interleukin-8 and Hyperplasia

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a pro-inflammatory CXC chemokine involved in inflammatory reactions. IL-8 exerts its function in concert with other cytokines and chemokines causing chemoattraction of leukocytes to the inflammatory sites, recruitment and activation of neutrophils to phagocytosis and bacterial clearance. Furthermore, IL-8 is characterized by chemoattractant activity on basophils and T cells, and by a potent pro-angiogenic action. IL-8 is crucially involved in several inflammatory diseases. In particular, it has been suggested that IL8 might play a key role in male genital tract (MGT) infection/inflammation. In fact, IL-8 seems crucially involved in benign prostatic hyperplasia-related inflammation. In addition, among different cytokines and chemokines, seminal plasma IL-8 (sIL-8) appears to be the most reliable and predictive surrogate marker of prostatitis. Furthermore, evidence is emerging on sIL-8 involvement in inflammation not only of the prostate, but also of other organs of the MGT, in particular seminal vesicles and epididymis, but not the testis, and in male accessory gland infection (MAGI). Accordingly, an association between sIL-8 levels and color-Doppler ultrasound characteristics of the MGT suggestive of inflammation has been recently reported. sIL-8 is strongly related to leukocytospermia, and although the relationship between sIL-8 levels and sperm parameters has not been completely clarified, a tight inverse correlation with ejaculate volume has been demonstrated, suggesting an association with distal MGT sub-obstruction, corroborated by the correlation with ejaculatory duct and seminal vesicle abnormalities. Finally, recent studies have focused on the role of IL-8 in cancer biology, in particular in prostate cancer, thus increasing the interest in this pro-inflammatory chemokine.

Topics: Biomarkers; Ejaculation; Humans; Hyperplasia; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-8; Male; Prognosis; Prostate; Prostatic Neoplasms; Prostatitis; Reproductive Tract Infections

Cigarette smoke (CS) is one of the major risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and increases the risk of lung cancer (LC). Anemoside B4 (B4) is the main bioactive ingredient in Pulsatilla chinensis (P. chinensis), a traditional medicinal herb for various diseases. It has a wide range of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-cancer activities. However, in recent years, there is no relevant literature report on the therapeutic effect of B4 on COPD, and the anti-inflammatory and inhibitory effects of anemoside B4 on basal cell hyperplasia in CS-induced COPD have not been clearly established.. In the present study, we investigated whether anemoside B4 could alleviate CS or cigarette smoke extract (CSE) induced inflammation of COPD and further prevent basal cell hyperplasia, hoping to find its possible mechanism.. In this study, a COPD mouse model was established in C57BL mice by CS exposure 3 months. Bronchial pathology and basal cell hyperplasia were observed by HE staining and immunostaining. The contents of glutathione peroxidase catalase (GSH-PX), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (MPO) were determined by GSH-PX, MDA and SOD assay kits, respectively. 16HBE cells were cultured with 5% CSE with or without treatment with B4 (1, 10, 100 μM) or DEX (20 μM) in vitro. Cell viability was assessed by a cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was tested by DCFH-DA. Moreover, anti-inflammatory mechanism of anemoside B4 was further determined by pro-inflammatory cytokines production using RT-PCR. Protein expression levels of MAPK/AP-1/TGF-β signaling pathway were measured by western blot.. Anemoside B4 improved the lung function of mice, relieved lung inflammation and reduced the MDA, MPO and GSH-Px in the plasma. At the same time, B4 repressed the oxidative stress response and played a role in balancing the levels of protease and anti-protease. During the process of bronchial basal cell hyperplasia, B4 alleviated the degree of cell hyperplasia, and prevented further deterioration of hyperplasia through increased P53 and inhibited FHIT protein. In addition, B4 reduced ROS levels in human bronchial epithelial cells stimulated by CSE in vitro study. Meanwhile, B4 treatment also significantly attenuated increased IL-1β, TGF-β, IL-8 and TNF-α from CSE treated human bronchial epithelial cells. The expression of p-P38, AP-1(c-fos, and c-Jun), TGF-β proteins in MAPK/AP-1/TGF-β signaling pathway were decreased and the signal cascade reaction was blocked.. Anemoside B4 protects against CS-induced COPD. These findings indicated that B4 may have therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of COPD.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Catalase; Cigarette Smoking; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Hyperplasia; Inflammation; Interleukin-8; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Reactive Oxygen Species; Saponins; Superoxide Dismutase; Transcription Factor AP-1; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Tracheal stenosis following injury cannot be effectively treated. The current study compared the protective effects of different anti‑inflammatory drugs on tracheal stenosis and investigated their possible mechanisms. Rabbit tracheal stenosis models following injury were constructed and confirmed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. A total of 30 rabbits were divided into the control (CON), penicillin (PEN), erythromycin (ERY), budesonide (BUD) and PEN + ERY + BUD groups (n=6). Stenotic tracheal tissue, serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected 10 days after continuous treatment. Pathological changes in the tracheas were observed by H&E staining. Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) expression in tracheal tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect collagen I (Col‑I) and collagen III (Col‑III) levels in tracheal tissues. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‑β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin 8 (IL‑8) levels in serum and BALF samples were determined using ELISA kits. Western blotting detected HDAC2, IL‑8, TGF‑β1 and VEGF levels in tracheal tissues. H&E staining demonstrated that tracheal epithelial hyperplasia and fibroblast proliferation in the ERY and PEN + ERY + BUD groups markedly improved compared with the CON group. Furthermore, in tracheal tissues, HDAC2 expression was significantly increased and IL‑8, TGF‑β1, VEGF, Col‑I and Col‑III levels were significantly decreased in the ERY and PEN + ERY + BUD groups compared with the CON group. Additionally, the results for the PEN + ERY + BUD were more significant compared with the ERY group. In serum and BALF samples, IL‑8, TGF‑β1 and VEGF levels in the ERY and PEN + ERY + BUD groups were significantly lower compared with the CON group, with the results of the PEN + ERY + BUD group being more significant compared with the ERY group. There were no significant differences between the PEN, BUD and CON groups. ERY inhibited tracheal granulation tissue proliferation and improved tracheal stenosis following injury and synergistic effects with PEN and BUD further enhanced these protective effects. The mechanism may involve HDAC2 upregulation and inhibition of local airway and systemic inflammatory responses.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Budesonide; Collagen; Disease Models, Animal; Erythromycin; Granulation Tissue; Histone Deacetylase 2; Hyperplasia; Interleukin-8; Penicillins; Protective Agents; Rabbits; Trachea; Tracheal Stenosis; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Up-Regulation; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) represents an important animal model for analyzing genetic contributors to carcinogenesis. To assess the role for mutationally activated Ras in ovarian cancer, we developed a transgenic zebrafish model using the putative promoter for zebrafish insulin-like growth factor 3 (igf3) to drive expression of the human oncogene KRAS(G12V) fused to EGFP. A member of the IGF family, igf3 is unique to teleosts and reportedly exhibits gonad-specific expression in fish species. In contrast to previous studies, we observed igf3 expression in wild-type zebrafish gills in addition to gonads, indicating that igf3 expression is not necessarily gonad specific. In transgenic zebrafish, expression of EGFP-KRAS(G12V) driven by the igf3 promoter occurred only in the gills and resulted in proliferation of a putative progenitor cell population, chondroid hyperplasia, and localized inflammation. KRAS(G12V)-transformed cells in transgenic zebrafish showed activation of the ERK-MAP kinase pathway and expressed the zebrafish homologue for human CXCL8, a cytokine produced by mammalian Ras-transformed cells in tumor-associated inflammatory lesions. These findings indicate that KRAS(G12V)-transformed cells in zebrafish recruit inflammatory cells, but may require additional mutational events for neoplastic transformation. The conserved role for mutationally activated KRAS in leukocyte recruitment indicates that zebrafish can provide a valuable comparative model for Ras-associated inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified; Female; Gills; Green Fluorescent Proteins; Hyperplasia; Inflammation; Interleukin-8; Male; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Neoplasms, Experimental; Oncogenes; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras); Somatomedins; SOX9 Transcription Factor; Zebrafish; Zebrafish Proteins

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by lung and systemic inflammation as well as airway goblet cell hyperplasia (GCH). Mucin production is activated in part by stimulation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor pathway through neutrophils and macrophages. How circulating cytokine levels relate to GCH is not clear.. We performed phlebotomy and bronchoscopy on 25 subjects (six nonsmokers, 11 healthy smokers, and eight COPD subjects FEV1 30-60 %). Six endobronchial biopsies per subject were performed. GCH was measured by measuring mucin volume density (MVD) using stereological techniques on periodic acid fast-Schiff stained samples. We measured the levels of chemokines CXCL8/IL-8, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL7/MCP-3, CCL22/MCD, CCL3/MIP-1α, and CCL4/MIP-1β, and the cytokines IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-9, IL-17, EGF, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Differences between groups were assessed using one-way ANOVA, t test, or Chi squared test. Post hoc tests after ANOVA were performed using Bonferroni correction.. MVD was highest in healthy smokers (27.78 ± 10.24 μL/mm(2)) compared to COPD subjects (16.82 ± 16.29 μL/mm(2), p = 0.216) and nonsmokers (3.42 ± 3.07 μL/mm(2), p < 0.0001). Plasma CXCL8 was highest in healthy smokers (11.05 ± 8.92 pg/mL) compared to nonsmokers (1.20 ± 21.92 pg/mL, p = 0.047) and COPD subjects (6.01 ± 5.90 pg/mL, p = 0.366). CCL22 and CCL4 followed the same trends. There were no significant differences in the other cytokines measured. When the subjects were divided into current smokers (healthy smokers and COPD current smokers) and non/ex-smokers (nonsmokers and COPD ex-smokers), plasma CXCL8, CCL22, CCL4, and MVD were greater in current smokers. No differences in other cytokines were seen. Plasma CXCL8 moderately correlated with MVD (r = 0.552, p = 0.003).. In this small cohort, circulating levels of the chemokines CXCL8, CCL4, and CCL22, as well as MVD, attain the highest levels in healthy smokers compared to nonsmokers and COPD subjects. These findings seem to be driven by current smoking and are independent of airflow obstruction.. These data suggest that smoking upregulates a systemic pattern of neutrophil and macrophage chemoattractant expression, and this correlates significantly with the development of goblet cell hyperplasia.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Chemokine CCL2; Chemokine CCL22; Chemokine CCL3; Chemokine CCL4; Chemokine CCL7; Chemokines; Cytokines; Epidermal Growth Factor; Female; Goblet Cells; Humans; Hyperplasia; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-17; Interleukin-4; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Interleukin-9; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Mucins; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Smoking; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

On the model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the effect of therapy with low-molecular-weight peptides on restructuring and functional activity of bronchial epithelium for restoring the immune and barrier function of the lungs and prevention of inflammatory process progression was studied. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was modeled in rats by 60-day intermittent exposure to NO2. Administration of tetrapeptide Bronchogen for 1 month eliminates symptoms of remodeling of the bronchial epithelium and lung tissue typical of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (goblet cell hyperplasia, squamous metaplasia, lymphocytic infiltration and emphysema, and restoration of ciliated cells). Enhanced production of secretory IgA, a local immunity marker, attested to normalization of functional activity of bronchial epithelium, while normalization of cell composition and profile of proinflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar space reflected reduction of neutrophilic inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Cilia; Goblet Cells; Hyperplasia; Immunoglobulin A; Interleukin-8; Leukocyte Elastase; Lung; Male; Neutrophil Infiltration; Nitrogen Dioxide; Oligopeptides; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Pulmonary Emphysema; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Respiratory Mucosa; Respiratory System Agents; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Our previous study has demonstrated that naringin attenuates EGF-induced MUC5AC hypersecretion in A549 cells by suppressing the cooperative activities of MAPKs/AP-1 and IKKs/IκB/NF-κB signaling pathways. However, the volume of airway mucus is determined by two factors including the number of mucous cells and capacity of mucus secretion. The aim of the present study is to explore the mucoactive effects of naringin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mice and beagle dogs. The results demonstrated that naringin of 12.4 mg/kg treatment significantly decreased LPS-induced enhancement of sputum volume and pulmonary inflammation, remarkably increased the subglottic sputum volume and solids content in sputum of lower trachea, while partially, but not fully, significantly increased the elasticity and viscosity of sputum in lower trachea of beagle dogs. Moreover, the MUC5AC content in BALF and goblet-cells in large airways of LPS-induced ALI mice were significantly attenuated by dexamethasone (5 mg/kg), ambroxol (25 mg/kg), and naringin (15, 60 mg/kg). However, the goblet-cells hyperplasia in small airways induced by LPS was only significantly inhibited by dexamethasone and naringin (60 mg/kg). In conclusion, naringin exhibits mucoactive effects through multiple targets which including reduction of goblet cells hyperplasia and mucus hypersecretion, as well as promotion of sputum excretion.

Topics: Acute Lung Injury; Animals; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Dogs; Elasticity; Female; Flavanones; Goblet Cells; Hyperplasia; Interleukin-8; Leukocyte Count; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Mice; Mucin 5AC; Mucus; Pneumonia; Sputum; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Viscosity

Clinical trials of selective RAF inhibitors in patients with melanoma tumors harboring activated BRAFV600E have produced very promising results, and a RAF inhibitor has been approved for treatment of advanced melanoma. However, about a third of patients developed resectable skin tumors during the course of trials. This is likely related to observations that RAF inhibitors activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling, stimulate proliferation, and induce epithelial hyperplasia in preclinical models. Because these findings raise safety concerns about RAF inhibitor development, we further investigated the underlying mechanisms. We showed that the RAF inhibitor PF-04880594 induces ERK phosphorylation and RAF dimerization in those epithelial tissues that undergo hyperplasia. Hyperplasia and ERK hyperphosphorylation are prevented by treatment with the mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD-0325901 at exposures that extrapolate to clinically well-tolerated doses. To facilitate mechanistic and toxicologic studies, we developed a three-dimensional cell culture model of epithelial layering that recapitulated the RAF inhibitor-induced hyperplasia and reversal by MEK inhibitor in vitro. We also showed that PF-04880594 stimulates production of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 8 in HL-60 cells, suggesting a possible mechanism for the skin flushing observed in dogs. The complete inhibition of hyperplasia by MEK inhibitor in epithelial tissues does not seem to reduce RAF inhibitor efficacy and, in fact, allows doubling of the PF-04880594 dose without toxicity usually associated with such doses. These findings indicated that combination treatment with MEK inhibitors might greatly increase the safety and therapeutic index of RAF inhibitors for the treatment of melanoma and other cancers.

Topics: Animals; Benzamides; Diphenylamine; Dogs; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Epidermis; Epithelium; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; HL-60 Cells; Humans; Hyperplasia; Interleukin-8; Mice; Mice, Nude; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases; Models, Biological; Phosphorylation; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Multimerization; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines

To validate the hypothesis that the toxic heavy metal lead (Pb) may be linked to cardiovascular diseases via the initiation of atherosclerosis, in vivo and in vitro studies were conducted.. During the human study part of this project, serum Pb levels of healthy young women were correlated to carotid intima-media thickness. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that increased serum Pb levels were significantly associated with an increased intima-media thickness (P=0.01; odds ratio per SD unit, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1 to 2.4]). In vitro, Pb induced an increase in interleukin 8 production and secretion by vascular endothelial cells. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 is the crucial transcription factor involved in Pb-induced upregulation of interleukin 8. Endothelial cell-secreted interleukin 8 triggered intimal invasion of smooth muscle cells and enhanced intimal thickening in an arterial organ culture model. This phenomenon was further enhanced by Pb-increased elastin synthesis of smooth muscle cells.. Our data support the hypothesis that Pb is a novel, independent, and significant risk factor for intimal hyperplasia.

Topics: Adolescent; Carotid Artery Diseases; Cell Movement; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Elastin; Endothelial Cells; Female; Heat-Shock Proteins; Humans; Hyperplasia; Interleukin-8; Lead; Logistic Models; Mammary Arteries; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Odds Ratio; Organ Culture Techniques; Radial Artery; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Tunica Intima; Ultrasonography; Up-Regulation; Young Adult

Neutrophils are the main opponents of Candida albicans in chronic hyperplastic candidosis. They migrate from the circulation to the epithelium where they form microabscesses. We therefore hypothesized that the neutrophil chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) might play a role in the neutrophil-Candida interaction.. Biopsies from patients with chronic hyperplastic candidosis (n = 10) were stained using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex protocol for IL-8 and IL-8 receptor A and were compared to healthy control mucosa (n = 3). A set of C. albicans agar sections was similarly analysed.. In chronic hyperplastic candidosis lesions IL-8 was strongly expressed in both vascular endothelium and mucosal epithelium. Many resident and immigrant inflammatory cells, including intraepithelial neutrophils, were IL-8 receptor A positive. In addition, IL-8 (or an analogue) was found in the candidal mother cell in chronic hyperplastic candidosis and in agar, whereas the tips of the hyphae expressed IL-8 receptor A (or an analogue).. IL-8 may play a role in the recruitment of neutrophils from the vascular compartment to the epithelial microabscesses. C. albicans may have developed an ability to sense IL-8. The IL-8 ligand-receptor interaction may help to direct the growth of the IL-8-receptor-containing tips of the hyphae away from the IL-8-producing candidal cell body (a centrifugal growth pattern to facilitate host tissue penetration). Later, this ability might help to keep the vulnerable hyphal tips away from areas with high concentrations of host IL-8 and candidacidal neutrophils. We suggest that this phenomenon, in contrast to chemotropism, is named chemophobia.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Candida albicans; Candidiasis, Oral; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Chronic Disease; Endothelium, Vascular; Epithelium; Female; Humans; Hyperplasia; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Interleukin-8; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa; Neutrophil Infiltration; Neutrophils; Palate; Receptors, Interleukin-8A; Tongue Diseases

Although there is experimental evidence supporting the involvement of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, the exact nature and effects of interaction between human breast epithelial cells (HBECs) and endothelial cells (ECs) have not been described thus far. This approach requires an assay system that permits growth and differentiation of both epithelial and endothelial cells. Here, we report the development of a three-dimensional in vitro culture system that supports growth and functional differentiation of preneoplastic HBECs and ECs and recapitulates estrogen-induced in vivo effects on angiogenesis and the proliferative potential of MCF10AT xenografts. MCF10A and MCF10AT1-EIII8 (referred to as EIII8) cell lines used in this study are normal or produce preneoplastic lesions, respectively. When MCF10A or EIII8 cells are seeded on reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel), both lines organize into a three-dimensional tubular network of cells; however, tubes produced by EIII8 cells appear multicellular in contrast to unicellular structures formed by MCF10A cells. However, when MCF10A or EIII8 cells are cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on Matrigel, rather than interacting with extracellular matrix, the ECs exhibit preferential adherence to epithelial cells. Although both MCF10A and EIII8 cells provide preferential substrate for EC attachment, only EIII8 cells facilitate sustained proliferation of ECs for prolonged periods that are visualized as "endothelial cell enriched spots," which express factor VIII-related antigen. At regions of endothelial-enriched spots, preneoplastic HBECs undergo branching ductal-alveolar morphogenesis that produce mucin, express cytokeratins, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. The presence of actively proliferating and functional endothelial cells is essential for ductal-alveolar morphogenesis of preneoplastic HBECs because without ECs, the epithelial cells formed only tubular structures. This ability to establish functional ECs and ductal-alveolar morphogenesis is facilitated only by preneoplastic HBECs because normal MCF10A cells fail to elicit similar effects. Thus, a cause-effect relationship that is mutually beneficial exists between EC and preneoplastic HBECs that is critical for generation of functional vascular networks and local proliferative ductal alveolar outgrowths with invasive potential. Both these processes are augmented by estrogen, whereas antiestrogens inhibit

Topics: Basement Membrane; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Differentiation; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Coculture Techniques; Collagen; Culture Media, Conditioned; Drug Combinations; Endothelial Growth Factors; Endothelium, Vascular; Epithelial Cells; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Hyperplasia; Interleukin-8; Keratins; Laminin; Lymphokines; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Mucins; Precancerous Conditions; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; Proteoglycans; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Receptors, Growth Factor; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; Umbilical Veins; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Forty healthy young subjects, ages 20 to 49 yr, underwent videobronchoscopy, mucosal biopsy, and bronchial lavage to evaluate the airway inflammation produced by habitual smoking of marijuana and/or tobacco. Videotapes were graded in a blinded manner for central airway erythema, edema, and airway secretions using a modified visual bronchitis index. The bronchitis index scores were significantly higher in marijuana smokers (MS), tobacco smokers (TS), and in combined marijuana/tobacco smokers (MTS), than in nonsmokers (NS). As a pathologic correlate, mucosal biopsies were evaluated for the presence of vascular hyperplasia, submucosal edema, inflammatory cell infiltrates, and goblet cell hyperplasia. Biopsies were positive for two of these criteria in 97% of all smokers and for three criteria in 72%. By contrast, none of the biopsies from NS exhibited greater than one positive finding. Finally, as a measure of distal airway inflammation, neutrophil counts and interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentrations were determined in bronchial lavage fluid. The percentage of neutrophils correlated with IL-8 levels and exceeded 20% in 0 of 10 NS, 1 of 9 MS, 2 of 9 TS, and 5 of 10 MTS. We conclude that regular smoking of marijuana by young adults is associated with significant airway inflammation that is similar in frequency, type, and magnitude to that observed in the lungs of tobacco smokers.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Biopsy; Blood Vessels; Bronchitis; Bronchoalveolar Lavage; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Bronchoscopy; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Hyperplasia; Inflammation; Interleukin-8; Leukocyte Count; Male; Marijuana Smoking; Maximal Midexpiratory Flow Rate; Middle Aged; Neutrophils; Pulmonary Edema; Single-Blind Method; Smoking; Sputum; Videotape Recording; Vital Capacity

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are potent chemokines which attract circulating monocytes and neutrophils respectively to inflamed tissues. JE/MCP-1 gene expression has been previously studied in rabbit aortae after endothelial denudation and the rapid appearance of this transcript was thought to precede emigration of phagocytes. We now report MCP-1 gene expression following de-endothelialization of iliac arteries in the pig, a species which can develop spontaneous atherosclerosis. Using Northern blot analysis, we demonstrated that MCP-1 mRNA was rapidly induced in pig arteries at 2 h and continued to increase to reach a maximum at 8 h before returning to low levels at 16-24 h after injury. The increase seen for MCP-1 mRNA at 8 h was also observed for IL-8 mRNA but was not apparent for growth-related gene expressions, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Since smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and phagocytes are all capable of expressing MCP-1, we examined pig arteries for immunostaining using a monoclonal antibody to human MCP-1 (5D3-F7). At 8 h after injury, the predominant cell type staining positive for MCP-1 was the monocyte/macrophage. Staining was also observed in occasional scattered neutrophils, but MCP-1 protein could not be detected in smooth muscle cells or on extracellular matrix within the sensitivity constraints posed by our methodology. Our results are consistent with invading monocyte/macrophages having a major input into the production of this chemokine in the arterial wall following injury. The fact that MCP-1 expression accompanied monocyte/macrophage presence in damaged artery, rather than preceding it, is suggestive that continued MCP-1 expression is required for functions other than chemoattraction.

Topics: Animals; Arteries; Catheterization; Chemokine CCL2; Endothelium, Vascular; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Hyperplasia; Iliac Artery; Interleukin-8; Macrophages; Male; Monocytes; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; RNA, Messenger; Swine; Time Factors; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator

Expansion of mature neutrophils has been observed in mice lacking the murine interleukin (IL) 8 receptor homolog [mIL-8Rh(-/-)], and human (hu) IL-8 suppresses proliferation of primitive myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate involvement and relevance of murine IL-8 receptor homolog (mIL-8Rh) in negative regulation of myelopoiesis, we studied mIL-8Rh(-/-) and (+/+) mice raised in a normal or germ-free environment. Immature myeloid progenitors from mIL-8Rh(+/+) mice bred under normal or germ-free conditions were significantly suppressed in vitro by recombinant huIL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1 alpha, platelet factor (PF) 4, interferon inducible protein (IP) 10, monocyte chemotactic peptide (MCP) 1, and H-ferritin. In contrast, progenitors from mIL-8Rh(-/-) mice were insensitive to inhibition by IL-8, but not to these other chemokines and H-ferritin. Mouse MIP-2, a ligand for mIL-8Rh, suppressed progenitors from normal but not mIL-8Rh(-/-) mice. Under normal environmental conditions, enhanced numbers of myeloid progenitors were found in femur, spleen, and blood of mIL-8Rh(-/-) compared with mIL-8Rh(+/+) mice. Numbers of myeloid progenitors were greatly decreased in mIL-8Rh(-/-)and (+/+) mice in germ-free conditions, and were either not significantly enhanced in mIL-8Rh(-/-) mice compared with (+/+) mice or were only moderately so. Differences in progenitors/organ between a germ-free and normal environment were greater for the mIL-8Rh(-/-) mice. These results document selective insensitivity of myeloid progenitor cells from mIL-8Rh(-/-) mice to inhibition by huIL-8 and mouse MIP-2 and a large expansion of myeloid progenitors in these mice, the latter effect being environmentally inducible. This provides strong support for a negative myeloid regulatory role played by the mIL-8Rh in vivo, whose active ligand may be MIP-2.

Topics: Animals; Antigens, CD; Bone Marrow Cells; Cell Differentiation; Chemokine CCL2; Chemokine CCL5; Chemokine CXCL10; Chemokines; Chemokines, CXC; Cytokines; Germ-Free Life; Hematopoiesis; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Hyperplasia; Interleukin-8; Macrophage Inflammatory Proteins; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Mutant Strains; Platelet Factor 4; Receptors, Interleukin; Receptors, Interleukin-8A; Spleen

Implantation of abraded polyethylene intramammary devices (IMD) for six months in the mammary glands of cows resulted in macroscopic and microscopic pathological changes in udder tissue. These changes were characterised by hyperplasia and metaplasia of the epithelial cells and hypertrophy of the subepithelial connective tissue examined by light and electron microscopy (EM). Quarters containing IMDs also had increased numbers of neutrophils and macrophages in the subepithelial stroma compared with control quarters. IMDs recovered six months after implantation were shown by transmission and scanning EM to be covered with plaque and cells. These cells were mainly macrophages, although other leucocytes were also present. In vitro culture of recovered IMDs in the presence of lipopolysaccharide resulted in the release of neutrophil chemotactic factor, or factors, and interleukin-1. Some quarters with IMDs also had concurrent infections at the time of slaughter. In these cases both the pathological changes seen in the tissues and the release of soluble mediators following in vitro culture of the IMDs were significantly increased compared with sterile quarters containing IMD.

Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Chemotactic Factors; Epithelium; Female; Hyperplasia; Hypertrophy; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-2; Interleukin-8; Interleukins; Mammary Glands, Animal; Metaplasia; Microscopy, Electron; Neutrophils; Prostheses and Implants