scholarly journals Expression of Long Noncoding RNA HOTAIR and Its Influence on the PTEN/PI3K/AKT Pathway and Inflammation in Patients With Osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolu Chen ◽  
Jian Liu ◽  
Yanqiu Sun ◽  
Jianting Wen ◽  
Qin Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Roc Curve ◽  
Long Noncoding Rna ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Akt Pathway ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Lncrna Hotair

Abstract Objective: Our research was designed to investigate the correlations among expression of PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, clinical-related indicators, and long noncoding RNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (lncRNA HOTAIR) in osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: The expression of immune-inflammatory indicators was detected in OA patients and normal people, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted to induce human chondrocytes (CHs). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure lncRNA HOTAIR expression. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and adiponectin were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to assess the viability of CHs. Western blot analysis was utilized to evaluate related protein expression.Results: LncRNA HOTAIR showed high expression in PBMCs of OA patients with the sensitivity and specificity of receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve according to the area under the ROC curve, indicating that lncRNA HOTAIR might act as a biomarker of OA. Moreover, lncRNA HOTAIR was positively correlated with total cholesterol, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, immunoglobulin G, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and visual analog scale score, which were found to be independent risk factors for lncRNA HOTAIR expression. Besides, overexpression of lncRNA HOTAIR diminished cell viability and IL-10 expression but augmented TNF-α expression in OA-CHs stimulated by OA-PBMCs. Meanwhile, lncRNA HOTAIR overexpression elevated the levels of PI3K, AKT proteins and reduced PTEN protein expression in OA-CHs.Conclusions: Conclusively, lncRNA HOTAIR was upregulated in PBMCs of OA patients, which facilitated the inflammatory response of OA by orchestrating inflammatory cytokines and the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Long Noncoding RNA SNHG1 Promotes Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Activation and Inflammation in Microglia via Targeting miR-181b

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Jun Dong ◽  
Tingkai Fu ◽  
Yunxue Yang ◽  
Zhenxin Mu ◽  
Xingang Li
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Long Noncoding Rna ◽  
Calcium Binding ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Inflammation Response ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cox 2

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Long noncoding RNA small nuclear host gene 1 (SNHG1) was involved in neuroinflammation in microglial BV-2 cells; however, its interaction with microRNA (miR)-181b in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 cells remained poor. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> BV-2 cells were treated with LPS and then were subjected to observation on morphology and immunofluorescence staining. After transfection, levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The potential binding sites between SNHG1 and miR-181b were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were applied for detecting the mRNA and protein expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). <b><i>Results:</i></b> LPS led to the morphological changes and activation of BV-2 cells. The transfection of SNHG1 overexpression vector further promoted LPS-induced SNHG1 upregulation, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) generation and Iba-1, COX-2, and iNOS expressions, whereas silencing SNHG1 did the opposite. miR-181b functions as a downstream miRNA of SNHG1. In LPS-treated cells, the inhibition of miR-181b induced by SNHG1 promoted inflammation response and the expressions of Iba-1, COX-2, and iNOS. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> SNHG1 was involved in LPS-induced microglial activation and inflammation response via targeting miR-181b, providing another evidence of the roles of SNHG1 implicated in neuroinflammation of microglia.

scholarly journals Pirfenidone attenuates synovial fibrosis and postpones the progression of osteoarthritis by anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties in vivo and in vitro

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qilu Wei ◽  
Ning Kong ◽  
Xiaohui Liu ◽  
Run Tian ◽  
Ming Jiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Fast Green ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Safranin O ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the entire joint involving synovial fibrosis and inflammation. Pathological changes to the synovium can accelerate the progression of OA. Pirfenidone (PFD) is a potent anti-fibrotic drug with additional anti-inflammatory properties. However, the influence of PFD on OA is unknown. Methods Proliferation of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) after treatment with TGF-β1 or PFD was evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and their migration using a Transwell assay. The expression of fibrosis-related genes (COL1A1, TIMP-1, and ACTA-2) and those related to inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α) was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. The protein expression levels of COL1A1, α-SMA (coded by ACTA-2), IL-6 and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A rabbit model of OA was established and then PFD was administered by gavage. The expression of genes related to fibrosis (COL1A1, TIMP-1, and ADAM-12) and inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α) was measured using RNA extracted from the synovium. Synovial tissue was examined histologically after staining with H&E, Masson’s trichrome, and immunofluorescence. Synovitis scores, the volume fraction of collagen, and mean fluorescence intensity were calculated. Degeneration of articular cartilage was analyzed using a Safranin O-fast green stain and OARSI grading. Results The proliferation of FLSs was greatest when induced with 2.5 ng/ml TGF-β1 although it did not promote their migration. Therefore, 2.5 ng/ml TGF-β1 was used to stimulate the FLSs and evaluate the effects of PFD, which inhibited the migration of FLSs at concentrations as low as 1.0 mg/ml. PFD decreased the expression of COL1A1 while TGF-β1 increased both mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-6 but had no effect on α-SMA or TNF-α expression. PFD decreased mRNA expression levels of COL1A1, IL-6, and TNF-α in vivo. H&E staining and synovitis scores indicated that PFD reduced synovial inflammation, while Masson’s trichrome and immunofluorescence staining suggested that PFD decreased synovial fibrosis. Safranin O-Fast Green staining and the OARSI scores demonstrated that PFD delayed the progression of OA. Conclusions PFD attenuated synovial fibrosis and inflammation, and postponed the progression of osteoarthritis in a modified Hulth model of OA in rabbits, which was related to its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties.

scholarly journals LncRNA HOTAIR Increases Inflammatory Responses by Activating NF-κB Pathway in LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
XiaoMei Huang ◽  
ZeXun Mo ◽  
YuJun Li ◽  
Hua He ◽  
KangWei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Lung Injury ◽  
Lung Injury ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
A549 Cells ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Lncrna Hotair

Abstract Background Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation increased the expression of cytokines and further lead to lung injury was considered the main mechanism of acute lung injury (ALI). Here, we focus on exploring the potential regulatory mechanism between long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) and NF-κB on LPS-induced ALI. Methods A549 cells were then divided into 4 groups: HOTAIR group, NC group, si-HOTAIR group and si-NC group. These 4 groups were then treated with 1μg/mL lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or without LPS at 37°C for 24 h. The expression level of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6) and LncRNA HOTAIR were evaluated by quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western Blot analysis was adopted for evaluating the level of p-IκBα/IκBα and p-p65/p65. Nuclear translocation of p65 was observed by immunofluorescence staining. Results qRT-PCR and ELISA assay showed that the expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and inflammatory gene HOTAIR was remarkably increased with LPS treatment (p < 0.01). Over-expression of HOTAIR significantly increased the expression of cytokines (including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and NF-κB pathway associated proteins (including p-IκBα/IκBα and p-p65/p65), while knockdown of HOTAIR had the opposite effect (p < 0.01). The immunofluorescence assay showed that the level of p65 in the nucleus was significantly higher in the HOTAIR group and significantly lowers in the si-HOTAIR group (p < 0.01). Conclusion HOTAIR may play a pro-inflammatory response through NF-κB pathway in LPS-induced ALI, which may provide a perspective for further understanding the pathogenic mechanism of ALI.

scholarly journals Kirenol inhibits TNF-α-induced proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells by regulating NF-κB pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 44-53
Author(s):  
Jin Li ◽  
Fang Ren ◽  
Wenliang Yan ◽  
Hong Sang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Hacat Cells ◽  
Tnf Α

Psoriasis is a common chronic, inflammatory skin disease possessing properties of inflammatory cell infiltration and excessive proliferation of keratinocytes, the occurrence and development of which remain fully elucidated. Therefore, the study was designed to determine the effects of kirenol (50, 100 and 200 μg/mL) on Cultured Human Keratinocytes (cells) (HaCaT) in vitro and reveal its molecular mechanism. The in vitro psoriasis model was established utilizing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated HaCaT cells. Kirenol, a diterpenoid compound, was applied at different concentrations (50, 100 and 200 μg/mL) to HaCaT cells for 24 h. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and thymidine monobromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assays were used to assess cell viability and proliferation, followed by assessment of cell migration by Transwell assay. Subsequently, inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot assay was used to evaluate expres-sions of p65, p-p65, IκBα and p-IκBα. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were measured spectrophotometrically. The results demonstrated that TNF-α induced a significant increase in cell viability and inflammatory cytokines, including expressions of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-22 and IL-1β in HaCaT cells, which was dose-dependently inhibited by kirenol. Similarly, TNF-α-induced cell migration was also suppressed by kirenol treatment. Furthermore, TNF-α stimuli induced the upregulation of phosphorylation levels of p65 and IκBα as well as p-p65–p65 and p-IκBα–IκBα ratios, whereas kirenol significantly suppressed the activation of cellular nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. In addition, kirenol significantly decreased the level of MDA but increased the levels of SOD, CAT and GSH in a dose-dependent manner. These results proposed that kirenol could inhibit the proliferation, migration, expression of inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress in HaCaT cells via suppressing NF-κB signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Long Noncoding RNA X-Inactive-Specific Transcript Promotes the Secretion of Inflammatory Cytokines in LPS Stimulated Astrocyte Cell Via Sponging miR-29c-3p and Regulating Nuclear Factor of Activated T cell 5 Expression

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengqi Zhang ◽  
Haojun Yang ◽  
Zhuohui Chen ◽  
Xinhang Hu ◽  
Tong Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Long Noncoding Rna ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Nuclear Factor ◽  
Xist Expression ◽  
Astrocyte Activation ◽  
Specific Transcript

BackgroundAstrocyte activation promotes glutamate accumulation and secretion of inflammatory factors, mainly responsible for epilepsy. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) X-inactive-specific transcript (XIST) regulates inflammation; however, the biological role and regulatory mechanism of XIST during astrocyte activation remain unclear.MethodsIn the present study, rat epilepsy model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated CTX-TNA2 were established. XIST and miR-29c-3p expression were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) was measured using western blot analysis. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and L-glutamate levels in the culture supernatants were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The binding between XIST and miR-29c-3p and between miR-29c-3p and the 3′-UTR of NFAT5 was analyzed using dual-luciferase reporter, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and Biotin pull-down assay. The proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK8 and flow cytometry, respectively.ResultsXIST expression and NFAT5 protein level was increased, whereas miR-29c-3p expression was decreased in the epilepsy rat model and LPS-treated CTX-TNA2 cells. Silenced XIST expression, miR-29c-3p overexpression, or silenced NFAT5 expression inhibited the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and promoted glutamate transport in LPS-treated CTX-TNA2 cells. miR-29c-3p was the potential miRNA sponged by XIST. NFAT5 acted as a direct binding target of miR-29c-3p. Silenced miR-29c-3p expression or NFAT5 overexpression reversed the effect of silenced XIST expression on LPS-treated CTX-TNA2.XIST and miR-29c-3p treatment does not affect NFAT5 mRNA expression, but affects NFAT5 protein level. Furthermore, underexpressed XIST or overexpressed miR-29c-3p in LPS-stimulated CTX-TNA2 can attenuate neuronal apoptosis induced by LPS-stimulated CTX-TNA2.ConclusionLncRNA XIST promotes the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in LPS- treated CTX-TNA2 via sponging miR-29c-3p and regulating NFAT5 expression.

scholarly journals Circ-SPG11 knockdown hampers IL-1β-induced osteoarthritis progression via targeting miR-337-3p/ADAMTS5

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongqiang Liu ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Zhida Gao ◽  
Fang Lei ◽  
Xuefeng Gao
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Circular Rna ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Reporter System ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ecm Degradation ◽  
The Stability

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is responsible for the impotent disability in old people. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been reported to be related to the development of diseases. The lack of research on the role of circRNA spastic paraplegia 11 (circ-SPG11) results in conducting this study. Methods The expression of circ-SPG11, microRNA-337-3p (miR-337-3p), and aggrecanases like a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5) mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blot was used to measure the protein expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation-related markers and ADAMTS5. Ribonuclease R (RNase R) was applied to test the stability of circ-SPG11 in CHON-001 cells. The viability, apoptosis, TNF-α and IL-6 production were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Meanwhile, the interaction between miR-337-3p and circ-SPG11 or ADAMTS5 was respectively predicted by Circinteractome or Starbase2.0, which was further verified by dual-luciferase reporter system and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Results Circ-SPG11 and ADAMTS5 were upregulated and miR-337-3p was downregulated in OA tissues and OA model cells. Circ-SPG11 knockdown allayed interleukin 1β (IL-1β)-induced restraint in viability and promotion in apoptosis, TNF-α, and IL-6 generation and ECM degradation in CHON-001 cells. Anti-miR-337-3p or ADAMTS5 overexpression correspondingly reversed si-circ-SPG11 or miR-337-3p overexpression-mediated facilitation in viability, and inhibition in apoptosis, TNF-α and IL-6 generation and ECM degradation in OA model cells. Moreover, anti-miR-337-3p ameliorated si-circ-SPG11-mediated inhibition in ADAMTS5 mRNA and protein expression in OA model cells. Conclusion Circ-SPG11 facilitated OA development via regulating miR-337-3p/ADAMTS5 axis. This finding might contribute to the improvement of OA therapy.

Long noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 overexpression promotes viability and inhibits high glucose-induced oxidative stress of cardiomyocytes by targeting microRNA-34a/SIRT1 axis in diabetic cardiomyopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyun Sun ◽  
Chong Wang ◽  
Ying Zhou ◽  
Xingbo Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
High Glucose ◽  
Long Noncoding Rna ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
H9c2 Cells ◽  
Promoting Effect

Objective: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important complication of diabetes. This study was attempted to discover the effects of long noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 (OIP5-AS1) on the viability and oxidative stress of cardiomyocyte in DCM. Methods: The expression of OIP5-AS1 and microRNA-34a (miR-34a) in DCM was detected by qRT-PCR. In vitro, DCM was simulated by high glucose (HG, 30 mM) treatment in H9c2 cells. The viability of HG (30 mM)-treated H9c2 cells was examined by MTT assay. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were used to evaluate the oxidative stress of HG (30 mM)-treated H9c2 cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interactions among OIP5-AS1, miR-34a and SIRT1. Western blot was applied to analyze the protein expression of SIRT1. Results: The expression of OIP5-AS1 was down-regulated in DCM, but miR-34a was up-regulated. The functional experiment stated that OIP5-AS1 overexpression increased the viability and SOD level, while decreased the ROS and MDA levels in HG (30 mM)-treated H9c2 cells. The mechanical experiment confirmed that OIP5-AS1 and SIRT1 were both targeted by miR-34a with the complementary binding sites at 3′UTR. MiR-34a overexpression inhibited the protein expression of SIRT1. In the feedback experiments, miR-34a overexpression or SIRT1 inhibition weakened the promoting effect on viability, and mitigated the reduction effect on oxidative stress caused by OIP5-AS1 overexpression in HG (30 mM)-treated H9c2 cells. Conclusions: OIP5-AS1 overexpression enhanced viability and attenuated oxidative stress of cardiomyocyte via regulating miR-34a/SIRT1 axis in DCM, providing a new therapeutic target for DCM.

scholarly journals Inflammatory cytokines-stimulated human muscle stem cells ameliorate ulcerative colitis via the IDO-TSG6 axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengchao Zhang ◽  
Jiankai Fang ◽  
Zhanhong Liu ◽  
Pengbo Hou ◽  
Lijuan Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Human Muscle ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Muscle Stem Cells ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Background Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are absolutely required for the formation, repair, and regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue. Increasing evidence demonstrated that tissue stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can exert therapeutic effects on various degenerative and inflammatory disorders based on their immunoregulatory properties. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) treated with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were reported to possess anti-inflammatory functions by producing TNF-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6). However, whether human muscle stem cells (hMuSCs) also possess TSG-6 mediated anti-inflammatory functions has not been explored. Methods The ulcerative colitis mouse model was established by subjecting mice to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. hMuSCs were pretreated with IFN-γ and TNF-α for 48 h and were then transplanted intravenously at day 2 of DSS administration. Body weights were monitored daily. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and TSG-6 in hMuSCs were knocked down with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), respectively. Colon tissues were collected for length measurement and histopathological examination. The serum level of IL-6 in mice was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to evaluate gene expression. Results hMuSCs treated with inflammatory factors significantly ameliorated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms. IDO and TSG-6 were greatly upregulated and required for the beneficial effects of hMuSCs on IBD. Mechanistically, the tryptophan metabolites, kynurenine (KYN) or kynurenic acid (KYNA) produced by IDO, augmented the expression of TSG-6 through activating their common receptor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Conclusion Inflammatory cytokines-treated hMuSCs can alleviate DSS-induced colitis through IDO-mediated TSG-6 production.

scholarly journals Upregulation of Cytokines Is Detected in the Placentas of Cattle Infected with Neospora caninum and Is More Marked Early in Gestation When Fetal Death Is Observed

2008 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 2352-2361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Rosbottom ◽  
E. Helen Gibney ◽  
Catherine S. Guy ◽  
Anja Kipar ◽  
Robert F. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Fetal Death ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Cytokine Mrna ◽  
Early Gestation ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

ABSTRACT The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum causes fetal death after experimental infection of pregnant cattle in early gestation, but the fetus survives a similar infection in late gestation. An increase in Th1-type cytokines in the placenta in response to the presence of the parasite has been implicated as a contributory factor to fetal death due to immune-mediated pathological alterations. We measured, using real-time reverse transcription-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the levels of cytokines in the placentas of cattle experimentally infected with N. caninum in early and late gestation. After infection in early gestation, fetal death occurred, and the levels of mRNA of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), IL-12p40, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-18, IL-10, and IL-4, were significantly (P < 0.01) increased by up to 1,000-fold. There was extensive placental necrosis and a corresponding infiltration of CD4+ T cells and macrophages. IFN-γ protein expression was also highly increased, and a modest increase in transforming growth factor β was detected. A much smaller increase in the same cytokines and IFN-γ protein expression, with minimal placental necrosis and inflammatory infiltration, occurred after N. caninum infection in late gestation when the fetuses survived. Comparison of cytokine mRNA levels in separated maternal and fetal placental tissue that showed maternal tissue was the major source of all cytokine mRNA except for IL-10 and TNF-α, which were similar in both maternal and fetal tissues. These results suggest that the magnitude of the cytokine response correlates with but is not necessarily the cause of fetal death and demonstrate that a polarized Th1 response was not evident in the placentas of N. caninum-infected cattle.

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