scholarly journals Modulation of ACE-2 mRNA by inflammatory cytokines in human thyroid cells: a pilot study

Endocrine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Coperchini ◽  
Gianluca Ricci ◽  
Laura Croce ◽  
Marco Denegri ◽  
Rubina Ruggiero ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE-2) was demonstrated to be the receptor for cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. ACE-2 mRNA was identified in several human tissues and recently also in thyroid cells in vitro. Purpose Aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on the ACE-2 mRNA levels in human thyroid cells in primary cultures. Methods Primary thyroid cell cultures were treated with IFN-γ and TNF-α alone or in combination for 24 h. ACE-2 mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR. As a control, the levels of IFN-γ inducible chemokine (CXCL10) were measured in the respective cell culture supernatants. Results The mean levels of ACE-2 mRNA increased after treatment with IFN-γ and TNF-α in all the thyroid cell preparations, while the combination treatment did not consistently synergically increase ACE-2-mRNA. At difference, CXCL10 was consistently increased by IFN-γ and synergically further increased by the combination treatment with IFN-γ + TNF-α, with respect to IFN-γ alone. Conclusions The results of the present study show that IFN-γ and, to a lesser extent TNF-α consistently increase ACE-2 mRNA levels in NHT primary cultures. More interestingly, the combined stimulation (proven to be effective according to the synergic effect registered for CXCL10) produces different responses in terms of ACE-2 mRNA modulation. These results would suggest that elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines could facilitate the entering of the virus in cells by further increasing ACE-2 expression and/or account for the different degree of severity of SARS-COV-2 infection. This hypothesis deserves to be confirmed by further specific studies.

Author(s):  
M. Rotondi ◽  
F. Coperchini ◽  
G. Ricci ◽  
M. Denegri ◽  
L. Croce ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose SARS-COV-2 is a pathogenic agent belonging to the coronavirus family, responsible for the current global world pandemic. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) is the receptor for cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. ACE-2 is a type I transmembrane metallo-carboxypeptidase involved in the Renin-Angiotensin pathway. By analyzing two independent databases, ACE-2 was identified in several human tissues including the thyroid. Although some cases of COVID-19-related subacute thyroiditis were recently described, direct proof for the expression of the ACE-2 mRNA in thyroid cells is still lacking. Aim of the present study was to investigate by RT-PCR whether the mRNA encoding for ACE-2 is present in human thyroid cells. Methods RT-PCR was performed on in vitro ex vivo study on thyroid tissue samples (15 patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign thyroid nodules) and primary thyroid cell cultures. Results The ACE-2 mRNA was detected in all surgical thyroid tissue samples (n = 15). Compared with two reporter genes (GAPDH: 0.052 ± 0.0026 Cycles−1; β-actin: 0.044 ± 0.0025 Cycles−1; ACE-2: 0.035 ± 0.0024 Cycles−1), the mean level of transcript expression for ACE-2 mRNA was abundant. The expression of ACE-2 mRNA in follicular cells was confirmed by analyzing primary cultures of thyroid cells, which expressed the ACE-2 mRNA at levels similar to tissues. Conclusions The results of the present study demonstrate that the mRNA encoding for the ACE-2 receptor is expressed in thyroid follicular cells, making them a potential target for SARS-COV-2 entry. Future clinical studies in patients with COVID-19 will be required for increase our understanding of the thyroid repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2000 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 229-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Abram ◽  
Darinka Vučković ◽  
Branka Wraber ◽  
Miljenko Doric

Background:Exposure to microorganisms elicts the production of cytokines. These soluble factors enhance several innate immune functions and regulate the ensuing specific immune response aimed at limiting the spread of infection.Aim:This study was undertaken to quantify the plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines during the course of primaryListeria monocytogenesandCampylobacter jejuniinfection. Using anin vivoinfection the relationship between endogenous cytokines and the bacterial number in the liver of infected animals was examined.Methods:C57BL/6 mice were infected by the intraperitoneal route. At different time points we determined the number of colony-forming units of bacteria in the liver of infected animals and paralled these with the plasma levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) measured by enzyme immunoassays.Results:L. monocytogenes infection lasted 10–11 days. IFN-γ production occurred in the early phase but was more pronounced after day 4, following the appearance of specific immunity. The duration of experimental campylobacteriosis was 15 days. Early IFN-γ production was not significant but a progressive rise of this cytokine in plasma was seen during the second week post infection. Mice produced measurable amounts of plasma TNF-α immediately after being given viableL. monocytogenes, peaking on day 2–3 when the greatest number of bacteria was present in the examined organs. DuringC. jejuniinfection plasma TNF-α was produced in a similar manner, but the highest concentrations were found a few days later than in listeriosis, in correlation with the different course of campylobacteriosis. The quantity of IL-6 increased and decreased in concordance with clearance ofL. monocytogenesand the clinical status of the animals.C. jejunidid not promote the induction of this cytokine. This is to some extent an unusual finding. With respect to the role of IL-6 in Th2 responses and antibody production, the appearance of this cytokine in campylobacteriosis was more expected.Discussion:During systemic bacterial infection, a network of pro-inflammatory cytokines is activated and blood levels of these cytokines are elevated, albeit inconsistently, with large individual variations and depending on microbial characteristics and structure.


Author(s):  
Н.А. Воронина ◽  
В.Г. Кучеряну ◽  
Л.А. Ветрилэ ◽  
В.В. Голоборщева ◽  
И.Г. Капица ◽  
...  

Целью данных исследований явилось изучение влияния гимантана (N-(2-адамантил)-гексаметиленимина гидрохлорида) на уровень провоспалительных цитокинов IL-1β, IL-6, интерферона-γ (ИФН-γ) и фактора некроза опухоли-α (ФНО-α) в нигрокаудатном комплексе мышей на ранней и поздней клинической фазе экспериментального паркинсонического синдрома (ПС), для выяснения его антипаркинсонического эффекта. Методы исследования: Раннюю и позднюю клиническую фазу ПС создавали у мышей линии C57BL/6J внутрибрюшинным введением пронейротоксина 1-метил-4-фенил-1,2,3,6-тетрагидропиридина (МФТП) в дозах 12 мг/кг или 20 мг/кг по 4 инъекции с интервалом 2 часа, соответственно. Гимантан вводили мышам внутрибрюшинным в дозе 20 мг/кг, предварительно каждый раз за 30 мин до введения МФТП. Содержание цитокинов в структурах мозга мышей определяли методом иммуноферментного анализа с использованием тест-систем производства «Cloud-Clone Corporation», США и считывающего устройства «ИФА-reader» прибора «ImmunoChem-2100», США. Результаты: Показано, что уровень IL-1β, IL-6, ИФН-γ и ФНО-α в нигрокаудатном комплексе мозга мышей возрастает как на ранней, так и на поздней фазах развития ПС. Предварительное применение гимантана снижало в нигрокаудатном комплексе мышей содержание цитокинов IL-1β, ИФН-γ и ФНО-α на ранней фазе, и только одного из 4 изученных (IL-6) - на поздней фазе развития ПС. Предполагается, что антипаркинсонический эффект гимантана на ранней клинической стадии МФТП-индуцированного ПС осуществляется, в том числе, за счёт снижения уровня провоспалительных цитокинов в нигростриатной системе, предупреждая снижение жизнеспособности дофаминергических нейронов. The aim of this work was to study the effect of Hemantane (N-(2-adamantyl)-hexamethyleneimine hydrochloride) on the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the nigrocaudate complex of mice in early and late clinical phases of experimental Parkinsonian syndrome (PS) to elucidate its antiparkinsonian effect. Material and methods: The early and late clinical phases of PS were created in C57BL / 6J mice by 4 intraperitoneal injections at 2-h intervals of a proneurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), at a dose of 12 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg. Hemantane was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg 30 min before each MPTP administration. Concentrations of cytokines in mouse brain structures were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Cloud-Clone Corporation (USA) test systems and an ImmunoChem-2100 (USA) ELISA reader. Results: Concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in the nigrocaudate complex were increased both in the early and late phases of PS. Prior administration of hemantane reduced the content of IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in the nigrocaudate complex at the early phase and the content of only one of the 4 studied cytokines (IL-6) at the late phase of PS. It was assumed that the antiparkinsonian effect of hemantane at the early clinical stage of MPTP-induced PS involves a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines in the nigrostriatal system, which prevents the impairment of the viability of dopaminergic neurons.


1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
P F Watson ◽  
A P Pickerill ◽  
R Davies ◽  
A P Weetman

ABSTRACT It has been suggested that the thyroid itself may contribute to the inflammatory process observed in autoimmune thyroiditis by releasing the cytokines interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), but studies of cytokine gene expression in thyrocytes have been limited and conflicting. A semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR technique has been used to investigate the expression of IL-1α, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA in the human thyroid cell line HTori3 and in cultures of primary human thyroid follicular cells (TFCs). Cytokine mRNA levels were examined over a 24-h period, and the modulatory effects of exogenous IL-1α, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and TSH investigated. Basal expression of IL-1α, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA was detected in HTori3 and primary TFC cultures. Stimulation with IL-1 (10 U/ml) for 12 h produced an increase in the level of IL-1α mRNA in both primary TFC and HTori3 cultures. IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels were increased by the addition of IL-1 in both cell types, and this effect was detected throughout the 24-h time-course. IFN-γ (100 U/ml) had no significant effect on cytokine gene expression. A higher concentration of IFN-γ (500 U/ml) had no significant effect on the expression of IL-1α or IL-8 but produced an increase in the level of IL-6 mRNA in primary cultures and in HTori3 cells. Addition of TSH (1 mU/ml) produced an increase in the level of IL-1α mRNA in primary TFC and HTori3 cells, at 12 and 24 h. TSH had no significant effect on the expression of IL-6 or IL-8 mRNA. These results demonstrate that human TFCs constitutively express IL-1α, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA and that this expression can be modulated by IL-1, IFN-γ and TSH.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1546
Author(s):  
Sungbae Park ◽  
Sangmin Lee ◽  
Youngho Weon ◽  
Taewook Kim ◽  
Hakwon Kim ◽  
...  

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, are caused by the accumulation of immune cells and the overproduction of chemokines, including CCL17 and CCL22, due to the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted from keratinocytes. In the present study, the inhibitory activity of HM-V on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines was examined in human keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNCB)-induced chronic skin contact dermatitis animal models. Traditional Asian medicinal herb extracts mixture (HM-V), which have been extensively used in Asian medicine, were utilized. In TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaTs, HM-V strongly inhibited mRNA and protein expression of CCL17 and CCL22 in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was also inhibited. Therefore, localized administration of HM-V in the DNCB-induced animal model alleviated immune cell deposition and skin inflammation. The results indicate that HM-V exerts inhibitory effects on keratinocyte production of CCL17 and CCL22. Furthermore, HM-V may be a useful anti-inflammatory agent for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.


Author(s):  
Curzytek K. ◽  
Maes M. ◽  
Kubera M.

AbstractAllergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a T cell-mediated type of skin inflammation resulting from contact hypersensitivity (CHS) to antigens. There is strong comorbidity between ACD and major depression. Keratinocytes release immunomodulatory mediators including pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which modulate skin inflammation and are crucial cell type for the development of CHS. Our previous studies showed that fluoxetine and desipramine were effective in suppressing CHS in different mouse strains. However, the immune and molecular mechanisms underlying this effect remain to be explored. The aim of the current study was to determine the immune and molecular mechanisms of action of antidepressant drugs engaged in the inhibition of CHS response in the stimulated keratinocyte HaCaT cell line. The results show that LPS, TNF-α/IFN-γ, and DNFB stimulate HaCaT cells to produce large amounts of pro-inflammatory factors including IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, and CXCL8. HaCaT stimulation was associated with increased expression of ICAM-1, a cell adhesion molecule, and decreased expression of E-cadherin. Imipramine, desipramine, and fluoxetine suppress the production of IL-1β, CCL2, as well as the expression of ICAM-1. LPS and TNF-α/IFN-γ activate p-38 kinase, but antidepressants do not regulate this pathway. LPS decreases E-cadherin protein expression and fluoxetine normalizes these effects. In summary, the antidepressant drugs examined in this study attenuate the stimulated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and modulate adhesion molecule expression by the HaCaT cell line. Therefore, antidepressants may have some clinical efficacy in patients with ACD and patients with comorbid depression and contact allergy.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1574
Author(s):  
Marcus Hollenbach ◽  
Sebastian Sonnenberg ◽  
Ines Sommerer ◽  
Jana Lorenz ◽  
Albrecht Hoffmeister

Inflammation caused by oxidative stress (ROS) demonstrates an essential mechanism in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). Important sources for ROS comprise the reactive compound methylglyoxal (MGO) itself and the MGO-derived formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs bind to the transmembrane receptor RAGE and activate NF-κB, and lead to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. MGO is detoxified by glyoxalase-I (Glo-I). The importance of Glo-I was shown in different models of inflammation and carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, the role of Glo-I and MGO in AP has not been evaluated so far. This study analyzed Glo-I in cerulein-(CN)-induced AP and determined the effects of Glo-I knockdown, overexpression and pharmacological modulation. Methods: AP was induced in C57BL6/J mice by i.p. injection of CN. Glo-I was analyzed in explanted pancreata by Western Blot, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. AR42J cells were differentiated by dexamethasone and stimulated with 100 nM of CN. Cells were simultaneously treated with ethyl pyruvate (EP) or S-p-bromobenzylglutathione-cyclopentyl-diester (BrBz), two Glo-I modulators. Knockdown and overexpression of Glo-I was achieved by transient transfection with Glo-I siRNA and pEGFP-N1-Glo-I-Vector. Amylase secretion, TNF-α production (ELISA) and expression of Glo-I, RAGE and NF-κB were measured. Results: Glo-I was significantly upregulated on protein and mRNA levels in CN-treated mice and AR42J cells. Dexamethasone-induced differentiation of AR42J cells increased the expression of Glo-I and RAGE. Treatment of AR42J cells with CN and EP or BrBz resulted in a significant reduction of CN-induced amylase secretion, NF-κB, RAGE and TNF-α. Overexpression of Glo-I led to a significant reduction of CN-induced amylase levels, NF-κB expression and TNF-α, whereas Glo-I knockdown revealed only slight alterations. Measurements of specific Glo-I activity and MGO levels indicated a complex regulation in the model of CN-induced AP. Conclusion: Glo-I is overexpressed in a model of CN-induced AP. Pharmacological modulation and overexpression of Glo-I reduced amylase secretion and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in AP in vitro. Targeting Glo-I in AP seems to be an interesting approach for future in vivo studies of AP.


Author(s):  
N. Osakue ◽  
C. C. Onyenekwe ◽  
F. A. Ehiaghe ◽  
J. E. Ahaneku ◽  
J. I. Ikechebelu ◽  
...  

Background: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that is widely used globally in the treatment of infertility. Infertility can occur due to male factors, female factors or both. Aim: This is the first Nigerian study that sets out to observe the levels and relationship between circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α) and progesterone (PG) in Nigerian women undergoing in vitro fertilization pre and post treatment and their possible effect on pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: This observational study randomly selected sixty-two (62) infertile females below 45 year of age who enrolled in the IVF treatment at Lily Hospitals, Warri and Shepherd Specialist Hospital, Warri, Southern Nigeria. Only data of the thirteen (13) infertile females who became pregnant after the IVF treatment where followed up and presented in this study. Five (5) ml of whole blood were collected into plain tubes on day 3 of the menstrual cycle of all the participants from the ante-cubital vein before and after IVF procedure using standard laboratory collection technique. Ovarian stimulation was done using the long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol. Oocyte retrieval transfer was done using ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and embryo transfer was done using ultrasound-guided embryo transfer. IFN-γ, TNF-α and PG were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results and Conclusion: Significant increase in the levels of TNF-α and PG at the second trimester and third trimester of pregnancy when compared with the first trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.000). While the level of IFN-γ was significantly increased in the second trimester of pregnancy when compared with the first trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.000). It is evident from the study that both pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and TNF-α) act in synergy to maintain the level of progesterone which act as an anti-inflammatory agent to regulate the activities of the pro-inflammatory cytokines for successful oocytes implantation and maturation.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shifang Gao ◽  
Huihui Li ◽  
Hong Xie ◽  
Shili Wu ◽  
Yuan Yuan ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundMyocardial dysfunction is one of the most common complications of multiple organ failure in septic shock and significantly increases mortality in patients with sepsis. In spite of many studies have confirmed that helminth-derived proteins have strong immunomodulatory functions and could be used to treat inflammatory diseases, there is no report on the therapeutic effect of Schistosoma japonicum-produced cystatin (Sj-Cys) on the sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction. MethodsA model of sepsis-induced myocardial injury was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mouse. Upon CLP operation, each mouse was intraperitoneally treated with 10 µg of recombinant Sj-Cys (rSj-Cys). Twelve hours after CLP operation, the systolic and diastolic functions of left ventricular were examined by echocardiography. The levels of myoglobin (Mb), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in sera and the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in cardiac tissues were examined as biomarkers for heart injury. The heart tissue was collected for checking pathological changes and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. To address the signaling pathway involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of rSj-Cys, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) was determined by Western blot in heart tissue of mice with sepsis and LPS-stimulated H9C2 cardiomyocyte cells. In addition, the therapeutic effects of rSj-Cys on LPS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis were also detected in H9C2 cells. The pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β were measured in sera and their mRNA levels in heart tissue of rSj-Cys-treated mice. ResultsAfter being treated with rSj-Cys, the sepsis-induced heart malfunction was largely improved. The inflammation and injury of heart tissue were also significantly alleviated characterized by significantly decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells in cardiac tissues and fiber swelling, reduced levels of Mb, cTnI and NT-proBNP in sera and MPO activity in heart tissue. The therapeutic efficacy of rSj-Cys is associated with down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and up-regulated regulatory inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β), possibly through inhibiting LPS-TLR4- MyD88 signal pathway. ConclusionsRecombinant Sj-Cys significantly reduced sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy and could be considered as be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of sepsis associated cardiac dysfunction.


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