Elastase induces lung epithelial cell autophagy through placental growth factor: A new insight of emphysema pathogenesis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a devastating disease, which is associated with increasing mortality and morbidity. Therefore, there is a need to clearly define the COPD pathogenic mechanism and to explore effective therapies. Previous studies indicated that cigarette smoke (CS) induces autophagy and apoptosis in lung epithelial (LE) cells. Excessive ELANE/HNE (elastase, neutrophil elastase), a factor involved in protease-antiprotease imbalance and the pathogenesis of COPD, causes LE cell apoptosis and upregulates the expression of several stimulus-responsive genes. However, whether or not elastase induces autophagy in LE cell remains unknown. The level of PGF (placental growth factor) is higher in COPD patients than non-COPD controls. We hypothesize that elastase induces PGF expression and causes autophagy in LE cells. In this study, we demonstrated that porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) induced PGF expression and secretion in LE cells in vitro and in vivo. The activation of MAPK8/JNK1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 8) and MAPK14/p38alpha MAPK signaling pathways was involved in the PGF mediated regulation of the TSC (tuberous sclerosis complex) pathway and autophagy in LE cells. Notably, PGF-induced MAPK8 and MAPK14 signaling pathways mediated the inactivation of MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), the upregulation of MAP1LC3B/LC3B (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 β) and the increase of autophagosome formation in mice. Furthermore, the PPE-induced autophagy promotes further apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In summary, elastase-induced autophagy promotes LE cell apoptosis and pulmonary emphysema through the upregulation of PGF. PGF and its downstream MAPK8 and MAPK14 signaling pathways are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of emphysema and COPD.     

Successful establishment of primary small airway cell cultures in human lung transplantation

Background

Although both animal and human studies suggested the association between placenta growth factor (PlGF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially lung emphysema, the role of PlGF in the pathogenesis of emphysema remains to be clarified. This study hypothesizes that blocking PlGF prevents the development of emphysema.

Methods

Pulmonary emphysema was induced in PlGF knock-out (KO) and wild type (WT) mice by intra-tracheal instillation of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE). A group of KO mice was then treated with exogenous PlGF and WT mice with neutralizing anti-VEGFR1 antibody. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and VEGF were quantified. Apoptosis measurement and immuno-histochemical staining for VEGF R1 and R2 were performed in emphysematous lung tissues.

Results

After 4 weeks of PPE instillation, lung airspaces enlarged more significantly in WT than in KO mice. The levels of TNF-α and MMP-9, but not VEGF, increased in the lungs of WT compared with those of KO mice. There was also increased in apoptosis of alveolar septal cells in WT mice. Instillation of exogenous PlGF in KO mice restored the emphysematous changes. The expression of both VEGF R1 and R2 decreased in the emphysematous lungs.

Conclusion

In this animal model, pulmonary emphysema is prevented by depleting PlGF. When exogenous PlGF is administered to PlGF KO mice, emphysema re-develops, implying that PlGF contributes to the pathogenesis of emphysema.     

Prevention of elastase-induced emphysema in placenta growth factor knock-out mice

Background

Although both animal and human studies suggested the association between placenta growth factor (PlGF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially lung emphysema, the role of PlGF in the pathogenesis of emphysema remains to be clarified. This study hypothesizes that blocking PlGF prevents the development of emphysema.

Methods

Pulmonary emphysema was induced in PlGF knock-out (KO) and wild type (WT) mice by intra-tracheal instillation of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE). A group of KO mice was then treated with exogenous PlGF and WT mice with neutralizing anti-VEGFR1 antibody. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and VEGF were quantified. Apoptosis measurement and immuno-histochemical staining for VEGF R1 and R2 were performed in emphysematous lung tissues.

Results

After 4 weeks of PPE instillation, lung airspaces enlarged more significantly in WT than in KO mice. The levels of TNF-α and MMP-9, but not VEGF, increased in the lungs of WT compared with those of KO mice. There was also increased in apoptosis of alveolar septal cells in WT mice. Instillation of exogenous PlGF in KO mice restored the emphysematous changes. The expression of both VEGF R1 and R2 decreased in the emphysematous lungs.

Conclusion

In this animal model, pulmonary emphysema is prevented by depleting PlGF. When exogenous PlGF is administered to PlGF KO mice, emphysema re-develops, implying that PlGF contributes to the pathogenesis of emphysema.     

The Effect of PPE-Induced Emphysema and Chronic LPS-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation on Atherosclerosis Development in APOE*3-LEIDEN Mice

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by pulmonary inflammation, airways obstruction and emphysema, and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the contribution of these individual COPD components to this increased risk is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the contribution of emphysema in the presence or absence of pulmonary inflammation to the increased risk of CVD, using a mouse model for atherosclerosis. Because smoke is a known risk factor for both COPD and CVD, emphysema was induced by intratracheal instillation of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE).

Methods

Hyperlipidemic APOE*3-Leiden mice were intratracheally instilled with vehicle, 15 or 30 µg PPE and after 4 weeks, mice received a Western-type diet (WTD). To study the effect of emphysema combined with pulmonary inflammation on atherosclerosis, mice received 30 µg PPE and during WTD feeding, mice were intranasally instilled with vehicle or low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 µg/mouse, twice weekly). After 20 weeks WTD, mice were sacrificed and emphysema, pulmonary inflammation and atherosclerosis were analysed.

Results

Intratracheal PPE administration resulted in a dose-dependent increase in emphysema, whereas atherosclerotic lesion area was not affected by PPE treatment. Additional low-dose intranasal LPS administration induced a low-grade systemic IL-6 response, as compared to vehicle. Combining intratracheal PPE with intranasal LPS instillation significantly increased the number of pulmonary macrophages and neutrophils. Plasma lipids during the study were not different. LPS instillation caused a limited, but significant increase in the atherosclerotic lesion area. This increase was not further enhanced by PPE.

Conclusion

This study shows for the first time that PPE-induced emphysema both in the presence and absence of pulmonary inflammation does not affect atherosclerotic lesion development.     

Role of CD69 in the pathogenesis of elastase-induced pulmonary inflammation and emphysema

Cluster of differentiation 69 (CD69), known as an early activation marker of lymphocytes, has been demonstrated to regulate inflammatory events in various disease models. Although the increased number of CD69-expressed T lymphocytes in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been reported, a functional role of CD69 in the pathogenesis of COPD remains unknown. To address to this question, CD69-deficient (CD69KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to a mouse model of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)-induced pulmonary inflammation and emphysema. In the two genotypes, PPE increased counts of macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and induced emphysematous changes in the lung, whereas those two pathological signs were significantly enhanced in CD69KO mice compared to WT mice. Moreover, the PPE-induced levels of IL-17 and IL-6 in BALF were significantly higher in CD69KO mice than in WT mice at the acute inflammatory phase. Immunofluorescent studies showed that IL-17 and IL-6 were predominantly expressed in CD4⁺ and γδ T cells and macrophages, respectively. Concomitant administration of IL-17- and IL-6-neutralizing antibodies significantly attenuated the PPE-induced emphysematous changes in the two genotypes. These findings suggest that CD69 negatively regulates the development of PPE-induced emphysema in part at least through modulating function of IL-17-producing T cells.     

Signal transduction and biological function of placenta growth factor in primary human trophoblast

Placenta growth factor (PlGF), a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor family of angiogenic factors, is prominently expressed by trophoblast. In addition to its role as a paracrine angiogenic factor within the placenta and endometrium, presence of its receptor, Flt-1, on trophoblast suggests that PlGF also may have an autocrine role(s) in regulating trophoblast function. To elucidate its role in trophoblast, we examined the signal transduction and functional responses of primary human trophoblast to PlGF. Exogenous PlGF induced specific activation of the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathways, c-Jun-N terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 kinase, in primary term trophoblast with little to no induction of the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK-1 and -2) pathways. In contrast, PlGF induced significant ERK-1 and -2 activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells but did not induce JNK or p38 activity. PlGF-induced activation of the SAPK signaling pathways protected trophoblast from growth factor withdrawal-induced apoptosis, but it did not protect trophoblast from apoptosis induced by the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha. These results provide the first direct evidence of a biochemical and functional role for PlGF/Flt-1 in normal trophoblast and suggest that aberrant PlGF expression during pregnancy may impact upon trophoblast function as well as vascularity within the placental bed.     

MAPK signaling in the quadriceps of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Muscle atrophy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with reduced exercise tolerance, muscle strength, and survival. The molecular mechanisms leading to muscle atrophy in COPD remain elusive. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as p38 MAPK and ERK 1/2 can increase levels of MAFbx/Atrogin and MuRF1, which are specifically involved in muscle protein degradation and atrophy. Our aim was to investigate the level of activation of p38 MAPK, ERK 1/2, and JNK in the quadriceps of patients with COPD. A biopsy of the quadriceps was obtained in 18 patients with COPD as well as in 9 healthy controls. We evaluated the phosphorylated as well as total protein levels of p38 MAPK, ERK 1/2, and JNK as well as MAFbx/Atrogin and MuRF1 in these muscle samples. The corresponding mRNA expression was also assessed by RT-PCR. Ratios of phosphorylated to total level of p38 MAPK (P = 0.02) and ERK 1/2 (P = 0.01) were significantly elevated in patients with COPD compared with controls. Moreover, protein levels of MAFbx/Atrogin showed a tendency to be greater in patients with COPD (P = 0.08). mRNA expression of p38 MAPK (P = 0.03), ERK 1/2 (P = 0.02), and MAFbx/Atrogin (P = 0.04) were significantly elevated in patients with COPD. In addition, phosphorylated-to-total p38 MAPK ratio (Pearson's r = -0.45; P < 0.05) and phosphorylated-to-total ERK 1/2 ratio (Pearson's r = -0.47; P < 0.05) were negatively associated with the mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area. These data support the hypothesis that the MAPKs might play a role in the development of muscle atrophy in COPD.     

ASK1 regulates influenza virus infection-induced apoptotic cell death

Apoptosis occurs in influenza virus (IV)-infected cells. There are a number of mechanisms for the regulation of apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanism of IV infection-induced apoptosis is still controversial. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase1 (ASK1) is a ubiquitously expressed mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) that activates the SEK1-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and MKK3/MKK6-p38 MAPK signaling cascades. ASK1 has been implicated in cytokine- and stress-induced apoptosis. Here, we show the following: (1) IV infection activated ASK1 and concomitantly phosphorylated JNK and p38 MAPK in human bronchial epithelial cells; (2) the activation of JNK and p38 MAPK but not extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) in embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from ASK1 knockout mice (ASK1(-/-) MEFs) was depressed compared to MEFs derived from wild type mice (ASK1(+/+) MEFs); and (3) ASK1(-/-) MEFs were defective in IV infection-induced caspase-3 activation and cell death. These results indicate that apoptosis in IV-infected BEC is mediated through ASK1-dependent cascades.     

ASK1-p38 MAPK/JNK signaling cascade mediates anandamide-induced PC12 cell death

Anandamide is a neuroimmunoregulatory molecule that triggers apoptosis in a number of cell types including PC12 cells. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying anandamide-induced cell death in PC12 cells. Anandamide treatment resulted in the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p44/42 MAPK in apoptosing cells. A selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, or dn-JNK, JNK1(A-F) or SAPKbeta(K-R), blocked anandamide-induced cell death, whereas a specific inhibitor of MEK-1/2, U0126, had no effect, indicating that activation of p38 MAPK and JNK is critical in anandamide-induced cell death. An important role for apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) in this event was also demonstrated by the inhibition of p38 MAPK/JNK activation and death in cells overexpressing dn-ASK1, ASK1 (K709M). Conversely, the constitutively active ASK1, ASK1DeltaN, caused prolonged p38 MAPK/JNK activation and increased cell death. These indicate that ASK1 mediates anandamide-induced cell death via p38 MAPK and JNK activation. Here, we also found that activation of p38 MAPK/JNK is accompanied by cytochrome c release from the mitochondria and caspase activation (which can be inhibited by SB203580), suggesting that anandamide triggers a mitochondrial dependent apoptotic pathway. The caspase inhibitor, zVAD, and the mitochondrial pore opening inhibitor, cyclosporine A, blocked anandamide-induced cell death but not p38 MAPK/JNK activation, suggesting that activation of these kinases may occur upstream of mitochondrial associated events.     

Genkwadaphnin induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells

Genkwadaphnin is a daphnane diterpene ester molecule isolated from the flower buds of Daphne genkwa. In the present study, we investigated the apoptosis-inducing effect of genkwadaphnin in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. Apoptosis was triggered in SCC12 cells following genkwadaphnin treatment in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Genkwadaphnin treatment increased phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Knockdown of JNK and p38 MAPK by recombinant adenovirus expressing microRNA (miR) resulted in significant inhibition of genkwadaphnin-induced apoptosis in SCC12 cells. Finally, pretreatment with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) markedly reduced SCC12 cell apoptosis, concomitant with significant inhibition of MAPK activation. These results indicate that genkwadaphnin has the potential to induce apoptosis in SCC cells, providing information on which to base further research with the aim of developing a cure for SCC.     

Increased local levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor are associated with the beneficial effect of pre-elafin (SKALP/trappin-2/WAP3) in experimental emphysema

Few therapeutic options are offered to treat inflammation and alveolar wall destruction in emphysema. The effect of recombinant human pre-elafin, an elastase inhibitor, was evaluated in porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)-induced emphysema in C57BL/6 mice. In a first protocol, mice received a single instillation of pre-elafin (17.5 pmol/mouse) at 1 h post-PPE and were sacrificed up to 72 h post-PPE. A single instillation of pre-elafin significantly reduced PPE-induced neutrophil accumulation in lungs, as assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), by 51%, 71% and 67% at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. In a second protocol, mice also received a single dose of PPE, but pre-elafin three times a week for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, pre-elafin significantly reduced the PPE-induced increase in BAL macrophage numbers, airspace dimensions and lung hysteresivity by 74%, 62% and 52%, respectively. Since G-CSF was previously shown to reduce emphysematous changes in mice, the BAL levels of this mediator were measured 6 h post-PPE in animals treated as described in the first protocol. Pre-elafin significantly increased G-CSF levels in PPE-exposed mice compared to sham- and PPE only-exposed animals. This suggests that the beneficial effects of pre-elafin could be mediated, at least in part, by its ability to increase G-CSF levels in the lung.     

Involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells

In this study, we investigated the involvement of Akt and members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily, including ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK, in gemcitabine-induced cytotoxicity in human pancreatic cancer cells. We found that gemcitabine induces apoptosis in PK-1 and PCI-43 human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Gemcitabine specifically activated p38 MAPK in a dose- and time-dependent manner. A selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, significantly inhibited gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in both cell lines, suggesting that phosphorylation of p38 MAPK may play a key role in gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. A selective JNK inhibitor, SP600125, failed to inhibit gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in both cell lines. MKK3/6, an upstream activator of p38 MAPK, was phosphorylated by gemcitabine, indicating that the MKK3/6-p38 MAPK signaling pathway is indeed involved in gemcitabine-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, gemcitabine-induced cleavage of the caspase substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase was inhibited by pretreatment with SB203580, suggesting that activation of p38 MAPK by gemcitabine induces apoptosis through caspase signaling. These results together suggest that gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells is mediated by the MKK3/6-p38 MAPK-caspase signaling pathway. Further, these results lead us to suggest that p38 MAPK should be investigated as a novel molecular target for human pancreatic cancer therapies.     

Olaquindox-induced apoptosis is suppressed through p38 MAPK and ROS-mediated JNK pathways in HepG2 cells

We investigated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) in olaquindox-induced apoptosis. Exposure of HepG2 cells to olaquindox resulted in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). To confirm the role of p38 MAPK and JNK, HepG2 cells were pretreated with MAPKs-specific inhibitors prior to olaquindox treatment. Olaquindox-induced apoptosis was significantly potentiated by the JNK inhibitor (SP600125) or the p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580). Furthermore, we observed that olaquindox treatment led to ROS generation and that olaquindox-induced apoptosis and ROS generation were both significantly reduced by the antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and catalase. In addition, the levels of phosphorylation of JNK, but not p38 MAPK, were significantly suppressed after pretreatment of the antioxidants, while inhibition of the activations of JNK or p38 MAPK had no effect on ROS generation. This result suggested that ROS may be the upstream mediator for the activation of JNK. Conclusively, our results suggested that apoptosis in response to olaquindox treatment in HepG2 cells might be suppressed through p38 MAPK and ROS–JNK pathways.     

JNK and p38 MAPK are independently involved in tributyltin-mediated cell death in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) RTG-2 cells

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a family of Ser/Thr protein kinases that transmit various extracellular signals to the nucleus inducing gene expression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Recent studies have revealed that organotin compounds induce apoptosis and MAPK phosphorylation/activation in mammal cells. In this study, we elucidated the cytotoxic mechanism of tributyltin (TBT), a representative organotin compound, in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) RTG-2 cells. TBT treatment resulted in significant caspase activation, characteristic morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, and consequent apoptotic cell death in RTG-2 cells. TBT exposure induced the rapid and sustained accumulation of phosphorylated MAPKs, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAP kinase (p38 MAPK). Further analysis using pharmacological inhibitors against caspases and MAPKs showed that TBT also induced cell death in a caspase-independent manner and that p38 MAPK is involved in TBT-induced caspase-independent cell death, whereas JNK is involved in the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. Thus, TBT employs at least two independent signaling cascades to mediate cell death in RTG-2 cells. To our knowledge, this is the first study revealing the relationship between MAPK activation and TBT cytotoxicity in RTG-2 cells.