the liver. In this study the impact of hepatocyte RXR{alpha} deficiency on methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet-induced steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatic transporters gene expression were examined. The mRNA of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-regulated genes, important for lipid synthesis, were not altered in wild type (WT) mice, but were increased 2.0- to 5.4-fold in hepatocyte RXR{alpha}-null (H-RXR{alpha}-null) mice fed a MCD diet for 14 days. Furthermore, hepatic mRNAs and proteins essential for fatty acid {beta}-oxidation were not alteredmore » in WT mice, but were decreased in the MCD diet-fed H-RXR{alpha}-null mice, resulting in increased hepatic free fatty acid levels. Cyp2e1 enzyme activity and lipid peroxide levels were induced only in MCD-fed WT mice. In contrast, hepatic mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory factors were increased only in H-RXR{alpha}-null mice fed the MCD diet. Hepatic uptake transporters Oatp1a1 and Oatp1b2 mRNA levels were decreased in WT mice fed the MCD diet, whereas the efflux transporter Mrp4 was increased. However, in the H-RXR{alpha}-null mice, the MCD diet only moderately decreased Oatp1a1 and induced both Oatp1a4 and Mrp4 gene expression. Whereas the MCD diet increased serum bile acid levels and alkaline phosphatase activity in both WT and H-RXR{alpha}-null mice, serum ALT levels were induced (2.9-fold) only in the H-RXR{alpha}-null mice. In conclusion, these data suggest a critical role for RXR{alpha} in hepatic fatty acid homeostasis and protection against MCD-induced hepatocyte injury.« less

Effect of Quyu Jiedu granule on microenvironment of ova in patients with endometriosis.

PubMed

Lian, Fang; Li, Xin-Ling; Sun, Zhen-Gao; Zhang, Jian-Wei; Liu, Yan-He; Ma, Feng-Mei

2009-02-01

To observe the effect of Quyu Jiedu Granules (, QJG) on the micro- microenvironment of ova in patients with endometriosis (EM). environment Twenty EM patients who received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were randomized equally into a treated group and a control group. Further, 20 patients who received IVF-ET due to oviduct factors were enrolled into a non-endometriosis group. The dosage of gonadotrophic hormone used, the number of ova attained, fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate were all observed, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-right harpoon over left harpoon) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in follicular fluid as well as their mRNA expressions in ovarian granular cells were detected by RT-PCR on the very day of ovum attainment. The ova attainment (13.80+/-6.87) and fertilization rate (0.69+/-0.31) in the treated group were all higher than the corresponding values in the control group (9.80+/-5.32 and 0.47+/-0.22); the follicular fluid contents of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the treated group were 1.38+/-0.21 ng/mL and 130.56+/-12.81 pg/mL, respectively, which were lower than those in the control group (1.98+/-0.34 ng/mL and 146.83+/-17.65 pg/mL, respectively). Further, the treated group showed much lower mRNA expressions of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in ovarian granular cells. The elevation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 contents in follicular fluid and their mRNA expressions in ovarian granular cells are possibly related to the low quality of ova in EM; QJG might raise the ova quality by reducing TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels to improve the living micro-environment for the ova.

Boron modulates extracellular matrix and TNF alpha synthesis in human fibroblasts.

PubMed

Benderdour, M; Hess, K; Dzondo-Gadet, M; Nabet, P; Belleville, F; Dousset, B

1998-05-29

Boric acid was not mitogenic for human fibroblasts and it did not change cell viability until 0.5% (w/v). Boric acid treatment affected the metabolism of human dermal fibroblasts in culture, decreasing the synthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules such as proteoglycans, collagen, and total proteins. It also increased the release of these molecules into the culture medium. The principal proteins secreted into the medium after boric acid treatment had molecular masses of 90, 70, 58, 49, and 43 kDa and faint bands were detected by electrophoresis between 14 and 30 kDa. hsp 70 and TNF alpha were detected among the secreted proteins by immunoblotting, and the amount of TNF alpha released was quantified by radioimmunoassay. Total mRNA levels were higher after boric acid treatment and peaked after 6 h of treatment. TNF alpha mRNA was undetectable in unstimulated fibroblasts and two TNF alpha mRNA bands were detected after stimulation: immature mRNA (4.8 kb) and mature TNF alpha mRNA (1.9 kb). Thus, the effects of boric acid observed in wound repair in vivo may be due to TNF alpha synthesis and secretion.

Factors regulating collagen synthesis and degradation during second-intention healing of wounds in the thoracic region and the distal aspect of the forelimb of horses.

PubMed

Schwartz, Anne J; Wilson, David A; Keegan, Kevin G; Ganjam, Venkataseshu K; Sun, Yao; Weber, Karl T; Zhang, Jiakun

2002-11-01

To determine significant molecular and cellular factors responsible for differences in second-intention healing in thoracic and metacarpal wounds of horses. 6 adult mixed-breed horses. A full-thickness skin wound on the metacarpus and another such wound on the pectoral region were created, photographed, and measured, and tissue was harvested from these sites weekly for 4 weeks. Gene expression of type-I collagen, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were determined by quantitative in situ hybridization. Myofibroblasts were detected by immunohistochemical labeling with alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). Collagen accumulation was detected by use of picrosirius red staining. Tissue morphology was examined by use of H&E staining. Unlike thoracic wounds, forelimb wounds enlarged during the first 2 weeks. Myofibroblasts, detected by week 1, remained abundant with superior organization in thoracic wounds. Type-I collagen mRNA accumulated progressively in both wounds. More type-I collagen and TGF-beta1 mRNA were seen in forelimb wounds. Volume of MMP-1 mRNA decreased from day 0 in both wounds. By week 3, TIMP-1 mRNA concentration was greater in thoracic wounds. Greater collagen synthesis in metacarpal than thoracic wounds was documented by increased concentrations of myofibroblasts, type-I collagen mRNA,TGF-beta1 mRNA, and decreased collagen degradation (ie, MMP-1). Imbalanced collagen synthesis and degradation likely correlate with development of exuberant granulation tissue, delaying healing in wounds of the distal portions of the limbs. Factors that inhibit collagen synthesis or stimulate collagenase may provide treatment options for horses with exuberant granulation tissue.

Dynamic Changes of Smooth Muscle and Endothelial Markers in the Early Healing Process of Dacron Vascular Grafts in the Dog, Using RT-PCR.

PubMed

Ishida; Wu; Shi; Fujita; Sauvage; Hammond; Wijelath

2000-03-01

Previous studies of neointima formation on Dacron vascular grafts mainly focused on the late stages using immunohistochemistry staining for von Willebrand factor (vWF) and smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin. However, it is impossible to use immunohistochemistry to study the early events of neointima formation, because graft samples lack sufficient cellular material. Therefore, we used reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to demonstrate dynamic changes of SM and endothelial markers during the early stages of neointima formation. Preclotted Dacron grafts were implanted in the descending thoracic aorta of 14 mongrel dogs. Specimens were retrieved at 1-4 weeks. Total RNAs were extracted from mid-portion of graft flow surfaces, and RT-PCR for vWF, SM myosin heavy chain (MHC), and SM alpha-actin were performed and expressed as a ratio to the ribosome s17 signal. SM MHC and vWF mRNA expression was low at 1-2 weeks but elevated at 3-4 weeks (P < 0.05). However, SM alpha-actin mRNA levels were expressed consistently throughout the study period. At 3-4 weeks, vWF mRNA expression was inversely correlated to thrombus formation on the graft flow surface. Increased expressions of SM MHC and vWF mRNA corresponded to the formation of neointima and an endothelial layer at the later stages. However, SM alpha-actin mRNA expression did not vary during the healing process. The application of RT-PCR should permit further studies of gene regulation in the early vascular graft healing process in vivo. This model can also be used to study the molecular events that are involved in SM cell differentiation.

PPAR{alpha} deficiency augments a ketogenic diet-induced circadian PAI-1 expression possibly through PPAR{gamma} activation in the liver

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oishi, Katsutaka, E-mail: k-ooishi@aist.go.jp; Uchida, Daisuke; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki

Research highlights: {yields} PPAR{alpha} deficiency augments a ketogenic diet-induced circadian PAI-1 expression. {yields} Hepatic expressions of PPAR{gamma} and PCG-1{alpha} are induced by a ketogenic diet. {yields} PPAR{gamma} antagonist attenuates a ketogenic diet-induced PAI-1 expression. {yields} Ketogenic diet advances the phase of circadian clock in a PPAR{alpha}-independent manner. -- Abstract: An increased level of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and PAI-1 gene expression is under the control of molecular circadian clocks in mammals. We recently showed that PAI-1 expression is augmented in a phase-advanced circadian manner in mice fed with a ketogenic diet (KD).more » To determine whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {alpha} (PPAR{alpha}) is involved in hypofibrinolytic status induced by a KD, we examined the expression profiles of PAI-1 and circadian clock genes in PPAR{alpha}-null KD mice. Chronic administration of bezafibrate induced the PAI-1 gene expression in a PPAR{alpha}-dependent manner. Feeding with a KD augmented the circadian expression of PAI-1 mRNA in the hearts and livers of wild-type (WT) mice as previously described. The KD-induced mRNA expression of typical PPAR{alpha} target genes such as Cyp4A10 and FGF21 was damped in PPAR{alpha}-null mice. However, plasma PAI-1 concentrations were significantly more elevated in PPAR{alpha}-null KD mice in accordance with hepatic mRNA levels. These observations suggest that PPAR{alpha} activation is dispensable for KD-induced PAI-1 expression. We also found that hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, and the hepatic expressions of PPAR{gamma} and its coactivator PCG-1{alpha} were more effectively induced in PPAR{alpha}-null, than in WT mice on a KD. Furthermore, KD-induced hepatic PAI-1 expression was significantly suppressed by supplementation with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, a PPAR{gamma} antagonist, in both WT and PPAR{alpha}-null mice. PPAR{gamma} activation seems to be involved in KD-induced hypofibrinolysis by augmenting PAI-1 gene expression in the fatty liver.« less

Adiponectin promotes hyaluronan synthesis along with increases in hyaluronan synthase 2 transcripts through an AMP-activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{alpha}-dependent pathway in human dermal fibroblasts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yamane, Takumi; Kobayashi-Hattori, Kazuo; Oishi, Yuichi, E-mail: y3oishi@nodai.ac.jp

2011-11-18

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Adiponectin promotes hyaluronan synthesis along with an increase in HAS2 transcripts. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Adiponectin also increases the phosphorylation of AMPK. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A pharmacological activator of AMPK increases mRNA levels of PPAR{alpha} and HAS2. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Adiponectin-induced HAS2 mRNA expression is blocked by a PPAR{alpha} antagonist. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Adiponectin promotes hyaluronan synthesis via an AMPK/PPAR{alpha}-dependent pathway. -- Abstract: Although adipocytokines affect the functions of skin, little information is available on the effect of adiponectin on the skin. In this study, we investigated the effect of adiponectin on hyaluronan synthesis and its regulatory mechanisms in human dermal fibroblasts. Adiponectin promoted hyaluronan synthesis alongmore » with an increase in the mRNA levels of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), which plays a primary role in hyaluronan synthesis. Adiponectin also increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). A pharmacological activator of AMPK, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1{beta}-ribofuranoside (AICAR), increased mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{alpha} (PPAR{alpha}), which enhances the expression of HAS2 mRNA. In addition, AICAR increased the mRNA levels of HAS2. Adiponectin-induced HAS2 mRNA expression was blocked by GW6471, a PPAR{alpha} antagonist, in a concentration-dependent manner. These results show that adiponectin promotes hyaluronan synthesis along with increases in HAS2 transcripts through an AMPK/PPAR{alpha}-dependent pathway in human dermal fibroblasts. Thus, our study suggests that adiponectin may be beneficial for retaining moisture in the skin, anti-inflammatory activity, and the treatment of a variety of cutaneous diseases.« less

Arsenite and its metabolites, MMA(III) and DMA(III), modify CYP3A4, PXR and RXR alpha expression in the small intestine of CYP3A4 transgenic mice.

PubMed

Medina-Díaz, I M; Estrada-Muñiz, E; Reyes-Hernández, O D; Ramírez, P; Vega, L; Elizondo, G

2009-09-01

Arsenic is an environmental pollutant that has been associated with an increased risk for the development of cancer and several other diseases through alterations of cellular homeostasis and hepatic function. Cytochrome P450 (P450) modification may be one of the factors contributing to these disorders. Several reports have established that exposure to arsenite modifies P450 expression by decreasing or increasing mRNA and protein levels. Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), the predominant P450 expressed in the human liver and intestines, which is regulated mainly by the Pregnane X Receptor-Retinoid X Receptor alpha (PXR-RXR alpha) heterodimer, contributes to the metabolism of approximately half the drugs in clinical use today. The present study investigates the effect of sodium arsenite and its metabolites monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III)) and dimethylarsinous acid (DMA(III)) on CYP3A4, PXR, and RXR alpha expression in the small intestine of CYP3A4 transgenic mice. Sodium arsenite treatment increases mRNA, protein and CYP3A4 activity in a dose-dependent manner. However, the increase in protein expression was not as marked as compared to the increase in mRNA levels. Arsenite treatment induces the accumulation of Ub-protein conjugates, indicating that the activation of this mechanism may explain the differences observed between the mRNA and protein expression of CYP3A4 induction. Treatment with 0.05 mg/kg of DMA(III) induces CYP3A4 in a similar way, while treatment with 0.05 mg/kg of MMA(III) increases mostly mRNA, and to a lesser degree, CYP3A4 activity. Sodium arsenite and both its metabolites increase PXR mRNA, while only DMA(III) induces RXR alpha expression. Overall, these results suggest that sodium arsenite and its metabolites induce CYP3A4 expression by increasing PXR expression in the small intestine of CYP3A4 transgenic mice.

Arsenite and its metabolites, MMA{sup III} and DMA{sup III}, modify CYP3A4, PXR and RXR alpha expression in the small intestine of CYP3A4 transgenic mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Medina-Diaz, I.M.; Estrada-Muniz, E.; Reyes-Hernandez, O.D.

Arsenic is an environmental pollutant that has been associated with an increased risk for the development of cancer and several other diseases through alterations of cellular homeostasis and hepatic function. Cytochrome P450 (P450) modification may be one of the factors contributing to these disorders. Several reports have established that exposure to arsenite modifies P450 expression by decreasing or increasing mRNA and protein levels. Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), the predominant P450 expressed in the human liver and intestines, which is regulated mainly by the Pregnane X Receptor-Retinoid X Receptor alpha (PXR-RXR alpha) heterodimer, contributes to the metabolism of approximately half themore » drugs in clinical use today. The present study investigates the effect of sodium arsenite and its metabolites monomethylarsonous acid (MMA{sup III}) and dimethylarsinous acid (DMA{sup III}) on CYP3A4, PXR, and RXR alpha expression in the small intestine of CYP3A4 transgenic mice. Sodium arsenite treatment increases mRNA, protein and CYP3A4 activity in a dose-dependent manner. However, the increase in protein expression was not as marked as compared to the increase in mRNA levels. Arsenite treatment induces the accumulation of Ub-protein conjugates, indicating that the activation of this mechanism may explain the differences observed between the mRNA and protein expression of CYP3A4 induction. Treatment with 0.05 mg/kg of DMA{sup III} induces CYP3A4 in a similar way, while treatment with 0.05 mg/kg of MMA{sup III} increases mostly mRNA, and to a lesser degree, CYP3A4 activity. Sodium arsenite and both its metabolites increase PXR mRNA, while only DMA{sup III} induces RXR alpha expression. Overall, these results suggest that sodium arsenite and its metabolites induce CYP3A4 expression by increasing PXR expression in the small intestine of CYP3A4 transgenic mice.« less

The thalidomide analogue CC-3052 inhibits HIV-1 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression in acutely and chronically infected cells in vitro.

PubMed

La Maestra, L; Zaninoni, A; Marriott, J B; Lazzarin, A; Dalgleish, A G; Barcellini, W

2000-01-01

We investigated the in vitro effect of the water-soluble, highly stable thalidomide analogue CC-3052 on HIV-1 expression and TNF-alpha production in latently infected promonocytic U1 cells, acutely infected T cells and monocyte-derived human macrophages (MDM), and in mitogen-stimulated ex vivo cultures from patients with primary acute HIV-1 infection. HIV-1 expression was assessed by Northern blot analysis of RNAs, and ELISA for p24 antigen release and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. TNF-alpha expression was evaluated by RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-ELISA for mRNA and ELISA for protein secretion. We demonstrated that CC-3052 is able to inhibit HIV-1 expression, as evaluated by mRNA, p24 release and RT activity, in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)- and cytokine-stimulated U1 cells. Furthermore, CC-3052 inhibited HIV-1 expression, as evaluated by p24 and RT activity, in acutely infected MDM and T cells. As far as TNF-alpha is concerned, CC-3052 significantly reduced TNF-alpha mRNA and protein secretion in PMA-stimulated U937 and U1 cells, and in PMA-stimulated uninfected and acutely infected MDM. Consistently, the addition of CC-3052 reduced TNF-alpha production in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole blood cultures from patients during the primary acute phase of HIV-1 infection. Since TNF-alpha is among the most potent enhancers of HIV-1 expression, the effect of CC-3052 on TNF-alpha may account for its inhibitory activity on HIV-1 expression. Given the well documented immunopathological role of TNF-alpha and its correlation with viral load, advanced disease and poor prognosis, CC-3052 could be an interesting drug for the design of therapeutic strategies in association with anti-retroviral agents.

The effects of estradiol and selective estrogen receptor modulators on gene expression and messenger RNA stability in immortalized sheep endometrial stromal cells and human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells.

PubMed

Farnell, Yuhua Z; Ing, Nancy H

2003-03-01

The purpose of this study was to identify an endometrial cell line that maintained the E2 up-regulation of estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA by enhanced message stability and to assess its dependence on ER protein. Estradiol (E2) effects on gene expression were measured in three cell lines: one immortalized from sheep endometrial stroma (ST) and two from human endometrial adenocarcinomas (Ishikawa and ECC-1). E2 up-regulated ER mRNA levels in ST and Ishikawa cells, but down-regulated ER mRNA levels in ECC-1 cells. E2 up-regulated progesterone receptor (PR), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) in both Ishikawa and ECC-1 cells. The selective estrogen receptor modulator ICI 182,780 antagonized the E2-induced up-regulation of ER and/or PR mRNA levels in all three cells, while another, GW 5638, antagonized the up-regulation of PR mRNA in Ishikawa and ECC-1 cells. In mechanistic studies, E2 had no effect on ER mRNA stability in ST cells and it destabilized ER mRNA in ECC-1 cells. Thus, Ishikawa cells appear to be the most physiologically relevant cell line in which to study the up-regulation of ER mRNA levels by enhanced mRNA stability. Its antagonism by ICI 182,780 reveals that ER protein is involved in this E2 response.

Effects of insulin, dexamethasone and cytokines on {alpha}{sub 1}-acid glycoprotein gene expression in primary cultures of normal rat hepatocytes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barraud, B.; Balavoine, S.; Feldmann, G.

1996-04-01

While the effects of insulin, dexamethasone and cytokines on {alpha}{sub 1}-acid glycoprotein gene expression have been investigated in various hepatoma cell lines, the individual and combined effects of these components on the expression of this gene have been rarely studied in cultured normal rat hepatocytes. In this cell model, we have shown that mRNA levels of {alpha}{sub 1}-acid glycoprotein were not decreased at least during the first 24 h of culture under basal conditions. During these short-term cultures, the expression of {alpha}{sub 1}-acid glycoprotein in normal hepatocytes showed a high degree of responsiveness to dexamethasone alone (20-fold increase) and tomore » dexamethasone associated with various cytokines (interleukin-1{beta}, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor {alpha}) with a 40 to 100-fold increase depending on the cytokine. Insulin alone did not modify {alpha}{sub 1}-acid glycoprotein mRNA; however, this hormone exerted a positive effect (about 50% increase) in the presence of dexamethasone or dexamethasone with cytokines. These results indicate that the regulation of {alpha}{sub 1}-acid glycoprotein in cultured normal rat hepatocytes presents major differences when compared to reported observations in rat hepatoma cell lines. 49 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Effect of thalidomide on the expression of TNF-alpha m-RNA and synthesis of TNF-alpha in cells from leprosy patients with reversal reaction.

PubMed

Tadesse, Azeb; Abebe, Markos; Bizuneh, Elizabeth; Mulugeta, Wondwossen; Aseffa, Abraham; Shannon, E J

2006-01-01

Hypersensitivity reactions called reversal reaction (RR) and erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) occur in leprosy. They are characterized by an increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Thalidomide is an effective treatment for ENL but not RR. Its effectiveness in ENL is attributed to inhibition of TNF-alpha, and this does not explain its failure to treat RR. We assessed thalidomide's effect on TNF-alpha in RR. Mononuclear cells from RR and non-RR patients and healthy individuals were treated with thalidomide and M.leprae (AFB), a cytosol fraction of M. leprae or Dharmendra lepromin. Thalidomide suppressed TNF-alpha, but when some RR patients' cells were stimulated with AFB, it enhanced TNF-alpha.

Nicotine induces fibrogenic changes in human liver via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed on hepatic stellate cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Soeda, Junpei; Morgan, Maelle; McKee, Chad

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cigarette smoke may induce liver fibrosis via nicotine receptors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nicotine induces proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nicotine activates hepatic fibrogenic pathways. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nicotine receptor antagonists attenuate HSC proliferation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nicotinic receptor antagonists may have utility as novel anti-fibrotic agents. -- Abstract: Background and aims: Cigarette smoke (CS) may cause liver fibrosis but possible involved mechanisms are unclear. Among the many chemicals in CS is nicotine - which affects cells through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). We studied the effects of nicotine, and involved pathways, on human primary hepatic stellate cells (hHSCs), the principal fibrogenic cells inmore » the liver. We then determined possible disease relevance by assaying nAChR in liver samples from human non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: hHSC were isolated from healthy human livers and nAChR expression analyzed - RT-PCR and Western blotting. Nicotine induction of hHSC proliferation, upregulation of collagen1-{alpha}2 and the pro-fibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-{beta}1) was determined along with involved intracellular signaling pathways. nAChR mRNA expression was finally analyzed in whole liver biopsies obtained from patients diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Results: hHSCs express muscle type ({alpha}1, {beta}1, delta and epsilon) and neuronal type ({alpha}3, {alpha}6, {alpha}7, {beta}2 and {beta}4) nAChR subunits at the mRNA level. Among these subunits, {alpha}3, {alpha}7, {beta}1 and {epsilon} were predominantly expressed as confirmed by Western blotting. Nicotine induced hHSC proliferation was attenuated by mecamylamine (p < 0.05). Additionally, collagen1-{alpha}2 and TGF-{beta}1 mRNA expression were significantly upregulated by nicotine and inhibited by mecamylamine. {alpha}1 and {alpha}3-nAChR mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in NASH fibrosis compared to normal livers. Conclusion: Nicotine at levels in smokers' blood is pro-fibrogenic, through actions on hHSCs expressed nAChRs. Therefore, CS, via its nicotine content, may worsen liver fibrosis. Moreover, nicotinic receptor antagonists may have utility as novel anti-fibrotic agents.« less

Inhibition of cholesterol absorption associated with a PPAR alpha-dependent increase in ABC binding cassette transporter A1 in mice.

PubMed

Knight, Brian L; Patel, Dilip D; Humphreys, Sandy M; Wiggins, David; Gibbons, Geoffrey F

2003-11-01

Dietary supplementation with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) ligand WY 14,643 gave rise to a 4- to 5-fold increase in the expression of mRNA for the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in the intestine of normal mice. There was no effect in the intestine of PPAR alpha-null mice. Consumption of a high-cholesterol diet also increased intestinal ABCA1 expression. The effects of WY 14,643 and the high-cholesterol diet were not additive. WY 14,643 feeding reduced intestinal absorption of cholesterol in the normal mice, irrespective of the dietary cholesterol concentration, and this resulted in lower diet-derived cholesterol and cholesteryl ester concentrations in plasma and liver. At each concentration of dietary cholesterol, there was a similar significant inverse correlation between intestinal ABCA1 mRNA content and the amount of cholesterol absorbed. The fibrate-induced changes in the intestines of the normal mice were accompanied by an increased concentration of the mRNA encoding the sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1c gene (SREBP-1c), a known target gene for the oxysterol receptor liver X receptor alpha (LXR alpha). There was a correlation between intestinal ABCA1 mRNA and SREBP-1c mRNA contents, but not between SREBP-1c mRNA content and cholesterol absorption. These results suggest that PPAR alpha influences cholesterol absorption through modulating ABCA1 activity in the intestine by a mechanism involving LXR alpha.

Increased proliferation of endothelial cells with overexpression of soluble TNF-alpha receptor I gene.

PubMed

Sugano, Masahiro; Tsuchida, Keiko; Tomita, Hideharu; Makino, Naoki

2002-05-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can overcome a potential anti-angiogenic effect of TNF-alpha by inhibiting endothelial apoptosis induced by this cytokine. Soluble TNF-alpha receptor I (sTNFRI) is an extracellular domain of TNFRI and antagonizes the activity of TNF-alpha. Here we report that sTNFRI is able to stimulate the growth of endothelial cells not by antagonizing TNF-alpha. Exogenously added recombinant human sTNFRI stimulated significantly more cell growth of human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVEC) with a low dose (50-200 pg/ml) compared with smooth muscle cells. In contrast, monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha did not stimulate growth of human HUVEC. The sTNFRI expression plasmid (pcDNA3.1 plasmid) was introduced into the cell culture using OPTI-MEM, lipofectin and transferrin. Growth of HUVEC transfected with sTNFRI vector also increased significantly compared with those transfected with control vector. HUVEC transfected with sTNFRI vector increased the extracellular domain of TNFRI mRNA levels, but did not affect the intracellular domain of TNFRI mRNA levels. Accumulation of sTNFRI significantly increased in conditioned medium from HUVEC transfected with sTNFRI vector compared with those transfected with control vector. HUVEC transfected with sTNFRI vector not only increased sTNFRI but also prevented shedding of sTNFRI from TNFRI. The TNF-alpha -induced internucleosomic fragmentation was also significantly prevented in HUVEC transfected with sTNFRI vector compared with those transfected with control vector. These results suggest that instead of growth factors such as VEGF, local transfection of the sTNFRI gene may have potential therapeutic value in vascular diseases in which TNF-alpha is also usually highly expressed.

Efficacy of Omega Fatty Acid Supplementation on mRNA Expression Level of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Hosseinzadeh, Asghar; Ardebili, Seyed Mojtaba Mohaddes

2016-09-01

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a multifunctional cytokine, is involved in apoptosis, cell proliferation, cell survival, and inflammation. It plays a dual role in cancer development and progression. It has been revealed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) modulate the production and activity of TNF family cytokines. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of PUFAs on messenger RNA expression levels of TNF-α in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Thirty-four chemotherapy-naive patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (17 individuals) received cisplatin without supplements and the second group (17 individuals) received cisplatin plus orally administered PUFA supplements for 3 weeks, based on treatment strategies. The gastric biopsy samples were obtained from all participants before and after treatment, and TNF-α mRNA expression levels were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR procedure. Our findings revealed that TNF-α mRNA expression is downregulated in group II, after receiving cisplatin and omega fatty acid supplement for 3 weeks. However, this difference is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). TNF-α mRNA expression did not show significant alteration in group I, after receiving cisplatin alone. Taken together, we concluded that omega fatty acids reduce TNF-α expression at the mRNA level in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. These data suggest that TNF-α may act as a potential target for the therapy of human gastric adenocarcinoma.

Green tea polyphenols improve cardiac muscle mRNA and protein levels of signal pathways related to insulin and lipid metabolism and inflammation in insulin-resistant rats.

PubMed

Qin, Bolin; Polansky, Marilyn M; Harry, Dawson; Anderson, Richard A

2010-05-01

Epidemiological studies indicate that the consumption of green tea polyphenols (GTP) may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. To explore the underlying mechanisms of action at the molecular level, we examined the effects of GTP on the cardiac mRNA and protein levels of genes involved in insulin and lipid metabolism and inflammation. In rats fed a high-fructose diet, supplementation with GTP (200 mg/kg BW daily dissolved in distilled water) for 6 wk, reduced systemic blood glucose, plasma insulin, retinol-binding protein 4, soluble CD36, cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and LDL-C levels, as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-6. GTP did not affect food intake, bodyweight and heart weight. In the myocardium, GTP also increased the insulin receptor (Ir), insulin receptor substrate 1 and 2 (Irs1 and Irs2), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (Pi3k), v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (Akt1), glucose transporter 1 and 4 (Glut1 and Glut4) and glycogen synthase 1 (Gys1) expression but inhibited phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (Pten) expression and decreased glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (Gsk3beta) mRNA expression. The sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (Srebp1c) mRNA, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (Mttp) mRNA and protein, Cd36 mRNA and cluster of differentiation 36 protein levels were decreased and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (Ppar)gamma mRNA levels were increased. GTP also decreased the inflammatory factors: Tnf, Il1b and Il6 mRNA levels, and enhanced the anti-inflammatory protein, zinc-finger protein, protein and mRNA expression. In summary, consumption of GTP ameliorated the detrimental effects of high-fructose diet on insulin signaling, lipid metabolism and inflammation in the cardiac muscle of rats.

Abnormal TNF-alpha production in diabetes-prone BB rats: enhanced TNF-alpha expression and defective PGE2 feedback inhibition.

PubMed Central

Rothe, H; Ongören, C; Martin, S; Rösen, P; Kolb, H

1994-01-01

Upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peritoneal macrophages from diabetes-prone Bio-Breeding (BB) rats secrete more tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) than macrophages from diabetes-resistant BB or normal Wistar rats. Enhanced transcription was demonstrated by Northern blot analysis and at the single cell level by mRNA: RNA hybridization. Cytofluorometry analysis showed 2-4 times more plasma membrane and total cell-associated TNF-alpha in macrophages of diabetes-prone BB rats. The analysis of fluorescence intensity showed a single peak, and TNF-alpha mRNA was found in > 90% of macrophages. These findings exclude TNF hypersecretion as being due to an abnormal subfraction of cells. TNF-alpha gene hyperexpression in diabetes-prone BB rats was not due to mutations in the regulatory regions of the promoter, which could be shown by cloning and sequencing of the TNF-alpha promoter in the three rat strains. When searching for other regulatory defects we found the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in response to LPS to be up to 10 times lower in macrophages from diabetes-prone BB rats than from Wistar rats. Furthermore, BB rats macrophages required significantly higher concentrations of PGE2 for suppression of TNF-alpha secretion. We conclude that abnormal TNF-alpha production in macrophages from diabetes-prone BB rats is due to enhanced gene transcription and translation and that this is associated with defective PGE2 feedback inhibition. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:8206514

A set of highly conserved RNA-binding proteins, alphaCP-1 and alphaCP-2, implicated in mRNA stabilization, are coexpressed from an intronless gene and its intron-containing paralog.

PubMed

Makeyev, A V; Chkheidze, A N; Liebhaber, S A

1999-08-27

Gene families normally expand by segmental genomic duplication and subsequent sequence divergence. Although copies of partially or fully processed mRNA transcripts are occasionally retrotransposed into the genome, they are usually nonfunctional ("processed pseudogenes"). The two major cytoplasmic poly(C)-binding proteins in mammalian cells, alphaCP-1 and alphaCP-2, are implicated in a spectrum of post-transcriptional controls. These proteins are highly similar in structure and are encoded by closely related mRNAs. Based on this close relationship, we were surprised to find that one of these proteins, alphaCP-2, was encoded by a multiexon gene, whereas the second gene, alphaCP-1, was identical to and colinear with its mRNA. The alphaCP-1 and alphaCP-2 genes were shown to be single copy and were mapped to separate chromosomes. The linkage groups encompassing each of the two loci were concordant between mice and humans. These data suggested that the alphaCP-1 gene was generated by retrotransposition of a fully processed alphaCP-2 mRNA and that this event occurred well before the mammalian radiation. The stringent structural conservation of alphaCP-1 and its ubiquitous tissue distribution suggested that the retrotransposed alphaCP-1 gene was rapidly recruited to a function critical to the cell and distinct from that of its alphaCP-2 progenitor.

Regulation of c-Myc mRNA by L11 in Response to UV and Gamma Irradiation

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

function of miRNAs. For example, TTP promotes tumor ne- crosis factor alpha (TNF-") mRNA decay caused by miR-16 (29) and HuR facilitates the targeting of c...experiments would demonstrate an important function of L11 in regulating c-myc mRNA in response to DNA damage, offer useful information for developing...24 (Figure 1). We also tested an array of miRNAs possessing tumor suppressor functions for L11 binding miR-16 miR-1248 miR-3944 (-) miR-191 miR

Bilirubin modulated cytokines, growth factors and angiogenesis to improve cutaneous wound healing process in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Ram, Mahendra; Singh, Vishakha; Kumawat, Sanjay; Kant, Vinay; Tandan, Surendra Kumar; Kumar, Dinesh

2016-01-01

Bilirubin has shown cutaneous wound healing potential in some preliminary studies. Here we hypothesize that bilirubin facilitates wound healing in diabetic rats by modulating important healing factors/candidates and antioxidant parameters in a time-dependent manner. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by streptozotocin. In all diabetic rats wounds were created under pentobarbitone anesthesia. All the rats were divided into two groups, of which one (control) was treated with ointment base and other with bilirubin ointment (0.3%). Wound closer measurement and tissue collection were done on days 3, 7, 14 and 19 post-wounding. The relative expressions of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1α), transforming growth factor- beta1 (TGF-β1()), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interlukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA and proteins and the mRNA of interlukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and matrix metalloprteinase-9 (MMP-9) were determined in the wound tissues. CD-31 staining and collagen content were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and picrosirius red staining, respectively. Histopathological changes were assessed by H&E staining. The per cent wound closer was significantly higher from day 7 onwards in bilirubin-treated rats. HIF-1α, VEGF, SDF-1α, TGF-β1, IL-10 mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher on days 3, 7 and 14 in bilirubin-treated rats. The mRNA expression and protein level of TNF-α and the mRNA of IL-1β and MMP-9 were progressively and markedly reduced in bilirubin-treated rats. The collagen deposition and formation of blood vessels were greater in bilirubin-treated rats. Bilirubin markedly facilitated cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats by modulating growth factors, cytokines, neovasculogenesis and collagen contents to the wound site. Topical application of bilirubin ointment might be of great use in cutaneous wound healing in diabetic patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme in the human placenta throughout gestation.

PubMed

Hung, Tai-Ho; Chen, Szu-Fu; Hsieh, Ching-Chang; Hsu, Jenn-Jeih; Li, Meng-Jen; Yeh, Yi-Lin; Hsieh, T'sang-T'ang

2008-02-01

Ectodomain shedding of epidermal growth factor receptor ligands such as transforming growth factor- alpha (TGF-alpha), heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HBEGF), and amphiregulin (AREG) is considered to be important during implantation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) has been suggested as the major sheddase for these molecules. The objectives of this study are (1) to characterize the expression of TACE in the human placenta throughout gestation; (2) to determine the association between the expression of TACE with TGF-alpha, HBEGF, and AREG; (3) to ascertain whether TACE mediates TGF-alpha, HBEGF, and AREG shedding; and (4) to examine the effect of hypoxia on the expression of TACE. By analyzing a total of 55 villous samples representing different gestational ages, the authors found that TACE was continuously expressed in the placentas throughout gestation and that the levels of TACE were positively correlated with the levels of TGF-alpha, HBEGF, and AREG. Preadministration of a TACE inhibitor in villous explant cultures or transfection of cytotrophoblastic cells with TACE-specific small interference RNA decreased the shedding of HBEGF and AREG. Moreover, hypoxia (2% O(2)) caused an increase in the levels of TACE mRNA and protein in villous explants and primary cytotrophoblastic cells in vitro. These results indicate that oxygen regulates the expression of TACE and that TACE may be important for placental development during human pregnancy.

Regulation of oocyte maturation in fish.

PubMed

Nagahama, Yoshitaka; Yamashita, Masakane

2008-06-01

A period of oocyte growth is followed by a process called oocyte maturation (the resumption of meiosis) which occurs prior to ovulation and is a prerequisite for successful fertilization. Our studies using fish models have revealed that oocyte maturation is a three-step induction process involving gonadotropin (LH), maturation-inducing hormone (MIH), and maturation-promoting factor (MPF). LH acts on the ovarian follicle layer to produce MIH (17alpha, 20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 17alpha, 20beta-DP, in most fishes). The interaction of ovarian thecal and granulosa cell layers (two-cell type model), is required for the synthesis of 17alpha,20beta-DP. The dramatic increase in the capacity of postvitellogenic follicles to produce 17alpha,20beta-DP in response to LH is correlated with decreases in P450c17 (P450c17-I) and P450 aromatase (oP450arom) mRNA and increases in the novel form of P450c17 (P450c17-II) and 20beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20beta-HSD) mRNA. Transcription factors such as Ad4BP/SF-1, Foxl2, and CREB may be involved in the regulation of expression of these steroidogenic enzymes. A distinct family of G-protein-coupled membrane-bound MIH receptors has been shown to mediate non-genomic actions of 17alpha, 20beta-DP. The MIH signal induces the de novo synthesis of cyclin B from the stored mRNA, which activates a preexisting 35 kDa cdc2 kinase via phosphorylation of its threonine 161 by cyclin-dependent kinase activating kinase, thus producing the 34 kDa active cdc2 (active MPF). Upon egg activation, MPF is inactivated by degradation of cyclin B. This process is initiated by the 26S proteasome through the first cut in its NH(2) terminus at lysine 57.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yuan, Guoyue, E-mail: yuanguoyue@hotmail.com; Jia, Jue; Di, Liangliang

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CRP increases TNF-{alpha} and IL-6 genes expression in matured 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CRP suppresses adiponectin, leptin and PPAR-{gamma} mRNA levels in matured 3T3-L1 cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Wortmannin reverses effects of CRP on adiponectin, TNF-{alpha} and leptin mRNA levels. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CRP may regulate IR, obesity and metabolic syndrome by this mechanism. -- Abstract: Adipose tissue is now recognized to be an important endocrine organ, secreting a variety of adipokines that are involved in the regulation of energy metabolism, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered as one of the most sensitive markers of inflammation. A number ofmore » studies have shown that elevation of CRP concentrations is an independent predictive parameter of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is also strongly associated with various components of the metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of CRP on adipokines genes expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that CRP inhibited adiponectin, leptin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-{gamma}) genes expression and raised tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA levels in matured 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose and time-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of phosphatidylinositol (PI)-3 kinase by wortmannin partially reversed the effects of CRP on adiponectin, TNF-{alpha} and leptin genes expression. These results collectively suggest that CRP regulates adiponectin, TNF-{alpha}, leptin, IL-6 and PPAR-{gamma} genes expression, and that might represent a mechanism by which CRP regulates insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndrome.« less

Activation of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis by treatment with 17 alpha-methyltestosterone and seawater rearing in the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus.

PubMed

Riley, Larry G; Richman, Nurney H; Hirano, Tetsuya; Gordon Grau, E

2002-07-01

Effects of 17 alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) treatment and environmental salinity on the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis were examined in the euryhaline tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. Yolk-sac fry were collected from brood stock in fresh water (FW). After yolk-sac absorption, they were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 groups: FW, MT treatment in FW, SW, and MT treatment in seawater (SW). After 147 days, FW controls had the lowest levels of GH mRNA followed by FW fish treated with MT and SW control fish. Seawater fish fed with a diet containing MT, which grew the fastest, had significantly higher levels of GH mRNA than all the other groups. A significant correlation was observed between GH mRNA and the size of the individual fish. By contrast, plasma GH levels did not vary significantly among the groups. Pituitary GH mRNA levels, plasma IGF-I levels, and fish size varied in a correlated pattern, i.e., SW+MT>FW+MT=SW control>FW control. The tilapia pituitary produces two prolactins (PRLs), PRL(177) and PRL(188). Prolactin(177), but not PRL(188), exhibits growth-promoting actions in FW tilapia. Pituitary mRNA levels of both PRLs were significantly higher in fish reared in FW than those reared in SW. Treatment with MT significantly increased mRNA levels of both PRLs in FW, but had no effect on SW fish. No correlation was seen between plasma PRL levels and growth or between PRL mRNA levels and growth. These results indicate that SW rearing and MT treatment stimulate the GH/IGF-I axis, and suggest that pituitary GH mRNA at this stage of development is a better indicator of growth than plasma levels of GH and IGF-I.

Hepatocyte growth factor: a regulator of extracellular matrix genes in mouse mesangial cells.

PubMed

Laping, N J; Olson, B A; Ho, T; Ziyadeh, F N; Albrightson, C R

2000-04-01

The potential role of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in regulating extracellular matrix in mouse mesangial cells (MMC) was evaluated. Functional HGF receptors were deed in MMC by HGF-induced extracellular acidification, a response that was inhibited by the HGF inhibitor HGF/NK2, a splice variant expressing the N-terminal domain through the second kringle domain HGF also increased fibronectin and collagen alpha1 (IV) mRNA levels in these cells; the increases were associated with a concentration-dependent increase in transcriptional activity of the collagen alpha1 (IV) gene. HGF also stimulated fibronectin and collagen alpha1 (IV) mRNA levels in primary rabbit proximal tubule epithelial cells To evaluate the potential consequences of chronic elevation of HGF on renal fuction, HGF was administered continuously for 18 days to normal and diabetic C57BLKS/J lepr(db) mice. In the diabetic mice, HGF reduced creatinine clearance and increased microalbuminuria, indicating that chronic exposure to HGF impairs renal function. Thus, chronically elevated HGF may contribute to the progression of chronic renal disease in diabetes by decreasing the glomerular filtration rate and possibly promoting the accumulation of extracellular matrix.

In situ changes in the relative abundance of human epidermal cytokine messenger RNA levels following exposure to the poison ivy/oak contact allergen urushiol.

PubMed

Boehm, K D; Yun, J K; Strohl, K P; Trefzer, U; Häffner, A; Elmets, C A

1996-06-01

Abstract: Epidermal keratinocytes in culture have been shown to produce many cytokines, and their proteins have been identified in skin tissue samples. It has therefore been assumed that these cytokines are transcribed in vivo by the epidermis in response to contact allergens. In this report, in situ hybridization was used to detect the messenger RNAs for interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in samples of human skin prior to and at various times after application of urushiol, the immunogenic component of poison ivy/oak. In sensitive subjects, IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha mRNAs showed a progressive increase in transcript levels that paralleled the clinical and histological features of the inflammatory process. The time-course of the IL-1 beta response differed from that of IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha, in that there was an early (by 6 h after urushiol administration) elevation in IL-1 beta mRNA that occurred before there was evidence of inflammation and had returned to background levels by 72 h when the reaction had reached its peak. In contrast to urushiol-sensitive subjects, urushiol-anergic individuals did not exhibit an increase in IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha mRNA levels. The data provide evidence for an in vivo role for epidermal IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha transcription in the regulation of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha polypeptide levels in the epidermis in response to this common contact allergen.

Epidermal growth factor regulation of glutathione S-transferase gene expression in the rat is mediated by class Pi glutathione S-transferase enhancer I.

PubMed

Matsumoto, M; Imagawa, M; Aoki, Y

2000-07-01

Using chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assays we showed that epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha), and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PenCB) induce class Pi glutathione S-transferase (GSTP1) in primary cultured rat liver parenchymal cells. GSTP1 enhancer I (GPEI), which is required for the stimulation of GSTP1 expression by PenCB, also mediates EGF and TGF alpha stimulation of GSTP1 gene expression. However, hepatocyte growth factor and insulin did not stimulate GPEI-mediated gene expression. On the other hand, the antioxidant reagents butylhydroxyanisole and t-butylhydroquinone, stimulated GPEI-mediated gene expression, but the level of GSTP1 mRNA was not elevated. Our observations suggest that EGF and TGF alpha induce GSTP1 by the same signal transduction pathway as PenCB. Since the sequence of GPEI is similar to that of the antioxidant responsive element (ARE), some factors which bind to ARE might play a role in GPEI-mediated gene expression.

Epidermal growth factor regulation of glutathione S-transferase gene expression in the rat is mediated by class Pi glutathione S-transferase enhancer I.

PubMed Central

Matsumoto, M; Imagawa, M; Aoki, Y

2000-01-01

Using chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assays we showed that epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha), and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PenCB) induce class Pi glutathione S-transferase (GSTP1) in primary cultured rat liver parenchymal cells. GSTP1 enhancer I (GPEI), which is required for the stimulation of GSTP1 expression by PenCB, also mediates EGF and TGF alpha stimulation of GSTP1 gene expression. However, hepatocyte growth factor and insulin did not stimulate GPEI-mediated gene expression. On the other hand, the antioxidant reagents butylhydroxyanisole and t-butylhydroquinone, stimulated GPEI-mediated gene expression, but the level of GSTP1 mRNA was not elevated. Our observations suggest that EGF and TGF alpha induce GSTP1 by the same signal transduction pathway as PenCB. Since the sequence of GPEI is similar to that of the antioxidant responsive element (ARE), some factors which bind to ARE might play a role in GPEI-mediated gene expression. PMID:10861232

Dissociation between PGC-1alpha and GLUT-4 expression in skeletal muscle of rats fed a high-fat diet.

PubMed

Higashida, Kazuhiko; Higuchi, Mitsuru; Terada, Shin

2009-12-01

It has recently been reported that a 4-wk high-fat diet gradually increases skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) protein content, which has been suggested to regulate GLUT-4 gene transcription. However, it has not been reported that a high-fat diet enhances GLUT-4 mRNA expression and protein content in skeletal muscle, suggesting that an increase in PGC-1alpha protein content is not sufficient to induce muscle GLUT-4 biogenesis in a high-fat fed animal. Therefore, we first evaluated the relationship between PGC-1alpha and GLUT-4 expression in skeletal muscle of rats fed a high-fat diet for 4 wk. The PGC-1alpha protein content in rat epitrochlearis muscle significantly increased by twofold after the 4-wk high-fat diet feeding. However, the high-fat diet had no effect on GLUT-4 protein content and induced a 30% decrease in GLUT-4 mRNA expression in rat skeletal muscle (p<0.05). To clarify the mechanism by which a high-fat diet downregulates GLUT-4 mRNA expression, we next examined the effect of PPARdelta activation, which is known to occur in response to a high-fat diet, on GLUT-4 mRNA expression in L6 myotubes. Incubation with 500 nM GW501516 (PPARdelta activator) for 24 h significantly decreased GLUT-4 mRNA in L6 myotubes. Taken together, these findings suggest that a high-fat diet downregulates GLUT-4 mRNA, possibly through the activation of PPARdelta, despite an increase in PGC-1alpha protein content in rat skeletal muscle, and that a posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism maintains GLUT-4 protein content in skeletal muscle of rats fed a high-fat diet.

[Regulatory role of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha in the changes of contraction of vascular smooth muscle cell induced by hypoxia].

PubMed

Zhang, Yuan; Liu, Liang-ming; Ming, Jia; Yang, Guang-ming; Chen, Wei

2007-11-01

To observe the regulatory role and mechanism of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) in the contractile changes of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) induced by hypoxia. Cells were divided into three groups: normal, hypoxia and oligomycin treated groups. VSMC and vascular endothelial cell (VEC) were co-cultured in Transwell models with the hypoxic time of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 hours respectively. The contractile response of VSMC to norepinephrine were determined by measuring the fluorescent infiltration rate in the lower chamber. The mRNA expression of HIF-1 alpha, endothelial-nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible-nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). VSMC contraction was increased at the early stage of hypoxia with the 1.53-fold increase at 0.5 hour as compared to the normal group (P<0 .01), and decreased gradually at the prolonged period of hypoxia with the drop of 30% at 6 hours as compared to the normal group (P<0.05). Oligomycin treatment significantly inhibited the increase of VSMC contraction at early stage, while improved it at late hypoxic period with the 6 hours increase of 12.8% (P<0.05). HIF-1 alpha, iNOS, COX-2 and HO-1 mRNA exhibited a time-dependent increase following hypoxia, and peaked at 6, 2, 3 and 4 hours respectively, they were increased 1.62, 3.23, 2.26 and 2.86-folds as compared with normal group (all P<0.01). iNOS, COX-2 and HO-1 mRNA expression were fluctuated in the normal range following oligomycin administration (all P>0.05). Hypoxia can elicit a biphasic changes of VSMC contraction, and HIF-1 alpha seems to play an important role in the regulation of VSMC contraction induced by hypoxia by regulating eNOS, iNOS, COX-2 and HO-1 expression.

Ginsenoside Rf, a component of ginseng, regulates lipoprotein metabolism through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {alpha}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Hyunghee; Gonzalez, Frank J.; Yoon, Michung

We investigated whether ginseng regulates lipoprotein metabolism by altering peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {alpha} (PPAR{alpha})-mediated pathways, using a PPAR{alpha}-null mouse model. Administration of ginseng extract, ginsenosides, and ginsenoside Rf (Rf) to wild-type mice not only significantly increased basal levels of hepatic apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and C-III mRNA compared with wild-type controls, but also substantially reversed the reductions in mRNA levels of apo A-I and C-III expected following treatment with the potent PPAR{alpha} ligand Wy14,643. In contrast, no effect was detected in the PPAR{alpha}-null mice. Testing of eight main ginsenosides on PPAR{alpha} reporter gene expression indicated that Rf was responsible for themore » effects of ginseng on lipoprotein metabolism. Furthermore, the inhibition of PPAR{alpha}-dependent transactivation by Rf seems to occur at the level of DNA binding. These results demonstrate that ginseng component Rf regulates apo A-I and C-III mRNA and the actions of Rf on lipoprotein metabolism are mediated via interactions with PPAR{alpha}.« less

Increased PI3-kinase in presympathetic brain areas of the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

PubMed

Veerasingham, Shereeni J; Yamazato, Masanobu; Berecek, Kathleen H; Wyss, J Michael; Raizada, Mohan K

2005-02-18

Existing evidence led us to hypothesize that increases in p85alpha, a regulatory subunit of PI3-kinase, in presympathetic brain areas contribute to hypertension. PI3-kinase p85alpha, p110alpha, and p110delta mRNA was 1.5- to 2-fold higher in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with their controls, Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). The increase in p85alpha/p110delta was attenuated in SHR treated with captopril, an angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme inhibitor, from in utero to 6 months of age. In the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), p110delta mRNA was approximately 2-fold higher in SHR than in WKY. Moreover, the increases in mRNA were associated with higher PI3-kinase activity in both nuclei. The functional relevance was studied in neuronal cultures because SHR neurons reflect the augmented p85alpha mRNA and PI3-kinase activity. Expression of a p85 dominant-negative mutant decreased norepinephrine (NE) transporter mRNA and [3H]NE uptake by approximately 60% selectively in SHR neurons. In summary, increased p85alpha/p110delta expression in the PVN and RVLM is associated with increased PI3-kinase activity in the SHR. Furthermore, normalized PI3-kinase p85alpha/p110delta expression within the PVN might contribute to the overall effect of captopril, perhaps attributable to a consequent decrease in NE availability.

Local expression of interferon-alpha and interferon receptors in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

PubMed

Tirone, Nelson R; Peghini, Bethanea C; Barcelos, Ana Cristina M; Murta, Eddie F C; Michelin, Marcia A

2009-12-01

The present study evaluated mRNA expression of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), IFN-alpha receptor subunits (IFNAR-1 and IFNAR-2) and an IFN-stimulated gene encoding the enzyme 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (2'5'OAS) in biopsies on patients with varying grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN I, II and III). Uterine cervix biopsies were collected from women with CIN I, II and III (n = 28) and controls without CIN lesions or human papilloma virus (HPV) infection (n = 17). The presence of high and low-risk HPV DNA was determined using hybrid capture. The mRNA levels of IFNAR-1, IFNAR-2, IFN-alpha and 2'5'OAS were determined by RT-PCR with specific primers. The control group exhibited a greater frequency of IFNAR-1 expression (10/17; 58.3%) than the CIN samples (4/28; 14.2%) (P = 0.0018), while, the expression of IFNAR-2 was also greater in the control samples (11/17; 64.7%) than in the patients with lesions (2/28; 7.1%) (P = 0.0018). Importantly, simultaneous expression of both receptors was observed only in the control group (8/17; 47.0%) (P = 0.0001). Among the CIN samples, there was one case of low expression of mRNA of IFNAR-1 and IFNAR-2. IFN-alpha was present in 14.2% (4/28) of the CIN samples but was not expressed in the control group. mRNA 2'5'OAS were expressed in 28.5% (8/28) of the CIN samples and 11.7% (2/17) of the control samples (not statistically significant). Fifty percent (14/28) of the CIN samples were positive for HPV DNA. Cervical biopsy samples from control women or those without neoplasia or HPV infection displayed higher IFN-alpha receptor expression than those with CIN, while simultaneous expression of both IFN-alpha receptor subunits was found only in the control group. There was no significant difference in mRNA expression of IFN-alpha and 2'5'OAS between the control and CIN groups. Then we concluded that the samples obtained from patients with CIN present low levels of the IFN-alpha receptor mRNA.

Inhibition of ribosome recruitment induces stress granule formation independently of eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha phosphorylation.

PubMed

Mazroui, Rachid; Sukarieh, Rami; Bordeleau, Marie-Eve; Kaufman, Randal J; Northcote, Peter; Tanaka, Junichi; Gallouzi, Imed; Pelletier, Jerry

2006-10-01

Cytoplasmic aggregates known as stress granules (SGs) arise as a consequence of cellular stress and contain stalled translation preinitiation complexes. These foci are thought to serve as sites of mRNA storage or triage during the cell stress response. SG formation has been shown to require induction of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)2alpha phosphorylation. Herein, we investigate the potential role of other initiation factors in this process and demonstrate that interfering with eIF4A activity, an RNA helicase required for the ribosome recruitment phase of translation initiation, induces SG formation and that this event is not dependent on eIF2alpha phosphorylation. We also show that inhibition of eIF4A activity does not impair the ability of eIF2alpha to be phosphorylated under stress conditions. Furthermore, we observed SG assembly upon inhibition of cap-dependent translation after poliovirus infection. We propose that SG modeling can occur via both eIF2alpha phosphorylation-dependent and -independent pathways that target translation initiation.

ATBF1-a messenger RNA expression is correlated with better prognosis in breast cancer.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhenhuan; Yamashita, Hiroko; Toyama, Tatsuya; Sugiura, Hiroshi; Ando, Yoshiaki; Mita, Keiko; Hamaguchi, Maho; Kawaguchi, Makoto; Miura, Yutaka; Iwase, Hirotaka

2005-01-01

The AT motif-binding factor 1 (ATBF1) gene was first identified as a suppressor of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) gene through its binding to an AT-rich enhancer element of this gene. The gene is located at chromosome 16q22.3-q23.1 where loss of heterozygosity has been observed in various malignant tumors, especially in breast cancer. It was also found that in highly malignant AFP-producing gastric cancer cells the expression of AFP is inhibited by ATBF1-A. This led us to hypothesize that there was a link between levels of ATBF1 expression and the metastatic potential of breast cancer and also, therefore, the prognosis of these patients. In the present study, the level of ATBF1-A mRNA expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR, in 153 female patients with invasive carcinoma of the breast. ATBF1-A protein expression was also determined by immunohistochemistry from available 90 cases of paired tissues. An association was sought between ATBF1-A expression and various clinicopathologic factors. ATBF1-A mRNA was expressed at significantly higher levels in breast cancer patients with no axillary lymph node involvement, with small tumors measuring <2 cm and in estrogen receptor-alpha-positive tumors. By contrast, no relationship was found between ATBF1-A mRNA expression and ATBF1-A protein expression, and also no relationship was found between ATBF1-A protein expression and any of the other clinicopathologic factors. Patients expressing high levels of ATBF1-A mRNA tended to have a better prognosis than those expressing low levels. Univariate and multivariate prognostic analyses showed that ATBF1-A mRNA expression is an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival. In breast cancer, levels of ATBF1-A mRNA may serve as a predictive indicator of lymph node metastasis. The results of this study also imply that ATBF1-A gene expression may have potential both as a marker of endocrine responsiveness and also as a prognostic indicator for breast cancer progression.

Retinoic acid stimulates interstitial collagenase messenger ribonucleic acid in osteosarcoma cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connolly, T. J.; Clohisy, J. C.; Shilt, J. S.; Bergman, K. D.; Partridge, N. C.; Quinn, C. O.

1994-01-01

The rat osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line UMR 106-01 secretes interstitial collagenase in response to retinoic acid (RA). The present study demonstrates by Northern blot analysis that RA causes an increase in collagenase messenger RNA (mRNA) at 6 h, which is maximal at 24 h (20.5 times basal) and declines toward basal level by 72 h. This stimulation is dose dependent, with a maximal response at 5 x 10(-7) M RA. Nuclear run-on assays show a greater than 20-fold increase in the rate of collagenase mRNA transcription between 12-24 h after RA treatment. Cycloheximide blocks RA stimulation of collagenase mRNA, demonstrating the need for de novo protein synthesis. RA not only causes an increase in collagenase secretion, but is known to decrease collagen synthesis in UMR 106-01 cells. In this study, the increase in collagenase mRNA is accompanied by a concomitant decrease in the level of alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA, which is maximal at 24 h (70% decrease), with a return to near-control levels by 72 h. Nuclear run-on assays demonstrated that the decrease in alpha 1 (I) procollagen expression does not have a statistically significant transcriptional component. RA did not statistically decrease the stability of alpha 1 (I) procollagen mRNA (calculated t1/2 = 8.06 +/- 0.30 and 9.01 +/- 0.62 h in the presence and absence of RA, respectively). However, transcription and stability together probably contribute to the major decrease in stable alpha 1 (I) procollagen mRNA observed. Cycloheximide treatment inhibits basal level alpha 1 (I) procollagen mRNA accumulation, demonstrating the need for on-going protein synthesis to maintain basal expression of this gene.

Rift Valley fever virus NSs protein promotes post-transcriptional downregulation of protein kinase PKR and inhibits eIF2alpha phosphorylation.

PubMed

Ikegami, Tetsuro; Narayanan, Krishna; Won, Sungyong; Kamitani, Wataru; Peters, C J; Makino, Shinji

2009-02-01

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) (genus Phlebovirus, family Bunyaviridae) is a negative-stranded RNA virus with a tripartite genome. RVFV is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes fever and severe hemorrhagic illness among humans, and fever and high rates of abortions in livestock. A nonstructural RVFV NSs protein inhibits the transcription of host mRNAs, including interferon-beta mRNA, and is a major virulence factor. The present study explored a novel function of the RVFV NSs protein by testing the replication of RVFV lacking the NSs gene in the presence of actinomycin D (ActD) or alpha-amanitin, both of which served as a surrogate of the host mRNA synthesis suppression function of the NSs. In the presence of the host-transcriptional inhibitors, the replication of RVFV lacking the NSs protein, but not that carrying NSs, induced double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR)-mediated eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)2alpha phosphorylation, leading to the suppression of host and viral protein translation. RVFV NSs promoted post-transcriptional downregulation of PKR early in the course of the infection and suppressed the phosphorylated eIF2alpha accumulation. These data suggested that a combination of RVFV replication and NSs-induced host transcriptional suppression induces PKR-mediated eIF2alpha phosphorylation, while the NSs facilitates efficient viral translation by downregulating PKR and inhibiting PKR-mediated eIF2alpha phosphorylation. Thus, the two distinct functions of the NSs, i.e., the suppression of host transcription, including that of type I interferon mRNAs, and the downregulation of PKR, work together to prevent host innate antiviral functions, allowing efficient replication and survival of RVFV in infected mammalian hosts.

Anti-endotoxic shock effects of cyproheptadine in rats.

PubMed

Wang, Lizan; Zhang, Qingzhu; Hu, Xiuzhou; Lun, Ning; Wang, Baosheng; Zhu, Fanhe

2002-03-01

To investigate the antagonistic effect and mechanism of the effect of cyproheptadine (Cyp) on endotoxic shock in rats. Endotoxic shock was produced in rats by i.v. injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) (5 mg/kg). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF(alpha)) mRNA expression was assessed by Northern blot. Plasma TNF(alpha) content was measured by radioimmunoassay. Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured. The intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in single endothelial cells was determined by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Cyp 5 mg/kg injected immediately after i.v. LPS raised the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) of shocked rats and improved their 24 h survival rate. Meanwhile, Cyp markedly decreased TNF(alpha) mRNA levels in rat liver (18 +/- 10 vs. LPS + saline 38 +/- 10, P < 0.01) as well as plasma TNF(alpha) content [(7.8 +/- 2.4) microg/L vs. LPS + saline (21.5 +/- 3.2) microg/L, P < 0.01)]. It enhanced plasma SOD activity [(1037.2 +/- 112.8) NU/L vs LPS + saline (615.4 +/- 92.6) NU/L, P < 0.01], reduced the MDA content [(5.2 +/- 1.1) micromol/L vs. LPS + saline (9.8 +/- 1.5) micromol/L, P < 0.01], and inhibited TNF(alpha)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. Cyp exerts an anti-endotoxic shock effect by inhibiting TNF(alpha) gene expression, enhancing SOD activity, reducing lipid peroxidation, and preventing [Ca(2+)](i) overload.

Microgravity and Signaling Molecules in Rat Osteoblasts: Downstream of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, G-Protein-Coupled Receptor, and Small GTP-Binding Proteins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumel, Yasuhiro; Shimokawa, Hitoyata; Morita, Sadao; Katano, Hisako; Akiyama, Hideo; Hirano, Masahiko; Ohya, Keiichi; Sams, Clarence F.; Whitson, Peggy A.

2005-01-01

Rat osteoblasts were cultured for 4 and 5 days aboard Space Shuttle and solubilized on board. The mRNA levels of the post-receptor signaling molecules were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. The G-protein alpha subunit G(alpha)q mRNA levels were elevated 3-fold by microgravity. G(alpha)q stimulates PLC(beta), and then PKC. PKC(delta) and PKC(theta) mRNA levels were increased 2- to 5-fold by microgravity The mRNA levels of SOS and Ras GRF were increased 4 to 5-fold by microgravity, while Ras GAP was not altered. Spaceflight-induced bone loss might be attributed to microgravity modulation of the signaling pathway in osteoblasts.

Immunostaining and transcriptional enhancement of interleukin-1 receptor type I in the rat dental follicle.

PubMed

Wise, G E; Zhao, L

1997-05-01

Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) enhances the gene expression of colony-stimulating factor-one (CSF-1) in dental follicle cells. In turn, CSF-1 appears to be a critical molecule in stimulating the cellular events of eruption that require the presence of the follicle. Chronologically, the maximal transcription and translation of CSF-1 in the follicle occurs early postnatally, followed by a decline later. Thus, in this study, immunostaining for the interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) was used to determine if it paralleled the CSF-1 localization and chronology. The results showed that IL-1RI is primarily localized in the dental follicle, with maximal immunostaining early postnatally and a greatly reduced staining by day 10. In conjunction with this, molecules that enhance the gene expression of IL-1alpha epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) were also shown to enhance the expression of IL-1RI, but IL-1alpha did not increase the gene expression of IL-1RI. After injections of EGF at different times postnatally the mRNA of IL-1RI increased over comparable controls. Between days 2 and 5 the IL-1RI mRNA in the follicle decreased. In combination the results suggest that, as the expression of IL-1alpha is enhanced in the stellate reticulum either by EGF or TGF-beta1, these two molecules could also enhance the expression of IL-1RI in the dental follicle such that more receptors would be available to respond to the increased IL-1alpha secreted. The maximal presence of the receptors (IL-1RI) in the dental follicle early postnatally, followed by their subsequent decline, parallels the rise and fall of CSF-1 in the follicle. Thus, regulation of the IL-1RI and IL-1RI gene expression might be a means of regulating changes in CSF-1 in the follicle.

TNF-alpha, but not IFN-gamma, regulates CCN2 (CTGF), collagen type I, and proliferation in mesangial cells: possible roles in the progression of renal fibrosis.

PubMed

Cooker, Laurinda A; Peterson, Darryl; Rambow, Joann; Riser, Melisa L; Riser, Rebecca E; Najmabadi, Feridoon; Brigstock, David; Riser, Bruce L

2007-07-01

Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) is a profibrotic factor acting downstream and independently of TGF-beta to mediate renal fibrosis. Although inflammation is often involved in the initiation and/or progression of fibrosis, the role of inflammatory cytokines in regulation of glomerular CCN2 expression, cellular proliferation, and extracellular matrix accumulation is unknown. We studied two such cytokines, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, for their effects on cultured mesangial cells in the presence or absence of TGF-beta, as a model for progressive renal fibrosis. Short-term treatment with TNF-alpha, like TGF-beta, significantly increased secreted CCN2 per cell, but unlike TGF-beta inhibited cellular replication. TNF-alpha combined with TGF-beta further increased CCN2 secretion and mRNA levels and reduced proliferation. Surprisingly, however, TNF-alpha treatment decreased baseline collagen type I protein and mRNA levels and largely blocked their stimulation by TGF-beta. Long-term treatment with TGF-beta or TNF-alpha alone no longer increased CCN2 protein levels. However, the combination synergistically increased CCN2. IFN-gamma had no effect on either CCN2 or collagen activity and produced a mild inhibition of TGF-beta-induced collagen only at a high concentration (500 U/ml). In summary, we report a strong positive regulatory role for TNF-alpha, but not IFN-gamma, in CCN2 production and secretion, including that driven by TGF-beta. The stimulation of CCN2 release by TNF-alpha, unlike TGF-beta, is independent of cellular proliferation and not linked to increased collagen type I accumulation. This suggests that the paradigm of TGF-beta-driven CCN2 with subsequent collagen production may be overridden by an as yet undefined inhibitory mechanism acting either directly or indirectly on matrix metabolism.

Urokinase plasminogen activator mRNA is induced by IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha in in vitro acantholysis.

PubMed

Feliciani, Claudio; Toto, Paola; Wang, Binghe; Sauder, Daniel N; Amerio, Pierluigi; Tulli, Antonio

2003-08-01

The role of urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) has been well documented in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Activation of plasminogen into active serine protease plasmin initiates extracellular proteolysis leading to acantholysis but the mechanisms underlying this process are not clearly understood. We have previously shown that keratinocyte derived cytokines IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha are involved in PV-induced acantholysis. In the present study we sought to examine whether keratinocyte-derived IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha are correlated with uPA induction in keratinocytes during acantholysis. Normal human keratinocytes were incubated with diluted PV serum. mRNAs for IL-1alpha, TNF-alpha and uPA were examined with RT-PCR at various time points and acantholysis was measured. IL-1alpha, TNF-alpha and uPA mRNAs were all induced in keratinocytes following PV serum stimulation; IL-1alpha/TNF-alpha mRNAs' expression was earlier than the expression of uPA mRNA. To further examine the role of IL-1alpha, TNF-alpha and uPA in acantholysis, we performed antibody blocking studies. Anti-IL-1alpha, anti-TNF-alpha and anti-uPA antibodies suppressed acantholysis by 76%, 80% and 90%, respectively. In addition, anti-IL-1alpha and anti-TNF-alpha antibodies inhibited uPA mRNA induction, whereas anti-uPA antibodies did not alter IL-1alpha/TNF-alpha mRNAs' expression. Our results confirm the role of uPA in acantholysis and suggest an involvement of IL-1alpha/TNF-alpha in uPA induction.

Fasting induces basolateral uptake transporters of the SLC family in the liver via HNF4alpha and PGC1alpha.

PubMed

Dietrich, Christoph G; Martin, Ina V; Porn, Anne C; Voigt, Sebastian; Gartung, Carsten; Trautwein, Christian; Geier, Andreas

2007-09-01

Fasting induces numerous adaptive changes in metabolism by several central signaling pathways, the most important represented by the HNF4alpha/PGC-1alpha-pathway. Because HNF4alpha has been identified as central regulator of basolateral bile acid transporters and a previous study reports increased basolateral bile acid uptake into the liver during fasting, we hypothesized that HNF4alpha is involved in fasting-induced bile acid uptake via upregulation of basolateral bile acid transporters. In rats, mRNA of Ntcp, Oatp1, and Oatp2 were significantly increased after 48 h of fasting. Protein expression as determined by Western blot showed significant increases for all three transporters 72 h after the onset of fasting. Whereas binding activity of HNF1alpha in electrophoretic mobility shift assays remained unchanged, HNF4alpha binding activity to the Ntcp promoter was increased significantly. In line with this result, we found significantly increased mRNA expression of HNF4alpha and PGC-1alpha. Functional studies in HepG2 cells revealed an increased endogenous NTCP mRNA expression upon cotransfection with either HNF4alpha, PGC-1alpha, or a combination of both. We conclude that upregulation of the basolateral bile acid transporters Ntcp, Oatp1, and Oatp2 in fasted rats is mediated via the HNF4alpha/PGC-1alpha pathway.

LARP4 Is Regulated by Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in a Tristetraprolin-Dependent Manner

PubMed Central

Mattijssen, Sandy

2015-01-01

LARP4 is a protein with unknown function that independently binds to poly(A) RNA, RACK1, and the poly(A)-binding protein (PABPC1). Here, we report on its regulation. We found a conserved AU-rich element (ARE) in the human LARP4 mRNA 3′ untranslated region (UTR). This ARE, but not its antisense version or a point-mutated version, significantly decreased the stability of β-globin reporter mRNA. We found that overexpression of tristetraprolin (TTP), but not its RNA binding mutant or the other ARE-binding proteins tested, decreased cellular LARP4 levels. RNA coimmunoprecipitation showed that TTP specifically associated with LARP4 mRNA in vivo. Consistent with this, mouse LARP4 accumulated to higher levels in TTP gene knockout (KO) cells than in control cells. Stimulation of WT cells with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which rapidly induces TTP, robustly decreased LARP4 with a coincident time course but had no such effect on LARP4B or La protein or on LARP4 in the TTP KO cells. The TNF-α-induced TTP pulse was followed by a transient decrease in LARP4 mRNA that was quickly followed by a subsequent transient decrease in LARP4 protein. Involvement of LARP4 as a target of TNF-α–TTP regulation provides a clue as to how its functional activity may be used in a physiologic pathway. PMID:26644407

Nucleotide sequence determination of guinea-pig casein B mRNA reveals homology with bovine and rat alpha s1 caseins and conservation of the non-coding regions of the mRNA.

PubMed Central

Hall, L; Laird, J E; Craig, R K

1984-01-01

Nucleotide sequence analysis of cloned guinea-pig casein B cDNA sequences has identified two casein B variants related to the bovine and rat alpha s1 caseins. Amino acid homology was largely confined to the known bovine or predicted rat phosphorylation sites and within the 'signal' precursor sequence. Comparison of the deduced nucleotide sequence of the guinea-pig and rat alpha s1 casein mRNA species showed greater sequence conservation in the non-coding than in the coding regions, suggesting a functional and possibly regulatory role for the non-coding regions of casein mRNA. The results provide insight into the evolution of the casein genes, and raise questions as to the role of conserved nucleotide sequences within the non-coding regions of mRNA species. Images Fig. 1. PMID:6548375

Effect of hypocaloric diet-induced weight loss in obese women on plasma apelin and adipose tissue expression of apelin and APJ.

PubMed

Castan-Laurell, Isabelle; Vítkova, Michaela; Daviaud, Danièle; Dray, Cédric; Kováciková, Michaela; Kovacova, Zuzana; Hejnova, Jindriska; Stich, Vladimir; Valet, Philippe

2008-06-01

Apelin is a novel adipokine acting on APJ receptor, regulated by insulin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in adipose tissue (AT). Plasma apelin levels are increased in obese hyperinsulinemic subjects. The aim was to investigate whether the hypocaloric diet associated with weight loss modifies the elevated plasma apelin levels and the expression of apelin and APJ receptor in AT in obese women. Fasting plasma levels of apelin and TNF-alpha as well as mRNA levels of apelin and APJ in AT were measured before and after a 12-week hypocaloric weight-reducing diet in 20 obese women (body mass index (BMI) before diet 32.2+/-6.4 kg/m(2)). Twelve healthy women with a BMI of 20.7+/-0.6 kg/m(2) served as reference. Plasma levels of apelin and TNF-alpha were higher in obese compared with lean controls. The hypocaloric diet resulted in a significant decrease of BMI to 29.8+/-6.3 kg/m(2), plasma insulin (8.16+/-0.73 to 6.58+/-0.66 mU/l), apelin (369+/-25 pg/ml to 257+/-12 pg/ml), TNF-alpha levels (0.66+/-0.04 pg/ml to 0.56+/-0.04 pg/ml), and AT mRNAs of apelin and APJ. In addition, changes in AT mRNA apelin were related to changes in AT mRNA APJ levels. The hypocaloric diet associated with weight loss reduces the increased plasma and AT expression of apelin in obese women. This reduced apelin expression in AT could contribute to decreased circulating apelin levels.

Recombinant guinea pig CCL5 (RANTES) differentially modulates cytokine production in alveolar and peritoneal macrophages.

PubMed

Skwor, Troy A; Cho, Hyosun; Cassidy, Craig; Yoshimura, Teizo; McMurray, David N

2004-12-01

The CC chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5; regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted) is known to recruit and activate leukocytes; however, its role in altering the responses of host cells to a subsequent encounter with a microbial pathogen has rarely been studied. Recombinant guinea pig (rgp)CCL5 was prepared, and its influence on peritoneal and alveolar macrophage activation was examined by measuring cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression in cells stimulated with rgpCCL5 alone or exposed to rgpCCL5 prior to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Levels of mRNA for guinea pig tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1beta, CCL2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), and CXC chemokine ligand 8 (IL-8) were analyzed by reverse transcription followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis using SYBR Green. Bioactive TNF-alpha protein concentration was measured using the L929 bioassay. Both macrophage populations displayed significant enhancement of all the genes and TNF-alpha protein levels when stimulated with rgpCCL5, except for CCL2 in alveolar macrophages. When peritoneal or alveolar macrophages were pretreated with rgpCCL5 for 2 h and then exposed to low concentrations of LPS, diminished cytokine and chemokine mRNA levels were apparent at 6 h compared with LPS alone. At the protein level, there was a reduction in TNF-alpha protein at 6 h in the CCL5-pretreated cells compared with LPS alone. These results further support a role for CCL5 in macrophage activation in addition to chemotactic properties and suggest a role in regulating the inflammatory response to LPS in the guinea pig by modulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages.

Acute exercise induces biphasic increase in respiratory mRNA in skeletal muscle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ikeda, Shin-ichi; Kizaki, Takako; Haga, Shukoh

2008-04-04

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} coactivator-1{alpha} (PGC-1{alpha}) promotes the expression of oxidative enzymes in skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that activation of the p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) in response to exercise was associated with exercise-induced PGC-1{alpha} and respiratory enzymes expression and aimed to demonstrate this under the physiological level. We subjected mice to a single bout of treadmill running and found that the exercise induced a biphasic increase in the expression of respiratory enzymes mRNA. The second phase of the increase was accompanied by an increase in PGC-1{alpha} protein, but the other was not. Administration of SB203580 (SB), an inhibitor ofmore » p38 MAPK, suppressed the increase in PGC-1{alpha} expression and respiratory enzymes mRNA in both phases. These data suggest that p38 MAPK is associated with the exercise-induced expression of PGC-1{alpha} and biphasic increase in respiratory enzyme mRNAs in mouse skeletal muscle under physiological conditions.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Danno, Hirosuke; Ishii, Kiyo-aki; Nakagawa, Yoshimi

To elucidate the physiological role of CREBH, the hepatic mRNA and protein levels of CREBH were estimated in various feeding states of wild and obesity mice. In the fast state, the expression of CREBH mRNA and nuclear protein were high and profoundly suppressed by refeeding in the wild-type mice. In ob/ob mice, the refeeding suppression was impaired. The diet studies suggested that CREBH expression was activated by fatty acids. CREBH mRNA levels in the mouse primary hepatocytes were elevated by addition of the palmitate, oleate and eicosapenonate. It was also induced by PPAR{alpha} agonist and repressed by PPAR{alpha} antagonist. Luciferasemore » reporter gene assays indicated that the CREBH promoter activity was induced by fatty acids and co-expression of PPAR{alpha}. Deletion studies identified the PPRE for PPAR{alpha} activation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay confirmed that PPAR{alpha} directly binds to the PPRE. Activation of CREBH at fasting through fatty acids and PPAR{alpha} suggest that CREBH is involved in nutritional regulation.« less

Nucleotide sequences of bovine alpha S1- and kappa-casein cDNAs.

PubMed Central

Stewart, A F; Willis, I M; Mackinlay, A G

1984-01-01

The nucleotide sequences corresponding to bovine alpha S1- and kappa-casein mRNAs are presented. An unusual alpha S1-casein cDNA has been characterised whose 5' end commences upstream from its putative TATA box. The alpha S1-casein mRNA is compared to rat alpha-casein mRNA and two components of divergence are identified. Firstly, the two sequences have diverged at a high point mutation rate and the rate of amino acid replacement by this mechanism is at least as great as the rate of divergence of any other part of the mRNAs. Secondly, the protein coding sequence has been subjected to several insertion/deletion events, one of which may be an example of exon shuffling . The kappa-casein mRNA sequence verifies the proposition that it has arisen from a different ancestral gene to the other caseins. Images PMID:6328443

alpha2-chimaerin, a Cdc42/Rac1 regulator, is selectively expressed in the rat embryonic nervous system and is involved in neuritogenesis in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Hall, C; Michael, G J; Cann, N; Ferrari, G; Teo, M; Jacobs, T; Monfries, C; Lim, L

2001-07-15

Neuronal differentiation involves Rac and Cdc42 GTPases. alpha-Chimaerin, a Rac/Cdc42 regulator, occurs as alpha1- and alternatively spliced Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing alpha2-isoforms. alpha2-chimaerin mRNA was highly expressed in the rat embryonic nervous system, especially in early postmitotic neurons. alpha1-chimaerin mRNA was undetectable before embryonic day 16.5. Adult alpha2-chimaerin mRNA was restricted to neurons within specific brain regions, with highest expression in the entorhinal cortex. alpha2-chimaerin protein localized to neuronal perikarya, dendrites, and axons. The overall pattern of alpha2-chimaerin mRNA expression resembles that of cyclin-dependent kinase regulator p35 (CDK5/p35) which participates in neuronal differentiation and with which chimaerin interacts. To determine whether alpha2-chimaerin may have a role in neuronal differentiation and the relevance of the SH2 domain, the morphological effects of both chimaerin isoforms were investigated in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. When plated on poly-lysine, transient alpha2-chimaerin but not alpha1-chimaerin transfectants formed neurites. Permanent alpha2-chimaerin transfectants generated neurites whether or not they were stimulated by serum starvation, and many cells were enlarged. Permanent alpha1-chimaerin transfectants displayed numerous microspikes and contained F-actin clusters, a Cdc42-phenotype, but generated few neurites. In neuroblastoma cells, alpha2-chimaerin was predominantly soluble with some being membrane-associated, whereas alpha1-chimaerin was absent from the cytosol, being membrane- and cytoskeleton-associated, paralleling their subcellular distribution in brain. Transient transfection with alpha2-chimaerin mutated in the SH2 domain (N94H) generated an alpha1-chimaerin-like phenotype, protein partitioned in the particulate fraction, and in NGF-stimulated pheochromocytoma cell line 12 (PC12) cells, neurite formation was inhibited. These results indicate a role for alpha2-chimaerin in morphological differentiation for which its SH2 domain is vital.

Air pollution alters brain and pituitary endothelin-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression.

PubMed

Thomson, Errol M; Kumarathasan, Prem; Calderón-Garcidueñas, Lilian; Vincent, Renaud

2007-10-01

Recent work suggests that air pollution is a risk factor for cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disease. Effects of inhaled pollutants on the production of vasoactive factors such as endothelin (ET) and nitric oxide (NO) in the brain may be relevant to disease pathogenesis. Inhaled pollutants increase circulating levels of ET-1 and ET-3, and the pituitary is a potential source of plasma ET, but the effects of pollutants on the expression of ET and NO synthase genes in the brain and pituitary are not known. In the present study, Fischer-344 rats were exposed by nose-only inhalation to particles (0, 5, 50mg/m3 EHC-93), ozone (0, 0.4, 0.8 ppm), or combinations of particles and ozone for 4 h. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure mRNA levels in the cerebral hemisphere and pituitary 0 and 24 h post-exposure. Ozone inhalation significantly increased preproET-1 but decreased preproET-3 mRNAs in the cerebral hemisphere, while increasing mRNA levels of preproET-1, preproET-3, and the ET-converting enzyme (ECE)-1 in the pituitary. Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was initially decreased in the cerebral hemisphere after ozone inhalation, but increased 24 h post-exposure. Particles decreased tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA in the cerebral hemisphere, and both particles and ozone decreased TNF-alpha mRNA in the pituitary. Our results show that ozone and particulate matter rapidly modulate the expression of genes involved in key vasoregulatory pathways in the brain and pituitary, substantiating the notion that inhaled pollutants induce cerebrovascular effects.

Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats.

PubMed

Chang, Yun Sil; Oh, Wonil; Choi, Soo Jin; Sung, Dong Kyung; Kim, Soo Yoon; Choi, Eun Yang; Kang, Saem; Jin, Hye Jin; Yang, Yoon Sun; Park, Won Soon

2009-01-01

Recent evidence suggests mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can downmodulate bleomycin-induced lung injury, and umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a promising source for human MSCs. This study examined whether intratracheal or intraperitoneal transplantation of human UCB-derived MSCs can attenuate hyperoxia-induced lung injury in immunocompetent newborn rats. Wild-type Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly exposed to 95% oxygen or air from birth. In the transplantation groups, a single dose of PKH26-labeled human UCB-derived MSCs was administered either intratracheally (2 x 10(6) cells) or intraperitoneally (5 x 10(5) cells) at postnatal day (P) 5. At P14, the harvested lungs were examined for morphometric analyses of alveolarization and TUNEL staining, as well as the myeoloperoxidase activity, the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta mRNA, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) protein, and collagen levels. Differentiation of MSCs to the respiratory epithelium was also evaluated both in vitro before transplantation and in vivo after transplantation. Despite one fourth dosage of MSCs, significantly more PKH26-labeled donor cells were recovered with intratracheal administration than with intraperitoneal administration both during normoxia and hyperoxia. The hyperoxia-induced increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells, myeloperoixdase activity, and the level of IL-6 mRNA were significantly attenuated with both intratracheal and intraperitoneal MSCs transplantation. However, the hyperoxia-induced impaired alveolarization and increased the level of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta mRNA, alpha-SMA protein, and collagen were significantly attenuated only with intratracheal MSCs transplantation. MSCs differentiated into respiratory epithelium in vitro and a few PKH26-positive donor cells were colocalized with pro surfactant protein C in the damaged lungs. In conclusion, intratracheal transplantation of human UCB-derived MSCs is more effective than intraperitoneal transplantation in attenuating the hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats.

Neutrophil-derived alpha defensins control inflammation by inhibiting macrophage mRNA translation

PubMed Central

Tomlinson, Gareth H.; Miles, Katherine; Smith, Richard W. P.; Rossi, Adriano G.; Hiemstra, Pieter S.; van ’t Wout, Emily F. A.; Dean, Jonathan L. E.; Gray, Nicola K.; Lu, Wuyuan; Gray, Mohini

2016-01-01

Neutrophils are the first and most numerous cells to arrive at the site of an inflammatory insult and are among the first to die. We previously reported that alpha defensins, released from apoptotic human neutrophils, augmented the antimicrobial capacity of macrophages while also inhibiting the biosynthesis of proinflammatory cytokines. In vivo, alpha defensin administration protected mice from inflammation, induced by thioglychollate-induced peritonitis or following infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. We have now dissected the antiinflammatory mechanism of action of the most abundant neutrophil alpha defensin, Human Neutrophil Peptide 1 (HNP1). Herein we show that HNP1 enters macrophages and inhibits protein translation without inducing the unfolded-protein response or affecting mRNA stability. In a cell-free in vitro translation system, HNP1 powerfully inhibited both cap-dependent and cap-independent mRNA translation while maintaining mRNA polysomal association. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of a peptide released from one cell type (neutrophils) directly regulating mRNA translation in another (macrophages). By preventing protein translation, HNP1 functions as a “molecular brake” on macrophage-driven inflammation, ensuring both pathogen clearance and the resolution of inflammation with minimal bystander tissue damage. PMID:27044108

Co-regulation of the atrial natriuretic factor and cardiac myosin light chain-2 genes during alpha-adrenergic stimulation of neonatal rat ventricular cells. Identification of cis sequences within an embryonic and a constitutive contractile protein gene which mediate inducible expression.

PubMed

Knowlton, K U; Baracchini, E; Ross, R S; Harris, A N; Henderson, S A; Evans, S M; Glembotski, C C; Chien, K R

1991-04-25

To study the mechanisms which mediate the transcriptional activation of cardiac genes during alpha adrenergic stimulation, the present study examined the regulated expression of three cardiac genes, a ventricular embryonic gene (atrial natriuretic factor, ANF), a constitutively expressed contractile protein gene (cardiac MLC-2), and a cardiac sodium channel gene. alpha 1-Adrenergic stimulation activates the expression and release of ANF from neonatal ventricular cells. As assessed by RNase protection analyses, treatment with alpha-adrenergic agonists increases the steady-state levels of ANF mRNA by greater than 15-fold. However, a rat cardiac sodium channel gene mRNA is not induced, indicating that alpha-adrenergic stimulation does not lead to an increase in the expression of all cardiac genes. Studies employing a series of rat ANF luciferase and rat MLC-2 luciferase fusion genes identify 315- and 92-base pair cis regulatory sequences within an embryonic gene (ANF) and a constitutively expressed contractile protein gene (MLC-2), respectively, which mediate alpha-adrenergic-inducible gene expression. Transfection of various ANF luciferase reporters into neonatal rat ventricular cells demonstrated that upstream sequences which mediate tissue-specific expression (-3003 to -638) can be segregated from those responsible for inducibility. The lack of inducibility of a cardiac Na+ channel gene, and the segregation of ANF gene sequences which mediate cardiac specific from those which mediate inducible expression, provides further insight into the relationship between muscle-specific and inducible expression during cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. Based on these results, a testable model is proposed for the induction of embryonic cardiac genes and constitutively expressed contractile protein genes and the noninducibility of a subset of cardiac genes during alpha-adrenergic stimulation of neonatal rat ventricular cells.

Influence of Panax ginseng on Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PubMed Central

Kim, Su Kang; Chung, Joo-Ho; Lee, Byung-Cheol; Lee, Sang Won; Lee, Kang Hyo

2014-01-01

Purpose Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate problem in older men. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (P. ginseng) on a rat model of testosterone-induced BPH. Methods The rats were divided into 3 groups (each group, n=10): control, testosterone-induced BPH (20 mg/kg, subcutaneous injection), and P. ginseng (200 mg/kg, orally) groups. After 4 weeks, all animals were sacrificed to examine the blood biochemical profiles, prostate volume, weight, histopathological changes, alpha-1D adrenergic receptor (Adra1d) mRNA expression, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) protein expression. Results The group treated with P. ginseng showed significantly lesser prostate size and weight than the testosterone-induced BPH group. In addition, P. ginseng decreased the mRNA expression of Adra1d as well as the expression of EGFR and BCL2 in prostate tissue. Conclusions These results suggest that P. ginseng may inhibit the alpha-1-adrenergic receptor to suppress the development of BPH. PMID:25558416

Estrogen-related receptor {alpha} modulates the expression of adipogenesis-related genes during adipocyte differentiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ijichi, Nobuhiro; Ikeda, Kazuhiro; Horie-Inoue, Kuniko

2007-07-06

Estrogen-related receptor {alpha} (ERR{alpha}) is an orphan nuclear receptor that regulates cellular energy metabolism by modulating gene expression involved in fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis in brown adipose tissue. However, the physiological role of ERR{alpha} in adipogenesis and white adipose tissue development has not been well studied. Here, we show that ERR{alpha} and ERR{alpha}-related transcriptional coactivators, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) coactivator-1{alpha} (PGC-1{alpha}) and PGC-1{beta}, can be up-regulated in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes at mRNA levels under the adipogenic differentiation condition including the inducer of cAMP, glucocorticoid, and insulin. Gene knockdown by ERR{alpha}-specific siRNA results in mRNA down-regulation of fatty acidmore » binding protein 4, PPAR{gamma}, and PGC-1{alpha} in 3T3-L1 cells in the adipogenesis medium. ERR{alpha} and PGC-1{beta} mRNA expression can be also up-regulated in another preadipocyte lineage DFAT-D1 cells and a pluripotent mesenchymal cell line C3H10T1/2 under the differentiation condition. Furthermore, stable expression of ERR{alpha} in 3T3-L1 cells up-regulates adipogenic marker genes and promotes triglyceride accumulation during 3T3-L1 differentiation. These results suggest that ERR{alpha} may play a critical role in adipocyte differentiation by modulating the expression of various adipogenesis-related genes.« less

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 is an essential component of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling pathway

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lim, Ji-Hong; Choi, Yong-Joon; Cho, Chung-Hyun

2012-02-10

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HIF-1{alpha} is expressed PRMT5-dependently in hypoxic cancer cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The HIF-1 regulation of hypoxia-induced genes is attenuated in PRMT5-knocked-down cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The de novo synthesis of HIF-1{alpha} depends on PRMT5. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PRMT5 is involved in the HIF-1{alpha} translation initiated by 5 Prime UTR of HIF-1{alpha} mRNA. -- Abstract: Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is an enzyme that transfers one or two methyl groups to the arginine residues of histones or non-histone proteins, and that plays critical roles in cellular processes as diverse as receptor signaling and gene expression. Furthermore, PRMT5 is highly expressed in tumors, where it maymore » be associated with tumor growth. Although much research has been conducted on PRMT5, little is known regarding its role in adaption to hypoxia. As hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a key player in hypoxic response, we examined the possible involvement of PRMT5 in the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Of the siRNAs targeting PRMT1-8, only PRMT5 siRNA attenuated the hypoxic induction of HIF-1{alpha} in A549 cells, and this result was reproducible in all three cancer cell lines examined. PRMT5 knock-down also repressed the promoter activities and the transcript levels of HIF-1-governed genes. Mechanistically, de novo synthesis of HIF-1{alpha} protein was reduced in PRMT5-knocked-down A549 cells, and this was rescued by PRMT5 restoration. In contrast, HIF-1{alpha} transcription, RNA processing, and protein stability were unaffected by PRMT5 knock-down. Furthermore, PRMT5 was found to be essential for the HIF-1{alpha} translation initiated by the 5 Prime UTR of HIF-1{alpha} mRNA. Given our results and previous reports, we believe that PRMT5 probably promotes tumor growth by stimulating cell proliferation and by participating in the construction of a tumor-favorable microenvironment via HIF-1 activation.« less

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor amplification of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha production in THP-1 human monocytic cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide of oral microorganisms.

PubMed

Baqui, A A; Meiller, T F; Chon, J J; Turng, B F; Falkler, W A

1998-05-01

Cytokines, including granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), are used to assist in bone marrow recovery during cancer chemotherapy. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) play important roles in inflammatory processes, including exacerbation of periodontal diseases, one of the most common complications in patients who undergo this therapy. A human monocyte cell line (THP-1) was utilized to investigate IL-1beta and TNF-alpha production following GM-CSF supplementation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from two oral microorganisms, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. LPS of P. gingivalis or F. nucleatum was prepared by a phenol-water extraction method and characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and determination of total protein and endotoxin contents. Resting THP-1 cells were treated with LPS of P. gingivalis or F. nucleatum and/or GM-CSF (50 IU/ml) by using different concentrations for various time periods. Production of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in THP-1 cells was measured by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used to evaluate the gene expression of resting and treated THP-1 cells. IL-1beta was not detected in untreated THP-1 cells. IL-1beta production was, however, stimulated sharply at 4 h. GM-CSF amplified IL-1beta production in THP-1 cells treated with LPS from both oral anaerobes. No IL-1beta-specific mRNA transcript was detected in untreated THP-1 cells. However, IL-1beta mRNA was detected by RT-PCR 2 h after stimulation of THP-1 cells with LPS from both organisms. GM-CSF did not shorten the IL-1beta transcriptional activation time. GM-CSF plus F. nucleatum or P. gingivalis LPS activated THP-1 cells to produce a 1.6-fold increase in TNF-alpha production at 4 h over LPS stimulation alone. These investigations with the in vitro THP-1 model indicate that there may be an increase in the cellular immune response to oral endotoxin following GM-CSF therapy, as evidenced by production of the tissue-reactive cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha.

Interleukin 1 alpha-induced expression of manganous superoxide dismutase reduces myocardial reperfusion injury in the rat.

PubMed

Nogae, C; Makino, N; Hata, T; Nogae, I; Takahashi, S; Suzuki, K; Taniguchi, N; Yanaga, T

1995-10-01

We investigated the effects of pretreatment with interleukin (IL)-1 alpha on the expression of manganous (Mn) superoxide dismutase (SOD) mRNA and reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and the size of myocardial infarct in rats. Male Wistar rats received 10 mg intraperitoneal injections of human recombinant IL-1 alpha. Their hearts were thereafter isolated at 6, 12, 24, 36 h. A Northern analysis showed that Mn-SOD mRNA was mainly expressed in the heart and slightly in kidney, but not in any other organs. The expression of Mn-SOD mRNA peaked at 6 h after the injection of IL-1 alpha. The Mn-SOD protein content was most increased 12 h after injection. In the isolated heart model, the rats were pretreated with IL-1 alpha 24 h earlier and their hearts were perfused by the Langendorff method. After 20 min of ischemia which was induced by a ligation of a coronary artery, reperfusion-induced arrhythmias were observed. There were no significant differences in the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias between the IL-1 alpha pretreated and the untreated hearts. IL-1 alpha pretreatment significantly reduced the mean duration of the ventricular arrhythmias and also delayed the onset of arrhythmias. The effect of IL-1 alpha pretreatment was also investigated in a 30-min model of ischemia followed by a 3-min reperfusion in anesthetized rats. The infarct size expressed as a percentage of the area at risk was significantly reduced in the IL-1 alpha pretreated hearts compared with the untreated hearts. The left ventricular systolic pressure increased significantly in rat hearts pretreated with IL-1 alpha. Our results therefore showed that the pretreatment with IL-1 alpha induced the overexpression of Mn-SOD mRNA in the rat hearts and also suggested that pretreatment with IL-1 alpha 24 h before ischemia reduced the risk of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Reduction of isoprenaline-induced myocardial TGF-{beta}1 expression and fibrosis in osthole-treated mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen Rong; The First Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province; Xue Jie

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) {alpha} and PPAR{gamma} ligands can attenuate myocardial fibrosis. Osthole, an active constituent isolated from the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, may be a dual PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} agonist, but there has been no report on its effect on myocardial fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of osthole on myocardial fibrotic formation in mice and its possible mechanisms. A mouse model with myocardial fibrosis was induced by hypodermic injection of isoprenaline while the mice were simultaneously treated with 40 and 80 mg/kg osthole for 40 days. After the addition of osthole, the cardiac weightmore » index and hydroxyproline content in the myocardial tissues were decreased, the degree of collagen accumulation in the heart was improved, and the downregulation of myocardial PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} mRNA expression induced by isoprenaline was reversed. Moreover, the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-{beta}1 and the protein levels of nuclear factor (NF)-{kappa}B and TGF-{beta}1 in the myocardial tissues were decreased. These findings suggest that osthole can prevent isoprenaline-induced myocardial fibrosis in mice, and its mechanisms may be related to the reduction of TGF-{beta}1 expression via the activation of PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} and subsequent inhibition of NF-{kappa}B in myocardial tissues. - Highlights: > Osthole could inhibit the myocardial fibrosis induced by isoprenaline in mice. > The mechanism was related to reduction of TGF-{beta}1 expression in myocardial tissue. > The result of osthole was from the activation of PPAR{alpha}/{gamma} and inhibition of NF-{kappa}B.« less

L-Cysteine-induced up-regulation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor is mediated via a transforming growth factor-alpha signalling pathway.

PubMed

Tanaka, Yuma; Shimada, Masaya; Nagaoka, Satoshi

2014-02-14

Sulphur-containing amino acids regulate plasma cholesterol levels in animals and humans. However, their mechanism of action remains unclear. Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) plays an important role in cholesterol metabolism. We therefore investigated the effects of sulphur-containing amino acids on the expression of LDLR in hepatocytes. HepG2 cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium with or without sulphur-containing amino acids and cysteine-containing compounds. We found that L-cysteine increased LDLR mRNA and enhanced LDLR gene promoter activity through the extracellular-signal-related kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways in HepG2 cells. Moreover, we observed that L-cysteine stimulated the release of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) and that TGF-α increased the LDLR mRNA levels. This study provides a report of the L-cysteine mediated up-regulation of the LDLR expression via TGF-α signalling pathway. Our findings provide insights into cholesterol homeostasis and amino acid signalling. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Estradiol rapidly inhibits soluble guanylyl cyclase expression in rat uterus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krumenacker, J. S.; Hyder, S. M.; Murad, F.

2001-01-01

Previous reports that investigated the regulation of the NO/soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)/cGMP pathway by estrogenic compounds have focused primarily on the levels of NO, NO-producing enzymes, and cGMP in various tissues. In this study, we demonstrate that 17beta-estradiol (E2) regulates the alpha(1) and beta(1) subunits of the NO receptor, sGC, at the mRNA and protein levels in rat uterus. Using real-time quantitative PCR, we found that within 1 h of in vivo E2 administration to rats, sGC mRNA levels begin to diminish. After 3 h, there is a maximal diminution of sGC mRNA expression (sGC alpha(1) 10% and sGC beta(1) 33% of untreated). This effect was blocked by the estrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 182,780, indicating that estrogen receptor is required. The effect of E2 also was observed in vitro with incubations of uterine tissue, indicating that the response does not depend on the secondary release of other hormones or factors from other tissues. Puromycin did not block the effect, suggesting the effects occur because of preexisting factors in uterine tissues and do not require new protein synthesis. Using immunoblot analysis, we found that sGC protein levels also were reduced by E2 over a similar time course as the sGC mRNA. We conclude that sGC plays a vital role in the NO/sGC/cGMP regulatory pathway during conditions of elevated estrogen levels in the rat uterus as a result of the reduction of sGC expression.

Interferon-alpha-induced changes in metallothionein expression in liver biopsies from patients with chronic hepatitis C.

PubMed

Nagamine, Takeaki; Suzuki, Keiji; Kondo, Toshihiko; Nakazato, Kyomi; Kakizaki, Satoru; Takagi, Hitoshi; Nakajima, Katuyuki

2005-08-01

An association between reactive oxygen species and liver damage has been postulated in the course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Metallothionein (MT), induced by HCV core protein and interferon (IFN), plays a role in scavenging free radicals. MT expression in liver biopsies obtained from 21 patients with chronic HCV infection before and after IFN-alpha therapy was investigated. Changes in Knodell histological activity index (HAI) scores, MT protein levels (immunohistochemistry), MT-I and MT-II messenger (m)RNA expression levels (in situ hybridization) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labelling index were determined and compared in serial liver specimens. MT staining was clustered around the portal tracts with inflammatory cells and fibrosis. The pattern of MT protein before IFN-alpha therapy was similar in all patients, but was higher in IFN-sustained responders than in nonresponders after IFN-alpha therapy. HAI scores and PCNA labelling indexes were significantly reduced after IFN-alpha therapy. MT-II mRNA expression correlated positively with PCNA index before therapy and with HAI scores after therapy (P<0.05). No correlation was found between MT-I mRNA and HAI scores or PCNA index. The findings indicate that IFN-alpha-induced hepatic MT may participate in the therapeutic effects of IFN-alpha for HCV. In addition, MT-II mRNA expression may be involved in cell proliferation in the livers of patients with chronic HCV infection.

The genetic background of hypertensive, septic rats determines outcome improvement with antibiotic and G-CSF prophylaxis.

PubMed

Bauhofer, Artur; Tischer, Bjirn; Middeke, Martin; Plaul, Ulrike; Lorenz, Wilfried; Torossian, Alexander

2003-10-01

Hypertension is proposed as a risk factor among others (high age, diabetes mellitus, and pre- and intraoperative bleeding) for adverse outcomes, such as severe infections, leading to sepsis and to multiple organ failure as the most deleterious complication. Hypertension was modeled with spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats and the infective complication by polymicrobial, peritoneal contamination, and infection (PCI). The concept of clinic modeling randomized trials was used to simulate clinical complexity, including a relevant antibiotic prophylaxis in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and clinical trial conditions. Outcome parameters were: survival, systemic cytokines (protein), and organ-specific cytokine levels (mRNA). With low complexity (no prophylaxis), 28% of the animals in the Wistar and 50% in the SHR group survived (P=0.17). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were lower in the liver of SHR vs. Wistar rats with PCI (P<0.01). The anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 was expressed on a higher level in SHR with PCI compared with Wistar rats (P<0.01). With increased complexity (antibiotic and G-CSF prophylaxis) the survival rate was increased from 50% in Wistar rats to 89% in SHR (P<0.01) and the mRNA expression of IL-6 was decreased in the kidney of SHR (P<0.05). Survival rate was 44% in the DS rats vs. 67% of the Wistar rats (P=0.18). The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-10 was reduced (P<0.01) by pretreatment in the liver of DS rats with PCI. The hypertensive, genetically distinct SHR and DS rats express different patterns of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels after PCI. G-CSF and antibiotic prophylaxis increases only in SHR survival and decreases IL-6 mRNA expression in the kidney significantly.

The effects of thalidomide on the stimulation of NF-kappaB activity and TNF-alpha production by lipopolysaccharide in a human colonic epithelial cell line.

PubMed

Kim, You Sun; Kim, Joo Sung; Jung, Hyun Chae; Song, In Sung

2004-04-30

The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of thalidomide are associated with inhibition of TNF-alpha levels. However, the mechanism by which thalidomide reduces TNF-alpha production remains elusive. NF-kappaB is known to play a central role in regulating inflammatory responses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We tested whether thalidomide acts through inhibiting NF-kappaB activity. HT-29 cells were stimulated with LPS (1 microg/ml) alone, or after pretreatment with thalidomide (100 microg/ml), and NF-kappaB activity was determined by gel mobility shift assays. RT-PCR was used to measure expression of the proinflammatory cytokine genes TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-8. The level of TNF-alpha mRNA was also analyzed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and TNF-alpha protein was measured by ELISA. Thalidomide pretreatment did not affect NF-kappaB activity in HT-29 cells stimulated with LPS but production of TNF-alpha was depressed. Thalidomide was found to accelerate the degradation of TNF-alpha mRNA, but had little effect on IL-1beta or IL-8. These observations suggest that the immunomodulatory effect of thalidomide in colonic epithelial cells is associated with inhibition of TNF-alpha. However, it does not act by inhibiting NF-kappaB but rather by inducing degradation of TNF-alpha mRNA.

Withaferin A inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules by inactivation of Akt and NF-kappaB in human pulmonary epithelial cells.

PubMed

Oh, Jung Hwa; Kwon, Taeg Kyu

2009-05-01

We here investigated the functional effect of withaferin A on airway inflammation and its action mechanism. Withaferin A inhibited the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in human lung epithelial A549 cells stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), resulting in the suppression of leukocyte adhesion to lung epithelial A549 cells. In addition, withaferin A inhibited TNF-alpha-induced expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) protein and mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. Withaferin A prevented DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. It also inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which are upstream in the regulation of adhesion molecules by TNF-alpha. Furthermore, withaferin A inhibited U937 monocyte adhesion to A549 cells stimulated by TNF-alpha, suggesting that it may inhibit the binding of these cells by regulating the expression of critical adhesion molecules by TNF-alpha. Taken together, these results suggest that withaferin A inhibits cell adhesion through inhibition of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, at least in part, by blocking Akt and down-regulating NF-kappaB activity.

Expression of interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha messenger RNA does not correlate with protection in guinea pigs challenged with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis by the respiratory route.

PubMed

Jeevan, Amminikutty; Bonilla, Diana Lucia; McMurray, David Neil

2009-09-01

Cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was investigated in the spleen and lung digest cells of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated and non-vaccinated guinea pigs following low-dose, pulmonary exposure to virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. After purified protein derivative (PPD) stimulation, the levels of lung cell interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and spleen cell interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40 mRNAs were significantly increased in the non-vaccinated M. tuberculosis-infected guinea pigs compared to the BCG-vaccinated guinea pigs. In contrast, the expression of anti-inflammatory transforming growth factor-beta and IL-10 mRNAs was significantly enhanced in the spleens of BCG-vaccinated animals. Despite the presence of protective cytokine mRNA expression, the non-vaccinated guinea pigs had significantly higher lung and spleen bacterial burdens. In contrast, BCG-vaccinated guinea pigs controlled the bacterial multiplication in their lungs and spleens, indicating that both protective as well as anti-inflammatory cytokine responses are associated with a reduction in bacteria. In addition, lung digest cells from non-vaccinated guinea pigs contained a significantly higher percentage of neutrophils, CD3(+) and CD8(+) T cells, while the percentage of macrophages was increased in the BCG-vaccinated animals. Total and purified lung digest T cells co-cultured with lung macrophages (LMøs) proliferated poorly after PPD stimulation in both non-vaccinated and BCG-vaccinated animals while robust proliferation to PPD was observed when T cells were co-cultured with peritoneal macrophages (PMøs). Macrophages within the lung compartment appear to regulate the response of T cells irrespective of the vaccination status in guinea pigs. Taken together, our results suggest that type I cytokine mRNA expression is not associated with vaccine-induced protection in the low-dose guinea pig model of tuberculosis.

Investigation of the interaction between bta-miR-222 and the estrogen receptor alpha gene in the bovine ovarium.

PubMed

Özdemir, Selçuk; Çomaklı, Selim

2018-06-28

The aim of the present study was to investigate the posttranscriptional regulation of bta-miR-222 and the estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha gene in cows. The preovulatory follicles (POFs) were detected and ER-alpha levels in the corpus luteum (CL) were measured via immunofluorescent method. Afterwards, an ELISA test was performed to detect estradiol- and progesterone-active follicles, and the expression levels of ER-alpha, progesterone receptor (PR), and bta-miR-222 were measured via qRT-PCR. Finally, a western blot analysis was performed to determine ER-alpha protein levels. Immunofluorescence staining was highly positive in the follicular phase, showing ER-alpha and PR immunopositivity. In the luteal phase, ER-alpha immunopositivity decreased in lutein cells, whereas the PRs were observed to be similar in intensity to those in follicular phase. While the estradiol levels were higher in the POFs, the progesterone level was higher in the CL. In the CL, the transcription levels of ER-alpha and PR mRNA were observed to be the same as in the POFs; however, the expression of bta-miR-222 was lower. In the CL, the transcription level of ER-alpha mRNA was lower than that of PR mRNA, and the expression level of bta-miR-222 was higher than that of PR mRNA. The results of the western blot analysis show that the ER-alpha protein level in the CL was lower than that in the POFs. Taken together, our results here suggest that there is a negative correlation between bta-miR-222 and ER-alpha expression during follicular development in cow ovaries. Copyright © 2018 Society for Biology of Reproduction & the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Alpha subunit of glycoprotein hormones in the sera of acromegalic patients and its mRNA in the tumors.

PubMed

Machiavelli, G A; Artese, R; Benencia, H; Bruno, O; Guerra, L; Basso, A; Burdman, J A

1999-04-01

Within a population of 16 pituitary adenomas we found high levels of glycoprotein alpha subunits in the sera of patients with somatotrophic tumors. This finding was correlated with the presence of mRNA alpha subunit in these tumors indicating the adenomas themselves as the origin of the circulating alpha-subunit. Synthesis of these two hormones, which are chemically very different, by the same tumor cells indicates a high degree of differentiation of these cells. We are unable at this time to conclusively correlate differentiation of these tumors aggressively.

Shikonins, phytocompounds from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, inhibit the transcriptional activation of human tumor necrosis factor alpha promoter in vivo.

PubMed

Staniforth, Vanisree; Wang, Sheng-Yang; Shyur, Lie-Fen; Yang, Ning-Sun

2004-02-13

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) contributes to the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases and has been a target for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. Shikonins, the naphthoquinone pigments present in the root tissues of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. (Boraginaceae), have been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we evaluated the effects of shikonin and its derivatives on the transcriptional activation of human TNF-alpha promoter in a gene gun-transfected mouse skin system by using a luciferase reporter gene assay. The crude plant extract of L. erythrorhizon as well as derived individual compounds shikonin, isobutyryl shikonin, acetyl shikonin, dimethylacryl shikonin and isovaleryl shikonin showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-alpha promoter activation. Among the tested compounds, shikonin and isobutyryl shikonin exhibited the highest inhibition of TNF-alpha promoter activation and also showed significant suppression of transgenic human TNF-alpha mRNA expression and protein production. We demonstrated that shikonin-inhibitory response was retained in the core TNF-alpha promoter region containing the TATA box and a 48-bp downstream sequence relative to the transcription start site. Further our results indicated that shikonin suppressed the basal transcription and activator-regulated transcription of TNF-alpha by inhibiting the binding of transcription factor IID protein complex (TATA box-binding protein) to TATA box. These in vivo results suggest that shikonins inhibit the transcriptional activation of the human TNF-alpha promoter through interference with the basal transcription machinery. Thus, shikonins may have clinical potential as anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4alpha is a central transactivator of the mouse Ntcp gene.

PubMed

Geier, Andreas; Martin, Ina V; Dietrich, Christoph G; Balasubramaniyan, Natarajan; Strauch, Sonja; Suchy, Frederick J; Gartung, Carsten; Trautwein, Christian; Ananthanarayanan, Meenakshisundaram

2008-08-01

Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp) is the major uptake system for conjugated bile acids. Deletions of hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1alpha and retinoid X receptor-alpha:retinoic acid receptor-alpha binding sites in the mouse 5'-flanking region corresponding to putatively central regulatory elements of rat Ntcp do not significantly reduce promoter activity. We hypothesized that HNF-4alpha, which is increasingly recognized as a central regulator of hepatocyte function, may directly transactivate mouse (mNtcp). A 1.1-kb 5'-upstream region including the mouse Ntcp promoter was cloned and compared with the rat promoter. In contrast to a moderate 3.5-fold activation of mNtcp by HNF-1alpha, HNF-4alpha cotransfection led to a robust 20-fold activation. Deletion analysis of mouse and rat Ntcp promoters mapped a conserved HNF-4alpha consensus site at -345/-326 and -335/-316 bp, respectively. p-475bpmNtcpLUC is not transactivated by HNF-1alpha but shows a 50-fold enhanced activity upon cotransfection with HNF-4alpha. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated a complex of the HNF-4alpha-element formed with liver nuclear extracts that was blocked by an HNF-4alpha specific antibody. HNF-4alpha binding was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Using Hepa 1-6 cells, HNF-4alpha-knockdown resulted in a significant 95% reduction in NTCP mRNA. In conclusion, mouse Ntcp is regulated by HNF-4alpha via a conserved distal cis-element independently of HNF-1alpha.

Chaperone Hsp27 Modulates AUF1 Proteolysis and AU-Rich Element-Mediated mRNA Degradation▿

PubMed Central

Knapinska, Anna M.; Gratacós, Frances M.; Krause, Christopher D.; Hernandez, Kristina; Jensen, Amber G.; Bradley, Jacquelyn J.; Wu, Xiangyue; Pestka, Sidney; Brewer, Gary

2011-01-01

AUF1 is an AU-rich element (ARE)-binding protein that recruits translation initiation factors, molecular chaperones, and mRNA degradation enzymes to the ARE for mRNA destruction. We recently found chaperone Hsp27 to be an AUF1-associated ARE-binding protein required for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) mRNA degradation in monocytes. Hsp27 is a multifunctional protein that participates in ubiquitination of proteins for their degradation by proteasomes. A variety of extracellular stimuli promote Hsp27 phosphorylation on three serine residues—Ser15, Ser78, and Ser82—by a number of kinases, including the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) pathway kinases p38 and MK2. Activating either kinase stabilizes ARE mRNAs. Likewise, ectopic expression of phosphomimetic mutant forms of Hsp27 stabilizes reporter ARE mRNAs. Here, we continued to examine the contributions of Hsp27 to mRNA degradation. As AUF1 is ubiquitinated and degraded by proteasomes, we addressed the hypothesis that Hsp27 phosphorylation controls AUF1 levels to modulate ARE mRNA degradation. Indeed, selected phosphomimetic mutants of Hsp27 promote proteolysis of AUF1 in a proteasome-dependent fashion and render ARE mRNAs more stable. Our results suggest that the p38 MAP kinase (MAPK)-MK2–Hsp27 signaling axis may target AUF1 destruction by proteasomes, thereby promoting ARE mRNA stabilization. PMID:21245386

Gigantol isolated from the whole plants of Cymbidium goeringii inhibits the LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression via NF-kappaB inactivation in RAW 264.7 macrophages cells.

PubMed

Won, Jong-Heon; Kim, Ji-Yeon; Yun, Kyung-Jin; Lee, Jin-Hee; Back, Nam-In; Chung, Hae-Gon; Chung, Sun A; Jeong, Tae-Sook; Choi, Myung-Sook; Lee, Kyung-Tae

2006-10-01

During our efforts to find bioactive natural products with anti-inflammatory activity, we isolated gigantol from the whole plants of Cymbidium goeringii (Orchidaceae) by activity-guided chromatographic fractionation. Gigantol was found to have potent inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E (2) (PGE (2)) production in RAW 264.7 cells. Consistent with these findings, gigantol suppressed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the protein and mRNA levels in RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Our data also indicate that gigantol is a potent inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) release and influenced the mRNA expression levels of these cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, a reporter gene assay for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and an electromobility shift assay (EMSA) demonstrated that gigantol effectively inhibited the activation of NF-kappaB, which is necessary for the expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6. Thus, our studies suggest that gigantol inhibits LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression by blocking NF- kappaB activation.

Expression of platelet-derived growth factor and its receptors in proliferative disorders of fibroblastic origin.

PubMed

Smits, A; Funa, K; Vassbotn, F S; Beausang-Linder, M; af Ekenstam, F; Heldin, C H; Westermark, B; Nistér, M

1992-03-01

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is known to stimulate the proliferation of connective tissue-derived cells in vitro. Less is known about its functions in vivo, and the role of PDGF in the development of human tumors has not been clarified. The authors have investigated the occurrence of PDGF and PDGF receptors in a series of proliferative disorders of fibroblastic origin using immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. High expression of PDGF beta-receptor mRNA and protein was found in the malignant tumors, and also in some benign lesions, such as dermatofibroma. In all these cases, benign as well as malignant, the PDGF B-chain mRNA, and less clearly, the PDGF A-chain mRNA, were coexpressed with the beta-receptor. In contrast, high expression of PDGF alpha-receptor mRNA was only found in fully malignant lesions, i.e., malignant fibrous histiocytoma. These data indicate that an autocrine growth stimulation via the PDGF beta-receptor could occur in an early phase of tumorigenesis, and may be a necessary but insufficient event for the progression into fully malignant human connective tissue lesions.

[Rat cardiomyocyte remodeling after neonatal cryptosporidiosis. II. Elongation, excessive polyploidization and HIF-1alpha overexpression].

PubMed

Anatskaia, O V; Sidorenko, N V; Matveev, I V; Kropotov, A V; Vinogradov, A E

2012-01-01

Retrospective epidemyological studies evidence that infant diseases leave survivors with an increased susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases in later life. At the same time, the mechanisms of this link remain poorly understood. Based on medical statistics reporting that infectious gastroenteritis is the most common cause of maladies in babies, infants and children, we analysed the effects of moderate cryptosporidial gastroenteritis on the heart and ventricular cardiomyocyte remodelling in rats of the first month of life. The disease was challenged by a worldwide human protozoic pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum (Apicomplexa, Sporozoa). The main symptoms manifested in the growth retardation moderate diarrhea. Using real-time PCR, cytophotometry, confocal microscopy and image analysis, we indicated that cryptosporidiosis was associated, with the atrophy heart and the elongation, narrowing, protein content decrease and hyperpolyploidization of cardiomyocytes and the moderate overexpression of hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) mRNA. Cardiomyocyte shape remodeling and heart atrophy presented in all age groups. The severity of these changes, hovewer, declined gradually from younger to older groups. In contrast, hyperpolyploidization and HIF-1alpha mRNA overexpression were registered mainly among animals aged between 6 and 13 days, and were barely detected and non-significant in older age groups. In the rat the time period covering 6-13 days after birth is known to coincide with the intensive cardiomyocyte polyploidization and the switch from proliferation to hypertrophy. Thus, our data indicate that neonatal cryptosporidiosis may be potential cardiovascular diseases risk factor and that one of the critical time windows for the growing heart covers the time period when cardiomyocyte undergo polyploidization.

Ketamine inhibits tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} and interleukin-6 gene expressions in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages through suppression of toll-like receptor 4-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation and activator protein-1 activation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, G.-J.; Department of Anesthesiology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan

2008-04-01

Our previous study showed that ketamine, an intravenous anesthetic agent, has anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we further evaluated the effects of ketamine on the regulation of tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) gene expressions and its possible signal-transducing mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. Exposure of macrophages to 1, 10, and 100 {mu}M ketamine, 100 ng/ml LPS, or a combination of ketamine and LPS for 1, 6, and 24 h was not cytotoxic to macrophages. A concentration of 1000 {mu}M of ketamine alone or in combined treatment with LPS caused significant cell death. Administration of LPS increased cellular TNF-{alpha}more » and IL-6 protein levels in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Meanwhile, treatment with ketamine concentration- and time-dependently alleviated the enhanced effects. LPS induced TNF-{alpha} and IL-6 mRNA syntheses. Administration of ketamine at a therapeutic concentration (100 {mu}M) significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-{alpha} and IL-6 mRNA expressions. Application of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) small interfering (si)RNA into macrophages decreased cellular TLR4 levels. Co-treatment of macrophages with ketamine and TLR4 siRNA decreased the LPS-induced TNF-{alpha} and IL-6 productions more than alone administration of TLR4 siRNA. LPS stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and translocation of c-Jun and c-Fos from the cytoplasm to nuclei. However, administration of ketamine significantly decreased LPS-induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and translocation of c-Jun and c-Fos. LPS increased the binding of nuclear extracts to activator protein-1 consensus DNA oligonucleotides. Administration of ketamine significantly ameliorated LPS-induced DNA binding activity of activator protein-1. Therefore, a clinically relevant concentration of ketamine can inhibit TNF-{alpha} and IL-6 gene expressions in LPS-activated macrophages. The suppressive mechanisms occur through suppression of TLR4-mediated sequential activations of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and activator protein-1.« less

Ketamine inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 gene expressions in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages through suppression of toll-like receptor 4-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation and activator protein-1 activation.

PubMed

Wu, Gone-Jhe; Chen, Ta-Liang; Ueng, Yune-Fang; Chen, Ruei-Ming

2008-04-01

Our previous study showed that ketamine, an intravenous anesthetic agent, has anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we further evaluated the effects of ketamine on the regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) gene expressions and its possible signal-transducing mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. Exposure of macrophages to 1, 10, and 100 microM ketamine, 100 ng/ml LPS, or a combination of ketamine and LPS for 1, 6, and 24 h was not cytotoxic to macrophages. A concentration of 1000 microM of ketamine alone or in combined treatment with LPS caused significant cell death. Administration of LPS increased cellular TNF-alpha and IL-6 protein levels in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Meanwhile, treatment with ketamine concentration- and time-dependently alleviated the enhanced effects. LPS induced TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA syntheses. Administration of ketamine at a therapeutic concentration (100 microM) significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA expressions. Application of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) small interfering (si)RNA into macrophages decreased cellular TLR4 levels. Co-treatment of macrophages with ketamine and TLR4 siRNA decreased the LPS-induced TNF-alpha and IL-6 productions more than alone administration of TLR4 siRNA. LPS stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and translocation of c-Jun and c-Fos from the cytoplasm to nuclei. However, administration of ketamine significantly decreased LPS-induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and translocation of c-Jun and c-Fos. LPS increased the binding of nuclear extracts to activator protein-1 consensus DNA oligonucleotides. Administration of ketamine significantly ameliorated LPS-induced DNA binding activity of activator protein-1. Therefore, a clinically relevant concentration of ketamine can inhibit TNF-alpha and IL-6 gene expressions in LPS-activated macrophages. The suppressive mechanisms occur through suppression of TLR4-mediated sequential activations of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and activator protein-1.

Different patterns of 5{alpha}-reductase expression, cellular distribution, and testosterone metabolism in human follicular dermal papilla cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Shicheng; Yamauchi, Hitoshi

Androgens regulate hair growth, and 5{alpha}-reductase (5{alpha}R) plays a pivotal role in the action of androgens on target organs. To clarify the molecular mechanisms responsible for controlling hair growth, the present study presents evidence that the human follicular dermal papilla cells (DPCs) from either beard (bDPCs) or scalp hair (sDPCs) possess endogenous 5{alpha}R activity. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that the highest level of 5{alpha}R1 mRNA was found in bDPCs, followed by sDPCs, and a low but detectable level of 5{alpha}R1 mRNA was observed in fibroblasts. Minimally detectable levels of 5{alpha}R2 mRNA were found in all three cell types. A weak bandmore » at 26 kDa corresponding to the human 5{alpha}R1 protein was detected by Western blot in both DPCs, but not in fibroblasts. Immuonofluorescence analysis confirmed that 5{alpha}R1 was localized to the cytoplasm rather than in the nuclei in both DPCs Furthermore, a 5{alpha}R assay using [{sup 14}C]testosterone labeling in intact cells revealed that testosterone was transformed primarily into androstenedione, and in small amounts, into DHT. Our results demonstrate that the 5{alpha}R activities of either bDPCs or sDPCs are stronger than that of dermal fibroblasts, despite the fact that the major steroidogenic activity is attributed to 17{beta}-HSD rather than 5{alpha}R among the three cell types. The 5{alpha}R1 inhibitor MK386 exhibited a more potent inhibitory effect on 5{alpha}R activity than finasteride (5{alpha}R2 inhibitor) in bDPCs.« less

Kinetics of the immune response profile in guinea pigs after vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis BCG and infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

PubMed

Grover, Ajay; Taylor, Jennifer; Troudt, JoLynn; Keyser, Andrew; Arnett, Kimberly; Izzo, Linda; Rholl, Drew; Izzo, Angelo

2009-11-01

The guinea pig model of tuberculosis is used extensively in assessing novel vaccines, since Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccination effectively prolongs survival after low-dose aerosol infection with virulent M. tuberculosis. To better understand how BCG extends time to death after pulmonary infection with M. tuberculosis, we examined cytokine responses postvaccination and recruitment of activated T cells and cytokine response postinfection. At 10 weeks postvaccination, splenic gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) mRNA was significantly elevated compared to the levels at 5 weeks in ex vivo stimulation assays. At 15, 40, 60, and 120 days postinfection, T-cell activation (CD4+ CD62Llow and CD8+ CD62Llow) and mRNA expression of IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-10, IL-12, and eomesodermin were assessed. Our data show that at day 40, BCG-vaccinated guinea pigs had significantly increased levels of IFN-gamma mRNA expression but decreased TNF-alpha mRNA expression in their lungs compared to the levels in nonvaccinated animals. At day 120, a time when nonvaccinated guinea pigs succumbed to infection, low levels of IFN-gamma mRNA were observed even though there were increasing levels of IL-1, IL-12, and IL-10, and the numbers of activated T cells did not differ from those in BCG-vaccinated animals. BCG vaccination conferred the advantage of recruiting greater numbers of CD4+ CD62Llow T cells at day 40, although the numbers of CD8+ CD62Llow T cells were not elevated compared to the numbers in nonvaccinated animals. Our data suggest that day 40 postinfection may be a pivotal time point in determining vaccine efficacy and prolonged survival and that BCG promotes the capacity of T cells in the lungs to respond to infection.

PPAR-alpha agonist treatment increases trefoil factor family-3 expression and attenuates apoptosis in the liver tissue of bile duct-ligated rats.

PubMed

Karakan, Tarkan; Kerem, Mustafa; Cindoruk, Mehmet; Engin, Doruk; Alper, Murat; Akın, Okan

2013-01-01

Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha activation modulates cholesterol metabolism and suppresses bile acid synthesis. The trefoil factor family comprises mucin-associated proteins that increase the viscosity of mucins and help protect epithelial linings from insults. We evaluated the effect of short-term administration of fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferators activated receptor alpha agonist, on trefoil factor family-3 expression, degree of apoptosis, generation of free radicals, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the liver tissue of bile duct-ligated rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1 = sham operated, 2 = bile duct ligation, 3 = bile duct-ligated + vehicle (gum Arabic), and 4 = bile duct-ligated + fenofibrate (100 mg/kg/day). All rats were sacrificed on the 7 th day after obtaining blood samples and liver tissue. Liver function tests, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1 beta in serum, and trefoil factor family-3 mRNA expression, degree of apoptosis (TUNEL) and tissue malondialdehyde (malondialdehyde, end-product of lipid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species) in liver tissue were evaluated. Fenofibrate administration significantly reduced serum total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1β levels. Apoptosis and malondialdehyde were significantly reduced in the fenofibrate group. Trefoil factor family-3 expression increased with fenofibrate treatment in bile duct-ligated rats. The peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha agonist fenofibrate significantly increased trefoil factor family-3 expression and decreased apoptosis and lipid peroxidation in the liver and attenuated serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines in bile duct-ligated rats. Further studies are needed to determine the protective role of fenofibrate in human cholestatic disorders.

Basement membrane reconstruction in human skin equivalents is regulated by fibroblasts and/or exogenously activated keratinocytes.

PubMed

El Ghalbzouri, Abdoelwaheb; Jonkman, Marcel F; Dijkman, Remco; Ponec, Maria

2005-01-01

This study was undertaken to examine the role fibroblasts play in the formation of the basement membrane (BM) in human skin equivalents. For this purpose, keratinocytes were seeded on top of fibroblast-free or fibroblast-populated collagen matrix or de-epidermized dermis and cultured in the absence of serum and exogenous growth factors. The expression of various BM components was analyzed on the protein and mRNA level. Irrespective of the presence or absence of fibroblasts, keratin 14, hemidesmosomal proteins plectin, BP230 and BP180, and integrins alpha1beta1, alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, and alpha6beta4 were expressed but laminin 1 was absent. Only in the presence of fibroblasts or of various growth factors, laminin 5 and laminin 10/11, nidogen, uncein, type IV and type VII collagen were decorating the dermal/epidermal junction. These findings indicate that the attachment of basal keratinocytes to the dermal matrix is most likely mediated by integrins alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1, and not by laminins that bind to integrin alpha6beta4 and that the epithelial-mesenchymal cross-talk plays an important role in synthesis and deposition of various BM components.

Alterations of type IV collagen alpha chains in patients with chronic acquired glomerulopathies: mRNA levels, protein expression and urinary loss.

PubMed

Sanna-Cherchi, Simone; Carnevali, Maria Luisa; Martorana, Davide; Cravedi, Paolo; Maggiore, Umberto; Alinovi, Rossella; Bovino, Achiropita; Mattei, Silvia; Orlandini, Guido; Gatti, Rita; Savi, Mario; Sado, Yoshikazu; Neri, Tauro M; Allegri, Landino

2007-01-01

Type IV collagen is a major structural component of the normal kidney glomerulus. However, its role in chronic acquired glomerulopathies has been only partially elucidated. Urinary levels of col(IV)alpha1, col(IV)alpha3 and col(IV)alpha5 collagen chains were analyzed in 107 patients with chronic acquired glomerulopathies. In a subgroup of 33 patients, tissue mRNA levels, protein expression and urinary excretion were evaluated for all col(IV)alpha chains, from col(IV)alpha1 to col(IV)alpha5. The renal specimens were examined to get a semiquantitative score of the acute and chronic activity of the histological lesions. Urines obtained from 13 healthy subjects and 10 normal renal tissue samples were used as controls. Urinary levels of col(IV)alpha1, col(IV)alpha3, col(IV)alpha5 chains were significantly higher in patients than in controls [p < 0.01 for all], while only col(IV)alpha1 and col(IV)alpha3 urinary excretion correlated with the degree of chronic histological damage [col(IV)alpha1 R = 0.44, p < 0.001; col(IV)alpha3: R = 0.47, p < 0.001]. Compared with controls, patients showed a renal expression of mRNA for col(IV)alpha5 chain significantly higher [p = 0.001], while having a significantly lower protein expression of col(IV)alpha3, col(IV)alpha4 and col(IV)alpha5 chains [p < 0.01 for all]. Patients with chronic acquired glomerulopathies show important alterations in the col(IV)alpha chain network mimicking some molecular features of the X-linked Alport's syndrome. Further studies are needed to show whether urinary levels of the col(IV)alpha chains may be used as markers for monitoring renal injury. Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Persistent tumor necrosis factor signaling in normal human fibroblasts prevents the complete resynthesis of I kappa B-alpha.

PubMed

Poppers, D M; Schwenger, P; Vilcek, J

2000-09-22

Transcription factor NF-kappa B is normally sequestered in the cytoplasm, complexed with I kappa B inhibitory proteins. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 induce I kappa B-alpha phosphorylation, leading to I kappa B-alpha degradation and translocation of NF-kappa B to the nucleus where it activates genes important in inflammatory and immune responses. TNF and interleukin-1 actions are typically terminated by desensitization, and I kappa B-alpha reappearance normally occurs within 30-60 min. We found that in normal human FS-4 fibroblasts maintained in the presence of TNF, I kappa B-alpha protein failed to return to base-line levels for up to 15 h. Removal of TNF at any time during the 15-h period resulted in complete I kappa B-alpha resynthesis, suggesting that I kappa B-alpha reappearance was prevented by continued TNF signaling. Long term exposure of FS-4 fibroblasts to TNF led to a persistent presence of I kappa B-alpha mRNA, sustained I kappa B kinase activation, continuous proteasome-mediated degradation of I kappa B-alpha, and sustained nuclear localization of NF-kappa B. Continuous exposure of FS-4 cells to TNF did not lead to a sustained activation of p38 or ERK mitogen-activated protein kinases, suggesting that not all TNF-induced signaling pathways are persistently activated. These findings challenge the notion that all cytokine-mediated signals are rapidly terminated by desensitization and illustrate the need to elucidate the process of deactivation of TNF-induced signaling.

Chondrogenic differentiation of growth factor-stimulated precursor cells in cartilage repair tissue is associated with increased HIF-1alpha activity.

PubMed

Gelse, K; Mühle, C; Knaup, K; Swoboda, B; Wiesener, M; Hennig, F; Olk, A; Schneider, H

2008-12-01

To investigate the chondrogenic potential of growth factor-stimulated periosteal cells with respect to the activity of Hypoxia-inducible Factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha). Scaffold-bound autologous periosteal cells, which had been activated by Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) or Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2) gene transfer using both adeno-associated virus (AAV) and adenoviral (Ad) vectors, were applied to chondral lesions in the knee joints of miniature pigs. Six weeks after transplantation, the repair tissues were investigated for collagen type I and type II content as well as for HIF-1alpha expression. The functional role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling on BMP-2/IGF-1-induced HIF-1alpha expression was assessed in vitro by employing specific inhibitors. Unstimulated periosteal cells formed a fibrous extracellular matrix in the superficial zone and a fibrocartilaginous matrix in deep zones of the repair tissue. This zonal difference was reflected by the absence of HIF-1alpha staining in superficial areas, but moderate HIF-1alpha expression in deep zones. In contrast, Ad/AAVBMP-2-stimulated periosteal cells, and to a lesser degree Ad/AAVIGF-1-infected cells, adopted a chondrocyte-like phenotype with strong intracellular HIF-1alpha staining throughout all zones of the repair tissue and formed a hyaline-like matrix. In vitro, BMP-2 and IGF-1 supplementation increased HIF-1alpha protein levels in periosteal cells, which was based on posttranscriptional mechanisms rather than de novo mRNA synthesis, involving predominantly the MEK/ERK pathway. This pilot experimental study on a relatively small number of animals indicated that chondrogenesis by precursor cells is facilitated in deeper hypoxic zones of cartilage repair tissue and is stimulated by growth factors which enhance HIF-1alpha activity.

A truncated human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha splice variant with dominant negative activity.

PubMed

Gervois, P; Torra, I P; Chinetti, G; Grötzinger, T; Dubois, G; Fruchart, J C; Fruchart-Najib, J; Leitersdorf, E; Staels, B

1999-09-01

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) plays a key role in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. However, important inter- and intraspecies differences exist in the response to PPARalpha activators. This incited us to screen for PPARalpha variants with different signaling functions. In the present study, using a RT-PCR approach a variant human PPARalpha mRNA species was identified, which lacks the entire exon 6 due to alternative splicing. This deletion leads to the introduction of a premature stop codon, resulting in the formation of a truncated PPARalpha protein (PPARalphatr) lacking part of the hinge region and the entire ligand-binding domain. RNase protection analysis demonstrated that PPARalphatr mRNA is expressed in several human tissues and cells, representing between 20-50% of total PPARalpha mRNA. By contrast, PPARalphatr mRNA could not be detected in rodent tissues. Western blot analysis using PPARalpha-specific antibodies demonstrated the presence of an immunoreactive protein migrating at the size of in vitro produced PPARalphatr protein both in human hepatoma HepG2 cells and in human hepatocytes. Both in the presence or absence of 9-cis-retinoic acid receptor, PPARalphatr did not bind to DNA in gel shift assays. Immunocytochemical analysis of transfected CV-1 cells indicated that, whereas transfected PPARalphawt was mainly nuclear localized, the majority of PPARalphatr resided in the cytoplasm, with presence in the nucleus depending on cell culture conditions. Whereas a chimeric PPARalphatr protein containing a nuclear localization signal cloned at its N-terminal localized into the nucleus and exhibited strong negative activity on PPARalphawt transactivation function, PPARalphatr interfered with PPARalphatr transactivation function only under culture conditions inducing its nuclear localization. Cotransfection of the coactivator CREB-binding protein relieved the transcriptional repression of PPARalphawt by PPARalphatr, suggesting that the dominant negative effect of PPARalphatr might occur through competition for essential coactivators. In addition, PPARalphatr interfered with transcriptional activity of other nuclear receptors such as PPARgamma, hepatic nuclear factor-4, and glucocorticoid receptor-alpha, which share CREB-binding protein/p300 as a coactivator. Thus, we have identified a human PPARalpha splice variant that may negatively interfere with PPARalphawt function. Factors regulating either the ratio of PPARalphawt vs. PPARalphatr mRNA or the nuclear entry of PPARalphatr protein should therefore lead to altered signaling via the PPARalpha and, possibly also, other nuclear receptor pathways.

Enhanced cerebral expression of MCT1 and MCT2 in a rat ischemia model occurs in activated microglial cells.

PubMed

Moreira, Tiago J T P; Pierre, Karin; Maekawa, Fumihiko; Repond, Cendrine; Cebere, Aleta; Liljequist, Sture; Pellerin, Luc

2009-07-01

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are essential for the use of lactate, an energy substrate known to be overproduced in brain during an ischemic episode. The expression of MCT1 and MCT2 was investigated at 48 h of reperfusion from focal ischemia induced by unilateral extradural compression in Wistar rats. Increased MCT1 mRNA expression was detected in the injured cortex and hippocampus of compressed animals compared to sham controls. In the contralateral, uncompressed hemisphere, increases in MCT1 mRNA level in the cortex and MCT2 mRNA level in the hippocampus were noted. Interestingly, strong MCT1 and MCT2 protein expression was found in peri-lesional macrophages/microglia and in an isolectin B4+/S100beta+ cell population in the corpus callosum. In vitro, MCT1 and MCT2 protein expression was observed in the N11 microglial cell line, whereas an enhancement of MCT1 expression by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was shown in these cells. Modulation of MCT expression in microglia suggests that these transporters may help sustain microglial functions during recovery from focal brain ischemia. Overall, our study indicates that changes in MCT expression around and also away from the ischemic area, both at the mRNA and protein levels, are a part of the metabolic adaptations taking place in the brain after ischemia.

Vascular endothelial cells express isoforms of protein kinase A inhibitor.

PubMed

Lum, Hazel; Hao, Zengping; Gayle, Dave; Kumar, Priyadarsini; Patterson, Carolyn E; Uhler, Michael D

2002-01-01

The expression and function of the endogenous inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKI) in endothelial cells are unknown. In this study, overexpression of rabbit muscle PKI gene into endothelial cells inhibited the cAMP-mediated increase and exacerbated thrombin-induced decrease in endothelial barrier function. We investigated PKI expression in human pulmonary artery (HPAECs), foreskin microvessel (HMECs), and brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBMECs). RT-PCR using specific primers for human PKI alpha, human PKI gamma, and mouse PKI beta sequences detected PKI alpha and PKI gamma mRNA in all three cell types. Sequencing and BLAST analysis indicated that forward and reverse DNA strands for PKI alpha and PKI gamma were of >96% identity with database sequences. RNase protection assays showed protection of the 542 nucleotides in HBMEC and HPAEC PKI alpha mRNA and 240 nucleotides in HBMEC, HPAEC, and HMEC PKI gamma mRNA. Western blot analysis indicated that PKI gamma protein was detected in all three cell types, whereas PKI alpha was found in HBMECs. In summary, endothelial cells from three different vascular beds express PKI alpha and PKI gamma, which may be physiologically important in endothelial barrier function.

Cloning and characterization of the mouse alpha1C/A-adrenergic receptor gene and analysis of an alpha1C promoter in cardiac myocytes: role of an MCAT element that binds transcriptional enhancer factor-1 (TEF-1).

PubMed

O'Connell, T D; Rokosh, D G; Simpson, P C

2001-05-01

alpha1-Adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes in the heart are expressed by myocytes but not by fibroblasts, a feature that distinguishes alpha1-ARs from beta-ARs. Here we studied myocyte-specific expression of alpha1-ARs, focusing on the subtype alpha1C (also called alpha1A), a subtype implicated in cardiac hypertrophic signaling in rat models. We first cloned the mouse alpha1C-AR gene, which consisted of two exons with an 18 kb intron, similar to the alpha1B-AR gene. The receptor coding sequence was >90% homologous to that of rat and human. alpha1C-AR transcription in mouse heart was initiated from a single Inr consensus sequence at -588 from the ATG; this and a putative polyadenylation sequence 8.5 kb 3' could account for the predominant 11 kb alpha1C mRNA in mouse heart. A 5'-nontranscribed fragment of 4.4 kb was active as a promoter in cardiac myocytes but not in fibroblasts. Promoter activity in myocytes required a single muscle CAT (MCAT) element, and this MCAT bound in vitro to recombinant and endogenous transcriptional enhancer factor-1. Thus, alpha1C-AR transcription in cardiac myocytes shares MCAT dependence with other cardiac-specific genes, including the alpha- and beta-myosin heavy chains, skeletal alpha-actin, and brain natriuretic peptide. However, the mouse alpha1C gene was not transcribed in the neonatal heart and was not activated by alpha1-AR and other hypertrophic agonists in rat myocytes, and thus differed from other MCAT-dependent genes and the rat alpha1C gene.

Localization of mRNA for CHRNA7 in human fetal brain.

PubMed

Agulhon, C; Abitbol, M; Bertrand, D; Malafosse, A

1999-08-02

The aim of this study was to determine the regional distribution in situ of the mRNA for the alpha 7 subunit of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in human fetal brain. We found high levels of alpha 7 gene expression in nuclei that receive sensory information, such as those of the neocortex and hippocampus, the thalamic nuclei, the reticular thalamic nucleus, the pontine nuclei and the superior olive complex. These data support a possible regulatory function for alpha 7-containing receptors in sensory processing, which may be involved in the pathological physiology of schizophrenia and autism. Early alpha 7 gene expression is also consistent with a morphogenetic role for alpha 7 receptors in central nervous system development.

Dysregulation of glucocorticoid metabolism in murine obesity: comparable effects of leptin resistance and deficiency.

PubMed

Livingstone, Dawn E W; Grassick, Sarah L; Currie, Gillian L; Walker, Brian R; Andrew, Ruth

2009-05-01

In obese humans, metabolism of glucocorticoids by 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 beta-HSD1) and A-ring reduction (by 5 alpha- and 5 beta-reductases) is dysregulated in a tissue specific manner. These changes have been recapitulated in leptin resistant obese Zucker rats but were not observed in high-fat fed Wistar rats. Recent data from mouse models suggest that such discrepancies may reflect differences in leptin signalling. We therefore compared glucocorticoid metabolism in murine models of leptin deficiency and resistance. Male ob/ob and db/db mice and their respective littermate controls (n=10-12/group) were studied at the age of 12 weeks. Enzyme activities and mRNA expression were quantified in snap-frozen tissues. The patterns of altered pathways of steroid metabolism in obesity were similar in ob/ob and db/db mice. In liver, 5 beta-reductase activity and mRNA were increased and 11 beta-HSD1 decreased in obese mice, whereas 5 alpha-reductase 1 (5 alpha R1) mRNA was not altered. In visceral adipose depots, 5 beta-reductase was not expressed, 11 beta-HSD1 activity was increased and 5 alpha R1 mRNA was not altered in obesity. By contrast, in subcutaneous adipose tissue 11 beta-HSD1 and 5 alpha R1 mRNA were decreased. Systematic differences were not found between ob/ob and db/db murine models of obesity, suggesting that variations in leptin signalling through the short splice variant of the Ob receptor do not contribute to dysregulation of glucocorticoid metabolism.

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{alpha} enhances fatty acid oxidation in human adipocytes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Joo-Young; Hashizaki, Hikari; Goto, Tsuyoshi

2011-04-22

Highlights: {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation increased mRNA expression levels of adipocyte differentiation marker genes and GPDH activity in human adipocytes. {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation also increased insulin-dependent glucose uptake in human adipocytes. {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation did not affect lipid accumulation in human adipocytes. {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation increased fatty acid oxidation through induction of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in human adipocytes. -- Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{alpha} (PPAR{alpha}) is a key regulator for maintaining whole-body energy balance. However, the physiological functions of PPAR{alpha} in adipocytes have been unclarified. We examined the functions of PPAR{alpha} using human multipotent adipose tissue-derived stem cells as a humanmore » adipocyte model. Activation of PPAR{alpha} by GW7647, a potent PPAR{alpha} agonist, increased the mRNA expression levels of adipocyte differentiation marker genes such as PPAR{gamma}, adipocyte-specific fatty acid-binding protein, and lipoprotein lipase and increased both GPDH activity and insulin-dependent glucose uptake level. The findings indicate that PPAR{alpha} activation stimulates adipocyte differentiation. However, lipid accumulation was not changed, which is usually observed when PPAR{gamma} is activated. On the other hand, PPAR{alpha} activation by GW7647 treatment induced the mRNA expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes such as CPT-1B and AOX in a PPAR{alpha}-dependent manner. Moreover, PPAR{alpha} activation increased the production of CO{sub 2} and acid soluble metabolites, which are products of fatty acid oxidation, and increased oxygen consumption rate in human adipocytes. The data indicate that activation of PPAR{alpha} stimulates both adipocyte differentiation and fatty acid oxidation in human adipocytes, suggesting that PPAR{alpha} agonists could improve insulin resistance without lipid accumulation in adipocytes. The expected effects of PPAR{alpha} activation are very valuable for managing diabetic conditions accompanied by obesity, because PPAR{gamma} agonists, usually used as antidiabetic drugs, induce excessive lipid accumulation in adipocytes in addition to improvement of insulin resistance.« less

Urinary podocyte-associated mRNA levels correlate with proximal tubule dysfunction in early diabetic nephropathy of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Petrica, Ligia; Ursoniu, Sorin; Gadalean, Florica; Vlad, Adrian; Gluhovschi, Gheorghe; Dumitrascu, Victor; Vlad, Daliborca; Gluhovschi, Cristina; Velciov, Silvia; Bob, Flaviu; Matusz, Petru; Milas, Oana; Secara, Alina; Simulescu, Anca; Popescu, Roxana

2017-01-01

The study assessed mRNA expression of podocyte-associated molecules in urinary sediments of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in relation to urinary podocytes, biomarkers of podocyte injury and of proximal tubule (PT) dysfunction. A total of 76 patients with type 2 DM and 20 healthy subjects were enrolled in a cross-sectional study, and assessed concerning urinary podocytes, urinary mRNA of podocyte-associated genes, urinary biomarkers of podocyte damage and of PT dysfunction. We found significant differences between urinary mRNA of podocyte-associated molecules in relation with albuminuria stage. In multivariable regression analysis, urinary mRNA of nephrin, podocin, alpha-actinin-4, CD2-associated protein, glomerular epithelial protein 1 (GLEPP1), ADAM 10, and NFκB correlated directly with urinary podocytes, albuminuria, urinary alpha 1 -microglobulin, urinary kidney-injury molecule-1, nephrinuria, urinary vascular endothelial growth factor, urinary advanced glycation end-products (AGE), and indirectly with eGFR (p < 0.0001, R 2  = 0.808; p < 0.0001, R 2  = 0.825; p < 0.0001, R 2  = 0.805; p < 0.0001, R 2  = 0.663; p < 0.0001, R 2  = 0.726; p < 0.0001, R 2  = 0.720; p < 0.0001, R 2  = 0.724). In patients with type 2 DM there is an association between urinary mRNA of podocyte-associated molecules, biomarkers of podocyte damage, and of PT dysfunction. GLEPP1, ADAM10, and NFκB may be considered additional candidate molecules indicative of early diabetic nephropathy. AGE could be involved in this association.

Genomic organization and sequence of the Gus-s/sup a/ allele of the murine. beta. -glucuronidase gene

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Funkenstein, B.; Leary, S.L.; Stein, J.C.

1988-03-01

The Gus-s/sup ..cap alpha../ allele of the mouse ..beta..-glucuronidase gene exhibits a high degree of inducibility by androgens due to its linkage with the Gus-r/sup ..cap alpha../ regulatory locus. The authors isolated Gus-s/sup ..cap alpha../ on a 28-kilobase pair fragment of mouse chromosome 5 and found that it contains 12 exons and 11 intervening sequences spanning 14 kilobase pairs of this genomic segment. The mRNA cap site was identified by ribonuclease protection and primer extension analyses which revealed an unusually short 5' noncoding sequence of 12 nucleotides. Proximal regulatory sequences in the 5'-flanking DNA and the complete sequence of themore » Gus-s/sup ..cap alpha../ mRNA transcript were also determined. Comparison of the amino acid sequence determined from the Gus-s/sup ..cap alpha../ nucleotide sequence with that of human ..beta..-glucuronidase indicated that the two human mRNA species differ due to alternate splicing of an exon homologous to exon 6 of the mouse gene.« less

The role of IL-1beta in reduced IL-7 production by stromal and epithelial cells: a model for impaired T-cell numbers in the gut during HIV-1 infection.

PubMed

Thang, P H; Ruffin, N; Brodin, D; Rethi, B; Cam, P D; Hien, N T; Lopalco, L; Vivar, N; Chiodi, F

2010-08-01

Interleukin (IL)-7 is a key cytokine in T-cell homeostasis. Stromal cells, intestinal epithelial cells and keratinocytes are known to produce this cytokine. The mechanisms and cellular factors regulating IL-7 production are still unclear. We assessed whether IL-1beta and interferon (IFN)-gamma, cytokines produced during inflammatory conditions, may impact on IL-7 production. We used human intestinal epithelial cells (DLD-1 cell line) and bone marrow stromal cells (HS27 cell line), known to produce IL-7; IL-7 production was evaluated at the mRNA and protein levels. To assess whether treatment of HS27 cells with IL-1beta and/or IFN-gamma leads to changes in the gene expression of cytokines, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and chemokines, we analysed gene expression profiles using the whole-genome microarray Human Gene 1.0 ST. We found that IFN-gamma enhanced the expression of IL-7 mRNA (P < 0.001) in both cell lines. IL-1beta treatment led to a significant down-regulation (P < 0.001) of IL-7 mRNA expression in both cell lines. The IL-7 concentration in supernatants collected from treated DLD-1 and HS27 cell cultures reflected the trend of IL-7 mRNA levels. The gene profiles revealed dramatic changes in expression of cytokines and their receptors (IL-7/IL-7R alpha; IL-1alpha,IL-1beta/IL-1R1; IFN-gamma/IFN-gammaR1), of IFN regulatory factors (IRF-1 and 2), of TLRs and of important chemo-attractants for T cells. The microarray results were verified by additional methods. Our results are discussed in the setting of inflammation and T-cell survival in the gut compartment during HIV-1 infection where stromal and epithelial cells may produce factors that contribute to impaired IL-7 homeostasis and homing of T cells.

Cardioprotective effects of early and late aerobic exercise training in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PubMed

Moreira-Gonçalves, Daniel; Ferreira, Rita; Fonseca, Hélder; Padrão, Ana Isabel; Moreno, Nuno; Silva, Ana Filipa; Vasques-Nóvoa, Francisco; Gonçalves, Nádia; Vieira, Sara; Santos, Mário; Amado, Francisco; Duarte, José Alberto; Leite-Moreira, Adelino F; Henriques-Coelho, Tiago

2015-11-01

Clinical studies suggest that aerobic exercise can exert beneficial effects in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We compared the impact of early or late aerobic exercise training on right ventricular function, remodeling and survival in experimental PAH. Male Wistar rats were submitted to normal cage activity (SED), exercise training in early (EarlyEX) and in late stage (LateEX) of PAH induced by monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg). Both exercise interventions resulted in improved cardiac function despite persistent right pressure-overload, increased exercise tolerance and survival, with greater benefits in EarlyEX+MCT. This was accompanied by improvements in the markers of cardiac remodeling (SERCA2a), neurohumoral activation (lower endothelin-1, brain natriuretic peptide and preserved vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA), metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative stress in both exercise interventions. EarlyEX+MCT provided additional improvements in fibrosis, tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interleukin-10 and brain natriuretic peptide mRNA, and beta/alpha myosin heavy chain protein expression. The present study demonstrates important cardioprotective effects of aerobic exercise in experimental PAH, with greater benefits obtained when exercise training is initiated at an early stage of the disease.

MicroRNA-300 targets hypoxia inducible factor-3 alpha to inhibit tumorigenesis of human non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Zhang, Y; Guo, Y; Yang, C; Zhang, S; Zhu, X; Cao, L; Nie, W; Yu, H

2017-01-01

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most deadly human cancers. MicroRNA-300 acts as both tumor promoter and suppressor in different types of cancer. Here, we try to identify the function of microRNA-300 in human NSCLC. We compared MicroRNA-300 levels between tumor tissues versus paired adjacent non-tumor lung tissues from NSCLC patients, and in NSCLC versus normal lung cell lines. Effects of microRNA-300 on cell proliferation, invasion and migration were examined in vitro, and on tumor growth in vivo using a xenograft mouse model. Potential mRNA targets of microRNA-300 were predicted and underlying mechanism was explored. MicroRNA-300 expression was lower in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of microRNA-300 inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration of NSCLC cells in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo. MicroRNA-300 could directly bind to the 3'-UTR of hypoxia inducible factor-3 alpha (HIF3α) mRNA, and inhibit both its mRNA and protein expressions. Restoring HIF3α expression could rescue the inhibitory effects of microRNA-300 on tumorigenesis of NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. MicroRNA-300 is a tumor suppressor microRNA in NSCLC by downregulating HIF3α expression. Both microRNA-300 and HIF3α may serve as potential therapeutic targets in NSCLC treatment.

Cytokine-like factor-1, a novel soluble protein, shares homology with members of the cytokine type I receptor family.

PubMed

Elson, G C; Graber, P; Losberger, C; Herren, S; Gretener, D; Menoud, L N; Wells, T N; Kosco-Vilbois, M H; Gauchat, J F

1998-08-01

In this report we describe the identification, cloning, and expression pattern of human cytokine-like factor 1 (hCLF-1) and the identification and cloning of its murine homologue. They were identified from expressed sequence tags using amino acid sequences from conserved regions of the cytokine type I receptor family. Human CLF-1 and murine CLF-1 shared 96% amino acid identity and significant homology with many cytokine type I receptors. CLF-1 is a secreted protein, suggesting that it is either a soluble subunit within a cytokine receptor complex, like the soluble form of the IL-6R alpha-chain, or a subunit of a multimeric cytokine, e.g., IL-12 p40. The highest levels of hCLF-1 mRNA were observed in lymph node, spleen, thymus, appendix, placenta, stomach, bone marrow, and fetal lung, with constitutive expression of CLF-1 mRNA detected in a human kidney fibroblastic cell line. In fibroblast primary cell cultures, CLF-1 mRNA was up-regulated by TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IFN-gamma. Western blot analysis of recombinant forms of hCLF-1 showed that the protein has the tendency to form covalently linked di- and tetramers. These results suggest that CLF-1 is a novel soluble cytokine receptor subunit or part of a novel cytokine complex, possibly playing a regulatory role in the immune system and during fetal development.

Curcumin protects against radiation-induced acute and chronic cutaneous toxicity in mice and decreases mRNA expression of inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Okunieff, Paul; Xu Jianhua; Hu Dongping

2006-07-01

Purpose: To determine whether curcumin ameliorates acute and chronic radiation skin toxicity and to examine the expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1, IL-6, IL-18, IL-1Ra, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-{alpha}, and lymphotoxin-{beta}) or fibrogenic cytokines (transforming growth factor [TGF]-{beta}) during the same acute and chronic phases. Methods and Materials: Curcumin was given intragastrically or intraperitoneally to C3H/HeN mice either: 5 days before radiation; 5 days after radiation; or both 5 days before and 5 days after radiation. The cutaneous damage was assessed at 15-21 days (acute) and 90 days (chronic) after a single 50 Gy radiation dose was given to themore » hind leg. Skin and muscle tissues were collected for measurement of cytokine mRNA. Results: Curcumin, administered before or after radiation, markedly reduced acute and chronic skin toxicity in mice (p < 0.05). Additionally, curcumin significantly decreased mRNA expression of early responding cytokines (IL-1 IL-6, IL-18, TNF-{alpha}, and lymphotoxin-{beta}) and the fibrogenic cytokine, TGF-{beta}, in cutaneous tissues at 21 days postradiation. Conclusion: Curcumin has a protective effect on radiation-induced cutaneous damage in mice, which is characterized by a downregulation of both inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines in irradiated skin and muscle, particularly in the early phase after radiation. These results may provide the molecular basis for the application of curcumin in clinical radiation therapy.« less

Characterization of the translation products of the major mRNA species from rabbit lactating mammary glands and construction of bacterial recombinants containing casein and alpha-lactalbumin complementary DNA.

PubMed Central

Suard, Y M; Tosi, M; Kraehenbuhl, J P

1982-01-01

Total cytoplasmic polyadenylated RNA from lactating rabbit mammary glands was analysed on methylmercury hydroxide-agarose gels. The size of the most abundant mRNA species ranged between 0.5 and 5.0 kb (kilobases), with major bands at 0.55, 0.84, 0.92, 1.18 and 2.4 kb and discrete minor bands of 1.5, 1.7, 3.0 and 3.9 kb. Translation in vitro of total mRNA with [3H]leucine or [35S]methionine as precursor yielded four major bands with apparent Mr values of 16 000, 25 000, 26 000 and 29 000. The four protein bands were identified by immunoprecipitation by using specific antisera as alpha-lactalbumin and x-, kappa- and alpha-caseins, respectively. Labelling with (35S]cysteine followed by immunoprecipitation with anti-transferrin or anti-alpha-lactalbumin sera allowed the identification of two whey proteins. Translated transferrin was resolved as an 80 000-dalton band and alpha-lactalbumin appeared as a 16 000-dalton protein. A library of recombinant plasmids containing cDNA (complementary DNA) sequences representing cytoplasmic polyadenylated RNA was used to isolate clones for the major rabbit caseins and alpha-lactalbumin. A preliminary characterization of these cDNA clones was achieved by colony hybridization with enriched RNA fractions as probes. Positive clones were identified by use of hybrid-promoted translation in vitro and immunoprecipitation of the translation products. The corresponding mRNA species were further identified by hybridizing RNA blots with radioactively labelled cDNA clones. We present the restriction map of alpha-casein and kappa-casein cDNA clones. Images Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. Fig. 4. Fig. 5. Fig. 6. PMID:6123313

Ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase L1 negatively regulates TNF{alpha}-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via suppressing ERK activation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ichikawa, Tomonaga; Li, Jinqing; Dong, Xiaoyu

2010-01-01

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) appear to be critical regulators of a multitude of processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and inflammation. We have recently demonstrated that a DUB of ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) inhibits vascular lesion formation via suppressing inflammatory responses in vasculature. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains to be defined. Herein, we report that a posttranscriptional up-regulation of UCH-L1 provides a negative feedback to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF{alpha})-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In rat adult VSMCs, adenoviral over-expression of UCH-L1 inhibited TNF{alpha}-induced activation of ERK andmore » DNA synthesis. In contrast, over-expression of UCH-L1 did not affect platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced VSMC proliferation and activation of growth stimulating cascades including ERK. TNF{alpha} hardly altered UCH-L1 mRNA expression and stability; however, up-regulated UCH-L1 protein expression via increasing UCH-L1 translation. These results uncover a novel mechanism by which UCH-L1 suppresses vascular inflammation.« less

APP processing and the APP-KPI domain involvement in the amyloid cascade.

PubMed

Menéndez-González, M; Pérez-Pinera, P; Martínez-Rivera, M; Calatayud, M T; Blázquez Menes, B

2005-01-01

Alternative APP mRNA splicing can generate isoforms of APP containing a Kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI) domain. KPI is one of the main serine protease inhibitors. Protein and mRNA KPI(+)APP levels are elevated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain and are associated with increased amyloid beta deposition. In the last years increasing evidence on multiple points in the amyloid cascade where KPI(+)APP is involved has been accumulated, admitting an outstanding position in the pathogenesis of AD to the KPI domain. This review focuses on the APP processing, the molecular activity of KPI and its physiological and pathological roles and the KPI involvement in the amyloid cascade through the nerve growth factor, the lipoprotein receptor-related protein, the tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme and the Notch1 protein.

Lrrk2 and alpha-synuclein are co-regulated in rodent striatum.

PubMed

Westerlund, Marie; Ran, Caroline; Borgkvist, Anders; Sterky, Fredrik H; Lindqvist, Eva; Lundströmer, Karin; Pernold, Karin; Brené, Stefan; Kallunki, Pekka; Fisone, Gilberto; Olson, Lars; Galter, Dagmar

2008-12-01

LRRK2, alpha-synuclein, UCH-L1 and DJ-1 are implicated in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. We show for the first time that increase in striatal alpha-synuclein levels induce increased Lrrk2 mRNA levels while Dj-1 and Uch-L1 are unchanged. We also demonstrate that a mouse strain lacking the dopamine signaling molecule DARPP-32 has significantly reduced levels of both Lrrk2 and alpha-synuclein, while mice carrying a disabling mutation of the DARPP-32 phosphorylation site T34A or lack alpha-synuclein do not show any changes. To test if striatal dopamine depletion influences Lrrk2 or alpha-synuclein expression, we used the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine in rats and MitoPark mice in which there is progressive degeneration of dopamine neurons. Because striatal Lrrk2 and alpha-synuclein levels were not changed by dopamine depletion, we conclude that Lrrk2 and alpha-synuclein mRNA levels are possibly co-regulated, but they are not influenced by striatal dopamine levels.

Localization of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor in the brain.

PubMed

Kainu, T; Wikström, A C; Gustafsson, J A; Pelto-Huikko, M

1994-12-20

This paper describes the localization of the alpha-type peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR alpha) in the rat brain using immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. Expression of PPAR alpha mRNA was highest in the granular cells of the cerebellar cortex and in the dentate gyrus, with a somewhat lower expression in areas CA1-CA4 of the hippocampus. PPAR alpha mRNA was also found in some neurones of the cerebral cortex (layers II-IV) and the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex, and in the olfactory tubercle. Immunocytochemistry revealed nuclear PPAR alpha-immunoreactivity (-IR) in the same areas as seen with the in situ hybridization. Furthermore, PPAR alpha-IR was also localized in oligodendrocytes, whereas the other glial cell types appeared to lack PPAR alpha. These results suggest that peroxisome proliferators and chemicals acting similarly have effects on discrete populations of neurones. The presence of PPAR alpha in oligodendrocytes lends further support to the suggestion that peroxisomes are important in the assembly and degradation of myelin.

The inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on platelet-derived growth factor-induced vascular smooth muscle cell migration through up-regulating PGC-1{alpha} expression

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Wei; Department of cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Road, Harbin 150081; Guo, Ting

2011-05-01

Dexamethasone has been shown to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration, which is required for preventing restenosis. However, the mechanism underlying effect of dexamethasone remains unknown. We have previously demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR{gamma}) coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1{alpha}) can inhibit VSMC migration and proliferation. Here, we investigated the role of PGC-1{alpha} in dexamethasone-reduced VSMC migration and explored the possible mechanism. We first examined PGC-1{alpha} expression in cultured rat aortic VSMCs. The results revealed that incubation of VSMCs with dexamethasone could significantly elevate PGC-1{alpha} mRNA expression. In contrast, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) decreased PGC-1{alpha} expression while stimulating VSMC migration.more » Mechanistic study showed that suppression of PGC-1{alpha} by small interfering RNA strongly abrogated the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on VSMC migration, whereas overexpression of PGC-1{alpha} had the opposite effect. Furthermore, an analysis of MAPK signal pathways showed that dexamethasone inhibited ERK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in VSMCs. Overexpression of PGC-1{alpha} decreased both basal and PDGF-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation, but it had no effect on ERK phosphorylation. Finally, inhibition of PPAR{gamma} activation by a PPAR{gamma} antagonist GW9662 abolished the suppressive effects of PGC-1{alpha} on p38 MAPK phosphorylation and VSMC migration. These effects of PGC-1{alpha} were enhanced by a PPAR{gamma} agonist troglitazone. Collectively, our data indicated for the first time that one of the anti-migrated mechanisms of dexamethasone is due to the induction of PGC-1{alpha} expression. PGC-1{alpha} suppresses PDGF-induced VSMC migration through PPAR{gamma} coactivation and, consequently, p38 MAPK inhibition.« less

Changes in diaphragm muscle collagen gene expression after acute unilateral denervation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gosselin, L. E.; Sieck, G. C.; Aleff, R. A.; Martinez, D. A.; Vailas, A. C.

1995-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of acute (3 days) unilateral diaphragm denervation (DNV) on 1) levels of alpha 1(I) and alpha 1(III) procollagen mRNA; 2) collagen concentration [hydroxyproline (HYP)]; 3) amount of the nonreducible collagen cross-link hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP); and 4) the passive force-length relationship of the muscle. The levels of alpha 1(I) and alpha 1(III) procollagen mRNA, HYP concentration, and amount of HP were measured in muscle segments from the midcostal region of DNV and intact (INT) hemidiaphragms of adult male Fischer 344 rats (250-300 g). The in vitro passive force-length relationship of DNV and INT hemidiaphragm was determined by lengthening and shortening the diaphragm muscle segments from 85 to 115% of optimal length at a constant velocity (0.6 optimal length/s). Three days after DNV, the level of alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA was increased over 15-fold in the DNV hemidiaphragm compared with INT (P < 0.05), whereas the level of alpha 1(III) procollagen mRNA was increased by approximately sixfold in the DNV hemidiaphragm compared with INT (P < 0.05). Collagen (HYP) concentration did not differ between groups, averaging 8.7 and 8.9 micrograms/mg dry wt for the DNV and INT hemidiaphragms, respectively. In addition, there was no difference in the amount of the mature nonreducible collagen cross-link HP between the DNV and INT hemidiaphragms (0.66 vs. 0.76 mole HP/mole collagen, respectively). The amount of passive force developed during lengthening did not differ between DNV and INT hemidiaphragms. These data indicate that acute DNV of the hemidiaphragm is associated with an increase in the mRNA level of the two principal fibrillar collagen phenotypes in skeletal muscle. However, despite extensive muscle remodeling, the passive force-length relationship of the DNV hemidiaphragm is unaffected compared with the INT muscle.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 mediates hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte lipid accumulation by reducing the DNA binding activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {alpha}/retinoid X receptor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Belanger, Adam J.; Luo Zhengyu; Vincent, Karen A.

2007-12-21

In response to cellular hypoxia, cardiomyocytes adapt to consume less oxygen by shifting ATP production from mitochondrial fatty acid {beta}-oxidation to glycolysis. The transcriptional activation of glucose transporters and glycolytic enzymes by hypoxia is mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). In this study, we examined whether HIF-1 was involved in the suppression of mitochondrial fatty acid {beta}-oxidation in hypoxic cardiomyocytes. We showed that either hypoxia or adenovirus-mediated expression of a constitutively stable hybrid form (HIF-1{alpha}/VP16) suppressed mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism, as indicated by an accumulation of intracellular neutral lipid. Both treatments also reduced the mRNA levels of muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferasemore » I which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the mitochondrial import of fatty acids for {beta}-oxidation. Furthermore, adenovirus-mediated expression of HIF-1{alpha}/VP16 in cardiomyocytes under normoxic conditions also mimicked the reduction in the DNA binding activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {alpha} (PPAR{alpha})/retinoid X receptor (RXR), in the presence or absence of a PPAR{alpha} ligand. These results suggest that HIF-1 may be involved in hypoxia-induced suppression of fatty acid metabolism in cardiomyocytes by reducing the DNA binding activity of PPAR{alpha}/RXR.« less

Thalidomide inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha production and antigen presentation by Langerhans cells.

PubMed

Deng, Liang; Ding, Wanhong; Granstein, Richard D

2003-11-01

Thalidomide is an effective treatment for several inflammatory and autoimmune disorders including erythema nodosum leprosum, Behcet's syndrome, discoid lupus erythematosus, and Crohn's disease. Thalidomide is believed to exert its anti-inflammatory effects, at least in part, by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by monocytes. We studied the effects of thalidomide on epidermal Langerhans cells (LC). LCs are epidermal antigen-presenting dendritic cells that play important roles in skin immune responses. Using the murine epidermis-derived dendritic cell lines, XS106A from A/J mice and XS52 from BALB/c mice as surrogates for LC, we found that thalidomide inhibited TNF-alpha production in a concentration-dependent manner. Northern blot analysis revealed that thalidomide significantly decreased the peak-induced mRNA level of TNF-alpha in XS106A cells and XS52 cells. We then examined the effect of thalidomide on fresh LC enriched to approximately 98% using positive selection of Ia+ cells with antibodies conjugated to magnetic microspheres. TNF-alpha production was reduced by 67.7% at a thalidomide concentration of 200 microg per mL. Thalidomide also had a profound inhibitory effect on the ability of LC to present antigen to a responsive TH1 clone. Thalidomide inhibits TNF-alpha production and the antigen-presenting ability of epidermal LCs. These mechanisms may contribute to the therapeutic effects observed with this agent.

Expression of platelet-derived growth factor and its receptors in proliferative disorders of fibroblastic origin.

PubMed Central

Smits, A.; Funa, K.; Vassbotn, F. S.; Beausang-Linder, M.; af Ekenstam, F.; Heldin, C. H.; Westermark, B.; Nistér, M.

1992-01-01

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is known to stimulate the proliferation of connective tissue-derived cells in vitro. Less is known about its functions in vivo, and the role of PDGF in the development of human tumors has not been clarified. The authors have investigated the occurrence of PDGF and PDGF receptors in a series of proliferative disorders of fibroblastic origin using immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. High expression of PDGF beta-receptor mRNA and protein was found in the malignant tumors, and also in some benign lesions, such as dermatofibroma. In all these cases, benign as well as malignant, the PDGF B-chain mRNA, and less clearly, the PDGF A-chain mRNA, were coexpressed with the beta-receptor. In contrast, high expression of PDGF alpha-receptor mRNA was only found in fully malignant lesions, i.e., malignant fibrous histiocytoma. These data indicate that an autocrine growth stimulation via the PDGF beta-receptor could occur in an early phase of tumorigenesis, and may be a necessary but insufficient event for the progression into fully malignant human connective tissue lesions. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 PMID:1372158

The role of class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) on gluconeogenesis in liver

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oiso, Hiroshi; Furukawa, Noboru, E-mail: n-furu@gpo.kumamoto-u.ac.jp; Suefuji, Mihoshi

2011-01-07

Research highlights: {yields} A novel class I HDAC inhibitor decreased hepatic PEPCK mRNA and gluconeogenesis. {yields} Inhibition of HDAC decreased PEPCK by reducing HNF4{alpha} expression and FoxO1 activity. {yields} siRNA knockdown of HDAC1 in HepG2 cells reduced the expression of PEPCK and HNF4{alpha}. {yields} Inhibition of class I HDAC improves glucose homeostasis in HFD mice. -- Abstract: Hepatic gluconeogenesis is crucial for glucose homeostasis. Although sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) is implicated in the regulation of gluconeogenesis in the liver, the effects of other histone deacetylases (HDAC) on gluconeogenesis are unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the role ofmore » class I HDACs in hepatic gluconeogenesis. In HepG2 cells and the liver of mice, the expressions of phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4{alpha} (HNF4{alpha}) were significantly decreased by treatment with a newly designed class I HDAC inhibitor, Ky-2. SiRNA knockdown of HDAC1 expression, but not of HDAC2 or HDAC3, in HepG2 cells decreased PEPCK and HNF4{alpha} expression. In HepG2 cells, insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and forkhead box O 1 (FoxO1) was increased by Ky-2. Pyruvate tolerance tests in Ky-2-treated high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice showed a marked reduction in blood glucose compared with vehicle-treated HFD mice. These data suggest that class I HDACs increase HNF4{alpha} protein expression and the transcriptional activity of FoxO1, followed by the induction of PEPCK mRNA expression and gluconeogenesis in liver.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Achanzar, William E.; Moyer, Carolyn F.; Marthaler, Laura T.

We previously reported prevention of urolithiasis and associated rat urinary bladder tumors by urine acidification (via diet acidification) in male rats treated with the dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR){alpha}/{gamma} agonist muraglitazar. Because urine acidification could potentially alter PPAR signaling and/or cellular proliferation in urothelium, we evaluated urothelial cell PPAR{alpha}, PPAR{delta}, PPAR{gamma}, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, PPAR signaling, and urothelial cell proliferation in rats fed either a normal or an acidified diet for 5, 18, or 33 days. A subset of rats in the 18-day study also received 63 mg/kg of the PPAR{gamma} agonist pioglitazone daily for themore » final 3 days to directly assess the effects of diet acidification on responsiveness to PPAR{gamma} agonism. Urothelial cell PPAR{alpha} and {gamma} expression and signaling were evaluated in the 18- and 33-day studies by immunohistochemical assessment of PPAR protein (33-day study only) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measurement of PPAR-regulated gene expression. In the 5-day study, EGFR expression and phosphorylation status were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining and egfr and akt2 mRNA levels were assessed by qRT-PCR. Diet acidification did not alter PPAR{alpha}, {delta}, or {gamma} mRNA or protein expression, PPAR{alpha}- or {gamma}-regulated gene expression, total or phosphorylated EGFR protein, egfr or akt2 gene expression, or proliferation in urothelium. Moreover, diet acidification had no effect on pioglitazone-induced changes in urothelial PPAR{gamma}-regulated gene expression. These results support the contention that urine acidification does not prevent PPAR{gamma} agonist-induced bladder tumors by altering PPAR{alpha}, {gamma}, or EGFR expression or PPAR signaling in rat bladder urothelium.« less

Effects of thalidomide on the expression of adhesion molecules in rat liver cirrhosis.

PubMed

Lv, Peng; Paul, Shelley Chireyath; Xiao, Yanjv; Liu, Shiquan; Luo, Hesheng

2006-01-01

This study was to evaluate the effects of thalidomide on expression of adhesion molecules in liver cirrhosis. The cirrhosis was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of CCl(4), and thalidomide (10 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/kg/day) was given by intragastric administration for 8 weeks. Liver histopathology and immunohistochemistry were significantly improved and the expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and TNF-alpha mRNA and protein were decreased significantly in rats treated with a high dose of thalidomide. Close positive correlation was observed in the expression of the TNF-alpha mRNA and that of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin mRNA, respectively. These results indicate that thalidomide exerts its effect on the downregulation of adhesion molecules via TNF-alpha signaling pathway to inhibit liver fibrosis.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kimura, Rino; Takahashi, Nobuyuki, E-mail: nobu@kais.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Murota, Kaeko

Highlights: {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation increased mRNA expression levels of fatty acid oxidation-related genes in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. {yields} PPAR{alpha} activation also increased oxygen consumption rate and CO{sub 2} production and decreased secretion of triglyceride and ApoB from Caco-2 cells. {yields} Orally administration of bezafibrate increased mRNA expression levels of fatty acid oxidation-related genes and CO{sub 2} production in small intestinal epithelial cells. {yields} Treatment with bezafibrate decreased postprandial serum concentration of triglyceride after oral injection of olive oil in mice. {yields} It suggested that intestinal lipid metabolism regulated by PPAR{alpha} activation suppresses postprandial lipidemia. -- Abstract: Activation ofmore » peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-{alpha} which regulates lipid metabolism in peripheral tissues such as the liver and skeletal muscle, decreases circulating lipid levels, thus improving hyperlipidemia under fasting conditions. Recently, postprandial serum lipid levels have been found to correlate more closely to cardiovascular diseases than fasting levels, although fasting hyperlipidemia is considered an important risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of PPAR{alpha} activation on postprandial lipidemia has not been clarified. In this study, we examined the effects of PPAR{alpha} activation in enterocytes on lipid secretion and postprandial lipidemia. In Caco-2 enterocytes, bezafibrate, a potent PPAR{alpha} agonist, increased mRNA expression levels of fatty acid oxidation-related genes, such as acyl-CoA oxidase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase, and acyl-CoA synthase, and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and suppressed secretion levels of both triglycerides and apolipoprotein B into the basolateral side. In vivo experiments revealed that feeding high-fat-diet containing bezafibrate increased mRNA expression levels of fatty acid oxidation-related genes and production of CO{sub 2} and acid soluble metabolites in enterocytes. Moreover, bezafibrate treatment suppressed postprandial lipidemia after oral administration of olive oil to the mice. These findings indicate that PPAR{alpha} activation suppresses postprandial lipidemia through enhancement of fatty acid oxidation in enterocytes, suggesting that intestinal lipid metabolism regulated by PPAR{alpha} activity is a novel target of PPAR{alpha} agonist for decreasing circulating levels of lipids under postprandial conditions.« less

Peptide-matrix-mediated gene transfer of an oxygen-insensitive hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha variant for local induction of angiogenesis.

PubMed

Trentin, Diana; Hall, Heike; Wechsler, Sandra; Hubbell, Jeffrey A

2006-02-21

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) constitutes a target in therapeutic angiogenesis. HIF-1alpha functions as a sensor of hypoxia and induces expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which then induces angiogenesis. To explore the potential of HIF-1alpha gene therapy in stimulating wound healing, we delivered a gene encoding a stabilized form of HIF-1alpha, lacking the oxygen-sensitive degradation domain, namely HIF-1alpha deltaODD, by using a previously characterized peptide-based gene delivery vector in fibrin as a surgical matrix. The peptide vector consisted of multiple domains: (i) A cysteine-flanked lysine hexamer provided DNA interactions that were stable extracellularly but destabilized intracellularly after reduction of the formed disulfide bonds. This DNA-binding domain was fused to either (ii) a fibrin-binding peptide for entrapment within the matrix or (iii) a nuclear localization sequence for efficient nuclear targeting. The HIF-1alpha deltaODD gene was expressed and translocated to the nucleus under normoxic conditions, leading to up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A165 mRNA and protein levels in vitro. When the peptide-DNA nanoparticles entrapped in fibrin matrices were applied to full-thickness dermal wounds in the mouse (10 microg per wound in 30 microl of fibrin), angiogenesis was increased comparably strongly to that induced by VEGF-A165 protein (1.25 microg per wound in 30 microl of fibrin). However, the maturity of the vessels induced by HIF-1alpha deltaODD was significantly higher than that induced by VEGF-A165 protein, as shown by stabilization of the neovessels with smooth muscle. Nonviral, local administration of this potent angiogenesis-inducing gene by using this peptide vector represents a powerful approach in tissue engineering and therapeutic angiogenesis.

A HIF-1alpha-related gene involved in cell protection from hypoxia by suppression of mitochondrial function.

PubMed

Kakinuma, Yoshihiko; Katare, Rajesh G; Arikawa, Mikihiko; Muramoto, Kazuyo; Yamasaki, Fumiyasu; Sato, Takayuki

2008-01-23

Recently, we reported that acetylcholine-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia; however, the downstream factors reducing hypoxic stress are unknown. We identified apoptosis inhibitor (AI) gene as being differentially expressed between von Hippel Lindau (VHL) protein-positive cells with high levels of GRP78 expression and VHL-negative cells with lower GRP levels, using cDNA subtraction. AI decreased GRP78 level, suppressed mitochondrial function, reduced oxygen consumption and, ultimately, suppressed hypoxia-induced apoptosis. By contrast, knockdown of the AI gene increased mitochondrial function. Hypoxic cardiomyocytes and ischemic myocardium showed increased AI mRNA expression. These findings suggest that AI is involved in suppressing mitochondrial function, thereby leading to cellular stress eradication and consequently to protection during hypoxia.

Bletilla striata polysaccharide stimulates inducible nitric oxide synthase and proinflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages.

PubMed

Diao, Huajia; Li, Xin; Chen, Jiangning; Luo, Yi; Chen, Xi; Dong, Lei; Wang, Chunming; Zhang, Chenyu; Zhang, Junfeng

2008-02-01

Bletilla striata, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for the treatment of alimentary canal mucosal damage, ulcers, bleeding, bruises and burns. B. striata polysaccharide (BSP) isolated from B. striata was found to enhance vascular endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. However, the wound healing mechanism of BSP is not well understood. In this study, the results show that treatment with BSP induces coordinate changes in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) mRNA levels and enhances the expression of these cytokines, but has no effect on interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) level. In this study, we partially elucidate the wound healing mechanism of BSP.

Synthesis of Toll-like receptor 4 in Kupffer cells and its role in alcohol-induced liver disease.

PubMed

Zuo, Guoqing; Gong, Jianping; Liu, Chang'an; Wu, Chuanxin; Li, Shengwei; Dai, Lili

2003-02-01

To observe the synthesis of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 protein and its mRNA expression in Kupffer cells (KCs) and evaluate the role of TLR 4 in liver injury to rats through alcohol-induced liver disease. Twenty-eight Wistar rats were divided into two groups: ethanol-fed (group E) and control (group C). Group E rats were given ethanol at a dose of 5 - 12 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), while group C received dextrose. Animals from both groups were killed at 4 and 8 weeks. The KCs were isolated and synthesis of TLR 4 protein was determined by laser scanning confocal microscopy. TLR 4 mRNA expression in KCs was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. The levels of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in plasma were determined. Changes in liver pathology were observed. Laser scanning confocal microscopy showed that the intensity of fluorescence of TLR 4 protein in group E was stronger than group C. Ethanol administration led to a significant increase in TLR 4 mRNA expression in group E compared with group C (P < 0.05). The concentrations of plasma endotoxin, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were higher in group E than in group C (P < 0.05). Liver sections from rats in group E demonstrated marked pathological changes. Ethanol administration can lead to the synthesis of TLR 4 protein and its gene expression in KCs, indicating that TLR 4 may play a major role in the development of alcohol-induced liver injury.

Butter feeding enhances TNF-alpha production from macrophages and lymphocyte adherence in murine small intestinal microvessels.

PubMed

Fujiyama, Yoichi; Hokari, Ryota; Miura, Soichiro; Watanabe, Chikako; Komoto, Shunsuke; Oyama, Tokushige; Kurihara, Chie; Nagata, Hiroshi; Hibi, Toshifumi

2007-11-01

Dietary fat is known to modulate immune functions. Intake of an animal fat-rich diet has been linked to increased risk of inflammation; however, little is known about how animal fat ingestion directly affects intestinal immune function. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of butter feeding on lymphocyte migration in intestinal mucosa and the changes in adhesion molecules and cytokines involved in this effect. T-lymphocytes isolated from the spleen were fluorescence-labeled and injected into recipient mice. Butter was administered into the duodenum, and villus microvessels of the small intestinal mucosa were observed under an intravital microscope. mRNA expression of adhesion molecules and cytokines in the intestinal mucosa were determined by quantitative PCR. The effect of butter feeding on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA expression of intestinal macrophages was also determined. Intraluminal butter administration significantly increased lymphocyte adherence to intestinal microvessels accompanied by increases in expression levels of adhesion molecules ICAM-1, MAdCAM-1 and VCAM-1. This accumulation was significantly attenuated by anti-MAdCAM-1 and anti-ICAM-1 antibodies. Butter administration significantly increased TNF-alpha in the lamina proprial macrophages but not interleukin-6. Anti-TNF-alpha treatment attenuated the enhanced expression of adhesion molecules induced by butter administration. T-lymphocyte adherence to microvessels of the small intestinal mucosa was significantly enhanced after butter ingestion. This enhancement is due to increase in expression levels of adhesion molecules of the intestinal mucosa, which is mediated by TNF-alpha from macrophages in the intestinal lamina propria.

Characterization of three types of human alpha s1-casein mRNA transcripts.

PubMed Central

Johnsen, L B; Rasmussen, L K; Petersen, T E; Berglund, L

1995-01-01

Here we report the molecular cloning and sequencing of three types of human alpha s1-casein transcripts and present evidence indicating that exon skipping is responsible for deleted mRNA transcripts. The largest transcript comprised 981 bp encoding a signal peptide of 15 amino acids followed by the mature alpha s1-casein sequence of 170 amino acids. Human alpha s1-casein has been reported to exist naturally as a multimer in complex with kappa-casein in mature human milk, thereby being unique among alpha s1-caseins [Rasmussen, Due and Petersen (1995) Comp. Biochem. Physiol., in the press]. The present demonstration of three cysteines in the mature protein provides a molecular explanation of the interactions in this complex. Tissue-specific expression of human alpha s1-casein was indicated by Northern-blot analysis. In addition, two cryptic exons were localized in the bovine alpha s1-casein gene. Images Figure 3 PMID:7619062

Involvement of matrix metalloproteinase-13 in stromal-cell-derived factor 1 alpha-directed invasion of human basal cell carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Chu, C-Y; Cha, S-T; Chang, C-C; Hsiao, C-H; Tan, C-T; Lu, Y-C; Jee, S-H; Kuo, M-L

2007-04-12

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common skin neoplasms in humans and is usually characterized by local aggressiveness with little metastatic potential, although deep invasion, recurrence, and regional and distant metastases may occur. Here, we studied the mechanism of BCC invasion. We found that human BCC tissues and a BCC cell line had significant expression of CXCR4, which was higher in invasive than non-invasive BCC types. Further, of 19 recurrent tumors among 390 BCCs diagnosed during the past 12 years, 17/19 (89.5%) had high CXCR4 expression. We found that the CXCR4 ligand, stromal-cell-derived factor 1alpha (SDF-1alpha), directed BCC invasion and that this was mediated by time-dependent upregulation of mRNA expression and gelatinase activity of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13). The transcriptional regulation of MMP-13 by SDF-1alpha was mediated by phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 and activation of the AP-1 component c-Jun. Finally, CXCR4-transfected BCC cells injected into nude mice induced aggressive BCCs that co-expressed CXCR4 and MMP-13. The identification of SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 as an important factor in BCC invasiveness may contribute insight into mechanisms involved in the aggressive potential of human BCC and may improve therapy for invasive BCCs.

Posttranscriptional regulation of human iNOS by the NO/cGMP pathway.

PubMed

Pérez-Sala, D; Cernuda-Morollón, E; Díaz-Cazorla, M; Rodríguez-Pascual, F; Lamas, S

2001-03-01

Nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP may exert positive or negative effects on inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression. We have explored the influence of the NO/cGMP pathway on iNOS levels in human mesangial cells. Inhibition of NOS activity during an 8-h stimulation with IL-1beta plus tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha reduced iNOS levels, while NO donors amplified iNOS induction threefold. However, time-course studies revealed a subsequent inhibitory effect of NO donors on iNOS protein and mRNA levels. This suggests that NO may contribute both to iNOS induction and downregulation. Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activation may be involved in these effects. Inhibition of sGC attenuated IL-1beta/TNF-alpha-elicited iNOS induction and reduced NO-driven amplification. Interestingly, cGMP analogs also modulated iNOS protein and mRNA levels in a biphasic manner. Inhibition of transcription unveiled a negative posttranscriptional modulation of the iNOS transcript by NO and cGMP at late times of induction. Supplementation with 8-bromo-cGMP (8-BrcGMP) reduced iNOS mRNA stability by 50%. These observations evidence a complex feedback regulation of iNOS expression, in which posttranscriptional mechanisms may play an important role.

Structural basis of nucleic-acid recognition and double-strand unwinding by the essential neuronal protein Pur-alpha

PubMed Central

Weber, Janine; Bao, Han; Hartlmüller, Christoph; Wang, Zhiqin; Windhager, Almut; Janowski, Robert; Madl, Tobias; Jin, Peng; Niessing, Dierk

2016-01-01

The neuronal DNA-/RNA-binding protein Pur-alpha is a transcription regulator and core factor for mRNA localization. Pur-alpha-deficient mice die after birth with pleiotropic neuronal defects. Here, we report the crystal structure of the DNA-/RNA-binding domain of Pur-alpha in complex with ssDNA. It reveals base-specific recognition and offers a molecular explanation for the effect of point mutations in the 5q31.3 microdeletion syndrome. Consistent with the crystal structure, biochemical and NMR data indicate that Pur-alpha binds DNA and RNA in the same way, suggesting binding modes for tri- and hexanucleotide-repeat RNAs in two neurodegenerative RNAopathies. Additionally, structure-based in vitro experiments resolved the molecular mechanism of Pur-alpha's unwindase activity. Complementing in vivo analyses in Drosophila demonstrated the importance of a highly conserved phenylalanine for Pur-alpha's unwinding and neuroprotective function. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms of nucleic-acid binding, this study contributes to understanding the cellular role of Pur-alpha and its implications in neurodegenerative diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.11297.001 PMID:26744780

Compartmental responses after thoracic irradiation of mice: Strain differences

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chiang, C.-S.; Liu, W.-C.; Jung, S.-M.

2005-07-01

Purpose: To examine and compare the molecular and cellular processes leading to radiation fibrosis and pneumonitis in C57BL/6J and C3H/HeN mice. Methods and Materials: At indicated times after various doses of thoracic irradiation, the cell populations obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage of C57BL/6J mice were differentially analyzed by cytology and assessed by RNase protection (RPA) assay for levels of cytokines and related genes. The molecular responses in bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) populations were compared with those in whole lung of C57BL/6J mice and with those of C3H/HeN mice. The former strain develops late radiation fibrosis, whereas the latter develop subacute radiationmore » pneumonitis. Results: In C57BL/6J mice, a decrease in the total number of BAL cells was found 1 week after 6, 12, or 20 Gy thoracic irradiation with a subsequent dose-dependent increase up to 6 months. After 12 and 20 Gy, large, foamy macrophages and multinucleated cells became evident in BAL at 3 weeks, only to disappear at 4 months and reappear at 6 months. This biphasic response was mirrored by changes expression of mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines and the Mac-1 macrophage-associated antigen. As with BAL, whole lung tissue also showed biphasic cytokine and Mac-1 mRNA responses, but there were striking temporal differences between the two compartments, with changes in whole lung tissue correlating better than BAL with the onset of fibrosis in this strain. The radiation-induced proinflammatory mRNA responses had strain-dependent and strain-independent components. Thoracic irradiation of C3H/HeN induced similar increases in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-{alpha}, interleukin (IL)-1{alpha}/{beta}, and interferon (IFN)-{gamma} mRNA expression in lung as it did in C57BL/6J mice during the 'presymptom' phase at 1-2 months. However, immediately preceding and during the pneumonitic time period at 3-4 months, TNF-{alpha} and IL-1{alpha}/{beta} mRNAs were highly upregulated in C3H/HeN mice, which develop pneumonitis, but not in C57BL/6J mice, which do not. At the onset of radiation fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice (5-6 months), irradiated lungs had increased levels of IL-1{alpha}/{beta} and IFN-{gamma} mRNA expression, but the TNF-{alpha} response was, notably, still muted. Conclusions: The major molecular and cellular events in lungs of C57BL/6J and C3H/HeN mice, which develop late fibrosis and subacute pneumonitis after thoracic irradiation respectively, take place within the interstitium and are not reflected within BAL populations. The initial proinflammatory responses are similar in the two strains, but later responses reflect the latent time to lesion development. TNF-{alpha} expression at 3-4 months may be important in radiation-induced pneumonitis, and its downregulation is important in avoiding this radiation-induced complication.« less

PKA- and PKC-dependent regulation of angiopoietin 2 mRNA in human granulosa lutein cells.

PubMed

Witt, P S; Pietrowski, D; Keck, C

2004-02-01

New blood vessels develop from preexisting vessels in response to growth factors or hypoxic conditions. Recent studies have shown that angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT-2) plays an important role in the modulation of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in humans and mice. The signaling pathways that lead to the regulation of ANGPT-2 are largely unclear. Here, we report that protein kinase C and protein kinase A activators (ADMB, 8-Cl-cAMP) increased the mRNA levels of ANGPT-2 in human Granulosa cells, whereas PKC and PKA Inhibitors (Rp-cAMP, GO 6983) decreased markedly the level of ANGPT-2 mRNA. Due to varying specificity of the modulators for certain protein kinases subunits, we conclude that the conventional PKCs, but not PKC alpha and beta1, the atypical PKCs and the PKA I, are involved in the regulation of ANGPT-2. These findings may help to explain the role of both PKA and PKC dependent signaling cascades in the regulation of ANGPT-2 mRNA.

Experiment K-6-11. Actin mRNA and cytochrome c mRNA concentrations in the tricepts brachia muscle of rats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Booth, F. W.; Morrison, P. R.; Thomason, D. B.; Oganov, V. S.

1990-01-01

It is well known that some skeletal muscles atrophy as a result of weightlessness (Steffen and Musacchia 1986) and as a result of hindlimb suspension (Tischler et al., 1985, Thomason et al., 1987). Because the content of protein is determined by the rates of protein synthesis and degradation, a decrease in protein synthesis rate, or an increase in the protein degradation, or changes in both could produce the atrophy. Indeed, an increased protein degradation (Tischler et al., 1985) and a decreased protein synthesis (Thomason et al., 1988) have been observed in skeletal muscles of suspended hindlimbs of rats. Any decrease in protein synthesis rate could be caused by decreases in mRNA concentrations. Such decreases in the concentration and content of alpha-actin mRNA and cytochrome c mRNA have been noted in skeletal muscles of hindlimb suspended rats (Babij and Booth, 1988). From these findings researchers hypothesized that alpha-actin mRNA and cytochrome c mRNA would decrease in the triceps brachia muscle of Cosmos 1887 rats.

Boric acid inhibits LPS-induced TNF-alpha formation through a thiol-dependent mechanism in THP-1 cells.

PubMed

Cao, Jun; Jiang, Liping; Zhang, Xiaomei; Yao, Xiaofeng; Geng, Chengyan; Xue, Xiangxin; Zhong, Laifu

2008-01-01

Oxidative stress plays an important role during inflammatory diseases and antioxidant administration to diminish oxidative stress may arrest inflammatory processes. Boron has been implicated to modulate certain inflammatory mediators and regulate inflammatory processes. Here we investigated the role of the tripeptide glutathione (GSH) in modulating the effects of boric acid (BA) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) formation in THP-1 monocytes. Interestingly, we found that BA had no significant effects on both TNF-alpha production and intracellular GSH contents, whereas it could inhibit LPS-induced TNF-alpha formation and ameliorated the d,l-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO)-induced GSH depletion. Twenty-four hour incubation with BSO induced a decrease of the intracellular GSH and an increase of TNF-alpha. Treatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) did not significantly increase intracellular content of GSH but significantly reduced the secretion of TNF-alpha. BSO-pretreatment for 24h enhanced the LPS-induced secretion and mRNA expression of TNF-alpha further. BA inhibited LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha formation was also seen after GSH depletion by BSO. These results indicate that BA may have anti-inflammatory effect in the LPS-stimulated inflammation and the effect of BA on TNF-alpha secretion may be induced via a thiol-dependent mechanism.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha contributes to thyroid hormone homeostasis by cooperatively regulating the type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase gene with GATA4 and Kruppel-like transcription factor 9.

PubMed

Ohguchi, Hiroto; Tanaka, Toshiya; Uchida, Aoi; Magoori, Kenta; Kudo, Hiromi; Kim, Insook; Daigo, Kenji; Sakakibara, Iori; Okamura, Masashi; Harigae, Hideo; Sasaki, Takeshi; Osborne, Timothy F; Gonzalez, Frank J; Hamakubo, Takao; Kodama, Tatsuhiko; Sakai, Juro

2008-06-01

Type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio1), a selenoenzyme catalyzing the bioactivation of thyroid hormone, is highly expressed in the liver. Dio1 mRNA and enzyme activity levels are markedly reduced in the livers of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha)-null mice, thus accounting for its liver-specific expression. Consistent with this deficiency, serum T4 and rT3 concentrations are elevated in these mice compared with those in HNF4alpha-floxed control littermates; however, serum T3 levels are unchanged. Promoter analysis of the mouse Dio1 gene demonstrated that HNF4alpha plays a key role in the transactivation of the mouse Dio1 gene. Deletion and substitution mutation analyses demonstrated that a proximal HNF4alpha site (direct repeat 1 [TGGACAAAGGTGC]; HNF4alpha-RE) is crucial for transactivation of the mouse Dio1 gene by HNF4alpha. Mouse Dio1 is also stimulated by thyroid hormone signaling, but a direct role for thyroid hormone receptor action has not been reported. We also showed that thyroid hormone-inducible Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) stimulates the mouse Dio1 promoter very efficiently through two CACCC sequences that are located on either side of HNF4alpha-RE. Furthermore, KLF9 functions together with HNF4alpha and GATA4 to synergistically activate the mouse Dio1 promoter, suggesting that Dio1 is regulated by thyroid hormone in the mouse through an indirect mechanism requiring prior KLF9 induction. In addition, we showed that physical interactions between the C-terminal zinc finger domain (Cf) of GATA4 and activation function 2 of HNF4alpha and between the basic domain adjacent to Cf of GATA4 and a C-terminal domain of KLF9 are both required for this synergistic response. Taken together, these results suggest that HNF4alpha regulates thyroid hormone homeostasis through transcriptional regulation of the mouse Dio1 gene with GATA4 and KLF9.

The expression of Apoc3 mRNA is regulated by HNF4α and COUP-TFII, but not acute retinoid treatments, in primary rat hepatocytes and hepatoma cells.

PubMed

Howell, Meredith; Li, Rui; Zhang, Rui; Li, Yang; Chen, Wei; Chen, Guoxun

2014-02-01

Vitamin A status regulates obesity development, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic lipogenic gene expression in Zucker fatty (ZF) rats. The development of hyperlipidemia in acne patients treated with retinoic acid (RA) has been attributed to the induction of apolipoprotein C-III expression. To understand the role of retinoids in the development of hyperlipidemia in ZF rats, the expression levels of several selected RA-responsive genes in the liver and isolated hepatocytes from Zucker lean (ZL) and ZF rats were compared using real-time PCR. The Rarb and Srebp-1c mRNA levels are higher in the liver and isolated hepatocytes from ZF than ZL rats. The Apoc3 mRNA level is only higher in the isolated hepatocytes from ZF than ZL rats. To determine whether dynamic RA production acutely regulates Apoc3 expression, its mRNA levels in response to retinoid treatments or adenovirus-mediated overexpression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) and chicken ovalbumin upstream-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) were analyzed. Retinoid treatments for 2-6 h did not induce the expression of Apoc3 mRNA. The overexpression of HNF4α or COUP-TFII induced or inhibited Apoc3 expression, respectively. We conclude that short-term retinoid treatments could not induce Apoc3 mRNA expression, which is regulated by HNF4α and COUP-TFII in hepatocytes.

An endogenous RNA transcript antisense to CNG(alpha)1 cation channel mRNA.

PubMed

Cheng, Chin-Hung; Yew, David Tai-Wai; Kwan, Hiu-Yee; Zhou, Qing; Huang, Yu; Liu, Yong; Chan, Wing-Yee; Yao, Xiaoqiang

2002-10-01

CNG channels are cyclic nucleotide-gated Ca(2+)-permeable channels that are suggested to be involved in the activity-dependent alterations of synaptic strength that are thought to underlie information storage in the CNS. In this study, we isolated an endogenous RNA transcript antisense to CNG(alpha)1 mRNA. This transcript was capable of down-regulating the expression of sense CNG(alpha)1 in the Xenopus oocyte expression system. RT-PCR, Northern blot, and in situ hybridization analyses showed that the transcript was coexpressed with CNG(alpha)1 mRNA in many regions of human brain, notably in those regions that were involved in long-term potentiation and long-term depression, such as hippocampal CA1 and CA3, dentate gyrus, and cerebellar Purkinje layer. Comparison of expression patterns between adult and fetal cerebral cortex revealed that there were concurrent developmental changes in the expression levels of anti-CNG1 and CNG(alpha)1. Treatment of human glioma cell T98 with thyroid hormone T(3) caused a significant increase in anti-CNG1 expression and a parallel decrease in sense CNG(alpha)1 expression. These data suggest that the suppression of CNG(alpha)1 expression by anti-CNG1 may play an important role in neuronal functions, especially in synaptic plasticity and cortical development. Endogenous antisense RNA-mediated regulation may represent a new mechanism through which the activity of ion channels can be regulated in the human CNS.

Contribution of HIF-1alpha or HIF-2alpha to erythropoietin expression: in vivo evidence based on chromatin immunoprecipitation.

PubMed

Yeo, Eun-Jin; Cho, Young-Suk; Kim, Myung-Suk; Park, Jong-Wan

2008-01-01

Circulating erythropoietin (EPO) is mainly produced by the kidneys and mediates erythrogenesis in bone marrow and nonhematopoietic cell survival. EPO is also produced in other tissues where it functions as a paracrine. Moreover, the hypoxic induction of EPO is known to be mediated by HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha, but it remains obscure as to which of these two mediators mainly contributes to EPO expression. Thus, we designed in vivo experiments to evaluate the contributions made by HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha to EPO expression. In mice exposed to mild whole body hypoxia, HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha were both induced in all tissues examined. However, EPO mRNA was expressed in kidney and brain, but not in liver and lung. Likewise, chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) analyses demonstrated that HIF-1alpha or HIF-2alpha binding to the EPO gene increased under hypoxic conditions only in kidney and brain. A comparison of CHIP data and EPO mRNA levels suggested that, during mild hypoxia, renal EPO transcription is induced equally by HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha, but that brain EPO is mainly induced during hypoxia by HIF-2alpha. Thus, HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha appear to contribute to EPO expression tissue specifically.

Guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins in retinal pigment epithelial cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiang, Meisheng; Tran, V.T.; Fong, H.K.W.

1991-05-01

The expression of GTP-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins) in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was analyzed by RNA blot hybridization and cDNA amplification. Both adult and fetal human RPE cells contain mRNA for multiple G protein {alpha} subunits (G{alpha}) including G{sub s}{alpha}, G{sub i-1}{alpha}, G{sub i-2}{alpha}, G{sub i-3}{alpha}, and G{sub z}{alpha} (or G{sub x}{alpha}), where G{sub s} and G{sub i} are proteins that stimulate or inhibit adenylyl cyclase, respectively, and G{sub z} is a protein that may mediate pertussis toxin-insensitive events. Other G{alpha}-related mRNA transcripts were detected in fetal RPE cells by low-stringency hybridization to G{sub i-2}{alpha} and G{sub s}{alpha}more » protein-coding cDNA probes. The diversity of G proteins in RPE cells was further studied by cDNA amplification with reverse transcriptase and the polymerase chain reaction. This approach revealed that, besides the above mentioned members of the G{alpha} gene family, at least two other G{alpha} subunits are expressed in RPE cells. Human retinal cDNA clones that encode one of the additional G{alpha} subunits were isolated and characterized. The results indicate that this G{alpha} subunit belongs to a separate subfamily of G proteins that may be insensitive to inhibition by pertussis toxin.« less

Corticosteroids reduce IL-6 in ASM cells via up-regulation of MKP-1.

PubMed

Quante, Timo; Ng, Yee Ching; Ramsay, Emma E; Henness, Sheridan; Allen, Jodi C; Parmentier, Johannes; Ge, Qi; Ammit, Alaina J

2008-08-01

The mechanisms by which corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation are not completely understood. Traditionally, corticosteroids were thought to inhibit cytokines exclusively at the transcriptional level. Our recent evidence, obtained in airway smooth muscle (ASM), no longer supports this view. We have found that corticosteroids do not act at the transcriptional level to reduce TNF-alpha-induced IL-6 gene expression. Rather, corticosteroids inhibit TNF-alpha-induced IL-6 secretion by reducing the stability of the IL-6 mRNA transcript. TNF-alpha-induced IL-6 mRNA decays at a significantly faster rate in ASM cells pretreated with the corticosteroid dexamethasone (t(1/2) = 2.4 h), compared to vehicle (t(1/2) = 9.0 h; P < 0.05) (results are expressed as decay constants [k] [mean +/- SEM] and half-life [h]). Interestingly, the underlying mechanism of inhibition by corticosteroids is via the up-regulation of an endogenous mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). Corticosteroids rapidly up-regulate MKP-1 in a time-dependent manner (44.6 +/- 10.5-fold increase after 24 h treatment with dexamethasone; P < 0.05), and MKP-1 up-regulation was temporally related to the inhibition of TNF-alpha-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Moreover, TNF-alpha acts via a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway to stabilize the IL-6 mRNA transcript (TNF-alpha, t(1/2) = 9.6 h; SB203580 + TNF-alpha, t(1/2) = 1.5 h), exogenous expression of MKP-1 significantly inhibits TNF-alpha-induced IL-6 secretion and MKP-1 siRNA reverses the inhibition of TNF-alpha-induced IL-6 secretion by dexamethasone. Taken together, these results suggest that corticosteroid-induced MKP-1 contributes to the repression of IL-6 secretion in ASM cells.

The effect of dietary carbohydrate on genes for fatty acid synthase and inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissues from lean and obese subjects.

PubMed

Hudgins, Lisa C; Baday, Aline; Hellerstein, Marc K; Parker, Thomas S; Levine, Daniel M; Seidman, Cynthia E; Neese, Richard A; Tremaroli, Jolanta D; Hirsch, Jules

2008-04-01

Hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is markedly stimulated in humans by low-fat diets enriched in simple sugars. However, the dietary responsiveness of the key enzyme controlling DNL in human adipose tissue, fatty acid synthase (FAS), is uncertain. Adipose tissue mRNA for FAS is increased in lean and obese subjects when hepatic DNL is elevated by a eucaloric, low-fat, high-sugar diet. Twelve lean and seven obese volunteers were given two eucaloric diets (10% vs. 30% fat; 75% vs. 55% carbohydrate; sugar/starch 60/40) each for 2 weeks by a random-order cross-over design. FAS mRNA in abdominal and gluteal adipose tissues was compared to hepatic DNL measured in serum by isotopic and nonisotopic methods. Adipose tissue mRNA for tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-6, which are inflammatory cytokines that modulate DNL, was also assayed. The low-fat high-sugar diet induced a 4-fold increase in maximum hepatic DNL (P<.001) but only a 1.3-fold increase in adipose tissue FAS mRNA (P=.029) and no change in cytokine mRNA. There was a borderline significant positive correlation between changes in FAS mRNA and hepatic DNL (P=.039). Compared to lean subjects, obese subjects had lower levels of FAS mRNA and higher levels of cytokine mRNA (P<.001). The results suggest that key elements of human adipose tissue DNL are less responsive to dietary carbohydrate than is hepatic DNL and may be regulated by diet-independent factors. Irrespective of diet, there is reduced expression of the FAS gene and increased expression of cytokine genes in adipose tissues of obese subjects.

Granulocyte-macrophage and macrophage colony-stimulating factors differentially regulate alpha v integrin expression on cultured human macrophages.

PubMed

De Nichilo, M O; Burns, G F

1993-03-15

The colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) greatly influence mature macrophage function in vitro: macrophage (M)-CSF induces maturation of monocytes and enhances differentiated cell function; granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF stimulates a variety of antimicrobial functions. In vivo M-CSF is thought to promote differentiation, and GM-CSF is thought to potentiate the inflammatory response. One mechanism by which these differential effects may be achieved is through the receptor-mediated interaction of macrophages with their extracellular matrix. Here we show that M-CSF induces specifically the expression of the alpha v beta 5 integrin receptor, whereas GM-CSF rapidly induces mRNA and surface expression of the alpha v beta 3 integrin. The M-CSF-treated cells acquire a flattened epitheloid phenotype, and on vitronectin the alpha v beta 5 is located in adhesion plaques. These cells do not bind collagen or laminin. In contrast, cells treated with GM-CSF adopt an elongated phenotype on a number of substrates, including collagen and laminin, and express alpha v beta 3 at the leading edge of cells on vitronectin. These results suggest that a primary means by which the CSFs exert their individual effects on mature cells may be through regulating integrin expression.

Pomegranate protects liver against cecal ligation and puncture-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rats through TLR4/NF-κB pathway inhibition.

PubMed

Makled, Mirhan N; El-Awady, Mohammed S; Abdelaziz, Rania R; Atwan, Nadia; Guns, Emma T; Gameil, Nariman M; Shehab El-Din, Ahmed B; Ammar, Elsayed M

2016-04-01

Acute liver injury secondary to sepsis is a major challenge in intensive care unit. This study was designed to investigate potential protective effects of pomegranate against sepsis-induced acute liver injury in rats and possible underlying mechanisms. Pomegranate was orally given (800mg/kg/day) for two weeks before sepsis induction by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Pomegranate improved survival and attenuated liver inflammatory response, likely related to downregulation of mRNA expression of toll like recptor-4, reduced nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB subunit p65, decreased mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and reduction in myeloperoxidase activity and mRNA expression. Pomegranate also decreased CLP-induced oxidative stress as reflected by decreased malondialdehyde content, and increased reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity. These results confirm the antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects of pomegranate in CLP-induced acute liver injury mediated through inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway, lipid peroxidation and neutrophil infiltration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison between tocotrienol and omeprazole on gastric growth factors in stress-exposed rats.

PubMed

Nur Azlina, Mohd Fahami; Qodriyah, Hj Mohd Saad; Chua, Kien Hui; Kamisah, Yusof

2017-08-28

To investigate and compare the effects of tocotrienol and omeprazole on gastric growth factors in rats exposed to water-immersion restraint stress (WIRS). Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups of seven rats. The two control groups were administered vitamin-free palm oil (vehicle) and the two treatment groups were given omeprazole (20 mg/kg) or tocotrienol (60 mg/kg) by oral gavage. After 28 d of treatment, rats from one control group and both treated groups were subjected to WIRS one time for 3.5 h. Gastric lesions were measured and gastric tissues were obtained to measure vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) mRNA expression. Rats exposed to WIRS for 3.5 h demonstrated the presence of considerable ulcers in the form of gastric erosion. The lesion index in the stressed control (S) group was increased ( P < 0.001) compared to the tocotrienol treated and omeprazole treated groups. Stress led to a decrease in gastric VEGF ( P < 0.001), bFGF ( P < 0.001) and TGF-α ( P < 0.001) mRNA levels and caused an increase in EGF mRNA ( P < 0.001) that was statistically significant compared to the non-stressed control group. Although both treatment agents exerted similar ulcer reducing ability, only treatment with tocotrienol led to increased expression of VEGF ( P = 0.008), bFGF ( P = 0.001) and TGF-α ( P = 0.002) mRNA. Tocotrienol provides gastroprotective effects in WIRS-induced ulcers. Compared to omeprazole, tocotrienol exerts a similar protective effect, albeit through multiple mechanisms of protection, particularly through up-regulation of growth factors that assist in repair of gastric tissue injuries.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus leader proteinase inhibits dsRNA-induced type I interferon transcription by decreasing interferon regulatory factor 3/7 in protein levels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Dang; Fang, Liurong; Luo, Rui

2010-08-13

Research highlights: {yields} FMDV L{sup pro} inhibits poly(I:C)-induced IFN-{alpha}1/{beta} mRNA expression. {yields} L{sup pro} inhibits MDA5-mediated activation of the IFN-{alpha}1/{beta} promoter. {yields} L{sup pro} significantly reduced the transcription of multiple IRF-responsive genes. {yields} L{sup pro} inhibits IFN-{alpha}1/{beta} promoter activation by decreasing IRF-3/7 in protein levels. {yields} The ability to process eIF-4G of L{sup pro} is not necessary to inhibit IFN-{alpha}1/{beta} activation. -- Abstract: The leader proteinase (L{sup pro}) of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) has been identified as an interferon-{beta} (IFN-{beta}) antagonist that disrupts the integrity of transcription factor nuclear factor {kappa}B (NF-{kappa}B). In this study, we showed that the reductionmore » of double stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced IFN-{alpha}1/{beta} expression caused by L{sup pro} was also associated with a decrease of interferon regulatory factor 3/7 (IRF-3/7) in protein levels, two critical transcription factors for activation of IFN-{alpha}/{beta}. Furthermore, overexpression of L{sup pro} significantly reduced the transcription of multiple IRF-responsive genes including 2',5'-OAS, ISG54, IP-10, and RANTES. Screening L{sup pro} mutants indicated that the ability to process eIF-4G of L{sup pro} is not required for suppressing dsRNA-induced activation of the IFN-{alpha}1/{beta} promoter and decreasing IRF-3/7 expression. Taken together, our results demonstrate that, in addition to disrupting NF-{kappa}B, L{sup pro} also decreases IRF-3/7 expression to suppress dsRNA-induced type I IFN production, suggesting multiple strategies used by FMDV to counteract the immune response to viral infection.« less

Methanol extract of Xanthium strumarium L. possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities.

PubMed

Kim, In-Tae; Park, Young-Mi; Won, Jong-Heon; Jung, Hyun-Ju; Park, Hee-Juhn; Choi, Jong-Won; Lee, Kyung-Tae

2005-01-01

As an attempt to identify bioactive natural products with anti-inflammatory activity, we evaluated the effects of the methanol extract of the semen of Xanthium strumarium L. (MEXS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in RAW 264.7 cells. Our data indicate that MEXS is a potent inhibitor of NO, PGE2 and TNF-alpha production. Consistent with these findings, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-alpha mRNA were down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, MEXS inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) DNA binding activity and the translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus by blocking the degradation of inhibitor of kappa B-alpha (IkappaB-alpha). We further evaluated the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of MEXS in vivo. MEXS (100, 200 mg/kg/d, p.o.) reduced acute paw edema induced by carrageenin in rats, and showed analgesic activities in an acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test and a hot plate test in mice. Thus, our study suggests that the inhibitions of iNOS, COX-2 expression, and TNF-alpha release by the methanol extract of the semen of Xanthium strumarium L. are achieved by blocking NF-kappaB activation, and that this is also responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Challenge with 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2) during early development persistently impairs growth, differentiation, and local expression of IGF-I and IGF-II in immune organs of tilapia.

PubMed

Shved, Natallia; Berishvili, Giorgi; Häusermann, Eliane; D'Cotta, Helena; Baroiller, Jean-François; Eppler, Elisabeth

2009-03-01

The enormous expansion of world-wide aquaculture has led to increasing interest in the regulation of fish immune system. Estrogen has recently been shown to inhibit the endocrine (liver-derived) and autocrine/paracrine local insulin-like growth factor-I system in fish. In order to address the potential actions of estrogen on the IGF system in immune organs, tilapia were fed with 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2)-enriched food from 10 to 40 days post fertilization (DPF) to induce functional feminization, an approach commonly used in aquaculture. EE2-treated and control fish were sampled at 75 and 165 DPF. The expression levels of ER-alpha, IGF-I, IGF-II and growth hormone receptor (GH-R) mRNA in spleen and head kidney were determined by real-time PCR and the expressing sites of IGF-I mRNA identified by in situ hybridisation. Ratios of spleen length and weight to body length and weight were determined. At 165 DPF, the length (4.9% vs. 7.6%) and weight (0.084% vs. 0.132%) ratios were significantly lowered in EE2-treated fish and number and size of the melanomacrophage centres were considerably reduced. At 75 DPF, both in spleen and head kidney of EE2-treated fish the expression levels of IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA were markedly diminished. The suppression was more pronounced for IGF-I (spleen: -12.071-fold; head kidney: -8.413-fold) than for IGF-II (spleen: -4.102-fold; head kidney: -1.342-fold). In agreement, clearly fewer leucocytes and macrophages in head kidney and spleen of EE2-treated fish contained IGF-I mRNA as shown by in situ hybridisation. ER-alpha mRNA expression in spleen was increased at 75 DPF but unchanged in head kidney. GH-R gene expression showed a mild upregulation at 165 DPF in both tissues. Thus, exposure to EE2 during early development affected distinctly the IGF system in tilapia immune organs. It led to lasting impairment of spleen growth and differentiation that can be attributed to an interaction of EE2 with IGF-I and, less pronouncedly, IGF-II. Especially, the impairment of spleen and melanomacrophage centres might interfere with the antigen presentation capacity of the immune system and, thus, alter susceptibility to infection.

Amplified in Breast Cancer Regulates Transcription and Translation in Breast Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Ochnik, Aleksandra M; Peterson, Mark S; Avdulov, Svetlana V; Oh, Annabell S; Bitterman, Peter B; Yee, Douglas

2016-02-01

Control of mRNA translation is fundamentally altered in cancer. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) signaling regulates key translation mediators to modulate protein synthesis (e.g. eIF4E, 4E-BP1, mTOR, and S6K1). Importantly the Amplified in Breast Cancer (AIB1) oncogene regulates transcription and is also a downstream mediator of IGF-I signaling. To determine if AIB1 also affects mRNA translation, we conducted gain and loss of AIB1 function experiments in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)(+) (MCF-7L) and ERα(-) (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435 and LCC6) breast cancer cells. AIB1 positively regulated IGF-I-induced mRNA translation in both ERα(+) and ERα(-) cells. Formation of the eIF4E-4E-BP1 translational complex was altered in the AIB1 ERα(+) and ERα(-) knockdown cells, leading to a reduction in the eIF4E/4E-BP1 and eIF4G/4E-BP1 ratios. In basal and IGF-I stimulated MCF-7 and LCC6 cells, knockdown of AIB1 decreased the integrity of the cap-binding complex, reduced global IGF-I stimulated polyribosomal mRNA recruitment with a concomitant decrease in ten of the thirteen genes tested in polysome-bound mRNAs mapping to proliferation, cell cycle, survival, transcription, translation and ribosome biogenesis ontologies. Specifically, knockdown of AIB1 decreased ribosome-bound mRNA and steady-state protein levels of the transcription factors ERα and E2F1 in addition to reduced ribosome-bound mRNA of the ribosome biogenesis factor BYSL in a cell-line specific manner to regulate mRNA translation. The oncogenic transcription factor AIB1 has a novel role in the regulation of polyribosome recruitment and formation of the translational complex. Combinatorial therapies targeting IGF signaling and mRNA translation in AIB1 expressing breast cancers may have clinical benefit and warrants further investigation. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Folate receptor {alpha} regulates cell proliferation in mouse gonadotroph {alpha}T3-1 cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yao, Congjun; Evans, Chheng-Orn; Stevens, Victoria L.

We have previously found that the mRNA and protein levels of the folate receptor alpha (FR{alpha}) are uniquely over-expressed in clinically human nonfunctional (NF) pituitary adenomas, but the mechanistic role of FR{alpha} has not fully been determined. We investigated the effect of FR{alpha} over-expression in the mouse gonadotroph {alpha}T3-1 cell line as a model for NF pituitary adenomas. We found that the expression and function of FR{alpha} were strongly up-regulated, by Western blotting and folic acid binding assay. Furthermore, we found a higher cell growth rate, an enhanced percentage of cells in S-phase by BrdU assay, and a higher PCNAmore » staining. These observations indicate that over-expression of FR{alpha} promotes cell proliferation. These effects were abrogated in the same {alpha}T3-1 cells when transfected with a mutant FR{alpha} cDNA that confers a dominant-negative phenotype by inhibiting folic acid binding. Finally, by real-time quantitative PCR, we found that mRNA expression of NOTCH3 was up-regulated in FR{alpha} over-expressing cells. In summary, our data suggests that FR{alpha} regulates pituitary tumor cell proliferation and mechanistically may involve the NOTCH pathway. Potentially, this finding could be exploited to develop new, innovative molecular targeted treatment for human NF pituitary adenomas.« less

Regulation of LPS-induced mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines via alteration of NF-κB activity in mouse peritoneal macrophages exposed to fluoride.

PubMed

Tian, Yuhu; Huo, Meijun; Li, Guangsheng; Li, Yanyan; Wang, Jundong

2016-10-01

F toxicity to immune system, especially to macrophage, has been studied a lot recently. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), as a transcription factor, plays a central role in immune and inflammatory responses via the regulation of downstream gene expression. Recent studies indicated that fluoride effect on inflammatory cytokine secretion, however, the molecular mechanism was less understood. In our study, peritoneal macrophages (PMs) were divided several groups and were administrated sodium fluoride (NaF, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 μM) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 30 ng/mg). The mRNA expression of p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in macrophages exposed to fluoride was determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR respectively. The translocation of NF-κB from cytoplasm to nucleus, which in a way reflects NF-κB activity, was demonstrated by Immunofluorescence and ELISA. Our results showed that fluoride had a dose-dependent effect on NF-κB activity, which coincided with LPS-induced mRNA expression of its downstream genes, iNOS and IL-1β. Fluoride alone causes no effect on gene expression. However, the mRNA expression of TNF-α showed non-NF-κB-dependent manner. Therefore, we come to the conclusion that fluoride can regulate LPS-induced mRNA expression of iNOS and IL-1β via NF-κB pathway in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Effect of total alkaloids of Rubus alceaefolius on oxidative stress in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease].

PubMed

Zheng, Haiyin; Zhao, Jinyan; Liu, Yan; Zheng, Yuqing; Wu, Juan; Hong, Zhenfeng

2011-09-01

To study the effects of total alkaloids of Rubus alceaefolius (RAP) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats and explore its possible mechanisms. Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, model group, compound methionine and choline bitartrate tablets (CMCB)group and three RAP groups treated respectively with low, middle and high dose of RAP. The NAFLD model was induced by feeding fat-rich food. NAFLD rats were administrated with 0.35 g x kg(-1) CMCB and 0.36, 0.72, 1.44 g x kg(-1) RAP for 4 weeks respectively. The weight index of liver was measured. Hepatic histolog ical changes were observed. The concentration in serum of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino tranferase (ALT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined. The mRNA expressions of SOD, MDA, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in hepatic tissue were detected. Compared with the model group, degree of steatosis of hepatic lobule was improved, the weight index of liver was decreased, serum levels of ALT, AST, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were significantly lower in the high and middle dose RAP group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The levels of SOD and MDA in hepatic tissue were lower in the high dose RAP group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in hepatic tissue were decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). RAP can protect liver in experimental NAFLD, and its possible mechanisms may be concerned with clearing the oxygen free radical, reducing the product of lipid peroxidation, inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines and reducing nflammatory response.

Clinical values of AFP, GPC3 mRNA in peripheral blood for prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following OLT: AFP, GPC3 mRNA for prediction of HCC.

PubMed

Wang, Yuliang; Shen, Zhongyang; Zhu, Zhijun; Han, Ruifa; Huai, Mingsheng

2011-03-01

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Annually, about 200,000 patients died of HCC in China. Liver transplantation (LT) holds great theoretical appeal in treating HCC. However, the high recurrence rate after transplantation is the most important limiting factor for long-term survival. To assess the value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) messenger RNA (mRNA), Glypican-3 (GPC3) mRNA-expressing cells in the peripheral blood (PB) for prediction of HCC recurrence following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). 29 patients with HCC who underwent OLT with a minimum clinical follow-up of 12 months were included in this retrospective study. We detected AFP mRNA, GPC3 mRNA-expressing cells in the PB by TaqMan real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), pre-, intra- and post-operatively. The early recurrence of patients was evaluated. 8 (28%), 15 (52%), and 9 (31%) patients had AFP mRNA detected pre-, intra-, and post-operatively, respectively. With 12 months of follow-up, HCC recurred in 7 (24%) patients. Univariate analysis revealed that positive pre- and post-operative AFP mRNA, TNM stage as well as vascular invasion were significant predictors for the HCC recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that being positive for AFP mRNA pre-operatively remained a significant risk factor for HCC recurrence after OLT. GPC3 mRNA was expressed in all PB samples. There was no significant difference in the expression levels of GPC3 mRNA between the HCC and control groups. There were no significant differences in GPC3 mRNA expression values between those patients with and without tumor recurrence. The pre-operative detection of circulating AFP mRNA-expressing cells could be a useful predictor for HCC recurrence following OLT. GPC3 mRNA-expressing cells in PB seem to have no diagnostic value.

Reduction of adenovirus E1A mRNA by RNAi results in enhanced recombinant protein expression in transiently transfected HEK293 cells.

PubMed

Hacker, David L; Bertschinger, Martin; Baldi, Lucia; Wurm, Florian M

2004-10-27

Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells, a widely used host for large-scale transient expression of recombinant proteins, are transformed with the adenovirus E1A and E1B genes. Because the E1A proteins function as transcriptional activators or repressors, they may have a positive or negative effect on transient transgene expression in this cell line. Suspension cultures of HEK293 EBNA (HEK293E) cells were co-transfected with a reporter plasmid expressing the GFP gene and a plasmid expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting the E1A mRNAs for degradation by RNA interference (RNAi). The presence of the shRNA in HEK293E cells reduced the steady state level of E1A mRNA up to 75% and increased transient GFP expression from either the elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1alpha) promoter or the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) immediate early promoter up to twofold. E1A mRNA depletion also resulted in a twofold increase in transient expression of a recombinant IgG in both small- and large-scale suspension cultures when the IgG light and heavy chain genes were controlled by the EF-1alpha promoter. Finally, transient IgG expression was enhanced 2.5-fold when the anti-E1A shRNA was expressed from the same vector as the IgG light chain gene. These results demonstrated that E1A has a negative effect on transient gene expression in HEK293E cells, and they established that RNAi can be used to enhance recombinant protein expression in mammalian cells.

The expression of Hedgehog genes (Ihh, Dhh) and Hedgehog target genes (Ptc1, Gli1, Coup-TfII) is affected by estrogenic stimuli in the uterus of immature female rats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Katayama, Seiichi; Ashizawa, Koji; Gohma, Hiroshi

2006-12-15

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of estrogen receptor (ER) agonists and an ER antagonist on the expression of Hedgehog genes (Indian hedgehog: Ihh; Desert hedgehog: Dhh) and Hedgehog target genes (Patched 1: Ptc1; glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1: Gli1; chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II: Coup-TfII) in the rat uterus. Immature female rats were administered once with 17{alpha}-ethynyl estradiol (EE, an ER agonist), propyl pyrazole triole (PPT, an ER{alpha}-selective agonist), diarylpropionitrile (DPN, an ER{beta}-selective agonist), or ICI 182,780 (an ER antagonist). Expression of mRNA for Ihh, Dhh, and Ptc1 was dose-dependently downregulated by EE inmore » the uterus of immature rats, mediated by ER as confirmed by coadministration of ICI 182,780. The mRNA expression levels of Ptc1, Gli1, and Coup-TfII were simultaneously downregulated during the period in which the mRNA expression levels of Ihh and Dhh were downregulated in the uterus after administration of EE. PPT downregulated the transcription of Ihh, Dhh, Ptc1, Gli1, and Coup-TfII, indicating that expression of these genes was regulated by the ER{alpha}-dependent pathway. DPN also downregulated the transcription of Ihh and Dhh, although the effect was weaker than that of PPT, indicating that the regulation of uterine Ihh and Dhh transcription was also affected by the ER{beta}-dependent pathway. These results suggest that the expression of Hedgehog genes (Ihh, Dhh) and Hedgehog target genes (Ptc1, Gli1, Coup-TfII) is affected by estrogenic stimuli in the uterus of immature female rats.« less

Exercise increases the plasma membrane content of the Na+ -K+ pump and its mRNA in rat skeletal muscles.

PubMed

Tsakiridis, T; Wong, P P; Liu, Z; Rodgers, C D; Vranic, M; Klip, A

1996-02-01

Muscle fibers adapt to ionic challenges of exercise by increasing the plasma membrane Na+-K+ pump activity. Chronic exercise training has been shown to increase the total amount of Na+-K+ pumps present in skeletal muscle. However, the mechanism of adaptation of the Na+-K+ pump to an acute bout of exercise has not been determined, and it is not known whether it involves alterations in the content of plasma membrane pump subunits. Here we examine the effect of 1 h of treadmill running (20 m/min, 10% grade) on the subcellular distribution and expression of Na+-K+ pump subunits in rat skeletal muscles. Red type I and IIa (red-I/IIa) and white type IIa and IIb (white-IIa/IIb) hindlimb muscles from resting and exercised female Sprague-Dawley rats were removed for subcellular fractionation. By homogenization and gradient centrifugation, crude membranes and purified plasma membranes were isolated and subjected to gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting by using pump subunit-specific antibodies. Furthermore, mRNA was isolated from specific red type I (red-I) and white type IIb (white-IIb) muscles and subjected to Northern blotting by using subunit-specific probes. In both red-I/IIa and white-IIa/IIb muscles, exercise significantly raised the plasma membrane content of the alpha1-subunit of the pump by 64 +/- 24 and 55 +/- 22%, respectively (P < 0.05), and elevated the alpha2-polypeptide by 43 +/- 22 and 94 +/- 39%, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant effect of exercise could be detected on the amount of these subunits in an internal membrane fraction or in total membranes. In addition, exercise significantly increased the alpha1-subunit mRNA in red-I muscle (by 50 +/- 7%; P < 0.05) and the beta2-subunit mRNA in white-IIb muscles (by 64 +/- 19%; P < 0.01), but the alpha2- and beta1-mRNA levels were unaffected in this time period. We conclude that increased presence of alpha1- and alpha2-polypeptides at the plasma membrane and subsequent elevation of the alpha1- and beta2-subunit mRNAs may be mechanisms by which acute exercise regulates the Na+-K+ pump of skeletal muscle.

Tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} induces MMP-9 expression via p42/p44 MAPK, JNK, and nuclear factor-{kappa}B in A549 cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, C.-C.; Tseng, Hsiao-Wei; Hsieh, Hsi-Lung

2008-06-15

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in particular MMP-9, have been shown to be induced by cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) and contributes to airway inflammation. However, the mechanisms underlying MMP-9 expression induced by TNF-{alpha} in human A549 cells remain unclear. Here, we showed that TNF-{alpha} induced production of MMP-9 protein and mRNA is determined by zymographic, Western blotting, RT-PCR and ELISA assay, which were attenuated by inhibitors of MEK1/2 (U0126), JNK (SP600125), and NF-{kappa}B (helenalin), and transfection with dominant negative mutants of ERK2 ({delta}ERK) and JNK ({delta}JNK), and siRNAs for MEK1, p42 and JNK2. TNF-{alpha}-stimulated phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAPK and JNKmore » were attenuated by pretreatment with the inhibitors U0126 and SP600125 or transfection with dominant negative mutants of {delta}ERK and {delta}JNK. Furthermore, the involvement of NF-{kappa}B in TNF-{alpha}-induced MMP-9 production was consistent with that TNF-{alpha}-stimulated degradation of I{kappa}B-{alpha} and translocation of NF-{kappa}B into the nucleus which were blocked by helenalin, but not by U0126 and SP600125, revealed by immunofluorescence staining. The regulation of MMP-9 gene transcription by MAPKs and NF-{kappa}B was further confirmed by gene luciferase activity assay. MMP-9 promoter activity was enhanced by TNF-{alpha} in A549 cells transfected with wild-type MMP-9-Luc, which was inhibited by helenalin, U0126, or SP600125. In contrast, TNF-{alpha}-stimulated MMP-9 luciferase activity was totally lost in cells transfected with mutant-NF-{kappa}B MMP-9-luc. Moreover, pretreatment with actinomycin D and cycloheximide attenuated TNF-{alpha}-induced MMP-9 expression. These results suggest that in A549 cells, phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAPK, JNK, and transactivation of NF-{kappa}B are essential for TNF-{alpha}-induced MMP-9 gene expression.« less

Age differentially influences estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) and estrogen receptor-beta (ERbeta) gene expression in specific regions of the rat brain.

PubMed

Wilson, Melinda E; Rosewell, Katherine L; Kashon, Michael L; Shughrue, Paul J; Merchenthaler, Istvan; Wise, Phyllis M

2002-03-31

Estradiol's ability to influence neurochemical events that are critical to female reproductive cyclicity and behavior decreases with age. We tested the hypothesis that decreases in estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) and/or ERbeta mRNA explain the brain's declining responsiveness to estradiol. We assessed ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA levels in intact and ovariectomized estradiol-treated rats. ERbeta mRNA was detected in several brain regions and decreased by middle-age in the cerebral cortex and supraoptic nucleus of estradiol-treated rats. ERbeta mRNA levels exhibited a diurnal rhythm in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of young and middle-aged rats and this rhythm was blunted in old rats. We examined ERalpha mRNA in the periventricular preoptic, medial preoptic, ventromedial and arcuate nuclei, and it was decreased only in the periventricular preoptic nucleus of the old rats. In summary, the expression of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNAs is differentially modulated in the aging brain and changes are region specific.

Induction of nitric oxide synthase in rat intestine by interleukin-1alpha may explain diarrhea associated with zinc deficiency.

PubMed

Cui, L; Takagi, Y; Wasa, M; Iiboshi, Y; Khan, J; Nezu, R; Okada, A

1997-09-01

Synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the intestine may result in local tissue damage. We investigated whether a challenge with interleukin-1alpha could give rise to intestinal iNOS expression and diarrhea in rats of differing zinc status. Weaning male rats were fed a zinc-deficient (ZD) diet (2 mg zinc/kg) for 4 wk to induce zinc deficiency or a zinc-supplemented diet [50.8 mg zinc/kg; controls, including pair-fed (PF ) and ad libitum (AL) consumption groups], and then subcutaneously injected with interleukin-1alpha (2 x 10(7) units/kg body wt). Without the interleukin-1alpha challenge, ZD rats had significantly lower plasma zinc concentration than the other groups. Intestinal metallothionein-1 mRNA abundance was lower in ZD rats than in AL rats. iNOS was expressed in the intestine of ZD rats but not in the others. None of the rats experienced diarrhea during the feeding period. Interleukin-1alpha led to a reduction in plasma zinc concentration, enhancement in intestinal metallothionein-1 mRNA levels, and expression of the intestinal iNOS gene in all groups. However, the abundance of iNOS mRNA was significantly higher in ZD rats than in the other groups. The presence of iNOS protein was demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining in the intestine of ZD rats that had been treated with interleukin-1alpha 12 h earlier. In addition, diarrhea occurred in most of the ZD rats and some of the PF rats but not in AL rats after interleukin-1alpha treatment. We conclude that ZD rats respond to interleukin-1alpha challenge more severely than controls, reflected by a more marked and prolonged iNOS expression and a greater incidence of diarrhea.

The coffee diterpene kahweol inhibits tumor necrosis factor-{alpha}-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules in human endothelial cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Hyung Gyun; Kim, Ji Young; Hwang, Yong Pil

2006-12-15

Endothelial cells produce adhesion molecules after being stimulated with various inflammatory cytokines. These adhesion molecules play an important role in the development of atherogenesis. Recent studies have highlighted the chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of kahweol, a coffee-specific diterpene. This study examined the effects of kahweol on the cytokine-induced monocyte/human endothelial cell interaction, which is a crucial early event in atherogenesis. Kahweol inhibited the adhesion of TNF{alpha}-induced monocytes to endothelial cells and suppressed the TNF{alpha}-induced protein and mRNA expression of the cell adhesion molecules, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. Furthermore, kahweol inhibited the TNF{alpha}-induced JAK2-PI3K/Akt-NF-{kappa}B activation pathway in these cells. Overall, kahweol hasmore » anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activities, which occurs partly by down-regulating the pathway that affects the expression and interaction of the cell adhesion molecules on endothelial cells.« less

mRNA and Protein Levels for GABA[subscript A][alpha]4, [alpha]5, [beta]1 and GABA[subscript B]R1 Receptors are Altered in Brains from Subjects with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fatemi, S. Hossein; Reutiman, Teri J.; Folsom, Timothy D.; Rooney, Robert J.; Patel, Diven H.; Thuras, Paul D.

2010-01-01

We have shown altered expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA[subscript A]) and gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABA[subscript B]) receptors in the brains of subjects with autism. In the current study, we sought to verify our western blotting data for GABBR1 via qRT-PCR and to expand our previous work to measure mRNA and protein levels of 3…

Aromatase, steroid-5-alpha-reductase type 1 and type 2 mRNA expression in gonads and in brain of Xenopus laevis during ontogeny.

PubMed

Urbatzka, R; Lutz, I; Kloas, W

2007-01-01

The key enzymes involved in the production of endogenous sex steroids are steroid-5-alpha-reductase and aromatase converting testosterone (T) into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and into estradiol (E2), respectively. To gain more insights into the molecular mechanisms of sexual differentiation of amphibians, we determined the mRNA expression of steroid-5-alpha-reductase type1 (Srd5a1), type2 (Srd5a2) and aromatase (Aro) during ontogeny starting from the egg and ending after completion of metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis. Expression of all three enzymes was measured by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR, determining for the first time Srd5a1 and Srd5a2 mRNA expression in amphibians. mRNA was analyzed in whole body homogenates from stage 12 to 48, while brain and gonads with kidney were studied separately from stage 48 to 66. Different ontogenetic mRNA expression patterns were observed for all genes analyzed, revealing early mRNA expression of Srd5a1 already in the egg at stage 12 whereas Srd5a2 and Aro was detected at stage 39. Sex-specific mRNA expressions of Srd5a2 and of Aro were determined in the gonads with kidney but not in brain. Srd5a2 was two-fold higher expressed in testes than in ovaries while Aro mRNA was ten-fold higher in ovaries. No gender-specific mRNA expression was observed for Srd5a1 in gonads and in brain. The ontogenetic patterns of Aro, Srd5a1 and Srd5a2 suggest that these genes are involved in sexual differentiation of gonads and brain already in early developmental stages. Especially in gonads Srd5a2 seems to be important for physiological regulation of testis development while Aro is associated with the development of ovaries.

Leptin potentiates Prevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide-induced production of TNF-alpha in monocyte-derived macrophages.

PubMed

Kim, Sung-Jo

2010-06-01

In addition to regulating body weight, leptin is also recognized for its role in the regulation of immune function and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leptin on Prevotella (P.) intermedia lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production in differentiated THP-1 cells, a human monocytic cell line. LPS from P. intermedia ATCC 25611 was prepared by the standard hot phenol-water method. THP-1 cells were incubated in the medium supplemented with phorbol myristate acetate to induce differentiation into macrophage-like cells. The amount of TNF-alpha and interleukin-8 secreted into the culture medium was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TNF-alpha and Ob-R mRNA expression levels were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Leptin enhanced P. intermedia LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in a dose-dependent manner. Leptin modulated P. intermedia LPS-induced TNF-alpha expression predominantly at the transcriptional level. Effect of leptin on P. intermedia LPS-induced TNF-alpha production was not mediated by the leptin receptor. The ability of leptin to enhance P. intermedia LPS-induced TNF-alpha production may be important in the establishment of chronic lesion accompanied by osseous tissue destruction observed in inflammatory periodontal disease.

[Effects of traditional tibetan medicine, Fructus Lonicerae microphyllae on phagecytosis and cytokines production of murine macrophages].

PubMed

Wang, Ju-Le; Sun, Yang; Zhou, Hui-Ying; Xu, Qiang; Dun, Zhu

2006-01-01

To explore the effects of traditional Tibetan medicine, Fructus Lonicerae microphyllae (FLM) on phagecytosis and cytokines production of murine macrophages. The phagecytosis of murine macrophages was analyzed by neutral red phagecytosis assay. The activities of IL-1 and TNF-alpha were measured by biological methods. The mRNA of TNF-alpha and INF-gamma expressed by macrophages was detected by RT-PCR. The phagecytosis of murine macrophages was significantly enhanced by FLM at a concentration from 1 microg x mL(-1) to 100 microg x mL(-1) and the secretions of IL-1, and TNF-alpha from macrophages were markedly induced by FLM. Meanwhile, FLM also increased the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA and INF-gamma mRHA from macrophages in vitro. FLM could promote phagecytosis and cytokines production of murine macrophages.

Dorsomedial pontine neurons with descending projections to the medullary reticular formation express orexin-1 and adrenergic alpha2A receptor mRNA.

PubMed

Volgin, Denys V; Malinowska, Monika; Kubin, Leszek

2009-08-14

Neurons located in the dorsomedial pontine rapid eye movement (REM) sleep-triggering region send axons to the medial medullary reticular formation (mMRF). This pathway is believed to be important for the generation of REM sleep motor atonia, but other than that they are glutamatergic little is known about neurochemical signatures of these pontine neurons important for REM sleep. We used single-cell reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine whether dorsomedial pontine cells with projections to the mMRF express mRNA for selected membrane receptors that mediate modulatory influences on REM sleep. Fluorescein (FITC)-labeled latex microspheres were microinjected into the mMRF of 26-34-day-old rats under pentobarbital anesthesia. After 5-6 days, rats were sacrificed, pontine slices were obtained and neurons were dissociated from 400 to 600 microm micropunches extracted from dorsomedial pontine reticular formation. We found that 32 out of 51 FITC-labeled cells tested (63+/-7% (SE)) contained the orexin type 1 receptor (ORX1r) mRNA, 27 out of 73 (37+/-6%) contained the adrenergic alpha(2A) receptor (alpha(2A)r) RNA, and 6 out of 31 (19+/-7%) contained both mRNAs. The percentage of cells positive for the ORX1r mRNA was significantly lower (p<0.04) for the dorsomedial pontine cells that were not retrogradely labeled from the mMRF (32+/-11%), whereas alpha(2A)r mRNA was present in a similar percentage of FITC-labeled and unlabeled neurons. Our data suggest that ORX and adrenergic pathways converge on a subpopulation of cells of the pontine REM sleep-triggering region that have descending projections to the medullary region important for the motor control during REM sleep.

Regulation of GnRH I receptor gene expression by the GnRH agonist triptorelin, estradiol, and progesterone in the gonadotroph-derived cell line alphaT3-1.

PubMed

Weiss, J M; Polack, S; Treeck, O; Diedrich, K; Ortmann, O

2006-08-01

The secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and the GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) concentration are modulated by ovarian steroids and GnRH. To elucidate whether this regulation is due to alterations at the transcriptional level, we examined the GnRH I-R mRNA expression in the gonadotroph-derived cell line alphaT3-1 treated with different estradiol and progesterone paradigms and the GnRH I agonist triptorelin. alphaT3-1 cells were treated with different steroid paradigms: 1 nM estradiol or 100 nM progesterone for 48 h alone or in combination. Cells were exposed to 10 nM or 100 pM triptorelin for 30 min, 3 h, 9 h, or, in pulsatile way, with a 5-min pulse per hour. The GnRH I-R mRNA was determined by Northern blot analysis. GnRH I-R mRNA from cells treated with continuous triptorelin decreased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Pulsatile triptorelin increased GnRH I-R gene expression. Progesterone alone further enhanced this effect, whereas estradiol and its combination with progesterone diminished it. Continuous combined treatment with estradiol and progesterone lead to a significant decrease of GnRH I-R mRNA by 30% and by 35% for estradiol alone. The addition of 10 nM triptorelin for 30 min or 3 h could not influence that steroid effect. In conclusion, estradiol and progesterone exclusively decreased GnRH I-R mRNA in alphaT3-1 cells no matter whether they are treated additionally with the GnRH I agonist triptorelin. The enhanced sensitivity of gonadotrophs and GnRH I-R upregulation by estradiol is not due to increased GnRH I gene expression because GnRH I-R mRNA is downregulated by estradiol and progesterone. Other pathways of the GnRH I-R signal transduction might be involved.

Induction of an interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) on monocytic cells. Evidence that the receptor is not encoded by a T cell-type IL-1R mRNA.

PubMed

Spriggs, M K; Lioubin, P J; Slack, J; Dower, S K; Jonas, U; Cosman, D; Sims, J E; Bauer, J

1990-12-25

Primary human monocytes and the human monocytic cell line THP-1 were induced to express receptors for interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and IL-1 beta. Treatment of primary monocytes with dexamethasone resulted in a 10-fold increase in receptor number over untreated cells, to approximately 2,000 receptors/cell. Treatment of THP-1 cells with phorbol ester followed by prostaglandin E2 and dexamethasone resulted in the expression of approximately 30,000 receptors/cell. Competitive binding assays on THP-1 cells showed that both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta bind to the same receptor. The monocyte IL-1R is significantly smaller (63 kDa) than the T cell IL-1R (80 kDa) and is immunologically distinct. However, induction of monocytes and monocytic cell lines leads to the appearance of an abundant mRNA of approximately 5,000 bases which hybridizes to a cDNA probe from the T cell-type IL-1R. Sequence data obtained from a cDNA clone of this mRNA indicate that the message is identical to the T cell IL-1R mRNA throughout the coding region. A smaller mRNA, also homologous to the T cell IL-1R mRNA, accumulated in induced THP-1 cells and has a shorter 3'-untranslated region than the larger. Data are presented which suggest that neither form of this message encodes the 63-kDa IL-1R, but rather that this protein is the product of a separate nonhomologous mRNA.

Sarcomeric Myosin Expression in the Tongue Body of Humans, Macaques and Rats

PubMed Central

Rahnert, Jill A.; Sokoloff, Alan J.; Burkholder, Thomas J.

2010-01-01

Expression of developmental and unconventional myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms in some adult head and neck muscles is thought to reflect specific contractile demands of muscle fibers active during kinematically complex movements. Mammalian tongue muscles are active during oromotor behaviors that encompass a wide range of tongue movement speeds and tongue shape changes (e.g. respiration, oral transport, swallowing, rejection), but the extent to which tongue muscles express developmental and unconventional MHC is not known. Quantitative PCR was used to determine the mRNA content of conventional MHC-beta, MHC-2a, MHC-2b and MHC-2x, the developmental isoforms embryonic MHC and neonatal MHC and the unconventional isoforms atrial/cardiac-α MHC (MHC-alpha), extraocular MHC, masseter MHC and slow tonic MHC in tongue body muscles of the rat, macaque and human. In all species, conventional MHC isoforms predominate. MHC-2b and MHC-2x account for 98% of total MHC mRNA in the rat. MHC-2a, MHC-2x and MHC-beta account for 94% of total MHC mRNA in humans and 96% of total MHC mRNA in macaque. With the exception of MHC-alpha in humans (5%), developmental and unconventional MHC mRNA represents less than 0.3% of total MHC mRNA. We conclude that in these species, there is limited expression of developmental and unconventional MHC and that diversity of tongue body muscle fiber contractile properties is achieved primarily by MHC-beta, MHC-2a, MHC-2x and MHC-2b. Whether expression of MHC-alpha mRNA in tongue is unique to humans or present in other hominoids awaits further investigation. PMID:19907142

Bridging the gap between high-throughput genetic and transcriptional data reveals cellular pathways responding to alpha-synuclein toxicity

PubMed Central

Yeger-Lotem, Esti; Riva, Laura; Su, Linhui Julie; Gitler, Aaron D.; Cashikar, Anil; King, Oliver D.; Auluck, Pavan K.; Geddie, Melissa L.; Valastyan, Julie S.; Karger, David R.; Lindquist, Susan; Fraenkel, Ernest

2009-01-01

Cells respond to stimuli by changes in various processes, including signaling pathways and gene expression. Efforts to identify components of these responses increasingly depend on mRNA profiling and genetic library screens, yet the functional roles of the genes identified by these assays often remain enigmatic. By comparing the results of these two assays across various cellular responses, we found that they are consistently distinct. Moreover, genetic screens tend to identify response regulators, while mRNA profiling frequently detects metabolic responses. We developed an integrative approach that bridges the gap between these data using known molecular interactions, thus highlighting major response pathways. We harnessed this approach to reveal cellular pathways related to alpha-synuclein, a small lipid-binding protein implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson disease. For this we screened an established yeast model for alpha-synuclein toxicity to identify genes that when overexpressed alter cellular survival. Application of our algorithm to these data and data from mRNA profiling provided functional explanations for many of these genes and revealed novel relations between alpha-synuclein toxicity and basic cellular pathways. PMID:19234470

[Effects of Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions on immune inflammatory injury in adriamycin-induced nephropathic rats MA].

PubMed

Ma, Xiao-Hong; He, Li-Qun

2014-01-01

To investigate the effects of Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions on the inflammation injury mediated by the cellular immunity in the focal segmental glomurular Sclerosis (FSGS) nephropathy rats. The FSGS nephropathy rat model was established by the method of intravenous injection of Adriamycin after the removal of one kidney. After the treatment of Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions, the blood, spleen and kidney samples of each rat were collected for the detection of splenocytes CD4+/CD8+ ratio, renal tubulointerstitial fibronectin (FN) mRNA, Col III mRNA, and the expression levels of TNF-alpha and IL6. The treatment of Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions decreased the levels of CD4+/CD8+, tubulointerstitial FN mRNA, Col III mRNA, TNF-alpha and IL6 significantly in FSGS nephropathy rats. Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions could improve renal FSGS damage in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats.

Molecular basis of maple syrup urine disease: Novel mutations at the E1[alpha] locus that impair E1([alpha][sub 2][beta][sub 2]) assembly or decrease steady-state E1[alpha] mRNA levels of branched-chain [alpha]-keto acid dehydrogenase complex

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chuang, J.L.; Fisher, C.R.; Chuang, D.T.

1994-08-01

The authors report the occurrence of three novel mutations in the E1[alpha] (BCKDHA) locus of the branched-chain [alpha]-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKAD) complex that cause maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). An 8-bp deletion in exon 7 is present in one allele of a compound-heterozygous patient (GM-649). A single C nucleotide insertion in exon 2 occurs in one allele of an intermediate-MSUD patient (Lo). The second allele of patient Lo carries an A-to-G transition in exon 9 of the E1[alpha] gene. This missense mutation changes Tyr-368 to Cys (Y368C) in the E1[alpha] subunit. Both the 8-bp deletion and the single C insertionmore » generate a downstream nonsense codon. Both mutations appear to be associated with a low abundance of the mutant E1[alpha] mRNA, as determined by allele-specific oligonucleotide probing. Transfection studies strongly suggest that the Y368C substitution in the E1[alpha] subunit impairs its proper assembly with the normal E1[beta]. Unassembled as well as misassembled E1[alpha] and E1[beta] subunits are degraded in the cell. 32 refs., 8 figs.« less

Requirement for STAT1 in LPS-induced gene expression in macrophages.

PubMed

Ohmori, Y; Hamilton, T A

2001-04-01

This study examines the role of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) in induction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated gene expression both in vitro and in vivo. LPS-induced expression of an interferon (IFN)-inducible 10-kDa protein (IP-10), IFN regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNAs was severely impaired in macrophages prepared from Stat1-/- mice, whereas levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and KC (a C-X-C chemokine) mRNA in LPS-treated cell cultures were unaffected. A similar deficiency in LPS-induced gene expression was observed in livers and spleens from Stat1-/- mice. The reduced LPS-stimulated gene expression seen in Stat1-/- macrophages was not the result of reduced activation of nuclear factor kappaB. LPS stimulated the delayed activation of both IFN-stimulated response element and IFN-gamma-activated sequence binding activity in macrophages from wild-type mice. Activation of these STAT1-containing transcription factors was mediated by the intermediate induction of type I IFNs, since the LPS-induced IP-10, IRF-1, and iNOS mRNA expression was markedly reduced in macrophages from IFN-alpha/betaR-/- mice and blocked by cotreatment with antibodies against type I IFN. These results indicate that indirect activation of STAT1 by LPS-induced type I IFN participates in promoting optimal expression of LPS-inducible genes, and they suggest that STAT1 may play a critical role in innate immunity against gram-negative bacterial infection.

Etanercept Promotes Bone Formation via Suppression of Dickkopf-1 Expression in Rats with Collagen-Induced Arthritis

PubMed Central

Tanida, Atsushi; Kishimoto, Yuji; Okano, Toru; Hagino, Hiroshi

2013-01-01

Background Various clinical reports suggest etanercept (ETN) has some efficacy in bone formation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To examine this effect, we investigated the gene expression of cytokines relevant to osteoblast/osteoclast differentiation, and evaluated histomorphometric findings in mature rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Methods Total RNA was extracted from knee joints with CIA after ETN or placebo administration. Subsequently, realtime-PCR was carried out to quantify the mRNAs encoding Wnt-1, Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegelin (OPG) and TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-alpha. In histomorphometric analysis, the infiltrating pannus volume and pannus surface, and the following items in contact with pannus surface were measured: osteoclast number, osteoid surface, osteoid volume and labeling surface. These were evaluated in the distal femur with CIA with or without ETN administration. Results TNF-alpha, RANKL and OPG mRNA expressions, linked to osteoclastogenesis, were not significantly different with or without ETN administration. ETN administration significantly increased Wnt-1 mRNA expression, the osteoblast promoter, and decreased DKK-1 mRNA expression, the Wnt signal inhibitor. In histomorphometric analysis, pannus volume, pannus surface and osteoclast number, parameters of bone destruction, were not significantly different among groups. Osteoid volume, osteoid surface and labeling surface, parameters of bone formation, increased significantly with ETN administration. Conclusion Our results suggest that ETN suppresses DDK-1 expression, and, as a result, Wnt expression is promoted and osteoblastogenesis becomes more active, independent of the regulation of osteoclast activity. Marked bone formation is attributed to the fact that ETN directly promotes osteoblastogenesis, not as a result of suppressing osteoclastogenesis. PMID:24031147

[Effect of Xiaozheng Rongmu powder for the treatment of liver cirrhosis in rats].

PubMed

Mu, Yong-Ping; Chen, Xiao-Rong; Lu, Yun-Fei

2010-10-01

To observe the therapeutic effect of Xiaozheng Rongmu Powder (XRP) for the treatment of progressive CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis in rats. Rat liver cirrhosis model was established by subcutaneous injection of 50% CCl4-olive oil 2 mL/kg twice a week for 12 weeks. Experimental rats were divided into the control group treated by saline and the two treatment groups, treated with XRP and Xiaochaihu Decoction, respectively, with the treatment starting from the 9th week of modeling. Rats were sacrificed at the terminal of experiment, the death rate, character of ascites, liver histological changes, liver function, mRNA expression of hepatocyte mitosis and the liver fibrosis associated markers in rats were observed. At the end of the 8th week of modeling, serum levels of ALT, AST and TBil were increased, and Alb decreased significantly in rats (P < 0.01), cirrhosis formation with ascites could be seen in all rats. Meantime, levels of vascular smooth muscle alpha-actin, transforming growth factor-beta1, collagen I A2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tissue inhibitor of melalloproteinase-1 mRNA increased, while matrix melalloproteinase-13 mRNA were decreased significantly (P < 0.01), with visible liver proliferation to some extents. Further changes of above-mentioned abnormalities and clear suppression of hepatocytes mitosis were found in the modeled rats at the end of the 12th week. As compared to those occurred in the control group, changes in the XRP treated group were significantly milder at the corresponding duration, and clearly active hepatocytes mitosis was shown. XRP, a Chinese drug with the effect of dissolving phlegm, removing stasis and supplementing qi, could reverse the progress of cirrhosis formation induced by CCl4, and it brings potential new hope for the treatment of advanced cirrhosis by Chinese medicine.

The novel hypoxic cytotoxin, TX-2098 has antitumor effect in pancreatic cancer; possible mechanism through inhibiting VEGF and hypoxia inducible factor-1{alpha} targeted gene expression

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miyake, Kotaro, E-mail: hif.panc@gmail.com; Nishioka, Masanori; Imura, Satoru

Tumor hypoxia has been considered to be a potential therapeutic target, because hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors and is associated with their malignant phenotype. In the present study, we investigated the antitumor effect of a novel hypoxic cytotoxin, 3-[2-hydroxyethyl(methyl)amino]-2-quinoxalinecarbonitrile 1,4-dioxide (TX-2098) in inhibiting the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1{alpha} (HIF-1{alpha}), and consequently vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) expression in pancreatic cancer. The antitumor effects of TX-2098 under hypoxia were tested against various human pancreatic cancer cell lines using WST-8 assay. VEGF protein induced pancreatic cancer was determined on cell-free supernatant by ELISA. Moreover, nude mice bearingmore » subcutaneously (s.c.) or orthotopically implanted human SUIT-2 were treated with TX-2098. Tumor volume, survival and expression of HIF-1 and associated molecules were evaluated in treatment versus control groups. In vitro, TX-2098 inhibited the proliferation of various pancreatic cancer cell lines. In s.c model, tumors from nude mice injected with pancreatic cancer cells and treated with TX-2098 showed significant reductions in volume (P < 0.01 versus control). Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed that TX-2098 significantly inhibited mRNA expression of the HIF-1 associated molecules, VEGF, glucose transporter 1 and Aldolase A (P < 0.01 versus control). These treatments also prolong the survival in orthotopic models. These results suggest that the effect of TX-2098 in pancreatic cancer might be correlated with the expression of VEGF and HIF-1 targeted molecules. -- Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We designed and synthesized novel hypoxic cytoxin, TX-2098. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TX-2098 inhibited the proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cells than TPZ. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TX-2098 reduced VEGF protein level than TPZ. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TX-2098 inhibited mRNA expression of VEGF, GLUT1 and Aldolase A, not HIF-1{alpha}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TX-2098 improved the survival in orthotopic SUIT-2 xenograft model.« less

Expression of TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, IP-10 and IL-10 mRNA in kidneys of hamsters infected with pathogenic Leptospira.

PubMed

Lowanitchapat, Alisa; Payungporn, Sunchai; Sereemaspun, Amornpun; Ekpo, Pattama; Phulsuksombati, Duangporn; Poovorawan, Yong; Chirathaworn, Chintana

2010-09-01

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira. Although several components of this organism have been identified, the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of this infectious disease are still poorly understood. Besides, direct injury by microbial factors, cytokines produced in response to infection have been proposed to be involved in pathogenesis of leptospirosis. In this study, cytokine gene expression in kidneys was investigated. Hamsters were injected with pathogenic Leptospira interrogans serovar Pyrogenes and were sacrificed on days 3, 5 and 7 after infection. RNA was extracted from kidney tissues. Real-time PCR was performed to demonstrate expression of TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, IP-10 and IL-10 mRNA in kidneys. TNF-alpha, TGF-beta and IP-10 expression could be demonstrated since day 3 post-infection whereas IL-10 expression was detected later on day 5. Leptospira infection resulted in not only expression of a proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, but also a T cell chemokine, IP-10. Detection of IP-10 suggested the involvement of T cell recruitment in the immune response or pathology in infected kidneys. Expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines, TGF-beta and IL-10 were also observed. However, the level of TGF-beta expression was prominent since day 3 post-infection whereas IL-10 expression was clearly observed on day 5. Further experiments will provide additional information whether there is a correlation between the expression of these cytokines and pathologies found in an affected organ. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MHC class I, beta2 microglobulin, and the INF-gamma receptor are upregulated in aged motoneurons.

PubMed

Edström, Erik; Kullberg, Susanna; Ming, Yu; Zheng, Huaiyu; Ulfhake, Brun

2004-12-15

During aging, spinal cord motoneurons show characteristic changes including the loss of afferent boutons, a selective process that associates with gliosis and behavioral motor impairment. Evidence suggests that the major histocompatibility complex Class I (MHC I) system may be involved in synaptic plasticity of neurons during development and regeneration. In search of a mechanism governing senescent changes in synaptic connectivity, we report evidence for increased expression of MHC I and beta2 microglobulin (beta2M) in motoneurons and glial-like profiles of 30-month-old rats. The regulatory signal(s) for MHC I expression in normal neurons remains unresolved but among tentative molecules are cytokines such as interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Interestingly, aged motoneurons, overlapping with those showing increased levels of MHC I, contained increased levels of INF-gamma receptor message. INF-gamma mRNA was detected at low levels in most (8/9) of the aged spinal cords but only infrequently (2/9) in young adult spinal cords; however, the cellular localization of INF-gamma mRNA could not be determined. Our data also indicates that TNF-alpha is upregulated in the senescent spinal cord but that TNF-alpha immunoreactive protein does not associate with motoneurons. We report evidence for an increased expression of MHC I and beta2M in senescent spinal motoneurons and discuss the possibility that this regulation associates with INF-gamma or changes in neurotrophin signaling and neuron activity in senescence. (c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Influence of performance on gene expression in skeletal muscle: effects of forced inactivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomason, D. B.; Booth, F. W.

1989-01-01

Joint immobilization and hindlimb suspension are used to examine muscle protein expression and mRNA quantities in rats. A decrease in protein synthesis was not associated with alteration in alpha-actin mRNA, cytochrome c mRNA, or beta-myosin heavy chain mRNA early in treatment. Percentage declines after seven days are compared with early treatment quantities to determine acute and chronic response to muscular atrophy.

Loss of tumorigenic potential by human lung tumor cells in the presence of antisense RNA specific to the ectopically synthesized alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin.

PubMed

Rivera, R T; Pasion, S G; Wong, D T; Fei, Y B; Biswas, D K

1989-06-01

A clonal strain of human lung tumor cells in culture (ChaGo), derived from a bronchogenic carcinoma, synthesizes and secretes large amounts of alpha (alpha) and a comparatively lower level of beta (beta) subunit of the glycoprotein hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). ChaGo cells lost their characteristic anchorage-independent growth phenotype in the presence of anti-alpha-HCG antibody. The effect of the antibody was partially reversed by addition of alpha-HCG to the culture medium. ChaGo cells were transfected with an expression vector (pRSV-anti-alpha-HCG), that directs synthesis of RNA complementary to alpha-HCG mRNA. The transfectants produced alpha-HCG antisense RNA which was associated with the reduced level of alpha-HCG. Transfectants also displayed several altered phenotypic properties, including altered morphology, less mitosis, reduced growth rate, loss of anchorage-independent growth, and loss of tumorigenicity in nude mice. Treatment of transfectants with 8,bromo-cAMP resulted in increased accumulation of alpha-HCG mRNA, no change in the level of alpha-HCG antisense RNA, release of the inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation, and restoration of anchorage-independent growth phenotype. The overexpression of c-myc, observed in ChaGo cells, was unaffected by the reduced level of alpha-HCG. These results suggest that ectopic synthesis of the alpha subunit of HCG plays a functional role in the transformation of these human lung cells.

Metformin inhibits inflammatory response via AMPK-PTEN pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Sun Ae; Choi, Hyoung Chul, E-mail: hcchoi@med.yu.ac.kr

2012-09-07

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PTEN was induced by metformin and inhibited by compound C and AMPK siRNA. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Metformin suppressed TNF-{alpha}-induced COX-2 and iNOS mRNA expression. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Compound C and bpv (pic) increased iNOS and COX-2 protein expression. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer NF-{kappa}B activation was restored by inhibiting AMPK and PTEN. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer AMPK and PTEN regulated TNF-{alpha}-induced ROS production in VSMCs. -- Abstract: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammation of the coronary arteries. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) stimulated by cytokines and chemokines accelerate the inflammatory response and migrate to the injured endothelium during the progression of atherosclerosis. Activation of AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), amore » key sensor maintaining metabolic homeostasis, suppresses the inflammatory response. However, how AMPK regulates the inflammatory response is poorly understood. To identify the mechanism of this response, we focused on phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which is a negative regulator of inflammation. We investigated that activation of AMPK-induced PTEN expression and suppression of the inflammatory response through the AMPK-PTEN pathway in VSMCs. We treated with the well-known AMPK activator metformin to induce PTEN expression. PTEN was induced by metformin (2 mM) and inhibited by compound C (10 {mu}M) and AMPK siRNA. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-{alpha}) was used to induce inflammation. The inflammatory response was confirmed by cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, and activation of nuclear factor (NF)-{kappa}B. Metformin suppressed COX-2 and iNOS mRNA and protein expression dose dependently. Treatment with compound C and bpv (pic) in the presence of metformin, iNOS and COX-2 protein expression increased. NF-{kappa}B activation decreased in response to metformin and was restored by inhibiting AMPK and PTEN. Inhibiting AMPK and PTEN restored ROS levels stimulated with TNF-{alpha}. Taken together, PTEN could be a possible downstream regulator of AMPK, and the AMPK-PTEN pathway might be important in the regulation of the inflammatory response in VSMCs.« less

Endogenous myoglobin in human breast cancer is a hallmark of luminal cancer phenotype.

PubMed

Kristiansen, G; Rose, M; Geisler, C; Fritzsche, F R; Gerhardt, J; Lüke, C; Ladhoff, A-M; Knüchel, R; Dietel, M; Moch, H; Varga, Z; Theurillat, J-P; Gorr, T A; Dahl, E

2010-06-08

We aimed to clarify the incidence and the clinicopathological value of non-muscle myoglobin (Mb) in a large cohort of non-invasive and invasive breast cancer cases. Matched pairs of breast tissues from 10 patients plus 17 breast cell lines were screened by quantitative PCR for Mb mRNA. In addition, 917 invasive and 155 non-invasive breast cancer cases were analysed by immunohistochemistry for Mb expression and correlated to clinicopathological parameters and basal molecular characteristics including oestrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha)/progesteron receptor (PR)/HER2, fatty acid synthase (FASN), hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), HIF-2alpha, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX). The spatial relationship of Mb and ERalpha or FASN was followed up by double immunofluorescence. Finally, the effects of estradiol treatment and FASN inhibition on Mb expression in breast cancer cells were analysed. Myoglobin mRNA was found in a subset of breast cancer cell lines; in microdissected tumours Mb transcript was markedly upregulated. In all, 71% of tumours displayed Mb protein expression in significant correlation with a positive hormone receptor status and better prognosis. In silico data mining confirmed higher Mb levels in luminal-type breast cancer. Myoglobin was also correlated to FASN, HIF-2alpha and CAIX, but not to HIF-1alpha or GLUT1, suggesting hypoxia to participate in its regulation. Double immunofluorescence showed a cellular co-expression of ERalpha or FASN and Mb. In addition, Mb levels were modulated on estradiol treatment and FASN inhibition in a cell model. We conclude that in breast cancer, Mb is co-expressed with ERalpha and co-regulated by oestrogen signalling and can be considered a hallmark of luminal breast cancer phenotype. This and its possible new role in fatty acid metabolism may have fundamental implications for our understanding of Mb in solid tumours.

CXCR4 and SDF1 expression in human meningiomas: a proliferative role in tumoral meningothelial cells in vitro.

PubMed

Bajetto, Adriana; Barbieri, Federica; Pattarozzi, Alessandra; Dorcaratto, Alessandra; Porcile, Carola; Ravetti, Jean Louis; Zona, Gianluigi; Spaziante, Renato; Schettini, Gennaro; Florio, Tullio

2007-01-01

Chemokines participate in cellular processes associated with tumor proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. We previously demonstrated that stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) exerts a mitogenic activity in glioblastomas through the activation of its receptor CXCR4. Here we studied the expression of this chemokine in human meningiomas and its possible role in cell proliferation. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis for CXCR4 and SDF1 was performed on 55 human meningiomas (47 WHO grade I, 5 WHO II, and 3 WHO III). Immunolabeling for CXCR4 and SDF1 was performed on paraffin-embedded sections of these tumors. [(3)H]Thymidine uptake and Western blot analyses were performed on primary meningeal cell cultures of tumors to evaluate the proliferative activity of human SDF1alpha (hSDF1alpha) in vitro and the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation in this process. CXCR4 mRNA was expressed by 78% of the tumor specimens and SDF1 mRNA by 53%. CXCR4 and SDF1 were often detected in the same tumor tissues and colocalized with epithelial membrane antigen immunostaining. In 9 of 12 primary cultures from meningiomas, hSDF1alpha induced significant cell proliferation that was strongly reduced by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059, involving ERK1/2 activation in the proliferative signal of hSDF1alpha. In fact, CXCR4 stimulation led to ERK1/2 phosphorylation/activation. In addition, the hSDF1alpha-induced cell proliferation was significantly correlated with the MIB1 staining index in the corresponding surgical specimen. In conclusion, we found that human meningiomas express CXCR4 and SDF1 and that hSDF1alpha induces proliferation in primary meningioma cell cultures through the activation of ERK1/2.

Lipopolysaccharide binding protein enhances the responsiveness of alveolar macrophages to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Implications for cytokine production in normal and injured lungs.

PubMed Central

Martin, T R; Mathison, J C; Tobias, P S; Letúrcq, D J; Moriarty, A M; Maunder, R J; Ulevitch, R J

1992-01-01

A plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) has been shown to regulate the response of rabbit peritoneal macrophages and human blood monocytes to endotoxin (LPS). We investigated whether LBP is present in lung fluids and the effects of LBP on the response of lung macrophages to LPS. Immunoreactive LBP was detectable in the lavage fluids of patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome by immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting, and also by specific immunoassay. In rabbits, the LBP appeared to originate outside of the lungs, inasmuch as mRNA transcripts for LBP were identified in total cellular RNA from liver, but not from lung homogenates or alveolar macrophages. Purified LBP enhanced the response of human and rabbit alveolar macrophages to both smooth form LPS (Escherichia coli O111B:4) and rough form LPS (Salmonella minnesota Re595). In the presence of LBP and LPS, the onset of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) production occurred earlier and at an LPS threshold dose that was as much as 1,000-fold lower for both types of LPS. In rabbit alveolar macrophages treated with LBP and LPS, TNF alpha mRNA appeared earlier, reached higher levels, and had a prolonged half-life as compared with LPS treatment alone. Neither LPS nor LPS and LBP affected pHi or [Cai++] in alveolar macrophages. Specific monoclonal antibodies to CD14, a receptor that binds LPS/LBP complexes, inhibited TNF alpha production by human alveolar macrophages stimulated with LPS alone or with LPS/LBP complexes, indicating the importance of CD14 in mediating the effects of LPS on alveolar macrophages. Thus, immunoreactive LBP accumulates in lung lavage fluids in patients with lung injury and enhances LPS-stimulated TNF alpha gene expression in alveolar macrophages by a pathway that depends on the CD14 receptor. LBP may play an important role in augmenting TNF alpha expression by alveolar macrophages within the lungs. Images PMID:1281827

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid induces antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental liver fibrosis.

PubMed

González-Cuevas, J; Navarro-Partida, J; Marquez-Aguirre, A L; Bueno-Topete, M R; Beas-Zarate, C; Armendáriz-Borunda, J

2011-01-01

Experimental liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) is associated with oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation. This work was focused on elucidating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in this model of hepatotoxicity. Wistar male rats were treated with CCl(4) and EDTA (60, 120, or 240 mg/kg). Morphometric analyses were carried out in Masson's stained liver sections to determine fibrosis index. Coagulation tests prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) were also determined. Gene expression for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta1), alpha1(I) procollagen gene (alpha1 Col I), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was monitored by real-time PCR. Antioxidant effect of EDTA was measured by its effects on lipid peroxidation; biological activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp), SOD, and catalase (Cat) were analyzed by zymography assays. Animals with CCl(4)-hepatic injury that received EDTA showed a decrement in fibrosis (20%) and lipid peroxidation (22%). The mRNA expression for TNF-alpha (55%), TGF-beta1 (50%), IL-6 (52%), and alpha1 Col I (60%) was also decreased. This group of animals showed increased Cp (62%) and SOD (25%) biological activities. Coagulation blood tests, Cat activity, and gene expression for SOD were not modified by EDTA treatment. This study demonstrates that EDTA treatment induces the activity of antioxidant enzymes, decreases lipid peroxidation, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis in experimental liver fibrosis induced by CCl(4).

Isoform-specific changes in the Na,K-ATPase of rat soleus muscle during acute hindlinb suspension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krivoi, Igor; Heiny, Judith; Bouzinova, Elena; Matchkov, Vladimir; Kravtsova, Violetta; Petrov, Aleksey; Zefirov, Andrey; Vasiliev, Alexander

The largest pool of Na,K-ATPase (NKA) in a vertebrate's body is contained in the skeletal muscles where the alpha1 and alpha2 isoforms of NKA alpha subunit are expressed. The NKA is critically important for excitability, electrogenesis and contractility of skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle use strongly regulates the content of NKA, and increased muscle activity differently regulates the alpha1 and alpha2 isoforms. However, whether skeletal muscle disuse affects NKA content and activity has not been investigated. This study examines for the first time the consequences of acute hindlinb suspension (HS) on the alpha1 and alpha2 NKA isozymes in rat soleus muscle. We subjected rats to HS for 6-12 hours and analyzed its effect on the resting membrane potential (RMP) in different sarcolemma regions of m.soleus fibers; the electrogenic transport activity, protein content and mRNA expression of the alpha1 and alpha2 NKA; the extracellular level of acetylcholine, and the plasma membrane localization of the alpha2 isozyme using confocal microscopy with cytochemistry. Our results show that 6 h HS specifically decreases the electrogenic activity of the NKA alpha2 isozyme and depolarizes m.soleus fibers. These effects are irreversible in the extrajunctional membrane region up to 12 h HS. The decreased alpha2 NKA activity is due to a decrease in enzyme activity rather than by altered protein content, mRNA expression, or localization in the sarcolemma. In addition, HS does not alter the alpha2 NKA electrogenic transport due to decreased extracellular acetylcholine level. However, adaptive mechanism(s) operate at the junctional membrane to restore alpha2 NKA electrogenic activities and the RMP after 12 h of HS. This mechanism operates specifically at the synaptic membrane region, presumably via increase in both alpha2 isozyme mRNA expression and protein content. This basic information on a protein as vital as the NKA is expected to advance our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for microgravity-induced muscle atrophy. Supported by RFBR #13-04-00973; St. Petersburg State University research grants #1.50.1621.2013 and #1.38.231.2014; grant #MK-108.2014.4., the Novo Nordisk Foundation and N.I.H grant #1 R01 AR063710.

Alpha-lipoic acid improves subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients with type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Hegazy, Sahar K; Tolba, Osama A; Mostafa, Tarek M; Eid, Manal A; El-Afify, Dalia R

2013-01-01

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that may have a protective role in diabetic cardiac dysfunction. We investigated the possible beneficial effect of alpha-lipoic acid on diabetic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in children and adolescents with asymptomatic type 1 diabetes (T1D). Thirty T1D patients (aged 10-14) were randomized to receive insulin treatment (n = 15) or insulin plus alpha-lipoic acid 300 mg twice daily (n = 15) for four months. Age and sex matched healthy controls (n = 15) were also included. Patients were evaluated with conventional 2-dimensional echocardiographic examination (2D), pulsed tissue Doppler (PTD), and 2-dimensional longitudinal strain echocardiography (2DS) before and after therapy. Glutathione, malondialdhyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Fas ligand (Fas-L), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and troponin-I were determined and correlated to echocardiographic parameters. Diabetic patients had significantly lower levels of glutathione and significantly higher MDA, NO, TNF-alpha, Fas-L, MMP-2, and troponin-I levels than control subjects. The expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also increased in diabetic patients. Significant correlations of mitral e'/a' ratio and left ventricular global peak systolic strain with glutathione, MDA, NO, TNF-alpha, and Fas-L were observed in diabetic patients. Alpha-lipoic acid significantly increased glutathione level and significantly decreased MDA, NO, TNF-alpha, Fas-L, MMP-2, troponin-I levels, and TGF-beta gene expression. Moreover, alpha-lipoic acid significantly increased mitral e'/a' ratio and left ventricular global peak systolic strain in diabetic patients. These findings suggest that alpha-lipoic acid may have a role in preventing the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy in type 1 diabetes.

The platelet-derived growth factor signaling system in snapping turtle embryos, Chelydra serpentina: potential role in temperature-dependent sex determination and testis development.

PubMed

Rhen, Turk; Jangula, Adam; Schroeder, Anthony; Woodward-Bosh, Rikki

2009-05-01

The platelet-derived growth factor (Pdgf) signaling system is known to play a significant role during embryonic and postnatal development of testes in mammals and birds. In contrast, genes that comprise the Pdgf system in reptiles have never been cloned or studied in any tissue, let alone developing gonads. To explore the potential role of PDGF ligands and their receptors during embryogenesis, we cloned cDNA fragments of Pdgf-A, Pdgf-B, and receptors PdgfR-alpha and PdgfR-beta in the snapping turtle, a reptile with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). We then compared gene expression profiles in gonads from embryos incubated at a male-producing temperature to those from embryos at a female-producing temperature, as well as between hatchling testes and ovaries. Expression of Pdgf-B mRNA in embryonic gonads was significantly higher at a male temperature than at a female temperature, but there was no difference between hatchling testes and ovaries. This developmental pattern was reversed for Pdgf-A and PdgfR-alpha mRNA: expression of these genes did not differ in embryos, but diverged in hatchling testes and ovaries. Levels of PdgfR-beta mRNA in embryonic gonads were not affected by temperature and did not differ between testes and ovaries. However, expression of both receptors increased at least an order of magnitude from the embryonic to the post-hatching period. Finally, we characterized expression of these genes in several other embryonic tissues. The brain, heart, and liver displayed unique expression patterns that distinguished these tissues from each other and from intestine, lung, and muscle. Incubation temperature had a significant effect on expression of PdgfR-alpha and PdgfR-beta in the heart but not other tissues. Together, these findings demonstrate that temperature has tissue specific effects on the Pdgf system and suggest that Pdgf signaling is involved in sex determination and the ensuing differentiation of testes in the snapping turtle.

High expression of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase and proinflammatory markers in human ischemic heart tissue

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Magnusson, Lisa U.; Lundqvist, Annika; Asp, Julia

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We found a 17-fold upregulation of ALOX15 in the ischemic heart. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Incubation of human muscle cells in hypoxia showed a 22-fold upregulation of ALOX15. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We observed increased levels of proinflammatory markers in ischemic heart tissue. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Suggesting a link between ischemia and inflammation in ischemic heart biopsies. -- Abstract: A common feature of the ischemic heart and atherosclerotic plaques is the presence of hypoxia (insufficient levels of oxygen in the tissue). Hypoxia has pronounced effects on almost every aspect of cell physiology, and the nuclear transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1{alpha} (HIF-1{alpha}) regulates adaptive responses to lowmore » concentrations of oxygen in mammalian cells. In our recent work, we observed that hypoxia increases the proinflammatory enzyme arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15B) in human carotid plaques. ALOX15 has recently been shown to be present in the human myocardium, but the effect of ischemia on its expression has not been investigated. Here we test the hypothesis that ischemia of the heart leads to increased expression of ALOX15, and found an almost 2-fold increase in HIF-1{alpha} mRNA expression and a 17-fold upregulation of ALOX15 mRNA expression in the ischemic heart biopsies from patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery compared with non ischemic heart tissue. To investigate the effect of low oxygen concentration on ALOX15 we incubated human vascular muscle cells in hypoxia and showed that expression of ALOX15 increased 22-fold compared with cells incubated in normoxic conditions. We also observed increased mRNA levels of proinflammatory markers in ischemic heart tissue compared with non-ischemic controls. In summary, we demonstrate increased ALOX15 in human ischemic heart biopsies. Furthermore we demonstrate that hypoxia increases ALOX15 in human muscle cells. Our results yield important insights into the underlying association between hypoxia and inflammation in the human ischemic heart disease.« less

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells correlates with early childhood social interaction in autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Makinodan, Manabu; Iwata, Keiko; Ikawa, Daisuke; Yamashita, Yasunori; Yamamuro, Kazuhiko; Toritsuka, Michihiro; Kimoto, Sohei; Okumura, Kazuki; Yamauchi, Takahira; Yoshino, Hiroki; Tsujii, Masatsugu; Sugiyama, Toshiro; Tsuchiya, Kenji; Mori, Norio; Matsuzaki, Hideo; Kishimoto, Toshifumi

2017-03-01

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, poor communication skills, and repetitive/restrictive behaviors. Elevated blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been reported in subjects with autism spectrum disorder. On the other hand, early childhood adverse experience also increases blood levels of these cytokines. Since social experience of children with autism spectrum disorder is generally unlike to typically developing children, we hypothesized that social interaction during childhood contribute to pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in subjects with autism spectrum disorder. We compared revised Autism Diagnostic Interview scores and expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with autism spectrum disorder (n = 30). The score of domain A on the revised Autism Diagnostic Interview, indicating social interaction impairment in early childhood, was negatively correlated with tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expression level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells but not interleukin-1β or -6. Consistently, tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expression was markedly low in subjects with autism spectrum disorder compared to typically developing children who presumably experienced the regular levels of social interaction. These findings suggest that the low blood levels of tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA in subjects with autism spectrum disorder might be due to impaired social interaction in early childhood. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Progesterone modulation of alpha5 nAChR subunits influences anxiety-related behavior during estrus cycle.

PubMed

Gangitano, D; Salas, R; Teng, Y; Perez, E; De Biasi, M

2009-06-01

Smokers often report an anxiolytic effect of cigarettes. In addition, stress-related disorders such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome and depression are often associated with chronic nicotine use. To study the role of the alpha5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit in anxiety-related responses, control and alpha5 subunit null mice (alpha5(-/-)) were subjected to the open field activity (OFA), light-dark box (LDB) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. In the OFA and LDB, alpha5(-/-) behaved like wild-type controls. In the EPM, female alpha5(-/-) mice displayed an anxiolytic-like phenotype, while male alpha5(-/-) mice were undistinguishable from littermate controls. We studied the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis by measuring plasma corticosterone and hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor. Consistent with an anxiolytic-like phenotype, female alpha5(-/-) mice displayed lower basal corticosterone levels. To test whether gonadal steroids regulate the expression of alpha5, we treated cultured NTera 2 cells with progesterone and found that alpha5 protein levels were upregulated. In addition, brain levels of alpha5 mRNA increased upon progesterone injection into ovariectomized wild-type females. Finally, we tested anxiety levels in the EPM during the estrous cycle. The estrus phase (when progesterone levels are low) is anxiolytic-like in wild-type mice, but no cycle-dependent fluctuations in anxiety levels were found in alpha5(-/-) females. Thus, alpha5-containing neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors may be mediators of anxiogenic responses, and progesterone-dependent modulation of alpha5 expression may contribute to fluctuations in anxiety levels during the ovarian cycle.

Molecular pathways mediating differential responses to lipopolysaccharide between human and baboon arterial endothelial cells.

PubMed

Shi, Qiang; Cox, Laura A; Glenn, Jeremy; Tejero, Maria E; Hondara, Vida; Vandeberg, John L; Wang, Xing Li

2010-02-01

1. Vascular inflammation plays a critical role in atherogenesis. Previously, we showed that baboon arterial endothelial cells (BAEC) were hyporesponsive to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) compared with human arterial endothelial cells (HAEC). 2. In the present study, we investigated mechanisms underlying differential responses between HAEC and BAEC to tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and LPS. 3. Both HAEC and BAEC responded similarly to TNF-alpha. However, BAEC showed retarded responses to LPS in expression of E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and interleukin-8 (P < 0.05). These changes were confirmed at the mRNA level. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha activated nuclear factor-kappaB members such as p50, p52, p65, c-rel and RelB in both HAEC and BAEC. In contrast, LPS activated p50 and p65 only in HAEC. Using microarray assays, we found that TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF-2), TNF receptor superfamily, member 1A-associated via death domain (TRADD) and nuclear factors such as nuclear factor of kappa in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (NFKBIA) and nuclear factor of kappa in B-cells inhibitor, beta (NFKBIB) were upregulated by LPS only in HAEC. Although the baseline expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 was low in both HAEC and BAEC, TNF-alpha activated TLR4 expression in both cell types. Although LPS increased TLR4 expression only in HAEC, human and baboon peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibited similar TLR4 expression and response to LPS. Transfecting BAEC with TLR4/myeloid differentiation protein-2 overexpression vector conferred BAEC responsiveness to LPS. 4. The findings of the present study indicate that an altered TLR4 system may be responsible for the resistance of baboon endothelial cells to LPS. Given the importance of TLR4 in human immune responses and vascular diseases, the natural resistance of baboons to LPS/TLR4-initiated inflammation could make the baboon a valuable animal model in which to study how inflammation affects atherogenesis.

Glioma-secreted soluble factors stimulate microglial activation: The role of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α.

PubMed

Hwang, Ji-Sun; Jung, Eun-Hye; Kwon, Mi-Youn; Han, Inn-Oc

2016-09-15

We aimed to elucidate the effect of soluble factors secreted by glioma on microglial activation. Conditioned medium (CM) from glioma cells, CRT-MG and C6, significantly induced nitric oxide (NO) production and stimulated the mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in BV2 cells. Glioma CM stimulated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, and a p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, suppressed CM-induced NO production in BV2 cells. In addition, CM stimulated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) DNA binding and transcriptional activity, which was repressed by SB203580. Gliomas displayed higher mRNA expression and release of TNF-α and IL-1β than primary astrocyte cells. Neutralization of TNF-α and IL-1β in C6-CM using a neutralizing antibody inhibited NO/iNOS expression in BV-2 cells. These results indicate potential contribution of diffusible tumor-derived factors to regulate microglial activation and subsequent tumor microenvironment. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

High glucose concentrations attenuate hypoxia-inducible factor-1{alpha} expression and signaling in non-tumor cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dehne, Nathalie, E-mail: dehne@biochem.uni-frankfurt.de; Hintereder, Gudrun, E-mail: Gudrun.Hintereder@kgu.de; Bruene, Bernhard, E-mail: bruene@pathobiochemie1.de

2010-04-15

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is the major transcription factor mediating adaption to hypoxia e.g. by enhancing glycolysis. In tumor cells, high glucose concentrations are known to increase HIF-1{alpha} expression even under normoxia, presumably by enhancing the concentration of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, while reactions of non-tumor cells are not well defined. Therefore, we analyzed cellular responses to different glucose concentrations in respect to HIF activation comparing tumor to non-tumor cells. Using cells derived from non-tumor origin, we show that HIF-1{alpha} accumulation was higher under low compared to high glucose concentrations. Low glucose allowed mRNA expression of HIF-1 target genes like adrenomedullin.more » Transfection of C{sub 2}C{sub 12} cells with a HIF-1{alpha} oxygen-dependent degradation domaine-GFP fusion protein revealed that prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) activity is impaired at low glucose concentrations, thus stabilizing the fusion protein. Mechanistic considerations suggested that neither O{sub 2} redistribution nor an altered redox state explains impaired PHD activity in the absence of glucose. In order to affect PHD activity, glucose needs to be metabolized. Amino acids present in the medium also diminished HIF-1{alpha} expression, while the addition of fatty acids did not. This suggests that glucose or amino acid metabolism increases oxoglutarate concentrations, which enhances PHD activity in non-tumor cells. Tumor cells deprived of glutamine showed HIF-1{alpha} accumulation in the absence of glucose, proposing that enhanced glutaminolysis observed in many tumors enables these cells to compensate reduced oxoglutarate production in the absence of glucose.« less

Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-10, nerve growth factor and substance P in the painful degenerate intervertebral disc

PubMed Central

Richardson, Stephen M; Doyle, Paul; Minogue, Ben M; Gnanalingham, Kanna; Hoyland, Judith A

2009-01-01

Introduction Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to be involved in the degradation of the nucleus pulposus (NP) during intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. This study investigated MMP-10 (stromelysin-2) expression in the NP during IVD degeneration and correlated its expression with pro-inflammatory cytokines and molecules involved in innervation and nociception during degeneration which results in low back pain (LBP). Methods Human NP tissue was obtained at postmortem (PM) from patients without a history of back pain and graded as histologically normal or degenerate. Symptomatic degenerate NP samples were also obtained at surgery for LBP. Expression of MMP-10 mRNA and protein was analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression for pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nerve growth factor (NGF) and the pain-associated neuropeptide substance P were also analysed. Correlations between MMP-10 and IL-1, TNF-α and NGF were assessed along with NGF with substance P. Results MMP-10 mRNA was significantly increased in surgical degenerate NP when compared to PM normal and PM degenerate samples. MMP-10 protein was also significantly higher in degenerate surgical NP samples compared to PM normal. IL-1 and MMP-10 mRNA demonstrated a significant correlation in surgical degenerate samples, while TNF-α was not correlated with MMP-10 mRNA. NGF was significantly correlated with both MMP-10 and substance P mRNA in surgical degenerate NP samples. Conclusions MMP-10 expression is increased in the symptomatic degenerate IVD, where it may contribute to matrix degradation and initiation of nociception. Importantly, this study suggests differences in the pathways involved in matrix degradation between painful and pain-free IVD degeneration. PMID:19695094

Two novel mutations in the alpha-galactosidase gene in Japanese classical hemizygotes with Fabry disease.

PubMed

Okumiya, T; Takenaka, T; Ishii, S; Kase, R; Kamei, S; Sakuraba, H

1996-09-01

Four alpha-galactosidase gene mutations were identified in Japanese male patients with Fabry disease who had no detectable alpha-galactosidase activity. Two of them were novel mutations, an 11-bp deletion in exon 2 and a g-1 to t substitution at the 3' end of the splice acceptor site in intron 1. The former caused a frameshift and led to the creation of a new stop codon at codon 118. The latter was predicted to provoke aberrant mRNA splicing followed by accelerated degradation of the mRNA. A nonsense mutation, R301X, and a 2-bp deletion starting at nucleotide position 718, which were reported previously, were also identified in unrelated patients.

Nitric oxide provokes tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in adult feline myocardium through a cGMP-dependent pathway.

PubMed

Kalra, D; Baumgarten, G; Dibbs, Z; Seta, Y; Sivasubramanian, N; Mann, D L

2000-09-12

The mechanism(s) responsible for the persistent coexpression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) in the failing heart is unknown. To determine whether NO was sufficient to provoke TNF-alpha biosynthesis, we examined the effects of an NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP), in buffer-perfused Langendorff hearts. SNAP (1 micromol/L) treatment resulted in a time- and dose-dependent increase in myocardial TNF-alpha mRNA and protein biosynthesis in adult cat hearts. The effects of SNAP were completely abrogated by a NO quenching agent, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4, 4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide (C-PTIO), and mimicked by sodium nitroprusside. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that SNAP treatment led to the rapid induction of nuclear factor kappa-beta (NF-kappaB) but not AP-1. The importance of the cGMP pathway in terms of mediating NO-induced TNF-alpha biosynthesis was shown by studies that demonstrated that 8-bromo-cGMP mimicked the effects of SNAP and that the effects of SNAP could be completely abrogated using a cGMP antagonist, 1H-(1,2, 4)oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), or protein kinase G antagonist (Rp-8-Br-cGMPS). SNAP and 8-Br-cGMP were both sufficient to lead to the site-specific phosphorylation (serine 32) and degradation of IkappaBalpha in isolated cardiac myocytes. Finally, protein kinase G was sufficient to directly phosphorylate IkappaBalpha on serine 32, a critical step in the activation of NF-kappaB. These studies show that NO provokes TNF-alpha biosynthesis through a cGMP-dependent pathway, which suggests that the coincident expression of TNF-alpha and NO may foster self-sustaining positive autocrine/paracrine feedback inflammatory circuits within the failing heart.

Astrocyte-specific expression of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax: induction of tumor necrosis factor alpha and susceptibility to lysis by CD8+ HTLV-1-specific cytotoxic T cells.

PubMed

Méndez, E; Kawanishi, T; Clemens, K; Siomi, H; Soldan, S S; Calabresi, P; Brady, J; Jacobson, S

1997-12-01

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with a chronic neurological disease termed HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraperesis (HAM/TSP). Although the pathogenesis of this disease remains to be elucidated, the evidence suggests that immunopathological mechanisms are involved. Since HTLV-1 tax mRNA was colocalized with glial acidic fibrillary protein, a marker for astrocytes, we developed an in vitro model to assess whether HTLV-1 infection activates astrocytes to secrete cytokines or present viral immunodominant epitopes to virus-specific T cells. Two human astrocytic glioma cell lines, U251 and U373, were transfected with the 3' portion of the HTLV-1 genome and with the HTLV-1 tax gene under astrocyte-specific promoter control. In this study, we report that Tax-expressing astrocytic glioma transfectants activate the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA in vitro. Furthermore, these Tax-expressing glioma transfectants can serve as immunological targets for HTLV-1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). We propose that these events could contribute to the neuropathology of HAM/TSP, since infected astrocytes can become a source for inflammatory cytokines upon HTLV-1 infection and serve as targets for HTLV-1-specific CTL, resulting in parenchymal damage by direct lysis and/or cytokine release.

The Leptospira outer membrane protein LipL32 induces tubulointerstitial nephritis-mediated gene expression in mouse proximal tubule cells.

PubMed

Yang, Chih-Wei; Wu, Mai-Szu; Pan, Ming-Jeng; Hsieh, Wang-Ju; Vandewalle, Alain; Huang, Chiu-Ching

2002-08-01

Tubulointerstitial nephritis is a main renal manifestation caused by pathogenic leptospira that accumulate mostly in the proximal tubules, thereby inducing tubular injury and tubulointerstitial nephritis. To elucidate the role of leptospira outer membrane proteins in tubulointerstitial nephritis, outer membrane proteins from pathogenic Leptospira shermani and nonpathogenic Leptospira patoc extracted by Triton X-114 were administered to cultured mouse proximal tubule cells. A dose-dependent increase of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), RANTES, nitrite, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the culture supernatant was observed 48 h after incubating Leptospira shermani outer membrane proteins with mouse proximal tubule cells. RT competitive-PCR experiments showed that Leptospira shermani outer membrane proteins (0.2 microg/ml) increased the expression of MCP-1, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), RANTES, and TNF-alpha mRNA by 3.0-, 9.4-, 2.5-, and 2.5-fold, respectively, when compared with untreated cells. Outer membrane proteins extract from avirulent Leptospira patoc did not induce significant effects. The pathogenic outer membrane proteins extract contain a major component of a 32-kD lipoprotein (LipL32), which is absent in the nonpathogenic leptospira outer membrane. An antibody raised against LipL32 prevented the stimulatory effect of Leptospira shermani outer membrane proteins extract on MCP-1 and iNOS mRNA expression in cultured proximal tubule cells, whereas recombinant LipL32 significantly stimulated the expression of MCP-1 and iNOS mRNAs and augmented nuclear binding of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and AP-1 transcription factors in proximal tubule cells. An antibody raised against LipL32 also blunted the effects induced by the recombinant LipL32. This study demonstrates that LipL32 is a major component of pathogenic leptospira outer membrane proteins involved in the pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial nephritis.

Differential expression of chicken dimerization cofactor of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 (DcoH) and its novel counterpart, DcoHalpha.

PubMed Central

Kim, H; You, S; Foster, L K; Farris, J; Choi, Y J; Foster, D N

2001-01-01

We have used differential display PCR to study altered gene expression in immortalized chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) that have been established in our laboratory. This technique resulted in the cloning of a novel counterpart of the previously cloned chicken dimerization cofactor of hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1 (cDcoH), which was identified as cDcoHalpha. The steady-state mRNA levels of cDcoHalpha were up-regulated in all immortal CEFs tested compared with primary CEF cells. cDcoH and cDcoHalpha showed opposite patterns of mRNA expression due to differential regulation of transcription rates, but not mRNA half-lives, in primary and immortal CEFs. Expression of cDcoHalpha increased in the late G1 and early S phases of the cell cycle, while cDcoH mRNA increased in the late S and G2/M phases. In contrast with consistent expression of both genes in primary quiescent cells, cDcoH mRNA, but not cDcoHalpha mRNA, was dramatically decreased in primary senescent cells. The highest levels of cDcoHalpha mRNA were found in the kidney, liver, heart and ovarian follicles, while the major tissues expressing cDcoH were hypothalamus, kidney and liver. cDcoH and cDcoHalpha probes did not cross-hybridize to human hepatocyte mRNA. When transfected into human HepG2 cells, both cDcoH and cDcoHalpha showed similar functional activity as measured by increased expression of a reporter gene, as well as alpha-fetoprotein and albumin genes that both contain HNF-1 binding elements in their promoters. Our results suggest that the novel chicken DcoHalpha might function as a transcriptional cofactor for HNF-1 in specific cellular-environmental states. PMID:11237869

Superiority of dietary safflower oil over olive oil in lowering serum cholesterol and increasing hepatic mRnas for the LDL receptor and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase in exogenously hypercholesterolemic (exHC) rats.

PubMed

Sato, M; Yoshida, S; Nagao, K; Imaizumi, K

2000-06-01

The exogenously hypercholesterolemic (ExHC) rat is a strain segregated from SD rats with a high response to dietary cholesterol. To understand the underlying mechanism(s) for this hypercholesterolemia, the interactive effects of dietary fatty acid and the susceptibility of rats to dietary cholesterol on the serum cholesterol concentration and hepatic mRNA abundance of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (7alpha-hydroxylase) and 3-hydroxyl-3methylglutaryl (HMG) CoA reductase were examined. Both strains were fed on a diet supplemented with 10% each of olive, safflower or coconut oil with or without the addition of 1% cholesterol for one week. The ExHC rats fed on olive, safflower and coconut oil in combination with cholesterol respectively resulted in a 3.5-, 2.0- and 2.1-fold higher serum cholesterol concentration than that in the animals fed on the corresponding dietary fats without any supplementation of cholesterol (p < 0.01 by dietary cholesterol or type of fat). The dietary cholesterol dependent-elevation of serum cholesterol in the SD rats was less than 1.5-fold (p<0.01) and there was no dietary fat effect. The ExHC rats fed on the safflower oil-containing diet supplemented with cholesterol resulted in a higher mRNA abundance of the LDL receptor and 7alpha-hydroxylase than in the corresponding fat-fed rats without cholesterol (p<0.05). There was no dietary cholesterol-dependent change of mRNA abundance in either strain fed on olive or coconut oil, except for a decreased abundance of HMG CoA reductase mRNA in the olive oil-fed ExHC rats and coconut oil-fed Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (p<0.05). These results indicate that the hepatic mRNA abundance of the LDL receptor and of 7alpha-hydroxylase depended on the dietary combination of cholesterol and a fatty acid and suggest that a linoleic acid-rich diet may alleviate exogenous hypercholesterolemia by activating the process involved in the hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of serum cholesterol.

Regulation of acetylcholine receptor alpha subunit variants in human myasthenia gravis. Quantification of steady-state levels of messenger RNA in muscle biopsy using the polymerase chain reaction.

PubMed Central

Guyon, T; Levasseur, P; Truffault, F; Cottin, C; Gaud, C; Berrih-Aknin, S

1994-01-01

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by auto-antibodies that attack the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR). To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the decrease in AChR levels at the neuromuscular junction, we investigated the regulation of AChR expression by analyzing mRNA of the two AChR alpha subunit isoforms (P3A+ and P3A-) in muscle samples from myasthenic patients relative to controls. We applied a quantitative method based on reverse transcription of total RNA followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using an internal standard we constructed by site-directed mutagenesis. An increased expression of mRNA coding for the alpha subunit of the AChR isoforms was observed in severely affected patients (P < 0.003 versus controls) but not in moderately affected patients, independently of the anti-AChR antibody titer. Study of mRNA precursor levels indicates a higher expression in severely affected patients compared to controls, suggesting an enhanced rate of transcription of the message coding for the alpha subunit isoforms in these patients. We have also reported that mRNA encoding both isoforms are expressed at an approximate 1:1 ratio in controls and in patients. We have thus identified a new biological parameter correlated with disease severity, and provide evidence of a compensatory mechanism to balance the loss of AChR in human myasthenia gravis, which is probably triggered only above a certain degree of AChR loss. Images PMID:8040257

One-Week Exposure to a Free-Choice High-Fat High-Sugar Diet Does Not Interfere With the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Phase Response in the Hypothalamus of Male Rats.

PubMed

Belegri, Evita; Eggels, Leslie; la Fleur, Susanne E; Boelen, Anita

2018-01-01

Obesity has been associated with increased susceptibility to infection in humans and rodents. Obesity is also associated with low-grade hypothalamic inflammation that depends not only on body weight but also on diet. In the present study, we investigated if the bacterial endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]-induced acute phase response is aggravated in rats on a 1-week free-choice high-fat high-sugar (fcHFHS) diet and explained by diet-induced hypothalamic inflammation. Male Wistar rats were on an fcHFHS diet or chow for 1 week and afterwards intraperitoneally injected with LPS or saline. Hypothalamic inflammatory intermediates and plasma cytokines were measured after LPS. Both LPS and the fcHFHS diet altered hypothalamic Nfkbia mRNA and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA) protein levels, whereas Il1 β, Il6 , and Tnf α mRNA expression was solely induced upon LPS. We observed an interaction in hypothalamic Nfkbia and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 3 mRNA upon LPS; both were higher in rats on a fcHFHS diet compared with chow animals. Despite this, plasma cytokine levels between fcHFHS diet-fed and chow-fed rats were similar after LPS administration. Consuming a fcHFHS diet but not LPS injections increased hypothalamic Atf4 (a cellular stress marker) mRNA expression, whereas Tlr4 mRNA was decreased only upon LPS. Our study does not support a role for diet-induced mild hypothalamic inflammation in the increased susceptibility to infection despite altered Nfkbia and Socs3 mRNA expression after the diet. Additional factors, related to increased fat mass, might be involved.

NMDA receptor dependent PGC-1alpha up-regulation protects the cortical neuron against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Luo, Yun; Zhu, Wenjing; Jia, Jia; Zhang, Chenyu; Xu, Yun

2009-09-01

The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1alpha) is a nuclear transcriptional coactivator that is widely expressed in the brain areas. Over-expression of PGC-1alpha can protect neuronal cells from oxidant-induced injury. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the role of PGC-1alpha in the oxygen (anoxia) deprivation (OGD) neurons. The PGC-1alpha mRNA and protein level between control and OGD neurons were examined by real-time PCR and Western blot. More PGC-1alpha expression was found in the OGD neurons compared with the normal group. Over-expression of PGC-1alpha suppressed cell apoptosis while inhibition of the PGC-1alpha expression induced cell apoptosis in OGD neurons. Furthermore, increase of PGC-1alpha resulted in activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, p38, and ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The blocking of the NMDA receptor by its antagonists MK-801 reduced PGC-1alpha mRNA expression in OGD neurons, while NMDA itself can directly induce the expression of PGC-1alpha in neuronal cells. At the same time, PD98059 (ERK MAPK inhibitor) and SB203580 (P38 MAPK inhibitor) also prevented the up-regulation of PGC-1alpha in OGD neurons and MK801 can inhibit the expression of P38 and ERK MAPK. These data suggested that the expression of PGC-1alpha was up-regulated in OGD mice cortical neurons, which protected the neurons against OGD injury. Moreover, this effect was correlated to the NMDA receptor and the ERK and P38 MAPK pathway. The protective effect of PGC-1alpha on OGD cortical neurons may be useful for stroke therapy.

Distinct expression pattern of IFN-alpha and TNF-alpha in juvenile idiopathic arthritis synovial tissue.

PubMed

Gattorno, M; Chicha, L; Gregorio, A; Ferlito, F; Rossi, F; Jarrossay, D; Lanzavecchia, A; Martini, A; Manz, M G

2007-04-01

Recent laboratory and clinical data suggest that two prototype autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are mainly driven by distinct cytokines, interferon (IFN)-alpha and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, respectively. We here investigated the presence and characteristics of natural type I IFN-producing cells (IPCs), as well as IFN-alpha and TNF-alpha expression at sites of inflammation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) mononuclear cells (MNCs) (n = 25 each) from JIA patients with active disease were studied. IPCs were identified as BCDA-2(+)CD123(+)HLA-DR(+)CD45RA(+) cells, and dendritic cells (DCs) as CD11c(+)CD14(-/low)lin(-) cells by flow cytometry. IPCs and DCs were analysed for Toll-like receptor-7 and -9 mRNA expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction. IFN-alpha was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum, SF and in supernatants of influenza virus-infected, cultured IPCs. Synovial tissues of n = 6 additional JIA patients were analysed by immunohistochemistry using mAbs against CD123, IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, CD3, CD19 and CD138. IPCs were enriched in SF MNCs compared with PB MNCs in all JIA patients. Influenza-induced, but no spontaneous IFN-alpha release was detected from SF IPCs, and serum and SF IFN-alpha levels were not elevated. Nonetheless, in synovial tissue IFN-alpha producing cells accumulated at inflammatory lymph-follicular-like structures, while TNF-alpha producing cells were mostly found at the lining and sublining layers. These data suggest that besides TNF-alpha-expressing cells, IFN-alpha-producing IPCs are involved in initiation, maintenance or regulation of the inflammatory response in JIA.

Comparative inhibition of rabbit globin mRNA translation by modified antisense oligodeoxynucleotides.

PubMed Central

Cazenave, C; Stein, C A; Loreau, N; Thuong, N T; Neckers, L M; Subasinghe, C; Hélène, C; Cohen, J S; Toulmé, J J

1989-01-01

We have studied the translation of rabbit globin mRNA in cell free systems (reticulocyte lysate and wheat germ extract) and in microinjected Xenopus oocytes in the presence of anti-sense oligodeoxynucleotides. Results obtained with the unmodified all-oxygen compounds were compared with those obtained when phosphorothioate or alpha-DNA was used. In the wheat germ system a 17-mer sequence targeted to the coding region of beta-globin mRNA was specifically inhibitory when either the unmodified phosphodiester oligonucleotide or its phosphorothioate analogue were used. In contrast no effect was observed with the alpha-oligomer. These results were ascribed to the fact that phosphorothioate oligomers elicit an RNase-H activity comparable to the all-oxygen congeners, while alpha-DNA/mRNA hybrids were a poor substrate. Microinjected Xenopus oocytes followed a similar pattern. The phosphorothioate oligomer was more efficient to prevent translation than the unmodified 17-mer. Inhibition of beta-globin synthesis was observed in the nanomolar concentration range. This result can be ascribed to the nuclease resistance of phosphorothioates as compared to natural phosphodiester linkages, alpha-oligomers were devoid of any inhibitory effect up to 30 microM. Phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotides were shown to be non-specific inhibitors of protein translation, at concentrations in the micromolar range, in both cell-free systems and oocytes. Non-specific inhibition of translation was dependent on the length of the phosphorothioate oligomer. These non-specific effects were not observed with the unmodified or the alpha-oligonucleotides. Images PMID:2472605

The redox protein thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) increases hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha protein expression: Trx-1 overexpression results in increased vascular endothelial growth factor production and enhanced tumor angiogenesis.

PubMed

Welsh, Sarah J; Bellamy, William T; Briehl, Margaret M; Powis, Garth

2002-09-01

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), a heterodimer of HIF-1alpha and HIF-1beta subunits, is a transcriptional activator central to the cellular response to low oxygen that includes metabolic adaptation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and inhibited apoptosis. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is a small redox protein overexpressed in a number of human primary tumors. We have examined the effects of Trx-1 on HIF activity and the activation of downstream genes. Stable transfection of human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells with human Trx-1 caused a significant increase in HIF-1alpha protein levels under both normoxic (20% oxygen) and hypoxic (1% oxygen) conditions. Trx-1 increased hypoxia-induced HIF-1 transactivation activity measured using a luciferase reporter under the control of the hypoxia response element. Changes in HIF-1alpha mRNA levels did not account for the changes observed at the protein level, and HIF-1beta protein levels did not change. Trx-1 transfection also caused a significant increase in the protein products of hypoxia-responsive genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide synthase 2 in a number of different cell lines (MCF-7 human breast and HT29 human colon carcinomas and WEHI7.2 mouse lymphoma cells) under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The pattern of expression of the different isoforms of VEGF was not changed by Trx-1. Transfection of a redox-inactive Trx-1 (C32S/C35S) markedly decreased levels of HIF-1alpha protein, HIF-1 transactivating activity, and VEGF protein in MCF-7 cells compared with empty vector controls. In vivo studies using WEHI7.2 cells transfected with Trx-1 showed significantly increased tumor VEGF and angiogenesis. The results suggest that Trx-1 increases HIF-1alpha protein levels in cancer cells and increases VEGF production and tumor angiogenesis.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor and estrogen receptor alpha differentially modulate nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 transactivation in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lo, Raymond; Matthews, Jason, E-mail: jason.matthews@utoronto.ca

2013-07-15

Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2; NFE2L2) plays an important role in mediating cellular protection against reactive oxygen species. NRF2 signaling is positively modulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) but inhibited by estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). In this study we investigated the crosstalk among NRF2, AHR and ERα in MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with the NRF2 activator sulforaphane (SFN), a dual AHR and ERα activator, 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or 17β-estradiol (E2). SFN-dependent increases in NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase I (HMOX1) mRNA levels were significantly reduced after co-treatment with E2. E2-dependent repression of NQO1 andmore » HMOX1 was associated with increased ERα but reduced p300 recruitment and reduced histone H3 acetylation at both genes. In contrast, DIM + SFN or TCDD + SFN induced NQO1 and HMOX1 mRNA expression to levels higher than SFN alone, which was prevented by RNAi-mediated knockdown of AHR. DIM + SFN but not TCDD + SFN also induced recruitment of ERα to NQO1 and HMOX1. However, the presence of AHR at NQO1 and HMOX1 restored p300 recruitment and histone H3 acetylation, thereby reversing the ERα-dependent repression of NRF2. Taken together, our study provides further evidence of functional interplay among NRF2, AHR and ERα signaling pathways through altered p300 recruitment to NRF2-regulated target genes. - Highlights: • We examined crosstalk among ERα, AHR, and NRF2 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. • AHR enhanced the mRNA expression levels of two NRF2 target genes – HMOX1 and NQO1. • ERα repressed HMOX1 and NQO1 expression via decreased histone acetylation. • AHR prevented ERα-dependent repression of HMOX1 and NQO1.« less

Characterization of the expression, localization, and secretion of PANDER in alpha-cells.

PubMed

Carnegie, Jason R; Robert-Cooperman, Claudia E; Wu, Jianmei; Young, Robert A; Wolf, Bryan A; Burkhardt, Brant R

2010-08-30

The novel islet-specific protein PANcreatic DERived Factor (PANDER; FAM3B) has been extensively characterized with respect to the beta-cell, and these studies suggest a potential function for PANDER in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Little is known regarding PANDER in pancreatic -cells, which are critically involved in maintaining euglycemia. Here we present the first report elucidating the expression and regulation of PANDER within the alpha-cell. Pander mRNA and protein are detected in alpha-cells, with primary localization to a glucagon-negative granular cytosolic compartment. PANDER secretion from alpha-cells is nutritionally and hormonally regulated by l-arginine and insulin, demonstrating similarities and differences with glucagon. Signaling via the insulin receptor (IR) through the PI3K and Akt/PKB node is required for insulin-stimulated PANDER release. The separate localization of PANDER and glucagon is consistent with their differential regulation, and the effect of insulin suggests a paracrine/endocrine effect on PANDER release. This provides further insight into the potential glucose-regulatory role of PANDER. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Overexpression of IL-7R alpha provides a competitive advantage during early T-cell development.

PubMed

Laouar, Yasmina; Crispe, I Nicholas; Flavell, Richard A

2004-03-15

Critical checkpoints controlling early thymic T-cell development and homeostasis are set by the proper signaling function of the interleukin 7 receptor (IL-7R) and the pre-T-cell antigen receptor. Although alpha beta T-cell development is observed in IL-7- and IL-7R alpha-deficient mice, the number of thymocytes is significantly reduced, implying a role for the IL-7R in controlling the size of the thymic T-cell compartment. Here, we report the overexpression of IL-7R alpha that occurs in the early T-cell compartment from AKR/J mice, animals that are highly susceptible to the spontaneous development of thymoma. Increased IL-7R alpha was revealed by surface staining, and increased IL-7R alpha mRNA was documented by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This resulted in increased survival of AKR/J early thymocytes, shown by the decreased frequency of TUNEL(+) (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate [dUTP]-fluorescein nick end labeling) cells. In an in vivo thymocyte repopulation model, AKR/J thymocytes had a selective advantage over healthy thymocytes. This advantage occurred at early stages of T-cell development. Our findings support the model that overexpression of growth factor receptors can contribute to proliferation and malignancy.

Early application of Met-RANTES ameliorates chronic allograft nephropathy.

PubMed

Song, Erwei; Zou, Hequn; Yao, Yousheng; Proudfoot, Amanda; Antus, Balazs; Liu, Shanying; Jens, Lutz; Heemann, Uwe

2002-02-01

Initial insults to kidney allografts, characterized by infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells, contribute to chronic allograft nephropathy. Chemokines such as RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed) are thought to be responsible for the recruitment and activation of infiltrating cells. The present study investigated whether early application of Met-RANTES, a chemokine receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of RANTES, can protect renal allografts from long-term deterioration. Fisher (F344) rat kidneys were orthotopically transplanted into Lewis recipients and treated with cyclosporine A (1.5 mg/kg/day) for the first 10 days following transplantation, together with either Met-RANTES at 40 microg/day, 200 microg/day or vehicle for the first 7 days. Animals were harvested at 2 and 28 weeks after transplantation for histologic, immunohistologic and molecular analysis. Met-RANTES treatment reduced the infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages in allografts at 2 weeks after transplantation, accompanied by decreased mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and RANTES. At post-transplantation week 28, Met-RANTES treatment at high and low doses reduced urinary protein excretion and significantly ameliorated glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, intimal proliferation of graft arteries and mononuclear cell infiltration. However, creatinine clearance was not influenced by Met-RANTES. Furthermore, Met-RANTES suppressed the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B). Blockade of chemokine receptors by Met-RANTES diminishes early infiltration and activation of mononuclear cells in the grafts, and thus reduces the pace of chronic allograft nephropathy.

Embryonic exposure to the fungicide vinclozolin causes virilization of females and alteration of progesterone receptor expression in vivo: an experimental study in mice.

PubMed

Buckley, Jill; Willingham, Emily; Agras, Koray; Baskin, Laurence S

2006-02-21

Vinclozolin is a fungicide that has been reported to have anti-androgenic effects in rats. We have found that in utero exposure to natural or synthetic progesterones can induce hypospadias in mice, and that the synthetic progesterone medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) feminizes male and virilizes female genital tubercles. In the current work, we selected a relatively low dose of vinclozolin to examine its in utero effects on the development of the genital tubercle, both at the morphological and molecular levels. We gave pregnant dams vinclozolin by oral gavage from gestational days 13 through 17. We assessed the fetal genital tubercles from exposed fetuses at E19 to determine location of the urethral opening. After determination of gonadal sex, either genital tubercles were harvested for mRNA quantitation, or urethras were injected with a plastic resin for casting. We analyzed quantified mRNA levels between treated and untreated animals for mRNA levels of estrogen receptors alpha and beta, progesterone receptor, and androgen receptor using nonparametric tests or ANOVA. To determine effects on urethral length (males have long urethras compared to females), we measured the lengths of the casts and performed ANOVA analysis on these data. Our morphological results indicated that vinclozolin has morphological effects similar to those of MPA, feminizing males (hypospadias) and masculinizing females (longer urethras). Because these results reflected our MPA results, we investigated the effects of in utero vinclozolin exposure on the mRNA expression levels of androgen, estrogen alpha and beta, and progesterone receptors. At the molecular level, vinclozolin down-regulated estrogen receptor alpha mRNA in females and up-regulated progesterone receptor mRNA. Vinclozolin-exposed males exhibited up-regulated estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor mRNA, effects we have also seen with exposure to the synthetic estrogen, ethinyl estradiol. The results suggest that vinclozolin virilizes females and directly or indirectly affects progesterone receptor expression. It also affects estrogen receptor expression in a sex-based manner. We found no in vivo effect of vinclozolin on androgen receptor expression. We propose that vinclozolin, which has been designated an anti-androgen, may also exert its effects by involving additional steroid-signaling pathways.

Molecular analysis of the beta-thalassemia phenotype associated with inheritance of hemoglobin E (alpha 2 beta2(26)Glu leads to Lys).

PubMed Central

Benz, E J; Berman, B W; Tonkonow, B L; Coupal, E; Coates, T; Boxer, L A; Altman, A; Adams, J G

1981-01-01

Inheritance of the gene for betaE-globin is associated with hypochromia and microcytosis, reminiscent of typical heterozygous beta-thalassemia. Patients with hemoglobin (Hb)E-beta-thalassemia exhibit clinical phenotypes of severe beta-thalassemia, a circumstance not encountered in other compound heterozygous states for structural beta-chain mutations and beta-thalassemia. We have analyzed the kinetics of globin synthesis and the levels of globin messenger (m) RNA accumulation in patients with Hb E-beta-thalassemia and Hb E trait. The initial rate of beta-globin synthesis (betaE/alpha=0.20-0.34) was less than expected on the basis of gene dosage, or comparable studies of other compound heterozygous states for beta-thalassemia and structurally abnormal beta-chains. betaE-globin synthesis was not only reduced during short-term incubations (1-5 min), but also remained relatively unchanged during long-term pulse or chase incubations up to 5h. Analysis of globin mRNA by cell-free translation and molecular hybridization confirmed that the unexpectedly low levels of betaE-globin synthesis were associated with comparable reduction in the levels of beta-globin mRNA. In Hb E-beta-thalassemia the betaA + betaE (alpha globin nRNA ratio observed were substantially lower than those obtained from reticulocytes of patients with heterozygous beta-thalassemia, or Hb S-betaO-thalassemia, while in Hb E trait, the betaA + betaE/alpha mRNA ratio was in the ranged observed for beta-thalassemia trait. The betaE-globin gene specifies reduced accumulation of betaE-globin mRNA, a property characteristic of other forms of beta-thalassemia. The beta-thalassemia phenotype associated with inheritance of Hb E is thus determined at the level of beta-globin mRNA metabolism. PMID:6166632

Sodium/iodide symporter: a key transport system in thyroid cancer cell metabolism.

PubMed

Filetti, S; Bidart, J M; Arturi, F; Caillou, B; Russo, D; Schlumberger, M

1999-11-01

The recent cloning of the gene encoding the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) has enabled better characterization of the molecular mechanisms underlying iodide transport, thus opening the way to clarifying its role in thyroid diseases. Several studies, at both the mRNA and the protein expression levels, have demonstrated that TSH, the primary regulator of iodide uptake, upregulates NIS gene expression and NIS protein abundance, both in vitro and in vivo. However, other factors, including iodide, retinoic acid, transforming growth factor-beta, interleukin-1alpha and tumour necrosis factor alpha, may participate in the regulation of NIS expression. Investigation of NIS mRNA expression in different thyroid tissues has revealed increased levels of expression in Graves' disease and toxic adenomas, whereas a reduction or loss of NIS transcript was detected in differentiated thyroid carcinomas, despite the expression of other specific thyroid markers. NIS mRNA was also detected in non-thyroid tissues able to concentrate radioiodine, including salivary glands, stomach, thymus and breast. The production of specific antibodies against the NIS has facilitated study of the expression of the symporter protein. Despite of the presence of high levels of human (h)NIS mRNA, normal thyroid glands exhibit a heterogeneous expression of NIS protein, limited to the basolateral membrane of the thyrocytes. By immunohistochemistry, staining of hNIS protein was stronger in Graves' and toxic adenomas and reduced in thyroid carcinomas. Measurement of iodide uptake by thyroid cancer cells is the cornerstone of the follow-up and treatment of patients with thyroid cancer. However, radioiodide uptake is found only in about 67% of patients with persistent or recurrent disease. Several studies have demonstrated a decrease in or a loss of NIS expression in primary human thyroid carcinomas, and immunohistochemical studies have confirmed this considerably decreased expression of the NIS protein in thyroid cancer tissues, suggesting that the low expression of NIS may represent an early abnormality in the pathway of thyroid cell transformation, rather than being a consequence of cancer progression. The relationship between radioiodine uptake and NIS expression by thyroid cancer cells require further study. New strategies, based on manipulation of NIS expression, to obtain NIS gene reactivation or for use as NIS gene therapy in the treatment of radiosensitive cancer, are also being investigated.

Induction of IgA B cell differentiation of bone marrow-derived B cells by Peyer's patch autoreactive helper T cells.

PubMed

Kihira, T; Kawanishi, H

1995-08-01

The objective of this study was to demonstrate in vitro that bone marrow-derived pro/pre-B cells bearing mu mRNA can switch their Ig heavy-chain isotype to that of alpha mRNA-expressing B cells after contact with Peyer's patches-derived activated autoreactive CD4+ T cells. Bone marrow-derived pro/pre-B cells and activated autoreactive Peyer's patch, mesenteric lymph node, or spleen CD4+ T cells were co-cultured in the presence of recombinant (r) IL-2, rIL-7, and Con A for 3 days. The mixed cultured cells were isolated for preparation of total RNA. Dot/slot hybridization, using murine C mu (pu3741) and C alpha (P alpha J558) Ig heavy-chain cDNA probes, detected C mu and C alpha Ig heavy-chain mRNA transcripts. The magnitude of each mRNA expression was measured demsitometrically. In addition, the secreted class-specific Ig contents from the co-cultured supernatants were measured. The results indicate that activated autoreactive Peyer's patch and mesenteric lymph node CD4+ T cells provide a specific Ig heavy-chain switch from mu to alpha (Peyer's patch CD4+ T cells > mesenteric lymph node CD4+ T cells) in bone marrow-derived pro/pre-B cells and also assist to develop IgA-secreting plasma cells. The alpha heavy-chain switch and IgA production do not occur in the presence of activated autoreactive spleen CD4+ T cells. These results support the view that autoreactive gut Peyer's patch CD4+ T cells, at least, regulate IgA B cell heavy-chain switching and terminal differentiation during gut mucosal B cell development.

[Effect of preventive acupuncture and moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) on the expression of HSP 70 and HSP 70 mRNA in spleen and the contents of serum IL-2, TNF-alpha in menopausal rats].

PubMed

Li, Xiao-Hong; Wang, Hong-Bin; Xu, Li-Li; Song, Xiao-Lin; Zheng, Ling; He, Yu-Wei; Zhang, Lu-Fen

2009-04-01

To observe the influence of preventive acupuncture (PA) and preventive moxibustion (PM) at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) on the immune function in natural climacteric rats. A total of 160 female SD rats were randomized into control, PA and PM groups, the former one group was further divided into 10 month (mon), 12 mon, 14 mon and 16 mon subgroups, and the later two groups were further divided into 12 mon, 14 mon and 16 mon subgroups, with 16 rats in each. In addition, other 16 female SD rats aged 3.5 mon were used as the young control (YC) group. "Guanyuan" (CV 4) was punctured with an acupuncture needle and the needle was retained for 20 min, or given with one ignited moxa-cone from the age of 10 mon on. The treatment was conducted twice every week, 8 weeks altogether. The expression of HSP 70 and HSP 70 mRNA of the spleen tissue was detected by using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization respectively, and serum IL-2 and TNF-alpha contents were assayed by using radio-immunoassay. In comparison with YC group, 1) the expression of spleen HSP 70 and HSP 70 mRNA increased significantly in 10 mon control (mon-C), 12 mon-PM and 12 mon-PA groups, and 14 mon-PA group (only HSP 70 mRNA) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); 2) HSP 70 expression decreased remarkably in 14 mon-C, 16 mon-C and 16 mon-PA groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); 3) IL-2 contents decreased evidently in 12 mon-C and 14 mon-C groups, and TNF-alpha contents increased obviously in 12 mon-PM, 12 mon-PA and 16 mon-C groups (P < 0.05). In comparison with the corresponding same age control groups, HSP 70 and HSP 70 mRNA expression increased significantly in 12 mon-PM and 12 mon-PA groups, 14 mon-PM and 16 mon-PM (HSP 70 only), 14 mon-PA (HSP 70 mRNA only) groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); IL-2 level of 12 mon-PM group, and TNF-alpha contents of 12 mon-PM and 12 mon-PA groups increased markedly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). No significant differences were found between PM and PA groups in most different age groups (P > 0.05). Both preventive acupuncture and preventive moxibustion can upregulate the expression of spleen HSP 70 and HSP 70 mRNA and serum IL-2 and TNF-alpha levels, which may contribute to their effects in enhancing the immune function in menopausal rats.

Experimental hyperthyroidism and central mediators of stress axis and thyroid axis activity in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

PubMed

Geven, Edwin J W; Verkaar, Folkert; Flik, Gert; Klaren, Peter H M

2006-12-01

The effect of experimental hyperthyroidism, realized by T(4) injection, on central mediators of the hypothalamo-pituitary-interrenal axis (HPI-axis) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) was studied. Our results show that hyperthyroidism evokes a marked 3.2-fold reduction in basal plasma cortisol levels. Corticotropin-releasing hormone-binding protein (CRH-BP) mRNA levels in the hypothalamus, measured by real-time quantitative PCR, were significantly elevated by 40%, but CRH, urotensin-I, prepro-TRH, prohormone convertase-1 (PC1), and POMC mRNA levels were unchanged. In the pituitary pars distalis, PC1, CRH receptor-1, and POMC mRNA levels were unaffected, as was ACTH content. Plasma alpha-MSH concentrations were significantly elevated by 30% in hyperthyroid fish, and this was reflected in PC1 and POMC mRNA levels in pituitary pars intermedia that were increased 1.5- and 2.4-fold respectively. The alpha-MSH content of the pars intermedia was unchanged. Hyperthyroidism has profound effects on the basal levels of a central mediator, i.e., CRH-BP, of HPI-axis function in unstressed carp in vivo, and we conclude that HPI- and hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid-axis functions are strongly interrelated. We suggest that the changes in plasma cortisol, thyroid hormone, and alpha-MSH levels reflect their concerted actions on energy metabolism.

Effects of retinoids and thiazolidinediones on proliferation, insulin release, insulin mRNA, GLUT 2 transporter protein and mRNA of INS-1 cells.

PubMed

Blumentrath, J; Neye, H; Verspohl, E J

2001-09-01

Both 9-cis-retinoic acid (9cRA) and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) are active metabolites of vitamin A (retinol). There exists an interaction between retinoid receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARgamma). To define their functions in an insulin secreting system the effects of ATRA, 9cRA and the PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone on cell proliferation, insulin release and glucose transporter (GLUT) 2 of INS-1 cells were tested. Retinoic acid receptor (RAR-alpha and -gamma) and retinoid X receptor (RXR-alpha and -beta) proteins are present (immunoblots). Both 9cRA and ATRA inhibit INS-1 cell proliferation ([3H]-thymidine assay) in a concentration dependent manner. Both 9cRA and ATRA increased insulin release, but only ATRA ralsed the GLUT 2 mRNA in a bell-shaped concentration response curve after 48 h. The insulinotropic effect of one compound is not significantly superimposed by the other indicating that the same binding sites are used by 9cRA and ATRA. The acute and chronic effects of the PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone on insulin release were additionally determined since glitazones act as transcription factors together with RXR agonists. At high concentrations (100 microM) rosiglitazone inhibited glucose (8.3 mM) stimulated insulin secretion (acute experiment over 60 min). Insulin secretion, however, was increased during a 24 h treatment at a concentration of 10 microM and again inhibited at 100 microM. Changes in preproinsulin mRNA expression were not observed. Rosiglitazone (100 microM) increased GLUT 2 mRNA paralleled by an increase of GLUT 2 protein, but only after 24 h of treatment. This data indicate that RAR and RXR mediate insulin release. The changes in GLUT 2 have no direct impact on insulin release; the inhibition seen at high concentrations of either compound is possibly the result of the observed inhibition of cell proliferation. Effects of rosiglitazone on preproinsulin mRNA and GLUT 2 (mRNA and protein) do not play a role in modulating insulin secretion. With the presence of an RXR receptor agonist the effect of rosiglitazone on insulin release becomes stimulatory. Thus the effects of RAR-, RXR agonists and rosiglitazone depend on their concentrations, the duration of their presence and are due to specific interactions. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin.

PubMed

Schrader, A; Siefken, W; Kueper, T; Breitenbach, U; Gatermann, C; Sperling, G; Biernoth, T; Scherner, C; Stäb, F; Wenck, H; Wittern, K-P; Blatt, T

2012-01-01

Aquaporins (AQPs) present in the epidermis are essential hydration-regulating elements controlling cellular water and glycerol transport. In this study, the potential of glyceryl glucoside [GG; alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-alpha-(1->2)-glycerol], an enhanced glycerol derivative, to increase the expression of AQP3 in vitro and ex vivo was evaluated. In vitro studies with real-time RT-PCR and FACS measurements were performed to test the induction by GG (3% w/v) of AQP3 mRNA and protein in cultured human keratinocytes. GG-containing formulations were applied topically to volunteer subjects and suction blister biopsies were analyzed to assess whether GG (5%) could penetrate the epidermis of intact skin, and subsequently upregulate AQP3 mRNA expression and improve barrier function. AQP3 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in cultured human keratinocytes. In the studies on volunteer subjects, GG significantly increased AQP3 mRNA levels in the skin and reduced transepidermal water loss compared with vehicle-controlled areas. GG promotes AQP3 mRNA and protein upregulation and improves skin barrier function, and may thus offer an effective treatment option for dehydrated skin. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Sequence of the cDNA of a human dihydrodiol dehydrogenase isoform (AKR1C2) and tissue distribution of its mRNA.

PubMed Central

Shiraishi, H; Ishikura, S; Matsuura, K; Deyashiki, Y; Ninomiya, M; Sakai, S; Hara, A

1998-01-01

Human liver contains three isoforms (DD1, DD2 and DD4) of dihydrodiol dehydrogenase with 20alpha- or 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity; the dehydrogenases belong to the aldo-oxo reductase (AKR) superfamily. cDNA species encoding DD1 and DD4 have been identified. However, four cDNA species with more than 99% sequence identity have been cloned and are compatible with a partial amino acid sequence of DD2. In this study we have isolated a cDNA clone encoding DD2, which was confirmed by comparison of the properties of the recombinant and hepatic enzymes. This cDNA showed differences of one, two, four and five nucleotides from the previously reported four cDNA species for a dehydrogenase of human colon carcinoma HT29 cells, human prostatic 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, a human liver 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-like protein and chlordecone reductase-like protein respectively. Expression of mRNA species for the five similar cDNA species in 20 liver samples and 10 other different tissue samples was examined by reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR with specific primers followed by diagnostic restriction with endonucleases. All the tissues expressed only one mRNA species corresponding to the newly identified cDNA for DD2: mRNA transcripts corresponding to the other cDNA species were not detected. We suggest that the new cDNA is derived from the principal gene for DD2, which has been named AKR1C2 by a new nomenclature for the AKR superfamily. It is possible that some of the other cDNA species previously reported are rare allelic variants of this gene. PMID:9716498

Skeletal muscle deiodinase type 2 regulation during illness in mice.

PubMed

Kwakkel, J; van Beeren, H C; Ackermans, M T; Platvoet-Ter Schiphorst, M C; Fliers, E; Wiersinga, W M; Boelen, A

2009-11-01

We have previously shown that skeletal muscle deiodinase type 2 (D2) mRNA (listed as Dio2 in MGI Database) is upregulated in an animal model of acute illness. However, human studies on the expression of muscle D2 during illness report conflicting data. Therefore, we evaluated the expression of skeletal muscle D2 and D2-regulating factors in two mouse models of illness that differ in timing and severity of illness: 1) turpentine-induced inflammation, and 2) Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. During turpentine-induced inflammation, D2 mRNA and activity increased compared to pair-fed controls, most prominently at day 1 and 2, whereas after S. pneumoniae infection D2 mRNA decreased. We evaluated the association of D2 expression with serum thyroid hormones, (de-)ubiquitinating enzymes ubiquitin-specific peptidase 33 and WD repeat and SOCS box-containing 1 (Wsb1), cytokine expression and activation of inflammatory pathways and cAMP pathway. During chronic inflammation the increased muscle D2 expression is associated with the activation of the cAMP pathway. The normalization of D2 5 days after turpentine injection coincides with increased Wsb1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha expression. Muscle interleukin-1beta (Il1b) expression correlated with decreased D2 mRNA expression after S. pneumoniae infection. In conclusion, muscle D2 expression is differentially regulated during illness, probably related to differences in the inflammatory response and type of pathology. D2 mRNA and activity increases in skeletal muscle during the acute phase of chronic inflammation compared to pair-fed controls probably due to activation of the cAMP pathway. In contrast, muscle D2 mRNA decreases 48 h after a severe bacterial infection, which is associated with local Il1b mRNA expression and might also be due to diminished food-intake.

Analysis of transcriptional isoforms of collagen types IX, II, and I in the developing avian cornea by competitive polymerase chain reaction.

PubMed

Fitch, J M; Gordon, M K; Gibney, E P; Linsenmayer, T F

1995-01-01

The genes for the alpha 1(IX), alpha 1(II), and alpha 2(I) collagen chains can give rise to different isoforms of mRNA, generated by alternative promotor usage [for alpha 1(IX) and alpha 2(I)] or alternative splicing [for alpha 1(II)]. In this study, we employed competitive reverse transcriptase PCR to quantitate the amounts of transcriptional isoforms for these genes in the embryonic avian cornea from its inception (about 3 1/2 days of development) to 11 days. In order to compare values at different time points, the results were normalized to those obtained for the "housekeeping" enzyme, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH). These values were compared to those obtained from other tissues (anterior optic cup and cartilage) that synthesize different combinations of the collagen isoforms. We found that, in the cornea, transcripts from the upstream promotor of alpha 1(IX) collagen (termed "long IX") were predominant at stage 18-20 (about 3 1/2 days), but then fell rapidly, and remained at a low level. By 5 days (just before stromal swelling) the major mRNA isoform of alpha 1(IX) was from the downstream promoter (termed "short IX"). The relative amount of transcript for the short form of type IX collagen rose to a peak at about 6 days of development, and then declined. Throughout this period, the predominant transcriptional isoform of the collagen type II gene was IIA (i.e., containing the alternatively spliced exon 2). This indicates that the molecules of type II collagen that are assembled into heterotypic fibrils with type I collagen possess, at least transiently, an amino-terminal globular domain similar to that found in collagen types I, III, and V. For type I, the "bone/tendon" mRNA isoform of the alpha 2(I) collagen gene was predominant; transcripts from the downstream promotor were at basal levels. In other tissues expressing collagen types IX and II, long IX was expressed predominantly with the IIA form in the anterior optic cup at stage 22/23; in 14 1/2 day cartilage, long IX was expressed predominantly along with the IIB form of alpha 1(II). The downstream transcript of the alpha 2(I) gene (Icart) was found at high levels only in cartilage.

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha protects the heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Yue, Tian-li; Bao, Weike; Jucker, Beat M; Gu, Juan-li; Romanic, Anne M; Brown, Peter J; Cui, Jianqi; Thudium, Douglas T; Boyce, Rogely; Burns-Kurtis, Cynthia L; Mirabile, Rosanna C; Aravindhan, Karpagam; Ohlstein, Eliot H

2003-11-11

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) is expressed in the heart and regulates genes involved in myocardial fatty acid oxidation (FAO). The role of PPAR-alpha in acute ischemia/reperfusion myocardial injury remains unclear. The coronary arteries of male mice were ligated for 30 minutes. After reperfusion for 24 hours, ischemic and infarct sizes were determined. A highly selective and potent PPAR-alpha agonist, GW7647, was administered by mouth for 2 days, and the third dose was given 1 hour before ischemia. GW7647 at 1 and 3 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) reduced infarct size by 28% and 35%, respectively (P<0.01), and myocardial contractile dysfunction was also improved. Cardioprotection by GW7647 was completely abolished in PPAR-alpha-null mice. Ischemia/reperfusion downregulated mRNA expression of cardiac PPAR-alpha and FAO enzyme genes, decreased myocardial FAO enzyme activity and in vivo cardiac fat oxidation, and increased serum levels of free fatty acids. All of these changes were reversed by GW7647. Moreover, GW7647 attenuated ischemia/reperfusion-induced release of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and inhibited neutrophil accumulation and myocardial expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 and -2. Furthermore, GW7647 inhibited nuclear factor-kappaB activation in the heart, accompanied by enhanced levels of inhibitor-kappaBalpha. Activation of PPAR-alpha protected the heart from reperfusion injury. This cardioprotection might be mediated through metabolic and antiinflammatory mechanisms. This novel effect of the PPAR-alpha agonist could provide an added benefit to patients treated with PPAR-alpha activators for dyslipidemia.

F-prostanoid receptor regulation of fibroblast growth factor 2 signaling in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells.

PubMed

Sales, Kurt J; Boddy, Sheila C; Williams, Alistair R W; Anderson, Richard A; Jabbour, Henry N

2007-08-01

Prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) is a potent bioactive lipid in the female reproductive tract, and exerts its function after coupling with its heptahelical G-protein-coupled receptor [F-series-prostanoid (FP) receptor] to initiate cell signaling and target gene transcription. In the present study, we found elevated expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1), and FP receptor, colocalized within the neoplastic epithelial cells of endometrial adenocarcinomas. We investigated a role for PGF(2alpha)-FP receptor interaction in modulating FGF2 expression and signaling using an endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line stably expressing the FP receptor to the levels detected in endometrial adenocarcinomas (FPS cells) and endometrial adenocarcinoma tissue explants. PGF(2alpha)-FP receptor activation rapidly induced FGF2 mRNA expression, and elevated FGF2 protein expression and secretion into the culture medium in FPS cells and endometrial adenocarcinoma explants. The effect of PGF(2alpha) on the expression and secretion of FGF2 could be abolished by treatment of FPS cells and endometrial tissues with an FP receptor antagonist (AL8810) and inhibitor of ERK (PD98059). Furthermore, we have shown that FGF2 can promote the expression of FGF2 and cyclooxygenase-2, and enhance proliferation of endometrial adenocarcinoma cells via the FGFR1 and ERK pathways, thereby establishing a positive feedback loop to regulate neoplastic epithelial cell function in endometrial adenocarcinomas.

The alpha subunit of the epithelial sodium channel in the mouse: developmental regulation of its expression.

PubMed

Dagenais, A; Kothary, R; Berthiaume, Y

1997-09-01

Sodium reabsorption by the amiloride-sensitive sodium channel of epithelial cells plays a crucial role in the management of ionic composition and fluid volume in the body. In the respiratory system, sodium transport is involved in the clearance of pulmonary edema and of liquid secreted during fetal life at birth. We have cloned a partial cDNA of the alpha subunit of the mouse amiloride-sensitive sodium channel (alpha mENaC). In the region of comparison, the mouse alpha subunit shows 92% identity at the DNA level and 95% identity at the amino acid level with the rat sequence. The kidneys, lungs, and distal colon are major sites of expression of a 3.5-kb alpha mENaC mRNA. During mouse development, alpha mENaC transcripts appear late during gestation (d 17.5) and are expressed continuously thereafter. In the distal colon, a short 1.2-kb mRNA deleted of the 5' part of the transcript is detected during gestation and is replaced gradually by the mature 3.5-kb transcript after birth. Alpha mENaC and alpha1 Na+-K+-ATPase mRNAs have an expression profile that is modulated similarly during development for a given tissue. The expression of alpha mENaC transcripts increases transiently in the lungs at birth (2.5-fold), as for alpha1 Na+-K+-ATPase mRNAs (1.5-fold), suggesting that the expression of several components of the sodium transport system is modulated in the lungs at that time. In the kidney, there is no significant increase of alpha mENaC and alpha1 Na+-K+-ATPase mRNAs in newborns.

Lassa and Mopeia virus replication in human monocytes/macrophages and in endothelial cells: different effects on IL-8 and TNF-alpha gene expression.

PubMed

Lukashevich, I S; Maryankova, R; Vladyko, A S; Nashkevich, N; Koleda, S; Djavani, M; Horejsh, D; Voitenok, N N; Salvato, M S

1999-12-01

Cells of the mononuclear and endothelial lineages are targets for viruses which cause hemorrhagic fevers (HF) such as the filoviruses Marburg and Ebola, and the arenaviruses Lassa and Junin. A recent model of Marburg HF pathogenesis proposes that virus directly causes endothelial cell damage and macrophage release of TNF-alpha which increases the permeability of endothelial monolayers [Feldmann et al. , 1996]. We show that Lassa virus replicates in human monocytes/macrophages and endothelial cells without damaging them. Human endothelial cells (HUVEC) are highly susceptible to infection by both Lassa and Mopeia (a non-pathogenic Lassa-related arenavirus). Whereas monocytes must differentiate into macrophages before supporting even low level production of these viruses, the virus yields in the culture medium of infected HUVEC cells reach more than 7 log10 PFU/ml without cellular damage. In contrast to filovirus, Lassa virus replication in monocytes/macrophages fails to stimulate TNF-alpha gene expression and even down-regulates LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha mRNA synthesis. The expression of IL-8, a prototypic proinflammatory CXC chemokine, was also suppressed in Lassa virus infected monocytes/macrophages and HUVEC on both the protein and mRNA levels. This contrasts with Mopeia virus infection of HUVEC in which neither IL-8 mRNA nor protein are reduced. The cumulative down-regulation of TNF-alpha and IL-8 expression could explain the absence of inflammatory and effective immune responses in severe cases of Lassa HF. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor primes interleukin-13 production by macrophages via protease-activated receptor-2.

PubMed

Aoki, Manabu; Yamaguchi, Rui; Yamamoto, Takatoshi; Ishimaru, Yasuji; Ono, Tomomichi; Sakamoto, Arisa; Narahara, Shinji; Sugiuchi, Hiroyuki; Hirose, Eiji; Yamaguchi, Yasuo

2015-04-01

Chronic inflammation is often linked to the presence of type 2-polarized macrophages, which are induced by the T helper type 2 cytokines interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 (IL-13). IL-13 is a key mediator of tissue fibrosis caused by T helper type 2-based inflammation. Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. This study investigated the priming effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on IL-13 expression by macrophages stimulated with HNE. Adherent macrophages were obtained from primary cultures of human mononuclear cells. Expression of IL-13 mRNA and protein by GM-CSF-dependent macrophages was investigated after stimulation with HNE, using the polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. GM-CSF had a priming effect on IL-13 mRNA and protein expression by macrophages stimulated with HNE, while this effect was not observed for various other cytokines. GM-CSF-dependent macrophages showed a significant increase in the expression of protease activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) mRNA and protein. The response of IL-13 mRNA to HNE was significantly decreased by pretreatment with alpha1-antitrypsin, a PAR-2 antibody (SAM11), or a PAR-2 antagonist (ENMD-1068). These findings suggest that stimulation with HNE can induce IL-13 production by macrophages, especially GM-CSF-dependent macrophages. Accordingly, neutrophil elastase may have a key role in fibrosis associated with chronic inflammation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chronic thalidomide administration enhances vascular responsiveness to vasopressin in portal-systemic collaterals of bile duct-ligated rats.

PubMed

Chang, Ching-Chih; Wang, Sun-Sang; Huang, Hui-Chun; Lee, Fa-Yauh; Lin, Han-Chieh; Lee, Jing-Yi; Chen, Yi-Chou; Lee, Shou-Dong

2009-05-01

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) controls gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, partly due to its vasoconstrictive effect on portal-systemic collaterals. It has been shown that chronic thalidomide treatment decreases portal pressure, attenuates hyperdynamic circulation and inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in partially portal vein-ligated rats. This study investigated the effects of chronic thalidomide treatment on portal-systemic collateral vascular responsiveness to AVP in common bile duct-ligated (CBDL) cirrhotic rats. In the first series, CBDL-induced cirrhotic rats received thalidomide (50 mg/kg/day orally) or distilled water (control) from the 35th to 42nd day after ligation. On the 43rd day after ligation, the body weight, mean arterial pressure, portal pressure, and heart rate were measured. An in situ collateral vascular perfusion model was used to obtain the cumulative concentration-response curves of collateral vessels to AVP (10(-10) to 3 x 10(-7) M). Plasma levels of VEGF and TNF-alpha were measured, and expressions of VEGF and TNF-alpha mRNA in the left adrenal veins were also determined. In the second series, the cumulative concentration-response curves of collateral vessels to AVP in CBDL rats with or without thalidomide (10(-5) M) preincubation in the perfusate were obtained. The thalidomide and control groups were not significantly different in terms of heart rate, mean arterial pressure and portal pressure (p > 0.05). The collateral vascular perfusion pressure change to AVP was significantly enhanced at 10(-8) M after thalidomide treatment (p = 0.041). Compared with the control group, thalidomide-treated rats had significantly lower plasma VEGF levels (p < 0.001), accompanied by an insignificant reduction in plasma TNF-alpha levels (p > 0.05). The expressions of VEGF and TNF-alpha mRNA in the left adrenal veins of thalidomide-treated CBDL rats were not significantly changed compared with those of the control group. In addition, thalidomide did not significantly elicit changes in vascular responsiveness to AVP in collateral vessels of CBDL rats when it was added into the perfusate. In cirrhotic rats, chronic thalidomide treatment improves the portal-systemic collateral vascular responsiveness to AVP, which was partly related to VEGF inhibition.

[Expression of HIF1-alpha on myocardium and lung in rats model of asphyxia death].

PubMed

Zhang, Geng-qian; Zhou, Bin; Du, Bing; Yang, Zhi-hui; Zhang, Bei-lei; Zhu, Yin-hua; Zhang, Lin

2006-12-01

To investigate the expression of HIF1-alpha in heart and lung tissue died from asphyxia. The rats model of asphyxia death was constructed by hanging, different asphyxia groups and control group sets were made according the postmortem time (0,2,6,24 h), immunohistochemistry and half-quantitative RT-PCR methods were used to investigate expression of HIF1-alpha and mRNA changes on heart and lung tissue. The positive staining of HIF1-alpha could be observed in the myocardium and lung tissue. Significant differences were found between the groups of asphyxia and their corresponding control group. HIF1-alpha expression was found in all the asphyxia groups while it was only expressed in the control groups of 2 h, 6 h and 24 h. Nucleic positive staining could be detected in all the asphyxia groups but none was found in the control groups. RT-PCR showed that the expression of mRNA between 0 h asphyxia group and 0 h control group were equal in both cardic muscle and lung, but elevated expression in groups of 2,6,24h compared to their control groups. The nuclear positive staining of HIF1-alpha in heart and lung can be a special character of suffocation death.

Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR(2)) in human periodontitis.

PubMed

Holzhausen, M; Cortelli, J R; da Silva, V Araújo; Franco, G C Nobre; Cortelli, S Cavalca; Vergnolle, N

2010-09-01

No evidence for the role of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR(2)) in human periodontal disease has been demonstrated so far. Thus, we sought to investigate the expression of PAR(2) mRNA in chronic periodontitis, and to examine whether its expression is related to the presence of PAR(2) potential activators. Microbiological and gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from individuals with chronic periodontitis and control individuals, and the presence of neutrophil serine proteinase 3 (P3) and Porphyromonas gingivalis was evaluated. PAR(2) mRNA expression was higher (p < 0.001) in those with chronic periodontitis compared with control individuals, and it was statistically decreased (p = 0.0006) after periodontal treatment. Furthermore, those with chronic periodontitis presented higher (p < 0.05) levels of IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha, total proteolytic activity, P. gingivalis prevalence, and P3mRNA expression compared with control individuals. We conclude that PAR(2) mRNA expression and its potential activators are elevated in human chronic periodontitis, therefore suggesting that PAR(2) may play a role in periodontal inflammation.

The expression of ADAM12 (meltrin alpha) in human giant cell tumours of bone.

PubMed

Tian, B L; Wen, J M; Zhang, M; Xie, D; Xu, R B; Luo, C J

2002-12-01

To examine the expression of ADAM12 (meltrin alpha), a member of the disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family, in human giant cell tumours of the bone, skeletal muscle tissue from human embryos, and human adult skeletal muscle tissue. ADAM12 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation. ADAM12 mRNA was detected in 14 of the 20 giant cell tumours of bone and in three of the six tumour cell cultures. The expression of ADAM12 in cells cultured from the tumour was linked to the presence of multinucleated giant cells. ADAM12 mRNA could not be detected in the five adult skeletal muscle tissue samples, although it was found in the two embryonic skeletal muscle tissue samples. ADAM12 mRNA was localised to the cytoplasm of multinucleated giant cells and some mononuclear stromal cells. These results indicate that multinucleated giant cells are formed by the cell fusion of mononuclear stromal cells in giant cell tumours of bone and that ADAM12 is involved in the cell fusion process.

Beetroot and Sodium Nitrate Ameliorate Cardiometabolic Changes in Diet-Induced Obese Hypertensive Rats.

PubMed

Bhaswant, Maharshi; Brown, Lindsay; McAinch, Andrew J; Mathai, Michael L

2017-12-01

Dietary intake of beetroot by humans reduces blood pressure but whether this is caused by nitrate or betanin is not well-defined; neither are effects on other signs of metabolic syndrome. Rats fed a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (H) for 16 weeks developed abdominal obesity, hypertension, altered cardiovascular and liver structure and function, and impaired glucose tolerance compared to rats fed a corn starch diet (C). H rats treated with ∼16 mg/kg/day of nitrate either from beetroot juice (H+B) or sodium nitrate (H+N) for the last 8 weeks reduced systolic blood pressure by ∼25 mmHg, improved cardiac structure and function, plasma lipid profile and plasma markers of liver function, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in heart and liver and decreased left ventricular fibrosis. In the left ventricle, H rats increased mRNA expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPK-α) and decreased mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α); both beetroot and sodium nitrate diet-fed rats decreased CTGF threefold, MCP-1, and MMP-2 twofold, and doubled PPAR-α mRNA expression in left ventricular tissue. The similar functional and molecular responses to beetroot and sodium nitrate indicate that the nitrate content of beetroot reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular, liver, and metabolic function in rats with metabolic syndrome, rather than betanin. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Suppression of bcr-abl synthesis by siRNAs or tyrosine kinase activity by Glivec alters different oncogenes, apoptotic/antiapoptotic genes and cell proliferation factors (microarray study).

PubMed

Zhelev, Zhivko; Bakalova, Rumiana; Ohba, Hideki; Ewis, Ashraf; Ishikawa, Mitsuru; Shinohara, Yasuo; Baba, Yoshinobu

2004-07-16

Short 21-mer double-stranded/small-interfering RNAs (ds/siRNAs) were designed to target bcr-abl mRNA in chronic myelogenous leukemia. The ds/siRNAs were transfected into bcr-abl-positive K-562 (derived from blast crisis chronic myelogenous leukemia), using lipofectamine. Penetrating of ds/siRNAs into the cells was detected by fluorescent confocal microscopy, using fluorescein-labeled ds/siRNAs. The cells were treated with mix of three siRNA sequences (3 x 60 nM) during 6 days with three repetitive transfections. The siRNA-treatment was accompanied with significant reduction of bcr-abl mRNA, p210, protein tyrosine kinase activity and cell proliferation index. Treatment of cells with Glivec (during 8 days with four repetitive doses, 180 nM single dose) resulted in analogous reduction of cell proliferation activity, stronger suppression of protein tyrosine kinase activity, and very low reduction of p210. siRNA-mix and Glivec did not affect significantly the viability of normal lymphocytes. Microarray analysis of siRNA- and Glivec-treated K-562 cells demonstrated that both pathways of bcr-abl suppression were accompanied with overexpression and suppression of many different oncogenes, apoptotic/antiapoptotic and cell proliferation factors. The following genes of interest were found to decrease in relatively equal degree in both siRNA- and Glivec-treated cells: Bcd orf1 and orf2 proto-oncogene, chromatin-specific transcription elongation factor FACT 140-kDa subunit mRNA, gene encoding splicing factor SF1, and mRNA for Tec protein tyrosine kinase. siRNA-mix and Glivec provoked overexpression of the following common genes: c-jun proto-oncogene, protein kinase C-alpha, pvt-1 oncogene homologue (myc activator), interleukin-6, 1-8D gene from interferon-inducible gene family, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (10b), and STAT-induced STAT inhibitor.

Regulation of hepatic 7 alpha-hydroxylase expression by dietary psyllium in the hamster.

PubMed Central

Horton, J D; Cuthbert, J A; Spady, D K

1994-01-01

Soluble fiber consistently lowers plasma total and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations in humans and various animal models including the hamster; however, the mechanism of this effect remains incompletely defined. We performed studies to determine the activity of dietary psyllium on hepatic 7 alpha-hydroxylase, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase and LDL receptor expression in the hamster. In animals fed a cholesterol-free semisynthetic diet containing 7.5% cellulose (avicel) as a fiber source, substitution of psyllium for avicel increased hepatic 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity and mRNA levels by 3-4-fold. Comparable effects on 7 alpha-hydroxylase expression were observed with 1% cholestyramine. Psyllium also increased hepatic 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity and mRNA in animals fed a diet enriched with cholesterol and triglyceride. Activation of 7 alpha-hydroxylase was associated with an increase in hepatic cholesterol synthesis that was apparently not fully compensatory since the cholesterol content of the liver declined. Although dietary psyllium did not increase hepatic LDL receptor expression in animals fed the cholesterol-free, very-low-fat diet, it did increase (or at least restore) receptor expression that had been downregulated by dietary cholesterol and triglyceride. Thus, 7.5% dietary psyllium produced effects on hepatic 7 alpha-hydroxylase and LDL metabolism that were similar to those of 1% cholestyramine. Induction of hepatic 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity by dietary psyllium may account, in large part, for the hypocholesterolemic effect of this soluble fiber. Images PMID:8182140

Differential Expression of Glypican-3 and Insulin–Like Growth Factor-II mRNAs and Alpha-Fetoprotein and Ki-67 Markers in HCV Related Hepatocellular Carcinomas In Egyptian Patients

PubMed

Saber, Mohamed A; MM AbdelHafiz, Samah; Khorshed, Fatma E; Aboushousha, Tarek S; Hamdy, Hussam EM; Seleem, Mohamed I; Soliman, Amira H

2017-01-01

Background: Increasing evidence indicates that in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) abnormal gene expression, for example of glypican-3 (GPC-3) and insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), are associated with the occurrence and progression of HCC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differential expression of GPC-3 and IGF-II mRNAs in HCC tissues with a background of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 cirrhosis, in relation to Ki-67 and alpha-feto protein (AFP) tissue markers. Methods: One hundred and five patients with HCCs who had undergone hepatectomy, were included, after obtaining informed consent. Total RNA was extracted from malignant and corresponding peri-malignant liver tissues, and GPC-3 and IGF-II mRNAs in addition to beta-actin mRNA as an internal control, were evaluated in all samples by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). Routine histopathological diagnosis as well as immunohistochemical (IHC) staining using monoclonal antibodies for Ki-67 and AFP were also performed. Result: Expression of GPC-3 mRNA was positive in all HCC malignant tissue, with overexpression in 86/105 (81.9%); in respect to the grade of the tumor (1-3 grades), while in peri-malignant tissue it was over expressed only in 20/105 (19%). The IGF-II mRNA was over expressed in only 10/105 (9.5%) malignant and peri-malignant samples. AFP was expressed in 33.3% of malignant samples but absent in peri-malignant tissues. Ki-67 expression was significantly increased in malignant compared to peri-malignant tissue. Conclusion: GPC-3 and IGF II mRNAs may be good molecular markers for HCC, especially with a background of cirrhosis due to chronic HCV infection. Significant correlations were noted with the pattern of AFP and Ki-67 expression. Creative Commons Attribution License

Glucocorticoids inhibit coordinated translation of. cap alpha. - and. beta. -globin mRNAs in Friend erythroleukemia cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Papaconstantinou, J.; Stewart, J.A.; Rabek, J.P.

The dimethylsulfoxide (Me/sub 2/SO)-mediated induction of hemoglobin synthesis in Friend erythroleukemia cells is inhibited by the glucocorticoids hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and fluocinolone acetonide; hydrocortisone, at concentrations of 10/sup -5/ to 10/sup -8/ M inhibits by 90-30% and fluocinolone acetonide at concentrations of 10/sup -8/ to 10/sup -11/ M shows a greater than 90% inhibition. At these concentrations the hormones have no effect on cell growth or viability. In this study it has been shown that there is a group of proteins, including the ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-globins, whose regulation is associated with the induction of Friend erythroleukemia cell differentiation, and thatmore » the expression of these, in addition to ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-globin, is affected by glucocorticoids. It is concluded that, although the translation of ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-globin mRNA is a major site of inhibition by glucocorticoids, there is a detectable amount of ..cap alpha..- and ..beta..-globin mRNA translation which results in unequal amounts of globin synthesis and an overall more potent inhibition of hemoglobin formation.« less

Cytokine mRNA expression in normal skin of various age populations before and after engraftment onto nude mice.

PubMed

Gilhar, A; Ullmann, Y; Shalagino, R; Weisinger, G

1998-01-01

Whether the impact of skin biological age on cytokine expression is a result of this tissue's proliferation potential or not is an important issue in dermatology. We investigated these questions by monitoring cytokine marker mRNA expression from human skin samples from healthy groups of individuals. The skin samples studied represented three age groups: fetal (17-21 weeks), young (18-35 years) and aged (76-88 years). Furthermore, upon skin transplantation of tissue from different age groups onto nude mice, we investigated whether cytokine marker RNA levels would change or normalize. Interestingly, both TNF-alpha and P53 mRNA showed a similar pattern of expression. Both were significantly higher in fetal skin (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively), and no difference was noted between aged versus young skin. In contrast to this, IL1-alpha mRNA was expressed at its lowest and highest levels in fetal and young skin, respectively. Following skin transplantation, cytokines and P53 mRNA expression were normalized to similar levels in all age groups. This study implies that when cytokine expression was determined directly at the mRNA level, post-natal expression was not significantly different at either age group. Furthermore, it seems that the environmental conditions surrounding the grafted human skin found on nude mice encouraged normalization of donor cytokine expression.

Characterization of the early pulmonary inflammatory response associated with PTFE fume exposure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, C. J.; Finkelstein, J. N.; Gelein, R.; Baggs, R.; Oberdorster, G.; Clarkson, T. W. (Principal Investigator)

1996-01-01

Heating of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been described to release fumes containing ultrafine particles (approximately 18 nm diam). These fumes can be highly toxic in the respiratory tract inducing extensive pulmonary edema with hemorrhagic inflammation. Fischer-344 rats were exposed to PTFE fumes generated by temperatures ranging from 450 to 460 degrees C for 15 min at an exposure concentration of 5 x 10(5) particles/cm3, equivalent to approximately 50 micrograms/m3. Responses were examined 4 hr post-treatment when these rats demonstrated 60-85% neutrophils (PMNs) in their lung lavage. Increases in abundance for messages encoding the antioxidants manganese superoxide dismutase and metallothionein (MT) increased 15- and 40-fold, respectively. For messages encoding the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines: inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin 1 alpha, 1 beta, and 6 (IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6), macrophage inflammatory protein-2, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) increases of 5-, 5-, 10-, 40-, 40-, and 15-fold were present. Vascular endothelial growth factor, which may play a role in the integrity of the endothelial barrier, was decreased to 20% of controls. In situ sections were hybridized with 33P cRNA probes encoding IL-6, MT, surfactant protein C, and TNF alpha. Increased mRNA abundance for MT and IL-6 was expressed around all airways and interstitial regions with MT and IL-6 demonstrating similar spatial distribution. Large numbers of activated PMNs expressed IL-6, MT, and TNF alpha. Additionally, pulmonary macrophages and epithelial cells were actively involved. These observations support the notion that PTFE fumes containing ultrafine particles initiate a severe inflammatory response at low inhaled particle mass concentrations, which is suggestive of an oxidative injury. Furthermore, PMNs may actively regulate the inflammatory process through cytokine and antioxidant expression.

G protein-coupled receptor 30 expression is up-regulated by EGF and TGF alpha in estrogen receptor alpha-positive cancer cells.

PubMed

Vivacqua, Adele; Lappano, Rosamaria; De Marco, Paola; Sisci, Diego; Aquila, Saveria; De Amicis, Francesca; Fuqua, Suzanne A W; Andò, Sebastiano; Maggiolini, Marcello

2009-11-01

In the present study, we evaluated the regulation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPR)30 expression in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive endometrial, ovarian, and estrogen-sensitive, as well as tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. We demonstrate that epidermal growth factor (EGF) and TGF alpha transactivate the GPR30 promoter and accordingly up-regulate GPR30 mRNA and protein levels only in endometrial and tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. These effects exerted by EGF and TGF alpha were dependent on EGF receptor (EGFR) expression and activation and involved phosphorylation of the Tyr(1045) and Tyr(1173) EGFR sites. Using gene-silencing experiments and specific pharmacological inhibitors, we have ascertained that EGF and TGF alpha induce GPR30 expression through the EGFR/ERK transduction pathway, and the recruitment of c-fos to the activator protein-1 site located within GPR30 promoter sequence. Interestingly, we show that functional cross talk of GPR30 with both activated EGFR and ER alpha relies on a physical interaction among these receptors, further extending the potential of estrogen to trigger a complex stimulatory signaling network in hormone-sensitive tumors. Given that EGFR/HER2 overexpression is associated with tamoxifen resistance, our data may suggest that ligand-activated EGFR could contribute to the failure of tamoxifen therapy also by up-regulating GPR30, which in turn could facilitates the action of estrogen. In addition, important for resistance is the ability of tamoxifen to bind to and activate GPR30, the expression of which is up-regulated by EGFR activation. Our results emphasize the need for new endocrine agents able to block widespread actions of estrogen without exerting any stimulatory activity on transduction pathways shared by the steroid and growth factor-signaling networks.

(+/-)-3-[4-(2-dimethylamino-1-methylethoxy)-phenyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4- B]pyridine-1-acetic acid (Y-25510) stimulates production of IL-1 beta and IL-6 at the level of messenger RNA expression in cultured human monocytes.

PubMed

Kusuhara, H; Komatsu, H; Hisadome, M; Ikeda, Y

1996-12-01

(+/-)-3-[4-(2-Dimethylamino-1-methylethoxy)phenyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3, 4-b]pyridine-1-acetic acid (Y-25510) stimulated the mRNA expression for interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and enhanced the expression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and THP-1 cells, a cell-line derived from human monocytic leukemia. Y-25510 also stimulated the mRNA expression for IL-6 in both types of the cells, however, the stimulation required the presence of LPS. In THP-1 cells, the stimulation of IL-1 beta mRNA expression by Y-25510 was suppressed by cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis. This phenomenon indicates that the stimulation requires de norv protein synthesis. In contrast, the stimulation of mRNA expression for IL-6 by Y-25510 was not suppressed by cycloheximide but suppressed by N alpha-p-tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), an inhibitor of nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) activation, in the presence of LPS, suggesting that the stimulation requires NF-kappa activation. These results demonstrate that Y-25510 stimulates the mRNA expression for IL-1 beta and IL-6 by different mechanisms. Dexamethasone suppressed the LPS-induced expression of mRNA for IL-1 beta and IL-6 in THP-1 cells, whereas the drug never suppressed the mRNA expression for these cytokines in the presence of Y-25510. The result indicates that Y-25510 stimulates the mRNA expression for IL-1 beta and IL-6 by different mechanisms from those of LPS.

Down-regulation of Jab1, HIF-1alpha, and VEGF by Moloney murine leukemia virus-ts1 infection: a possible cause of neurodegeneration.

PubMed

Lungu, Gina F; Stoica, George; Wong, Paul K Y

2008-05-01

Moloney murine leukemia virus-temperature sensitive (MoMuLV-ts1)-mediated neuronal death is a result of both loss of glial support and release of cytokines and neurotoxins from ts1-infected glial cells. Here the authors propose vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) down-regulation as another contributory factor in neuronal degeneration induced by ts1 infection. To determine how ts1 affects VEGF expression in ts1-infected brain, the authors examined the expression of several proteins that are important in regulating the expression of VEGF. The authors found significant decreases in Jun-activating domain-binding protein 1 (Jab1), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, and VEGF levels and increases in p53 protein levels in ts1-infected brains compared to noninfected control brains. The authors suggest that a decrease Jab1 expression in ts1 infection leads to accumulation of p53, which binds to HIF-1alpha to accelerate its degradation. A rapid degradation of HIF-1alpha leads to decreased VEGF production and secretion. Considering that endothelial cells are the most conspicuous in virus replication and production in ts1 infection, but are not killed by the infection, the authors examined the expression of these proteins using infected and noninfected mouse cerebrovascular endothelial (CVE) cells. The ts1- infected CVE cells showed decreased Jab1, HIF-1alpha, and VEGF mRNA and protein levels and increased p53 protein levels compared with noninfected cells, consistent with the results found in vivo. These results confirm that ts1 infection results in insufficient secretion of VEGF from endothelial cells and may result in decreased neuroprotection. This study suggested that ts1-mediated neuropathology in mice may result from changes in expression and activity of Jab1, p53, and HIF-1alpha, with a final target on VEGF expression and neuronal degeneration.

Receptor-selective retinoids implicate retinoic acid receptor alpha and gamma in the regulation of bmp-2 and bmp-4 in F9 embryonal carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Rogers, M B

1996-01-01

The effect of retinoids on malignant cells and embryos indicates that retinoids influence the expression of growth factors or alter the response of cells to growth factors. The bone morphogenetic proteins, Bmp-2 and Bmp-4, are candidates for such growth factors because retinoic acid (RA) treatment of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells induced Bmp-2 mRNA, while simultaneously repressing Bmp-4 levels. Also, recombinant Bmp-2 affected the growth and differentiation of these cells. Regulation of each gene was concentration dependent and required continuous RA treatment. The short half-lives of the Bmp-2 (75 +/- 11 min) and Bmp-4 (70 +/- 4 min) mRNAs suggest that their abundance is primarily controlled at the transcriptional level. To determine which RA receptor (RAR) controls bmp-2 and bmp-4 expression, F9 cells were exposed to various receptor-selective retinoids. RAR alpha- and gamma-selective retinoids induced Bmp-2 and repressed Bmp-4 equally as well as all-trans RA. In contrast, a RAR beta-selective retinoid had little effect on Bmp-2 induction but repressed Bmp-4. A RAR alpha-selective antagonist inhibited all-trans RA stimulation of Bmp-2, although not as dramatically as a RAR beta gamma-selective antagonist. No differences were observed between Bmp levels in all-trans RA and 9-cis RA-treated cells, indicating that the RXRs play little part in controlling these genes. The results are consistent with RAR alpha and gamma-controlled Bmp-2 and Bmp-4 regulation.

Mechanisms of stimulation of interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by Mycobacterium tuberculosis components.

PubMed Central

Zhang, Y; Doerfler, M; Lee, T C; Guillemin, B; Rom, W N

1993-01-01

The granulomatous immune response in tuberculosis is characterized by delayed hypersensitivity and is mediated by various cytokines released by the stimulated mononuclear phagocytes, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and IL-1 beta. We have demonstrated that Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell wall component lipoarabinomannan (LAM), mycobacterial heat shock protein-65 kD, and M. tuberculosis culture filtrate, devoid of LPS as assessed by the Amebocyte Lysate assay, stimulate the production of TNF alpha and IL-1 beta proteins and mRNA from mononuclear phagocytes (THP-1 cells). The effect of LAM on the release of these cytokines was specific, as only LAM stimulation was inhibited by anti-LAM monoclonal antibody. Interestingly, we found that LAM and Gram-negative bacterial cell wall-associated endotoxin LPS may share a similar mechanism in their stimulatory action as demonstrated by inhibition of TNF alpha and IL-1 beta release by monoclonal antibodies to CD14. Anti-CD14 monoclonal antibody MY4 inhibited both TNF alpha and IL-1 beta release with LAM and LPS but no effect was observed with other mycobacterial proteins. An isotype antibody control did not inhibit release of cytokines under the same experimental conditions. M. tuberculosis and its components upregulated IL-1 beta and TNF alpha mRNAs in THP-1 cells. Nuclear run-on assay for IL-1 beta demonstrated that LAM increased the transcription rate. The induction of IL-1 beta was regulated at the transcriptional level, in which these stimuli acted through cis-acting element(s) on the 5' flanking region of the IL-1 beta genomic DNA. M. tuberculosis cell wall component LAM acts similarly to LPS in activating mononuclear phagocyte cytokine TNF alpha and IL-1 beta release through CD14 and synthesis at the transcriptional level; both cytokines are key participants in the host immune response to tuberculosis. Images PMID:7683696

Effects of Subinhibitory Concentrations of Antibiotics on Alpha-Toxin (hla) Gene Expression of Methicillin-Sensitive and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates

PubMed Central

Ohlsen, Knut; Ziebuhr, Wilma; Koller, Klaus-Peter; Hell, Wolfgang; Wichelhaus, Thomas A.; Hacker, Jörg

1998-01-01

Concentrations of antibiotics below the MIC are able to modulate the expression of virulence-associated genes. In this study, the influence of subinhibitory doses of 31 antibiotics on the expression of the gene encoding the staphylococcal alpha-toxin (hla), a major virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus, was investigated with a novel gene fusion protocol. The most striking observation was a strong induction of hla expression by subinhibitory concentrations of β-lactams and an almost complete inhibition of alpha-toxin expression by clindamycin. Whereas glycopeptide antibiotics had no effect, the macrolide erythromycin and several aminoglycosides reduced and fluoroquinolones slightly stimulated hla expression. Furthermore, Northern blot analysis of hla mRNA and Western blot (immunoblot) analysis of culture supernatants of both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains revealed that methicillin-induced alpha-toxin expression is a common phenomenon of alpha-toxin-producing strains. Some methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates produced up to 30-fold more alpha-toxin in the presence of 10 μg of methicillin per ml than in its absence. The results indicate that the novel gene fusion technique is a useful tool for studying the modulation of virulence gene expression by antibiotics. Moreover, the results suggest that the effects of certain antibiotics on virulence properties may be relevant for the management of S. aureus infections. PMID:9797209

Probiotic lactobacillus and estrogen effects on vaginal epithelial gene expression responses to Candida albicans.

PubMed

Wagner, R Doug; Johnson, Shemedia J

2012-06-20

Vaginal epithelial cells have receptors, signal transduction mechanisms, and cytokine secretion capabilities to recruit host defenses against Candida albicans infections. This research evaluates how probiotic lactobacilli affect the defensive epithelial response. This study used quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry, and a multiplex immunoassay to observe changes in the regulation of gene expression related to cytokine responses in the VK2 (E6/E7) vaginal epithelial cell line treated with 17β-estradiol, exposed to probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® and challenged with C. albicans. Data were statistically evaluated by repeated measures analysis of variance and paired t-tests where appropriate. C. albicans induced mRNA expression of genes related to inflammatory cytokine responses associated with nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways. 17β-estradiol suppressed expression of interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) mRNA. Probiotic lactobacilli suppressed C. albicans-induced nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitor kinase kinase alpha (Iκκα), Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2), TLR6, IL-8, and TNFα, also suggesting inhibition of NF-κB signaling. The lactobacilli induced expression of IL-1α, and IL-1β mRNA, which was not inhibited by curcumin, suggesting that they induce an alternate inflammatory signal transduction pathway to NF-κB, such as the mitogen activated protein kinase and activator protein-1 (MAPK/AP-1) signal transduction pathway. Curcumin inhibited IL-13 secretion, suggesting that expression of this cytokine is mainly regulated by NF-κB signaling in VK2 cells. The results suggest that C. albicans infection induces pro-inflammatory responses in vaginal epithelial cells, and estrogen and lactobacilli suppress expression of NF-κB-related inflammatory genes. Probiotic lactobacilli may induce IL-1α and IL-1β expression by an alternate signal transduction pathway, such as MAPK/AP-1. Activation of alternate signaling mechanisms by lactobacilli to modify epithelial cell cytokine production may be a mechanism for probiotic modulation of morbidity in vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Involvement of interleukin-8 in dialysis-related arthritis.

PubMed

Takayama, F; Miyazaki, T; Aoyama, I; Tsukushi, S; Sato, M; Yamazaki, C; Shimokata, K; Niwa, T

1998-04-01

To elucidate the role of interleukin (IL)-8, a chemotactic factor for neutrophils, in dialysis-related arthritis (DRA) of patients on long-term hemodialysis, the concentration of IL-8 was measured in the synovial fluids of DRA patients with acute arthralgia and joint swelling, and was compared with those in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with osteoarthritis (OA). We noted a marked elevation of IL-8 in the joint fluids of patients with DRA and RA as compared with OA. Furthermore, to determine the role of IL-8 in synovitis, we examined the in vivo effect of intra-articular injection of human recombinant IL-8 on leukocyte infiltration into the joint space of rabbits. A single injection of IL-8 to the joints of rabbits induced rapid infiltration of neutrophils into the joint space and synovial tissues, which reached a maximum in four hours. The oral administration of indometacin farnesil (a prodrug that is converted to indomethacin after intestinal absorption) before the injection of IL-8 alleviated the infiltration of neutrophils. When human synovial cells were incubated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, the expression of IL-8 mRNA and IL-8 production in the cultured synovial cells were increased. The TNF-alpha-stimulated expression of IL-8 mRNA and IL-8 production in the cultured synovial cells were markedly inhibited by dexamethasone. In conclusion, IL-8 levels were markedly elevated in the joint fluids of patients with DRA. Interleukin-8 released from synovial cells may be an important factor to induce acute inflammation in DRA. Dexamethasone and indomethacin may be effective for DRA by inhibiting the production and chemotactic actions of IL-8, respectively.

Farnesoid X receptor deficiency induces nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-knockout mice fed a high-fat diet.

PubMed

Kong, Bo; Luyendyk, James P; Tawfik, Ossama; Guo, Grace L

2009-01-01

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprises dysregulation of lipid metabolism and inflammation. Identification of the various genetic and environmental susceptibility factors for NASH may provide novel treatments to limit inflammation and fibrosis in patients. This study utilized a mouse model of hypercholesterolemia, low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr(-/-)) mice fed a high-fat diet for 5 months, to test the hypothesis that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) deficiency contributed to NASH development. Either the high-fat diet or FXR deficiency increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity, whereas only FXR deficiency increased bile acid and alkaline phosphatase levels. FXR deficiency and high-fat feeding increased serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Although high fat led to macrosteatosis and hepatocyte ballooning in livers of mice regardless of genotype, no inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the livers of LDLr(-/-) mice. In contrast, in the livers of LDLr(-/-)/FXR(-/-) mice, foci of inflammatory cells were observed occasionally when fed the control diet and were greatly increased when fed the high-fat diet. Consistent with enhanced inflammatory cells, hepatic levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mRNA were increased by the high-fat diet in LDLr(-/-)/FXR(-/-) mice. In agreement with elevated levels of procollagen 1 alpha 1 and TGF-beta mRNA, type 1 collagen protein levels were increased in livers of LDLr(-/-)/FXR(-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. In conclusion, FXR deficiency induces pathologic manifestations required for NASH diagnosis in a mouse model of hypercholesterolemia, including macrosteatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, and inflammation, which suggest a combination of FXR deficiency and high-fat diet is a risk factor for NASH development, and activation of FXR may be a therapeutic intervention in the treatment of NASH.

Egr-1 and serum response factor are involved in growth factors- and serum-mediated induction of E2-EPF UCP expression that regulates the VHL-HIF pathway.

PubMed

Lim, Jung Hwa; Jung, Cho-Rok; Lee, Chan-Hee; Im, Dong-Soo

2008-11-01

E2-EPF ubiquitin carrier protein (UCP) has been shown to be highly expressed in common human cancers and target von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) for proteosomal degradation in cells, thereby stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha. Here, we investigated cellular factors that regulate the expression of UCP gene. Promoter deletion assay identified binding sites for early growth response-1 (Egr-1) and serum response factor (SRF) in the UCP promoter. Hepatocyte or epidermal growth factor (EGF), or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced UCP expression following early induction of Egr-1 expression in HeLa cells. Serum increased mRNA and protein levels of SRF and UCP in the cell. By electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, sequence-specific DNA-binding of Egr-1 and SRF to the UCP promoter was detected in nuclear extracts from HeLa cells treated with EGF and serum, respectively. Overexpression of Egr-1 or SRF increased UCP expression. RNA interference-mediated depletion of endogenous Egr-1 or SRF impaired EGF- or serum-mediated induction of UCP expression, which was required for cancer cell proliferation. Systemic delivery of EGF into mice also increased UCP expression following early induction of Egr-1 expression in mouse liver. The induced UCP expression by the growth factors or serum increased HIF-1alpha protein level under non-hypoxic conditions, suggesting that the Egr-1/SRF-UCP-VHL pathway is in part responsible for the increased HIF-1alpha protein level in vitro and in vivo. Thus, growth factors and serum induce expression of Egr-1 and SRF, respectively, which in turn induces UCP expression that positively regulates cancer cell growth.

Increased choline kinase activity in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colon cancer.

PubMed

Nakagami, K; Uchida, T; Ohwada, S; Koibuchi, Y; Morishita, Y

1999-11-01

Cancer cells acquire particular characteristics that benefit their proliferation. We previously reported that human colon cancers examined had increased choline kinase activity and phosphocholine levels. The elevated phosphocholine levels were in part due to both activation of choline kinase and increased choline kinase alpha protein levels. In this report, we analyzed choline kinase, which catalyzes the phosphorylation of choline to produce phosphocholine, in rat 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer. This study is the first to demonstrate increased choline kinase alpha enzymatic activity, protein levels, and mRNA levels in DMH-induced colon cancer as well as human colon cancer, although phosphocholine was not increased in DMH-induced rat cancer. The increase in the mRNA level was partly due to an increase in the transcription of the choline kinase alpha gene. The increased choline kinase activity may be a specific characteristic acquired by cancer cells that benefits their proliferation.

The flavonoid fisetin promotes osteoblasts differentiation through Runx2 transcriptional activity.

PubMed

Léotoing, Laurent; Davicco, Marie-Jeanne; Lebecque, Patrice; Wittrant, Yohann; Coxam, Véronique

2014-06-01

Flavonoids represent a group of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in daily nutrition with proven health benefits. Among this group, the flavonol fisetin has been previously shown to protect bone by repressing osteoclast differentiation. In the present study, we investigated the role of fisetin in regulating osteoblasts physiology. In vivo mice treated with LPSs exhibited osteoporosis features associated with a dramatic repression of osteoblast marker expression. In this model, inhibition of osteocalcin and type I collagen alpha 1 transcription was partially countered by a daily consumption of fisetin. Interestingly, in vitro, fisetin promoted both osteoblast alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization process. To decipher how fisetin may exert its positive effect on osteoblastogenesis, we analyzed its ability to control the runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), a key organizer in developing and maturing osteoblasts. While fisetin did not impact Runx2 mRNA and protein levels, it upregulated its transcriptional activity. Actually, fisetin stimulated the luciferase activity of a reporter plasmid driven by the osteocalcin gene promoter that contains Runx2 binding sites and promoted the mRNA expression of osteocalcin and type I collagen alpha 1 targets. Bone sparing properties of fisetin also rely on its positive influence on osteoblast differentiation and activity. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Structural basis of UGUA recognition by the Nudix protein CFI(m)25 and implications for a regulatory role in mRNA 3' processing.

PubMed

Yang, Qin; Gilmartin, Gregory M; Doublié, Sylvie

2010-06-01

Human Cleavage Factor Im (CFI(m)) is an essential component of the pre-mRNA 3' processing complex that functions in the regulation of poly(A) site selection through the recognition of UGUA sequences upstream of the poly(A) site. Although the highly conserved 25 kDa subunit (CFI(m)25) of the CFI(m) complex possesses a characteristic alpha/beta/alpha Nudix fold, CFI(m)25 has no detectable hydrolase activity. Here we report the crystal structures of the human CFI(m)25 homodimer in complex with UGUAAA and UUGUAU RNA sequences. CFI(m)25 is the first Nudix protein to be reported to bind RNA in a sequence-specific manner. The UGUA sequence contributes to binding specificity through an intramolecular G:A Watson-Crick/sugar-edge base interaction, an unusual pairing previously found to be involved in the binding specificity of the SAM-III riboswitch. The structures, together with mutational data, suggest a novel mechanism for the simultaneous sequence-specific recognition of two UGUA elements within the pre-mRNA. Furthermore, the mutually exclusive binding of RNA and the signaling molecule Ap(4)A (diadenosine tetraphosphate) by CFI(m)25 suggests a potential role for small molecules in the regulation of mRNA 3' processing.

Effect of prolonged exposure to diesel engine exhaust on proinflammatory markers in different regions of the rat brain.

PubMed

Gerlofs-Nijland, Miriam E; van Berlo, Damien; Cassee, Flemming R; Schins, Roel P F; Wang, Kate; Campbell, Arezoo

2010-05-17

The etiology and progression of neurodegenerative disorders depends on the interactions between a variety of factors including: aging, environmental exposures, and genetic susceptibility factors. Enhancement of proinflammatory events appears to be a common link in different neurological impairments, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. Studies have shown a link between exposure to particulate matter (PM), present in air pollution, and enhancement of central nervous system proinflammatory markers. In the present study, the association between exposure to air pollution (AP), derived from a specific source (diesel engine), and neuroinflammation was investigated. To elucidate whether specific regions of the brain are more susceptible to exposure to diesel-derived AP, various loci of the brain were separately analyzed. Rats were exposed for 6 hrs a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks to diesel engine exhaust (DEE) using a nose-only exposure chamber. The day after the final exposure, the brain was dissected into the following regions: cerebellum, frontal cortex, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and tubercles, and the striatum. Baseline levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1alpha) were dependent on the region analyzed and increased in the striatum after exposure to DEE. In addition, baseline level of activation of the transcription factors (NF-kappaB) and (AP-1) was also region dependent but the levels were not significantly altered after exposure to DEE. A similar, though not significant, trend was seen with the mRNA expression levels of TNF-alpha and TNF Receptor-subtype I (TNF-RI). Our results indicate that different brain regions may be uniquely responsive to changes induced by exposure to DEE. This study once more underscores the role of neuroinflammation in response to ambient air pollution, however, it is valuable to assess if and to what extent the observed changes may impact the normal function and cellular integrity of unique brain regions.

[Expressions of heat shock protein (HSP) family HSP 60, 70 and 90alpha in colorectal cancer tissues and their correlations to pathohistological characteristics].

PubMed

Zhang, Wen-Li; Gao, Xue-Qin; Han, Jin-Xiang; Wang, Guo-Qiang; Yue, Long-Tao

2009-06-01

Colorectal cancer is the third common malignant tumor in the world. Heat shock protein (HSP) family has been reported to play an important role in carcinogenesis of various cancers. However, little is known about expressions of HSP60,HSP70 and HSP90alpha in colorectal cancer. This study was to investigate expressions of HSP 60, 70 and 90alpha, and analyzed their correlations to pathohistologic characteristics in colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues 2 cm away from the tumor focus were collected from 49 patients. Expressions of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90alpha mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. The protein expressions of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90alpha were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The mRNA and protein levels of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90alpha, as well as their positive rates were significantly increased in tumor tissues compared with those in para-cancerous tissues. The overexpression rates of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90alpha were also significantly higher in the colorectal cancer tissues than those in the corresponding para-cancerous tissues. The positive and overexpression rates of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90alpha in well, moderately and poorly differentiated colorectal cancer were not significantly different. HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90alpha may play important roles in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, although they are not correlated with the pathological grading.

Evaluation of elevated dietary corn fiber from corn germ meal in growing female pigs.

PubMed

Weber, T E; Trabue, S L; Ziemer, C J; Kerr, B J

2010-01-01

To evaluate the effects of dietary hemicellulose from corn on growth and metabolic measures, female pigs (n = 48; initial BW 30.8 kg) were fed diets containing 0 to 38.6% solvent-extracted corn germ meal for 28 d. Increasing the hemicellulose level had no impact on ADG or ADFI, but resulted in a quadratic response (P < 0.03) on G:F. To investigate physiological changes that occur with increased dietary hemicellulose, blood, colon contents, and tissue samples from the liver and intestine were obtained from a subset (n = 16; 8 pigs/treatment) of pigs fed the least and greatest hemicellulose levels. The abundance of phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the mitochondrial respiratory protein, cytochrome C oxidase II (COXII) were determined in liver, jejunum, ileum, and colon by Western blotting. The mRNA expression levels of AMPKalpha1, AMPKalpha2, PPAR coactivator 1alpha (PGC1-alpha), PPARgamma2, and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) were determined in liver and intestinal tissues. When compared with pigs fed the control diet, pigs fed the high hemicellulose diet had increased (P < 0.02) plasma triglycerides, but there was no difference in plasma cholesterol, glucose, or insulin. Absolute and relative liver weights were decreased (P < 0.03) in pigs consuming the high hemicellulose diet. The high-fiber diet led to a tendency (P < 0.12) for decreased liver triglyceride content. In pigs fed the high hemicellulose diet, ileal mucosal alkaline phosphatase activity was increased (P < 0.08) and sucrase activity tended (P < 0.12) to be increased. The high hemicellulose diet had no effect on phospho-AMPK, AMPK mRNA, or colonic VFA, but in pigs consuming the high fiber diet there was a greater (P < 0.05) abundance of COXII in colon tissue. The expression of PGC1-alpha, PPARgamma, or Sirt1 mRNA was not altered by dietary fiber in liver, jejunum, or ileum tissue. In colon tissue from pigs fed the high fiber diet there was an increase (P < 0.09) in Sirt1 mRNA and a trend (P < 0.12) toward increased of PGC1-alpha mRNA. These data suggest that alterations in metabolism involved in adaptation to a diet high in hemicellulose are associated with increased colonic Sirt1 mRNA and COXII expression, indicating an increased propensity for oxidative metabolism by the intestine.

Global brain ischemia and reperfusion.

PubMed

White, B C; Grossman, L I; O'Neil, B J; DeGracia, D J; Neumar, R W; Rafols, J A; Krause, G S

1996-05-01

Brain damage accompanying cardiac arrest and resuscitation is frequent and devastating. Neurons in the hippocampus CA1 and CA4 zones and cortical layers III and V are selectively vulnerable to death after injury by ischemia and reperfusion. Ultrastructural evidence indicates that most of the structural damage is associated with reperfusion, during which the vulnerable neurons develop disaggregation of polyribosomes, peroxidative damage to unsaturated fatty acids in the plasma membrane, and prominent alterations in the structure of the Golgi apparatus that is responsible for membrane assembly. Reperfusion is also associated with vulnerable neurons with prominent production of messenger RNAs for stress proteins and for the proteins of the activator protein-1 complex, but these vulnerable neurons fail to efficiently translate these messages into the proteins. The inhibition of protein synthesis during reperfusion involves alteration of translation initiation factors, specifically serine phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (elF-2 alpha). Growth factors--in particular, insulin--have the potential to reverse phosphorylation of elF-2 alpha, promote effective translation of the mRNA transcripts generated in response to ischemia and reperfusion, enhance neuronal defenses against radicals, and stimulate lipid synthesis and membrane repair. There is now substantial evidence that the insulin-class growth factors have neuron-sparing effects against damage by radicals and ischemia and reperfusion. This new knowledge may provide a fundamental basis for a rational approach to "cerebral resuscitation" that will allow substantial amelioration of the often dismal neurologic outcome now associated with resuscitation from cardiac arrest.

Two assays for measuring fibrosis: reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction of collagen alpha(1) (III) mRNA is an early predictor of subsequent collagen deposition while a novel serum N-terminal procollagen (III) propeptide assay reflects manifest fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats.

PubMed

Kauschke, S G; Knorr, A; Heke, M; Kohlmeyer, J; Schauer, M; Theiss, G; Waehler, R; Burchardt, E R

1999-11-15

Using a novel quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay, we have determined the amount of specific mRNA for procollagen alpha(1) (III) (PIIIP) in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) model of liver fibrosis in rats. After a single week of CCl(4) application, the amount of PIIIP mRNA was increased approximately 10 times over the untreated control group and continued to increase to approximately 30 times after 7 weeks of intoxication. In this model substantial fibrosis was demonstrated by computer-aided morphometry after 5 to 7 weeks of treatment. Using recombinant murine N-terminal procollagen alpha(1) (III) propeptide (PIIINP), a novel sensitive immunoassay for the measurement of circulating PIIINP in rodent sera was established. An increase in PIIINP serum levels was observed after 5 to 7 weeks of CCl(4) intoxication. Our results suggest PIIIP gene expression is an early marker of tissue fibrosis. Early PIIIP gene expression is correlated with the extent of the subsequent fibrosis. PIIIP mRNA levels increase much earlier than conventional histological examination or PIIINP levels. PIIINP measurements with our new serum assay, on the other hand, are a good noninvasive marker of manifest fibrosis but are a poor marker of fibrogenesis. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) gene transcription and expression are regulated through an antioxidant-sensitive mechanism in human vascular endothelial cells.

PubMed Central

Marui, N; Offermann, M K; Swerlick, R; Kunsch, C; Rosen, C A; Ahmad, M; Alexander, R W; Medford, R M

1993-01-01

Oxidative stress and expression of the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on vascular endothelial cells are early features in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases. Regulation of VCAM-1 gene expression may be coupled to oxidative stress through specific reduction-oxidation (redox) sensitive transcriptional or posttranscriptional regulatory factors. In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells, the cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) activated VCAM-1 gene expression through a mechanism that was repressed approximately 90% by the antioxidants pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Furthermore, PDTC selectively inhibited the induction of VCAM-1, but not intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), mRNA and protein accumulation by the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) as well as the noncytokines bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and double-stranded RNA, poly(I:C) (PIC). PDTC also markedly attenuated TNF alpha induction of VCAM-1-mediated cellular adhesion. In a distinct pattern, PDTC partially inhibited E-selectin gene expression in response to TNF alpha but not to LPS, IL-1 beta, or PIC. TNF alpha and LPS-mediated transcriptional activation of the human VCAM-1 promoter through NF-kappa B-like DNA enhancer elements and associated NF-kappa B-like DNA binding proteins was inhibited by PDTC. These studies suggest a molecular linkage between an antioxidant sensitive transcriptional regulatory mechanism and VCAM-1 gene expression that expands on the notion of oxidative stress as an important regulatory signal in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Images PMID:7691889

AMPKα2 regulates expression of estrogen-related receptor alpha, a metabolic transcription factor related to heart failure development

PubMed Central

Hu, Xinli; Xu, Xin; Lu, Zhongbing; Zhang, Ping; Fassett, John; Zhang, Ying; Xin, Yi; Hall, Jennifer L.; Viollet, Benoit; Bache, Robert J.; Huang, Yimin; Chen, Yingjie

2011-01-01

The normal expression of myocardial mitochondrial enzymes is essential to maintain the cardiac energy reserve and facilitate responses to stress, but the molecular mechanisms to maintain myocardial mitochondrial enzyme expression have been elusive. Here we report that congestive heart failure is associated with a significant decrease of myocardial Estrogen-Related Receptor alpha (ERRα), but not PPAR gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC1α), in human heart failure samples. In addition, chronic pressure overload in mice caused a decrease of ERRα expression that was significantly correlated to the degree of LV dysfunction, pulmonary congestion and decreases of a group of myocardial energy metabolism related genes. We found that the metabolic sensor AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates ERRα expression in vivo and in vitro. AMPKα2 KO decreased myocardial ERRα (both mRNA and protein) and its downstream targets under basal conditions, with no change in myocardial PGC1α expression. Using cultured rat neonatal cardiac myocytes, we found that overexpression of constitutively active AMPKα significantly induced ERRα mRNA, protein and promoter activity. Conversely, selective gene silencing of AMPKα2 repressed ERRα and its target gene levels, indicating that AMPKα2 is involved in the regulation of ERRα expression. In addition, over-expression of ERRα in AMPKα2 KO neonatal cardiac myocytes partially rescued the repressed expression of some energy metabolism related genes. These data support an important role for AMPKα2 in regulating the expression of myocardial ERRα and its downstream mitochondrial enzymes. PMID:21825219

Pannus invasion and cartilage degradation in rheumatoid arthritis: involvement of MMP-3 and interleukin-1beta.

PubMed

Ainola, M M; Mandelin, J A; Liljeström, M P; Li, T F; Hukkanen, M V J; Konttinen, Y T

2005-01-01

Synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) leads to pannus tissue invasion and destruction of cartilage/bone matrix by proteinases. Our intention was to analyze some of the key matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in pannus tissue overlying evolving cartilage erosions in RA. Frozen tissue samples of pannus and synovium from advanced RA and synovium from osteoarthritic patients were used for immunohistochemical, western blotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of MMP-1, -3, -13 and -14. Synovial fibroblast cultures, stimulated with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and quantitative RT-PCR. MMP-3 was highly expressed in pannus tissue compared with significantly lower expression levels of MMP-1, -13 and -14. In fibroblast cultures IL-1beta was a potent stimulus for MMP-3, whereas TNF-alpha was more potent for MMP-1. This is the first study to demonstrate quantitatively in real time that MMP-3 mRNA expression is clearly higher in advanced RA pannus tissue compared to parallel RA or osteoarthritic synovium. MMP-3 mRNA levels were also clearly overexpressed in RA pannus compared to MMP-1, -13 and -14. Advanced RA has previously been found to overexpress IL-1beta. The high expression of MMP-3 in pannus and IL-1beta, mediated stimulation of MMP-3 suggest that MMP-3 plays a significant role in the progression of erosions through the proteoglycan-rich cartilage matrix.

[Cloning of Chinese Banna minipig inbred-line alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase gene and construction of its recombinant eukaryotic expression vector].

PubMed

Zhu, Shengming; Wang, Yanping; Zheng, Hong; Cheng, Jingqiu; Lu, Yanrong; Zeng, Yangzhi; Wang, Yu; Wang, Zhu

2009-04-01

This study sought to clone Chinese Banna minipig inbred-line (BMI) alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase (alpha1,3-GT) gene and construct its recombinant eukaryotic expression vector. Total RNA was isolated from BMI liver. Full length cDNA of alpha1,3-GT gene was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pMD18-T vector to sequence. Subsequently, alpha1,3-GT gene was inserted into pEGFP-N1 to construct eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-N1-GT. Then the reconstructed plasmid pEGFP-N1-GT was transiently transfected into human lung cancer cell line A549. The expression of alpha1,3-GT mRNA in transfected cells was detected by RT-PCR. FITC-BS-IB4 lectin was used in the direct immunofluorescence method, which was performed to observe the alpha-Gal synthesis function of BMI alpha1,3-GT in transfected cells. The results showed that full length of BMI alpha1,3-GT cDNA was 1116 bp. BMI alpha1,3-GT cDNA sequence was highly homogenous with those of mouse and bovine, and was exactly the same as the complete sequence of those of swine, pEGFP-N1-GT was confirmed by enzyme digestion and PCR. The expression of alpha1,3-GT mRNA was detected in A549 cells transfected by pEGFP-N1-GT. The expression of alpha-Gal was observed on the membrane of A549 cells transfected by pEGFP-N1-GT. Successful cloning of BMI alpha1,3-GT cDNA and construction of its eukaryotic expression vector have established a foundation for further research and application of BMI alpha1,3-GT in the fields of xenotransplantation and immunological therapy of cancer.

Aerosol-administered alpha-tocopherol attenuates lung inflammation in rats given lipopolysaccharide intratracheally.

PubMed

Hybertson, Brooks M; Chung, Jin H; Fini, Mehdi A; Lee, Young M; Allard, Jenny D; Hansen, Brian N; Cho, Okyong J; Shibao, Gayle N; Repine, John E

2005-04-01

Intrapulmonary administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces a well-characterized lung inflammatory response involving alveolar macrophage activation, proinflammatory cytokine elaboration, and neutrophil influx. Vitamin E, a lipophilic antioxidant consisting of a family that includes tocopherols and tocotrienols, has previously been shown to have a variety of anti-inflammatory effects, raising interest in its possible uses in disease prevention or therapy. Because aerosol delivery is a specific and rapid way to administer agents to the lungs, the authors undertook to determine whether inhaled vitamin E aerosols would have an anti-inflammatory effect in the lungs. Using a rat model of acute lung inflammation caused by intratracheally administered LPS (10 microg Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS), the authors examined the effect of aerosol-administered vitamin E, in this case alpha-tocopherol, on several indices of lung inflammation which are increased by LPS treatment. It was found that inhaled alpha-tocopherol aerosol, but not inhaled alpha-tocopherol acetate aerosol, decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1) mRNA levels in lung tissue, TNFalpha and CINC-1 immunoreactive protein levels in lung lavage, and the number of neutrophils recoverable by lung lavage from rats given LPS intratracheally. These results contribute to the increasing body of work describing immunomodulatory functions of alpha-tocopherol, and support the idea that direct aerosol administration of alpha-tocopherol may play a beneficial role in strategies to control inflammatory lung illnesses.

Anti-fibrotic effects of thalidomide on hepatic stellate cells and dimethylnitrosamine-intoxicated rats.

PubMed

Chong, Lee-Won; Hsu, Yi-Chao; Chiu, Yung-Tsung; Yang, Kuo-Ching; Huang, Yi-Tsau

2006-05-01

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a central role in cellular necrosis, apoptosis, organ failure, tissue damage, inflammation and fibrosis. These processes, occurring in liver injury, may lead to cirrhosis. Thalidomide, alpha-N-phthalidoglutarimide, (C(13)H(10)N(2))(4), has been shown to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, possibly mediated through its anti-TNF-alpha effect. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of thalidomide on hepatic fibrosis. A cell line of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) was stimulated with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) or TNF-alpha. The inhibitory effects of thalidomide on the NFkappaB signaling cascade and fibrosis markers including alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and collagen, were assessed. An in vivo therapeutic study was conducted in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-treated rats, which were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: vehicle (0.7% carboxyl methyl cellulose, CMC), thalidomide (40 mg/kg), thalidomide (200 mg/kg), or silymarin (50 mg/kg), each given by gavage twice daily for 3 weeks starting after 1 week of DMN administration. Thalidomide (100-800 nM) concentration-dependently inhibited NFkappaB transcriptional activity induced by TNF-alpha, including IKKalpha expression and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation in HSC-T6 cells. In addition, thalidomide also suppressed TGF-beta1-induced alpha-SMA expression and collagen deposition in HSC-T6 cells. Fibrosis scores of livers from DMN-treated rats receiving high dose of thalidomide (0.89 +/- 0.20) were significantly reduced in comparison with those of DMN-treated rats receiving vehicle (1.56 +/- 0.18). Hepatic collagen contents of DMN rats were also significantly reduced by either thalidomide or silymarin treatment. Immunohistochemical double staining results showed that alpha-SMA- and NFkappaB-positive cells were decreased in the livers from DMN rats receiving either thalidomide or silymarin treatment. In addition, real-time PCR analysis indicated that hepatic mRNA expressions of TGF-beta1, alpha-SMA, collagen 1alpha2, TNF-alpha and iNOS genes were attenuated by thalidomide treatment. In conclusion, our results showed that thalidomide inhibited activation of HSC-T6 cells by TNF-alpha and ameliorated liver fibrosis in DMN-intoxicated rats.

Effects of 17alpha-methyltestosterone exposure on steroidogenesis and cyclin-B mRNA expression in previtellogenic oocytes of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).

PubMed

Kortner, Trond M; Arukwe, Augustine

2007-11-01

Steroid hormone (estrogens and androgens) synthesis and regulation involve a large number of enzymes and potential biochemical pathways. In the context of these biochemical pathways, it is believed that the true rate-limiting step in acute steroid production is the movement of cholesterol across the mitochondrial membrane by the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and the subsequent conversion to pregnenolone by cytochrome P450-mediated side-chain cleavage (P450scc) enzyme. Oocyte development is a complex process that is triggered by the maturation-promoting factor (MPF) involving cyclin-B as a regulatory factor. In the present study, we evaluated the endocrine effects of 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) on steroidogenic pathways of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), using an in vitro previtellogenic oocyte culture technique that is based on an agarose floating method. Tissue was cultured in a humidified incubator at 10 degrees C for 1, 5, 10 and 20 days with different concentrations of the synthetic androgen MT (0 (control), 1, 10, 100 and 1000 microM) dissolved in ethanol (0.3%). Gene expressions for StAR, P450scc, aromatase-alpha (P450aromA) and cyclin-B were detected using validated real-time PCR with specific primer pairs. Cellular localization of the StAR protein and P450scc were performed using the immunohistochemical technique with antisera prepared against synthetic peptide for both proteins. Steroid hormones (estradiol-17beta: E2 and testosterone: T) levels were estimated using enzyme immunoassay. Our data showed significant concentration-specific increase (at day 1 and 5) and decrease (at day 10 and 20) of the StAR mRNA expression after exposure to MT. P450scc expression showed a MT concentration-specific decrease during the exposure periods and cyclin-B mRNA expression was decreased in MT concentration-dependent manner at days 10 and 20 (reaching almost total inhibition after exposure to 1000 microM MT). MT exposure produced variable effects on the P450aromA mRNA expression that can be described as concentration-specific increase (day 1) and decrease (days 5 and 10). Cellular localization of the StAR protein and P450scc demonstrated their expression mainly in ovarian follicular cells. MT produced an apparent concentration-and time-dependent increase of E2 and T levels. Thus, the present study reveals some novel effects of pharmaceutical endocrine disruptor on the development of previtellogenic oocytes in cod. The impaired steroidogenesis and hormonal imbalance reported in the present study may have potential consequences for the vitellogenic process and overt fecundity in teleosts.

Regulation of tissue factor and inflammatory mediators by Egr-1 in a mouse endotoxemia model.

PubMed

Pawlinski, Rafal; Pedersen, Brian; Kehrle, Bettina; Aird, William C; Frank, Rolf D; Guha, Mausumee; Mackman, Nigel

2003-05-15

In septic shock, tissue factor (TF) activates blood coagulation, and cytokines and chemokines orchestrate an inflammatory response. In this study, the role of Egr-1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction of TF and inflammatory mediators in vivo was evaluated using Egr-1(+/+) and Egr-1(-/-) mice. Administration of LPS transiently increased the steady-state levels of Egr-1 mRNA in the kidneys and lungs of Egr-1(+/+) mice with maximal induction at one hour. Egr-1 was expressed in epithelial cells in the kidneys and lungs in untreated and LPS-treated mice. LPS induction of monocyte chemoattractant protein mRNA in the kidneys and lungs of Egr-1(-/-) mice was not affected at 3 hours, but its expression was significantly reduced at 8 hours compared with the expression observed in Egr-1(+/+) mice. Similarly, LPS induction of TF mRNA expression in the kidneys and lungs at 8 hours was reduced in Egr-1(-/-) mice. However, Egr-1 deficiency did not affect plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha in endotoxemic mice. Moreover, Egr-1(+/+) and Egr-1(-/-) mice exhibited similar survival times in a model of acute endotoxemia. These data indicate that Egr-1 does not contribute to the early inflammatory response in the kidneys and lungs or the early systemic inflammatory response in endotoxemic mice. However, Egr-1 does contribute to the sustained expression of inflammatory mediators and to the maximal expression of TF at 8 hours in the kidneys and lungs.

Heparin binding epidermal growth factor in renal ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

PubMed

Mulder, Gemma M; Nijboer, Willemijn N; Seelen, Marc A; Sandovici, Maria; Bos, Eelke M; Melenhorst, Wynand B W H; Trzpis, Monika; Kloosterhuis, Niels J; Visser, Lydia; Henning, Rob H; Leuvenink, Henri G D; Ploeg, Rutger J; Sunnarborg, Susan W; van Goor, Harry

2010-06-01

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and its ligands are crucially involved in the renal response to ischaemia. We studied the heparin binding-epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), a major ligand for the EGF receptor, in experimental and human ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). HB-EGF mRNA and protein expression was studied in rat kidneys and cultured human tubular (HK-2) cells that were subjected to IRI and in human donor kidneys during transplantation. The effect of EGF receptor inhibition was investigated in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, urinary HB-EGF protein excretion was studied after renal transplantation. Finally, HB-EGF KO and WT mice were subjected to IRI to study the role of HB-EGF in renal injury. HB-EGF mRNA was significantly up-regulated in the early phase of IRI in rats, cells, and human donor biopsies. Treatment with PKI-166 reduces macrophage accumulation and interstitial alpha-SMA in the early phase of IRI in rats. In vitro, PKI-166 causes a marked reduction in HB-EGF-induced cellular proliferation. Urinary HB-EGF is increased after transplantation compared with control urines from healthy subjects. HB-EGF KO mice subjected to IRI revealed significantly less morphological damage after IRI, compared with WT mice. We conclude that IRI results in early induction of HB-EGF mRNA and protein in vivo and in vitro. Absence of HB-EGF and inhibition of the EGF receptor in the early phase of IRI has protective effects, suggesting a modulating role for HB-EGF.

IL-1 or TNF receptor gene deletion delays onset of encephalopathy and attenuates brain edema in experimental acute liver failure.

PubMed

Bémeur, Chantal; Qu, Hong; Desjardins, Paul; Butterworth, Roger F

2010-01-01

Previous reports suggested that brain-derived proinflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and brain edema in acute liver failure (ALF). To further address this issue, expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) mRNAs were measured in the brains of mice with acute liver failure resulting from exposure to azoxymethane. In addition, time to severe encephalopathy (coma) was assessed in mice lacking genes coding for interferon-gamma, the tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 or the interleukin-1 type 1 receptor. Interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma expression were quantified using RT-PCR. Significant increases in interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA were observed in the frontal cortex of azoxymethane-treated wild-type mice at coma stages of encephalopathy. Interferon-gamma, however, could not be detected in the brains of these animals. Onset of severe encephalopathy (coma) and brain edema in ALF mice were significantly delayed in interleukin-1 type 1 receptor or tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 knockout mice. Deletion of the interferon-gamma gene, on the other hand, had no significative effect on the neurological status or brain water content of acute liver failure mice. These results demonstrate that toxic liver injury resulting from exposure to azoxymethane is associated with selective induction of proinflammatory cytokines in the brain and that deletion of tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 or interlukin-1 type 1 receptor delays the onset of coma and brain edema in this model of acute liver failure. These findings further support a role for selective brain-derived cytokines in the pathogenesis of the cerebral complications in acute liver failure and suggest that anti-inflammatory strategies could be beneficial in their prevention. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Moderate caloric restriction during gestation results in lower arcuate nucleus NPY- and alphaMSH-neurons and impairs hypothalamic response to fed/fasting conditions in weaned rats.

PubMed

García, A P; Palou, M; Priego, T; Sánchez, J; Palou, A; Picó, C

2010-05-01

We aimed to characterize the developmental programming effects of moderate caloric restriction during early pregnancy on factors involved in hypothalamic control of energy balance. Twenty-five-days-old offspring Wistar rats from 20% caloric restricted dams (from 1 to 12 days of pregnancy) (CR) and from control dams were studied under fed and 12 h fasting conditions. Morphometric studies on arcuate nucleus (ARC) and determinations of circulating parameters and hypothalamic levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), long-form leptin receptor (ObRb), insulin receptor (InsR) and suppressor of cytokine signalling-3 (SOCS-3) mRNA were performed. CR animals did not show different body weight with respect to their controls, but presented higher food intake. They exhibited lower neuropeptide Y- and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-neurons (decreases of 18 and 13% in males, and 10 and 18% in females respectively) and lower total cells (decrease of 3% in males and 18% in females) in ARC. Under fed conditions, CR animals presented lower circulating leptin and ghrelin levels (decreases of 37 and 43% in males, and 15 and 34% in females respectively); furthermore, hypothalamic POMC, NPY (only in females), ObRb and InsR mRNA levels were reduced (39, 16 and 26% in males, and 112, 33, 61 and 56% in females), and those of SOCS-3 were increased (86% in males and 74% in females). Unlike control animals, under fasting conditions, ObRb, InsR and POMC mRNA levels did not decrease in CR females, and NPY mRNA decreased instead of increase in CR males. Moderate caloric restriction during gestation affects offspring hypothalamic structure and function, impairing its response to fed/fasting conditions, which suggests a predisposition to insulin and leptin resistance.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus replicates only transiently in well-differentiated porcine nasal epithelial cells.

PubMed

Dash, Pradyot; Barnett, Paul V; Denyer, Michael S; Jackson, Terry; Stirling, Catrina M A; Hawes, Philippa C; Simpson, Jennifer L; Monaghan, Paul; Takamatsu, Haru-H

2010-09-01

Three-dimensional (3D) porcine nasal mucosal and tracheal mucosal epithelial cell cultures were developed to analyze foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) interactions with mucosal epithelial cells. The cells in these cultures differentiated and polarized until they closely resemble the epithelial layers seen in vivo. FMDV infected these cultures predominantly from the apical side, primarily by binding to integrin alphav beta6, in an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-dependent manner. However, FMDV replicated only transiently without any visible cytopathic effect (CPE), and infectious progeny virus could be recovered only from the apical side. The infection induced the production of beta interferon (IFN-beta) and the IFN-inducible gene Mx1 mRNA, which coincided with the disappearance of viral RNA and progeny virus. The induction of IFN-beta mRNA correlated with the antiviral activity of the supernatants from both the apical and basolateral compartments. IFN-alpha mRNA was constitutively expressed in nasal mucosal epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, FMDV infection induced interleukin 8 (IL-8) protein, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and RANTES mRNA in the infected epithelial cells, suggesting that it plays an important role in modulating the immune response.

Gravity and Skeletal Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morey-Holton, Emily; Turner, Russell T.

1999-01-01

Two simultaneous experiments were performed using 5-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats; in one study, the rats were flown in low earth orbit; in the other study, the hindlimbs of the growing rats were elevated to prevent weight bearing. Following 9 d of unloading, weight bearing was restored for 4, 28, and 76 hrs. Afterwards, additional hindlimb unloading experiments were performed to evaluate the skeletal response to 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 hrs of restored weight bearing following 7 d of unloading. Cancellous and cortical bone histomorphometry were evaluated in the left tibia at the proximal metaphysis and in the left femur at mid-diaphysis, respectively. Steady-state mRNA levels for bone matrix proteins and skeletal signaling peptides were determined in total cellular RNA extracted from trabeculae from the right proximal tibiametaphysis and periosteum from the right femur. Spaceflight and hindlimb unloading each resulted in cancellous osteopenia, as well as a tendency towards decreased periosteal bone formation. Both models for skeletal unloading resulted in site specific reductions in mRNA levels for transforming growth factor-beta (sub 1) (TGF-beta) osteocalcin (OC), and prepro-alpha (I) subunit of type 1 collagen (collagen) and little or no changes in mRNA levels for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAP) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Restoration of normal weight bearing resulted in transient increases in mRNA levels for the bone matrix proteins and TGF-beta in the proximal metaphysis and periosteum and no changes in either GAP or IGF-I mRNA levels. The timecourse for the response differed between the two skeletal compartments; the tibial metaphysis responded much more quickly to reloading. These results suggest that the skeletal adaptation to acute physiological changes in mechanical usage are mediated, in part, by changes in mRNA levels for bone matrix proteins and TGF-beta.

Notch-1 regulates pulmonary neuroendocrine cell differentiation in cell lines and in transgenic mice.

PubMed

Shan, Lin; Aster, Jon C; Sklar, Jeffrey; Sunday, Mary E

2007-02-01

The notch gene family encodes transmembrane receptors that regulate cell differentiation by interacting with surface ligands on adjacent cells. Previously, we demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) induces neuroendocrine (NE) cell differentiation in H82, but not H526, undifferentiated small cell lung carcinoma lines. We now test the hypothesis that TNF mediates NE cell differentiation in part by altering Notch gene expression. First, using RT-PCR, we determined that TNF treatment of H82, but not H526, transiently decreases notch-1 mRNA in parallel with induction of gene expression for the NE-specific marker DOPA decarboxylase (DDC). Second, we treated H82 and H526 with notch-1 antisense vs. sense oligodeoxynucleotides. Using quantitative RT-PCR and Western analyses we demonstrate that DDC mRNA and protein are increased in H82 by notch-1 antisense, whereas notch-1 mRNA and activated Notch-1 protein are decreased. mRNA for Hes1, a transcription factor downstream from activated Notch, is also decreased by Notch-1 antisense in H82 but not H526. After 7 days of Notch-1 antisense treatment, neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) immunoreactivity is induced in H82 but not H526. Third, we generated transgenic mice bearing notch-1 driven by the neural/NE-specific calcitonin promoter, which express activated Notch-1 in developing lung epithelium. Newborn NotchCal mouse lungs have high levels of hes1 mRNA, reflecting increased activated Notch, compared with wild-type. NotchCal lungs have decreased CGRP-positive NE cells, decreased protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5)-positive NE cells, and decreased gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), CGRP, and DDC mRNA levels compared with normal littermates. Cumulatively, these observations provide further support for a role for Notch-1 signaling in regulating pulmonary NE cell differentiation.

PROTEASOME INHIBITOR TREATMENT REDUCED FATTY ACID, TRIACYLGLYCEROL AND CHOLESTEROL SYNTHESIS

PubMed Central

Oliva, Joan; French, Samuel W.; Li, Jun; Bardag-Gorce, Fawzia

2014-01-01

In the present study, the beneficial effects of proteasome inhibitor treatment in reducing ethanol-induced steatosis were investigated. A microarray analysis was performed on the liver of rats injected with PS-341 (Bortezomib, Velcade®), and the results showed that proteasome inhibitor treatment significantly reduced the mRNA expression of SREBP-1c, and the downstream lipogenic enzymes, such as fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), which catalyzes the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, the rate-limiting step in fatty acid synthesis. ELOVL6, which is responsible for fatty acids long chain elongation, was also significantly down regulated by proteasome inhibitor treatment. Moreover, PS-341 administration significantly reduced the expression of acyl-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (AGPAT), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), enzyme involved in triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis. Finally, PS-341 was found to down regulate the enzymes 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoenzymeA synthase (HMG-CoA synthase) that is responsible for cholesterol synthesis. Proteasome inhibitor was also found to play a role in intestinal lipid adsorption because apolipoproteins A (apoA-I, apoAII, apoA-IV and ApoCIII) were down regulated by proteasome inhibitor treatment, especially ApoA-II that is known to be a marker of alcohol consumption. Proteasome inhibitor treatment also decreased apobec-1 complementation factor (ACF) leading to lower level of editing and production of ApoB protein. Moreover apolipoprotein C-III, a major component of chylomicrons was significantly down regulated. However, lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) and High density lipoprotein binding protein (Hdlbp) mRNA levels were increased by proteasome inhibitor treatment. These results suggested that proteasome inhibitor treatment could be used to reduce the alcohol-enhanced lipogenesis and alcohol-induced liver steatosis. A morphologic analysis, performed on the liver of rats fed ethanol for one month and treated with PS-341, showed that proteasome inhibitor treatment significantly decreased ethanol-induced liver steatosis. SREBP-1c, FAS and ACC were increased by ethanol feeding alone, but were significantly decreased when proteasome inhibitor was administered to rats fed ethanol. Our results also show that both mRNA and protein levels of these lipogenic enzymes, up regulated by ethanol, were then down regulated when proteasome inhibitor was administered to rats fed ethanol. It was also confirmed that alcohol feeding caused an increase in AGPAT and DGAT, which was prevented by proteasome inhibitor treatment of the animal fed ethanol. Chronic alcohol feeding did not affect the gene expression of HMG-CoA synthase. However, PS341 administration significantly reduced the HMG-CoA synthase mRNA levels, confirming the results obtained with the microarray analysis. C/EBP transcription factors alpha (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha) has been shown to positively regulate SREBP-1c mRNA expression, thus regulating lipogenesis. Proteasome inhibition caused a decrease in C/EBP alpha mRNA expression, indicating that C/EBP down regulation may be the mechanism by which proteasome inhibitor treatment reduced lipogenesis. In conclusion, our results indicate that proteasome activity is not only involved in down regulating fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol synthesis, but also cholesterol synthesis and intestinal lipid adsorption. Proteasome inhibitor, administrated at a non-toxic low dose, played a beneficial role in reducing lipogenesis caused by chronic ethanol feeding and these beneficial effects are obtained because of the specificity and reversibility of the proteasome inhibitor used. PMID:22445925

Analysis of thyroid hormone receptor {beta}A mRNA expression in Xenopus laevis tadpoles as a means to detect agonism and antagonism of thyroid hormone action

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Opitz, Robert; Lutz, Ilka; Nguyen, Ngoc-Ha

2006-04-01

Amphibian metamorphosis represents a unique biological model to study thyroid hormone (TH) action in vivo. In this study, we examined the utility of thyroid hormone receptors {alpha} (TR{alpha}) and {beta}A (TR{beta}A) mRNA expression patterns in Xenopus laevis tadpoles as molecular markers indicating modulation of TH action. During spontaneous metamorphosis, only moderate changes were evident for TR{alpha} gene expression whereas a marked up-regulation of TR{beta}A mRNA occurred in hind limbs (prometamorphosis), head (late prometamorphosis), and tail tissue (metamorphic climax). Treatment of premetamorphic tadpoles with 1 nM 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) caused a rapid induction of TR{beta}A mRNA in head and tail tissue withinmore » 6 to 12 h which was maintained for at least 72 h after initiation of T3 treatment. Developmental stage had a strong influence on the responsiveness of tadpole tissues to induce TR{beta}A mRNA during 24 h treatment with thyroxine (0, 1, 5, 10 nM T4) or T3 (0, 1, 5, 10 nM). Premetamorphic tadpoles were highly sensitive in their response to T4 and T3 treatments, whereas sensitivity to TH was decreased in early prometamorphic tadpoles and strongly diminished in late prometamorphic tadpoles. To examine the utility of TR{beta}A gene expression analysis for detection of agonistic and antagonistic effects on T3 action, mRNA expression was assessed in premetamorphic tadpoles after 48 h of treatment with the synthetic agonist GC-1 (0, 10, 50, 250 nM), the synthetic antagonist NH-3 (0, 40, 200, 1000 nM), and binary combinations of NH-3 (0, 40, 200, 1000 nM) and T3 (1 nM). All tested concentrations of GC-1 as well as the highest concentration of NH-3 caused an up-regulation of TR{beta}A expression. Co-treatment with NH-3 and T3 revealed strong antagonistic effects by NH-3 on T3-induced TR{beta}A mRNA up-regulation. Results of this study suggest that TR{beta}A mRNA expression analysis could serve as a sensitive molecular testing approach to study effects of environmental compounds on the thyroid system in X. laevis tadpoles.« less

Cytokine profile in canine immune-mediated polyarthritis and osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Hegemann, N; Wondimu, A; Kohn, B; Brunnberg, L; Schmidt, M F G

2005-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the cytokine profile in 21 dogs with canine immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMA) and 15 dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) caused by cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). The mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, interferon (IFN)-gamma, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were analysed in synovial fluid by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, while TNF-alpha protein was determined by L929 cytotoxicity assay. The frequency of lymphocytes was analysed using FACScan. Both disorders reveal a similar cytokine expression pattern, except for significant lower IL-1beta expression in OA. Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma were detected, while IL-4 was nearly absent in IMA and OA. Furthermore, the bioassay demonstrates a significantly higher production of TNF-alpha in synovial fluid of dogs with IMA, compared to dogs with OA (p < 0.05). The frequency of CD4+, CD8+ and MHC class II+ cells was relatively higher in synovial fluids compared to peripheral blood in IMA. These findings reveal that the difference between the cytokine pattern of canine IMA and OA seems to be rather quantitative than qualitative. Both joint disorders show predominance of pro-inflammatory cytokines and absence of TH2 cytokine expression, indicating the potential of IL-4 for a gene therapeutic approach.

Protective Role of Selenium Compounds on the Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Angiogenesis of a Canine Breast Cancer Cell Line.

PubMed

Liu, Yuzhi; Li, Wenyu; Guo, Mengyao; Li, Chengye; Qiu, Changwei

2016-01-01

We herein examined the effects of different doses, forms, and compatibilities of selenium on a canine mammary gland tumor cell line, CTM1211, and explored the related mechanisms. Three selenium compounds, sodium selenite (SSE), methylseleninic acid (MSA), and methylselenocysteine (MSC), were selected for these experiments, and cyclophosphamide (CTX) served as a positive control. In the cell viability assay, the cell viability of each group at 48/72 h decreased significantly compared with the control group (p < 0.05), and the cell viability of the CTX + MSA group was lower than that of CTX and MSA groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of selenium on cell proliferation was time-dependent but not concentration-dependent. In the cell apoptosis assay, the apoptosis values of each group increased significantly compared with the control group, and the apoptosis values of the CTX + MSA group increased the most significantly (p < 0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-alpha (VEGF-alpha), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) were downregulated in each group, while that of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were upregulated (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these three selenium compounds, especially MSA, could significantly inhibit the viability and growth of the CTM1211 cell line, which is partly due to the induction of apoptosis and regulation of tumor angiogenesis.

Protective effect of a coffee preparation (Nescafe pure) against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

PubMed

Shi, Hongyang; Dong, Lei; Zhang, Yong; Bai, Yanhua; Zhao, Juhui; Zhang, Li

2010-06-01

We examined the effects of a coffee preparation on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and explored the possible mechanisms. Rats were divided randomly into four groups: control, CCl(4), and two coffee preparation groups. Except for the control group, liver fibrosis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by subcutaneous injection with 40% CCl(4) twice a week for 8 weeks. At the same time, a coffee preparation (300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg) was administered to the two coffee preparation groups intragastrically once daily. Upon pathological examination, a coffee preparation treatment significantly reduced liver damage and symptoms of liver fibrosis. The mRNA expression of collagen I, collagen III, bcl-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) were markedly increased by CCl(4) treatment but suppressed by a coffee preparation treatment. Whereas compared with the CCl(4) group, the mRNA expression of Bax was increased in the coffee preparation group. The protein expression of Bax and bcl-2 were confirmed by western blot. Intragastric administration of a coffee preparation reduced the protein expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and the glucose-regulated proteins (GRP) 78 and 94 in rats increased by CCl(4). Our data indicate that a coffee preparation can efficiently inhibit CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. The coffee preparation may therefore be a potential functional food for preventing liver fibrosis. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Type I Glanzmann thrombasthenia caused by an apparently silent beta3 mutation that results in aberrant splicing and reduced beta3 mRNA.

PubMed

Xie, Jingli; Pabón, Dina; Jayo, Asier; Butta, Nora; González-Manchón, Consuelo

2005-05-01

We report a novel genetic defect in a patient with type I Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Flow cytometry analysis revealed undetectable levels of platelet glycoproteins alphaIIb and beta3, although residual amounts of both proteins were detectable in immunoblotting analysis. Sequence analysis of reversely transcribed platelet beta3 mRNA showed a 100-base pair deletion in the 3'-boundary of exon 11, that results in a frame shift and appearance of a premature STOP codon. Analysis of the corresponding genomic DNA fragment revealed the presence of a homozygous C1815T transition in exon 11. The mutation does not change the amino acid residue but it creates an ectopic consensus splice donor site that is used preferentially, causing splicing out of part of exon 11. The parents of the proband, heterozygous for this mutation, were asymptomatic and had reduced platelet content of alphaIIbbeta3. PCR-based relative quantification of beta3 mRNA failed to detect the mutant transcript in the parents and showed a marked reduction in the patient. The results suggest that the thrombasthenic phenotype is, mainly, the result of the reduced availability of beta3-mRNA, most probably due to activation of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay mechanism. They also show the convenience of analyzing both genomic DNA and mRNA, in order to ascertain the functional consequences of single nucleotide substitutions.

Selective inhibition of alpha1B-adrenergic receptor expression and function using a phosphorothioate antisense oligodeoxynucleotide.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Cabrera, P J; Iversen, P L; Liu, M F; Scofield, M A; Jeffries, W B

1998-06-01

To investigate alpha1B-adrenoceptor function, we developed a phosphorothioate antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AO) to inhibit the expression of the alpha1B-adrenoceptor subtype in DDT1 MF2 cells. We measured the cellular uptake of the AO and its effect on alpha1B-adrenoceptor mRNA expression, protein density, and coupling to phospholipase C. Cells treated with either a control oligodeoxynucleotide (CO) or medium alone served as control groups. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that DDT1 MF2 cells internalized carboxyfluorescein-labeled (FAM) AO within 30 min. Analysis of cellular lysates showed that approximately 50% of the intracellular FAM-AO was present as an intact 18-mer for up to 48 hr. Incubation of cells with AO for 48 hr decreased alpha1B-adrenoceptor density ([3H]prazosin Bmax) versus control groups by 12% (1 microM AO) and 72% (10 microM AO). In time course experiments, AO (10 microM) reduced alpha1B-adrenoceptor density by 28, 64, and 68% versus controls after 24, 48, and 72 hr of exposure, respectively. alpha1B-Adrenoceptor mRNA concentration (measured by RT-PCR) was reduced by 25% in cells treated for 48 hr with 10 microM AO versus controls. AO pretreatment (10 microM, 48 hr) reduced the maximum response to agonist-stimulated [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. The maximal response of the full agonist norepinephrine was reduced by 30% after AO treatment, and by 73% for the partial agonist naphazoline. In contrast, AO did not affect histamine-stimulated total [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation. Thus, AO effectively reduced alpha1B-adrenoceptor subtype expression and function in vitro, suggesting a potential to selectively inhibit alpha1B-adrenoceptor function in vivo.

Production of mice deficient in genes for interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1alpha/beta, and IL-1 receptor antagonist shows that IL-1beta is crucial in turpentine-induced fever development and glucocorticoid secretion.

PubMed

Horai, R; Asano, M; Sudo, K; Kanuka, H; Suzuki, M; Nishihara, M; Takahashi, M; Iwakura, Y

1998-05-04

Interleukin (IL)-1 is a major mediator of inflammation and exerts pleiotropic effects on the neuro-immuno-endocrine system. To elucidate pathophysiological roles of IL-1, we have first produced IL-1alpha/beta doubly deficient (KO) mice together with mice deficient in either the IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, or IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) genes. These mice were born healthy, and their growth was normal except for IL-1ra KO mice, which showed growth retardation after weaning. Fever development upon injection with turpentine was suppressed in IL-1beta as well as IL-1alpha/beta KO mice, but not in IL-1alpha KO mice, whereas IL-1ra KO mice showed an elevated response. At this time, expression of IL-1beta mRNA in the diencephalon decreased 1.5-fold in IL-1alpha KO mice, whereas expression of IL-1alpha mRNA decreased >30-fold in IL-1beta KO mice, suggesting mutual induction between IL-1alpha and IL-1beta. This mutual induction was also suggested in peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in vitro. In IL-1beta KO mice treated with turpentine, the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (EC 1.14.99.1) in the diencephalon was suppressed, whereas it was enhanced in IL-1ra KO mice. We also found that glucocorticoid induction 8 h after turpentine treatment was suppressed in IL-1beta but not IL-1alpha KO mice. These observations suggest that IL-1beta but not IL-1alpha is crucial in febrile and neuro-immuno-endocrine responses, and that this is because IL-1alpha expression in the brain is dependent on IL-1beta. The importance of IL-1ra both in normal physiology and under stress is also suggested.

Regulation by interferon alpha of immunoglobulin isotype selection and lymphokine production in mice

PubMed Central

1991-01-01

Antigens and infectious agents that stimulate interferon alpha(IFN- alpha) production in mice induce antibody responses that are predominantly of the immunoglobulin (Ig)G2a isotype and contain little or no IgE. This suggested the possibility that IFN-alpha might have a role in directing Ig isotype selection. Consistent with this possibility, we have found that injection of mice with recombinant mouse IFN-alpha suppresses IgE secretion, enhances IgG2a secretion, and has no independent effect on IgG1 secretion in mice stimulated with a foreign anti-IgD antibody. Injection of mice with polyinosinic acid.polycytidylic acid (poly I.C), an inducer of macrophage IFN-alpha production, also suppresses the anti-IgD antibody-induced IgE response and stimulates the IgG2a response; these effects are blocked by a sheep antibody that neutralizes mouse IFN-alpha/beta. Both recombinant IFN- alpha and poly I.C have maximum IgE suppressive and IgG2a stimulatory effects when injected early in the anti-IgD antibody-induced immune response. Addition of IFN-alpha to mouse B cells cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + interleukin 4 (IL-4) suppresses both IgG1 and IgE production, but much less potently than IFN-gamma. IFN-alpha suppresses anti-IgD antibody-induced increases in the level of splenic IL-4 mRNA, but enhances the anti-IgD antibody-induced increase in the splenic level of IFN-gamma mRNA. These results are consistent with the effect of IFN-alpha on Ig isotype expression in mice, as IL-4 stimulates IgE and suppresses IgG2a secretion while IFN-gamma exerts opposite effects. These observations suggest that antigen presenting cells, by secreting IFN-alpha early in the course of an immune response, can influence the nature of that response both through direct effects on B cells and by influencing the differentiation of T cells. PMID:1940796

Effects of added fermentable carbohydrates in the diet on intestinal proinflammatory cytokine-specific mRNA content in weaning piglets.

PubMed

Pié, S; Awati, A; Vida, S; Falluel, I; Williams, B A; Oswald, I P

2007-03-01

There is increasing evidence showing that dietary supplementation with prebiotics can be effective in the treatment of intestinal inflammation. Because weaning time is characterized by rapid intestinal inflammation, this study investigated the effect of a diet supplemented with a combination of 4 fermentable carbohydrates (lactulose, inulin, sugarbeet pulp, and wheat starch) on the mRNA content of proinflammatory cytokines in newly weaned piglets. Cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p40, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were analyzed using a semiquantitative reverse-transcription PCR technique on d 1, 4, and 10 in the ileum and colon of piglets fed either a test diet (CHO) or a control diet. In addition to the diet, the effect of enforced fasting on cytokine mRNA content was also evaluated. No effect of fasting was observed on the pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA content. Our results showed that the CHO diet induced an up-regulation of IL-6 mRNA content in the colon of piglets 4 d postweaning. This up-regulation was specific for the animals fed the CHO diet and was not observed in animals fed the control diet. An increase in IL-1beta mRNA content was also observed on d 4 postweaning in all of the piglets. Correlations between proinflammatory cytokines and the end-products of fermentation indicated that the regulation of cytokines may be linked with some of the fermentation end-products such as branched-chain fatty acids, which are in turn end-products of protein fermentation.

Regulation of Thyroid Hormone-, Oestrogen- and Androgen-Related Genes by Triiodothyronine in the Brain of Silurana tropicalis

PubMed Central

Duarte-Guterman, Paula; Trudeau, Vance L

2010-01-01

Amphibian metamorphosis is an excellent example of hormone-dependent control of development. Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate almost all aspects of metamorphosis, including brain development and larval neuroendocrine function. Sex steroids are also important for early brain function, although little is known about interactions between the two hormonal systems. In the present study, we established brain developmental profiles for thyroid hormone receptors (tralpha and trbeta), deiodinases (dio1, dio2 and dio3), aromatase (cyp19) mRNA and activity, oestrogen receptors (eralpha and erbeta), androgen receptor (ar) and 5α-reductases (srd5alpha1 and srd5alpha2) mRNA during Silurana (Xenopus) tropicalis metamorphosis. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that all of the genes were expressed in the brain and for most of the genes expression increased during development, with the exception of dio2, srd5alpha1 and srd5alpha2. The ability of premetamorphic tadpoles to respond to exogenous THs was used to investigate the regulation of TH- and sex steroid-related genes in the brain during development. Exposure of premetamorphic tadpoles to triiodothyronine (T3; 0, 0.5, 5 and 50 nm) for 48 h resulted in concentration-dependent increases in trbeta, dio2, dio3, eralpha and erbeta. Expression of srd5alpha2 showed large increases (six- to 7.5-fold) for all three concentrations of T3. No changes were detected in dio1, ar and cyp19 transcript levels; however, cyp19 activity increased significantly at 50 nm T3. The results obtained suggest that expression of TH-related genes and er during development could be regulated by rising levels of THs, as previously documented in Lithobates (Rana) pipiens. The positive regulation of srd5alpha by T3 in the brain suggests that endogenous TH levels help maintain or control the rate at which srd5alpha mRNA levels decrease as metamorphosis progresses. Finally, we have identified sex steroid-related genes that are responsive to T3, providing additional evidence of crosstalk between THs and sex steroids in the tadpole brain. PMID:20626568

IL-9 expression by human eosinophils: regulation by IL-1beta and TNF-alpha.

PubMed

Gounni, A S; Nutku, E; Koussih, L; Aris, F; Louahed, J; Levitt, R C; Nicolaides, N C; Hamid, Q

2000-09-01

IL-9 is a pleiotropic cytokine that exhibits biologic activity on cells of diverse hemopoietic lineage. IL-9 stimulates the proliferation of activated T cells, enhances the production of IgE from B cells, and promotes the proliferation and differentiation of mast cells and hematopoietic progenitors. In this study we evaluated the expression of IL-9 messenger (m)RNA and protein by human peripheral blood eosinophils. We also investigated the role of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in the release of IL-9 from human peripheral blood eosinophils. RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemistry were used to investigate the presence of IL-9 mRNA and protein in human peripheral blood eosinophils from asthmatic patients and normal control subjects. Furthermore, biologic assay was used to investigate the release of IL-9 protein from IL-1beta- or TNF-alpha-stimulated eosinophils in vitro. RT-PCR analysis showed the presence of IL-9 mRNA in human peripheral blood eosinophil RNA preparations from subjects with atopic asthma, as well as in the eosinophil-differentiated HL-60 cell line. By using in situ hybridization, a significant difference (P <.01) in IL-9 mRNA expression was detected in human peripheral blood eosinophils freshly isolated from asthmatic subjects compared with those isolated from normal control subjects. Furthermore, the percentage of IL-9 immunoreactive eosinophils from asthmatic patients was increased compared with that found in normal control subjects (P <.01). We also demonstrate that cultured human peripheral blood eosinophils from asthmatic subjects synthesize and release IL-9 protein, which is upregulated on stimulation with TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Human eosinophils express biologically active IL-9, which suggests that these cells may influence the recruitment and activation of effector cells linked to the pathogenesis of allergic disease. These observations provide further evidence for the role of eosinophils in regulating airway immune responses.

Apoptosis and Inflammation Associated Gene Expressions in Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertensive Rats after Bosentan Treatment

PubMed Central

Hong, Young Mi; Kwon, Jung Hyun; Choi, Shinkyu

2014-01-01

Background and Objectives Vascular wall remodeling in pulmonary hypertension can be caused by an aberration in the normal balance between proliferation and apoptosis of endothelial cell in the pulmonary artery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bosentan on apoptosis in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension. Materials and Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control (C) group, M group (MCT 60 mg/kg) and B group (MCT 60 mg/kg plus bosentan 20 mg/day orally). Gene expressions of Bcl (B cell leukemia/lymphoma)-2, caspase-3, complement component (C)-6, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Results The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions of caspase-3 and VEGF were significantly increased in the M group compared with the C group, and significantly decreased in the B group compared with the M group in week 4. mRNA expression of IL-6 was significantly decreased in weeks 1, 2, and 4 in the B group compared with the M group. mRNA expression of TNF-α was significantly decreased on day 5 and in weeks 1 and 2 in the B group compared with the M group. Conclusion Bosentan may have potential for preventing apoptosis and inflammation. PMID:24653739

Effects of combined mesenchymal stem cells and heme oxygenase-1 therapy on cardiac performance.

PubMed

Zeng, Bin; Chen, Honglei; Zhu, Chengang; Ren, Xiaofeng; Lin, Guosheng; Cao, Feng

2008-10-01

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to repair the infarcted myocardium and improve cardiac function. However, this approach is limited by its poor viability after transplantation, and controversy still exists over the mechanism by which MSCs contribute to the tissue repair. The human heme oxygenase-1 (hHO-1) was transfected into cultured MSCs using an adenoviral vector. 1 x 10(6) Ad-hHO-1-transfected MSCs (HO-1-MSCs) or Ad-Null-transfected MSCs (Null-MSCs) or PBS only (PBS group) were injected intramyocardially into rat hearts 1h after myocardial infarction. HO-1-MSCs survived in the infarcted myocardium, and expressed hHO-1 mRNA. The expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly enhanced in HO-1-MSCs-treated hearts. At the same time, there were significant reduction of TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta and IL-6 mRNA, and marked increase of IL-10 mRNA in HO-1-MSCs-treated hearts. Moreover, a further downregulation of proapoptotic protein, Bax, and a marked increase in microvessel density were observed in HO-1-MSCs-treated hearts. The infarct size and cardiac performance were also significantly improved in HO-1-MSCs-treated hearts. The combined approach improves MSCs survival and is superior to MSCs injection alone.

Dependence of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy on parathyroid hormone-related protein expression in the canine anal sac apocrine gland adenocarcinoma (CAC-8) nude mouse model.

PubMed

Gröne, A; Weckmann, M T; Blomme, E A; Capen, C C; Rosol, T J

1998-09-01

Circulating parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is the primary humoral factor in dogs with spontaneous humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM) and adenocarcinomas derived from apocrine glands of the anal sac. A canine apocrine adenocarcinoma model of HHM in nude mice (CAC-8) was developed and characterized. After 32 passages in vivo, a spontaneous variant of the tumor (CAC-8 Lo Ca) that has altered cellular morphology and that fails to induce HHM in tumor-bearing nude mice has been discovered. The hypercalcemic and nonhypercalcemic tumor lines were compared by tumor weight, effect on body weight, serum calcium concentration, plasma PTHrP concentration, histopathology, expression of PTHrP protein by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry, and expression of PTHrP mRNA by in situ hybridization and northern blot analysis. Messenger RNA expression for other factors and cytokines known to alter PTHrP secretion or bone resorption in vivo, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta), were also measured in the adenocarcinomas. There was no significant difference in weight of individual tumors. Nude mice bearing the CAC-8 (Lo Ca) tumor maintained normal body weight as compared with non-tumor-bearing control mice. In contrast, mice with the CAC-8 (Hi Ca) tumor had markedly decreased body weights. The CAC-8 (Hi Ca) tumor-bearing mice had severe hypercalcemia (mean = 13.4 mg/dl) and increased plasma concentrations of PTHrP (30.4 pM), whereas the CAC-8 (Lo Ca) tumor-bearing mice had a mean serum calcium concentration of 10.1 mg/dl and mildly increased PTHrP concentrations (5.7 pM) as compared with control mice (9.0 mg/dl and 1.0 pM, respectively). The original tumor (CAC-8 [Hi Ca]) is a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, whereas the variant tumor (CAC-8 [Lo Ca]) is a solid carcinoma with both polygonal and spindle-shaped cells. The CAC-8 (Lo Ca) tumor had decreased PTHrP mRNA expression and protein synthesis. Messenger RNA expression of TGF beta, TNF alpha, IL-1, and IL-6 was similar in both tumors and was consistent with the central role of PTHrP in the induction of hypercalcemia in this animal model.

Reishi mushroom Ganoderma lucidum Modulates IgA production and alpha-defensin expression in the rat small intestine.

PubMed

Kubota, Atsuhito; Kobayashi, Masaki; Sarashina, Sota; Takeno, Reiko; Okamoto, Keisuke; Narumi, Katsuya; Furugen, Ayako; Suzuki, Yuji; Takahashi, Natsuko; Iseki, Ken

2018-03-25

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) secretion and alpha-defensins play a role in the innate immune system to protect against infection. Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. (Reishi) is a well-known mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine. This study aimed to determine the effects of Reishi on IgA secretion from Peyer's patch (PP) cells and alpha-defensin-5 (RD-5) and RD-6 expression in the rat small intestine. The rats received an oral injection of 0.5-5mg/kg of Reishi powder (1mL/kg) by sonde. All animals were euthanized 24h after Reishi administration. We examined RD-5, RD-6, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 mRNA levels in the jejunum, ileum, and in Peyer's patches (PP) through quantitative real-time PCR analysis. IgA secretion from PP was measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the supernatant after primary culture. Reishi increased IgA secretion in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and increased TLR4 mRNA levels, but had no effect on the viability of PP cells. Moreover, Reishi increased RD-5, RD-6, and TLR4 mRNA levels significantly in the ileum in a concentration-dependent manner. Reishi can induce IgA secretion and increase the mRNA levels of RD-5 and RD-6 in the rat small intestine, through a TLR4-dependent pathway. The present results indicate that Reishi might reduce the risk of intestinal infection. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Expression of toll-like receptors 2 and 4 and CD14 during differentiation of HL-60 cells induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D(3).

PubMed

Li, Changlin; Wang, Yibing; Gao, Li; Zhang, Jingsong; Shao, Jie; Wang, Shengnian; Feng, Weiguo; Wang, Xingyu; Li, Minglie; Chang, Zongliang

2002-01-01

Macrophages form a crucial bridge between the innate and adaptive immune response. One of their most important functions is to recognize infectious microorganisms. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key elements in pathogen recognition, and among them, TLR2 and TLR4 are most discussed. However, expression patterns of TLRs during myeloid cell differentiation to macrophage are unknown. In this study, we examined differentiation in the model human myeloid cell line, HL-60, treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or VitD(3). Expression of TLR2, TLR4, and CD14 were measured by reverse transcription-PCR, RNase protection assay, and fluorescence-activated cell sorter assays. After treatment by PMA (1, 10, and 100 nM) for 12, 24, and 48 h, expression of TLR2 and CD14 mRNA was increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, VitD(3) only induced expression of CD14 but not TLR2 in HL-60 cells. TLR4 was expressed constitutively before differentiation and increased slightly after that. Thus, PMA-mediated differentiation of HL-60 cells to macrophages is associated largely with TLR2 expression and, to a much lesser extent, with TLR4. Furthermore, up-regulation of TLR2 and CD14 mRNA expression by PMA was abrogated by a protein kinase C inhibitor, Calphostine C, suggesting the up-regulation of TLR2 and CD14 mRNA is dependent on the activation of protein kinase C. Coexpression of CD14/TLR2 and/or CD14/TLR4 may be essential but not sufficient for the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in response to lipopolysaccharide in our system.

Olive oil and walnut breakfasts reduce the postprandial inflammatory response in mononuclear cells compared with a butter breakfast in healthy men.

PubMed

Jiménez-Gómez, Yolanda; López-Miranda, José; Blanco-Colio, Luis M; Marín, Carmen; Pérez-Martínez, Pablo; Ruano, Juan; Paniagua, Juan A; Rodríguez, Fernando; Egido, Jesús; Pérez-Jiménez, Francisco

2009-06-01

Inflammation is crucial in all stages of atherosclerosis, and few studies have investigated the effect of dietary fat on markers of inflammation related to this disease during the postprandial period. To evaluate the chronic effects of dietary fat on the postprandial expression of proinflammatory genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy subjects. 20 healthy men followed three different diets for 4 weeks each, according to a randomized crossover design: Western diet: 15% protein, 47% carbohydrates (CHO), 38% fat (22% saturated fatty acid (SFA)); Mediterranean diet: 15% protein, 47% CHO, 38% fat (24% monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)); CHO-rich and n-3 diet: 15% protein, 55% CHO, <30% fat (8% polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)). After 12-h fast, volunteers were given a breakfast with a fat composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets-butter breakfast: 35% SFA; olive oil breakfast: 36% MUFA; walnut breakfast: 16% PUFA, 4% alpha-linolenic acid (LNA). The butter breakfast induced a higher increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha messenger RNA (mRNA) expression than the olive oil or walnut breakfasts (P=0.014) in PBMCs. Moreover, we found a higher postprandial response in the mRNA of interleukin (IL)-6 with the intake of butter and olive oil breakfasts than with the walnut breakfast (P=0.025) in these cells. However, the effects of the three fatty breakfasts on the plasma concentrations of these proinflammatory parameters showed no significant differences (P=N.S.). Consumption of a butter-enriched meal elicits greater postprandial expression of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA in PBMCs, compared to the olive oil and walnut breakfasts.

Flavonoids from Theobroma cacao down-regulate inflammatory mediators.

PubMed

Ramiro, Emma; Franch, Angels; Castellote, Cristina; Pérez-Cano, Francisco; Permanyer, Joan; Izquierdo-Pulido, Maria; Castell, Margarida

2005-11-02

In the present study, we report the effects of a cocoa extract on the secretion and RNA expression of various proinflammatory mediators by macrophages. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) were significantly and dose-dependently diminished by cocoa extract, and this effect was higher than that produced by equivalent concentrations of epicatechin but was lower than that produced by isoquercitrin. Interestingly, cocoa extract added prior to cell activation resulted in a significantly greater inhibition of TNFalpha secretion. Both cocoa extract and epicatechin decreased TNFalpha, interleukin (IL) 1alpha, and IL-6 mRNA expression, suggesting that their inhibitory effect on cytokine secretion is produced, in part, at the transcriptional level. Cocoa extract also significantly decreased NO secretion in a dose-dependent manner and with a greater effect than that produced by epicatechin. In conclusion, our study shows that cocoa flavonoids not only inhibit NO release from macrophages but also down-regulate inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Inhibition of liver fibrosis by solubilized coenzyme Q10: Role of Nrf2 activation in inhibiting transforming growth factor-beta1 expression

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, Hoo-Kyun; Pokharel, Yuba Raj; Lim, Sung Chul

2009-11-01

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an endogenous antioxidant, is important in oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. It has anti-diabetic and anti-cardiovascular disease effects, but its ability to protect against liver fibrosis has not been studied. Here, we assessed the ability of solubilized CoQ10 to improve dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrogenesis in mice. DMN treatments for 3 weeks produced a marked liver fibrosis as assessed by histopathological examination and tissue 4-hydroxyproline content. Solubilized CoQ10 (10 and 30 mg/kg) significantly inhibited both the increases in fibrosis score and 4-hydroxyproline content induced by DMN. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses revealed that solubilized CoQ10 inhibitedmore » increases in the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) protein by DMN. Interestingly, hepatic glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) and glutathione S-transferase A2 (GSTA2) were up-regulated in mice treated with CoQ10. Solubilized CoQ10 also up-regulated antioxidant enzymes such as catalytic subunits of GCL and GSTA2 via activating NF-E2 related factor2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) in H4IIE hepatoma cells. Moreover, CoQ10's inhibition of alpha-SMA and TGF-beta1 expressions disappeared in Nrf2-null MEF cells. In contrast, Nrf2 overexpression significantly decreased the basal expression levels of alpha-SMA and TGF-beta1 in Nrf2-null MEF cells. These results demonstrated that solubilized CoQ10 inhibited DMN-induced liver fibrosis through suppression of TGF-beta1 expression via Nrf2/ARE activation.« less

The potential antifibrotic impact of apocynin and alpha-lipoic acid in concanavalin A-induced liver fibrosis in rats: Role of NADPH oxidases 1 and 4.

PubMed

Fayed, Mostafa R; El-Naga, Reem N; Akool, El-Sayed; El-Demerdash, Ebtehal

2018-01-01

Liver fibrosis results from chronic inflammation that precipitates excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. Oxidative stress is involved in its pathogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate the potential antifibrotic effect of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor, apocynin against concanavalin A (ConA)-induced immunological model of liver fibrosis, and to investigate the ability of the antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) to potentiate this effect. Rats were treated with apocynin and/or α-LA for six weeks. Hepatotoxicity indices, oxidative stress, insulin, NOXs, inflammatory and liver fibrosis markers were assessed. Treatment of animals with apocynin and α-LA significantly ameliorated the changes in liver functions and histopathological architecture induced by ConA. Liver fibrosis induced by ConA was evident where alpha-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor- beta1 were elevated, which was further confirmed by Masson's trichrome stain and increased hydroxyproline. Co-treatment with apocynin and α-LA significantly reduced their expression. Besides, apocynin and α-LA significantly ameliorated oxidative stress injury evoked by ConA, as evidenced by enhancing reduced glutathione content, antioxidant enzymes activities and decreasing lipid peroxides. ConA induced a significant elevation in serum insulin level and inflammatory markers; tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and nuclear factor kappa b. Furthermore, the mRNA tissue expression of NOXs 1 and 4 was found to be elevated in the ConA group. All these elevations were significantly reduced by apocynin and α-LA co-treatment. These findings indicate that using apocynin and α-LA in combination possess marked antifibrotic effects, and that NOX enzymes are partially involved in the pathogenesis of ConA-induced liver fibrosis.

The temporal expression of estrogen receptor alpha-36 and runx2 in human bone marrow derived stromal cells during osteogenesis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Francis, W.R., E-mail: w.francis@swansea.ac.uk; Owens, S.E.; Wilde, C.

2014-10-24

Highlights: • ERα36 is the predominant ERα isoform involved in bone regulation in human BMSC. • ERα36 mRNA is significantly upregulated during the process of osteogenesis. • The pattern of ERα36 and runx2 mRNA expression is similar during osteogenesis. • ERα36 appears to be co-localised with runx2 during osteogenesis. - Abstract: During bone maintenance in vivo, estrogen signals through estrogen receptor (ER)-α. The objectives of this study were to investigate the temporal expression of ERα36 and ascertain its functional relevance during osteogenesis in human bone marrow derived stromal cells (BMSC). This was assessed in relation to runt-related transcription factor-2 (runx2),more » a main modulatory protein involved in bone formation. ERα36 and runx2 subcellular localisation was assessed using immunocytochemistry, and their mRNA expression levels by real time PCR throughout the process of osteogenesis. The osteogenically induced BMSCs demonstrated a rise in ERα36 mRNA during proliferation followed by a decline in expression at day 10, which represents a change in dynamics within the culture between the proliferative stage and the differentiative stage. The mRNA expression profile of runx2 mirrored that of ERα36 and showed a degree subcellular co-localisation with ERα36. This study suggests that ERα36 is involved in the process of osteogenesis in BMSCs, which has implications in estrogen deficient environments.« less

NDRG1, a growth and cancer related gene: regulation of gene expression and function in normal and disease states.

PubMed

Ellen, Thomas P; Ke, Qingdong; Zhang, Ping; Costa, Max

2008-01-01

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is an intracellular protein that is induced under a wide variety of stress and cell growth-regulatory conditions. NDRG1 is up-regulated by cell differentiation signals in various cancer cell lines and suppresses tumor metastasis. Despite its specific role in the molecular cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4D disease, there has been more interest in the gene as a marker of tumor progression and enhancer of cellular differentiation. Because it is strongly up-regulated under hypoxic conditions, and this condition is prevalent in solid tumors, its regulation is somewhat complex, governed by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1alpha)- and p53-dependent pathways, as well as its namesake, neuroblastoma-derived myelocytomatosis, and probably many other factors, at the transcriptional and translational levels, and through mRNA stability. We survey the data for clues to the NDRG1 gene's mechanism and for indications that the NDRG1 gene may be an efficient diagnostic tool and therapy in many types of cancers.

Overexpression and localization of heat shock proteins mRNA in pancreatic carcinoma.

PubMed

Ogata, M; Naito, Z; Tanaka, S; Moriyama, Y; Asano, G

2000-06-01

In the present study we examined the localization and overexpression of heat shock proteins (hsps), mainly hsp90, in pancreatic carcinoma tissue compared with control tissue (including chronic pancreatitis and normal pancreas tissue), with the aid of immunohistochemical staining, in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Hsp90 alpha mRNA was overexpressed more highly in pancreatic carcinoma than in the control tissue. The proliferating-cell-nuclear-antigen labeling index was also high in pancreatic carcinoma tissue compared with the other tissue. These findings suggest that the overexpression of hsp90 alpha mRNA in carcinomas may be correlated with cell proliferation. However, hsp90 beta was constitutively overexpressed almost equally in all groups of pancreatic tissue including pancreatic carcinoma, chronic pancreatitis and normal pancreas tissue. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated a differentiation in the expression of hsp90 between histological types of pancreatic carcinoma. These findings suggest that hsp90 alpha is involved in carcinogenesis and that hsp90 beta is correlated to structural conformation. Hsp90 alpha and hsp90 beta seem to perform different functions in tissue containing malignant cells. P53, MDM2 and WAF1, that were cell-cycle-related oncogene product were more strongly expressed in the nuclei of the cancer cells of the cancer tissue. Especially, MDM2 was more strongly expressed in mucinous carcinoma and the mucin secreting tissues surrounding pancreatic carcinoma tissue. The expression of MDM2 protein might also be correlated to secretion systems during structural conformation and be correlated to hsp90 beta.

Asian and Siberian ginseng as a potential modulator of immune function: an in vitro cytokine study using mouse macrophages.

PubMed

Wang, Huamin; Actor, Jeffrey K; Indrigo, Jessica; Olsen, Margaret; Dasgupta, Amitava

2003-01-01

Ginseng is a widely used herbal product in China, other Asian countries, and in the Unites States. There is a traditional belief that ginseng stimulates immune functions. In this study, the innate effects of Asian and Siberian ginsengs on cytokines and chemokines produced by cultured macrophages were examined. The effects of Asian and Siberian ginseng on cytokines and chemokines produced by cultured macrophages were examined. Mouse macrophages (J774A.1) were incubated with Asian or Siberian ginseng at varying concentrations (1, 10, 100, and 1000 microg/ml) for 24 h and then harvested for RNA isolation. The expression levels of IL-1beta, IL-12, TNF-alpha, MIP-1 alpha, and MIP-2 mRNA were measured by quantitative PCR. Our data showed that Asian ginseng induced a statistically significant increase in IL-12 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. However, the minor twofold increase is probably biologically insignificant. No significant increase of IL-12 by Siberian ginseng was observed at any dose level studied. No significant change in IL-1beta, IL-15, TNF-alpha, or MIP-1alpha mRNA was observed by either Asian or Siberian ginseng treatment. Our data showed statistically significant differential regulation of IL-12 by Asian ginseng. Siberian ginseng did not show a statistically significant increase. We conclude that both Asian ginseng and Siberian ginseng cannot significantly stimulate innate macrophage immune functions that influence cellular immune responses. Therefore, contrary to the popular belief, Asian and Siberian ginseng may not stimulate immune function.

Actin isoform and alpha 1B-adrenoceptor gene expression in aortic and coronary smooth muscle is influenced by cyclical stretch.

PubMed

Lundberg, M S; Sadhu, D N; Grumman, V E; Chilian, W M; Ramos, K S

1995-09-01

The occurrence of vascular domains with specific biological and pharmacological characteristics suggests that smooth muscle cells in different arteries may respond differentially to a wide range of environmental stimuli. To determine if some of these vessel-specific differences may be attributable to mechano-sensitive gene regulation, the influence of cyclical stretch on the expression of actin isoform and alpha 1B-adrenoceptor genes was examined in aortic and coronary smooth muscle cells. Cells were seeded on an elastin substrate and subjected to maximal stretching (24% elongation) and relaxation cycles at a frequency of 120 cycles/min in a Flexercell strain unit for 72 h. Total RNA was extracted and hybridized to radiolabeled cDNA probes to assess gene expression. Stretch caused a greater reduction of actin isoform mRNA levels in aortic smooth muscle cells as compared to cells from the coronary artery. Steady-state mRNA levels of alpha 1B-adrenoceptor were also decreased by cyclical stretch in both cell types but the magnitude of the response was greater in coronary smooth muscle cells. No changes in alpha 1B-adrenoceptor or beta/gamma-actin steady-state mRNA levels were observed in H4IIE cells, a nonvascular, immortalized cell line. The relative gene expression of heat shock protein 70 was not influenced by the cyclic stretch regimen in any of these cell types. These results suggest that stretch may participate in the regulation of gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells and that this response exhibits some degree of cell-specificity.

Glutathione-S-transferases pi, alpha, mu and mdr1 mRNA expression in normal lymphocytes and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

PubMed

Marie, J P; Simonin, G; Legrand, O; Delmer, A; Faussat, A M; Lewis, A D; Sikic, B I; Zittoun, R

1995-10-01

Chronic B cell lymphoproliferative disorders are frequently sensitive to alkylating agents. To assess the glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) gene expression in B tumoral lymphocytes, possibly responsible for this sensitivity, we developed a sensitive RT-PCR assay for the three isoenzymes GST pi, GST mu and GST alpha mRNA. Normal B and T lymphocytes from 11 blood donors were separated by magnetic beads and tested with this assay. The GST pi was the most abundant transferase, and was detected in all B and T cell samples. GST mu was undetectable ('null' phenotype) in 6/11 normal donors, either in B or T cells. GST alpha was very stable from donor to donor, and was highly correlated between B and T cells of the same individual (P < 0.0001). There is no correlation between the three isoenzymes, and between each isoenzyme and mdr1 gene expression. Twenty-three B lymphoproliferative disorders (20 B-CLL, 3 CD5- chronic lymphoproliferative syndromes) were tested with the same technique. An average decrease of 57% of the GST pi expression was noted in the mononuclear cells of these patients (P < 0.02), with no differences between the untreated and treated cases. The GST alpha and mdr1 mRNA levels did not differ from normal B lymphocytes, but the proportion of patients with no detectable expression of GST mu is lower than in the control (13%). Interestingly, the low content of GST pi in B-CLL could explain the frequent sensitivity of this disease to alkylating agents.

Effects of combination of aliskiren and pentoxyfylline on renal function in the rat remnant kidney model of chronic renal failure.

PubMed

Soni, Hitesh M; Patel, Praful P; Patel, Savan; Rath, Akshyaya C; Acharya, Aviseka; Trivedi, Harshkant D; Jain, Mukul R

2015-01-01

The aim was to investigate the nephroprotective effect of combination of aliskiren (ASK), a direct renin inhibitor and pentoxifylline (PTX), inhibitor of tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), in rat remnant kidney model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nephrectomized (NPX) rats were treated with ASK (10 mg/kg, p.o.), PTX (100 mg/kg, p.o.), and combination of PTX + ASK once daily for 28 days. We have performed analysis of various renal injury parameters after 4 weeks of treatment. Treatment with PTX, ASK and combination showed significant improvement in urea, creatinine and total protein in plasma when compared with vehicle treated group in NPX rats. ASK and combination of PTX + ASK elicited significant reduction in blood pressure but PTX alone did not produce blood pressure reduction. ASK treatment showed significant elevation in TNF-alpha, whereas PTX and ASK + PTX showed significant reduction in TNF-alpha in plasma. Histopathologically, the extent of the kidney injury was similar in NPX + vehicle and NPX + ASK-treated rats. PTX and ASK + PTX-treated group showed lesser extent of kidney injury. There was good correlation of mRNA expression levels of kidney injury molecule-1 and bradykinin B1 receptor data with histopathological findings in kidney samples and elevated TNF-alpha levels in plasma. We conclude that combination of PTX + ASK may be better therapeutic intervention for nephroprotection in CKD patients.

Expression of JAKs/STATs pathway molecules in rat model of rapid focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

PubMed

Liang, Yaojun; Jin, Yu; Li, Yuning

2009-09-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAKs/STATs) pathway in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Sixty specific pathogen-free male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: a model group (MG) and a control group (CG). In the MG group, nephropathy was induced by unilateral nephrectomy and a single tail vein injection of adriamycin (5 mg/kg). Ten rats were sacrificed every 2 weeks in each group. The expressions of smooth muscle alpha actin (alpha-SMA), collagen (COL)-IV, STAT1, and STAT3 were examined using histochemical techniques, and Western blotting was used to examine the protein levels of STAT1, STAT3, phosphorylated (P)-STAT1, P-STAT3, and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta(1)). The expressions of JAK1, JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)1, SOCS3, protein inhibitors of activated STAT (PIAS)1, and PIAS3 were also measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. A steady and significant increase in the expressions of alpha-SMA, COL-IV and TGFbeta(1) were observed in MG rats over the whole experimental course. Increased STAT1 and P-STAT1 levels in MG rats were observed by week 6, whereas increased levels of STAT3 and P-STAT3 were noted by week 2. At the mRNA levels, JAK1, STAT1, and PIAS1 were significantly increased in MG rats in week 2, whereas JAK2 mRNA showed a significant decrease by weeks 2 and 4, followed by an significant increase in week 6. Significantly increased STAT3 levels were noted in week 2, followed by a steady and significant decrease in weeks 4 and 6. Significantly reduced levels of SOCS1, SOCS3, and PIAS3 mRNA were noted at all time points. We conclude that the JAKs/STATs signaling pathway may play an important role in the pathological process of rapid focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in the rat model.

Gypenoside XLIX, a naturally occurring gynosaponin, PPAR-alpha dependently inhibits LPS-induced tissue factor expression and activity in human THP-1 monocytic cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Tom Hsun-Wei; Van Hoan Tran; Roufogalis, Basil D.

2007-01-01

Tissue factor (TF) is involved not only in the progression of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases, but is also associated with tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis and hence may be an attractive target for directed cancer therapeutics. Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) is widely used in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis, as well as cancers. Gypenoside (Gyp) XLIX, a dammarane-type glycoside, is one of the prominent components in GP. We have recently reported Gyp XLIX to be a potent peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha activator. Here we demonstrate that Gyp XLIX (0-300 {mu}M) concentration dependently inhibited TF promoter activity aftermore » induction by the inflammatory stimulus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human monocytic THP-1 cells transfected with promoter reporter constructs pTF-LUC. Furthermore, Gyp XLIX inhibited LPS-induced TF mRNA and protein overexpression in THP-1 monocyte cells. Its inhibition of LPS-induced TF hyperactivity was further confirmed by chromogenic enzyme activity assay. The activities of Gyp XLIX reported in this study were similar to those of Wy-14643, a potent synthetic PPAR-alpha activator. Furthermore, the Gyp XLIX-induced inhibitory effect on TF luciferase activity was completely abolished in the presence of the PPAR-alpha selective antagonist MK-886. The present findings suggest that Gyp XLIX inhibits LPS-induced TF overexpression and enhancement of its activity in human THP-1 monocytic cells via PPAR-alpha-dependent pathways. The data provide new insights into the basis of the use of the traditional Chinese herbal medicine G. pentaphyllum for the treatment of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, as well as cancers.« less

AKR1C1 and SRD5A1 messenger RNA expression at term in the human myometrium and chorioamniotic membranes.

PubMed

Lee, Richard H; Stanczyk, Frank Z; Stolz, Andrew; Ji, Qing; Yang, Gloria; Goodwin, T Murphy

2008-10-01

We sought to determine relative mRNA expression of AKR1C1 and SRD5A1, which respectively encode for the key progesterone metabolizing enzymes, 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5alpha-reductase type 1, in the myometrium and chorioamniotic membranes during human spontaneous or induced labor and nonlabor. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to compare relative mRNA expression of AKR1C1 and SRD5A1 in the myometrium and chorioamniotic membranes from 20 subjects during three different states of labor: not in labor ( N = 10), spontaneous labor ( N = 5), or induced labor ( N = 5). Labor was defined as regular uterine contractions that resulted in cervical dilation. Myometrial AKR1C1 mRNA expression was significantly greater in spontaneously laboring subjects compared with those not in labor (2.4-fold [1.97 to 2.98], P = 0.02). There was no difference in myometrial AKR1C1 mRNA expression between those with induced labor compared with those not in labor. Regardless of labor status, no differences were observed in the chorioamniotic membrane AKR1C1 mRNA expression between the groups. SRD5A1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the membranes of both laboring groups when compared with those not in labor (spontaneous: 0.10-fold [0.06 to 0.18], P = 0.007; induced: 0.09-fold [0.03 to 0.25], P = 0.013). Regardless of labor status, there was no difference in SRD5A1 mRNA expression in the myometrium. Our study demonstrated tissue-specific changes in progesterone metabolizing enzyme mRNA expression in human intrauterine tissue at term associated with labor status. These observed changes in mRNA expression may have important implications for progesterone metabolism at those specific sites and thereby may differentially regulate the tissue-specific progesterone concentration and/or the level of specific progesterone metabolites.

Interaction between src family kinases and rho-kinase in agonist-induced Ca2+-sensitization of rat pulmonary artery.

PubMed

Knock, Greg A; Shaifta, Yasin; Snetkov, Vladimir A; Vowles, Benjamin; Drndarski, Svetlana; Ward, Jeremy P T; Aaronson, Philip I

2008-02-01

We investigated the role of src family kinases (srcFK) in agonist-mediated Ca2+-sensitization in pulmonary artery and whether this involves interaction with the rho/rho-kinase pathway. Intra-pulmonary arteries (IPAs) and cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) were obtained from rat. Expression of srcFK was determined at the mRNA and protein levels. Ca2+-sensitization was induced by prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (PGF(2 alpha)) in alpha-toxin-permeabilized IPAs. Phosphorylation of the regulatory subunit of myosin phosphatase (MYPT-1) and of myosin light-chain-20 (MLC20) and translocation of rho-kinase in response to PGF(2 alpha) were also determined. Nine srcFK were expressed at the mRNA level, including src, fyn, and yes, and PGF(2 alpha) enhanced phosphorylation of three srcFK proteins at tyr-416. In alpha-toxin-permeabilized IPAs, PGF(2 alpha) enhanced the Ca2+-induced contraction (pCa 6.9) approximately three-fold. This enhancement was inhibited by the srcFK blockers SU6656 and PP2 and by the rho-kinase inhibitor Y27632. Y27632, but not SU6656 or PP2, also inhibited the underlying pCa 6.9 contraction. PGF(2 alpha) enhanced phosphorylation of MYPT-1 at thr-697 and thr-855 and of MLC20 at ser-19. This enhancement, but not the underlying basal phosphorylation, was inhibited by SU6656. Y27632 suppressed both basal and PGF(2 alpha)-mediated phosphorylation. The effects of SU6656 and Y27632, on both contraction and MYPT-1 and MLC20 phosphorylation, were not additive. PGF(2 alpha) triggered translocation of rho-kinase in PASMC, and this was inhibited by SU6656. srcFK are activated by PGF(2 alpha) in the rat pulmonary artery and may contribute to Ca2+-sensitization and contraction via rho-kinase translocation and phosphorylation of MYPT-1.

FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA inhibits the antigen-induced activation of mast cells.

PubMed

Safaralizadeh, Reza; Soheili, Zahra-Soheila; Deezagi, Abdolkhaleg; Pourpak, Zahra; Samiei, Shahram; Moin, Mostafa

2009-12-01

FcepsilonRI, The high affinity receptor for IgE plays a critical role in triggering the allergic reactions. It is responsible for inducing mast cell degranulation and deliberation of allergy mediators when it is aggregated by allergen and IgE complexes. FcepsilonRI on the mast cells consists of three subunits; alpha chain directly binds IgE, beta chain and dimmer of gamma chains together mediate intracellular signaling. Cross-linking of IgE-bound FcepsilonRI on the surface of mast cells and basophils by the multivalent antigen induces release of chemical mediators. The present in vitro study was designed to investigate the effect of synthetic FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA on the antigen-induced activation of MC/9 cells. MC/9 cells which are murine mast cells were transfected by FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA and negative control siRNA. After 6 h, anti-DNP (Dinitrophenyl) IgE was used for the cells sensitization. Then the cells were challenged with Dinitrophenyl-Human Serum Albumin (DNP-HSA) for mast cell degranulation induction before collection of supernatants. The amount of mRNA and protein expression was measured by Real Time PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Determination of the expression rate of FcepsilonRI-alpha on cell surface was achieved by flow cytometry. ELISA and spectrophotometry methods were used subsequently for measuring the effects of FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA on antigen-induced histamine and beta-hexosaminidase release. FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA treated cells showed significant decrease in FcepsilonRI-alpha mRNA and protein expression in comparison to control cells. FcepsilonRI-mediated mast cell release of beta-hexosaminidase and histamine were also inhibited. In this study it was shown that FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA could suppress FcepsilonRI-alpha expression and inhibited degranulation and histamine release in antigen-stimulated MC/9 cells. In conclusion, knock-down of FcepsilonRI-alpha by siRNA could be a promising method for inhibition of the mast cell-mediated allergic reactions.

Apoptosis is rapidly triggered by antisense depletion of MCL-1 in differentiating U937 cells.

PubMed

Moulding, D A; Giles, R V; Spiller, D G; White, M R; Tidd, D M; Edwards, S W

2000-09-01

Mcl-1 is a member of the Bcl-2 protein family, which has been shown to delay apoptosis in transfection and/or overexpression experiments. As yet no gene knockout mice have been engineered, and so there is little evidence to show that loss of Mcl-1 expression is sufficient to trigger apoptosis. U937 cells constitutively express the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2; but during differentiation, in response to the phorbol ester PMA (phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate), Mcl-1 is transiently induced. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the functional role played by Mcl-1 in this differentiation program. Mcl-1 expression was specifically disrupted by chimeric methylphosphonate/phosphodiester antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to just 5% of control levels. The depletion of Mcl-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was both rapid and specific, as indicated by the use of control oligodeoxynucleotides and analysis of the expression of other BCL2 family members and PMA-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Specific depletion of Mcl-1 mRNA and protein, in the absence of changes in cellular levels of Bcl-2, results in a rapid entry into apoptosis. Levels of the proapoptotic protein Bax remained unchanged during differentiation, while Bak expression doubled within 24 hours. Apoptosis was detected within 4 hours of Mcl-1 antisense treatment by a variety of parameters including a novel live cell imaging technique allowing correlation of antisense treatment and apoptosis in individual cells. The induction of Mcl-1 is required to prevent apoptosis during differentiation of U937 cells, and the constitutive expression of Bcl-2 is unable to compensate for the loss of Mcl-1. (Blood. 2000;96:1756-1763)

Triptolide inhibits COX-2 expression by regulating mRNA stability in TNF-{alpha}-treated A549 cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Lixin; Zhang, Shuang; Jiang, Zhenzhou

2011-12-09

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Triptolide inhibited COX-2 expression and the half-life of COX-2 mRNA is decreased. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The HuR protein shuttling from nucleus to cytoplasm is inhibited by triptolide. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Triptolide inhibited 3 Prime -UTR fluorescence reporter gene activity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer COX-2 mRNA binding to HuR is decreased by triptolide in pull-down experiments. -- Abstract: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) over-expression is frequently associated with human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and involved in tumor proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis and resistance to apoptosis. In the present study, the effects of triptolide on COX-2 expression in A549 cells were investigated and triptolide was found to inhibit TNF-{alpha}-induced COX-2 expression.more » In our further studies, it was found that triptolide decreased the half-life of COX-2 mRNA dramatically and that it inhibited 3 Prime -untranslated region (3 Prime -UTR) fluorescence reporter gene activity. Meanwhile, triptolide inhibited the HuR shuttling from nucleus to cytoplasm. After triptolide treatment, decreased COX-2 mRNA in pull-down experiments with anti-HuR antibodies was observed, indicating that the decreased cytoplasmic HuR is responsible for the decreased COX-2 mRNA. Taken together, our results provided evidence for the first time that triptolide inhibited COX-2 expression by COX-2 mRNA stability modulation and post-transcriptional regulation. These results provide a novel mechanism of action for triptolide which may be important in the treatment of lung cancer.« less

Dietary abscisic acid ameliorates glucose tolerance and obesity-related inflammation in db/db mice fed high-fat diets.

PubMed

Guri, Amir J; Hontecillas, Raquel; Si, Hongwei; Liu, Dongmin; Bassaganya-Riera, Josep

2007-02-01

Despite their efficacy in improving insulin sensitivity, thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are associated with a number of side effects (i.e. weight gain, hepatotoxicity, congestive heart failure) that have limited their use by millions of diabetic patients. We have investigated whether abscisic acid (ABA), a naturally occurring phytochemical with structural similarities to TZDs, could be used as an alternative to TZDs to improve glucose homeostasis. We first examined whether ABA, similar to TZDs, activates PPARgamma in vitro. We next determined the lowest effective dose of dietary ABA (100 mg/kg) and assessed its effect on glucose tolerance, obesity-related inflammation, and mRNA expression of PPARgamma and its responsive genes in white adipose tissue (WAT) of db/db mice fed high-fat diets. We found that ABA induced transactivation of PPARgamma in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes in vitro. Dietary ABA-supplementation for 36 days decreased fasting blood glucose concentrations, ameliorated glucose tolerance, and increased mRNA expression of PPARgamma and its responsive genes (i.e., adiponectin, aP2, and CD36) in WAT. We also found that adipocyte hypertrophy, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression, and macrophage infiltration in WAT were significantly attenuated in ABA-fed mice. These findings suggest that ABA could be used as a nutritional intervention against type II diabetes and obesity-related inflammation.

Swim training and the genetic expression of adipokines in monosodium glutamate-treated obese rats.

PubMed

Svidnicki, Paulo Vinicius; Leite, Nayara Carvalho; Vicari, Marcelo Ricardo; Almeida, Mara Cristina de; Artoni, Roberto Ferreira; Favero, Giovani Marino; Grassiolli, Sabrina; Nogaroto, Viviane

2015-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic expression of adipokines in the adipocytes of monosodium glutamate (MSG)-treated obese rats submitted to physical activity. Obesity was induced by neonatal MSG administration. Exercised rats (MSG and control) were subjected to swim training for 30 min for 10 weeks, whereas their respective controls remained sedentary. Total RNA was obtained from sections of the mesenteric adipose tissue of the rats. mRNA levels of adiponectin (Adipoq), tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnf), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (Ppara), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg) adipokines were quantified by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). In the exercise-trained control group, the expression of Adipoq increased compared to the sedentary control, which was not observed in the MSG-obese rats. Increased levels of Tnf in MSG-obese rats were not reversed by the swim training. The expression of Ppara was higher in sedentary MSG-obese rats compared to the sedentary control. Swimming increased this adipokine expression in the exercise-trained control rats compared to the sedentary ones. mRNA levels of Pparg were higher in the sedentary MSG-rats compared to the sedentary control; however, the exercise did not influenced its expression in the groups analyzed. In conclusion, regular physical activity was not capable to correct the expression of proinflammatory adipokines in MSG-obese rat adipocytes.

PERK eIF2alpha kinase regulates neonatal growth by controlling the expression of circulating insulin-like growth factor-I derived from the liver.

PubMed

Li, Yulin; Iida, Kaori; O'Neil, Jeff; Zhang, Peichuan; Li, Sheng'ai; Frank, Ami; Gabai, Aryn; Zambito, Frank; Liang, Shun-Hsin; Rosen, Clifford J; Cavener, Douglas R

2003-08-01

Humans afflicted with the Wolcott-Rallison syndrome and mice deficient for PERK (pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum eIF2alpha kinase) show severe postnatal growth retardation. In mice, growth retardation in Perk-/- mutants is manifested within the first few days of neonatal development. Growth parameters of Perk-/- mice, including comparison of body weight to length and organ weights, are consistent with proportional dwarfism. Tibia growth plates exhibited a reduction in proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocytes underlying the longitudinal growth retardation. Neonatal Perk-/- deficient mice show a 75% reduction in liver IGF-I mRNA and serum IGF-I within the first week, whereas the expression of IGF-I mRNA in most other tissues is normal. Injections of IGF-I partially reversed the growth retardation of the Perk-/- mice, whereas GH had no effect. Transgenic rescue of PERK activity in the insulin- secreting beta-cells of the Perk-/- mice reversed the juvenile but not the neonatal growth retardation. We provide evidence that circulating IGF-I is derived from neonatal liver but is independent of GH at this stage. We propose that PERK is required to regulate the expression of IGF-I in the liver during the neonatal period, when IGF-I expression is GH-independent, and that the lack of this regulation results in severe neonatal growth retardation.

Proinflammatory cytokines cause FAT10 upregulation in cancers of liver and colon.

PubMed

Lukasiak, S; Schiller, C; Oehlschlaeger, P; Schmidtke, G; Krause, P; Legler, D F; Autschbach, F; Schirmacher, P; Breuhahn, K; Groettrup, M

2008-10-09

The mRNA of the ubiquitin-like modifier FAT10 has been reported to be overexpressed in 90% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in over 80% of colon, ovary and uterus carcinomas. Elevated FAT10 expression in malignancies was attributed to transcriptional upregulation upon the loss of p53. Moreover, FAT10 induced chromosome instability in long-term in vitro culture, which led to the hypothesis that FAT10 might be involved in carcinogenesis. In this study we show that interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha synergistically upregulated FAT10 expression in liver and colon cancer cells 10- to 100-fold. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that FAT10 mRNA was significantly overexpressed in 37 of 51 (72%) of human HCC samples and in 8 of 15 (53%) of human colon carcinomas. The FAT10 cDNA sequences in HCC samples were not mutated and intact FAT10 protein was detectable. FAT10 expression in both cancer tissues correlated with expression of the IFN-gamma- and TNF-alpha-dependent proteasome subunit LMP2 strongly suggesting that proinflammatory cytokines caused the joint overexpression of FAT10 and LMP2. NIH3T3 transformation assays revealed that FAT10 had no transforming capability. Taken together, FAT10 qualifies as a marker for an interferon response in HCC and colon carcinoma but is not significantly overexpressed in cancers lacking a proinflammatory environment.

Orf virus interleukin-10 and vascular endothelial growth factor-E modulate gene expression in cultured equine dermal fibroblasts.

PubMed

Wise, Lyn M; Bodaan, Christa J; Mercer, Andrew A; Riley, Christopher B; Theoret, Christine L

2016-10-01

Wounds in horses often exhibit sustained inflammation and inefficient vascularization, leading to excessive fibrosis and clinical complications such as "proud flesh". Orf virus-derived proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-E and interleukin (ovIL)-10, enhance angiogenesis and control inflammation and fibrosis in skin wounds of laboratory animals. The study aimed to determine if equine dermal cells respond to VEGF-E and ovIL-10. Equine dermal cells are expected to express VEGF and IL-10 receptors, so viral protein treatment is likely to alter cellular gene expression and behaviour in a manner conducive to healing. Skin samples were harvested from the lateral thoracic wall of two healthy thoroughbred horses. Equine dermal cells were isolated using a skin explant method and their phenotype assessed by immunofluorescence. Cells were treated with recombinant proteins, with or without inflammatory stimuli. Gene expression was examined using standard and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Cell behaviour was evaluated in a scratch assay. Cultured cells were half vimentin(+ve) fibroblasts and half alpha smooth muscle actin(+ve) and vimentin(+ve) myofibroblasts. VEGF-E increased basal expression of IL-10 mRNA, whereas VEGF-A and collagenase-1 mRNA expression was increased by ovIL-10. In cells exposed to inflammatory stimulus, both treatments dampened tumour necrosis factor mRNA expression, and ovIL-10 exacerbated expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein. Neither viral protein influenced cell migration greatly. This study shows that VEGF-E and ovIL-10 are active on equine dermal cells and exert anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects that may enhance skin wound healing in horses. © 2016 ESVD and ACVD.

Expression of Fushi tarazu factor 1 homolog and Pit-1 genes in the pituitaries of pre-spawning chum and sockeye salmon.

PubMed

Higa, M; Ando, H; Urano, A

2001-06-01

Fushi tarazu factor-1 (FTZ-F1) and Pit-1 are major pituitary transcription factors, controlling expression of genes coding for gonadotropin (GTH) subunits and growth hormone/prolactin/somatolactin family hormone, respectively. As a first step to investigate physiological factors regulating gene expression of these transcription factors, we determined their mRNA levels in the pituitaries of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) at different stages of sexual maturation. FTZ-F1 gene expression was increased in males at the stage before spermiation, where the levels of GTH alpha and IIbeta subunit mRNAs were elevated. Pit-1 mRNA showed maximum levels at the final stage of sexual maturation in both sexes, when expression of somatolactin gene peaked. To clarify whether gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is involved in these increases in FTZ-F1 and Pit-1 gene expression, we examined effects of GnRH analog (GnRHa) administration on their gene expression in maturing sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). GnRHa stimulated Pit-1 gene expression in females only, but failed to stimulate FTZ-F1 gene expression in both sexes. The up-regulated expression of FTZ-F1 and Pit-1 genes at the pre-spawning stages suggest that the two transcription factors have roles in sexual maturation of salmonids. Physiological factors regulating gene expression of FTZ-F1 and Pit-1 are discussed in this review.

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Influences Epidermal Homeostasis of Living Skin Equivalents through Affecting Fibroblast Phenotypes and Functions.

PubMed

Yang, Lujun; Zhang, Dangui; Wu, Hongjuan; Xie, Sitian; Zhang, Mingjun; Zhang, Bingna; Tang, Shijie

2018-05-30

To elucidate the possible mechanisms of how basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) influences epidermal homeostasis in a living skin equivalent (LSE) model. Several wound healing-related growth factors were analyzed at protein and mRNA levels for dermal fibroblasts of induced alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive or α-SMA-negative phenotypes. During culturing an LSE model by seeding normal human keratinocytes on a fibroblast-populated type I collagen gel, bFGF or neutralizing antibody for keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) was added to investigate its effects on fibroblast phenotypes and, subsequently, epidermal homeostasis by histology and immunohistochemistry. The α-SMA-positive phenotype of fibroblasts induced by transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) markedly suppressed the expression of KGF and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and slightly upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and TGF-β1 at mRNA and protein levels, compared with α-SMA-negative fibroblasts treated with bFGF. α-SMA expression of fibroblasts at the epidermal-mesenchymal junction of the LSEs was suppressed by the addition of bFGF, and a better-differentiated epidermis was presented. The abrogation of KGF from fibroblasts by the addition of the KGF neutralizing antibody disenabled the LSE culturing system to develop an epidermis. bFGF, through affecting the phenotypes and functions of fibroblasts, especially KGF expression, influenced epidermal homeostasis in an LSE model. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the gene coding for bile acid 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Eubacterium sp. strain VPI 12708.

PubMed Central

Baron, S F; Franklund, C V; Hylemon, P B

1991-01-01

Southern blot analysis indicated that the gene encoding the constitutive, NADP-linked bile acid 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase of Eubacterium sp. strain VPI 12708 was located on a 6.5-kb EcoRI fragment of the chromosomal DNA. This fragment was cloned into bacteriophage lambda gt11, and a 2.9-kb piece of this insert was subcloned into pUC19, yielding the recombinant plasmid pBH51. DNA sequence analysis of the 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene in pBH51 revealed a 798-bp open reading frame, coding for a protein with a calculated molecular weight of 28,500. A putative promoter sequence and ribosome binding site were identified. The 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA transcript in Eubacterium sp. strain VPI 12708 was about 0.94 kb in length, suggesting that it is monocistronic. An Escherichia coli DH5 alpha transformant harboring pBH51 had approximately 30-fold greater levels of 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA, immunoreactive protein, and specific activity than Eubacterium sp. strain VPI 12708. The 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase purified from the pBH51 transformant was similar in subunit molecular weight, specific activity, and kinetic properties to that from Eubacterium sp. strain VPI 12708, and it reached with antiserum raised against the authentic enzyme on Western immunoblots. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of the 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase with those of 10 other pyridine nucleotide-linked alcohol/polyol dehydrogenases revealed six conserved amino acid residues in the N-terminal regions thought to function in coenzyme binding. Images PMID:1856160

Prostaglandin F2alpha-F-prostanoid receptor signaling promotes neutrophil chemotaxis via chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 in endometrial adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Wallace, Alison E; Sales, Kurt J; Catalano, Roberto D; Anderson, Richard A; Williams, Alistair R W; Wilson, Martin R; Schwarze, Jurgen; Wang, Hongwei; Rossi, Adriano G; Jabbour, Henry N

2009-07-15

The prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) receptor (FP) is elevated in endometrial adenocarcinoma. This study found that PGF(2alpha) signaling via FP regulates expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. Expression of CXCL1 and its receptor, CXCR2, are elevated in cancer tissue compared with normal endometrium and localized to glandular epithelium, endothelium, and stroma. Treatment of Ishikawa cells stably transfected with the FP receptor (FPS cells) with 100 nmol/L PGF(2alpha) increased CXCL1 promoter activity, mRNA, and protein expression, and these effects were abolished by cotreatment of cells with FP antagonist or chemical inhibitors of Gq, epidermal growth factor receptor, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Similarly, CXCL1 was elevated in response to 100 nmol/L PGF(2alpha) in endometrial adenocarcinoma explant tissue. CXCL1 is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant. The expression of CXCR2 colocalized to neutrophils in endometrial adenocarcinoma and increased neutrophils were present in endometrial adenocarcinoma compared with normal endometrium. Conditioned media from PGF(2alpha)-treated FPS cells stimulated neutrophil chemotaxis, which could be abolished by CXCL1 protein immunoneutralization of the conditioned media or antagonism of CXCR2. Finally, xenograft tumors in nude mice arising from inoculation with FPS cells showed increased neutrophil infiltration compared with tumors arising from wild-type cells or following treatment of mice bearing FPS tumors with CXCL1-neutralizing antibody. In conclusion, our results show a novel PGF(2alpha)-FP pathway that may regulate the inflammatory microenvironment in endometrial adenocarcinoma via neutrophil chemotaxis.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK-1/ERK) inhibitors sensitize reduced glucocorticoid response mediated by TNF{alpha} in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Onda, Kenji; Nagashima, Masahiro; Kawakubo, Yo

2006-12-08

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential drugs administered topically or systematically for the treatment of autoimmune skin diseases such as pemphigus. However, a certain proportion of patients does not respond well to GCs. Although studies on the relationship between cytokines and GC insensitivity in local tissues have attracted attention recently, little is known about the underlying mechanism(s) for GC insensitivity in epidermal keratinocytes. Here, we report that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) {alpha} reduces GC-induced transactivation of endogenous genes as well as a reporter plasmid which contains GC responsive element (GRE) in human epidermal keratinocyte cells (HaCaT). The GC insensitivity by TNF{alpha} wasmore » not accompanied by changes in mRNA expressions of GR isoforms ({alpha} or {beta}). However, we observed that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK-1/ERK) inhibitors (PD98059 and U0126) significantly sensitized the GC-induced transactivation of anti-inflammatory genes (glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP)-1) and FK506 binding protein (FKBP) 51 gene in the presence of TNF{alpha}. Additionally, we observed that TNF{alpha} reduced prednisolone (PSL)-dependent nuclear translocation of GR, which was restored by pre-treatment of MEK-1 inhibitors. This is the first study demonstrating a role of the MEK-1/ERK cascade in TNF{alpha}-mediated GC insensitivity. Our data suggest that overexpression of TNF{alpha} leads to topical GC insensitivity by reducing GR nuclear translocation in keratinocytes, and our findings also suggest that inhibiting the MEK-1/ERK cascade may offer a therapeutic potential for increasing GC efficacy in epidermis where sufficient inflammatory suppression is required.« less

Quantitative analysis of the expression and distribution of calcium channel alpha 1 subunit mRNA in the atria and ventricles of the rat heart.

PubMed

Larsen, Janice K; Mitchell, Jennifer W; Best, Philip M

2002-05-01

Two distinct calcium currents are present in mammalian cardiac myocytes. Utilizing quantitative RT-PCR methods, we have analysed the expression patterns and abundance of four calcium channel alpha 1 subunit mRNAs in different regions of the rat heart and compared them to the known density of calcium currents recorded from rat atria. Our results show that Ca(V)1.2 is the most abundant of the four alpha 1 subunit transcripts in the rat heart. The Ca(V)1.2 message is more abundant in ventricle than in atria and does not vary in expression as a function of developmental age. Ca(V)2.3, Ca(V)3.1 and Ca(V)3.2 mRNAs are 10-100 times less abundant than Ca(V)1.2. Interestingly, Ca(V)2.3, Ca(V)3.1 and Ca(V)3.2 are expressed in both atria and ventricle. The abundance of atrial Ca(V)3.1 mRNA does not change significantly during development and remains high in older animals. In contrast, levels of atrial Ca(V)3.2 mRNA are high in embryonic tissue and at 3- and 4-weeks postnatal but become undetectable at 5 weeks. Expression of atrial Ca(V)2.3 mRNA is highest at 4-weeks postnatal and then declines gradually. We have previously documented that the LVA calcium current density is highest within 4-5 weeks after birth and then declines gradually reaching less than 30% of its maximal value at 12-14 weeks. The complex relationship between atrial LVA current density and the abundance of Ca(V)2.3, Ca(V)3.1 and Ca(V)3.2 mRNA suggests that their contribution to the cardiac LVA current may vary as a function of postnatal age. Copyright 2002 Academic Press.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha induces gamma-glutamyltransferase expression via nuclear factor-kappaB in cooperation with Sp1.

PubMed

Reuter, Simone; Schnekenburger, Michael; Cristofanon, Silvia; Buck, Isabelle; Teiten, Marie-Hélène; Daubeuf, Sandrine; Eifes, Serge; Dicato, Mario; Aggarwal, Bharat B; Visvikis, Athanase; Diederich, Marc

2009-02-01

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) cleaves the gamma-glutamyl moiety of glutathione (GSH), an endogenous antioxidant, and is involved in mercapturic acid metabolism and in cancer drug resistance when overexpressed. Moreover, GGT converts leukotriene (LT) C4 into LTD4 implicated in various inflammatory pathologies. So far the effect of inflammatory stimuli on regulation of GGT expression and activity remained to be addressed. We found that the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) induced GGT promoter transactivation, mRNA and protein synthesis, as well as enzymatic activity. Remicade, a clinically used anti-TNFalpha antibody, small interfering RNA (siRNA) against p50 and p65 nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) isoforms, curcumin, a well characterized natural NF-kappaB inhibitor, as well as a dominant negative inhibitor of kappaB alpha (IkappaBalpha), prevented GGT activation at various levels, illustrating the involvement of this signaling pathway in TNFalpha-induced stimulation. Over-expression of receptor of TNFalpha-1 (TNFR1), TNFR-associated factor-2 (TRAF2), TNFR-1 associated death domain (TRADD), dominant negative (DN) IkappaBalpha or NF-kappaB p65 further confirmed GGT promoter activation via NF-kappaB. Linker insertion mutagenesis of 536 bp of the proximal GGT promoter revealed NF-kappaB and Sp1 binding sites at -110 and -78 relative to the transcription start site, responsible for basal GGT transcription. Mutation of the NF-kappaB site located at -110 additionally inhibited TNFalpha-induced promoter induction. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays confirmed mutagenesis results and further demonstrated that TNFalpha treatment induced in vivo binding of both NF-kappaB and Sp1, explaining increased GGT expression, and led to RNA polymerase II recruitment under inflammatory conditions.

Fidelity and enhanced sensitivity of differential transcription profiles following linear amplification of nanogram amounts of endothelial mRNA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polacek, Denise C.; Passerini, Anthony G.; Shi, Congzhu; Francesco, Nadeene M.; Manduchi, Elisabetta; Grant, Gregory R.; Powell, Steven; Bischof, Helen; Winkler, Hans; Stoeckert, Christian J Jr;

Glucose transporter member 1 is involved in UVB-induced epidermal hyperplasia by enhancing proliferation in epidermal keratinocytes.

PubMed

Tochio, Takumi; Tanaka, Hiroshi; Nakata, Satoru

2013-03-01

Glucose transporter member 1 (GLUT-1) is one of the major facilitated glucose transporters and contributes to the promotion of keratinocyte proliferation in psoriasis and carcinogenic lesions. In this study, we postulate that GLUT-1 is involved in ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced epidermal hyperplasia. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible role of GLUT-1 in UVB-induced hyperplasia. The effects of UVB on GLUT-1 expression levels were investigated in in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, the involvement of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), transcriptional factors for GLUT-1, in GLUT-1-related events were investigated. GLUT-1 mRNA and its protein levels were markedly increased by UVB irradiation in HaCaT cells. In in vivo studies, a strong immunofluorescence signal of GLUT-1 was clearly observed around the basal layer of the epidermis, which proliferated excessively by UVB irradiation. In HaCaT cells, EGF mRNA and its protein levels were markedly increased by UVB irradiation, and then the GLUT-1 mRNA level was significantly increased by treatment with EGF. Additionally, the upregulation of GLUT-1 by both UVB irradiation and treatment with EGF was significantly suppressed by transfection with HIF-1α siRNA. We conclude that GLUT-1 is involved in UVB-induced epidermal hyperplasia by enhancing proliferation of epidermal basal cells, and the GLUT-1-related event might be regulated by an increase in HIF-1α stimulated by EGF. © 2013 The International Society of Dermatology.

Paeonol attenuates TNBS-induced colitis by inhibiting NF-{kappa}B and STAT1 transactivation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ishiguro, Kazuhiro; Ando, Takafumi; Maeda, Osamu

2006-11-15

Paeonol, a major phenolic component of Moutan Cortex, is known to have anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effect of Paeonol on colitis has not been evaluated and the molecular mechanism of its anti-inflammatory action remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if Paeonol enema attenuates trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in mice. We also investigated the effects of Paeonol in colon cancer-derived CW-2 cells and T cell leukemia-derived Jurkat cells treated with tumor necrosis factor {alpha} (TNF{alpha}) and/or interferon {gamma} (IFN{gamma}), which play critical roles in TNBS-induced colitis. Paeonol enema attenuated TNBS-induced colitis judging by body weigh reduction,more » colon length and histological score. Myeloperoxidase activity and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) production in the colon were also reduced with Paeonol enema. In CW-2 cells, Paeonol inhibited iNOS protein and mRNA expression induced by costimulation of TNF{alpha} and IFN{gamma}. Furthermore, Paeonol reduced TNF{alpha}-induced NF-{kappa}B transactivation and IFN{gamma}-induced STAT1 transactivation in CW-2 cells and also in Jurkat cells. These findings suggest that Paeonol enema may be useful for the treatment of colitis.« less

Inhibitory Effect of TNF-alpha Produced by Macrophages Stimulated with Grifola frondosa Extract (ME) on the Growth of Influenza A/Aichi/2/68 Virus in MDCK Cells.

PubMed

Obi, Nobuko; Hayashi, Katsumi; Miyahara, Tatsurou; Shimada, Yutaka; Terasawa, Katsutoshi; Watanabe, Masataka; Takeyama, Masahide; Obi, Ryosuke; Ochiai, Hiroshi

2008-01-01

We investigated the inhibitory effect of the conditioned medium (CM) from P338D1 (D1) cells, a murine macrophage cell line, stimulated for 10 hours with a fixed dose (100 mug/ml) of the extracts from the fruit bodies of Grifola frondosa (ME) or its ultra filtration-based fractions (MFs), on the growth of influenza A/Aichi/2/68 virus in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Direct addition of ME and 3 kinds of MFs (MF1, MF2 and MF3) to the infected cells had no obvious inhibitory effect. However, virus yields were reduced in the presence of CMs. Notably, the inhibitory effect of the CM prepared by using MF2 (molecular weight of 30 Kd to 100 Kd) was the strongest (28% reduction compared to the control). RT-PCR and ELISA assays showed that the CMs could induce the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in D1 cells leading to production of TNF-alpha, known as an antiviral cytokine. These findings suggest that ME and MFs (especially MF-2) might induce the production of certain factors, including TNF-alpha, which are responsible for the inhibition of viral growth in vitro.

Reduction of carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver injury by IRFI 042, a novel dual vitamin E-like antioxidant.

PubMed

Campo, G M; Squadrito, F; Ceccarelli, S; Calò, M; Avenoso, A; Campo, S; Squadrito, G; Altavilla, D

2001-04-01

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced hepatotoxicity is likely the result of a CCl4 -induced free radical production which causes membrane lipid peroxidation and activation of transcription factors regulating both the TNF-alpha gene and the early-immediate genes involved in tissue regeneration. IRFI 042 is a novel vitamin E-like compound having a masked sulphydryl group in the aliphatic side chain. We studied the effect of IRFI 042 on CCl4 -induced liver injury. Liver damage was induced in male rats by an intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (1 ml/kg in vegetal oil). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, liver malondialdehyde (MAL), hydroxyl radical formation (OH*), calculated indirectly by a trapping agent, hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration, plasma TNF-alpha, liver histology and hepatic mRNA levels for TNF-alpha were evaluated 48 h after CCl4 administration. Hepatic vitamin E (VE) levels were evaluated, in a separate group of animals, 2 h after CCl4 injection. A control group with vitamin E (100 mg/kg) was also treated in order to evaluate the differences versus the analogue treated groups. Intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride produced a marked increase in serum ALT activity (CCl4 = 404.61 +/- 10.33 U/L; Controls= 28.54 +/- 4.25 U/L), liver MAL (CCl4 = 0.67 +/- 0.16 nmol/mg protein; Controls= 0.13 +/- 0.06 nmol/mg protein), OH(7) levels assayed as 2,3-DHBA (CCl4 = 8.73 +/- 1.46 microM; Controls= 0.45 +/- 0.15 microM) and 2,5-DHBA (CCl4 = 24.61 +/- 3.32 microM; Controls= 2.75 +/- 0.93 microM), induced a severe depletion of GSH (CCl4 = 3.26 +/- 1.85 micromol/g protein; Controls= 17.82 +/- 3.13 micromol/g protein) and a marked decrease in VE levels (CCl4 = 5.67 +/- 1.22 nmol/g tissue; Controls= 13.47 +/- 3.21 nmol/g tissue), caused liver necrosis, increased plasma TNF-alpha levels (CCl4 = 57.36 +/- 13.24 IU/ml; Controls= 7.26 +/- 2.31 IU/ml) and enhanced hepatic mRNA for TNF-alpha (CCl4 = 19.22 +/- 4.38 a.u.; Controls= 0.76 +/- 0.36 a.u.). IRFI 042 (100 mg/kg, 30 min after CCl4 injection) blunted liver MAL (0.32 +/- 0.17 nmol/mg protein), decreased the serum levels of ALT (128.71 +/- 13.23 U/L), and restored the hepatic concentrations of VE (9.52 +/- 3.21 nmol/g tissue), inhibited OH* production (2,3-DHBA= 3.54 +/- 1.31 microM; 2,5-DHBA= 7.37 +/- 2.46 microM), restored the endogenous antioxidant GSH (12.77 +/- 3.73 mmol/g protein) and improved histology. Furthermore IRFI 042 treatment suppressed plasma TNF-alpha concentrations (31.47 +/- 18.25 IU/ml) and hepatic TNF-alpha mRNA levels (11.65 +/- 3.21 a.u.). The acute treatment with vitamin E failed to exert any protective effect against CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity. These investigations suggest that IRFI 042 treatment may be of benefit during free radical-mediated liver injury.

[Locally administered lentivirus-mediated siRNA inhibits wear debris-induced inflammation].

PubMed

Peng, Xiao-chun; Zhang, Xian-long; Tao, Kun; Cheng, Tao; Zhu, Jun-feng; Zeng, Bing-fang

2009-03-01

To determine the safety and efficacy of local administration of lentivirus-mediated small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in murine air pouch model. From May 2007 to April 2008 a siRNA targeting TNF-alpha and a missense siRNA were designed, and recombine lentivirus which coexpressed the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a marker gene was constructed. Air pouches were established and stimulated by Ti-6Al-4V particles. Pouches were divided into 3 groups randomly. Lentivirus-mediated siRNA targeting TNF-alpha (TNF-alpha group) or lentivirus-mediated missense siRNA (MS group), or virus-free saline (control group) were injected into pouches respectively. Pouch membrane, peripheral blood, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, lung and brain were harvested at 28 d after transfection, and assayed for markers of inflammation using histological, molecular, immunological techniques and Xenogen in vivo imaging system (IVIS) 50 vivo bioluminescent assay system. Xenogen IVIS 50 vivo image revealed strong expression of GFP localized in pouch areas and no expression in other parts of mice both in TNF-alpha group and MS group at 4 weeks after transfection, while no expression of GFP was found in control group. By RT-PCR and ELISA, the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-alpha in TNF-alpha group decreased by 81.6% and 82.6% respectively compared to control group (P < 0.01), and decreased by 78.9% and 84.0% respectively compared to MS group (P < 0.01), whereas TNF-alpha level in peripheral blood, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, lung and brain remained invariant (P > 0.05). Less inflammatory responses (thinner pouch membrane and decreased cellular infiltration) were observed in TNF-alpha group. Efficient local delivery of lentivirus-mediated siRNA targeting TNF-alpha into modified murine air pouch can inhibit debris-induced inflammation effectively, with no systemic adverse effects.

Cleaved high molecular weight kininogen, a novel factor in the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases in vascular smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Vosgerau, Uwe; Lauer, Diljara; Unger, Thomas; Kaschina, Elena

2010-01-15

We previously reported that Brown Norway Katholiek rats, which feature a deficiency of plasma kininogens, develop severe abdominal aortic aneurysm. Increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the aortic wall, leading to degradation of extracellular matrix components, is considered to play a crucial role in aneurysm formation. Using an in vitro model of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), cultured from the rat aorta, we investigated whether the cleaved form of high molecular weight kininogen, designated HKa, affects the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Treatment of VSMCs with HKa reduced in a concentration-dependent manner IL-1alpha-induced release of MMP-9 and MMP-2, associated with decreased MMP enzymatic activity levels in conditioned media, as demonstrated by gelatin zymography and fluorescein-labeled gelatin substrate assay, respectively. Real-time PCR revealed that HKa reduced corresponding MMP-9 mRNA levels. Further investigations showed that this effect did not result from a modified rate of MMP-9 mRNA degradation. TIMP-1 mRNA levels, already increased as a result of cytokine-stimulation, were significantly enhanced by HKa. Furthermore, we found elevated basal mRNA expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in VSMCs derived from kininogen-deficient Brown Norway Katholiek rats. These results demonstrate for the first time that HKa affects the regulation of MMPs in VSMCs.

Neuroendocrine mediators up-regulate alpha1b- and alpha1d-adrenergic receptor subtypes in human monocytes.

PubMed

Rouppe van der Voort, C; Kavelaars, A; van de Pol, M; Heijnen, C J

1999-03-01

Beta2- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors (AR) are thought to be the main AR subtypes to exert the effects of catecholamines on the immune system. However, in the present study, we demonstrate that another subtype of AR can be induced in human monocytes. Expression of alpha1b- and alpha1d-AR mRNA can be obtained by culturing freshly isolated human peripheral blood monocytes with the neuroendocrine mediators dexamethasone or the beta2-AR agonist terbutaline. Using the human monocytic cell line THP-1, we demonstrate that increased levels of alpha1b- and alpha1d-mRNA are accompanied by increased levels of receptor protein as determined by Western blot analysis and radioligand binding assays. This study describes for the first time regulated expression of alpha1-AR subtypes in human monocytes.

Quantitative assessment of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 expression in aldosterone-producing adenomas.

PubMed

Fallo, F; Pezzi, V; Barzon, L; Mulatero, P; Veglio, F; Sonino, N; Mathis, J M

2002-12-01

The presence and pathophysiological role of CYP11B1 (11beta-hydroxylase) gene in the zona glomerulosa of human adrenal cortex is still controversial. In order to specifically quantify CYP11B1, CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) and CYP17(17alpha-hydroxylase) mRNA levels, we developed a real-time RT-PCR assay and examined the expression in a series of adrenal tIssues, including six normal adrenals from patients adrenalectomized for renal cancer and twelve aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) from patients with primary aldosteronism. CYP11B1 mRNA levels were clearly detected in normal adrenals, which comprised both zona glomerulosa and fasciculata/reticularis cells, but were also measured at a lower range (P<0.05) in APA. The levels of CYP11B2 mRNA were lower (P<0.005) in normal adrenals than in APA. CYP17 mRNAlevels were similar in normal adrenals and in APA. In patients with APA, CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 mRNA levels were not correlated either with basal aldosterone or with the change from basal aldosterone in response to posture or to dexamethasone. No correlation between CYP11B1 mRNA or CYP11B2 mRNA and the percentage of zona fasciculata-like cells was observed in APA. Real-time RT-PCR can be reliably used to quantify CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in adrenal tIssues. Expression of CYP11B1 in hyperfunctioning zona glomerulosa suggests an additional formation of corticosterone via 11beta-hydroxylase, providing further substrate for aldosterone biosynthesis. CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA levels in APA are not related to the in vivo secretory activity of glomerulosa cells, where post-transcriptional factors might ultimately regulate aldosterone production.

[Effect of multi-glycoside of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. in intervening TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathway of adriamycin-induced nephropathy model rat].

PubMed

Wan, Yi-gang; Sun, Wei; Dou, Chen-hui

2011-04-01

To explore the potential molecular mechanisms of multi-glycoside of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (GTW) for ameliorating glomerulosclerosis (GS) by observing its intervention effect on transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1/Smad signaling pathway in adriamycin-induced nephropathy (ADRN) model rat. Fifteen female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups, the sham-operation group (A), the untreated model group (B), and the GTW treated model group (C). Rats in Group B and C were made into ADRN model by right nephrectomy and intravenous injection of adriamycin (ADR, 0. 4 mL and 0. 2 mL respectively in 4 weeks). After the model was successfully established, rats in Group C were orally given GTW (50 mg/kg per day), while rats in Group B were intervened with distilled water. The intervention for two groups was 6 weeks. Rats' body weight were weighed and 24 h urinary protein excretion (Upro) detected by the end of the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 10th week. All rats were sacrificed at the end of 10th week after operation to withdraw blood and kidney tissue to examine serum biochemical parameters, glomerular morphological changes, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), and collagen type I expression. Besides, the mRNA expressions of TGF-beta1, Smad3 and Smad7, as well as protein expressions of TGF-beta1, and phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) in glomeruli were detected by RT-PCR or Western blotting. As compared with Group B, in Group C, Upro and serum albumin were improved significantly, but no difference between groups was found in levels of blood urea nitrogen(BUN), serum creatinine(SCr), or hepatic cell injury. Mesangial cell proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) and collagen deposition were suppressed by GTW. Expressions of alpha-SMA and collagen type I decreased, and the characteristic changes of GS were attenuated. The mRNA expressions of TGF-P,31, Smad3 and protein expression of TGF-beta1, p-Smad2/3 in renal tissues were down-regulated, while the protein expression of Smad7 mRNA was up-regulated. GTW showed effect in ameliorating GS in vivo. It could reduce the ECM deposition and improve GS by way of intervening TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathway in the kidney through regulating the mRNA or protein expressions of key signal molecules, such as Smad3 and p-Smad2/3.

Assessment of the cytokine profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of naturally Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis infested dogs.

PubMed

Singh, Shanker K; Dimri, Umesh; Sharma, Bhaskar; Saxena, Meeta; Kumari, Priyambada

2014-12-15

The mechanism of cytokine secretion from T lymphocytes plays an important role in the immune response of dogs and parasitic skin infestations. Assessment of the cytokine profile of naturally S. scabiei var. canis infested dogs could augment understanding of the pathobiology of canine sarcoptic mange. Therefore, the present study examined the cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of dogs suffering from sarcoptic mange. Thirteen dogs naturally infected with sarcoptic mange participated in the study. The dogs were found positive for S. scabiei var. canis mites in skin scraping examinations and revealed at least three clinical inclusion criteria. Another five clinically healthy dogs were kept as healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from heparinized blood samples and used for extraction of mRNA. Further, cDNA was synthesized by using 1 mg of mRNA by reverse transcription using oligonucleotide primers. Relative levels of cytokine expression were compared with normalized glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) transcripts. The levels of interleukin-4, interleukin-5 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) mRNA expression in dogs with sarcoptic mange were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01), whereas the level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.01) in comparison with the healthy dogs. No remarkable difference was seen for interleukin-2 mRNA expression between these animals. An overproduction IL-4 and IL-5 might be involved in immuno-pathogenesis of canine sarcoptic mange. S. scabiei var. canis mites possibly induce an overproduction of TGF-β and reduced expression of TNF-α and thus could be conferring the immune suppression of infested dogs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Smad, but not MAPK, pathway mediates the expression of type I collagen in radiation induced fibrosis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yano, Hiroyuki; Division of Radioisotope Research, Department of Research Support, Research Promotion Project, Oita University, 1-1 Idaigaoka Hasama-machi, Yufu, Oita 879-5593; Hamanaka, Ryoji

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We examine how radiation affects the expression level and signal pathway of collagen. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TGF-{beta}1 mRNA is elevated earlier than those of collagen genes after irradiation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Smad pathway mediates the expression of collagen in radiation induced fibrosis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MAPK pathways are not affected in the expression of collagen after irradiation. -- Abstract: Radiation induced fibrosis occurs following a therapeutic or accidental radiation exposure in normal tissues. Tissue fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix components. This study investigated how ionizing radiation affects the expression level and signal pathway of type I collagen. Realmore » time RT-RCR showed that both {alpha}1and {alpha}2 chain of type I collagen mRNA were elevated from 48 h after irradiation with 10 Gy in NIH3T3 cells. The relative luciferase activities of both genes and type I collagen marker were elevated at 72 h. TGF-{beta}1 mRNA was elevated earlier than those of type I collagen genes. A Western blot analysis showed the elevation of Smad phosphorylation at 72 h. Conversely, treatment with TGF-{beta} receptor inhibitor inhibited the mRNA and relative luciferase activity of type I collagen. The phosphorylation of Smad was repressed with the inhibitor, and the luciferase activity was cancelled using a mutant construct of Smad binding site of {alpha}2(I) collagen gene. However, the MAPK pathways, p38, ERK1/2 and JNK, were not affected with specific inhibitors or siRNA. The data showed that the Smad pathway mediated the expression of type I collagen in radiation induced fibrosis.« less

Differential neuroendocrine responses to chronic variable stress in adult Long Evans rats exposed to handling-maternal separation as neonates.

PubMed

Ladd, Charlotte O; Thrivikraman, K V; Huot, Rebecca L; Plotsky, Paul M

2005-07-01

Burgeoning evidence supports a preeminent role for early- and late-life stressors in the development of physio- and psychopathology. Handling-maternal separation (HMS) in neonatal Long Evans hooded rats leads to stable phenotypes ranging from resilient to vulnerable to later stressor exposure. Handling with 180 min of maternal separation yields a phenotype of stress hyper-responsiveness associated with facilitation of regional CRF neurocircuits and glucocorticoid resistance. This study assessed whether or not prolonged HMS (180 min/day, HMS180) on post-natal days 2-14 sensitizes the adult limbic hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (LHPA) axis to chronic variable stress (CS) compared to brief HMS (15 min/day, HMS15). We examined regional mRNA densities of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), its receptor CRF1, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR); regional CRF1 and CRF2alpha binding, and pituitary-adrenal responses to an acute air-puff startle (APS) stressor in four groups: HMS15, nonstressed; HMS15, stressed; HMS180, nonstressed; HMS180, stressed. As expected we observed exaggerated pituitary-adrenal responses to APS, increased regional CRF mRNA density, decreased regional CRF1 binding, and decreased cortical GR mRNA density in nonstressed HMS180 vs. HMS15 animals. However, in contrast to our hypothesis, CS decreased pituitary-adrenal reactivity and central amygdala CRF mRNA density in HMS180 rats, while increasing cortical GR mRNA density and CRF1 binding. CS had no effect on the pituitary-adrenal response to APS in HMS15 rats, despite tripling hypothalamic paraventricular CRF mRNA density. The data suggest that many effects of prolonged HMS are reversible in adulthood by CS, while the neuroendocrine adaptations imbued by brief HMS are sufficiently stable to restrain pituitary-adrenal stress responses even following CS.

v-Src oncogene product increases sphingosine kinase 1 expression through mRNA stabilization: alteration of AU-rich element-binding proteins.

PubMed

Sobue, S; Murakami, M; Banno, Y; Ito, H; Kimura, A; Gao, S; Furuhata, A; Takagi, A; Kojima, T; Suzuki, M; Nozawa, Y; Murate, T

2008-10-09

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) is overexpressed in solid tumors and leukemia. However, the mechanism of SPHK1 overexpression by oncogenes has not been defined. We found that v-Src-transformed NIH3T3 cells showed a high SPHK1 mRNA, SPHK1 protein and SPHK enzyme activity. siRNA of SPHK1 inhibited the growth of v-Src-NIH3T3, suggesting the involvement of SPHK1 in v-Src-induced oncogenesis. v-Src-NIH3T3 showed activations of protein kinase C-alpha, signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase. Their inhibition suppressed SPHK1 expression in v-Src-NIH3T3, whereas their overexpression increased SPHK1 mRNA in NIH3T3. Unexpectedly, the nuclear run-on assay and the promoter analysis using 5'-promoter region of mouse SPHK1 did not show any significant difference between mock- and v-Src-NIH3T3. Furthermore, the half-life of SPHK1 mRNA in mock-NIH3T3 was nearly 15 min, whereas that of v-Src-NIH3T3 was much longer. Examination of two AU-rich region-binding proteins, AUF1 and HuR, that regulate mRNA decay reciprocally, showed decreased total AUF1 protein associated with increased tyrosine-phosphorylated form and increased serine-phosphorylated HuR protein in v-Src-NIH3T3. Modulation of AUF1 and HuR by their overexpression or siRNA revealed that SPHK1 mRNA in v-Src- and mock-NIH3T3 was regulated reciprocally by these factors. Our results showed, for the first time, a novel mechanism of v-Src-induced SPHK1 overexpression.

Intron-exon organization of the active human protein S gene PS. alpha. and its pseudogene PS. beta. : Duplication and silencing during primate evolution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ploos van Amstel, H.; Reitsma, P.H.; van der Logt, C.P.

The human protein S locus on chromosome 3 consists of two protein S genes, PS{alpha} and PS{beta}. Here the authors report the cloning and characterization of both genes. Fifteen exons of the PS{alpha} gene were identified that together code for protein S mRNA as derived from the reported protein S cDNAs. Analysis by primer extension of liver protein S mRNA, however, reveals the presence of two mRNA forms that differ in the length of their 5{prime}-noncoding region. Both transcripts contain a 5{prime}-noncoding region longer than found in the protein S cDNAs. The two products may arise from alternative splicing ofmore » an additional intron in this region or from the usage of two start sites for transcription. The intron-exon organization of the PS{alpha} gene fully supports the hypothesis that the protein S gene is the product of an evolutional assembling process in which gene modules coding for structural/functional protein units also found in other coagulation proteins have been put upstream of the ancestral gene of a steroid hormone binding protein. The PS{beta} gene is identified as a pseudogene. It contains a large variety of detrimental aberrations, viz., the absence of exon I, a splice site mutation, three stop codons, and a frame shift mutation. Overall the two genes PS{alpha} and PS{beta} show between their exonic sequences 96.5% homology. Southern analysis of primate DNA showed that the duplication of the ancestral protein S gene has occurred after the branching of the orangutan from the African apes. A nonsense mutation that is present in the pseudogene of man also could be identified in one of the two protein S genes of both chimpanzee and gorilla. This implicates that silencing of one of the two protein S genes must have taken place before the divergence of the three African apes.« less

IL-17A acts via p38 MAPK to increase stability of TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 mRNA in human ASM.

PubMed

Henness, Sheridan; van Thoor, Eveline; Ge, Qi; Armour, Carol L; Hughes, J Margaret; Ammit, Alaina J

2006-06-01

Human airway smooth muscle (ASM) plays an immunomodulatory role in asthma. Recently, IL-17A has become of increasing interest in asthma, being found at elevated levels in asthmatic airways and emerging as playing an important role in airway neutrophilia. IL-17A predominantly exerts its neutrophil orchestrating role indirectly via the induction of cytokines by resident airway structural cells. Here, we perform an in vitro study to show that although IL-17A did not induce secretion of the CXC chemokine IL-8 from ASM cells, IL-17A significantly potentiates TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 protein secretion and gene expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Levels of IL-8 protein produced after 24 h of incubation with TNF-alpha were enhanced 2.7-fold in the presence of IL-17A, and conditioned media significantly enhanced neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. As IL-17A had no effect on the activity of NF-kappaB, a key transcriptional regulator of IL-8 gene expression, we then examined whether IL-17A acts at the posttranscriptional level. We found that IL-17A significantly augmented TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 mRNA stability. Interestingly, this enhanced stability occurred via a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. The decay of IL-8 mRNA transcripts proceeded at a significantly faster rate when cells were pretreated with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB-203580 (-0.05763 +/- 0.01964, t(1/2) = 12.0 h), compared with vehicle (-0.01030 +/- 0.007963, t(1/2) = 67.3 h) [results are expressed as decay constant (means +/- SE) and half-life (t(1/2) in h): P < 0.05]. Collectively, these results demonstrate that IL-17A amplifies the synthetic function of ASM cells, acting via a p38 MAPK-dependent posttranscriptional pathway to augment TNF-alpha-induced secretion of the potent neutrophil chemoattractant IL-8 from ASM cells.

Cloning and differential expression of steroid 5 alpha-reductase type 1 (Srd5a1) and type 2 (Srd5a2) from the Harderian glands of hamsters.

PubMed

Ramos, Luis; Chávez, Bertha; Vilchis, Felipe

2010-04-01

In hamsters, the Harderian glands (HGs) exhibit a marked sexual dimorphism which is thought to depend on dihydrotestosterone (DHT); however, it is unclear whether hamster HGs contain one or more 5 alpha-reductases and whether these enzymes are differentially expressed in males and females. In this study, we isolated specific cDNAs for 5 alpha-reductase 1 (Srd5a1) and 5 alpha-reductase 2 (Srd5a2), determined their sequences and investigated their expression in the HG of both sexes. Isozyme 1, cloned from liver mRNA, encodes a protein of 255 amino acids (aa); isozyme 2 cDNA, isolated from the epididymis encodes a 254-aa protein. When assayed in transfected HEK-293 cells, the type 1 isozyme displayed activity over a broad pH range (6.5-8), while isozyme 2 had a pH optimum of 5.5. Both isoenzymes efficiently catalyzed the in vitro transformation of T into DHT, with apparent K(m) values of 7.1 and 1.9 micromol/L for Srd5a1 and Srd5a2, respectively. Real-time PCR analysis revealed higher mRNA levels for Srd5a1 than for Srd5a2. Expression of both isoenzymes increased slightly in HGs of castrated males and showed variations during the estrous cycle in females. Hormonal replacement with 17beta-estradiol administered to spayed females induced the up-regulation of Srd5a2 mRNA levels. Altogether, our results demonstrated that both Srd5a1 and Srd5a2 are expressed in HGs without clear differences between males and females. The biochemical characteristics and relative expression of these 5 alpha-reductases support the view that both isozymes may play a relevant role in modulating androgen signaling in HG. (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Molecular characterisation of tumour necrosis factor alpha and its potential connection with lipoprotein lipase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala).

PubMed

Zhou, Man; Mi, Hai-Feng; Liu, Wen-Bin; Wu, Ye-Yang; Wang, Kai-Zhou; Jiang, Guang-Zhen

2017-08-01

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is one kind of cytokines which is related to inflammation and lipid metabolism. TNF-α cDNA was cloned from the liver of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) methods. The full-length cDNA of TNF-α covered 1467 bp, with an open reading frame (ORF) of 723 bp, which encodes 240 amino acids. It possessed the TNF family signature IIIPDDGIYFVYSQ. After the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge test, a graded tissue-specific expression pattern of TNF-α was observed and there was high expression abundance in the kidney, brain and liver. After 8 weeks feeding trial, liver samples, two groups fed with 6% and 11% lipid levels, were collected. The results showed that, for fish fed with high-fat diet, the triglyceride of serum and lipid content of liver were elevated. Furthermore, TNF-α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα, β) mRNA expression of fish fed 11% lipid diet were significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05). Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and PPARγ mRNA expression of fish fed 11% lipid lever diet were significantly decreased compared to those of fish fed 6% (p < 0.05). The differences between the various expression of related genes in the high and low fat groups demonstrated that TNF-α played a key role in lipid metabolism, which may have an influence on fat metabolism through reducing fat synthesis and strengthening the β-oxidation of fatty acid. These discrepancies warrant further research.

Mesenchymal stem cells attenuate renal fibrosis through immune modulation and remodeling properties in a rat remnant kidney model.

PubMed

Semedo, Patricia; Correa-Costa, Matheus; Antonio Cenedeze, Marcos; Maria Avancini Costa Malheiros, Denise; Antonia dos Reis, Marlene; Shimizu, Maria Heloisa; Seguro, Antonio Carlos; Pacheco-Silva, Alvaro; Saraiva Camara, Niels Olsen

2009-12-01

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have regenerative properties in acute kidney injury, but their role in chronic kidney diseases is still unknown. More specifically, it is not known whether MSCs halt fibrosis. The purpose of this work was to investigate the role of MSCs in fibrogenesis using a model of chronic renal failure. MSCs were obtained from the tibias and femurs of male Wistar-EPM rats. Female Wistar rats were subjected to the remnant model, and 2|x|10(5) MSCs were intravenously administrated to each rat every other week for 8 weeks or only once and followed for 12 weeks. SRY gene expression was observed in female rats treated with male MSCs, and immune localization of CD73(+)CD90(+) cells at 8 weeks was also assessed. Serum and urine analyses showed an amelioration of functional parameters in MSC-treated animals at 8 weeks, but not at 12 weeks. Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining demonstrated reduced levels of fibrosis in MSC-treated animals. These results were corroborated by reduced vimentin, type I collagen, transforming growth factor beta, fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and Smad3 mRNA expression and alpha smooth muscle actin and FSP-1 protein expression. Renal interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased after MSC treatment, whereas IL-4 and IL-10 expression levels were increased. All serum cytokine expression levels were decreased in MSC-treated animals. Taken together, these results suggested that MSC therapy can indeed modulate the inflammatory response that follows the initial phase of a chronic renal injury. The immunosuppressive and remodeling properties of MSCs may be involved in the decreased fibrosis in the kidney.

Effects of clofibric acid on mRNA expression profiles in primary cultures of rat, mouse and human hepatocytes.

PubMed

Richert, Lysiane; Lamboley, Christelle; Viollon-Abadie, Catherine; Grass, Peter; Hartmann, Nicole; Laurent, Stephane; Heyd, Bruno; Mantion, Georges; Chibout, Salah-Dine; Staedtler, Frank

2003-09-01

The mRNA expression profile in control and clofibric acid (CLO)-treated mouse, rat, and human hepatocytes was analyzed using species-specific oligonucleotide DNA microarrays (Affymetrix). A statistical empirical Bayes procedure was applied in order to select the significantly differentially expressed genes. Treatment with the peroxisome proliferator CLO induced up-regulation of genes involved in peroxisome proliferation and in cell proliferation as well as down-regulation of genes involved in apoptosis in hepatocytes of rodent but not of human origin. CLO treatment induced up-regulation of microsomal cytochrome P450 4a genes in rodent hepatocytes and in two of six human hepatocyte cultures. In addition, genes encoding phenobarbital-inducible cytochrome P450s were also up-regulated by CLO in rodent and human hepatocyte cultures. Up-regulation of phenobarbital-inducible UDP-glucuronosyl-transferase genes by CLO was observed in both rat and human but not in mouse hepatocytes. CLO treatment induced up-regulation of L-fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) gene in hepatocytes of both rodent and human origin. However, while genes of the cytosolic, microsomal, and mitochondrial pathways involved in fatty acid transport and metabolism were up-regulated by CLO in both rodent and human hepatocyte cultures, genes of the peroxisomal pathway of lipid metabolism were up-regulated in rodents only. An up-regulation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1alpha (HNF1alpha) by CLO was observed only in human hepatocyte cultures, suggesting that this trans-activating factor may play a key role in the regulation of fatty acid metabolism in human liver as well as in the nonresponsiveness of human liver to CLO-induced regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Stromal Expression of Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha (FAP) Predicts Platinum Resistance and Shorter Recurrence in patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

PubMed

Mhawech-Fauceglia, Paulette; Yan, Li; Sharifian, Maryam; Ren, Xing; Liu, Song; Kim, Grace; Gayther, Simon A; Pejovic, Tanja; Lawrenson, Kate

2015-04-01

The microenvironment plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is overexpressed by fibroblasts present in the microenvironment of many tumors. High FAP expression is a negative prognostic factor in several malignancies, but this has not been investigated in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The aim of this study is to define the value of FAP in EOC. Immunohistochemical staining using an anti-FAP antibody was performed on 338 EOC tissues. mRNA levels in cancer cell lines and FAP silencing using siRNA was also done. FAP immunoexpression by tumor stroma was a significant predictive factor for platinum resistance (p = 0.0154). In survival analysis of days to recurrence, FAP stoma (+) was associated with shorter recurrence than those with FAP (-) stroma (p = 0.0247). In 21.8 % of tumors, FAP protein was expressed by the tumor epithelium, and FAP mRNA was more highly expressed in tumors (n = 489) than in normal tissues (n = 8) (p = 3.88 × 10(-4)). In vitro, addition of FAP to EOC cells induced a 10-12 % increase in cell viability both in the presence and absence of cisplatin. Conversely, siRNA silencing of FAP resulted in ~10 % reduction in EOC cell proliferation. We have shown that FAP expression in EOC is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. FAP may have novel cell-autonomous effects suggesting that targeting FAP could have pleiotropic anti-tumor effects, and anti-FAP therapy could be a highly effective novel treatment for EOC, especially in cisplatinum-resistant cases.

Mechanism of the protective effects of the combined treatment with rhynchophylla total alkaloids and sinapine thiocyanate against a prothrombotic state caused by vascular endothelial cell inflammatory damage

PubMed Central

Li, Yunlun; Zhang, Xinya; Yang, Wenqing; Li, Chao; Chu, Yanjun; Jiang, Haiqiang; Shen, Zhenzhen

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect and the underlying mechanism of the combined treatment of rhynchophylla total alkaloids (RTA) and sinapine thiocyanate for protection against a prothrombotic state (PTS) associated with the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced inflammatory injury of vascular endothelial cells (VECs). A TNF-α-induced VEC inflammatory injury model was established, and cell morphology of VECs was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to examine the mRNA and protein expression of coagulation-related factors, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tissue factor (TF), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), protease-activation receptors (PAR-1) and protein kinase C (PKC-α) in VECs. Combined treatment with RTA and sinapine thiocyanate was demonstrated to reduce, to a varying extent, the mRNA and protein expression of NF-κB, TGF-β1, TF, PAR-1, PKC-α and PAI-1. Furthermore, combined treatment with RTA and sinapine thiocyanate was able to downregulate the expression of coagulation-related factors in injured VECs, thereby inhibiting the PTS induced by vascular endothelial injury. The underlying mechanism is partially associated with the TF-mediated activation of the thrombin-receptor signaling pathway that suppresses coagulation during inflammation and balances fibrinolysis in order to inhibit fibrin generation and deposition. PMID:28587383

Mechanism of the protective effects of the combined treatment with rhynchophylla total alkaloids and sinapine thiocyanate against a prothrombotic state caused by vascular endothelial cell inflammatory damage.

PubMed

Li, Yunlun; Zhang, Xinya; Yang, Wenqing; Li, Chao; Chu, Yanjun; Jiang, Haiqiang; Shen, Zhenzhen

2017-06-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect and the underlying mechanism of the combined treatment of rhynchophylla total alkaloids (RTA) and sinapine thiocyanate for protection against a prothrombotic state (PTS) associated with the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced inflammatory injury of vascular endothelial cells (VECs). A TNF-α-induced VEC inflammatory injury model was established, and cell morphology of VECs was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to examine the mRNA and protein expression of coagulation-related factors, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tissue factor (TF), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), protease-activation receptors (PAR-1) and protein kinase C (PKC-α) in VECs. Combined treatment with RTA and sinapine thiocyanate was demonstrated to reduce, to a varying extent, the mRNA and protein expression of NF-κB, TGF-β1, TF, PAR-1, PKC-α and PAI-1. Furthermore, combined treatment with RTA and sinapine thiocyanate was able to downregulate the expression of coagulation-related factors in injured VECs, thereby inhibiting the PTS induced by vascular endothelial injury. The underlying mechanism is partially associated with the TF-mediated activation of the thrombin-receptor signaling pathway that suppresses coagulation during inflammation and balances fibrinolysis in order to inhibit fibrin generation and deposition.

Effects of ICI 182780 on estrogen receptor expression, fluid absorption and sperm motility in the epididymis of the bonnet monkey

PubMed Central

Shayu, Deshpande; Kesava, Chenna CS; Soundarajan, Rama; Rao, A Jagannadha

2005-01-01

Background The importance of estrogen in regulation of fluid absorption and sperm maturation in the rodent epididymis has been established from studies on estrogen receptor-alpha knockout mice. However, functional studies on the role of estrogen in primate epididymis have been few. The main objective of this study was therefore to extend these observations and systematically analyze the presence and function of estrogen receptors in modulating the function of the primate epididymis, using the bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) as a model system. Methods A steroidal estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, ICI 182780 (ICI), was administered to adult male bonnet monkeys via mini-osmotic pumps for a duration of 30 to 180 days. The expression of key estrogen-regulated genes (ER-alpha, Na-K ATPase alpha-1 and Aquaporin-1) was examined at specific time points. Further, the effect of ICI in modulating fluid reabsorption in efferent ductules was monitored, and critical sperm-maturation parameters were also analyzed. Results Our studies in the bonnet monkey revealed that both ER-alpha and ER-beta were expressed in all the three regions of the epididymis. We observed an increase in ER-alpha mRNA and protein in the caput of ICI-treated monkeys. Steady state mRNA levels of the water-channel protein, Aquaporin-1, was significantly lower in the caput of ICI-treated monkeys compared to controls, whereas the mRNA levels of Na-K ATPase alpha-1 remained unchanged. In vitro incubation of efferent ductules with ICI resulted in two-fold increase in tubular diameter, indicating affected fluid reabsorption capacity. Furthermore, sperm from ICI-treated monkeys were immotile. Conclusion Taken together, our results point to an integral role for estrogen in modulating the functions of the bonnet monkey epididymis. This study also demonstrates possible differences in the epididymal physiology of rodents and non-human primates, and thus underscores the significance of reports such as these, that examine the physiology of non-human primates (as opposed to rodents), in an attempt to understand similar events in the human. PMID:15743524

Effects of ICI 182780 on estrogen receptor expression, fluid absorption and sperm motility in the epididymis of the bonnet monkey.

PubMed

Shayu, Deshpande; ChennaKesava, C S; Soundarajan, Rama; Rao, A Jagannadha

2005-03-02

The importance of estrogen in regulation of fluid absorption and sperm maturation in the rodent epididymis has been established from studies on estrogen receptor-alpha knockout mice. However, functional studies on the role of estrogen in primate epididymis have been few. The main objective of this study was therefore to extend these observations and systematically analyze the presence and function of estrogen receptors in modulating the function of the primate epididymis, using the bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) as a model system. A steroidal estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, ICI 182780 (ICI), was administered to adult male bonnet monkeys via mini-osmotic pumps for a duration of 30 to 180 days. The expression of key estrogen-regulated genes (ER-alpha, Na-K ATPase alpha-1 and Aquaporin-1) was examined at specific time points. Further, the effect of ICI in modulating fluid reabsorption in efferent ductules was monitored, and critical sperm-maturation parameters were also analyzed. Our studies in the bonnet monkey revealed that both ER-alpha and ER-beta were expressed in all the three regions of the epididymis. We observed an increase in ER-alpha mRNA and protein in the caput of ICI-treated monkeys. Steady state mRNA levels of the water-channel protein, Aquaporin-1, was significantly lower in the caput of ICI-treated monkeys compared to controls, whereas the mRNA levels of Na-K ATPase alpha-1 remained unchanged. In vitro incubation of efferent ductules with ICI resulted in two-fold increase in tubular diameter, indicating affected fluid reabsorption capacity. Furthermore, sperm from ICI-treated monkeys were immotile. Taken together, our results point to an integral role for estrogen in modulating the functions of the bonnet monkey epididymis. This study also demonstrates possible differences in the epididymal physiology of rodents and non-human primates, and thus underscores the significance of reports such as these, that examine the physiology of non-human primates (as opposed to rodents), in an attempt to understand similar events in the human.

Gene expression in the developing cerebellum during perinatal hypo- and hyperthyroidism.

PubMed

Figueiredo, B C; Almazan, G; Ma, Y; Tetzlaff, W; Miller, F D; Cuello, A C

1993-03-01

The intensity of p75NGFR receptor-like immunoreactivity and the mRNAs encoding p75NGFR, T alpha 1 alpha-tubulin, GAP-43 and the myelin proteins MBP and PLP were measured in the developing cerebellum to study the effects of perinatal thyroid hormone imbalance in rats. Results compared to age-matched controls provide in vivo evidence for differential gene regulation by thyroid hormone in the developing cerebellum. We found that p75NGFR immunoreactivity was strikingly elevated in hypothyroid rats, whereas p75NGFR mRNA content remained only twice as high as that of control levels on postnatal day 15 (P15). When p75NGFR immunoreactivity was still elevated in hypothyroid rats, Purkinje cells exhibited proximal axonal varicosities, axonal twisting and differences in axonal caliber. The mRNAs encoding proteins involved with neurite growth-promoting elements, T alpha 1 alpha-tubulin and GAP-43, were also increased in hypothyroidism, possibly reflecting a neuronal response to a deficiency in, or damage to, cerebellar neurons, or a general delay in their down regulation. Similar increases were not observed for the myelin specific genes. MBP and PLP mRNAs were first detected on P2 of hyperthyroid rats, and they increased with age. Hypo- or hyperthyroidism did not affect the initial onset of MBP and PLP expression, however, hyperthyroidism increased levels of PLP and MBP mRNAs between P2 and P10. By contrast, the most consistent decrease in MBP and PLP mRNAs in rats with thyroid hormone deficiency was observed only on P10. At later times (P15 and P30), the two mRNA levels were similar to controls in all groups. These results are consistent with a role for thyroid hormone in the earlier stages of cerebellar myelination. Hypothryoidism led to specific increases in T alpha 1 alpha-tubulin and GAP-43 mRNAs, and in the immunoreactivity and mRNA levels of p75NGFR receptor--all changes that may play a role in the observed abnormal neuronal outgrowth.

Identification of Type VI Collagen Synthesizing Cells in Human Diabetic Glomerulosclerosis Using Renal Biopsy Sections

PubMed Central

Razzaque, Mohammed Shawkat; Koji, Takehiko; Harada, Takashi; Taguchi, Takashi

1997-01-01

Although the role of extracellular matrices in the development of glomerulosclerosis has been discussed widely, the cellular origin of type VI collagen in diabetic nephropathy (DN) has remained relatively unexplored. This study reports the distribution and cellular origin of type VI collagen in DN. Type VI collagen‐specific oligonucleotide probes and monoclonal antibody were used to assess the relative expression of mRNA for \\alpha1 (VI) chain and its translated protein in paraffin‐embedded renal biopsy sections of DN. By immunohistochemistry, compared to the control, increased deposition of type VI collagen was noted in the diffuse and nodular lesions of diabetic glomeruli. For cellular localization of type VI collagen mRNA, paraffin‐embedded renal sections of the control and DN were hybridized in situ with digoxigenin (Dig)‐labeled antisense oligo‐DNA probe complementary to a part of \\alpha1 (VI) mRNA. In comparison to the control kidney sections, increased numbers of intraglomerular cells (both mesangial and epithelial cells) were positive for α1 (VI) mRNA in renal biopsy sections of DN. From the results, we conclude that overexpression of type VI collagen by intraglomerular cells with its increased deposition might significantly contribute to the glomerulosclerosis found in DN. PMID:9497854

Induction of cancer chemopreventive enzymes by coffee is mediated by transcription factor Nrf2. Evidence that the coffee-specific diterpenes cafestol and kahweol confer protection against acrolein

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Higgins, Larry G.; Cavin, Christophe; Itoh, Ken

2008-02-01

Mice fed diets containing 3% or 6% coffee for 5 days had increased levels of mRNA for NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and glutathione S-transferase class Alpha 1 (GSTA1) of between 4- and 20-fold in the liver and small intestine. Mice fed 6% coffee also had increased amounts of mRNA for UDP-glucuronosyl transferase 1A6 (UGT1A6) and the glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) subunit of between 3- and 10-fold in the small intestine. Up-regulation of these mRNAs was significantly greater in mice possessing Nrf2 (NF-E2 p45 subunit-related factor 2) than those lacking the transcription factor. Basal levels of mRNAs for NQO1, GSTA1,more » UGT1A6 and GCLC were lower in tissues from nrf2{sup -/-} mice than from nrf2{sup +/+} mice, but modest induction occurred in the mutant animals. Treatment of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from nrf2{sup +/+} mice with either coffee or the coffee-specific diterpenes cafestol and kahweol (C + K) increased NQO1 mRNA up to 9-fold. MEFs from nrf2{sup -/-} mice expressed less NQO1 mRNA than did wild-type MEFs, but NQO1 was induced modestly by coffee or C + K in the mutant fibroblasts. Transfection of MEFs with nqo1-luciferase reporter constructs showed that induction by C + K was mediated primarily by Nrf2 and required the presence of an antioxidant response element in the 5'-upstream region of the gene. Luciferase reporter activity did not increase following treatment of MEFs with 100 {mu}mol/l furan, suggesting that this ring structure within C + K is insufficient for gene induction. Priming of nrf2{sup +/+} MEFs, but not nrf2{sup -/-} MEFs, with C + K conferred 2-fold resistance towards acrolein.« less

Behavioral testing of mice exposed to intermediate frequency magnetic fields indicates mild memory impairment.

PubMed

Kumari, Kajal; Koivisto, Hennariikka; Viluksela, Matti; Paldanius, Kaisa M A; Marttinen, Mikael; Hiltunen, Mikko; Naarala, Jonne; Tanila, Heikki; Juutilainen, Jukka

2017-01-01

Human exposure to intermediate frequency magnetic fields (MF) is increasing due to applications like electronic article surveillance systems and induction heating cooking hobs. However, limited data is available on their possible health effects. The present study assessed behavioral and histopathological consequences of exposing mice to 7.5 kHz MF at 12 or 120 μT for 5 weeks. No effects were observed on body weight, spontaneous activity, motor coordination, level of anxiety or aggression. In the Morris swim task, mice in the 120 μT group showed less steep learning curve than the other groups, but did not differ from controls in their search bias in the probe test. The passive avoidance task indicated a clear impairment of memory over 48 h in the 120 μT group. No effects on astroglial activation or neurogenesis were observed in the hippocampus. The mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor did not change but expression of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA was significantly increased in the 120 μT group. These findings suggest that 7.5 kHz MF exposure may lead to mild learning and memory impairment, possibly through an inflammatory reaction in the hippocampus.

Differentiation of rat brown adipocytes during late foetal development: role of insulin-like growth factor I.

PubMed Central

Teruel, T; Valverde, A M; Alvarez, A; Benito, M; Lorenzo, M

1995-01-01

Rat brown adipocytes at day 22 of foetal development showed greater size, higher mitochondria content and larger amounts of lipids, as determined by flow cytometry, than 20-day foetal cells. Simultaneously, an inhibition on the percentage of brown adipocytes into S+G2/M phases of the cell cycle was observed between days 20 and 22 of foetal development. The expression of several adipogenesis-related genes, such as fatty acid synthase, malic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and insulin-regulated glucose transporter, increased at the end of foetal life in brown adipose tissue. In addition, the lipogenic enzyme activities and the lipogenic flux increased during late foetal development, resulting in mature brown adipocytes showing a multilocular fat droplet phenotype. Concurrently, brown adipocytes induced the expression of the uncoupling protein (UP) mRNA and UP protein, as visualized by immunofluorescence. The three isoforms of CCAAT enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) were expressed at the mRNA level in brown adipose tissue at day 20. C/EBP alpha decreased and C/EBP beta and delta increased their expression between days 20 and 22 of foetal development, respectively. Brown adipose tissue constitutively expressed insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) mRNAs. Moreover, IGF-IR mRNA content increased between days 20 and 22 in parallel with the occurrence of tissue differentiation. Images Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:7575409

Effects of probiotic bacteria in dogs with food responsive diarrhoea treated with an elimination diet.

PubMed

Sauter, S N; Benyacoub, J; Allenspach, K; Gaschen, F; Ontsouka, E; Reuteler, G; Cavadini, C; Knorr, R; Blum, J W

2006-08-01

We evaluated whether a probiotic supplementation in dogs with food responsive diarrhoea (FRD) has beneficial effects on intestinal cytokine patterns and on microbiota. Twenty-one client-owned dogs with FRD were presented for clinically needed duodeno- and colonoscopy and were enrolled in a prospective placebo (PL)-controlled probiotic trial. Intestinal tissue samples and faeces were collected during endoscopy. Intestinal mRNA abundance of interleukin (IL)-5, -10, -12p40 and -13, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta1 and interferon (IFN)-gamma were analysed and numbers of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae and supplemented probiotic bacteria were determined in faeces. The Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index, a scoring system comprising general attitude, appetite, faecal consistency, defecation frequency, and vomitus, decreased in all dogs (p < 0.0001). Duodenal IL-10 mRNA levels decreased (p = 0.1) and colonic IFN-gamma mRNA levels increased (p = 0.08) after probiotic treatment. Numbers of Enterobacteriaceae decreased in FRD dogs receiving probiotic cocktail (FRD(PC)) and FRD dogs fed PL (FRD(PL)) during treatment (p < 0.05), numbers of Lactobacillus spp. increased in FRD(PC after) when compared with FRD(PC before) (p < 0.1). One strain of PC was detected in five of eight FRD(PC) dogs after probiotic supplementation. In conclusion, all dogs clinically improved after treatment, but cytokine patterns were not associated with the clinical features irrespective of the dietary supplementation.

RNA granules: the good, the bad and the ugly

PubMed Central

Thomas, María Gabriela; Loschi, Mariela; Desbats, María Andrea; Boccaccio, Graciela Lidia

2010-01-01

Processing bodies (PBs) and Stress granules (SGs) are the founding members of a new class of RNA granules, known as mRNA silencing foci, as they harbor transcripts circumstantially excluded from the translationally active pool. PBs and SGs are able to release mRNAs thus allowing their translation. PBs are constitutive, but respond to stimuli that affect mRNA translation and decay, whereas SGs are specifically induced upon cellular stress, which triggers a global translational silencing by several pathways, including phosphorylation of the key translation initiation factor elF2alpha, and tRNA cleavage among others. PBs and SGs with different composition may coexist in a single cell. These macromolecular aggregates are highly conserved through evolution, from unicellular organisms to vertebrate neurons. Their dynamics is regulated by several signaling pathways, and depends on microfilaments and microtubules, and the cognate molecular motors myosin, dynein, and kinesin. SGs share features with aggresomes and related aggregates of unfolded proteins frequently present in neurodegenerative diseases, and may play a role in the pathology. Virus infections may induce or impair SG formation. Besides being important for mRNA regulation upon stress, SGs modulate the signaling balancing apoptosis and cell survival. Finally, the formation of nuclear stress bodies (nSBs), which share components with SGs, and the assembly of additional cytosolic aggregates containing RNA—the UV granules and the Ire1 foci—, all them induced by specific cell damage factors, contribute to cell survival. PMID:20813183

Effect of simulated weightlessness on the expression of Cbfα1 induced by fluid shear stress in MG-63 osteosarcoma cells.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Z.; Zhang, S.; Wang, B.; Sun, X. Q.

Objective The role of mechanical load in the functional regulation of osteoblasts becomes an emphasis in osseous biomechanical researches recently This study was aim to explore the effect of flow shear stress on the expression of Cbf alpha 1 in human osteosarcoma cells and to survey its functional alteration in simulated weightlessness Method After cultured for 72 h in two different gravitational environments i e 1G terrestrial gravitational condition and simulated weightlessness condition human osteosarcoma cells MG-63 were treated with 0 5 Pa or 1 5 Pa fluid shear stress FSS in a flow chamber for 15 30 60 min respectively The total RNA in cells was isolated Transcription PCR analysis was made to examine the gene expression of Cbf alpha 1 And the total protein of cells was extracted and the expression of Cbf alpha 1 protein was detected by means of Western Blotting Results MG-63 cultured in 1G condition reacted to FSS treatment with an enhanced expression of Cbf alpha 1 Compared with no FSS control group Cbf alpha 1 mRNA and protein expression increased significantly at 30 and 60 min with the treatment of FSS P 0 01 And there was remarkable difference on the Cbf alpha 1 mRNA and protein expression between the treatments of 0 5 Pa and 1 5 Pa FSS at 30 min or 60 min P 0 01 As to the osteoblasts cultured in simulated weightlessness by using clinostat the expression of Cbf alpha 1 was significantly different between 1G and simulated weightlessness conditions at each test time P 0 05 Compared with no FSS

Murine recessive hereditary spherocytosis, sph/sph, is caused by a mutation in the erythroid alpha-spectrin gene.

PubMed

Wandersee, N J; Birkenmeier, C S; Gifford, E J; Mohandas, N; Barker, J E

2000-01-01

Spectrin, a heterodimer of alpha- and beta-subunits, is the major protein component of the red blood cell membrane skeleton. The mouse mutation, sph, causes an alpha-spectrin-deficient hereditary spherocytosis with the severe phenotype typical of recessive hereditary spherocytosis in humans. The sph mutation maps to the erythroid alpha-spectrin locus, Spna1, on Chromosome 1. Scanning electron microscopy, osmotic gradient ektacytometry, cDNA cloning, RT-PCR, nucleic acid sequencing, and Northern blot analyses were used to characterize the wild type and sph alleles of the Spna1 locus. Our results confirm the spherocytic nature of sph/sph red blood cells and document a mild spherocytic transition in the +/sph heterozygotes. Sequencing of the full length coding region of the Spna1 wild type allele from the C57BL/6J strain of mice reveals a 2414 residue deduced amino acid sequence that shows the typical 106-amino-acid repeat structure previously described for other members of the spectrin protein family. Sequence analysis of RT-PCR clones from sph/sph alpha-spectrin mRNA identified a single base deletion in repeat 5 that would cause a frame shift and premature termination of the protein. This deletion was confirmed in sph/sph genomic DNA. Northern blot analyses of the distribution of Spna1 mRNA in non-erythroid tissues detects the expression of 8, 2.5 and 2.0 kb transcripts in adult heart. These results predict the heart as an additional site where alpha-spectrin mutations may produce a phenotype and raise the possibility that a novel functional class of small alpha-spectrin isoforms may exist.

Chemokines, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and stromal cell-derived factor-1{alpha}, suppress amyloid {beta}-induced neurotoxicity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raman, Dayanidhi; Milatovic, Snjezana-Zaja; Milatovic, Dejan

2011-11-15

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a progressive cognitive decline and accumulation of neurotoxic oligomeric peptides amyloid-{beta} (A{beta}). Although the molecular events are not entirely known, it has become evident that inflammation, environmental and other risk factors may play a causal, disruptive and/or protective role in the development of AD. The present study investigated the ability of the chemokines, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and stromal cell-derived factor-1{alpha} (SDF-1{alpha}), the respective ligands for chemokine receptors CXCR2 and CXCR4, to suppress A{beta}-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Pretreatment with MIP-2 or SDF-1{alpha} significantly protected neurons from A{beta}-induced dendritic regression and apoptosismore » in vitro through activation of Akt, ERK1/2 and maintenance of metalloproteinase ADAM17 especially with SDF-1{alpha}. Intra-cerebroventricular (ICV) injection of A{beta} led to reduction in dendritic length and spine density of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and increased oxidative damage 24 h following the exposure. The A{beta}-induced morphometric changes of neurons and increase in biomarkers of oxidative damage, F{sub 2}-isoprostanes, were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with the chemokines MIP-2 or SDF-1{alpha}. Additionally, MIP-2 or SDF-1{alpha} was able to suppress the aberrant mislocalization of p21-activated kinase (PAK), one of the proteins involved in the maintenance of dendritic spines. Furthermore, MIP-2 also protected neurons against A{beta} neurotoxicity in CXCR2-/- mice, potentially through observed up regulation of CXCR1 mRNA. Understanding the neuroprotective potential of chemokines is crucial in defining the role for their employment during the early stages of neurodegeneration. -- Research highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Neuroprotective ability of the chemokines MIP2 and CXCL12 against A{beta} toxicity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MIP-2 or CXCL12 prevented dendritic regression and apoptosis in vitro. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Neuroprotection through activation of Akt, ERK1/2 and maintenance of ADAM17. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Neuroprotection of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in vivo by MIP-2 or CXCL12. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MIP-2 or CXCL12 prevent elevation of F2-Isoprostanes against A{beta} treatment.« less

Distinct mechanisms for N-acetylcysteine inhibition of cytokine-induced E-selectin and VCAM-1 expression.

PubMed

Faruqi, R M; Poptic, E J; Faruqi, T R; De La Motte, C; DiCorleto, P E

1997-08-01

We have examined the effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a well-characterized, thiol-containing antioxidant, on agonist-induced monocytic cell adhesion to endothelial cells (EC). NAC inhibited interleukin-1 (IL-1 beta)-induced, but not basal, adhesion with 50% inhibition at approximately 20 mM. Monocytic cell adhesion to EC in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), alpha-thrombin, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was similarly inhibited by NAC. Unlike published studies with pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, which specifically inhibited vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), NAC inhibited IL-1 beta-induced mRNA and cell surface expression of both E-selectin and VCAM-1. NAC had no effect on the half-life of E-selectin or VCAM-1 mRNA. Although NAC reduced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) activation in EC as measured by gel-shift assays using an oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the consensus NF-kappa B binding sites of the VCAM-1 gene (VCAM-NF-kappa B), the antioxidant had no appreciable effect when an oligomer corresponding to the consensus NF-kappa B binding site of the E-selectin gene (E-selectin-NF-kappa B) was used. Because NF-kappa B has been reported to be redox sensitive, we studied the effects of NAC on the EC redox environment. NAC caused an expected dramatic increase in the reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in EC. In vitro studies demonstrated that whereas the binding affinity of NF-kappa B to the VCAM-NF-kappa B oligomer peaked at a GSH-to-oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio of approximately 200 and decreased at higher ratios, the binding to the E-selectin-NF-kappa B oligomer appeared relatively unaffected even at ratios > 400, i.e., those achieved in EC treated with 40 mM NAC. These results suggest that NF-kappa B binding to its consensus sequences in the VCAM-1 and E-selectin gene exhibits marked differences in redox sensitivity, allowing for differential gene expression regulated by the same transcription factor. Our data also demonstrate that NAC increases the GSH-to-GSSG ratio within the EC suggesting one possible mechanism through which this antioxidant inhibits agonist-induced monocyte adhesion to EC.

Zinc in human health: effect of zinc on immune cells.

PubMed

Prasad, Ananda S

2008-01-01

Although the essentiality of zinc for plants and animals has been known for many decades, the essentiality of zinc for humans was recognized only 40 years ago in the Middle East. The zinc-deficient patients had severe immune dysfunctions, inasmuch as they died of intercurrent infections by the time they were 25 years of age. In our studies in an experimental human model of zinc deficiency, we documented decreased serum testosterone level, oligospermia, severe immune dysfunctions mainly affecting T helper cells, hyperammonemia, neurosensory disorders, and decreased lean body mass. It appears that zinc deficiency is prevalent in the developing world and as many as two billion subjects may be growth retarded due to zinc deficiency. Besides growth retardation and immune dysfunctions, cognitive impairment due to zinc deficiency also has been reported recently. Our studies in the cell culture models showed that the activation of many zinc-dependent enzymes and transcription factors were adversely affected due to zinc deficiency. In HUT-78 (T helper 0 [Th(0)] cell line), we showed that a decrease in gene expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-2 receptor alpha(IL-2Ralpha) were due to decreased activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in zinc deficient cells. Decreased NF-kappaB activation in HUT-78 due to zinc deficiency was due to decreased binding of NF-kappaB to DNA, decreased level of NF-kappaB p105 (the precursor of NF-kappaB p50) mRNA, decreased kappaB inhibitory protein (IkappaB) phosphorylation, and decreased Ikappa kappa. These effects of zinc were cell specific. Zinc also is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory actions. The therapeutic roles of zinc in acute infantile diarrhea, acrodermatitis enteropathica, prevention of blindness in patients with age-related macular degeneration, and treatment of common cold with zinc have been reported. In HL-60 cells (promyelocytic leukemia cell line), zinc enhances the up-regulation of A20 mRNA, which, via TRAF pathway, decreases NF-kappaB activation, leading to decreased gene expression and generation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1beta, and IL-8. We have reported recently that in both young adults and elderly subjects, zinc supplementation decreased oxidative stress markers and generation of inflammatory cytokines.

Strength, power, fiber types, and mRNA expression in trained men and women with different ACTN3 R577X genotypes.

PubMed

Norman, Barbara; Esbjörnsson, Mona; Rundqvist, Håkan; Osterlund, Ted; von Walden, Ferdinand; Tesch, Per A

2009-03-01

Alpha-actinins are structural proteins of the Z-line. Human skeletal muscle expresses two alpha-actinin isoforms, alpha-actinin-2 and alpha-actinin-3, encoded by their respective genes ACTN2 and ACTN3. ACTN2 is expressed in all muscle fiber types, while only type II fibers, and particularly the type IIb fibers, express ACTN3. ACTN3 (R577X) polymorphism results in loss of alpha-actinin-3 and has been suggested to influence skeletal muscle function. The X allele is less common in elite sprint and power athletes than in the general population and has been suggested to be detrimental for performance requiring high power. The present study investigated the association of ACTN3 genotype with muscle power during 30-s Wingate cycling in 120 moderately to well-trained men and women and with knee extensor strength and fatigability in a subset of 21 men performing isokinetic exercise. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle to determine fiber-type composition and ACTN2 and ACTN3 mRNA levels. Peak and mean power and the torque-velocity relationship and fatigability output showed no difference across ACTN3 genotypes. Thus this study suggests that R577X polymorphism in ACTN3 is not associated with differences in power output, fatigability, or force-velocity characteristics in moderately trained individuals. However, repeated exercise bouts prompted an increase in peak torque in RR but not in XX genotypes, suggesting that ACTN3 genotype may modulate responsiveness to training. Our data further suggest that alpha-actinins do not play a significant role in determining muscle fiber-type composition. Finally, we show that ACTN2 expression is affected by the content of alpha-actinin-3, which implies that alpha-actinin-2 may compensate for the lack of alpha-actinin-3 and hence counteract the phenotypic consequences of the deficiency.

Prophylactic tributyrin treatment mitigates chronic-binge ethanol-induced intestinal barrier and liver injury.

PubMed

Cresci, Gail A; Glueck, Bryan; McMullen, Megan R; Xin, Wei; Allende, Daniella; Nagy, Laura E

2017-09-01

Impaired gut-liver axis is a potential factor contributing to alcoholic liver disease. Ethanol depletes intestinal integrity and causes gut dysbiosis. Butyrate, a fermentation byproduct of gut microbiota, is altered negatively following chronic ethanol exposure. This study aimed to determine whether prophylactic tributyrin could protect the intestinal barrier and liver in mice during combined chronic-binge ethanol exposure. C57BL/6J mice exposed to 5% v/v ethanol-containing diet for 10 days received a single ethanol gavage (5 g/kg) 9 h before euthanasia. Control mice were isocalorically pair-fed maltose dextrin for ethanol. Diets were supplemented (5 mM) with tributyrin or glycerol. Intestine and liver disease activity was assessed histologically. Protein and mRNA expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins, toll-like receptors, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were assessed. Caco-2 monolayers with or without ethanol exposure and/or sodium butyrate were used to test butyrate's direct effects on intestinal integrity. Chronic-binge ethanol feeding impaired intestinal TJ protein co-localization staining; however, tributyrin co-treatment mitigated these effects. Ethanol depleted TJ and transepithelial electrical resistance in Caco-2 monolayers, but butyrate co-treatment reduced these effects. Hepatic toll-like receptor mRNA expression and tumor necrosis factor-alpha protein expression was induced by ethanol; however, the response was significantly dampened in mice co-treated with tributyrin. Tributyrin altered localization of both neutrophils and single hepatocyte death: Leukocytes and apoptotic hepatocytes localized predominantly around the portal tract in ethanol-only treated mice, whereas localization predominated around the central vein in ethanol-tributyrin mice. Prophylactic tributyrin supplementation mitigated effects of combined chronic-binge ethanol exposure on disruption of intestinal TJ localization and intestinal permeability and liver injury. © 2017 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

[Effects of Salvianolate on Myosin Heavy Chain in Cardiomyocytes of Congestive Heart Failure Rats].

PubMed

Chen, Cheng; Zou, Xiang-gu; Qiu, Shan-dong; Chen, Hui; Chen, Yong-zhong; Lin, Xiu-ming

2015-07-01

To explore the effect of Salvianolate on myosin heavy chain (MHC) in cardiomyocytes of congestive heart failure (CHF) rats. Sixty male SD rats were divided into 6 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the normal control group (NCG), the model group, the Captopril group (CAG), the low dose Salvianolate group (LSG), the high dose Salvianolate group (HSG), the Captopril and high dose Salvianolate group (CSG), 10 in each group. CHF rat model was established with peritoneal injection of adriamycin in all rats except those in the NCG. Equal volume of normal saline was peritoneally injected to rats in the NCG, once per week for 6 successive weeks. Corresponding medication was started from the 5th week of injecting adriamycin. Rats in the CAG were administered with Captopril solution at the daily dose of 10 mg/kg by gastrogavage. Rats in the LSG and the HSG were administered with Salvianolate solution at the daily dose of 24.219 mg/kg and 48.438 mg/kg respectively by gastrogavage. Salvianolate was dissolved in 2 mL 5% glucose solution and administered by peritoneal injection. Rats in the CSG were peritoneally injected with high dose Salvianolate solution and administered with Captopril solution by gastrogavage. Two mL normal saline was peritoneally injected to rats in the model group, once per day for 8 successive weeks. Eight weeks later, the cardiac function and myocardial hypertrophy indices were detected by biological signal collecting and processing system. mRNA expression levels of alpha-MHC and beta-MHC in cardiac muscle were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Expressions of protein kinase C (PKC) in cardiac muscle were detected by Western blot. Compared with the normal control group, heart mass index (HMI) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) obviously increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, HMI and LVMI decreased in HSG, CAG, and CSG groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). It was more obviously lowered in the CSG group than in the CAG group (P < 0.05). Compared with the NCG, the mRNA expression level of alpha-MHC in cardiac muscle decreased, the mRNA expression level of p-MHC and the expression of PKC in cardiac muscle increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression level of alpha-MHC in cardiac muscle was increased, and the mRNA expression level of beta-MHC and the expression of PKC in cardiac muscle were decreased in HSG, CAG, and CSG groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was statistical difference between the CSG group and the CAG group (P < 0.05). Salvianolate could up-regulate the mRNA expression level of alpha-MHC, and down-regulate the mRNA expression level of beta-MHC in cardiac muscle. Its mechanism might be related to decreasing the expression of PKC.

The response of hepatic acute phase proteins during experimental pulmonary tuberculosis.

PubMed

Hernández-Pando, R; Arriaga, A K; Panduro, C A; Orozco, E H; Larriva-Sahd, J; Madrid-Marina, V

1998-01-01

A mouse model of pulmonary tuberculosis induced by the intratracheal instillation of live and virulent mycobacteria strain H37-Rv was used to study the relationship of the histopathological changes with the kinetics of local production and circulating levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the gene expression of acute phase proteins (APP) in the liver. The histopathological studies showed a mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate located in the perivascular, peribronchial, and interstitial areas, with granulomas which started to form 2 weeks after the infection. Numerous IL-6 immunostained activated macrophages were observed in the inflammatory infiltrate, particularly in the interstitial-intralveolar compartment and granulomas, coexisting with a high IL-6 mRNA concentration determined by reverse transcription polimerase chain reaction in lung homogenates, particularly at day 21 of infection. Two peaks of IL-6 demonstrated by ELISA in lung homogenates and sera were observed at day 3 and 21 of infection, being higher on the latter. The hepatic APP mRNA transcription (alpha1-acid glycoprotein, fibrinogen, complement factor 4) analyzed by Northern blot showed a rapid and high increase at day one postinfection, which rapidly decreased and showed another second peak at day 21, when granulomas reached full maturity and the maximal production of IL-6 was observed. At the same time the liver mRNA concentrations of the negative APP albumin showed a substantial decrease. From 1 to 4 months after M. tuberculosis intratracheal instillation, histopathological changes of more severity (pneumonia, necrosis) and chronicity (interstitial fibrosis) were seen, as well as small groups of IL-6 immunostained macrophages in the pneumonic areas, granulomas and perivascular compartments, in coexistence with low IL-6 expression. During this advanced stage of the disease a high mRNA concentration of alpha1-acid glycoprotein and fibrinogen associated with low expression of the albumin gene in the liver continued. Thus, it seems that the time course of hepatic APP genetic expression in experimental pulmonary tuberculosis is related to the production of IL-6 and relevant histopathological changes, particularly the formation of granuloma.

Characterization of the retina in the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor knockout mouse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Marci L.

Acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are involved in visual processing and are expressed by inner retinal neurons in all species studied to date (Keyser et al., 2000; Dmitrieva et al., 2007; Liu et al., 2009), but their distribution in the mouse retina remains unknown. Reductions in alpha7 nicotinic AChRs (nAChRs) are thought to contribute to memory and visual deficits observed in Alzheimer's and schizophrenia (Coyle et al., 1983; Nordberg et al., 1999; Leonard et al., 2006). However, the alpha7 nAChR knockout (KO) mouse has a mild phenotype (Paylor et al., 1998; Fernandes et al., 2006; Young et al., 2007; Origlia et al., 2012). The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of AChRs in wildtype (WT) mouse retina and to assess whether up-regulation of other AChRs in the alpha7 nAChR KO retina may explain the minimal deficits described in the KO mouse. Reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) showed that mRNA transcripts for alpha2-7, alpha 9, alpha10, beta2-4 nAChR subunits and m1-m5 muscarinic AChR (mAChR) subtypes were present in WT murine retina. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of alpha3-5, alpha9, and m1-m5 AChR proteins and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated nAChR and mAChR proteins expressed by subsets of bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells. This is the first reported expression of alpha9 and alpha10 nAChR transcripts and alpha9 nAChR proteins in the retina of any species. Quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) showed changes in AChR transcript expression in the alpha7 nAChR KO mouse retina relative to WT. Within whole retina alpha2, alpha9, alpha10, beta4, m1 and m4 AChR transcripts were up-regulated, while alpha5 nAChR transcripts were down-regulated. However, cell populations showed subtle differences; m4 mAChR transcripts were up-regulated in the ganglion cell layer and outer portion of the inner nuclear layer (oINL),while beta4 nAChR transcript up-regulation was limited to the oINL. Surprisingly, alpha2, alpha9, beta4, m2 and m4 transcripts were down-regulated in the inner portion of the INL. These results indicate that compensation is mediated by differential regulation of more than one receptor type and changes in mRNA expression vary between cell populations.

Modulation of Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived superantigen-induced cytokine gene expression by dexamethasone and interleukin-4.

PubMed

Mehindate, K; al-Daccak, R; Rink, L; Mecheri, S; Hébert, J; Mourad, W

1994-11-01

Activation of human monocytes or monocytic cell lines with all known stimuli coordinately induces the gene expression of various cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). In contrast, superantigens induce TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta but fail to affect IL-1Ra gene expression, suggesting that activation of monocytes via major histocompatibility complex class II is distinct from other signal transduction pathways. In the present study, we analyzed the regulation of the Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived superantigen (MAM)-induced IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha gene expression by studying the effects of two different anti-inflammatory agents: dexamethasone (DEX) and the T-cell-derived cytokine IL-4. Both agents contributed to the downregulation of MAM-induced IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha gene expression. They accelerated the normal decline of the gene expression of both MAM-induced cytokines by decreasing the stability of mRNAs via the induction or enhanced synthesis of one or more regulatory proteins. In addition, IL-4, but not DEX, induced a strong and rapid expression of IL-1Ra mRNA in MAM-stimulated and unstimulated THP-1 cells in a de novo protein synthesis-independent manner. The capacity of IL-4 to induce IL-1Ra gene expression reinforces its anti-inflammatory activity. This study illustrates some of the mechanisms by which MAM-induced proinflammatory monokine gene expression can be downregulated by IL-4 and DEX.

Partial rescue of defects in Cited2-deficient embryos by HIF-1alpha heterozygosity.

PubMed

Xu, Bing; Doughman, Yongqiu; Turakhia, Mona; Jiang, Weihong; Landsettle, Chad E; Agani, Faton H; Semenza, Gregg L; Watanabe, Michiko; Yang, Yu-Chung

2007-01-01

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) initiates key cellular and tissue responses to physiological and pathological hypoxia. Evidence from in vitro and structural analyses supports a critical role for Cited2 in down-regulating HIF-1-mediated transcription by competing for binding with oxygen-sensitive HIF-1alpha to transcriptional co-activators CBP/p300. We previously detected elevated expression of HIF-1 target genes in Cited2(-/-) embryonic hearts, indicating that Cited2 inhibits HIF-1 transactivation in vivo. In this study, we show for the first time that highly hypoxic cardiac regions in mouse embryos corresponded to the sites of defects in Cited2(-/-) embryos and that defects of the outflow tract, interventricular septum, cardiac vasculature, and hyposplenia were largely rescued by HIF-1alpha haploinsufficiency. The hypoxia of the outflow tract and interventricular septum peaked at E13.5 and dissipated by E15.5 in wild-type hearts, but persisted in E15.5 Cited2(-/-) hearts. The persistent hypoxia and abnormal vasculature in the myocardium of interventricular septum in E15.5 Cited2(-/-) hearts were rescued with decreased HIF-1alpha gene dosage. Accordingly, mRNA levels of HIF-1-responsive genes were reduced in Cited2(-/-) embryonic hearts by HIF-1alpha heterozygosity. These findings suggest that a precise level of HIF-1 transcriptional activity critical for normal development is triggered by differential hypoxia and regulated through feedback inhibition by Cited2.

Up-regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-target genes in cortical neurons by the novel multifunctional iron chelator anti-Alzheimer drug, M30.

PubMed

Avramovich-Tirosh, Y; Bar-Am, O; Amit, T; Youdim, M B H; Weinreb, O

2010-06-01

Based on a multimodal drug design paradigm, we have synthesized a multifunctional non-toxic, brain permeable iron chelator, M30, possessing the neuroprotective propargylamine moiety of the anti-Parkinsonian drug, rasagiline (Azilect) and antioxidant-iron chelator moiety of an 8-hydroxyquinoline derivative of our iron chelator, VK28. M30 was recently found to confer potential neuroprotective effects in vitro and in various preclinical neurodegenerative models and regulate the levels and processing of the Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein and its toxic amyloidogenic derivative, Abeta. Here, we show that M30 activates the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha signaling pathway, thus promoting HIF-1alpha mRNA and protein expression levels, as well as increasing transcription of HIF-1alpha-dependent genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor, erythropoietin, enolase-1, p21 and tyrosine hydroxylase in rat primary cortical cells. In addition, M30 also increased the expression levels of the transcripts of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43). Regarding aspects of relevance to Alzheimer's disease (AD), western blotting analysis of glycogen synthase kinase- 3beta (GSK-3beta) signaling pathway revealed that M30 enhanced the levels of phospho-AKT (Ser473) and phospho- GSK-3beta (Ser9) and attenuated Tau phosphorylation. M30 was also shown to protect cultured cortical neurons against Abeta(25-35) toxicity. All these multimodal pharmacological activities of M30 might be beneficial for its potent efficacy in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and AD in which oxidative stress and iron-mediated toxicity are involved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Yu; Wang, Wenhui; Wang, Qi

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 5-LOX is able to upregulate expression of NF-{kappa}B p65. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 5-LOX enhances nuclear translocation of NF-{kappa}B p65 via increasing p-I{kappa}B-{alpha} level. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 5-LOX stimulates transcriptional activity of NF-{kappa}B in hepatoma cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer LTB4 activates transcriptional activity of NF-{kappa}B in hepatoma cells. -- Abstract: The issue that lipid metabolism enzyme and its metabolites regulate transcription factors in cancer cell is not fully understood. In this study, we first report that the lipid metabolism enzyme 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and its metabolite leukotriene B4 (LTB4) are capable of activating nuclear factor-{kappa}B (NF-{kappa}B) in hepatoma cells. We found that the treatment of MK886more » (an inhibitor of 5-LOX) or knockdown of 5-LOX was able to downregulate the expression of NF-{kappa}B p65 at the mRNA level and decreased the phosphorylation level of inhibitor {kappa}B{alpha} (I{kappa}B{alpha}) in the cytoplasm of hepatoma HepG2 or H7402 cells, which resulted in the decrease of the level of nuclear NF-{kappa}B p65. These were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining in HepG2 cell. Moreover, the above treatments were able to decrease the transcriptional activity of NF-{kappa}B in the cells. The LTB4, one of metabolites of 5-LOX, is responsible for 5-LOX-activated NF-{kappa}B in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, we conclude that the lipid metabolism enzyme 5-LOX and its metabolite LTB4 are capable of activating transcription factor NF-{kappa}B in hepatoma cells. Our finding provides new insight into the significance of lipid metabolism in activation of transcription factors in cancer.« less

Effect of gel re-organization and tensional forces on alpha2beta1 integrin levels in dermal fibroblasts.

PubMed

Jenkins, G; Redwood, K L; Meadows, L; Green, M R

1999-07-01

Mechanical forces are known to play an important role in regulating cell function in a wide range of biological systems. This is of particular relevance to dermal fibroblast function, given that the skin is known to be held under an intrinsic natural tension. To understand more about the generation of force by dermal fibroblasts and their ability to respond to changes in it, we have studied the role of the beta1 integrin receptors expressed by dermal fibroblasts in their ability to generate tensional forces within a collagen type I matrix and the effect of altered tensional force on integrin expression by dermal fibroblasts. Using a purpose-built culture force monitor, function-blocking antibodies directed towards the beta1 receptors dramatically reduced the tensional forces generated by dermal fibroblasts in a 3D collagen I matrix. However, the specific involvement of alpha1 or alpha2 subunits could not be demonstrated. Analysis of cellular response demonstrated that cells isolated from contracting collagen gels expressed fourfold higher levels of alpha2 mRNA than cells isolated from fully restrained gels. The levels of beta1 messenger RNA were relatively unaffected by reductions in force. Cells exposed to single reductions in force, however, did not exhibit alterations in either alpha1 or beta1 mRNA levels. We propose, therefore that alpha2beta1 integrin receptor levels in dermal fibroblasts are not altered in response to single reductions of gel tension, but do change following a continual change in force and associated matrix re-organization

Alcohol alters hepatic FoxO1, p53, and mitochondrial SIRT5 deacetylation function

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lieber, Charles S.; Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029; Leo, Maria Anna

2008-08-22

Chronic alcohol consumption affects the gene expression of a NAD-dependent deacetylase Sirtuis 1 (SIRT1) and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{gamma} coactivator1{alpha} (PGC-1{alpha}). Our aim was to verify that it also alters the forkhead (FoxO1) and p53 transcription factor proteins, critical in the hepatic response to oxidative stress and regulated by SIRT1 through its deacetylating capacity. Accordingly, rats were pair-fed the Lieber-DeCarli alcohol-containing liquid diets for 28 days. Alcohol increased hepatic mRNA expression of FoxO1 (p = 0.003) and p53 (p = 0.001) while corresponding protein levels remained unchanged. However phospho-FoxO1 and phospho-Akt (protein kinase) were both decreased by alcohol consumption (pmore » = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively) while hepatic p53 was found hyperacetylated (p = 0.017). Furthermore, mitochondrial SIRT5 was reduced (p = 0.0025), and PGC-1{alpha} hyperacetylated (p = 0.027), establishing their role in protein modification. Thus, alcohol consumption disrupts nuclear-mitochondrial interactions by post-translation protein modifications, which contribute to alteration of mitochondrial biogenesis through the newly discovered reduction of SIRT5.« less

Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-{alpha}-induced expression of adhesion molecules in human endothelial cells by the saponins derived from roots of Platycodon grandiflorum

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Ji Young; Kim, Dong Hee; Kim, Hyung Gyun

2006-01-15

Adhesion molecules play an important role in the development of atherogenesis and are produced by endothelial cells after being stimulated with various inflammatory cytokines. This study examined the effect of saponins that were isolated from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum A. DC (Campanulaceae), Changkil saponins (CKS), on the cytokine-induced monocyte/human endothelial cell interaction, which is a crucial early event in atherogenesis. CKS significantly inhibited the TNF{alpha}-induced increase in monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells as well as decreased the protein and mRNA expression levels of vascular adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 on endothelial cells. Furthermore, CKS significantly inhibited themore » TNF{alpha}-induced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of NF-{kappa}B by preventing I{kappa}B degradation and inhibiting I{kappa}B kinase activity. Overall, CKS has anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory activity, which is least in part the result of it reducing the cytokine-induced endothelial adhesion to monocytes by inhibiting intracellular ROS production, NF-{kappa}B activation, and cell adhesion molecule expression in endothelial cells.« less

Dietary arginine supplementation alleviates intestinal mucosal disruption induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide in weaned pigs.

PubMed

Liu, Yulan; Huang, Jingjing; Hou, Yongqing; Zhu, Huiling; Zhao, Shengjun; Ding, Binying; Yin, Yulong; Yi, Ganfeng; Shi, Junxia; Fan, Wei

2008-09-01

This study evaluated whether arginine (Arg) supplementation could attenuate gut injury induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge through an anti-inflammatory role in weaned pigs. Pigs were allotted to four treatments including: (1) non-challenged control; (2) LPS-challenged control; (3) LPS+0.5 % Arg; (4) LPS+1.0 % Arg. On day 16, pigs were injected with LPS or sterile saline. At 6 h post-injection, pigs were killed for evaluation of small intestinal morphology and intestinal gene expression. Within 48 h of challenge, 0.5 % Arg alleviated the weight loss induced by LPS challenge (P = 0.025). In all three intestinal segments, 0.5 or 1.0 % Arg mitigated intestinal morphology impairment (e.g. lower villus height and higher crypt depth) induced by LPS challenge (P < 0.05), and alleviated the decrease of crypt cell proliferation and the increase of villus cell apoptosis after LPS challenge (P < 0.01). The 0.5 % Arg prevented the elevation of jejunal IL-6 mRNA abundance (P = 0.082), and jejunal (P = 0.030) and ileal (P = 0.039) TNF-alpha mRNA abundance induced by LPS challenge. The 1.0 % Arg alleviated the elevation of jejunal IL-6 mRNA abundance (P = 0.053) and jejunal TNF-alpha mRNA abundance (P = 0.003) induced by LPS challenge. The 0.5 % Arg increased PPARgamma mRNA abundance in all three intestinal segments (P < 0.10), and 1.0 % Arg increased duodenal PPARgamma mRNA abundance (P = 0.094). These results indicate that Arg supplementation has beneficial effects in alleviating gut mucosal injury induced by LPS challenge. Additionally, it is possible that the protective effects of Arg on the intestine are associated with decreasing the expression of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines through activating PPARgamma expression.

Fundamental mechanisms of growth failure in inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Ballinger, Anne

2002-01-01

Growth failure is common in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and has been attributed chiefly to undernutrition. Liquid enteral feeding can reverse the calorie deficit and increase growth velocity. The inflammatory process per se may also directly inhibit linear growth. After institution of enteral nutrition, significant changes in serum growth factors and inflammatory indices have been observed before any changes in nutritional parameters [Bannerjee et al., Gastroenterology 2000;118:A526]. In rats with trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis, about 60% of the final growth impairment can be attributed to undernutrition, inflammation accounting for the remaining growth deficit. Young patients with Crohn's disease and growth failure have normal stimulated and spontaneous growth hormone (GH) secretion and reduced plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), suggesting a degree of GH resistance. Rats with TNBS colitis also have normal plasma GH and reduced IGF-I concentrations, mediated by a combination of undernutrition and active inflammation. Immunoneutralization of interleukin-6 (IL-6) increases hepatic IGF-I mRNA expression, plasma concentrations of IGF-I and linear growth. In contrast, administration of anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha antibodies (TNF-ab) had no effect on IGF-I in this model. TNFab did, however, increase linear growth, suggesting inhibitory effects of TNF-alpha on the growth axis by mechanisms other than reduction in IGF-I. Preliminary data suggests that TNF-alpha inhibits maturation of growth plate chondrocytes. We have identified IL-6 receptors on growth plate chondrocytes but to date have not identified the effect, if any, of IL-6 directly at the growth plate. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

The Differential Expression of Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide, alpha CGRP mRNA, Choline Acetyltransferase, and Low Affinity Nerve Growth Factor Receptor in Cranial Motoneurons After Hypoglossal Nerve Injury During Postnatal Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-08-21

maintenance. Since the classic neurotrophic effects ofNGF are not observed when it is bound to the low affinity receptor and since the high affmity type...is not present in motoneurons after injury this may explain why the classic NGF response is not observed (Wood et aI., 1990) and suggests that perhaps...Heumann et aI., 1987; Meyer et aI., 1992; Funakoshi et aI., 1993; Friedman et aI., 1995a). This sequencing ofneurotrophic changes may be related to the

Changes in liver PPARalpha mRNA expression in response to two levels of high-safflower-oil diets correlate with changes in adiposity and serum leptin in rats and mice.

PubMed

Hsu, Shan-Ching; Huang, Ching-jang

2007-02-01

The ligand-dependent transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is known to be activated by common fatty acids and to regulate the expression of genes of various lipid oxidation pathways and transport. High-fat diets provide more fatty acids, which presumably could enhance lipid catabolism through up-regulation of PPARalpha signaling. However, high intake of fat could also lead to obesity. To examine PPARalpha signaling in high-fat feeding and obesity, this study examined the hepatic mRNA expression of PPARalpha and some of its target genes in Wistar rats and C57BL/6J mice fed two levels (20% or 30% wt/wt) of high-safflower-oil (SFO; oleic-acid-rich) diets until animals showed significantly higher body weight (13 weeks for rats and 22 weeks for mice) than those of control groups fed a 5% SFO diet. At the end of these respective feeding periods, only the rats fed 30% SFO and the mice fed 20% SFO among the two groups fed high-fat diets showed significantly higher body weight, white adipose tissue weight, serum leptin and mRNA expression of PPARalpha (P<.05) compared to the respective control groups. Despite elevated acyl-CoA (a PPARalpha target gene) protein and activity in both groups fed high-fat diets, the mRNA expression level of most PPARalpha target genes examined correlated mainly to PPARalpha mRNA levels and not to fat intake or liver lipid levels. The observation that the liver PPARalpha mRNA expression in groups fed high-fat diets was significantly higher only in obese animals with elevated serum leptin implied that obesity and associated hyperleptinemia might have a stronger impact than dietary SFO intake per se on PPARalpha-regulated mRNA expression in the liver.

Protective role for ovarian glutathione S-transferase isoform pi during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced ovotoxicity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bhattacharya, Poulomi, E-mail: poulomib@iastate.edu; Keating, Aileen F., E-mail: akeating@iastate.edu

2012-04-15

7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) destroys ovarian follicles at all developmental stages. This study investigated a role for the glutathione S-transferase (Gst) isoforms alpha (a), mu (m) and pi (p) and the transcription factors, Ahr and Nrf2, during DMBA-induced ovotoxicity, and their regulation by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling. Negative regulation of JNK by GSTP during DMBA exposure was also studied. Post-natal day (PND) 4 Fischer 344 rat ovaries were exposed to vehicle control (1% DMSO) ± DMBA (1 μM) or vehicle control (1% DMSO) ± LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor; 20 μM) for 1, 2, 4, or 6 days. Total RNA or protein was isolated,more » followed by RT-PCR or Western blotting to determine mRNA or protein level, respectively. Immunoprecipitation using an anti-GSTP antibody was performed to determine interaction between GSTP and JNK, followed by Western blotting to determine JNK and p-c-Jun protein level. DMBA had no impact on Gsta, Gstm or Nrf2 mRNA level, but increased Gstp mRNA and protein after 2 days. Ahr mRNA and protein increased after 2 and 4 days of DMBA exposure, respectively and DMBA increased NRF2 protein level after 4 days. JNK bound to GSTP was increased during DMBA exposure, with a concomitant decrease in unbound JNK and p-c-Jun. Ahr and Gstp mRNA were decreased (2 days) and increased (4 days) by PI3K inhibition, while Gstm mRNA increased (P < 0.05) after both time points, and there was no effect on Nrf2 mRNA. PI3K inhibition increased AHR, NRF2 and GSTP protein level. These findings support involvement of ovarian GSTP during DMBA exposure, and indicate a regulatory role for the PI3K signaling pathway on ovarian xenobiotic metabolism gene expression. -- Highlights: ► Ovarian GSTP is activated in response to DMBA exposure. ► AhR and Nrf2 transcription factors are up-regulated by DMBA. ► PI3K signaling regulates Ahr, Nrf2 and Gstp expression. ► GSTP negatively regulates ovarian JNK in response to DMBA exposure.« less

Genetic Contributions of Inflammation to Depression

PubMed Central

Barnes, Jacob; Mondelli, Valeria; Pariante, Carmine M

2017-01-01

This paper describes the effects of immune genes genetic variants and mRNA expression on depression's risk, severity, and response to antidepressant treatment, through a systematic review on all papers published between 2000 and 2016. Our results, based largely on case–control studies, suggest that common genetic variants and gene-expression pathways are involved in both immune activation and depression. The most replicated and relevant genetic variants include polymorphisms in the genes for interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, and phospholipase A2. Moreover, increased blood cytokines mRNA expression (especially of IL-1β) identifies patients that are less likely to respond to conventional antidepressants. However, even for the most replicated findings there are inconsistent results, not only between studies, but also between the immune effects of the genetic variants and the resulting effects on depression. We find evidence that these discrepant findings may be explained, at least in part, by the heterogeneity of the depression immunophenotype, by environmental influences and gene × environment interactions, and by the complex interfacing of genetic variants with gene expression. Indeed, some of the most robust findings have been obtained in patients developing depression in the context of treatment with interferon-alpha, a widely used model to mimic depression in the context of inflammation. Further ‘omics' approaches, through GWAS and transcriptomics, will finally shed light on the interaction between immune genes, their expression, and the influence of the environment, in the pathogenesis of depression. PMID:27555379

Microarray profiling analysis uncovers common molecular mechanisms of rubella virus, human cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus type 2 infections in ECV304 cells.

PubMed

Mo, X; Xu, L; Yang, Q; Feng, H; Peng, J; Zhang, Y; Yuan, W; Wang, Y; Li, Y; Deng, Y; Wan, Y; Chen, Z; Li, F; Wu, X

2011-08-01

To study the common molecular mechanisms of various viruses infections that might result in congential cardiovascular diseases in perinatal period, changes in mRNA expression levels of ECV304 cells infected by rubella virus (RUBV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) were analyzed using a microarray system representing 18,716 human genes. 99 genes were found to exhibit differential expression (80 up-regulated and 19 down-regulated). Biological process analysis showed that 33 signaling pathways including 22 genes were relevant significantly to RV, HCMV and HSV-II infections. Of these 33 biological processes, 28 belong to one-gene biological processes and 5 belong to multiple-gene biological processes. Gene annotation indicated that the 5 multiple-gene biological processes including regulation of cell growth, collagen fibril organization, mRNA transport, cell adhesion and regulation of cell shape, and seven down- or up-regulated genes [CRIM1 (cysteine rich transmembrane BMP regulator 1), WISP2 (WNT1 inducible signaling pathway protein 2), COL12A1 (collagen, type XII, alpha 1), COL11A2 (collagen, type XI, alpha 2), CNTN5 (contactin 5), DDR1 (discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinase 1), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor precursor)], are significantly correlated to RUBV, HCMV and HSV-2 infections in ECV304 cells. The results obtained in this study suggested the common molecular mechanisms of viruses infections that might result in congential cardiovascular diseases.

Can glomerular mRNAs in human type 1 diabetes be used to predict transition from normoalbuminuria to microalbuminuria?

PubMed

Adler, Sharon G; Kang, Shin-Wook; Feld, Stella; Cha, Dae Ryong; Barba, Lilly; Striker, Liliane; Striker, Gary; Riser, Bruce L; LaPage, Janine; Nast, Cynthia C

2002-07-01

mRNAs of pathogenetic importance in the development of diabetic nephropathy were measured in subjects with type 1 diabetes to determine whether these might be used to predict progression from normoalbuminuria to microalbuminuria. We proposed that conversion from normoalbuminuria to microalbuminuria would be most likely in subjects whose connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen mRNAs were above the 95% confidence interval (CI) for live renal donors and within the 95% CI for subjects with abnormal albuminuria. Glomerular CTGF, collagen alpha2(IV), and control glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNAs were measured in microdissected glomeruli from living renal donors (n = 10), and subjects with normoalbuminuria (n = 12), microalbuminuria (n = 5), and overt proteinuria (n = 6). After 44 +/- 2 months of follow-up, one subject converted from normoalbuminuria to microalbuminuria. Although the data are limited, progression from normoalbuminuria to microalbuminuria occurred in the only normoalbuminuric subject whose mRNA levels were above the live renal donors' 95% CI for CTGF and collagen alpha2(IV) and within the 95% CI of subjects with abnormal albuminuria. No clinical or histopathologic finding distinguished the progressor from the nonprogressors at the time of biopsy. This case report provides proof-of-principle that a panel of glomerular mRNA markers chosen because of their pathogenetic relevance may be useful adjuncts to albuminuria and histology in predicting clinical stability or clinical progression in diabetic nephropathy. Copyright 2002 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.

The Potential Role of Toll-Like Receptor 4 in Mediating Dopaminergic Cell Loss and Alpha-Synuclein Expression in the Acute MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

PubMed

Mariucci, Giuseppina; Pagiotti, Rita; Galli, Francesco; Romani, Luigina; Conte, Carmela

2018-04-01

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may have a role in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we aimed at investigating the dopaminergic cell loss and alpha-synuclein (α-SYN) expression in TLR4-deficient mice (TLR4 -/- ) acutely exposed to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a pharmacological PD model. TLR4 ablation restrained the number of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), as assessed by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein expression. Intriguingly, TLR4 -/- mice showed massive α-SYN protein accumulation in the midbrain along with high α-SYN mRNA levels in cerebral cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Contrary to expectations, the high levels of α-SYN do not correlate with greater dopaminergic neuronal loss. The levels of nigral α-SYN protein in TLR4 -/- mice further, but not significantly, increased during MPTP treatment. Contrariwise, MPTP treatment significantly induced the mRNA expression of α-SYN in examined brain regions of WT and TLR4 -/- mice. Protein levels of GATA2, a transcription factor proposed to control α-SYN gene expression, did not change in TLR4 -/- mice at baseline and after MPTP treatment. These findings suggest a role for TLR4 in mediating dopaminergic cell loss and in the constitutive expression of brain α-SYN. However, further exploration is needed in order to establish the actual role of α-SYN in the relative absence of TLR4.

A Th2-like cytokine response is involved in bullous pemphigoid. the role of IL-4 and IL-5 in the pathogenesis of the disease.

PubMed

Feliciani, C; Toto, P; Mohammad Pour, S; Coscione, G; Amerio, P; Amerio, P

1999-01-01

Bullous Pemphigoid is an autoimmune bullous disorder characterized by production of IgG against an hemidesmosomal antigen (230 kDa, 180 kDa) responsible for blistering of the skin. In the past several mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease such as proteases and collagenases secreted by local inflammatory cells. In order to investigate the role of cytokines in BP, the cytokine pattern was evaluated by an immunohistochemical analysis and by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction procedure in 13 BP patients. Cytokines examined were interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The T cell inflammatory infiltrate was also characterized by monoclonal antibodies showing CD3+, CD4+ T cells with a perivascular and scattered distribution in lesional skin. IL-4 and IL-5 were detected in a similar distribution to the inflammatory infiltrate. IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA levels were also revealed by RT-PCR. Proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-6 and Th1-like cytokines (IL-2 and INF-gamma) were not detected neither as proteins nor as mRNA. Since IL-4 and IL-5 are important in eosinophil chemoattraction, maturation and functional activity, the presence of IL-4 and IL-5 in BP suggest that these cytokines could be important in the pathogenesis of the disease.

{alpha}-Lipoic acid prevents lipotoxic cardiomyopathy in acyl CoA-synthase transgenic mice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Young; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-8854; Naseem, R. Haris

2006-05-26

{alpha}-Lipoic acid ({alpha}-LA) mimics the hypothalamic actions of leptin on food intake, energy expenditure, and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). To determine if, like leptin, {alpha}-LA protects against cardiac lipotoxicity, {alpha}-LA was fed to transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the acyl CoA synthase (ACS) gene. Untreated ACS-transgenic mice died prematurely with increased triacylglycerol content and dilated cardiomyopathy, impaired systolic function and myofiber disorganization, apoptosis, and interstitial fibrosis on microscopy. In {alpha}-LA-treated ACS-transgenic mice heart size, echocardiogram and TG content were normal. Plasma TG fell 50%, hepatic-activated phospho-AMPK rose 6-fold, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c declined 50%, and peroxisome proliferator-activatedmore » receptor-{gamma} cofactor-1{alpha} mRNA rose 4-fold. Since food restriction did not prevent lipotoxicity, we conclude that {alpha}-LA treatment, like hyperleptinemia, protects the heart of ACS-transgenic mice from lipotoxicity.« less

Binding characteristics of the ovine membrane progesterone receptor alpha and expression of the receptor during the estrous cycle

PubMed Central

Ashley, Ryan L; Arreguin-Arevalo, J Alejandro; Nett, Terry M

2009-01-01

Background Classically, progesterone has been thought to act only through the well-known genomic pathway involving hormone binding to nuclear receptors and subsequent modulation of gene expression. However, there is increasing evidence for rapid, non-genomic effects of progesterone in a variety of mammalian tissues and it is possible that a membrane PR (mPR) is causing these events. We recently isolated and characterized an ovine mPR referred to as mPR-alpha, distinct from the nuclear PR. Based on predicted structural analysis, the ovine mPR-alpha possesses seven transmembrane domains typical of G protein-coupled receptors. Despite the homology to other reported mPRs, information pertaining to the steroid binding characteristics of the ovine mPR-alpha was lacking. Additionally, the ovine mPR-alpha transcript has been identified in the hypothalamus, pituitary, uterus, ovary and corpus luteum, yet changes in expression of the ovine mPR-alpha in these tissues were not known. Consequently, the purpose of this work was to determine the steroid binding characteristics of the ovine mPR-alpha and to investigate possible changes in expression of the ovine mPR-alpha in reproductive tissues throughout the estrous cycle. Methods Binding studies were performed using crude membrane fractions from CHO cells expressing the mPR-alpha. Using quantitative Real-time PCR we determined the expression pattern of mRNA for the ovine mPR-alpha during the ovine estrous cycle in tissues known to express the mPR-alpha. Jugular blood samples were also collected and analyzed for serum concentrations of P4 to ensure ewes were at the appropriate stage of their cycle. Results Only progesterone, 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone were able to displace binding of 3H-P4 (P < 0.001) to membrane fractions from CHO cells expressing ovine mPR-alpha. The average B-max and Kd values for three separate experiments were 624 +/- 119 fmol/micro gram protein and 122 +/- 50 nM, respectively. Significant changes in expression of mRNA for the mPR-alpha during the estrous cycle were noted in the corpus luteum and uterus. Conclusion The mPR-alpha specifically binds progestins and its expression was correlated to progesterone secretion during the ovine estrous cycle. Results from the present studies suggest that mPR-alpha may have an important physiological role during the ovine estrous cycle. PMID:19432978

PI3K/Akt contributes to increased expression of Toll-like receptor 4 in macrophages exposed to hypoxic stress

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, So Young; Jeong, Eunshil; Joung, Sun Myung

2012-03-16

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Hypoxic stress-induced TLR4 expression is mediated by PI3K/Akt in macrophages. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PI3K/Akt regulated HIF-1 activation leading to TLR4 expression. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was not involved in TLR4 expression by hypoxic stress. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sulforaphane suppressed hypoxia-mediated TLR4 expression by inhibiting PI3K/Akt. -- Abstract: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play critical roles in triggering immune and inflammatory responses by detecting invading microbial pathogens and endogenous danger signals. Increased expression of TLR4 is implicated in aggravated inflammatory symptoms in ischemic tissue injury and chronic diseases. Results from our previous study showed that TLR4 expression was upregulated by hypoxic stress mediated bymore » hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) at a transcriptional level in macrophages. In this study, we further investigated the upstream signaling pathway that contributed to the increase of TLR4 expression by hypoxic stress. Either treatment with pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K and Akt or knockdown of Akt expression by siRNA blocked the increase of TLR4 mRNA and protein levels in macrophages exposed to hypoxia and CoCl{sub 2}. Phosphorylation of Akt by hypoxic stress preceded nuclear accumulation of HIF-1{alpha}. A PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) attenuated CoCl{sub 2}-induced nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activation of HIF-1{alpha}. In addition, HIF-1{alpha}-mediated upregulation of TLR4 expression was blocked by LY294002. Furthermore, sulforaphane suppressed hypoxia- and CoCl{sub 2}-induced upregulation of TLR4 mRNA and protein by inhibiting PI3K/Akt activation and the subsequent nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activation of HIF-1{alpha}. However, p38 was not involved in HIF-1{alpha} activation and TLR4 expression induced by hypoxic stress in macrophages. Collectively, our results demonstrate that PI3K/Akt contributes to hypoxic stress-induced TLR4 expression at least partly through the regulation of HIF-1 activation. These reveal a novel mechanism for regulation of TLR4 expression upon hypoxic stress and provide a therapeutic target for chronic diseases related to hypoxic stress.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsukiyama, Fuyo; Nakai, Yumi; Yoshida, Masataka

Catechins have recently been reported to increase the cellular content of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1{alpha} within mammalian cells. These catechins have a gallate moiety as a common structure. We now report that n-propyl gallate (nPG) also increases the HIF-1{alpha} protein in the rat heart-derived H9c2 cells. The increase was dose-dependent and reached a maximum at 2-4 h after the addition of nPG to the cells. nPG did not change the HIF-1{alpha} mRNA level, showing that the increase is a posttranscriptional event. Although nPG did not inhibit the HIF prolyl hydroxylase, gallate, the hydrolysis product of nPG, inhibited the enzyme completelymore » at submillimolar concentrations. Model building studies on the human HIF prolyl hydroxylase 2 showed that the two phenolate oxygen atoms of gallate form a chelate with the active site Fe{sup 2+}, while the carboxyl group of gallate forms a strong ionic/hydrogen bonding interaction with Arg383, explaining why nPG, which has an esterified carboxyl group, is unable to inhibit the hydroxylase. Together with the observation that gallate was detected in the H9c2 cells treated with nPG, these results suggest that nPG incorporated into the cells is hydrolyzed and the released gallate inhibits the HIF prolyl hydroxylase, thereby reducing the HIF degradation rate and increasing the HIF-1{alpha} content.« less

Molecular evidence for the existence of lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha factor (LITAF) and Rel/NF-kB pathways in disk abalone (Haliotis discus discus).

PubMed

De Zoysa, Mahanama; Nikapitiya, Chamilani; Oh, Chulhong; Whang, Ilson; Lee, Jae-Seong; Jung, Sung-Ju; Choi, Cheol Young; Lee, Jehee

2010-01-01

The lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha factor (LITAF) and Rel family nuclear factor kappaB (Rel/NF-kB) are two important transcription factors which play major roles in the regulating inflammatory cytokine, apoptosis and immune related genes. Here, we report the discovery of disk abalone LITAF (AbLITAF) and Rel/NF-kB (AbRel/NF-kB) homologues and their immune responses. Full-length cDNA of AbLITAF consists of 441 bp open reading frame (ORF) that translates into putative peptide of 147 aa. Analysis of AbLITAF sequence showed it has characteristic LITAF (Zn(+2)) binding domain with two CXXC motifs. Phylogenetic analysis results further revealed that AbLITAF is a member of LITAF family. AbRel/NF-kB is 584 aa protein that contains several characteristic motifs including Rel homology domain (RHD), Rel protein signature, DNA binding motif, nuclear localization signal (NLS) and transcription factor immunoglobulin - like fold (TIG) similar to their invertebrate and vertebrate counterparts. Tissue specific analysis results showed that both AbLITAF and AbRel/NF-kB mRNA was expressed ubiquitously in all selected tissues in constitutive manner. However, constitutive expression of AbLITAF was higher than AbRel/NF-kB in all tissues except mantle. Upon immune challenge by bacteria (Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahemolyticus and Lysteria monocytogenes) and viral hemoragic septicemia virus (VHSV), AbLITAF showed the significant up-regulation in gills while AbRel/NF-kB transcription was not change significantly. Based on transcriptional response against immune challenge, we could suggest that regulation of TNF-alpha expression may have occurred mainly by LITAF activation rather than NF-kB in disk abalone. The cumulative data from other molluscs and our data with reference to TNF-alpha, LITAF and Rel/NF-kB from disk abalone provide strong evidence that LITAF and NF-kB are independent pathways likely to occur throughout the Phylum mollusca. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Molecular cloning, characterization, tissue distribution and mRNA expression changes during the hibernation and reproductive periods of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) in Chinese alligator, Alligator sinensis.

PubMed

Zhang, Ruidong; Hu, Yuehong; Wang, Huan; Yan, Peng; Zhou, Yongkang; Wu, Rong; Wu, Xiaobing

2016-10-01

Chinese alligator, Alligator sinensis, is a critically endangered reptile species unique to China. Little is known about the mechanism of growth- and reproduction-related hormones gene expression in Chinese alligator. Estrogens play important roles in regulating multiple reproduction- and non-reproduction-related functions by binding to their corresponding receptors. Here, the full-length cDNA of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα/ESR1) was cloned and sequenced from Chinese alligator for the first time, which comprises 1764bp nucleotides and encodes a predicted protein of 587 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis of ESR1 showed that crocodilians and turtles were the sister-group of birds. The results of real-time quantitative PCR indicated that the ESR1 mRNA was widely expressed in the brain and peripheral tissues. In the brain and pituitary gland, ESR1 was most highly transcribed in the cerebellum. But in other peripheral tissues, ESR1 mRNA expression level was the highest in the ovary. Compared with hibernation period, ESR1 mRNA expression levels were increased significantly in the reproductive period (P<0.05) in cerebellum, pituitary gland, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and ovary, while no significant change in other examined tissues (P>0.05). The ESR1 mRNA expression levels changes during the two periods of different tissues suggested that ESR1 might play an important role in mediation of estrogenic multiple reproductive effects in Chinese alligator. Furthermore, it was the first time to quantify ESR1 mRNA level in the brain of crocodilians, and the distribution and expression of ESR1 mRNA in the midbrain, cerebellum and medulla oblongata was also reported for the first time in reptiles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Molecular-biological analysis of the effect of methamphetamine on the heart in restrained mice.

PubMed

Shinone, Kotaro; Tomita, Masafumi; Inoue, Hiromasa; Nakagawa, Yasuhisa; Ikemura, Mayumi; Nata, Masayuki

2010-03-01

In order to investigate the interaction in the heart between the administration of methamphetamine (MAP) and restraint of the body following it, we administrated MAP intraperitoneally to mice and restrained them, and then determined the level of mRNA expression of 22 genes in the heart using quantitative RT-PCR method. The mRNA expressions of Nfkbiz, Nr4a1 and Dusp1 changed significantly after the administration of MAP, suggesting the induction of an inflammatory condition such as damage to the myocardium. Moreover, the serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-6 were significantly increased by the administration of MAP. On the other hand, the mRNA expressions of Rgs2 and Rasd1 were changed by both the administration of MAP and body restraint without interaction, which indicated that these insults affected the circulatory system additively or synergistically. From these results, it is likely that the administration of MAP, followed by body restraint, might cause acute myocardial damage due to the direct myocardial toxic effect of MAP, myocardial hypoxia and/or severe hypertension, which is one of the mechanisms for sudden death in MAP abusers who were restrained due to their excited state. (c) 2010. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Low-dose oral rapamycin treatment reduces fibrogenesis, improves liver function, and prolongs survival in rats with established liver cirrhosis.

PubMed

Neef, Markus; Ledermann, Monika; Saegesser, Hans; Schneider, Vreni; Reichen, Juerg

2006-12-01

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling is central in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the key source of extracellular matrix (ECM) in fibrotic liver. We tested the therapeutic potential of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin in advanced cirrhosis. Cirrhosis was induced by bile duct-ligation (BDL) or thioacetamide injections (TAA). Rats received oral rapamycin (0.5 mg/kg/day) for either 14 or 28 days. Untreated BDL and TAA-rats served as controls. Liver function was quantified by aminopyrine breath test. ECM and ECM-producing cells were quantified by morphometry. MMP-2 activity was measured by zymography. mRNA expression of procollagen-alpha1, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and beta2 was quantified by RT-PCR. Fourteen days of rapamycin improved liver function. Accumulation of ECM was decreased together with numbers of activated HSCs and MMP-2 activity in both animal models. TGF-beta1 mRNA was downregulated in TAA, TGF-beta2 mRNA was downregulated in BDL. 28 days of rapamycin treatment entailed a survival advantage of long-term treated BDL-rats. Low-dose rapamycin treatment is effectively antifibrotic and attenuates disease progression in advanced fibrosis. Our results warrant the clinical evaluation of rapamycin as an antifibrotic drug.

Neurosteroid hydroxylase CYP7B: vivid reporter activity in dentate gyrus of gene-targeted mice and abolition of a widespread pathway of steroid and oxysterol hydroxylation.

PubMed

Rose, K; Allan, A; Gauldie, S; Stapleton, G; Dobbie, L; Dott, K; Martin, C; Wang, L; Hedlund, E; Seckl, J R; Gustafsson, J A; Lathe, R

2001-06-29

The major adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) enhances memory and immune function but has no known dedicated receptor; local metabolism may govern its activity. We described a cytochrome P450 expressed in brain and other tissues, CYP7B, that catalyzes the 7alpha-hydroxylation of oxysterols and 3beta-hydroxysteroids including DHEA. We report here that CYP7B mRNA and 7alpha-hydroxylation activity are widespread in rat tissues. However, steroids related to DHEA are reported to be modified at positions other than 7alpha, exemplified by prominent 6alpha-hydroxylation of 5alpha-androstane-3beta,17beta-diol (A/anediol) in some rodent tissues including brain. To determine whether CYP7B is responsible for these and other activities we disrupted the mouse Cyp7b gene by targeted insertion of an IRES-lacZ reporter cassette, placing reporter enzyme activity (beta-galactosidase) under Cyp7b promoter control. In heterozygous mouse brain, chromogenic detection of reporter activity was strikingly restricted to the dentate gyrus. Staining did not exactly reproduce the in situ hybridization expression pattern; post-transcriptional control is inferred. Lower level staining was detected in cerebellum, liver, and kidney, and which largely paralleled mRNA distribution. Liver and kidney expression was sexually dimorphic. Mice homozygous for the insertion are viable and superficially normal, but ex vivo metabolism of DHEA to 7alpha-hydroxy-DHEA was abolished in brain, spleen, thymus, heart, lung, prostate, uterus, and mammary gland; lower abundance metabolites were also eliminated. 7alpha-Hydroxylation of 25-hydroxycholesterol and related substrates was also abolished, as was presumed 6alpha-hydroxylation of A/anediol. These different enzyme activities therefore derive from the Cyp7b gene. CYP7B is thus a major extrahepatic steroid and oxysterol hydroxylase and provides the predominant route for local metabolism of DHEA and related molecules in brain and other tissues.

Site-specific creation of uridine from cytidine in apolipoprotein B mRNA editing.

PubMed Central

Hodges, P E; Navaratnam, N; Greeve, J C; Scott, J

1991-01-01

Human apolipoprotein (apo) B mRNA is edited in a tissue specific reaction, to convert glutamine codon 2153 (CAA) to a stop translation codon. The RNA editing product templates and hybridises as uridine, but the chemical nature of this reaction and the physical identity of the product are unknown. After editing in vitro of [32P] labelled RNA, we are able to demonstrate the production of uridine from cytidine; [alpha 32P] cytidine triphosphate incorporated into RNA gave rise to [32P] uridine monophosphate after editing in vitro, hydrolysis with nuclease P1 and thin layer chromatography using two separation systems. By cleaving the RNA into ribonuclease T1 fragments, we show that uridine is produced only at the authentic editing site and is produced in quantities that parallel an independent primer extension assay for editing. We conclude that apo B mRNA editing specifically creates a uridine from a cytidine. These observations are inconsistent with the incorporation of a uridine nucleotide by any polymerase, which would replace the alpha-phosphate and so rule out a model of endonucleolytic excision and repair as the mechanism for the production of uridine. Although transamination and transglycosylation remain to be formally excluded as reaction mechanisms our results argue strongly in favour of the apo B mRNA editing enzyme as a site-specific cytidine deaminase. Images PMID:2030940

Gene activity during germination of spores of the fern, Onoclea sensibilis. Cell-free translation analysis of mRNA of spores and the effect of alpha-amanitin on spore germination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raghavan, V.

1992-01-01

Poly(A)-RNA fractions of dormant, dark-imbibed (non-germinating) and photoinduced (germinating) spores of Onoclea sensibilis were poor templates in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate protein synthesizing system, but the translational efficiency of poly(A)+RNA was considerably higher than that of unfractionated RNA. Poly(A)+RNA isolated from photoinduced spores had a consistently higher translational efficiency than poly(A)+RNA from dark-imbibed spores. Analysis of the translation products by one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed no qualitative differences in the mRNA populations of dormant, dark-imbibed, and photoinduced spores. However, poly(A)+RNA from dark-imbibed spores appeared to encode in vitro fewer detectable polypeptides at a reduced intensity than photoinduced spores. A DNA clone encoding the large subunit of maize ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase hybridized at strong to moderate intensity to RNA isolated from dark-imbibed spores, indicating the absence of mRNA degradation. Although alpha-amanitin did not inhibit the germination of spores, the drug prevented the elongation of the rhizoid and protonemal initial with a concomitant effect on the synthesis of poly(A)+RNA. These results are consistent with the view that some form of translational control involving stored mRNA operates during dark-imbibition and photoinduced germination of spores.

Suppression of osteoblastic phenotypes and modulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic features in normal human osteoblastic cells under a vector-averaged gravity condition.

PubMed

Nakamura, Hiroshi; Kumei, Yasuhiro; Morita, Sadao; Shimokawa, Hitoyata; Ohya, Keiichi; Shinomiya, Kenichi

2003-06-01

Spaceflight and bed rest induce loss of bone mass. A number of in vivo and in vitro studies have been conducted to clarify the mechanisms, however, the results have been conflicting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gravity unloading on proliferation, phenotypes, and apoptosis of normal human osteoblastic cells in the presence of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. We used a vector-averaged gravity condition generated by clinostat rotation to simulate gravity unloading. Clinostat rotation did not affect the cell proliferation. On the first day, the mRNA levels for osteocalcin, ALP, CBFA1, VDR, RANKL, and OPG were reduced by clinostat rotation to 21%, 65%, 62%, 52%, 43%, and 54% of control, respectively. ALP activity was decreased to 75% of control. On the second day, the mRNA levels for osteocalcin and RANKL were reduced to 77% and 61% of control, respectively. The decreased VDR mRNA level might be responsible for the reduction for mRNA levels for osteocalcin, RANKL, and OPG. Clinostat rotation increased the pro-apoptotic index (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio) but did not induce apoptosis due to the simultaneous upregulation of the anti-apoptotic XIAP. Reduction of osteoblast responsiveness to 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 might be involved in osteopenia that is induced by gravity unloading.

Alpha-lipoic acid impairs body weight gain of young broiler chicks via modulating peripheral AMPK.

PubMed

Wang, Yufeng; Everaert, Nadia; Song, Zhigang; Decuypere, Eddy; Vermeulen, Daniel; Buyse, Johan

2017-09-01

In mammals, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways in the central and peripheral tissues coordinately integrate inputs from multiple sources to regulate energy balance. The present study was aimed to explore the potential role of hepatic AMPK in the energy homeostasis of broiler chickens. Diets with 0, 0.05% or 0.1% alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA), a known AMPK inhibitor were provided to broiler chicks for 7days. As a result, α-LA supplementation decreased the relative growth rate of broiler chicks. Hepatic AMPKα2 mRNA levels were significantly upregulated by dietary α-LA, in concert with the increased phosphorylated AMPKα protein levels. In addition, hepatic FAS mRNA levels together with the malonyl-CoA to total CoA ester ratio were reduced by α-LA supplementation. Moreover, the hepatic phosphorylated glycogen synthase levels were increased resulting in a markedly decreased hepatic glycogen content. In conclusion, dietary α-LA supplementation decreased the in vivo hepatic glycogenesis and lipogenesis via stimulating hepatic AMPKα mRNA levels and the phosphorylated gene product. The stimulatory effect of α-LA on hepatic AMPK mRNA and pAMPKα protein levels together with our previous observations regarding its inhibitory effect on hypothalamic AMPK may have altered the energy balance and hence impaired body weight gain of broiler chicks. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Constitutive Activation of the G-Protein Subunit G[alpha]s within Forebrain Neurons Causes PKA-Dependent Alterations in Fear Conditioning and Cortical "Arc" mRNA Expression

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Michele P.; Cheung, York-Fong; Favilla, Christopher; Siegel, Steven J.; Kanes, Stephen J.; Houslay, Miles D.; Abel, Ted

2008-01-01

Memory formation requires cAMP signaling; thus, this cascade has been of great interest in the search for cognitive enhancers. Given that medications are administered long-term, we determined the effects of chronically increasing cAMP synthesis in the brain by expressing a constitutively active isoform of the G-protein subunit G[alpha]s…

Regulation of mammary gland sensitivity to thyroid hormones during the transition from pregnancy to lactation.

PubMed

Capuco, A V; Connor, E E; Wood, D L

2008-10-01

Thyroid hormones are galactopoietic and help to establish the mammary gland's metabolic priority during lactation. Expression patterns for genes that can alter tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormones and thyroid hormone activity were evaluated in the mammary gland and liver of cows at 53, 35, 20, and 7 days before expected parturition, and 14 and 90 days into the subsequent lactation. Transcript abundance for the three isoforms of iodothyronine deiodinase, type I (DIO1), type II (DIO2) and type III (DIO3), thyroid hormone receptors alpha1 (TRalpha1), alpha2 (TRalpha2) and beta1 (TRbeta1), and retinoic acid receptors alpha (RXRalpha) and gamma (RXRgamma), which act as coregulators of thyroid hormone receptor action, were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. The DIO3 is a 5-deiodinase that produces inactive iodothyronine metabolites, whereas DIO1 and DIO2 generate the active thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine, from the relatively inactive precursor, thyroxine. Low copy numbers of DIO3 transcripts were present in mammary gland and liver. DIO2 was the predominant isoform expressed in mammary gland and DIO1 was the predominant isoform expressed in liver. Quantity of DIO1 mRNA in liver tissues did not differ with physiological state, but tended to be lowest during lactation. Quantity of DIO2 mRNA in mammary gland increased during lactation (P < 0.05), with copy numbers at 90 days of lactation 6-fold greater than at 35 and 20 days prepartum. When ratios of DIO2/DIO3 mRNA were evaluated, the increase was more pronounced (>100-fold). Quantity of TRbeta1 mRNA in mammary gland increased with onset of lactation, whereas TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 transcripts did not vary with physiological state. Conversely, quantity of RXRalpha mRNA decreased during late gestation to low levels during early lactation. Data suggest that increased expression of mammary TRbeta1 and DIO2, and decreased RXRalpha, provide a mechanism to increase thyroid hormone activity within the mammary gland during lactation.

Identification of the collagen type 1 alpha 1 gene (COL1A1) as a candidate survival-related factor associated with hepatocellular carcinoma

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related death especially among Asian and African populations. It is urgent that we identify carcinogenesis-related genes to establish an innovative treatment strategy for this disease. Methods Triple-combination array analysis was performed using one pair each of HCC and noncancerous liver samples from a 68-year-old woman. This analysis consists of expression array, single nucleotide polymorphism array and methylation array. The gene encoding collagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) was identified and verified using HCC cell lines and 48 tissues from patients with primary HCC. Results Expression array revealed that COL1A1 gene expression was markedly decreased in tumor tissues (log2 ratio –1.1). The single nucleotide polymorphism array showed no chromosomal deletion in the locus of COL1A1. Importantly, the methylation value in the tumor tissue was higher (0.557) than that of the adjacent liver tissue (0.008). We verified that expression of this gene was suppressed by promoter methylation. Reactivation of COL1A1 expression by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment was seen in HCC cell lines, and sequence analysis identified methylated CpG sites in the COL1A1 promoter region. Among 48 pairs of surgical specimens, 13 (27.1%) showed decreased COL1A1 mRNA expression in tumor sites. Among these 13 cases, 10 had promoter methylation at the tumor site. The log-rank test indicated that mRNA down-regulated tumors were significantly correlated with a poor overall survival rate (P = 0.013). Conclusions Triple-combination array analysis successfully identified COL1A1 as a candidate survival-related gene in HCCs. Epigenetic down-regulation of COL1A1 mRNA expression might have a role as a prognostic biomarker of HCC. PMID:24552139

Expression of putative sex-determining genes during the thermosensitive period of gonad development in the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina.

PubMed

Rhen, T; Metzger, K; Schroeder, A; Woodward, R

2007-01-01

Modes of sex determination are quite variable in vertebrates. The developmental decision to form a testis or an ovary can be influenced by one gene, several genes, environmental variables, or a combination of these factors. Nevertheless, certain morphogenetic aspects of sex determination appear to be conserved in amniotes. Here we clone fragments of nine candidate sex-determining genes from the snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina, a species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). We then analyze expression of these genes during the thermosensitive period of gonad development. In particular, we compare gene expression profiles in gonads from embryos incubated at a male-producing temperature to those from embryos at a female-producing temperature. Expression of Dmrt1 and Sox9 mRNA increased gradually at the male-producing temperature, but was suppressed at the female-producing temperature. This finding suggests that Dmrt1 and Sox9 play a role in testis development. In contrast, expression of aromatase, androgen receptor (Ar), and Foxl2 mRNA was constant at the male-producing temperature, but increased several-fold in embryos at the female-producing temperature. Aromatase, Ar, and Foxl2 may therefore play a role in ovary development. In addition, there was a small temperature effect on ER alpha expression with lower mRNA levels found in embryos at the female-producing temperature. Finally, Dax1, Fgf9, and SF-1 were not differentially expressed during the sex-determining period, suggesting these genes are not involved in sex determination in the snapping turtle. Comparison of gene expression profiles among amniotes indicates that Dmrt1 and Sox9 are part of a core testis-determining pathway and that Ar, aromatase, ER alpha, and Foxl2 are part of a core ovary-determining pathway. 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

The effects of dietary betaine supplementation on fatty liver performance, serum parameters, histological changes, methylation status and the mRNA expression level of Spot14alpha in Landes goose fatty liver.

PubMed

Su, S Y; Dodson, M V; Li, X B; Li, Q F; Wang, H W; Xie, Z

2009-11-01

We evaluated the effects of betaine supplementation on liver weight, liver/body weight, serum parameters and morphological changes. Compared with the control and overfed groups, the geese that were fed the betaine diet showed increased liver weight and decreased abdominal adipose tissue weight compared with the overfeeding groups. Betaine treatment also significantly increased ChE, HDL, LDH and ALT levels (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Decreased macrovesicular steatosis and increased microvesicular steatosis were observed in the betaine-treated group, and the lipid was well-distributed in the betaine supplement group. The expression of S14alpha mRNA in the livers of the betaine-treated geese was higher than that in the control or the overfed geese. We performed sodium bisulfite sequencing of the individual alleles of this region (between +374 and -8 base pairs relative to the transcription start site), containing 33 CpG dinucleotides. In the overfed group expressing higher S14alpha transcripts, the average methylation at the 33 CpGs sites was 87.9%. This contrasted with 69.6% in the control group that showed lower expression of the S14alpha gene (P<0.01). However, no significant change in methylation in the transcription start site was found between the betaine-treated geese (82.6%) and the overfed geese (87.9%). These results indicate that the DNA methylation pattern in the S14alpha gene transcription start site may not be related to the expression of S14alpha transcript in response to betaine supplementation.

Persistent short-term memory defects following sleep deprivation in a drosophila model of Parkinson disease.

PubMed

Seugnet, Laurent; Galvin, James E; Suzuki, Yasuko; Gottschalk, Laura; Shaw, Paul J

2009-08-01

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States. It is associated with motor deficits, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment. The pathology associated with PD and the effects of sleep deprivation impinge, in part, upon common molecular pathways suggesting that sleep loss may be particularly deleterious to the degenerating brain. Thus we investigated the long-term consequences of sleep deprivation on shortterm memory using a Drosophila model of Parkinson disease. Transgenic strains of Drosophila melanogaster. Using the GAL4-UAS system, human alpha-synuclein was expressed throughout the nervous system of adult flies. Alpha-synuclein expressing flies (alpha S flies) and the corresponding genetic background controls were sleep deprived for 12 h at age 16 days and allowed to recover undisturbed for at least 3 days. Short-term memory was evaluated using aversive phototaxis suppression. Dopaminergic systems were assessed using mRNA profiling and immunohistochemistry. MEASURMENTS AND RESULTS: When sleep deprived at an intermediate stage of the pathology, alpha S flies showed persistent short-term memory deficits that lasted > or = 3 days. Cognitive deficits were not observed in younger alpha S flies nor in genetic background controls. Long-term impairments were not associated with accelerated loss of dopaminergic neurons. However mRNA expression of the dopamine receptors dDA1 and DAMB were significantly increased in sleep deprived alpha S flies. Blocking D1-like receptors during sleep deprivation prevented persistent shortterm memory deficits. Importantly, feeding flies the polyphenolic compound curcumin blocked long-term learning deficits. These data emphasize the importance of sleep in a degenerating/reorganizing brain and shows that pathological processes induced by sleep deprivation can be dissected at the molecular and cellular level using Drosophila genetics.

Salacia oblonga root improves postprandial hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis in Zucker diabetic fatty rats: Activation of PPAR-{alpha}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsun-Wei Huang, Tom; Peng Gang; Qian Li, George

Salacia oblonga (SO) root is an Ayurvedic medicine with anti-diabetic and anti-obese properties. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-{alpha}, a nuclear receptor, plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of lipid metabolism. Here, we demonstrate that chronic oral administration of the water extract from the root of SO to Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, a genetic model of type 2 diabetes and obesity, lowered plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol (TC) levels, increased plasma high-density lipoprotein levels and reduced the liver contents of triglyceride, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and the ratio of fatty droplets to total tissue. By contrast, the extract hadmore » no effect on plasma triglyceride and TC levels in fasted ZDF rats. After olive oil administration to ZDF the extract also inhibited the increase in plasma triglyceride levels. These results suggest that SO extract improves postprandial hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis in ZDF rats. Additionally, SO treatment enhanced hepatic expression of PPAR-{alpha} mRNA and protein, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 and acyl-CoA oxidase mRNAs in ZDF rats. In vitro, SO extract and its main component mangiferin activated PPAR-{alpha} luciferase activity in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and lipoprotein lipase mRNA expression and enzyme activity in THP-1 differentiated macrophages; these effects were completely suppressed by a selective PPAR-{alpha} antagonist MK-886. The findings from both in vivo and in vitro suggest that SO extract functions as a PPAR-{alpha} activator, providing a potential mechanism for improvement of postprandial hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis in diabetes and obesity.« less

Evidence that N-acetylcysteine inhibits TNF-alpha-induced cerebrovascular endothelin-1 upregulation via inhibition of mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase.

PubMed

Sury, Matthias D; Frese-Schaper, Manuela; Mühlemann, Miranda K; Schulthess, Fabienne T; Blasig, Ingolf E; Täuber, Martin G; Shaw, Sidney G; Christen, Stephan

2006-11-01

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is neuroprotective in animal models of acute brain injury such as caused by bacterial meningitis. However, the mechanism(s) by which NAC exerts neuroprotection is unclear. Gene expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1), which contributes to cerebral blood flow decline in acute brain injury, is partially regulated by reactive oxygen species, and thus a potential target of NAC. We therefore examined the effect of NAC on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced ET-1 production in cerebrovascular endothelial cells. NAC dose dependently inhibited TNF-alpha-induced preproET-1 mRNA upregulation and ET-1 protein secretion, while upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was unaffected. Intriguingly, NAC had no effect on the initial activation (i.e., IkappaB degradation, nuclear p65 translocation, and Ser536 phosphorylation) of NF-kappaB by TNF-alpha. However, transient inhibition of NF-kappaB DNA binding suggested that NAC may inhibit ET-1 upregulation by inhibiting (a) parallel pathway(s) necessary for full transcriptional activation of NF-kappaB-mediated ET-1 gene expression. Similar to NAC, the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126, the p38 inhibitor SB203580, and the protein kinase inhibitor H-89 selectively inhibited ET-1 upregulation without affecting nuclear p65 translocation, suggesting that NAC inhibits ET-1 upregulation via inhibition of mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase (MSK). Supporting this notion, cotreatment with NAC inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced rise in MSK1 and MSK2 kinase activity, while siRNA knock-down experiments showed that MSK2 is the predominant isoform involved in TNF-alpha-induced ET-1 upregulation.

Corn silk extract improves cholesterol metabolism in C57BL/6J mouse fed high-fat diets.

PubMed

Cha, Jae Hoon; Kim, Sun Rim; Kang, Hyun Joong; Kim, Myung Hwan; Ha, Ae Wha; Kim, Woo Kyoung

2016-10-01

Corn silk (CS) extract contains large amounts of maysin, which is a major flavonoid in CS. However, studies regarding the effect of CS extract on cholesterol metabolism is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of CS extract on cholesterol metabolism in C57BL/6J mouse fed high-fat diets. Normal-fat group fed 7% fat diet, high-fat (HF) group fed 25% fat diet, and high-fat with corn silk (HFCS) group were orally administered CS extract (100 mg/kg body weight) daily. Serum and hepatic levels of total lipids, triglycerides, and total cholesterol as well as serum free fatty acid, glucose, and insulin levels were determined. The mRNA expression levels of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT), cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), low-density lipoprotein receptor, 3-hyroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), adiponectin, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor α were determined. Oral administration of CS extract with HF improved serum glucose and insulin levels as well as attenuated HF-induced fatty liver. CS extracts significantly elevated mRNA expression levels of adipocytokines and reduced mRNA expression levels of HMG-CoA reductase, ACAT, and FXR. The mRNA expression levels of CYP7A1 and LCAT between the HF group and HFCS group were not statistically different. CS extract supplementation with a high-fat diet improves levels of adipocytokine secretion and glucose homeostasis. CS extract is also effective in decreasing the regulatory pool of hepatic cholesterol, in line with decreased blood and hepatic levels of cholesterol though modulation of mRNA expression levels of HMG-CoA reductase, ACAT, and FXR.

Immune-stimulatory effects of a bacteria-based probiotic on peripheral leukocyte subpopulations and cytokine mRNA expression levels in scouring holstein calves.

PubMed

Qadis, Abdul Qadir; Goya, Satoru; Yatsu, Minoru; Kimura, Atsushi; Ichijo, Toshihiro; Sato, Shigeru

2014-05-01

Subpopulations of peripheral leukocytes and cytokine mRNA expression levels were evaluated in scouring and healthy Holstein calves (age 10 ± 5 days; n=42) treated with a probiotic consisting of Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium and Clostridium butyricum. The calves were assigned to the scouring or healthy group and then subdivided into pathogen-positive treated (n=8), pathogen-positive control (n=8), pathogen-negative treated (n=6), pathogen-negative control (n=6), healthy treated (n=6) and healthy control (n=8) groups. A single dose of the probiotic (3.0 g/100 kg body weight) was given to each calf in the treatment groups for 5 days. Blood samples were collected on the first day of scour occurrence (day 0) and on day 7. In the scouring calves, smaller peripheral leukocyte subpopulations and cytokine mRNA expression levels were noted on day 0. The numbers of CD3(+) T cells; CD4(+), CD8(+) and WC1(+) γδ T cell subsets; and CD14(+), CD21(+) and CD282(+) (TLR2) cells were significantly increased in the scouring and healthy treated calves on day 7. Furthermore, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma mRNA expression was elevated in the peripheral leukocytes of the scouring and healthy treated calves on day 7. The scouring calves given the probiotic recovered on day 7. A significantly smaller number of peripheral leukocytes and lower cytokine mRNA expression level might be induced by scouring in calves. Repeated probiotic administration might stimulate cellular immunity and encourage recovery from scouring in pre-weaning Holstein calves.

Immune-Stimulatory Effects of a Bacteria-Based Probiotic on Peripheral Leukocyte Subpopulations and Cytokine mRNA Expression Levels in Scouring Holstein Calves

PubMed Central

QADIS, Abdul Qadir; GOYA, Satoru; YATSU, Minoru; KIMURA, Atsushi; ICHIJO, Toshihiro; SATO, Shigeru

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Subpopulations of peripheral leukocytes and cytokine mRNA expression levels were evaluated in scouring and healthy Holstein calves (age 10 ± 5 days; n=42) treated with a probiotic consisting of Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium and Clostridium butyricum. The calves were assigned to the scouring or healthy group and then subdivided into pathogen-positive treated (n=8), pathogen-positive control (n=8), pathogen-negative treated (n=6), pathogen-negative control (n=6), healthy treated (n=6) and healthy control (n=8) groups. A single dose of the probiotic (3.0 g/100 kg body weight) was given to each calf in the treatment groups for 5 days. Blood samples were collected on the first day of scour occurrence (day 0) and on day 7. In the scouring calves, smaller peripheral leukocyte subpopulations and cytokine mRNA expression levels were noted on day 0. The numbers of CD3+ T cells; CD4+, CD8+ and WC1+ γδ T cell subsets; and CD14+, CD21+ and CD282+ (TLR2) cells were significantly increased in the scouring and healthy treated calves on day 7. Furthermore, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma mRNA expression was elevated in the peripheral leukocytes of the scouring and healthy treated calves on day 7. The scouring calves given the probiotic recovered on day 7. A significantly smaller number of peripheral leukocytes and lower cytokine mRNA expression level might be induced by scouring in calves. Repeated probiotic administration might stimulate cellular immunity and encourage recovery from scouring in pre-weaning Holstein calves. PMID:24451928

Effects of traditional chinese medicine on endotoxin and its receptors in rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

PubMed

Gao, Yuan; Song, Lin-Xuan; Jiang, Miao-Na; Ge, Guang-Yan; Jia, Yu-Jie

2008-04-01

The aim of this research is to study the effects of traditional Chinese medicine on endotoxin and its receptors in rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Fifty-six SD rats were divided into seven groups. All the animals were fed high fatty diet for 12 weeks. Rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were treated with traditional Chinese medicine according to low-dose, middle-dose, high-dose and Lipitor from fifth week. All rats were killed at the end of 12th week. The liver pathology changes were observed under light microscope. The levels of serum lipoid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), endotoxin (ET), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukine-1beta (IL-1beta) were determined. The expressions of CD14 and nuclear transcriptional factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) were observed by immunohistochemistry. The expressions of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), myeloid differentiation-2 (MD-2) and induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA were detected by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The levels of serum endotoxin in the middle dose group (0.0225 +/- 0.0112 EU/l) were lower than those in high fatty diet model group (0.2249 +/- 0.0982 EU/l) at 12th week, the difference was significant (P < 0.01). In the middle dose group, mean values of serum TNF-alpha and IL-1beta levels decreased dramatically (1.604 +/- 0.302 ng/ml and 0.052 +/- 0.024 ng/ml) compared with those in the high fatty diet model group (4.029 +/- 1.180 ng/ml and 14.944 +/- 0.491 ng/ml; P < 0.01 and P < 0.01). The expressions of CD14 and NF-kappaB in the middle dose group decreased compared with those in the high fatty diet model group. The expressions of LBP mRNA (0.284 +/- 0.105) and TLR-4 mRNA (0.290 +/- 0.123) in the middle dose group down regulated compared with those in the high fatty diet model group (1.060 +/- 0.158 and 1.261 +/- 0.368; P < 0.01 and P < 0.01). In the middle dose group MD-2 and iNOS gene expressions were 0.132 +/- 0.058 and 0.164 +/- 0.061, respectively, which were significantly lower compared with the high fatty diet model group (0.795 +/- 0.294 and 1.029 +/- 0.388; P < 0.01 and P < 0.01). The mechanism of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) maybe related to increasing the levels of serum endotoxin, upregulating endotoxin receptors of hepatic tissue and enhancing liver inflammatory injury. Traditional Chinese medicine is a good treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It can produce a marked effect via relieving LPS-induced liver injury.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Mechanism of Tangeretin in Activated Microglia.

PubMed

Lee, Yu Young; Lee, Eun-Jung; Park, Jin-Sun; Jang, Se-Eun; Kim, Dong-Hyun; Kim, Hee-Sun

2016-06-01

Tangeretin, a flavonoid from citrus fruit peels, has been proven to play an important role in anti-inflammatory responses and neuroprotective effects in several disease models, but further study is necessary for elucidating the detailed mechanisms of these effects. In this study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effect of tangeretin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia. We first observed that tangeretin inhibited LPS-induced production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, as well as LPS-induced mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases and cytokines. Additionally, we found that the activities, mRNA levels, and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-8 were inhibited, while the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 was enhanced by tangeretin in LPS-stimulated microglia. Further mechanistic study showed that tangeretin suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and Akt. Also, tangeretin inhibited nuclear factor-κB by upregulating sirtuin 1 and 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. We further demonstrated the antioxidant effect of tangeretin by showing that tangeretin inhibited reactive oxygen species production and p47(phox) phosphorylation, while enhancing the expression of heme oxygenase-1 and the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 to the antioxidant response element in LPS-stimulated microglia. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrate that tangeretin possesses a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect in microglia.

A pro-inflammatory role of deubiquitinating enzyme cylindromatosis (CYLD) in vascular smooth muscle cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Shuai; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29208; Lv, Jiaju

2012-03-30

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cyld deficiency suppresses pro-inflammatory phenotypic switch of VSMCs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cyld deficiency inhibits MAPK rather than NF-kB activity in inflamed VSMCs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer CYLD is up-regulated in the coronary artery with neointimal hyperplasia. -- Abstract: CYLD, a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), is a critical regulator of diverse cellular processes, ranging from proliferation and differentiation to inflammatory responses, via regulating multiple key signaling cascades such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-{kappa}B) pathway. CYLD has been shown to inhibit vascular lesion formation presumably through suppressing NF-{kappa}B activity in vascular cells. However, herein we report a novel role of CYLD in mediating pro-inflammatory responsesmore » in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via a mechanism independent of NF-{kappa}B activity. Adenoviral knockdown of Cyld inhibited basal and the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF{alpha})-induced mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (Mcp-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (Icam-1) and interleukin-6 (Il-6) in rat adult aortic SMCs (RASMCs). The CYLD deficiency led to increases in the basal NF-{kappa}B transcriptional activity in RASMCs; however, did not affect the TNF{alpha}-induced NF-{kappa}B activity. Intriguingly, the TNF{alpha}-induced I{kappa}B phosphorylation was enhanced in the CYLD deficient RASMCs. While knocking down of Cyld decreased slightly the basal expression levels of I{kappa}B{alpha} and I{kappa}B{beta} proteins, it did not alter the kinetics of TNF{alpha}-induced I{kappa}B protein degradation in RASMCs. These results indicate that CYLD suppresses the basal NF-{kappa}B activity and TNF{alpha}-induced I{kappa}B kinase activation without affecting TNF{alpha}-induced NF-{kappa}B activity in VSMCs. In addition, knocking down of Cyld suppressed TNF{alpha}-induced activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including extracellular signal-activated kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 in RASMCs. TNF{alpha}-induced RASMC migration and monocyte adhesion to RASMCs were inhibited by the Cyld knockdown. Finally, immunochemical staining revealed a dramatic augment of CYLD expression in the injured coronary artery with neointimal hyperplasia. Taken together, our results uncover an unexpected role of CYLD in promoting inflammatory responses in VSMCs via a mechanism involving MAPK activation but independent of NF-{kappa}B activity, contributing to the pathogenesis of vascular disease.« less

Myocardium expression of connexin 43, SERCA2a, and myosin heavy chain isoforms are preserved in nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia rat model.

PubMed

Baptista, Maria João; Recamán, Mónica; Melo-Rocha, Gustavo; Nogueira-Silva, Cristina; Roriz, José-Mário; Soares-Fernandes, João; Gonzaga, Silvia; Santos, Marta; Leite-Moreira, Adelino; Areias, José Carlos; Correia-Pinto, Jorge

2006-09-01

Previous morphological studies had produced controversial results with regard to heart development in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), whereas a few publications investigated cardiac function and myocardial maturation. Myocardium maturation is associated with age-dependent increasing of gene expression of gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43), adenosine triphosphatase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SERCA2a), as well as switching of myosin heavy chains (MHCs) from beta to alpha isoforms. Our aim was to evaluate myocardium maturity in nitrofen-induced CDH rat model. Fetuses from dated pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 3 experimental groups: control, nitrofen (exposed to nitrofen, without CDH), and CDH (exposed to nitrofen, with CDH). Myocardial samples collected from left ventricle free wall were processed to (i) quantification of messenger RNA (mRNA) of Cx43, SERCA2a, alpha and beta MHC isoforms, as well as beta-actin (housekeeping gene); and (ii) separation of MHC isoforms (alpha and beta isoforms) by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis silver stained. We demonstrated that there is no difference in myocardial gene expression of Cx43 (control, 1.0 +/- 0.1; nitrofen, 1.1 +/- 0.2; CDH, 1.3 +/- 0.2) and SERCA2a (control, 1.0 +/- 0.1; nitrofen, 0.9 +/- 0.1; CDH, 1.0 +/- 0.2). Myocardial gene expressions of alpha and beta mRNA of MHC isoforms were slightly decreased both in nitrofen and CDH fetuses when compared with control fetuses, but evaluation of the alpha-to-beta ratios of MHC isoforms at protein level revealed no significant differences between CDH and control (control, 16.9 +/- 2.5; CDH, 17.0 +/- 2.0). Myocardial quantification of Cx43 and SERCA2a mRNA, as well as the expression pattern of MHC isoforms at protein levels, was similar in all studied groups. We predict, therefore, that acute heart failure commonly observed in CDH infants might be attributed predominantly to cardiac overload secondary to severe pulmonary hypertension rather than to myocardial immaturity.

The molecular response of bone to growth hormone during skeletal unloading: regional differences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bikle, D. D.; Harris, J.; Halloran, B. P.; Currier, P. A.; Tanner, S.; Morey-Holton, E.

1995-01-01

Hind limb elevation of the growing rat provides a good model for the skeletal changes that occur during space flight. In this model the bones of the forelimbs (normally loaded) are used as an internal control for the changes that occur in the unloaded bones of the hind limbs. Previous studies have shown that skeletal unloading of the hind limbs results in a transient reduction of bone formation in the tibia and femur, with no change in the humerus. This fall in bone formation is accompanied by a fall in serum osteocalcin (bone Gla protein, BGP) and bone BGP messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, but a rise in bone insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) protein and mRNA levels and resistance to the skeletal growth-promoting actions of IGF-I. To determine whether skeletal unloading also induced resistance to GH, we evaluated the response of the femur and humerus of sham and hypophysectomized rats, control and hind limb elevated, to GH (two doses), measuring mRNA levels of IGF-I, BGP, rat bone alkaline phosphatase (RAP), and alpha 1(1)-procollagen (coll). Hypophysectomy (HPX) decreased the mRNA levels of IGF-I, BGP, and coll in the femur, but was either less effective or had the opposite effect in the humerus. GH at the higher dose (500 micrograms/day) restored these mRNA levels to or above the sham control values in the femur, but generally had little or no effect on the humerus. RAP mRNA levels were increased by HPX, especially in the femur. The lower dose of GH (50 micrograms/day) inhibited this rise in RAP, whereas the higher dose raised the mRNA levels and resulted in the appearance of additional transcripts not seen in controls. As for the other mRNAs, RAP mRNA in the humerus was less affected by HPX or GH than that in the femur. Hind limb elevation led to an increase in IGF-I, coll, and RAP mRNAs and a reduction in BGP mRNA in the femur and either had no effect or potentiated the response of these mRNAs to GH. We conclude that GH stimulates a number of markers of bone formation by raising their mRNA levels, and that skeletal unloading does not block this response, but the response varies substantially from bone to bone.

cDNA cloning and characterization of Type I procollagen alpha1 chain in the skate Raja kenojei.

PubMed

Hwang, Jae-Ho; Yokoyama, Yoshihiro; Mizuta, Shoshi; Yoshinaka, Reiji

2006-05-01

A full-length cDNA of the Type I procollagen alpha1 [pro-alpha1(I)] chain (4388 bp), coding for 1463 amino acid residues in the total length, was determined by RACE PCR using a cDNA library constructed from 4-week embryo of the skate Raja kenojei. The helical region of the skate pro-alpha1(I) chain consisted of 1014 amino acid residues - the same as other fibrillar collagen alpha chains from higher vertebrates. Comparison on denaturation temperatures of Type I collagens from the skate, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and rat (Rattus norvegicus) revealed that the number of Gly-Pro-Pro and Gly-Gly in the alpha1(I) chains could be directly related to the thermal stability of the helix. The expression property of the skate pro-alpha1(I) chain mRNA and phylogenetic analysis with other vertebrate pro-alpha1(I) chains suggested that skate pro-alpha1(I) chain could be a precursor form of the skate Type I collagen alpha1 chain. The present study is the first evidence for the primary structure of full-length pro-alpha1(I) chain in an elasmobranch.

Translation and assembly of HLA-DR antigens in Xenopus oocytes injected with mRNA from a human B-cell line.

PubMed Central

Long, E O; Gross, N; Wake, C T; Mach, J P; Carrel, S; Accolla, R; Mach, B

1982-01-01

HLA-DR antigens are polymorphic cell surface glycoproteins, expressed primarily in B lymphocytes and macrophages, which are thought to play an important role in the immune response. Two polypeptide chains, alpha and beta, are associated at the cell surface, and a third chain associates with alpha and beta intracellularly. RNA isolated from the human B-cell line Raji was injected in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Immunoprecipitates of translation products with several monoclonal antibodies revealed the presence of HLA-DR antigens similar to those synthesized in Raji cells. One monoclonal antibody was able to bind the beta chain after dissociation of the three polypeptide chains with detergent. The presence of all three chains was confirmed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The glycosylation pattern of the three chains was identical to that observed in vivo, as evidenced in studies using tunicamycin, an inhibitor of N-linked glycosylation. The presence of alpha chains assembled with beta chains in equimolar ratio was further demonstrated by amino-terminal sequencing. An RNA fraction enriched for the three mRNAs, encoding alpha, beta, and intracellular chains, was isolated. This translation-assembly system and the availability of monoclonal antibodies make it possible to assay for mRNA encoding specific molecules among the multiple human Ia-like antigens. Images Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. Fig. 4. Fig. 5. PMID:6821356

Modulation of Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived superantigen-induced cytokine gene expression by dexamethasone and interleukin-4.

PubMed Central

Mehindate, K; al-Daccak, R; Rink, L; Mecheri, S; Hébert, J; Mourad, W

1994-01-01

Activation of human monocytes or monocytic cell lines with all known stimuli coordinately induces the gene expression of various cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). In contrast, superantigens induce TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta but fail to affect IL-1Ra gene expression, suggesting that activation of monocytes via major histocompatibility complex class II is distinct from other signal transduction pathways. In the present study, we analyzed the regulation of the Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived superantigen (MAM)-induced IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha gene expression by studying the effects of two different anti-inflammatory agents: dexamethasone (DEX) and the T-cell-derived cytokine IL-4. Both agents contributed to the downregulation of MAM-induced IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha gene expression. They accelerated the normal decline of the gene expression of both MAM-induced cytokines by decreasing the stability of mRNAs via the induction or enhanced synthesis of one or more regulatory proteins. In addition, IL-4, but not DEX, induced a strong and rapid expression of IL-1Ra mRNA in MAM-stimulated and unstimulated THP-1 cells in a de novo protein synthesis-independent manner. The capacity of IL-4 to induce IL-1Ra gene expression reinforces its anti-inflammatory activity. This study illustrates some of the mechanisms by which MAM-induced proinflammatory monokine gene expression can be downregulated by IL-4 and DEX. Images PMID:7927746

Cytotoxic potential of lung CD8(+) T cells increases with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity and with in vitro stimulation by IL-18 or IL-15.

PubMed

Freeman, Christine M; Han, MeiLan K; Martinez, Fernando J; Murray, Susan; Liu, Lyrica X; Chensue, Stephen W; Polak, Timothy J; Sonstein, Joanne; Todt, Jill C; Ames, Theresa M; Arenberg, Douglas A; Meldrum, Catherine A; Getty, Christi; McCloskey, Lisa; Curtis, Jeffrey L

2010-06-01

Lung CD8(+) T cells might contribute to progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) indirectly via IFN-gamma production or directly via cytolysis, but evidence for either mechanism is largely circumstantial. To gain insights into these potential mechanisms, we analyzed clinically indicated lung resections from three human cohorts, correlating findings with spirometrically defined disease severity. Expression by lung CD8(+) T cells of IL-18R and CD69 correlated with severity, as did mRNA transcripts for perforin and granzyme B, but not Fas ligand. These correlations persisted after correction for age, smoking history, presence of lung cancer, recent respiratory infection, or inhaled corticosteroid use. Analysis of transcripts for killer cell lectin-like receptor G1, IL-7R, and CD57 implied that lung CD8(+) T cells in COPD do not belong to the terminally differentiated effector populations associated with chronic infections or extreme age. In vitro stimulation of lung CD8(+) T cells with IL-18 plus IL-12 markedly increased production of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, whereas IL-15 stimulation induced increased intracellular perforin expression. Both IL-15 and IL-18 protein expression could be measured in whole lung tissue homogenates, but neither correlated in concentration with spirometric severity. Although lung CD8(+) T cell expression of mRNA for both T-box transcription factor expressed in T cells and GATA-binding protein 3 (but not retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma or alpha) increased with spirometric severity, stimulation of lung CD8(+) T cells via CD3epsilon-induced secretion of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and GM-CSF, but not IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17A. These findings suggest that the production of proinflammatory cytokines and cytotoxic molecules by lung-resident CD8(+) T cells contributes to COPD pathogenesis.

Effects of Varying Degrees of Intermittent Hypoxia on Proinflammatory Cytokines and Adipokines in Rats and 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

PubMed Central

Zhou, Qin; Zhu, Hui; Niu, Wen-yan; Feng, Jing; Wang, Yan; Cao, Jie; Chen, Bao-yuan

2014-01-01

Objectives Intermittent hypoxia (IH), resulted from recurring episodes of upper airway obstruction, is the hallmark feature and the most important pathophysiologic pathway of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). IH is believed to be the most important factor causing systemic inflammation. Studies suggest that insulin resistance (IR) is positively associated with OSA. In this study, we hypothesized that the recurrence of IH might result in cellular and systemic inflammation, which was manifested through the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and adipokines after IH exposure, and because IR is linked with inflammation tightly, this inflammatory situation may implicate an IR status. Methods We developed an IH 3T3-L1 adipocyte and rat model respectively, recapitulating the nocturnal oxygen profile in OSA. In IH cells, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) DNA binding reactions, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1), necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -6, leptin, adiponectin mRNA transcriptional activities and protein expressions were measured. In IH rats, blood glucose, insulin, TNF-α, IL-6, leptin and adiponectin levels were analyzed. Results The insulin and blood glucose levels in rats and NF-κB DNA binding activities in cells had significantly statistical results described as severe IH>moderate IH>mild IH>sustained hypoxia>control. The mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α and Glut-1 in severe IH group were the highest. In cellular and animal models, both the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and leptin were the highest in severe IH group, when the lowest in severe IH group for adiponectin. Conclusions Oxidative stress and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines/adipokines, which are the systemic inflammatory markers, are associated with IH closely and are proportional to the severity of IH. Because IR and glucose intolerance are linked with inflammation tightly, our results may implicate the clinical relationships between OSA and IR. PMID:24466027

Zinc finger protein 267 is up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and promotes tumor cell proliferation and migration.

PubMed

Schnabl, Bernd; Valletta, Daniela; Kirovski, Georgi; Hellerbrand, Claus

2011-12-01

Zinc finger protein 267 (ZNF267) belongs to the family of Kruppel-like transcription factors, which regulates diverse biological processes that include development, proliferation, and differentiation. We have previously demonstrated that ZNF267 mRNA is up-regulated in liver cirrhosis, which is the main risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we analyzed the expression of ZNF267 in human HCC cells and tissue specimens and found a significant up-regulation compared to primary human hepatocytes and corresponding non-tumorous liver tissue. Over-expression of the transcription factor Ets-1 further enhanced ZNF267 expression, and reporter gene assays revealed that mutation of the Ets-1 binding site to the ZNF267 promotor markedly inhibited ZNF267 promotor activity. Hypoxic conditions induced Ets-1 in HCC cells via HIF1alpha activation, and hypoxia induced ZNF267 expression while HIF1alpha inhibition significantly reduced both hypoxia-induced as well as basal ZNF267 expression in HCC cells. It is known that hypoxic conditions in tumorous tissues induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ROS have been identified as important factor in the regulation of Ets-1 expression in tumor cells. Here, we found that ROS induction induced and ROS scavenging reduced ZNF267 expression in HCC cells, respectively. Loss and gain of function analysis applying siRNA directed against ZNF267 or transient transfection revealed that ZNF267 promotes proliferation and migration of HCC cells in vitro. These findings indicate Ets-1 and HIF1alpha as critical regulators of basal and hypoxia- or ROS-induced ZNF267 expression in HCC, and further suggest that the pro-tumorigenic effect of these factors is at least in part mediated via increased ZNF267 expression in HCC. Since ZNF267 is already elevated in cirrhosis, ZNF267 appears as promising target for both prevention as well as treatment of HCC in patients with chronic liver disease. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Zinc finger protein 267 is up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and promotes tumor cell proliferation and migration

PubMed Central

Schnabl, Bernd; Valletta, Daniela; Kirovski, Georgi; Hellerbrand, Claus

2012-01-01

Zinc finger protein 267 (ZNF267) belongs to the family of Kruppel-like transcription factors, which regulates diverse biological processes that include development, proliferation, and differentiation. We have previously demonstrated that ZNF267 mRNA is up-regulated in liver cirrhosis, which is the main risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we analyzed the expression of ZNF267 in human HCC cells and tissue specimens and found a significant up-regulation compared to primary human hepatocytes and corresponding non-tumorous liver tissue. Over-expression of the transcription factor Ets-1 further enhanced ZNF267 expression, and reporter gene assays revealed that mutation of the Ets-1 binding site to the ZNF267 promotor markedly inhibited ZNF267 promotor activity. Hypoxic conditions induced Ets-1 in HCC cells via HIF1alpha activation, and hypoxia induced ZNF267 expression while HIF1alpha inhibition significantly reduced both hypoxia-induced as well as basal ZNF267 expression in HCC cells. It is known that hypoxic conditions in tumorous tissues induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ROS have been identified as important factor in the regulation of Ets-1 expression in tumor cells. Here, we found that ROS induction induced and ROS scavenging reduced ZNF267 expression in HCC cells, respectively. Loss and gain of function analysis applying siRNA directed against ZNF267 or transient transfection revealed that ZNF267 promotes proliferation and migration of HCC cells in vitro. These findings indicate Ets-1 and HIF1alpha as critical regulators of basal and hypoxia- or ROS-induced ZNF267 expression in HCC, and further suggest that the pro-tumorigenic effect of these factors is at least in part mediated via increased ZNF267 expression in HCC. Since ZNF267 is already elevated in cirrhosis, ZNF267 appears as promising target for both prevention as well as treatment of HCC in patients with chronic liver disease. PMID:21840307

Identification of biomarkers in human head and neck tumor cell lines that predict for in vitro sensitivity to gefitinib.

PubMed

Hickinson, D Mark; Marshall, Gayle B; Beran, Garry J; Varella-Garcia, Marileila; Mills, Elizabeth A; South, Marie C; Cassidy, Andrew M; Acheson, Kerry L; McWalter, Gael; McCormack, Rose M; Bunn, Paul A; French, Tim; Graham, Alex; Holloway, Brian R; Hirsch, Fred R; Speake, Georgina

2009-06-01

Potential biomarkers were identified for in vitro sensitivity to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in head and neck cancer. Gefitinib sensitivity was determined in cell lines, followed by transcript profiling coupled with a novel pathway analysis approach. Eleven cell lines were highly sensitive to gefitinib (inhibitor concentration required to give 50% growth inhibition [GI(50)] < 1 microM), three had intermediate sensitivity (GI(50) 1-7 microM), and six were resistant (GI(50) > 7 microM); an exploratory principal component analysis revealed a separation between the genomic profiles of sensitive and resistant cell lines. Subsequently, a hypothesis-driven analysis of Affymetrix data (Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA) revealed higher mRNA levels for E-cadherin (CDH1); transforming growth factor, alpha (TGF-alpha); amphiregulin (AREG); FLJ22662; EGFR; p21-activated kinase 6 (PAK6); glutathione S-transferase Pi (GSTP1); and ATP-binding cassette, subfamily C, member 5 (ABCC5) in sensitive versus resistant cell lines. A hypothesis-free analysis identified 46 gene transcripts that were strongly differentiated, seven of which had a known association with EGFR and head and neck cancer (human EGF receptor 3 [HER3], TGF-alpha, CDH1, EGFR, keratin 16 [KRT16], fibroblast growth factor 2 [FGF2], and cortactin [CTTN]). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay analysis confirmed Affymetrix data, and EGFR gene mutation, amplification, and genomic gain correlated strongly with gefitinib sensitivity. We identified biomarkers that predict for in vitro responsiveness to gefitinib, seven of which have known association with EGFR and head and neck cancer. These in vitro predictive biomarkers may have potential utility in the clinic and warrant further investigation.

Aminochrome decreases NGF, GDNF and induces neuroinflammation in organotypic midbrain slice cultures.

PubMed

de Araújo, Fillipe M; Ferreira, Rafael S; Souza, Cleide S; Dos Santos, Cleonice Creusa; Rodrigues, Tácio L R S; E Silva, Juliana Helena C; Gasparotto, Juciano; Gelain, Daniel Pens; El-Bachá, Ramon S; D Costa, Maria de Fátima; Fonseca, José Claudio M; Segura-Aguilar, Juan; Costa, Silvia L; Silva, Victor Diogenes A

2018-05-01

Recent evidence shows that aminochrome induces glial activation related to neuroinflammation. This dopamine derived molecule induces formation and stabilization of alpha-synuclein oligomers, mitochondria dysfunction, oxidative stress, dysfunction of proteasomal and lysosomal systems, endoplasmic reticulum stress and disruption of the microtubule network, but until now there has been no evidence of effects on production of cytokines and neurotrophic factors, that are mechanisms involved in neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). This study examines the potential role of aminochrome on the regulation of NGF, GDNF, TNF-α and IL-1β production and microglial activation in organotypic midbrain slice cultures from P8 - P9 Wistar rats. We demonstrated aminochrome (25 μM, for 24 h) induced reduction of GFAP expression, reduction of NGF and GDNF mRNA levels, morphological changes in Iba1 + cells, and increase of both TNF-α, IL-1β mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, aminochrome (25 μM, for 48 h) induced morphological changes in the edge of slices and reduction of TH expression. These results demonstrate neuroinflammation, as well as negative regulation of neurotrophic factors (GDNF and NGF), may be involved in aminochrome-induced neurodegeneration, and they contribute to a better understanding of PD pathogenesis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anti-inflammatory effects of isoacteoside from Abeliophyllum distichum.

PubMed

Nam, Sun-Young; Kim, Hee-Yun; Yoou, Myoung-Schook; Kim, A Hyun; Park, Byoung Jun; Jeong, Hyun-Ja; Kim, Hyung-Min

2015-06-01

Isoacteoside, a dihydroxypheynylethyl glycoside, is a major bioactive component of Abeliophyllum distichum (White Forsythia) which is a deciduous shrub native to the south and central areas of Korea. The present study is designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities and underlying mechanisms of isoacteoside in human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells. We isolated isoacteoside from A. distichum. The anti-inflammatory effect of isoacteoside was investigated in HMC-1 cells by studying the following markers: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) secretion and mRNA expression by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. In addition, mechanism related to anti-inflammatory was investigated by Western blotting. Isoacteoside significantly suppressed the production and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in PMACI-stimulated HMC-1 cells without cytotoxicity. It was found that anti-inflammatory effects of isoacteoside are mediated by action on caspase-1, mitogen-activated protein kinases (c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase) and nuclear factor-kappa B pathways. Taken together, the present findings provide new insights that isoacteoside may be a promising anti-inflammatory agent for inflammatory disorders.

Anti-inflammatory effect of linear polarized infrared irradiation on interleukin-1beta-induced chemokine production in MH7A rheumatoid synovial cells.

PubMed

Shibata, Yasuko; Ogura, Naomi; Yamashiro, Keisuke; Takashiba, Shogo; Kondoh, Toshirou; Miyazawa, Keiji; Matsui, Masaru; Abiko, Yoshimitsu

2005-12-01

We examined the anti-inflammatory effect of infrared linear polarized light irradiation on the MH7A rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) stimulated with the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1beta. Expression of messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) encoding IL-8, RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), growth-related gene alpha (GROalpha), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP1alpha) was measured using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the secreted proteins were measured in the conditioned media using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We found that irradiation with linear polarized infrared light suppressed IL-1beta-induced expression of IL-8 mRNA and, correspondingly, the synthesis and release of IL-8 protein in MH7A cells. This anti-inflammatory effect was equivalent to that obtained with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Likewise, irradiation suppressed the IL-1beta-induced expression of RANTES and GROalpha mRNA. These results suggest that the irradiation of the areas around the articular surfaces of joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using linear polarized light may represent a useful new approach to treatment.

Flavocoxid, a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, blunts pro-inflammatory phenotype activation in endotoxin-stimulated macrophages.

PubMed

Altavilla, D; Squadrito, F; Bitto, A; Polito, F; Burnett, B P; Di Stefano, V; Minutoli, L

2009-08-01

The flavonoids, baicalin and catechin, from Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu, respectively, have been used for various clinical applications. Flavocoxid is a mixed extract containing baicalin and catechin, and acts as a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. The anti-inflammatory activity, measured by protein and gene expression of inflammatory markers, of flavocoxid in rat peritoneal macrophages stimulated with Salmonella enteritidis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated. LPS-stimulated (1 microg.mL(-1)) peritoneal rat macrophages were co-incubated with different concentrations of flavocoxid (32-128 microg.mL(-1)) or RPMI medium for different incubation times. Inducible COX-2, 5-LOX, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and inhibitory protein kappaB-alpha (IkappaB-alpha) levels were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding activity was investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gene and protein expression were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively. Finally, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels in macrophage supernatants were evaluated. LPS stimulation induced a pro-inflammatory phenotype in rat peritoneal macrophages. Flavocoxid (128 microg.mL(-1)) significantly inhibited COX-2 (LPS = 18 +/- 2.1; flavocoxid = 3.8 +/- 0.9 integrated intensity), 5-LOX (LPS = 20 +/- 3.8; flavocoxid = 3.1 +/- 0.8 integrated intensity) and iNOS expression (LPS = 15 +/- 1.1; flavocoxid = 4.1 +/- 0.4 integrated intensity), but did not modify COX-1 expression. PGE(2) and LTB(4) levels in culture supernatants were consequently decreased. Flavocoxid also prevented the loss of IkappaB-alpha protein (LPS = 1.9 +/- 0.2; flavocoxid = 7.2 +/- 1.6 integrated intensity), blunted increased NF-kappaB binding activity (LPS = 9.2 +/- 2; flavocoxid = 2.4 +/- 0.7 integrated intensity) and the enhanced TNF-alpha mRNA levels (LPS = 8 +/- 0.9; flavocoxid = 1.9 +/- 0.8 n-fold/beta-actin) induced by LPS. Finally, flavocoxid decreased MDA, TNF and nitrite levels from LPS-stimulated macrophages. Flavocoxid might be useful as a potential anti-inflammatory agent, acting at the level of gene and protein expression.

Short-term effects of hyposmotic shock on Na+/K+ -ATPase expression in gills of the euryhaline milkfish, Chanos chanos.

PubMed

Lin, Y M; Chen, C N; Yoshinaga, T; Tsai, S C; Shen, I D; Lee, T H

2006-03-01

Changes in expression of gill Na+/K+ -ATPase (NKA) on a short-term (96 h) time-course following hyposmotic shock (direct transfer to fresh water) of the euryhaline, marine milkfish were studied on gene, protein, and cell levels in this paper. Plasma osmolality and [Na+] responded with rapid declines in 3 h post-transfer yet, thereafter, remained constant. Plasma [Cl-] gradually fell to a significantly lower level at 6 h post-transfer. Gills responded to hyposmotic shock by a dual phase enhancement of NKA activity and protein abundance; (a) Before 24 h: NKA activity increased as early as 3 h and reached a maximum level from 6 to 12 h post-transfer coincided with the sustained lower levels of plasma osmolality, [Na+], and [Cl-] since 3 h post-transfer. This was followed by a gradual rise in alpha-subunit protein levels that peaked at 12 h post-transfer. Meanwhile, alpha-mRNA of NKA did no show significant change. (b) After 24 h: NKA activity as well as the amounts of alpha-subunit mRNA and protein increased significantly. Direct freshwater transfer induced a prompt and significant decrease of NKA immunoreactive (NKIR) cell abundance in filaments before 24 h, followed by a significant increase after 24 h due to their development in filaments and lamellae. Increased number of NKIR cells after 24 h of hyposmotic shock may occur in conjunction with rise of NKA activity as well as alpha-subunit mRNA and protein abundance. In conclusion, milkfish is able to avoid an excessive drop in plasma ions immediately upon hyposmotic shock and maintain plasma ions on a marginal lower level in fresh water. Notably, the initial increase in NKA activity (adjustive phase; 3-12 h) and delayed increase in NKA mRNA and protein abundance (regulatory phase; 48-96 h) indicate the importance of a higher level of the gill enzyme in milkfish upon hyposmotic shock.

Gene expression of tumour necrosis factor and insulin signalling-related factors in subcutaneous adipose tissue during the dry period and in early lactation in dairy cows.

PubMed

Sadri, H; Bruckmaier, R M; Rahmani, H R; Ghorbani, G R; Morel, I; van Dorland, H A

2010-10-01

Gene expression of adipose factors, which may be part of the mechanisms that underlie insulin sensitivity, were studied in dairy cows around parturition. Subcutaneous fat biopsies and blood samples were taken from 27 dairy cows in week 8 antepartum (a.p.), on day 1 postpartum (p.p.) and in week 5 p.p. In the adipose tissue samples, mRNA was quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), insulin-independent glucose transporter (GLUT1), insulin-responsive glucose transporter (GLUT4), insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2), regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (p85) and catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase. Blood plasma was assayed for concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and insulin. Plasma parameters followed a pattern typically observed in dairy cows. Gene expression changes were observed, but there were no changes in TNFα concentrations, which may indicate its local involvement in catabolic adaptation of adipose tissue. Changes in GLUT4 and GLUT1 mRNA abundance may reflect their involvement in reduced insulin sensitivity and in sparing glucose for milk synthesis in early lactation. Unchanged gene expression of IRS1, IRS2 and p85 over time may imply a lack of their involvement in terms of insulin sensitivity dynamics. Alternatively, it may indicate that post-transcriptional modifications of these factors came into play and may have concealed an involvement. © 2010 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Patterns of mRNA and protein expression during minus-lens compensation and recovery in tree shrew sclera.

PubMed

Gao, Hong; Frost, Michael R; Siegwart, John T; Norton, Thomas T

2011-04-12

To increase our understanding of the mechanisms that remodel the sclera during the development of lens-induced myopia, when the sclera responds to putative "go" signals of retinal origin, and during recovery from lens-induced myopia, when the sclera responds to retinally-derived "stop" signals. Seven groups of tree shrews were used to examine mRNA levels during minus lens compensation and recovery. Starting 24 days after eye opening (days of visual experience [VE]) lens compensation animals wore a monocular -5D lens for 1, 4, or 11 days. Recovery animals wore the -5D lens for 11 days, which was then removed for 1 or 4 days. Normal animals were examined at 24 and 38 days of VE. All groups contained 8 animals. Scleral mRNA levels were examined in the treated and contralateral control eyes with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for 27 genes divided into four categories: 1) signaling molecules, 2) matricellular proteins, 3) metalloproteinases (MPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and 4) cell adhesion and other proteins. Four groups (n=5 per group) were used to examine protein levels. One group wore a -5D lens for 4 days. A second group recovered for 4 days after 11 days of -5D lens treatment. Two groups were used to examine age-matched normal protein levels at 28 and 39 days of VE. The levels of six scleral proteins that showed differential mRNA expression were examined with quantitative western blots. Nineteen of the genes showed differential (treated eye versus control eye) expression of mRNA levels in at least one group of animals. Which genes showed differential expression differed after 1 and 4 days of compensation and after 1 or 4 days of recovery. The mRNA level for one gene, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1), was upregulated in the treated eyes after 1 day of compensation. After 4 days, transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 (TGFBR3), transforming growth factor-beta-induced protein ig-h3 (TGFBI), and matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) mRNA levels were upregulated. Downregulated were mRNA levels for transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1), transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGFB2), thrombospondin 1 (THBS1), tenascin (TNC), osteonectin (SPARC), osteopontin (SPP1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3), and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5). After 11 days of lens wear, there was no differential expression. During recovery, after 1 day, treated-eye mRNA downregulation was found for TGFB2, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, TGFBR3, SPARC, ADAMTS1, ADAMTS5, syndecan 4 (SDC4), and collagen type VI, alpha 1 (COL6A1). After 4 days, TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFB3, THBS2, and TIMP3 mRNA levels were upregulated in the recovering eye. Significant downregulation, relative to normal eyes, was found in both the control and treated eyes for most genes after 1 day of compensation; a similar decrease was found, compared to lens-compensated eyes, after one day of recovery. Protein levels for THBS1 showed positive correlation with the differential mRNA levels and TGFBR3 showed a negative correlation. No differential protein expression was found for TGFB2, TGFBI, MMP14, and TIMP3. The different patterns of differential mRNA expression during minus lens compensation (hyperopia) and recovery (myopia) show that scleral fibroblasts distinguish between "go" and "stop" conditions. There is evidence of binocular global downregulation of genes at the start of both lens wear and recovery. As additional information accumulates about changes in gene expression that occur during compensation and recovery the "signature" of differential changes may help us to understand in more detail how the sclera responds in "go" and "stop" conditions.

Comparison of Sirtuin 3 Levels in ALS and Huntington’s Disease—Differential Effects in Human Tissue Samples vs. Transgenic Mouse Models

PubMed Central

Buck, Eva; Bayer, Hanna; Lindenberg, Katrin S.; Hanselmann, Johannes; Pasquarelli, Noemi; Ludolph, Albert C.; Weydt, Patrick; Witting, Anke

2017-01-01

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by distinct patterns of neuronal loss. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) upper and lower motoneurons degenerate whereas in Huntington’s disease (HD) medium spiny neurons in the striatum are preferentially affected. Despite these differences the pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors are remarkably similar. In addition, non-neuronal features, such as weight loss implicate a dysregulation in energy metabolism. Mammalian sirtuins, especially the mitochondrial NAD+ dependent sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), regulate mitochondrial function and aging processes. SIRT3 expression depends on the activity of the metabolic master regulator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), a modifier of ALS and HD in patients and model organisms. This prompted us to systematically probe Sirt3 mRNA and protein levels in mouse models of ALS and HD and to correlate these with patient tissue levels. We found a selective reduction of Sirt3 mRNA levels and function in the cervical spinal cord of end-stage ALS mice (superoxide dismutase 1, SOD1G93A). In sharp contrast, a tendency to increased Sirt3 mRNA levels was found in the striatum in HD mice (R6/2). Cultured primary neurons express the highest levels of Sirt3 mRNA. In primary cells from PGC-1α knock-out (KO) mice the Sirt3 mRNA levels were highest in astrocytes. In human post mortem tissue increased mRNA and protein levels of Sirt3 were found in the spinal cord in ALS, while Sirt3 levels were unchanged in the human HD striatum. Based on these findings we conclude that SIRT3 mediates the different effects of PGC-1α during the course of transgenic (tg) ALS and HD and in the human conditions only partial aspects Sirt3 dysregulation manifest. PMID:28603486

A Novel Role for SIRT3 in Regulating Mediators Involved in the Terminal Pathways of Human Labor and Delivery.

PubMed

Lim, Ratana; Barker, Gillian; Menon, Ramkumar; Lappas, Martha

2016-11-01

Preterm birth remains the major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, mediated largely by an inflammatory process. The sirtuin (SIRT) family of cellular regulators has been implicated as key inhibitors of inflammation. We have previously reported a role for SIRT1, SIRT2, and SIRT6 in regulating inflammation-induced prolabor mediators. In this study, we determined the effect of term labor and pro-inflammatory cytokines on SIRT3, SIRT4, SIRT5, and SIRT7 expression in human myometrium. Functional studies were also used to investigate the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of SIRTs in regulating inflammation-induced prolabor mediators. Western blot analysis and qRT-PCR were used to determine SIRT3, SIRT4, SIRT5, and SIRT7 mRNA and protein expression in human myometrium. Small interfering RNA knockdown of SIRT3 in myometrial primary cells determined its role in response to inflammatory stimuli IL1B and TNF. SIRT3 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly lower in term laboring myometrium compared with term nonlaboring myometrium. There was no effect of labor on SIRT4, SIRT5 or SIRT7 protein expression. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1B and TNF significantly decreased levels of SIRT3 mRNA and protein expression. SIRT3 knockdown by siRNA significantly augmented IL1B- and TNF-stimulated IL6, CXCL8, and CCL2 mRNA expression and release; PTGS2 mRNA expression and subsequent PGF 2alpha release; the mRNA expression and secretion of the adhesion molecule ICAM1 and the extracellular matrix remodeling enzyme MMP9; and nuclear factor kappa B1 (NFkappaB1) transcriptional activity. In human myometrium, SIRT3 expression decreases with term labor and regulates the mediators involved in the terminal effector pathways of human labor and delivery through the NFkappaB1 pathway. © 2016 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

Effects of estradiol, estrogen receptor subtype-selective agonists and genistein on glucose metabolism in leptin resistant female Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.

PubMed

Weigt, Carmen; Hertrampf, Torsten; Flenker, Ulrich; Hülsemann, Frank; Kurnaz, Pinar; Fritzemeier, Karl Heinrich; Diel, Patrick

2015-11-01

The leptin resistant Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats are hyperphagic and become obese, but whereas the males develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the females remain euglycaemic. As estrogen deficiency is known to increase the risk of developing T2DM, we evaluated the role of ER subtypes alpha and beta in the development of glucose tolerance in leptin resistant ovariectomized (OVX) ZDF rats. At least six rats per group were treated with either vehicle (OVX), 17β-estradiol (E2), ER subtype-selective agonists (Alpha and Beta), or genistein (Gen) for 17 weeks. At the end of the treatment period a glucose tolerance assay was performed and the metabolic flux of (13)C-glucose for the E2 group was investigated. OVX ZDF rats treated with E2, Alpha, Beta, and Gen tolerated the glucose significantly better than untreated controls. E2 treatment increased absorbance/flux of (13)C-glucose to metabolic relevant tissues such liver, adipose tissue, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscle. Moreover, whereas Alpha treatment markedly increased mRNA expression of GLUT4 in gastrocnemius muscle, Beta treatment resulted in the largest fiber sizes of the soleus muscle. Treatment with Gen increased both the mRNA expression of GLUT 4 and the fiber sizes in the skeletal muscle. In addition, E2 and Alpha treatment decreased food intake and body weight gain. In summary, estrogen-improved glucose absorption is mediated via different molecular mechanisms: while activation of ER alpha seems to stimulate muscular GLUT4 functionality, activation of ER beta results in a hypertrophy of muscle fibers. In addition, selective activation of ER alpha decreased food intake and body weight gain. Our data further indicate that ER subtype-selective agonists and genistein improve systemic glucose tolerance also in the absence of a functional leptin signaling pathway. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acute molecular response of mouse hindlimb muscles to chronic stimulation.

PubMed

LaFramboise, W A; Jayaraman, R C; Bombach, K L; Ankrapp, D P; Krill-Burger, J M; Sciulli, C M; Petrosko, P; Wiseman, R W

2009-09-01

Stimulation of the mouse hindlimb via the sciatic nerve was performed for a 4-h period to investigate acute muscle gene activation in a model of muscle phenotype conversion. Initial force production (1.6 +/- 0.1 g/g body wt) declined 45% within 10 min and was maintained for the remainder of the experiment. Force returned to initial levels upon study completion. An immediate-early growth response was present in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle (FOS, JUN, activating transcription factor 3, and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene) with a similar but attenuated pattern in the soleus muscle. Transcript profiles showed decreased fast fiber-specific mRNA (myosin heavy chains 2A and 2B, fast troponins T(3) and I, alpha-tropomyosin, muscle creatine kinase, and parvalbumin) and increased slow transcripts (myosin heavy chain-1beta/slow, troponin C slow, and tropomyosin 3y) in the EDL versus soleus muscles. Histological analysis of the EDL revealed glycogen depletion without inflammatory cell infiltration in stimulated versus control muscles, whereas ultrastructural analysis showed no evidence of myofiber damage after stimulation. Multiple fiber type-specific transcription factors (tea domain family member 1, nuclear factor of activated T cells 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha and -beta, circadian locomotor output cycles kaput, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha) increased in the EDL along with transcription factors characteristic of embryogenesis (Kruppel-like factor 4; SRY box containing 17; transcription factor 15; PBX/knotted 1 homeobox 1; and embryonic lethal, abnormal vision). No established in vivo satellite cell markers or genes activated in our parallel experiments of satellite cell proliferation in vitro (cyclins A(2), B(2), C, and E(1) and MyoD) were differentially increased in the stimulated muscles. These results indicated that the molecular onset of fast to slow phenotype conversion occurred in the EDL within 4 h of stimulation without injury or satellite cell recruitment. This conversion was associated with the expression of phenotype-specific transcription factors from resident fiber myonuclei, including the activation of nascent developmental transcriptional programs.

Forkhead box protein A2, a pioneer factor for hepatogenesis, is involved in the expression of hepatic phenotype of alpha-fetoprotein-producing adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Yamamura, Nobuhisa; Fugo, Kazunori; Kishimoto, Takashi

2017-09-01

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing adenocarcinoma is a high-malignant variant of adenocarcinoma with a hepatic or fetal-intestinal phenotype. The number of cases of AFP-producing adenocarcinomas is increasing, but the molecular mechanism underlying the aberrant production of AFP is unclear. Here we sought to assess the role of Forkhead box A (FoxA)2, which is a pioneer transcription factor in the differentiation of hepatoblasts. FoxA2 expression was investigated in five cases of AFP-producing gastric adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry, and all cases showed FoxA2 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed the DNA binding of FoxA2 on the regulatory element of AFP gene in AFP-producing adenocarcinoma cells. The inhibition of FoxA2 expression with siRNA reduced the mRNA expression of liver-specific proteins, including AFP, albumin, and transferrin. The inhibition of FoxA2 also reduced the expressions of liver-enriched nuclear factors, i.e., hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 4α and HNF6, although the expressions of HNF1α and HNF1β were not affected. The same effect as FoxA2 knockdown in AFP producing adenocarcinoma cells was also observed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Our results suggest that FoxA2 plays a key role in the expression of hepatic phenotype of AFP-producing adenocarcinomas. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Differential regulation of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in neuroblastoma: Estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) regulates HIF2A transcription and correlates to poor outcome

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hamidian, Arash; Stedingk, Kristoffer von; Munksgaard Thorén, Matilda

2015-06-05

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are differentially regulated in tumor cells. While the current paradigm supports post-translational regulation of the HIF-α subunits, we recently showed that hypoxic HIF-2α is also transcriptionally regulated via insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II in the childhood tumor neuroblastoma. Here, we demonstrate that transcriptional regulation of HIF-2α seems to be restricted to neural cell-derived tumors, while HIF-1α is canonically regulated at the post-translational level uniformly across different tumor forms. Enhanced expression of HIF2A mRNA at hypoxia is due to de novo transcription rather than increased mRNA stability, and chemical stabilization of the HIF-α proteins at oxygen-rich conditions unexpectedly leadsmore » to increased HIF2A transcription. The enhanced HIF2A levels do not seem to be dependent on active HIF-1. Using a transcriptome array approach, we identified members of the Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator (PGC)/Estrogen-related receptor (ERR) complex families as potential regulators of HIF2A. Knockdown or inhibition of one of the members, ERRα, leads to decreased expression of HIF2A, and high expression of the ERRα gene ESRRA correlates with poor overall and progression-free survival in a clinical neuroblastoma material consisting of 88 tumors. Thus, targeting of ERRα and pathways regulating transcriptional HIF-2α are promising therapeutic avenues in neuroblastoma. - Highlights: • Transcriptional control of HIF-2α is restricted to neural cell-derived tumors. • Enhanced transcription of HIF2A is not due to increased mRNA stability. • Chemical stabilization of the HIF-α subunits leads to increased HIF2A transcription. • ERRα regulates HIF2A mRNA expression in neuroblastoma. • High expression of ESRRA correlates to poor outcome in neuroblastoma.« less

Influence of culture medium composition on relative mRNA abundances in domestic cat embryos.

PubMed

Hribal, R; Jewgenow, K; Braun, B C; Comizzoli, P

2013-04-01

Different culture conditions have been used to produce domestic cat embryos. As part of the in vitro procedures, the medium composition significantly affects the quality of the embryo development also. Quality assessments based on cleavage kinetics and blastomere symmetry are useful, but embryos also can differ in their relative gene expression patterns despite similar morphological characteristics. The aim of this study was to compare cat embryos produced with two different in vitro culture systems routinely used in two different laboratories [Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington D.C., USA (SCBI) and Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany (IZW)]. Specifically, relative mRNA expression patterns of critical genes for pre-implantation embryo development were assessed in both conditions. Embryos were produced in parallel in both culture systems by IVF using frozen-thawed ejaculated semen in the United States and fresh epididymal sperm in Germany. Success of embryo development in vitro was recorded as well as relative mRNA abundances [DNA methyltransferases 1 and 3A (DNMT1, DNMT3A), gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 [OCT4], insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 receptors (IGF1R, IGF2R), beta-actin (ACTB)] in pools of days 4-5 morulae by semi-quantitative RT-PCR assay. Percentages of cleaved embryos were similar (p > 0.05) between both culture systems, regardless of the location. OCT4 mRNA abundance was higher (p < 0.05) in embryos derived in the SCBI culture system compared with those from the IZW system when epididymal sperm was used for IVF. No clear correlation between the expression pattern and the culture system could be found for all other genes. It is suggested that OCT4 expression might be affected by the media composition in some conditions and can be the indicator of a better embryo quality. © 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Critical Role of PPAR-α in Perfluorooctanoic Acid– and Perfluorodecanoic Acid–Induced Downregulation of Oatp Uptake Transporters in Mouse Livers

PubMed Central

Cheng, Xingguo; Klaassen, Curtis D.

2008-01-01

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) have been detected globally in wildlife and humans. Data from a gene array indicate that PFOA decreases organic anion transporting polypeptides (Oatps) in liver. Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp) and Oatp1a1, 1a4, and 1b2 are major transporters responsible for uptake of bile acids (BAs) and other organic compounds into liver. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of two perfluorinated fatty acids, PFOA and PFDA, on mRNA and protein expression of hepatic uptake transporters Oatps and Ntcp, and to determine the underlying regulatory mechanisms by using peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), constitutive androstane receptor, pregnane-X receptor, NF-E2–related factor 2, and farnesoid X receptor-null mouse models. After 2 days following a single i.p. administration, PFOA did not alter serum BA concentrations, but PFDA increased serum BA concentrations 300%. Furthermore, PFOA decreased mRNA and protein expression of Oatp1a1, 1a4, and 1b2, but not Ntcp in mouse liver. In contrast, PFDA decreased mRNA and protein expression of all four transporters, and decreased the mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, with the decrease of Oatp1a4 occurring at lower doses than the other three transporters. Multiple mechanisms are likely involved in the down-regulation of mouse Oatps and Ntcp by PFDA. By using the various transcription factor-null mice, PPAR-α was shown to play a central role in the down-regulation of Oatp1a1, 1a4, 1b2, and Ntcp by PFDA. The current studies provide important insight into understanding the mechanisms by which PFDA regulate the expression of hepatic uptake transporters. In conclusion, PFOA and PFDA decrease mouse liver uptake transporters primarily via activation of PPAR-α. PMID:18703564

Transcriptome and Proteome Analyses of TNFAIP8 Knockdown Cancer Cells Reveal New Insights into Molecular Determinants of Cell Survival and Tumor Progression.

PubMed

Day, Timothy F; Mewani, Rajshree R; Starr, Joshua; Li, Xin; Chakravarty, Debyani; Ressom, Habtom; Zou, Xiaojun; Eidelman, Ofer; Pollard, Harvey B; Srivastava, Meera; Kasid, Usha N

2017-01-01

Tumor necrosis factor-α-inducible protein 8 (TNFAIP8) is the first discovered oncogenic and an anti-apoptotic member of a conserved TNFAIP8 or TIPE family of proteins. TNFAIP8 mRNA is induced by NF-kB, and overexpression of TNFAIP8 has been correlated with poor prognosis in many cancers. Downregulation of TNFAIP8 expression has been associated with decreased pulmonary colonization of human tumor cells, and enhanced sensitivities of tumor xenografts to radiation and docetaxel. Here we have investigated the effects of depletion of TNFAIP8 on the mRNA, microRNA and protein expression profiles in prostate and breast cancers and melanoma. Depending on the tumor cell type, knockdown of TNFAIP8 was found to be associated with increased mRNA expression of several antiproliferative and apoptotic genes (e.g., IL-24, FAT3, LPHN2, EPHA3) and fatty acid oxidation gene ACADL, and decreased mRNA levels of oncogenes (e.g., NFAT5, MALAT1, MET, FOXA1, KRAS, S100P, OSTF1) and glutamate transporter gene SLC1A1. TNFAIP8 knockdown cells also exhibited decreased expression of multiple onco-proteins (e.g., PIK3CA, SRC, EGFR, IL5, ABL1, GAP43), and increased expression of the orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1 and alpha 1 adaptin subunit of the adaptor-related protein complex 2 AP2 critical to clathrin-mediated endocytosis. TNFAIP8-centric molecules were found to be predominately implicated in the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling pathway, and cancer and development signaling networks. Thus TNFAIP8 seems to regulate the cell survival and cancer progression processes in a multifaceted manner. Future validation of the molecules identified in this study is likely to lead to new subset of molecules and functional determinants of cancer cell survival and progression.

The in vivo immunomodulatory effect of recombinant tumour necrosis factor-alpha in guinea pigs vaccinated with Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin

PubMed Central

Kramp, J C; McMurray, D N; Formichella, C; Jeevan, A

2011-01-01

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that treatment in vitro with recombinant guinea pig tumour necrosis factor TNF (rgpTNF)-α-enhanced T cell and macrophage functions. Similarly, injection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected guinea pigs with anti-TNF-α altered splenic granuloma organization and caused inflammatory changes and reduced the cell-associated mycobacteria in the tuberculous pluritis model. In this study, rgpTNF-α was injected into bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated guinea pigs to modulate immune functions in vivo. Guinea pigs were vaccinated intradermally with BCG, 2 × 103 colony-forming units (CFU) and injected intraperitoneally with either rgpTNF-α (25 µg/animal) or 1% bovine serum albumin (BSA) for a total of 12 injections given every other day. Treatment with rgpTNF-α significantly enhanced the skin test response to purified protein derivative (PPD), reduced the number of CFUs and increased the PPD-induced proliferation in the lymph nodes at 6 weeks after vaccination. The levels of interleukin (IL)-12 mRNA were increased in the lymph node and spleen cells stimulated with PPD. TNF-α treatment induced a decrease in TNF-α, IL-12p40 and IL-10 mRNA levels in peritoneal cells following PPD stimulation while live M. tuberculosis caused an increase in TNF-α mRNA and a decrease in the IL-10 mRNA expression. TNF-α injection also induced an increase in the infiltration of mononuclear cells and in the proportions of CD3+ T cells in the lymph nodes. These results indicate that rgpTNF-α enhances some aspects of T cell immunity and promotes control of mycobacteria in the tissues. Future studies will address the role of TNF-α in BCG-vaccinated guinea pigs following low-dose pulmonary challenge with virulent M. tuberculosis. PMID:21545584

Interleukin-6 infusion blunts proinflammatory cytokine production without causing systematic toxicity in a swine model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock.

PubMed

Brundage, Susan I; Zautke, N A; Holcomb, J B; Spain, D A; Lam, J C; Mastrangelo, M A; Macaitis, J M; Tweardy, D J

2004-11-01

Serum elevations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) correlate with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and mortality in critically injured trauma patients. Data from rodent models of controlled hemorrhage suggest that recombinant IL-6 (rIL-6) infusion protects tissue at risk for ischemia-reperfusion injury. Exogenous rIL-6 administered during shock appears to abrogate inflammation, providing a protective rather than a deleterious influence. In an examination of this paradox, the current study aimed to determine whether rIL-6 decreases inflammation in a clinically relevant large animal model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock, (UHS), and to investigate the mechanism of protection. Swine were randomized to four groups (8 animals in each): (1) sacrifice, (2) sham (splenectomy followed by hemodilution and cooling to 33 degrees C), (3) rIL-6 infusion (sham plus UHS using grade 5 liver injury with packing and resuscitation plus blinded infusion of rIL-6 [10 mcg/kg]), and (4) placebo (UHS plus blinded vehicle). After 4 hours, blood was sampled, estimated blood loss determined, animals sacrificed, and lung harvested for RNA isolation. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to assess granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNFalpha were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). As compared with placebo, IL-6 infusion in UHS did not increase estimated blood loss or white blood cell counts, nor decrease hematocrit or platelet levels. As compared with the sham condition, lung G-CSF mRNA production in UHS plus placebo increased eightfold (*p < 0.05). In contrast, rIL-6 infusion plus UHS blunted G-CSF mRNA levels, which were not significantly higher than sham levels (p = 0.1). Infusion of rIL-6 did not significantly affect endogenous production of either lung IL-6 or mRNA. As determined by ELISA, rIL-6 infusion did not increase final serum levels of IL-6 or TNFalpha over those of sham and placebo conditions. Exogenous rIL-6 blunts lung mRNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokine G-CSF. The administration of rIL-6 does not increase the local expression of IL-6 nor TNFalpha mRNA in the lung. Additionally, rIL-6 infusion does not appear to cause systemic toxicity.

Magnesium Induced Nucleophile Activation in the Guanylyltransferase mRNA Capping Enzyme

PubMed Central

Swift, Robert V.; Ong, Chau D.; Amaro, Rommie E.

2012-01-01

The messenger RNA guanylyltransferase, or mRNA capping enzyme, co-transcriptionally caps the 5′-end of nascent mRNA with GMP during the second in a set of three enzymatic reactions that result in the formation of an N7-methyl guanosine cap during mRNA maturation. The mRNA capping enzyme is characterized, in part, by a conserved lysine nucleophile that attacks the alpha-phosphorous atom of GTP, forming a lysine-GMP intermediate. Experiments have firmly established that magnesium is required for efficient intermediate formation, but have provided little insight into the requirement’s molecular origins. Using empirical and thermodynamic integration pKa estimates, along with conventional MD simulations, we show that magnesium binding likely activates the lysine nucleophile by increasing its acidity and by biasing the deprotonated nucleophile into conformations conducive to intermediate formation. These results provide additional functional understanding of an important enzyme in the mRNA transcript life cycle and allow functional analogies to be drawn that affect our understanding of the metal dependence of related superfamily members. PMID:23205906

Estrogen Regulation of Messenger RNA Stability

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-08-17

34Amphibian albumins as members of the albumin, alpha - fetoprotein , vitamin D- binding protein multigene family." J. Moi. Evol. 29: 344-354. Hagenbuchle, 0...Related to a- Fetoproteins .... 48 5. Comparison Between the Sequence of Xenopus and Rat Serum Albumin 50 6. Effect of Estradici on Cytoplasmic mRNA... alpha -actin clone pSPAC9 with Eco RI and Barn HI. The latter clone was a gift from Drs. Tom Sargent and Igor Dawid (NIH). The probe used for RNase H

Immunological and pathological changes in the placenta during infection with Listeria monocytogenes in pregnant guinea pigs.

PubMed

Irvin, Elizabeth Ann; Williams, Denita; Hamler, Sarah E; Smith, Mary Alice

2008-10-01

Exposure to Listeria monocytogenes during pregnancy can result in spontaneous abortion and stillbirths; however, the mechanisms are unknown. Our objective was to determine the effects of infection on specific inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression and apoptosis in the placenta after infection with L. monocytogenes. Pregnant guinea pigs were treated on gestation day (gd) 35 with 10(8) colony forming units L. monocytogenes and sacrificed on gd 37, 41, 44, or 55. At gd 41, IFN-gamma and IL-2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in placentas from treated dams (0.0012-fold and 0.131-fold, respectively). At gd 55, TNF-alpha mRNA expression was significantly decreased (0.19-fold), while IFN-gamma mRNA expression was significantly increased (32-fold), and apoptosis was detected in 100% of placentas from treated dams. In conclusion, inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression is altered and apoptosis is increased in the placenta after treatment with L. monocytogenes, and these changes may contribute to fetal death.

Tributyltin and triphenyltin exposure promotes in vitro adipogenic differentiation but alters the adipocyte phenotype in rainbow trout.

PubMed

Lutfi, Esmail; Riera-Heredia, Natàlia; Córdoba, Marlon; Porte, Cinta; Gutiérrez, Joaquim; Capilla, Encarnación; Navarro, Isabel

2017-07-01

Numerous environmental pollutants have been identified as potential obesogenic compounds affecting endocrine signaling and lipid homeostasis. Among them, well-known organotins such as tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT), can be found in significant concentrations in aquatic environments. The aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro the effects of TBT and TPT on the development and lipid metabolism of rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) primary cultured adipocytes. Results showed that TBT and TPT induced lipid accumulation and slightly enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) protein expression when compared to a control, both in the presence or absence of lipid mixture. However, the effects were higher when combined with lipid, and in the absence of it, the organotins did not cause complete mature adipocyte morphology. Regarding gene expression analyses, exposure to TBT and TPT caused an increase in fatty acid synthase (fasn) mRNA levels confirming the pro-adipogenic properties of these compounds. In addition, when added together with lipid, TBT and TPT significantly increased cebpa, tumor necrosis factor alpha (tnfa) and ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 (abca1) mRNA levels suggesting a synergistic effect. Overall, our data highlighted that TBT and TPT activate adipocyte differentiation in rainbow trout supporting an obesogenic role for these compounds, although by themselves they are not able to induce complete adipocyte development and maturation suggesting that these adipocytes might not be properly functional. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anti-inflammatory activity of methylene chloride fraction from Glehnia littoralis extract via suppression of NF-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase activity.

PubMed

Yoon, Taesook; Cheon, Myeong Sook; Lee, A Yeong; Lee, Do Yeon; Moon, Byeong Cheol; Chun, Jin Mi; Choo, Byung Kil; Kim, Ho Kyoung

2010-01-01

Glehnia littoralis (Umbelliferae) has been used traditionally in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese medicine for the treatment of immune-related diseases; however, its anti-inflammatory activity and underlying mechanism remain to be defined. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect and inhibitory mechanism on inflammation by the methylene chloride fraction from Glehnia littoralis extract (MCF-GLE), which was more effective than Glehnia littoralis extract (GLE). MCF-GLE inhibited 12-O-Tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation in an inflammatory edema mouse model. Also, MCF-GLE strongly inhibited the releases of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and significantly suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, MCF-GLE suppressed NF-kappaB activation and IkappaB-alpha degradation. MCF-GLE also attenuated the activation of ERK and JNK in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that MCF-GLE has an inhibitory effect on the in vivo and in vitro inflammatory reaction and is a possible therapeutic agent. Our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of MCF-GLE may result from the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as NO, PGE(2), TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta via suppression of NF-kappaB- and mitogen-activated protein kinases-dependent pathways.

Genomic structure of rat 3alpha-hydroxysteroid/dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD/DD, AKR1C9).

PubMed

Lin, H K; Hung, C F; Moore, M; Penning, T M

1999-11-01

Rat liver 3alpha-hydroxysteroid/dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD/DD) is a member of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily. It is involved in the inactivation of steroid hormones and the metabolic activation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) by converting trans-dihydrodiols into reactive and redox-active o-quinones. The structure of the 5'-flanking region of the gene and factors involved in the constitutive and regulated expression of this gene have been reported [H.-K. Lin, T.M. Penning, Cloning, sequencing, and functional analysis of the 5'-flanking region of the rat 3alpha-hydroxysteroid/dihydrodiol dehydrogenase gene, Cancer Res. 55 (1995) 4105-4113]. We now describe the complete genomic structure of the rat type 1 3alpha-HSD/DD gene. Charon 4A and P1 genomic clones contained at least three rat genes (type 1, type 2 and type 3 3alpha-HSD/DD) each of which encoded for the same open reading frame (ORF) but differed in their exon-intron organization. 5'-RACE confirmed that the type 1 3alpha-HSD/DD gene encodes for the dominant transcript in rat liver and it was the regulation of this gene that was previously studied. The rat type 1 3alpha-HSD/DD gene is 30 kb in length and consists of nine exons and eight introns. Exon 9 encodes +931 to 966 bp of the ORF and the 1292 bp 3'-UTR implicated in mRNA stability. This genomic structure is nearly identical to the homologous human genes, type 1 3alpha-HSD (chlordecone reductase/DD4, AKR1C4), type 2 3alpha-HSD (AKR1C3) and type 3 3alpha-HSD (bile-acid binding protein, AKR1C2) genes. Three different cDNA's containing identical ORFs for 3alpha-HSD have been reported suggesting that all three genes may be expressed in rat liver. Using 5' primers corresponding to the 5'-UTR's of the three different cDNA's only one PCR fragment was obtained and corresponded to the type 1 3alpha-HSD/DD gene. These data suggested that the type 2 and type 3 3alpha-HSD/DD genes are not abundantly expressed in rat liver. It is unknown whether the type 2 and type 3 3alpha-HSD/DD genes represent pseudo-genes or whether they represent genes that are differentially expressed in other rat tissues.

Identification of a novel compound that inhibits iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages from Schisandra chinensis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, You Jin; Park, Sun Young; Kim, Sun Gun

2010-01-22

A novel {alpha}-iso-cubebenol, which has anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, was isolated from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis. {alpha}-iso-cubebenol inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E{sub 2} (PGE{sub 2}) production. Consistent with these findings, {alpha}-iso-cubebenol also reduced the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 at the protein and mRNA levels in a concentration-dependent manner. {alpha}-iso-cubebenol also inhibited LPS-induced nuclear translocation of the NF-{kappa}B p65 subunit. Furthermore, {alpha}-iso-cubebenol suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 kinase induced by LPS. Since the novel {alpha}-iso-cubebenol blocked the production of several pro-inflammatory mediators induced by LPSmore » in macrophages, the molecule can be useful material for the development of anti-inflammatory agents against bacterial infections or endotoxin.« less

Combined therapy with danazol, pegilated interferon, and ribavirin improves thrombocytopenia and liver injury in rats with fibrosis.

PubMed

Alvarez, Guillermo Cabrera; Madrid-Marina, Vicente; Jimenez-Mendez, Ricardo; Buitimea, Angel Leon; Román, Margarita Bahena; Cortez-Gomez, Rudyard; Esparza, Jorge Reyes; Rodríguez-Fragoso, Lourdes

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combinations of pegilated-interferon (PEG-IFN), ribavirin, and danazol on thrombocytopenia and liver injury in rats with fibrosis. Male adult Wistar rats were treated with either mineral oil, danazol (0.83 mg/kg per day), PEG-interferon alpha-2a (PEG-IFN, 0.3 microg/ week) + ribavirin (12 mg/kg per day), PEG-IFN + ribavirin + danazol, CCl(4) (4 g/kg for eight weeks), CCl(4) + PEG-IFN + ribavirin, or CCl(4) + PEG-IFN + ribavirin+ danazol. The following assays were conducted: hematology, clinical chemistry, liver function, liver fibrosis, lymphocyte cytokine mRNA expression, and bone-marrow DNA content. Platelet counts were low in sham-treated animals and animals treated with PEG- IFN + ribavirin (30% and 25% respectively; P < 0.05). PEG-IFN + ribavirin + danazol reduced platelet counts of fibrotic animals by only 9% (P < 0.05). PEG- IFN + ribavirin reduced hepatic collagen content by 50%, whereas danazol + PEG-IFN + ribavirin reduced hepatic collagen content by 60% (P < 0.05). PEG-IFN + ribavirin reduced the total bilirubin concentration by 27%, alanine amino transferase (ALT) activity by 75% and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) activity by 74% (P < 0.05). In contrast, danazol + PEG-IFN + ribavirin reduced total bilirubin levels by 61%, alkaline phosphatase activity by 45%, ALT activity by 76%, and gamma-GTP activity by 74% (P < 0.05). The only treatment that increased interleukin 10 (IL-10) mRNA in fibrotic rats was PEG-IFN + ribavirin. However, danazol + PEG-IFN + ribavirin reduced the expression of IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha and transforming growth factor ss. Bone-marrow DNA content was not altered by any treatment. In conclusion, PEG-IFN + ribavirin + danazol could be a new therapeutic option for patients with liver injury, fibrosis, and thrombocytopenia.

Hydrogen coadministration slows the development of COPD-like lung disease in a cigarette smoke-induced rat model.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaoyu; Ma, Cuiqing; Wang, Xiaoyu; Wang, Wenjing; Li, Zhu; Wang, Xiansheng; Wang, Pengyu; Sun, Wuzhuang; Xue, Baojian

2017-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive pulmonary disease caused by harmful gases or particles. Recent studies have shown that 2% hydrogen or hydrogen water is effective in the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases. This study investigated the beneficial effects and the possible mechanisms of different hydrogen concentrations on COPD. A rat COPD model was established through smoke exposure methods, and inhalation of different concentrations of hydrogen was used as the intervention. The daily condition of rats and the weight changes were observed; lung function and right ventricular hypertrophy index were assessed. Also, white blood cells were assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Pathologic changes in the lung tissue were analyzed using light microscopy and electron microscopy; cardiovascular structure and pulmonary arterial pressure changes in rats were observed using ultrasonography. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, IL-23, matrix metalloproteinase-12, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, caspase-3, caspase-8 protein, and mRNA levels in the lung tissue were determined using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that hydrogen inhalation significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, matrix metalloproteinase-12, caspase-3, and caspase-8, but increased the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression. Furthermore, hydrogen inhalation ameliorated lung pathology, lung function, and cardiovascular function and reduced the right ventricular hypertrophy index. Inhalation of 22% and 41.6% hydrogen showed better outcome than inhalation of 2% hydrogen. These results suggest that hydrogen inhalation slows the development of COPD-like lung disease in a cigarette smoke-induced rat model. Higher concentrations of hydrogen may represent a more effective way for the rat model.

Hydrogen coadministration slows the development of COPD-like lung disease in a cigarette smoke-induced rat model

PubMed Central

Liu, Xiaoyu; Ma, Cuiqing; Wang, Xiaoyu; Wang, Wenjing; Li, Zhu; Wang, Xiansheng; Wang, Pengyu; Sun, Wuzhuang; Xue, Baojian

2017-01-01

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive pulmonary disease caused by harmful gases or particles. Recent studies have shown that 2% hydrogen or hydrogen water is effective in the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases. This study investigated the beneficial effects and the possible mechanisms of different hydrogen concentrations on COPD. Methods A rat COPD model was established through smoke exposure methods, and inhalation of different concentrations of hydrogen was used as the intervention. The daily condition of rats and the weight changes were observed; lung function and right ventricular hypertrophy index were assessed. Also, white blood cells were assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Pathologic changes in the lung tissue were analyzed using light microscopy and electron microscopy; cardiovascular structure and pulmonary arterial pressure changes in rats were observed using ultrasonography. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, IL-23, matrix metalloproteinase-12, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, caspase-3, caspase-8 protein, and mRNA levels in the lung tissue were determined using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The results showed that hydrogen inhalation significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, matrix metalloproteinase-12, caspase-3, and caspase-8, but increased the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression. Furthermore, hydrogen inhalation ameliorated lung pathology, lung function, and cardiovascular function and reduced the right ventricular hypertrophy index. Inhalation of 22% and 41.6% hydrogen showed better outcome than inhalation of 2% hydrogen. Conclusion These results suggest that hydrogen inhalation slows the development of COPD-like lung disease in a cigarette smoke-induced rat model. Higher concentrations of hydrogen may represent a more effective way for the rat model. PMID:28496315

Oxymatrine attenuates hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease rats fed with high fructose diet through inhibition of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1) and activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (Pparα).

PubMed

Shi, Li-juan; Shi, Lei; Song, Guang-yao; Zhang, He-fang; Hu, Zhi-juan; Wang, Chao; Zhang, Dong-hui

2013-08-15

The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effect of oxymatrine, a monomer isolated from the medicinal plant Sophora flavescens Ait, on the hepatic lipid metabolism in non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) rats and to explore the potential mechanism. Rats were fed with high fructose diet for 8 weeks to establish the NAFLD model, then were given oxymatrine treatment (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg, respectively) for another 8 weeks. Body weight gain, liver index, serum and liver lipids, and histopathological evaluation were measured. Enzymatic activity and gene expression of the key enzymes involved in the lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation were assayed. The results showed that oxymatrine treatment reduced body weight gain, liver weight, liver index, dyslipidemia, and liver triglyceride level in a dose dependant manner. Importantly, the histopathological examination of liver confirmed that oxymatrine could decrease the liver lipid accumulation. The treatment also decreased the fatty acid synthase (FAS) enzymatic activity and increased the carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) enzymatic activity. Besides, oxymatrine treatment decreased the mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1(Srebf1), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (Acc), and increased the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (Pparα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (Cpt1a), and acyl CoA oxidase (Acox1) in high fructose diet induced NAFLD rats. These results suggested that the therapeutic effect of oxymatrine on the hepatic steatosis in high fructose diet induced fatty liver rats is partly due to down-regulating Srebf1 and up-regulating Pparα mediated metabolic pathways simultaneously. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 confers neuroprotection, reduces tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and increases IL-10 in a rat stroke model.

PubMed

Hakimizadeh, Elham; Shamsizadeh, Ali; Roohbakhsh, Ali; Arababadi, Mohammad Kazemi; Hajizadeh, Mohammad R; Shariati, Mehdi; Rahmani, Mohammad R; Allahtavakoli, Mohammad

2017-08-01

Stroke is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability in adults. Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) plays a crucial role in neuroinflammation. In this study, the effects of TRPV1 agonist (capsaicin) and antagonist (AMG9810) on cerebral ischemia were investigated. Forty male Wistar rats were assigned to the following experimental groups: sham, vehicle) ischemic), AMG9810 (selective TRPV1 antagonist, 0.5 mg/kg; 3 h after stroke), and capsaicin (1 mg/kg; 3 h after stroke). Stroke was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion and neurological deficits were evaluated 1, 3, and 7 days after stroke. Then, infarct volume, brain edema, body temperature, mRNA expression of TRPV1, and serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-10 were measured. Compared to the vehicle group, AMG9810 significantly decreased the infarct volume (P < 0.01). Latency for the removal of sticky labels from the forepaw and the hanging time were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, following administration of AMG9810 (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 vs. vehicle) 3 and 7 days after stroke. Compared to the sham group, the mRNA expression of TRPV1 was significantly increased in vehicle group (P < 0.01). Administration of AMG9810 significantly increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and decreased the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (P < 0.05). Moreover, our results indicate that AMG9810 might a promising candidate for the hypothermic treatment of stroke. The findings also suggest a key role for AMG9810 in reducing inflammation after stroke and imply that TRPV1 could be a potential target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. © 2017 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique.

Nuclear translocation of HIF-1α induced by influenza A (H1N1) infection is critical to the production of proinflammatory cytokines.

PubMed

Guo, Xinkun; Zhu, Zhaoqin; Zhang, Wanju; Meng, Xiaoxiao; Zhu, Yong; Han, Peng; Zhou, Xiaohui; Hu, Yunwen; Wang, Ruilan

2017-05-24

Infection with the influenza A (H1N1) virus is a major challenge for public health because it can cause severe morbidity and even mortality in humans. The over-secretion of inflammatory cytokines (cytokine storm) is considered to be a key contributor to the severe pneumonia caused by H1N1 infection. It has been reported that hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) is associated with the production of proinflammatory molecules, but whether HIF-1α participates in the acute inflammatory responses against H1N1 infection is still unclear. To investigate the role of HIF-1α in H1N1 infection, the expression and nuclear translocation of HIF-1α in A549 and THP-1 cell lines infected with H1N1 virus were observed. The results showed that without altering the intracellular mRNA or protein expression of HIF-1α, H1N1 infection only induced nuclear translocation of HIF-1α under normal oxygen concentrations. The use of 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2), a HIF-1α inhibitor that blocks HIF-1α nuclear accumulation, in H1N1-infected cells decreased the mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 and increased the levels of IL-10. In contrast, H1N1-infected cells under hypoxic conditions had increased HIF-1α nuclear accumulation, increased expression of TNF-α and IL-6 and decreased levels of IL-10. In conclusion, our data implied that in vitro H1N1 infection induced nuclear translocation of HIF-1α without altering the expression of HIF-1α, which may promote the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines during H1N1 infection.