Effects of exogenous annexin-1 on lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation and reactive oxygen species production partially through modulation of CRAC channels but independent of NF-κB pathway

Objective

To investigate the effects of exogenous annexin-1 (ANXA1) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and calcium signal transduction in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Methods

RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with or without LPS in the absence or presence of ANXA1. The proliferation effects were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. ROS were quantified by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) was analyzed by laser confocal scanning microscopy. IκBα degradation and NF-κB translocation were tested by Western blot.

Results

Exogenous ANXA1 inhibited LPS-induced proliferation and ROS production in a dose-dependent manner. LPS evoked [Ca²⁺]_i increase through CRAC channels, and ANXA1 suppressed LPS-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase in a dose-dependent manner. The CRAC channels were associated with LPS-induced proliferation and ROS production. Exogenous ANXA1 had no effect on LPS-induced IκB degradation and NF-κB translocation.

Conclusions

ANXA1 inhibited LPS-induced proliferation and ROS production in RAW264.7 macrophages partially through modulation of CRAC channels but independent of the NF-κB pathway.     

Lipoxin A4 Inhibits NF-κB Activation and Cell Cycle Progression in RAW264.7 Cells

Lipoxins (LXs), including lipoxin A₄ (LXA₄), etc., have been approved for potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Based on the important roles of macrophages in inflammation and immunomodulation, we investigate the effects of LXA₄ on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proliferation and the possible signal transduction pathways in RAW264.7 macrophages. RAW264.7 cells were treated in vitro with or without LPS in the absence or presence of LXA₄. [³H]-TdR incorporation assay and flow cytometry were used for detecting cell proliferation and cycle, respectively. Moreover, Western blot was applied to evaluate the protein expression levels of Cyclin E, IκBα, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and IκB kinase (IKK). Our research showed that LXA₄ suppressed LPS-induced proliferation, increased the proportion of the G₀/G₁ phase, decreased the proportion of the S phase, and downregulated the expression of Cyclin E. Besides these, LXA₄ suppressed LPS-induced IκBα degradation, NF-κB translocation, and the expression of IKK. The data suggested that LXA₄ inhibited LPS-induced proliferation through the G₀/G₁ phase arrest in RAW264.7 macrophages, and the inhibitory effect might depend on NF-κB signaling transduction pathway.     

Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced I-kappaB degradation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression by acriflavine, an antimicrobial agent

Acriflavine neutral (ACF) has been used for treatment of microbial infections for humans and fishes. Effects of ACF on the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin, were examined in rat and RAW264.7 cells. Gel retardation analysis revealed that LPS (1 microg/kg) activated NF-kappaB in the liver, whereas pretreatment of rats with ACF (10 mg/kg) completely prevented the NF-kappaB activation. Selectivity of the NF-kappaB DNA binding was confirmed by immunodepletion with anti-p65 and anti-p50 antibodies. Translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus is preceded by phosphorylation and proteolytic degradation of inhibitor-kappaBalpha (I-kappaBalpha) subunit. Whereas the level of I-kappaBalpha protein was rapidly decreased after treatment of rats with LPS (1 microg/kg), ACF treatment prior to LPS attenuated the decrease in I-kappaBalpha protein level. LPS-induced increase in the production of TNF-alpha, the principal inflammatory mediator, was prevented by ACF pretreatment by 80%. Stimulation of RAW264.7 cells with 1 microg/ml of LPS caused an increase in DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB, which was 80% inhibited by 1 microg/ml of ACF. LPS reduced I-kappaBalpha level in RAW264.7 cells by 77%. ACF attenuated LPS-induced decrease in I-kappaBalpha protein in a concentration-dependent manner. Production of TNF-alpha by LPS from RAW264.7 cells was decreased by 84% in the presence of ACF. Data showed that ACF inhibited LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation through inhibition of I-kappaBalpha degradation and TNF-alpha production in both rat and RAW264.7 cells. Inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and TNF-alpha production may be associated with the anti-inflammatory activity of ACF.     

葫芦素E对脂多糖诱导RAW264.7巨噬细胞炎症反应的影响及作用机制

分析葫芦素E(CuE)对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的小鼠RAW264.7巨噬细胞炎症反应的影响,研究其抗炎作用的分子机制。采用改良MTT法检测RAW264.7细胞的增殖;以碘化丙锭染色检测CuE对细胞周期的影响;采用细胞内细胞因子染色法分析肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)的表达;免疫荧光染色分析胞内Actin的结构;应用免疫印迹法检测CuE对G-肌动蛋白(G-ac-tin)及核转录因子NF-κB核转位的影响。实验结果显示CuE对RAW264.7细胞的增殖具有剂量依赖性抑制作用,并降低细胞内G-actin的水平;CuE明显阻止LPS诱导的细胞伸展和伪足形成,使细胞周期阻滞于G2/M期。同时,CuE还明显抑制LPS活化的RAW264.7细胞表达促炎因子TNF-α,并显著降低LPS诱导的转录因子NF-κB的核转位作用。这些结果表明,CuE通过破坏RAW264.7巨噬细胞的肌动蛋白细胞骨架,引起细胞周期阻滞,并抑制LPS诱导的NF-κB核转位以及TNF-α的表达,从而发挥抗炎作用。     

Regulation of lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-12 production by activation of repressor element GA-12 through hyperactivation of the ERK pathway

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) functions as a representative lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediator in both innate and adaptive immunity. We investigated the regulation of LPS-induced IL-12 production by mouse macrophages. In response to LPS, peritoneal macrophages produced bioactive IL-12 p70, a heterodimer (p40/p35) of subunits, but macrophage lines such as J774.1 and RAW264.7 did not. Induction of the p35 subunit was impaired in both cell lines, and additional impairment of p40 induction was observed in RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that some negative regulatory mechanisms against LPS-induced IL-12 p40 production are constitutively functioning in RAW264.7 cells but not in the other types of cells. Activation of GA-12 (a repressor element of IL-12 p40), rather than suppression of promoter elements, such as binding sites for NF-kappaB, AP-1, and IRF-1, was detected in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, accompanying hyperactivation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK). When ERK activation was suppressed by an inhibitor (U0126), production of p40 rose from an undetectable to a substantial level and GA-12 activation decreased. In peritoneal macrophages, stimulation with a high dose of LPS reduced p40 production with enhanced activation of ERK. Pretreatment of the cells with phorbol myristate acetate to enhance ERK activation reduced p40 production in response to the optimal LPS stimulation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that hyperactivation of the ERK pathway plays a role in upstream signaling for the activation of GA-12, leading to the repression of IL-12 p40 production in mouse macrophages.     

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein mediates carbon monoxide-induced suppression of cyclooxygenase-2

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a key enzyme involved in the inflammatory process that is rapidly induced in macrophages in response to LPS. Carbon monoxide (CO), a byproduct of heme oxygnease-1, can suppress proinflammatory response in various in vitro and in vivo models of inflammation. This study was undertaken to examine whether CO can regulate (and if so, to delineate the mechanism by which CO regulates) LPS-induced COX-2 expression in macrophages. RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were stimulated with LPS (0-10 ng/ml) with or without CO (500 ppm). Northern and Western blot analysis was done. Progstaglandin E(2) and nitrite concentration was measured from cell culture supernatant. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was performed to assess nuclear factor binding. CO downregulated LPS-induced COX-2 mRNA and protein expression. CO also inhibited LPS-induced prostaglandin E(2) secretion (P < 0.05). CO also decreased LPS-induced CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) beta and delta protein expression in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Gel shift analysis revealed that CO treatment decreased LPS-induced activation of protein binding to C/EBP consensus oligonucleotides of murine cyclooxygenase-2 promoter. CO also decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide synthase-2 protein expression and nitrite production, and decreased LPS-induced activation of protein binding to C/EBP consensus oligonucleotides of murine nitric oxide synthase-2 promoter. CO may act as an important regulator of inflammation by virtue of its ability to regulate C/EBPs.     

LPS-induced Apoptosis is Partially Mediated by Hydrogen Sulphide in RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophages

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces apoptosis in murine macrophages through the autocrine secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nitric oxide (NO). LPS-induced inflammation in murine macrophages is associated with hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production. In this present study, we reported the novel role of H₂S in LPS-induced apoptosis and its underlying molecular mechanism specifically at late phases in murine macrophage cells. Stimulation of RAW 264.7 macrophages with LPS resulted in a time- and dose-dependent induction of apoptosis. We observed that the LPS-induced early apoptosis (associated with TNF-α secretion) in macrophages was not inhibited in the presence of H₂S inhibitor (DL-propargylglycine), whereas early apoptosis was absent in the presence of TNF receptor antibody. Interestingly, LPS-induced late apoptosis paralleled with H₂S production was reduced in the presence of H₂S inhibitor but not with TNF receptor antibody. The late apoptotic events mediated by H₂S and not the TNF-α induced early apoptosis correlated significantly with the induction of p53 and Bax expression in LPS-induced macrophages. Thus, it is possible that RAW 264.7 murine macrophages treated with LPS mediated early apoptosis through TNF-α and the late apoptotic events through the production of H₂S.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of physalin E from Physalis angulata on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells through inhibition of NF-κB pathway

Physalin E is a naturally occurring seco-steroid isolated from the stems and aerial parts of Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae). This study was aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of physalin E on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the potential underlying mechanisms. The results showed that physalin E significantly inhibited LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression and secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Unlike dexamethasone, these effects could not be blocked by miferstone (RU486). Meanwhile, physalin E reduced the degradation of I-kappa B protein in the cytoplasm and downregulated the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein in the nuclear, which resulted in the inhibition of the NF-κB nuclear translocation. In conclusion, physalin E exerts its anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-induced macrophages. Physalin E can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines by targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway.     

核仁素对LPS诱导的白细胞介素1β释放的影响

目的: 探讨核仁素在脂多糖(LPS)所致炎症模型中的表达及其对LPS所致的白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)释放的影响。方法: 小鼠腹腔注射LPS(15 mg/kg)建立内毒素血症模型,LPS(500 μg/L)处理建立RAW264.7细胞炎症模型,采用免疫印迹观察核仁素在炎症模型中的表达。利用瞬时转染技术抑制或增加RAW264.7细胞内核仁素表达后,LPS处理,酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)检测细胞培养基中IL-1β的含量。结果: 在内毒素血症小鼠的肺组织和RAW264.7细胞炎症模型中,110 kD核仁素表达上调,80 kD核仁素片段表达减少。与转空载体对照组比较,核仁素过表达组LPS所致的IL-1β释放明显增加(P<0.05);与正常细胞组和随机寡核苷酸组比较,核仁素低表达组LPS所致的IL-1β释放明显减少(P<0.05)。结论: 在LPS所致的炎症模型中,110 kD核仁素表达上调, 80 kD核仁素片段表达减少;核仁素促进LPS所致的IL-1β释放。     

The role of lipid rafts in LPS-induced signaling in a macrophage cell line

The significance of lipid rafts in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling in macrophages was studied through isolation of them by gradient centrifugation and subsequent visualization of signal molecules using antibodies. LPS signaling is initiated by binding to Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and the co-receptor CD-14, leading to activation of downstream targets, such as MAP kinases. In this study, we show that LPS causes translocation of CD-14 and MAP kinases (ERK-2 and p38) to lipid rafts in the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. The adaptor proteins MyD88 and Gab-2, on the other hand, were not detected in the lipid raft fractions. These results indicate that lipid rafts play a role in LPS-induced signaling in macrophages.     

Immunostimulation by the synthetic lipopeptide P3CSK4: TLR4-independent activation of the ERK1/2 signal transduction pathway in macrophages

Synthetic lipopeptides based on bacterial lipoprotein are efficient activators for monocytes/macrophages inducing the release of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), reactive oxygen/nitrogen intermediates, and the translocation of nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB). In this report we investigate the signal transduction pathways involved in leucocyte activation by the synthetic lipopeptide N-palmitoyl-S-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2R,S)-propyl]-(R)-cysteinyl-seryl-(lysyl)3-lysine (P3CSK4). We show that P3CSK4 activates mitogen-activated protein (MAP)-kinases ERK1/2 and MAP kinase (MAPK)-kinases MEK1/2 in bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and in the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Additionally, we could detect differences between the P3CSK4 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced phosphorylation of MAP kinases: Different levels in phosphorylation were found both in kinetics and dose-response using RAW 264.7 cells or BMDM from BALB/c and LPS responder mice (C57BL/10ScSn) or LPS non-responder mice (C57BL/10ScCr). The lipopeptide activated the MAPK-signalling cascade in both LPS responder and non-responder macrophages, whereas LPS induced the MAPK signalling pathway only in macrophages derived from LPS responder mice. An approximately 70% decrease of lipopeptide induced NFkappaB translocation and an about 50% reduction of nitric oxide (NO) release was observed in the presence of anti-CD14. These data correspond to the reduction of phosphorylation of ERK1/2 after stimulation with P3CSK4 in the presence of anti-CD14 antibodies. Inhibition of MEK1/2 by PD98059 completely reduced the lipopeptide-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 indicating that MEK1/2 are solely responsible for the phosphorylation of the downstream-located MAP kinases ERK1/2.     

NOD8对LPS诱导巨噬细胞释放NO、TNF-α和IL-1β的影响

 目的： 探讨NOD8对脂多糖（LPS）诱导巨噬细胞释放一氧化氮（NO）、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）和白细胞介素1β（IL-1β）的影响。方法： pEGFP-C2及pEGFP-NOD8重组质粒分别转染小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7,以LPS刺激RAW264.7细胞0、6、12、24 h后,采用Griess reagent法测定观察细胞分泌的NO水平;ELISA法检测IL-1β 和 TNF-α 的含量;荧光法测定活化的caspase-1水平; Western blotting检测NOD8蛋白表达及NF-κB  p65亚基的核转位情况。结果： (1)与转染pEGFP-C2空质粒组比较,转染pEGFP-NOD8质粒组NOD8蛋白表达明显增加。(2) LPS刺激6、12、24 h后,RAW264.7细胞释放NO、IL-1β及TNF-α均明显增加;而在pEGFP-NOD8+LPS组RAW264.7细胞, NO于12、24 h 的释放显著降低,IL-1β于6、12、24 h的释放也明显降低,TNF-α的释放则无明显变化。（3）在LPS刺激6、12、24 h后, RAW264.7细胞caspase-1活化水平均明显升高,胞浆NF-κB p65亚基表达明显减少,表明p65核转位增加;而pEGFP-NOD8+LPS组可显著抑制caspase-1的活化以及NF-κB p65亚基的核转位,差异有统计学意义。结论： NOD8可抑制LPS诱导的巨噬细胞NO与IL-1β释放,其作用机制可能与NOD8抑制caspase-1及NF-κB 的活化有关。     

Imperatorin Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammation by Suppressing NF-κB and MAPKs Activation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages

Imperatorin is a type of coumarin compound with antibacterial and antiviral activities. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of imperatorin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by investigating its impact on the production and expression of cytokines and the major signal-transduction pathways. We found that imperatorin downregulated LPS-induced levels of TNF-??, IL-1??, and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner, and it significantly inhibited expression of TNF-?? and IL-6 (P?<?0.05 or P?<?0.01). The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-??B) p65 protein were analyzed by western blotting. In RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with 1?mg/L of LPS, imperatorin significantly inhibited p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation protein expression. However, there was no significant change in p-ERK. Furthermore, imperatorin also inhibited NF-??B translocation into the nucleus through blockage of I??B?? phosphorylation and degradation.     

Effects of propofol on lipopolysaccharide-induced expression and release of HMGB1 in macrophages

This study aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations of propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression and release of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in mouse macrophages. Mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups. Expression levels of HMGB1 mRNA were detected using RT-PCR, and cell culture supernatant HMGB1 protein levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in macrophages was observed by Western blotting and activity of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in the nucleus was detected using ELISA. HMGB1 mRNA expression levels increased significantly in the cell culture supernatant and in cells after 24 h of stimulating RAW264.7 cells with LPS (500 ng/mL). However, HMGB1 mRNA expression levels in the P2 and P3 groups, which received 500 ng/mL LPS with 25 or 50 μmol/mL propofol, respectively, were significantly lower than those in the group receiving LPS stimulation (P<0.05). After stimulation by LPS, HMGB1 protein levels were reduced significantly in the nucleus but were increased in the cytoplasm (P<0.05). Simultaneously, the activity of NF-κB was enhanced significantly (P<0.05). After propofol intervention, HMGB1 translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and NF-κB activity were inhibited significantly (each P<0.05). Thus, propofol can inhibit the LPS-induced expression and release of HMGB1 by inhibiting HMGB1 translocation and NF-κB activity in RAW264.7 cells, suggesting propofol may be protective in patients with sepsis.