Methotrexate induces interleukin-8 production by human bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells

Methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used for the treatment of a variety of tumours as well as for inflammatory diseases. MTX-induced pneumonitis has been a serious unpredictable side effect of the treatment and an important clinical problem. However, its mechanism remains largely unclear. Possible causes include allergic, cytotoxic or immunologic reactions to this agent. To elucidate the proinflammatory mechanism of MTX-induced pneumonitis, we evaluated the effect of MTX on the production of IL (interleukin)-8 by human bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells in vitro and the role of p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) in order to clarify the intracellular signal regulating IL-8 expression. MTX induced IL-8 secretion by human bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner within the range of the clinically observed serum concentrations. Although addition of LPS (lipopolysaccharide) and glucose showed no significant enhancing effect, addition of IL-1beta or TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) with MTX to bronchial epithelial cells showed a significant augmenting effect. SB203580, the specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, inhibited MTX-induced IL-8 production. MTX induced the phosphorylation of Thr(180) and Tyr(182) on p38 MAPK. These results suggest that MTX activates bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells to induce IL-8 production through p38 MAPK, which might play an important role as one of the mechanisms of MTX-induced lung inflammation.     

Kinetics of mitogen-activated protein kinase family in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse Kupffer cells and their role in cytokine production

This study was designed to systemically investigate the kinetics of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p54 c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Kupffer cells (KC) simultaneously at the levels of protein expression, phosphorylation, and kinase activity, respectively, and their role in mediating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The protein expression, phosphorylation, and activities of these MAPKs in LPS-stimulated primary mouse KCs were determined with SDS-PAGE and western blotting using nonphosphorylated or phosphospecific antibodies or their corresponding substrates. The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-10 in culture supernatants were measured with ELISA kits. The results revealed that LPS stimulation, although not up- or downregulating the protein expression of ERK1/2, p54JNK, and p38 MAPKs in KCs, could induce rapid and significant activation of these kinases, with parallel profiles of changes in both phosphorylation and kinase activities. Although ERK1/2, p54JNK, and p38 kinases in LPS-stimulated KCs have similar kinetics of activation, the activation of ERK1/2 and p38 kinases was the most prominent. Inhibition of p38 MAPK with SB203580 inhibited the production of TNF-alpha and IL-10 by LPS-stimulated KCs, whereas blockade of ERK1/2 with PD98059 could reduce TNF-alpha production, but did not affect IL-10 production. Furthermore, PD98059 and SB203580 had an additive effect on TNF-alpha production, but PD98059 did not augment the SB203580-induced inhibition of IL-10 production. These data indicate that LPS stimulation, although not inducing any change in protein expression, results in rapid activation of ERK1/2, p54JNK, and p38 kinases in KCs, and that they may have different importance in the regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses by LPS-stimulated KCs.     

Role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in lung injury after burn trauma

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of SB203580, a specific p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor, on burn-induced lung injury as well as the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta in rats to characterize the role of p38 MAP kinase in lung injury after burn trauma. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: 1) sham group, or rats who underwent sham burn; 2) control group, or rats given third-degree burns over 30% total body surface area (TBSA) and lactated Ringer solution for resuscitation; and 3) SB203580 group, or rats given burn injury and lactated Ringers solution with SB203580 inside for resuscitation. Pulmonary injury was assessed at 24 h by pulmonary capillary permeability determined with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled albumin and lung histologic analysis. TNF-alpha and IL-1beta protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and p38 MAP kinase was activity determined in lung by Western blot analysis. These studies showed that significant activation of p38 MAP kinase at 24 h postburn compared with control. Burn trauma resulted in increased pulmonary capillary leakage permeability, elevated levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum, and worsened histologic condition. SB203580 inhibited the activation of p38 MAP kinase, reduced the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, and prevented burn-mediated lung injury. These data suggest that p38 MAP kinase activation is one important aspect of the signaling event that may mediate the release of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and contributes to burn-induced lung injury.     

P38 MAPK mediates myocardial proinflammatory cytokine production and endotoxin-induced contractile suppression

Cardiac myocytes are capable of synthesizing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 (IL-1 and IL-6). p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) has been implicated in oxidant-stress-induced myocardial TNF-alpha production; however, the extent to which this kinase contributes to endotoxin-induced contractile dysfunction, as well as TNF-alpha, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 production, in a bloodless model of endotoxin-induced myocardial dysfunction is unknown. Isolated rat hearts were perfused (Langendorff), and myocardial contractile function continuously recorded, during direct antegrade endotoxin infusion, with and without prior p38 MAPK inhibition. Ventricular p38 MAPK activation (phospho-p38 MAPK Western), cytokine mRNA (RT-PCR), and protein (ELISA) were determined. Endotoxin resulted in progressive decline in left ventricular developed pressure and coronary flow that was attenuated with prior p38 MAPK inhibition (SB 203580). p38 MAPK inhibition significantly decreased endotoxin-induced cardiac TNF-alpha, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 mRNA levels. To determine the relative effect of TNF-alpha in inducing IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 production, TNF-alpha was sequestered during endotoxin infusion, and TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 protein levels were measured. Interestingly, TNF-alpha sequestration alone significantly decreased myocardial IL-1beta and IL-6 production. We conclude that p38 MAPK is involved in endotoxin-induced myocardial contractile dysfunction and myocardial TNF-alpha production; however, p38 MAPK's involvement in IL-1 and IL-6 production may be indirectly mediated by TNF-alpha.     

阻断p38MAPK信号通路对大鼠肾脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响

【目的】探讨阻断p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（p38MAPK）信号通路对大鼠急性肾缺血再灌注损伤（IRI）的影响。【方法】sD大鼠24只,随机分为3组,每组8只。对照组（S组）：仅结扎右侧肾蒂,左肾蒂游离;缺血再灌注组（IR组）：结扎右侧肾蒂,夹闭左侧肾蒂60min后,开放灌注24h;p38MAPK抑制剂组（SB组）：静脉注射p38MAPK特异抑制剂SB203580（10mg／kg）,余同IR组。检测三组血清尿素氮（BUN）、肌酐（Cr）、肿瘤坏死因子（TNF）-α、白介素（IL）-I水平和p38MAPK蛋白表达、组织病理评分并比较。【结果】与S组比较,IR组血BUN、Cr、TNF—α、IL-1水平、p38MAPK蛋白表达量及组织病理评分均显著增加（P〈0．05）;上述指标SB组较IR组显著下降（P〈0．05）。【结论】SB203580能阻断p38MAPK信号通路,减少p38MAPK表达,抑制炎症细胞因子的释放,减轻肾缺血再灌注损伤。     

p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶/胞浆型磷脂酶A2途径介导炎症细胞模型中白细胞介素的生成

目的探讨p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（p38MAPK）对白细胞介索-1β（IL-1β）、IL-6的调节作用，进一步明确可能涉及的下游信号分子。方法以脂多糖（LPS）诱导的HeLa细胞为炎症模型，分别利用p38 MAPK、胞浆型磷脂酶A2（cPLA2）及环氧化酶-2（COX-2）特异性抑制剂SB203580、AACOCF3和NS-398以及cPLA2反义寡核苷酸（SK7111），通过检测HeLa细胞中LPS诱导的磷酸化p38MAPK、cPLA2及COX-2活性或表达的改变，观察其与上清液中IL-1β、IL-6含量变化的关系。结果SB203580可以明显抑制p38 MAPK、cPLA2的活性以及IL-1β、IL-6的产生；AACOCF3也可下调cPLA2活性以及IL-1β和IL-6的生成，且呈剂量依赖关系；而在HeLa细胞中几乎检测不到cPLA2下游信号分子COX-2的表达，也未观察到NS-398对IL-1β、IL-6表达的作用。结论在HeLa细胞中，p38MAPK／cPLA2途径介导LPS诿导细诱导细胞因子IL-1β和IL-6，而作为cPLA2下游酶之一的COX-2并没有参与此调节过程。     

Interleukin-1beta-induced transdifferentiation of renal proximal tubular cells is mediated by activation of JNK and p38 MAPK

Interleukin (IL)-1beta induces renal tubular epithelial cells to transdifferentiate to myofibroblasts, which express alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). To understand the signal transduction mechanisms involved in transdifferentiation, we examined the roles of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in IL-1beta-stimulated alpha-SMA expression and cell migration in the HK-2 human renal proximal tubular cell line. IL-1beta induced the transdifferentiation of renal proximal tubular cells, which was characterized by upregulated expression of alpha-SMA and increased cell migration. In addition, IL-1beta increased the activity of the three members of the MAPK family, ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK, in these cells. Both SP600125, a specific inhibitor of JNK, and SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, suppressed the IL-1beta-induced expression of alpha-SMA and cell migration, but these effects were not observed with PD98059, a specific inhibitor of ERK. These results suggest that IL-1beta-induced HK-2 cell transdifferentiation is mediated, at least in part, through the activation of the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.     

Roflumilast inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory mediators via suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation

Roflumilast, a potent and selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, has been demonstrated to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent in airway inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects of roflumilast in murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells. Roflumilast inhibited NO, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interleukin (IL)-1beta production via suppression of their gene expressions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. To elucidate the mechanism by which roflumilast inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators, we examined the effect of roflumilast on the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in these cells. Roflumilast inhibited the DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB by preventing inhibitor kappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation. The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, including stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAP kinase, was also markedly inhibited by roflumilast. Similar to the effects of roflumilast, treatment of either SB203580 [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)imidazole] or SP600125 [anthra(1,9-cd)pyrazol-6(2H)-one 1,9-pyrazoloanthrone], specific inhibitors of p38 MAP kinase and JNK, respectively, suppressed NO, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta production. Consistent with in vitro results, administration of roflumilast recovered the survival rate of LPS-treated mice, with concurrent suppression of plasma levels of nitrite/nitrate, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta. These results suggest that the inhibitory activity of roflumilast on the production of inflammatory mediators seems to be mediated via inhibition of NF-kappaB, p38 MAP kinase, and JNK activation in macrophages.     

p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶抑制剂对脓毒症大鼠多器官损伤的保护作用研究

目的探讨脓毒症致多器官损伤的原因，以及p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)抑制剂的保护作用和机制。方法采用盲肠结扎穿刺术(CLP)制备脓毒症大鼠模型，治疗组采用术前给予p38MAPK抑制剂SB203580灌胃。在不同时间点观察大鼠血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)以及生化指标如丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)、肌酸磷酸激酶-同工酶(CPK—MB)浓度的变化。结果CLP术后大鼠血清TNF—α、IL-1β显著升高，ALT、BUN、Cr、CPK—MB也进行性升高；血清ALT、BUN、Cr、CPK—MB变化与TNF—α、IL-1β呈显著正相关。应用SB203580后，血清TNF—α、IL-1浓度显著降低，同时ALT、BUN、Cr、CPK—MB也降低。结论TNF—α、IL-1β的大量释放是脓毒症致多器官损伤的原因之一，通过调控p38MAPK信号转导通路可对脓毒症所致多器官损伤起保护作用。     

Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase provides neuroprotection in cerebral focal ischemia

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are involved in many cellular processes. The stress-activated MAPK, p38, has been linked to inflammatory cytokine production and cell death following cellular stress. Here, we demonstrate focal ischemic stroke-induced p38 enzyme activation (i.e., phosphorylation) in the brain. The second generation p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 239063 was identified to exhibit increased kinase selectivity and improved cellular and in vivo activity profiles, and thus was selected for evaluation in two rat models of permanent focal ischemic stroke. SB 239063 was administered orally pre- and post-stroke and intravenously post-stroke. Plasma concentration levels were achieved in excess of those that effectively inhibit p38 activity. In both moderate and severe stroke, SB 239063 reduced infarct size by 28-41%, and neurological deficits by 25-35%. In addition, neuroprotective plasma concentrations of SB 239063 that reduced p38 activity following stroke also reduced the stroke-induced expression of IL-1beta and TNFalpha (i.e., cytokines known to contribute to stroke-induced brain injury). SB 239063 also provided direct protection of cultured brain tissue to in vitro ischemia. This robust SB 239063-induced neuroprotection emphasizes a significant opportunity for targeting MAPK pathways in ischemic stroke injury, and also suggests that p38 inhibition be evaluated for protective effects in other experimental models of nervous system injury and neurodegeneration.     

Evolution of an immune suppressive macrophage phenotype as a product of P38 MAPK activation in polymicrobial sepsis

Studies indicate that polymicrobial sepsis in humans and animals is characterized by a biphasic response, which is dominated early by proinflammation, but over time develops into a state of generalized anti-inflammation (depressed Th1 cell response and decreased macrophage (M0) capacity to release proinflammatory cytokines). However, with respect to the macrophage, it remains unknown what mechanism(s) controls this change. In this regard it is well documented that the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK) plays a central role in the regulation of Mphi functions. However, the contribution of p38 MAPK activation to the loss of these Mphi functions in polymicrobial septic animals remains unknown. To determine this we induced polymicrobial sepsis in C3H/HeN male mice using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Twenty-four hours post-CLP, during the late, immune-suppressed stage of sepsis, splenic and peritoneal Mphi were harvested, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the activation of p38 MAPK assessed. In Mphi from CLP mice, p38 MAPK activity was markedly increased. To determine the extent that these changes in p38 MAPK had an impact on Mphi immune function, cells were pretreated with 10 microM of the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, or with DMSO vehicle, and subsequently stimulated with LPS. IL-10, IL-6, IL-12, and nitric oxide release was determined. Our results indicate that with LPS stimulation alone, there was a marked increase in the release of the anti-inflammatory mediator, IL-10 after CLP. Alternatively, proinflammatory IL-12 and IL-6 release was suppressed. Treatment with SB203580 suppressed the increase in IL-10 release seen after CLP, while partially restoring IL-12 secretion. IL-6 release was partially restored only in splenic macrophages treated with SB203580. To the extent that these in vitro findings could be translated to an in vivo setting, we assessed the in vivo effects of p38 MAPK inhibition on survival. Mice were given 100 mg of SB203580/kg body weight or saline vehicle (intraperitoneal) either immediately post-CLP or 12 h post-CLP. Delayed administration of SB203580 significantly improved survival, while also preventing the increased NO and IL-10 release and improving IL-12 release by macrophages. These results suggest that p38 MAPK pathway plays a critical role in the induction of an immune-suppressive macrophage phenotype, and that inhibition of p38 MAPK markedly improves survival following polymicrobial sepsis.     

Inhibitory effect of pitavastatin (NK-104) on the C-reactive-protein-induced interleukin-8 production in human aortic endothelial cells

Recent data have indicated that CRP (C-reactive protein) plays a role in atherosclerosis, in addition to being a marker for inflammatory diseases. IL-8 (interleukin-8), a CXC chemokine, is present in human coronary atheroma and promotes monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. In the present study, we examined the effect of pitavastatin (NK-104), a synthetic statin (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitor), on IL-8 production induced by CRP in human AoEC (aortic endothelial cells). We also investigated whether CRP can induce IL-8 production and if the activation of signalling pathways are functionally related. The concentrations of IL-8 in the media after stimulation with CRP were measured by ELISA, and the expression of IL-8 mRNA was assessed by Northern blot. The phosphorylation of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) was determined by Western blot. The production of IL-8 induced by CRP (10 microg/ml) was enhanced significantly and was inhibited by pitavastatin. The expression of IL-8 mRNA was increased in a dose-dependent manner after stimulation with CRP (1-100 microg/ml), whereas expression of IL-8 mRNA induced by CRP (50 microg/ml) was significantly diminished by 5 microM pitavastatin. Furthermore, specific MAPK inhibitors (PD98059, SB203580 and SP600125) inhibited the expression of IL-8 mRNA induced by CRP (50 microg/ml). The phosphorylation of all three MAPKs [ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase), p38 MAPK and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase)] induced by CRP (10 microg/ml) was also significantly inhibited by pitavastatin. Our results suggest that CRP may play a role in atherosclerosis via IL-8 production and pitavastatin may prevent the progression of atherosclerosis not only by lowering plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but also by suppressing IL-8 production in endothelial cells through the inhibition of MAPK (ERK, p38 MAPK and JNK) pathways.     

Alterations in the cardiac inflammatory response to burn trauma in mice lacking a functional Toll-like receptor 4 gene

Our group and others have previously shown that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) inactivation prevents burn-induced myocardial contractile dysfunction; however, the molecular mechanisms that are involved in this cardioprotection are not well defined. This present study examines the involvement of TLR-4 in the cardiac inflammatory response to thermal insult. C3H/HeJ (TLR-4 mutant mice) and C3H/HeN wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to either a sham burn or 40% full-thickness burn injury and were fluid resuscitated with lactated Ringer using the Parkland formula. Mice (n = 7-9 per group) were killed at 2, 4, or 24 h postsham or burn, and heart tissue was harvested. Immunoblotting was performed to evaluate phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear p50, and cytoplasmic p50. Nuclear factor-kappaB was also characterized via electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Systemic and cardiac myocyte secretion of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Burn injury in WT mice promoted myocardial inflammatory signaling that included increased expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK, nuclear p50, and increased cardiac myocyte secretion of cytokines. Systemic cytokines were also increased in WT animals, although not to the extent of the myocardial cytokine expression. Toll-like receptor 4 inactivation resulted in an attenuation of several burn-induced responses, including phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB, and cytokine secretion. These data suggest that burn injury initiates an inflammatory response via Toll/IL-1 signaling in the heart, which contributes to cardiac injury and contractile dysfunction.     

肝星状细胞增殖与p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号传导通路的关系

背景:肝星状细胞的激活、增殖导致肝纤维化,p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号通路可参与调控细胞增殖。目的:探讨SB203580作用于乙醛刺激的大鼠肝星状细胞后p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶活性变化和细胞增殖变化。方法:体外培养大鼠肝星状细胞株,在乙醛干预的基础上加入不同浓度的p38特异性抑制剂SB203580进行培养,并设置对照。以Westernblot检测磷酸化p38蛋白表达水平变化,MTT比色法检测细胞增殖。结果与结论:乙醛刺激后大鼠肝星状细胞内磷酸化p38水平增强,细胞增殖明显。使用5,10,20μmol/L SB203580能明显抑制乙醛刺激的肝星状细胞增殖(P<0.05),加大浓度至30μmol/L时,抑制作用更明显(P<0.01),抑制率为43.9%,而磷酸化p38水平也降低(P<0.05)。结果证实,抑制p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶活性可能影响肝星状细胞的增殖。     

N-乙酰半胱氨酸对高氧肺损伤保护机制与p38丝裂素活化蛋白激酶途径的相关性研究

目的 观察p38丝裂素活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)信号途径在高氧肺损伤中的表达,探讨N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)在高氧肺损伤中的保护作用及机制.方法 将30只幼年Wistar大鼠按随机数字表法分为空气对照组(A组)、高氧暴露组(B组)、高氧+NAC干预组(C组)、高氧+p38MAPK特异性抑制剂(SB203580)干预组(D组)、高氧+NAC+SB203580联合干预组(E组),每组6只.实验7 d后,光镜下观察肺组织病理改变,并行肺损伤评分;测定肺湿/干重(W/D)比值、支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中总蛋白(TP)含量、肺通透系数;采用免疫组化法检测磷酸化p38MAPK(p-p38MAPK)在肺组织中的分布;用蛋白质免疫印迹法检测p-p38MAPK蛋白含量.结果 与A组比较,高氧各组均有不同程度的肺损伤,但药物干预各组(C、D、E组)肺损伤均较B组有所减轻.免疫组化显示,高氧各组p-p38MAPK阳性表达较A组明显增强,尤高表达在炎性浸润细胞;药物干预后(C、D、E组)p-p38MAPK阳性细胞较B组明显减少.蛋白质免疫印迹法显示,B组p-p38MAPK蛋白含量明显高于A组(0.20±0.03比0.11±0.01,P<0.05);干预后C、D、E组p-p38MAPK蛋白含量低于B组(0.16±0.02、0.15±0.01、0.14±0.02比0.20±0.03,均P<0.05),但仍高于A组(均P<0.05),而C、D、E组间则无明显差异.各组肺W/D比值、BALF中TP含量、肺通透系数改变与p-p38MAPK蛋白含量变化趋势一致.结论 高氧应激可激活损伤肺组织p38MAPK活性;NAC抗氧化肺保护作用机制可能是通过下调高氧诱导p38MAPK的激活而对肺损伤起保护作用.     

The priming effect of C5a on monocytes is predominantly mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway

The dysregulation of the inflammatory response after trauma leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Monocytes and macrophages play a central role in the orchestration of the inflammatory response after injury. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration correlates with poor outcomes after injury. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Furthermore, in the presence of C5a, monocytes and macrophages have potentiated responses, but the mechanisms underlying this response remain largely unknown. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy volunteers and pretreated with C5a (100 ng/mL) for 1 h before adding lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 ng/mL) for up to 20 h. Inhibitors for the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were added 1 h before adding C5a. C5a primes monocytes for LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-alpha production. Treatment of PBMCs with C5a leads to a rapid activation of the 3 MAPK pathways. SP600125 (inhibitor of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase MAPK) and PD98059 (inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase MAPK) did not affect the C5a priming of the LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-alpha production, whereas SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, did suppress the C5a priming effect. These results demonstrate that C5a primes adherent PBMCs and modulates LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-alpha production. Results from extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase MAPK blockade suggest that these signaling pathways have minimal or no role in reprogramming LPS-mediated IL-6 and TNF-alpha production. On the contrary, in PBMCs, C5a activates the p38 cascade, and this pathway plays a major role in the C5a enhancement of LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-alpha production.     

Mechanisms involved in IL-6-induced muscular mechanical hyperalgesia in mice

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine known to modulate muscle pain. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect still remain unclear. Here we show that the injection of IL-6 into mice gastrocnemius muscle evoked a time- and dose-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia. This effect is in part dependent on the presence of gp130 expression in inflammatory cells in the gastrocnemius muscle as well as in DRG neurons. We also demonstrated an increased inflammatory cell recruitment and cytokines levels, namely TNF-α, IL-1β and KC. TNFR1^−/− mice or mice pre-treated with the selective CXCR2 antagonist, SB225002, with the anti-macrophage, anti-TNF-α or anti-KC antibodies or with IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) showed decreased IL-6-mediated mechanical hyperalgesia. Furthermore, systemic pre-treatment with the classically used drugs indomethacin, celecoxib, guanetidine, morphine, thalidomide or dexamethasone, also prevented IL-6-induced muscle pain. Likewise, local pre-treatment with inhibitors of phospholipase A2 (PACOCF3), phospholipase C (U73122), protein kinase C (GF109203X), protein kinase A (KT-5720) or with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (AS605204) also consistently diminished IL-6-induced muscle hyperalgesia. The intramuscular injection of the selective inhibitors of p38 MAPK (SB203580), ERK (PD98059) or JNK (SP60015) also prevented IL-6-mediated muscular pain. Simultaneous flow cytometry measurements revealed that ERK, p38 MAPK and JNK were phosphorylated as early as 5 min after IL-6 injection. These findings provided new evidence indicating that IL-6 exerts a relevant role in the development and maintenance of muscular hyperalgesia. The IL-6-mediated muscular pain response involves resident cell activation, polymorphonuclear cell infiltration, cytokine production, prostanoids and sympathomimetic amines release and the activation of intracellular pathways, especially MAPKs.