睾酮对内皮细胞妊娠相关血浆蛋白-A mRNA表达的影响

目的:观察睾酮对内皮细胞妊娠相关血浆蛋白-A(PAPP-A)m RNA表达的影响。方法:人原代脐静脉内皮细胞,选择第3~4代生长状态良好的细胞用于实验。实验分组:1空白对照组;2肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α(终浓度100μg/L)培养细胞组;3TNF-α(终浓度100μg/L)及睾酮1×10-8mol/L培养细胞组;4睾酮1×10-8mol/L培养细胞组。实验结束后收集各组细胞,用RT-PCR方法检测各组细胞PAPP-A m RNA表达水平。结果:TNF-α作用2 h后,内皮细胞中PAPP-A m RNA表达水平升高(P0.05),且随TNF-α作用时间的延长,PAPP-A表达逐渐升高,在16小时达高峰;睾酮作用后,PAPP-A m RNA表达水平较TNF-α组明显降低(P0.01)。结论:TNF-α上调内皮细胞PAPP-A m RNA的表达,而睾酮抑制了TNF-α对PAPP-A分泌增加的刺激作用。     

槲皮素对LPS刺激的小胶质细胞炎症因子的下调作用

探讨槲皮素对LPS刺激的小胶质细胞炎症因子的下调作用。用不同浓度的槲皮素处理细菌脂多糖(LPS)诱导过的BV2小胶质细胞,观察不同浓度的槲皮素对炎症因子:一氧化氮(NO)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α绿)以及白介素-1β(IL-1β)的抑制效果。槲皮素在10μm、20μm、30μm时可降低炎症因子NO、TNF-α绿以及IL-1β的产生,与LPS组相比只加10μmol/L槲皮素处理:NO下降17.26%,IL-1β下降21.21%,TNF-α绿下降18.93%;20μmol/L槲皮素处理:NO下降45.18%,IL-1β下降35.45%,TNF-α绿下降37.77%;30μmol/L槲皮素处理:NO下降72.59%,IL-1β下降57.59%,TNF-α绿下降62.32%。但只在20μmol/L、30μmol/L槲皮素处理时与LPS组相比NO、TNF-α绿以及IL-1β的下降有统计学差异(p0.05)。与上述相同与LPS组相比槲皮素为10μmol/L、20μmol/L、30μmol/L时可降低炎症因子TNF-α绿以及IL-1βm RNA的产生,10μmol/L槲皮素处理:IL-1βmRNA下降16.88%,TNF-α绿mRNA下降14.88%;20μmol/L槲皮素处理:IL-1βmRNA下降38.96%,TNF-α绿mRNA下降37.16%;30μmol/L槲皮素处理IL-1βmRNA下降55.49%,TNF-α绿mRNA下降54.38%。但只在20μmol/L、30μmol/L槲皮素处理时TNF-α绿以及IL-1β的mRNA下降有统计学差异(p0.05)。槲皮素对LPS刺激的小胶质细胞炎症因子有一定的下调作用,其抗炎机制可能与下调NO、TNF-α绿以及IL-1β的产生有关。     

幽门螺杆菌感染激活NF-κB信号通路促进胃癌SGC-7901细胞炎症因子释放

为了探讨幽门螺杆菌对胃癌SGC-7901细胞炎症因子释放的影响,本研究将幽门螺杆菌感染SGC-7901细胞后,采用细胞计数盒(CCK-8)检测SGC-7901细胞活力,酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)检测炎症因子TNF-α、IL-1β以及IL-8的水平,Real-time PCR检测细胞TNF-α、IL-1β以及IL-8 m RNA的表达,蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blotting)检测NF-κB信号通路相关蛋白NF-κB p65蛋白表达以及IκBα磷酸化水平。研究结果表明,幽门螺杆菌感染后,SGC-7901细胞活力显著增加;幽门螺杆菌感染明显上调SGC-7901细胞TNF-α、IL-1β以及IL-8 mRNA的表达;本研究还进一步发现幽门螺杆菌感染显著增加SGC-7901细胞TNF-α、IL-1β以及IL-8的水平;此外,幽门螺杆菌处理的SGC-7901细胞,其NF-κB p65的蛋白表达以及IκBα磷酸化水平均显著上调。本研究的结论初步表明,幽门螺杆菌感染促进胃癌SGC-7901细胞炎症因子的释放,其机制可能涉及激活NF-κB信号通路。     

体外诱导人脐带间充质干细胞向Ⅱ型肺泡上皮细胞分化

该研究旨在通过条件培养基诱导人脐带间充质干细胞(human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,h UC-MSCs)向II型肺泡上皮细胞(type II alveolar epithelial cells,AEC2s)分化,为后续研究h UC-MSCs来源的AEC2s在肺部疾病中的治疗作用奠定基础。h UC-MSCs分为实验组和对照组,实验组用小气道上皮细胞生长基础培养基培养2天后添加生长因子诱导培养,对照组用20%血清的DMEM/F12培养。第14天观察细胞形态;Western blot、免疫荧光、流式细胞术和ELISA法检测肺泡表面活性蛋白C(surfactant protein C,SP-C)及前肺泡表面活性蛋白C(pro-surfactant protein C,pro SP-C)。利用透射电镜观察板层小体。结果显示,实验组细胞形态由长梭形向多边形转变,细胞内有pro SP-C表达,培养基上清中有SP-C分泌,透射电镜观察到板层小体;而对照组细胞形态无明显改变,未检测到pro SP-C表达、SP-C分泌和板层小体形成。该研究结果表明,体外诱导培养可促进h UC-MSCs向AEC2s分化,通过该方法有望大量获得h UC-MSCs来源的AEC2s用于肺部疾病治疗研究。     

双氢杨梅素对缺氧诱导的心肌细胞炎症反应和凋亡的影响及机制

目的:探讨双氢杨梅素对缺氧诱导的心肌细胞炎症和凋亡的影响及其可能调控机制。方法:将心肌细胞(H9C2细胞系)缺氧处理建立细胞模型,随机分为4组:对照组、对照+双氢杨梅素组、缺氧组、缺氧+双氢杨梅素组。对照+双氢杨梅素组和缺氧+双氢杨梅素组分别加入5μmol/L的双氢杨梅素孵育24 h,对照组和缺氧组分别加入同等体积的DMSO孵育24 h。实时PCR检测心肌细胞CD40、IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α、mi RNA-145-5p的m RNA水平;ELISA检测IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α的浓度;MTT实验检测心肌细胞生存率;Tunel法检测心肌细胞凋亡;Western blot检测心肌细胞Cleaved Caspase3的表达。结果:与对照组和对照+双氢杨梅素组相比,缺氧组CD40、IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的m RNA水平升高(P0.05),IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α浓度显著升高(P0.05),mi RNA-145-5p的m RNA水平显著降低(P0.05),心肌细胞生存率显著降低(P0.05),心肌细胞凋亡显著增加(P0.05),Cleaved Caspase3的蛋白表达显著增加;与缺氧组相比,缺氧+双氢杨梅素组CD40、IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的m RNA水平显著降低(P0.05),IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α浓度显著降低(P0.05),mi RNA-145-5p的m RNA水平显著增加(P0.05),心肌细胞生存率显著增加(P0.05),心肌细胞凋亡显著降低(P0.05),Cleaved Caspase3的蛋白表达显著降低。结论:双氢杨梅素可抑制缺氧诱导的心肌细胞炎症和凋亡,其机制可能与双氢杨梅素上调mi RNA-145-5p进一步抑制CD40介导的炎症反应和凋亡有关。     

神经肽CRH对原代大鼠皮层小胶质细胞NO、TNF-α和IL-6释放的影响

目的:探讨神经肽促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素(CRH)参与调节原代大鼠皮层小胶质细胞的激活。方法:取原代大鼠皮层细胞,体外培养10 d,纯化24 h后得小胶质细胞,采用ELISA和NO测试盒检测小胶质细胞激活后促炎症介质一氧化氮(NO)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和白介素6(IL-6)的释放。结果:10-15mol/L CRH明显促进原代大鼠小胶质细胞的促炎症介质NO,TNF-α和IL-6的释放。CRHR1特异性拮抗剂CP154,526可以阻断CRH诱导的小胶质细胞促炎症反应。结论:神经肽CRH通过CRHR1调节原代大鼠小胶质细胞的促炎症反应,CRH联合细菌脂多糖(Lipopolysaccharides,LPS)可以增强LPS诱导的小胶质细胞NO,TNF-α和IL-6的释放。     

α7nAChR调控STAT3磷酸化在星形胶质细胞机械性损伤后炎症反应中的作用

目的:通过建立星形胶质细胞机械性损伤模型,研究烟碱型乙酰胆碱受体α7亚单位(α7nAChR)在创伤性脑损伤后星形胶质细胞炎症反应中的作用及调控机制。方法:建立星形胶质细胞机械性损伤模型,通过ELISA检测炎症因子IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-10和TGF-β的表达;利用α7n ACh R抑制剂α-BGT和激动剂PHA-543613处理星形胶质细胞,检测相关炎症因子表达,并通过Western blot检测信号传导及转录活化因子3(STAT3)和磷酸化STAT3(p-STAT3)的表达;利用α-BGT和STAT3抑制剂Stattic处理星形胶质细胞,检测相关炎症因子表达。结果:①星形胶质细胞机械性损伤后,促炎因子IL-1β、TNF-α表达增加,抗炎因子IL-10、TGF-β表达降低(P0.05)。②利用α-BGT抑制α7nAChR可增加损伤后IL-1β、TNF-α的表达,减少IL-10、TGF-β的表达(P0.05);而利用PHA-543613激活α7nAChR功能,则发挥相反作用(P0.05)。③α-BGT可促进STAT3磷酸化,而PHA-543613抑制STAT3磷酸化(P0.05)。④STAT3抑制剂Stattic可减少IL-1β和TNF-α的表达,增加IL-10和TGF-β的表达,并部分阻断α-BGT对IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-10及TGF-β表达的影响(P0.05)。结论:机械性损伤后,激活α7nAChR可减轻星形胶质细胞炎症反应,而抑制STAT3磷酸化是其重要的下游机制。     

与成纤维细胞共培养的肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞的生物学特性

建立胎鼠肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞（AECⅡ）与肺成纤维细胞（LF）共培养模型,观察与LF共培养下AECⅡ的生物学特性。倒置相差显微镜观察AECⅡ形态和基本生长情况：RT-PCR和流式细胞术分别检测肺泡表面活性蛋白-C（SP-C）、水通道蛋白5（AQPS）mRNA及蛋白质表达;流式细胞术检测细胞周期及Ki67表达。结果显示,与LF共培养时,AECⅡ能较好地保留其细胞形态。SP-C mRNA及其蛋白质表达明显增加,而AQP5mRNA及其蛋白质表达则明显减少;LF促进AECⅡ增殖,使G2／M、S期细胞及表达Ki67^＋细胞的比率明显增多。结果提示,AECⅡ与LF共培养时,能更好地保留其细胞形态、分化及增殖特性。     

FABP4对脂多糖诱导Kupffer细胞NF-κB活化和炎症的影响

目的:研究脂肪型脂肪酸结合蛋白(FABP4)对脂多糖(LPS)诱导Kupffer细胞(KCs)NF-κB通路活化和炎症反应的影响。方法:通过梯度离心的方法分离大鼠KCs,按照1×10~5接种于6孔板,贴壁后饥饿24 h,不同浓度脂多糖(LPS,0、5、10和20ng/mL)刺激24 h,提取蛋白和RNA,通过Western-Blot检测NF-κB通路蛋白表达变化,利用荧光定量PCR检测IL-1β和IL-6m RNA表达变化;利用RNAi沉默KCs FABP4表达,通过Western-Blot和荧光定量PCR检测其对LPS诱导NF-κB通路活化的影响;分别利用FABP4细胞因子刺激和慢病毒上调FABP4的表达,通过Western-Blot和荧光定量PCR检测其对KCs NF-κB通路和炎症反应的影响。结果:LPS能够以浓度依赖的方式(0、5、10和20 ng/m L)诱导KCs FABP4 m RNA和蛋白的表达,以20 ng/mL最为明显(P0.05);沉默FABP4可以显著减弱LPS(20 ng/m L)诱导的p-p65和p-IκBα的表达,以及炎症细胞因子IL-1β和IL-6的释放(P0.05);外源性FABP4(10 ng/mL和20 ng/m L)刺激24h后,能够明显诱导p-p65和p-IκBα的表达,促进炎症因子(IL-1β和IL-6)的合成(P0.05);利用慢病毒上调FABP4,可以显著诱导p-p65和p-IκBα的表达以及炎症因子(IL-1β和IL-6)的表达(P0.05),而抗氧化剂NAC(10μM)处理,则显著减弱此效应(P0.05)。结论:FABP4介导了LPS刺激KCs NF-κB通路的活化和炎症反应。     

RNA干扰抑制Beclin1基因对裸鼹鼠成纤维细胞增殖与凋亡的影响

目的应用RNA干扰技术抑制自噬调控基因Beclin 1的表达,检测Beclin 1表达对裸鼹鼠皮肤成纤维细胞增殖与凋亡的影响以及p53、BAX、Bcl2等基因表达的影响。方法分别检测裸鼹鼠成纤维细胞经饥饿、H_2O_2刺激等处理后Beclin 1的表达,然后采用设计的Beclin l基因的干扰RNA及阴性对照分别瞬时转染裸鼹鼠成纤维细胞。采用real-time PCR及Western blot法检测沉默效果后,采用CCK-1实验检测沉默后细胞增殖活性,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡情况,然后采用Western blot检测相关基因蛋白表达水平。结果饥饿与H_2O_2刺激均能导致Beclin 1表达水平的改变。采用gene expresso转染试剂对裸鼹鼠皮肤成纤维细胞转染效率可达到90%以上,real-time PCR及Western blot结果显示所设计的Beclin 1 siRNA可有效降低Beclin 1的表达。Beclin 1基因沉默后,裸鼹鼠皮肤成纤维细胞增殖抑制率均显著高于对照组,细胞早期凋亡与晚期凋亡率均显著升高,同时p53、BAX、Bcl2、LC3B、p-AKT、m TOR等表达量下降。结论 Beclin 1在裸鼹鼠成纤维细胞抵抗饥饿、H_2O_2刺激等过程中表达量显著变化,同时抑制Beclin 1的表达,可抑制裸鼹鼠细胞增殖,促进其凋亡,这提示Beclin 1基因对裸鼹鼠自噬、增殖、凋亡起到调控作用。     

Effect of alveolar epithelial cell plasticity on the regulation of GM-CSF expression

Local pulmonary expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is critically important for defense of the pulmonary alveolar space. It is required for surfactant homeostasis and pulmonary innate immune responses and is protective against lung injury and aberrant repair. Alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) are a major source of GM-CSF; however, the control of homeostatic expression of GM-CSF is incompletely characterized. Increasing evidence suggests considerable plasticity of expression of AEC phenotypic characteristics. We tested the hypothesis that this plasticity extends to regulation of expression of GM-CSF using 1) MLE-12 cells (a commonly used murine cell line expressing some features of normal type II AEC, 2) primary murine AEC incubated under standard conditions [resulting in rapid spreading and loss of surfactant protein C (SP-C) expression with induction of the putative type I cell marker (T1α)], or 3) primary murine AEC on a hyaluronic acid/collagen matrix in defined medium, resulting in preservation of SP-C expression. AEC in standard cultures constitutively express abundant GM-CSF, with further induction in response to IL-1β but little response to TNF-α. In contrast, primary cells cultured to preserve SP-C expression and MLE-12 cells both express little GM-CSF constitutively, with significant induction in response to TNF-α and limited response to IL-1β. We conclude that constitutive and cytokine-induced expression of GM-CSF by AEC varies in concert with other cellular phenotypic characteristics. These changes may have important implications both for the maintenance of normal pulmonary homeostasis and for the process of repair following lung injury.     

Identification of two novel markers for alveolar epithelial type I and II cells

Alveolar epithelial type I and type II cells (AEC I and II) are closely aligned in alveolar surface. There is much interest in the precise identification of AEC I and II in order to separate and evaluate functional and other properties of these two cells. This study aims to identify specific AEC I and AEC II cell markers by DNA microarray using the in vitro trans-differentiation of AEC II into AEC I-like cells as a model. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed five AEC I genes: fibroblast growth factor receptor-activating protein 1, aquaporin 5, purinergic receptor P2X 7 (P2X7), interferon-induced protein, and Bcl2-associated protein, and one AEC II gene: gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor pi subunit (GABRP). Immunostaining on cultured cells and rat lung tissue indicated that GABRP and P2X7 proteins were specifically expressed in AEC II and AEC I, respectively. In situ hybridization of rat lung tissue confirmed the localization of GABRP mRNA in type II cells. P2X7 and GABRP identified in this study could be used as potential AEC I and AEC II markers for studying lung epithelial cell biology and monitoring lung injury.     

Kinetics of cytokines and chemokines gene expression distinguishes Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection from disease

The human infection with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis may result in three major outcomes: the paracoccidioidomycosis-infection (PI), the adult form (AF) and the juvenile form (JF) of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare the immunological response among these groups. The gene expression of multiple cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1, and chemokines, CXCL8, CXCL9 and CXCL10 was evaluated by RT-PCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells unstimulated or following phytohemagglutinin stimulation for 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. PI individuals expressed earlier and higher levels of mRNA of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, CXCL9 and CXCL10 when compared to JF patients. In relation to AF patients, the PI group presented similar levels of CXCL10 and IFN-gamma and higher levels of CXCL9. On the other hand, mRNA expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-5 and TGF-beta1) was higher and earlier in JF and AF groups, when compared to PI individuals. At some time intervals it was possible to differentiate JF from AF, mainly in relation to IL-4 and TGF-beta1 mRNA, expressed in higher levels in the JF patients. The distinct patterns of cytokines and chemokines expression support their important role in determining the different outcomes observed in this disease.     

Cytokine-mediated induction of metallothionein in Hepa-1c1c7 cells by oleanolic acid

Oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpene acid, has been reported to possess inducing activity of hepatic metallothionein (MT). However, the mechanism underlying its effects is unknown. This study investigated the effects of OA on the regulation of MT expression in an in vitro model. OA that was added directly to Hepa-1c1c7 cells had no effect on MT induction. However, MT and its mRNA levels increased markedly when the Hepa-1c1c7 cells were cultured with the OA-treated conditioned media from the RAW 264.7 cells. Co-treating the RAW 264.7 cells with OA and pentoxifylline, a TNF-alpha synthesis inhibitor, resulted in a decrease in the effects of OA on the MT induction. In the OA-exposed RAW 264.7 cell cultures, production and mRNA levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were increased. However, the MT induction activity was inhibited when antibodies to TNF-alpha and/or IL-6 were added to the OA-treated conditioned media from the RAW 264.7 cells. These results suggest that the up-regulation of MT expression by OA was mediated by the TNF-alpha and IL-6 released from UA-activated macrophages.     

Expression and function of the C5a receptor in rat alveolar epithelial cells

Although alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) form an important barrier for host defenses in the lung, there is limited information about ways in which AEC can directly participate in the lung inflammatory response. In the current studies, primary cultures of rat AEC (RAEC) have been shown to specifically bind recombinant rat C5a at high affinity and in a saturable manner. This binding was enhanced in a time-dependent manner by pre-exposure of RAEC to LPS, IL-6, or TNF-alpha, the increased binding of C5a being associated with increased levels of mRNA for the C5a receptor (C5aR). Exposure of RAEC to C5a also caused increased expression of mRNA for C5aR. As compared with exposure of RAEC to LPS or to C5a alone, exposure to the combination caused enhanced production of TNF-alpha, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1, as well as increased intracellular levels of IL-1beta. These data indicate that RAEC, when activated, have enhanced binding of C5a in association with increased mRNA for C5aR. The functional outcome is enhanced release of proinflammatory mediators. These data underscore the phlogistic potential of RAEC and the ability of C5a to enhance the phlogistic responses of RAEC.     

Regulation of found in inflammatory zone 1 expression in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis: role of IL-4/IL-13 and mediation via STAT-6

Found in inflammatory zone (FIZZ)1, also known as resistin-like molecule alpha, belongs to a novel class of cysteine-rich secreted protein family, named FIZZ/resistin-like molecule, with unique tissue expression patterns. FIZZ1 is induced in alveolar type II epithelial cells (AECs) in bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis, and found to induce myofibroblast differentiation in vitro. The objective of this study was to elucidate the regulation of AEC FIZZ1 expression in pulmonary fibrosis. AECs were isolated from rat lungs and the effects of a number of cytokines on FIZZ1 expression were evaluated by RT-PCR. Of all cytokines examined, only IL-4 and IL-13 were effective in stimulating FIZZ1 expression in AECs. Stimulation by IL-4/IL-13 was accompanied by increases in phosphorylated STAT6 and JAK1. FIZZ1 expression was also stimulated by transfection with a STAT6 expression plasmid, but was inhibited by antisense oligonucleotides directed against STAT6. In vivo studies showed that compared with wild-type controls, both IL-4- and IL-13-deficient mice showed reduced BLM-induced lung FIZZ1 expression and fibrosis, which were essentially abolished in IL-4 and IL-13 doubly deficient mice. Furthermore, STAT6-deficient mice showed marked reduction in BLM-induced lung FIZZ1 expression. Thus, IL-4 and IL-13 are potent inducers of AEC FIZZ1 expression via STAT6 and play key roles in BLM-induced lung FIZZ1 expression and fibrosis. This represents a potential mechanism by which IL-4/IL-13 could play a role in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis.     

Contribution of proliferation and DNA damage repair to alveolar epithelial type 2 cell recovery from hyperoxia

In this study, C57BL/6J mice were exposed to hyperoxia and allowed to recover in room air. The sublethal dose of hyperoxia for C57BL/6J was 48 h. Distal lung cellular isolates from treated animals were characterized as 98% epithelial, with minor fibroblast and endothelial cell contaminants. Cells were then verified as 95% pure alveolar epithelial type II cells (AEC2) by surfactant protein C (SP-C) expression. After hyperoxia exposure in vivo, fresh, uncultured AEC2 were analyzed for proliferation by cell yield, cell cycle, PCNA expression, and telomerase activity. DNA damage was assessed by TdT-dUTP nick-end labeling, whereas induction of DNA repair was evaluated by GADD-153 expression. A baseline level for proliferation and damage was observed in cells from control animals that did not alter significantly during acute hyperoxia exposure. However, a rise in these markers was observed 24 h into recovery. Over 72 h of recovery, markers for proliferation remained elevated, whereas those for DNA damage and repair peaked at 48 h and then returned back to baseline. The expression of GADD-153 followed a distinct course, rising significantly during acute exposure and peaking at 48 h recovery. These data demonstrate that in healthy, adult male C57BL/6J mice, AEC2 proliferation, damage, and repair follow separate courses during hyperoxia recovery and that both proliferation and efficient repair may be required to ensure AEC2 survival.     

The effect of IL-1beta on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and their receptors in human chondrocytes

Cytokines released at sites of inflammation and infection can alter the normal processes of cartilage turnover, resulting in pathologic destruction or formation. Interleukin (IL)-1beta plays a central role in the pathophysiology of cartilage damage and degradation in arthritis. In the present study, we examined the effect of IL-1beta on the expression of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and their receptors in human chondrocytes. The cells were cultured either with or without 100 U/ml of IL-1beta for up to 28 days. The level of expression of the cytokines and their receptors was estimated by determining mRNA levels using real-time PCR or by determining protein levels using ELISA. The expression of IL-1beta, IL-8, and TNF-alpha markedly increased in the presence of IL-1beta after day 14 of culture. The expression of IL-6 and IL-11 increased greatly in the presence of IL-1beta on day 1 and after day 14 of culture. The expression of IL-1beta, IL-8, IL-11, and TNF-alpha receptors significantly decreased in the presence of IL-1beta after day 14 of culture, whereas the expression of IL-6 receptor significantly increased. The expression of these cytokines, except for IL-6, decreased with the addition of human IL-1 receptor antagonist. These results suggest that IL-1beta promotes the resolution system of cartilage matrix turnover through an increase in inflammatory cytokine production by chondrocytes and that it also may promote the autocrine action of IL-6 through an increase in IL-6 receptor expression in the cells.     

Effect of soluble interleukin-6 receptor alpha and interleukin-6 secreted by polymorphonuclear leukocytes on tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression and its production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells

BACKGROUND: It has recently been shown that soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) alone or complexed with interleukin (IL)-6, besides their regulatory role in a wide variety of both normal and abnormal biologic reactions mediated by IL-6, could be an effective stimulator of the cell function. AIMS: The key question of the present study is whether the sIL-6Ralpha or sIL-6R with IL-6 released by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) can influence cytokine secretion such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), which together with PMN develop the inflammatory and immune response of a host. METHODS: Cells were isolated from heparinized whole blood of healthy persons. The PMN were cultured for 1 h at 37 degrees C in 5% CO(2). After incubation, the culture supernatant of PMN was removed and was added to PBMC. The PBMC were cultured for 1 h at 37 degrees C in the same conditions. In the culture supernatants and lysates of PMN, we examined the concentrations of sIL-6R by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TNF-alpha was measured at both protein and mRNA levels. Protein levels were determined by ELISA. To examine TNF-alpha mRNA expression, we isolated mRNA from PBMC after culture, using TRIZOL Reagent. The quantity of mRNA TNF-alpha was determined by the Quantikine mRNA assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results obtained revealed that sIL-6R with IL-6 secreted by PMN may play a regulatory role in the immune response by modulating the TNF-alpha expression and its production by PBMC. This may have a significant influence on an early phase of the inflammation and other reactions mediated by TNF-alpha.