Anti-rat soluble IL-6 receptor antibody down-regulates cardiac IL-6 and improves cardiac function following trauma-hemorrhage

Although anti-IL-6-mAb down-regulates cardiac IL-6 and attenuates IL-6-mediated cardiac dysfunction following trauma-hemorrhage, it is not known whether blockade of IL-6 receptor will down-regulate cardiac IL-6 and improve cardiac function under those conditions. Six groups of male adult rats (275-325 g) were used: sham/trauma-hemorrhage+vehicle, sham/trauma-hemorrhage+IgG, sham/trauma-hemorrhage+anti-rat sIL-6R. Rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage (removal of 60% of the circulating blood volume and fluid resuscitation after 90 min). Vehicle (V), normal goat IgG or anti-rat sIL-6R (16.7 microg/kg BW) was administered intra-peritoneally in the middle of resuscitation. Two hours later, cardiac function was measured by ICG dilution technique; blood samples collected, cardiomyocytes isolated, and cardiomyocyte nuclei were then extracted. Cardiac IL-6, IL-6R, gp130, IkappaB-alpha/P-IkappaB-alpha, NF-kappaB, and ICAM-1 expressions were measured by immunoblotting. Plasma IL-6 and cardiomyocyte NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity were determined by ELISA. In additional animals, heart harvested and cardiac MPO activity and CINC-1 and -3 were also measured. In another group of rats, cardiac function was measure by microspheres at 24 h following trauma-hemorrhage. Cardiac function was depressed and cardiac IL-6, P-IkappaB-alpha, NF-kappaB and its DNA-binding activity, ICAM-1, MPO activity, and CINC-1 and -3 were markedly increased after trauma-hemorrhage. Moreover, cardiac dysfunction was evident even 24 h after trauma-hemorrhage. Administration of sIL-6R following trauma-hemorrhage: (1) improved cardiac output at 2 h and 24 h (p<0.05); (2) down-regulated both cardiac IL-6 and IL-6R (p<0.05); and (3) attenuated cardiac P-IkappaB-alpha, NF-kappaB, NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity, ICAM-1, CINC-1, -3, and MPO activity (p<0.05). IgG did not significantly influence the above parameters. Thus, IL-6-mediated up-regulation of cardiac NF-kappaB, ICAM-1, CINC-1, -3, and MPO activity likely contributes to altered cardiac function following trauma-hemorrhage. Since IL-6R blockade after trauma-hemorrhage down-regulates cardiac IL-6 and improves cardiac functions, blockade of IL-6R following trauma-hemorrhage appears to be a novel and effective adjunct for improving organ and cell function under those conditions.     

Mechanism of cardioprotection following trauma-hemorrhagic shock by a selective estrogen receptor-beta agonist: up-regulation of cardiac heat shock factor-1 and heat shock proteins

Although 17beta-estradiol (E2) administration following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) improves cardiac function in male rodents, it is not known whether the salutary effects of E2 are mediated via estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha or ER-beta, and whether cardiac heat shock proteins (Hsp) are affected by E2 administration. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent T-H (mean BP 40 mmHg for 90 min, then resuscitation). ER-alpha agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) (5 microg/kg), ER-beta agonist diarylpropiolnitrile (DPN) (5 microg/kg), or vehicle (10% DMSO) was injected subcutaneously during resuscitation. At 24 h after T-H or sham operation, cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), mean blood pressure, and +/- dP/dt max were measured (n=6 rats per group). Cardiac Hsp32, 60, 70, and 90 mRNA/protein expressions and heat shock factor (HSF)-1 DNA binding activity were determined. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were used for statistical analysis. CO, SV and +/- dP/dt(max) decreased significantly after T-H, however, administration of ER-beta agonist DPN after T-H restored the above parameters. Moreover, DPN treatment prevented T-H-mediated decrease in Hsp60 mRNA/protein and Hsp90 protein expressions in the heart. Hsp32 and Hsp70 mRNA/protein expression and HSF-1 DNA binding activity in the hearts were increased even above the shams in DPN treated T-H rats. In contrast, no significant change in the above parameters was observed in T-H rats treated with ER-alpha agonist PPT. Thus, the salutary effects of E2 on cardiac function are mediated via ER-beta and ER-beta-induced up-regulation of Hsp likely plays a significant role in the E2-mediated cardioprotection after T-H.     

Anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody therapy reduces vascular endothelial growth factor production in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a regulator of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Serum VEGF levels in RA patients were assayed before and after 8 weeks or 24 weeks of maintenance therapy with humanized anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody (anti-IL-6R mAb). VEGF secreted by RA synovial fibroblasts cultured in the presence of IL-6, IL-1beta, and/or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) was measured. The inhibitory effect of anti-IL-6R mAb, recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and anti-TNFalpha mAb on VEGF production was also examined. RESULTS: Serum VEGF levels in RA patients before anti-IL-6R mAb therapy were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (P < 0.0005). Treatment of RA patients with anti-IL-6R mAb normalized serum VEGF levels. In the in vitro study, IL-6 and IL-1beta each induced a slight amount of VEGF production in synovial cells, but TNFalpha did not. Although VEGF-inducing activity of these cytokines was not remarkable when they were added alone, IL-6 acted synergistically with IL-1beta or TNFalpha to induce VEGF production. There was no synergistic effect between IL-1beta and TNFalpha. In the presence of all of these cytokines, anti-IL-6R mAb eliminated the synergistic effect of IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNFalpha, while IL-1Ra or anti-TNFalpha mAb did not. CONCLUSION: Anti-IL-6R mAb therapy reduced VEGF production in RA. IL-6 is the pivotal cytokine that induces VEGF production in synergy with IL-1beta or TNFalpha, and this may be the mechanism by which IL-6 blockade effectively suppresses VEGF production in synovial fibroblasts.     

MicroRNA-21 is upregulated during intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by ischemia reperfusion

This study aimed to investigate the expression of miRNA-21 during intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by intestinal ischemia reperfusion. Forty SPF SD rats were divided into 5 groups randomly. Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) was induced by mesenteric artery occlusion for 1 h and reperfusion for 1 h, and the rats were sacrificed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 h after reperfusion. Fresh intestine tissues were immediately isolated for the measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). The levels of cytokines, ICAM-1, DAO, iFABP and MPO in serum were determined by ELISA. Intestinal tight junction proteins occludin and claudin-1 were detected by immunofluorescence analysis and Western blot analysis. miR-21 expression in intestinal tissues was measured by RT-PCR. Compared with sham group, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and ICAM-1, DAO, iFABP and MPO increased while IL-10 level decreased in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion group. In addition, the levels of intestinal tight junction proteins occludin and claudin-1 decreased while miR-21 level increased in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion group, compared with sham group. In conclusion, miR-21 expression is upregulated during intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by IRI. miR-21 may play an important role in the regulation of intestinal barrier function.     

NF-κB Activation Precedes Increases in mRNA Encoding Neurokinin-1 Receptor,Proinflammatory Cytokines,and Adhesion Molecules in Dextran Sulfate Sodium–Induced Colitis in Rats

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κ B) plays a key role in initiating inflammation associated with colitis. A systematic study was conducted in the rat DSS colitis model to determine the temporal relationship between NF-κ B activation and expression of substance P (SP), neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), proinflammatory cytokines, and adhesion molecules. Rats were given 5% DSS in their water and sacrificed daily for 6 days. Colon tissue was collected for assessment of histological changes, NF-κ B activation, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and expression of NK-1R, SP, TNFα, IL-1β, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, CINC-1, MIP-1α, and iNOS. NF-κ B activation increased, biphasically, on Day 1 and again on Days 4–6. The mRNA levels for ICAM-1, CINC-1, IL-1β, TNFα, VCAM-1, and NK-1R rose significantly (P< 0.05) by 2–4 days. Increased iNOS mRNA levels, MPO activity, and mucosal damage occurred on Day 6. These data demonstrate that NF-κ B activation substantially precedes the onset of physical disease signs and active inflammation.     

参附注射液对大鼠心肺复苏后早期全身炎症反应的影响

目的探讨参附注射液对大鼠心肺复苏后早期全身炎症反应的影响。方法24只SD雄性大鼠随机均分为假手术组、常规对照组、参附治疗组,采用琥珀酰胆碱窒息合并冰氯化钾致大鼠呼吸心跳骤停—心肺复苏模型,复苏后6h取标本,检测血清肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白介素1β(IL-1β)、血浆可溶性细胞间粘附分子-1(sICAM-1)和丙二醛(MDA)含量。结果呼吸心跳骤停大鼠心肺复苏CPR)后6h血清TNF-α、IL-1β、血浆可溶性ICAM-1和MDA含量较假手术组升高,但参附治疗组较常规对照组低。结论大鼠CPR后早期存在全身炎症反应,参附注射液能减轻CPR后全身性炎症反应。     

甲泼尼龙对急性坏死性胰腺炎大鼠肾功能的保护作用

目的探讨甲泼尼龙对急性坏死性胰腺炎(ANP)大鼠肾功能的保护作用。方法将SD大鼠36只随机分为3组,假手术组(SO)、ANP组、甲泼尼龙治疗组(MP)各12只。以5%牛磺脱氧胆酸钠逆行胰胆管注射建立ANP模型,观察各组血清淀粉酶、白介素6(IL-6)、尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)水平,以及腹水量、胰腺和肾脏的病理改变,逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)分析肾组织细胞间黏附分子1(ICAM-1)mRNA表达水平。结果ANP组制模后血清IL-6升高,肾脏ICAM-1mRNA表达上调(P<0.01),血清淀粉酶、BUN、Cr分别在制模6h、12h后显著升高。与ANP组比较,MP组血清IL-6、BUN、Cr水平明显下降,ICAM-1mRNA表达下调(P<0.01),肾脏病理改变得到改善。结论甲泼尼龙可抑制血清IL-6水平,下调肾脏ICAM-1基因表达,改善ANP的肾功能障碍。     

大黄素对实验性淤胆型肝炎的治疗作用及其机制

目的 探讨大黄素对淤胆型肝炎的治疗作用及其机制.方法 S D大鼠分为5组:大黄素组,熊去氧胆酸组、地塞米松组、模型组、正常对照组,除正常对照组外,其余4组均给予α-异硫氰酸萘酯50 mg/kg一次灌胃大鼠建立淤胆型肝炎动物模型,并给予相应的药物干预,造模后24、48、72 h分别处死大鼠.免疫组织化学法检测肝组织中核因子κB表达.实时荧光定量PCR检测肝组织中早期生长反应因子1、中性粒细胞趋化因子1,巨噬细胞炎症蛋白-2 mRNA表达,Westernblot检测肝组织中细胞间黏附分子1蛋白表达.双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附法检测肝组织肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素6含量,硫代巴比妥酸比色法、黄嘌呤氧化酶法及比色法分别检测肝组织中丙二醛、超氧化物歧化酶、髓过氧化物酶含量.结果 (1)造模后24、48,72 h,大黄素组血清总胆红素分别为(32.8±3.7)umol/L、(61.0±16.4)μmol/L和(10.8±4.5) μmol/L,直接胆红素分别为(26.0±3.1)lamol/L、(49.4±18.2)μmol/L和(8.0±3.0)μmol/L;ALT分别为(313.7±49.8)U/L、(664.3±96.5)U/L和(200.3±60.3)U/L,均明显低于模型组,P值均<0.01,差异有统计学意义.(2)造模后24、48 h,大黄素组的核因子κ B p65核表达阳性细胞百分率分别为24.1%和9.8%,模型组分别为48.3%和26.5%,P值均<0.01,差异有统计学意义.(3)造模后24、48 h,大黄素组的细胞因子诱导的中性粒细胞趋化因子1、巨噬细胞炎症蛋白-2mRNA表达、细胞间黏附分子1蛋白表达、肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素6含量均较模型组显著降低(P值均<0.01).结论 大黄素可显著改善实验性淤胆型肝炎大鼠的肝功能,其作用机制可能与抑制NF-κB信号通路有关.     

SIRT3对SD大鼠体外循环心功能的影响

目的 探讨心肌线粒体去乙酰化酶 SIRT3对大鼠体外循环(CPB)所致急性心功能下降的影响及机制。方法 Sprague-Dawley(SD)成年大鼠30只,随机分为3组:对照组(sham组)、体外循环组(CPB组)、外源性烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸(NAD+)治疗体外循环组(NAD+治疗组),每组10只（n=10）。麻醉复苏后1 h,采用彩色多普勒超声诊断仪检测左心室收缩末期内径(LVIDs)、左心室舒张末期内径(LVIDd)、短轴缩短率(FS)及左心室射血分数(LVEF)。然后处死SD大鼠,取心肌组织,检测 AMPK、p-AMPK和心肌细胞膜Glut-4的蛋白表达及SIRT3和AMPK的活性。结果 与sham组相比,CPB组在CPB后血糖升高(P<0.05),心功能下降(P<0.05),具体表现为LVIDs和LVIDd值升高(P<0.05)、FS和LVEF值下降(P<0.05),CPB后SD大鼠心肌的SIRT3活性下降(P<0.05),下游的AMPK磷酸化水平及AMPK活性下降以及心肌细胞膜Glut-4的蛋白表达下降（均P<0.05）;预先采用外源性NAD+治疗,可显著降低血糖水平(P<0.05),提高CPB后SD大鼠心肌SIRT3的活性,促进心肌AMPK的磷酸化和该酶活性的升高(均P<0.05),并增加CPB大鼠心肌细胞膜Glut-4蛋白表达(P<0.05);与CPB组相比,NAD+治疗组心功能降低有所改善,表现为LVIDs和LVIDd值下降、FS和LVEF值升高(均P<0.05)。结论 NAD+治疗可明显改善SD大鼠CPB后的心功能,其机制可能与激活SIRT3,进而增加下游AMPK的磷酸化和该酶活性,以及增加心肌细胞膜Glut-4蛋白表达,并促进CPB术后心肌对葡萄糖的摄取和利用以及ATP的生成有关。     

心肌细胞凋亡在老年性心衰发生中的作用

目的探讨心肌细胞凋亡在老年心衰发生中的作用。方法制备大鼠心肌缺血／再灌注（MI／R）模型。雄性SD大鼠被分为4个实验组：青年假手术组（2个月,16只）、老年假手术组（24个月,16只）、青年手术组（2个月,16只）和老年手术组（24个月,16只）。心肌缺血／再灌注组大鼠的左冠状动脉近中段被阻断30rain后恢复血流再灌注3h和24h。通过MillarMikro—Tip导管压力换能器对大鼠左心室（LV）功能指标进行检测,从而对sD大鼠心脏功能进行评价。采用原位末端标记检测（TUNEL）法和Caspase-3活性检测评价心肌细胞凋亡水平,同时测定大鼠血浆中凋亡标志物sFas、TNF—α和IL-6水平。对大鼠心肌组织使用伊文氏蓝-TTC染色并测定血浆cTnI水平以确定心肌坏死程度。结果与青年大鼠相比,老年大鼠在心肌缺血／再灌注后心功能明显降低,同’时心肌细胞凋亡水平及心肌细胞坏死程度显著增加。血浆凋亡标志物的检测结果也表现出相同的趋势。结论年龄导致了缺血／再灌注后心功能的显著降低,心肌细胞凋亡水平的增加可能是引发上述现象的主要原因。     

Pretreatment with cyclosporine and anti-interleukin 2 receptor antibody abrogates the anti-idiotype response in rat recipients of cardiac allografts.

A 10-day course with ART-18, a mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against the rat interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R), prolongs the survival of (LEW x BN)F1 cardiac allografts in LEW recipients to approximately 3 weeks (acute rejection = 8 days, P less than 0.001). We examined host responses against ART-18 idiotype (Id) and mouse immunoglobulin in recipients immunomodulated with ART-18 mAb. Treatment with ART-18 elicited high titers of anti-Id antibodies 14 days after transplantation. However, naive rats given ART-18 before transplantation showed strong anti-Id responses as early as day 4 after engraftment, coinciding with abrogation of the treatment effect (graft survival, approximately 10 days). Preimmunization with irrelevant mouse IgG, which elicited high titers of anti-IgG, did not influence the efficacy of ART-18 upon graft survival (17 days). The use of cyclosporin A (CsA) in conjunction with ART-18 prior to transplantation suppressed the anti-Id response and led to dramatic graft prolongation (greater than 58 days), with two of five grafts surviving indefinitely. This striking effect of CsA plus ART-18 pretreatment did not depend upon CsA per se, as grafts were rejected within 12 days in animals pretreated with CsA alone; in both groups CsA trough levels were comparable. Moreover, administration of CsA before transplantation in concert with control IgG (instead of ART-18) prompted rejection within 2-4 weeks. Thus, discrete interaction(s) between anti-IL-2R mAb and CsA prior to engraftment induces partial host unresponsiveness/tolerance to anti-IL-2R mAb treatment following transplantation and suppresses the neutralizing anti-Id responses, which results in long-term/permanent graft acceptance. This study provides a strategy to overcome the anti-Id response mounted by graft recipients that otherwise limits the efficacy of anti-IL-2R mAb treatment.     

Interleukin-12 regulates natural killer cell-dependent Propionibacterium acnes-primed, lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury.

Aim: Interleukin (IL)-12, produced primarily by macrophage/monocytes, modulates mature T and natural killer (NK) cell functions, including cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Methods: To determine the role of IL-12 in Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)-primed, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury, mice were injected with an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1 and 2 days before P. acnes injection (day 0) or 5 and 6 days before LPS challenge (day 7). The survival rates, plasma cytokine levels, and liver mononuclear cell phenotypes were evaluated for the mice treated with and without anti-IL-12 mAb. Results: The observed mortality with P. acnes-primed, LPS-induced liver injury in C57BL/6 (B6) mice was 100%, but was reduced to 0% in interferon (IFN)-gamma receptor-deficient mice and B6 mice treated with anti-IL-12 mAb on 1 and 2 days before P. acnes exposure (day 0). The plasma IFN-gamma levels weresignificantly lower (P < 0.05), and significantly less ( approximately 90% reduction) hepatic infiltrating mononuclear and NK1.1 cells were also found in the IL-12 mAb-treated, P. acnes-primed mice. The plasma cytokine levels after LPS challenge and in vitro cytokine release by liver mononuclear cells were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the mice treated with anti-IL-12 mAb prior to P. acnes exposure. The in vivo administration of anti-NK1.1 mAb also improved survival in this liver injury model. Conclusion: IL-12-regulated IFN-gamma production is crucial during the priming phase by P. acnes, but not at the time of the subsequent LPS challenge. NK1.1(+)CD3(-)CD4(-) NK or NK1.1(+)CD3(+)CD4(-) NKT cells are important in this model of liver injury.     

IL-17对日本血吸虫感染抗体及Th应答的影响

目的观察IL-17在日本血吸虫感染小鼠中对抗体及Th细胞免疫应答的影响。方法在小鼠日本血吸虫感染前后,连续多次腹腔注射rm-IL-17细胞因子（实验组1）或PBS（对照组1）,连续多次腹腔注射anti-IL-17中和抗体（实验组2）或同型抗体（对照组2）。运用流式细胞术,采用表面分子、胞内因子同时染色的三色标记法,对日本血吸虫感染小鼠脾脏、淋巴结中的Th17、Th1和Th2细胞亚群占CD4＋T细胞的比例进行观察;同时采用ELISA法检测各组小鼠血清中血吸虫抗原特异性总IgG及亚类IgG1和IgG2a的水平。结果实验组1 CD4＋T细胞中的Th17、Th1和Th2细胞亚群的比例分别是对照组1的1.09倍（P（0.05）、1.17倍（P（0.05）和1.15倍（P（0.05）;实验组2 CD4＋T细胞中的Th17、Th1和Th2细胞亚群的比例分别是对照组2的1.01倍（P（0.05）、1.11倍（P（0.05）和0.98倍（P（0.05）。rm-IL-17注射后仅可溶性虫卵抗原（SEA）特异性IgG1水平显著下降（P（0.05）、可溶性成虫抗原（SWA）特异性IgG2a的水平升高（P（0.05）,其他抗体水平均无...     

Effect of neutralizing antibodies to IL-10 and C5 on the renal damage caused by a pathogenic human anti-dsDNA antibody

OBJECTIVES: There is considerable evidence suggesting that anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) antibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. It was shown previously using severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice that when the hybridomas secreting human immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-dsDNA antibodies, RH14 and DIL-6, were implanted intraperitoneally the antibodies produced by RH14, but not DIL-6, deposited in the kidneys, caused pathological changes in the renal tissues and induced proteinuria. In this study we have further analysed the effect of activated terminal complement proteins and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis caused by the RH-14. METHODS: SCID mice implanted with RH-14 or DIL-6 cell lines were treated with neutralizing antibodies to IL-10 (mAb B-S10) or anti-complement factor 5 (anti-C5) (mAb BB5.1) intraperitoneally. Control groups received either an isotype control antibody (135.8) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Serum human IgG levels and proteinuria were estimated and the extent of renal involvement was examined by histopathological and electron microscopic techniques. RESULTS: While there was a tendency to reduce proteinuria in the anti-IL-10 injected group the anti-C5 injected group showed a significant reduction in proteinuria (P<0.01) compared with the groups injected with either the control mAb or PBS. There was a considerable reduction in the serum human IgG levels in the anti-IL-10 but not in the anti-C5 treated animals. Both anti-IL-10 and anti-C5 treated groups showed significantly reduced renal impairment as revealed by histopathological examination and proteinuria assessment. CONCLUSION: The findings, while confirming the role of IL-10 and activated terminal complement component in the production of antibody at the cellular level and at the site of glomerular immune deposition in this model, respectively, also suggest the beneficial effect of a combined therapy using both anti-IL-10 and anti-C5 mAb to prevent or reduce the effect of the humoral immune response in lupus disease.     

Estimation of mucosal inflammatory mediators in rat DSS-induced colitis. Possible role of PGE(2) in protection against mucosal damage

In order to investigate the mucosal injury mechanism in UC, we made dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in rat and examined pathological findings, MPO activity, PGE(2) level, and local mRNA expression and secretion of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, GRO/CINC-1 and IL-10 in DSS colitis mucosa. Moreover, we estimated the correlation between the severity of mucosal damage and changes of these local inflammatory mediators' values. Neutrophil infiltration was marked and MPO activity was locally increased in proportion to the severity of mucosal damage. The mRNA expression and secretion of IL-1 beta, GRO/CINC-1 and IL-10 were increased. Especially, the secretions of IL-1 beta and GRO/CINC-1 were increased in proportion to the severity of mucosal damage. However, those of TNF-alpha were not increased in the colitis mucosa. An abnormal macrophage function and the presence of macrophage subtypes producing different cytokines would be predicted from our TNF-alpha data. The lesion was less severe in the colonic mucosa with higher levels of endogenous PGE(2), while it was more severe in the colonic mucosa with lower levels of endogenous PGE(2), implicating this compound as an inhibitory factor against the development of inflammation in the affected mucosa. Our results suggest that PGE(2) might have therapeutic applicability to UC.     

Both IL-12p70 and IL-23 are synthesized during active Crohn's disease and are down-regulated by treatment with anti-IL-12 p40 monoclonal antibody

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-12p70 and IL-23 are key T helper-1 (TH1) cytokines that drive the inflammation seen in numerous models of intestinal inflammation. These molecules contain an identical p40 chain that is bound to a p35 chain in IL-12 and a p19 chain in IL-23, making both potentially susceptible to modulation by an anti-IL-12p40 monoclonal antibody (mAb). METHODS: In the present study, we sought to determine whether active inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with the increased synthesis of both of these cytokines and whether patients treated with an anti-IL-12p40 mAb down-regulate IL-23 as well as IL-12p70 as previous reported. RESULTS: To this end we initially determined that IL-12p70 secretion by control and CD antigen-presenting cells (macrophages) in lamina propria mononuclear populations is optimized by stimulation with CD40L and interferon-gamma. In subsequent studies using these stimulation conditions we found that patients with CD manifested both increased IL-12p70 and IL-23 secretion before anti-IL-12p40 mAb treatment and normal levels of secretion of these cytokines following cessation of treatment. Antigen-presenting cells in lamina propria mononuclear cells from ulcerative colitis patients, in contrast, produced only baseline levels of IL-23. Finally, we found that IL-23-induced T cell production of IL-17 and IL-6 are also greatly reduced after antibody treatment. The latter data are parallel to those from previous studies showing that anti-IL-12p40 down-regulates IFN-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that CD but not ulcerative colitis is associated with high levels of both IL-12p70 and IL-23 secretion as well as the secretion of downstream effector cytokines, and that this cytokine production is down-regulated following administration of IL-12p40 mAb.     

Lung inflammation in hyperoxia can be prevented by antichemokine treatment in newborn rats

Hyperoxia may contribute to lung disease in newborns through effects on alveolar neutrophils which predominate in respiratory distress syndrome and other acute lung injuries. Neutrophil chemokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) regulate chemoattraction, and are elevated in tracheal aspirates of newborns who develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Blockade of neutrophil chemokines may reduce hyperoxia-induced inflammatory lung injury and BPD. We therefore tested the hypothesis that hyperoxia contributes to elevations of rat neutrophil chemokines, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) in newborn rat lung. Newborn rats were exposed to air or 95% O(2) for 8 d. CINC-1 and MIP-2 were measured in whole lung homogenates by ELISA. Newborn 95% O(2)-exposed animals were given anti-CINC-1 or anti-MIP-2, 1, 5, or 10 microg on Days 3 and 4 of 95% O(2) exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed after perfusion on day 6 to evaluate airway neutrophils, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured in perfused whole lung. Lungs were examined histologically and immunohistochemically for effects of 95% O(2) +/- antichemokine. CINC-1 and MIP-2 increased nearly tenfold by Day 8 95% O(2) treatment versus air control. CINC-1 and MIP-2 immunolabeling was increased in alveolar macrophages and alveolar epithelium in 95% O(2). Anti-CINC-1 and anti-MIP-2 treatment at every dose reduced neutrophil number > 90% in BAL. Anti-CINC-1 10 microg reduced tissue MPO by 50%. Antichemokine treatment on days 3 and 4 prevented alveolar septal thickening and reduced chemokine immunolabeling on Day 6. Hyperoxia-induced neutrophil influx is mediated in part by CINC-1 and MIP-2 in newborn rats and can be partially prevented by treatment with anti-CINC-1 and anti-MIP-2.     

共刺激分子B7-1介导Th1/Th2免疫应答对日本血吸虫虫卵肉芽肿病变的影响

目的观察B7-1激发型mAb的体内注射对日本血吸虫感染小鼠Th1/Th2免疫偏移的影响及对虫卵肉芽肿病变的调节作用,探讨干预共刺激信号调控Th1/Th2免疫偏移控制血吸虫虫卵肉芽肿病变的新途径。方法小鼠感染日本血吸虫尾蚴后4w给予腹腔内注射B7-1激发型mAb,于6、8wk摘眼球取血收集血清,用ELISA双抗体夹心法测定血清中抗体IgGI、gG1I、gG2a的水平;同时取脾淋巴细胞培养72h,同法测定培养上清中细胞因子IFN-γ和IL-4的表达水平;并且检测感染小鼠虫卵肉芽肿体积。结果B7-1激发型mAb能显著下调感染小鼠血清IgG水平,并能显著上调IFN-γ的表达水平,下调IL-4的表达水平,同时能使虫卵肉芽肿体积显著减小。反映Th1/Th2免疫偏移的IgG1/IgG2a有下降趋势。结论B7-1激发型mAb能调节Th1/Th2免疫应答,诱导免疫反应向Th1方向偏移,从而为控制日本血吸虫虫卵肉芽肿病变的免疫治疗新途径提供了实验依据。