Interleukin-6 in combination with the interleukin-6 receptor stimulates glucose uptake in resting human skeletal muscle independently of insulin action

AIM

To examine if the physiological concentrations of both interleukin-6 (IL-6), in combination with IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), are able to stimulate glucose uptake in human skeletal muscle and to identify the associated signalling pathways.

METHODS

Skeletal muscle tissue (~60 mg) obtained from healthy female volunteers via muscle biopsy was subjected to incubation in the absence or presence of insulin (60 µU/ml), recombinant human IL-6 (rhIL-6) (4 ng/ml) or a combination of rhIL-6 (4 ng/ml) and rhIL-6R (100 ng/ml) for 30 min, with glucose transport measured for each incubation. Western blot analysis was conducted on key signalling proteins, protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to gain an early insight into any differing transport mechanisms.

RESULTS

Human skeletal muscle exhibited increased glucose uptake with insulin (1.85-fold; p < 0.05) and stimulated phosphorylation of PKB/Akt and AMPK (0.98 ± 0.23 and 1.49 ± 0.13, respectively, phosphorylated: total; p < 0.05). IL-6/IL-6R increased phosphorylation of mTOR (fourfold, p < 0.05) compared to insulin, IL-6 alone and basal control. IL-6 did not stimulate glucose uptake but combined with IL-6R, induced 1.5-fold increase in glucose uptake (p < 0.05) and phosphorylation of AMPK (0.95 ± 0.19; phosphorylated: total, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-6 in combination with IL-6R and not IL-6 alone increased glucose uptake in human skeletal muscle. IL-6/IL-6R-mediated glucose uptake occurred independently of PKB/Akt phosphorylation, showing that IL-6/IL-6R-induced glucose uptake is dependent on a divergent pathway.

Multilevel Regulation of IL-6R by IL-6-sIL-6R Fusion Protein According to the Primitiveness of Peripheral Blood-Derived CD133+Cells

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its soluble receptor (sIL-6R) are major factors for maintenance and expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Sensitivity of HSCs to IL-6 has been previously studied, in part by measuring the expression of IL-6R on the membrane (mIL-6R). Several studies have described the regulation of cell surface expression of IL-6R by several cytokines, but the role of glycoprotein 130 activation has not yet been investigated. In this study, CD133(+) cells were purified from adult peripheral blood and were precultured in the absence or presence of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for selection of quiescent HSCs. Cells were cultured with continuous or pulsed stimulations of an IL-6-sIL-6R fusion protein (hyperinterleukin-6 [HIL-6]) to 1) detect mIL-6R by flow cytometry, 2) assess mIL-6R and sIL-6R RNAs by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, 3) measure sIL-6R in supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 4) analyze cell-cycle status, and 5) perform long-term culture-initiating cell assays. The level of mIL-6R(-) cells was preserved by 5-FU incubation. HIL-6 increased steady-state mIL-6R RNA and expression rate on HSCs, independently of treatment with 5-FU. Enhanced production of sIL-6R was observed with short pulses of HIL-6 on CD133(+) 5-FU-pretreated cells. This overproduction of sIL-6R was abrogated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha protease inhibitor-1, an inhibitor of a disintegrin and metalloprotease proteases, suggesting the shedding of mIL-6R. This phenomenon was mediated through the phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase pathway and was involved in the maintenance of primitive HSCs. In conclusion, expression and production of IL-6R are tightly regulated and stage specific. We assume that sIL-6R produced by shedding should be involved in autocrine and paracrine loops in the HSC microenvironment.

Epigenetic modification of SOCS-1 differentially regulates STAT3 activation in response to interleukin-6 receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling through JAK and/or MEK in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been reported to be activated by interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), which may have important implications for responsiveness to therapeutics targeted at EGFR, IL-6R, or intermediary kinases. Suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) has been implicated recently in the negative regulation of IL-6R/Janus-activated kinase (JAK)-mediated activation of STAT3, suggesting that SOCS-1 could affect alternative activation of STAT3 by EGFR, IL-6R, and associated kinases. We investigated whether epigenetic modification of SOCS-1 affects STAT3 activation in response to IL-6R-, EGFR-, JAK-, or mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK)-mediated signal activation. STAT3 was predominantly activated by IL-6R via Jak1/Jak2 in HNSCC lines UMSCC-9 and UMSCC-38 in association with transcriptional silencing of SOCS-1 by hypermethylation. In UMSCC-11A cells with unmethylated SOCS-1, STAT3 activation was regulated by both EGFR and IL-6R via a JAK-independent pathway involving MEK. Pharmacologic inhibitors of JAK and MEK and expression of SOCS-1 following demethylation or transient transfection inhibited STAT3 activation and cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in corresponding cell lines. Hypermethylation of SOCS-1 was found in about one-third of human HNSCC tissues, making it a potentially relevant marker for STAT-targeted therapy in HNSCC patients. We conclude that SOCS-1 methylation status can differentially affect STAT3 activation by IL-6R and EGFR through JAK or MEK in different HNSCC and response to pharmacologic antagonists. Identifying the potential factors and the regulatory pathways in STAT3 activation has important implications for the development and selection of molecularly targeted therapy in HNSCC.

The Viscum album extract Iscador P does not cause an autocrine interleukin-6 loop in B-Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma cell lines

BACKGROUND

Single cases of clinical observations suggest the efficacy of the Viscum album (VA) extract Iscador P in the treatment of follicular B-Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (B-NHL). A previously published study aroused a controversial dispute as it indicated that IL-6 serum levels are elevated following i.v. VA treatment. Increased IL-6 levels have been shown to promote the progression of B-cell neoplasia such as B-NHL. Objective of this study was to investigate whether the VA extract influences the expression of IL-6 and its receptor components in follicular B-NHL cell lines.

METHODS

Follicular B-NHL cell lines (WSU-NHL, DoHH-2) were incubated with clinically relevant doses of VA extract for up to 3 days. At specified time points (6, 24, 48, 72 h) samples were taken and the expression of IL-6 and its receptor components were analysed by real-time-RT-PCR, flow cytometry and ELISA.

RESULTS

Treatment of follicular B-NHL cell lines with VA extract did not alter the expression level of IL-6 and its' receptor components at any time and with any of the applied VA extract concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically relevant doses of the VA extract do not trigger an autocrine or paracrine IL-6 loop nor do they initiate IL-6 trans-signalling in follicular B-NHL cell lines.

Cytokine responses of human gingival fibroblasts to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans cytolethal distending toxin

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is implicated in the pathogenesis of localized aggressive periodontitis, and has the capacity to express a cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt). Gingival fibroblasts (GF) are resident cells of the periodontium, which can express several osteolytic cytokines. The aims of this study were a) to investigate the role of Cdt in A. actinomycetemcomitans-induced expression of osteolytic cytokines and their cognate receptors in GF and b) to determine if the previously demonstrated induction of receptor activator of NFkappaB ligand (RANKL) by A. actinomycetemcomitans is mediated by these pro-inflammatory cytokines or by prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). A. actinomycetemcomitans clearly induced interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta, and to a minimal extent, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA expression. At the protein level, IL-6 but not IL-1beta or TNF-alpha expression was stimulated. The mRNA expression of the different receptor subtypes recognizing IL-6, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha was not affected. A cdt-knockout strain of A. actinomycetemcomitans had similar effects on cytokine and cytokine receptor mRNA expression, compared to its parental wild-type strain. Purified Cdt stimulated IL-6, but not IL-1beta or TNF-alpha protein biosynthesis. Antibodies neutralizing IL-6, IL-1 or TNF-alpha, and the PGE(2) synthesis inhibitor indomethacin, did not affect A. actinomycetemcomitans-induced RANKL expression. In conclusion, a) A. actinomycetemcomitans induces IL-6 production in GF by a mechanism largely independent of its Cdt and b) A. actinomycetemcomitans-induced RANKL expression in GF occurs independently of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, or PGE(2).

Clinical Study of Tocilizumab in Children With Systemic-Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a severe and steroid-dependent disease of unknown etiology that sometimes progresses to a fatal disease known as the macrophage activation syndrome. The investigation of inflammatory cytokines and receptor levels revealed an increase in interleukin (IL)-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) in serum of patients with active sJIA. The clinical symptoms and signs of the disease are presumably attributable to the continuous elevation of IL-6 and sIL-6R levels in serum. The characteristic fever spikes parallel IL-6 levels. In children, a long-term exposure to high levels of IL-6 causes severe growth impairment, as suggested by recently established studies of IL-6 transgenic mice. The biological functions of IL-6 are expressed through the binding of IL-6/IL-6R complex to gp130. The administration of tocilizumab (a recombinant humanized anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibody) exerts its action by preventing the binding of IL-6 to its receptor and, therefore, preventing the activation of gp130. After a few cases of compassionate use of tocilizumab, phase I and II studies of tocilizumab were conducted in children with sJIA, revealing that tocilizumab abruptly reduced the typical symptoms of inflammation and improved laboratory abnormalities. This article describes the experience in Japan regarding the treatment of sJIA with tocilizumab and supports the hypothesis that high levels of IL-6 may play an important role in the pathogenesis and maintenance of this disease. A confirmation of the role of tocilizumab in the treatment of sJIA will be provided by the results of the ongoing phase III study in Japan.

How does interleukin-6 affect the membrane expressions of interleukin-6 receptor and gp130 and the proliferation of the human myeloma cell line OPM-2?

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a potent growth factor for the proliferation of multiple myeloma (MM), which accounts for 1-2% of all human cancers. In this study we investigated the effects of IL-6 in various doses on the following parameters in the human myeloma cell line OPM-2: membrane expression of IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and gp130, proliferation of the tumour cells and the amount of the soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) in the supernatant. Additionally, we tested the same parameters with the immunomodulator Viscum album (VA) extract. The expression of surface IL-6R and gp130 was analysed by FACS, the measurements of proliferation using the BrdU incorporation during DNA synthesis, and the determination of sIL-6R in the supernatant by ELISA. OPM-2 cells proliferate spontaneously (doubling time: 48 h), IL-6-production was not detectable. The exogenous IL-6 upregulated its own receptor up to a mean of 180% of controls at 5 ng/ml (P < 0.001), higher or lower doses were less effective. The membrane expression of gp130 was downregulated to 1-2%. IL-6 led to increase of the sIL-6R in the supernatant (P < 0.001) and raised the proliferation of the myeloma cells up to a mean of 124% (P < 0.001). These results indicate that the human myeloma cell line OPM-2 has an autocrine IL-6 regulation mechanism, with an additional paracrine signalling by exogenous IL-6. This is the first report that IL-6 inhibits the membrane expression of gp130, although the proliferation of the myeloma cells increases. VA extract did not affect survival, the expression of surface receptors IL-6 and gp130 or the amount of sIL-6R in the supernatant. However, the proliferation of the tumour cells was inhibited significantly (P < 0.05) suggesting a possible arrest in the cell cycle.

Role of the interleukin-6/interleukin-6 soluble receptor cytokine system in mediating increased skeletal sensitivity to parathyroid hormone in perimenopausal women

We have observed a strong correlation between circulating levels of both interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-6 soluble receptor (IL-6sR) and rates of bone turnover in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Furthermore, we have found that serum levels of IL-6sR predict rates of bone loss in postmenopausal women with this disease. Estrogen modulates parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced increases in serum IL-6/IL-6sR, such that, in the estrogen-deficient state, there is an exaggerated release of these cytokines. We therefore propose that the perimenopausal period represents a time when skeletal sensitivity to the resorbing actions of PTH increases because of augmented release of IL-6 and IL-6sR. To test this hypothesis, we retrospectively examined data from 91 women with primary hyperparathyroidism who were seen over the last 5 years at our institution. Women were categorized, based on their age, as premenopausal (n = 20, 41 +/- 2 years), perimenopausal (n = 17, 54 +/- 1 years), or postmenopausal (n = 54, 64 +/- 1 years). Despite having similar mean values for PTH, perimenopausal women had a mean serum IL-6 value that was significantly higher than that in the premenopausal group (13 +/- 2 vs. 8 +/- 2 pg/ml; p = 0.03). This difference in cytokine profile was mirrored by higher mean values for urine N telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX) in the perimenopausal group compared with premenopausal women (114 +/- 9 vs. 80 +/- 11 nM bone collagen equivalents (BCE)/mM creatinine, p = 0.01). Of the three groups of patients, values for IL-6 and urine NTX were highest in the postmenopausal group. We conclude that the perimenopausal period may be a time of increased risk for the skeletal complications of hyperparathyroidism. This is because of increased skeletal sensitivity to the resorbing actions of PTH, mediated in part, by the IL-6/IL-6sR cytokine system.

Anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody inhibits leukocyte recruitment and promotes T-cell apoptosis in a murine model of Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

To assess the contribution of IL-6 signaling to the physiopathology of Crohn's disease, we introduced anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody to a murine colitis model.

METHODS

Colitis was induced in C.B-17-scid mice to which were transferred CD45RBhigh CD4+ T cells from Balb/c mice. Anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody or rat IgG was given intraperitoneally after T-cell transfer, followed by weekly injection. Vascular adhesion molecules and inducible nitric oxide synthase were visualized by immunostaining. Cytokine expression was determined by RT-PCR, and apoptotic cells were determined by the TUNEL method.

RESULTS

Mice treated with anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody showed normal growth while controls lost weight. Colitis was improved histologically with reduced infiltration of LFA-1+ monocytes/macrophages and VLA-4+ T cells. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in the colonic vascular endothelium was markedly suppressed by the treatment, whereas no significant difference was seen in MAdCAM-1. IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta mRNAs were markedly reduced, but no difference was observed in the expression of IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-beta. Inducible nitric oxide synthase was upregulated in the mucosa of colitic mice and downregulated in the treated mice. Apoptotic cells were very sparse despite massive CD4+ T-cell infiltration in colitic mice, whereas increased apoptosis was seen in the treated mice with an apparently reduced number of T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody abrogated murine colitis. It effectively blocked the expression of adhesion molecules, thereby blocking leukocyte recruitment, and increased T-cell apoptosis. These results strongly suggest the therapeutic potential of anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody for human Crohn's disease.

Soluble IL-6 receptor levels in patients on chronic hemodialysis

Osteitis fibrosa, a part of the spectrum of renal osteodystrophy, is characterized by high bone turnover as a result of high circulating levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). It is well accepted that the bone resorptive effects of PTH occur, at least in part, by inducing osteoblasts to secrete cytokines that stimulate both differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. One such cytokine, interleukin 6 (IL-6), exerts its actions via the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), which has alpha and beta subunits. The alpha subunit binds IL-6 and exists in both membrane bound and soluble forms which can interact with the signal transducing components of the receptor or beta subunits and result in the same biological effect. Abnormalities in the IL-6 system have the potential to affect bone turnover and to modulate the effects of PTH. In this regard, we examined the levels of circulating soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) and plasma intact PTH in 27 patients on hemodialysis, of whom 15 were on therapy with vitamin D compounds and 12 were vitamin D naive. The results were compared to values obtained from 9 healthy controls. Blood samples were obtained pre-dialysis and sIL-6R levels were determined using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay, which measures biologically active sIL-6R. In patients on chronic hemodialysis, plasma levels of sIL-6R were 123.4 +/- 11.01 ng/ml. In healthy controls, the levels were 99.61 +/- 11.52 ng/ml, values not significantly different from those found in dialysis patients. PTH values ranged from 7-1,709 pg/ml in patients on hemodialysis; however, there was no correlation between intact PTH levels and the levels of sIL-6R. Similarly, vitamin D therapy did not influence the levels of sIL-6R. These data indicate that using an assay which is specific for biologically active sIL-6R, the levels of this receptor in patients on hemodialysis are similar to those found in normal individuals and neither the levels of PTH nor vitamin D therapy alter this aspect of IL-6 action.

[Study on the biological activity and molecular mechanism of IFNalpha on human myeloma cell line Sko-007]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biological activity and molecular mechanism of interferon alpha (IFNalpha) on human myeloma cell line Sko-007.

METHODS

The effect of IFNalpha on the growth of Sko-007 cells was measured by MTT assay. Cells cycle distribution and the expression of two IL-6 receptor chains (IL-6R and gp130) on Sko-007 cell surface in the absence or presence of IFNalpha were monitored by FACS analysis. The activation state of protein kinase ERK, which is involved in Ras/MAPK signal transduction pathway mediating cell survival and proliferation, and the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins-Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L) and Mcl-1 in Sko-007 cells with or without IFNalpha were determined by immunoblot assay.

RESULT

IFNalpha arrested Sko-007 cell cycle progression. After stimulation with IFNalpha, an obvious increase in G(0)/G(1) phase (41.1%-->84.1%) and decrease in S phase (57.1%-->13.3%) of Sko-007 cell cycle distribution can be observed. Moreover, the proliferation of Sko-007 cells was dramatically inhibited in the presence of IFNalpha, with a maximal inhibitory rate up to 88%. In addition, the expression of gp130 on cell surface, the activation of protein kinase ERK and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L) were all down-regualted in IFNalpha-stimulated Sko-007 cells.

CONCLUSION

The inhibitory effect of IFNalpha on the proliferation of Sko-007 cells was mediated by gp130 down-regulation, degradation of Bcl-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins and inhibition of ERK activation.

Cytokine receptor repertoire and cytokine responsiveness of Ho(dull)/Rh(dull) stem cells with differing potentials for G1/S phase progression

OBJECTIVE

Subsetting of Hoechst 33342 dull (Ho(dull)) hematopoietic stem cells on the basis of rhodamine 123 (Rh) efflux utilizing an improved dual-dye efflux strategy resolves Ho(dull)/Rh(dull) stem cell subsets that differ with regard to their rate of recruitment and progression through the cell cycle upon exposure to cytokines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Murine bone marrow cells were isolated by negative immunomagnetic selection using lineage-directed antibodies followed by Ho and Rh staining using a dual-dye efflux method.

RESULTS

Ho(dull)/Rh(dull) stem cells that efflux Rh more efficiently (R1) exhibit a 4- to 8-hour delay in progression to S phase when stimulated by interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6, IL-11, and stem cell factor (SCF) compared to Ho(dull)/Rh(medium) stem cells, which retain low levels of Rh (R2). R1 and R2 cells show a hierarchical entry into S phase upon exposure to any or all of these cytokines. The R1 subset contains proportionately more high proliferative potential colony-forming cells than the R2 subset, but equivalent levels of engraftable stem cells at 3 and 8 weeks after competitive transplantation. Both R1 and R2 cells express c-kit, IL-3R, and IL-11R, whereas IL-6R and c-fms are only expressed by R1 or R2 cells, respectively. Cytokine stimulation of R1 and R2 cells induced cell cycle progression with elevated or induced expression of c-kit, c-fms, IL-2R, and IL-6R.

CONCLUSION

These studies indicate that primitive marrow stem cells can be further subsetted by degree of Rh staining to reveal important functional phenotypic differences between cells with different levels of Rh staining.

Interleukin-6 enhances transforming growth factor-alpha mRNA expression in macrophage-like human monocytoid (U-937-1) cells

We have previously reported that the human monocytoid cell line U-937-1 constitutively expresses transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and that the steady-state levels of TGF-alpha mRNA as well as TGF-alpha protein release increase when U-937-1 cells are differentiated towards monocytes/macrophages. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), which has been shown to have growth-stimulatory effects on a number of cell types, has recently been shown to enhance TGF-alpha expression in keratinocytes. In the present study we investigated whether TGF-alpha expression in macrophage-like cells could be regulated by IL-6 using U-937-1 cells as a model system of monocyte/macrophage differentiation. U-937-1 cells were differentiated with retinoic acid (RA), vitamin D3 (Vit-D3) or phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) for 4 days and were then treated with human recombinant IL-6 (1000 IU/ml) for up to 24 hr. Northern blot analysis revealed that cells differentiated with PMA, inducing the phenotype of a secretory macrophage, markedly increased their TGF-alpha mRNA levels (2.7-fold) when treated with IL-6; the response was maximal at 6 hr and remained high at 12 hr. The expression of the TGF-alpha gene was accompanied by release of TGF-alpha protein into the cell culture medium, irrespective of differentiating agent, as demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as by surface expression of pro-TGF-alpha as determined by indirect immunofluorescent cytometry. However, the superinduction of the TGF-alpha gene by IL-6 in cells differentiated with PMA was not accompanied by any increase in TGF-alpha protein release or pro-TGF-alpha surface expression. We conclude that since IL-6 causes increased steady-state levels of TGF-alpha mRNA in macrophage-like cells, it may prime these cells for production of this growth factor. Furthermore, we have shown that the IL-6 receptor complex is functional in U-937-1 cells induced to differentiate towards a secretory macrophage by treatment with PMA.

The coiled-coil domain of Stat3 is essential for its SH2 domain-mediated receptor binding and subsequent activation induced by epidermal growth factor and interleukin-6

STAT proteins are a family of latent transcription factors that mediate the response to various cytokines and growth factors. Upon stimulation by cytokines, STAT proteins are recruited to the receptors via their SH2 domains, phosphorylated on a specific tyrosine, dimerized, and translocated into the nucleus, where they bind specific DNA sequences and activate the target gene transcription. STATs share highly conserved structures, including an N-domain, a coiled-coil domain, a DNA-binding domain, a linker domain, and an SH2 domain. To investigate the role of the coiled-coil domain, we performed a systematic deletion analysis of the N-domain and each of the alpha-helices and mutagenesis of conserved residues in the coiled-coil region of Stat3. Our results indicate that the coiled-coil domain is essential for Stat3 recruitment to the receptor and the subsequent tyrosine phosphorylation and tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent activities, such as dimer formation, nuclear translocation, and DNA binding, stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) or interleukin-6 (IL-6). Single mutation of Asp170 or, to a lesser extent, Lys177 in alpha-helix 1 diminishes both receptor binding and tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, the Asp170 mutant retains its ability to bind to DNA when phosphorylated on Tyr705 by Src kinase in vitro, implying a functional SH2 domain. Finally, we demonstrate a direct binding of Stat3 to the receptor. Taken together, our data reveal a novel role for the coiled-coil domain that regulates the early events in Stat3 activation and function.

[T-cell interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 receptor binding in patients with multiple sclerosis. Effects of interferon-beta-1b treatment]

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a T-cell-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), in which the cytokine network may be deranged. Interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha are cytokines with several effects on the neuroimmune system. Specific IFN-gamma, IL-6, and TNF-alpha receptors have been found on human lymphocytes and other cell types.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assayed IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 binding on peripheral blood T cells from MS patients, as compared with healthy subjects. T cells from MS patients have significantly less IFN-gamma receptors, and more TNF-alpha and IL-6 receptors than those from controls. Such receptors are of the same type in patients and healthy subjects. By comparing MS patients' subgroups with each other, significant differences in mean Bmax values have been found between patients in a stable phase and those in relapse, and between stable patients and those in an evolutive phase. As far as IL-6 binding is concerned, significant differences in mean Bmax values were observed only between patients in stable phase and those in relapse.

RESULTS

T lymphocytes from untreated MS patients, which had significantly smaller amounts of IFN-gamma receptors than those from controls, and more TNF-alpha and IL-6 receptors than controls showed a significant increase in IFN-gamma binding, and a significant decrease in TNF-alpha and IL-6 binding after a 3-month IFN-beta 1b treatment. T-cell IFN-gamma Bmax values were even higher, and those of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were lower after 6 months.

CONCLUSION

We discuss these results in terms of MS immunopathophysiology, since activated T cells have decreased IFN-gamma, and increased TNF-alpha and IL-6 receptor amounts.

Dual signaling role of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 in regulating expression of acute-phase plasma proteins by interleukin-6 cytokine receptors in hepatic cells

One of the major actions of interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the transcriptional activation of acute-phase plasma proteins (APP) genes in liver cells. Signaling by the IL-6 receptor is mediated through the signal transducing subunit gp130 and involves the activation of Janus-associated kinases (JAKs), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Functional analysis of gp130 in rat hepatoma cells by using transduced chimeric G-CSFR-gp130 receptor constructs demonstrates that SHP-2, the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase, acts as a negative regulator of the JAK/STAT signaling in part by downregulating JAK activity, thereby indirectly moderating the induction of STAT3-dependent APP genes. This study shows that in hepatoma cells, the recruitment and tyrosine phosphorylation of SHP-2, but not SHC, is the primary signaling event associated with the activation of MAP kinases (ERK1/2) by gp130. Overexpression of truncated SHP-2 that lacks Grb2-interacting sites, but not the full-length catalytically inactive SHP-2, reduces ERK activation by IL-6, confirming the signal-mediating role of SHP-2. Activation of ERK1/2 is correlated with induction of the immediate-early response genes. Stimulation of the c-fos, c-jun, and egr-1 genes is essentially absent in cells expressing gp130 with a Y759F mutation, which is unable to recruit SHP-2. Interestingly, both JAK/STAT and SHP-2 pathways regulate the induction of the junB gene. Moreover, disengagement of SHP-2 from gp130 signaling not only enhances APP gene induction but also further reduces cell proliferation, in part correlated with the attenuated expression of immediate-early response genes. These results suggest that IL-6 regulation of APP genes is affected by SHP-2 in two ways: SHP-2 acts as a phosphatase on the JAK/STAT pathway and serves as linker to the MAP kinase pathway, which in turn moderates APP production.

Interleukin-6 directly modulates stem cell factor-dependent development of human mast cells derived from CD34(+) cord blood cells

In the present study, we attempted to clarify the effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6) on the growth and properties of human mast cells using cultured mast cells selectively generated by stem cell factor (SCF) from CD34(+) cord blood cells. The addition of IL-6 to cultures containing mast cells resulted in a substantial reduction of the number of progenies grown by SCF in the liquid culture. This IL-6-mediated inhibition of mast cell growth may be due in part to the suppression at the precursor level, according to the results of a clonal cell culture assay. Moreover, a flow cytometric analysis showed that the cultured mast cells grown in the presence of SCF+IL-6 had decreased c-kit expression. The exposure of cultured mast cells to SCF+IL-6 also caused substantial increases in the cell size, frequency of chymase-positive cells, and intracellular histamine level compared with the values obtained with SCF alone. The flow cytometric analysis showed low but significant levels of expression of IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and gp130 on the cultured mast cells grown with SCF. The addition of either anti-IL-6R antibody or anti-gp130 antibody abrogated the biological functions of IL-6. Although IL-4 exerted an effect similar to that of IL-6 on the cultured mast cells under stimulation with SCF, the results of comparative experiments suggest that the two cytokines use different regulatory mechanisms. Taken together, the present findings suggest that IL-6 modulates SCF-dependent human mast cell development directly via an IL-6R-gp130 system.

Role of interleukin-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor in region-specific induction of astrocytic differentiation and neurotrophin expression

Increasing evidence supports an essential role for interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the development, differentiation, as well as de- and re-generation of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Both IL-6 and its specific receptor (IL-6R) are expressed on neurons and glial cells including astrocytes. In this study, we have analyzed the responses of primary rat astrocytes of various brain regions to IL-6 with respect to morphological changes and neurotrophin expression. Since IL-6 alone failed to initiate effects on astrocytes, we have examined whether the soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) can modulate the responsiveness of to IL-6 in these cells. For this purpose, we used a highly active fusion protein of IL-6 and sIL-6R, which is designated Hyper-IL-6 (H-IL-6). We show that treatment of cultured astrocytes with Hyper-IL-6 promotes region-specific morphological changes of GFAP-positive astrocytes from typical stellate- to fibrous-like cells. In addition, we find that Hyper-IL-6 induces expression of neurotrophins (NTs) of the nerve growth factor (NGF)-family in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, astrocytes of various brain regions show differing patterns of cytokine-induced NT expression: NGF is maximally induced in cortex and hippocampus, NT-3 in hippocampus, and NT-4/5 in cortex and cerebellum. In summary, our results indicate that IL-6 in conjunction with sIL-6R regulates specific neurotrophin expression in astrocytes in a brain region dependent manner. Thus, the IL-6 system provides a local supply of neurotrophins that participate in diverse CNS functions such as protection of neurons from insults, neuronal survival, and neuro-immune responses.

Central injection of morphine stimulates plasma corticosterone and interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-6 R mRNAs in the pituitary and adrenals in adjuvant-induced arthritis

Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) in the rat is a T-cell mediated, chronic inflammatory stress in which circulating interleukin (IL)-6 levels are elevated. In addition, there are profound neuroendocrine changes associated with the development of hind-paw inflammation which have major implications for the ability of the rat to respond the to stress. Central injection of morphine is also able to increase circulating IL-6 concentration in control animals. In the present study we have determined the effects of a single injection of morphine into the lateral ventricle of control and AA animals on plasma corticosterone levels, on changes in plasma corticosterone and on IL-6 and IL-6 receptor mRNAs in the pituitary and adrenal gland. IL-6 and IL-6 receptor mRNAs were increased in the anterior pituitary of AA rats given moprhine compared with saline-treated AA rats. In the adrenal cortex, IL-6 mRNA was unaltered and IL-6 receptor mRNA was significantly decreased under these same conditions. AA rats were unable to mount corticosterone response to acute stress but were able to respond to acute stimulation with e.g. LPS. In the present study we found a sustained increase in plasma corticosterone in control animals which was still significantly elevated 2 hours following morphine injection, with a further significant increase in AA rats. These data suggest that alternative systems distinct from those activated in response to acute stress are activated by morphine in the AA animals. The similarity with the sustained increase in corticosterone following LPS injection suggest that either similar pathways are involved, or that central opiates may be involved in mediating HPA axis response to stress.

Dexamethasone plus retinoids decrease IL-6/IL-6 receptor and induce apoptosis in myeloma cells

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is the most important known growth factor for multiple myeloma, and IL-6 signalling pathways are potential targets for therapy. We hypothesized that interfering with the IL-6 signalling pathway at more than one level would be more effective than a single block in inhibiting proliferation of myeloma cells. Accumulating data support the concept that glucocorticoids down-regulate IL-6, whereas retinoic acid derivatives (RA) down-regulate IL-6R in myeloma. We found that all-trans RA (ATRA), 13-cis-RA and 9-cis-RA each similarly inhibited growth of RPMI 8226 myeloma cells and that addition of dexamethasone (DEX) added to RA growth inhibition. The major effects of retinoids were to reduce the proliferative fraction and induce apoptosis whereas DEX increased the apoptotic fraction. When combined, apoptosis was enhanced. Effects of RA + DEX were also least able to be overcome by exogenous IL-6. RA decreased IL-6R levels and addition of DEX to RA delayed recovery of IL-6R levels compared with RA alone. Since RPMI 8226 cells have undetectable IL-6, we investigated U266B1 cells and found that RA and DEX decreased both IL-6 secretion and IL-6 RNA levels. Mechanistically, IL-6R down-regulation by RA was enhanced by DEX, whereas IL-6 protein and RNA levels were reduced by DEX and by RA. In summary, combinations of RA + DEX were not only more effective in inhibiting myeloma cells growth by the dual mechanisms of decreasing proliferative fraction and increasing apoptotic fraction, but were also less able to be overcome by IL-6.

Soluble IL-6 receptor release by PMNs and PBMC in patients with oral cavity cancer

It is known that the main source of cytokine and soluble cytokine receptors are mononuclear cells in the peripheral blood. Data including the release of soluble mediators by polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) are controversial. In these examinations using an in vitro model, we studied the ability of spontaneous and LPS-stimulated PMNs to the release of soluble IL-6 receptor (IL-6sR) in oral cavity cancer patients. Obtained results were compared to the release of IL-6sR by a peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the serum levels. The concentrations of IL-6sR in the culture supernatants of cells and in the serum were tested by ELISA. The culture supernatants of spontaneous and LPS-stimulated PMNs derived from oral cavity cancer patients contained an insignificant lower concentrations of IL-6sR than those from healthy subjects. The concentrations of IL-6sR released by PBMC were higher than those released by PMNs in both control and patient groups. There was correlation between the amounts of IL-6sR in the culture supernatants of spontaneous PMNs and PBMC. The altered ability of PMNs and PBMC to the release of IL-6sR may influence the immune response of host to tumor mediated by IL-6.

The ability of human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNS) to release of soluble IL-6 receptor (IL-6sR) in response to different stimuli in vitro

In the present work we have examined the release of soluble IL-6 receptor (IL-6sR) by polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in response to different stimuli: zymosan, ConA, PHA and LPS. We have also investigated the generation of IL-6sR by whole blood cells (WBC) under the same condition of the culture. IL-6sR secreted by PMNs and WBC were detected in cell-free supernatants by ELISA. Results of our investigation revealed that freshly isolated PMNs from healthy subjects exhibit a different ability to the secretion of IL-6sR in response to used stimuli. LPS showed the most significant effect on the IL-6sR secretion by PMNs and WBC as compared to the other inducers. The mean concentrations of IL-6sR released by PMNs were lower than concentrations of IL-6sR released by WBC. Measurements of the IL-6sR secretion by immunocompetent cells appear to be useful in the estimation of the cellular activity mediated by IL-6.

Human herpesvirus type 8 interleukin-6 homologue is functionally active on human myeloma cells

Seroepidemiology and polymerase chain reaction studies have strongly suggested that human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, Castleman's disease, and body cavity-based lymphoma. The genome of HHV-8 harbors a viral analogue of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene. The amino acid sequence of the viral IL-6 (vIL-6) protein is 24.7% identical to human IL-6 (hIL-6). IL-6 as a B-cell growth and differentiation factor is known to play an essential role in the pathophysiology of B-cell tumors. Thus, it seems possible that virus-encoded IL-6 contributes to malignant growth of HHV-8-positive B-cell lymphatic tumors. We have tested a preparation of HHV-8-derived IL-6 for the ability to promote the proliferation of the human myeloma cell line INA-6, which is strictly dependent on exogenous IL-6 for growth and survival. Viral IL-6 significantly induced DNA synthesis of INA-6 cells, but required much more protein on a weight basis when compared with hIL-6 for maximal proliferation. The proliferative effect of vIL-6 was almost completely inhibited by a combination of anti-IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and anti-gp130 antibodies or IL-6R superantagonist Sant7 and anti-gp130 antibodies. This report demonstrates that vIL-6 has proliferative activity on human cells and that the IL-6R and gp130 are involved in vIL-6 signaling in the myeloma cell line INA-6.

Effect of pentoxifylline on cytokine patterns in the therapy of complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria

The effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) was tested for its capacity to modulate cytokine responses during therapy of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a placebo-controlled, randomized study in 45 adult patients in Bangkok, Thailand. The patients received standard antimalarial treatment with artesunate (120 mg intravenously given immediately, then 60 mg every 12 hr for a total dose of 600 mg). The patients received either low-dose PTX (20 mg/kg/day, n = 15), high-dose PTX (40 mg/kg/day, n = 15), or placebo (n = 15) as continuous infusion for the first three days of antimalarial treatment. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) plasma levels were markedly elevated in all patients prior to treatment. After 6 hr of high-dose PTX treatment, TNF and IL-6 levels significantly decreased while an increase in TNF and IL-6 levels was seen after 6 hr of low-dose PTX or placebo treatment (P < 0.01). After 12 and 24 hr of high-dose PTX infusion, TNF-receptor plasma concentrations were lower than in low-dose PTX- or placebo-treated patients (P < 0.01), whereas no differences between the groups with regard to IL-6 receptor levels were observed. We conclude that 40 mg/kg/day of PTX reduces plasma levels of TNF, IL-6, and TNF-receptor in patients with severe malaria. Whether this reduction improves clinical outcome remains to be determined.

Involvement of interleukin-6 in activation of lysosomal cathepsin and atrophy of muscle fibers induced by intramuscular injection of turpentine oil in mice

Serum IL-6 level increased after the injection of turpentine oil into the right gastrocnemius muscle in mice. The mRNA level of IL-6 was highest in the injected muscle at 12 h after injection, but was not identified in the opposite muscle. The activities of cathepsins B and B+L started to elevate after 12 h in the injected muscle and markedly increased after day 3. Likewise, the mRNA levels of cathepsins B and L markedly increased from day 1 to day 5 in the injected muscle. However, a very mild increase was also observed in the opposite muscle. Immunohistochemical staining of cathepsins B and L exhibited positive reactions as fine granules in myofibers at 12 h and strong positive reactions in the infiltrating macrophages at 3 days. Atrophy of myofibers type 1 and 2 was evident in a time-dependent manner in the injected muscle. Treatment with rat anti-mouse IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody inhibited the increase in cathepsin activities in the injected muscle. We conclude that IL-6 produced in the inflamed muscle is involved in the process of muscle degeneration, especially through the activation of lysosomal cathepsins.

In vivo immunomodulatory effects of clozapine in schizophrenia

Recently, there have been some reports that schizophrenia is accompanied by an immune-inflammatory response, characterized by increased secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2) and lower plasma levels of CC16 (Clara cell protein), an endogenous anti-cytokine. It was shown that clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, may increase the plasma levels of sIL-2R and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study was carried out in order to examine serum IL-6, IL-6R, CC16, IL-1R antagonist (IL-1RA), transferrin receptor (TfR) and sCD8 antigen, both before and after treatment with clozapine in schizophrenic subjects versus normal controls. Schizophrenic patients showed significantly higher plasma IL-6R and IL-1RA and lower plasma CC16 than normal controls. Treatment with clozapine significantly increased plasma sCD8, IL-6, CC16 and IL-1RA concentrations. The clozapine-induced increments in plasma IL-6 and CC16 appeared during the first 2 weeks of treatment, whereas the increases in plasma sCD8 and IL-1RA appeared after 5 weeks. Clozapine appears to have complex in vivo immunomodulatory effects.