Kidney injury enhances renal G-CSF expression and modulates granulopoiesis and human neutrophil CD177 in vivo

Kidney injury significantly increases overall mortality. Neutrophilic granulocytes (neutrophils) are the most abundant human blood leukocytes. They are characterized by a high turnover rate, chiefly controlled by granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF). The role of kidney injury and uremia in regulation of granulopoiesis has not been reported. Kidney transplantation, which inherently causes ischemia–reperfusion injury of the graft, elevated human neutrophil expression of the surface glycoprotein CD177. CD177 is among the most G‐CSF‐responsive neutrophil genes and reversibly increased on neutrophils of healthy donors who received recombinant G‐CSF. In kidney graft recipients, a transient rise in neutrophil CD177 correlated with renal tubular epithelial G‐CSF expression. In contrast, CD177 was unaltered in patients with chronic renal impairment and independent of renal replacement therapy. Under controlled conditions of experimental ischemia–reperfusion and unilateral ureteral obstruction injuries in mice, renal G‐CSF mRNA and protein expression significantly increased and systemic neutrophilia developed. Human renal tubular epithelial cell G‐CSF expression was promoted by hypoxia and proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 17A in vitro. Clinically, recipients of ABO blood group‐incompatible kidney grafts developed a larger rise in neutrophil CD177. Their grafts are characterized by complement C4d deposition on the renal endothelium, even in the absence of rejection. Indeed, complement activation, but not hypoxia, induced primary human endothelial cell G‐CSF expression. Our data demonstrate that kidney injury induces renal G‐CSF expression and modulates granulopoiesis. They delineate differential G‐CSF regulation in renal epithelium and endothelium. Altered granulopoiesis may contribute to the systemic impact of kidney injury.

Modulation of heme oxygenase-1 by metalloporphyrins increases anti-viral T cell responses

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1, the inducible isoform of HO, has immunomodulatory functions and is considered a target for therapeutic interventions. In the present study, we investigated whether modulation of HO-1 might have regulatory effects on in-vitro T cell activation. The study examined whether: (i) HO-1 induction by cobalt-protoporphyrin (CoPP) or inhibition by tin-mesoporphyrin (SnMP) can affect expansion and function of virus-specific T cells, (ii) HO-1 modulation might have a functional effect on other cell populations mediating effects on proliferating T cells [e.g. dendritic cells (DCs), regulatory T cells (T(regs)) and natural killer cells] and (iii) HO-1-modulated anti-viral T cells might be suitable for adoptive immunotherapy. Inhibition of HO-1 via SnMP in cytomegalovirus (CMV)pp65-peptide-pulsed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) led to increased anti-viral T cell activation and the generation of a higher proportion of effector memory T cells (CD45RA(-) CD62L(-)) with increased capability to secrete interferon (IFN)-γ and granzyme B. T(reg) depletion and SnMP exposure increased the number of anti-viral T cells 15-fold. To test the possibility that HO-1 modulation might be clinically applicable in conformity with good manufacturing practice (GMP), SnMP was tested in isolated anti-viral T cells using the cytokine secretion assay. Compared to control, SnMP treatment resulted in higher cell counts and purity without negative impact on quality and effector function [CD107a, IFN-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were stable]. These results suggest an important role of HO-1 in the modulation of adaptive immune responses. HO-1 inhibition resulted in markedly more effective generation of functionally active T cells suitable for adoptive T cell therapy.

Allogeneic and xenogeneic anti-tumor effect of callithrix jacchus natural killer cells is dependent on NKp30 and B7-H6 interaction

Natural Killer (NK) cells mount a fast and efficient immune response against tumor cells and are currently a major focus in the development of anti-cancer cell-based therapies. Due to major differences between the murine and human NK cell receptor system, a non-human primate model would be helpful to evaluate the efficiency of NK-cell based therapies prior to clinical applications. In humans, B7-H6 has been shown to facilitate the elimination of lymphoma cells through the interaction with its receptor NKp30. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a new world monkey readily used in biomedical research due to its easy management and proximity to humans. In this study, we demonstrated the expression of B7-H6 antigen in marmoset B-lymphoblastoid cell lines. In addition, a method was established to isolate B- or NK-cells from peripheral blood of marmosets with purities of up to 97%We detected the expression of B7-H6 in lymphoma cells and for the first time in leukemic blasts of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Marmoset NK cells were shown to lyse marmoset B lymphoblastoid cell line (B-LCL) cells by up to 28.4% and human B-LCL cells by up to 20%. This effect was abrogated when the NK cells were pre-treated with an anti-NKp30 specific antibody. Also, marmoset NK cells were able to lyse primary leukemic AML cells and lymphoma cells by up to 8.3 and 20.3%respectively. Stimulation of marmoset NK cells with recombinant B7-H6 induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and proliferation rates. Furthermore, the secretion of IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ and TNF-α was significantly increased upon B7-H6 stimulation. In conclusion, we demonstrated that non-human primate NK cells have similar mechanisms for the lysis of tumor cells as human NK cells. Thus, this animal model constitutes a very promising tool for the development and evaluation of novel NK-cell based therapies.

The new HLA-B*58:21 allele is predicted to be functionally similar to the B*58:01P group of alleles

The new human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*58:21 allele differs from B*58:01:01 by an amino acid exchange at codon 90.

The new HLA-C variant HLA-C*05:26 is likely to be structurally identical to the C*05:01P alleles

The novel allele HLA-C*05:26 differs from HLA-C*05:01 by the non-synonymous amino acid exchange Gly16Ser.

Closing the gap: discrimination of the expression profile of HLA questionable alleles by a cytokine-induced secretion approach using HLA-A*32:11Q

Matching of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles between donors and recipients plays a major role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Null or questionably expressed HLA allelic variants are a major issue in HLA matching, because the aberrant expression of such alleles can have a major impact on the outcome of HSCT and/or its complications such as graft-versus-host disease. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of a recently developed cytokine-induced secretion assay to differentiate the expression levels of HLA-A*32:11Q (questionable) into a null (N) or low (L) expression variant. An amino acid mutation at position 164 of HLA-A*32:11Q disrupts the disulfide bridge in the α2 domain. HLA-A*32:11Q is not detectable by standard microlymphocytotoxicity assay. To this end, we cloned soluble HLA-A*32:11Q and a reference allele (HLA-A*32:01) into expression vectors and transfected/transduced HEK293 and K562 cells. Allele-expressing K562 cells were simultaneously transfected/transduced with a β2-microglobulin (B2M)-encoding vector to ensure the intact HLA structure with B2M. After treatment with proinflammatory cytokines, secreted soluble HLA molecules were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the supernatant and intracellular accumulation of the recombinant proteins by flow cytometry. HLA-A*32:11Q was nearly undetectable in untreated transfectants. Cytokine treatment increased the secretion of HLA-A*32:11Q to detectable levels and resulted in intracellular accumulation of the allele. There was no difference in mRNA transcription between the A*32 alleles. On the basis of these results, we recommend reclassification of HLA-A*32:11Q as a low expression (L) variant.

Semaphorin 7A inhibits platelet production from CD34+ progenitor cells

BACKGROUND

The multifunctional protein semaphorin 7A (Sema7A) may have regulatory effects on blood cell differentiation via its receptors β1-integrin and plexin C1. As thrombocytopenia can be treated with transfusion of ex vivo CD34(+) cell-derived megakaryocytes, we investigated the effect of Sema7A on differentiation of CD34(+) progenitor cells into megakaryocytes and platelets.

METHODS

Megakaryocytes and platelets were differentiated with a specific cytokine cocktail (CC) from CD34(+) progenitor cells in the presence or absence of Sema7A. Expression of cell markers CD41, CD42a and CD61 or detection of the activation of the signal mediator focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was performed by flow cytometry, cytokine secretion by Luminex technology, and megakaryocyte cell density and morphology by microscopic studies. Sema7A levels in vivo were assessed by real-time PCR and ELISA in hematological patients undergoing chemotherapy.

RESULTS

CD34(+) progenitor cells expressed the receptors for Sema7A. Expression of CD41, CD42a and CD61 was markedly reduced in the presence of Sema7A, after CC-dependent platelet production from CD34(+) progenitor cells. As revealed by microscopic analysis, megakaryocyte cell density was significantly lower in the presence of Sema7A as compared with controls. Blocking of CD29 abrogated the Sema7A-mediated inhibition. Sema7A activated FAK in CD34(+) progenitor cells and significantly increased secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF. Finally, Sema7A levels were up-regulated in 50% of patients after chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Sema7A markedly reduces the production rates of megakaryocytes and platelets from CD34(+) progenitor cells. Hence, up-regulation of Sema7A may be a major risk factor for a reduced platelet repopulation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The novel allele HLA-B*35:167 differs from HLA-B*35:03:01 by the amino acid exchange Val152Glu

HLA-B*35:167 allele differs from HLA-B*35:03:01 and HLA-B*35:70 by an amino acid exchange at position 152.

Modulatory role of calreticulin as chaperokine for dendritic cell-based immunotherapy

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a regulatory role for maturation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Whereas HSP70 has been shown to enhance the maturation of human DCs via a nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)-dependent pathway, the regulatory role of calreticulin (CRT), which is a HSP with similar functions to HSP70, is not well studied. To investigate the role of CRT as adjuvant in cell activation and co-stimulatory responses we determined the effects of CRT on human APC maturation in comparison to that of HSP70. To facilitate eukaryotic endotoxin-free CRT protein expression, three different methods were compared. We demonstrate that CRT induces the maturation of human DCs and increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines via the NF-κB pathway. CRT-mediated maturation was qualitatively similar to that induced by HSP70. Interestingly, priming of monocytes with HSPs showed an even more prominent effect on maturation than exposure of immature DCs to these compounds. A higher expression of CD86, CD83 and CCR7 on mature DCs were found in response to CRT. Our data provide novel insights into the role of extracellular HSPs as chaperokines in the processes of APC generation and may thus be useful to improve adoptive immunotherapy.

The predicted protein structures of the novel DRB1*0717 and DRB1*0701 are highly related

This article describes the identification of the novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele DRB1*07 7 that was detected in a potential stem-cell donor of Caucasian origin. Compared to DRB1*070101, the new allele is characterized by a nonsynonymous nucleotide exchange of C-->T at position 201 in exon 2 replacing Arg by Trp in codon 72. As this sequence variation has not been seen earlier in any other HLA-DRB allele, it is most probably the result of a point mutation.

Heme oxygenase-1 and cardiovascular disease

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is the inducible isoform of the first and rate-controlling enzyme of heme degradation. HO-1 is up-regulated by a host of oxidative stress stimuli and has potent cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory functions via decreasing tissue levels of the prooxidant heme along with production of bilirubin and the signaling gas carbon monoxide. This review deals with recent findings that highlight the emerging significance of HO-1 in cardiovascular disease. Evidence is presented on how heme and various oxidative stress stimuli may cause endothelial cell dysfunction and how HO-1 may counteract the detrimental effects of oxidative stress in the endothelium. Recent advances in the understanding of the role of endothelial HO-1 for the regulation of the inflammatory response are summarized, including the modulation of leukocyte recruitment and transmigration through the endothelial barrier. Furthermore, experimental evidence from various cell culture and animal models is discussed which suggests an association of HO-1 with the complex sequence of events that cause atherosclerosis. In the second part of the review we present potential strategies that apply HO-1 as a therapeutic target in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Specific inducers of HO-activity which may ultimately lead to the development of clinically relevant pharmacological applications are introduced.

Complementary regulation of heme oxygenase-1 and peroxiredoxin I gene expression by oxidative stress in the liver

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1, the inducible isoform of the rate-limiting enzyme of heme degradation, and peroxiredoxin (Prx) I, a thioredoxin-dependent peroxidase, are multifunctional antioxidant stress proteins which are coordinately up-regulated by oxidative stress in cell cultures. HO-1 and Prx I exhibit a different hepatic cellular and subcellular localization. Here, a distinct expression pattern of the two genes was confirmed by in situ hybridization of normal rat liver. Moreover, expression of the HO-1 and Prx I genes was determined in a model of acutely damaged rat liver which was elicited by application of a single dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The mRNA levels of the HO-1 and Prx I genes were induced in whole livers of CCl4-treated rats with differential kinetics as determined by Northern blot analysis. While HO-1 mRNA was induced up to 48 hr, Prx I exhibited a maximum level of mRNA after 12 hr of treatment with CCl4. CCl4-dependent oxidative stress led to a focal increase of perivenous HO-1 positive liver cells with simultaneous loss of Prx I immunoreactivity. Taken together, the complementary hepatic gene expression pattern of HO-1 and Prx I in response to oxidative stress may suggest a functional interplay of these antioxidant genes.

Gene regulation of heme oxygenase-1 as a therapeutic target

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 is the inducible isoform of the rate-limiting enzyme of heme degradation. HO regulates the cellular content of the pro-oxidant heme and produces catabolites with physiological functions. HO-1 is induced by a host of oxidative stress stimuli, and the activation of HO-1 gene expression is considered to be an adaptive cellular response to survive exposure to environmental stresses. Since overexpression of the HO-1 gene is also protective against the deleterious effects of experimental injuries, the specific induction of HO-1 by 'non-stressful' stimuli, eg. stimuli that are not associated with oxidative stress, such as adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate or cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate, may have important clinical implications. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of regulatory mechanisms of HO-1 gene expression, in particular the role of various redox-dependent and redox-independent signaling pathways. Models of experimental injuries are highlighted in which specific overexpression of the HO-1 gene either by targeted gene transfer or by pharmacological modulation has been demonstrated to provide therapeutic effects.

Transcriptional induction of heme oxygenase-1 gene expression by okadaic acid in primary rat hepatocyte cultures

Heme oxygenase (HO) catalyzes the rate-limiting enzymatic step of heme degradation and regulates the cellular heme content. The gene expression of the inducible isoform of HO, HO-1, is up-regulated in response to various agents causing oxidative stress. To investigate the regulatory role of protein phosphatases in the hepatic regulation of HO-1 gene expression, primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were treated with okadaic acid (OA), which specifically inhibits the serine threonine protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. Both protein synthesis and mRNA expression of HO-1 were induced by OA in cultured hepatocytes, but not in cultured tissue macrophages of rat liver. The HO-1 mRNA induction by OA occurred in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Simultaneous treatment with OA plus dibutyryl cAMP caused a synergistic up-regulation of steady-state levels of HO-1 mRNA, and the specific protein kinase A inhibitor KT5720 markedly reduced the OA-dependent HO-1 mRNA induction. In contrast, the dibutyryl cAMP-dependent induction of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA expression and enzyme activity was inhibited by simultaneous treatment with OA in hepatocytes. The induction of the HO-1 gene expression by OA was transcriptional as determined by studies with actinomycin D, nuclear run-off assay, and measurement of the half-life of HO-1 mRNA. Luciferase reporter constructs containing DNA sequences of the rat HO-1 promoter 5'-flanking region were up-regulated by OA in transiently transfected hepatocytes. Mutation of the cAMP response element/activator protein-1 (-665/-654) site obliterated the OA-dependent induction, suggesting that this element is involved in the transcriptional induction of the rat HO-1 gene by OA.

Is 100KF an isoform of hemopexin? Immunochemical characterization of the vasoactive plasma factor 100KF

The human vasoactive plasma factor 100KF has been proposed to play a role in minimal change disease in relapse. Since preliminary data suggested similarity between 100KF and the human plasma glycoprotein hemopexin (Hx), this study was conducted to compare 100KF with purified Hx for sequence homology, immunostaining properties in Western and dot-blot assays, ability to affect glomerular ecto-ATPase and glomerular polyanions in vitro, as well as their glomerular permeability increasing effect following alternate perfusion into the rat kidney ex vivo. 100KF was purified from normal pooled plasma according to standard chromatographic techniques, and from the same batch Hx was prepared using affinity chromatography. A second batch of Hx was prepared directly from human serum according to a standard protocol. (For comparison, additional Hx samples obtained from other centers were also included in the study.) The results show: (1) 100% homology of 100KF with plasma Hx after internal sequence analysis; (2) positive staining of the eluate with both monoclonal and polyclonal anti-Hx IgG as well as anti-100KF IgG in dot-blot assays, and similar bands on Western blotting using the same antibodies; (3) affection of glomerular polyanions and glomerular ecto-ATPase after incubation of kidney tissue with either 100KF or Hx (1.5 respectively 1.0 mg/ml; 1.0 h, 37 degrees C), as detected by computerized histochemical quantification; and (4) significant enhancement of urinary protein leakage after Hx perfusion followed by diluted rat serum into the rat kidney ex vivo (Hx: 210.65+/-49.79 microg protein leakage per min versus heat-inactivated Hx control: 112.2+/-49.18 microg per min [both n = 6]). From these data and from the observation that both Hx and 100KF activity can be inhibited by serine protease inhibitors but not by broad spectrum collagenase inhibitors, it is concluded that Hx may be closely related or identical to the active moiety of 100KF.

Up-regulation of heme-binding protein 23 (HBP23) gene expression by lipopolysaccharide is mediated via a nitric oxide-dependent signaling pathway in rat Kupffer cells

Heme-binding protein 23 (HBP23) is a cytosolic protein that binds the prooxidant heme with high affinity and has been implicated in the cellular protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Because lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates macrophages to produce large amounts of ROS the gene expression of HBP23 was analyzed during treatment with LPS in cultured rat Kupffer cells (KC). HBP23 was constitutively expressed in KC and up-regulated on the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) level by LPS with a time response distinct from that of TNFalpha, but in coordination with that of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is the inducible isoform of the rate-limiting enzyme of heme degradation. A parallel up-regulation of HBP23 and HO-1 mRNA by LPS was also observed in cultured peritoneal macrophages and peripheral blood monocytes. HBP23 mRNA induction by LPS occurred on the transcriptional level as indicated by blocking with actinomycin D. The induction of HBP23 mRNA expression by LPS was preceded by that of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the production of nitrite in KC. Treatment with the NOS inhibitor NG-monomethyl L-arginine prevented HBP23 mRNA induction by LPS, which was reversed by an excess of L-arginine. Both the nitric oxide (NO)-donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and the peroxynitrite donor SIN-1 increased HBP23 mRNA expression. HBP23 mRNA induction by LPS was down-regulated by interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor beta1 with a NO-independent mechanism. LPS-stimulated KC exhibited marked protection against the cytotoxicity mediated by H2O2. The data suggest that NO and peroxynitrite are major mediators of the LPS-dependent up-regulation of HBP23 in KC.

Nitric oxide mediates the lipopolysaccharide dependent upregulation of the heme oxygenase-1 gene expression in cultured rat Kupffer cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Heme oxygenase catalyzes the rate-limiting enzymatic step of heme degradation. The inducible isoform of heme oxygenase, heme oxygenase-1, is expressed at a low level in most tissues and is upregulated by its substrate heme and various stress stimuli. Kupffer cells which represent the largest population of the body's tissue macrophages serve physiological functions in the defense against various pathogens such as lipopolysaccharide. The goal of the present study was to investigate the heme oxygenase-1 gene expression in Kupffer cells of rat liver and in isolated Kupffer cell cultures during treatment with lipopolysaccharide.

METHODS

Cryostat sections of normal rat liver were investigated by immunofluorescence double-staining using specific antibodies for rat heme oxygenase-1 and ED2. Isolation and cell culture of Kupffer cells and primary hepatocytes from rat liver, as well as Northern and Western blot analysis, were performed with standard protocols.

RESULTS

Heme oxygenase-1 protein was highly expressed in large sinusoidal cells of normal rat liver, which were identified as Kupffer cells by staining with the macrophage surface marker ED2. By contrast, no expression of heme oxygenase-1 was detected in liver parenchymal cells. High expression of heme oxygenase-1 was also found in isolated Kupffer cells in culture by immunocytochemical staining as well as by Western and Northern blot analysis. After treatment of Kupffer cells cultures with lipopolysaccharide, heme oxygenase-1 was upregulated on the protein and mRNA level in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This increase in heme oxygenase-1 expression by lipopolysaccharide was prevented by the nitric oxide inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine which was reversed by an excess of L-arginine. Various nitric oxide donors up-regulated heme oxygenase-1 mRNA expression in Kupffer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The lipopolysaccharide-dependent upregulation of the heme oxygenase-1 gene which is highly expressed in Kupffer cells is mediated by a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism.

Transcriptional activation of the haem oxygenase-1 gene by cGMP via a cAMP response element/activator protein-1 element in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes

The expression of the rate-limiting enzyme of haem degradation, haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1), can be induced by various stimuli, including lipopolysaccharide, tumour necrosis factor alpha and NO. The NO signal can be transmitted by cGMP, therefore this study was aimed at testing the activation of the HO-1 gene by cGMP. In primary cultures of rat hepatocytes, both HO-1 mRNA and protein were induced by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside and 8-bromo-cGMP. The HO-1 mRNA induction by cGMP was prevented by the specific protein kinase G inhibitor KT5823. The cGMP-dependent HO-1 mRNA induction was dose-dependent and transcriptionally regulated, as determined by studies with actinomycin D and a nuclear run-on assay. Cycloheximide lowered the cGMP-dependent induction of HO-1 mRNA to about one half. Luciferase reporter constructs driven by about 800 bp of the 5'-flanking region of the rat HO-1 gene were transiently transfected into primary rat hepatocytes; 8-bromo-cGMP caused a 6-fold induction, which was obliterated by deletion and mutation of the cAMP response element/activator protein-1 (CRE/AP-1) (-665/-654) site. Thus HO-1 induction by cGMP appears to be stimulated by the protein kinase G pathway and may be mediated mainly via a CRE/AP-1 element in the rat HO-1 promoter.

Hemopexin decreases spontaneous chemiluminescence of cold preserved liver after reperfusion

Hemopexin is a plasma protein with exceptionally high affinity for heme. During liver transplantation heme is released via lysis of transfused blood. This heme may catalyze peroxidative reactions that contribute to "reperfusion" injury of the organ. Using a rat liver model of cold storage and reperfusion we tested the potential anti-oxidant effects of hemopexin. After 3 h of cold storage rat liver was reperfused with warm oxygenated buffer. Spontaneous liver chemiluminescence, which is a parameter of oxyradical production, was measured during reperfusion and expressed as an index of free radical production (IFRP). Chemiluminescence reached a maximum within 5 min of reperfusion and decreased to baseline within 30 min. Addition of hemopexin to the perfusate (5 microM) significantly decreased the IFRP. By contrast, the control proteins albumin and gamma-globulin (10 microM) had a smaller non-significant effect. The data suggest that heme could be complexed by hemopexin during reperfusion, thus inhibiting heme mediated cellular injury.

Initial heme uptake from albumin by short-term cultured rat hepatocytes is mediated by a transport mechanism differing from that of other organic anions

Although it is known that circulating heme accumulates in liver cells, the process by which heme enters hepatocytes is only partly understood. Hemopexin and a putative hemopexin receptor on hepatocyte membranes may mediate the uptake process. However, whether there are sufficient hemopexin receptors on rat hepatocytes to account for the bulk of heme entering cells is unknown. It is likely that heme may be transferred directly from albumin with the help of a plasma membrane heme transporter. To clarify the transport mechanism of heme into liver cells, we studied the uptake by short-term cultured rat hepatocytes of 55Fe-heme incubated with rat serum albumin. In these cells, the initial uptake of 55Fe-heme at 37 degrees C was five- to eightfold higher than that at 4 degrees C, linear for at least 5 minutes, and saturable. The Km of heme uptake was 0.95 +/- 0.27 micromol/L, and the Vmax was 0.12 +/- 0.01 pmol/min/mg protein (n = 3). Neither isosmotic substitution of sucrose for NaCl in the medium nor adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion, perturbations that are known to reduce uptake of bilirubin, sulfobromophthalein (BSP), and taurocholate, had any influence on 55Fe-heme uptake. In addition, heme uptake was not reduced in the presence of a greater than 500-fold molar excess of BSP. These results indicate that hepatocytes take up heme by a process that is distinct from that of these other organic anions.

Hemopexin from four species inhibits the association of heme with cultured hepatoma cells or primary rat hepatocytes exhibiting a small number of species specific hemopexin receptors

Hemopexin (Hx) binds heme with a very high affinity (Kd<0.1 pmol/L). It has been implicated as a major vehicle for the transport of heme into liver cells, involving a receptor-mediated recycling mechanism. However, previous studies indicated that heme is not taken up by cultured embryonic chick or adult rat hepatocytes by such a mechanism, because heme added as heme hemopexin failed to affect heme-responsive activities of 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase and heme oxygenase. Here, we investigated the importance of hemopexin in hepatic heme uptake in cultured rat hepatocytes and human HepG2 hepatoma cells, and determined the number and species specificity of hemopexin receptors on the rat hepatocytes. We also tested whether there is a difference between heterologous and homologous hemopexins. We found the following: 1) heme is inhibited from associating with hepatocytes by apo hemopexins from rat, human, rabbit, and chicken; 2) heme readily associates with hepatocytes when heme hemopexin preparations are added in which the ratio of heme to hemopexin exceeds 1.0; 3) heme induces heme oxygenase mRNA in rat hepatocytes and this induction is prevented by excess hemopexin; and 4) rat hepatocytes exhibit only about 2,000 hemopexin receptors per cell when using rat hemopexin, and none when using hemopexin of rabbit and human. We conclude that hemopexin plays a limited role in heme uptake by cultured hepatocytes and hepatoma cells, and that heme which exceeds the hemopexin binding capacity is taken up directly from heme-albumin.

The rat heme oxygenase-1 gene is transcriptionally induced via the protein kinase A signaling pathway in rat hepatocyte cultures

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is the inducible form of the rate-limiting enzyme of heme degradation; it regulates the cellular content of heme. To investigate the role of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling pathway on hepatic HO-1 gene expression, primary rat hepatocyte cultures were treated with the PKA-stimulating agents dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2cAMP), forskolin, and glucagon. HO-1 mRNA levels were induced by these agents in a time-dependent manner with a transient maximum after 6 hr of treatment. The induction of HO-1 was dose dependent, reaching a maximum at concentrations of 250 muM Bt2cAMP and 50 nM glucagon, respectively. The accumulation of HO-1 mRNA correlated with increased levels of HO-1 protein as determined by Western blot analysis. The Bt2cAMP-dependent induction of HO-1 mRNA expression was prevented by pretreatment with the PKA inhibitor KT5720 but not with the protein kinase G inhibitor KT5823. HO-1 mRNA induction by CdCl2 and heme was differentially affected by Bt2cAMP. Up-regulation of the HO-1 gene by Bt2cAMP occurred on the transcriptional level as determined by nuclear run-off assay and blocking of the Bt2cAMP-dependent induction of HO-1 mRNA by actinomycin D. Treatment with Bt2cAMP increased the half-life of HO-1 mRNA from 4.7 to 5.5 hr. Taken together, the results of the current study demonstrate that HO-1 gene expression is induced by activation of the cAMP signal transduction pathway via a transcriptional mechanism in primary rat hepatocyte cultures.

Gene regulation of HBP 23 by metalloporphyrins and protoporphyrin IX in liver and hepatocyte cultures

Heme-binding protein 23 kDa (HBP23) belongs to the antioxidant family of peroxiredoxins and binds heme with high affinity. In vivo treatment of rats with heme induced expression of HBP23 mRNA levels in liver coordinately with that of the heme degrading enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). In primary rat hepatocyte cultures Sn-, Co-, and Zn-metalloprotoporphyrin as well as the heme precursor protoporphyrin IX increased the HBP23 mRNA expression to a level similar to that elicited by heme. Heme-dependent induction of HBP23 mRNA was prevented by pretreatment with actinomycin D, indicating a transcriptional mechanism of gene induction. The results suggest that the coordinate gene regulation pattern of HBP23 and HO-1 plays a physiological role against oxidative stress.

Expression of the mRNA of heme-binding protein 23 is coordinated with that of heme oxygenase-1 by heme and heavy metals in primary rat hepatocytes and hepatoma cells

A 23-kDa protein with high affinity for heme (KD = 55 nM), therefore termed heme-binding protein 23 kDa (HBP23), was purified from rat liver cytosol [Iwahara, S., et al. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 13398-13406]. Homology search of the cloned HBP23 cDNA revealed that this protein belongs to a recently recognized class of thiol peroxidases, the antioxidant peroxiredoxin family. Since HBP23 gene expression was highest in the liver, HBP23 mRNA regulation by heme and heavy metals was investigated in cultures of primary rat hepatocytes and mouse hepatoma Hepa 1-6 cells. In both cell cultures HBP23 mRNA levels were upregulated in a time- and dose-dependent manner by heme. Heme-dependent induction of HBP23 mRNA occurred coordinately with that of the heme-metabolizing enzyme heme oxygenase-1, which was recently identified as inducible by oxidative stress. Treatment of primary rat hepatocyte or hepatoma cell cultures with the heavy metals CdCl2 (10 microM) and CoCl2 (300 microM) induced in parallel HBP23 and HO-1 mRNA levels, in the case of CdCl2 to even higher levels than heme. By contrast, mRNA expression of another heme binding protein, hemopexin, was not induced in hepatocyte cell cultures by heme or heavy metals. The data suggest that the expression of HBP23 and HO-1 mRNA is regulated by (a) similar mechanism(s) in liver and that both genes could play a common physiological role as antioxidants and/or in heme metabolism.

Modulation of hemopexin gene expression by physiological oxygen tensions in primary rat hepatocyte cultures

Hyperoxia induces the expression of the hemopexin (Hx) gene in the liver in vivo. To investigate whether the Hx gene is activated by oxygen as such or via H2O2 as an oxygen signal transmitter the effects of arterial and venous O2 tensions as well as different concentrations of H2O2 on Hx mRNA expression were studied. After preculturing primary rat hepatocytes for 24 h at arterial O2 (16%) Hx mRNA was expressed with a maximal level (= 100%), when arterial O2 tension proceeded for 2 h, and to values of approximately 50%, when venous O2 tension (8%) proceeded for 2 h. When hepatocytes were precultured for 24 h under venous O2, Hx mRNA was induced by arterial O2 to values of 60% and under venous O2 to values of approximately 35%. The expression of beta-actin remained unchanged under arterial and venous O2. Exposure of hepatocyte cultures to H2O2 decreased the expression of Hx mRNA in a dose-dependent manner after 2 h, while heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA was induced 2.5 fold. The results suggest that O2 per se rather than the reactive oxygen intermediate H2O2 modulates Hx expression.

The type II hemopexin interleukin-6 response element predominates the transcriptional regulation of the hemopexin acute phase responsiveness

Hemopexin (Hx) is induced during the acute phase response (APR) by the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6. A type II IL-6 response element (RE) of the Hx gene has been characterized recently (J. Biol. Chem. (1994); 269, 12654-12661). To assess Hx gene regulation by other agents, various cytokines and growth factors were tested for their ability to induce Hx in rat hepatoma H-35 cells. IL-6-type cytokines, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, in contrast to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), hepatocyte growth factor and insulin significantly increased Hx gene expression. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity in H-35 cells transfected with constructs that contained the 5'-flanking Hx promoter region or multiple copies of the Hx IL-6-RE fused to the CAT gene was upregulated only by IL-6-type cytokines, although to varying degrees. These data indicate that signal transduction pathways mediated by IL-6-type cytokines but not those by IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha converge on the common Hx IL-6-RE.

The rat and human hemopexin genes contain an identical interleukin-6 response element that is not a target of CAAT enhancer-binding protein isoforms

Hemopexin (Hx) is an abundant acute-phase protein (APP) that binds heme with high affinity. In rat hepatic cells, the transcription rate of the Hx gene is increased by interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6. To investigate the cis-acting regulatory elements (REs) responsive to these hormones, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs of rat and human Hx gene sequences were tested in transiently transfected hepatoma cells. An IL-6-RE was identified in the promoter of both rat and human Hx genes, the function of which was dependent on the core sequence (CCGGGAA) common in other APP genes. The previously characterized Hx A element mediated a relatively minor cytokine response as compared with the Hx IL-6-RE. The human Hx A element, in contrast to the rat and human Hx IL-6-REs, was strongly trans-activated by cotransfected CAAT enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP)-beta and -delta. The rat gene homolog of the human Hx A element was inactive as a cytokine RE and was minimally trans-activated by C/EBP isoforms. Results of electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that the Hx IL-6-RE is a binding site for the IL-6-inducible nuclear protein IL-6 RE-BP, which also binds to the conserved IL-6-REs of other APP genes and is distinct from C/EBP beta.

Identification of a liver preference enhancer element of the rat hemopexin gene and its interaction with nuclear factors

Transcription of hemopexin (Hx) occurs predominantly in the liver. To investigate the contribution of the cis-acting enhancer element to the hepatocyte preferential expression, we performed chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase (CAT) assays in HepG2 cells. A strong enhancer element was identified by successive truncation to reside in the region -157/-104 from the cap site. The Hx region -145/-125 interacts with rat liver nuclear proteins, as shown by standard DNA-protein binding assays. The nucleotide sequence -141AGACTTTGACCT-130 includes, in reverse orientation, a direct repeat of the imperfect AGGTCA sequence, one of the recognition motifs of the steroid-thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. That this AGGTCA repeat is an enhancer core of the Hx element was affirmed by mutational analyses. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, oligonucleotides, corresponding to binding regions of chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor (COUP-TF) and apolipoprotein AI regulatory protein 1 (ARP-1) but not of hepatocyte nuclear factor-4 (HNF-4), competed with the Hx element for binding sites. Co-transfection analyses indicated that HNF-4 does not affect CAT expression whereas ARP-1 and COUP-TF repress it. Antibody supershift analyses suggested that HNF-4 and COUP-TF may not be major factors binding to the Hx element.

Secretion of plasma proteins and its insulin-dependent regulation in rat hepatocyte-hepatoma hybrid cells

Hepatocyte-hepatoma hybrid cells were obtained by fusion of primary rat hepatocytes with Fao hepatoma cells. Synthesis and secretion of the liver-specific plasma proteins albumin and transferrin were preserved in these proliferating hybrids, called hepatocytoma cells. In the hybrid clone 1E3, secretion of albumin was 75% and that of transferrin was 45% of the secretion in normal hepatocytes. The level of albumin mRNA was fivefold higher in hepatocytoma cells than in normal hepatocytes. Essentially no albumin and transferrin secretion or albumin mRNA was found in the parental Fao hepatoma cells. Insulin decreased the albumin mRNA level in hybrid cells, while it increased the level in normal hepatocytes. This indicates an inverse effect of the hormone due to this regulation in immortalized hepatocytoma cells compared to normal hepatocytes.

Hepatitis C virus associated primary hepatocellular carcinoma in a noncirrhotic liver

The case of a 71-year-old man with a primary hepatocellular carcinoma in a non-cirrhotic liver is reported. There were no risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-like liver cirrhosis, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, exposure to vinyl chloride, thorotrast, aflatoxin or alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Serologically, the patient was positive for antibodies to the hepatitis B virus (anti-HBc, anti-HBs) and for anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies. Virologically, positive and negative strands of HCV RNA could be detected in the patient's serum and tumorous liver tissue by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction as a sign of persistent HCV replication. Histologically, the HCC was completely surrounded by liver tissue which showed the signs of nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Indeed, the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis remains to be clarified. However, this case supports the observation that HCC may also develop in patients with HCV infection without preexisting liver cirrhosis.

Hormone-sensitive carbohydrate metabolism in rat hepatocyte-hepatoma hybrid cells

Hepatocyte-hepatoma hybrid cells were obtained by fusion of hepatocytes from adult rats and Fao hepatoma cells in the presence of polyethylene glycol. These hybrids were called hepatocytoma cells. The preservation of liver-specific enzyme activities and metabolic functions was studied in the hybrid clone 1E3. 1) The proliferating hepatocytoma cells formed monolayers presenting morphological similarity to primary cultures of hepatocytes. 2) In contrast to Fao hepatoma cells, activities of all gluconeogenic key enzymes were preserved at normal or reduced levels. 3) Lactate-dependent glucose formation was maintained at a state reduced to 36% of the gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes; no glucose formation was detected in Fao hepatoma cells. 4) The activity of the liver-specific glucokinase was reduced in hepatocytoma cells, but it was still present in contrast to Fao cells. The liver-specific isoenzyme pyruvate kinase type L was replaced by the isoenzyme type M2. 5) Gluconeogenic and glycolytic enzyme activities were regulated in hepatocytoma cells by glucagon (0.1 microM) and by insulin (0.1 microM). 6) The genome of hepatocytoma cells and its expression were stable for at least one year, when spontaneously dedifferentiating cells were removed by recloning in hypoxanthine-aminopterine-thymidine (HAT) medium.