interleukin-8 and Astrocytoma

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) trigger various physiological functions. GPCR-mediated effects largely depend on the receptor-associated G-protein subtypes. However, compelling evidence suggests that single receptor proteins activate multiple G-protein subtypes to induce diverse physiological responses. This study compared responses mediated by three different Gq-binding uridine nucleotide receptors, P2Y

Topics: Astrocytoma; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gq-G11; Humans; Interleukin-8; Uridine; Uridine Diphosphate

Yokukansan is a traditional Japanese herbal medicine that has an antiallodynic effect in patients with chronic pain. However, the mechanisms by which yokukansan inhibits neuropathic pain are unclear.. This study aimed to investigate the molecular effects of yokukansan on neuroinflammation in U373 MG glioblastoma astrocytoma cells, which express a functional high-affinity neurokinin 1 receptor (substance P receptor), and produce interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in response to stimulation by substance P (SP).. We assessed the effect of yokukansan on the expression of ERK1/2, P38 MAPK, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in U373 cells by western blot assay. Levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in conditioned medium obtained after stimulation of cells with SP for 24 h were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All experiments were conducted in triplicate. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and significance was accepted at p < 0.05.. Yokukansan suppressed SP-induced production of IL-6 and IL-8 by U373 MG cells, and downregulated SP-induced COX-2 expression. Yokukansan also inhibited phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, as well as nuclear translocation of NF-κB, induced by SP stimulation of U373 MG cells.. Yokukansan exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing SP-induced production of IL-6 and IL-8 and downregulating COX-2 expression in U373 MG cells, possibly via inhibition of the activation of signaling molecules, such as ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Glioblastoma; Herb-Drug Interactions; Herbal Medicine; Humans; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Japan; Neuritis; Neuroimmunomodulation; Neuroprotective Agents; Signal Transduction; Substance P

The aim of the study was the evaluation of serum and CSF concentrations of CCL2, IL-8, and sICAM-1 in patients with astrocytic tumors as compared to a group of non-tumoral patients.. Chemokine concentrations were measured using the ELISA method.. Regardless of the parameter tested and the patient group (brain tumor or non-tumoral patients), statistical differences (P < 0.05) were found between concentrations obtained in CSF compared to values obtained in serum for all proteins tested. CSF IL-8 concentrations were significantly elevated in CNS tumor patients as compared to non-tumoral individuals (P = 0.000); serum CCL2 and sICAM-1 concentrations were significantly decreased in CNS tumors in comparison with the comparative group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.026, respectively). Among proteins tested in the serum, a higher area under the ROC curve (AUC) revealed CCL2 compared to sICAM-1 in differentiating subjects with CNS brain tumors from non-tumoral subjects. AUC for CSF IL-8 was higher than for its index (CSF IL-8/serum IL-8).. For individual biomarkers (IL-8 and CCL2, sICAM-1), measured in CNS brain tumor patients, the appropriate material, respectively CSF or serum, should be chosen and quantitatively tested. Increased cerebrospinal fluid IL-8 with decreased serum CCL2 create a pattern of biomarkers, which may be helpful in the management of CNS astrocytic brain tumors.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Astrocytoma; Biomarkers, Tumor; Brain Neoplasms; Chemokine CCL2; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Interleukin-8; Male; Middle Aged

The P2Y. High-throughput screening (HTS) was used to study the effects of various compounds on human P2Y. Among structurally diverse chemical libraries totalling 141,700 compounds, 43 compounds with an inhibitory activity against the P2Y. TIM-38 acts as a novel structural antagonist of P2Y

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Astrocytoma; Calcium; Cell Line, Tumor; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Design; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-8; Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists; Receptors, Purinergic P2; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Gabapentin (GBP) and pregabalin (PGB) exert antinociceptive effects on chronic nociceptive responses with neuropathic or inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, it is considered that GBP and PGB exhibit anti‑inflammatory effects by modulating the substance P (SP)‑mediated neurokinin‑1 receptor (NK1R; a SP receptor) response. Thus, in the present study, the effects of GBP and PGB on SP‑induced activation were investigated in the human glioblastoma astrocytoma U373 MG cell line, which expresses high levels of functional high‑affinity NK1R, and produces interleukin (IL)‑6 and IL‑8 in response to SP. The results indicated that GBP and PGB suppressed the SP‑induced production of IL‑6, and IL‑8 in U373 MG cells. Furthermore, GBP and PGB inhibited the SP‑induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)‑κB, and the nuclear translocation of NF‑κB in U373 MG cells. Together, these observations suggest that GBP and PGB likely prevent SP‑induced IL‑6 and IL‑8 production in U373 MG cells via the inhibition of signaling molecules, including p38 MAPK and NF‑κB, thereby exhibiting antineuroinflammatory effects.

Topics: Amines; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Astrocytoma; Cell Line, Tumor; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Gabapentin; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Glioblastoma; Humans; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; MAP Kinase Signaling System; NF-kappa B; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Phosphorylation; Pregabalin; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Substance P

Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) in newborns may lead to bilirubin neurotoxicity. Few studies investigated the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) by UCB. We performed an in vitro comparative study using undifferentiated SH-SY5Y, differentiated GI-ME-N neuronal cells and human U87 astrocytoma cells. ER stress and its contribution to inflammation and apoptosis induced by UCB were analyzed. Cytotoxicity, ER stress and inflammation were observed only in neuronal cells, despite intracellular UCB accumulation in all three cell types. UCB toxicity was enhanced in undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells and correlated with a higher mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic CHOP. Mouse embryonic fibroblast knockout for CHOP and CHOP siRNA-silenced SH-SY5Y increased cells viability upon UCB exposure. In SH-SY5Y, ER stress inhibition by 4-phenylbutyric acid reduced UCB-induced apoptosis and decreased the cleaved forms of caspase-3 and PARP proteins. Reporter gene assay and PERK siRNA showed that IL-8 induction by UCB is transcriptionally regulated by NFкB and PERK signaling. These data suggest that ER stress has an important role in the UCB-induced inflammation and apoptosis, and that targeting ER stress may represent a potential therapeutic approach to decrease UCB-induced neurotoxicity.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Astrocytoma; Bilirubin; Caspase 3; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Gene Silencing; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-8; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Neuroblastoma; Neurons; Phenylbutyrates; Transcription Factor CHOP

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) is an important mediator of neurogenic inflammation within the central and peripheral nervous systems. SP has been shown to induce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis of several disorders of the human brain via the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). Ketamine, an intravenous anesthetic agent, functions as a competitive antagonist of the excitatory neurotransmission N-methyl-D‑aspartate (NMDA) receptor, and also antagonizes the NK-1R by interfering with the binding of SP. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of ketamine on the SP-induced activation of a human astrocytoma cell line, U373MG, which expresses high levels of NK-1R. The results from our experiments indicated that ketamine suppressed the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 by the U373MG cells. Furthermore, ketamine inhibited the SP-induced activation of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Taken together, these observations suggest that ketamine may suppress the SP-induced activation (IL-6 and IL-8 production) of U373MG cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of signaling molecules (namely ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and NF-κB), thereby exerting anti‑inflammatory effects. Thus, ketamine may modulate SP-induced inflammatory responses by NK-1R‑expressing cells through the suppression of signaling molecules (such as ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and NF-κB).

Topics: Astrocytoma; Cell Line, Tumor; Enzyme Activation; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; Glioblastoma; Humans; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Ketamine; MAP Kinase Signaling System; NF-kappa B; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Substance P

Trypanosoma cruzi can compromise the human central nervous system (CNS) during acute infection or reactivation in immune-suppressed hosts. Astrocytes have been identified as targets of T. cruzi's CNS infection in humans. Despite a high degree of parasitism and cellular lysis by T. cruzi in vitro the number of astrocytoma cells did not change when compared to uninfected cultures. This work evaluated cellular proliferation, changes in Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) expression as a reflection of antigen processing, and cytokine (IL-6 & IL-8) secretion in a human astrocytoma cell line exposed to a trypomastigote-derived antigen. Light microscopy was used to evaluate the number of cells; MHC molecule expression, cell cycle and cytokine secretion were assessed by flow cytometry. The number of astrocytoma cells increased proportional to the amount of antigen used and the percentage of cells in G2/M phase was higher when compared to control cultures. Antigen exposure increased expression of MHC class II, but not MHC class I in comparison to cultures incubated without antigen. Astrocytoma cell secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 was unaffected by antigen exposure. These results suggest the participation of a trypomastigote-derived mediator that induces astrocytoma cell proliferation without an inflammatory response; which may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurologic Chagas disease.

Topics: Antigens, Protozoan; Astrocytoma; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; Humans; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Microscopy; Trypanosoma cruzi; Up-Regulation

Preoperative depressive symptoms are associated with poor outcomes in patients with an astrocytoma. Cytokines are associated with depressive symptoms in the general population and are important mediators of tumor growth and progression.The aims of this study were to: (1) characterize depressive symptoms, other treatment-related symptoms and biological mediators; and (2) determine whether preoperative depressive symptoms were associated with the selected biological mediators.. A prospective, exploratory study was carried out among 22 patients with a high-grade astrocytoma. Self-report questionnaires and peripheral blood samples were collected on the day of surgery. Tumor tissue was collected intraoperatively. Self-report questionnaires were assessed at 3, 6, 9, and 12-months postoperatively.. In circulation, serum IL-8 was inversely correlated with depressive symptoms while IL-17 measured in tumor tissue supernatant was inversely correlated with depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms showed a significant increase at 12 months from baseline levels and were positively associated with treatment-related symptoms at 3 months and symptom distress at 12 months post-surgery.. In this pilot study, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with IL-8 in serum and IL-17 in tumor tissue. The changes among depressive symptoms, treatment-related symptoms and symptom distress highlight the need for multi-faceted symptom management strategies over the treatment trajectory in this patient population.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Astrocytoma; Central Nervous System Neoplasms; Depression; Female; Humans; Interleukin-17; Interleukin-8; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Grading; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires

The BT-40 low-grade childhood astrocytoma xenograft model expresses mutated BRAF(V600E) and is highly sensitive to the MEK inhibitor selumetinib (AZD6244). In this study, we developed and characterized selumetinib resistance and explored approaches to circumventing the mechanisms of acquired resistance.. BT-40 xenografts were selected in vivo for selumetinib resistance. Resistant tumors were obtained and characterized, as were tumors that reverted to sensitivity. Characterization included expression profiling, assessment of MEK signature and compensatory pathways, MEK inhibition, BRAF expression, and cytokine levels. Combination treatment of BT-40/AZD-resistant tumors with the MEK inhibitor and a STAT3 inhibitor (LLL12) was assessed.. Resistance was unstable, tumors reverting to selumetinib sensitivity when passaged in untreated mice, and MEK was equally inhibited in sensitive and resistant tumors by selumetinib. Drug resistance was associated with an enhanced MEK signature and increased interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 expression. Selumetinib treatment induced phosphorylation of STAT3 (Y705) only in resistant xenografts, and similar results were observed in BRAF(V600E) astrocytic cell lines intrinsically resistant to selumetinib. Treatment of BT-40-resistant tumors with selumetinib or LLL12 had no significant effect, whereas combined treatment induced complete regressions of BT-40/AZD-resistant xenografts.. Resistance to selumetinib selected in vivo in BT-40 tumor xenografts was unstable. In resistant tumors, selumetinib activated STAT3, and combined treatment with selumetinib and LLL12 induced complete responses in resistant BT-40 tumors. These results suggest dual targeting BRAF (V600E) signaling and STAT3 signaling may be effective in selumetinib-resistant tumors or may retard or prevent onset of resistance.

Topics: Animals; Anthraquinones; Astrocytoma; Benzimidazoles; Cell Line, Tumor; Child; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Heterografts; Humans; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; MAP Kinase Kinase 1; Mice; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Sulfonamides

The aim was to expand recently published information regarding the significance of the interleukin (IL)-8/p-STAT-3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway in astrocytomas, focusing on the IL-8 receptor, chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2), and the STAT-3 inhibitor SOCS-3 (suppressors of cytokine signaling). A total of 91 paraffin-embedded human astrocytoma tissues (grades II-IV) were investigated for the association of SOCS-3 and CXCR2 expression with clinicopathologic and morphometric microvascular characteristics, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-8 and p-STAT-3 expression and patient survival. Peripheral IL-8 secretion levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT). SOCS-3, p-STAT-3 and CXCR2 protein levels were also quantified by Western immunoblotting in six cases, and the protein levels of SOCS-3 and CXCR2 were correlated with the immunohistochemical expression of the respective proteins. All CXCR2-positive cases by Western immunoblotting displayed increased peripheral IL-8 secretion levels. Treatment of primary glioblastoma cell cultures with exogenous IL-8 enhanced proliferation, and this effect was inhibited by treatment with a neutralizing anti-CXCR2 antibody. SOCS-3 and CXCR2 were expressed by neoplastic astrocytes in 92.4% and 48.78% of cases, respectively, with their levels increasing with histological grade and extent of necrosis. VEGF expression and microvessel density, CXCR2 and IL-8 levels were interrelated. SOCS-3 and p-STAT-3 were co-expressed in 85.7% of cases, although they were not interrelated. In univariate survival analysis, increased SOCS-3 expression and the presence of CXCR2 adversely affected survival, whereas in multivariate analysis, only CXCR2 remained significant. The prognostic significance of CXCR2 was validated in an independent set of 63 patients. Our data implicate IL-8/CXCR2 signaling pathway in the progression and regulation of angiogenesis in astrocytomas and provide a rationale for CXCR2 therapeutic exploitation in these tumors.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Astrocytoma; Biomarkers, Tumor; Brain Neoplasms; Child; Female; Humans; Interleukin-8; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Male; Middle Aged; Receptors, Interleukin-8B; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Young Adult

The upregulation of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and the overexpression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) have been separately linked to glioma malignancy.. To evaluate (1) the correlation between the mRNA levels of IL-8, mPGES-1, and the main transcription factors (TFs) activating the IL-8 promoter in human brain tumors of different grades; (2) the role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on IL-8 activation and the expression of these TFs in tumor-derived cells; and (3) the biological impact of PGE2 treatment and mPGES-1 silencing on IL-8 synthesis and tumorigenesis.. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, transfection experiments, and cell proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed.. Regardless of histological grade, a significant positive association between IL-8 expression and mPGES-1, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β (C/EBP-β) and C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP) mRNA levels was found only in astrogliomas (P < .001). The correlation was not significant in the other brain tumors. PGE2-treated astroglioma cells showed a marked upregulation of IL-8, C/EBP-β, and CHOP, as well as increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis compared with untreated cells. mPGES-1-silenced astroglioma cells displayed decreased IL-8 synthesis, accompanied by reduced cell growth and an increased rate of apoptosis. The other brain tumor cells were unaffected either by PGE2 treatment or by mPGES-1 knockout.. (1) PGE2 is responsible for IL-8 overexpression, independently of the malignancy grade, in astrogliomas only. (2) C/EBP-β and CHOP may be involved in mediating PGE2-induced IL-8 activation in these tumors. (3) mPGES-1 inhibition may have potential as a form of adjuvant therapy for astrogliomas.

Topics: Apoptosis; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Dinoprostone; Gene Expression Regulation; Gene Silencing; Glioma; Humans; Interleukin-8; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases; Prostaglandin-E Synthases; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Small Interfering; Transcription Factor CHOP; Up-Regulation

Malignant astrocytomas are highly vascular neoplasms characterized by a potent angiogenic and immunosuppressive phenotype. Th2-cytokines (IL-6/IL-8) are implicated as major regulators of glioma cell growth and invasiveness. STAT-3, a downstream transducer of cytokine signaling is positively associated with tumor angiogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of IL-8 and p-STAT-3 in 97 diffusely infiltrating astrocytomas of various grades, in relation to IL-6, VEGF, clinicopathological features, microvascular characteristics and patients' survival. IL-8 expression was localized in neoplastic cells, being associated with p-STAT-3 (p = 0.0013), IL-6 (p = 0.0004) and VEGF (p < 0.0001) around areas of necrosis as well as in perivascular inflammatory and endothelial cells. All the molecules under study correlated with tumor grade and degree of necrosis (p < 0.05, respectively). p-STAT-3, IL-8 and VEGF expression was positively associated with microvessel density (p = 0.0491, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0118, respectively). Univariate analysis indicated that overexpression of IL-8 and IL-6 adversely affected survival in the entire cohort whereas increased p-STAT-3 expression was predictive of improved survival in high grade (III/IV) astrocytomas (p = 0.0032). In multivariate analysis only IL-8 expression (p = 0.043) retained its significance. The prognostic significance of IL-8 expression and its correlation with p-STAT-3 and VEGF implicates this novel signaling pathway in astroglial tumors progression providing new targets for effective immunotherapy.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Astrocytoma; Biomarkers, Tumor; Brain Neoplasms; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Male; Microvessels; Middle Aged; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Prognosis; Signal Transduction; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Neoplasms

Malignant astrocytomas are highly vascular neoplasms with potent angiogenic activity. The present study aimed to investigate peripheral and local expression of interleukin (IL)-8 in astrocytomas with possible associations to IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and microvessel morphometry. IL-6- and IL-8-secreting peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) were evaluated in 17 glioblastoma (WHO grade IV), 5 anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade III), and 6 diffuse astrocytoma patients (WHO grade II), in parallel with 23 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay. The IL-8 expression was assessed immunohistochemically in patients' tumor tissue sections and correlated with the expression of COX-2, VEGF, IL-6, and microvessel morphometry (assessed using CD34 antibody). Eighteen cases were also stained for CD31 and used as an additional vessel marker to validate our results regarding microvessel morphometry. IL-6 and IL-8 were highly secreted in the PBMCs of glioma patients compared with controls (p = 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively), with a positive correlation between IL-8 expression and secretion levels (p = 0.001). IL-8 immunoreactivity was detected in malignant cells or macrophages in perivascular areas and in pseudopalisading cells around necrosis and was positively correlated with histological grade (p = 0.0175) and tumor necrosis (p = 0.0793). IL-6 and IL-8 expression levels were positively correlated (p = 0.0036) and associated with COX-2 and VEGF expression (IL-6: p = 0.0133, p = 0.065; IL-8: p = 0.0139, p = 0.0101), but not with microvessel morphometry, by either CD31 or CD34. The coordinate expression and topographical relationship of IL-6, IL-8, COX-2, and VEGF in the same tumor areas (e.g., perinecrotic areas) attest to their intimate liaison in terms of cancer-induced angiogenesis, which is probably secondary to the induction of multiple interdependent molecular pathways. Moreover, our study seems to be the first attempt to link IL-8 expression by tumor cells with histological grade, implicating its potent role in gliomagenesis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antigens, CD34; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Cyclooxygenase 2; Female; Humans; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Male; Microvessels; Middle Aged; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Young Adult

There is a growing appreciation that endogenously produced mediators may actively promote the resolution of inflammation. Lipoxins (LX) are a group of recently discovered lipid mediators that have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and proresolution effects on cells of myeloid and nonmyeloid origin. LXs mediate a number of processes, including regression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, inhibition of cell proliferation, and stimulation of phagocytosis of apoptotic leukocytes by macrophages. Lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) is one of the principal LXs formed by mammalian cells. Recently, a G protein-coupled receptor that binds LXA(4,) the lipoxin A(4) receptor, was identified in astrocytes and microglia, suggesting that these cells may be a target for LX action in the brain. In this study, we have investigated the potential of LXA(4) to modify inflammatory responses of astrocytes, using the 1321N1 human astrocytoma cell line as a model system. As shown by quantitative RT-PCR, LXA(4) (10 nM) significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) the IL-1beta-induced stimulation of IL-8 and ICAM-1 expression in these cells. Furthermore, LXA(4) (10 nM) decreased the expression of IL-1beta-induced IL-8 protein levels (P < 0.05). LXA(4) (10 nM) was found to inhibit IL-1beta-induced degradation of IkappaBalpha (P < 0.05), and the activation of an NFkappaB regulated reporter gene construct (P < 0.05). Overall, these data suggest that LXA(4) exerts anti-inflammatory effects in 1321N1 astrocytoma cells at least in part via an NFkappaB-dependent mechanism. It is concluded that LXA(4) may represent a potentially novel therapeutic approach to acute or chronic inflammation in the brain.

Topics: Apolipoproteins; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Calcium; Cell Line, Tumor; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; I-kappa B Proteins; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-8; Lipoxins; NF-kappa B; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Receptors, Formyl Peptide; Receptors, Lipoxin; RNA, Messenger; Transcriptional Activation; Up-Regulation

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) play a clear role in the burst of inflammatory reactions and immune responses. However, for PAR-3, the most elusive member of the PAR family, the functional role is still largely unclear. It has been claimed that PAR-3 does not signal autonomously, although the wide expression of human PAR-3 indicates its important physiological roles. We demonstrate that in HEK-293 cells, stably transfected with human PAR-3, thrombin induced calcium signaling, IL-8 gene expression and IL-8 release. We confirmed this finding using human lung epithelial and human astrocytoma cells that express endogenous PAR-3. Moreover, thrombin exposure of HEK-293 cells resulted in ERK1/2 activation coinciding with IL-8 release. The effects of thrombin were not dependent on PAR-1 activation, as confirmed by PAR-1 gene silencing. Thus, we propose that PAR-3 is able to signal autonomously to induce IL-8 release mediated by ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which contributes actively to inflammatory responses.

Topics: Astrocytoma; Cell Line; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Interleukin-8; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Phosphorylation; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Receptor, PAR-1; Receptors, Thrombin; RNA, Small Interfering; Signal Transduction; Thrombin

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major polyphenol component of green tea and is primarily responsible for the green tea effect. EGCG possesses two triphenolic groups in its structure. These groups are reported to be important with respect to anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of EGCG on Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of EGCG in attenuating the inflammatory response induced by interleukin (IL)-1beta+beta-amyloid (25-35) fragment (Abeta) in human astrocytoma, U373MG cells. EGCG significantly inhibited the IL-1beta+Abeta (25-35)-induced IL-6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prostaglandin (PG)E(2) production at 24 h (P<.01). The maximal inhibition rate of IL-6, IL-8, VEGF and PGE(2) production by EGCG was approximately 54.40%, 56.01%, 69.06% and 47.03%, respectively. EGCG also attenuated the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and activation of nuclear factor-kappaB induced by IL-1beta+Abeta (25-35). We demonstrated that EGCG suppresses IL-1beta+Abeta (25-35)-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase. In addition, EGCG induced the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1. These results provide new insight into the pharmacological actions of EGCG and its potential therapeutic application to various neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Topics: Amyloid beta-Peptides; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Astrocytoma; Catechin; Cyclooxygenase 2; Dinoprostone; Humans; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; NF-kappa B; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Peptide Fragments; Phosphorylation; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) is an inducible transcription factor that plays a key role in regulating the expression of a wide range of immune and inflammatory response genes. The activity of NFkappaB is controlled at multiple levels, including cytoplasmic retention with inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB) proteins in the basal state. Persistent activation of the transcription factor is seen in numerous chronic inflammatory disease states, and we have previously demonstrated sustained activation of NFkappaB in human glial cells upon stimulation with interleukin (IL)-1beta. In these cells, NFkappaB retains DNA binding activity for up to 72 h despite the presence of resynthesized IkappaBalpha and in the absence of IkappaBbeta. Here we characterized the apparent inability of newly synthesized IkappaBalpha to terminate activation of NFkappaB in glial cells. We showed unexpectedly that newly synthesized IkappaBalpha can enter the nucleus, interact with the NFkappaB subunit p65, and export it to the cytoplasm. However, in vitro analysis of enzyme activity demonstrates that IL-1beta causes the long term activation of the IkappaB kinase complex leading to chronic phosphorylation of the newly synthesized IkappaBalpha signal response domain and persistent activation of NFkappaB. Such sustained activation of NFkappaB is dependent on the continuous presence and activity of IL-1beta. Interestingly, the sustained nature of NFkappaB activity is promoter type-specific. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed that p65 is detected at the promoters of both intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and IL-8 1 h following IL-1beta stimulation but is only found at the latter at 24 h. The functional significance of this finding is indicated by the transient induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mRNA, but more sustained induction of IL-8 expression, by IL-1beta. These studies thus demonstrated that persistent IL-1 signaling causes sustained activation of NFkappaB in a promoter-specific manner in human glial cells, leading to prolonged induction of selective pro-inflammatory genes. This is likely to make a key contribution to chronic inflammatory conditions of the brain.

Topics: Astrocytoma; Blotting, Western; Brain Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Nucleus; Chromatin Immunoprecipitation; Cytoplasm; Cytosol; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-8; Leukocytes; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Neuroglia; NF-kappa B; Phosphorylation; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Signal Transduction; Time Factors; Transcription, Genetic

C/EBP beta (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta) is a transcriptional factor that belongs to the basic region-leucine zipper class DNA-binding proteins and plays a role in cell differentiation and inflammatory reactions. Although high tissue levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and transforming growth factor-beta, have been observed in glioma patients, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain to be elucidated. C/EBP beta induces a variety of cytokines and thus may play a role in the pathogenesis of glioma. In this study, we investigated the relationship between C/EBP beta expression, tumor histology, and prognosis in glioma. The expression of C/EBP beta mRNA was examined with quantitative real-time PCR and protein expression was examined with immunohistochemical techniques in 47 glioma tissue samples. Expression of C/EBP beta mRNA and protein was markedly increased in high grade glioma compared with low grade glioma. Patients whose expression of C/EBP beta mRNA and protein in tumor tissue was lower survived longer than those whose expressions were higher. In vitro, C/EBP beta siRNA inhibited glioma cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, IL-8 production by glioma cells was inhibited by C/EBP beta siRNA transfection. These data suggest that increased expression of C/EBP beta may contribute to the promotion of tumor invasiveness and progression. The data imply that the comparison of C/EBP beta expression could be a prognostic marker for patients with glioma.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Child; Female; Gene Expression; Glioblastoma; Glioma; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Interleukin-8; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA Interference; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Small Interfering; Survival Analysis; Transfection

Jeongshintang (JST) is a Korean herbal prescription, which has been successfully used for cerebral diseases. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of JST on Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of JST in attenuating the inflammatory response induced by interleukin (IL)-1beta plus beta-amyloid [1-42] fragment (A beta) in the human astrocyte cell line, U373MG. The production of IL-6, IL-8, and prostaglandin (PG)E2 was significantly increased by IL-1beta plus A beta (1-42) in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). JST significantly inhibited the IL-1beta plus A beta (1-42)-induced IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2 production at 24 h (P < 0.05). Maximal inhibition rate of IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2 production by JST was about 54.40%, 56.01%, and 44.06% respectively. JST (0.01-1 mg/ml) also attenuated the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and activation of p38 MAPK induced by IL-1beta and A beta (1-42). These results demonstrated that JST has an anti-inflammatory effect, which might explain its beneficial effect in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Topics: Amyloid beta-Peptides; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Astrocytoma; Cell Line, Tumor; Cyclooxygenase 2; Dinoprostone; Enzyme Activation; Humans; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Membrane Proteins; Neuroprotective Agents; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Peptide Fragments; Plant Extracts; Protein Kinase Inhibitors

IL-8 is a chemokine that recruits migrating neutrophils and leukocytes to areas of inflammation. In noninflamed tissue, IL-8 expression is low but can be rapidly induced by proinflammatory cytokines. Typically, inflammation and transient IL-8 expression are beneficial. However, some diseases are characterized by excessive inflammation and high levels of IL-8. Previous studies have shown that IFN-beta can inhibit the expression of IL-8, although the mechanism is unknown. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we define the IL-8 transcriptional program in the absence or presence of inducing stimuli and/or inhibition by IFN-beta. In the absence of stimuli, the IL-8 promoter is acetylated but negatively regulated by corepressor proteins. Upon PMA stimulation, the levels of these corepressors are reduced and the promoter is rapidly bound and activated by transcription factors, including NF-kappaB p65, C/EBPbeta, and c-Fos. In addition, RNA polymerase II is recruited to the IL-8 promoter to initiate transcription. However, in the presence of both PMA and IFN-beta, there are diminished levels of histone acetylation, reduced levels of transcription factors such as NF-kappaB p65 and RNA polymerase II, and an increased presence of corepressor proteins such as histone deacetylases 1 and 3 and silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptors. IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10 and MCP-1 genes, also regulated by NF-kappaB, are unaffected by IFN-beta, and IFN-beta does not prevent the activation, nuclear migration, or binding of NF-kappaB p65 to the kappaB element of the IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10 promoter. As such, these data show that the inhibitory effects of IFN-beta are specific to the IL-8 promoter.

Topics: Acetylation; Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; Astrocytoma; Cell Line, Tumor; DNA-Binding Proteins; Down-Regulation; Gene Expression Regulation; Histone Deacetylase 1; Histone Deacetylases; Histones; Humans; Interferon-beta; Interleukin-8; NF-kappa B; Nuclear Receptor Co-Repressor 2; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Protein Binding; Repressor Proteins; RNA, Messenger; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Transcription Factors; Transcriptional Activation

Zingansikpoongtang (ZST) is a Korean herbal prescription, which has been successfully applied for the various neurodegenerative diseases. However, its effect remains unknown in the experimental models. In this study, we examined the effect of ZST on production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, and expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in IL-1beta and beta-amyloid [25-35] fragment (Abeta)-stimulated human astrocytoma cell line U373MG. We examined the biological effects of ZST in U373MG cells using MTT assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting. ZST alone had no effect on the cell viability. The production of IL-6 and IL-8 was dose-dependently inhibited by pretreatment with ZST (0.01-1 mg/ml) on IL-1beta and Abeta-stimulated U373MG cells. The expression level of COX-2 protein was up-regulated by IL-1beta and Abeta, but the increased level of COX-2 was partially down-regulated by pretreatment with ZST (1 mg/ml). These data indicate that ZST has a modulatory effect of cytokine production and COX-2 expression on IL-1beta and Abeta-stimulated U373MG cells, which might explain its beneficial effect in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases.

Topics: Amyloid beta-Peptides; Astrocytoma; Blotting, Western; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cyclooxygenase 2; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Membrane Proteins; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases

R(+)WIN 55,212-2 is a synthetic cannabinoid that controls disease progression in models of multiple sclerosis. This is associated with its ability to reduce migration of leukocytes into the central nervous system. Because leukocyte migration is dependent on induction of adhesion molecules and chemokines by pro-inflammatory cytokines, we examined the effects of R(+)WIN 55,212-2 on their expression. Using 1321N1 astrocytoma and A-172 glioblastoma as cell models we show that R(+)WIN 55,212-2, but not its inactive chiral form S(-)WIN 55,212-2, strongly inhibits the interleukin-1 (IL-1) induction of the adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and the chemokine IL-8. This inhibition is not mediated via the CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptors, because their selective antagonists and pertussis toxin failed to affect the inhibitory effects of R(+)WIN 55,212-2. Furthermore reverse transcription-PCR analysis did not detect the expression of either receptor in 1321N1 cells. R(+)WIN 55,212-2 was shown to inhibit adhesion molecule and chemokine expression at the level of transcription, because it strongly inhibited the IL-1 induction of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and IL-8 mRNAs and blocked the IL-1 activation of their promoters. The NFkappaB pathway was then assessed as a lead target for R(+)WIN 55,212-2. NFkappaB was measured by expression of a transfected NFkappaB-regulated reporter gene. Using this assay, R(+)WIN 55,212-2 strongly inhibited IL-1 activation of NFkappaB. Furthermore R(+)WIN 55,212-2 inhibited the ability of overexpressed Myd88, Tak-1, and IKK-2 to induce the reporter gene suggesting that R(+)WIN 55,212-2 acts at or downstream of IKK-2 in the IL-1 pathway. However R(+)WIN 55,212-2 failed to inhibit IL-1-induced degradation of IkappaBalpha, excluding IKK-2 as a direct target. In addition electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that R(+)WIN 55,212-2 does not regulate the IL-1-induced nuclear translocation of NFkappaB or the ability of the latter to bind to promoters regulating expression of ICAM-1 and IL-8. These data suggest that R(+)WIN 55,212-2 blocks IL-1 signaling by inhibiting the transactivation potential of NFkappaB.

Topics: Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; Astrocytes; Astrocytoma; Benzoxazines; Blotting, Western; Calcium Channel Blockers; Cannabinoids; Cell Adhesion; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Chromatin Immunoprecipitation; Cytosol; DNA; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Genes, Reporter; Glioblastoma; Humans; I-kappa B Proteins; Immunoprecipitation; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-8; Leukocytes; Morpholines; Multiple Sclerosis; Naphthalenes; NF-kappa B; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha; Phosphorylation; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA; RNA, Messenger; Serine; Signal Transduction; Transcription, Genetic; Transcriptional Activation; Transfection; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

The brain is a target organ for recreational drugs and HIV-1. Epidemiological data demonstrate that opioid abuse is a risk factor for HIV-1 infection and progression to AIDS. Chemokines and their receptors have been implicated in the neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 infections. However, little is known about the effects of opioids on the expression of chemokines and their receptors (the latter also are HIV-1 coreceptors) by cells of the CNS. Herein we describe the effects of morphine on gene expression of the alpha- and beta-chemokines and their receptors by the astrocytoma cell line U87 and by primary normal human astrocyte (NHA) cultures. U87 cells treated with morphine showed significant down-regulation of IL-8 gene expression, whereas expression of the IL-8 receptor CXCR2 was reciprocally up-regulated as detected by RT-PCR. Treatment of NHAs with morphine suppressed IL-8 and macrophage-inflammatory protein-1beta gene expression, whereas expression of their receptor genes, CCR3 and CCR5, was simultaneously enhanced. These morphine-induced effects on U87 and NHA cells were reversed by the opioid mu receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine. Morphine also enhanced the constitutive expression of the opioid mu receptor on astroglial cells. Our results support the hypothesis that opioids play a significant role in the susceptibility of the CNS to HIV-1 infection and subsequent encephalopathy by inhibiting local production of HIV-1-protective chemokines (IL-8 and macrophage-inflammatory protein-1beta) and enhancing expression of HIV-1 entry coreceptor genes (CCR3, CCR5, and CXCR2) within the CNS. These effects of opioids appear to be mediated through the opioid mu receptor that we demonstrated on astroglial cells.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Astrocytes; Astrocytoma; Cells, Cultured; Chemokine CCL4; Chemokines, CC; Chemokines, CXC; Down-Regulation; Gene Expression Regulation; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Immunophenotyping; Interleukin-8; Macrophage Inflammatory Proteins; Morphine; Naltrexone; Receptors, CCR3; Receptors, CCR5; Receptors, Chemokine; Receptors, Interleukin-8B; Receptors, Opioid, mu; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Up-Regulation

Among the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family of cytokines, FasL and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) are known to induce cell death via caspase activation. Recently, other biological functions of these death ligands have been postulated in vitro and in vivo. It was previously shown that Fas ligation induces chemokine expression in human glioma cells. In this study, we investigated whether the TRAIL-DR5 system transduces signals similar to those induced by other TNF family ligands and receptors. To address this issue, two human glioma cell lines, CRT-MG and U87-MG, were used, and an agonistic antibody against DR5 (TRA-8) and human recombinant TRAIL were used to ligate DR5. We demonstrate that DR5 ligation by either TRAIL or TRA-8 induces two functional outcomes, apoptosis and expression of the chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8); the nonspecific caspase inhibitor Boc-D-Fmk blocks both TRAIL-mediated cell death and IL-8 production; the caspase 3-specific inhibitor z-DEVD-Fmk suppresses TRAIL-mediated apoptosis but not IL-8 induction; caspase 1- and 8-specific inhibitors block both TRAIL-mediated cell death and IL-8 production; and DR5 ligation by TRAIL mediates AP-1 and NF-kappaB activation, which can be inhibited by caspase 1- and 8-specific inhibitors. These findings collectively indicate that DR5 ligation on human glioma cells leads to apoptosis and that the activation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB leads to the induction of IL-8 expression; these responses are dependent on caspase activation. Therefore, the TRAIL-DR5 system has a role not only as an inducer of apoptotic cell death but also as a transducer for proinflammatory and angiogenic signals in human brain tumors.

Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Apoptosis; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Caspase 3; Caspases; Enzyme Activation; Humans; Interleukin-8; Membrane Glycoproteins; Models, Biological; Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Neoplasm; Signal Transduction; TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; Transfection; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Chemokines constitute a superfamily of proteins that function as chemoattractants and activators of leukocytes. Astrocytes, the major glial cell type in the CNS, are a source of chemokines within the diseased brain. Specifically, we have shown that primary human astrocytes and human astroglioma cell lines produce the CXC chemokines IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10 and IL-8 and the CC chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and RANTES in response to stimuli such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma. In this study, we investigated chemokine receptor expression and function on human astroglioma cells. Enhancement of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) mRNA expression was observed upon treatment with the cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. The peak of CXCR4 expression in response to TNF-alpha and IL-1beta was 8 and 4 h, respectively. CXCR4 protein expression was also enhanced upon treatment with TNF-alpha and IL-1beta (2- to 3-fold). To study the functional relevance of CXCR4 expression, stable astroglioma transfectants expressing high levels of CXCR4 were generated. Stimulation of cells with the ligand for CXCR4, stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha), resulted in an elevation in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, specifically, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) mitogen-activated protein kinase. Of most interest, SDF-1alpha treatment induced expression of the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-8, and IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10. SDF-1alpha-induced chemokine expression was abrogated upon inclusion of U0126, a pharmacological inhibitor of ERK1/2, indicating that the ERK signaling cascade is involved in this response. Collectively, these data suggest that CXCR4-mediated signaling pathways in astroglioma cells may be another mechanism for these cells to express chemokines involved in angiogenesis and inflammation.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Astrocytoma; Butadienes; Calcium; Chemokine CCL2; Chemokine CXCL10; Chemokine CXCL12; Chemokines, CXC; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-8; Intracellular Fluid; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Nitriles; Receptors, CXCR4; RNA, Messenger; Stromal Cells; Transfection; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Up-Regulation

RANTES is a basic 8-kDa polypeptide of the C-C chemokine subfamily with strong chemoattractant activity for T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages that are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Glatiramer acetate is a drug recently approved for the treatment of MS. We therefore investigated the effect of glatiramer acetate on RANTES expression in glial cells in vitro. Treatment of human U-251 MG astroglial cells with glatiramer acetate blocks IL-1beta-induced RANTES chemokine production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Glatiramer acetate also decreased steady-state levels of RANTES mRNA in these cells, which was attributable to reduced transcription, as assessed by nuclear run-on assays. In addition, we showed that NF-kappaB may be the transcriptional activator responsible for the IL-1beta-mediated RANTES gene expression in this system. Our data indicated that the IL-1beta-induced increase in RANTES was associated with an increase in in vitro nuclear extract binding activity specific for the NF-kappaB site in the promoter region of the RANTES gene. The increases in RANTES mRNA and protein expression were suppressed by the NF-kappaB inhibitors gliotoxin, isohelenin, and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the increase in NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity was prevented by pretreatment with glatiramer acetate or the NF-kappaB inhibitors. Our results suggest that glatiramer acetate may inhibit IL-1beta-stimulated RANTES expression in human glial cells by blocking NF-kappaB activation, thus identifying part of the molecular basis for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in demyelinating diseases.

Topics: Astrocytes; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Chemokine CCL5; Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS; Gene Expression Regulation; Glatiramer Acetate; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; NF-kappa B; Peptides; RNA, Messenger; Transcription, Genetic; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Macrophages are key participants in angiogenesis. In this study on human brain tumors, we first investigated whether macrophage infiltration is associated with angiogenesis and malignant histological appearance. Immunostaining of macrophages and small vessels in resected glioma specimens indicated that numbers of infiltrating macrophages and small vessel density were higher in glioblastomas than in astrocytomas or anaplastic astrocytomas. Macrophage infiltration was closely correlated with vascular density in human gliomas. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is the rate-limiting enzyme in heme catabolism, was also associated with activated macrophages. Expression of mRNA encoding HO-1 was correlated with macrophage infiltration and vascular density in human glioma samples. Infiltrating macrophages were positively stained with anti-HO-1 antibody by immunohistochemical analysis, and in situ hybridization for HO-1 indicated that HO-1 was expressed in infiltrating macrophages in gliomas. HO-1 gene may be a useful marker for macrophage infiltration as well as neovascularization in human gliomas.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Astrocytoma; Blotting, Northern; Brain Neoplasms; Child; Child, Preschool; Enzyme Induction; Female; Glioblastoma; Glioma; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing); Heme Oxygenase-1; Humans; In Situ Hybridization; Interleukin-8; Macrophage Activation; Macrophages; Male; Membrane Proteins; Middle Aged; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Oligodendroglioma; RNA, Messenger

Glucocorticoids are potent antiinflammatory drugs. They inhibit the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. It has recently been proposed that the underlying basis to such inhibition is the induction of the protein I kappa B, which inhibits the transcription factor NF-kappa B. The latter is a key activator of the genes encoding cytokines and adhesion molecules. The present study shows that the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, inhibits the induction of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8 and the adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in human 1321N1 astrocytoma and SK.N.SH neuroblastoma cells. However, dexamethasone failed to induce I kappa B or inhibit activation of NF-kappa B by IL-1 in the two cell types. EMSA confirmed the identity of the activated NF-kappa B by demonstrating that an oligonucleotide, containing the wild-type NF-kappa B-binding motif, inhibited formation of the NF-kappa B-DNA complexes whereas a mutated form of the NF-kappa B-binding motif was ineffective. In addition, supershift analysis showed that the protein subunits p50 and p65 were prevalent components in the activated NF-kappa B complexes. The lack of effect of dexamethasone on the capacity of IL-1 to activate NF-kappa B correlated with its inability to induce I kappa B and the ability of IL-1 to cause degradation of I kappa B, even in the presence of dexamethasone. The results presented in this paper strongly suggest that glucocorticoids may exert antiinflammatory effects in cells of neural origin by a mechanism(s) independent of NF-kappa B.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Astrocytoma; Brain; Dexamethasone; Genes, Reporter; Humans; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-8; Neuroblastoma; NF-kappa B; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

In human astrocytoma cell lines, substance P (SP) stimulated interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and leukemia inhibitory factor protein secretion. These SP effects were blocked by a specific NK1 tachykinin receptor antagonist. Further, SP stimulation increased the half-life of IL-6 and IL-8 messenger RNAs, suggesting that the synthesis of these cytokines is also regulated post-transcriptionally. SP-induced cytokine release was inhibited by staurosporine and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate desensitization suggesting protein kinase C involvement. The demonstration that SP affects cytokine production in glioma cells might be of relevance for the biology of such tumors.

Topics: Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Cytokines; Dipeptides; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Growth Inhibitors; Humans; Indoles; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; Lymphokines; Neoplasm Proteins; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Protein Kinase C; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Neoplasm; Staurosporine; Substance P; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tumor Cells, Cultured

LPS-induced expression of the IL-8 gene was markedly enhanced by H2O2 or by deprivation of the cellular antioxidant glutathione by L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) in human astrocytoma U373 cells. In contrast, it was markedly suppressed by the reductant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and other antioxidants. Transient expression analysis using the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assay revealed that activation of the IL-8 promoter by LPS was stimulated by BSO and was suppressed by NAC; likewise LPS-induced activation of both NF kappa B and AP-1 was enhanced by BSO and inhibited by NAC. These results suggest that LPS-induced IL-8 gene expression is regulated by cellular redox via modulation of these transcription factors.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Antioxidants; Astrocytoma; Buthionine Sulfoximine; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Interleukin-8; Lipopolysaccharides; NF-kappa B; Oxidation-Reduction; Transcription Factor AP-1; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Topics: Animals; Astrocytoma; Blotting, Northern; Cell Division; Chemokine CCL5; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Gene Expression Regulation; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; RNA, Messenger; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The neuropeptide substance P is a major mediator of neurogenic inflammation and immunomodulatory activities within the central and peripheral nervous system. In several cell types, substance P induces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of different neuropathologies. Substance P preferentially binds to NK-1, a receptor of the neurokinin family, but how the receptor-elicited signal is translated into inflammatory gene expression is not yet understood. In this work, we describe that in U373 MG astrocytoma cells, nanomolar concentrations of substance P potently triggered activation of NF-kappa B, a transcription factor involved in the control of cytokine expression and apoptosis. Substance P-induced NF-kappa B activation was associated with the increased mRNA expression and secretion of IL-8, an NF-kappa B-controlled target gene. The stimulatory effect of substance P was specific, since an NK-1-selective receptor antagonist completely prevented NF-kappa B activation in response to substance P, but not IL-1 beta. In addition, we show that the activity of substance P required mobilization of intracellular calcium and formation of reactive oxygen intermediates as second messengers. Our results suggest that NF-kappa B may be an important component controlling neurogenic inflammation within the peripheral and central nervous system.

Topics: Astrocytoma; Calcium; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Interleukin-8; Intracellular Fluid; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; NF-kappa B; Peptide Fragments; RNA, Messenger; Substance P; Time Factors; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Neurodegenerative processes in Alzheimer disease (AD) are thought to be driven in part by the deposition of amyloid beta (A beta), a 39- to 43-amino acid peptide product resulting from an alternative cleavage of amyloid precursor protein. Recent descriptions of in vitro neurotoxic effects of A beta support this hypothesis and suggest toxicity might be mediated by A beta-induced neuronal calcium disregulation. In addition, it has been reported that "aging" A beta results in increased toxic potency due to peptide aggregation and formation of a beta-sheet secondary structure. In addition, A beta might also promote neuropathology indirectly by activating immune/inflammatory pathways in affected areas of the brain (e.g., cortex and hippocampus). Here we report that A beta can modulate cytokine secretion [interleukins 6 and 8 (IL-6 and IL-8)] from human astrocytoma cells (U-373 MG). Freshly prepared and aged A beta modestly stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 secretion from U-373 MG cells. However, in the presence of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), aged, but not fresh, A beta markedly potentiated (3- to 8-fold) cytokine release. In contrast, aged A beta did not potentiate substance P (NK-1)- or histamine (H1)-stimulated cytokine production. Further studies showed that IL-1 beta-induced cytokine release was potentiated by A beta-(25-35), while A beta-(1-16) was inactive. Calcium disregulation may be responsible for the effects of A beta on cytokine production, since the calcium ionophore A23187 similarly potentiated IL-1 beta-induced cytokine secretion and EGTA treatment blocked either A beta or A23187 activity. Thus, chronic neurodegeneration in AD-affected brain regions may be mediated in part by the ability of A beta to exacerbate inflammatory pathways in a conformation-dependent manner.

Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Astrocytes; Astrocytoma; Calcium; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Encephalitis; Humans; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Interleukins; Peptide Fragments; Protein Conformation; Tumor Cells, Cultured

In this study, we examined whether human glioma cells are angiogenic in a model using human microvascular endothelial cells, and also which factor is responsible for the glioma-dependent angiogenesis. Tubular morphogenesis in type I collagen gel by human microvascular endothelial cells was stimulated in the presence of 10 and 100 ng/ml of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), 10 ng/ml basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and 10 ng/ml of interleukin-8 (IL-8). Tube formation of the microvascular endothelial cells was assayed in the glioma cell lines IN157 and IN301, co-cultured using the double chamber method. IN301 cells had much higher levels of VEGF, bFGF and transforming growth factor-beta mRNA than IN157 cells, whereas the two had similar levels of transforming growth factor-alpha mRNA. By contrast, IN157 cells had much higher levels of IL-8 mRNA than IN301 cells. IN301-dependent tubular morphogenesis was inhibited by anti-VEGF or anti-bFGF antibody, and the inhibition was almost complete when anti-VEGF and anti-bFGF antibodies were present. On the other hand, IN157-dependent tubular morphogenesis was inhibited by anti-IL-8 antibody, but not by anti-VEGF or anti-bFGF antibodies. These findings demonstrated dual paracrine controls of tumor angiogenesis by human glioma cells. One is mediated through VEGF and/or bFGF, and the other, through IL-8.

Topics: Astrocytoma; Cells, Cultured; Coculture Techniques; Endothelial Growth Factors; Endothelium, Vascular; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; Glioma; Humans; Interleukin-8; Lymphokines; Morphogenesis; Neoplasm Proteins; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Omentum; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Neoplasm; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Expression of lymphokine genes in the human astroglial cell lineage was studied. Primers for 9 different human lymphokines, from IL-1 alpha to IL-8, were used to analyze RNA transcripts in 5 cultured human astrocytoma cell lines and fresh brain specimens by PCR. mRNA transcripts for IL-8 were detected in all neuroglial cells. In addition to the cultured cells, we examined IL-8 gene expression within human malignant astrocytoma, peritumoral brain and autopsied normal brains. The result shows that tumor and cells of the surrounding reactive lesion express IL-8 genes, but it is not expressed in normal brains. Next, the concentration of IL-8 in supernatants of cultured cells was measured quantitatively by a solid phase ELISA assay. IL-8 activity was produced constitutively in all astrocytomas and increased markedly upon stimulation with IL-1 beta or TNF alpha, in both a time- and dose-dependent fashion. From these results, it is suspected that astroglial cell-derived IL-8 may take part in neutrophil-mediated inflammation which accompanies infection, degeneration and malignancy in the brain.

Topics: Astrocytes; Astrocytoma; Brain Neoplasms; Cell Line; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Interleukin-8; Lymphokines; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Transcription, Genetic; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Expression of the lymphokine genes in human astroglial cell lineage was studied. Primers for 9 different human lymphokines, from IL-1 alpha to IL-8, were used to analyze RNA transcripts in 5 cultured human astrocytoma, one neuroblastoma cell line and 4 fresh brain specimens by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). mRNA transcripts of neither IL-1 nor IL-3, the biological activities of which were observed in rat primary cultured astrocytes, could be detected within these cell lines. Two out of 5 unstimulated astrocytomas, U138 and U373, expressed IL-6 genes. IL-8 gene was detected within U87, U138, U251, U373 glioma cells. After stimulation with IL-1 beta, all astrocytoma and one neuroblastoma cell line expressed IL-6 and IL-8 genes. In addition to the cultured cells, we examined IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression within human malignant astrocytoma specimens. The result shows that three out of four glioma specimens expressed IL-6 and IL-8 genes. From these results, it is suspected that astroglial cell-derived IL-6 or IL-8 may participate in local immune reactions accompanying infection, degeneration and malignancies in the central nervous system.

Topics: Astrocytoma; Base Sequence; Brain Neoplasms; Gene Expression; Humans; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Lymphokines; Molecular Sequence Data; Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The presence of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a leukocyte chemotactic factor, was examined in primary and metastatic central nervous system tumors and in nonneoplastic acute meningoencephalitides. In vitro: (a) 11 of 12 glioblastoma cell lines constitutively expressed IL-8 mRNA; (b) 5 of 6 of these cell lines secreted IL-8 protein as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a glucosaminidase release bioassay; and (c) IL-1 beta or tumor necrosis factor was able to augment both IL-8 mRNA steady state levels and protein secretion of all cell lines tested except IN-319. IL-8 was also found in vivo. (a) IL-8 poly A+ mRNA was detected in 2 of 2 low grade astrocytomas, 1 of 2 anaplastic astrocytomas, and 6 of 6 glioblastomas. (b) IL-8 protein was present in the cyst fluid of 1 of 4 low grade astrocytomas, 1 anaplastic astrocytoma, 2 of 2 glioblastomas, 1 oligodendroglioma grade III, and one central nervous system cervical carcinoma metastasis. (c) The cerebrospinal fluid of 3 of 4 metastatic lymphomas, 2 of 16 glioblastomas, 1 of 2 low grade astrocytomas, but none of 3 anaplastic astrocytomas and none of 9 meningiomas contained IL-8. The presence of IL-8 was not restricted to central nervous system tumors as 2 of 2 bacterial meningitis and 5 of 5 acute viral meningitis patients contained considerable IL-8 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. (d) Immunohistochemical analysis showed IL-8 immunoreactivity in perivascular tumor cells in 11 of 15 glioblastoma sections. These data suggest that IL-8 secretion could be a key factor involved in the determination of the lymphoid infiltrates observed in brain tumors and the development of cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis in meningoencephalitides.

Topics: Astrocytoma; Blotting, Northern; Brain Neoplasms; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Glioma; Humans; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-8; Meningitis; RNA, Messenger; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

In order to elucidate the role of inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system (CNS), we examined whether IL and TNF-alpha induce cells in the CNS to produce two newly identified leucocyte chemo-attractants, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic and activating factor (MCAF). Several human astrocytoma and glioblastoma cell lines expressed high levels of IL-8 and MCAF mRNA in vitro upon stimulation with IL-1 and TNF-alpha. In particular, an astrocytoma cell line U373MG subclone responded markedly to IL-1 with high expression levels of IL-8 and MCAF mRNA as well as IL-6 mRNA. Both IL-8 and MCAF mRNA expression depended on the dose of IL-1 and appeared as early as 30 min to 1 hr after IL-1 stimulation, confirming that these are early inducible genes. The production of IL-8 and MCAF in the U373MG cell culture supernatants was confirmed by a competitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) as well as chemotactic activities on human neutrophils and monocytes. IL-1-induced IL-8 and MCAF mRNA expression appeared to occur at least at the transcriptional level as revealed by a nuclear run-off assay. Moreover, IL-1 treatment increased the half-life of IL-8 and MCAF mRNA markedly, suggesting that increased mRNA stability was also responsible for the enhanced gene transcription. These data suggest that IL-1 and TNF-alpha induce astrocytes to produce IL-8 and MCAF transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, both of which may be responsible for leucocytosis seen in inflammation of the CNS.

Topics: Astrocytoma; Cell Line; Chemokine CCL2; Chemotactic Factors; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-8; RNA, Messenger; Transcription, Genetic; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha