AUF1 and HuR proteins stabilize interleukin-8 mRNA in human saliva

Human saliva contains thousands of mRNAs, some of which have translational value as diagnostic markers for human diseases. We have found that more than 30% of the mRNAs detected in human saliva contain AU-rich elements (ARE) in their 3' untranslated regions (3'UTR). Since AREs are known to contribute to RNA turnover by forming complexes with ARE-binding proteins, we hypothesized that salivary mRNA stability is mediated by ARE-binding proteins in human saliva. To test this hypothesis, we monitored the in vitro degradation of a radiolabeled ARE-containing salivary mRNA (IL-8) in salivary protein extracts. The degradation of IL-8 mRNA was accelerated by competition for saliva ARE-binding proteins through the addition of excess unlabeled IL-8 mRNA fragments containing 4 tandem AREs. UV cross-linking and immunoprecipitation experiments revealed 2 ARE-binding proteins, AUF1 and HuR, associated with IL-8 mRNA in saliva. These results demonstrate that ARE-binding proteins contribute to the stability of ARE mRNAs in human saliva.     

Induction of intracellular interleukin-1 beta signals via type II interleukin-1 receptor in human gingival fibroblasts

The type II interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1RII) has been thought to be incapable of transducing signals to cells because of its short intracellular domain, while type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1RI) does transduce signals. Since over-expression of IL-1RII has been demonstrated to inhibit cytokine production in the fibroblastic cell line, it has been proposed to use IL-1RII to prevent IL-1-induced inflammation in connective tissue. In this study, trace amounts of IL-1RII mRNA expression were detected in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), which are affected by cytokines in inflammatory periodontal disease. Cloning of the cDNA encoding IL-1RII expressed in HGFs revealed 3 amino acid substitutions in the extracellular domain, when compared with the 408 residues predicted from human B-cells. Over-expression of IL-1RII on HGFs by gene transfer down-regulated the expression of IL-1 beta mRNA and IL-6 mRNA in response to IL-1 beta stimulation, while the expression of IL-8 mRNA was not affected. In the IL-1RII-transfected HGFs, phosphorylation of 25- and 74-kDa proteins was up-regulated upon IL-1 beta stimulation in the transfected HGFs. The phosphorylation of these proteins was suppressed by the addition of a neutralizing antibody against IL-1RII. These results suggest that the IL-1RII may regulate HGFs expression of cytokine mRNA upon IL-1 beta stimulation, possibly by altering the IL-1RI-dependent signals.     

Distribution of interleukin-2, -4, -10, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta mRNAs in oral lichen planus.

In the present study, MRNA for the cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-10 tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta-1) were investigated in oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions using in situ hybridization with 35S-labelled oligonucleotide probes on frozen tissue sections. In addition, the expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-10 and IL-4 mRNAs was analysed in cultured lesional T lymphocytes from oral lichen planus by polymerase chain reaction. Cells expressing mRNA for IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta 1 were found in all the biopsies studied. Approximately 1-2% of the total number of infiltrating cells in the lesions were positive for each of the different cytokine mRNAs. Most biopsies contained basement membrane-oriented, mRNA-positive cells. In the cultured T-cell lines, message for IFN-gamma was detected in all the patients, IL-10 in all but one, and IL-4 in just one of the seven patients investigated. The results suggest that mRNA for both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., mixed T-helper 1 (TH1) and TH2 cytokine profiles, are generated simultaneously by a limited number of cells in chronic lesions of OLP.     

Oral keratinocytes derived from the peritonsillar mucosa express the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 without prior stimulation

The aim of the present study is to examine the cytokine expression and corresponding receptor pattern of human oral mucosa-derived keratinocytes. The mRNA expression of these cytokines from isolated and purified cells was measured by a RT-PCR method, the protein production by ELISA, and the receptor expression was determined by FACS analysis. In freshly isolated oral keratinocytes, IL-1α, IL-1α receptor antagonist, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β, TNF-α, and bFGF were detectable at the protein and mRNA level, whereas PDGF and TGF-α were found only at the mRNA level. There were no detectable signals for IL-2 and IL-4. The cytokine production at the protein level was independent from stimulation with PMA (phorbol myristate acetate). Unstimulated commercially available and primary isolated epidermal keratinocytes showed similar cytokine pattern except a lack of IL-6. FACS analysis revealed receptor expression on oral keratinocytes for IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, EGF, IFN-γ, and PDGF. In addition, receptor mRNA for IL-8, TNF-α, FGF-2 and KGF could be detected, but not for IL-10. Our results show that human oral keratinocytes produce a cytokine panel comparable to epidermal keratinocytes. In contrast to the epidermis, IL-6 was produced by human oral keratinocytes constitutively without prior stimulation, which may indicate their active regulation role in the maintenance of the oral mucosa.     

Localization of mRNA for inflammatory cytokines in radicular cyst tissue by in situ hybridization, and induction of inflammatory cytokines by human gingival fibroblasts in response to radicular cyst contents

The expression of mRNA encoding the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) have been examined in radicular cysts by in situ hybridization. Furthermore, the biological activity of the contents of radicular cysts (RCC) has been assayed by adding extracts of RCC to cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and analyzing the culture medium for the release of inflammatory cytokines. In the epithelial layer, keratinocytes expressed all cytokine mRNAs examined at various levels. Basal layer cells expressed mRNA for each cytokine. In the subepithelial granulation tissue of the cysts, fibroblasts and macrophages expressed mRNA for IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA at varying levels; especially clear expression of TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA was detected on macrophages. The infiltrating lymphoid cells, largely composed of T cells and plasma cells, expressed these cytokine mRNAs, especially those encoding IL-6 and IL-8, at various levels. In vitro analysis indicated dose-dependent release of both IL-6 and IL-8 by HGFs in response to RCC. After heating to 100°C for 10 min, RCC almost completely failed to stimulate IL-6 release from HGFs. Furthermore, anti-IL-1β antibody (neutralization test) did not prevent the stimulation of IL-6 release by RCC. Significant amounts of IL-6 and IL-8 were detected in RCC in two cases, and a trace amount of IL-1β was detected in one case. This study demonstrated the wide expression of mRNA encoding inflammatory cytokines in radicular cyst tissues, and RCC itself was capable of stimulating 1L-6 and 1L-8 production from HGFs.     

In vivo induction of proinflammatory cytokines in mouse tissue by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by a multitude of bacteria. Persistent infection leads to generation of various inflammatory mediators, resulting in tissue destruction and osteoclastic resorption of the alveolar bone. This study describes a novel in vivo murine calvarial model to assess the effects of oral pathogens on the expression of three proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha] which are involved in bone resorption. We chose Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans as prototype oral pathogens. We also tested the effects of Streptococcus gordonii, an oral commensal supragingival microorganism, considered a non-pathogen. Live bacteria were injected into subcutaneous tissue overlying the parietal bone of mice calvaria for 6 days. At the end of the experimental period, tissues overlying the calvaria were removed and analyzed for proinflammatory cytokine expression by Northern blotting. Cytokine mRNA was not detected in the tissue over the calvaria of control animals. In contrast, P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans elicited mRNA expression of all three cytokines, TNFalpha being the highest (TNFalpha > > IL-1beta > IL-6). P. gingivalis was more potent than A. actinomycetemcomitans in inducing cytokine expression. In contrast, S. gordonii induced only low levels of mRNA for IL-1beta and TNFalpha but no IL-6 mRNA induction. These results suggest that oral microorganisms with access to host tissues elicit a battery of proinflammatory cytokines. There were clear differences in profiles and, interestingly, a commensal bacterium also stimulated bone resorptive cytokine expression in host tissues.     

Effect of Hangeshashinto on calprotectin expression in human oral epithelial cells

Oral epithelial cells produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to prevent microbial infection. Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9) is one of these AMPs in oral epithelial cells, the expression of which is up-regulated by interleukin-1α (IL-1α). Hangeshashinto (HST) is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine that has anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of HST on the expression of calprotectin through the regulation of IL-1α in oral epithelial cells. Human oral epithelial cells (TR146) were cultured with HST in the presence or absence of anti-IL-1α antibody or IL-1 receptor antagonist, or with six major components of HST (3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, baicalin, ginsenoside Rb1, glycyrrhizin, oleanolic acid and berberine). The expression of S100A8, S100A9, other AMPs and cytokine mRNAs was examined by RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. Calprotectin expression and IL-1α secretion were investigated by ELISA. HST (6 μg/ml) increased the expression of S100A8/S100A9 mRNAs and calprotectin protein, and also up-regulated β-defensin 2 (DEFB4) and S100A7 expression. The expression of IL-1α mRNA and its protein was slightly but significantly increased by HST. A neutralizing antibody against IL-1α and IL-1 receptor antagonist inhibited HST-up-regulated S100A8/S100A9 mRNA expression. Although 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, baicalin and ginsenoside Rb1 as HST components increased S100A8/S100A9 expression, oleanolic acid and berberine decreased their expression. These results suggest that HST increases the expression of calprotectin, DEFB4 and S100A7 in oral epithelial cells. In response to HST, up-regulation of calprotectin expression may be partially induced via IL-1α.     

High IL-6 synthesis in cultured fibroblasts isolated from radicular cysts

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory cytokines have been reported to be related with inflammation and expansion of jaw cysts. In this study, to examine the relationship between radicular cysts and inflammatory cytokines, it was found that there was notable unique evidence on cytokine synthesis from fibroblasts isolated from radicular cysts. METHODS: The expression of such cytokines, namely, interleukin-1beta, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating (GM-CSF) mRNA, in nine radicular cysts was examined and compared with that detected in six specimens of healthy gingival mucosa. Furthermore, separating all fibroblasts from their respective radicular cysts, healthy gingival mucosa, and healthy periodontal ligaments, these fibroblast groups were cultured without stimulators and a supernatant for each was obtained to analyse IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma by ELISA. RESULTS: Differences between radicular cysts and healthy gingival mucosa were not clearly shown by the expression of cytokine mRNA. Analysing inflammatory cytokine synthesis in fibroblast groups from these three kinds of tissues, surprisingly, the levels of IL-6 mRNA and protein were recognised to be higher in fibroblasts of radicular cysts than in those of control tissues by ELISA and a real-time RT-PCR. Significant differences in the cultured supernatants of these fibroblast groups were not recognised in the release of IL-1beta, IL-8, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma by ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: From these results, it was suggested that fibroblasts inducing IL-6 production might play important roles in the expansion of radicular cysts. It is considered that fibroblasts around radicular cysts may lead to high IL-6 synthesis over time in chronic inflammation.     

应用蛋白质芯片技术筛选人舌鳞癌细胞株差异性炎症因子的初步研究

目的研究应用蛋白质芯片(抗体芯片)技术筛选、分析人舌鳞状细胞癌细胞株中差异性炎症因子的效果,为进一步探讨口腔癌与炎症的关系奠定基础。方法体外培养人舌鳞癌细胞株UM-1、CAL-27、Tca-8113和人正常口腔黏膜上皮细胞,消化后分别提取胞内、胞外蛋白,上芯片孵育,封闭,清洗。采用激光扫描仪扫描芯片,Axon GenePix Pro6.0软件提取芯片数据,对获得的80种炎症因子表达数据采用AAH-CYT-G5软件分析,上调因子信号值以大于200、比值大于2.0为纳入标准;下调因子信号值以大于200、比值小于0.66为纳入标准,分别对3种人舌鳞癌细胞株(UM-1、CAL-27、Tca-8113)与人正常口腔黏膜上皮细胞,以及高侵袭性细胞株(UM-1、CAL-27)与低侵袭性细胞株(Tca-8113)进行两两比较,筛选出差异性炎症因子。挑选3种显著差异性炎症因子,用酶联免疫吸附法再次检测其蛋白表达,所得结果用单因素方差分析进行统计学分析,进一步验证芯片法所获得的结果。结果根据纳入标准,从检测的80种因子中筛选出有表达的炎症因子9个,包括干扰素诱导蛋白10(inter-feron inducible protein10,IP-10)、巨噬细胞炎症蛋白-1β(macrophage inflammatory protein1β,MIP-1β)、巨噬细胞炎症蛋白-3α(macrophage inflammatory protein-3α,MIP-3α)、骨保护素蛋白(osteoprotegerin,OPG)、调节活化蛋白(regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted,RANTES)、白细胞介素1β(interleukin1β,IL-1β)6种舌鳞癌细胞株中高表达的细胞因子,及单核细胞趋化因子4(monocyte chemoattractant protein4,MCP-4)、胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白4(insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4,IGFBP-4)、转化生长因子-β3(transforminggrowth factor-β3,TGF-β3)3种舌鳞癌细胞株中低表达的细胞因子。鳞状细胞癌细胞和正常口腔鳞状上皮细胞之间比较,胞内IL-1β呈高表达,MCP-4呈低表达,胞外OPG呈高表达;高、低侵袭性细胞株之间比较,胞内RANTES呈高表达,IGFBP-4、TGF-β3呈低表达,胞外IP-10、MIP-1β、MIP-3α呈高表达。酶联免疫吸附法检测发现UM-1和CAL-27胞外IP-10、MIP-1β、MIP-3α的表达量和Tca-8113相比呈高表达,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。其结果与芯片筛选结果一致。结论蛋白质芯片技术能够较为准确地筛选出不同舌鳞癌细胞株之间差异性炎症因子,这些差异性炎症因子可能与肿瘤细胞的生物学行为有一定的联系。     

microRNA-223在牙龈卟啉单胞菌诱导牙龈成纤维细胞炎症调控的研究

目的 探讨microRNA-223在牙龈卟啉单胞菌脂多糖(Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides, P.g-LPS)诱导牙龈成纤维细胞(gingival fibroblasts,GFs)炎症过程中对相关炎症因子表达水平的调控作用。 方法 采用慢病毒转染、干扰GFs中的microRNA-223的表达,在最适P.g-LPS刺激浓度(800 μg/L)分别刺激过表达、抑制以及正常表达microRNA-223的GFs,采用实时聚合酶联反应（Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,qPCR）检测TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6的mRNA表达水平变化,酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA)检测其蛋白水平的变化。 结果 LPS刺激GFs产生炎症反应时,细胞内microRNA-223以及相关促炎因子TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6的mRNA和蛋白表达水平较正常细胞中的表达量明显上调。当细胞内microRNA-223上调时,促炎因子的mRNA和蛋白表达水平也会上调(P<0.001);当细胞内microRNA-223下调时,促炎因子TNF-α、IL-1β的蛋白水平会显著下降(P<0.001)。 结论 当GFs受P.gingivalis-LPS刺激发生炎症时,microRNA-223的表达量增多,上调促炎因子TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6,进一步加重组织细胞的炎症。     

IL-1β与IL-10mRNA在牙龈组织中的表达

目的:检测IL-1β与IL-10mRNA在正常牙龈及牙周炎患者牙龈组织中的表达,探讨二者与炎症的关系及内源性抗炎因子IL-10对致炎因子IL-1β是否有拮抗作用。方法:采集14例成人牙周炎患者炎症区牙龈组织,6例正常牙龈组织,利用逆转录-聚合酶链反应检测其中IL-1β与IL-10mRNA的表达及其强弱程度。结果:成人牙周炎组牙龈组织IL-1βmRNA的阳性表达率为92.86%,IL-10mRNA阳性表达率为71.43%,二者与正常对照组相比均有显著性差异;两者之间无明显相关性;两者与临床指标间亦无明显相关性。结论:致炎性和抗炎性细胞因子均可在牙龈组织中表达;机体自身IL-10水平不足以完全拮抗IL-1β活性;IL-10对致炎性细胞因子IL-1β的调控作用有待进一步研究。