scholarly journals Carboxypeptidase B blocks ex vivo activation of the anaphylatoxin-neutrophil extracellular trap axis in neutrophils from COVID-19 patients

Critical Care ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Zhang ◽  
Kai Han ◽  
Chunjing Du ◽  
Rui Li ◽  
Jingyuan Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Thrombosis and coagulopathy are highly prevalent in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and increase the risk of death. Immunothrombosis has recently been demonstrated to contribute to the thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients with coagulopathy. As the primary components of immunothrombosis, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) could be induced by complement cascade components and other proinflammatory mediators. We aimed to explore the clinical roles of NETs and the regulation of complement on the NET formation in COVID-19. Methods We recruited 135 COVID-19 patients and measured plasma levels of C5, C3, cell-free DNA and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-DNA. Besides, the formation of NETs was detected by immunofluorescent staining and the cytotoxicity to vascular endothelial HUVEC cells was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Results We found that the plasma levels of complements C3 and MPO-DNA were positively related to coagulation indicator fibrin(-ogen) degradation products (C3: r = 0.300, p = 0.005; MPO-DNA: r = 0.316, p = 0.002) in COVID-19 patients. Besides, C3 was positively related to direct bilirubin (r = 0.303, p = 0.004) and total bilirubin (r = 0.304, p = 0.005), MPO-DNA was positively related to lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.306, p = 0.003) and creatine kinase (r = 0.308, p = 0.004). By using anti-C3a and anti-C5a antibodies, we revealed that the complement component anaphylatoxins in the plasma of COVID-19 patients strongly induced NET formation. The pathological effect of the anaphylatoxin-NET axis on the damage of vascular endothelial cells could be relieved by recombinant carboxypeptidase B (CPB), a stable homolog of enzyme CPB2 which can degrade anaphylatoxins to inactive products. Conclusions Over-activation in anaphylatoxin-NET axis plays a pathological role in COVID-19. Early intervention in anaphylatoxins might help prevent thrombosis and disease progression in COVID-19 patients.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Zhang ◽  
Kai Han ◽  
Chunjing Du ◽  
Rui Li ◽  
Jingyuan Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Thrombosis and coagulopathy are highly prevalent in severe patients with COVID-19 and increase the risk of death. Immunothrombosis has recently been demonstrated to contribute to the thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients with coagulopathy. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are primary components of immunothrombosis, whereas the mechanism of NET formation remains unclear. We aim to explore the clinical roles of NETs and the regulation of complement on the NET formation in COVID-19.Methods: We recruited 135 COVID-19 patients and measured plasma levels of C5, C3, cell-free DNA and myeloperoxidase-DNA. We detected complement-induced NET formation by immunofluorescent staining and evaluated the cytotoxicity to vascular endothelial HUVEC cells by CCK-8 assay.Results: We found that the plasma levels of complements (C3 and C5) and NETs were closely related to coagulopathy and multiple organ dysfunction in patients with COVID-19. By using anti-C3a and anti-C5a antibodies, we revealed that the complement component anaphylatoxins in the plasma of COVID-19 patients strongly induced NET formation. The pathological effect of the anaphylatoxin-NET axis on the damage of vascular endothelial cells could be relieved by recombinant carboxypeptidase B (CPB), a stable homolog of enzyme CPB2 which can degrade anaphylatoxins to inactive products.Conclusions: Over-activation in anaphylatoxin-NET axis plays a pathological role in COVID-19. Early intervention in anaphylatoxins might help prevent thrombosis and disease progression in COVID-19 patients.


2016 ◽  
Vol 130 (24) ◽  
pp. 2295-2303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Raouf ◽  
Fariborz Mobarrez ◽  
Karin Larsson ◽  
Per-Johan Jakobsson ◽  
Marina Korotkova

Microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) constitutes an essential player in inflammation and is involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Platelets participate in the regulation of inflammatory processes by the release of proinflammatory mediators and platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs). However, the role of the inducible mPGES-1/PGE2 pathway in platelet functions has not been investigated. In the present study we report a significant impact of mPGES-1 on platelet functions during inflammation. Wild-type (WT) and mPGES-1−/− knockout (KO) mice were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. Platelet counts and activation were assessed by flow cytometry analysing CD62P–CD154 expression, PMP numbers, platelet–leukocyte aggregates and platelet aggregation. The accumulation of platelets and fibrinogen in the liver was analysed by immunofluorescent staining. In native platelets from WT and mPGES-1 KO mice, there were no differences among the investigated functions. After LPS treatment, the number of platelets was significantly decreased in WT, but not in KO mice. Platelet activation, platelet–leukocyte aggregates and PMP numbers were all significantly lower in KO mice compared with WT mice after LPS treatment. In addition, KO mice displayed a significant reduction in platelet aggregation ex vivo. In the liver of LPS-stimulated WT and KO mice, there were no differences in platelet accumulation, although the percentage of total vessel area in the KO liver was significantly lower compared with the WT one. Our results demonstrate that systemic inhibition of mPGES-1 prevents platelet activation, which should have important implications with regard to the cardiovascular safety of mPGES-1 inhibitors.


1987 ◽  
Vol 58 (03) ◽  
pp. 850-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
M B McCrohan ◽  
S W Huang ◽  
J W Sleasman ◽  
P A Klein ◽  
K J Kao

SummaryThe use of plasma thrombospondin (TSP) concentration was investigated as an indicator of intravascular platelet activation. Patients (n = 20) with diseases that have known vasculitis were included in the study. The range and the mean of plasma TSP concentrations of patients with vasculitis were 117 ng/ml to 6500 ng/ml and 791±1412 ng/ml (mean ± SD); the range and the mean of plasma TSP concentrations of control individuals (n = 33) were 13 ng/ml to 137 ng/ml and 59±29 ng/ml. When plasma TSP concentrations were correlated with plasma concentrations of another platelet activation marker, β-thromboglobulin (P-TG), it was found that the TSP concentration inei eased exponentially as the plasma β-TG level rose. A positive correlation between plasma levels of plasma TSP and serum fibrin degradation products was also observed. The results suggest that platelets are the primary source of plasma TSP in patients with various vasculitis and that plasma TSP can be a better indicator than β-TG to assess intravascular platelet activation due to its longer circulation half life.


1992 ◽  
Vol 67 (02) ◽  
pp. 258-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaele De Caterina ◽  
Rosa Sicari ◽  
An Yan ◽  
Walter Bernini ◽  
Daniela Giannessi ◽  
...  

SummaryIndobufen is an antiplatelet drug able to inhibit thromboxane production and cyclooxygenase-dependent platelet aggregation by a reversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase. Indobufen exists in two enantiomeric forms, of which only d-indobufen is active in vitro in inhibiting cyclooxygenase. In order to verify that also inhibition of platelet function is totally accounted for by d-indobufen, ten patients with proven coronary artery disease (8 male, 2 female, age, mean ± S.D., 58.7 ± 7.5 years) were given, in random sequence, both 100 mg d-indobufen and 200 mg dl-indobufen as single administrations in a double-blind crossover design study with a washout period between treatments of 72 h. In all patients thromboxane (TX) B2 generation after spontaneous clotting (at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 h), drug plasma levels (at the same times), platelet aggregation in response to ADP, adrenaline, arachidonic acid, collagen, PAF, and bleeding time (at 0, 2, 12 h) were evaluated after each treatment. Both treatments determined peak inhibition of TXB2 production at 2 h from administration, with no statistical difference between the two treatments (97 ±3% for both treatments). At 12 h inhibition was 87 ± 6% for d-indobufen and 88 ± 6% for dl-indobufen (p = NS). Inhibition of TXB2 production correlated significantly with plasma levels of the drugs. Maximum inhibitory effect on aggregation was seen in response to collagen 1.5 pg/ml (63 ± 44% for d-indobufen and 81 ± 22% for dl-indobufen) and arachidonic acid 0.5-2 mM (78 ± 34% for d-indobufen and 88 ± 24% for dl-indobufen) at 2 h after each administration. An effect of both treatments on platelet aggregation after 12 h was present only for adrenaline 2 μM (55 ± 41% for d-indobufen and 37 ± 54% for dl-indobufen), collagen 1.5 pg/ml (69 ± 30% for d-indobufen and 51 ± 61% for dl-indobufen), arachidonic acid 0.5-2 mM (56 ± 48% for d-indobufen and 35 ± 49% for dl-indobufen). The extent of inhibition of TX production and the extent of residual platelet aggregation were never significantly different between treatments. Bleeding time prolongation was similar in the two treatment groups without showing a pronounced and long lasting effect (from 7.0 ± 2.0 min to 10.0 ± 3.0 min at 2 h and 8.0 ± 2.0 min at 12 h for d-indobufen; from 6.0 ±1.0 min to 8.5 ± 2.0 min at 2 h and 8.0 ± 1.0 min at 12 h for dl-indobufen). These results demonstrate that the biological activity of dl-indobufen as an antiplatelet agent in vivo is totally accounted for by d-indobufen.


Author(s):  
Anjali Pandya ◽  
Rajani Athawale ◽  
Durga Puro ◽  
Geeta Bhagwat

Background: The research work involves development of PLGA biodegradable microspheres loaded with dexamethasome for intraocular delivery. Objective: To design and evaluate long acting PLGA microspheres for ocular delivery of dexamethasone. Method: Present formulation involves the development of long acting dexamethasone loaded microspheres composed of a biodegradable controlled release polymer, Poly(D, L- lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), for the treatment of posterior segment eye disorders intravitreally. PLGA with monomer ratio of 50:50 of lactic acid to glycolic acid was used to achieve a drug release up to 45 days. Quality by Design approach was utilized for designing the experiments. Single emulsion solvent evaporation technique along with high pressure homogenization was used to facilitate formation of microspheres. Results: Particle size evaluation, drug content and drug entrapment efficiency were determined for the microspheres. Particle size and morphology was observed using Field Emission Gun-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM) and microspheres were in the size range of 1-5 μm. Assessment of drug release was done using in vitro studies and transretinal permeation was observed by ex vivo studies using goat retinal tissues. Conclusion: Considering the dire need for prolonged therapeutic effect in diseases of the posterior eye, an intravitreal long acting formulation was designed. Use of biodegradable polymer with biocompatible degradation products was a rational approach to achieve this aim. Outcome from present research shows that developed microspheres would provide a long acting drug profile and reduce the frequency of administration thereby improving patient compliance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 165
Author(s):  
Lucía Pérez-Roque ◽  
Elena Núñez-Gómez ◽  
Alicia Rodríguez-Barbero ◽  
Carmelo Bernabéu ◽  
José M. López-Novoa ◽  
...  

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disease of high prevalence characterized by the onset of hypertension, among other maternal or fetal signs. Its etiopathogenesis remains elusive, but it is widely accepted that abnormal placentation results in the release of soluble factors that cause the clinical manifestations of the disease. An increased level of soluble endoglin (sEng) in plasma has been proposed to be an early diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of this disease. A pathogenic function of sEng involving hypertension has also been reported in several animal models with high levels of plasma sEng not directly dependent on pregnancy. The aim of this work was to study the functional effect of high plasma levels of sEng in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia in a model of pregnant mice, in which the levels of sEng in the maternal blood during pregnancy replicate the conditions of human preeclampsia. Our results show that wild type pregnant mice carrying human sEng-expressing transgenic fetuses (fWT(hsEng+)) present high plasma levels of sEng with a timing profile similar to that of human preeclampsia. High plasma levels of human sEng (hsEng) are associated with hypertension, proteinuria, fetal growth restriction, and the release of soluble factors to maternal plasma. In addition, fWT(hsEng+) mice also present placental alterations comparable to those caused by the poor remodeling of the spiral arteries characteristic of preeclampsia. In vitro and ex vivo experiments, performed in a human trophoblast cell line and human placental explants, show that sEng interferes with trophoblast invasion and the associated pseudovasculogenesis, a process by which cytotrophoblasts switch from an epithelial to an endothelial phenotype, both events being related to remodeling of the spiral arteries. Our findings provide a novel and useful animal model for future research in preeclampsia and reveal a much more relevant role of sEng in preeclampsia than initially proposed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Leligdowicz ◽  
James T. Ross ◽  
Nicolas Nesseler ◽  
Michael A. Matthay

Abstract Background The ex vivo human perfused lung model has enabled optimizing donor lungs for transplantation and delineating mechanisms of lung injury. Perfusate and airspace biomarkers are a proxy of the lung response to experimental conditions. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating biomarker kinetics during perfusion and after exposure to stimuli. In this study, we analyzed the ex vivo-perfused lung response to three key perturbations: exposure to the perfusion circuit, exogenous fresh whole blood, and bacteria. Results Ninety-nine lungs rejected for transplantation underwent ex vivo perfusion. One hour after reaching experimental conditions, fresh whole blood was added to the perfusate (n = 55). Two hours after reaching target temperature, Streptococcus pneumoniae was added to the perfusate (n = 42) or to the airspaces (n = 17). Perfusate and airspace samples were collected at baseline (once lungs were equilibrated for 1 h, but before blood or bacteria were added) and 4 h later. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, angiopoietin (Ang)-2, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR)-1 were quantified. Baseline perfusate and airspace biomarker levels varied significantly, and this was not related to pre-procurement PaO2:FiO2 ratio, cold ischemia time, and baseline alveolar fluid clearance (AFC). After 4 h of ex vivo perfusion, the lung demonstrated a sustained production of proinflammatory mediators. The change in biomarker levels was not influenced by baseline donor lung characteristics (cold ischemia time, baseline AFC) nor was it associated with measures of experimental epithelial (final AFC) or endothelial (percent weight gain) injury. In the presence of exogenous blood, the rise in biomarkers was attenuated. Lungs exposed to intravenous (IV) bacteria relative to control lungs demonstrated a significantly higher rise in perfusate IL-6. Conclusions The ex vivo-perfused lung has a marked endogenous capacity to produce inflammatory mediators over the course of short-term perfusion that is not significantly influenced by donor lung characteristics or the presence of exogenous blood, and only minimally affected by the introduction of systemic bacteremia. The lack of association between biomarker change and donor lung cold ischemia time, final alveolar fluid clearance, and experimental percent weight gain suggests that the maintained ability of the human lung to produce biomarkers is not merely a marker of lung epithelial or endothelial injury, but may support the function of the lung as an immune cell reservoir.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 3873
Author(s):  
Gabriel Luta ◽  
Mihail Butura ◽  
Adrian Tiron ◽  
Crina E. Tiron

Background: In the latest years, there has been an increased interest in nanomaterials that may provide promising novel approaches to disease diagnostics and therapeutics. Our previous results demonstrated that Carbon-dots prepared from N-hydroxyphthalimide (CD-NHF) exhibited anti-tumoral activity on several cancer cell lines such as MDA-MB-231, A375, A549, and RPMI8226, while U87 glioma tumor cells were unaffected. Gliomas represent one of the most common types of human primary brain tumors and are responsible for the majority of deaths. In the present in vitro study, we expand our previous investigation on CD-NHF in the U87 cell line by adding different drug combinations. Methods: Cell viability, migration, invasion, and immunofluorescent staining of key molecular pathways have been assessed after various treatments with CD-NHF and/or K252A and AKTVIII inhibitors in the U87 cell line. Results: Association of an inhibitor strongly potentiates the anti-tumoral properties of CD-NHF identified by significant impairment of migration, invasion, and expression levels of phosphorylated Akt, p70S6Kinase, or by decreasing expression levels of Bcl-2, IL-6, STAT3, and Slug. Conclusions: Using simultaneously reduced doses of both CD-NHF and an inhibitor in order to reduce side effects, the viability and invasiveness of U87 glioma cells were significantly impaired.


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