Effects of budesonide and N-acetylcysteine on acute lung hyperinflation, inflammation and injury in rats

Leukocyte activation and production of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species are important in the pathogenesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury. The present study investigated acute lung hyperinflation, edema, and lung inflammation 4 h after an intratracheal instillation of LPS (0.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 microg/ml/kg). Effects of budesonide, an inhaled anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, were evaluated in Wistar rats receiving either low (2.5 microg/ml/kg) or high (50 microg/ml/kg) concentrations of LPS. This study demonstrates that LPS in a concentration-dependent pattern induces acute lung hyperinflation measured by excised lung gas volume (25-45% above control), lung injury indicated by increased lung weight (10-60%), and lung inflammation characterized by the infiltration of leukocytes (40-14000%) and neutrophils (80-17000%) and the production of cytokines (up to 2700%) and chemokines (up to 350%) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Pretreatment with NAC partially prevented tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) production induced by the low concentration of LPS, while pretreatment with budesonide totally prevented the increased production of TNFalpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractive protein (MCP)-1 after LPS challenge at both low and high concentrations. Budesonide failed to prevent BALF levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 (GRO/CINC-1) as well as lung hyperinflation induced by both low and high concentrations of LPS. Pretreatment with budesonide totally prevented the formation of lung edema at the low concentration of LPS and had partial effects on acute lung injury and leukocyte influx at the high concentrations. Thus, our data indicate that therapeutic effects of budesonide and NAC are dependent upon the severity of the disease.     

Measurement of the release of inflammatory mediators from rat alveolar macrophages and alveolar type II cells following lipopolysaccharide or silica exposure: a comparative study

Evidence suggests that hyperproduction of reactive oxidants and inflammatory mediators plays a critical role in adverse pulmonary responses to silica or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of alveolar macrophages (AM) and alveolar epithelial type II cells (TII) in the induction of pulmonary inflammation and injury in response to these pulmonary toxicants. To support this objective, the release of several inflammatory mediators from primary rat AMs and TII cells was compared under similar culture and exposure conditions. The responsiveness of RLE-6TN, a rat type II cell line, was also compared to primary rat TII cells under the same culture conditions, following exposure to LPS or silica. The following findings were made. (1) Although AMs were generally found to release more inflammatory mediators than TII cells following LPS or silica exposure, primary TII cells clearly produced significant levels of mediators that could be capable of contributing considerably to lung inflammation and injury. (2) Since the responses of the RLE-6TN cell line to LPS or silica exposure were generally considerably less intense and required higher concentrations of stimulant than those measured in primary rat TII cells, RLE-6TN cells may not be an ideal substitute for primary TII cells in studying pulmonary inflammation. (3) LPS was more potent than silica in inducing inflammatory cytokine release from the three cell types. However, compared to LPS, silica exhibited equal or greater potency as an inducer of cellular oxidant generation, especially from primary TII cells.     

Involvement of the essential metal transporter Zip14 in hepatic Cd accumulation during inflammation

Upregulation of Zip14 contributes to hepatic zinc (Zn) and non-transferrin-bound iron (Fe) uptake during infection and inflammation. We investigated whether this essential metal transporter is also involved in hepatic cadmium (Cd) uptake under these conditions. An injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), turpentine oil (Tur) and n-hexane (Hex) resulted in an decrease in plasma Zn and Fe concentrations to 25–50% and an increase in hepatic concentrations of both metals to 150–200% of control mice. LPS significantly increased plasma interleukin (IL)-6 levels more rapidly than Tur or Hex. Tur or Hex significantly increased hepatic Zip14 mRNA expression and decreased ferroportin 1 mRNA expression following continuous increase of IL-6 level. Hepatic Cd and Zn concentrations increased significantly after repeated injections of Cd in Tur- or Hex-treated mice fed a control diet. Treatment with Tur or Hex additionally increased hepatic Cd accumulation in Zn-deficient mice, unlike in Fe-deficient mice. These results suggest that Zn transporters, such as Zip14, may be involved in hepatic Cd uptake during inflammation.     

Glucocorticoid inhibition of inflammation-induced metallothionein synthesis in mouse liver.

The effects of glucocorticoid treatment on the induction of hepatic metallothionein (MT) during inflammation initiated by turpentine oil (TUR) or endotoxin (LPS) were studied in mice. The administration of TUR increased concentrations of hepatic MT as well as that of plasma fibrinogen. Although hepatic MT was modestly induced by dexamethasone (DEX) alone, pretreatment with DEX (12.5 to 100 mg/kg, sc) inhibited the increases both in hepatic MT and in plasma fibrinogen from a subsequent dose of TUR 6 hr after DEX administration. The concentration of hepatic MT in the DEX-pretreated (25 mg/kg) group was higher than that in the nonpretreated group 4 hr after administration of TUR, but after 24 hr, the MT concentration in the DEX-pretreated group was inhibited to 20% of that in the nonpretreated group. These inhibitory effects were also observed by prednisolone (PRE) but not by salicylic acid. The inhibitory effect of DEX on the induction of MT synthesis during inflammation was observed after administration of the exudate obtained from inflamed tissue. When inflammation was initiated by an injection of LPS as well as TUR, pretreatment of either DEX or PRE inhibited the increase of hepatic MT. Pretreatment of DEX did not affect the induction of hepatic MT synthesis by cadmium. In contrast to inflammation initiated by TUR or LPS, pretreatment of DEX caused an additive increase of hepatic MT concentration after administration of zinc. These results suggest that glucocorticoids, despite being direct inducers of MT, inhibit the induction of MT synthesis during inflammation by the suppression of cytokine production.     

Amiodarone exposure during modest inflammation induces idiosyncrasy-like liver injury in rats: role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Amiodarone [2-butyl-3-(3',5'-diiodo-4'α-diethylaminoethoxybenzoyl)-benzofuran] (AMD), a class III antiarrhythmic drug, is known to cause idiosyncratic hepatotoxic reactions in human patients. One hypothesis for the etiology of idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions is that a concurrent inflammatory stress results in decreased threshold for drug toxicity. To explore this hypothesis in an animal model, male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with nonhepatotoxic doses of AMD or its vehicle and with saline vehicle or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce low-level inflammation. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase activities as well as increased total bile acid concentrations in serum and midzonal hepatocellular necrosis were observed only in AMD/LPS-cotreated rats. The time interval between AMD and LPS administration was critical: AMD injected 16 h before LPS led to liver injury, whereas AMD injected 2-12 h before LPS failed to cause this response. The increase in ALT activity in AMD/LPS cotreatment showed a clear dose-response relationship with AMD as well as LPS. The metabolism and hepatic accumulation of AMD were not affected by LPS coexposure. Serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) was significantly increased by LPS and was slightly prolonged by AMD. In Hepac1c7 cells, addition of TNF potentiated the cytotoxicity of both AMD and its primary metabolite, mono-N-desethylamiodarone. In vivo inhibition of TNF signaling by etanercept attenuated the AMD/LPS-induced liver injury in rats. In summary, AMD treatment during modest inflammation induced severe hepatotoxicity in rats, and TNF contributed to the induction of liver injury in this animal model of idiosyncratic AMD-induced liver injury.     

Physiological concentrations of bilirubin control inflammatory response by inhibiting NF-κB and inflammasome activation

Bilirubin, as the final product of heme metabolism, has both toxic and beneficial effects on humans depending on its serum concentration. So far, whether and how physiological concentrations of bilirubin influence inflammation is largely unknown. In the current study, we established inflammatory cell models of murine peritoneal macrophages (PMs) and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) by stimulating the cells with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone or with various inflammasome stimuli. In addition, a model of mouse sepsis induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS was also employed. We found that bilirubin, although used at physiological concentrations, could control inflammation both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, bilirubin inhibited caspase-1 maturation and IL-1β secretion in NLRP3, AIM2, and NLRC4 inflammasomes. Besides, bilirubin inhibited the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-primed macrophages by reduced phosphorylation of IκB-α and p65, indicating the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. In vivo, bilirubin significantly inhibited the release of IL-1β and TNF-α, resulting in an increased survival rate of mice with LPS-induced sepsis. Our study demonstrates a protective role of physiological concentrations of bilirubin against inflammation, the mechanisms of which involve the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway as well as control of the activation of inflammasomes. Bilirubin could therefore be considered an endogenous regulatory molecule modulating inflammation. In defined doses, bilirubin could be applied as a potential medication against inflammation and inflammasome-related diseases.     

Instillation of coarse ash particulate matter and lipopolysaccharide produces a systemic inflammatory response in mice

Coronary ischemic events increase significantly following a "bad air" day. Ambient particulate matter (PM10) is the pollutant most strongly associated with these events. PM10 produces inflammatory injury to the lower airways. It is not clear, however, whether pulmonary inflammation translates to a systemic response. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a proinflammatory molecule often associated with the coarse fraction of PM. It was hypothesized that PM>2.5 from coal plus LPS induce pulmonary inflammation leading to a systemic inflammatory response. Mice were intratracheally instilled with saline, PM (200 microg), PM + LPS10 (PM + 10 microg LPS), or PM + LPS100 (PM + 100 microg LPS). Eighteen hours later, histologic analysis was performed on lungs from each group. Pulmonary and systemic inflammation were assessed by measuring the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 in the pulmonary supernatant and plasma. In a follow-up study, the effects of LPS alone were assessed. Histologic analysis revealed a dose-dependent elevation in pulmonary inflammation with all treatments. Pulmonary TNF-alpha and IL-6 both increased significantly with PM + LPS100 treatment. Regarding plasma, TNF-alpha significantly increased in both PM + LPS10 and PM + LPS100 treatments. For plasma IL-6, all groups tended to rise with a significant increase in the PM + LPS100 group. The results of the follow-up study indicate that the responses to PM + LPS were not due to LPS alone. These results suggest that coarse coal fly ash PM>2.5 combined with LPS produced pulmonary and systemic inflammatory responses. The resulting low-level systemic inflammation may contribute to the increased severity of ischemic heart disease observed immediately following a bad air day.     

Size effects of nanomaterials on lung inflammation and coagulatory disturbance

Effects of nano-sized materials (nanomaterials) on subjects with predisposing inflammatory disorders have not been well elucidated. This study examined the effects of pulmonary exposure to TiO2 nanomaterials on lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and consequent systemic inflammation with coagulatory disturbance in mice, in particular regarding their size-dependency. Also, gene expression pattern in the lung was compared among the experimental groups using cDNA microarray analysis. ICR male mice were divided into 8 experimental groups that intratracheally received vehicle, three sizes (15, 50, 100 nm) of TiO2 nanomaterials (8 mg/kg), LPS (2.5 mg/kg), or LPS plus nanomaterials. Twenty four h after the treatment, these nanomaterials exacerbated the lung inflammation and vascular permeability elicited by LPS, with an overall trend of amplified lung expressions of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, macrophage chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC). LPS plus nanomaterials, especially of a size less than 50 nm, elevated circulatory levels of fibrinogen, IL-1beta, MCP-1, and KC, and von Willebrand factor as compared with LPS alone. The enhancement tended overall to be greater with the smaller nanomaterials than with the larger ones. cDNA microarray analyses revealed that there was no difference in gene expression pattern between the LPS group and the LPS + nanomaterial. These results suggest that nanomaterials exacerbate lung inflammation related to LPS with systemic inflammation and coagulatory disturbance, and that the exacerbation is more prominent with smaller nanomaterials than with larger ones.     

Depression of constitutive murine cytochromes P450 by staphylococcal enterotoxin B

Most in vivo studies demonstrating decreased activities of hepatic cytochromes P450 with inflammation have used Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as the inflammatory stimulant. But products of Gram-positive bacteria, such as staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), also stimulate inflammatory mediators, albeit with a different pattern than LPS. Therefore, effects of SEB on the regulation of murine constitutive P450s were determined in this study and compared with those of LPS. LPS-responsive C3H/HeN and LPS-unresponsive C3H/HeJ mice were injected with either LPS (0.5 mg/kg) or SEB (0.66 to 6.6 mg/kg), and hepatic cytochromes P450 and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, nitrate/nitrite, and serum amyloid A concentrations were determined up to 24 hr. HeJ mice were generally less responsive than HeN mice to both stimuli, with lower cytokine, nitrate/nitrite, and serum amyloid A responses. However, in both mouse strains SEB caused more prolonged cytokine, higher nitrate/nitrite, and lower serum amyloid A concentrations than LPS. Despite these differences, in HeN mice, after both SEB and LPS administration, total P450 concentrations were equally depressed by 40%. Both SEB and LPS depressed CYP1A1 and 1A2 microsomal protein concentrations by 45 and 30%, respectively; CYP2E1 by 64%; and CYP3A by 70%. There was comparable inhibition of enzymatic activities. In HeJ mice, SEB was only slightly more effective in depressing P450s than LPS, as might be expected. These data showed that the Gram-positive bacterial inflammatory stimulant SEB caused effects on murine hepatic cytochromes P450 similar to those of LPS, even though the pattern of inflammatory mediators induced after SEB exposure was different.     

油酰乙醇胺对脂多糖诱导的THP-1细胞炎症因子表达的影响

目的探讨油酰乙醇胺(OEA)对细菌脂多糖(LPS)诱导的人急性白血病单核细胞(THP-1)中前炎症因子TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6表达的影响,并初步探讨OEA作为过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体-α(PPAR-α)激动剂参与对炎症调节的作用机制。方法体外培养的THP-1细胞,分别加入不同浓度的OEA(10,20,40μmol/L)或非诺贝特(100μmol/L)共同孵育1 h后,用1μg/mL LPS分别诱导6或24 h。采用RT-PCR、实时定量PCR和酶联免疫吸附检测测定细胞中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6 mRNA和蛋白的表达的变化,并使用实时定量PCR及Western blot方法检测PPAR-α及Toll样受体4(TLR4)的mRNA和蛋白的表达。结果相对于正常THP-1细胞,LPS诱导后细胞中炎症因子(TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6)表达明显增加。OEA对TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6 mRNA和蛋白的表达有抑制作用,并呈现出一定的剂量依赖性。且OEA在激活PPAR-α表达的同时能够抑制TLR4的表达。结论 OEA对LPS诱导的炎症反应有抑制作用,其机制可能与激活PPAR-α,下调TLR4的表达有关。     

Co-occurrence of mcr-1 in the chromosome and on an IncHI2 plasmid: persistence of colistin resistance in Escherichia coli

Two colistin-resistant Escherichia coli strains (FS13Z2S and FS3Z6C) possessing chromosomally encoded mcr-1 isolated from swine were characterised. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that in strain FS13Z2S mcr-1 occurred in triplicate in the chromosome with another copy encoded on a pHNSHP45-2-like IncHI2 plasmid, whereas in strain FS3Z6C only one copy mcr-1 was inserted in the chromosome. It seems likely that the triplication of chromosomal copies of mcr-1 in FS13Z2S is due to intramolecular transposition events via a composite transposon containing an mcr-1 cassette bracketed by two copies of insertion sequence ISApl1, and the pap2 gene at the insertion site was truncated by an IS1294-like element. In plasmid pFS13Z2S and the chromosome of strain FS3Z6C, only a single copy of ISApl1 was present upstream of the mcr-1 cassette. The two strains exhibited similar colistin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and featured phosphoethanolamine addition to lipid A, without regard to the copy number of mcr-1. The mcr-1-harbouring plasmid was unstable in wild-type strain FS13Z2S and was quickly lost after 7 days of passage on colistin-free Luria–Bertani broth containing 0.5% SDS, but the mcr-1 copies on the chromosome persisted. These results reveal that the single copy of mcr-1 could result in modification of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cause colistin resistance in E. coli. Acquisition of multiple copies of mcr-1, especially on the chromosome, would facilitate stable persistence of colistin resistance in the host strain.     

Effects of organic chemicals derived from ambient particulate matter on lung inflammation related to lipopolysaccharide

The effects of components of ambient particulate matter (PM) on individuals with predisposing respiratory disorders are not well defined. We have previously demonstrated that airway exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) or organic chemicals (OC) extracted from DEP (DEP–OC) enhances lung inflammation related to bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS). The present study aimed to examine the effects of airway exposure to OC extracted from urban PM (PM–OC) on lung inflammation related to LPS. ICR mice were divided into four experimental groups that intratracheally received vehicle, LPS (2.5 mg/kg), PM–OC (4 mg/kg), or PM–OC + LPS. Lung inflammation, lung water content, and lung expression of cytokines were evaluated 24 h after intratracheal administration. LPS challenge elicited lung inflammation evidenced by cellular profiles of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung histology, which was further aggravated by the combined challenge with PM–OC. The combination with PM–OC and LPS did not significantly exaggerate LPS-elicited pulmonary edema. LPS instillation induced elevated lung expression of interleukin-1β, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, and keratinocyte chemoattractant, whereas the combined challenge with PM–OC did not influence these levels. All the results were consistent with our previous reports on DEP–OC. These results suggest that the extracted organic chemicals from PM exacerbate infectious lung inflammation. The mechanisms underlying the enhancing effects are not mediated via the enhanced local expression of proinflammatory cytokines.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者肺泡巨噬细胞分泌的细胞因子的临床意义

目的观察慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者肺泡巨噬细胞分泌的细胞因子的临床意义。方法稳定期COPD患者15例,另有11名健康者作为对照,进行肺功能检查,并经支气管肺泡灌洗获取肺泡巨噬细胞进行培养,测定大肠杆菌内毒素(LPS)刺激前、后上清液中白细胞介素-18(IL-18)I、L-23的浓度;采用直线相关分析IL-18I、L-23与肺功能关系。结果①COPD组患者肺泡巨噬细胞基础值IL-18均较对照组降低(P<0.05);LPS刺激后,COPD组和对照组IL-18均较刺激前升高(P<0.05),但两组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);②COPD组患者肺泡巨噬细胞IL-23基础值均较对照组升高(P<0.05);LPS刺激以后,COPD组和对照组患者IL-23均较刺激前升高(P<0.05),而且两组之间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);③COPD组1 s用力呼气容积/用力肺活量百分比(FEV1/FVC)、FEV1与肺泡巨噬细胞释放IL-23呈负相关(P<0.05)。结论IL-18、IL-23参与了COPD气道炎症反应,而且肺泡巨噬细胞释放的IL-23与FEV1/FVC、FEV1呈负相关,可能是导致气道阻塞的原因之一。     

鲜鱼腥草提取物对脂多糖所致小鼠肺部炎症的影响

目的研究鲜鱼腥草提取物对脂多糖所致小鼠肺部炎症的影响。方法采用ICR小鼠鼻滴脂多糖(LPS)建立肺部炎症模型,检测小鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中炎症细胞数和病理学观察肺组织炎症程度。结果鲜鱼腥草提取物40～400mg·kg-1可减少小鼠LPS所致的BALF中白细胞增高,还可减轻肺组织病理炎症细胞浸润。结论鲜鱼腥草提取物可以减轻LPS所致的小鼠肺部炎症反应,减少炎症细胞浸润。提示鲜鱼腥草提取物对脂多糖所致小鼠肺部炎症有抑制作用。     

Prophylaxis against lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injuries by liposome-entrapped dexamethasone in rats

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, stimulates phagocytes to generate metabolites that play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury. In this study, the prophylactic effect of liposome-entrapped dexamethasone (L-DEX) was evaluated in an animal acute lung injury model. Rats were pretreated intratracheally with L-DEX or dexamethasone phosphate (DEX) at a dose of 800 microg dexamethasone/kg body weight; 1 hr later, pretreated animals were challenged i.v. with LPS (Escherichia coli 0111:B4, 1 mg/kg body weight) and killed 24 hr later. Challenge of saline-pretreated animals with LPS resulted in lung injury, as evidenced by increases in wet lung weight and decreases in lung angiotensin-converting enzyme and alkaline phosphatase activities, injury markers of pulmonary capillary endothelial and alveolar type II epithelial cells, respectively. Also, LPS injection resulted in significant increases in plasma phospholipase A(2), thromboxane B(2), and leukotriene B(4) concentrations. The LPS challenge also increased pulmonary myeloperoxidase and elastase activities as well as chloramine concentrations, suggestive of neutrophil infiltration and activation of the inflammatory response. Pretreatment of animals with L-DEX was significantly more effective than pretreatment with the free drug in reducing lung inflammation and other lung injuries, as indicated by the appropriate injury markers used in this study. Our results suggested that the pulmonary delivery of liposome-entrapped anti-inflammatory drugs such as dexamethasone improves prophylactic efficacy in counteracting LPS-induced lung injury.     

山姜素对脂多糖诱导的软骨细胞损伤的保护作用研究

目的　探讨山姜素对脂多糖（LPS）诱导的乳鼠软骨细胞损伤的保护作用及机制。方法　提取乳鼠膝关节处的软骨细胞分离并培养,分为对照组、LPS诱导组（模型组）和LPS诱导后加山姜素处理组（山姜素组）,模型组和山姜素组均采用LPS诱导软骨细胞损伤模型,山姜素组LPS诱导后再采用不同剂量的山姜素进行处理。CCK-8法检测软骨细胞活性,通过荧光素二乙酸酯/碘化丙啶（FDA/PI）染色、实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应（qPCR）以及免疫荧光染色观察山姜素对软骨细胞的保护作用。结果　CCK-8提示,当山姜素的剂量为5 mg/L时,软骨细胞的吸光度最高;FDA/PI染色结果显示,与对照组比较,模型组活细胞数量减少,死细胞则增加;与模型组比较,山姜素组活细胞数增加,死细胞减少。qPCR结果显示,与模型组比较,山姜素组的白细胞介素（IL）-1β、IL-6、诱导型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）、肿瘤坏死因子（TNF-α）、基质金属蛋白酶-13（MMP-13）基因表达水平降低,而Ⅱ型胶原酶（Col2a1）基因表达水平增高（P＜0.05）。免疫荧光染色提示,与模型组比较,山姜素组中IL-6表达水平降低。结论　山姜素能够有效地保护LPS诱导的软骨细胞炎症损伤,促进软骨细胞增殖,为山姜素治疗骨关节炎提供了理论依据。     

Effects of inhaled nanoparticles on acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice

We have previously shown that intratracheal instillation of carbon nanoparticles exacerbates lung inflammation related to bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and subsequent systemic inflammation with coagulatory disturbance in mice [Inoue, K., Takano, H., Yanagisawa, R., Hirano, S., Sakurai, M., Shimada, A., Yoshikawa, T., 2006b. Effects of airway exposure to nanoparticles on lung inflammation induced by bacterial endotoxin in mice. Environ. Health Perspect. 114, 1325-1330]. The present study was performed to determine whether inhalation of diesel engine-derived nanoparticles also exacerbates the model. ICR mice were exposed for 5h to clean air or diesel engine-derived nanoparticles at a concentration of 15, 36, or 169 microg/m(3) after intratracheal challenge with 125 microg/kg of LPS or vehicle, and were sacrificed for evaluation 24h after the intratracheal challenge. Nanoparticles alone did not induce lung inflammation. Nanoparticle inhalation increased LPS-elicited inflammatory cell recruitment into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung parenchyma as compared with clean air inhalation in a concentration-dependent manner. Lung homogenates derived from the nanoparticle+LPS groups tended to have increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha level and chemotaxis activity for polymorphonuclear leukocytes as compared to those from the LPS group or the corresponding nanoparticle groups. Nanoparticle inhalation did not significantly increase lung expression of proinflammatory cytokines or facilitate systemic inflammation and coagulatory disturbance. Isolated alveolar macrophages (AMs) from nanoparticle-exposed mice showed greater production of interleukin-1beta and keratinocyte chemoattractant stimulated with ex vivo LPS challenge than those from clean air-exposed mice, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. These results suggest that acute exposure to diesel nanoparticles exacerbates lung inflammation induced by LPS.     

川芎嗪对脂多糖诱导内皮细胞花生四烯酸通路炎症反应的影响

目的研究川芎嗪对脂多糖(LPS)诱导内皮细胞花生四烯酸(AA)通路炎症反应的影响,为拓展川芎嗪临床适应症提供实验依据。方法在LPS(1 mg.L-1,2 h)诱导的原代培养人冠脉内皮细胞上,观察川芎嗪(1和10μmol.L-1,6 h)对COX-2、5-LOX和FLAP蛋白表达的影响;并观察加入LPS同时给予p-p38MAPK抑制剂SB203580(20μmol.L-1,6 h)或JAK2抑制剂AG490(20μmol.L-1,6 h)对上述蛋白表达及p-p38MAPK或p-STAT3蛋白表达的影响。结果川芎嗪可抑制COX-2、5-LOX和FLAP蛋白表达,抑制MAPK和STAT3通路磷酸化激活。结论川芎嗪靶向内皮细胞,抑制AA通路炎症反应,抑制MAPK和JAK2/STAT3通路激活。     

Progress in allergy signal research on mast cells: regulation of allergic airway inflammation through toll-like receptor 4-mediated modification of mast cell function

In a mouse experimental asthma model, the administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), particularly at low doses, enhances the levels of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation. In an effort to clarify the cellular and molecular basis for the LPS effect, we demonstrate that the OVA-induced eosinophilic inflammation in the lung is dramatically increased by administration of LPS at the priming phase in wild-type mice, whereas such an increase was not observed in mast cell deficient mice. Adoptive transfer of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) from wild type but not from Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-deficient mice restored the increased eosinophilic inflammation in mast cell-deficient mice. Moreover, in vitro analysis revealed that treatment of BMMC with LPS resulted in sustained up-regulation of GATA1 expression and increased production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) upon restimulation. Thus, mast cells appear to control allergic airway inflammation after their activation and modulation through TLR4-mediated induction of GATA1 proteins and subsequent increase in Th2 cytokine production.     

Curcumin Alleviates LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress,Inflammation and Apoptosis in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells via the NFE2L2 Signaling Pathway

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin, which may cause immune response and inflammation of bovine mammary glands. Mastitis impairs animal health and results in economic loss. Curcumin (CUR) is a naturally occurring diketone compound, which has attracted widespread attention as a potential anti-inflammatory antioxidant. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether CUR can reduce the damage of bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T) induced by LPS and its underlying molecular mechanism. The MAC-T cell line was treated with different concentrations of LPS and CUR for 24 h. The results showed that CUR rescued the decrease of MAC-T cell viability and cell damage induced by LPS. At the same time, 10 µM CUR and 100 µg/mL LPS were used to treat the cells in the follow-up study. The results showed CUR treatment reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the expression of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-6 and IL-1β) and the rate of apoptosis induced by LPS. These effects were associated with the activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway coupled with inactivation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inflammatory and caspase/Bcl2 apoptotic pathways.