慢性精神分裂症患者血清IL-2、IL-4和IL-10水平及与精神症状的相关性

目的探讨慢性精神分裂症患者血清白细胞介素2(IL-2)、白细胞介素4(IL-4)和白细胞介素10(IL-10)的水平变化及其与精神症状的相关性。方法于2012年12月-2013年10月在广州医科大学附属脑科医院采用抽签法选取符合《国际疾病分类(第10版)》(ICD-10)诊断标准的40例慢性精神分裂症住院患者为患者组,同期通过广告招募64例健康对照者为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测两组血清IL-2、IL-4和IL-10水平,采用阳性和阴性症状量表(PANSS)评估患者组的精神症状。结果患者组血清IL-2水平高于对照组[(25.85±6.06)pg/m L vs.(12.63±1.90)pg/m L],差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组血清IL-4水平[(7.36±1.54)pg/m L vs.(8.76±3.13)pg/m L]和IL-10水平[(4.29±0.87)pg/m L vs.(3.76±1.17)pg/m L]比较,差异均无统计学意义(P均0.05);患者组血清IL-2、IL-4和IL-10水平与病程、住院时长、抗精神病药治疗剂量及PANSS评分均无线性相关(P均0.05)。结论慢性精神分裂症患者的血清IL-2水平高于健康对照者,IL-4和IL-10水平与对照者比较未见差异;IL-2、IL-4和IL-10水平与患者的精神症状未见线性相关性。     

Induction and regulation of interleukin-6 gene expression in rat astrocytes

Cells that produce interleukin-6 (IL-6) require the presence of signaling molecules since this cytokine is not normally constitutively expressed. It is now established that astrocytes produce IL-6; however, the precise inducing molecules and the kinetics of their action have not yet been clearly identified. In the current study, we show that either interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) exert a strong inducing signal for IL-6 in primary rat astrocytes. When the two cytokines are added together the response is synergistic, suggesting that each cytokine may induce IL-6 gene expression by different pathways. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) does not affect IL-6 expression although if it is added in conjunction with IL-1 beta, an augmented induction of IL-6 occurs. In addition to the cytokines, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the calcium ionophore, A23187, induce IL-6 expression. IL-6 expression can be blocked by the glucocorticoid analogue, dexamethasone. IL-6 induction by LPS/Ca2+ ionophore is more sensitive to the suppressive effects of dexamethasone than is IL-6 induction by TNF-alpha/IL-1 beta. Cycloheximide (CHX), an inhibitor of protein synthesis, markedly increased levels of IL-6 mRNA in both unstimulated and stimulated astrocytes, indicating that ongoing protein synthesis is not required for astrocyte IL-6 gene expression. We propose that astrocyte-produced IL-6 may have a role in augmenting intracerebral immune responses in neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), AIDS dementia complex (ADC), and viral infections. These diseases are characterized by infiltration of lymphoid and mononuclear cells into the central nervous system (CNS), and intrathecal production of immunoglobulins. IL-6 may act to promote terminal differentiation of B cells in the CNS, leading to immunoglobulin synthesis.     

AD患者外周血单核细胞中TLR-4表达 水平变化的临床意义

目的 探讨外周血单核细胞Toll样受体-4(Toll-like receptor 4,TLR-4)的表达水平变化与AD发病及进展的关系。方法 检测阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)及轻度认知功能障碍(Mild cognitive impairment,MCI)患者及同年龄正常对照者(Healthy Controls,HC)外周血单核细胞Toll样受体-4(Toll-like receptor 4,TLR-4)的表达水平; 采集并分离AD(n=28)、MCI(n=26)及NC组(n=20)外周血单核细胞; 用实时荧光定量PCR(Quantitative Real-Time,Q-PCR)、流式细胞术(Flow Cytometry)检测TLR-4的表达水平; 双抗体夹心法(Double antibody sandwich method,ELISA)检测各组血清中肿瘤坏死因子(Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)、白介素6(Interleukin 6,IL-6)的水平。结果 与HC组比较,AD患者外周血单核细胞TLR-4表达水平均明显上调(P均<0.05)。MCI组略有上升,但无统计学意义; AD患者外周血单核细胞TLR-4表达水平与血清TNF-a、IL-6水平呈正相关(r=0.3885和0.3270,P均<0.05)。结论 外周血单个核细胞TLR-4表达水平上调提示炎性机制在AD的发病中发挥了作用,TLR4可作为评估疾病进展的潜在生物学标志物。     

Increased interleukin-6 mRNA expression in blood and cerebrospinal fluid mononuclear cells in multiple sclerosis

The increased intrathecal production of immunoglobulins within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment commonly observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) implicates participation of B cell activating factors. One effect of the cytokine interleukin (IL) -6 is induction of immunoglobulin production by activated B cells. Employing in situ hybridization (ISH) with synthetic oligonucleotide probes, we measured numbers of IL-6 mRNA-expressing mononuclear cells (MNC) in blood and CSF from patients with MS, aseptic meningo-encephalitis (AM), and in blood from patients with other neurological diseases (OND) and healthy subjects. Numbers of IL-6 mRNA-expressing MNC were elevated in blood (mean frequency 1 per 33000 MNC) and even further enriched in the CSF (1 per 10000 MNC) of MS patients, and to a similar extent in AM patients' blood. Cultivation in the presence of myelin basic protein and proteolipid protein revealed strong augmentation of IL-6 mRNA-positive cells in MS but not in OND. The results suggest that IL-6 is one of several cytokines which are upregulated in MS, in particular locally in the CSF. A role of IL-6 in MS, whether disease-promoting or protective, remains unclear.     

Self-rated health and interleukin-6: Longitudinal relationships in older adults

BackgroundBoth self-rated health (SRH) and inflammation are implicated in chronic diseases and premature mortality. Better SRH is associated with lower proinflammatory cytokines, but there is little evidence about whether this relationship is more stable or dynamic.ObjectiveTo study the between- and within-person associations between SRH and IL-6.MethodsOlder adults (N = 131; M_age = 75 years) rated their health and provided blood samples for analysis of IL-6 at separate occasions every 6 months over a period up to 5 years. Age, sex, BMI, neuroticism, and statin use were examined as covariates in multilevel models.ResultsIn bivariate models, better SRH, lower BMI, younger age, and female sex correlated with lower IL-6. In multilevel models, stable SRH (between-person differences; p < .001) but not dynamic SRH (within-person changes; p = .93) correlated with IL-6. The stable relationship persisted with demographic and health covariates in the model.ConclusionsBetter stable SRH but not dynamic SRH was robustly associated with lower IL-6 among older adults, lending support to previous cross-sectional findings on the relation between inflammatory markers and SRH. The findings suggest that trait-like mechanisms, rather than changes over a time scale of 6-month waves, govern this association. To further investigate the mechanisms behind the SRH–IL-6 association, studies with different measurement frequencies, higher within-person variability, and experimental approaches are warranted.     

Acute CSF interleukin-6 trajectories after TBI: Associations with neuroinflammation,polytrauma, and outcome

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in a significant inflammatory burden that perpetuates the production of inflammatory mediators and biomarkers. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine known to be elevated after trauma, and a major contributor to the inflammatory response following TBI. Previous studies have investigated associations between IL-6 and outcome following TBI, but to date, studies have been inconsistent in their conclusions. We hypothesized that cohort heterogeneity, temporal inflammatory profiles, and concurrent inflammatory marker associations are critical to characterize when targeting subpopulations for anti-inflammatory therapies. Toward this objective, we used serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to generate temporal acute IL-6 trajectory (TRAJ) profiles in a prospective cohort of adults with severe TBI (n = 114). We examined the impact of injury type on IL-6 profiles, and how IL-6 profiles impact sub-acute (2 weeks–3 months) serum inflammatory marker load and long-term global outcome 6–12 months post-injury. There were two distinct acute CSF IL-6 profiles, a high and low TRAJ group. Individuals in the high TRAJ had increased odds of unfavorable Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at 6 months (adjusted OR = 3.436, 95% CI: 1.259, 9.380). Individuals in the high TRAJ also had higher mean acute CSF inflammatory load compared to individuals in the low TRAJ (p ⩽ 0.05). The two groups did not differ with respect acute serum profiles; however, individuals in the high CSF IL-6 TRAJ also had higher mean sub-acute serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels compared with the low TRAJ group (p ⩽ 0.05). Lastly, injury type (isolated TBI vs. TBI + polytrauma) was associated with IL-6 TRAJ group (χ² = 5.31, p = 0.02). Specifically, there was 70% concordance between those with TBI + polytrauma and the low TRAJ; in contrast, isolated TBI was similarly distributed between TRAJ groups. These data provide evidence that sustained, elevated levels of CSF IL-6 are associated with an increased inflammatory load, and these increases are associated with increased odds for unfavorable global outcomes in the first year following TBI. Future studies should explore additional factors contributing to IL-6 elevations, and therapies to mitigate its detrimental effects on outcome.     

Contribution of interleukin-1beta in neuropathic pain

炎性因子白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)参与神经病理性疼痛的中枢和周围敏化过程,此为其特征性病理变化.IL-1β是介导中枢神经系统胶质细胞与神经元相互作用的重要炎性因子,其活化受到其他炎性因子的调控,如趋化细胞因子配体2(CCL2)和基质金属蛋白酶2、9(MMP-2、9)等.本文简要概述IL-1β在中枢性和周围性神经病理性疼痛中的主要作用机制.     

Plasma-soluble interleukin-2 and transferrin receptor in schizoprenia and major depression

This study was carried out to examine some components of in vivo immune function in major depression and schizophrenia. Toward this end, plasma concentrations of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6, soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), and transferrin receptor (TfR) were measured in 28 normal controls, 11 schizophrenics and 13 major-depressed patients. Schizophrenic and major-depressed patients showed significantly higher plasma sIL-2R and TfR than normal controls. There was a trend toward higher plasma IL-6 in the psychiatric patients, and particularly in schizophrenic patients, than in normal volunteers. In normal controls and in the total study group, there were highly significant and positive correlations between plasma TfR and sIL-2R concentrations. It is suggested that schizophrenia and major depression are characterized by immune disorders that may indicate activation of cell-mediated immunity such as T-cell activation.     

异丙酚干预星形胶质细胞形态学变化及水通道蛋白-4的表达

Ammonia induces astrocyte swelling, which is strongly associated with overexpression of aquaporin-4. However, the mechanisms by which ammonia induces astrocyte swelling, and subsequently upregulating aquaporin-4 expression, remain unknown. In the present study, astrocytes were cultured in vitro and exposed to ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), followed by propofol, protein kinase C agonist, or antagonist, respectively. Astrocyte morphology was observed by light microscopy, and aquaporin-4 expression was detected by western blot analysis. Results showed that propofol or protein kinase C agonist significantly attenuated the degree of NH4Cl-induced astrocyte swelling and inhibited increased aquaporin-4 expression. Propofol treatment inhibited aquaporin-4 overexpression in cultured astrocyte induced by NH4Cl; protein kinase C pathway activation is potentially involved.     

Differential regulation by cytokines of human astrocyte nitric oxide production

Reactive nitrogen intermediates, such as nitric oxide (NO), play an important role in host-defense and injury. Human astrocytes released abundant NO upon stimulation with the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β, which was potentiated by interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. IL-1 receptor antagonist protein markedly attenuated astrocyte NO production. The anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 potently suppressed IL-1β plus IFN-γ-stimulated NO, while transforming growth factor-β preferentially inhibited IL-1β plus TNF-α-stimulated production of NO. These findings suggest that while IL-1 plays a key role in inducing astrocyte NO production, anti-inflammatory cytokines have the capacity to downregulate NO production by IL-1-stimulated astrocytes. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Asymmetrical modulation of interleukin-10 release in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

The brain modulates the immune system in an asymmetrical way. Intracerebral hemorrhage triggers IL-6 and IL-10 release into blood. We measured (using ELISA method) serum IL-6 and IL-10 in acute phase of intracerebral hemorrhage in 11 patients with right hemisphere's hematoma and 15 patients with left hemisphere's hematoma. These patients did not differ significantly with respect to their age, size, and location of hematoma. IL-6 level was comparable in patients with left hematoma and patients with right hematoma, but patients with left hematoma had significantly higher level of IL-10 than patients with right hematoma. These results suggest that left and right hemisphere could modulate IL-10 release in different way.     

Constitutive and LPS-regulated expression of interleukin-18 receptor beta variants in the mouse brain

Interleukin (IL)-18 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is proposed to be involved in physiological as well as pathological conditions in the adult brain. IL-18 acts through a heterodimer receptor comprised of a subunit alpha (IL-18Rα) required for binding, and a subunit beta (IL-18Rβ) necessary for activation of signal transduction. We recently demonstrated that the canonical alpha binding chain, and its putative decoy isoform, are expressed in the mouse central nervous system (CNS) suggesting that IL-18 may act on the brain by directly binding its receptor.Considering that the co-expression of the beta chain seems to be required to generate a functional receptor and, a short variant of this chain has been described in rat and human brain, in this study we have extended our investigation to IL-18Rβ in mouse.Using a multi-methodological approach we found that: (1) a short splice variant of IL-18Rβ was expressed in the CNS even if at lower levels compared to the full-length IL-18Rβ variants, (2) the canonical IL-18Rβ is expressed in the CNS particularly in areas and nuclei belonging to the limbic system as previously observed for IL-18Rα and finally (3) we have also demonstrated that both IL-18Rβ isoforms are up-regulated in different brain areas three hours after a single lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection suggesting that IL-18Rβ in the CNS might be involved in mediating the endocrine and behavioral effects of LPS.Our data highlight the considerable complexity of the IL-18 regulation activity in the mouse brain and further support an important central role for IL-18.     

Neuronal and astrocyte expression of nicotinic receptor subunit beta4 in the adult mouse brain

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) expression and function are customized in different brain regions through assembling receptors from closely related but genetically distinct subunits. Immunohistochemical analysis of one of these subunits, nAChRbeta4, in the mouse brain suggests an extensive and potentially diverse role for this subunit in both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Prominent immunostaining included: 1) the medial habenula, efferents composing the fasciculus retroflexus, and the interpeduncular nucleus; 2) nuclei and ascending tracts of the auditory system inclusive of the medial geniculate; 3) the sensory cortex barrel field and cell bodies of the ventral thalamic nucleus; 4) olfactory-associated structures and the piriform cortex; and 5) sensory and motor trigeminal nuclei. In the hippocampus, nAChRbeta4 staining was limited to dendrites and soma of a subset of glutamic acid dehydrogenase-positive neurons. In C57BL/6 mice, but to a lesser extent in C3H/J, CBA/J, or CF1 mice, a subpopulation of astrocytes in the hippocampal CA1 region prominently expressed nAChRbeta4 (and nAChRalpha4). Collectively, these results suggest that the unique functional and pharmacological properties exerted by nAChRbeta4 on nAChR function could modify and specialize the development of strain-specific sensory and hippocampal-related characteristics of nicotine sensitivity including the development of tolerance.     

Polymorphisms of interleukin-4 promoter and receptor gene for schizophrenia in the Korean population

The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the interleukin (IL)-4 promoter gene -590 and receptor alpha (Ralpha) gene 1902 polymorphism in Korean schizophrenic patients. A total of 222 Korean patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn; DSM-IV) and 165 normal healthy controls participated in the present study. The DNA was extracted from whole blood using proteinase K, and the IL-4 promoter and receptor gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The genotype was determined using single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. The distribution of the alleles and genotypes in patients with schizophrenia was not significantly different from those of controls. In conclusion, these results suggest that the polymorphisms in IL-4 promoter gene -590 and IL-4 Ralpha gene 1902 are not involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia in the Korean population.     

Interleukin-6 expression and regulation in astrocytes

The physiological function of interleukin-6 (IL-6) within the central nervous system (CNS) is complex; IL-6 exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, and yet can also function as a mediator of inflammation, demyelination, and astrogliosis, depending on the cellular context. In the normal brain, IL-6 levels remain low. However, elevated expression occurs in injury, infection, stroke, and inflammation. Given the diverse biological functions of IL-6 and its expression in numerous CNS conditions, it is critical to understand its regulation in the brain in order to control its expression and ultimately its effects. Accumulating data demonstrate that the predominant CNS source of IL-6 is the activated astrocyte. Furthermore, a wide range of factors have been demonstrated to be involved in IL-6 regulation by astrocytes. In this review, we summarize information concerning IL-6 regulation in astrocytes, focusing on the role of proinflammatory factors, neurotransmitters, and second messengers.     

Platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor sensitivity in major depressive disorder

We have investigated the functioning of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in patients with major depressive disorder by measuring the specific binding of 3H-yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, to platelet membranes. Bmax and Kd values for platelet 3H-yohimbine binding were normal in unmedicated patients with major depressive disorder, and did not correlate with scores on the Hamilton rating scale for depression. Platelet alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist sites were also unchanged in number or affinity in depressed patients after long-term treatment with a variety of antidepressant medications.     

Role of the Rap1 GTPase in astrocyte growth regulation

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant syndrome in which affected individuals develop nervous system abnormalities that might reflect astrocyte dysfunction. The TSC2 gene product, tuberin, encodes a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) domain, which regulates the activity of Rap1 in vitro. To determine whether dysregulated Rap1, resulting from TSC2 inactivation, leads to increased astrocyte proliferation in vivo, we generated transgenic mice expressing activated Rap1(G12V) specifically in astrocytes. We observed no statistically significant difference in the number of astrocytes between wild-type and GFAP-Rap1(G12V) littermates in vivo; however, during log-phase growth, we observed a 25% increase in GFAP-Rap1(G12V) astrocyte doubling times compared to wild-type controls. This decreased proliferation was associated with delayed MAP kinase, but not AKT, activation. Lastly, to determine whether constitutive Rap1 activation could reverse the increased astrocyte proliferation observed in transgenic mice expressing oncogenic Ras(G12V), we generated transgenic mice expressing both Ras(G12V) and Rap1(G12V) in astrocytes. These double transgenic mice showed a striking reversion of the Ras(G12V) astrocyte growth phenotype. Collectively, these results argue that the tumor suppressor properties of tuberin are unlikely to be related to Rap1 inactivation and that Rap1 inhibits mitogenic Ras pathway signaling in astrocytes.