1
|
Cirillo G, Pepe R, Siciliano M, Ippolito D, Ricciardi D, de Stefano M, Buonanno D, Atripaldi D, Abbadessa S, Perfetto B, Sharbafshaaer M, Sepe G, Bonavita S, Iavarone A, Todisco V, Papa M, Tedeschi G, Esposito S, Trojsi F. Long-Term Neuromodulatory Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Plasmatic Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) Levels and Visuospatial Abilities in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043231. [PMID: 36834642 PMCID: PMC9961904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that is used against cognitive impairment in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the rTMS therapeutic effects are still only partially investigated. Maladaptive plasticity, glial activation, and neuroinflammation, including metalloproteases (MMPs) activation, might represent new potential targets of the neurodegenerative process and progression from MCI to AD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of bilateral rTMS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on plasmatic levels of MMP1, -2, -9, and -10; MMPs-related tissue inhibitors TIMP1 and TIMP2; and cognitive performances in MCI patients. Patients received high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS (MCI-TMS, n = 9) or sham stimulation (MCI-C, n = 9) daily for four weeks, and they were monitored for six months after TMS. The plasmatic levels of MMPs and TIMPs and the cognitive and behavioral scores, based on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Beck Depression Inventory II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Apathy Evaluation Scale, were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 1 month (T1) and 6 months (T2) since rTMS. In the MCI-TMS group, at T2, plasmatic levels of MMP1, -9, and -10 were reduced and paralleled by increased plasmatic levels of TIMP1 and TIMP2 and improvement of visuospatial performances. In conclusion, our findings suggest that targeting DLPFC by rTMS might result in the long-term modulation of the MMPs/TIMPs system in MCI patients and the neurobiological mechanisms associated with MCI progression to dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cirillo
- Neuronal Networks Morphology & Systems Biology Lab, Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberta Pepe
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mattia Siciliano
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Ippolito
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Neurologic Unit, Centro Traumatologico Ortopedico (CTO) Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale (AORN) “Ospedali Dei Colli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Ricciardi
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Manuela de Stefano
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Buonanno
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Atripaldi
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Abbadessa
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Brunella Perfetto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Minoo Sharbafshaaer
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Sepe
- Neuronal Networks Morphology & Systems Biology Lab, Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Bonavita
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Iavarone
- Neurologic Unit, Centro Traumatologico Ortopedico (CTO) Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale (AORN) “Ospedali Dei Colli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Todisco
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Papa
- Neuronal Networks Morphology & Systems Biology Lab, Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Tedeschi
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Esposito
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Trojsi
- First Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fischer HJ, Schweingruber N, Lühder F, Reichardt HM. The potential role of T cell migration and chemotaxis as targets of glucocorticoids in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 380:99-107. [PMID: 23578583 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of acute disease bouts in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. While T lymphocytes were shown to be essential targets of GC therapy, at least in animal models of MS, the mechanisms by which GCs modulate T cell function are less clear. Until now, apoptosis induction and repression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in T cells have been considered the most critical mechanisms in ameliorating disease symptoms. However, this notion is being challenged by increasing evidence that the control of T cell migration and chemotaxis by GCs might be even more important for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases. In this review we aim to provide an overview of how GCs impact the morphological alterations that T cells undergo during activation and migration as well as the influences that GCs have on the directed movement of T cells under the influence of chemokines. A deeper understanding of these processes should not only help to advance our understanding of how GCs exert their beneficial effects in MS therapy but may reveal future strategies to intervene in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrike J Fischer
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Humboldtallee 34, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sevimli A, Yağcı A, Bülbül A. Matrix metalloproteinase, vitamin A and methylprednisolone effects on experimentally induced amyloid arthropathy. Biotech Histochem 2013; 88:336-44. [PMID: 23647009 DOI: 10.3109/10520295.2013.788212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the role of some matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in enhancing the effect of vitamin A and the inhibiting effect of methylprednisolone on amyloid arthropathy in brown layer chicks. We used 100 one-day-old Isa brown layer chicks. The chicks were allocated to one of four groups as follows: negative control group (I), vitamin A group (II), positive control group (III) and methylprednisolone group (IV). Amyloid arthropathy was induced by injections of complete Freund's adjuvant into the left intertarsal joints of the chicks. Serum vitamin A and tissue MMP (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9) levels were measured and differences among the groups were investigated. Serum vitamin A rates (μg/dl) were: 63.57 ± 4.10, 47.13 ± 10.62, 53.26 ± 10.79, 98.48 ± 8.20 in groups I, II, III and IV, respectively (p < 0.001). MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were evaluated in tissues from the chickens with amyloid arthropathy. Methylprednisolone significantly suppressed the release of MMP-1 and MMP-2, and increased the release of MMP-9 in birds with amyloid arthropathy. In addition, vitamin A significantly increased the release of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Sevimli
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe Üniversity, 03200, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nadarajah VD, van Putten M, Chaouch A, Garrood P, Straub V, Lochmüller H, Ginjaar HB, Aartsma-Rus AM, van Ommen GJB, den Dunnen JT, 't Hoen PAC. Serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a biomarker for monitoring disease progression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Neuromuscul Disord 2011; 21:569-78. [PMID: 21724396 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2011.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
To identify serum biomarkers that allow monitoring of disease progression and treatment effects in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and osteopontin (OPN) were determined in 63 DMD patients on corticosteroid therapy. These proteins were selected for their role in the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy. Levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were significantly higher in sera of DMD patients compared to healthy controls, whereas the OPN levels showed no significant difference. MMP-9 levels were also observed to be significantly higher in older, nonambulant patients, compared to ambulant patients. Longitudinal data from a smaller cohort of DMD patients followed up for over 4years showed that MMP-9, but not TIMP-1 increased significantly with age. Hence, MMP-9 is a potential DMD biomarker for disease progression. Future studies have to confirm whether serum MMP-9 levels can be used to monitor therapeutic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V D Nadarajah
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ma X, Jiang Y, Wu A, Chen X, Pi R, Liu M, Liu Y. Berberine attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57 BL/6 mice. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13489. [PMID: 20976070 PMCID: PMC2957444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/26/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Berberine, an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid, has a wide range of pharmacological properties and is considered to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. However, there are no reports about the effects and mechanisms of berberine in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an established model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Methodology/Principal Findings Female C57 BL/6 mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35–55 amino acid peptide were treated with berberine at the day of disease onset and medication was administered daily until mice were sacrificed. Blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability and the alteration of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, 72 kDa) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, 92 kDa) in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of EAE mice were detected by quantitative measurement for Evan's blue (EB) content, Western blot and gelatin zymography respectively. The results showed that berberine attenuated clinical and pathological parameters of EAE, reduced the permeability of BBB, inhibited the activity and expression of MMP-9 but not MMP-2 in the CSF and brain of EAE mice. Conclusions/Significance These findings suggest that berberine is effective to attenuate the clinical severity of EAE in C57 BL/6 mice by reducing the permeability of BBB, decreasing the expression and activity of MMP-9, and decreasing the inflammatory infiltration. We think that berberine might be a potential therapeutic agent for MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Ma
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aimin Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Rongbiao Pi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Glass-Marmor L, Paperna T, Galboiz Y, Miller A. Immunomodulation by chronobiologically-based glucocorticoids treatment for multiple sclerosis relapses. J Neuroimmunol 2009; 210:124-7. [PMID: 19329193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2009.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2008] [Revised: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This study compares the effects of daytime versus nighttime intravenous glucocorticoid treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses for several immune indicators. The levels of serum CRP, TNFalpha, ESR, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were determined at trial entry and at day 7 post therapy initiation in 35 MS patients. Serum MMP-9 protein levels were differentially affected by treatment regimen, and were significantly lower after nighttime treatment. Both treatment protocols led to a similar reduction of ESR, CRP and TNFalpha. These findings provide preliminary characterization of biomarkers in the application of chronobiology-based glucocorticoid therapeutics in MS and other immune disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Glass-Marmor
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Suenaga N, Ichiyama T, Kubota M, Isumi H, Tohyama J, Furukawa S. Roles of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 in acute encephalopathy following prolonged febrile seizures. J Neurol Sci 2007; 266:126-30. [PMID: 17928006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged febrile seizures may be followed by acute encephalopathy with neurological sequelae. To investigate the function of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) in acute encephalopathy following prolonged febrile seizures with neurological sequelae (AEPFS), the concentrations of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) were measured by ELISA in 10 children with AEPFS, 16 with prolonged febrile seizures without encephalopathy (PFS), 20 with simple febrile seizures (SFS), 23 with convulsive status epilepticus (CSE), and 18 with West syndrome. Serum MMP-9 levels in AEPFS and PFS patients were significantly higher than those in SPS and West syndrome patients and in controls, and those in CSE patients were significantly higher than in controls. Serum TIMP-1 levels in AEPFS patients were significantly lower than those in PFS, SFS, CSE and West syndrome patients and in controls. Serum MMP-9 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios in AEPFS patients with motor paralysis were significantly higher than for those without motor paralysis. Our results suggest that prolonged seizures are related to high serum MMP-9 levels, and that an increased MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in AEPFS might induce dysfunction of the BBB. Furthermore, an imbalance of serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels in patients with AEPFS may be associated with severe neurological sequelae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Suenaga
- Department of Pediatrics, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mannello F, Tonti GAM, Canestrari F. The `never-ending story' of the influence of blood specimen collection methods affecting the concentration, the zymographic profile and the usefulness of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in multiple sclerosis diagnosis/prognosis: a landmark for limiting the misuse of serum samples. Mult Scler 2007; 13:687-90. [PMID: 17548455 DOI: 10.1177/1352458506072492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
9
|
Ichiyama T, Siba P, Suarkia D, Takasu T, Miki K, Kira R, Kusuhara K, Hara T, Toyama J, Furukawa S. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. J Neurol Sci 2007; 252:45-8. [PMID: 17118404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2006.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2006] [Revised: 08/14/2006] [Accepted: 10/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We determined the relationship between the serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) in 33 patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) to investigate the function of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) in SSPE. Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were measured by ELISA. Serum MMP-9 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios of SSPE patients in Papua New Guinea (n = 24), and those in Japan (n = 9) were significantly higher than the each control (MMP-9, p = 0.0390, and p = 0.0023, respectively; MMP-9/TIMP-1, p = 0.0319, and p = 0.0009, respectively). Serum MMP-9 levels and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios of SSPE patients with Jabbour stage III (n = 13) were significantly higher than those with Jabbour stage II (n = 18) (p = 0.003, and p = 0.0412, respectively). There were no significant differences of serum TIMP-1 levels between the SSPE patients and controls. High serum MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 levels will promote brain invasion through the BBB by immunocompetent cells in the blood. Our findings suggest that the balance of serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels modulate the inflammatory cascade of SSPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ichiyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hurnaus S, Mueller-Felber W, Pongratz D, Schoser BGH. Serum Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 and -9 and Their Tissue Inhibitors in Inflammatory Neuromuscular Disorders. Eur Neurol 2006; 55:204-8. [PMID: 16772717 DOI: 10.1159/000093870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2005] [Accepted: 03/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We monitored serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) before and during intravenously applied immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy in 33 patients with chronic immune-mediated neuropathies and myopathies and 15 controls. Baseline MMP-2 and TIMP-2 serum levels were lower and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 serum levels higher in all patients compared to age-matched controls. Eight days after IVIG treatment, MMP-2, TIMP-2, and TIMP-1 serum levels increased, while MMP-9 serum levels decreased, indicating tissue repair. After 60 days, MMP-9 levels increased, MMP-2 approached normal levels, while TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 serum levels were below day 8 levels, indicating relapsing tissue damage. Comparing the MMP/TIMP results with the clinical courses, IVIG treatment tended to change MMP/TIMP levels in a way that paralleled clinical improvement and relapse. In sum, during a distinct time period, IVIG therapy seems to be able to modulate MMP-mediated tissue repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Hurnaus
- Friedrich Baur Institute, Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Burton JL, Madsen SA, Chang LC, Weber PSD, Buckham KR, van Dorp R, Hickey MC, Earley B. Gene expression signatures in neutrophils exposed to glucocorticoids: A new paradigm to help explain “neutrophil dysfunction” in parturient dairy cows. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2005; 105:197-219. [PMID: 15808301 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2005.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophils are the first line of immunity against most pathogens that infect cattle. These normally short-lived white blood cells develop from myeloid-lineage cells in bone marrow. Upon maturation, bone marrow neutrophils are released into the circulation where they marginate on inflamed blood vessel endothelial cells and migrate through them into the area of infection. Once migrated, neutrophils do not reenter the circulation, but rather, perform their bactericidal functions and die by apoptosis in the tissue. The cytokine and hormonal milieu of the blood and extracellular tissue fluid can influence neutrophil development and immunity-related activities, but the molecular basis of these phenotypic changes and physiological benefits or drawbacks of them are poorly understood. In the current paper, we review new gene expression information that resulted from two of our functional genomics studies designed to evaluate effects of glucocorticoid hormones on bovine neutrophils. This work provides one model to describe complex changes that occur in neutrophils as the cells respond to glucocorticoids, which might act to alter the cells' functional priorities and tip the delicate balance between health and disease during stress, including at parturition. A bovine immunobiology microarray and real time RT-PCR were used to study blood neutrophils collected during the natural surge of endogenous glucocorticoid (cortisol) in parturient dairy cows and bone marrow neutrophils collected from glucocorticoid (dexamethasone)-treated dairy steers. The gene expression signatures we observed led us to perform additional phenotyping of the neutrophils and correlation analyses, which together painted a picture suggesting that glucocorticoids have key roles in modulating neutrophil development, life span, and tissue defense functions during parturition and hormone therapy. Based on these observations, we postulate that glucocorticoids orchestrate adaptive changes in the entire neutrophil system that support increased cell numbers and longevity in blood and heightened remodeling activity in tissues, while at the same time decreasing some important antimicrobial defense activities of the cells. Thus, our functional genomics studies have enabled us to elucidate multiple consequences of neutrophil exposure to glucocorticoids, highlighting a probable role for this interaction in the induction of parturition and partly explaining why some parturient dairy cows may experience heightened incidence and severity of inflammatory diseases like mastitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne L Burton
- Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 1205E Anthony Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|