scholarly journals Mechanism of Action of Hydroxychloroquine in the Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 5023-5023
Author(s):  
Nadine Müller-Calleja ◽  
Davit Manukyan ◽  
Wolfram Ruf ◽  
Karl Lackner

Abstract Objective. The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thromboembolic events and/or recurrent abortions in the presence of pathogenic antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is recommended for thromboprophylaxis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and aPL. We aimed at identifying mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of HCQ in the APS. Methods. Monocytic cells were stimulated with human aPL in vitro and expression of tissue factor (TF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) was quantified by qRT-PCR. For intracellular ROS detection, cells were stained with OxyBurst and analyzed by flow cytometry. Live cell imaging was performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy to show translocation of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and TLR8 on stimulation. Finally, the effect of HCQ was tested in an in vivo model of venous thrombosis. Results. HCQ prevents the induction of TF and TNFα by aPL in MonoMac1 cells, by blocking the activation of endosomal NOX2. This latter effect is not mediated by direct interference with the previously described uptake of aPL into the endosome but by inhibiting the recruitment of the catalytic subunit of NOX2 (gp91phox) into the endosome. Furthermore, HCQ protects mice from aPL induced and NOX2 mediated thrombus formation in vivo. Conclusion. We propose that interference with the assembly of endosomal NOX2 is a major effect of HCQ responsible for its antithrombotic effect in the APS. Since most if not all APS patients harbor aPL that activate endosomal NOX2 this probably explains the well established efficacy of HCQ in APS patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 2261
Author(s):  
Zuzanna Rzepka ◽  
Jakub Rok ◽  
Justyna Kowalska ◽  
Klaudia Banach ◽  
Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz ◽  
...  

Cobalamin deficiency affects human physiology with sequelae ranging from mild fatigue to severe neuropsychiatric abnormalities. The cellular and molecular aspects of the nervous system disorders associated with hypovitaminosis B12 remain largely unknown. Growing evidence indicates that astrogliosis is an underlying component of a wide range of neuropathologies. Previously, we developed an in vitro model of cobalamin deficiency in normal human astrocytes (NHA) by culturing the cells with c-lactam of hydroxycobalamin (c-lactam OH-Cbl). We revealed a non-apoptotic activation of caspases (3/7, 8, 9) in cobalamin-deficient NHA, which may suggest astrogliosis. The aim of the current study was to experimentally verify this hypothesis. We indicated an increase in the cellular expression of two astrogliosis markers: glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin in cobalamin-deficient NHA using Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the next step of the study, we revealed c-lactam OH-Cbl as a potential non-toxic vitamin B12 antagonist in an in vivo model using zebrafish embryos. We believe that the presented results will contribute to a better understanding of the cellular mechanism underlying neurologic pathology due to cobalamin deficiency and will serve as a foundation for further studies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (5) ◽  
pp. 891-897 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Müller-Calleja ◽  
Davit Manukyan ◽  
Antje Canisius ◽  
Dennis Strand ◽  
Karl J Lackner

ObjectivesHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used for decades to treat patients with rheumatic diseases, for example, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis or the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). We hypothesise that HCQ might target endosomal NADPH oxidase (NOX), which is involved in the signal transduction of cytokines as well as antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).MethodsFor in vitro experiments, monocytic cells were stimulated with tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or a human monoclonal aPL and the activity of NOX was determined by flow cytometry. The expression of genes known to be induced by these stimuli was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Live cell imaging was performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Finally, the effects of HCQ on NOX-induced signal transduction were analysed in an in vivo model of venous thrombosis.ResultsHCQ strongly reduces or completely prevents the induction of endosomal NOX by TNFα, IL-1β and aPL in human monocytes and MonoMac1 cells. As a consequence, induction of downstream genes by these stimuli is reduced or abrogated. This effect of HCQ is not mediated by direct interference with the agonists but by inhibiting the translocation of the catalytic subunit of NOX2 (gp91phox) into the endosome. In vivo, HCQ protects mice from aPL-induced and NOX2-mediated thrombus formation.ConclusionsWe describe here a novel mechanism of action of HCQ, that is, interference with the assembly of endosomal NOX2. Since endosomal NOX2 is involved in many inflammatory and prothrombotic signalling pathways, this activity of HCQ might explain many of its beneficial effects in rheumatic diseases including the APS.


Author(s):  
M. H. Chestnut ◽  
C. E. Catrenich

Helicobacter pylori is a non-invasive, Gram-negative spiral bacterium first identified in 1983, and subsequently implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal disease including gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Cytotoxic activity, manifested by intracytoplasmic vacuolation of mammalian cells in vitro, was identified in 55% of H. pylori strains examined. The vacuoles increase in number and size during extended incubation, resulting in vacuolar and cellular degeneration after 24 h to 48 h. Vacuolation of gastric epithelial cells is also observed in vivo during infection by H. pylori. A high molecular weight, heat labile protein is believed to be responsible for vacuolation and to significantly contribute to the development of gastroduodenal disease in humans. The mechanism by which the cytotoxin exerts its effect is unknown, as is the intracellular origin of the vacuolar membrane and contents. Acridine orange is a membrane-permeant weak base that initially accumulates in low-pH compartments. We have used acridine orange accumulation in conjunction with confocal laser scanning microscopy of toxin-treated cells to begin probing the nature and origin of these vacuoles.


Development ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 114 (2) ◽  
pp. 379-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.J. Carette ◽  
M.W. Ferguson

Fusion of bilateral shelves, to form the definitive mammalian secondary palate, is critically dependent on removal of the medial edge cells that constitute the midline epithelial seam. Conflicting views suggest that programmed apoptotic death or epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of these cells is predominantly involved. Due in part to the potentially ambiguous interpretation of static images and the notable absence of fate mapping studies, the process by which this is achieved has, however, remained mechanistically equivocal. Using an in vitro mouse model, we have selectively labelled palatal epithelia with DiI and examined the fate of medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells during palatal fusion by localisation using a combination of conventional histology and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In dynamic studies using CLSM, we have made repetitive observations of the same palatal cultures in time-course investigations. Our results concurred with the established morphological criteria of seam degeneration; however, they provided no evidence of MEE cell death or transformation. Instead we report that MEE cells migrate nasally and orally out of the seam and are recruited into, and constitute, epithelial triangles on both the oral and nasal aspects of the palate. Subsequently these cells become incorporated into the oral and nasal epithelia on the surface of the palate. We hypothesize an alternative method of seam degeneration in vivo which largely conserves the MEE population by recruiting it into the nasal and oral epithelia.


1993 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 1175-1185 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Buchenau ◽  
H. Saumweber ◽  
D.J. Arndt-Jovin

The regulation of DNA topology by topoisomerase II from Drosophila melanogaster has been studied extensively by biochemical methods but little is known about its roles in vivo. We have performed experiments on the inhibition of topoisomerase II in living Drosophila blastoderm embryos. We show that the enzymatic activity can be specifically disrupted by microinjection of antitopoisomerase II antibodies as well as the epipodophyllotoxin VM26, a known inhibitor of topoisomerase II in vitro. By labeling the chromatin of live embryos with tetramethylrhodamine-coupled histones, the effects of inhibition on nuclear morphology and behaviour was followed in vivo using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Both the antibodies and the drug prevented or hindered the segregation of chromatin daughter sets at the anaphase stage of mitosis. In addition, high concentrations of inhibitor interfered with the condensation of chromatin and its proper arrangement into the metaphase plate. The observed effects yielded non-functional nuclei, which were drawn into the inner yolk mass of the embryo. Concurrently, undamaged nuclei surrounding the affected region underwent compensatory division, leading to the restoration of the nuclear population, and thereby demonstrating the regulative capacity of Drosophila blastoderm embryos.


2011 ◽  
Vol 55 (11) ◽  
pp. 5331-5337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nianan He ◽  
Jian Hu ◽  
Huayong Liu ◽  
Tao Zhu ◽  
Beijian Huang ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTTreating biofilm infections on implanted medical devices is formidable, even with extensive antibiotic therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ultrasound (US)-targeted microbubble (MB) destruction (UTMD) could enhance vancomycin activity againstStaphylococcus epidermidisRP62A biofilms. Twelve-hour biofilms were treated with vancomycin combined with UTMD. The vancomycin and MB (SonoVue) were used at concentrations of 100 μg/ml and 30% (vol/vol), respectively, in studiesin vitro. After US exposure (0.08 MHz, 1.0 W/cm2, 50% duty cycle, and 10-min duration), the biofilms were cultured at 37°C for another 12 h. The results showed that many micropores were found in biofilms treated with vancomycin combined with UTMD. Biofilm densities (A570values) and the viable counts ofS. epidermidisrecovered from the biofilm were significantly decreased compared with those of any other groups. Furthermore, the highest percentage of dead cells was found, using confocal laser scanning microscopy, in the biofilm treated with vancomycin combined with UTMD. The viable counts of bacteria in biofilms in anin vivorabbit model also confirmed the enhanced effect of vancomycin combined with UTMD. UTMD may have great potential for improving antibiotic activity against biofilm infections.


Fine Focus ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-137
Author(s):  
Brandon M. Bauer ◽  
Lewis Rogers ◽  
Monique Macias ◽  
Gabriella Iacovetti ◽  
Alexander M. Woodrow ◽  
...  

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms are implicated in chronic infections. A key element of P. aeruginosapathogenicity is the formation of a biofilm, a community of bacteria encased in an exopolymeric substance (EPS) that shields the bacteria from the host immune response and antibiotic treatment. A crucial step in biofilm production is a switch in motility from freely swimming, planktonic bacteria to twitching movement and then to attached and sedentary bacteria that develop into a mature pillar-shaped biofilm. A mucoid biofilm produces an excess of alginate and is clinically the most pathogenic and the most resistant to antibiotics. Biofilms from patients exhibit a wide variety of structure, motility, and levels of attachment. In vitrobiofilms do not exhibit such a wide variety of structure and physiology. The difference between in vivo and in vitro biofilms has made the translation of in vitro studies into in vivo treatments difficult. Under different growth conditions in our lab, the P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 demonstrates two phenotypes: a non-mucoid and a mucoid-like phenotype. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) indicates the mucoid-like phenotype is intermediate in height to the non-mucoid phenotype and biofilms formed in a once-flow-through chamber. Both mucoid-like and non-mucoid phenotypes exhibit a significant increase in twitching between 24 and 72 hours of development. The mucoid-like phenotype had greater attachment at 72 hours compared to non-mucoid phenotype. Therefore, the two phenotypes observed in our lab may represent the effect of environment to stimulate development of two types of biofilms by PAO1.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Kumar ◽  
Babu Lal Jangir ◽  
Rekha Rao

Background: Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease, involves the integration of biological and molecular events by hyperproliferation of the epidermal keratinocytes and generation of inflammation markers. Due to severe complications of synthetic corticosteroids, there is a strong need for potential and safe alternative . Babchi oil (natural essential oil; BO) may prove as a promising natural agent for psoriasis. Objective: The aim of the present work was to investigate the safety and efficacy of cyclodextrin nanosponge-based babchi oil (BONS) hydrogel on skin annexes. Methods: Babchi oil nanosponge hydrogel (BONS-HG) was fabricated and evaluated. Cell viability studies have been carried out on THP1 cell lines to evaluate cytocompatibility. Irritation potential and in vivo visualization of cutaneous uptake of BONS-HG were carried out using Hen’s Egg Chorioallantoic Membrane Test (HET-CAM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), respectively. The nano hydrogel was tested in vivo using imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model. Results: The in vitro irritation potential of BONS-HG indicated no sign of erythema or irritation, suggesting the safety of prepared hydrogel as topical formulation. CLSM studies advocated targeting of BO to epidermis and dermis. Along with histopathological assessment, evaluation of oxidative stress markers revealed the significant antipsoriatic activity (p< 0.001) of the prepared BONS-HG. Conclusion: The present study amalgamated the advantages of natural essential oil with this approach for skin targeting and provided an effective and safe topical alternative for psoriasis.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 569-569
Author(s):  
Ulrich J. Sachs ◽  
Kathrin Walek ◽  
Annika Krautwurst ◽  
Mathias J. Rummel ◽  
Gregor Bein ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder caused by IgG autoantibodies (AAbs) directed against platelets. The IgG effector functions of autoantibodies depend on their Fc-constant region which undergoes posttranslational glycosylation. We investigated the role of Asn279-linked N-glycan of AAbs in vitro and in vivo. Material and Methods AAbs were purified from ITP patients (n=15) and controls (n=10) and N-glycans were enzymatically cleaved by endoglycosidase F. The effects of native AAbs and deglycosylated AAbs (deAAbs) were compared in vitro on enhancement of phagocytosis of platelets by monocytes and complement fixation and activation applying flow cytometry, laser scanning microscopy, and a complement consumption assay. The capability of AAbs and deAAbs to eliminate human platelets in vivo was studied in a NOD/SCID mouse model in presence and absence of a complement source. Results AAb-induced platelet phagocytosis was inhibited by N-glycan cleavage (median phagocytic activity: 8% vs. 0.8%, p=0.004). Seven out of 15 native AAbs bound C1q and induced complement consumption. N-glycan cleavage significantly reduced C1q binding (MFI 16.4 vs. 4.9, p=0.017) and complement consumption. In vivo survival of human PLTs was assessed after cotransfusion with native or deAAbs in NOD/SCID mice. Injection of AAbs resulted in rapid clearance of human platelets compared to control (platelet clearance after 5h (CL5h) 75% vs. 30%, p<0.001). AAbs that were able to activate complement induced more pronounced platelet clearance in the presence of complement compared to the clearance in the absence of complement (CL5h 82% vs. 62%, p=0.003). AAbs lost their ability to destroy platelets in vivo after deglycosylation (CL5h42%, p<0.001). Conclusion Removal of N-glycan from AAbs interferes with Fc-mediated phagocytosis and complement activation and thereby prolongs platelet survival in vivo. Our study provides tools for better characterizing ITP AAbs and sheds light on the heterogeneity of AAbs in ITP. Clinical studies should aim to assess such additional characteristics, since this could lead to the identification of ITP patient subgroups with increased responses to specific or new interventions such as, targetting complement factors. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


1997 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 1341-1350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Gebert ◽  
Wolfgang Posselt

Intestinal M-cells are specialized epithelial cells located in the domes of the gut-associated lymphoid tissues, which transport antigens from the lumen to the underlying lymphoid tissue, thereby initiating immune reactions. It is assumed that M-cells arise from stem cells in the crypts, from which they migrate to the top of the domes. To study the differentiation pathway of M-cells, we used the rabbit cecal lymphoid patch in which the M-cells express high levels of α1–2-linked fucose and N-acetyl-galactosamine residues in their apical membrane. Dome areas were labeled with fluorescein- and rhodamine-conjugated lectins specific for α1–2-linked fucose and N-acetyl-galactosamine in vivo and in vitro, and were observed with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Ultrathin sections were double labeled with lectin–gold conjugates and the labeling density was quantified by computer-based image analysis. All cecal patch M-cells expressed α1–2-linked fucose and N-acetyl-galactosamine, but the amount of the two saccharides varied considerably depending on the position of the M-cells at the base, flank, or top of the dome. In eight of 18 rabbits studied, radial strips of M-cells with common glycosylation patterns were observed, each strip associated with an individual crypt. Confocal microscopy revealed that lectin-labeled M-cells were not restricted to the dome epithelium but were also detected in the upper third of crypts surrounding the domes. The results show that M-cells are heterogeneous concerning the glycosylation pattern of membrane glycoconjugates. This pattern is modified as the M-cells differentiate and migrate from the base to the top of the dome. Radial strips of M-cells with a common proclivity of glycoconjugate expression suggest that those M-cells that derive from the same crypt have a clonal origin. The presence of (pre-) M-cells in the crypts surrounding the domes indicates that M-cells derive directly from undifferentiated crypt cells and do not develop from differentiated enterocytes.


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