Transformed human bronchial epithelial cells (beas-2b) alter the growth and morphology of normal human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro

Normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BE) and adenovirus-12 SV40 hybrid virus transformed, non-tumorigenic human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were cultured for 7 days in a serum free hormone supplemented medium. BE cells after 3 days in culture were exposed to conditioned medium (CM_t) from confluent BEAS-2B cells. By day 7, CM_t-treated BE cells exhibited a lower colony forming efficiency (CFE), fewer cells per colony, and a reduced mitotic index (MI) and BrdU (bromodeoxyuridine) labeling index. CM_t also enhanced the expression of a terminally differentiated squamous phenotype in BE cells. Cell free lysates from BEAS-2B cells (CFL_t) had effects similar to CM_t on the MI and morphology of BE cells. In contrast, CM_t and CFL_t did not inhibit the growth, or alter the morphology of BEAS-2B cells. Conditioned medium from BE cells (CM_n) did not reduce the growth of BEAS-2B cells, and had little effect on the morphology of BE cells. In co-culturesAbbreviations BE normal bronchial epithelial cells - BEAS-2B adenovirus-12 SV40 hybrid virus transformed bronchial epithelial cells - CM_n conditioned medium from BE cells - CM_t conditioned medium from BEAS-2B cells - CF_n cell free lysate from BE cells - CFL_t cell free lysate from BEAS-2B cells - BrdU bromodeoxyuridine - KGM keratinocyte growth medium - TGF- transforming growth factor type - NCI-LHC National Cancer Institute-Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis Contribution No. 2801 from the Pathobiology Laboratory, University of Maryland.     

支气管上皮细胞在气道高反应中的作用

气道高反应的发病机制目前仍然不清楚,但人多数人认同是气道的一种慢性炎症。近十年来,上皮缺陷学说逐渐成为解释气道高反应机制的主流观点。气道上皮不再被仅仅看作为单纯的机械屏障,而是机体内环境与外部环境相互作用的界面。气道上皮具有广泛的生理作用,包括抗氧化、内分泌和外分泌、黏液运输、生物代谢、结构性黏附、损伤修复、应激或炎症信号传递、抗原递呈作用等。借助这些生理作用,支气管上皮细胞在气道局部微环境稳态维持中发挥重要作用。有理由相信,气道上皮的结构完整性缺陷或功能紊乱是哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺疾病等气道高反应性疾病的启动环节。     

Maresin-1 reduces the pro-inflammatory response of bronchial epithelial cells to organic dust

Background

Exposure to organic dust causes detrimental airway inflammation. Current preventative and therapeutic measures do not adequately treat resulting disease, necessitating novel therapeutic interventions. Recently identified mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids exhibit anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions. We tested the potential of one of these mediators, maresin-1 (MaR1), in reducing organic dust-associated airway inflammation.

Methods

As bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) are pivotal in initiating organic dust-induced inflammation, we investigated the in vitro effects of MaR1 on a human BEC cell line (BEAS-2B). Cells were pretreated for 1 hour with 0–200 nM MaR1, followed by 1–24 hour treatment with 5% hog confinement facility-derived organic dust extract (HDE). Alternatively, a mouse lung slice model was utilized in supportive cytokine studies. Supernatants were harvested and cytokine levels determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Epithelial cell protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms α and ϵ, and PKA activities were assessed via radioactivity assays, and NFκB and MAPK-related signaling mechanisms were investigated using luciferase vector reporters.

Results

MaR1 dose-dependently reduced IL-6 and IL-8 production following HDE treatment of BECs. MaR1 also reduced HDE-stimulated cytokine release including TNF-α in a mouse lung slice model when given before or following HDE treatment. Previous studies have established that HDE sequentially activates epithelial PKCα and PKCϵ at 1 and 6 hours, respectively that regulated TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 release. MaR1 pretreatment abrogated these HDE-induced PKC activities. Furthermore, HDE treatment over a 24-hour period revealed temporal increases in NFκB, AP-1, SP-1, and SRE DNA binding activities, using luciferase reporter assays. MaR1 pretreatment did not alter the activation of NFκB, AP-1, or SP-1, but did reduce the activation of DNA binding at SRE.

Conclusions

These observations indicate a role for MaR1 in attenuating the pro-inflammatory responses of BECs to organic dust extract, through a mechanism that does not appear to rely on reduced NFκB, AP-1, or SP-1-related signaling, but may be mediated partly through SRE-related signaling. These data offer insights for a novel mechanistic action of MaR1 in bronchial epithelial cells, and support future in vivo studies to test MaR1’s utility in reducing the deleterious inflammatory effects of environmental dust exposures.     

The role of bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis in the pathogenesis of COPD

There is an increased airway inflammation in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it has been suggested that there may also be problem in the apoptosis and renewal of cells. However, there are limited human airway cell studies, in particular those from larger airways such as bronchi. We cultured primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) from bronchial explants of smokers (n = 6) without COPD and smokers with COPD (n = 8). Apoptosis was studied by fluorescence activated cell sorting. qRT-PCR was used to assess mRNA expression for proteins involving apoptosis including p21^CIP1/WAF1, p53, caspase-8 and caspase-9. Although there was no difference in the rate of viable cells between cells from smokers and COPDs, the level of early apoptotic cells was significantly increased in COPD cells [mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) = 4.86 ± 3.2 %, p = 0.015] as compared to smokers (mean ± SEM = 2.71 ± 1.62 %). In contrast, the rate of late apoptotic cells was significantly decreased in COPD cells (mean ± SEM = 9.82 ± 5.71 %) comparing to smokers (mean ± SEM = 15.21 ± 5.08 %, p = 0.003). Although expression of mRNA for p21^CIP1/WAF1 and caspase-9 was similar in both groups, p53 and caspase-8 mRNA expression was significantly greater in COPD cells. These findings suggest that HBEC apoptosis is increased in COPD, and that this involves p53 and caspase-8 pathways.     

MicroRNA-146a modulates human bronchial epithelial cell survival in response to the cytokine-induced apoptosis

MicroRNA plays an important role in cell differentiation, proliferation and cell death. The current study found that miRNA-146a was up-regulated in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) in response to stimulation by TGF-ß1 plus cytomix (a mixture of IL-1ß, IFN-γ and TNF-α). TGF-ß1 plus cytomix (TCM) induced apoptosis in HBECs (3.4 ± 0.6% of control vs 83.1 ± 4.0% of TCM treated cells, p < 0.01), and this was significantly blocked by the miRNA-146a mimic (8.8 ± 1.5%, p < 0.01). In contrast, a miRNA-146a inhibitor had only a modest effect on cell survival but appeared to augment the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to the cytokines. The MicroRNA-146a mimic appears to modulate HBEC survival through a mechanism of up-regulating Bcl-XL and STAT3 phosphorylation, and by this mechanism it could contribute to tissue repair and remodeling.     

肠粘膜上皮细胞在天然免疫中的作用

粘膜免疫是机体防御系统的主要成分。致病性细菌侵入机体后,首先遭遇到天然免疫的抵抗,随后产生获得性免疫,两共同执行机体的防御功能,消灭入侵细菌。最近的研究表明上皮细胞对细菌感染有重要的免疫调节作用,在天然免疫与获得性免疫防御机制中起重要作用。本重点介绍肠上皮细胞在天然免疫中的作用。     

Selenium deficiency alters epithelial cell morphology and responses to influenza

It is unknown whether nutritional deficiencies affect the morphology and function of structural cells, such as epithelial cells, and modify the susceptibility to viral infections. We developed an in vitro system of differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) grown either under selenium-adequate (Se+) or selenium-deficient (Se–) conditions, to determine whether selenium deficiency impairs host defense responses at the level of the epithelium. Se– BECs had normal SOD activity, but decreased activity of the selenium-dependent enzyme GPX1. Interestingly, catalase activity was also decreased in Se– BECs. Both Se– and Se+ BECs differentiated into a mucociliary epithelium; however, Se– BEC demonstrated increased mucus production and increased Muc5AC mRNA levels. This effect was also seen in Se+ BEC treated with 3-aminotriazole, an inhibitor of catalase activity, suggesting an association between catalase activity and mucus production. Both Se– and Se+ were infected with influenza A/Bangkok/1/79 and examined 24 h postinfection. Influenza-induced IL-6 production was greater while influenza-induced IP-10 production was lower in Se– BECs. In addition, influenza-induced apoptosis was greater in Se– BEC as compared to the Se+ BECs. These data demonstrate that selenium deficiency has a significant impact on the morphology and influenza-induced host defense responses in human airway epithelial cells.     

Delay of airway epithelial wound repair in COPD is associated with airflow obstruction severity

Background

Airway epithelium integrity is essential to maintain its role of mechanical and functional barrier. Recurrent epithelial injuries require a complex mechanism of repair to restore its integrity. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an abnormal airway epithelial repair may participate in airway remodeling. The objective was to determine if airway epithelial wound repair of airway epithelium is abnormal in COPD.

Methods

Patients scheduled for lung resection were prospectively recruited. Demographic, clinical data and pulmonary function tests results were recorded. Emphysema was visually scored and histological remodeling features were noted. Primary bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) were extracted and cultured for wound closure assay. We determined the mean speed of wound closure (MSWC) and cell proliferation index, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and cytokines levels in supernatants of BEC 18 hours after cell wounding. In a subset of patients, bronchiolar epithelial cells were also cultured for wound closure assay for MSWC analyze.

Results

13 COPD and 7 non COPD patients were included. The severity of airflow obstruction and the severity of emphysema were associated with a lower MSWC in BEC (p = 0.01, 95% CI [0.15-0.80]; p = 0.04, 95% CI [−0.77;-0.03] respectively). Cell proliferation index was decreased in COPD patients (19 ± 6% in COPD vs 27 ± 3% in non COPD, p = 0.04). The severity of COPD was associated with a lower level of MMP-2 (7.8 ± 2 10⁵ AU in COPD GOLD D vs 12.8 ± 0.13 10⁵ AU in COPD GOLD A, p = 0.04) and a lower level of IL-4 (p = 0.03, 95% CI [0.09;0.87]). Moreover, higher levels of IL-4 and IL-2 were associated with a higher MSWC (p = 0.01, 95% CI [0.17;0.89] and p = 0.02, 95% CI [0.09;0.87] respectively). Clinical characteristics and smoking history were not associated with MSWC, cell proliferation index or MMP and cytokines levels. Finally, we showed an association of the MSWC of bronchial and corresponding bronchiolar epithelial cells obtained from the same patients (p = 0.02, 95% CI [0.12;0.89]).

Conclusion

Our results showed an abnormal bronchial epithelial wound closure process in severe COPD. Further studies are needed to elucidate the contribution and the regulation of this mechanism in the complex pathophysiology of COPD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12931-014-0151-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Wound repair and proliferation of bronchial epithelial cells regulated by CTNNAL1

Adhesion molecules play vital roles in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) or airway inflammation. Our previous study indicated that adhesion molecule catenin alpha-like 1 (CTNNAL1) is relevant closely to asthma susceptibility, but its biological function or significance is still unclear. In the present study, we observed the temporal and spatial distribution of CTNNAL1 expression in mouse lung tissue with the OVA-sensitized asthma model and found that the level of CTNNAL1 mRNA showed a prominent negative correlation with pulmonary resistance (R(L)). To study the function of CTNNAL1 in airway, effects of CTNNAL1 on proliferation and wound repair activity of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) was investigated with antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technique. The results showed that: (1) CTNNAL1 ASO could decelerate the repairing velocity and proliferation of HBEC; (2) CTNNAL1 expression was increased on the edge cells of mechanic wounded area in culture; (3) extracellular matrix component fibronectin (Fn) obviously promoted wound repair activity and proliferation of HBEC, which could be blocked by CTNNAL1 ASO; (4) Western blot showed that Fn could promote FAK phosphorylation, which also be inhibited by CTNNAL1 ASO. In conclusion, the level of CTNNAL1 mRNA expression is highly correlated to airway resistance; CTNNAL1 may contribute to the wound repair and proliferation of HBEC. Furthermore, it may serve to Fn mediated cell-extracellular adhesion and its signal transduction.     

纤维连接蛋白上调兔支气管上皮细胞过氧化氢酶表达

为从基因转录水平阐明纤维连接蛋白(fibronectin,Fn)与整合素(integrins)结合反应对支气管上皮细胞(bronchial epithelialCells,BECs)的抗氧化保护机制,本文在先前的工作基础上用臭氧(ozone,O_3)攻击原代培养的免BEC,RT-PCR扩增过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)的cDNA,PCR产物经琼脂糖凝胶电泳后用凝胶成像系统进行灰度分析,反映CAT mRNA的原始表达丰度,观察Fn处理的影响及蛋白酪氨酸激酶抑制剂genistein和钙调素抑制剂W_7的作用。同时,将电泳展开的PCR产物电转移至尼龙膜上,用CAT特异性寡核苷酸探针杂交,证实PCR扩增产物为特异性目的基因的转录产物。结果证实:Fn(10μg/ml)处理可提高CAT表达(P<0.01),蛋白酪氨酸激酶抑制剂genistein可阻断Fn对CAT mRNA表达的增强效应(P<0.01);钙调素抑制剂W_7对Fn处理后CAT mRNA表达增强也有抑制作用。提示:Fn可提高BEC细胞内CAT编码基因的转录水平,其上游信号途径与整合素介导的酪氨酸磷酸化或Ca~(2+)-钙调素通路有关。     

下调TLR4对LPS诱导的支气管上皮16HBE细胞损伤的影响及其机制

目的探讨TLR4对脂多糖（LPS）诱导的支气管上皮16HBE细胞损伤的影响及其机制。 方法将3条siRNA-TLR4-1、siRNA-TLR4-2和siRNA-TLR4-3转染至16HBE细胞中,筛选出最佳的siRNA-TLR4干扰序列进行实验。实验分为对照组（未处理）、LPS组（给予50 μg/ml LPS处理）、LPS+siNC组（转染siRNA-NC后给予50 μg/ml LPS处理）和LPS+siTLR4组（分别转染设计的3条siRNA-TLR4后给予50 μg/ml LPS处理）,采用RT-PCR检测TLR4、IL-6和TNF-α mRNA的表达,MTT法检测细胞活力,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率,Western Blot检测Bcl-2、Bax、Cleaved Caspase-3、NF-κB p65和IκBα蛋白的表达。多组间比较使用单因素方差分析,组间多重比较采用SNK-q,两组间比较采用独立样本t检验。 结果LPS组与LPS+siTLR4-2组TLR4 mRNA（2.05±0.12,3.28±0.15）和蛋白表达（0.38±0.03,0.77±0.05）比较,差异具有统计学意义（t?= 11.091,11.585,P均< 0.001）;LPS组与LPS+siTLR4-3组TLR4 mRNA（1.39±0.09,3.28±0.15）和蛋白表达（0.31±0.02,0.77±0.05）比较,差异具有统计学意义（t?= 20.857,12.650,P均?< 0.001）且siRNA-TLR4-3的效果最为显著。与对照组相比,LPS组、LPS+siNC组和LPS+siTLR4组细胞中IL-6 mRNA（11.42±1.05,11.38±1.34,6.22±0.35,0.97±0.06,F?= 98.803,P均< 0.01）、TNF-α mRNA（15.76±1.12,15.69±0.87,7.54±0.41,1.03±0.09,F?= 278.064,P均< 0.01）、Cleaved Caspase-3蛋白（0.75±0.06,0.77±0.05,0.38±0.03,0.13±0.02,F?= 154.851,P均< 0.01）、Bax蛋白（0.48±0.05,0.52±0.05,0.33±0.02,0.11±0.02,F?= 71.310,P均< 0.01）、NF-κBp65蛋白（0.64±0.05,0.67±0.05,0.45±0.04,0.28±0.02,F?= 56.571,P?均?< 0.01）的表达水平和细胞凋亡率[（21.36±2.85）﹪,（20.94±3.22）﹪,（13.08±1.16）?﹪,（7.25±1.28）﹪,F?= 25.685,P均< 0.01]均明显升高,而细胞活力（0.53±0.04,0.51±0.04,0.78±0.06,1.15±0.08,F?= 80.811,P均< 0.01）和Bcl-2蛋白（0.28±0.03,0.25±0.03,0.40±0.03,0.69±0.06,F?= 76.762,P均< 0.01）、IκBα蛋白（0.38±0.03,0.35±0.03,0.44±0.03,0.72±0.06,F?= 53.635,P均< 0.01）的表达水平均明显降低;与LPS组相比,LPS+siTLR4组中IL-6 mRNA、TNF-α mRNA、Cleaved Caspase-3蛋白、Bax蛋白、NF-κBp65蛋白的表达水平和细胞凋亡率均明显降低,差异有统计学意义（t = 8.138,11.937,9.553,4.825,5.140,4.661,P均< 0.01）,而细胞活力和Bcl-2蛋白、IκBα蛋白的表达水平均明显升高,差异有统计学意义（t = 6.005,4.899,3.674,P < 0.05）,而LPS组和LPS+siNC组间差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。 结论下调TLR4可通过抑制NF-κB通路激活抑制LPS诱导的细胞凋亡和炎症反应减轻16HBE细胞损伤。     

A three-dimensional model of differentiation of immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells

A therapeutic approach being investigated for a variety of pathologies is tissue regeneration using a patient's own cells. Such studies have been hampered due to the difficulty in growing epithelial cells for prolonged periods in culture. Replicative senescence due to short telomeres and p16 induced by culture stress work together to inhibit cell growth. Forced expression of telomerase (hTERT) can prevent replicative senescence, and expression of the cell cycle protein cdk4 can sequester p16, thereby immortalizing epithelial cells in culture. In the present study, we used this method to immortalize human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) to determine whether immortalized HBECs retain the ability to differentiate normally. HBECs were plated atop contracted collagen gels containing lung fibroblasts. This three-dimensional (3D) tissue model was cultured initially submerged, then raised to the air/liquid interface for up to 28 days. Normal differentiation was assessed by the presence of ciliated cells, goblet (mucin-producing) cells, and basal epithelial cells. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed both ciliated and non-ciliated cells in these 3D tissues. Histological examination revealed the presence of mucin-producing cells, and immunohistochemistry using antibodies against p63 and keratin 14 showed the presence of basal cells. These results demonstrate that immortalized HBECs retain the capacity to differentiate into each of three cell types: basal, mucin-producing, and columnar ciliated epithelial cells. Such cells will be useful cellular reagents for research in aging, cancer progression, as well as normal bronchial epithelial differentiation and will help progress the use of engineered cells to enhance tissue regeneration.     

支架蛋白IQGAP1参与气道上皮细胞损伤修复过程

气道上皮损伤修复过程包括细胞延伸、迁移和增殖.IQGAP1 (IQ domain GTPase-activating protein 1)是一个在许多细胞生命活动中非常有意义的蛋白,但其在肺上皮细胞中的作用尚未阐述清楚.本文采用目前广泛应用的刮伤气道上皮细胞的体外模型来研究IQGAP1的功能.结果显示,IQGAP1在小鼠、大鼠、猪和人气道上皮细胞中有丰富表达.它与微管骨架共定位,可被微管解聚剂nocodazole破坏.刮伤6～9h后,IQGAP1 mRNA及蛋白表达上调.过表达外源性IQGAP1导致β-catenin核转位,从而活化Tcf/Lef信号.此外,刮伤还影响IQGAP1与β-catenin、结肠腺瘤病(adenomatous polyposis coli, APC)蛋白及细胞质连接蛋白-170 (cytoplasmic linker protein-170, CLIP-170)之间的相互作用.通过小干扰RNA (small interference RNA, siRNA)沉默IQGAP1表达则明显延迟损伤愈合.结果提示,IQGAP1信号参与气道上皮细胞损伤修复过程.     

TWEAK/Fn14 interaction stimulates human bronchial epithelial cells to produce IL-8 and GM-CSF

TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family, is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of TWEAK on human bronchial epithelial cells. A human bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS2B, expressed a TWEAK receptor, fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), and produced IL-8 and GM-CSF upon TWEAK stimulation in a dose-dependent manner, which was abrogated by anti-Fn14 blocking antibody. TWEAK induced phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and BAY11-7082, a selective inhibitor of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, inhibited the TWEAK-induced IL-8 and GM-CSF production by BEAS2B cells. Moreover, primary cultured human bronchial epithelial cells also expressed Fn14 and produced IL-8 and GM-CSF upon TWEAK stimulation. Collectively, TWEAK stimulated human bronchial epithelial cells to produce IL-8 and GM-CSF through Fn14. Because IL-8 and GM-CSF are associated with inflammatory conditions, these results suggest that TWEAK/Fn14 interaction may play some roles in airway inflammatory responses.     

降钙素基因相关肽对人支气管上皮细胞E-钙粘素表达的影响

目的:探讨降钙素基因相关肽(CGRP)对臭氧(O3)应激后人支气管上皮细胞(HBECs)中E-钙粘素(E-cd)表达的影响及机制。方法:采用RT-PCR检测E-cd mRNA的表达,免疫细胞化学染色法检测E-cd蛋白的表达。结果:CGRP呈剂量依赖性增加正常以及O3应激后HBECs胞膜上E-cd的表达,而对胞浆内E-cd的表达无明显影响;CGRP对HBECs胞膜上E-cd表达的上调作用可分别被H-89(PKA抑制剂)、H-7(PKC抑制剂)及W-7(CaM抑制剂)部分逆转。结论:CGRP可剂量依赖性增加正常和O3应激后HBECs胞膜E-cd的表达,而对胞浆内E-cd的表达无影响。     

持续性细胞皱缩在人上皮细胞凋亡过程中的必要性

持续性细胞皱缩是凋亡发生的一个主要标志。近期研究发现细胞皱缩在细胞凋亡过程中并不是一个被动的次要事件。在各种细胞中,包括人上皮细胞,凋亡因子（apoptogen）刺激后马上发生全细胞皱缩,又称为凋亡性容积减小（apoptotic　volumede　crease,AVD）,继而发生caspase激活、DNA片段化、细胞破裂死亡。K^＋和Cl^-通道的激活导致KCl外流,诱导AVD发生。抑制AVD发生可以抑制细胞凋亡。AVD与调节性容积增加（regulatory　volume　increase,RVI）异常相伴发生时,人上皮性HeLa细胞发生持续性细胞皱缩。RVI功能受损时,高渗本身就能诱导HeLa细胞持续性细胞皱缩,继而凋亡。即使在正常渗透压、无凋亡因子刺激的情况下,将HeLa细胞置于缺乏Na^＋或Cl。的溶液也会导致细胞持续性皱缩,继而凋亡。因此,AVD诱导和RVI异常所导致的持续性细胞皱缩是人上皮细胞发生凋亡的首要条件。     

Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor via CCR3 in bronchial epithelial cells

We have previously found that bronchial epithelial cells express CCR3 whose signaling elicits mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation and cytokine production. Several investigators have focused on the signaling crosstalk between G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the role of EGFR in CCR3 signaling in the bronchial epithelial cell line NCI-H292. Eotaxin (1-100 nM) induced dose-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR in NCI-H292 cells. Pretreatment of the cells with the EGFR inhibitor (AG1478) significantly inhibited the MAP kinase phosphorylation induced by eotaxin. Eotaxin stimulated IL-8 production, which was inhibited by AG1478. The transactivation of EGFR through CCR3 is a critical pathway that elicits MAP kinase activation and cytokine production in bronchial epithelial cells. The delineation of the signaling pathway of chemokines will help to develop a new therapeutic strategy to allergic diseases including bronchial asthma.     

肺内调节肽对兔支气管上皮细胞与嗜酸性粒细胞粘附功能的影响及机制探讨

为了探讨肺内调节肽在各类过敏性炎症发生,发展中的作用,我们观察了血管活性肠肽（vasoactive intestinal peptide,VIP)、表皮生长因子（epidermal growth factor,EGF)、内皮素-1（endothelin-1,ET-1)、降钙素基因相关肽（calcitonin gene-related peptide,CGRP)在未受应激与臭氧应激两种条件下对支气管上皮细胞（bronchial epithelial cell,BEC)与嗜酸性粒细胞（eosinophil,EOS)粘附的影响,结果发现,VIP、EGF可使O3应激的BEC与EOS的粘附率下降,下调气道上皮炎症反应：ET-1、CGRP可使未受应激的BEC与EOS的粘附率增加,诱发炎症损伤反应;CGRP还能加重臭氧的应激反应;ET-1、CGRP的效应可被W7、H7阻断,抗细胞间粘附分子-1（intercel-lular adhesion molecule,ICAM-1)抗体能阻断BEC与EOS的粘附,提示介导BEC与EOS粘附的粘附分子可能是ICAM-1。     

肺内调节肽对支气管上皮细胞ICAM-1表达及NF-κB活性的调控

细胞间粘附分子—1(ICAM—1)是介导细胞与细胞之间粘附的重要生物分子;核因子—κB(NF—κB)是体内普遍存在、能迅速对刺激产生反应的重要核转录因子。越来越多的证据显示,ICAM—1表达与NF—κB激活是炎症反应的重要步骤。我们应用免疫组化、RT—PCR、凝胶阻滞电泳(EMSA)等多种实验方法,观察了肺内调节肽对支气管上皮细胞ICAM—1表达及NF—κB活性的影响,以及NF—κB抑制剂MG—132对ICAM—1表达的影响。实验结果发现,VIP、EGF可使臭氧应激BECS的ICAM—1表达降低;ET—1、CGRP可使未受应激BECs的ICAM—1表达增加。NF—κB抑制剂MG—132可阻断O3、ET—1、CGRP引起的ICAM—1表达,提示NF—κB在调控ICAM—1表达中起重要作用。EMSA结果显示,BECs中NF—κB在臭氧应激下反复激活,CGRP与ET—1可促进NF—κB的激活;VIP与EGF可抑制臭氧应激的BECs中NF—κB的激活。以上结果说明,VIP、EGF可通过下调ICAM—1转录及NF—κB激活减轻炎症反应,而ET—1、CGRP可通过上调ICAM—1转录及NF—κB激活、加大炎症反应。ICAM—1与NF—κB的持续表达和反复激活是炎症持续加重发展的重要因素。