Stimulation of rheumatoid synovial cell collagenase and prostaglandin production by partially purified lymphocyte-activating factor (interleukin 1)

Mechanisms of bleomycin-induced lung damage

Bleomycins are a family of compounds produced by Streptomyces verticillis. They have potent tumour killing properties which have given them an important place in cancer chemotherapy. They cause little marrow suppression, but pulmonary toxicity is a major adverse effect. The mechanisms of cell toxicity are well described based on in vitro experiments on DNA. The bleomycin molecule has two main structural components: a bithiazole component which partially intercalates into the DNA helix, parting the strands, as well as pyrimidine and imidazole structures, which bind iron and oxygen forming an activated complex capable of releasing damaging oxidants in close proximity to the polynucleotide chains of DNA. This may lead to chain scission or structural modifications leading to release of free bases or their propenal derivatives. The mechanisms are well described based on in vitro experiments on DNA, but how they relate to intact cells in whole animals is more tenuous. Bleomycin is able to cause cell damage independent from its effect on DNA by induction lipid peroxidation. This may be particularly important in the lung and in part account for its ability to cause alveolar cell damage and subsequent pulmonary inflammation. The lung injury seen following bleomycin comprises an interstitial oedema with an influx of inflammatory and immune cells. This may lead to the development of pulmonary fibrosis, characterized by enhanced production and deposition of collagen and other matrix components. Several polypeptide mediators capable of stimulating fibroblasts replication or excessive collagen deposition have been implicated in this, but the precise role of these in bleomycin-induced fibrosis is yet to be demonstrated. Current therapy for bleomycin-induced lung damage is inadequate, with corticosteroids most often used. Given the mechanism of action described above, antioxidants and iron chelators might be beneficial. Although, studies to date are equivocal and there is insufficient evidence to promote their use clinically. Novel drugs are currently being developed and it is hoped these may be more useful.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF-acether) enhances the concomitant production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 by subsets of human monocytes

The production of the cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) by human monocytes was analysed following their stimulation with muramyl dipeptide (MDP; 1 microgram/ml), in the absence or presence of graded concentrations of platelet-activating factor (PAF). Significantly enhanced production of both TNF and IL-1 was observed at two concentration ranges of PAF: a major enhancement was observed at 10(-8)-10(-6) M and this was blocked by the PAF antagonist BN 52021 (10(-4) M). A second enhancement was observed at 10(-15)-10(-14) M PAF, which was not blocked by BN 52021. Monocytes isolated either by adherence or counterflow elutriation had similar responses to PAF. The biologically inactive precursor-metabolite, lyso-PAF, had no effect on cytokine production. PAF was shown to augment the production of both bioactive TNF and IL-1 and immunoreactive TNF-alpha and IL-1 alpha and beta. Fractionation of monocytes on a discontinuous Percoll gradient yielded a denser subpopulation, which responded preferentially to higher PAF concentrations, while the less dense subpopulation responded to both concentration ranges. These data indicate that PAF can modulate monocyte functions as related to cytokine production, and may thus contribute to amplification of inflammatory reactions and regulation of immune responses by interacting with subsets of human monocytes.

Progression of osteoarthritis of the hand and metacarpal bone loss. A twenty-year followup of incident cases

We examined the prospective relationship between metacarpal bone mass and osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand, using incidence data from the historical cohort in the Tecumseh Community Health Study (Tecumseh, MI). Women were examined for radiographic evidence of OA and for bone mass twice, 20-23 years apart (1962-1965 and 1985; 683 subjects with an age range of 55-74 in 1985). Two measures of OA were evaluated: the highest score assigned to any of the 32 wrist/hand joints, and the sum of scores for all wrist/hand joints. After adjustment for age, women who were classified as having OA (by either measure of OA) in 1985 were more likely to have more cortical area at baseline, which indicates greater bone mass. Women who developed OA in the 23-year period were more likely to experience a significantly greater widening of the medullary cavity over time, an indicator of increased bone resorption. Women with increasing levels of OA involvement also had an increased likelihood of greater cortical area loss. We conclude that women who later developed OA were more likely to have higher baseline bone mass than women who did not develop OA, but these women also had a greater likelihood of bone loss over time.

Mechanism of the combined antitumor effect of natural human tumor necrosis factor-alpha and natural human interferon-alpha on cell cycle progression

We have studied the mechanism of the synergistic effect of the combination of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on cell cycle progression using two-parameter flow cytometry in vitro and an immunohistochemical staining method in vivo. The cells used were human colon cancer cell line RPMI 4788 in vitro and in vivo, and human breast cancer cell line MX-1 and human renal cancer cell line NAMKO-1 in vivo. In the in vitro experiment, the cell cycle progressed normally as time elapsed in the control group. However, in the group treated with TNF-alpha and IFN-alpha in combination (combination group), it appeared that the transition from the S phase to the G2/M phase was blocked, and the cells that accumulated in the S phase died. In the in vivo experiment with male nude mice of a CD-1 genetic background, the antitumor effect on all three kinds of cancer cells was significantly greater in the combination group than in the control group. The cell labeling index on staining with bromodeoxyuridine in the combination group became markedly larger and the mitotic index smaller than in the other groups. From these results, it was concluded that in the combination group, both in vitro and in vivo, tumor cells markedly accumulated in the S phase and their progression from the S phase to the G2/M phase in the cell cycle was inhibited.

Mechanisms of immune injury in rheumatoid arthritis: evidence for the involvement of T cells and heat-shock protein

Evidence for the involvement of T cells, especially CD4+ T cells, in the pathogenesis of RA is substantial and includes 1) the correlation between prolonged CD4+ T-cell depletion and improvement in joint disease in the absence of observable changes in the levels of autoantibodies (rheumatoid factors) in the blood and joints, 2) the infiltration of the inflamed synovial tissues with T cells and, 3) the increased susceptibility of individuals to RA with certain HLA-DR haplotypes. The most direct evidence for the involvement of CD4+ T cells is provided by recent studies which demonstrate rapid improvement in the joint disease manifestations of RA following the infusion of anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (Herzog et al. 1989, Walker et al. 1989). It is unlikely that T cells alone are responsible for the joint injury in RA. Autoantibodies (rheumatoid factors) in the joint which contribute to the release of complement breakdown products, and to the secretion of cytokines such as IL-1 by macrophages must also play an important role. Indeed, depletion of CD4+ cells after TLI or therapy with monoclonal antibody reduces, but does not eliminate, joint disease activity. The residual joint disease activity is probably influenced by the continued contribution of autoantibodies to joint injury. Production of these autoantibodies may not be dependent on help from CD4+ cells, since little change is observed in autoantibody levels after CD4+ cell depletion. The mechanisms by which T cells mediate to the joint disease in RA are not clear. Little or no direct evidence of cytotoxic effects of T cells on autologous joint cells has been reported. Considerable evidence suggests that at least some T-cell cytokines (i.e., TNF alpha, IL-6) can contribute to the proliferation of synovial lining cells which results in the marked build-up of inflammatory tissue (pannus) in the joints of patients with RA (Firestein et al. 1990). In addition, T cells may recruit other joint cells, such as macrophages, to secrete cytokines (i.e., IL-1) which both contribute to synovial cell proliferation, and cartilage and bone degeneration. The marked reduction in the spontaneous secretion of IL-1 by synovial biopsies, and improvement in disease activity after TLI support this notion. Interestingly, the CD4+ T-cell lymphokines, IL-2 and IFN-gamma, were not spontaneously secreted in detectable quantities by synovial biopsies. This suggests that the pattern of lymphokines secreted by T cells in the joint in RA are not typical of that in delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Immunohistochemical demonstration of collagenase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in synovial lining cells of rheumatoid synovium

Degradation of fibrillar collagens is a central process in joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Collagenase responsible for the collagenolysis has been immunolocalized on the extracellular matrix components at the cartilage/pannus junction in the rheumatoid joint, but very little is known about cellular source of the proteinase. In this paper monospecific antibodies against collagenase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) were applied to rheumatoid and normal synovium to identify cells synthesizing and secreting the enzyme and its inhibitor. By treating the specimens with the monovalent ionophore, monensin, both collagenase and TIMP could be immunolocalized in hyperplastic synovial lining cells in rheumatoid synovium, but not in the cells of normal synovium. Dual immunolocalization studies demonstrated that the majority of the lining cells (approximately 64%) produce both collagenase and TIMP, while approximately 3% of the cells were positive only for collagenase, and 11% only for TIMP. Neither collagenase nor TIMP was immunolocalized on the extracellular matrix components in the synovia examined. These data suggest that synovial lining cells in rheumatoid arthritis secrete both collagenase and TIMP into the joint cavity. The role of collagenase in joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis is discussed with reference to the regulation of the activity by TIMP.

Interleukin 1 increases the production of collagenase but does not influence the phagocytosis of collagen fibrils

The aim of the present study was to determine whether interleukin 1 alpha (Il-1), a cytokine known to have a stimulatory effect on collagenase production, also influences the phagocytosis and intracellular digestion of collagen fibrils by fibroblasts. Mouse long bones and calvariae both with surrounding periosteum were cultured for 24 or 48 hours in media containing varying concentrations of the cytokine. The periostea were subjected to morphometric analysis in order to assess the volume density of phagocytosed collagen fibrils in fibroblasts. The results indicated that neither in calvarial nor in long bone periosteum the uptake and intracellular degradation of collagen by fibroblasts was influenced by Il-1. However, between both tissues the amount of collagen phagocytosed differed considerably. It appeared that within 48 hours periosteal fibroblasts of calvariae ingested at least three times more fibrillar collagen than those of long bone periosteum. This finding suggests intrinsic differences between these connective tissues as to the phagocytic behaviour of the fibroblasts. Analysis of collagenase activity in the media demonstrated that under the influence of Il-1 collagenase release increased about 1.5- to 2-fold, most of the enzyme being in a latent form. The media also proved to contain an inhibitor of collagenase, its production not being affected by Il-1. It is concluded that under the conditions tested Il-1 does not seem to play a role in the regulation of the intracellular pathway of collagen digestion.

Interleukin-1 beta prevents the stimulatory effect of transforming growth factor-beta on collagen gene expression in human skin fibroblasts

Transforming growth factors beta 1 and beta 2 (TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2) are well-characterized strong inducers of collagen gene expression. A 100 pM concentration of TGF-beta 1 or TGF-beta 2 increases pro alpha 1(I) collagen mRNA levels in human skin fibroblasts 6.6-fold and 7.0-fold respectively, and also increases the accumulation of procollagens in the cell culture medium. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is an inflammatory mediator which also regulates connective tissue metabolism. A small concentration of IL-1 beta (0.01-1.0 unit/ml) slightly increases pro alpha 1(I) collagen mRNA levels (2.2-fold). Here we provide evidence that IL-1 beta prevents the stimulatory effect of TGFs-beta on collagen synthesis in human skin fibroblasts. An IL-1 beta concentration of 1 unit/ml is enough to keep pro alpha 1(I) collagen mRNA levels at control values in cells stimulated by 100 pM-TGF-beta 1. Thus the results indicate that IL-1 beta inhibits collagen synthesis in cells activated by TGFs-beta, whereas it does not significantly change or might even stimulate collagen gene expression in non-activated cells.

Modulation of extracellular matrix metabolism in rabbit articular chondrocytes and human rheumatoid synovial cells by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug etodolac. I: Collagen synthesis

Cultures of human rheumatoid synovial cells and rabbit articular chondrocytes were exposed to various concentrations of Etodolac (from 0.01 to 10 micrograms/ml) in presence or absence of 500 pg/ml (5 U/ml) human recombinant Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). Incubation of chondrocytes with Etodolac for 24 h did not alter collagen biosynthesis. In contrast, 1 micrograms/ml Etodolac caused a 20% increase of collagen production in synoviocytes. Addition of Etodolac in combination with IL-1 could partially suppress the inhibitory effect exerted by the cytokine on both cell types. Four-day exposure of chondrocytes to 0.1 and 1 micrograms/ml Etodolac led to an increased accumulation of collagen in the cell layer compartment. However, this treatment could not prevent the inhibitory effect of IL-1 on this collagen fraction. Treatment of synoviocytes for eight days with the same concentrations of Etodolac did not modify their collagen production but suppressed totally the inhibitory effect of IL-1. These data show that Etodolac is able to augment chondrocyte metabolism during a long term treatment. Moreover, under certain conditions, this drug can reduce or even suppress the IL-1-induced inhibition of collagen biosynthesis, a process that may take a part in the connective tissue alterations associated with osteoarticular diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Modulatory effect of bucillamine (SA96) on interleukin-1-and/or -2-induced proliferation of T lymphocytes

Bucillamine [SA96:N-(2-mercapto-2-methylpropanoyl)-L-cysteine], a synthetic SH compound, has recently been developed as remission-inducing agent for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and its clinical usefulness for RA has been proved in Japan. Bucillamine suppressed the mitogen-induced proliferation of murine lymphocytes in vitro. The present study was undertaken to clarify the effect of bucillamine primarily on the release of interleukin (IL)-1 from monocytes and on the proliferation of T cells. Bucillamine significantly inhibited IL-1-induced thymocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. And, bucillamine also inhibited IL-2-induced proliferation at the concentration of 1 x 10(-4) M, but augmented proliferation at the concentration of 1 x 10(-5) M. In contrast, D-penicillamine (an analogous SH compound to bucillamine) did not show any significant effect at similar concentrations.

Absence of correlations between indices of systemic inflammation and synovial fluid interleukin 1 (alpha and beta) in rheumatic diseases

There are two forms of the cytokine interleukin 1 (IL1), produced by two distinct genes encoding a neutral (IL1 beta) and an acidic (IL1 alpha) peptide. They have powerful pro-inflammatory, immunopotentiating, catabolic and arthritogenic properties in vivo and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases. In this study, using specific immunoassays, we have measured both IL1 alpha and IL1 beta levels in synovial fluids (SF) from a large number of patients with different rheumatic diseases. Biologically significant levels of both cytokines were found in SF from patients with different forms of arthritis, but no correlations were found with any of the measures of disease activity that we tested. We also describe the presence in joint exudates of biological inhibitor(s) that neutralize IL1-induced T-cell activation. This is the first report of IL1 alpha and IL1 beta measurements in the same synovial exudates and also of the comparison of local levels of these cytokines with conventional indices of systemic inflammation.

Low molecular weight serine proteinase inhibitors of human articular cartilage. Isolation, characterization, and biosynthesis

The major low molecular weight serine proteinase inhibitor of human articular cartilage was purified to homogeneity as determined by single-peak elution with 4 high resolution techniques. The purified protein was found to be a potent inhibitor of human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G, as well as the native serine proteinases derived from human articular cartilage and intervertebral disc. The inhibitor and lysozymes were synthesized by human articular cartilage in vitro. These properties and the ability of this cationic inhibitor to bind to cartilage matrix components suggest a possible role in the modulation of matrix catabolism in normal and pathologic states.

Interleukin-1 induces collagenase production by recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa fibroblasts

We examined the direct effect of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on the collagenase production by epidermolysis bullosa (EB) fibroblasts. Addition of IL-1 at concentrations of 2.5 x 10(-4) units/ml or below in the culture media greatly enhanced collagenase production by two cell lines of recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) fibroblasts. They produced 4.82 +/- 0.04 to 5.93 +/- 0.39 units/ml of enzyme, as compared to 0.02 +/- 0.07 units/ml in the absence of IL-1. In contrast, collagenase production by two cell lines of dominant dystrophic EB (DDEB) and normal fibroblasts was not, or only slightly, increased up to 0.69 +/- 0.28 units/ml. IL-1 concentrations of 2.5 x 10(-3) units/ml or higher failed to induce collagenase production by all fibroblasts. 3H-thymidine uptake increased by about 110-376% of control after IL-1 treatment. In addition, these data were obtained using fibroblasts of the 13-15 passages, suggesting that the property might be determined genetically. Although RDEB seems to be a wide heterogeneous group, the present data strongly suggest that the property may be specific to and characteristic of some types of RDEB cells.

Tumor necrosis factor bifunctionally regulates matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) production by human fibroblasts

The production of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in human uterine cervical fibroblasts was increased by human recombinant tumor necrosis factor alpha (hrTNF) at a low concentration (0.005 ng/ml) but the elevated synthesis was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner at higher concentrations (up to 50 ng/ml). In contrast, the production of collagenase (EC 3.4.24.7) and stromelysin was stimulated at all the corresponding concentrations. In contrast, human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha (hr IL-1, 10 ng/ml) coordinately induced these enzymes and TIMP production. The reduction of the elevated TIMP production by TNF was not due to the inhibition of TIMP secretion. These results suggest that TNF modulates the extracellular matrix degradation in human fibroblasts bifunctionally by the suppression of TIMP production in addition to the acceleration of matrix metalloproteinases production. Furthermore, the fact that TNF and IL-1 differently controlled the production of TIMP suggests that the signal pathway of TNF for TIMP production is different from that of IL-1.

A study of the pyrogenic actions of interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-1 beta: interactions with a steroidal and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent

1. The pyrogenic effects of intravenously administered human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and IL-1 beta were studied in the rabbit. 2. Both cytokines produced dose-related increases in body temperature. At all doses studied (100-5000 u kg-1) both cytokines elicited a monophasic increase in body temperature, beginning 15 min and reaching a maximum 45 min after administration. 3. A comparison of thermal response index (TRI2, the magnitude of febrile responses over 2 h obtained by integrating the change in temperature in degrees C against time in hours) values indicated that IL-1 beta (500 u kg-1, TRI2 = 0.69 +/- 0.04, n = 4) was approximately 5 fold more potent than IL-1 alpha (2500 u kg-1, TRI2 = 0.73 +/- 0.07, n = 4, all values are means +/- s.e.means) in elevating body temperature. delta Tmax values for the above doses of IL-1 beta and IL-1 alpha were 0.60 +/- 0.06 and 0.61 +/- 0.03 respectively. When IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta were heated for 30 min at 60 degrees C prior to administration no biological activity was observed. 4. A cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, ketoprofen (3 mg kg-1) administered 15 min before either cytokine completely abolished the fever induced by both IL-1 alpha (2500 u kg-1) and IL-1 beta (500 u kg-1). 5. Intravenous administration of the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent dexamethasone (3 mg kg-1) 1 h before either cytokine attenuated the fever induced by IL-1 alpha (2500 u kg-1) and IL-1 beta (500 u kg-1). 6. The effects of ketoprofen and dexamethasone on IL-I pyrogenicity indicate that prostanoids are almost certainly involved in the responses. The different potencies of IL-l alpha and IL-1 beta may be related to their relative ability to stimulate prostanoid biosynthesis.

The release of interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma by cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with periodontitis

The extracellular release of IL-1 beta by cultured peripheral blood monocytes from 26 periodontitis patients and 26 control subjects was measured by radioimmunoassay. Unstimulated monocytes from periodontitis patients released significantly more IL-1 beta than controls during 24 h of culture; there was a wide variation in the amount of IL-1 beta released (0.45-13.00 ng/ml per 10(6) cells) which did not correlate with either the degree of bone loss or pocket formation observed clinically. When stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans; 5 micrograms/ml) monocytes from periodontitis patients produced significantly more IL-1 beta than those from control subjects. Monocyte culture supernatants from another 10 periodontitis patients and 10 control subjects were also assayed for both IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Spontaneous and LPS-stimulated (Bacteroides gingivalis; 5 micrograms/ml) IL-1 beta release were again significantly higher for periodontitis patients. TNF-alpha was detected in the periodontitis cultures (0-765 pg/ml per 10(6) cells), but the mean value was not significantly different from controls. LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha release, however, was significantly higher than for control subjects, and there was a strong correlation between spontaneous IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha release by monocytes from the periodontitis group. Measurement of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in lymphocyte cultures from these patients by immunoradiometric assay showed that IFN-gamma levels in periodontitis cultures were consistently low, but not significantly so when compared to controls; both groups responded equally to concanavalin-A (5 micrograms/ml). Although the precise roles of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in periodontitis remain unclear, these data provide evidence that both cytokines may participate in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Stepwise activation mechanisms of the precursor of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (stromelysin) by proteinases and (4-aminophenyl)mercuric acetate

The mechanisms of activation of the precursor of human matrix metalloproteinase 3 (proMMP-3/prostromelysin) by proteinases and (4-aminophenyl)mercuric acetate (APMA) were investigated by kinetic and sequence analyses. Incubation of proMMP-3 with neutrophil elastase, plasma kallikrein, plasmin, or chymotrypsin at 37 degrees C resulted in the formation of MMP-3 of Mr = 45,000 by cleaving of the His82-Phe83 bond. Since this bond is unlikely to be cleaved by these proteinases it was postulated that an initial attack of an activator proteinase on proMMP-3 creates an intermediate form, which is then processed to a more stable form of Mr = 45,000. To test this hypothesis proMMP-3 was incubated with these serine proteinases under conditions that minimize the action of MMP-3. This led to the accumulation of major intermediates of Mr = 53,000 and two minor forms of Mr = 49,000 and 47,000. The 53,000 Mr intermediate generated by human neutrophil elastase resulted from cleavage of the Val35-Arg36 whereas plasma kallikrein cleaved the Arg36-Arg37 and Lys38-Asp39 bonds and chymotrypsin the Phe34-Val35 bond, all of which are located near the middle of the propeptide. Conversion of these intermediates to the fully active 45,000 Mr form of MMP-3 resulted from a bimolecular reaction of the intermediates. A similar short-lived intermediate of Mr = 46,000 generated by APMA was a result of the intramolecular cleavage of the Glu68-Val69 bond, and it was then converted to a stable MMP-3 of Mr = 45,000 by a intermolecular reaction of MMP-3. However, MMP-3 failed to activate proMMP-3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dietary fish oil and olive oil supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical and immunologic effects

Forty-nine patients with active rheumatoid arthritis completed a 24-week, prospective, double-blind, randomized study of dietary supplementation with 2 different dosages of fish oil and 1 dosage of olive oil. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline and every 6 weeks thereafter, and immunologic variables were measured at baseline and after 24 weeks of study. The 3 groups of patients were matched for age, sex, disease severity, and use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Subjects continued receiving DMARDs and other background medications without change during the study. Twenty patients consumed daily dietary supplements of n3 fatty acids containing 27 mg/kg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 18 mg/kg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (low dose), 17 patients ingested 54 mg/kg EPA and 36 mg/kg DHA (high dose), and 12 patients ingested olive oil capsules containing 6.8 gm of oleic acid. Significant improvements from baseline in the number of tender joints were noted in the low-dose group at week 24 (P = 0.05) and in the high-dose group at week 18 (P = 0.04) and 24 (P = 0.02). Significant decreases from baseline in the number of swollen joints were noted in the low-dose group at weeks 12 (P = 0.003), 18 (P = 0.002), and 24 (P = 0.001) and in the high-dose group at weeks 12 (P = 0.0001), 18 (P = 0.008), and 24 (P = 0.02). A total of 5 of 45 clinical measures were significantly changed from baseline in the olive oil group, 8 of 45 in the low-dose fish oil group, and 21 of 45 in the high-dose fish oil group during the study (P = 0.0002). Neutrophil leukotriene B4 production decreased by 19% from baseline in the low-dose fish oil group (P = 0.0003) and 20% in the high-dose group (P = 0.03), while macrophage interleukin-1 production decreased by 38.5% in the olive oil group (P not significant), 40.6% in the low-dose group (P = 0.06), and 54.7% in the high-dose group (P = 0.0005). Tritiated thymidine incorporation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after stimulation with concanavalin A increased significantly in all 3 groups after 24 weeks, compared with baseline values. We conclude that the clinical benefits of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids are more commonly observed in patients consuming higher dosages of fish oil for time intervals that are longer than those previously studied. Dietary supplementation with olive oil is also associated with certain changes in immune function, which require further investigation.

An interleukin 1 inhibitor affects both cell-associated interleukin 1-induced T cell proliferation and PGE2/collagenase production by human dermal fibroblasts and synovial cells

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces cell-associated interleukin 1 (IL 1) production in the human promonocytic cell line U937. Demonstration of cell-associated IL 1 activity was based on the ability of LPS-treated U937 cells, subsequently fixed with paraformaldehyde, to stimulate thymocyte proliferation in the presence of phytohemagglutinin. Like soluble IL 1 (sIL 1), cell-associated IL 1 is capable of inducing PGE2 and/or collagenase production by dermal fibroblasts and human synovial cells in a dose-dependent manner. It is thus a mediator of the inflammatory response owing to a direct intercellular contact located at the membrane level, where bound molecules may trigger inflammation at a local site of action. We reported that the natural (approximately 23 kDa) IL 1 inhibitor (IL 1 INH) from the urine of febrile patients inhibited all the sIL-1-induced biologic activities under investigation and that it acted by binding to the IL 1 receptor, thus blocking the interaction of the monokine with the receptor. Data demonstrate that the IL 1 INH also blocks cell-associated IL 1-induced T cell proliferation and PGE2 production by both dermal fibroblasts and synovial cells as well as collagenase production by the latter cell type. Thus, as for the sIL 1, a feedback mechanism exists for cell-associated IL 1-induced bioactivities.

Macrophage activation by leptospiral lipopolysaccharide

Leptospiral lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) extracted from Leptospira interrogans serovars copenhageni and hebdomadis were tested for the ability to induce macrophage activation. In-vitro analysis showed that each leptospiral LPS was a potent activator to macrophages. After stimulation with the LPSs, interleukin-1 (IL-1) secretion, interferon (IFN) production and chemiluminescence (CL) response were induced. Intravenous high-dose injection of the leptospiral LPSs induced various lesions such as necrosis of the liver, and the LPSs were detected in macrophages in the liver, spleen and lymphnodes by immunohistochemical examination. Enhancement of macrophage activity in mice inoculated with low doses of leptospiral LPS was recognized. The macrophages of the LPS-treated mice showed a significantly higher bactericidal action than those of control mice. The beta-galactosidase and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) positive cells in macrophages of the LPS-treated mice increased significantly. In the NBT reduction test after phagocytosis of latex beads or Salmonella typhimurium, the macrophages of the LPS-treated mice showed a significantly higher activity than those of control mice.

Conditioned medium from activated rat macrophages and the recombinant factors, IL-1 beta and GM-CSF, enhance the accessory activity of dendritic cells

Low density lymph node cells (LD-LNC; 5% of total unfractionated LNC) contain 95% of the accessory activity required for responses of T lymphocytes to mitogens. Significantly greater responses to mitogens occur when T lymphocytes are added to LD-LNC that have been exposed overnight to silica, in comparison to responses occurring with LD-LNC incubated without silica. Conditioned medium (CM) from silica-treated LD-LNC is itself able to mediate enhanced responses; i.e., when LD-LNC are exposed overnight to CM alone and mitogen-treated T lymphocytes added the next day. The enhancing activity found in CM from LD-LNC exposed to silica is produced by macrophages; however, their low accessory activity is not enhanced by CM. In contrast, dendritic cells isolated from LD-LNC exposed to silica or to CM show significantly increased accessory activity, but dendritic cells do not produce the enhancing activity found in CM. CM lacks IL-2 activity and does not have any effect on the responses of untreated or mitogen-treated T lymphocytes alone. Thus, macrophages produce the enhancing activity and dendritic cells respond to it. Maximum enhancement of dendritic cell accessory activity requires overnight exposure to CM; once induced, accessory activity is not further modulated after continued incubation in the presence or absence of CM. LD-LNC, adherent peritoneal exudate cells, and adherent thioglycollate-induced peritoneal exudate cells produce enhancing activity after exposure to silica, LPS, and silica plus LPS. After gel filtration of a CM produced by silica plus LPS, enhancing activity shows a broad molecular weight distribution between 20 and 55 kD. IL-1 is present in CM and shows a more narrow molecular weight distribution that falls within the lower molecular weight range for enhancing activity. Silica treatment by itself produces CM containing little IL-1, but abundant enhancing activity; gel filtration of this CM shows that the distribution of enhancing activity is confined more narrowly to the higher molecular weight range, suggesting that IL-1 is one of several factors that enhances the accessory activity of dendritic cells. Recombinant human IL-1 beta does have enhancing activity, but of the other recombinant factors tested only mouse GM-CSF also has enhancing activity. Human IL-1 alpha, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-4, rat IL-3 and rat IFN-gamma, as well as L cell-conditioned medium containing M-CSF, lack enhancing activity.

Colony stimulating factor occurs in both inflammatory and noninflammatory synovial fluids

Synovial fluids (SF) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and various other arthritides were examined for the presence of colony stimulating factors (CSF). CSF was found in 7 of 13 (54%) SF from OA patients and in 8 of 12 (67%) SF from RA patients. It was also found in SF from patients with other arthropathies including 5 of 5 samples from patients with septic arthritis. Inhibition studies employing monospecific antisera indicated that in both RA and OA, CSF was of the macrophage type (M-CSF). While CSF was found in both inflammatory and noninflammatory effusions, significantly greater numbers of colonies were stimulated by RA SF than by OA SF and in general greater numbers of colonies correlated with higher SF leukocyte counts. Our data suggest that CSF as well as other cytokines may be involved in the perpetuation of joint destruction that occurs in various rheumatological conditions.

Mechanisms of matrix degradation in rheumatoid arthritis

In the inflammatory synovium production of collagenase is probably responsible for the degradation of collagen in the extracellular matrix and distortion of the architecture and function of the joints. Major collagenase-producing cells are mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts and chondrocytes, which synthesize and secrete the enzyme influenced by the action of cytokines produced by adjacent mononuclear cells. The cytokines act primarily through cell-surface receptors, whose signal is probably then mediated by complexes of nuclear oncoproteins, to activate transcription of the procollagenase gene. The increased production of collagenase ultimately is the result of a cascade of cellular effects involving complex interactions of different ligands in a system characterized by amplification and feedback loops.

A study of the effect of rheumatoid synovial fluid on proliferation and IL-2 production by total mononuclear cells and purified CD4+ cells of synovial fluid and peripheral blood

T cells from synovial fluid (SF) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have previously been shown to proliferate less after mitogenic stimulation and produce less interleukin 2 (IL-2) than normal T cells. To test whether SF is responsible for the reduced T-cell responses, we studied the effect of inflammatory SF on peripheral blood (PB) RA and normal mononuclear cells (MNC) and CD4+ T cells and on RA SF MNC and CD4+ cells in vitro. Most rheumatoid SF present in concentrations of 50% and 5% during in vitro stimulation increased mitogen-induced IL-2 production and proliferative response by normal PB and RA MNC and CD4+ cells. Other rheumatoid SF samples did not influence the T cell responses, while only a few samples had an inhibitory effect. The results indicate that SF contain both stimulatory and inhibitory factors and that the resultant effect on T cells may depend on the net effect of these. The results do not support the hypothesis that the apparently impaired function of SF T cells is due to contact with SF.

Localization of collagenase mRNA in rheumatoid arthritis synovium by in situ hybridization histochemistry

Collagenase has been implicated as playing an important role in the connective tissue destruction that is a major feature of rheumatoid arthritis. Numerous cell types in the hyperplastic rheumatoid synovium are capable of synthesizing collagenase. Past studies have used predominantly synovial fibroblasts in culture as a model system for the regulation of collagenase production, but the major cellular source of the enzyme in vivo has not been determined. Using the techniques of in situ hybridization histochemistry and indirect immunofluorescence, we determined the cellular source of collagenase in frozen sections of human synovium. Collagenase mRNA production was localized to cells along the synovial lining layer in rheumatoid arthritis. These were identified as the macrophage-like Type A synovial lining cells by immunofluorescence with antibody LeuM3. Endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and T and B lymphocytes were devoid of detectable collagenase mRNA. Synovial tissue sections from patients with osteoarthritis and trauma did not contain detectable collagenase mRNA. These data identify the Type A macrophage-like synovial lining cell as the primary source of collagenase mRNA in vivo in the rheumatoid arthritis synovium and, potentially, as a major effector cell in the tissue destruction of the disease.

Interleukins and tumor necrosis factor in inflammation

Intense research efforts have been directed toward characterizing mediators that control the inflammatory response and regulate the growth, differentiation, and function of cells involved in inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor, or cachectin, and members of a heterogeneous group of peptides called interleukins exhibit a wide spectrum of activities, some of which appear to influence the evolution of inflammatory processes. This review outlines the observations that have led to our current understanding of the biology of tumor necrosis factor and the interleukins. Particular attention is directed toward the evidence suggesting that these cytokines function as mediators of inflammatory responses.

Recognition of self class II major histocompatibility complex antigens by CD8+ T cell clones derived from rheumatoid arthritis synovial membrane

T cells from rheumatoid synovium have been expanded in vitro as lines and clones using autologous Epstein-Barr virus-transformed stimulator cells. Both lines and clones recognized autologous class II MHC antigens in the absence of defined exogenous antigens i.e. the equivalent of the autologous mixed lymphocyte response. Surprisingly, despite their MHC specificity, several clones expressed CD8 rather than CD4, but were not cytotoxic. The function of CD8+ T cells within synovium has not previously been defined; in view of their unusual phenotype, they may exert an immuno-modulating role upon the inflammatory response within the joint, by responding to the high density of class II MHC antigens expressed in the rheumatoid synovium.

Production and purification of prostromelysin and procollagenase from IL-1 beta-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts

Conditions were established to stimulate human gingival fibroblast explant cultures to synthesize milligram quantities of the metalloproteinase proenzymes, prostromelysin and procollagenase. To stimulate enzyme production, cells were treated with 1 nM recombinant human IL-1 beta for approximately 7 days under serum free conditions. Using a combination of rapid column chromatography steps, approximately 10 milligrams of prostromelysin and 5 milligrams of procollagenase were purified from 1 liter of conditioned media. Prostromelysin electrophoresed as a doublet with molecular weights of 55,57 kD, whereas, procollagenase migrated with slightly lower molecular weights of 52, 54 kD. Both proenzymes were treated with trypsin or aminophenylmercuric acetate to generate active species. The molecular weights of the active enzymes were approximately 10 kD smaller than the proenzymes. Active enzymes were inhibited by metal chelators and the natural metalloproteinase inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), but not by the serine protease inhibitor, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). Activated stromelysin degraded a number of substrates including transferrin, proteoglycan monomer, proteoglycan aggregated with hyaluronic acid, and substance P. By contrast, collagenase degraded interstitial type I collagen and the peptide thioester, Ac-Pro-Leu-Gly-SCH(iBu)Co-Leu-GlyOEt. Identity of both enzymes were confirmed by amino-terminal protein sequence analysis as well as by immunoblot analysis using monoclonal antibodies.

Dietary n-3 fatty acids and arthritis

We have evidence that dietary fish oil (FO) decreases severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), changes the fatty acid composition of macrophage (M phi) membrane phospholipids, decreases M phi synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs), changes chemotactic ability of M phi s, and affects metabolism of acute phase proteins. Gender also has pronounced effects on susceptibility to CIA and M phi prostaglandin profiles. The mechanisms by which dietary n-3 fatty acids may act to alleviate symptoms of CIA, as well as interactions of dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and gender are discussed. We suggest that the ability of FO diets to influence favourably the course of chronic inflammatory diseases is mediated via alterations in n-6 fatty acid metabolism and that intrinsic differences in n-6 fatty acid metabolism may account not only for our reported gender differences in incidence and severity of CIA, but also the well-documented sexual dimorphism in immune/inflammatory responses in general.

Regulation of human synovial fibroblast collagenase messenger RNA by interleukin-1

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) may contribute to tissue destruction in rheumatoid arthritis, in part, by inducing messenger RNA (mRNA) that encodes interstitial collagenase. In human synovial fibroblasts in vitro, IL-1 induced collagenase mRNA accumulation 6 hours after being added to the cells. High levels of mRNA remained present for at least 48 hours after treatment. The rate of transcription of collagenase in isolated nuclei peaked after approximately 6 hours of treatment with IL-1 and declined thereafter, becoming nearly undetectable by 24 hours. The persistence of mRNA, in view of the transient peak of transcription, suggested that collagenase mRNA was stable in synovial fibroblasts. The half-life of collagenase mRNA after the synoviocytes were treated with actinomycin D was approximately 27 hours, both in the presence and in the absence of IL-1. It has been noted that induction of the expression of collagenase by phorbol esters requires fos protein synthesis and is mediated through a tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate response element in the 5'-flanking region of the gene. However, we found that cycloheximide, when added to synovial fibroblast cultures up to 6 hours after treatment with IL-1, inhibited the expression of collagenase mRNA. These results suggest that fos alone is unlikely to be sufficient for collagenase expression, and that additional factors, or alternative pathways, are involved in the induction of collagenase by IL-1.

Cloning the interleukin 1 receptor from human T cells

cDNA clones of the interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor expressed in a human T-cell clone have been isolated by using a murine IL-1 receptor cDNA as a probe. The human and mouse receptors show a high degree of sequence conservation. Both are integral membrane proteins possessing a single membrane-spanning segment. Similar to the mouse receptor, the human IL-1 receptor contains a large cytoplasmic region and an extracellular, IL-1 binding portion composed of three immunoglobulin-like domains. When transfected into COS cells, the human IL-1 receptor cDNA clone leads to expression of two different affinity classes of receptors, with Ka values indistinguishable from those determined for IL-1 receptors in the original T-cell clone. An IL-1 receptor expressed in human dermal fibroblasts has also been cloned and sequenced and found to be identical to the IL-1 receptor expressed in T cells.

Interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), gelatinase (MMP-2) and stromelysin (MMP-3) released by human fibroblasts cultured on acellular sarcoid granulomas (sarcoid matrix complex, SMC)

We studied collagenase, gelatinase and stromelysin syntheses by human fibroblasts cultured on three models of tridimensional matrix: native collagen sponge, native collagen complexed with glycosaminoglycans sponge, and acellular sarcoid matrix complex prepared from human sarcoid granulomas. Collagenase and stromelysin biosyntheses were differently stimulated according to culture conditions. Fibroblasts secreted a same amount of collagenase or stromelysin when cultured on collagen and collagen-glycosaminoglycans sponges, while collagenase and stromelysin secretions were widely amplified when cultured on sarcoid matrix complex. In contrast, gelatinase production was equally induced by the three culture conditions. In the different culture conditions on tridimensional matrix, the three matrix metalloproteinases were synthesized in a latent form. Thus, the sarcoid matrix complex stimulated the release of collagenase and stromelysin by fibroblast, but did not stimulate the release of gelatinase. This suggests that collagenase and stromelysin syntheses are co-regulated while gelatinase production is controlled by a distinct mechanism.

Functional and molecular characterization of a monoclonal antibody against the 165-186 peptide of human IL-1 beta

A synthetic peptide of human recombinant interleukin 1 beta (hrIL-1 beta) 165-186, which exhibits biological activity in the human fibroblast assay, was used as an immunizing antigen to obtain a murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb) termed FIB 1. This MoAb, an IgG1, reacts specifically with hrIL-1 beta, but not with hrIL-1 alpha, as measured in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The MoAb FIB 1 detects the characteristic 17 kDa IL-1 protein in Western blots. Binding to the antigen is specific, as deduced also from the close correlation of ELISA immunoreactivity with IL-1 biological activity. The anti-IL-1 beta 165-186 Ab specifically neutralizes the biological activity of hrIL-1 beta and native IL-1, as measured by the IL-1-induced proliferation of murine thymocytes and human fibroblasts and the IL-1-dependent IL-2 production by murine T cells (EL4-6.1). Fifty per cent of hrIL-1 beta activity (25 U/ml, or 0.25 ng/ml) has neutralized by less than 30 micrograms/ml of MoAb. Furthermore, FIB 1 recognizes intracellular IL-1 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The anti-IL-1 beta 165-186 Ab does not react with the shorter IL-1 beta fragment 161-173 in solid-phase ELISA, therefore the binding region seems to be localized in the amino acid sequence VALGLKEKNLYLS. A sandwich-ELISA, using a polyclonal sheep anti-IL-1 beta 251-269 Ab as the capture antibody and an anti-IL-1 beta 165-186 MoAb as the detecting probe, allowed the determination of IL-1 beta from crude culture supernatants.

Heterogeneity among human mononuclear phagocytes in their secretion of lysozyme, interleukin 1 and type-beta transforming growth factor: a quantitative analysis at the single-cell level

Human mononuclear phagocytes have the remarkable capacity to secrete a wide range of products. The reverse hemolytic plaque assay was used to visualize and quantify the secretion of lysozyme, interleukin 1 or type-beta transforming growth factor by individual monocytes and macrophages. With this sensitive immunoassay, the release of these products by either freshly isolated monocytes, macrophages derived from monocytes in vitro, or activated peritoneal macrophages was detected in both the presence and absence of secretagogues. When coupled with immunocytochemistry for EBM/11, a monoclonal marker for human cells of the monocyte/macrophage cell lineage, functional heterogeneity was evident both in the amount of lysozyme, interleukin 1 or type-beta transforming growth factor released per cell, and in the number of EBM/11+ cells which secreted detectable levels of these products at any one time. In addition, there was a size-dependent heterogeneity among human monocytes and culture-derived macrophages in their ability to secrete interleukin 1 or lysozyme, respectively. We conclude that the secretory activity of individual mononuclear phagocytes is markedly heterogeneous.

Cellular basis and oncogene expression of rheumatoid joint destruction

A new animal model for human rheumatoid arthritis is described, and the unsolved questions regarding the mechanism of primary joint destruction are discussed. Following an analysis of the types of cells and antibodies found in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis, it is concluded that both expression of oncogenes and the presence of retroviral sequences detectable by monoclonal antibodies to HTLV I p19 and p24 sequences are associated with early abnormal proliferation of apparently transformed cells at the site of initial cartilage and/or bone destruction.

Two high-affinity interleukin 1 receptors represent separate gene products

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is a polypeptide hormone that mediates a broad range of biological activities and interacts with surface receptors on numerous cell types. Equilibrium binding studies have identified a class of IL-1 receptors on T cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells that have 2- to 5-fold higher affinity than the receptors on bone marrow cells, pre-B cells, and macrophage cell lines. Affinity cross-linking with human 125I-labeled IL-1 alpha (125I-IL-1 alpha) labels an approximately 100-kDa protein on T cells and fibroblasts and an approximately 80-kDa protein on pre-B cells and macrophage cell lines. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies specific for the IL-1 receptor on T cells and fibroblasts block human 125I-IL-1 alpha binding to T cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells but cannot block IL-1 binding to bone marrow cells, pre-B cells, and macrophages. These antibodies immunoprecipitate the IL-1 receptor-human 125I-IL-1 alpha complex from T cells and fibroblasts but not from pre-B cells and macrophage cell lines. An S1 nuclease protection assay demonstrated that T cells and fibroblasts contain identical IL-1 receptor mRNA but that pre-B cells and macrophages do not contain this receptor mRNA. Taken together, the data demonstrate that mouse T cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells express an identical IL-1 receptor, whereas the IL-1 receptor on pre-B cells, macrophages, and bone marrow cells represents a different gene product.

Tumor necrosis factor causes amplification of arachidonic acid metabolism in response to interleukin 1, bradykinin, and other agonists

Tumor necrosis factor stimulated prostaglandin E2 synthesis in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. Interleukin 1 also stimulated prostaglandin synthesis. Simultaneous addition of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1 synergistically stimulated prostaglandin synthesis, even when both growth factors were added at what would be supramaximal concentrations by themselves. Several small peptides and nonpeptides rapidly stimulate prostaglandin synthesis in these cells. Pretreatment with tumor necrosis factor synergistically enhanced prostaglandin synthesis in response to bradykinin, bombesin, thrombin, norepinephrine, and platelet-activating factor. Thus, tumor necrosis factor stimulates prostaglandin synthesis and greatly amplifies prostaglandin synthesis in response to other agonists. This finding may have significance in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis in which several hormones and growth factors may synergistically augment eicosanoid synthesis.

Regulation of human gingival fibroblast growth and synthetic activity by cyclosporine-A in vitro

Gingival overgrowth is an adverse side-effect seen in a proportion of patients taking cyclosporin-A which indicates that cyclosporine-A may modulate the activities of cells other than T lymphocytes. Therefore, the effect of cyclosporine on human gingival fibroblasts has been studied in vitro. Cyclosporine-A was found to stimulate DNA synthesis and the proliferative activity of these cells with maximal stimulation noted at a concentration of 10(-9) g/ml. Although this stimulation was most noticeable in the presence of 10% fetal calf serum, proliferation still occurred in serum-free medium. In the presence of lipopolysaccharide, at a concentration which normally inhibits gingival fibroblast proliferation, cyclosporine retained its capacity to stimulate proliferative activity. Fibroblasts isolated from overgrown gingival tissue responded to a greater extent than those isolated from a healthy site from the same individual. This stimulatory effect was not restricted to gingival fibroblasts, since human foreskin fibroblasts responded in a similar fashion. Cyclosporine-A did not significantly alter protein or proteoglycan production by these cells. These responses are considered to reflect the in vivo response of gingival overgrowth in patients taking cyclosporine-A. The reversal of lipopolysaccharide inhibition of gingival fibroblast proliferation by cyclosporine-A may explain, in part, why gingival overgrowth is most prominent in areas of heavy dental plaque accumulation.

Immunolocalization of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (stromelysin) in rheumatoid synovioblasts (B cells): correlation with rheumatoid arthritis

Metalloproteinases produced by connective tissue cells may play a key part in the destruction of joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3; stromelysin) capable of degrading cartilage proteoglycans and type IX collagen and of activating procollagenase was immunolocalised in hyperplastic synovial lining cells in rheumatoid synovium, but not in the cells of normal synovium. Cells responsible for synthesis of MMP-3 have the phenotype of synovioblasts (B cells) by immunoelectron microscopy, but not of phagocytic synovial macrophages (A cells). Cultured monolayer of rheumatoid synovial cells synthesises MMP-3 only under treatment with macrophage conditioned medium. Immunolocalisation of MMP-3 in rheumatoid synovium and cultured synovial cells was possible when the specimens were treated with a monovalent ionophore, monensin. These results suggest that MMP-3 is synthesised and secreted continuously without storage from hyperplastic synovioblasts stimulated by factor(s) derived from activated macrophages present in the synovium.

Occurrence of interleukin-1 in human synovial fluid: detection by RIA, bioassay and presence of bioassay-inhibiting factors

Synovial fluid (SF) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and various other arthridites was analyzed to assess the prevalence of interleukin-1 (IL-1) using both radioimmunoassay competitive inhibition specific for the beta form of IL-1 and the D10.G4.1 cell line bioassay which measures both alpha and beta forms of IL-1. Using radioimmunoassay competitive inhibition, IL-1 beta was found in 45% and 60% of individual samples from patients with OA and RA respectively. When RA and OA SF were examined in sequentially obtained samples, IL-1 beta occurred in one or more samples from 8 of 10 patients studied, suggesting the probability that it can be produced at some time in SF by all patients with these conditions. No correlation between SF leukocyte counts and the occurrence of IL-1 beta was noted and no effect of antiinflammatory drug treatment on the prevalence of IL-1 beta was found. When tested for the presence of IL-1 by the D10.G4-1 cell line, 66% and 50% of RA and OA patients respectively were found to contain IL-1. These were not in total concordance with results obtained by RIA. Of all SF tested, seven were negative by RIA but positive by D10.G4.1 and these are considered to contain IL-1 alpha. Seven samples which were RIA positive and D10.G4.1 negative were tested for their ability to inhibit IL-1 responses in the bioassay. Five of these contained inhibitor and one markedly enhanced the proliferative response of D10.G4.1 to a known amount of IL-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha and recombinant human interleukin-1 beta stimulate cartilage matrix degradation and inhibit glycosaminoglycan synthesis

Recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha (rhIL-1 alpha) and recombinant human interleukin 1 beta (rhIL-1 beta) stimulated the time- and concentration-dependent release of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) from bovine nasal cartilage explants. Maximum GAG release occurred during six to eight days of cartilage exposure to either species of rhIL-1; and rhIL-1 alpha was consistently more potent than rhIL-1 beta. In addition to inducing cartilage matrix resorption, rhIL-1 alpha and rhIL-1 beta also inhibited the incorporation of [35SO4]sulfate into cartilage, which is a reflection of the suppression of GAG synthesis. IL-1 had no capacity to stimulate GAG relase from or inhibit GAG synthesis by dead cartilage. Cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, and 1, 10-phenanthroline, a metalloproteinase inhibitor, suppressed rhIL-1-stimulated cartilage matrix resorption. Polyclonal antisera to rhIL-1 alpha and rhIL-1 beta specifically neutralized the respective cytokines.

A sensitive IL-1 thymocyte co-stimulator assay using a novel beta-D-galactoside specific lectin from the beetle, Allomyrina dichotoma

A sensitive thymocyte co-stimulator assay of IL-1 using a beta-D-galactoside specific lectin (allo A) obtained from the beetle (Allomyrina dichotoma) is reported here. Allo A stimulated [3H]thymidine uptake of mouse thymocytes in the presence of IL-1. The allo A assay was more sensitive than the PHA or PNA- thymocyte assay, especially at low doses of IL-1. Optimal conditions for the allo A assay were as follows: allo A, 2.5-5.0 micrograms/ml; whole thymocytes, 0.5-1.0 x 10(6) cells/well; incubation time, 72-96 hr. The assay is sensitive and convenient and can easily be performed in any laboratory.

Characterisation of soluble and cell associated phospholipase A2 from rheumatoid synovial fluid

The hydrolysis of radiolabelled Escherichia coli phospholipids, and micellar dispersions of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, were used to characterise the phospholipase A2 activity in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Cell free fractions of synovial fluid contain a phospholipase A2 enzyme that preferentially releases [14C]oleic acid from E coli biomembranes (specific activity 291.3 (SEM 27.6) pmol/min/mg). This enzyme requires calcium and is optimally active at neutral pH. Purified dispersions of phosphatidylethanolamine are also readily degraded by the soluble enzyme, but it is not active against phosphatidylcholine. The substitution of [14C]oleic acid by [3H]arachidonic acid for the labelling of E coli allowed differentiation between the soluble phospholipase A2 and the cell associated phospholipase A2 present in sonicates of mononuclear cells and neutrophils from peripheral blood and synovial fluid. The cell associated phospholipase A2 preferentially releases [3H]arachidonic acid from E coli cardiolipin. In this paper the phospholipid substrate specificity of phospholipase A2 from rheumatoid synovial fluid, the optimal assay conditions for its detection, and a standardised expression of activity in terms of pmol per minute per mg of protein are established.

Cytokine-mediated proteolysis in tissue remodelling

Proteolytic enzymes play a key role in a variety of physiological processes in which the degradation of macromolecules is essential: angiogenesis, embryogenesis, bone and tissue remodelling, blood hemostasis and cell migration. The action of these enzymes is also crucial in the development of many pathological conditions such as wound healing, neoplasia, inflammation and arthritic disorders. The activity of proteases is negatively affected by specific protease-inhibitors. Various growth factors and other cytokines modulate the synthesis and secretion of both proteases and protease-inhibitors. The study of this regulation results in a better insight into (patho)physiology at the molecular level and promises to result in alternative treatment strategies.

Biochemical characterization of soluble phospholipase A2 from rheumatoid synovial fluid

Radiolabeled E. coli, Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and Phosphatidylcholine (PC), were used to characterize the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in synovial fluid (SF) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Cell-free fractions of SF contain a PLA2 enzyme that preferentially releases [14C]oleic acid from E. coli, requires calcium and is optimally active at neutral pH. Purified PE, but not PC is also readily degraded by the soluble enzyme. A cell-associated PLA2 present in sonicates of SF mononuclear cells and neutrophils preferentially releases [3H]AA from E. coli. These studies suggest the presence of at least two different enzymes with activity of PLA2 in rheumatoid SF.