Flow cytometric evaluation of human neutrophil apoptosis during nitric oxide generation in vitro: the role of exogenous antioxidants

Is Pulmonary Inflammation a Valid Predictor of Particle Induced Lung Pathology? The Case of Amorphous and Crystalline silicas

Although inflammation is a normal and beneficial response, it is also a key event in the pathology of many chronic diseases, including pulmonary and systemic particle-induced disease. In addition, inflammation is now considered as the key response in standard settings for inhaled particles and a critical endpoint in OECD-based sub-acute/ chronic animal inhalation testing protocols. In this paper, we discuss that whilst the role of inflammation in lung disease is undeniable, it is when inflammation deviates from normal parameters that adversity occurs. We introduce the importance of the time course and in particular, the reversibility of inflammation in the progression towards tissue remodelling and neoplastic changes as commonly seen in rat inhalation studies. For this purpose, we used chronic inhalation studies with synthetic amorphous silicas (SAS) and reactive crystalline silica (RCS) as a source of data to describe the time-course of inflammation towards and beyond adversity. Whilst amorphous silicas induce an acute but reversible inflammatory response, only RCS induces a persistent, progressive response after cessation of exposure, resulting in fibrosis and carcinogenicity in rodents and humans. This suggests that the use of inflammation as a fixed endpoint at the cessation of exposure may not be a reliable predictor of particle-induced lung pathology. We therefore suggest extending the current OECD testing guidelines with a recovery period, that allows inflammation to resolve or progress into altered structure and function, such as fibrosis.

NLRP3 Exacerbate NETosis-Associated Neuroinflammation in an LPS-Induced Inflamed Brain

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) exert a novel function of trapping pathogens. Released NETs can accumulate in inflamed tissues, be recognized by other immune cells for clearance, and lead to tissue toxicity. Therefore, the deleterious effect of NET is an etiological factor, causing several diseases directly or indirectly. NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in neutrophils is pivotal in signaling the innate immune response and is associated with several NET-related diseases. Despite these observations, the role of NLRP3 in NET formation in neuroinflammation remains elusive. Therefore, we aimed to explore NET formation promoted by NLRP3 in an LPS-induced inflamed brain. Wild-type and NLRP3 knockout mice were used to investigate the role of NLRP3 in NET formation. Brain inflammation was systemically induced by administering LPS. In such an environment, the NET formation was evaluated based on the expression of its characteristic indicators. DNA leakage and NET formation were analyzed in both mice through Western blot, flow cytometry, and in vitro live cell imaging as well as two-photon imaging. Our data revealed that NLRP3 promotes DNA leakage and facilitates NET formation accompanied by neutrophil death. Moreover, NLRP3 is not involved in neutrophil infiltration but is predisposed to boost NET formation, which is accompanied by neutrophil death in the LPS-induced inflamed brain. Furthermore, either NLRP3 deficiency or neutrophil depletion diminished pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β, and alleviated blood-brain barrier damage. Overall, the results suggest that NLRP3 exacerbates NETosis in vitro and in the inflamed brain, aggravating neuroinflammation. These findings provide a clue that NLRP3 would be a potential therapeutic target to alleviate neuroinflammation.

Is the In Vitro Observed NETosis the Favored Physiological Death of Neutrophils or Mainly Induced by an Isolation Bias?

Centrifugation steps are regularly used for neutrophil isolation. Thereby, the influences of applied g-forces on the functionality of PMNs have hardly been analyzed and could consequently have been overlooked or led to biased results. We now hypothesize that blood PMNs-when gently isolated-can be long-lived cells and they physiologically become apoptotic rather than NETotic. Neutrophils were isolated from whole blood without centrifugation using a sedimentation enhancer (gelafundin). PMNs were analyzed via live-cell imaging for migratory activity and vitality condition by fluorescent staining. Native neutrophils showed still relevant migratory activity after more than 6 days ex vivo. The percentage of cells that were annexin V⁺ or PI⁺ increased successively with increasing ex vivo time. In addition, the characteristics of DAPI staining of gently isolated granulocytes differed markedly from those obtained by density gradient separation (DGS). We conclude that NETosis occurring after DGS is the consequence of applied g-forces and not a physiological phenomenon. Future studies on neutrophils should be performed with most native cells (applied g-time load as low as possible).

Differential effects of antibiotics on neutrophils exposed to lipoteichoic acid derived from Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND

Persistent bacteremia occurs in at least 30% of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SAB) and may be attributable to a dysregulated host immune response. Neutrophils interact with a variety of S. aureus microbial factors, including lipoteichoic acid (LTA), to activate phagocytic function in a concentration-dependent manner. Antibiotics have been shown to exert both direct antimicrobial action as well as immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we compared the effects of different anti-staphylococcal antibiotics on LTA-mediated immune activation of neutrophils.

METHODS

Neutrophils obtained from healthy volunteers were exposed to two levels of LTA (1 and 10 μg/ml) with or without addition of antibiotics from different pharmacologic classes (vancomycin, daptomycin, ceftaroline). Neutrophil function was assessed by examining phagocytic response, activation (CD11b, CD62L expression), Toll-like receptor-2 expression, cell survival and apoptosis, and CXCL8 release.

RESULTS

Differential LTA-mediated antibiotic effects on neutrophil function were observed primarily at the high LTA exposure level. Ceftaroline in the presence of 10 μg/ml LTA had the most prominent effects on phagocytosis and CD11b and CD62L expression, with trends towards increased neutrophil survival and preservation of CXCL8 release when compared to daptomycin and vancomycin with the latter significantly dampening PMN CXCL8 release.

CONCLUSIONS

Select antimicrobial agents, such as ceftaroline, exert immunostimulatory effects on neutrophils exposed to S. aureus LTA, which when confirmed in vivo, could be leveraged for its dual immunomodulatory and antibacterial actions for the treatment of persistent SAB mediated by a dysregulated host response.

The cytotoxicity and protective effects of Astragalus membranaceus extracts and butylated hydroxyanisole on hydroxyl radical-induced apoptosis in fish erythrocytes

Erythrocytes play an essential role in transporting O₂ and CO₂ for respiration in fish. However, erythrocytes continuously suffer from reactive oxygen species (ROS) -induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Thus, it is essential to expand our knowledge of how to protect erythrocytes against ROS-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in fish. In this study, we explored the cytotoxicity and the effects of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), ethyl ether extracts, ethyl acetate extracts, acetone extracts (AE), ethanol extracts, and aqueous extracts of Astragalus membranaceus (EAm) on hydroxyl radical (•OH)-induced apoptosis in carp erythrocytes. The rat hepatocytes and carp erythrocytes were incubated with different concentrations of BHA or EAm(0.125 to 1 mg/mL). The toxicity in rat hepatocytes and carp erythrocytes was then measured using a 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and a haemolysis assay, respectively. The carp erythrocytes were treated with BHA or EAm in the presence of 40 μmol/L FeSO₄ and 20 μmol/L H₂O₂ at 37 °C, except for the control group. Oxidative stress and apoptosis parameters in the carp erythrocytes were then evaluated using the commercial kit. The results indicated that at high concentrations, BHA and EAm could induce toxicity in rat hepatocytes and fish erythrocytes. However, BHA was more toxic than EAm at the same concentrations. Moreover, the toxicity order of BHA and EAm in the fish erythrocytes approximately agreed with that for the rat hepatocytes. Butylated hydroxyanisole and EAm suppressed the •OH-induced phosphatidylserine exposure and DNA fragmentation (the biomarkers of apoptosis) by decreasing the generation of ROS, inhibiting the oxidation of cellular components, and restoring the activities of antioxidants in carp erythrocytes. Of all of the examined EAm, the AE showed the strongest effects. The effects of AE on superoxide anion, H₂O₂, met-haemoglobin and reduced glutathione levels, as well as glutathione reductase activity and apoptosis were equivalent to or stronger than those of BHA. These results revealed that the AE of Astragalus membranaceus could be used as a potential natural antioxidant or apoptosis inhibitor in fish erythrocytes.

Inhibition of lipid oxidation in foods and feeds and hydroxyl radical-treated fish erythrocytes: A comparative study of Ginkgo biloba leaves extracts and synthetic antioxidants

This study explored the effects of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ethoxyquin (EQ) and ethyl ether extracts, ethyl acetate extracts (EAE), acetone extracts, ethanol extracts and aqueous extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves (EGbs) on lipid oxidation in a linoleic acid emulsion, fish flesh and fish feed and in hydroxyl radical (·OH)-treated carp erythrocytes. The linoleic acid, fish flesh and fish feed were incubated with BHT, EQ and EGbs at 45°C for 8 d, respectively, except for the control group. The lipid oxidation in the linoleic acid emulsion, fish flesh and fish feed was then measured by the ferric thiocyanate method or thiobarbituric acid method. The carp erythrocytes were treated with BHT, EQ or EGbs in the presence of 40 μmol/L FeSO₄ and 20 μmol/L H₂O₂ at 37°C for 6 h, except for the control group. Oxidative stress and apoptosis parameters in carp erythrocytes were then evaluated by the commercial kit. The results showed that BHT, EQ and EGbs inhibited lipid oxidation in the linoleic acid emulsion, fish flesh and fish feed and ·OH-induced phosphatidylserine exposure and DNA fragmentation (the biomarkers of apoptosis) in carp erythrocytes. Furthermore, BHT, EQ and EGbs decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibited the oxidation of cellular components and restored the activities of enzymatic antioxidants in ·OH-treated carp erythrocytes. Of all examined EGbs, EAE showed the strongest effects. The effects of EAE on lipid oxidation in the linoleic acid emulsion and on superoxide anion and malonaldehyde levels, catalase activity and apoptosis in ·OH-treated carp erythrocytes were equivalent to or stronger than those of BHT. Moreover, these results indicated that the inhibition order of EGbs on the generation of ROS and oxidation of cellular components in fish erythrocytes approximately agreed with that for the food and feed materials tested above. And, the antioxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of EGbs were positively correlated with their flavonoid content. Taken together, these results revealed that the fish erythrocyte system can be used as an experimental model to evaluate lipid oxidation in food and feed ingredients. The EAE can be used as a potential natural antioxidant or apoptosis inhibitor. The inhibition effects of EGbs on lipid oxidation and apoptosis may be due to the presence of flavonoid compounds.

The metabolites of glutamine prevent hydroxyl radical-induced apoptosis through inhibiting mitochondria and calcium ion involved pathways in fish erythrocytes

The present study explored the apoptosis pathways in hydroxyl radicals ((∙)OH)-induced carp erythrocytes. Carp erythrocytes were treated with the caspase inhibitors in physiological carp saline (PCS) or Ca(2+)-free PCS in the presence of 40μM FeSO4/20μM H2O2. The results showed that the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the release of cytochrome c and DNA fragmentation were caspase-dependent, and Ca(2+) was involved in calpain activation and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure in (∙)OH-induced carp erythrocytes. Moreover, the results suggested that caspases were involved in PS exposure, and Ca(2+) was involved in DNA fragmentation in (∙)OH-induced fish erythrocytes. These results demonstrated that there might be two apoptosis pathways in fish erythrocytes, one is the caspase and cytochrome c-dependent apoptosis that is similar to that in mammal nucleated cells, the other is the Ca(2+)-involved apoptosis that was similar to that in mammal non-nucleated erythrocytes. So, fish erythrocytes may be used as a model for studying oxidative stress and apoptosis in mammal cells. Furthermore, the present study investigated the effects of glutamine (Gln)'s metabolites [alanine (Ala), citrulline (Cit), proline (Pro) and their combination (Ala10Pro4Cit1)] on the pathways of apoptosis in fish erythrocytes. The results displayed that Ala, Cit, Pro and Ala10Pro4Cit1 effectively suppressed ROS generation, cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 at the physiological concentrations, prevented Ca(2+) influx, calpain activation, PS exposure, DNA fragmentation and the degradation of the cytoskeleton and oxidation of membrane and hemoglobin (Hb) and increased activity of anti-hydroxyl radical (AHR) in (∙)OH-induced carp erythrocytes. Ala10Pro4Cit1 produced a synergistic effect of inhibited oxidative stress and apoptosis in fish erythrocytes. These results demonstrated that Ala, Cit, Pro and their combination can protect mammal erythrocytes and nucleated cells against oxidative stress and apoptosis. The studies supported the use of Gln, Ala, Cit and Pro as oxidative stress and apoptosis inhibitors in mammal cells and the hypothesis that the inhibited effects of Gln on oxidative stress and apoptosis are at least partly dependent on that of its metabolites in mammalian.

Oxidative stress parameters and anti-apoptotic response to hydroxyl radicals in fish erythrocytes: protective effects of glutamine, alanine, citrulline and proline

The present study explored the protective effects of glutamine (Gln), alanine (Ala), citrulline (Cit) and proline (Pro) on hydroxyl radical (·OH)-induced apoptosis in isolated carp erythrocytes. Hydroxyl radicals were generated by ferrous ion (Fe(2+))-mediated decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (Fenton reaction). In order to select an optimal ·OH concentration to induce apoptosis, cultures were treated with different concentrations of FeSO(4)/H(2)O(2) (0 μM/0 μM-50 μM/25 μM). The results showed that exposure to FeSO(4)/H(2)O(2) (0 μM/0 μM-40 μM/20 μM) increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, apoptosis was at its highest level at 40 μM FeSO(4)/20 μM H(2)O(2). We then examined the cytoprotective effects of Gln, Ala, Cit, Pro or the combination of Ala, Cit and Pro under conditions of apoptosis. Carp erythrocytes were treated with the substances listed above in the presence of 40 μM FeSO(4)/20 μM H(2)O(2) for 9 h. The controls were grown in Gln, Ala, Cit, Pro-free culture medium. The results showed that Gln, Ala, Cit, Pro and the combination of Ala, Cit and Pro effectively protected against annexin binding, decrease of forward scatter and DNA fragmentation in carp erythrocytes induced by ·OH. Furthermore, Gln, Ala, Cit, Pro and the combination of Ala, Cit and Pro effectively blocked ·OH-stimulated erythrocyte hemolysis, reduced the increase of superoxide anion and H(2)O(2) concentrations, inhibited the formation of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls and met-hemoglobin, and prevented the decrease of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and glutathione content in carp erythrocytes induced by ·OH. In addition, the results suggest that the combination of Ala, Cit and Pro produces a greater anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative effect than their individual effects at the same concentrations. Taken together, the results showed that ·OH induces apoptosis and oxidative damage in carp erythrocytes. In addition to inhibiting apoptosis, Gln, Ala, Cit, Pro and the combination of Ala, Cit and Pro protected carp erythrocytes against oxidative damage induced by ·OH, which may be a major factor in the protection of erythrocytes from apoptosis.

Seasonal changes in activities of human neutrophils in vitro

Objective and design

We present a retrospective analysis of previously collected blood samples to determine whether the immune response of neutrophils depends on the season i.e., short versus long days, in which blood samples were collected.

Methods

The bactericidal activity and adhesive capacity of neutrophils, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and CD11b/CD18 molecule expression level were investigated. The investigated neutrophils were divided into two groups based on the time of blood collection: the winter season with short days and the summer season with long days.

Results

We found seasonal variation in measurements of all the analyzed functional responses of neutrophils to stimuli. The strongest adhesion, as well as maximum values of ROS production, was presented by neutrophils isolated from the summer group. The highest bactericidal activity of neutrophils was also observed in blood donors from summer group.

Conclusions

The magnitude of the immune functional activity of neutrophils varies with the season of the year and is decreased in winter.

Endotoxaemia in the pathogenesis of cytopenias in liver cirrhosis. Could oral antibiotics raise blood counts?

Cytopenias are frequently observed in patients with cirrhosis and are associated with increased morbidity. In particular, thrombocytopenia can impact routine care of patients with cirrhosis by potentially postponing or interfering with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including liver biopsy and medically indicated or elective surgery. The pathogenesis of cytopenias in cirrhosis remains largely unknown. Historically, the concept of hypersplenism has long been associated with the cirrhosis-related hematological disorders but was never proven. On the other hand, intestinal bacterial overgrowth and altered gut permeability in cirrhotic patients lead to increased translocation of bacteria and endotoxin into the portal circulation. The impaired phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system together with the portosystemic shunting allow endotoxin to reach the systemic circulation and high concentrations of circulating endotoxin are found in cirrhotic patients even with no clinical evidence of infection and correlate with the severity of liver disease. Endotoxin activates monocytes and promotes the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Indeed, serum levels of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ are elevated in patients with cirrhosis in proportion to the severity of liver disease. Endotoxaemia stimulates the vascular production of nitric oxide (NO) directly or indirectly via the cytokine cascade, and correlates with serum NO metabolite levels in cirrhosis. Several lines of evidence strongly suggest that endotoxaemia may reduce peripheral blood counts either directly or through the release of cytokines and NO. Previous studies in experimental models of cirrhosis and cirrhotic patients have demonstrated that long-term administration of oral antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, norfloxacin, and rifaximin can reduce bacterial translocation and circulating levels of endotoxin, TNF-α, IL-6, and NO. We hypothesize that endotoxaemia plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cytopenias in cirrhosis and that intestinal decontamination could raise peripheral blood counts by the suppression of endotoxaemia and the inhibition of cytokine and NO production.

Effects of hyperoxia and nitric oxide on endogenous nitric oxide production in polymorphonuclear leukocytes

BACKGROUND

Exposure to hyperoxia and nitric oxide (NO) occur frequently during the treatment of neonatal hypoxic pulmonary failure.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to quantify the endogenous synthesis of NO in neonatal polymorphonuclear neutrophils following exposure to hyperoxia and NO in vitro.

METHODS

Neonatal cord blood was exposed to room air, 25, 30 and 100% oxygen and 10 or 20 ppm NO added to the different oxygen concentrations for up to 30 min. 4,5-Diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2 DA) is an intracellular dye used to measure real-time changes in NO levels in vivo. The molecular structure of DAF-2 DA changes upon contact with NO to its oxidized and fluorescent form diaminofluorescein-triazol (DAF-2T) and after being hydrolyzed by intracellular esterases cannot leave the cell. DAF-2 DA signals following equilibration with room air were used as controls.

RESULTS

Exposure to 100% oxygen increased NO production significantly when compared to 20 ppm NO plus 100% oxygen (p = 0.031) and to 20 ppm NO alone (p = 0.006). 10 ppm NO produced a similar effect. Significant increases in NO production were also noticed following exposure to 25% oxygen. This increase was already present after 10 min of oxygen exposure.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the propagated avoidance of hyperoxia not only in preterm infants, but also in term neonates.

The apoptosis of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes in sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

The apoptosis of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) is not well understood. The goal of this study was to examine the apoptosis of PMNs in patients with SCD and in controls.

METHODS

Flow cytometric quantitation of PMN apoptosis was performed in 17 patients during and after sickle cell vasoocclusive crisis and in 17 healthy volunteers. Plasma nitric oxide concentrations were also measured in patients with SCD.

RESULTS

The mean of annexin-V and annexin-V/PI staining (early and late apoptotic cells) increased to a greater degree in patients with SCD than in healthy controls for patients with SCD during and after vasoocclusive crisis. The mean of PI staining showing dead cells was higher only in patients after SCD crisis than in healthy controls. In the SCD groups during and after vasoocclusive crisis, there was no difference between PMN apoptosis levels. Furthermore, plasma nitric oxide concentrations were not correlated with PMN apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an evidence that the alteration of blood PMN apoptosis could contribute to the pathogenetic mechanisms of vasoocclusion in patients with SCD. This can be attributed to the effects of numerous inflammatory mediators rather than simply the effects of nitric oxide.

Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase and soluble guanylyl cyclase disappear in elicited rat neutrophils

The nitric oxide/soluble guanylyl cyclase/cGMP-dependent protein kinase (NO/sGC/PKG) cascade has been shown to affect important functions of circulating neutrophils. We demonstrate that neutrophils isolated from rats treated intraperitoneally with peptone protease cannot use this signaling pathway. Although PKG was detected at both the mRNA and protein levels in peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs) of control rats, it was expressed neither in PBNs nor in peritoneal exudate neutrophils (PENs) of provoked rats. Also, mRNA of the alpha and beta chains of heterodimeric sGC was present in PBNs, but absent in PENs. Consistently, PBNs responded to activators of sGC with cGMP synthesis, while PENs did not. These results showed that neutrophils recruited by a provoking agent lost PKG and, in the case of PENs, also sGC and thus the capacity to respond to NO with cGMP signaling. We speculate that such downregulation of the sGC/PKG pathway is likely a result of the high activity of inducible NO synthase observed in inflammatory neutrophils.