NFκB activation and stimulation of chemokine production in normal human macrophages by the gadolinium-based magnetic resonance contrast agent Omniscan: possible role in the pathogenesis of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis

ObjectiveNephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a generalised fibrotic disorder occurring in certain individuals with renal insufficiency exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GdBCA) for MRI. Histopathological examination of affected tissues shows increased numbers of activated macrophages. To elucidate the mechanisms responsible for macrophage activation, the effects of the GdBCA Omniscan on normal human macrophage global gene expression, chemokine production and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) activation was examined.MethodsNormal human monocyte-derived macrophages were incubated with Omniscan (50 mM) and their gene expression analysed by microarrays and real-time PCR. Macrophage chemokine production was assayed by multiplex ELISA. NFκB activation was assessed by NFκB nuclear localisation and quantitation of intracellular levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein. A specific cell-permeable NFκB peptide inhibitor was used to abrogate NFκB stimulation of chemokine and iNOS protein levels. CCL8/MCP-2 in affected skin of patients with NSF was examined by indirect immunofluorescence.ResultsOmniscan caused a profound change in the transcriptome of differentiated human normal macrophages in vitro, including a large increase in the expression of genes encoding CC and CXC chemokines. It induced rapid nuclear localisation of NFκB and stimulation of iNOS protein levels and chemokine production which were blocked by an NFκB inhibitory peptide. CCL8/MCP-2, the most upregulated chemokine following in vitro macrophage exposure to Omniscan, was strongly increased in NSF-affected skin.ConclusionThe GdBCA Omniscan induces potent stimulation of macrophage gene expression, NFκB activation and increased NFκB-mediated production of CC and CXC chemokines and iNOS. These alterations may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of NSF.

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The Role of Interleukin-23 in the Early Development of Emphysema in HIV1+Smokers

Journal of Immunology Research ◽

10.1155/2016/3463104 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Igor Z. Barjaktarevic ◽

Ronald G. Crystal ◽

Robert J. Kaner

Keyword(s):

Tissue Destruction ◽

Epithelial Lining Fluid ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Knowing That ◽

Lung Epithelial ◽

Interleukin 23 ◽

Metalloproteinase 9 ◽

Stimulation Of

Rationale.Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression is upregulated in alveolar macrophages (AM) of HIV1+smokers who develop emphysema. Knowing that lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of HIV1+smokers contains increased levels of inflammatory cytokines compared to HIV1−smokers, we hypothesized that upregulation of lung cytokines in HIV1+smokers may be functionally related to increased MMP-9 expression.Methods.Cytokine arrays evaluated cytokine protein levels in ELF obtained from 5 groups of individuals: HIV1−healthy nonsmokers, HIV1−healthy smokers, HIV1−smokers with low diffusing capacity (DLCO), HIV1+nonsmokers, and HIV1+smokers with lowDLCO.Results. Increased levels of the Th17 related cytokine IL-23 were found in HIV1−smokers with lowDLCOand HIV1+smokers and nonsmokers. Relative IL-23 gene expression was increased in AM of HIV1+individuals, with greater expression in AM of HIV1+smokers with lowDLCO. Infection with HIV1in vitroinduced IL-23 expression in normal AM. IL-23 stimulation of AM/lymphocyte coculturesin vitroinduced upregulation of MMP-9. Lung T lymphocytes express receptor IL-23R and interact with AM in order to upregulate MMP-9.Conclusion. This mechanism may contribute to the increased tissue destruction in the lungs of HIV1+smokers and suggests that Th17 related inflammation may play a role.

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Ligand-dependent, Pit-1/growth hormone factor-1 (GHF-1)-independent transcriptional stimulation of rat growth hormone gene expression by thyroid hormone receptors in vitro

Molecular and Cellular Biology ◽

10.1128/mcb.13.3.1719-1727.1993 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 1719-1727

Author(s):

C S Suen ◽

W W Chin

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Growth Hormone ◽

Thyroid Hormone ◽

Promoter Activity ◽

Hormone Receptors ◽

Nuclear Extract ◽

In Vitro Transcription ◽

Stimulation Of ◽

Transcriptional Stimulation

The expression of the rat growth hormone (rGH) gene in the anterior pituitary gland is modulated by Pit-1/GHF-1, a pituitary-specific transcription factor, and by other more widely distributed factors, such as the thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), Sp1, and the glucocorticoid receptor. Thyroid hormone (T3)-mediated transcriptional stimulation of rGH gene expression has been extensively studied in vivo and in vitro including the measurements of (i) rGH mRNA by blot hybridization, (ii) transcriptional rate of rGH gene by nuclear run-on, and (iii) reporter gene expression in which a chimeric plasmid containing 5'-flanking sequences of the rGH gene linked to a reporter gene has been transfected either stably or transiently into pituitary and/or nonpituitary cells. From these studies, it has been suggested that the Pit-1/GHF-1 binding site is necessary for full T3 action. We developed a cell-free in vitro transcription system to examine further the roles of the TRs and Pit-1/GHF-1 in rGH gene activation. Using GH3 nuclear extract as a source of TRs and Pit-1/GHF-1, this in vitro transcription assay showed that T3 stimulation of rGH promoter activity is dependent on the addition of T3 to the GH3 nuclear extract. This transcriptional stimulation was augmented with increasing concentrations of ligand and was T3, but not T4 or reverse T3, specific. T3-mediated stimulation of rGH promoter activity was completely abolished by preincubation of the nuclear extract with rGH-thyroid hormone response element (-200 to -160) but not with Pit-1/GHF-1 (-137 to -65) oligonucleotides. Further, neither deletion of both Pit-1/GHF-1 binding sites nor mutation of the proximal Pit-1/GHF-1 binding site from the rGH promoter abrogated the T3 effect. These results provide evidence that T3-stimulated rGH promoter activity is independent of Pit-1/GHF-1 and raise the possibility that the stimulation of rGH gene expression by T3 might involve direct interaction of TRs with the general transcriptional apparatus.

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Abstract 564: Differential Expression and Regulation of Angiotensinogen in Renal Proximal Tubule Cells From S1, S2 and S3 Segments

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hyp.62.suppl_1.a564 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 62 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ryousuke Satou ◽

Kathleen S Hering-Smith ◽

L G Navar

Keyword(s):

Proximal Tubule ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Specific Cell ◽

S2 Cells ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Proximal Tubule Cells ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Pathogenic Factors ◽

Renal Proximal Tubule Cells

In angiotensin II (Ang II)-dependent hypertension, intrarenal angiotensinogen (AGT) augmentation induced by Ang II and associated pathogenic factors including interleukin 6 (IL-6) cause further elevation of intratubular Ang II production, leading to the progression of hypertension and kidney injury. Recent studies have suggested that renal proximal straight tubules (S3 segment) are the main source of intrarenal AGT and that S1 and S2 segments do not express AGT mRNA under normal conditions. However, AGT expression and its regulation by Ang II and/or IL-6 in each proximal tubule segment have not been demonstrated an in vitro setting. The availability of specific cell lines derived from mouse S1, S2 and S3 segments provided an opportunity to decisively determine each segments’ capability to express AGT and respond to stimuli. Thus, this study was performed to determine AGT expression and its response to stimulation with Ang II and IL-6 in S1, S2 and S3 cell line. Basal AGT mRNA and protein levels were detected by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Basal levels of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and STAT3, which is a transcription factor in IL-6 signaling pathway, were also measured. In addition, the cells were incubated with 100 nM Ang II and/or 400 nM IL-6 for 24 h. Basal AGT levels in S1 and S3 cells were lower than in mouse whole kidney (0.09-fold and 0.33-fold compared with mouse whole kidney). S2 cells exhibited the highest basal AGT levels (4.15-fold) among these cells. In S1 cells, AGT expression was stimulated by IL-6 (1.89 ± 0.32, ratio to control) and co-stimulation with Ang II and IL-6 (1.85 ± 0.28) although Ang II alone did not alter AGT levels. In S2 cells, only the co-stimulation increased AGT expression (1.35 ± 0.01). No changes were observed by similar treatments in S3 cells. Basal AT1R levels were lower in S3 than in S1 and S2 cells (0.97 ± 0.09 in S2, 0.32 ± 0.07 in S3, ratio to S1). S1 cells showed the highest basal levels of STAT3. Basal STAT3 levels in S3 cells were lower than that in S1 and S2 cells. These results indicate that S2 cells are main source of intrarenal AGT which can be augmented by Ang II and IL-6 during the development of Ang II-dependent hypertension. Furthermore, low basal levels of AT1R and STAT3 in S3 cells explain why these cells do not respond to Ang II and IL-6.

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A Newly Authenticated Compound from Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Induces Melanogenesis in B16-F10 Cells by Increasing Tyrosinase Activity

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2018/8485670 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Xiu Juan Xin ◽

Jiahong Zou ◽

Tao Zou ◽

Huoli Shang ◽

Li Yun Sun

Keyword(s):

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Cell Number ◽

Tyrosinase Activity ◽

Chinese Traditional Medicine ◽

Inhibition Rate ◽

Disease Treatment ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Stimulation Of

Vitiligo is a kind of skin dysfunction on melanogenesis. The highly prevalent, chronic, and distinctive complexion changes on patients have imposed enormous psychic and economic burden on both individuals and society. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a kind of precious source on chronic disease treatment, including skin dysfunctional diseases. In our previous study, a new compound named apigenin-7-butylene glucoside has been authenticated and purified from a prescription of Chinese traditional medicine formula which has been used clinically in vitiligo treatment. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of this compound on melanogenesis using melanoma cell B16-F10 in vitro. The results showed that apigenin-7-butylene glucoside had almost no cytotoxicity on B16-F10 cells within a lower dose of 5.0 μg ml-1 and enhanced the melanin level to about 41% and tyrosinase activity to 1.32-fold when compared with controls. The compound showed minor cytotoxicity to B16-F10 cells at the higher concentration of 10 μg ml-1 and 50 μg ml-1, the inhibition rate was 8.4% and 11.8%, and the melanin level and tyrosinase activity showed a decreased trend because of the lower cell number at the higher concentrations. The results indicated that apigenin-7-butylene glucoside was safe to B16-F10 cells within a lower concentration, <5.0 μg ml-1. Incubated with 5.0 ug ml-1of apigenin-7-butylene glucoside for 48 hours, the mRNA and protein levels of Tyr, Trp-1, and Trp-2 genes were all increased except Mitf in B16-F10 cells. The stimulation of apigenin-7-butylene glucoside on melanogenesis of B16-F10 cells through Tyr, Trp-1, and Trp-2 pathway highlighted the potential usage of the compound in vitiligo treatment.

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Oocyte-Secreted Factors Synergize With FSH to Promote Aromatase Expression in Primary Human Cumulus Cells

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jc.2018-01705 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 104 (5) ◽

pp. 1667-1676 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Elie Hobeika ◽

Marah Armouti ◽

Hamsini Kala ◽

Michele A Fierro ◽

Nicola J Winston ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Promoter Activity ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Aromatase Expression ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Morphogenetic Protein ◽

Smad3 Phosphorylation ◽

Igf1 Receptor ◽

Stimulation Of

Abstract Context The role of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) on aromatase regulation is poorly understood in humans. Objective Determine GDF9 and BMP15 effects on FSH stimulation of estradiol production in primary human cumulus granulosa cells (GCs). We hypothesized that the combination of GDF9 and BMP15 potentiates FSH-induced aromatase expression. Design Primary human cumulus GCs in culture. Setting University infertility center. Patients or Other Participants GCs of 60 women undergoing in vitro fertilization were collected. Interventions Cells were treated with GDF9 and/or BMP15 (GB) in the presence or absence of FSH, dibutyryl cAMP, or SMAD inhibitors. Main Outcome Measures Promoter activity, mRNA, protein, and estradiol levels were quantified. Results FSH and GB treatment increased CYP19A1 promoter activity, mRNA, and protein levels as well as estradiol when compared with cells treated with FSH only. GB treatment potentiated cAMP stimulation of aromatase and IGF2 stimulation by FSH. GB effects were inhibited by SMAD3 inhibitors and IGF1 receptor inhibitors. GB, but not FSH, stimulates SMAD3 phosphorylation. Conclusion The combination of GDF9 and BMP15 potently stimulates the effect of FSH and cAMP on CYP19a1 promoter activity and mRNA/protein levels. These effects translate into an increase in estradiol production. This potentiation seems to occur through activation of the SMAD2/3 and SMAD3 signaling pathway and involves, at least in part, the effect of the IGF system.

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Polyamines regulate gene expression by stimulating translation of histone acetyltransferase mRNAs

Journal of Biological Chemistry ◽

10.1074/jbc.ra120.013833 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 295 (26) ◽

pp. 8736-8745 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Akihiko Sakamoto ◽

Yusuke Terui ◽

Takeshi Uemura ◽

Kazuei Igarashi ◽

Keiko Kashiwagi

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽

Histone Acetyltransferases ◽

Regulate Gene Expression ◽

Double Stranded Rna ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Lysine Residues ◽

Regulate Gene ◽

Stimulation Of

Polyamines regulate gene expression in Escherichia coli by translationally stimulating mRNAs encoding global transcription factors. In this study, we focused on histone acetylation, one of the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of gene expression, to attempt to clarify the role of polyamines in the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. We found that activities of histone acetyltransferases in both the nucleus and cytoplasm decreased significantly in polyamine-reduced mouse mammary carcinoma FM3A cells. Although protein levels of histones H3 and H4 did not change in control and polyamine-reduced cells, acetylation of histones H3 and H4 was greatly decreased in the polyamine-reduced cells. Next, we used control and polyamine-reduced cells to identify histone acetyltransferases whose synthesis is stimulated by polyamines. We found that polyamines stimulate the translation of histone acetyltransferases GCN5 and HAT1. Accordingly, GCN5- and HAT1-catalyzed acetylation of specific lysine residues on histones H3 and H4 was stimulated by polyamines. Consistent with these findings, transcription of genes required for cell proliferation was enhanced by polyamines. These results indicate that polyamines regulate gene expression by enhancing the expression of the histone acetyltransferases GCN5 and HAT1 at the level of translation. Mechanistically, polyamines enhanced the interaction of microRNA-7648-5p (miR-7648-5p) with the 5′-UTR of GCN5 mRNA, resulting in stimulation of translation due to the destabilization of the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) between the 5′-UTR and the ORF of GCN5 mRNA. Because HAT1 mRNA has a short 5′-UTR, polyamines may enhance initiation complex formation directly on this mRNA.

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DEFECTIVE STEROIDAL SYNTHESIS BY ADRENAL TISSUE: THE CONTROL OF GENE EXPRESSION CAUSING LOSS OF ACTIVE STEROIDOGENIC ENZYMES

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/acta.0.0770325 ◽

1974 ◽

Vol 77 (2) ◽

pp. 325-336

Author(s):

K. Williams

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Adrenal Glands ◽

Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽

Ascites Cell ◽

Control Of Gene Expression ◽

Adrenocortical Hyperplasia ◽

Normal Human ◽

Adrenocortical Tumour

ABSTRACT RNA was isolated from normal human adrenal glands and found to cause the formation of Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase and steroid 21-hydroxylase activities by a Krebs II ascites cell-free protein synthesising system. Although no functional steroid 21-hydroxylase in vivo or in vitro was found in a gland from a patient with virilism due to congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia the RNA would still give steroid 21-hydroxylase-like activity in the protein synthesising system which suggests that the inherited defect was not in the structural gene. Activity could not be induced by RNA from a 'non-functioning' adrenocortical tumour or rat liver.

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193 DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF CULTURE ON APOPTOTIC GENE EXPRESSION IN THE PRE-IMPLANTATION CLONED EMBRYOS OF MINIATURE PIG

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv19n1ab193 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 213

Author(s):

M. R. Park ◽

I. S. Hwang ◽

H. J. Moon ◽

J. H. Shim ◽

D. H. Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Relative Abundance ◽

Total Concentration ◽

Control Group ◽

Specific Cell ◽

Miniature Pig ◽

Cell Stage ◽

Apoptotic Gene ◽

Early Embryos

Manipulations of early embryos require that the embryos be placed in vitro. The ability to reproduce in vivo conditions in vitro would greatly facilitate studies on the development of early embryos. A variety of different conditions have been described that result in development of pig embryos from the 1-cell stage to the blastocyst stage in vitro. There is a species-specific cell stage at which the early embryo is very sensitive to in vitro conditions, which generally corresponds to the stage at which the embryo begins producing significant amounts of RNA. The present study was conducted to investigate the relative amounts of apoptotic gene expression in miniature pig NT embryos under culture conditions of different osmolarity. Oocytes were cultured in TCM-199 for 40–44 h at 38.5�C under 5% CO2 in air. Miniature pig ear fibroblast cells were cultured to reach confluency, and the culture was continued for an additional 5–6 days. The NaCl group of embryos was cultured in PZM-3 supplemented with 138 mM NaCl in total concentration (280–320 mOsmol) for the first 2 days, and then cultured in PZM-3 (250–270 mOsmol) for a further 4 days. The control group of embryos was cultured in the PZM-3 for the entire period of in vitro culture. Total RNA samples were prepared from 2 blastocysts using the Roche 1st strand cDNA synthesis kit. Bax and Bcl-xl gene expression of blastocysts was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Developemntal rates were analyzed by a GLM procedure of SAS (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Relative gene expression was compared by Student's t-test. Blastocyst formation rate in the NaCl group was not different from that in the control group (25.4% and 23.2%, respectively), but the apoptosis rate was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the NaCl group (1.6%) than in the control (7.1%). The relative abundance of Bax mRNA expression was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the control group (n = 32) than in the NaCl group (n = 33). However, the relative abundance of Bcl-xl mRNA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in NaCl group. The relative abundance of Bax/Bcl-xl was significantly higher in the control group than in the NaCl group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the hypertonic culture condition at the early embryonic stage of miniature pig NT embryos could reduce the frequency of apoptosis through regulating Bax and Bcl-xl gene expression.

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255 THE ESTROGENIC EVALUATION OF PARABENS USING RAT UTERINE CALBINDIN-D9k

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv22n1ab255 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 285

Author(s):

T. T. B. Vo ◽

E. B. Jeung

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Treated Group ◽

Environmental Chemicals ◽

Female Rats ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Calbindin D9k ◽

The Difference

In the current study, calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k), a potent biomarker for screening estrogen-like environmental chemicals in vivo and in vitro, was adopted to examine the potential estrogen-like property of the following parabens: propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, and isobutyl-paraben. Immature female rats were administered for 3 days from postnatal day 14 to 16 with 17?-ethinylestradiol (EE, 1 mg/kg of body weight (BW) per day) or parabens (62.5, 250, and 1000 mg/kg of BW per day). In uterotrophic assays, significantly increased uterus weights were detected in the EE-treated group and in the groups treated with the greatest dose of isopropyl-, butyl- and isobutyl-paraben. In addition, these parabens induced uterine CaBP-9k mRNA and protein levels, whereas co-treatment of parabens and fulvestrant (Faslodex, formerly known as ICI 182, 780), a pure estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, completely reversed the paraben-induced gene expression and increased uterine weights. To investigate the ER-mediated mechanism(s) by which parabens exert their effects, the expression level of ERÎ± and progesterone receptor (PR) was analyzed. Exposure to EE or parabens caused a dramatic decrease in expression of both ER? mRNA and protein levels, whereas co-treatment with fulvestrant reversed these effects. These data showed the difference of CaBP-9k and ER? expression, suggesting that CaBP-9k might not express via ER? pathway. In the effect of parabens on CaBP-9k expression through PR mediation, a significantly increased expression of uterine PR gene, a well-known ER regulating gene, at both transcriptional and translational levels was indicated in the greatest dose of isopropyl- and butyl-paraben. These parabens induced PR gene expression that was completely blocked by fulvestrant. This result indicates that CaBP-9k expression might involve PR mediates in the estrogenic effect of paraben in immature rat uteri. Taken together, parabens exhibited an estrogen-like property in vivo, which might be mediated by a PR and/or ER? signaling pathway. In addition, our results expanded the current understanding of the potential adverse effects of parabens associated with their estrogen-like activities. Further investigation is needed to elucidate in greater detail the adverse effects of parabens in humans and wildlife.

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Irisin Recovers Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes In Vitro

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells9061478 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 1478 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gianluca Vadalà ◽

Giuseppina Di Giacomo ◽

Luca Ambrosio ◽

Francesca Cannata ◽

Claudia Cicione ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Protein Kinase ◽

Protein Quantification ◽

Saline Control ◽

Collagen Gene ◽

Type Ii ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Collagen Gene Expression ◽

Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes

Physical exercise favors weight loss and ameliorates articular pain and function in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Irisin, a myokine released upon muscle contraction, has demonstrated to yield anabolic effects on different cell types. This study aimed to investigate the effect of irisin on human osteoarthritic chondrocytes (hOAC) in vitro. Our hypothesis was that irisin would improve hOAC metabolism and proliferation. Cells were cultured in growing media and then exposed to either phosphate-buffered saline (control group) or human recombinant irisin (experimental group). Cell proliferation, glycosaminoglycan content, type II/X collagen gene expression and protein quantification as well as p38/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase B (Akt), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) involvement were evaluated. Furthermore, gene expression of interleukin (IL)-1 and -6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -13, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 and -3 were investigated following irisin exposure. Irisin increased hOAC cell content and both type II collagen gene expression and protein levels, while decreased type X collagen gene expression and protein levels. Moreover, irisin decreased IL-1, IL-6, MMP-1, MMP-13 and iNOS gene expression, while increased TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 levels. These effects seemed to be mediated by inhibition of p38, Akt, JNK and NFκB signaling pathways. The present study suggested that irisin may stimulate hOAC proliferation and anabolism inhibiting catabolism through p38, Akt, JNK, and NFκB inactivation in vitro, demonstrating the existence of a cross-talk between muscle and cartilage.

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