PDGF suppresses the activation of group II phospholipase A2 gene expression by interleukin 1 and forskolin in mesangial cells

Effects of Genistein on Common Kidney Diseases

Genistein is a naturally occurring phytoestrogen (soy or soybean products) that is classified as an isoflavone, and its structure is similar to that of endogenous estrogens; therefore, genistein can exert an estrogen-like effect via estrogen receptors. Additionally, genistein is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which enables it to block abnormal cell growth and proliferation signals through the inhibition of tyrosine kinase. Genistein is also an angiogenesis inhibitor and an antioxidant. Genistein has effects on kidney cells, some of the kidney’s physiological functions, and a variety of kidney diseases. First, genistein exerts a protective effect on normal cells by reducing the inflammatory response, inhibiting apoptosis, inhibiting oxidative stress, inhibiting remodeling, etc., but after cell injury, the protective effect of genistein decreases or even has the opposite effect. Second, genistein can regulate renin intake to maintain blood pressure balance, regulate calcium uptake to regulate Ca²⁺ and Pi balances, and reduce vasodilation to promote diuresis. Third, genistein has beneficial effects on a variety of kidney diseases (including acute kidney disease, kidney cancer, and different chronic kidney diseases), such as reducing symptoms, delaying disease progression, and improving prognosis. Therefore, this paper reviews animal and human studies on the protective effects of genistein on the kidney in vivo and in vitro to provide a reference for clinical research in the future.

Role of secretory phospholipase a(2) in CNS inflammation: implications in traumatic spinal cord injury

Secretory phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)s) are a subfamily of lipolytic enzymes which hydrolyze the acyl bond at the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids to produce free fatty acids and lysophospholipids. These products are precursors of bioactive eicosanoids and platelet-activating factor (PAF). The hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids by PLA(2) is a rate-limiting step for generation of eicosanoids and PAF. To date, more than 10 isozymes of sPLA(2) have been found in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Under physiological conditions, sPLA(2)s are involved in diverse cellular responses, including host defense, phospholipid digestion and metabolism. However, under pathological situations, increased sPLA(2) activity and excessive production of free fatty acids and their metabolites may lead to inflammation, loss of membrane integrity, oxidative stress, and subsequent tissue injury. Emerging evidence suggests that sPLA(2) plays a role in the secondary injury process after traumatic or ischemic injuries in the brain and spinal cord. Importantly, sPLA(2) may act as a convergence molecule that mediates multiple key mechanisms involved in the secondary injury since it can be induced by multiple toxic factors such as inflammatory cytokines, free radicals, and excitatory amino acids, and its activation and metabolites can exacerbate the secondary injury. Blocking sPLA(2) action may represent a novel and efficient strategy to block multiple injury pathways associated with the CNS secondary injury. This review outlines the current knowledge of sPLA(2) in the CNS with emphasis placed on the possible roles of sPLA(2) in mediating CNS injuries, particularly the traumatic and ischemic injuries in the brain and spinal cord.

Synergistic effects of PDGF-BB and cAMP-elevating agents on expression of connexin43 in mesangial cells

The gap junction plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, migration, and differentiation. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is reported to be a potent inhibitor of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Short-term exposure of cells to PDGF causes rapid and transient disruption of GJIC without altering connexin43 (Cx43) protein level. In this study, we investigated long-term effects of PDGF-BB on Cx43 expression in mesangial cells (MCs). Exposure of MCs to PDGF-BB affected neither the Cx43 protein level nor GJIC. However, in the presence of cAMP-elevating agents, PDGF-BB dramatically increased the expression of Cx43, which was accompanied by obviously augmented membrane distribution of Cx43 and functional GJIC. The increased expression of Cx43 was closely correlated with reduction in alpha-actin, a dedifferentiation marker of MCs. The effect of PDGF on Cx43 was largely prevented by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase or mitogen-activated protein kinase, but not by inhibition of protein kinase C. Exposure of MCs to PDGF-BB caused elevation in intracellular cAMP, and it was abolished by indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. However, indomethacin did not affect the synergistic effect. In addition, PDGF-BB also did not affect the degradation of Cx43. With the use of MCs transfected with a Cx43 promoter-luciferase vector, cooperative activation of Cx43 promoter by PDGF and cAMP was found. Together, our data reveal, for the first time, unexpected synergy between PDGF-BB and cAMP-elevating agents in the induction of Cx43 and MC differentiation. Regulation of GJIC could be an important mechanism via which PDGF modulates MC phenotypes.

Phospholipase A2 enzymes

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 position of membrane glycerophospholipids to liberate arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor of eicosanoids including prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The same reaction also produces lysophosholipids, which represent another class of lipid mediators. So far, at least 19 enzymes that possess PLA2 activity have been identified and cloned in mammals. The secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) family, in which 10 isozymes have been identified, consists of low-molecular weight, Ca2+-requiring secretory enzymes that have been implicated in a number of biological processes, such as modification of eicosanoid generation, inflammation, and host defense. The cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) family consists of three enzymes, among which cPLA2alpha has been paid much attention by researchers as an essential component of the initiation of AA metabolism. The activation of cPLA2alpha is tightly regulated by Ca2+ and phosphorylation. The Ca2+-independent PLA2 (iPLA2) family contains two enzymes and may play a major role in phospholipid remodeling. The platelet-activating factor (PAF) acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) family contains four enzymes that exhibit unique substrate specificity toward PAF and/or oxidized phospholipids. Degradation of these bioactive phospholipids by PAF-AHs may lead to the termination of inflammatory reaction and atherosclerosis.

Transcriptional regulation of inflammatory secreted phospholipases A(2)

Secreted phospholipases A(2) is a family of small molecular weight and calcium-dependent enzymes of which the members list is presently growing. Among these enzymes, the synovial type IIA and the type V phospholipases A(2) are involved in inflammation. Although their actual mechanism is still a subject of debate, new therapeutic strategies can result from the knowledge of the regulations of their gene expression. The human genes of the type IIA and type V phospholipases A(2) are located on the chromosome 1 at close positions and transcribed in reverse orientations. These genes can therefore be regulated by common elements but only the regulation of the type IIA phospholipase A(2) gene expression has been extensively studied. Pro-inflammatory cytokines upregulate while the growth factors downregulate the type IIA phospholipase A(2) gene expression. Interleukin-6 and interleukin-1beta exert their effects at least partially at the transcriptional level. The transcriptional regulation of the type IIA phospholipase A(2) gene is cell- and species-specific. The activity of the human promoter is controlled by the CAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) factors while that of the rat promoter is regulated by nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and C/EBPs. Furthermore, the human promoter is constitutively repressed in hepatocytes by single strand DNA binding proteins whose effects are relieved by C/EBP factors while the glucocorticoid receptor interacts with C/EBPs in chondrocytes to achieve full basal and interleukin-1beta-stimulated transcription activity. Other factors like CTF/NF1 and Sp1 might be involved in the regulation of both the rat and human promoter. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors could contribute to the stimulation of the rat promoter by NF-kappaB in vascular smooth muscle cells. The study of the coactivators and coinhibitors associated to these transcription factors will give a better understanding of the diversity and complexity of the transcriptional regulations of the type IIA phospholipase A(2) gene.

Stimulus- and cell-type-specific regulation of CCAAT-enhancer binding protein isoforms in glomerular mesangial cells by lipopolysaccharide and cytokines

Binding sites for the CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family are present in the promoter regions of several genes that are known to be expressed by mesangial cells (MC) during the pathogenesis of glomerular inflammatory diseases. The precise regulation of the C/EBP family by agents that are known to activate MC is, however, poorly understood. We report here the action of interleukin-1 (IL)-1 and, for the first time, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on the C/EBP expression profile and functional DNA binding activity in primary rat MC. Both cell-type- and stimulus-specific regulation of C/EBP mRNA expression and DNA binding activity were identified, with C/EBPalpha being induced by LPS, C/EBPbeta by LPS, IL-1, TNF-alpha and C/EBPdelta by LPS, IL-1, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and PDGF. Such differential regulation, particularly that of C/EBPbeta, may be responsible for the mediator-specific differences in the expression of C/EBP-regulated genes in MC. Additionally, the involvement of potential post-transcriptional mechanisms in the regulation of C/EBPdelta were identified. These studies provide novel insights into the stimulus-specific regulation of gene expression during renal diseases.

Modulation of cytokine-induced expression of secretory phospholipase A2-type IIA by protein kinase C in rat renal mesangial cells

Renal mesangial cells express the 14 kDa secretory phospholipase A2-type IIA (sPLA2-IIA) in response to interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). In order to understand the regulation of cytokine-induced sPLA2-IIA induction in more detail, we investigated whether phorbol ester-activated protein kinase C (PKC) has an influence on the IL-1beta-induced expression of sPLA2-IIA. We found that treatment of mesangial cells with the biologically active phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate inhibited IL-1beta induction of sPLA2-IIA mRNA, protein, and activity, whereas the inactive compound 4alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate was without effect. An 8-hr pretreatment with PMA, which led to down-regulation of PKC-alpha and -delta isoenzymes, still inhibited sPLA2-IIA induction. Only after down-regulation of PKC-epsilon isoenzyme by 24-hr preincubation with PMA were we able to reconstitute the IL-1beta-induced sPLA2-IIA expression. Thrombin as a physiological activator of PKC in mesangial cells exerted similar effects as PMA and inhibited sPLA2-IIA expression. The selective PKC inhibitor calphostin C potentiated IL-1beta induction of sPLA2-IIA mRNA levels and partially reconstituted the thrombin-induced inhibition of sPLA2-IIA mRNA and activity. These data show that IL-1beta induction of sPLA2-IIA can be modulated by PKC and that the epsilon-isoenzyme of the PKC family is the most likely candidate mediating the suppression of cytokine-induced sPLA2-IIA expression in mesangial cells.

Phospholipase A2: its usefulness in laboratory diagnostics

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids. This article reviews the source and structure of PLA2, the involvement of the enzyme in various biological and pathological phenomena, and the usefulness of PLA2 assays in laboratory diagnostics. Of particular importance is the role of PLA2 in the cellular production of mediators of inflammatory response to various stimuli. Assays for PLA2 activity and mass concentration are discussed, and the results of enzyme determinations in plasma from patients with different pathological conditions are presented. The determination of activity and mass concentration in plasma is particularly useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatitis, multiple organ failure, septic shock, and rheumatoid arthritis. A very important result is the demonstration that PLA2 is an acute phase protein, like CRP. Indeed, there is a close correlation between PLA2 mass concentration and CRP levels in several pathological conditions. Although the determination of C-reactive protein is much easier to perform and is routinely carried out in most clinical laboratories, the assessment of PLA2 activity or mass concentration has to be considered as a reliable approach to obtain a deeper understanding of some pathological conditions and may offer additional information concerning the prognosis of several disorders.

Regulation of the cellular expression of secretory and cytosolic phospholipases A2, and cyclooxygenase-2 by peptide growth factors

Secretory group II (sPLA2) and cytosolic (cPLA2) phospholipases A2 and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) play a pivotal role in release of proinflammatory eicosanoids. Excessive activity of sPLA2 per se can also propagate inflammation. Endogenous control of the above enzymes has not been completely elucidated. We investigated the combined impact of promoting cytokines and inhibitory peptide growth factors on the expression of mRNA of the above enzymes, on protein content and extracellular release of sPLA2 and on PGE2 production in osteoblasts (FRCO). The synthesis and release of sPLA2 were enhanced by about 20-fold by 0.5 ng/ml IL-1beta or by 50 ng/ml of TNFalpha. Coaddition of both cytokines resulted in synergistic 150-fold increase in the release of sPLA2 implying the existence of two paths of induction. IL-1beta and TNFalpha markedly enhanced the transcription of sPLA2 mRNA. Kinetic study showed that IL-1/TNF initiated sPLA2 release after 12 h, reaching maximum at 48 h. IL-1alpha was a weak stimulator of sPLA2 release, whereas IL-6, IL-8, IGF, IFN-gamma, growth hormone, insulin and GM-CSF were not stimulatory. Peptide growth hormones TGFbeta, PDGF-BB, EGF and bFGF markedly inhibited the extracellular release of sPLA2. TGFbeta and PDGF-BB significantly reduced the level of sPLA2 mRNA, thus acting upon transcription whereas EGF and bFGF were not inhibitory, acting rather upon the translational or posttranslational steps. IL-1/TNF and growth factors had no significant effect on cPLA2 mRNA expression. Cox-2 mRNA expression was markedly enhanced by IL-1/TNF and suppressed by all growth factors tested. Cytokines enhanced the extracellular release of PGE2 and further enhancement was induced by growth factors with the exception of TGFbeta. Cycloheximide abolished completely the release of sPLA2 and markedly reduced the release of PGE2 from cytokine-stimulated FRCO, regardless of whether growth factors were present or not. NS-398, a specific inhibitor of Cox-2 abolished almost completely the release of PGE2 from cytokine-stimulated cells, regardless of the presence of growth factors. Thus, different signalling mechanisms are involved in the impact of growth factors on mRNA expression of sPLA2, cPLA2 and Cox-2. The differences between the impact on FRCO sPLA2 and that reported in other cells, imply that endogenous control of arachidonic acid cascade is cell-specific.

Platelet-derived growth factor and fibroblast growth factor differentially regulate interleukin 1beta- and cAMP-induced group II phospholipase A2 expression in rat renal mesangial cells

Expression of group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2; EC 3.1.1.4) in rat renal mesangial cells is triggered in response to two principal classes of activating signals. These two groups of activators comprise inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) or tumor necrosis factor alpha and agents that elevate cellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) such as forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase. Treatment of mesangial cells with IL-1beta or forskolin for 24 h induces group II PLA2 activity secreted into cell culture supernatants by about 15-fold and 11-fold, respectively. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB potently inhibits secretion of IL-1beta- and forskolin-induced group II PLA2 activity. By Western and Northern blot analyses, we demonstrate that this is due to a reduction of PLA2 protein levels and the corresponding PLA2 mRNA steady-state levels. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) virtually does not inhibit IL-1beta-stimulated group II PLA2 activity, but markedly inhibits forskolin-induced expression of group II PLA2 activity. These effects are caused by changes in the corresponding PLA2 protein and PLA2 mRNA steady-state levels. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) by the potent and selective PKC inhibitor calphostin C converted the inhibitory action of PDGF into a bFGF-type of response thus suggesting that PKC is a major effector in PDGF-induced inhibition of IL-1beta-stimulated group II sPLA2 expression. In summary, our data suggest that PDGF and bFGF differentially modulate in a stimulus-specific manner the expression of group II PLA2 in mesangial cells.

On the induction of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and soluble phospholipase A2 in rat mesangial cells by a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug: the role of cyclic AMP

One of the challenges in the therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs is the avoidance of gastrointestinal side effects, which may be achieved by selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) -2. CGP 28238 is reported with these characteristics inhibiting selectively the COX-2 activity at nanomolar concentrations. However, we report here on a novel action of this compound uncovered during the application of higher concentrations. In rat mesangial cells, CGP 28238 induced the mRNA and the protein of COX-2 as well as those of inducible nitric oxide synthase and soluble phospholipase A2. In the case of COX-2, this stimulation had no effect on the production of COX-2 metabolites because of the effective blockade of the enzyme. In contrast, the level of NO produced by the cells increased in a concentration-dependent manner from 1.2 to 12.5 nmol of nitrite/3 x 10(5) cells. Furthermore, in combination with low doses of IL-1 CGP 28238 superinduced the formation of nitrite. The observed effects were independent of the inhibition of prostaglandin formation, as suggested by the failure of the potent COX inhibitor diclofenac to cause similar effects. Furthermore, the activity and expression of enzymes downstream of the COX step, such as prostacyclin synthase, were unaffected by CGP 28238. The inductive action of CGP 28238 could be blocked by inhibitors for tyrosine kinases and protein kinase A, such as genistein and KT5720, respectively. The increase in intracellular cAMP concentration in rat mesangial cells and the inhibition by CGP 28238 of phosphodiesterase 4 activity with an IC50 value of 23 muM gave a rationale to explain the underlying mechanisms for the induction of the inflammatory response genes COX-2, soluble phospholipase A2 and inducible NO synthase in rat mesangial cells.

Down-regulation by prostaglandins of type-II phospholipase A2 expression in guinea-pig alveolar macrophages: a possible involvement of cAMP

We have demonstrated previously that isolated guinea-pig alveolar macrophages (AM) synthesize type-II phospholipase A2 (PLA2-II) through a tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-dependent process. This synthesis is enhanced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and accompanied by a release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) into the medium. Because agents elevating intracellular cAMP, such as PGE2, have been shown to stimulate PLA2-II expression in various cell types, we investigated the modulation of PLA2-II synthesis by cAMP in AM. Surprisingly, incubation of AM with PGE2, dibutyryl-cAMP, cholera toxin or rolipram (an inhibitor of specific cAMP-phosphodiesterase) inhibited both basal and LPS-stimulated PLA2-II expression. The inhibitory effect of PGE2 was observed at concentrations similar to those released by AM. Moreover, treatment of AM with either aspirin or neutralizing PGE2 monoclonal antibody stimulated PLA2-II synthesis. These effects were closely correlated with the ability of these agents to modulate TNF-alpha release, which was decreased by dibutyryl-cAMP and exogenous PGE2, whereas neutralizing PGE2 antibody markedly increased this release. Hence, in contrast to other cell systems, we report that: (i) agents elevating intracellular cAMP levels down-regulate both basal and LPS-induced PLA2-II synthesis, (ii) prostaglandins exert a negative feedback effect on this synthesis, probably through an elevation of intracellular cAMP levels, and (iii) inhibition of TNF-alpha release may account, at least in part, for the down-regulation of PLA2-II expression by endogenously produced prostaglandins and cAMP-elevating agents.

Suppression by cyclosporin A of interleukin 1 beta-induced expression of group II phospholipase A2 in rat renal mesangial cells

1. We investigated whether cyclosporin A, a potent immunosuppressive drug, affects group II phospholipase A2. (PLA2; EC 3.1.1.4) induction in rat renal mesangial cells. 2. Previously we showed that the expression of group II PLA2 in rat renal mesangial cells is triggered by exposure of the cells to inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) or tumour necrosis factor alpha and agents that elevate cellular levels of cyclic AMP. Treatment of mesangial cells with IL-1 beta for 24 h induced PLA2 activity secreted into cell culture supernatants by about 16 fold. Incubation of mesangial cells with cyclosporin A inhibited IL-1 beta-induced PLA2 section in a dose-dependent fashion, with an IC50 value of 4.3 microM. Cyclosporin A did not directly inhibit enzymatic activity of PLA2. 3. Immunoprecipitation of radioactively labelled PLA2 protein from mesangial cell supernatants revealed that the inhibition of PLA2 activity is due to a suppression of PLA2 protein levels. This effect was preceded by a reduction of PLA2 mRNA steady state levels, as demonstrated by Northern blot analyses of total cellular RNA isolated from stimulated mesangial cells. 4. In order to evaluate whether cyclosporin A would affect the transcriptional activity of the PLA2 gene, we performed nuclear run on transcription experiments and provided evidence that the transcription rate of the PLA2 gene is reduced by cyclosporin A. 5. Previously we found that the nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF kappa B) is an essential component of the IL-1 beta-dependent upregulation of PLA2 gene transcription. By electrophoretic mobility shift analysis, we demonstrated that cyclosporin A diminishes the formation of NF kappa B DNA-binding complexes, thus suggesting that this transcription factor is a target for cyclosporin A-mediated repression of PLA2 gene transcription. 6. The data presented in this study strongly suggest that the cellular mechanism involved in the IL1 beta-dependent transcriptional upregulation of the PLA2 gene in mesangial cells is a target for the action of cyclosporin A.

Posttranscriptional effect of insulin-like growth factor-I on interleukin-1beta-induced type II-secreted phospholipase A2 gene expression in rabbit articular chondrocytes

Large amounts of type II-secreted phospholipase A2 (type II sPLA2) are secreted into inflammatory synovial fluid and they are believed to induce the synthesis of lipid mediators by articular chondrocytes. Preliminary experiments showed that insulin-like growth factor-I, which counteracts cartilage degradation in arthritis, inhibits interleukin-1beta-induced type II sPLA2 gene expression in rabbit articular chondrocytes (Berenbaum, F., G. Thomas, S. Poiraudeau, G. Bereziat, M.T. Corvol, and J. Masliah. 1994. FEBS Lett. 340: 51-55). The present study showed that IL-1beta induced the sustained synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and a parallel increase in type II sPLA2 gene expression (assessed by enzymatic activity and Northern blot analysis), but no increase in cytosolic PLA2 gene expression (assessed by Northern and Western blot analysis) or cytosolic PLA2 activity in rabbit articular chondrocytes. IGF-I inhibited both IL-1beta-stimulated PGE2 synthesis and type II sPLA2 gene expression, but had no effect on cytosolic PLA2 gene expression. Nuclear run-on experiments revealed that IL-1beta stimulated the transcription rate of type II sPLA2 gene, giving rise to long-lived mRNA in cells treated with actinomycin D. IGF-I did not affect transcription rate, suggesting that it acts as a post-transcriptional step. Sucrose density gradient analysis of the translation step showed no effect of IGF-I on the entry of type II sPLA2 mRNA into the polysomal pool or on its distribution into the various polysomal complexes, suggesting that IGF-I does not act on the translation of the mRNA. Lastly, IGF-I strongly decreased the half-life of IL-1beta-induced type II sPLA2 mRNA (from 92 to 12 h), suggesting that IGF-I destabilizes mRNA. These data demonstrate that IL-1beta stimulates the transcription rate of the type II sPLA2 gene and gives rise to a very stable mRNA. In contrast, IGF-I decreases the half-life of the type II sPLA2 message.

Group II phospholipase A2 as an autocrine growth factor mediating interleukin-1 action on mesangial cells

The proliferation of mesangial cells plays a central role in the progression of glomerulonephritis. We studied the role of group II phospholipase A2 in interleukin-1-stimulated proliferation of mesangial cells. Cultured rat mesangial cells secreted 5.3 units group II phospholipase A2/24 h per 10(5) cells in response to stimulation of 200 U/ml of interleukin-1. Northern hybridization analysis showed that mRNA for group II phospholipase A2 was induced by exogenously added group II phospholipase A2 (15 U/ml) as well as interleukin-1. The pretreatment of quiescent mesangial cells with interleukin-1 augmented [3H]thymidine incorporation caused by platelet derived growth factor. Exogenous group II phospholipase A2 (5-36 U/ml) purified homogeneously from rat spleen also increased [3H]thymidine incorporation by platelet derived growth factor-stimulated mesangial cells in a dose dependent manner (36 U/ml phospholipase A2; 1.9-fold). The stimulatory effect of interleukin-1 on DNA synthesis of mesangial cells was specifically blunted by immunoglobulin raised against group II phospholipase A2. Group II phospholipase A2 (16 U/ml) amplified a platelet derived growth factor-stimulated increase in the mesangial cell number by 1.5-fold. Among the products of the phospholipase A2-catalyzed reaction, lysophospholipids including lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidic acid, but not fatty acids, mimicked the stimulatory effect of interleukin-1 and phospholipase A2. These results suggest that group II phospholipase A2 acts as a signaling molecule that mediates interleukin-1-induced growth of rat mesangial cells through yielding lysophospholipids.

Aspirin inhibits expression of the interleukin-1beta-inducible group II phospholipase A2

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) clearly inhibit the synthesis and release of prostaglandins. However, these actions are not sufficient to explain all the anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs. Recently, it has been shown that aspirin and sodium salicylate inhibit the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. Group II phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is expressed in rat glomerular mesangial cells upon exposure to the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and this induction is attenuated by the NF-kappaB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). We now report that aspirin inhibits the IL-1beta-induced sPLA2 activity in rat mesangial cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 value of aspirin for sPLA2 inhibition was 6.5 mM. This decrease in sPLA2 activity was not due to direct inhibition of enzymatic activity but rather to the fact that aspirin inhibits the expression of IL-1beta-induced sPLA2 protein and mRNA. Furthermore, by electrophoretic mobility shift analysis we demonstrate reduced DNA binding of the nuclear factor kappaB, an essential component of the IL-1beta-dependent upregulation of sPLA2 gene transcription, after treatment of the cells with aspirin. The study described in this report indicates that the inhibition of sPLA2 expression as induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines potentially represents an additional mechanism of action for aspirin.

Tetranactin inhibits interleukin 1 beta and cAMP induction of group II phospholipase A2 in rat renal mesangial cells

Renal mesangial cells express secretory phospholipase A2 in response to two principal classes of activating signals that may interact in a synergistic fashion. These two groups of activators comprise inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1 beta, and agents that elevate cellular levels of cAMP. Treatment of mesangial cells with tetranactin, a cyclic antibiotic produced by Streptomyces aureus with a molecular structure similar to cyclosporin A inhibits interleukin 1 beta- and cAMP-dependent group II phospholipase A2 secretion in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 43 and 33 nM, respectively. However, tetranactin does not directly inhibit group II phospholipase A2 activity. Western blot analyses of mesangial cell supernatants reveal that the inhibition of phospholipase A2 activity is due to suppression of phospholipase A2 protein synthesis. This effect is preceded by the reduction of phospholipase A2 mRNA steady-state levels as shown by Northern blot analyses of total cellular RNA isolated from stimulated mesangial cells. Thus, tetranactin is a potent inhibitor of group II phospholipase A2 expression in cytokine- and cAMP-stimulated mesangial cells and represents a new class of group II phospholipase A2 inhibitors with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. This compound may be useful in the therapy of diseases associated with increased group II phospholipase A2 secretion.

Effects of dexamethasone and transforming growth factor-beta 2 on group II phospholipase A2 mRNA and activity levels in interleukin 1 beta- and forskolin-stimulated mesangial cells

The expression of 14 kDa group II phospholipase A2 [also referred to as secretory PLA2 (sPLA2)] is induced in rat glomerular mesangial cells by exposure to inflammatory cytokines and forskolin, a cAMP elevating agent. Previously we have shown that dexamethasone and transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) suppress sPLA2 protein synthesis and enzyme activity induced by cytokines and forskolin. The regulation of sPLA2 by pro-inflammatory cytokines suggests that the enzyme may play a role in glomerular inflammatory reactions. In order to understand the regulation of sPLA, in more detail, we investigated whether dexamethasone and TGF-beta 2 also suppress sPLA, mRNA after its induction by either interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) or forskolin. We found that IL-1 beta-induced sPLA2 mRNA in rat mesangial cells is not down-regulated by pretreatment of the cells with dexamethasone, even at a concentration of 10 microM, which dramatically decreases sPLA2 protein levels and activity. Metabolic labelling experiments indicated that the decreased sPLA2 levels under these conditions can be explained by inhibition of the rate of sPLA2 synthesis from the elevated mRNA levels. In contrast, the forskolin-induced elevation of sPLA, mRNA is inhibited by dexamethasone in a concentration-dependent manner. Likewise, TGF-beta 2 inhibits the elevation of sPLA, mRNAs induced by either IL-1 beta or forskolin. The decrease in sPLA2 mRNA caused by TGF-beta 2 corresponds with the decrease in sPLA2 enzyme levels and activity. These data suggest that cytokine- and forskolin-induced sPLA2, expression is tightly controlled via both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Furthermore, we show that pretreatment of mesangial cells with epidermal growth factor prior to stimulation with IL-1 beta or forskolin had no suppressing effect on sPLA2 levels or enzyme activity, as has been reported previously for osteoblasts.

Phospholipase A2 is secreted by murine keratinocytes after stimulation with IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-catalysed liberation of arachidonic acid is the rate-limiting step in the generation of the lipid mediators prostaglandins and leukotrienes. PLA2 regulation thus represents a pivotal mechanism in the pathogenesis of inflammation. In this study we investigated the effects of TNF alpha and IL-1 alpha on PLA2 activity in cultured murine keratinocytes. Starting 18 h after stimulation, PLA2 activity increased significantly by about 250-320%) in the supernatants and in the cell pellets. This effect was completely inhibited either by preincubation of the cells with dexamethasone 48 h before stimulation or by coincubation with actinomycin D. PLA2 activity detected in the supernatants was blocked by reduction with dithiothreitol, whereas the PLA2 activity in the pellets was dithiothreitol-resistant. We conclude that in murine keratinocytes IL-1 alpha induce de novo synthesis and release of a secretory PLA2 and the induction of a different PLA2 activity in the cytosol. These findings indicate a crucial link between early cytokine effects and the initiation of the lipid mediator cascade in keratinocytes. The observation that PLA2 induction could be completely inhibited by preincubation with dexamethasone allows new insights into the mechanism of steroid effects on epidermal inflammation and renders PLA2 regulation an interesting therapeutic target.

Secretory non-pancreatic phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase-2 expression by tracheobronchial smooth muscle cells

Lipid mediators of inflammation, contribute to airway hyper-reactivity in asthma. Since production of lipid mediators is largely regulated by phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and since PLA2 expression in mesenchymal cells is induced by cytokines and other signals, we examined PLA2 expression by rat tracheobronchial smooth muscle cells (TBSMC). PLA2 expression in TBSMC cultures was markedly increased by tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) alpha (130-fold) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) (7.4-fold). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS;100 ng/ml) resulted in a 51-fold increase in extracellular PLA2 activity. PLA2 expression by LPS-stimulated or cytokine-stimulated cells was downregulated by dexamethasone. Whereas forskolin or dibutyrl cAMP increased PLA2 activity, inhibition of protein kinase A but not tyrosine kinase reduced PLA2 expression. Northern blot analysis showed that TNF alpha and IL-1beta increased both PLA2 and inducible cyclooxygenase (Cox-2) mRNA transcription. Addition of dexamethasone substantially blunted the increase in PLA2 and Cox-2 mRNA. In contrast, the level of Cox-1 mRNA was very low and did not change with the various treatments. Since proinflammatory lipid mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and PLA2 activity regulates generation of these lipid mediators, cytokine-stimulated synthesis and release of PLA2 by airway smooth cells may contribute to the potentiation of airway inflammation in asthma.

Modulatory role of platelet-derived growth factor on cytokine-induced nerve growth factor synthesis in rat glomerular mesangial cells

Recent evidence indicates that cytokines are potent inducers of nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in peripheral tissues and in brain. Cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells respond to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by increased NGF synthesis. We found that co-stimulation of rat glomerular mesangial cells with platelet-derived growth factor (PGDF-BB) and IL-1 beta/TNF-alpha significantly augments the IL-1 beta/TNF-alpha-induced NGF mRNA levels and NGF synthesis. In contrast, preincubation with PDGF-BB drastically reduces NGF gene expression and NGF protein synthesis in response to IL-1 beta/TNF-alpha stimulation. Thus our results indicate that PDGF-BB is a potent modulator of cytokine-induced NGF expression; its precise action is critically depending on the time at which the PDGF receptor is activated.

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate differentially affects cytokine- and cAMP-induced expression of group II phospholipase A2 in rat renal mesangial cells

Renal mesangial cells express group II phospholipase A2 in response to two principal classes of activating signals that may interact in a synergistic fashion. These two groups of activators comprise inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and agents that elevate cellular levels of cAMP such as forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase. Using pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a potent inhibitor of nuclear factor NF kappa B, we determined its role in cytokine--and cAMP--triggered group II PLA2 expression. Micromolar amounts of PDTC suppress the IL-1 beta- and TNF alpha-dependent, but not the forskolin-stimulated group II PLA2 activity in mesangial cells. Furthermore, PDTC inhibited the increase of group II PLA2 mRNA steady state levels in response to IL-1 beta and TNF alpha, while only marginally affecting forskolin-induced PLA2 mRNA levels. Our data suggest that NF kappa B activation is an essential component of the cytokine signalling pathway responsible for group II PLA2 gene regulation and that cAMP triggers a separate signalling cascade not involving NF kappa B. These observations may provide a basis to study the underlying mechanisms involved in the regulation of group II PLA2 gene expression.

Interleukin-1 stimulates de novo synthesis of mitogen-activated protein kinase in glomerular mesangial cells

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) stimulates a time- and concentration-dependent mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation in rat mesangial cells. A rapid increase in activity (maximal at 10 min) is followed by a second persistent level of activity which steadily increases over 24 h. The second peak of MAP kinase activity is paralleled by a marked de novo synthesis of p42 MAP kinase as measured by immunoprecipitation of [35S]methionine-labelled mesangial cells and by a 60% increase in total p42 MAP kinase protein as detected by Western blot analysis. We propose that IL-1 induced de novo synthesis of p42 MAP kinase is important for the multiplicity of long-term actions of this cytokine in renal mesangial cells.

Interleukin-1 beta-induced cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity and protein synthesis is blocked by dexamethasone in rat mesangial cells

Interleukin-1 beta induces gene expression and secretion of the secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release from rat mesangial cells. We have previously shown that prolonged treatment of rat mesangial cells with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) also enhances the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) activity. This effect of IL-1 beta on the cPLA2 activity is inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide, indicating that both transcription and translation are involved. Here, we describe that IL-1 beta increases mRNA levels and protein synthesis of cPLA2 itself. In parallel with the effect of dexamethasone on the sPLA2, this glucocorticoid inhibits the IL-1 beta-enhanced cPLA2 activity as a result of the suppression of IL-1 beta-induced cPLA2 gene expression. This report suggests that the pro-inflammatory action of interleukin-1 beta may, in part, be mediated by its effects on cPLA2 activity.

Cytokine-stimulated secretion of group II phospholipase A2 by rat mesangial cells. Its contribution to arachidonic acid release and prostaglandin synthesis by cultured rat glomerular cells

Potent pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha have been found to increase group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) synthesis and secretion by mesangial cells. In all cases 85-90% of the enzyme is secreted from the cells and a parallel increase in prostaglandin (PG)E2 synthesis is observed. We report here that co-incubation with a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds and neutralizes rat group II PLA2 attenuates IL-1 beta and TNF alpha-stimulated PGE2 production by 45% and 52%, respectively. CGP43182, a specific inhibitor of group II PLA2, potently blocks mesangial cell group II PLA2 in vitro with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.5 microM, while only slightly affecting mesangial cell high molecular weight PLA2. CGP 43182 markedly attenuates IL-1 beta- and TNF alpha-stimulated PGE2 synthesis in intact mesangial cells with IC50's of 1.3 and 1.0 microM, respectively. PLA2 secreted from cytokine-stimulated mesangial cells was purified to homogeneity. Addition of the purified enzyme to unstimulated mesangial cells causes a marked release of arachidonic acid and a subsequent increased synthesis of PGE2. Moreover, addition of purified PLA2 to a cloned rat glomerular epithelial cell line and cultured bovine glomerular endothelial cells augmented both arachidonic acid release and PGE2 synthesis, with the endothelial cells being especially sensitive. Thus, cytokine-triggered synthesis and secretion of group II PLA2 by mesangial cells contributes, at least in part, to the observed synthesis of PGE2 that occurs in parallel to the enzyme secretion. Furthermore, extracellular PLA2 secreted by mesangial cells is able to stimulate arachidonic acid release and PGE2 synthesis by the adjacent endothelial and epithelial cells. These data suggest that expression and secretion of group II PLA2 triggered by pro-inflammatory cytokines may crucially participate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory processes within the glomerulus.

Epidermal growth factor and phorbol myristate acetate increase expression of the mRNA for cytosolic phospholipase A2 in glomerular mesangial cells

We have previously shown that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity is rapidly activated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in renal mesangial cells and other cell systems in a manner that suggests a covalent modification of the PLA2 enzyme(s). This PLA2 activity is cytosolic (cPLA2) and is distinct from secretory forms of PLA2, which are also stimulated in mesangial cells in response to cytokines and other agonists. However, longer-term regulation of cPLA2 in renal cells may also occur at the level of gene expression. Cultured rat mesangial cells were used as a model system to test the effects of EGF and PMA on the regulation of cPLA2 gene expression. EGF and PMA both produced sustained increases in cPLA2 mRNA levels, with a parallel increase in enzyme activity over time. Inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide increased basal cPLA2 mRNA accumulation in serum-starved mesangial cells, and the combination of EGF and cycloheximide resulted in super-induction of cPLA2 gene expression compared with EGF alone. Actinomycin D treatment entirely abrogated the effect of EGF on cPLA2 mRNA accumulation. These findings suggest that regulation of cPLA2 is achieved by factors controlling gene transcription and possibly mRNA stability, in addition to previously characterized posttranslational modifications.

Cloning of the cDNA coding for 14 kDa group II phospholipase A2 from rat liver

The amino acid sequence of rat liver phospholipase A2 was partially elucidated using peptide fragments generated by enzymatic or chemical cleavage. Based on this sequence information, two oligonucleotide probes were constructed which were applied in a polymerase chain reaction on cDNA generated from rat liver total RNA. This resulted in cloning of the cDNA corresponding to the coding region of the mature phospholipase A2. The deduced amino acid sequence showed the enzyme belongs to the group II phospholipases, and is almost completely identical to rat platelet and spleen membrane-associated phospholipase A2. However, in the cDNA isolated one codon was different as compared to the platelet and spleen enzymes, resulting in the substitution of Ala94 by Arg94 in the liver enzyme. In Northern blot analyses the mRNA for rat group II phospholipase A2 could not be detected in rat liver, neither in total RNA nor in poly(A)+ RNA. However, a polymerase chain reaction using total RNA originating from freshly isolated hepatocytes resulted in the amplification of the described phospholipase A2 cDNA. This indicates that group II PLA2 mRNA is present in these cells, but presumably at very low abundance. The observed increase in rat group II phospholipase A2 secretion in rat mesangial cells upon stimulation with interleukin-1 beta (Pfeilschifter et al. (1989), Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 159, 385-394) was shown to be accompanied by an increased transcription of the rat group II phospholipase A2 gene, indicating interleukin exerts its effect via increased phospholipase A2 mRNA synthesis. Based on Northern blot analyses of stimulated rat mesangial cells, the size of the mRNA for rat group II phospholipase A2 was determined to be 0.9 kb.

Cytokine regulation of group II phospholipase A2 expression in glomerular mesangial cells

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is believed to play an essential role in inflammatory processes by releasing arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids for synthesis of important lipid mediators, such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and platelet activating factor. We have used glomerular mesangial cells as a model system to study the regulation of PLA2 under inflammatory conditions. Potent pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), as well as agents that increase cellular cAMP levels have been found to increase Group II PLA2 gene expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In all cases cytokine-induced synthesis of PLA2 occurred in parallel with cytokine-stimulated prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis. Three important classes of compounds that potently antagonise the stimulatory effect of IL-1, TNF alpha and cAMP on Group II PLA2 expression in mesangial cells have been identified, namely, glucocorticoids, transforming growth factors (TGF) type-beta and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Those agents may act sequentially to protect the kidney from damage resulting from cytokine-stimulated mediator release and the subsequent inflammatory reactions.

Interleukin-1 beta and transforming growth factor-beta 2 enhance cytosolic high-molecular-mass phospholipase A2 activity and induce prostaglandin E2 formation in rat mesangial cells

Interleukin-1 beta induces gene expression and secretion of group-II phospholipase A2 and release of prostaglandin E2 from rat mesangial cells. The interleukin-1 beta-induced synthesis of group-II phospholipase A2 is prevented by transforming growth factor-beta 2, whereas transforming growth factor-beta 2 potentiated the interleukin-1 beta-evoked prostaglandin E2 production. Transforming growth factor-beta 2 itself did not induce synthesis of group-II phospholipase A2, although it stimulated prostaglandin E2 formation. Here we describe the effect of interleukin-1 beta and transforming growth factor-beta 2 on a cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity and prostaglandin E2 formation in rat mesangial cells. Based on the resistance to dithiothreitol and migration profiles on a Mono-Q anion-exchange column and a Superose 12 gel-filtration column, the cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity was assigned to a high-molecular-mass phospholipase A2. Measured with 1-stearoyl-2-[1-14C]arachidonoylglycero-phosphocholine as substrate, both interleukin-1 beta and transforming growth factor-beta 2 enhanced the high-molecular-mass phospholipase A2 activity. The stimulation of rat mesangial cells with interleukin-1 beta and transforming growth factor-beta 2 was time- and dose-dependent with maximal cytosolic phospholipase A2 activities at 10 nM and at 10 ng/ml respectively, after 24 h of stimulation. Under these conditions, interleukin-1 beta and transforming growth factor-beta 2 enhanced the cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity 2.2 +/- 0.6-fold and 2.5 +/- 0.6-fold, respectively. These results strongly suggest that an enhanced cytosolic high-molecular-mass phospholipase A2 activity is involved in the formation of prostaglandin E2 mediated by transforming growth factor-beta 2. Whether interleukin-1 beta induced group-II phospholipase A2 and/or interleukin-1 beta-enhanced cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity is involved in prostaglandin E2 formation in rat mesangial cells is discussed.

Induction of neutral proteinase and prostanoid production in bovine nasal chondrocytes by interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha: modulation of these cellular responses by interleukin-6 and platelet-derived growth factor

We have previously reported that recombinant human interleukin-1 (IL-1) stimulates matrix erosion in bovine nasal cartilage explants (R. J. Smith et al., Inflammation 13, 367-382, 1989). This action of IL-1 is believed to be caused by matrix-degrading neutral proteinases produced by activated chrondrocytes. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), recombinant human interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) on bovine nasal chondrocyte (BNC) responsiveness. IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta stimulated a time (0-72 hr) and concentration-dependent (0.01-10 ng/ml) production of collagenase, gelatinase, caseinase, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in BNC monolayer cultures. Neutral proteinase and PGE2 production by BNC was also induced by TNF alpha (0.2-200 ng/ml) in a time-dependent (0-72 hr) manner. Recombinant human interleukin-6 (IL-6) caused a concentration-dependent (6-200 ng/ml) potentiation of IL-1-stimulated neutral proteinase and PGE2 production by BNC. However, recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor homodimer BB suppressed BNC responsiveness to IL-1. A recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist protein inhibited BNC activation by IL-1 but not TNF alpha.

Transforming growth factors type-beta and dexamethasone attenuate group II phospholipase A2 gene expression by interleukin-1 and forskolin in rat mesangial cells

Treatment of rat mesangial cells with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and forskolin induced, in a synergistic fashion, the expression of group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) mRNA, with subsequent increased synthesis and secretion of PLA2. In contrast, interleukin-6 did not increase PLA2 mRNA levels of PLA2 activity. Transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1, TGF beta 2 and TGF beta 3 equipotently attenuated the IL-1 beta- and forskolin-induced elevation of PLA2 mRNA, as well as PLA2 synthesis and secretion. The glucocorticoid dexamethasone only partially suppressed the IL-1 beta- and forskolin-induced elevation of PLA2 mRNA, but totally inhibited PLA2 synthesis and secretion.