Pharmacological analysis of the neutrophil migration induced by D. rostrata lectin: Involvement of cytokines and nitric oxide

In the present study, we investigated the involvement of resident cell and inflammatory mediators in the neutrophil migration induced by chemotactic activity of a glucose/mannose-specific lectin isolated from Dioclea rostrata seeds (DrosL). Rats were injected i.p. with DrosL (125–1000 μg/cavity), and at 2–96 h thereafter the leukocyte counts in peritoneal fluid were determined. DrosL-induced a dose-dependent neutrophil migration accumulation, which reached maximal response at 24 h after injection and declines thereafter. The carbohydrate ligand nearly abolished the neutrophil influx. Pre-treatment of peritoneal cavities with thioglycolate which increases peritoneal macrophage numbers, enhanced neutrophil migration induced by DrosL by 303%. However, the reduction of peritoneal mast cell numbers by treatment of the cavities with compound 48/80 did not modify DrosL-induced neutrophil migration. The injection into peritoneal cavities of supernatants from macrophage cultures stimulated with DrosL (125, 250 and 500 μg/ml) induced neutrophil migration. In addition, DrosL treatment induced cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and CINC-1) and NO release into the peritoneal cavity of rats. Finally, neutrophil chemotaxis assay in vitro showed that the lectin (15 and 31 μg/ml) induced neutrophil chemotaxis by even 180%. In conclusion, neutrophil migration induced by D. rostrata lectin occurs by way of the release of NO and cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α and CINC-1.     

Lonchocarpus sericeus lectin decreases leukocyte migration and mechanical hypernociception by inhibiting cytokine and chemokines production

In this study, we tested the potential use of a lectin from Lonchocarpus sericeus seeds (LSL), to control neutrophil migration and inflammatory hypernociception (decrease of nociceptive threshold). Pretreatment of the animals intravenously (15 min before) with LSL inhibited neutrophil migration to the peritoneal cavity in a dose-dependent fashion confirmed by an inhibition of rolling and adhesion of leukocytes by intravital microscopy. We also tested the ability of the pretreatment with LSL to inhibit neutrophil migration on immunised mice, and it was observed that a strong inhibition of neutrophil migration induced by ovoalbumin in immunized mice. Another set of experiments showed that pretreatment of the animals with LSL, inhibited the mechanical hypernociception in mice induced by the i.pl. injection of OVA in immunized mice and of carrageenan in naïve mice, but not that induced by prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) or formalin. This anti-nociceptive effect correlated with an effective blockade of neutrophil influx, as assessed by the hind paw tissue myeloperoxidase levels. In addition, we measured cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and chemokines (MIP-1α [CCL3] and KC [CXCL1]) from the peritoneal exudates and i.pl. tissue. Animals treated with LSL showed inhibition of cytokines and chemokines release in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of LSL on neutrophil migration and mechanical inflammatory hypernocicepetion are associated with the inhibition of the production of cytokines and chemokines.     

A new model of bacterial peritonitis in mice for evaluation of antibiotics. Effects of aspoxicillin and piperacillin

Experimental peritonitis was produced in mice with Escherichia coli TPRL 10760 derived from the intestinal flora of mouse and used to evaluate the chemotherapeutic effects of semisynthetic penicillins, aspoxicillin (ASPC) and piperacillin (PIPC). The peritonitis was induced by inserting a gelatin capsule containing the bacterial cells, sterilized cecal contents and BaSO4 into the pelvic cavity of an anesthetized mouse. Infection with more than 10(6) colony forming units (CFU) of the bacteria/mouse resulted in an acute peritonitis associated with 100% mortality, whereas an inoculum size of 10(2) CFU/mouse produced a chronic peritonitis. In the mice with acute peritonitis, administration of 100 mg/kg x 5 times of ASPC reduced the mortality to 0% but administration of 100 mg/kg x 5 times of PIPC did not reduce the mortality. In the mice with chronic peritonitis, ASPC was more effective than PIPC in decreasing the number of viable bacterial cells in the peritoneal fluid. The superiority of ASPC over PIPC was attributable to its higher bactericidal activity as well as its high drug level and more persistency in the peritoneal fluid as compared to PIPC.     

Synthesis of PAF-acether and blood volume changes in gram-negative sepsis

Gram-negative sepsis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli. The development of bacterial peritonitis and septicemia was monitored by counting the number of peritoneal cells and by performing cultures of blood samples. Mortality reached a 50% rate when rats were injected with 2 X 10(8) colony-forming units. Rats injected with the doses of bacteria which induced mortality showed a time- and dose-dependent increase of vascular permeability as judged by the presence of abundant peritoneal exudate and by the depletion of the circulating volume. In order to know whether the generation of PAF-acether could be involved in the development of the permeability changes, the formation of this mediator was measured in the peritoneal cells and spleen of animals at different times and in response to different doses of E. coli. Significant amounts of PAF-acether could be obtained preceding the development of blood volume depletion in response to the injection of doses of E. coli which induced both mortality and the development of permeability. These data suggest that PAF-acether might be one of the inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of the hemodynamic changes observed in endotoxemia.     

吡格列酮对大鼠尿酸钠晶体诱导的炎症组织细胞中S100A8和S100A9的mRNA表达的影响

目的为进一步了解吡格列酮的抗炎机制,观察其对炎症组织细胞中免疫及炎性调节因子S100A8和S100A9的mRNA表达的影响,探讨其痛风防治作用机制。方法大鼠单侧踝关节腔一次性注射尿酸钠(MSU)晶体建立急性痛风性关节炎模型;腹腔一次性注射MSU诱导急性腹膜炎模型。MSU注射诱发模型前3d,大鼠灌胃口服吡格列酮(20mg.kg-1.d-1),连续给药5d;模型诱发当天,在吡格列酮给药后2h注射MSU。以RT-PCR检测关节炎诱发后48h滑膜组织中和腹膜炎诱发后4,8,24,48及72h腹腔巨噬细胞S100A8和S100A9的mRNA的表达以及吡格列酮给药的影响。结果S100A8和S100A9的mRNA在正常大鼠滑膜中仅有微量表达(0.01±0.01,0.20±0.07),但在诱发关节炎后48h,滑膜组织中呈现高表达(1.21±0.20,1.44±0.20),吡格列酮则显著抑制其高表达(0.26±0.14,0.25±0.16)。S100A8和S100A9的mRNA在正常大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞未见表达,但在诱发腹膜炎后4,8,24,48和72h大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞中均有较高表达。吡格列酮仅在48和72h显示出明显的抑制作用(S100A8mRNA:1.17±0.38vs0.03±0.02和0.70±0.20vs0.02±0.01;S100A9mRNA:0.90±0.31vs0.10±0.01和0.77±0.10vs0.02±0.01)。结论吡格列酮具有抑制S100A8和S100A9的mRNA表达的作用,很可能与其对痛风炎症的防治作用密切相关。     

Lectin of Pisum arvense seeds induces in-vivo and in-vitro neutrophil migration

PAL is a glucose/mannose-specific lectin isolated from Pisum arvense seeds. Previously, we demonstrated the capacity of other leguminous lectins to induce oedema formation and neutrophil stimulation. To investigate the potential pro-inflammatory activity of PAL, we have studied its ability to induce neutrophil migration into peritoneal cavities of rats and neutrophil chemotaxis in-vitro. The role of resident cells and sugar residues on PAL activity was analysed. PAL or saline (control) were administered intraperitoneally to rats, and total and differential leucocyte (macrophages, neutrophils and mast cells) counts were performed. The role of resident cells on the PAL effect was evaluated using three strategies: reducing the total resident cell population by lavage of rat cavities with saline; increasing macrophage population by treating animals with thioglycolate; and depleting mast cell population by subchronic treatment of rats with compound 48/80. PAL induced in-vitro and in-vivo neutrophil migration. In-vivo, PAL (50, 100, 200 and 300 microg) significantly (P < 0.05) and dose-dependently increased neutrophil migration by 600, 740, 900 and 940%, respectively, showing maximal effect 4 h after injection. PAL induced mononuclear cell migration. The neutrophil stimulatory effect of PAL was potentiated in animals treated with both thioglycolate and compound 48/ 80. The indirect lectin chemotactic effect was shown in rats injected with supernatant from cultured macrophages stimulated by PAL. In conclusion, PAL was shown to exhibit in-vivo and in-vitro proinflammatory activity. The in-vivo effect seemed to occur by a dual mechanism that was independent, but also dependent, on resident cells.     

Induction of reactive astrocytosis and prevention of motoneuron cell death by the I(2)-imidazoline receptor ligand LSL 60101

I(2)-imidazoline receptors are mainly expressed on glial cells in the rat brain. This study was designed to test the effect of treatment with the I(2)-imidazoline selective receptor ligand LSL 60101 [2-(2-benzofuranyl)imidazole] on the morphology of astrocytes in the neonate and adult rat brain, and to explore the putative neuroprotective effects of this glial response. Short-term (3 days) or chronic (7-10 days) treatment with LSL 60101 (1 mg kg(-1), i.p. every 12 h) enhanced the area covered by astroglial cells in sections of facial motor nucleus from neonate rats processed for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining. Facial motoneurons surrounded by positive glial cell processes were frequently observed in sections of LSL 60101-treated rats. A similar glial response was observed in the parietal cortex of adult rats after chronic (10 days) treatment with LSL 60101 (10 mg kg(-1), i.p. every 12 h). Western-blot detection of the specific astroglial glutamate transporter GLT-1, indicated increased immunoreactivity after LSL 60101 treatment in the pons of neonate and in the parietoccipital cortex of adult rats. In the facial motor nucleus of neonate rats, the glial response after LSL 60101 treatment was associated to a redistribution of the immunofluorescence of the basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) from the perinuclear area of motoneurons to cover most of their cytoplasm, suggesting a translocation of this mitogenic and neurotrophic factor towards secretion pathways. The neuroprotective potential of the above effects of LSL 60101 treatment was tested after neonatal axotomy of facial motor nucleus. Treatment with LSL 60101 (1 mg kg(-1), i.p. every 12 h from day 0 to day 10 after birth) significantly reduced (38%) motoneuron death rate 7 days after facial nerve axotomy performed on day 3 after birth. It is concluded that treatment with the I(2)-imidazoline selective receptor ligand LSL 60101 provokes morphological/biochemical changes in astroglia that are neuroprotective after neonatal axotomy.     

细菌性感染模型大鼠腹腔渗出液的上清液抗真菌作用研究

目的:观察细菌性感染模型大鼠腹腔渗出液的上清液中抗菌物质对真菌的杀菌作用,为开发天然抗真菌药物提供依据。方法:取大鼠分为正常对照组和模型组,每组10只,模型组大鼠腹腔注射金黄色葡萄球菌(3.6×108cfu·mL-1)建立细菌性感染模型,建模后24h处死2组大鼠并收集腹腔渗出液,离心和处理后,观察渗出液、细胞液、上清液对白色念珠菌的杀菌作用,上清液对不同真菌的杀菌作用及温度对上清液杀菌作用的影响,并在显微镜下观察上清液对白色念珠菌的杀灭过程。结果:与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠建模后24h的腹腔渗出大量渗出液,其中有大量白细胞,渗出液的上清液中含有大量蛋白(P均<0.01),具有与细胞液相似的抗真菌作用;上清液对白色念珠菌、热带念珠菌、光滑念珠菌具有强杀菌作用,可使白色念珠菌菌体萎缩进而破碎死亡;上清液经56℃水浴处理后杀菌作用几乎完全丧失。结论:细菌性感染模型大鼠腹腔渗出液的上清液中存在强抗真菌物质,具有强抗真菌作用,可能通过影响真菌的细胞壁/细胞膜而发挥作用,其中可能存在未被关注或未发现的抗菌蛋白/肽。     

Liu-Shen-Wan, a traditional Chinese medicine, improves survival in sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture via reducing TNF-alpha levels, MDA content and enhancing macrophage phagocytosis

Sepsis in humans is a difficult condition to treat and is often associated with a high mortality rate. Here, we investigated putative protective effects of Liu-Shen-Wan (LSW), a well-known Chinese formula used in treating infectious diseases, against polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The oral administration of LSW, at the first dose of 60 mg/kg and then 30 mg/kg every 12 h, significantly improved the survival of CLP mice during a 4-day observation period. The effects of LSW on the inflammatory response (circulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1) levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) content-an index of lipid peroxidation), infectious degree (peritoneal bacteria counts), and innate immunity function (leukocyte counts, macrophage phagocytosis and neutrophil respiratory burst) were further examined in rats. We demonstrated that treatment of LSW significantly decreased elevated levels of circulating TNF-alpha at 4 h and further reduced plasma MDA levels at 24 h after CLP, at first doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg and then 7.5 and 15 mg/kg every 12 h. Moreover, LSW markedly enhanced clearance of intraperitoneal bacteria associated with the increasing count of peritoneal leukocytes and enhancing phagocytic activity of macrophages partly impaired at 24 h after CLP. In contrast, LSW lightly reduced IL-1 levels at 4 h and failed to improve deactivated respiratory burst activity of neutrophils at 24 h after CLP. Thus, LSW exerts protective effects against sepsis induced by CLP, mainly by reducing plasma TNF-alpha and MDA levels and enhancing peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis, suggesting that it is a potential agent in the prevention and treatment of sepsis.     

Treatment of peritonitis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

The epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy of peritonitis in patients with end-stage renal disease treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) are reviewed. CAPD-associated peritonitis is a localized infection of the peritoneal cavity. Approximately 70% of the cases are caused by a single gram-positive microorganism indigenous to the patient's skin or upper respiratory tract that infects the peritoneal cavity. Gram-negative microorganisms cause 25% of the cases; fungi, anaerobes, and mycobacteria cause approximately 5%. Clinical manifestations include a cloudy, turbid peritoneal dialysate effluent and abdominal pain or tenderness. Diagnosis is confirmed by the detection and isolation of microorganisms in the peritoneal dialysate effluent. Of patients with CAPD-associated peritonitis, 70-80% can be successfully treated on an outpatient basis with intraperitoneal (i.p.) instillation of antimicrobials. Vancomycin, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides are the agents most commonly used to treat CAPD-associated peritonitis. Most recently, alternative dosing regimens using intermittent i.p. administration of vancomycin have been used. In certain types of CAPD-associated peritonitis (those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or fungi), removal of the peritoneal catheter may be required to achieve a cure. Approximately two thirds of the patients transferring to another form of dialysis from CAPD do so because of peritonitis. Currently available data indicate that the most effective therapy for CAPD-associated peritonitis is i.p. administration of antimicrobial agents with activity against the suspected microorganism.     

Inhibition of the accumulation of macrophages and the generation of macrophage chemotactic activity by dexamethasone in concanavalin A-induced peritonitis of mice

A delayed-type inflammatory response was evoked in mice using concanavalin A (Con A) as a stimulus, and the effect of various anti-inflammatory agents on the inflammation was examined. The intraperitoneal injection of Con A in the mouse resulted in the marked accumulation of leukocytes, especially macrophages, in the peritoneal cavity between 16 and 48 hr after the injection. Prior to the accumulation of macrophages, the chemotactic activity for macrophages appeared in the peritoneal fluid, and was associated with protein(s) in the molecular weight range from 10,000 to 100,000 daltons. When the effect of various agents on Con A-induced peritonitis was examined, neither anticomplementary agents (FUT-175 and K-76 COONa), bromophenacyl bromide, nordihydroguaiaretic acid nor indomethacin affected the generation of chemotactic activity and the accumulation of macrophages, suggesting that C5a, prostaglandins and leukotriene B4 are hardly involved in the Con A-induced macrophage accumulation. On the other hand, dexamethasone suppressed both the generation of chemotactic activity and the accumulation of macrophages. Taking into consideration the observation that the synthesis of macrophage chemotactic factors by mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes is inhibited by glucocorticoids, these results suggest that the macrophage chemotactic lymphokines might be involved in the accumulation of macrophages in Con A-induced peritonitis.     

Peritoneal dialysis fluid concentrations of linezolid in the treatment of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium peritonitis

OBJECTIVE: To determine linezolid concentrations in peritoneal dialysis fluid after multiple oral doses of the drug in a 46-year-old man with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium peritonitis who was undergoing peritoneal dialysis. METHODS: After administration of oral linezolid 600 mg twice/day was started, peritoneal dialysis fluid was collected at the end of several 4- and 8-hour dwell times and submitted for analysis of linezolid concentration. Before linezolid therapy was begun, and immediately after several peritoneal dialysis exchanges, 30 ml of expended peritoneal dialysis fluid was collected in a sterile container and immediately frozen at -70 degrees C until analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Peritoneal dialysis concentrations of linezolid greater than 4 microg/ml were achieved after the first dose of linezolid and maintained after repeated doses. During the course of therapy, mean linezolid concentrations in peritoneal dialysis fluid tended to increase (mean 7.60 pg/ml, range 3.54-16.2 microg/ml). All assayed peritoneal dialysis samples demonstrated linezolid concentrations greater than 4 microg/ml at the end of 4- or 8-hour dwell times, except for one level after a missed dose on linezolid treatment day 3. Duration of dwell times did not appear to correlate with linezolid concentrations. CONCLUSION: In this patient, linezolid 600 mg twice/day penetrated into peritoneal dialysis fluid at or above the concentrations necessary to treat common gram-positive bacteria. Linezolid therapy is likely to have a role in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis based on its antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetic properties, ease of administration, and tolerability.     

扁蒴藤素对急性实验性炎症的作用及其机制研究

目的 研究扁蒴藤素对急性实验性炎症的作用及其机制。方法 用巴豆油致小鼠耳肿,角叉菜胶致小鼠足肿,醋酸诱发小鼠毛细血管通透性增高,角叉菜胶致大鼠腹膜炎模型,观察扁蒴藤素对小鼠耳肿、足肿、毛细血管通透性增高以及对大鼠腹膜炎渗出液中的白细胞计数、蛋白质含量、一氧化氮(NO)含量、β-N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶(NAG)释放、丙二醛(MDA)生成、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性的影响。结果 扁蒴藤素ip 0.156～0.625 mg·kg~(-1)或im 1～4 mg·kg~(-1)明显抑制小鼠耳肿和足肿(P<0.05);im 2～4 mg·kg~(-1)明显抑制小鼠毛细血管通透性增高(P<0.05);im 1～2 mg·kg~(-1)抑制大鼠腹膜炎白细胞渗出、蛋白质渗出及NAG释放,降低NO含量,抑制MDA生成,增强SOD及CAT活性。结论 扁蒴藤素有明显的抗炎作用;抗炎作用可能与其抑制NO生成、清除氧自由基、抗脂质过氧化、稳定溶酶体膜有关。     

Mobilization of leucocytes and subsequent release of histamine and lysosomal enzymes into the peritoneal and pleural cavities of rats by actinomycin D (dactinomycin)

• 1 The effects of intraperitoneal injections of actinomycin D on the temporal characteristics of the accumulation of the inflammatory exudate and cells into the peritoneal and pleural cavities were studied in male Sprague Dawley rats.
• 2 A measurable quantity of the exudate appeared in both cavities within 24 h and reached maxima in the peritoneal and pleural cavities on the fourth and third days, respectively. Thereafter, the accumulated volume of liquid decreased progressively in the peritoneal cavity but stayed more or less at about the same level in the pleural cavity until the sixth day.
• 3 The pooled peritoneal and pleural exudates contained neutrophils, macropha-ges, mast cell and eosinophils. The leucocyte infiltration occurred in two phases, the maximum cell numbers being found on the third and fifth days. A precipitous fall in the number of leucocytes occurred on the fourth day. Neutrophils and macro-phages accounted for 85–95% of the total number of leucocytes.
• 4 The supernatant of the inflammatory exudate after centrifugation at 3,000 g contained histamine and the soluble lysosomal enzyme proteins, acid phosphatase and /?-glucuronidase until the sixth day following the initial dose of actinomycin D.
• 5 It is suggested that the release of lysosomal enzymes in the exudate, subsequent to leucocyte mobilization and the release of histamine from the mast cells, are probably involved in the genesis of inflammatory conditions induced by actinomycin D.

     

Effect of oral administration of different combinations of killed bacteria on some depressed macrophage functions in tumor-bearing rats

In the present study, we compared the ability of different bacterial species administered orally in various combinations to restore some depressed peritoneal macrophage functions in tumor-bearing rats. Phagocytosis, killing of Candida albicans and chemotactic response of resident peritoneal cells from treated tumor-bearing rats were influenced by different associations of bacteria. In particular, when Staphylococcus aureus was administered together with other bacterial species, the phagocytic activity of peritoneal cells was restored to normal values, and intracellular killing of C. albicans was enhanced. The results are discussed in relation to the possible influence of mucosal bacterial flora on the level of activation of peritoneal macrophages. The possibility that bacterial species can influence in various ways immunocompetent cells in relation to the different chemical composition of some common structures is also discussed.     

Pharmacokinetics of fluconazole and fosfluconazole after intraperitoneal administration to peritoneal dialysis rats

Fluconazole (FLCZ) is an antifungal agent that is efficacious in the treatment of fungal peritonitis. Fosfluconazole (F-FLCZ) is the phosphate prodrug of FLCZ, which is highly soluble compared with FLCZ. F-FLCZ is useful against fungal peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients because it has a high water solubility. The aims of the present study were to characterize the peritoneal permeability of FLCZ and the pharmacokinetics of FLCZ and F-FLCZ after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration to peritoneal dialysis rats. FLCZ or F-FLCZ was administered intravenously and intraperitoneally. After the i.p. administration of F-FLCZ, FLCZ was detected in circulating blood and the dialyzing fluid in peritoneal dialysis rats. The concentration of plasma FLCZ after the i.p. F-FLCZ administration was lower than that after the intravenous (i.v.) F-FLCZ administration. It is considered that the dose should be increased appropriately when F-FLCZ is administered intraperitoneally. The profiles of plasma FLCZ after i.v. and i.p. administrations were analyzed using a two-compartment model in which the distribution volume of the peripheral compartment was fixed at a volume of the dialyzing fluid (peritoneal dialysis PK model). The peritoneal dialysis PK model could describe the profiles of plasma and dialyzing fluid FLCZ. These results suggest that FLCZ and F-FLCZ could be administered intraperitoneally for the treatment of fungal peritonitis in CAPD patients.     

Therapeutic Effects of S-Petasin on Disease Models of Asthma and Peritonitis

To explore the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts of Petasites genus, we studied the effects of s-petasin, a major sesquiterpene from Petasites formosanus (a butterbur species) on asthma and peritonitis models. In an ovalbumin-induced mouse asthma model, s-petasin significantly inhibited the accumulations of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar fluids. S-petasin inhibited the antigen-induced degranulation of β-hexosamidase but did not inhibit intracellular Ca²⁺ increase in RBL-2H3 mast cells. S-petasin inhibited the LPS induction of iNOS at the RNA and protein levels in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, s-petasin inhibited the production of NO (the product of iNOS) in a concentration-dependent manner in the macrophages. Furthermore, in an LPS-induced mouse model of peritonitis, s-petasin significantly inhibited the accumulation of polymorpho nuclear and mononuclear leukocytes in peritoneal cavity. This study shows that s-petasin in Petasites genus has therapeutic effects on allergic and inflammatory diseases, such as, asthma and peritonitis through degranulation inhibition in mast cells, suppression of iNOS induction and production of NO in macrophages, and suppression of inflammatory cell accumulation.     

Effect of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor on acute inflammation in mice and rats.

AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rh-bFGF). METHODS: Several inflammation models such as croton oil-induced ear swelling, carrageenan-induced hind paw edema, and acute peritonitis in rats or mice were prepared. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured by hydroxyamine method, nitric oxide (NO) concentration by Griess reaction assay, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity by NADPH-diaphoras stain assay, N-acetyl-beta- D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity by colorimetry, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by radioimmunoassay (RIA), malondialdehyde (MDA) content by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) fluorescence technique, and protein content by Coomassie brilliant blue method in peritoneal exudate in rats. RESULTS: Recombinant human bFGF 2, 4 kU/kg im inhibited croton oil-induced ear swelling and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. In addition, rh-bFGF 2, 4 kU/kg im reduced neutrophil counts in the rat peritoneal exudate, and lessened protein content in peritoneal exudate in rats and mice. In the rat peritonitis induced by carrageenan, rh-bFGF 4 kU/kg decreased the MDA and NO levels, inhibited the NOS activity, augmented the SOD activity, and lowered the production of PGE(2) in exudate. However, rh-bFGF had no effect on NAG content. CONCLUSION: Recombinant human bFGF has an anti-inflammatory effect and its mechanisms are related to the inhibition of NOS activity, reduction of NO, MDA, and PGE(2) content, and increase of SOD activity.     

Therapeutic and preventive properties of quercetin in experimental arthritis correlate with decreased macrophage inflammatory mediators

Pentahydroxyflavone dihydrate, quercetin (QU) is one of common flavonols biosynthesized by plants and has been suggested to modulate inflammatory responses in various models. In the present study, we investigated in vivo effects of oral or intra-cutaneous QU in chronic rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA). Growth delay and arthritic scores were evaluated daily after AA induction in Lewis rats. Oral administration of QU (5 x 160 mg/kg) to arthritic rats resulted in a clear decrease of clinical signs compared to untreated controls. Intra-cutaneous injections of lower doses (5 x 60 mg/kg) of QU gave similar anti-arthritic effects, while 5 x 30 mg/kg concentrations were inefficient in this respect. Finally, injection of relatively low QU doses (5 x 30 mg/kg) prior to AA induction significantly reduced arthritis signs. As QU was suggested to inhibit macrophage-derived cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), we then analyzed macrophage response ex vivo. Anti-arthritic effects of QU correlated with significant decrease of inflammatory mediators produced by peritoneal macrophages, ex vivo and in vitro. These data indicate that QU is a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic and preventive agent targeting the inflammatory response of macrophages.