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Kawasaki disease (KD) primarily affects the pediatric population and exhibits a notable incidence of drug resistance, resulting in coronary artery damage and thrombosis. This study aimed to identify innovative therapeutic targets for KD treatment. By harnessing single-cell data derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we identified differentially expressed genes. Through the integration of eQTL data and Mendelian randomization analysis, we identified FCGR3B and S100A12 were causally linked to KD. The DrugBank database showed their potential as drug target candidates. GSEA further elucidated their roles on coronary artery damage and thrombosis. Furthermore, we have confirmed that the ligand-FCGR3B complex enhances the intracellular calcium concentration (Ca 2+ ) within the cytoplasm, which in turn accelerates the secretion of S100A12, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that targets endothelial cells, from neutrophils. By integrating existing research, we proposed a synergistic effect that FCGR3B-S100A12 pathway positively modulates the development of coronary artery damage and thrombus formation, suggesting their perspectives in clinical treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare there are no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with immune dysregulation affecting colon inflammatory response. Recent studies have highlighted that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of UC. Berbamine (BBM), one of the bioactive ingredients extracted from Chinese herbal medicine Berberis vulgaris L, has attracted intensive attentions due to its significant anti-inflammatory activity and a marketing drug for treating leukemia in China. However, the exact role and potential molecular mechanism of BBM against UC remains elusive. In the present study, our results showed that BBM could markedly improve the pathological phenotype and the colon inflammation in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Then, comprehensive approaches combining network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses were employed to predict the therapeutic potential of BBM in treating UC by peptidyl-arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), a crucial molecule involved in NETs formation. The molecular docking results showed BBM had a high affinity for PAD4 with a binding energy of -9.3 kcal/mol Moreover, PAD4 expression and NETs productions, including citrullination of histone H3 (Cit-H3), neutrophil elastase (NE), myeloperoxidase (MPO) in both neutrophils and colonic tissue were reduced after BBM administration. However, in the mice with DSS-induced colitis pretreated with GSK484, a PAD4-specific inhibitor, BBM could not further reduce disease related indexes, expression of PAD4 and NETs productions. Above all, the identification of PAD4 as a potential target for BBM to inhibit NETs formation in colitis provides novel insights into the development of BBM-derived drugs for the clinical management of UC., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships in this publication., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Acute lung injury (ALI) remains to cause a high rate of mortality in critically ill patients. It is known that inflammation is a key factor in the pathogenesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI, which makes it a relevant approach to the treatment of ALI. In this study, we evaluated the potential of nasally instilled p-coumaric acid to prevent LPS-induced ALI in mice, by evaluating its effects on cellular and molecular targets involved in inflammatory response via in vitro and in silico approaches. Our results demonstrated that p-coumaric acid reduced both neutrophil accumulation and pro-inflammatory cytokine abundance, and simultaneously increased IL-10 production at the site of inflammation, potentially contributing to protection against LPS-induced ALI in mice. In the in vitro experiments, we observed inhibitory effects of p-coumaric acid against IL-6 and IL-8 production in stimulated A549 cells, as well as reactive oxygen species generation by neutrophils. In addition, p-coumaric acid treatment decreased neutrophil adhesion on the TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cells. According to the in silico predictions, p-coumaric acid reached stable interactions with both the ATP-binding site of IKKβ as well as the regions within LFA-1, critical for interaction with ICAM-1, thereby suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators and hindering the neutrophil infiltration, respectively. Collectively, these findings indicate that p-coumaric acid is a promising anti-inflammatory agent that can be used for developing a pharmaceutical drug for the treatment of ALI and other inflammatory disorders., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Little information is available on the influence of sex in combination with smoking habits and combined oral contraceptives (COC) use on cellular inflammatory indexes such as neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NRL (dNLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), mean platelet volume/platelet count (MPV/PLT), aggregate inflammation systemic index (AISI), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), which are cost-effective biomarkers to assessing inflammation. Therefore, the effect of COC was studied alone or in association with smoking and compared with results from healthy COC-free women and men. Furthermore, the association of cellular inflammatory indexes with endothelial function (arginine (Arg), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde MDA) biomarkers was evaluated. Blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analysis, which were used to calculate PLR, NLR, dNLR, MLR, MPV/PLT, AISI, and SIRI. Serum samples were assayed for Arg, ADMA, SDMA, and MDA. Monocytes, MLR, SIRI, and MPV/PLT were higher in men, while PLT count was higher in women. COC use increased lymphocytes and lowered PLR and MLR. Smoking reduced sexually divergent parameters, especially in COC users: smoking and non-smoking COC-free women displayed six divergent parameters, while COC users displayed only two (monocytes and MPV). In addition, COC affected endothelial function, reducing ADMA and Arg. Moreover, COC-free women had lower Arg levels than men. In conclusion, COC use strongly influence the effects of tobacco smoking, which are sex and parameter specific. Further, these data stress that COC use and smoking attitude select different cohorts indicating that sex and gender studies need intersectionality., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to synthesise the novel di-tert-butylphenol compound, 5-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-thioxo-dihydropyrimidine-4,6(1H, 5H)-dione (LQFM218), and evaluate the potential anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in acute (mice) models in vivo. The compound was tested on acute models of pain such as acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, formalin-induced nociception and carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. The anti-inflammatory activity was observed in paw oedema, carrageenan-induced pleurisy tests and inflammatory mediator quantification. Key findings: oral treatment with the LQFM218 (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) reduced abdominal writhing (18.8%, 31.6% and 48.3%). The dose intermediate (100 mg/kg) reduced the nociception in the second phase of the formalin test (61.4%), and also showed anti-hyperalgic activity in carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia (until 42.3%). In acute inflammation models, the treatment of mice LQFM218 (100 mg/kg) reduced the paw oedema all the time (33.8%, 42.6%, 37.4% and 36%) and in pleurisy test reduced: polymorphonuclear cell migration (35.4%), myeloperoxidase activity (52.2%) and the levels of inflammatory mediators such as PGE 2 (23.0%), TNF-α (67.6%) and IL-1β (53.4%). The present study showed that LQFM218 effectively reduced the nociception and inflammation in different models, and its mechanism might be related to the reduction of PGE 2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings show LQFM218 as a potential anti-inflammatory drug., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We have previously shown that endogenous adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), via P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors, plays an essential role in carrageenan-induced articular hyperalgesia model in rats' knee joint. In the present study, we used the rat knee joint incapacitation test, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and myeloperoxidase enzyme activity assay, to test the hypothesis that the activation of P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors by their agonist induces articular hyperalgesia mediated by the inflammatory mediators bradykinin, prostaglandin, sympathomimetic amines, pro-inflammatory cytokines and by neutrophil migration. We also tested the hypothesis that the activation of P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors contributes to the articular hyperalgesia induced by the inflammatory mediators belonging to carrageenan inflammatory cascade. The non-selective P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors agonist αβ-meATP induced a dose-dependent articular hyperalgesia, which was significantly reduced by the selective antagonists for P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors (A-317491), bradykinin B 1 - (DALBK) or B 2 -receptors (bradyzide), β 1 -(atenolol) or β 2 -adrenoceptors (ICI-118,551), by the pre-treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) or with the nonspecific selectin inhibitor (Fucoidan). αβ-meATP induced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and CINC-1, as well as the neutrophil migration. Moreover, the co-administration of A-317491 significantly reduced the articular hyperalgesia induced by bradykinin, prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), and dopamine. These findings suggest that peripheral P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors activation induces articular hyperalgesia by an indirect sensitization of the primary afferent nociceptor of rats' knee joint through the release of inflammatory mediators. Further, they also indicate that the activation of these purinergic receptors by endogenous ATP mediates the bradykinin-, PGE 2 -, and dopamine-induced articular hyperalgesia., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None declared., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Vitamin D (VD3, cholecalciferol), besides its role on bone calcium homeostasis, has also been shown to present anti-inflammatory actions. The objectives of the present work were to further extend these findings, focusing onVD3action mechanisms at the molecular level and onits central and peripheral effects. For that, VD3 antinociceptive and mainly anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by acute models of nociception (formalin test) and inflammation (carrageenan-induced paw edema), in mice pretreated orally for 7 days with VD3 (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg). Afterwards, the edematous paws were evaluated by immunohistochemical assays for TNF-alpha. In addition, brains from mice pretreated with VD3, at the same conditions, were harvested for iNOS andCOX-2 immunohistochemical (IHC) assays. The anti-inflammatory effect of VD3 on human neutrophil degranulation was evaluated by the release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, as well as by the reactive oxygen species production. VD3 significantly reduced the licking time in the formalin test, at the second phase (inflammatory pain). VD3 also reduced the edema volume and the number of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells, as well as the TNF-alpha expression in the edematous paws, compared with the control group. Furthermore, VD3 significantly decreased iNOS and COX-2 expressions in brain areas, such as hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and inhibited the degranulation of activated neutrophils by the reduction of ROS production and MPO release. Based in these results, VD3 presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, manifested at peripheral and central sites as showed in the present work for the first time., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Psoriasis is clinically characterized by well-demarcated silvery plaques which may appear on the extremities, scalp, and sacral area. The multidimensional interactions among innate immune cells [neutrophils and dendritic cells (DCs)], adaptive immune cells and skin resident cells result in characteristic features of psoriatic inflammation such as acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and parakeratosis. Tec family kinases are involved in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases. One of them is Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) which is reported to carry out inflammatory and oxidative signaling in neutrophils and DCs. Effect of BTK inhibitor with regard to psoriatic inflammation has not been explored previously especially in a therapeutic setting. In the current investigation, effect of BTK inhibitor, Ibrutinib on oxidative/inflammatory signaling in dermal/splenic neutrophils [phosphorylated BTK (p-BTK), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitrotyrosine], CD11c + DCs (p-BTK, iNOS, nitrotyrosine, MCP-1, TNF-α) and enzymatic antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR)] in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic inflammation was evaluated using therapeutic mode. Our results show that IMQ treatment led to induction of p-BTK expression along with concomitant increase in oxidative stress in neutrophils, and CD11c + DCs in skin/periphery. Therapeutic treatment with Ibrutinib caused attenuation of IMQ-induced oxidative stress in CD11c + DCs and neutrophils. Further there were dysregulations in antioxidants enzymes (SOD/GPx/GR) in the skin of IMQ-treated mice, which were corrected by Ibrutinib. In short, our study reveals that BTK signaling in neutrophils and CD11c + DCs upregulates oxidative stress which is concomitant with psoriatic inflammation in mice. Ibrutinib attenuates psoriasis inflammation through downregulation of oxidative stress in these innate immune cells., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Accumulating evidence suggests that non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) infection drives the development of steroid-resistant allergic airway disease (SRAAD), exacerbates clinical symptoms, worsens quality of life, and accounts for most of the related healthcare burden. The poor understanding of the pathogenesis of SRAAD deters the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we established a murine model of NTHi infection-induced exacerbation of allergic airway disease. We showed that NTHi infection drove Th 17-mediated pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation, aggravated airway hyper-responsiveness, and upset the balance of MUC5AC and MUC5B expression. Dexamethasone treatment effectively inhibited the features of allergic airway disease but failed to reduce NTHi-induced exacerbation, which was associated with the hyper-phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Interestingly, inhibition of p38 using a specific inhibitor (SB203580) only partly suppressed the airway hyper-responsiveness and mucus hyper-secretion but failed to abrogate the infection-induced neutrophilic inflammatory response in SRAAD. However, SB203580 and dexamethasone co-treatment substantially suppressed all the features of NTHi-induced SRAAD. Our findings highlight the importance of p38 MAPK in the pathogenesis of NTHi-induced steroid resistance, and this combined treatment approach may be a novel strategy against steroid-resistant asthma., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome are life-threatening conditions that still have no definite pharmacotherapy. Hence, we investigate the potential effectiveness and underlying mechanism of CT-133, a newly developed selective antagonist of prostaglandin D2 receptor 2 (DP2) or of chemoattractant receptor homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2), against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. CT-133 (10 or 30 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, positive control) were intragastrically administered 1 h before and 12 h after intratracheal LPS instillation, and primary neutrophils and macrophages and RAW264.7 macrophages were used to investigate the role of CT-133 in regulation of their functions. LPS induced a significant secretion of PGD 2 from primary macrophages, however, CT-133 dose-dependently and markedly decreased the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages into lungs, reduced the IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and KC levels in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluids, decreased the wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity of lungs, reduced Evans blue and albumin exudation into lungs, and improved the lung histopathological changes and hypoxemia. Moreover, CT-133 significantly suppressed the primary neutrophil migration toward the PGD 2 and robustly inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and KC in primary and RAW264.7 macrophages in response to either LPS- or PGD 2 stimulation. Finally, CT-133 significantly blocked the LPS-induced P65 activation in both RAW264.7 macrophages and mouse lungs. Thus, This is the first report that a CRTH2 antagonist, CT-133, is capable of significantly alleviating LPS-induced lung injury by probably down-regulating the NF-κB signalling., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Nimesulide is a relatively selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; it has been discovered in 1971 and firstly commercialized in Italy in 1985. There is much evidence that the pharmacological profile of nimesulide is peculiar and not shared with the other COX-2 selective inhibitors, suggesting that other molecular mechanisms besides inhibition of COX-2 derived prostaglandins are involved. Similarly, experimental data suggest that the gastrointestinal safety of nimesulide cannot be ascribed only to a COX-1 sparing effect. On the inflammatory process, the efficacy of nimesulide is dependent upon a wide spectrum of actions, due to the combination of effects on immune and non-immune cells. Early data demonstrated a central role for cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the anti-inflammatory effect of nimesulide; more recently, we have shown the involvement of the pathway ecto-5'-nucleotidase/adenosine A 2A receptor. To date, the molecular mechanism(s) that confers uniqueness to nimesulide have not yet been defined. To go inside the mechanism of action of an existing drug, such as nimesulide, would be helpful to refine its therapeutic use but also to identify new targets for novel therapeutic anti-inflammatory approach. Here, we focus on accumulated evidence for a peculiar pharmacological profile of nimesulide., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of vaspin on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) and explore the underlying mechanism. The MIRI model was induced with 30 min of left anterior descending (LAD) occlusion followed by 24 h of reperfusion. In vivo, the rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) Sham, (2) MIRI, (3) MIRI + vaspin (10 mg/kg), (4) MIRI + vaspin (20 mg/kg) and (5) MIRI + vaspin (40 mg/kg). In vitro, H9C2 cells were assigned to five groups: (1) control, (2) hypoxia-re-oxygenation (H/R), (3) H/R + vaspin (1 μg/ml), (4) H/R + vaspin (2 μg/ml) and (5) H/R + vaspin (4 μg/ml). As a result, vaspin ameliorated MIRI and H/R in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, TUNEL Assay and MTT assay, respectively, meanwhile vaspin decreased the levels of creatine phosphokinase-isoenzyme (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in rat serum, moreover, vaspin could reduce the contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in serum of rats and supernatant of H9C2 cells. Furthermore, vaspin down-regulated the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in MIRI rats and H/R-induced H9C2 cells. In addition, patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) had lower levels of vaspin than patients without. In conclusion, vaspin might be a useful predictive biomarker in patients with AMI; furthermore, vaspin exhibits cardioprotective effects on MIRI which might act through inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Immune cell death caused by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), referred to as NETosis, can contribute to the pathogenesis of endotoxemia and organ damage. Although the mechanisms by which infection induces NETosis and how that leads to organ dysfunction remain largely unknown, NET formation is often found following citrullination of histone H3 (CitH3) by peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD). We hypothesized that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of PAD and subsequent CitH3-mediated NET formation increases endothelial permeability and pulmonary dysfunction and, therefore, that inhibition of PAD can mitigate damage and improve survival in lethal endotoxemia. Here, we showed that treatment with YW3-56, a PAD2/PAD4 inhibitor, significantly diminished PAD activation, blocked LPS-induced pulmonary vascular leakage, alleviated acute lung injury, and improved survival in a mouse model of lethal LPS-induced endotoxemia. We found CitH3 in the bloodstream 30 min after intraperitoneal injection of LPS (35 mg/kg) into mice. Additionally, CitH3 production was induced in cultured neutrophils exposed to LPS, and NETs derived from these LPS-treated neutrophils increased the permeability of endothelial cells. However, YW3-56 reduced CitH3 production and NET formation by neutrophils following LPS exposure. Moreover, treatment with YW3-56 decreased the levels of circulating CitH3 and abolished neutrophil activation and NET formation in the lungs of mice with endotoxemia. These data suggest a novel mechanism by which PAD-NET-CitH3 can play a pivotal role in pulmonary vascular dysfunction and the pathogenesis of lethal endotoxemia., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to control inflammatory pain, but there is a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and increased heart failure risk. The search for new drugs remains ongoing, and natural products are a source for potential new compounds. Mangiferin, a natural xanthone C-glucoside, has demonstrated biological activity, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but it's mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of local administration of mangiferin. We employed an electronic von Frey apparatus to evaluate mechanical hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan in rats. Mangiferin (150-1200 µg/paw), administered locally into the hindpaw, prevented hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent - 150 µg (- 9%), 300 µg (- 27%, P < 0.01), 600 µg (- 77%, P < 0.001) and 1000 µg (- 93%, P < 0.001) - and local manner. Mangiferin showed decreased levels of TNF-α (P < 0.001) and CINC-1 (P < 0.001), but not IL-1β; it also prevented neutrophil migration (P < 0.01), but not the increased COX-2 expression in peripheral tissue challenged with carrageenan. To further explore the mechanisms of mangiferin actions, rats were injected with modulators of inflammation and nociception; mangiferin prevented hyperalgesia induced by IL-1β (P < 0.01), CINC-1 (P < 0.01), epinephrine (P < 0.01), 8-Br-cAMP (P < 0.01) or capsaicin (P < 0.01), but not that induced by PGE 2 or α,β-MeATP. Our study shows that mangiferin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties when locally administrated. The control of the inflammatory response and mechanical hyperalgesia by mangiferin depends on the inhibition of TNF-α production/release and the CINC1/epinephrine/PKA pathway, supporting its marked inhibition of inflammatory mechanical hyperalgesia., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study investigates the effect and the underlying mechanism of 2',3-dihydroxy-5-methoxybiphenyl (RIR-2), a lignan extracted from the roots of Rhaphiolepis indica (L.) Lindl. ex Ker var. tashiroi Hayata ex Matsum. & Hayata (Rosaceae), on N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced respiratory burst and cathepsin G in human neutrophils. Signaling pathways regulated by RIR-2 which modulated fMLP-induced respiratory burst were evaluated by an interaction between β subunit of G-protein (Gβ) with downstream signaling induced by fMLP and by immunoblotting analysis of the downstream targets of Gβ-protein. RIR-2 inhibited fMLP-induced superoxide anion production (IC 50 :2.57 ± 0.22 μM), cathepsin G release (IC 50 :18.72 ± 3.76 μM) and migration in a concentration dependent manner. RIR-2 specifically suppresses fMLP-induced Src family kinases phosphorylation by inhibiting the interaction between Gβ-protein with Src kinases without inhibiting Src kinases activities, therefore, RIR-2 attenuated the downstream targets of Src kinase, such as phosphorylation of Raf/ERK, AKT, P38, PLCγ2, PKC and translocation Tec, p47 ph ° x and P40 ph ° x from the cytosol to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Furthermore, RIR-2 attenuated fMLP-induced intracellular calcium mobilization by inhibiting the interaction between Gβ-protein with PLCβ2. RIR-2 was not a competitive or allosteric antagonist of fMLP. On the contrary, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced phosphorylation of Src, AKT, P38, PKC and membrane localization of p47 ph ° x and P40 ph ° x remained unaffected. RIR-2 specifically modulates fMLP-mediated neutrophil superoxide anion production and cathepsin G release by inhibiting the interaction between Gβ-protein with downstream signaling which subsequently interferes with the activation of intracellular calcium, PLCγ2, AKT, p38, PKC, ERK, p47 ph ° x and p40 phox ., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ethanol consumption is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), but the molecular mechanisms through which ethanol causes ED remain elusive. Reactive oxygen species are described as mediators of ethanol-induced cell toxicity/damage in distinctive tissues. The enzyme NADPH oxidase is the main source of reactive oxygen species in the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells and ethanol is described to increase NADPH oxidase activation and reactive oxygen species generation. This study evaluated the contribution of NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species to ethanol-induced ED, endothelial dysfunction and production of pro-inflammatory and redox-sensitive proteins in the rat cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM). Male Wistar rats were treated with ethanol (20% v/v) or ethanol plus apocynin (30mg/kg/day; p.o. gavage) for six weeks. Apocynin prevented both the decreased in acetylcholine-induced relaxation and intracavernosal pressure induced by ethanol. Ethanol increased superoxide anion (O 2 - ) generation and catalase activity in CSM, and treatment with apocynin prevented these responses. Similarly, apocynin prevented the ethanol-induced decreased of nitrate/nitrite (NOx), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and SOD activity. Treatment with ethanol increased p47phox translocation to the membrane as well as the expression of Nox2, COX-1, catalase, iNOS, ICAM-1 and p65. Apocynin prevented the effects of ethanol on protein expression and p47phox translocation. Finally, treatment with ethanol increased both TNF-α production and neutrophil migration in CSM. The major new finding of this study is that NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species play a role on chronic ethanol consumption-induced ED and endothelial dysfunction in the rat CSM., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Magnesium sulphate is a potential treatment for acute severe asthma. However, the mechanisms and dose-response relationships are poorly understood. The first objective of this study was to examine whether inhaled magnesium sulphate exerts bronchodilator activity measured as bronchoprotection against histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in conscious guinea-pigs alone and combined with salbutamol. Secondly, we examined whether inhaled magnesium sulphate inhibits airways inflammation and function in models of neutrophilic and eosinophilic lung inflammation induced, respectively, by inhaled lipopolysaccharide or the inhaled antigen, ovalbumin (OVA). Airway function was measured in conscious guinea-pigs as specific airway conductance (sG aw ) by whole-body plethysmography. Anti-inflammatory activity was measured against lung inflammatory cell influx induced by OVA inhalation in OVA-sensitised animals or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure of non-sensitised animals. Airway function (sG aw ) was measured over 24h after OVA exposure. Airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled histamine and inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were recorded 24h after OVA or LPS challenge. Histamine-induced bronchoconstriction was inhibited by inhaled magnesium sulphate or salbutamol alone and in combination, they produced synergistic bronchoprotection. LPS-induced neutrophil influx was inhibited by 6 days pretreatment with magnesium sulphate. Early and late asthmatic responses in OVA sensitised and challenged animals were attenuated by magnesium sulphate. Lung inflammatory cells were increased by OVA, macrophages being significantly reduced by magnesium sulphate. Nebulised magnesium sulphate protects against histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in conscious guinea-pigs and exerts anti-inflammatory activity against pulmonary inflammation induced by allergen (OVA) or LPS. These properties of magnesium sulphate explain its beneficial actions in acute asthma., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Induction of excessive, prolonged, or dysregulated immune responses causes immunological disorders, such as inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, and organ-graft rejections. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of HHX-5, a derivative of sesquiterpene from Chinese agarwood, on innate and adaptive immunity for revealing its potential to treat above immunological disorders. The results showed that HHX-5 significantly inhibited the activation of macrophages and neutrophils which play important roles in innate immunity. Furthermore, HHX-5 strongly suppressed adaptive immunity via inhibiting differentiation of naive CD4 + T cells into Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells and suppressing activation, proliferation and differentiation of CD8 + T cells and B cells. The mechanism study showed that HHX-5 significantly inhibited STAT1 signaling pathway in macrophages and suppressed STAT1, STAT4, STAT5, and STAT6 signaling pathways in naive CD4 + T cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that HHX-5 can strongly inhibit innate and adaptive immunity via suppressing STAT signaling pathways and has potential to be developed into therapeutic drug for treat immunological disorders., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Neutrophils are well-known to act in the destruction of invading microorganisms. They have also been implicated in the activation of other immune cells including B- and T-lymphocytes and in the resolution of inflammation and tissue regeneration. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the circulation from where they migrate to tissues to perform their effector functions. Neutrophils are in constant contact with fatty acids that can modulate their function, activation and fate (survival or cell death) through different mechanisms. In this review, the effects of fatty acids pertaining to five classes, namely, long-chain saturated fatty acids (LCSFAs), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and omega-3 (n-3), omega-6 (n-6) and omega-9 (n-9) unsaturated fatty acids, on neutrophils and the relevance of these effects for disease development are discussed., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Fab fragments (Fabs), which lack effector functions due to the absence of the Fc portion, maintain the ability to bind to specific allergens. In the present study, we examined whether Fabs of an allergen-specific IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) were able to regulate allergen-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice. BALB/c mice passively sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgE mAb were repeatedly challenged with OVA applied to the skin after sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment. Fabs prepared by the digestion of anti-OVA IgG1 mAb (O1-10) with papain were applied to the skin 30min before the OVA challenges followed by measurement of clinical symptoms including erythema/hemorrhage, edema, scarring/dryness, and excoriation/erosion of the skin. Treatment with O1-10 Fabs, but not intact O1-10, showed inhibition of clinical symptoms (P<0.01) induced by the repeated OVA challenges in the sensitized mice; O1-10 Fabs suppressed histological changes such as epidermal hyperplasia (P<0.01) and the accumulation of mast cells (P<0.01) and neutrophils (P<0.01). Furthermore, treatment with O1-10 Fabs inhibited the increase in levels of IL-13 (P<0.01) and IL-17A production (P<0.05) in the lymph nodes of the sensitized mice. Additionally, the increased level of OVA in serum following the repeated OVA challenges in the sensitized mice was reduced by the treatment (P<0.05). These results suggest that topical application of pathogenic allergen-specific IgG1 mAb Fabs to the skin of mice is effective in suppressing allergen-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions, suggesting that allergen-specific mAb Fabs could be used as a tool to regulate allergen-induced atopic dermatitis., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Endothelial dysfunction is believed the early stage of development of diabetic cardiovascular complications. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) regulates various biological activities by binding to sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) including S1PR1-S1PR5. In the present study, the role of S1P receptors in S1P-induced human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) dysfunction under high glucose condition was investigated and the underlying mechanism was explored. S1PR1-S1PR5 mRNA levels were detected by quantitative Real-time PCR. NO level and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN)-endothelial cells adhesion were measured by nitrate reductase and myeloperoxidase colorimetric method, respectively. Protein levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt were measured by Western blot analysis. S1PR2 were found the predominant S1P receptor expressed in HCAECs exposed to high glucose. NO level and eNOS activity were remarkably decreased, while PMN adhesion, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 protein levels were increased significantly by S1P treatment in HCAECs exposed to high glucose and normal glucose. Blockage of S1PR2 with specific antagonist JTE-013 and small interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in enhanced NO level and eNOS activity as well as decreased PMN adhesion, reduced protein levels of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 induced by S1P. Furthermore, Phosphor-PI3K and phosphor-Akt level were markedly increased by S1PR2 blockade in S1P-treated cells exposed to high glucose, which were suppressed by PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. In conclusion, S1P/S1PR2 mediated endothelial dysfunction partly by inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling pathway under high glucose condition. S1PR2 blockage could ameliorate endothelial dysfunction which might provide a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic vascular complications., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Oxidative stress is usually considered as an important factor to the pathogenesis of various diseases. Peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) and hypochlorite (OCl(-)) are formed in immune cells as a part of the innate host defense system, but excessive reactive oxygen species generation can cause progressive inflammation and tissue damage. It has been proven that through mediating nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis, inorganic nitrite (NO2(-)) shows organ-protective effects on oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the effects of NO2(-) on the function of immune cells were still not clear. The potential role of NO2(-) in modulating ONOO(-) and OCl(-) generation in neutrophil cells was investigated in this study. As an immune cell activator, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased both ONOO(-) and OCl(-) production in neutrophils, which was significantly attenuated by NO2(-). NO2(-) reduced superoxide (O2(·-)) generation via a NO-dependent mechanism and increased NO formation in activated neutrophils, suggesting a crucial role of O2(·-) in NO2(-)-mediated reduction of ONOO(-). Moreover, the reduced effect of NO2(-) on OCl(-) production was attributed to that NO2(-) reduced H2O2 production in activated neutrophils without influencing the release of myeloperoxidase (MPO), thus limiting OCl(-) production by MPO/H2O2 system. Therefore, NO2(-) attenuates ONOO(-) and OCl(-) formation in activated neutrophils, opening a new direction to modulate the inflammatory response., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this study, we show that aminoguanidine (AMG), an inhibitor of protein glycation, increases the NOX2 (phagocyte NADPH oxidase) response and microbicidal activity by neutrophils, regardless of diabetic status. The non-enzymatic glycation of proteins, yielding irreversible advanced glycation end products (AGEs), is involved in the development of diabetes complications, including alterations of signaling pathways and the generation of reactive oxygen species by phagocytes. The phagocytes produce ROS (reactive oxygen species) through activation of the NOX2 complex, which generates superoxide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyperglycemia and the glycation of proteins on the NOX2 activity of neutrophils and its implications for cellular physiology, with a focus on the microbicidal activity of these cells. We treated diabetic rats with AMG and evaluated neutrophil ROS generation and Candida albicans killing ability. We observed a large increase in the microbicidal activity of peritoneal neutrophils from AMG-treated rats. The increase was independent of diabetic status and myeloperoxidase activity. Collectively, our results suggest that AMG has an immunomodulator role that triggers an increase in the microbicidal response of neutrophils mainly related to reactive oxygen species production by NOX2., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Although controversial, some data suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are beneficial to cardiovascular diseases, and could reduce infarct size. In parallel, we have reported that the administration of Resolvin D1 (RvD1), a metabolite of docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 PUFA, can reduce infarct size. The present study was designed to determine if the inhibition of two important enzymes involved in the formation of RvD1 from omega-3 PUFA could reduce the cardioprotective effect of omega-3 PUFA. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a diet rich in omega-3 PUFA during 10 days before myocardial infarction (MI). Two days before MI, rats received a daily dose of Meloxicam, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2, PD146176, an inhibitor of 15-lipoxygenase, both inhibitors or vehicle. MI was induced by the occlusion of the left coronary artery for 40min followed by reperfusion. Infarct size and neutrophil accumulation were evaluated after 24h of reperfusion while caspase-3, -8 and Akt activities were assessed at 30min of reperfusion. Rats receiving inhibitors, alone or in combination, showed a larger infarct size than those receiving omega-3 PUFA alone. Caspase-3 and -8 activities are higher in ischemic areas with inhibitors while Akt activity is diminished in groups treated with inhibitors. Moreover, the study showed that RvD1 restores cardioprotection when added to the inhibitors. Results from this study indicate that the inhibition of the metabolism of Omega-3 PUFA attenuate their cardioprotective properties. Then, resolvins seem to be an important mediator in the cardioprotection conferred by omega-3 PUFA in our experimental model of MI., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Muscle wound healing process is a typical inflammation-evoked event. The monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor (4-nitrophenyl)4-[bis(1,3-benzodioxol -5-yl)-hydroxymethyl]piperidine-1-carboxylate (JZL184) has been previously reported to reduce inflammation in colitis and acute lung injury in mice, which provide a new strategy for primary care of skeletal muscle injury. We investigated the effect of JZL184 on inflammation in rat muscle contusion model, and found decreased neutrophil and macrophage infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. With extension of post-traumatic interval, myofiber regeneration was significantly hindered with increased collagen types I and ІІІ mRNAfibroblast infiltration as well as promoted fibrosis. Furthermore, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-4-methyl-N-morpholin-4-ylpyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM281, a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist) and [6-iodo-2-methyl-1-(2-morpholin-4-ylethyl)indol-3-yl]-(4-methoxyphenyl)methanone (AM630, a selective cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist) treatment alleviated the anti-inflammatory effect of JZL184. Our findings demonstrate that JZL184 is able to inhibit the inflammatory response and interfere with contused muscle healing, in which the anti-inflammatory action may be mediated through cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Neutrophil recruitment is known to be a rate-limiting step in mediating tissue injury in severe acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the signalling mechanisms controlling inflammation and organ damage in AP remain elusive. Herein, we examined the role of Ras signalling in AP. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with a Ras inhibitor (farnesylthiosalicylic acid, FTS) before infusion of taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic and lung tissues as well as blood were collected 24 h after pancreatitis induction. Pretreatment with FTS decreased serum amylase levels by 82% and significantly attenuated acinar cell necrosis, tissue haemorrhage and oedema formation in taurocholate-induced pancreatitis. Inhibition of Ras signalling reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in the inflamed pancreas by 42%. In addition, administration of FTS decreased pancreatic levels of CXC chemokines as well as circulating levels of interleukin-6 and high-mobility group box 1 in animals exposed to taurocholate. Moreover, treatment with FTS reduced taurocholate-induced MPO levels in the lung. Inhibition of Ras signalling had no effect on neutrophil expression of Mac-1 in mice with pancreatitis. Moreover, FTS had no direct impact on trypsin activation in isolated pancreatic acinar cells. These results indicate that Ras signalling controls CXC chemokine formation, neutrophil recruitment and tissue injury in severe AP. Thus, our findings highlight a new signalling mechanism regulating neutrophil recruitment in the pancreas and suggest that inhibition of Ras signalling might be a useful strategy to attenuate local and systemic inflammation in severe AP., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Engagement of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) can activate the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/toll-interleukin-1-resistance domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) dependent pathways, inducing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neutrophils. Propofol (PPF) has both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the molecular mechanism by which PPF influences human neutrophil function is yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the influence of PPF on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species production in human neutrophils. We isolated neutrophils from the peripheral blood of 10 healthy male donors. Neither 1 µg/ml LPS nor 10-150 μmol/L PPF influenced the rate of neutrophil apoptosis, but PPF significantly inhibited LPS-mediated reactive oxygen species production in a dose-dependent manner. PPF inhibited LPS-induced expression of MyD88, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6, and TRIF, but not the expression of interferon regulatory factor 3 or phosphorylation of p47(phox), p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB, particularly in the neutrophils in which MyD88 or TRIF had been silenced by siRNA. The inhibitory effect of PPF on LPS-induced activation of p47(phox), p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase, and NF-κB was partially antagonized by over-expression of MyD88 or TRIF in neutrophils. These observations provide insights into the mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of PPF. PPF reduces LPS-induced production of reactive oxygen species in neutrophils via inhibiting expression of MyD88 and TRIF signaling., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Excessive neutrophil recruitment in the colon is a major feature in acute colitis although the signaling mechanisms behind colonic recruitment of neutrophils remain elusive. Herein, we hypothesized that Rac1 activity might play an important role in neutrophil infiltration in the inflamed colon. Female Balb/c mice were treated with the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 (0.5 and 5mg/kg) before and daily after administration of 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Colonic tissue was collected for quantification of neutrophil recruitment, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CXC chemokine formation as well as histological damage score five days after challenge with DSS. Rac1 activity was determined by western blot and Mac-1 expression by flow cytometry in neutrophils. Administration of NSC23766 decreased DSS-induced neutrophil recruitment and tissue damage in the colon. Rac1 inhibition decreased colonic formation of IL-6 and CXC chemokines in experimental colitis. Chemokine challenge increased Rac1 activity in neutrophils and NSC23766 markedly reduced this neutrophil activity of Rac1. Inhibition of Rac1 abolished CXC chemokine-induced neutrophil chemotaxis and up-regulation of Mac-1 in vitro. Taken together, Rac1 signaling plays a significant role in controlling accumulation of neutrophils and tissue injury in experimental colitis. Thus, our novel results suggest that targeting Rac1 signaling might be a useful way to protect against neutrophil-mediated tissue injury in acute colitis., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Crytotanshinone (CTN), one of the main constituents of tanshinones, has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and other important therapeutic activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of CTN on murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Male BALB/c mice were pretreated with dexamethasone or CTN 1h before intranasal instillation of LPS. Seven hours after LPS administration, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) in lung tissues, lung wet/dry weight ratio and inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. The effects of CTN on pro-inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. The results showed that CTN significantly inhibited LPS induced increases of macrophages and neutrophils infiltration of lung tissues, as well as markedly attenuated MPO activity. Furthermore, CTN significantly reduced the wet/dry weight ratio of lungs and the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in BALF. Compared with LPS group, lung histopathologic changes were less pronounced in the CTN pretreated mice. Additionally, western blotting showed that CTN efficiently inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB-α, p65 NF-κB and the expression of TLR4. Taken together, our results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of CTN against LPS-induced acute lung injury may be due to its ability to inhibit TLR4 mediated NF-κB signaling pathways. CTN may be a promising potential therapeutic reagent for ALI treatment., (© 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.)

N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLF), its methyl ester fMLF-OMe and interleukin 8 (IL8) play a pivotal role in neutrophil chemotaxis regulation in the latter and early stages, respectively, but the mechanisms through which the signal transduction pathways activate this function are not yet completely understood. Compounds 3l and 3r, a new class of arylcarbamoyl-imidazo-pyrazoles derivatives, were described as the first example of compounds able to inhibit human neutrophil chemotaxis induced by both fMLF-OMe and IL8. Here, we report their effects on superoxide production and lysozyme release. No inhibition was observed, thus they could be defined as "pure" chemotactic antagonists. Therefore, such molecules were used to highlight specific kinases involved in neutrophil chemotaxis. Our data provide support that compounds 3l and 3r strongly inhibit p38 MAPK with either fMLF-OMe or IL8 chemoattractants, while they show different signaling pathways regarding PKC isoforms suggesting that a fine tuning of the neutrophil activation occurs through differences in the activation of signaling pathways. Neither fMLF-OMe nor IL8 were able to obtain activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Since anomalous activation of neutrophil recruitment is one of the causes of many inflammatory diseases, the good versatility of our derivatives could represent the most important characteristic of these new molecules in the development of novel therapeutics., (© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-stimulated rat neutrophils, a synthetic compound, 6-chloro-2-(2-chlorophenyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylate (Fal-002-2), inhibited superoxide anion (O2(•-)) generation with an IC50 value of about 11μM, which was not mediated by scavenging the generated O2(•-) or by a cytotoxic effect on neutrophils. Fal-002-2 effectively attenuated the phosphorylation of Ser residues in p47(phox) and the association between p47(phox) and p22(phox) in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils. The interaction of p47(phox) with protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms (α, βI, βII, δ and ζ) was attenuated by Fal-002-2 with a similar IC50 value to that required for inhibition of O2(•-) generation, whereas Fal-002-2 had no prominent effect on PKC isoform membrane translocation and did not affect the kinase activity. Moreover, Fal-002-2 had no effect on the phosphorylation of Akt and downstream glycogen synthase kinase-3β, only slightly affected the intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but effectively attenuated the downstream MAPK-activated protein kinase-2 phosphorylation. The interaction of p21-activated kinase (PAK) 1with p47(phox), phosphorylation of PAK1 (Thr423/Ser144) and the membrane recruitment of PAK1 were effectively inhibited by Fal-002-2. Fal-002-2 also blocked the activation of Rac1 and Cdc42 in a concentration range that effectively inhibited PAK activation. Taken together, these results suggest that Fal-002-2 inhibits fMLP-stimulated O2(•-) generation in neutrophils mainly through the blockade of PKC and PAK signaling pathways and partly through p38 MAPK signaling., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Three structurally unrelated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors, (4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)imidazole (SB203580), 1-5-tert-butyl-2-p-tolyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-3-[4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)naphthalen-1-yl] urea (BIRB 796) and 5-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-2-[2,4-difluorophenyl]thio]-6H-pyrimido[1,6-b]pyridazin-6-one (VX 745) showed approximately 40% inhibition of formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-stimulated neutrophil superoxide anion (O2(•-)) generation at concentrations that greatly diminished p38 MAPK activity. However, a significant inhibition of p47(phox) activation occurred at concentrations much higher than the corresponding IC50 values of these inhibitors in blocking p38 MAPK activity. 4-Ethyl-2(p-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4'-pyridyl)-IH-imidazole (SB202474), an inactive analogue of SB203580, at a concentration (30μM) which significantly attenuated p38 MAPK activity, had no effect on p47(phox) activation, whereas it inhibited O2(•-) generation with an IC50 value of approximately 16μM. Moreover, both SB203580 and BIRB 796 had no effect on protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt Ser473 phosphorylation and S100A9 protein membrane translocation at concentrations that effectively blocked p38 MAPK activity. Pretreatment of cells with two structurally unrelated MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) inhibitors, 2-(2-amino-3-methoxy-phenyl)-chromen-4-one (PD 98059) and 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis(2-aminophenylthio)butadiene (U0126), at concentrations that effectively blocked MEK activity, attenuated p47(phox) phosphorylation but did not affect the recruitment of p47(phox) to p22(phox) or O2(•-) generation. Both p47(phox) activation and O2(•-) generation were attenuated by a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor 2-[1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-maleimide (GF 109203X) in the concentration range that effectively blocked PKC activity. Taken together, these results suggest that the ERK-mediated Ser phosphorylation of p47(phox) is not implicated in the assembly of NADPH oxidase or O2(•-) generation, and that O2(•-) generation is partly attributable to p38 MAPK signaling through mechanisms other than p47(phox) activation, Akt activation and S100A9 membrane recruitment in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Worldwide, 15% of the 200 million diabetics suffer from diabetic wounds. In 1997, the cost for amputation of toes and limbs that resulted from infected diabetic foot ulcers ranged from $25,000-$40,000 per incident. Increasing numbers of research have shown the positive influence of pentoxifylline (PTX) on healing skin wounds. In this study, we evaluate the effect of systemic PTX (25mg/kg bid) on wound healing in 80 diabetic rats (DB) by secondary intention. Wounds (20 mm × 5 mm) were identically inflicted on the skin area of the backs of all rats. On day 15 following surgery, a band of skin (4 mm × 60 mm) that contained wound was extracted for biomechanical testing. For histologic analysis, both experimental (DB+PTX) and control, receiving distilled water (DB+DW) groups were further subdivided into day 3 and 7 groups. Rats were sacrificed three and seven days after surgery, and a sample from each wound was taken. All specimens were sectioned stereologically and stained with H&E. Cell counts were performed by stereological methods. Semi-quantitative evaluation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inhibitor-1 was performed by Reversed Transcription-PCR and UVI TEC software. For statistical analysis we used student's t-test. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrate that there was significant improvement with PTX in all biomechanical parameters. Histologically, PTX reduced inflammation by day seven. Quantitatively, by day five, PTX reduced expression of MMPs and increased TIMP-1 expression. These findings revealed that PTX significantly improved wound healing indices in streptozotocin-induced DB., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Bradykinin-induced interleukin (IL)-8 release should potentially activate neutrophils releasing myeloperoxidase (MPO) and subsequently generating "nitrosative stress". We studied bradykinin-induced expression of bradykinin B(2) receptor and bradykinin- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-8 release, MPO (marker of neutrophil activation) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT; marker of "nitrosative stress") production in human bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B alone or in co-culture with human neutrophils. We evaluated B(2) receptor protein expression in BEAS-2B cells by immunostainings and Western blot analysis, and measured respectively bradykinin- or LPS-induced IL-8 release in BEAS-2B cells and bradykinin- and/or LPS-induced MPO and 3-NT production in BEAS-2B cells co-cultured with human neutrophils by ELISA. In addition, we evaluated bradykinin- and/or LPS-induced 3-NT formation in BEAS-2B cells co-cultured with human neutrophils by immunocytochemistry. Bradykinin up-regulates B(2) receptor expression (P<0.05) and stimulate IL-8 release (P<0.001) in BEAS-2B cells. Either the selective bradykinin B(2) receptor antagonist HOE 140 or the selective bradykinin B(1) receptor antagonist Lys-(des-Arg(9), Leu(8))-bradykinin alone halved IL-8 release and the combination of both drugs suppressed this effect. In BEAS-2B cells co-cultured with human neutrophils bradykinin increased MPO release and 3-NT production compared to BEAS-2B cells with human neutrophils (P<0.001), and the addition of LPS in BEAS-2B cells with human neutrophils and bradykinin induced a further dramatically increase of MPO release and 3-NT formation (P<0.001). Bradykinin and LPS provoked "nitrosative stress", potentially mediated by IL-8, in bronchial epithelium co-cultured with neutrophils suggesting a role for bradykinin in the amplification of chronic airway inflammation via production of "nitrosative stress"., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Splitomicin, is a cell-permeable lactone derived from naphthol and known to be a potent selective inhibitor of Sir2 (silent information regulator 2). Previous studies have demonstrated that naphtholic compounds possess an inhibitory effect on neutrophils. Here, we present our investigation on the inhibitory effects of splitomicin in human neutrophils. The primary goal of our study was to locate a possible candidate on inflammatory reactions and to hopefully develop a novel anti-inflammatory therapy. Neutrophils were prepared following standard procedures. Neutrophils induced by either fMLP (1 μM) or PMA (100 nM) were observed using a flow cytometer and the intracellular production of superoxide anions was investigated at different splitomicin concentrations. The cytosolic Ca(++) influx concentration was measured using a fluorescence spectrophotometer, and Mac-1 expression was detected with a flow cytometer. The MAP kinases were measured using western blotting. Our results showed that splitomicin inhibited superoxide anion production by fMLP (1 μM) and NaF (20mM) in a concentration-dependent manner (37.5-450 μM). Splitomicin (300 and 450 μM) also suppressed fMLP-induced intracellular calcium ion mobilization and extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Moreover, splitomicin could inhibit fMLP-induced Mac-1 expression and increase cAMP levels in human neutrophils. Our data demonstrated that splitomicin exhibits a noticeable inhibitory effect on superoxide anion production in human neutrophils. This negative effect was well-correlated with increased cAMP levels via PKA activity and the subsequent inhibition of ERK (p42/p44) phosphorylation to decrease superoxide anion production., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Flutamide has been used as an adjunct for decreasing the mortality from subsequent sepsis. Heatstroke resembles septic shock in many aspects. We hypothesized that heat-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndromes and lethality could be reduced by flutamide therapy. In heatstroke groups, mice were exposed to whole body heating (41.2°C, for 1h) in a controlled-environment chamber. The heat-stressed mice were returned to normal room temperature (24°C) after whole body heating. Mice still alive on day 4 of WBH treatment were considered survivors. Physiological and biochemical parameters were monitored for 2.5h post-WBH. Heatstroke mice were subcutaneously treated with flutamide (12.5-50mg/kg body weight in 0.05 ml) or vehicle solution (0.05 ml/kg body weight) once daily for 3 consecutive days post-WBH. We evaluated the effect of flutamide in heatstroke mice and showed that flutamide significantly (i) attenuated hypothermia, (ii) reduced the number of apoptotic cells in the hypothalamus, the spleen, the liver, and the kidney, (iii) attenuated the plasma index of toxic oxidizing radicals (e.g., nitric oxide metabolites and hydroxyl radicals), (iv) diminished the plasma index of the organ injury index (e.g., lactate dehydrogenase), (v) attenuated plasma systemic inflammation response molecules (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6), (vi) reduced the index of infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in the lung (e.g., myeloperoxidase activity), and (vii) allowed three times the fractional survival compared with vehicle. Thus, flutamide appears to be a novel agent for the treatment of mice with heatstroke or patients in the early stage of heatstroke., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In fMLP (formyl-Met-Leu-Phe)-stimulated rat neutrophils, a mixture of regioisomers benzo[a]furo[2,3-c]phenazine-10-carboxylic acid and benzo[a]furo[2,3-c]phenazine-11-carboxylic acid (TCH-1116) inhibited O(2)(-) (superoxide anion) generation, which was not mediated by scavenging the generated O(2)(-) or by a cytotoxic effect on neutrophils. TCH-1116 had no effect on the arachidonic acid-induced NADPH oxidase activation in a cell-free system, whereas it effectively attenuated the phosphorylation of Ser residues in p47(phox) and the association between p47(phox) and p22(phox) in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils. The interaction of p47(phox) with PKC (protein kinase C) isoforms (α, βI, βII, δ and ζ) was attenuated by TCH-1116, whereas TCH-1116 did not affect the PKC isoforms membrane translocation, phosphorylation (Ser660) and kinase activity. TCH-1116 effectively attenuated the association between PKB/Akt (protein kinase B) and p47(phox), Akt phosphorylation (Thr308/Ser473) and kinase activities of Akt and human recombinant PDK (3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase) 1, whereas it had no effect on recruitment of Akt, phospho-PDK1 (Ser241) and p110γ to membrane. Moreover, the interaction of p21-activated kinase (PAK) 1 with p47(phox) and the phosphorylation of PAK1 (Thr423 but not Ser144) were inhibited by TCH-1116, but without affecting the membrane recruitment of PAK1. The cellular cyclic AMP level was not changed by TCH-1116. Taken together, these results suggest that TCH-1116 inhibits fMLP-stimulated O(2)(-) generation in rat neutrophils through the blockade of PKC, Akt and PAK signaling pathways., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We hypothesized that Rho-kinase signaling plays a role in mechanical and adhesive mechanisms of neutrophil accumulation in lung. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 prior to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Lung levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and histological tissue damage were determined 6h and 24h after CLP. Expression of Mac-1 and F-actin formation in neutrophils were quantified by using flow cytometry 6h after CLP. Mac-1 expression and F-actin formation were also determined in isolated neutrophils up to 3h after stimulation with CXCL2. Labeled and activated neutrophils co-incubated with Y-27632, an anti-Mac-1 antibody and cytochalasin B were adoptively transferred to CLP mice. Y-27632 reduced the CLP-induced pulmonary injury and MPO activity as well as Mac-1 on neutrophils. Neutrophil F-actin formation peaked at 6h and returned to baseline levels 24h after CLP induction. Rho-kinase inhibition decreased CLP-provoked F-actin formation in neutrophils. CXCL2 rapidly increased Mac-1 expression and F-actin formation in neutrophils. Co-incubation with Y-27632 abolished CXCL2-induced Mac-1 up-regulation and formation of F-actin in neutrophils. Notably, co-incubation with cytochalasin B inhibited formation of F-actin but did not reduce Mac-1 expression on activated neutrophils. Adoptive transfer experiments revealed that co-incubation of neutrophils with the anti-Mac-1 antibody or cytochalasin B significantly decreased pulmonary accumulation of neutrophils in septic mice. Our data show that targeting Rho-kinase effectively reduces neutrophil recruitment and tissue damage in abdominal sepsis. Moreover, these findings demonstrate that Rho-kinase-dependent neutrophil accumulation in septic lung injury is regulated by both adhesive and mechanical mechanisms., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Clearance of apoptotic cells, so-called efferocytosis, by alveolar macrophages (AMs) is important for lung homeostasis and is impaired in pulmonary inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Carbocisteine, a mucoregulatory drug, corrects the contents of fucose in airway mucus and has anti-inflammatory properties in airway inflammation. Thus, we conducted the present study to better understand the anti-inflammatory properties of carbocisteine. First, we induced airway inflammation in mice with lipopolysaccharide intratracheally. Carbocisteine significantly decreased neutrophil numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at the resolution phase of inflammation, implying the promotion of neutrophil clearance. Then, we investigated whether carbocisteine would enhance the efferocytosis by AMs isolated from mice and found that this drug promoted not only the phagocytosis but also the binding of apoptotic cells to AMs in vitro. Furthermore, carbocisteine decreased the fucose residues stained with fluorescent fucose-binding lectin, Lens culinaris agglutinin, on the cell surface of AMs. We found here that removing fucose residues from cell surfaces of AMs by fucosidase markedly enhanced both the binding and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Finally, AMs from mice orally given carbocisteine also promoted both the binding and phagocytosis ex vivo similarly to in vitro. These results suggest that carbocisteine could promote the clearance of apoptotic cells by AMs in airway. In addition, the present findings suggest that the binding and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells may be modulated by fucose residues on the cell surface of AMs., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We investigated whether atorvastatin has beneficial hemodynamic effects during acute pulmonary thromboembolism (APT) and whether sildenafil improves these effects. We studied the involvement of oxidative stress, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and neutrophil activation. APT was induced with autologous blood clots (500 mg/kg) in anesthetized male lambs pretreated with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously; 1 week) or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide 10% subcutaneously). Sildenafil (0.7 mg/kg intravenously) or saline infusions were performed 60 min after APT induction. Non-embolized control animals received saline. APT significantly increased pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) by approximately 310% and 258% respectively. While atorvastatin pretreatment attenuated these increases (~150% and 153%, respectively; P < 0.05), its combination with sildenafil was associated with lower increases in PVRI and MPAP (~32% and 36%, respectively). Gelatin zymography showed increased MMP-9 and MMP-2 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage, and increased MMP-9 levels in plasma from embolized animals. Atorvastatin pretreatment attenuated bronchoalveolar lavage MMP-2 increases. The combination of drugs blunted the MMPs increases in bronchoalveolar lavage and plasma (P < 0.05). Neutrophils accumulated in bronchoalveolar lavage after APT, and atorvastatin pretreatment combined with sildenafil (but not atorvastatin alone) attenuated this effect (P < 0.05). APT increased lung lipid peroxidation and total protein concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage, thus indicating oxidative stress and alveolar-capillary barrier damage, respectively. Both increases were attenuated by atorvastatin pretreatment alone or combined with sildenafil (P < 0.05). We conclude that pretreatment with atorvastatin protects against the pulmonary hypertension associated with APT and that sildenafil improves this response. These findings may reflect antioxidant effects and inhibited neutrophils/MMPs activation., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A role for the collagen-derived tripeptide, N-acetyl proline-glycine-proline (NAc-PGP), in neutrophil recruitment in chronic airway inflammatory diseases, including COPD and cystic fibrosis, has recently been delineated. Due to structural similarity to an important motif for interleukin-8 (CXCL8) binding to its receptor, NAc-PGP binds to CXCR1/2 receptors, leading to neutrophil activation and chemotaxis. In an effort to develop novel CXCL8 antagonists, we describe the synthesis of four chiral isomers of NAc-PGP (NAc-L-Pro-Gly-L-Pro (LL-NAc-PGP), NAc-L-Pro-Gly-D-Pro (LD-NAc-PGP), NAc-D-Pro-Gly-L-Pro (DL-NAc-PGP), and NAc-D-Pro-Gly-D-Pro (DD-NAc-PGP)), characterize them by circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy, compare their structures to the equivalent region of CXCL8, and test them as potential antagonists of ll-NAc-PGP and CXCL8. We find that LL-NAc-PGP superimposes onto the CXCR1/2 contacting E(29)S(30)G(31)P(32) region of CXCL8 (0.59A rmsd for heavy atoms). In contrast, DD-NAc-PGP has an opposing orientation of key functional groups as compared to the G(31)P(32) region of CXCL8. As a consequence, DD-NAc-PGP binds CXCR1/2, as demonstrated by competition with radiolabeled CXCL8 binding in a radioreceptor assay, yet acts as a receptor antagonist as evidenced by inhibition of CXCL8 and LL-NAc-PGP mediated neutrophil chemotaxis. The ability of DD-NAc-PGP to prevent the activation of CXC receptors indicates that DD-NAc-PGP may serve as a lead compound for the development of CXCR1/2 inhibitors. In addition, this study further proves that using a different technical approach, namely preincubation of NAc-PGP instead of simultaneous addition of NAc-PGP with radiolabeled CXCL8, the direct binding of NAc-PGP to the CXCL8 receptor is evident., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chronic inflammation in lung diseases contributes to lung tissue destruction leading to the formation of chemotactic collagen fragments such as N-acetylated Proline-Glycine-Proline (N-ac-PGP). In this study, we investigated in more detail the mechanism of action of N-ac-PGP in neutrophilic inflammation. N-ac-PGP was chemotactic for human neutrophils via pertussis toxin sensitive G protein-coupled receptors in vitro and directly activated this cell type, which led to cytosolic calcium mobilization and release of CXCL8. Furthermore, using a selective CXCR2 antagonist confirmed that N-ac-PGP-induced neutrophil chemotaxis is mediated through CXCR2 activation. To determine whether N-ac-PGP was solely responsible for the migration and activation of human neutrophils in vitro and not the released CXCL8 upon stimulation with N-ac-PGP, an antibody directed against CXCL8 was used. Performing chemotaxis and calcium influx assays in the presence of this antibody did not alter the effects of N-ac-PGP whereas effects of CXCL8 were attenuated. These experiments indicate that N-ac-PGP, in addition to the direct induction of chemotaxis, also directly activates neutrophils to release CXCL8. In vivo, this may lead in the long term to a self-maintaining situation enhanced by both N-ac-PGP and CXCL8, leading to a further increase in neutrophil infiltration and chronic inflammation., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Neutrophils are innate immune cells in chronic inflammatory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can be attracted to the site of inflammation via the collagen breakdown product N-acetyl Proline-Glycine-Proline (N-Ac-PGP). To elucidate whether CXCR2 is involved in N-Ac-PGP-induced neutrophil migration and activation, studies using specific antagonists were performed in vivo. N-Ac-PGP and keratinocyte cell-derived chemokine (KC; CXCL1) were administered in C57Bl/6 mice via oropharyngeal aspiration. Intraperitoneal applications of CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 or SB332235 were administered 1h prior and 1h after oropharyngeal aspiration. Six hours after oropharyngeal aspiration mice were sacrificed. Neutrophil counts and CXCL1 levels were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, myleoperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured in lung tissue homogenates and an immunohistological staining for neutrophils was performed on lung tissue. N-Ac-PGP and CXCL1 induced a neutrophil influx in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue, which was also reflected by increased MPO levels in lung tissue. The N-Ac-PGP- and CXCL1-induced neutrophil influx and the increased pulmonary tissue MPO levels were inhibited by the CXCR2 antagonists SB225002 and SB332235. Moreover, N-Ac-PGP administration enhanced the CXCL1 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which could not be attenuated by both CXCR2 antagonists. In conclusion, neutrophil migration induced by N-Ac-PGP is mediated via direct CXCR2 interaction. The N-Ac-PGP-induced release of CXCL1 is independent of CXCR2. Related to the maximal effect of CXCL1, N-Ac-PGP is more potent at inducing neutrophil migration in the pulmonary tissue than into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, or N-ac-PGP may be more potent at inducing MPO levels in the lung tissue., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Anti-inflammatory effects of antidepressants have been reported in some studies, but the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, is widely used in the management of psychological disorders and various types of pain, including neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia. In our previous work, we found the role of supraspinal mechanisms in the anti-inflammatory effect of amitriptyline. In the line of the indicated study, we sought to evaluate the effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) application of amitriptyline in the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats in more details. Our findings confirmed that i.p. (40 and 80 mg/kg) and i.c.v. (100 μg/rat) injection of amitriptyline inhibited carrageenan-induced inflammation at different times. We also found that both i.p. and i.c.v. amitriptyline significantly decreased migration of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes into the site of inflammation, according to pathological evidence and the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO). Furthermore, i.p. amitriptyline at the applied doses markedly reduced interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in the paw treated with carrageenan. Our results also showed that i.c.v. amitriptyline noticeably decreased the concentration of IL-1β in the inflamed paws. The TNF-α levels reduced in the i.c.v. group, even though these reductions were not statistically significant. These results confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of systemic and central amitriptyline in the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, and demonstrated that these effects mediated mostly through the inhibition of PMN cells migration and release of IL-1β and TNF-α into the site of inflammation., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Persistent neutrophilia is implicated in the pathology of several chronic lung diseases and consequently targeting the signals that drive the recruitment of these cells offers a plausible therapeutic strategy. The tripeptide Pro-Gly-Pro (PGP) is a neutrophil chemoattractant derived from extracellular matrix collagen and implicated in diseases such as COPD and cystic fibrosis. It was anticipated that PGP exerts its chemoatactic activity by mimicking key sequences found within classical neutrophil chemokines, such as CXCL8, and binding their receptors, CXCR1/2. Recently, however, the role of CXCR1/2 as the receptors for PGP has been questioned. In this issue of European Journal of Pharmacology, three studies address this controversy and demonstrate CXCR1/2 to be a common receptor for CXCL8 and PGP. Accordingly, these studies demonstrate the therapeutic potential of targeting this shared receptor to simultaneously alleviate neutrophilic inflammation driven by multiple neutrophil chemoattractants., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Apocynin, a methoxy-substituted catechol (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyacetophenone), originally extracted from the roots of Picrorhiza kurroa, has been extensively used as a non-toxic inhibitor of the multienzymatic complex NADPH oxidase. We discovered that the analogous methoxy-substituted catechol, 4-Fluoro-2-methoxyphenol (F-apocynin), in which the acetyl group present in apocynin was changed to a fluorine atom, was significantly more potent as an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) chlorinating activity and phagocytosis of microorganisms by neutrophils; it was also as potent as apocynin in inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We attribute the increased potency of F-apocynin to its increased lipophilicity, which could facilitate the passage of the drug through the cell membrane. The inhibition of MPO chlorination activity, phagocytosis and TNFα release shows that apocynin and F-apocynin actions are not restricted to reactive oxygen species inhibition, but further studies are needed to clarify if these mechanisms are related. Like apocynin, F-apocynin did not show cell toxicity, and is a strong candidate for use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Activation of peripheral P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors by endogenous ATP is essential to the development of inflammatory hyperalgesia. We have previously demonstrated that this essential role of P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors in the development of mechanical hyperalgesia induced by the inflammatory agent carrageenan is mediated by an indirect sensitization of the primary afferent nociceptors dependent on the previous release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and by a direct sensitization of the primary afferent nociceptors. Therefore, in this study we asked whether activation of P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors contribute to the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by the inflammatory mediators involved in carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, such as bradykinin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), chemokine-induced chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and dopamine. Co-administration of the non-selective P2X3 receptor antagonist TNP-ATP or the selective P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptor antagonist A-317491 with bradykinin, but not with TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CINC-1, PGE₂ or dopamine, prevented in a dose-dependent manner the mechanical hyperalgesia. We also verified whether the activation of P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors by endogenous ATP contributes to bradykinin-induced mechanical hyperalgesia via neutrophil migration and/or cytokine release. Co-administration of TNP-ATP or A-317491 did not affect either neutrophil migration or the increased concentration of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and CINC-1 induced by bradykinin. These findings demonstrate that the activation of P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors by endogenous ATP mediates bradykinin-induced mechanical hyperalgesia by a mechanism that does not depend on neutrophil migration or cytokines release., (Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Neutrophils transmigrate from the blood into inflamed tissue via the interaction of chemokines produced in this tissue with chemokine receptors, such as CXCR1 and CXCR2, that are expressed on the membranes of neutrophils. Subsequently, activation of neutrophils will in turn lead to increased tissue damage and thereby enhanced clinical symptoms of inflammatory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. Besides chemokines, also the collagen-breakdown product N-acetyl-Proline-Glycine-Proline (N-alpha-PGP) attracts neutrophils. In a recent article (Weathington et al., 2006) it was suggested that N-alpha-PGP exerts its effect via CXCR1 and CXCR2. In this study, we show that N-alpha-PGP, in contrast to CXCL8, does not directly activate or interact with CXCR1 or CXCR2. N-alpha-PGP was not able to displace the radioligand [(125)I]CXCL8 from CXCR1 and CXCR2 expressing HEK293T cells or neutrophils. In addition, N-alpha-PGP did not displace the radioligand [(3)H]-SB265610, a CXCR2 antagonist, from CXCR2 expressing cells. Furthermore, N-alpha-PGP was not able to activate G protein signalling in cells expressing CXCR1 and CXCR2. N-alpha-PGP was also not able to recruit beta-arrestin2, an intracellular scaffolding protein involved in G protein-independent signalling, in cells expressing CXCR2. These studies indicate that N-alpha-PGP is not a ligand of CXCR1 or CXCR2., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The present study was designed to examine the combined effects of a synthetic protease inhibitor, gabexate mesilate, with a specific neutrophil elastase inhibitor, sivelestat sodium, on acid-induced lung injury. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300-350 g were anaesthetised intraperitoneally with pentobarbitone sodium and the right jugular vein was cannulated. Following tracheostomy, rats were ventilated mechanically and underwent intratracheal instillation of hydrochloric acid (HCl, 0.1N 1.5 ml/kg) or normal saline. Gabexate mesilate (10mg/kg, i.p.) and/or sivelestat sodium (10mg/kg/h, i.v.) were administered 30 min before HCl instillation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples were obtained 5h after HCl instillation. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, the HCl-induced increases in total nucleated cell counts, neutrophil counts, optical density at 412 nm as an index of pulmonary haemorrhage, concentrations of albumin and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) were significantly attenuated by either gabexate mesilate or sivelestat sodium treatment. Gabexate mesilate or sivelestat sodium treatment also significantly attenuated the wet to dry weight ratio induced by HCl. However, combined treatment with both gabexate mesilate and sivelestat sodium did not show additive effects on HCl-induced lung injury, compared with single treatments. These findings suggested that gabexate mesilate and sivelestat sodium each exhibited protective effects on acid-induced lung injury, but that synergistic effects of both agents are limited in this acid-induced lung injury model., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Heparin is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties that in many cases appear to be separable from its anticoagulant activity. Mast cells, located in tissue, are the sole source of endogenous heparin, which may be involved in control of the inflammatory response. The majority of studies of the effects of heparin on the inflammatory response, carried out to date, have involved systemic administration and the potential influence of heparin in the site of inflammation has been less clear. In the present study, the effects of locally administered heparin and a non-anticoagulant derivative were investigated on leucocyte accumulation in the inflamed peritoneal cavity and leucocyte-endothelial interactions in the mesenteric microcirculation of the rat. Heparin and non-anticoagulant heparin inhibited the influx of neutrophils to the site of inflammation, as well as leucocyte rolling and adhesion in post-capillary venules. These effects were apparent only while heparin was present in the peritoneal cavity and plasma and may reflect, in part, an action on resident peritoneal cells, as the heparins tested were found also to inhibit the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules in response to products of activated mononuclear cells, in vitro. Our data show that locally administered heparin has anti-inflammatory effects in an in vivo model of peritoneal inflammation whilst present at the site of inflammation. These non-anticoagulant properties may involve interaction with cells in the site of inflammation, in addition to inhibiting cell adhesion at the level of the microcirculation.