Protective effect of radicicol against LPS/IFN-gamma-induced neuronal cell death in rat cortical neuron-glia cultures

We investigated the protective activity of radicicol, an antifungal antibiotic, against inflammation-induced neurotoxicity in neuron-glia cultures. Radicicol potently prevented the loss of neuronal cell bodies and neurites from LPS/IFN-gamma-induced neurotoxicity in rat cortical neuron-glia cultures with an EC(50) value of 0.09 microM. Radicicol inhibited the LPS/IFN-gamma-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and production of nitric oxide (NO) in microglia. Additionally, radicicol decreased the LPS/IFN-gamma-induced release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the cultures. The inhibitory potency of radicicol against the production of NO and TNF-alpha was well correlated with the protection of neurons. These results suggest that the protective effect of radicicol against LPS/IFN-gamma-induced neuronal cell death in neuron-glia cultures is mediated via the inhibition of TNF-alpha release, as well as the suppression of iNOS expression in microglia.     

Production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by Smilacis rhizoma in mouse peritoneal macrophages

Using mouse peritoneal macrophages, we have examined the mechanism by which, Smilacis rhizoma (SR) regulates nitric oxide (NO) production. When SR was used in combination with recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma), there was a marked cooperative induction of NO production. However, SR had no effect on NO production by itself. The increased production of NO from rIFN-gamma plus SR-stimulated cells was almost completely inhibited by pre-treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). Furthermore, treatment of peritoneal macrophages with rIFN-gamma plus SR caused a significant increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production. PDTC also decreased the effect of SR on TNF-alpha production significantly. These findings demonstrate that SR increases the production of NO and TNF-alpha by rIFN-gamma-primed macrophages and suggest that NF-kappaB plays a critical role in mediating these effects of SR.     

氧化修饰低密度脂蛋白对巨噬细胞一氧化氮合酶基因表达的影响

氧化修饰LDL(OX-LDL)可抑制脂多糖(LPS)诱导的巨噬细胞NO释放, 而正常(N-LDL)和乙酰化LDL(AC-LDL)则没有抑制作用.OX-LDL对NO释放的抑制作用随LDL修饰程度的升高而增强,且具有浓度和时间效应.狭缝杂交结果显示OX-LDL处理可使LPS诱导的巨噬细胞NOS mRNA含量下降,提示OX-LDL对NO释放的抑制作用可能发生在转录水平.     

解脲脲原体脂质相关膜蛋白通过激活核因子κB调控诱导性一氧化氮合酶在小鼠巨噬细胞中的表达

为探讨解脲脲原体(Uu)的脂质相关膜蛋白(LAMPs)诱导小鼠巨噬细胞表达诱导性一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)的分子机制,从解脲脲原体提取的脂质相关膜蛋白,刺激小鼠巨噬细胞,以RT_PCR、Western blot等方法分析iNOS的表达及NO的产生;用细胞免疫化学、间接免疫荧光及Western blot等方法检测核因子κB(NF_κB)的激活,另外检测了NF_κB的特异性抑制剂二硫代氨基甲酸吡咯烷(PDTC)和蛋白酶抑制剂放线菌酮(CHX)对iNOS的表达及NF_κB激活的影响。结果表明,解脲脲原体的LAMPs通过激活NF_κB诱导小鼠巨噬细胞表达iNOS的mRNA和蛋白,且能以时间和剂量依赖方式刺激小鼠巨噬细胞产生NO,NF_κB的抑制剂PDTC或蛋白酶抑制剂放线菌酮(CHX),可抑制NF_κB的激活及iNOS的表达。由于解脲脲原体的脂质相关膜蛋白通过激活NF_κB诱导小鼠巨噬细胞表达iNOS和产生NO,因而可能是一个重要的致病因素。     

Astaxanthin inhibits nitric oxide production and inflammatory gene expression by suppressing I(kappa)B kinase-dependent NF-kappaB activation

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid without vitamin A activity, has shown anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; however, its molecular action and mechanism have not been elucidated. We examined in vitro and in vivo regulatory function of astaxanthin on production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as well as expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Astaxanthin inhibited the expression or formation production of these proinflammatory mediators and cytokines in both lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and primary macrophages. Astaxanthin also suppressed the serum levels of NO, PGE2, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta in LPS-administrated mice, and inhibited NF-kappaB activation as well as iNOS promoter activity in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS. This compound directly inhibited the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells as well as H2O2-induced NF-kappaB activation and iNOS expression. Moreover, astaxanthin blocked nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB p65 subunit and I(kappa)B(alpha) degradation, which correlated with its inhibitory effect on I(kappa)B kinase (IKK) activity. These results suggest that astaxanthin, probably due to its antioxidant activity, inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators by blocking NF-kappaB activation and as a consequent suppression of IKK activity and I(kappa)B-alpha degradation.     

Alachlor and carbaryl suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS expression by differentially inhibiting NF-kappaB activation

Nitric oxide (NO) produced by macrophages plays an important role in host defense and inflammation. We found that two agrochemicals, alachlor and carbaryl, inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production by macrophages. In the present study, we investigated this inhibitory mechanism in RAW 264 cells. Both chemicals inhibited LPS-induced iNOS protein and mRNA expression as well as murine iNOS promoter activity. When treating these chemicals with reducing agents, the inhibition by carbaryl was reversed, but not the inhibition by alachlor. These chemicals also inhibited LPS-induced interferon-beta (IFN-beta) expression, an indispensable factor for LPS-induced iNOS expression. The inhibited iNOS expression, however, was not restored by exogenous IFN-beta supplementation. LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, which is necessary for the expression of IFN-beta and iNOS, was inhibited by these chemicals: however, the LPS-induced degradation of IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-beta was inhibited only by alachlor. These results indicate that alachlor and carbaryl differentially impair the LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation, leading to the inhibition of NO production.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of c-phycocyanin in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages

C-phycocyanin (C-PC), found in blue green algae, is often used as a dietary nutritional supplement. C-PC has been found to have an anti-inflammatory activity and exert beneficial effect in various diseases. However, little is known about its mechanism of action. Overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine whether C-PC inhibits production of nitrite, an index of NO, and iNOS expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Our results indicated that C-PC significantly inhibited the LPS-induced nitrite production and iNOS protein expression accompanied by an attenuation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) formation but had no effect on interleukin-10 production in macrophages. Furthermore, C-PC also suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) through preventing degradation of cytosolic IkappaB-alpha in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Thus, the inhibitory activity of C-PC on LPS-induced NO release and iNOS expression is probably associated with suppressing TNF-alpha formation and nuclear NF-kappaB activation, which may provide an additional explanation for its anti-inflammatory activity and therapeutic effect.     

Cryptococcus neoformans inhibits nitric oxide synthesis caused by CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide-stimulated macrophages in a fashion independent of capsular polysaccharides

Cryptococcus neoformans is eradicated by macrophages via production of NO. Unmethylated CpG-ODN protect mice from infection with this fungal pathogen by inducing IFN-gamma. The present study was designed to elucidate the effect of C. neoformans on the synthesis of NO by alveolar macrophages. For this purpose, MH-S, an alveolar macrophage cell line, was stimulated with CpG-ODN in the presence of IFN-gamma. A highly virulent strain of C. neoformans with thick capsule suppressed the production of NO. Capsular polysaccharides were not essential for this suppression, because there was no difference between acapsular mutant (Cap67) and its parent strain. Physical or close interaction of Cap67 with MH-S was necessary, as shown by the loss of such effect when direct contact was interfered by nitrocellulose membrane. Similar effects were observed by disrupted as well as intact Cap67. Whereas the inhibitory effect of intact Cap67 was completely abrogated by heat treatment, disrupted Cap67 did not receive such influence. Finally, disrupted Cap67 did not show any inhibitory effect on the TLR9-mediated activation of NF-kappaB in a luciferase reporter assay with HEK293T cells, although the TLR4-mediated activation was suppressed. These results revealed that C. neoformans suppressed the synthesis of NO by CpG-ODN and IFN-gamma-stimulated macrophages in a fashion independent of capsular polysaccharides, although the precise mechanism remains to be elucidated.     

Involvement of ERK, a MAP kinase, in the production of TGF-beta by macrophages treated with liposomes composed of phosphatidylserine

We have already reported that TGF-beta could be involved in the inhibitory effects of negatively charged liposomes composed of phosphatidylserine (PS-liposome) on the production of nitric oxide (NO) by mouse peritoneal macrophages stimulated with LPS [Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 281 (2001) 614]. In this paper, we explored the mechanism by which PS-liposomes promote the production of TGF-beta and the involvement of MAP kinases. When macrophages were treated with PS-liposomes, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a member of MAP kinase superfamily, was activated quickly and potently. However, no activation was observed with p38 MAP kinase. TGF-beta production was completely inhibited by U0126, a specific inhibitor for ERK. Furthermore, TGF-beta neutralizing antibody and U0126 decreased the inhibitory effect of PS-liposomes on NO production by macrophages. These findings suggested that TGF-beta is the factor produced by PS-liposomes that suppresses production of NO, and the ERK signaling pathway is intimately involved in TGF-beta production by macrophages following treatment with PS-liposomes.     

TNF-alpha, H2O2 and NO response of peritoneal macrophages to Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 derivatives

In this study, the effect of Yersinia derivatives on nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by murine peritoneal macrophages was investigated. Addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the macrophage culture resulted in NO production that was dose dependent. On the other hand, bacterial cellular extract (CE) and Yersinia outer proteins (Yops) had no effect on NO production. The possible inhibitory effect of Yops on macrophage cultures stimulated with LPS was investigated. Yops partially inhibited NO production (67.4%) when compared with aminoguanidine. The effects of Yersinia derivatives on H2O2 production by macrophages were similar to those on NO production. LPS was the only derivative that stimulated H2O2 release in a dose-dependent manner. All Yersinia derivatives provoked the production of TNF-alpha, but LPS had the strongest effect, as observed for NO production. CE and Yops stimulated TNF-alpha production to a lesser extent than LPS. The results indicate the possibility that in vivo Yops may aid the evasion of the bacteria from the host defense mechanism by impairing the secretion of NO by macrophages.     

Trichomonas vaginalis inhibits proinflammatory cytokine production in macrophages by suppressing NF-kappaB activation

Activation of NF-kappaB leads to the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 and TNF-alpha that are involved in innate and adaptive immunity. We determined whether T. vaginalis-induced inflammatory response in macrophages associated with NF-kappaB. T. vaginalis adhesion led to transient NF-kappaB activation at 6 h but activation declined dramatically by 8 h. Super-shift assays showed that the gel-shifted complexes consisted of p65 (Rel A) and p50 (NF-kappaB1). NF-kappaB activation was accompanied by IkappaB-alpha degradation, and was inhibited by blocking T. vaginalis adhesion, indicating that the early NF-kappaB activation by T. vaginalis depends on IkappaB-alpha degradation. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses revealed that the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-12 mRNA in T. vaginalis-adhesive cells was rapidly suppressed in comparison with LPS stimulation. We also observed that the parasite inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB at 8 h, and diminished IL-12 and TNF-alpha production in response to LPS. In addition, inhibition of IkappaB-alpha degradation by MG-132 resulted in apoptosis. These results demonstrate that effects of T. vaginalis on NF-kappaB regulation are critical for cytokine production and the survival of macrophages. We suggest that there exist inhibitory mechanisms induced by T. vaginalis to evade host immunity.     

Cloning and characterization of two novel zebrafish P2X receptor subunits

Activation of Kupffer cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after ethanol feeding results in overproduction of TNF-alpha, leading to liver injury. Since dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC) protects against liver injury and has antioxidant properties, we investigated whether it alters LPS signaling leading to decreased TNF-alpha production. Kupffer cells were isolated from rats fed alcohol-containing or isocaloric control diets for 3 weeks. With ethanol, cytochrome P4502E1 was upregulated. When stimulated with LPS in culture, Kupffer cells released more TNF-alpha compared to control rats; DLPC diminished the increase. It also reduced ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation as well as NF-kappaB activation with decreased nuclear p65 and increased cytosolic IkappaB-alpha expression. ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB activation were abolished by the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD098059. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 abolished p38 activation without affecting NF-kappaB. Both inhibitors reduced TNF-alpha generation. Thus, DLPC diminishes LPS-dependent TNF-alpha generation by inhibiting p38 and ERK1/2 activation; the latter leads to decreased NF-kappaB activation.     

Gold sodium thiomalate (GSTM) inhibits lipopolysaccharide stimulated tumor necrosis factor-alpha through ceramide pathway

TNF-alpha has emerged as the major pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). LPS is a potent stimulator of TNF-alpha production by human monocytes. Ceramide, a structural homolog of LPS and a second messenger in the sphingomyelin signal transduction pathway has been shown to stimulate TNF-alpha production from murine macrophages. We have previously shown that GSTM, an anti-rheumatic drug inhibits LPS stimulated TNF-alpha production by normal PBMCs. We studied the ability of ceramide to stimulate TNF-alpha production by human PBMCs and the mechanism of action of GSTM on ceramide and LPS induced TNF-alpha production. LPS induced significant TNF-alpha production in PBMCs and THP-1. However, C(2) ceramide stimulated TNF-alpha production in 5 of 10 PBMCs (ceramide responder); it did not do so in the other 5 PBMCs (ceramide non-responder) or the THP-1 cell line. GSTM inhibited LPS stimulated TNF-alpha productions in PBMCs of all 5 ceramide responders both at protein and mRNA expression level. We also found that GSTM inhibited LPS induced NF-kappaB level only in ceramide responder. Thus, we for the first time report that GSTM inhibits LPS stimulated TNF-alpha production through ceramide pathway and anti-inflammatory activity of GSTM in treatment of RA may depend on its ability to inhibit NF-kappaB activation and TNF-alpha production.     

Studies on the inactivation of superoxide dismutase activity by nitric oxide from rat peritoneal macrophages

Rat peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) generated increased levels of superoxide anions (O2ú-) by 122% as compared to those stimulated with PMA alone. However, Nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors-n-monomethyl arginine (nMMA) or spermine-HCI lowered the enhanced levels of O2ú- released by LPS treated macrophages. The Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in LPS treated macrophages was 51% lower than that observed in resident cells. NO synthase inhibitors prevented the loss of SOD activity in LPS treated cells. Exogenously added SOD during sensitization of cells with LPS also inactivated the enzyme. This inactivation of SOD is inhibited by Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors. PMA alone did not affect SOD activity. NO synthase inhibitors also did not affect PMA activated superoxide anion generation in macrophages. These studies indicate that nitric oxide generated by LPS treated macrophages can inactivate SOD activity.