Anti-proliferative and differentiation-inducing activities of the green tea catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the human eosinophilic leukemia EoL-1 cell line

A novel approach for the treatment of leukemia is the differentiation therapy in which immature leukemia cells are induced to attain a mature phenotype when exposed to differentiation inducers, either alone or in combinations with other chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive drugs. Over the past decade, numerous studies indicated that green tea catechins (GTC) could suppress the growth and induce apoptosis on a number of human cancer cell lines. However, the differentiation-inducing activity of GTC on human tumors remains poorly understood. In the present study, the effect of the major GTC epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the proliferation and differentiation of a human eosinophilc leukemic cell line, EoL-1, was examined. Our results showed that EGCG suppressed the proliferation of the EoL-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with an estimated IC(50) value of 31.5 microM. On the other hand, EGCG at a concentration of 40 microM could trigger the EoL-1 cells to undergo morphological differentiation into mature eosinophil-like cells. Using RT-PCR and flow cytometry, it was found that EGCG upregulated the gene and protein expression of two eosinophil-specific granule proteins, the major basic protein (MBP) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), in EoL-1 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that EGCG can exhibit anti-leukemic activity on a human eosinophilic cell line EoL-1 by suppressing the proliferation and by inducing the differentiation of the leukemia cells.     

Leukotactin-1/CCL15 induces cell migration and differentiation of human eosinophilic leukemia EoL-1 cells through PKCδ activation

Leukotactin-1 (Lkn-1)/CCL15 is a CC chemokine that binds to the CCR1 and CCR3. Lkn-1 functions as an essential factor in the migration of monocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Although eosinophils express both receptors, the role of Lkn-1 in immature eosinophils remains to be elucidated. In this present study, we investigated the contribution of the CCR1-binding chemokines to chemotactic activity and in the differentiation in the human eosinophilic leukemia cell line EoL-1. Lkn-1 induced the stronger migration of EoL-1 cells than other CCR1-binding chemokines such as RANTES/CCL5, MIP-1α/CCL3 and HCC-4/CCL16. Lkn-1-induced chemotaxis was inhibited by pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of G_i/G_o protein; U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C and rottlerin, an inhibitor of protein kinase C delta (PKCδ). Lkn-1 increased PKCδ activity, which was partially blocked by the pertussis toxin and U73122. Lkn-1 enhanced the butyric acid-induced differentiation via PKCδ after binding to the increased CCR1 because Lkn-1 caused EoL-1 cells to change morphologically into mature eosinophil-like cells. Likewise, Lkn-1 increased the expression of both eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and the major basic protein (MBP). PKCδ activation due to Lkn-1 is involved in migration, as well as the butyric acid-induced differentiation. This finding contributes to an understanding of CC chemokines in eosinophil biology and to the development of novel therapies for the treatment of eosinophilic disorders. This study suggests the pivotal roles of Lkn-1 in the regulation of the movement and development of eosinophils.     

Uptake of human eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase by cells involved in the inflammatory process

We have recently shown that human neutrophils bind and internalize human eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) but not myeloperoxidase (MPO). In the present work, we studied the interactions of human EPO and MPO with other cells that may be involved in the inflammatory process, i.e., lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. The results indicate that EPO is bound by all the cell types considered, but is efficiently internalized only by lymphocytes, monocytes, and endothelial cells. Conversely, MPO binds appreciably only to fibroblasts and endothelial cells, although with a lower affinity than EPO, but its internalization by any of the cell types studied is hardly detectable. Furthermore, both peroxidases bind strongly to collagen fibers, whereas only EPO binds to elastin. The results suggest that EPO, owing to its high cytophilia, exerts its biological activity close to the site at which it is released from the eosinophil.     

The roles of MCP-1 and protein kinase Cδ activation in human eosinophilic leukemia EoL-1 cells

Idiopathic hypereosinophilc syndrome is a disorder associated with clonally eosinophilic proliferation. The importance of FIP1-like-1-platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (FIP1L1-PDGFRA) in the pathogenesis and classification of HES has been recently reported. In this study, we investigated the contribution of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)/CCL2 to chemotactic activity and protein kinase C delta (PKCδ in the human eosinophilic leukemia cell line EoL-1. These cells express CCR2 protein among the CC chemokine receptors (CCR1-5). MCP-1 induces strong migration of EoL-1 cells and the chemotaxis signal in response to MCP-1 involves a G_i/G_o protein, phospholipase C (PLC), PKCδ, p38 MAPK and NF-κB. MCP-1 activates p38 MAPK via G_i/G_o protein, PLC and PKCδ cascade. MCP-1 also induces NF-κB translocation and the activation is inhibited by PKCδ activation. The increase in the basal expression and activity of PKCδ in EoL-1 cells, compared to normal eosinophils, inhibits apoptosis in EoL-1 cells. Anti-apoptotic mechanism of PKCδ is related to inhibition of caspase 3 and caspase 9, but not to FIP1L1-PDGFRA. PKCδ functions as an anti-apoptotic molecule, and is involved in EoL-1 cell movement stimulated by MCP-1. This study contributes to an understanding of MCP-1 in eosinophil biology and pathogenic mechanism of eosinophilic disorders.     

Interaction of ceruloplasmin with eosinophil peroxidase as compared to its interplay with myeloperoxidase: Reciprocal effect on enzymatic properties

Abstract

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) are involved in the development of halogenative stress during inflammation. We previously described a complex between MPO and ceruloplasmin (CP). Considering the high structural homology between MPO and EPO, we studied the latter's interaction with CP and checked whether EPO becomes inhibited in a complex with CP. Disc-electrophoresis and gel filtration showed that CP and EPO form a complex with the stoichiometry 1:1. Affinity chromatography of EPO on CP-agarose (150 mM NaCl, 10 mM Na-phosphate buffer, of pH 7.4) resulted in retention of EPO. EPO protects ceruloplasmin from limited proteolysis by plasmin. Only intact CP shifted the Soret band typical of EPO from 413 to 408 nm. The contact with CP likely causes changes in the heme pocket of EPO. Peroxidase activity of EPO with substrates such as guaiacol, orcinol, o-dianisidine, 4-chloro-1-naphtol, 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine, and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) is inhibited by CP in a dose-dependent manner. Similar to the interaction with MPO, the larger a substrate molecule, the stronger the inhibitory effect of CP upon EPO. The limited proteolysis of CP abrogates its capacity to inhibit the peroxidase activity of EPO. The peptide RPYLKVFNPR (corresponding to amino acids 883–892 in CP) inhibits the peroxidase and chlorinating activity of EPO. Only the chlorinating activity of EPO is efficiently inhibited by CP, while the capacity of EPO to oxidize bromide and thiocyanate practically does not depend on the presence of CP. EPO enhances the p-phenylenediamine-oxidase activity of CP. The structural homology between the sites in the MPO and EPO molecules enabling them to contact CP is discussed.     

The roles of MCP-1 and protein kinase Cδ activation in human eosinophilic leukemia EoL-1 cells

Idiopathic hypereosinophilc syndrome is a disorder associated with clonally eosinophilic proliferation. The importance of FIP1-like-1-platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (FIP1L1-PDGFRA) in the pathogenesis and classification of HES has been recently reported. In this study, we investigated the contribution of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)/CCL2 to chemotactic activity and protein kinase C delta (PKCδ in the human eosinophilic leukemia cell line EoL-1. These cells express CCR2 protein among the CC chemokine receptors (CCR1-5). MCP-1 induces strong migration of EoL-1 cells and the chemotaxis signal in response to MCP-1 involves a G_i/G_o protein, phospholipase C (PLC), PKCδ, p38 MAPK and NF-κB. MCP-1 activates p38 MAPK via G_i/G_o protein, PLC and PKCδ cascade. MCP-1 also induces NF-κB translocation and the activation is inhibited by PKCδ activation. The increase in the basal expression and activity of PKCδ in EoL-1 cells, compared to normal eosinophils, inhibits apoptosis in EoL-1 cells. Anti-apoptotic mechanism of PKCδ is related to inhibition of caspase 3 and caspase 9, but not to FIP1L1-PDGFRA. PKCδ functions as an anti-apoptotic molecule, and is involved in EoL-1 cell movement stimulated by MCP-1. This study contributes to an understanding of MCP-1 in eosinophil biology and pathogenic mechanism of eosinophilic disorders.     

Troglitazone suppresses cell growth of myeloid leukemia cell lines by induction of p21WAF1/CIP1 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor.

In a human eosinophilic leukemia cell line, EoL-1, cell proliferation was suppressed by 2-day treatment with troglitazone. EoL-1 cells treated with troglitazone were arrested and maintained in the G0/G1 phase in the cell cycle. This suppression correlated with the up-regulation of mRNA for p21WAF1/CIP1 cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor. The inhibitory effects of troglitazone on cell proliferation and expression of p21 mRNA were observed in a human myelomonocytic cell line, U937, and a human myelomonoblastic cell line, KPB-M15. In addition, in EoL-1 cells, p21 protein was induced by troglitazone treatment and the induction was inhibited by protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. These data suggest that troglitazone inhibits cell proliferation in myeloid leukemia cell lines at least in part by induction of p21 Cdk inhibitor.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance studies on cytochrome b-558 and peroxidases of pig blood granulocytes.

Low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry on granulocytes prepared from pig blood was carried out with concentrated cellular and subcellular fractions to characterize EPR signals of cytochrome b-558 (cyt b-558). A thick cell suspension (approximately 2 x 10(9) cells/ml), containing mostly neutrophils, showed typical high-spin EPR signals due to myeloperoxidase (MPO) and a low spin signal at a g value of around 3.2. A similar thick granulocyte suspension containing eosinophils showed not only these signals but also low spin heme signals at g values of 2.86, 2.13, and 1.66, which have been reported to be of cyt b-558 (Ueno et al. 1991, FEBS Lett. 281, 130-132). MPO and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) were released from the membrane fractions with 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) containing 1 M NaCl, and then were highly concentrated, in which no cyt b-558 was detected by absorption spectra. The signal at a g value of 2.86 was found only in the EPO fraction, suggesting that this signal is derived from a low-spin form of an EPO-complex, but neither from MPO nor cyt b-558. The O2(-)-forming NADPH oxidase associated in the membranes was solubilized with heptyl-thio-glucoside at 0 degree C and concentrated up to 45 microM cyt b-558 with no modification of the heme moiety confirmed by its O2(-)-generating activity and lack of carbon monoxide-binding capacity. Cyt b-558 showed an anisotropic signal at a g value of 3.2 +/- 0.05, which was cyanide-insensitive and reducible with reductants. The signal intensity was concentration dependent, suggesting that the g = 3.2 signal is characteristic of the low-spin heme iron in cyt b-558.     

Screening for total and partial eosinoperoxidase deficiency by flow cytometry: prevalence in a general population, pathology and genetic implications

The ADVIA (Bayer) haematological system differentiates leukocytes by their volume and their peroxidase (MPO and EPO) activity. It thus allows specific counting of the eosinophils and detection of totally EPO and MPO deficient individuals. EPO activity is determined by the coordinates of the eosinophil cluster on the outprint. A reliable method of quantitation by simple angle measure is suggested. It allows recognition of partial deficiencies. Among approximately 100,000 persons, 29 cases of total EPO deficiency were detected. No typical or specific pathology of the defect was noted. Family studies showed heterozygous parents and offspring to be partially deficient. The frequency of these partial deficiencies in the general population is studied. The results exclude a simple autosomal recessive monogenic transmission of the defect. A model for bigenic transmission is suggested.     

Thiocyanate modulates the catalytic activity of mammalian peroxidases

We investigated the potential role of the co-substrate, thiocyanate (SCN-), in modulating the catalytic activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and other members of the mammalian peroxidase superfamily (lactoperoxidase (LPO) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO)). Pre-incubation of SCN- with MPO generates a more complex biological setting, because SCN- serves as either a substrate or inhibitor, causing diverse impacts on the MPO heme iron microenvironment. Consistent with this hypothesis, the relationship between the association rate constant of nitric oxide binding to MPO-Fe(III) as a function of SCN- concentration is bell-shaped, with a trough comparable with normal SCN- plasma levels. Rapid kinetic measurements indicate that MPO, EPO, and LPO Compound I formation occur at rates slower than complex decay, and its formation serves to simultaneously catalyze SCN- via 1e- and 2e- oxidation pathways. For the three enzymes, Compound II formation is a fundamental feature of catalysis and allows the enzymes to operate at a fraction of their possible maximum activities. MPO and EPO Compound II is relatively stable and decays gradually within minutes to ground state upon H2O2 exhaustion. In contrast, LPO Compound II is unstable and decays within seconds to ground state, suggesting that SCN- may serve as a substrate for Compound II. Compound II formation can be partially or completely prevented by increasing SCN- concentration, depending on the experimental conditions. Collectively, these results illustrate for the first time the potential mechanistic differences of these three enzymes. A modified kinetic model, which incorporates our current findings with the mammalian peroxidases classic cycle, is presented.     

Mechanisms for the proliferation of eosinophilic leukemia cells by FIP1L1-PDGFRalpha

The constitutively activated tyrosine kinase Fip1-like 1 (FIP1L1)-platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) causes eosinophilic leukemia EoL-1 cells to proliferate. Recently, we demonstrated that histone deacetylase inhibitors suppressed this proliferation and induced the differentiation of EoL-1 cells into eosinophils in parallel with a decrease in the level of FIP1L1-PDGFRα. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism by which FIP1L1-PDGFRα induces the proliferation and whether the suppression of cell proliferation triggers the differentiation into eosinophils. The FIP1L1-PDGFRα inhibitor imatinib inhibited the proliferation of EoL-1 cells and decreased the level of the oncoprotein c-Myc as well as the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). The proliferation of EoL-1 cells and expression of c-Myc were also inhibited by the MEK inhibitor U0126 and JNK inhibitor SP600125. The expression of the eosinophilic differentiation marker CCR3 was not induced by imatinib. These findings suggest that FIP1L1-PDGFRα induces the proliferation of EoL-1 cells through the induction of c-Myc expression via ERK and JNK signaling pathways, but is not involved in the inhibition of differentiation toward mature eosinophils.     

Regulation of the expression of leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on a human eosinophilic leukemia cell line EoL-3.

The effects of several cytokines and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) on LFA-1 and ICAM-1 expression on a human eosinophilic leukemia cell line, EoL-3, were investigated and compared with those of a human monocytic leukemia cell line, U937. EoL-3 cells expressed large amounts of LFA-1 and small amounts of ICAM-1, and their expression was regulated similarly in EoL-3 cells and U937 cells. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) enhanced ICAM-1 expression but not LFA-1 expression, and PMA augmented both LFA-1 and ICAM-1 expression. IFN-gamma and PMA showed an additive effect on ICAM-1 expression. These results collectively suggest that expression of LFA-1 and ICAM-1 is regulated differently and that IFN-gamma and PMA regulate the expression through different mechanisms. PMA but not IFN-gamma induced homotypic adhesion of EoL-3 and U937 cells, suggesting that PMA but not IFN-gamma activated the adhesive function of these cells. Staurosporin, an inhibitor of protein kinases (PKs), partly suppressed IFN-gamma- and PMA-augmented expression of ICAM-1 on EoL-3 and U937 cells, but did not affect PMA-augmented LFA-1 expression, suggesting that staurosporin-sensitive PKs are involved in IFN-gamma- and PMA-augmented ICAM-1 expression but not in PMA-augmented LFA-1 expression. The role of protein kinase C (PK-C) in these mechanisms was not revealed because a PK-C inhibitor, H-7, did not show any definitive effect on IFN-gamma- and PMA-induced expression of LFA-1 and ICAM-1. Moreover, cyclic AMP (cAMP)- and cGMP-dependent pathways were not shown to be involved in the augmentation of the expression of these molecules.     

Eosinophil migration induced by mast cell chymase is mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway

Mast cell chymase is known to induce eosinophil migration in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we investigated possible involvement of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases; extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, in the chymase-induced eosinophil migration. Human chymase induced a rapid phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 in human eosinophilic leukemia EoL-1 cells, while no phosphorylation was detected in JNK. The chymase-induced phosphorylation of ERK and p38 was inhibited by pertussis toxin. Similar results were obtained in the experiments using mouse chymase and eosinophils. U0126 (the inhibitor for MAP/ERK kinase) suppressed chymase-induced migration of EoL-1 cells and mouse eosinophils. However, SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) and SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) showed little effect on the migration. It is suggested therefore that chymase activates ERK and p38 probably through G-protein-coupled receptor, and that ERK but not p38 cascade may have a crucial role in chymase-induced migration of eosinophils.     

Eosinophil peroxidase nitrates protein tyrosyl residues. Implications for oxidative damage by nitrating intermediates in eosinophilic inflammatory disorders.

Eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) has been implicated in promoting oxidative tissue injury in conditions ranging from asthma and other allergic inflammatory disorders to cancer and parasitic/helminthic infections. Studies thus far on this unique peroxidase have primarily focused on its unusual substrate preference for bromide (Br(-)) and the pseudohalide thiocyanate (SCN(-)) forming potent hypohalous acids as cytotoxic oxidants. However, the ability of EPO to generate reactive nitrogen species has not yet been reported. We now demonstrate that EPO readily uses nitrite (NO(2)(-)), a major end-product of nitric oxide ((.)NO) metabolism, as substrate to generate a reactive intermediate that nitrates protein tyrosyl residues in high yield. EPO-catalyzed nitration of tyrosine occurred more readily than bromination at neutral pH, plasma levels of halides, and pathophysiologically relevant concentrations of NO(2)(-). Furthermore, EPO was significantly more effective than MPO at promoting tyrosine nitration in the presence of plasma levels of halides. Whereas recent studies suggest that MPO can also promote protein nitration through indirect oxidation of NO(2)(-) with HOCl, we found no evidence that EPO can indirectly mediate protein nitration by a similar reaction between HOBr and NO(2)(-). EPO-dependent nitration of tyrosine was modulated over a physiologically relevant range of SCN(-) concentrations and was accompanied by formation of tyrosyl radical addition products (e.g. o,o'-dityrosine, pulcherosine, trityrosine). The potential role of specific antioxidants and nucleophilic scavengers on yields of tyrosine nitration and bromination by EPO are examined. Thus, EPO may contribute to nitrotyrosine formation in inflammatory conditions characterized by recruitment and activation of eosinophils.     

Erythropoietin protects retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative damage

Oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in many diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, in which the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is considered a primary target. The aim of this study was to determine whether erythropoietin (EPO) protects cultured human RPE cells against oxidative damage and to identify the pathways that may mediate protection. EPO (1 IU/ml) significantly increased the viability of oxidant-treated RPE cells, decreased the release of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, recovered the RPE cells' barrier integrity disrupted by oxidative stress, prevented oxidant-induced cell DNA fragmentation and membrane phosphatidylserine exposure, and also reduced the levels of oxidant-induced intracellular ROS and restored cellular antioxidant potential, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase and decreased malondialdehyde, the end product of lipid peroxidation. EPO inhibited caspase-3-like activity. Protection by EPO was partly dependent on the activation of Akt1 and the maintenance of the mitochondrial membrane potential. No enhanced or synergistic protection was observed during application of Z-DEVD-FMK (caspase-3 inhibitor) combined with EPO compared with cultures exposed to EPO and H₂O₂ alone. Together, these results suggest that EPO could protect against oxidative injury-induced cell death and mitochondrial dysfunction in RPE cells through modulation of Akt1 phosphorylation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cysteine protease activity.     

A tale of two controversies: defining both the role of peroxidases in nitrotyrosine formation in vivo using eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase-deficient mice, and the nature of peroxidase-generated reactive nitrogen species

Nitrotyrosine is widely used as a marker of post-translational modification by the nitric oxide ((.)NO, nitrogen monoxide)-derived oxidant peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)). However, since the discovery that myeloperoxidase (MPO) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) can generate nitrotyrosine via oxidation of nitrite (NO(2)(-)), several questions have arisen. First, the relative contribution of peroxidases to nitrotyrosine formation in vivo is unknown. Further, although evidence suggests that the one-electron oxidation product, nitrogen dioxide ((*)NO(2)), is the primary species formed, neither a direct demonstration that peroxidases form this gas nor studies designed to test for the possible concomitant formation of the two-electron oxidation product, ONOO(-), have been reported. Using multiple distinct models of acute inflammation with EPO- and MPO-knockout mice, we now demonstrate that leukocyte peroxidases participate in nitrotyrosine formation in vivo. In some models, MPO and EPO played a dominant role, accounting for the majority of nitrotyrosine formed. However, in other leukocyte-rich acute inflammatory models, no contribution for either MPO or EPO to nitrotyrosine formation could be demonstrated. Head-space gas analysis of helium-swept reaction mixtures provides direct evidence that leukocyte peroxidases catalytically generate (*)NO(2) formation using H(2)O(2) and NO(2)(-) as substrates. However, formation of an additional oxidant was suggested since both enzymes promote NO(2)(-)-dependent hydroxylation of targets under acidic conditions, a chemical reactivity shared with ONOO(-) but not (*)NO(2). Collectively, our results demonstrate that: 1) MPO and EPO contribute to tyrosine nitration in vivo; 2) the major reactive nitrogen species formed by leukocyte peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of NO(2)(-) is the one-electron oxidation product, (*)NO(2); 3) as a minor reaction, peroxidases may also catalyze the two-electron oxidation of NO(2)(-), producing a ONOO(-)-like product. We speculate that the latter reaction generates a labile Fe-ONOO complex, which may be released following protonation under acidic conditions such as might exist at sites of inflammation.