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Bisphenols (BPs) are widely spread pollutants that act as estrogen-like endocrine disruptors and are potentially affecting human health on a long run. We explored the effects of BPA, BPF and BPAF, on in vitro differentiation and maturation of MDDCs. Monocytes were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2) and each BP at the beginning of their differentiation into iMDDCs. We found that 10 and 50 μM of BPA and BPF, 10 and 30μM of BPAF and 10 and 50 nM of E2 did not affect cell viability. However, 50 μM of BPA and BPF, as well as 10 and 30 μM of BPAF, significantly decreased the endocytotic capacity of iMDDCs. Both, BPA (50 μM) and BPAF (30 μM) decreased the expression of CD1a and increased the amount of DC-SIGN molecules on iMDDCs. The E2 pre-treatment moderately decreased expression of CD80, CD86 and CD83 co-stimulatory molecules while increasing the numbers of HLA-DR on mMDDCs. Only BPAF significantly influenced the expression of CD80 and CD86 (both decreased), as well as CD83 and HLA-DR molecules (both increased) on mMDDCs. In addition, BPAF modulated DC maturation signaling pathways by lowering the phosphorylation of p65 NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappaB) and ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase) 1/2 proteins. Consequently, the in vitro proliferation of allogeneic T cells, stimulated with differently pre-treated iMDDCs and mMDDCs, was significantly reduced only in case of BPAF., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) are considered an indispensible and one of primary tools for in vitro DC-based studies. For majority of in vitro DC-based studies the medium of choice is supplemented RPMI, with certain variable ingredients such as HEPES buffer or Phenol Red (PHR). In effort to identify potential obstruction of DC differentiation process due to presence of mentioned additives, we differentiated DCs using RPMI either with or without HEPES or PHR. Although PHR caused a certain down-regulation of immature DCs (iDCs) differentiation markers and lower expression of co-stimulatory molecules on mature DCs, these changes were not significant. In contrast, use of RPMI also containing HEPES resulted in significantly lower CD1a and DC-SIGN expression on iDCs and extensively lowered co-stimulatory molecule expression after DC activation (HEPES-DCs). Furthermore, DCs differentiated in HEPES-free RPMI possessed more genuine immature//mature DC characteristics in context of Th1 polarization. Additionally, during classical differentiation procedure, fewer DCs remained adherent and possessed better overall morphology in HEPES-free medium. In summary our study clarifies a seemingly minor, but a very important issue, that will most likely facilitate lab work for many scientists dealing with monocyte-derived DCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Niflumic acid is a member of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, from which aspirin was recently shown to inhibit maturation of human-monocyte derived dendritic cells (DCs). DCs are crucial regulators of the immune response, capable of inducing immunity as well as tolerance. In our in vitro study we showed a tolerogenic effect of NFA on phenotype and function of LPS-matured monocyte-derived DCs. Different drug concentrations dose-dependently down-regulated the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, particularly CD80 and lowered the expression of dendritic cell marker CD1a. Opposingly, the expressions of two inhibitory surface molecules, associated with tolerogenic DCs, immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILT)3 and ILT4 were induced in treated DCs. The levels of TNFα production by NFA-treated DCs did not change significantly compared to controls, whereas the IL-12p70 and IL-10 production was completely abrogated at higher drug concentrations. However, at lower drug concentrations, the production of IL-12p70 was increased. There were no significant differences in the uptake of FITC labeled dextran by treated DCs compared to untreated cells. In allogeneic cultures with whole CD4+ T cells, dendritic cells differentiated in the presence of NFA appeared poor stimulators of CD4+ T-cell proliferation, even compared to immature DCs (iDCs). These results indicate the immunosuppressive properties of NFA, which may be therapeutically useful in controlling chronic immune and/or inflammatory diseases, by modulating DC characteristics towards tolerogenic DCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cathepsin X, a recently discovered lysosomal cysteine protease, shares common structural features and activity properties with cysteine protease cathepsin B. Based on its widespread mRNA distribution in primary tumors and tumor cell lines, a redundant function in tumor progression has been proposed. In this study, we have shown that these two related proteases exhibit different profiles with respect to their protein distribution in cells and tissues and to their possible roles in malignancy. Protein level of cathepsin X did not differ significantly between matched pairs of lung tumor and adjacent lung tissue obtained from patients with lung cancer whereas that of cathepsin B was 9.6-fold higher in tumor compared to adjacent lung tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis of lung tumor cathepsin X revealed very faint staining in tumor cells but positive staining in infiltrated histiocytes, alveolar macrophages, bronchial epithelial cells, and alveolar type II cells. Cathepsin X stained positive also in CD68+ cells in germinal centers of secondary follicles in lymph nodes, corresponding to tingible body macrophages. Two cell lines with proven invasive behavior, MCF-10A neoT and MDA-MB 231, showed positive staining for cathepsin B, but negative for cathepsin X. We showed that the invasive potential of MCF-10A neoT cells can be impaired by specific inhibitor of cathepsin B but not by that of cathepsin X. Cathepsin X was found in large amounts in the pro-monocytic U-937 cell line, in monocytes and in dendritic cells, generated from monocytes in vitro. Our results show that cathepsin X is not involved in degradation of extracellular matrix, a proteolytic event leading to tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Its expression, restricted to immune cells suggests a role in phagocytosis and the regulation of immune response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]