Role of ERK MAP kinases in responses of cultured human airway smooth muscle cells to IL-1beta

Homeostatic glucocorticoid signaling in airway smooth muscle: A roadmap to asthma pathogenesis

Homeostasis is the self-regulating process by which the body maintains internal stability within a narrow physiological range (i.e., "normality") as it dynamically adjusts to disruptive influences. Thus, whereas homeostasis maintains bodily health, disrupted homeostasis at the tissue or systemic level leads to disease. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is the pivotal site of disrupted homeostasis in asthma. While extensive research has greatly expanded our understanding of ASM behavior under pro-asthmatic conditions, the cellular signaling mechanisms that underlie ASM homeostasis under these conditions remain elusive. Based on a broad collection of published studies, a homeostasis mechanism intrinsic to ASM and exhibited under inflammatory and non-inflammatory pro-asthmatic conditions is identified herein. Central to this mechanism is the novel unifying concept that the pro-asthmatic-exposed ASM can independently generate its own active glucocorticoid (i.e., cortisol), produce its own newly activated glucocorticoid receptors for the steroid, and, accordingly, use this molecular strategy to homeostatically prevent induction of the asthmatic state. This article addresses the experimental evidence that underlies the proposed homeostatic glucocorticoid signaling mechanism in ASM, followed by a discussion and depiction of the feed-forward and feedback intrinsic ASM signaling circuitry that constitutes the homeostatic state. The proposed mechanism offers a practical roadmap for future basic and translational research aimed at identifying potential key site(s) of disrupted ASM homeostasis leading to asthma.

Autocrine regulation of airway smooth muscle contraction by diacylglycerol kinase

Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK), a lipid kinase, catalyzes the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid, thereby terminating DAG-mediated signaling by Gq-coupled receptors that regulate contraction of airway smooth muscle (ASM). A previous study from our laboratory demonstrated that DGK inhibition or genetic ablation leads to reduced ASM contraction and provides protection for allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness. However, the mechanism by which DGK regulates contractile signaling in ASM is not well established. Herein, we investigated the role of prorelaxant cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling in DGK-mediated regulation of ASM contraction. Pretreatment of human ASM cells with DGK inhibitor I activated PKA as demonstrated by the phosphorylation of PKA substrates, VASP, Hsp20, and CREB, which was abrogated when PKA was inhibited pharmacologically or molecularly using overexpression of the PKA inhibitor peptide, PKI. Furthermore, inhibition of DGK resulted in induction of cyclooxygenase (COX) and generation of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ) with concomitant activation of Gs-cAMP-PKA signaling in ASM cells in an autocrine/paracrine fashion. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) or extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) attenuated DGK-mediated production of PGE₂ and activation of cAMP-PKA signaling in human ASM cells, suggesting that inhibition of DGK activates the COX-PGE₂ pathway in a PKC-ERK-dependent manner. Finally, DGK inhibition-mediated attenuation of contractile agonist-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain 20 (MLC-20), a marker of ASM contraction, involves COX-mediated cAMP production and PKA activation in ASM cells. Collectively these findings establish a novel mechanism by which DGK regulates ASM contraction and further advances DGK as a potential therapeutic target to provide effective bronchoprotection in asthma.

Differential gene expression response of synovial fibroblasts from temporomandibular joints and knee joints to dynamic tensile stress

Purpose

Apart from other risk factors, mechanical stress on joints can promote the development of osteoarthritis (OA), which can also affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), resulting in cartilage degeneration and synovitis. Synovial fibroblasts (SF) play an important role in upkeeping joint homeostasis and OA pathogenesis, but mechanical stress as a risk factor might act differently depending on the type of joint. We thus investigated the relative impact of mechanical stress on the gene expression pattern of SF from TMJs and knee joints to provide new insights into OA pathogenesis.

Methods

Primary SF isolated from TMJs and knee joints of mice were exposed to mechanical strain of varying magnitudes. Thereafter, the expression of marker genes of the extracellular matrix (ECM), inflammation and bone remodelling were analysed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results

SF from the knee joints showed increased expression of genes associated with ECM remodelling, inflammation and bone remodelling after mechanical loading, whereas TMJ-derived SF showed reduced expression of genes associated with inflammation and bone remodelling. SF from the TMJ differed from knee-derived SF with regard to expression of ECM, inflammatory and osteoclastogenesis-promoting marker genes during mechanical strain.

Conclusions

Osteoarthritis-related ECM remodelling markers experience almost no changes in strain-induced gene expression, whereas inflammation and bone remodelling processes seem to differ depending on synovial fibroblast origin. Our data indicate that risk factors for the development and progression of osteoarthritis such as mechanical overuse have a different pathological impact in the TMJ compared to the knee joint.

Supplementary Information

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00056-021-00309-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Airway smooth muscle inflammation is regulated by microRNA-145 in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, highly debilitating disease of the airways, primarily caused by smoking. Chronic inflammation and structural remodelling are key pathological features of this disease, in part caused by the aberrant function of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells under the regulation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. miRNA are short, noncoding gene transcripts involved in the negative regulation of specific target genes, through their interactions with mRNA. Previous studies have proposed that mRNA-145 (miR-145) may interact with SMAD3, an important downstream signalling molecule of the TGF-β pathway. TGF-β was used to stimulate primary human ASM cells isolated from healthy nonsmokers, healthy smokers and COPD patients. This resulted in a TGF-β-dependent increase in CXCL8 and IL-6 release, most notably in the cells from COPD patients. TGF-β stimulation increased SMAD3 expression, only in cells from COPD patients, with a concurrent increased miR-145 expression. Regulation of miR-145 was found to be negatively controlled by pathways involving the MAP kinases, MEK-1/2 and p38 MAPK. Subsequent, overexpression of miR-145 (using synthetic mimics) in ASM cells from patients with COPD suppressed IL-6 and CXCL8 release, to levels comparable to the nonsmoker controls. Therefore, this study suggests that miR-145 negatively regulates pro-inflammatory cytokine release from ASM cells in COPD by targeting SMAD3.

Dietary Compound Kaempferol Inhibits Airway Thickening Induced by Allergic Reaction in a Bovine Serum Albumin-Induced Model of Asthma

Asthma is characterized by aberrant airways including epithelial thickening, goblet cell hyperplasia, and smooth muscle hypertrophy within the airway wall. The current study examined whether kaempferol inhibited mast cell degranulation and prostaglandin (PG) release leading to the development of aberrant airways, using an in vitro model of dinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA)-sensitized rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) mast cells and an in vivo model of BSA-challenged asthmatic mice. Nontoxic kaempferol at 10-20 μM suppressed β-hexosaminidase release and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)-mediated production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in sensitized mast cells. Oral administration of ≤20 mg/kg kaempferol blocked bovine serum albumin (BSA) inhalation-induced epithelial cell excrescence and smooth muscle hypertrophy by attenuating the induction of COX2 and the formation of PGD2 and PGF2α, together with reducing the anti-α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in mouse airways. Kaempferol deterred the antigen-induced mast cell activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) responsive to protein kinase Cμ (PKCμ) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Furthermore, the antigen-challenged activation of Syk-phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) pathway was dampened in kaempferol-supplemented mast cells. These results demonstrated that kaempferol inhibited airway wall thickening through disturbing Syk-PLCγ signaling and PKCμ-ERK-cPLA2-COX2 signaling in antigen-exposed mast cells. Thus, kaempferol may be a potent anti-allergic compound targeting allergic asthma typical of airway hyperplasia and hypertrophy.

β-Amyloid context intensifies vascular smooth muscle cells induced inflammatory response and de-differentiation

Several studies have shown that the accumulation of β-amyloid peptides in the brain parenchyma or vessel wall generates an inflammatory environment. Some even suggest that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between inflammation and the development of Alzheimer's disease and/or cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Here, we studied the ability of wild-type Aβ1-40 -peptide (the main amyloid peptide that accumulates in the vessel wall in sporadic forms of CAA) to modulate the phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) toward an inflammatory/de-differentiated state. We found that Aβ1-40 -peptide alone neither induces an inflammatory response, nor decreases the expression of contractile markers; however, the inflammatory response of VSMCs exposed to Aβ1-40 -peptide prior to the addition of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β is greatly intensified compared with IL-1β-treated VSMCs previously un-exposed to Aβ1-40 -peptide. Similar conclusions could be drawn when tracking the decline of contractile markers. Furthermore, we found that the mechanism of this potentiation highly depends on an Aβ1-40 preactivation of the PI3 Kinase and possibly NFκB pathway; indeed, blocking the activation of these pathways during Aβ1-40 -peptide treatment completely suppressed the observed potentiation. Finally, strengthening the possible in vivo relevance of our findings, we evidenced that endothelial cells exposed to Aβ1-40 -peptide generate an inflammatory context and have similar effects than the ones described with IL-1β. These results reinforce the idea that intraparietal amyloid deposits triggering adhesion molecules in endothelial cells, contribute to the transition of VSMCs to an inflammatory/de-differentiated phenotype. Therefore, we suggest that acute inflammatory episodes may increase vascular alterations and contribute to the ontogenesis of CAA.

Inflammatory signalings involved in airway and pulmonary diseases

In respiratory diseases, there is an increased expression of multiple inflammatory proteins in the respiratory tract, including cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. Chemokines have been shown to regulate inflammation and immune cell differentiation. Moreover, many of the known inflammatory target proteins, such as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂), are associated with airway and lung inflammation in response to various stimuli. Injuriously environmental stimuli can access the lung through either the airways or the pulmonary and systemic circulations. The time course and intensity of responses by resident and circulating cells may be regulated by various inflammatory signalings, including Src family kinases (SFKs), protein kinase C (PKC), growth factor tyrosine kinase receptors, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)/reactive oxygen species (ROS), PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and other signaling molecules. These signaling molecules regulate both key inflammatory signaling transduction pathways and target proteins involved in airway and lung inflammation. Here, we discuss the mechanisms involved in the expression of inflammatory target proteins associated with the respiratory diseases. Knowledge of the mechanisms of inflammation regulation could lead to the pharmacological manipulation of anti-inflammatory drugs in the respiratory diseases.

TEC and MAPK Kinase Signalling Pathways in T helper (TH) cell Development, TH2 Differentiation and Allergic Asthma

Significant advances in our understanding of the signalling events during T cell development and differentiation have been made in the past few decades. It is clear that ligation of the T cell receptor (TCR) triggers a series of proximal signalling cascades regulated by an array of protein kinases. These orchestrated and highly regulated series of events, with differential requirements of particular kinases, highlight the disparities between αβ+CD4+ T cells. Throughout this review we summarise both new and old studies, highlighting the role of Tec and MAPK in T cell development and differentiation with particular focus on T helper 2 (TH2) cells. Finally, as the allergy epidemic continues, we feature the role played by TH2 cells in the development of allergy and provide a brief update on promising kinase inhibitors that have been tested in vitro, in pre-clinical disease models in vivo and into clinical studies.

Src mediates cytokine-stimulated gene expression in airway myocytes through ERK MAPK

The p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) participate in cytokine-stimulated inflammatory gene expression in airway smooth muscle cells. The following study was undertaken to determine whether Src tyrosine kinases are signaling intermediaries upstream of cytokine-stimulated MAPK activation and gene expression. Treating human airway myocytes with interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α and interferon (IFN) γ caused a rapid 1.8-fold increase in Src family tyrosine kinase activity within 1 minute that remained 2.3 to 2.7 fold above basal conditions for 15 minutes. This activity was blocked by addition of 30 μM PP1, a pyrimidine inhibitor specific for Src family tyrosine kinases, in immune-complex assays to confirm that this stimulus activates Src tyrosine kinase. Addition of PP1 also blocked cytokine-stimulated expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8, while decreasing phosphorylation of ERK, but not p38 MAPK. Since this inflammatory stimulus may activate additional inflammatory signaling pathways downstream of Src, we tested the effects of PP1 on phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT). PP1 had no effect on cytokine-stimulated STAT 1 or STAT 3 phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that Src tyrosine kinases participate in the regulation of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 expression and that these effects of Src are mediated through activation of ERK MAPK and not p38 MAPK or STAT1/STAT3 phosphorylation.

Anti-inflammatory effects of thiazolidinediones in human airway smooth muscle cells

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells have been reported to contribute to the inflammation of asthma. Because the thiazolidinediones (TZDs) exert anti-inflammatory effects, we examined the effects of troglitazone and rosiglitazone on the release of inflammatory moieties from cultured human ASM cells. Troglitazone dose-dependently reduced the IL-1β-induced release of IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor, the TNF-α-induced release of eotaxin and regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES), and the IL-4-induced release of eotaxin. Rosiglitazone also inhibited the TNF-α-stimulated release of RANTES. Although TZDs are known to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), these anti-inflammatory effects were not affected by a specific PPARγ inhibitor (GW 9662) or by the knockdown of PPARγ using short hairpin RNA. Troglitazone and rosiglitazone each caused the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as detected by Western blotting using a phospho-AMPK antibody. The anti-inflammatory effects of TZDs were largely mimicked by the AMPK activators, 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide ribose (AICAR) and metformin. However, the AMPK inhibitors, Ara A and Compound C, were not effective in preventing the anti-inflammatory effects of troglitazone or rosiglitzone, suggesting that the effects of these TZDs are likely not mediated through the activation of AMPK. These data indicate that TZDs inhibit the release of a variety of inflammatory mediators from human ASM cells, suggesting that they may be useful in the treatment of asthma, and the data also indicate that the effects of TZDs are not mediated by PPARγ or AMPK.

Pharmacological studies of the mechanism and function of interleukin-1beta-induced miRNA-146a expression in primary human airway smooth muscle

BACKGROUND

Despite the widespread induction of miR-146a during the innate immune response little is known regarding its biogenesis, function and mechanism. We have therefore examined the role of miR-146a during the interleukin (IL)-1beta-stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 release and proliferation in primary human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells.

METHODS

HASM cells were isolated from human lung re-section, cultured to a maximum of 3 - 6 passages and then exposed to IL-1beta. miR-146a expression were determined by qRT-PCR, IL-6 and IL-8 release by ELISA and proliferation using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. The role of NF-kappaB and the MAP kinase pathways was assessed using pharmacological inhibitors of IKK2 (TPCA-1), JNK (SP600125), p38 MAP kinase (SB203580) and MEK-1/2 (PD98059). miR-146a function was determined following transfection of HASM with inhibitors and mimics using Amaxa electroporation.

RESULTS

IL-1beta induced a time-dependent and prolonged 100-fold induction in miR-146a expression, which correlated with release of IL-6 and IL-8. Exposure to IL-1beta had no effect upon HASM proliferation. Pharmacological studies showed that expression of primary miR-146a was regulated at the transcriptional levels by NF-kappaB whilst post-transcriptional processing to mature miR-146a was regulated by MEK-1/2 and JNK-1/2. Functional studies indicated that IL-1beta-induced miR-146a expression does not negatively regulate IL-6 and IL-8 release or basal proliferation. However, inhibition of IL-1beta-induced IL-6 and IL-8 release was observed at the super-maximal intracellular miR-146a levels obtained by transfection with miR-146a mimics and indicates that studies using miRNA mimics can produce false positive results. Mechanistic studies showed that in the presence of super-maximal levels, the action of miR-146a mimics was mediated at a step following IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA transcription and not through down-regulation of IL-1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) protein expression, two predicted miR-146a targets involved in IL-1beta signalling.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown that IL-1beta-induced miR-146a expression in HASM and that this was regulated at the transcriptional level by NF-kappaB and at the post-transcriptional level by the MEK-1/2 and JNK-1/2. Unlike previous reports, studies using miRNA inhibitors showed that miR-146a expression did not regulate IL-6 and IL-8 release or proliferation and suggest miR-146a function and mechanism is cell-type dependent.

Prolonged heterologous beta2-adrenoceptor desensitization promotes proasthmatic airway smooth muscle function via PKA/ERK1/2-mediated phosphodiesterase-4 induction

Beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) agonists acutely relieve bronchoconstriction via cAMP-mediated relaxation of airway smooth muscle (ASM). Airway constrictor responsiveness may be significantly heightened, however, following protracted exposure to these agents, presumably reflecting the effects of beta2AR desensitization in ASM accompanying prolonged cAMP signaling. Because cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity can significantly modulate ASM contractility, we investigated the mechanism regulating PDE expression and its potential role in mediating changes in agonist-induced constrictor and relaxation responsiveness in ASM following its heterologous beta2AR desensitization by prolonged exposure to cAMP-elevating agents. Isolated rabbit ASM tissues and cultured human ASM cells treated for 24 h with the receptor- or nonreceptor-coupled cAMP-stimulating agent, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) or forskolin, respectively, exhibited constrictor hyperresponsiveness to acetylcholine and impaired beta2AR-mediated relaxation and cAMP accumulation. These proasthmatic-like changes in ASM function were associated with upregulated PDE4 activity, reflective of increased transcription of the PDE4D5 isoform, and were prevented by pretreatment of the ASM with a PDE4 inhibitor. Extended studies using gene silencing and pharmacological approaches to inhibit specific intracellular signaling molecules demonstrated that the mechanism underlying PGE(2)-induced transcriptional upregulation of PDE4D5 involves PKA-dependent activation of G(i) protein signaling via the betagamma-subunits, the latter eliciting downstream activation of ERK1/2 and its consequent induction of PDE4D5 transcription. Collectively, these findings identify that beta2AR desensitization in ASM following prolonged exposure to cAMP-elevating agents is associated with proasthmatic-like changes in ASM responsiveness that are mediated by upregulated PDE4 expression induced by activated cross talk between the PKA and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

EP4 receptor regulates collagen type-I, MMP-1, and MMP-3 gene expression in human tendon fibroblasts in response to IL-1 beta treatment

Tendinopathy is accompanied by inflammation, tendon matrix degradation, or both. Inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta, which is a potent inflammatory mediator, is likely present within the tendon. The purpose of this study was to determine the biological impact of IL-1beta on tendon fibroblasts by assessing the expression of cPLA(2), COX-2, PGE(2) and its receptors (EPs), collagen type-I, and MMPs. We also studied the role of the p38 MAPK pathway in IL-1beta-induced catabolic effects. We found that IL-1beta increased the expression levels of cPLA(2) and COX-2, and also increased the secretion of PGE(2). Induction of MMPs, such as MMP-1 and MMP-3 at the mRNA level, was also observed after stimulation with IL-1beta. Furthermore, the presence of IL-1beta significantly decreased the level of collagen type-I mRNA in tendon fibroblasts. These effects were found to be mediated by selective upregulation of EP(4) receptor, which is a member of G-protein-coupled receptor that transduces the PGE(2) signal. Blocking EP(4) receptor by a specific chemical inhibitor abolished IL-1beta-induced catabolic effects. These results suggest that IL-1beta-induced catabolic action on tendon fibroblasts occurs via the upregulation of two key inflammatory mediators, cPLA(2) and COX-2, which are responsible for the synthesis of PGE(2). IL-1beta further stimulates the expression of EP(4) receptor, suggesting positive feedback regulation which may lead to accelerated catabolic processes in tendon fibroblasts. Studies using pathway-specific chemical inhibitors suggest that the p38 MAPK pathway is the key signaling cascade transducing IL-1beta-mediated catabolic effects. Collectively, our findings suggest that the EP(4) receptor mediates the IL-1beta-induced catabolic metabolism via the p38 MAPK pathway in human tendon fibroblasts and may play a major role in the tendon's degenerative changes often seen in the later stages of tendinopathy.

Regulatory features of interleukin-1β-mediated prostaglandin E2 synthesis in airway smooth muscle

Exposure of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells to the cytokine IL-1β results in an induction of PGE2 synthesis that affects numerous cell functions. Current dogma posits induction of COX-2 protein as the critical, obligatory event in cytokine-induced PGE2 production, although PGE2 induction can be inhibited without a concomitant inhibition of COX-2. To explore other putative regulatory features we examined the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and PGE synthase (PGES) enzymes in IL-1β-induced PGE2 production. Treatment of human ASM cultures with IL-1β caused a time-dependent induction of both cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) and microsomal PGES (mPGES) similar to that observed for COX-2. Regulation of COX-2 and mPGES induction was similar, being significantly reduced by inhibition of p42/p44 or p38, whereas cPLA2 induction was only minimally reduced by inhibition of p38 or PKC. COX-2 and mPGES induction was subject to feed-forward regulation by PKA, whereas cPLA2 induction was not. SB-202474, an SB-203580 analog lacking the ability to inhibit p38 but capable of inhibiting IL-1β-induced PGE2 production, was effective in inhibiting mPGES but not COX-2 or cPLA2 induction. These data suggest that although COX-2, cPLA2, and mPGES are all induced by IL-β in human ASM cells, regulatory features of cPLA2 are dissociated, whereas those of COX-2 and mPGES are primarily associated, with regulation of PGE2 production. mPGES induction and, possibly, cPLA2 induction appear to cooperate with COX-2 to determine IL-1β-mediated PGE2 production in human ASM cells.

Inflammation-associated gene expression is altered between normal human ovarian surface epithelial cells and cell lines derived from ovarian adenocarcinomas

Ovulation is believed to contribute to the development of ovarian cancers that derive from the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). The process of ovulation is synonymous with inflammation and inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1α (IL-1α) have recently been shown to induce both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in human OSE (HOSE) cells. In this study we directly compared levels of IL-1α-induced gene expression by analysing the levels of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD) types 1 (11βHSD-1) and 2 (11βHSD-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) and glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) mRNA between normal HOSE cells and cell lines derived from poorly differentiated (SKOV-3, BG-1, PEO-4) and well-differentiated (PEO-14) ovarian adenocarcinoma. In HOSE cell cultures, and to a lesser extent PEO-14 cells, the basal mRNA levels of COX-2 and 11βHSD-1 were relatively high and further shown to be induced in response to IL-1α (for HOSE cells; >20-fold, P<0.05 and PEO-14 cells; >3fold, P<0.05). However, whereas HOSE cells expressed a low level of 11βHSD-2 mRNA that was only mildly responsive to IL-1α (1.3-fold, P<0.001), all cell lines exhibited a higher basal level of 11βHSD-2 mRNA that was in some cases further stimulated in PEO-4 cells (five-fold; P<0.05) or suppressed in SKOV-3 cells (two-fold; P<0.01) in response to IL-1α. All cells tested expressed IL-1R and, with the exception of BG-1, GRα. These results indicate that cell lines derived from ovarian cancers have lost the ability to respond normally to inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α. The finding that normal OSE cells, in contrast to cell lines derived from patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma, abundantly express 11βHSD-1 mRNA but are essentially devoid of 11βHSD-2 mRNA supports the concept that the pattern of 11βHSD isoform gene expression is a defining feature of neoplastic cellular transformation, which might have particular relevance to the ovary.

Oncostatin M causes VEGF release from human airway smooth muscle: synergy with IL-1beta

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenesis factor, likely contributes to airway remodeling in asthma. We sought to examine the effects and mechanism of action of IL-6 family cytokines on VEGF release from human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells. Oncostatin M (OSM), but not other IL-6 family cytokines, increased VEGF release, and IL-1beta enhanced OSM-induced VEGF release. OSM increased VEGF mRNA expression and VEGF promoter activity, whereas IL-1beta had no effect. IL-1beta did not augment the effects of OSM on VEGF promoter activity but did augment OSM-induced VEGF mRNA expression and mRNA stability. The STAT3 inhibitor piceatannol decreased both OSM-induced VEGF release and synergy between OSM and IL-1beta, without affecting responses to IL-1beta alone. Piceatannol also inhibited OSM-induced VEGF mRNA expression. In contrast, inhibitors of MAPK pathway had no effect on OSM or OSM plus IL-1beta-induced VEGF release. OSM increased type 1 IL-1 receptor (IL-1R1) mRNA expression, as measured by real-time PCR, and piceatannol attenuated this response. Consistent with the increase in IL-1R1 expression, OSM markedly augmented IL-1beta-induced VEGF, MCP-1, and IL-6 release. In summary, our data indicate OSM causes VEGF expression in HASM cells by a transcriptional mechanism involving STAT3. IL-1beta also synergizes with OSM to increase VEGF release, likely as a result of effects of IL-1beta on VEGF mRNA stability as well as effects of OSM on IL-1R1 expression. This is the first description of a role for OSM on IL-1R1 expression in any cell type. OSM may contribute to airway remodeling observed in chronic airway disease.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways in IL-1 beta-dependent rat airway smooth muscle proliferation

Asthma is associated with abnormal airway smooth muscle (ASM) growth that may contribute to airway narrowing and hyperresponsiveness. We investigated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in IL-1beta induced ASM proliferation in the rat. Rat tracheal ASM cells were dissociated and maintained in culture. We examined the effect of selective MAPK inhibitors, SB239063 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor), U0126 (a mitogen-activated and extracellular regulated kinase kinase, MEK-1, inhibitor which inhibits downstream extracellular regulated kinase, ERK, activity), and SP600125 (a c-jun N-terminal kinase, JNK, inhibitor) on IL-1beta-induced proliferation. Proliferation of ASM cells was significantly increased following exposure to IL-1beta in a dose-dependent manner. p38, JNK and ERK MAPKs were activated by IL-1beta in a time-dependent manner, with peak activation time at 30, 60 min and at 6 h, respectively. This activation was inhibited by their respective inhibitors. SP600125 (20 microM) had no effect on IL-1beta-induced ERK and p38 phosphorylation. SB239063, U0126 and SP600125 dose-dependently inhibited IL-1beta-dependent proliferation at doses that inhibit the activities of p38, ERK and JNK MAPKs, respectively. No additive or synergistic effects were observed on proliferative responses with any combination of these compounds. In conclusion, the three major MAPK pathways, ERK as well as the p38 MAPK and JNK pathways, are independent regulators of IL-1beta-dependent proliferation of rat ASM.

Interleukin-9 influences chemokine release in airway smooth muscle: role of ERK

Interleukin (IL)-9 is a pleiotropic cytokine that has been proposed as a candidate gene for asthma. As IL-9 expression is correlated with airway hyperresponsiveness in animals, we examined the effects of IL-9 on cultured human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells. IL-9 alone had no effect on IL-8 release, but at concentrations of > or =30 ng/ml, IL-9 significantly increased IL-8 release induced by TNF-alpha. IL-9 increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK, p42 and p44) in a concentration- and time-dependent fashion, and U-0126 (10 micro M), which inhibits ERK phosphorylation, abolished the synergism between TNF-alpha and IL-9 on IL-8 release. IL-9 alone had no effect on eotaxin release into HASM cell supernatants but at concentrations of > or =10 ng/ml caused an approximately 50% increase in release of eotaxin evoked by IL-13 (10 ng/ml). U-0126 blocked the synergism between IL-9 and IL-13 on eotaxin release. IL-9 had no effect on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression or PGE(2) release and did not augment the COX-2 expression that was induced by IL-1beta. Our results indicate that airway smooth muscle is a target for IL-9 and that IL-9 amplifies the potential for these cells to recruit eosinophils and neutrophils into the airways by a mechanism involving ERK.

CD38/cyclic ADP-ribose-mediated Ca2+ signaling contributes to airway smooth muscle hyper-responsiveness

We previously demonstrated that cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) elicits Ca2+ release in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells through ryanodine receptor channels. CD38 is a cell surface protein that catalyzes the synthesis and degradation of cADPR. In inflammatory diseases such as asthma, augmented Ca2+ responses and Ca2+ sensitivity contribute to increased ASM contractility in response to agonists. In this study, we investigated the regulation of CD38 expression and the role of cADPR-mediated Ca2+ release in airway inflammation. Human ASM cells in culture between the second and fifth passages were exposed to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1beta, or interferon gamma, or bovine serum albumin (controls). CD38 expression was measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time PCR, and Western blot analysis, and ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity was assayed with nicotinamide guanine dinucleotide as the substrate. Ca2+ responses to acetylcholine, bradykinin, and thrombin were measured in fura-2AM-loaded cells by fluorescence microscopy. Cytokines caused significant augmentation of CD38 expression, ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity, and Ca2+ responses to the agonists, compared with the control. TNF-alpha effects were greater than those of the other two cytokines. The cADPR antagonist 8-bromo-cADPR attenuated the Ca2+ responses to the agonists in control and cytokine-treated cells, with the magnitude of inhibition correlating with the level of CD38. This study provides the first demonstration of a role for CD38-cADPR signaling in a model of inflammatory airway disease.

Effect of IL-1beta on CRE-dependent gene expression in human airway smooth muscle cells

IL-1beta inhibits isoproterenol (ISO)-induced relaxation of cultured human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IL-1beta can also suppress ISO-induced cAMP response element (CRE)-dependent gene expression. ISO (10 microM) caused a marked increase in CRE-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, which was attenuated by IL-1beta (2 ng/ml). This effect of IL-1beta was abolished by the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin. To examine CRE-driven gene expression, we transiently transfected HASM cells with a construct containing CRE upstream of a luciferase reporter gene. ISO (6 h) caused a sixfold increase in luciferase activity. IL-1beta (24 h) alone also increased luciferase activity, although to a lesser extent (2-fold). However, the ability of ISO to elicit luciferase expression was markedly reduced in cells treated with IL-1beta. Indomethacin, the MEK and p38 inhibitors U-0126 and SB-203580, the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89, and dexamethasone each completely abolished the ability of IL-1beta to induce CRE-driven gene expression but only slightly increased the ability of ISO to induce CRE-driven gene expression in IL-1beta-treated cells. IL-1beta also attenuated dibutyryl cAMP-induced CRE-driven gene expression, but not dibutyryl cAMP-induced CREB phosphorylation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (10 ng/ml) also attenuated ISO-induced CRE-driven gene expression, even though it was without effect on ISO-induced cAMP formation or ISO-induced CREB phosphorylation. The results suggest that IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha may attenuate the ability of beta-agonists to induce expression of genes with CRE in their regulatory regions at least in part through events downstream of CREB phosphorylation.

Differential COX localization and PG release in Thy-1(+) and Thy-1(-) human female reproductive tract fibroblasts

A key role exists for prostaglandins (PGs) in reproductive health, including fertility and parturition. However, the cellular sources and regulation of PG production by cyclooxygenase (COX) in the human female reproductive tract remain poorly understood. We recently reported that human female reproductive tract fibroblasts are divisible into distinct subsets based on their Thy-1 surface expression. Herein, we demonstrate that the expression, induction, and subcellular localization of COX-1 and COX-2 and the downstream PG biosynthesis are markedly different between these subsets. Specifically, Thy-1(+) fibroblasts highly express COX-1, which is responsible for high-level PGE(2) production, a feature usually attributed to the COX-2 isoenzyme. In contrast, COX-2, generally considered an inducible isoform, is constitutively expressed in the Thy-1(-) subset, which only minimally produces PGE(2). The intracellular signaling pathways for COX regulation also differ between the subsets. Determination of differences in signal transduction, COX expression and localization, and PG production by human reproductive fibroblast subtypes supports the concept of fibroblast heterogeneity and the possibility that these subsets may play unique roles in tissue homeostasis and in inflammation.

IL-13 and IL-4 cause eotaxin release in human airway smooth muscle cells: a role for ERK

Human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells express interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-4 receptors and respond to these cytokines with signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IL-13 and/or IL-4 influence eotaxin release in HASM cells and whether the ERK mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway is involved in these events. Eotaxin release into HASM cell supernatants was assayed by ELISA, and eotaxin mRNA expression was determined by Northern blot analysis. Pretreatment with either IL-13 or IL-4 resulted in a concentration- and time-dependent release of eotaxin, although IL-4 was more effective. Eotaxin release was approximately twice baseline after treatment with 50 ng/ml IL-13 or IL-4 (P < 0.001). IL-13 and IL-4 also acted synergistically with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha to induce eotaxin release: TNF-alpha alone (10 ng/ml for 24 h) resulted in an approximately fourfold increase in eotaxin release, whereas TNF-alpha in combination with IL-13 or IL-4 resulted in 10- or 20-fold increases (P < 0.05). Similar results were obtained for eotaxin mRNA expression. Pretreatment with either U-0126 (10 microM) or PD-98059 (30 microM), both inhibitors of MAP/ERK kinase, the enzyme upstream of ERK, inhibited IL-13- or IL-4-induced eotaxin release (P < 0.05). U-0126 also inhibited IL-13, and TNF-alpha induced mRNA expression. Our results indicate that IL-13 and IL-4 cause eotaxin release in HASM cells through a mechanism that, in part, involves ERK activation and suggest that the smooth muscle may be an important source of chemokines leading to eosinophil recruitment in asthma.

Mechanisms of cytokine effects on G protein-coupled receptor-mediated signaling in airway smooth muscle

Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have implicated the cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as mediators of airway inflammation and therefore potentially important substances in the pathogenesis of asthma. In this study, we examined the mechanisms by which IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha affect inhibition of cell growth, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) desensitization, and the recently reported adenylyl cyclase sensitization in human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cultures. Our findings demonstrate that adenylyl cyclase sensitization is independent of cytokine-mediated cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) induction, whereas COX-2 induction appears to be required for both growth inhibition and GPCR desensitization. However, GPCR desensitization was highly dependent on the presence of EGF during chronic treatment with cytokines, which could be explained by a synergistic effect of EGF on cytokine-mediated COX-2 and PGE(2) induction. Interestingly, various agents (including inhibitors of p42/p44 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling) were significantly more effective in inhibiting cytokine-mediated PGE(2) induction, GPCR desensitization, and cell growth inhibition than in inhibiting COX-2 induction. These data demonstrate disparity in the requirement and sufficiency of COX-2 induction in promoting different functional effects of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in HASM.

Signal transduction pathways of IL-1beta-mediated iNOS in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells

Interleukin (IL)-1beta is an important early mediator of inflammation in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. We previously reported that a geranylgeranyltransferase inhibitor elevated basal levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and enhanced IL-1beta-mediated induction, suggesting that Rac or Rho small G proteins are candidates for antagonism of such induction. In this study, overexpression of constitutively active Rac1 or its dominant negative mutant did not affect IL-1beta induction of iNOS. Alternatively, treatment with Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme, which ADP-ribosylates Rho, was associated with superinduction of iNOS, suggesting an inhibitory role for Rho. IL-1beta activated the three mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase, and p38) and the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways. The former two pathways were not associated with IL-1beta-mediated iNOS induction, whereas the latter two appeared to have inhibitory roles in iNOS expression. These data suggest that a broad intracellular signaling response to IL-1beta in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells results in elevated levels of iNOS that is opposed by the geranylgeranylated small G protein Rho as well as the p38 and JAK2 pathways.

Measurement of cell microrheology by magnetic twisting cytometry with frequency domain demodulation

Magnetic twisting cytometry (MTC) (Wang N, Butler JP, and Ingber DE, Science 260: 1124-1127, 1993) is a useful technique for probing cell micromechanics. The technique is based on twisting ligand-coated magnetic microbeads bound to membrane receptors and measuring the resulting bead rotation with a magnetometer. Owing to the low signal-to-noise ratio, however, the magnetic signal must be modulated, which is accomplished by spinning the sample at approximately 10 Hz. Present demodulation approaches limit the MTC range to frequencies <0.5 Hz. We propose a novel demodulation algorithm to expand the frequency range of MTC measurements to higher frequencies. The algorithm is based on coherent demodulation in the frequency domain, and its frequency range is limited only by the dynamic response of the magnetometer. Using the new algorithm, we measured the complex modulus of elasticity (G*) of cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) from 0.03 to 16 Hz. Cells were cultured in supplemented RPMI medium, and ferromagnetic beads (approximately 5 microm) coated with an RGD peptide were bound to the cell membrane. Both the storage (G', real part of G*) and loss (G", imaginary part of G*) moduli increased with frequency as omega(alpha) (2 pi x frequency) with alpha approximately equal to 1/4. The ratio G"/G' was approximately 0.5 and varied little with frequency. Thus the cells exhibited a predominantly elastic behavior with a weak power law of frequency and a nearly constant proportion of elastic vs. frictional stresses, implying that the mechanical behavior conformed to the so-called structural damping (or constant-phase) law (Maksym GN, Fabry B, Butler JP, Navajas D, Tschumperlin DJ, LaPorte JD, and Fredberg JJ, J Appl Physiol 89: 1619-1632, 2000). We conclude that frequency domain demodulation dramatically increases the frequency range that can be probed with MTC and reveals that the mechanics of these cells conforms to constant-phase behavior over a range of frequencies approaching three decades.

Selected contribution: synergism between TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta in airway smooth muscle cells: implications for beta-adrenergic responsiveness

In human cultured airway smooth muscle cells, interleukin (IL)-1 beta increases cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and PGE(2) release, ultimately resulting in decreased beta-adrenergic responsiveness. In this study, we aimed to determine whether tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) synergizes with IL-1 beta in the induction of these events. TNF-alpha alone, at concentrations up to 10 ng/ml, had no effect on COX-2 protein expression; at concentrations as low as 0.1 ng/ml, it significantly enhanced the ability of IL-1 beta (0.2 ng/ml) to induce COX-2 and to increase PGE(2) release. IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in combination also significantly enhanced COX-2 promoter activity, indicating that synergism between the cytokines is mediated at the level of gene transcription. Although IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha each increased nuclear factor-kappa B activation and induced extracellular regulated kinase and p38 phosphorylation, combined administration of the cytokines did not enhance either nuclear factor-kappa B or mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Combined administration of IL-1 beta (0.2 ng/ml) and TNF-alpha (0.1 or 1.0 ng/ml) reduced the ability of isoproterenol to decrease human airway smooth muscle cell stiffness, as measured by magnetic twisting cytometry, even though individually these cytokines, at these concentrations, had no effect on isoproterenol responses. Treatment with the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 abolished the synergistic effects of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta on beta-adrenergic responsiveness. Our results indicate that low concentrations of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha synergize to promote beta-adrenergic hyporesponsiveness and that effects on COX-2 expression and PGE(2) are responsible for these events. The data suggest that the simultaneous release in the airway, of even very small amounts of cytokines, can have important functional consequences.

Inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinases differentially regulate eosinophil-activating cytokine release from human airway smooth muscle

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is a potential source of multiple proinflammatory cytokines during airway inflammation. In the present study, we examined a requirement for mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation for interleukin (IL)-1beta-stimulated GM-CSF, RANTES, and eotaxin release. IL-1beta induced concentration-dependent phosphorylation of p42/p44 extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), p38 MAP kinase, and c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK). p42/p44 ERK and p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation peaked at 15 min and remained elevated up to 4 h. SAPK/JNK phosphorylation also peaked at 15 min but fell to baseline within 60 min. SB 203580 selectively inhibited IL-1beta-stimulated activation of p38 MAP kinase; U 0126 was selective against p42/p44 ERK activity. SB 202474, an inactive analog, had no effect on p42/p44 ERK, p38 MAP kinase, or SAPK/JNK activation, or on eotaxin or RANTES release. Eotaxin release was inhibited by SB 203580 and U 0126, whereas RANTES release was prevented by U 0126 only. GM-CSF release was inhibited by U 0126 but enhanced by SB 203580. These data indicate that RANTES release is dependent on p42/p44 ERK activation but occurs independently of p38 MAP kinase activity. Eotaxin release, however, is dependent on both p38 MAP kinase- and p42/p44 ERK-dependent mechanisms. GM-CSF release is p42/p44 ERK dependent and is tonically suppressed by a mechanism that is partially dependent on p38 MAP kinase, though direct inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity due to poor inhibitor selectivity may also contribute.

Interleukin-6 family cytokines: signaling and effects in human airway smooth muscle cells

Interleukin (IL)-1β induces cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and prostanoid formation in cultured human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells. In other cell types, IL-6 family cytokines induce COX-2 or augment IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IL-6 family cytokines were involved in COX-2 expression in HASM cells. RT-PCR was used to demonstrate that the necessary receptor components for IL-6-type cytokine binding are expressed in HASM cells. IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM) each caused a dose-dependent phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3, whereas IL-11 did not. IL-6, IL-11, and OSM alone had no effect on COX-2 expression. However, OSM caused dose-dependent augmentation of COX-2 expression and prostaglandin (PG) E2release induced by IL-1β. In contrast, IL-6 and IL-11 did not alter IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression. IL-6 did increase IL-1β-induced PGE2formation in unstimulated cells but not in cells stimulated with arachidonic acid (AA; 10−5M), suggesting that IL-6 effects were mediated at the level of AA release. Our results indicate that IL-6 and OSM are capable of inducing signaling in HASM cells. In addition, OSM and IL-1β synergistically cause COX-2 expression and PGE2release.

p38 MAP kinase regulates IL-1 beta responses in cultured airway smooth muscle cells

We have previously reported that interleukin (IL)-1 beta causes beta-adrenergic hyporesponsiveness in cultured human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells by increasing cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression. The purpose of this study was to determine whether p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase is involved in these events. IL-1 beta (2 ng/ml for 15 min) increased p38 phosphorylation fourfold. The p38 inhibitor SB-203580 (3 microM) decreased IL-1 beta-induced COX-2 by 70 +/- 7% (P < 0.01). SB-203580 had no effect on PGE(2) release in control cells but caused a significant (70-80%) reduction in PGE(2) release in IL-1 beta-treated cells. IL-1 beta increased the binding of nuclear proteins to the oligonucleotides encoding the consensus sequences for activator protein (AP)-1 and nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B, but SB-203580 did not affect this binding, suggesting that the mechanism of action of p38 was not through AP-1 or NF-kappa B activation. The NF-kappa B inhibitor MG-132 did not alter IL-1 beta-induced COX-2 expression, indicating that NF-kappa B activation is not required for IL-1 beta-induced COX-2 expression in HASM cells. IL-1 beta attenuated isoproterenol-induced decreases in HASM stiffness as measured by magnetic twisting cytometry, and SB-203580 abolished this effect. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that p38 is involved in the signal transduction pathway through which IL-1 beta induces COX-2 expression, PGE(2) release, and beta-adrenergic hyporesponsiveness.

Dehydration activates an NF-kappaB-driven, COX2-dependent survival mechanism in renal medullary interstitial cells

Renal prostaglandin (PG) synthesis is mediated by cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX1 and COX2). After dehydration, the maintenance of normal renal function becomes particularly dependent upon PG synthesis. The present studies were designed to examine the potential link between medullary COX1 and COX2 expression in hypertonic stress. In response to water deprivation, COX2, but not COX1, mRNA levels increase significantly in the renal medulla, specifically in renal medullary interstitial cells (RMICs). Water deprivation also increases renal NF-kappaB-driven reporter expression in transgenic mice. NF-kappaB activity and COX2 expression could be induced in cultured RMICs with hypertonic sodium chloride and mannitol, but not urea. RMIC COX2 expression was also induced by driving NF-kappaB activation with a constitutively active IkappaB kinase alpha (IKKalpha). Conversely, introduction of a dominant-negative IkappaB mutant reduced COX2 expression after hypertonicity or IKKalpha induction. RMICs failed to survive hypertonicity when COX2 was downregulated using a COX2-selective antisense or blocked with the selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) SC58236, reagents that did not affect cell survival in isotonic media. In rabbits treated with SC58236, water deprivation induced apoptosis of medullary interstitial cells in the renal papilla. These results demonstrate that water deprivation and hypertonicity activate NF-kappaB. The consequent increase in COX2 expression favors RMIC survival in hypertonic conditions. Inhibition of RMIC COX2 could contribute to NSAID-induced papillary injury.