Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-6 Stimulate Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Secretion in Cultured Myenteric Glia

T cells show preferential adhesion to enteric neural cells in culture and are close to neural cells in the myenteric ganglia of Crohn's patients

Plexitis in the proximal margin of intestinal resections are associated with post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease. To understand their formation, in vitro analyzes were performed. T cells adhered preferentially to neuron and glial cells in mixed primary cultures of enteric nervous system and T cell activation increased their adhesion capacity. Higher number of T lymphocytes in close proximity to enteric glial cells was also observed in the myenteric ganglia of Crohn's patients as compared to control. These data show that close proximity between lymphocytes and enteric neural cells exists and may contribute to the formation of plexitis.

Inflammatory and Fibrogenic Factors in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy Development

Purpose

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) occurs in 5%-10% of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment cases and is the principle cause for failure of retinal reattachment surgery. Although there are a number of surgical adjunctive agents available for preventing the development of PVR, all have limited efficacy. Discovering predictive molecular biomarkers to determine the probability of PVR development after retinal reattachment surgery will allow better patient stratification for more targeted drug evaluations.

Methods

Narrative literature review.

Results

We provide a summary of the inflammatory and fibrogenic factors found in ocular fluid samples during the development of retinal detachment and PVR and discuss their possible use as molecular PVR predictive biomarkers.

Conclusions

Studies monitoring the levels of the above factors have found that few if any have predictive biomarker value, suggesting that widening the phenotype of potential factors and a combinatorial approach are required to determine predictive biomarkers for PVR.

Translational Relevance

The identification of relevant biomarkers relies on an understanding of disease signaling pathways derived from basic science research. We discuss the extent to which those molecules identified as biomarkers and predictors of PVR relate to disease pathogenesis and could function as useful disease predictors. (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ number, UMIN000005604).

Interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinase expression in the subretinal fluid during proliferative vitreoretinopathy: correlation with extent, duration of RRD and PVR grade

PURPOSE

To investigate interleukin (IL)-6 protein levels in the subretinal fluid (SRF) of patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR); to correlate the IL-6 levels with matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1, -2, -3, -8, -9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 with respect to RRD extent, duration and PVR grade.

METHODS

Thirty-one SRF samples from 31 eyes of 31 patients with RRD complicated with PVR and five SRF samples from five eyes of five patients suffering from RRD not complicated with PVR were collected during treatment by scleral buckling. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was employed for the measurement of IL-6, MMP-1, -3, -8 and TIMP-1 levels while the enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was assessed by gelatin zymography.

RESULTS

Protein levels of IL-6 (p=0.050), MMP-1 (p=0.001), MMP-3 (p=0.005), MMP-8 (p=0.003), TIMP-1 (p=0.001) as well as enzymatic activity of proMMP-2 (p=0.001), MMP-2 (p=0.023) and MMP-9 (p=0.015), were significantly higher in the SRF of PVR patients compared to controls. IL-6 levels correlated significantly with TIMP-1 (r=0.528, p=0.035). Regarding clinical parameters of the detachment, IL-6 levels correlated with RRD extent (r=0.592, p=0.016), but not with RRD duration (p=0.857) and PVR grade (p=0.594). Regression analysis revealed positive correlations between IL-6 and MMP-2.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant correlation between IL-6 and TIMP-1 levels in the SRF of PVR patients. The findings of this study are in agreement with relevant studies concerning IL-6 involvement in the modulation of MMP expression and are indicative of IL-6 and MMP activity during PVR, mainly that of MMP-2 and TIMP-1.

Interleukin-6 and the matrix metalloproteinase response in the vitreous during proliferative vitreoretinopathy

PURPOSE

To investigate the levels of IL-6 in the vitreous of patients with RRD complicated with PVR and correlate the IL-6 levels with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1,-2,-3,-8,-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 with respect to RRD extent, duration and PVR grade.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-eight vitreous samples from 28 eyes of 28 patients with RRD complicated with PVR.

METHODS

Institutional study. Twenty-eight vitreous samples from 28 eyes of 28 patients with RRD complicated with PVR were collected during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and were compared to vitreous control samples. IL-6, MMP-1,-3,-8 and TIMP-1 levels were measured using ELISA while enzymatic activity of MMP-2, and -9 was determined employing gelatin zymography.

RESULTS

Protein IL-6 (p=0.030), MMP-1 (p=0.003), MMP-3 (p=0.003), TIMP-1 (p=0.001) levels as well as enzymatic activity of proMMP-9 (p=0.013), MMP-9 (p=0.017) and proMMP-2 (p=0.010), were significantly increased in PVR patients as compared to controls. IL-6 levels correlated with MMP-1 (p=0.002), proMMP-2 (p=0.006), MMP-3 (p=0.001) and TIMP-1 (p=0.006). Regression analysis revealed positive correlations between IL-6 and all MMPs and TIMP-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Taking into account the previously established effect of interleukins in MMP activity, the findings of this study suggest a role of IL-6 in MMP stimulation during PVR development.

The effect of passive movement training on angiogenic factors and capillary growth in human skeletal muscle

The effect of a period of passive movement training on angiogenic factors and capillarization in skeletal muscle was examined. Seven young males were subjected to passive training for 90 min, four times per week in a motor-driven knee extensor device that extended one knee passively at 80 cycles min₋₁. The other leg was used as control. Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. v. lateralis of both legs before as well as after 2 and 4 weeks of training. After the training period, passive movement and active exercise were performed with both legs, and muscle interstitial fluid was sampled from microdialysis probes in the thigh. After 2 weeks of training there was a 2-fold higher level of Ki-67 positive cells, co-localized with endothelial cells, in the passively trained leg which was paralleled by an increase in the number of capillaries around a fibre (P <0.05). Capillary density was higher than pre-training at 4 weeks of training (P <0.05). The training induced an increase in the mRNA level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), the angiopoietin receptor Tie-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in the passively trained leg and MMP-2 and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 mRNA were elevated in both legs. Acute passive movement increased (P <0.05) muscle interstitial vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels 4- to 6-fold above rest and the proliferative effect, determined in vitro, of the muscle interstitial fluid ~16-fold compared to perfusate. The magnitude of increase was similar for active exercise. The results demonstrate that a period of passive movement promotes endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenic factors and initiates capillarization in skeletal muscle.

Dermal fibroblasts promote the migration of dendritic cells

Migration of dendritic cells (DCs) from skin to lymph nodes on activation is an essential step in the initiation of an adequate immune response. The dermal microenvironment including stromal cells and their soluble factors might be involved in the regulation of DC migration. To focus on the role of dermal fibroblasts, we studied whether interaction of DCs with fibroblasts promotes the migration of DCs. DCs were co-cultured with resting fibroblasts or with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha/IL-1beta-activated fibroblasts to mimic an inflammatory microenvironment. Interaction of DCs with TNFalpha/IL-1beta-stimulated fibroblasts increased the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) from DCs within 6 hours compared with DCs alone or DCs stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or TNFalpha/IL-1beta. In contrast, unstimulated fibroblasts did not affect MMP-9 secretion. IL-6 released by TNFalpha/IL-1beta-stimulated fibroblasts was identified as a factor responsible for fibroblast-stimulated MMP-9 secretion from DCs. In accordance with the elevated MMP-9 release, on co-culture with TNFalpha/IL-1beta-stimulated fibroblasts, DCs migrated significantly more effectively through matrigel matrices than did TNFalpha/IL-1beta-stimulated DCs. This was inhibited by a selective blocking of MMP-9, indicating the importance of MMP-9 for this migratory capacity of DCs. In summary, fibroblasts in the local dermal microenvironment are capable of potentiating the migratory capacity of DCs, and thus have the potential to actively participate in the regulation of a cutaneous immune response.

Molecular Characterization of Trimellitic Anhydride–induced Respiratory Allergy in Brown Norway Rats

To contribute to the hazard identification of low molecular weight (LMW) respiratory allergens, respiratory allergy induced by trimellitic anhydride (TMA) was characterized by whole genome analysis of lung tissue and blood proteomics in Brown Norway rats. Dermal sensitization (50% and 25% w/v) with TMA and an inhalation challenge of 15 mg/m3 TMA-induced apneas, laryngeal inflammation, increased numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and increased immunoglobulin E levels in serum and lung tissue. Whole genome analysis of lung, sampled 24 hours after challenge, showed expression changes of not only genes belonging to several Gene Ontology groups with up-regulation of inflammatory-associated genes and those associated with lung remodeling but also genes involved in downsizing these processes. Blood proteomics reflected activation of inflammation-inhibiting pathways. Unsensitized animals challenged with TMA exhibited also an increased number of macrophages in BAL, but gene expression in the above-mentioned gene pathways was unchanged or down-regulated. The authors conclude that parameters for lung remodeling can be a valuable tool in hazard identification of LMW respiratory allergens.

Sinomenine ameliorates arthritis via MMPs, TIMPs, and cytokines in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that results in progressive joint destruction and substantial morbidity. The stem of the Chinese medicinal plant, Sinomenium acutum Rehder & Wilson (Family Menispermaceae), has been used to treat various rheumatic and arthritic diseases, of which the major bioactive component is sinomenine. We investigated the nature and molecular mechanisms of the anti-arthritic effect of sinomenine on collagen-induced arthritis in female Wistar rats. The results showed that sinomenine markedly suppressed the incidence and disease progression of established CIA, showing as dramatic reduction of paw swelling, ESR, and arthritic scores. Sinomenine suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-6 in serum, inhibited the protein expressions and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and elevated the protein expressions and activities of TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 in rat paw tissues.

Berberine inhibits TPA-induced MMP-9 and IL-6 expression in normal human keratinocytes

Berberine is a plant ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are known to be highly induced by ultraviolet (UV) light and may play important roles in UV-induced skin inflammation and the skin aging process. In this study, we investigated the effects of berberine on MMP-9 and IL-6 expression in normal human keratinocytes (NHK). Our results demonstrated that berberine dose-dependently inhibited basal and TPA-induced expression and activity of MMP-9, and also suppressed TPA-induced IL-6 expression. Berberine prevented TPA-induced ERK activation and AP-1 DNA binding activity. Therefore, berberine may be used as an effective ingredient for anti-skin aging products, which can prevent skin inflammation and the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen, by MMPs.

Altered transforming growth factor-beta signaling in a murine model of thoracic aortic aneurysm

OBJECTIVE

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) develop by a multifactorial process involving maladaptive signaling pathways that alter the aortic vascular environment. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been implicated in regulating the structure and composition of the extracellular matrix by differential activation of various intracellular signaling pathways. However, whether and to what degree TGF-beta signaling contributes to TAA development remains unclear. Accordingly, the hypothesis that alterations in TGF-beta signaling occur during aneurysm formation was tested in a murine model of TAA.

METHODS

TAAs were surgically induced in mice (C57BL/6J) and aortas were analyzed at predetermined time points (1, 2, and 4 weeks post-TAA induction). Quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) was performed to evaluate the expression of 84 relevant TGF-beta superfamily genes, and the protein levels of key signaling intermediates were measured by immunoblotting. Results were compared to unoperated reference control mice.

RESULTS

QPCR revealed increased expression of TGF-beta superfamily ligands (Gdf-2, -6, -7, Inhba), ligand inhibitors (Bmper, Chrd, Gsc), and transcriptional regulators (Dlx2, Evi1), among other genes (Cdkn2b, Igf1, IL-6). Protein levels of TGF-beta receptor(II), Smad2, Smad1/5/8, phospho-Smad1/5/8, and Smurf1 were increased from control values post-TAA induction. Both TGF-beta receptor(I) and Smad4 were decreased from control values, while ALK-1 levels remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

These alterations in the TGF-beta pathway suggest a mechanism by which primary signaling is switched from a TGF-betaR(I)/Smad2-dependent response, to an ALK-1/Smad1/5/8 response, representing a significant change in signaling outcome, which may enhance matrix degradation.