Inhibition of constitutive and inducible cyclooxygenase activity in human platelets and mononuclear cells by NSAIDS and Cox 2 inhibitors

A range of NSAIDs and reported Cox 2 selective compounds were tested in human freshly isolated platelets and LPS-stimulated mononuclear cells to determine their potency and selectivity as inhibitors of constitutive (presumably Cox 1) and inducible (presumably Cox 2) cyclooxygenase respectively. All compounds tested were either equipotent at inhibiting constitutive and inducible cyclooxygenase or were selective for the inducible form. The most selective compound was Dup697 and the least selective, ketoprofen. Several compounds only produced a partial inhibition of constitutive cyclooxygenase as the maximum inhibitor concentration achievable in the assay was limited to 1 mM. With the exception of paracetamol, all compounds were able to produce full inhibition curves against the inducible form. Potency estimates against constitutive Cox compare closely with published data but most compounds were consistently more potent against the inducible isoform than in published data for human cloned, microsomal Cox 2. These data suggest that human mononuclear cells are either exquisitely sensitive to some NSAIDs or they may contain another Cox isoform as yet indistinguishable from Cox 2.     

Ontogeny of pulmonary cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and -2 (COX-2)

Prostaglandins synthesized by enzymatic reactions such as cyclooxygenases have been implicated in lung pathophysiology. The goal of this study was to delineate the pulmonary ontogeny of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) immunohistochemical expression and cellular localization in various microanatomic locations of lungs from pre-term, term, and post-natal lambs. Lung tissues were obtained at 115 and 130 days of gestation from pre-term lambs, 145 days (term; complete gestation), and 15 days post-natally. No significant differences were seen in lung COX-1 expression at various microanatomic locations during pre-term, term, or postnatally. Moderate to strong COX-1 expression was present in macrophages, alveolar septa, bronchial smooth muscle cells, bronchiolar smooth muscle cells, vascular endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Minimal COX-1 expression was present in bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells. Most microanatomic locations lacked COX-2 expression with the exception of weak expression that was present in bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells at 145 days of full gestation and 15 days post-natally. This work suggests that: (a) COX-1 is constitutively expressed in lungs from pre-term, term, and post-natal lambs in various microanatomic pulmonary locations, (b) there is differential expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in the developing lung, and (c) COX-2 does not appear to play a role in lung fetal development, at least in neonatal lambs.     

Possible role of prostaglandins in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis of the liver

The ability of ethanol, copper, iron and viruses to alter prostaglandin (PG) metabolism may be responsible for their ability to induce cirrhosis of liver. PGs are known to regulate fibroblast proliferation, glycosaminoglycan and collagen synthesis and participate in immune response and inflammation. Thus, the beneficial effect of colchicine in cirrhosis could be due to its ability to enhance thromboxane A2 synthesis and normalise PG levels.     

HCV核心蛋白在HepG2细胞中对COX-2表达的影响

目的研究丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)核心蛋白是否影响环氧化酶-2(COX-2)的表达。方法用PCR从含HCVH77株全长基因组序列质粒中扩增HCV核心蛋白基因,并克隆至pcDNA3.1载体中,构建HCV核心蛋白基因的真核表达载体HCV-C/pcDNA3.1。用HCV-C/pcDNA3.1和含COX-2启动子的荧光素酶报告载体COX2pro1.5kb/luc瞬时共转染HepG2细胞,测定萤火虫荧光素酶的活性,并用Westernblot检测COX-2蛋白的表达水平。结果成功地构建了HCV-C/pcD-NA3.1重组质粒。瞬时转染后的HepG2细胞中,COX2启动子荧光素酶的活性显著增强。Westernblot检测,发现COX-2的表达明显升高。结论HCV核心蛋白在HepG2细胞中激活COX-2启动子,并且明显诱导COX-2的表达,为进一步研究COX-2与HCV致病性的关系提供了新的实验依据。     

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1: a possible role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases which play a role in the degradation and turnover of extracellular matrix proteins. Their action is regulated by specific tissue inhibitors called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). METHODS: We measured the concentrations of total and active MMP-9 in peritoneal fluid of infertile women with mild or moderate endometriosis (n = 22) and compared them with those in a control group of infertile patients (n = 21). RESULTS: We found that the mean (+/-SD) total concentrations of MMP-9 in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis was 6.2 +/- 1.8 ng/ml, in comparison with 2.9 +/- 2.6 ng/ml in the control group (P = 0.001). Concentrations of active MMP-9 did not differ significantly between the groups. The concentrations of TIMP-1, after logarithmic transformation, were significantly lower (P = 0.017) in endometriotic peritoneal fluids than in peritoneal fluid of control women, 1.02 +/- 0.21 ng/ml and 1.16 +/- 0.18 ng/ml respectively. No correlation between stage of disease, steroid hormone concentration, MMP-9 (total and active) and TIMP-1 was found. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a disturbed equilibrium exists between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. This may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease.     

Expression of augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) in human liver cirrhosis and carcinoma

AIMS: To determine the expression of a protein termed augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR), recently found to have a specific and beneficial effect on the process of liver regeneration in normal and diseased human liver. METHODS AND RESULTS: ALR expression in normal and cirrhotic human livers with various underlying diseases as well as in tissue samples of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC) was analysed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transciptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expression analysis of ALR in total liver protein extracts by Western blotting showed mainly dimeric ALR protein. Immunohistochemically, cytosolic and perinuclear immunosignals were found in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes in normal, cirrhotic or cancerous liver tissue and only weak signals in some endothelial cells in normal livers. Quantitative mRNA analysis revealed significantly increased ALR expression in cirrhosis compared with normal liver tissue. In HCC and CCC ALR mRNA expression was also significantly enhanced compared with normal liver tissue, but expression levels did not differ from the matching non-neoplastic tissue in the same patient. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest an important role for ALR in hepatocellular regeneration in liver cirrhosis as well as in hepatocarcinogenesis and therefore its potential value in the clinical diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis and cancer.     

A rapid flow cytometric method for the detection of intracellular cyclooxygenases in human whole blood monocytes and a COX-2 inducible human cell line

We have developed a flow cytometric method for the detection of intracellular cyclooxygenases (COX) in human whole blood monocytes and a COX-2 inducible human cell line. COX-2 is induced by endotoxin activation of whole blood monocytes or by the addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS) to a serum-deprived human fibroblastoid cell line, CCD-1070Sk. Cells are permeabilized with FACS Lysing Solution (FLS) containing saponin (Sap), stained intracellularly with COX-2 and COX-1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and analyzed flow cytometrically. Intracellular COX-2 is specifically detected in endotoxin-stimulated CD14(+) monocytes in whole blood and in the inducible cell line. The specificity of COX-2 and COX-1 binding is demonstrated by competitive inhibition studies in cells and binding studies on protein-conjugated beads. In addition, a two-color reagent combination is described which simultaneously detects COX-2 and COX-1. We conclude that specific, intracellular COX-1 and COX-2 expression can be readily identified by flow cytometry in whole blood monocytes and cultured cells. The relative rapidity, ease of use and small sample volume required by this assay makes it a suitable methodology for studying COX expression in both preclinical and clinical research settings.     

Coexistent loss of INI1 and BRG1 expression in a rhabdoid renal cell carcinoma (RCC): implications for a possible role of SWI/SNF complex in the pathogenesis of RCC

In this study, we analyzed the immunohistochemical and molecular profiles of an unusual RCC showed coexistent absence of INI1 and BRG1 expression, rhabdoid morphology, and poor prognosis. Histologically, the tumor had rhabdoid features, which were demonstrated by large round to polygonal cells with eccentric nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and eosinophilic cytoplasm varying from abundant to scanty. Immunohistochemically, the tumor were positive for BRM, PBRM1, ARID1A, CD10, CKpan, Vimentin, carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX), and P504S (AMACR) but negative for INI1, BRG1, HMB45, melan A, CK7, CD117, Ksp-cadherin, TFEB, TFE3, and Cathepsin K. We detected all three exons status of the VHL gene of the tumor and observed 1 somatic mutations in 1st exon. Chromosome 3p deletion, coupled with polysomy of chromosome 3 was also found. Based on these findings, it is further indicated that in some cases, rhabdoid RCC may arise from clear cell RCC. SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex may be an attractive candidate for being the “second hit” in RCCs and may play an important role during tumor progression. The role of SWI/SNF complex in rhabdoid RCC should be further studied on a larger number of cases.     

Expression of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 in human male gametes from normal patients, and those with varicocele and diabetes: a potential molecular marker for diagnosing male infertility disorders

Rising rates of varicocele and diabetes mellitus (DM) pose a significant problem to human fertility. Recent studies have pointed out the impact of cyclooxygenase (COX) in the regulation of testicular function and male fertility. Prominent COX-2 expression has been described recently in the testes of infertile patients, but little is known about the role and identity of COX isoforms in human sperm under certain disease states such as varicocele and DM. We therefore examined the expression profile and ultrastructural localization of COX-1 and COX-2 concomitantly in semen samples from healthy donors, and patients with varicocele and DM. Using Western blotting assay, 'varicocele' and 'diabetic' sperm showed enhanced COX isoforms expression with respect to the 'healthy' sperm. Immunogold labeling revealed human sperm anatomical regions containing COX-1 and COX-2, confirming their increased expression in pathological samples. Our data demonstrate that both COX isoforms are upregulated in the spermatozoa of varicocele and diabetic patients, suggesting the harmful effect of the diseases also at the sperm molecular level, going beyond the abnormal morphology described to date. In conclusion, COX enzymes may possess a biological relevance in the pathogenesis and/or maintenance of male factor infertility associated with varicocele and DM, and may be considered additional molecular markers for the diagnosis of male infertility disorders.     

A possible role for complement in the pathogenesis of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy

The membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement participates in several inflammatory and proliferative processes by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors from target cells. Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCH) is a parasitic dilated cardiopathy, characterized by severe fibrosis and inflammation, which differs from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Trypanosoma cruzi, the pathogenic organism of CCH, is a strong complement activator and can also induce alternative pathway activation by mammalian cells. This study explored whether the myocardium in CCH patients has increased MAC deposition, an expression of complement activation, compared to DCM patients. MAC was semi-quantified in endomyocardial human samples (29 CCH subjects, 18 DCM subjects, and four controls) by immunohistochemistry. MAC was present in the sarcolemma of 38% of CCH, 5.5% of DCM (p<0.02), and 0% of controls, and in interstitial inflammatory cells of CCH. No difference was observed in the expression of the complement regulatory protein CD59, indicating that increased MAC deposition is likely to be the result of complement activation rather than decreased protection. It is proposed that the increased MAC deposition found in CCH, but not in DCM or controls, may help to explain the diffuse myocardial fibrosis and inflammation characteristic of the disease.     

Antifibrotic potential of a selective COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) on liver fibrosis in rats

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a critical role in the fibrogenesis of the liver, so they are the target cells of antifibrotic therapy. Activated HSCs, but not quiescent HSCs, express cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The present study was designed to investigate the possible prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a selective COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) on liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats. Forty-two male albino rats were divided into five groups: group I, negative control; group II, model of fibrosis; group III, preventive model before induction of fibrosis where celecoxib was given for 4 weeks before TAA; group IV, preventive model at the time of induction of fibrosis where celecoxib was given concomitantly with TAA for 6 weeks; group V, therapeutic model treated after induction of fibrosis. Liver function tests, serum TGF-β1 (ELISA), and histopathological examination of liver sections were performed. Both Metavir and Ishak fibrosis scoring systems were used for the evaluation of fibrosis. Groups III, IV, and V showed significant amelioration of liver function tests and a decrease in serum TGF-β1 as compared to the fibrosis model group (II). Histopathological examination showed the mildest degree of fibrosis in group III. Celecoxib had a hepatoprotective and therapeutic effect against liver damage produced by TAA but with different degrees. The highest efficacy of celecoxib was in the preventive group (III) before time of induction of liver fibrosis, followed by the therapeutic group (V) and then the preventive group (IV) at time of induction of liver fibrosis.     

The role of hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) in hypoxia induced apoptosis

Apoptosis can be induced in response to hypoxia. The severity of hypoxia determines whether cells become apoptotic or adapt to hypoxia and survive. A hypoxic environment devoid of nutrients prevents the cell undergoing energy dependent apoptosis and cells become necrotic. Apoptosis regulatory proteins are delicately balanced. In solid tumours, hypoxia is a common phenomenon. Cells adapt to this environmental stress, so that after repeated periods of hypoxia, selection for resistance to hypoxia induced apoptosis occurs. These resistant tumours probably have a more aggressive phenotype and may have decreased responsiveness to treatment. The key regulator of this process, hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), can initiate apoptosis by inducing high concentrations of proapoptotic proteins, such as BNIP3, and can cause stabilisation of p53. However, during hypoxia, antiapoptotic proteins, such as IAP-2, can be induced, whereas the proapoptotic protein Bax can be downregulated. During hypoxia, an intricate balance exists between factors that induce or counteract apoptosis, or even stimulate proliferation. Understanding the regulation of apoptosis during hypoxia and the mechanisms of resistance to apoptosis might lead to more specific treatments for solid tumours.