Search

Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) has been proposed to mediate the central satiating effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) through the vagal CCK1 receptor. PrRP acts as an endogenous ligand of G protein-coupled receptor 10 (GPR10), which is expressed at the highest levels in brain areas related to food intake regulation, e.g., the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) and nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). The NTS and PVN are also significantly activated after peripheral CCK administration. The aim of this study was to determine whether the endogenous PrRP neuronal system in the brain is involved in the central anorexigenic effect of the peripherally administered CCK agonist JMV236 or the CCK1 antagonist devazepide and whether the CCK system is involved in the central anorexigenic effect of the peripherally applied lipidized PrRP analog palm-PrRP31 in fasted lean mice. The effect of devazepide and JMV236 on the anorexigenic effects of palm-PrRP31 as well as devazepide combined with JMV236 and palm-PrRP31 on food intake and Fos cell activation in the PVN and caudal NTS was examined. Our results suggest that the anorexigenic effect of JMV236 is accompanied by activation of PrRP neurons of the NTS in a CCK1 receptor-dependent manner. Moreover, while the anorexigenic effect of palm-PrRP31 was not affected by JMV236, it was partially attenuated by devazepide in fasted mice. The present findings indicate that the exogenously influenced CCK system may be involved in the central anorexigenic effect of peripherally applied palm-PrRP31, which possibly indicates some interaction between the CCK and PrRP neuronal systems.

Sexual HIV-1 transmission occurs primarily in the presence of semen. Although data from macaque studies suggest that CCR5 + CD4 + T cells are initial targets for HIV-1 infection, the impact of semen on T cell CCR5 expression and ligand production remains inconclusive. To determine if semen modulates the lymphocyte CCR5 receptor/ligand axis, primary human T cell CCR5 expression and natural killer (NK) cell anti-HIV-1 antibody-dependent beta chemokine production was assessed following seminal plasma (SP) exposure. Purified T cells produce sufficient quantities of RANTES to result in a significant decline in CCR5 bright T cell frequency following 16 h of SP exposure ( P = 0.03). Meanwhile, NK cells retain the capacity to produce limited amounts of MIP-1α/MIP-1β in response to anti-HIV-1 antibody-dependent stimulation (median, 9.5% MIP-1α + and/or MIP-1β + ), despite the immunosuppressive nature of SP. Although these in vitro experiments suggest that SP-induced CCR5 ligand production results in the loss of surface CCR5 expression on CD4 + T cells, the in vivo implications are unclear. We therefore vaginally exposed five pigtail macaques to SP and found that such exposure resulted in an increase in CCR5 + HIV-1 target cells in three of the animals. The in vivo data support a growing body of evidence suggesting that semen exposure recruits target cells to the vagina that are highly susceptible to HIV-1 infection, which has important implications for HIV-1 transmission and vaccine design. IMPORTANCE The majority of HIV-1 vaccine studies do not take into consideration the impact that semen exposure might have on the mucosal immune system. In this study, we demonstrate that seminal plasma (SP) exposure can alter CCR5 expression on T cells. Importantly, in vitro studies of T cells in culture cannot replicate the conditions under which immune cells might be recruited to the genital mucosa in vivo , leading to potentially erroneous conclusions about the impact of semen on mucosal HIV-1 susceptibility., (Copyright © 2019 American Society for Microbiology.)

Objective: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) independently contribute to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ABT-122 is a novel dual variable domain immunoglobulin that selectively and simultaneously targets human TNF and IL-17A. The aim of treatment with ABT-122 is to evoke a greater clinical response than that achieved by targeting either cytokine alone. This study was undertaken to present the pooled safety, tolerability, and exploratory pharmacodynamics of ABT-122 based on 2 phase I, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending-dose studies in patients with primarily inactive RA., Methods: Patients (n = 44) receiving stable dosages of methotrexate (2.5-25 mg/week) were randomized to receive subcutaneous placebo, ABT-122 1 mg/kg every other week (4 doses), or ABT-122 0.5, 1.5, or 3 mg/kg weekly (8 doses) and were evaluated through 45 days after the last dose (day 92). Serum samples for the assessment of inflammation markers and chemokines were collected at baseline and on postdose days 3, 5, 8, 15, 29, 57, 64, 78, and 92., Results: No clinically significant findings regarding the safety of ABT-122 were observed. The rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were similar in patients receiving ABT-122 and those receiving placebo. Only 1 serious AE (and no systemic hypersensitivity reactions or dose-limiting toxicities) was observed in patients treated with ABT-122. The incidence of infections was similar between patients treated with ABT-122 and those receiving placebo, with no serious infection reported. The levels of CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL23, and soluble E-selectin were significantly decreased following ABT-122 treatment relative to placebo treatment. Although patients had essentially inactive RA, exploratory clinical parameters suggested potential antiinflammatory effects following treatment with ABT-122., Conclusion: The results of these phase I studies suggest that dual neutralization of TNF and IL-17 with ABT-122 has characteristics acceptable for further exploration of therapeutic potential in TNF- and IL-17A-driven immune-mediated inflammatory diseases., (© 2017, American College of Rheumatology.)

Taliglucerase alfa is the first available plant cell-expressed human recombinant therapeutic protein. It is indicated for treatment of patients with type 1 Gaucher disease (GD) in adult and pediatric patients in several countries. Study PB-06-002 examined the safety and efficacy of taliglucerase alfa for 9 months in patients who previously received imiglucerase. The results of adult patients from Study PB-06-002 who continued receiving taliglucerase alfa in extension Study PB-06-003 for up to 36 months are reported here. Eighteen patients received at least one dose of taliglucerase alfa in Study PB-06-003; 10 patients completed 36 total months of therapy, and four patients who transitioned to commercial drug completed 30-33 months of treatment. In patients who completed 36 total months of treatment, mean percent (±standard error) changes from baseline/time of switch to taliglucerase alfa to 36 months were as follows: hemoglobin concentration, -1.0% (±1.9%; n = 10); platelet count, +9.3% (±9.8%; n = 10); spleen volume measured in multiples of normal (MN), -19.8% (±9.9%; n = 7); liver volume measured in MN, +0.9% (±5.4%; n = 8); chitotriosidase activity, -51.5% (±8.1%; n = 10); and CCL18 concentration, -36.5 (±8.0%; n = 10). Four patients developed antidrug antibodies, including one with evidence of neutralizing activity in vitro. All treatment-related adverse events were mild or moderate and transient. The 36-month results of switching from imiglucerase to taliglucerase alfa treatment in adults with GD provide further data on the clinical safety and efficacy of taliglucerase alfa beyond the initial 9 months of the original study. www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00705939. Am. J. Hematol. 91:661-665, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Hematology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Cholecystokinin (CCK), a peptide hormone and a neurotransmitter, was detected in mature sperm two decades ago. However, the exact role of CCK and the types of CCK receptors (now termed CCK1 and CCK2) in sperm have not been identified. Here, we find that CCK1 and CCK2 receptors are immunolocalized to the acrosomal region of mature sperm. The antagonist of CCK1 or CCK2 receptor strongly activated the soluble adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/protein kinase A signaling pathway that drives sperm capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation in dose- and time-dependent manners. But these actions of stimulation were abolished when sperm were incubated in the medium in the absence of HCO3-. Further investigation demonstrated that the inhibitor of CCK1 or CCK2 receptor could accelerate the uptake of HCO3- and significantly elevate the intracellular pH of sperm. Interestingly, the synthetic octapeptide of CCK (CCK8) showed the same action and mechanism as antagonists of CCK receptors. Moreover, CCK8 and the antagonist of CCK1 or CCK2 receptor were also able to accelerate human sperm capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation by stimulating the influx of HCO3-. Thus, the present results suggest that CCK and its receptors may regulate sperm capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation by modulating the uptake of HCO3-., (© 2015 Society for Reproduction and Fertility.)

Background: Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to compare interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 28 (CCL28) levels following a topical application of curcumin (CRM), chlorhexidine (CHX) and chlorhexidine-metronidazole (CHX-MTZ) in an experimental gingivitis human model., Methods: Sixty systemically healthy selected subjects were randomly assigned to one of three topical antigingivitis gels. Each gel was applied twice daily for 10 minutes as the sole method of oral hygiene for 29 days on the test quadrant only. Modified gingival index (MGI), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) were assessed at baseline, 29 days and 60 days. Estimation of IL-1β and CCL28 levels in gingival crevicular fluid was done at baseline and at 29 days., Results: The increase of IL-1β in the CRM (14.52 ± 16.6 pg/ml) and CHX-MTZ (31.63 ± 15.96) groups was significantly less than that of the CHX group (70.55 ± 38.81). Similar results were also observed for CCL28 (CRM: 8.12 ± 8.78 pg/ml; CHX-MTZ: 12.81 ± 18.68; CHX: 41.15 ± 22.82). All groups had a significant increase in MGI, PI and BOP at 29 days., Conclusions: The anti-inflammatory potential of topical curcumin was similar to CHX-MTZ but superior to CHX in affecting IL-1β and CCL28 levels., (© 2015 Australian Dental Association.)

Objectives: To investigate the impact of HAART-induced HIV suppression on levels of 24 serological biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation., Design: A prospective cohort study., Methods: Biomarkers were measured with multiplex assays in centralized laboratories using stored serum samples contributed by 1697 men during 8903 person-visits in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) from 1984 to 2009. Using generalized gamma models, we compared biomarker values across three groups, adjusting for possible confounders: HIV-uninfected (NEG); HIV-positive, HAART-naive (NAI); and HAART-exposed with HIV RNA suppressed to less than 50 copies/ml plasma (SUP). We also estimated changes in biomarker levels associated with duration of HIV suppression, using splined generalized gamma regression with a knot at 1 year., Results: Most biomarkers were relatively normalized in the SUP group relative to the NAI group; however, 12 biomarkers in the SUP group were distinct (P < 0.002) from NEG values: CXCL10, C-reactive protein (CRP), sCD14, sTNFR2, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), sCD27, sGP130, interleukin (IL)-8, CCL13, BAFF, GM-CSF and IL-12p70. Thirteen biomarkers exhibited significant changes in the first year after viral suppression, but none changed significantly after that time., Conclusion: Biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation moved towards HIV-negative levels within the first year after HAART-induced HIV suppression. Although several markers of T-cell activation returned to levels present in HIV-negative men, residual immune activation, particularly monocyte/macrophage activation, was present. This residual immune activation may represent a therapeutic target to improve the prognosis of HIV-infected individuals receiving HAART.

Background: Xylitol is a well-known anticaries agent and has been used for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of xylitol are evaluated for possible use in the prevention and treatment of periodontal infections., Methods: Cytokine expression was stimulated in THP-1 (human monocyte cell line)-derived macrophages by live Porphyromonas gingivalis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a commercial multiplex assay kit were used to determine the effects of xylitol on live P. gingivalis-induced production of cytokine. The effects of xylitol on phagocytosis and the production of nitric oxide were determined using phagocytosis assay, viable cell count, and Griess reagent. The effects of xylitol on P. gingivalis adhesion were determined by immunostaining, and costimulatory molecule expression was examined by flow cytometry., Results: Live P. gingivalis infection increased the production of representative proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, in a multiplicity of infection- and time-dependent manner. Live P. gingivalis also enhanced the release of cytokines and chemokines, such as IL-12 p40, eotaxin, interferon γ-induced protein 10, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1. The pretreatment of xylitol significantly inhibited the P. gingivalis-induced cytokines production and nitric oxide production. In addition, xylitol inhibited the attachment of live P. gingivalis on THP-1-derived macrophages. Furthermore, xylitol exerted antiphagocytic activity against both Escherichia coli and P. gingivalis., Conclusion: These findings suggest that xylitol acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in THP-1-derived macrophages infected with live P. gingivalis, which supports its use in periodontitis.

Objective: Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) can have similar clinical and histological features. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used to distinguish the disorders, with the assumption that only GORD can respond to PPIs. Oesophageal expression of eotaxin-3 stimulated by Th2 cytokines might contribute to oesophageal eosinophilia in EoE. Th2 cytokine effects on the oesophagus in GORD are not known. The objective of the authors was to explore the molecular mechanisms of Th2 cytokines on eotaxin-3 expression by oesophageal squamous cells from patients with GORD and EoE, and the effects of omeprazole on that eotaxin-3 expression., Design: Using telomerase-immortalised and primary cultures of oesophageal squamous cells from GORD and EoE patients, the authors measured eotaxin-3 protein secretion stimulated by Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13). Eotaxin-3 promoter constructs were used to study transcriptional regulation. Cytokine-induced eotaxin-3 mRNA and protein expression were measured in the presence or absence of omeprazole., Results: There were no significant differences between EoE and GORD primary cells in cytokine-stimulated eotaxin-3 protein secretion levels. In EoE and GORD cell lines, IL-4 and IL-13 activated the eotaxin-3 promoter, and significantly increased eotaxin-3 mRNA and protein expression. Omeprazole blocked the cytokine-stimulated increase in eotaxin-3 mRNA and protein expression in EoE and GORD cell lines., Conclusion: Oesophageal squamous cells from GORD and EoE patients express similar levels of eotaxin-3 when stimulated by Th2 cytokines, and omeprazole blocks that eotaxin-3 expression. These findings suggest that PPIs might have eosinophil-reducing effects independent of effects on acid reflux and that response to PPIs might not distinguish EoE from GORD.

Brain and immune system are linked by bidirectional pathways so that changes of the central nervous system may influence various immune functions. The olfactory system may be involved in this interaction. In most odor studies subjects are aware of an odor exposure, using frequently high odor concentrations or long-term exposures without controls. In this pilot study, the potential immune effects of short-term odor exposure were examined in 32 blinded subjects (16 male, 16 female). Subjects were exposed without their knowledge either to a stimulant essential oil (grapefruit, fennel, pepper), a no-odor control or a relaxant essential oil (lavender, patchouli, rose) during a set of psychological questionnaires for 30 min at three separate visits. Activity of neutrophil granulocytes (CXCL8 release, CD16) and peripheral blood concentrations of mainly neutrophil-related immunological markers were measured. We tested the triple of stimulant odor, control and relaxant odor for every subject in a model which assumed opposite effects of the stimulant and the relaxant odor. This hypothesis was falsified by our experimental data, as no significant effect was observed for the parameters tested. The human immune functions tested in our study are not modulated by short-term odor exposure in blinded subjects. Further studies should directly dissect possible differences between long-term and short-term exposures of non-blinded subjects versus blinded subjects.

Objective: Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-3 grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) participates in the initial stages of sexually transmitted HIV-1 infection by recognizing highly mannosylated structures presented in multiple copies on HIV-1 gp120 and promoting virus dissemination. Inhibition of HIV interaction with DC-SIGN thus represents a potential therapeutic approach for viral entry inhibition at the mucosal level., Design: Herein we evaluate the efficacy in inhibiting HIV-1 infection and the potential toxicity of a multimeric glycomimetic DC-SIGN ligand (Dendron 12)., Methods: The ability of Dendron 12 to block HIV-1 infection was assessed in cellular and human cervical explant models. Selectivity of Dendron 12 towards DC-SIGN and langerin was evaluated by surface plasmon resonance studies. β chemokine production following stimulation with Dendron 12 was also analyzed. Toxicity of the compound was evaluated in cellular and tissue models., Results: Dendron 12 averted HIV-1 trans infection of CD4(+) T lymphocytes in presence of elevated viral loads and prevented HIV-1 infection of human cervical tissues, under conditions mimicking compromised epithelial integrity, by multiple clades of R5 and X4 tropic viruses. Treatment with Dendron 12 did not interfere with the activity of langerin and also significantly elicited the production of the β chemokines MIP-1α, MIP-1β and RANTES., Conclusion: Dendron 12 thus inhibits HIV-1 infection by competition with binding of HIV to DC-SIGN and stimulation of β-chemokine production. Dendron 12 represents a promising lead compound for the development of anti-HIV topical microbicides.

Background: Structural cells are an important reservoir of chemokines that coordinate the influx of various immune cells to the lungs of asthmatics. Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) are an important source of these chemokines. CCL15 is a recently described chemo-attractant for neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes., Objective: To determine the production and the regulation of CCL15 by ASMC and to investigate its production in asthmatic airways., Methods: Human ASMC were obtained from main bronchial airway segments of patients with mild, moderate and severe asthma. To induce chemokine production, cells were incubated with IL-4, IL-13, TNF-α or IFN-γ in presence or absence of dexamethasone, mithramycin A (SP-1 inhibitor) or the IKK-2 inhibitor, AS602868. CCL15 mRNA expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Immunoreactive CCL15 was detected by immuno-fluorescence and CCL15 protein concentration in the supernatant was measured using ELISA., Results: CCL15 is constitutively expressed in human ASMC and is strongly up-regulated by TNF-α. This up-regulation is inhibited by dexamethasone, mithramycin A and AS602868. TNF-α-induced CCL15 levels can be synergistically enhanced by the presence of IFN-γ, at both the transcriptional and translation level. This synergism is NF-κB-dependent. Asthmatic biopsies demonstrated higher expression of CCL15 compared with non-asthmatic controls., Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Our results show that ASMC are a potent source of CCL15 in the airways and may directly participate in the recruitment of inflammatory cells to asthmatic airways. Targeting the production of CCL15 by ASMC might reduce the inflammatory response within the airways of asthmatic patients., (© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Objective: Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive lymphocytic infiltration within the salivary and lacrimal glands. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of innate immunity activation on sialoadenitis in a mouse strain genetically susceptible for development of SS-like disease., Methods: Female New Zealand Black X New Zealand White F1 mice were repeatedly treated with toll-like 3 receptor agonist poly(I:C). Submandibular glands were investigated at different time points for sialoadenitis by immunohistochemistry and for gene expression of different chemokines by quantitative PCR. Submandibular gland-infiltrating cells were characterized by flow cytometry., Results: Poly(I:C) treatment significantly upregulated the expression of multiple chemokines within the submandibular glands. The severity and incidence of sialoadenitis was considerably higher in poly(I:C)-treated mice. There was a preponderance of dendritic cells and NK cells in the initial inflammatory cell infiltrates, and these were followed by CD4+ T cells., Conclusions: Our data clearly demonstrate that systemic activation of innate immunity accelerates sialoadenitis in a mouse model for SS-like disease. These findings suggest that chronic activation of innate immunity can influence certain features of SS., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Background: This study aimed to examine how CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) inhibitors (aplaviroc [APL], TAK779 and maraviroc [MVC]) interact with CCR5 and affect its dynamics and physiological CC-chemokine-CCR5 interactions., Methods: A yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-tagged CCR5-expressing U373-MAGI cell line was generated and a stable CCR5-expressing clonal population, (YFP)CCR5-UM16, was prepared. (YFP)CCR5-UM16 cells were exposed to RANTES, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha or MIP-1beta (all 100 ng/ml) with or without CCR5 inhibitors and (YFP)CCR5 internalization was visualized with real-time by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The mobility of (YFP)CCR5 was also examined in the presence of CCR5 inhibitors with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) imaging., Results: Following the addition of each CC chemokine, intracellular fluorescence intensity increased whereas membranous fluorescence decreased, signifying (YFP)CCR5 internalization. All three CCR5 inhibitors failed to induce (YFP)CCR5 internalization. All three CCR5 inhibitors blocked the CC-chemokine-induced internalization at a high concentration of 1 microM; however, the ratio of APL concentration that blocked RANTES-induced internalization by 50% over APL concentration that blocked HIV type-1 (HIV-1) replication by 50% was 16.4, indicating that APL permits CC-chemokine-induced internalization to a much greater extent compared with TAK779 and MVC, having ratios of 1.1 and 0.9, respectively. The examination of (YFP)CCR5 mobility with FRAP imaging revealed that (YFP)CCR5 continuously underwent rapid redistribution, which none of the three inhibitors blocked., Conclusions: The finding that APL moderately blocked the RANTES-triggered (YFP)CCR5 internalization despite the highly potent anti-HIV-1 activity of APL strongly suggests that development of CCR5 inhibitors, which do not overly inhibit physiological CC-chemokine-CCR5 interactions, is practically feasible.

Background: Sinonasal epithelial cells participate in host defense by initiating innate immune mechanisms against potential pathogens. Antimicrobial innate mechanisms have been shown to involve Th1-like inflammatory responses. Although epithelial cells can also be induced by Th2 cytokines to express proeosinophilic mediators, no environmental agents have been identified that promote this effect., Methods: Human sinonasal epithelial cells from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) and controls were harvested and grown in primary culture. Cell cultures were exposed to a range of concentrations of chitin for 24 hours, and mRNA for acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase), eotaxin-3, and thymic stromal-derived lymphopoietin (TSLP) were assessed. Other cultures were exposed to interleukin 4 (IL- 4) alone and in combination with dust-mite antigen (DMA) for 36 hours. Extracted mRNA and cell culture supernatant were analyzed for expression of AMCase and eotaxin-3., Results: Chitin induced a dose-dependent expression of AMCase and eotaxin-3 mRNA but not TSLP. Patients with recalcitrant CRSwNPs showed lower baseline expression of AMCase when compared with treatment-responsive CRSwNP and less induction of AMCase expression by chitin. DMA did not directly induce expression of AMCase or eotaxin-3. Expression of eotaxin-3 was stimulated by IL-4 and further enhanced with the addition of DMA. Levels of AMCase were not significantly affected by either IL-4 or DMA exposure. In some cases, the combination of IL-4 and DMA was able to induce AMCase expression in cell cultures not producing AMCase at baseline., Conclusion: The abundant biopolymer chitin appears to be recognized by a yet uncharacterized receptor on sinonasal epithelial cells. Chitin stimulates production of AMCase and eotaxin-3, two pro-Th2 effector proteins. This finding suggests the existence of a novel innate immune pathway for local defense against chitin-containing organisms in the sinonasal tract. Dysregulation of this function could precipitate or exacerbate Th2 inflammation, potentially acting as an underlying factor in recalcitrant CRSwNP.

Background and Objective: Porphyromonas gingivalis infection is strongly associated with periodontitis. Although P. gingivalis is known to elicit a strong inflammatory response, details of that remain fragmentary. To understand the local response to P. gingivalis, primary cell lines derived from mouse gingival tissues were exposed to P. gingivalis or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide, and the production of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was measured. CCL25 gene expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cells stimulated with combinations of interleukin-6, soluble interleukin-6 receptor and/or soluble gp130 were assayed for CCL2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion., Material and Methods: Primary cell lines were generated from mouse gingival tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine cytokine levels, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify CCL25 gene expression., Results: Exposure to P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide but not to E. coli lipopolysaccharide resulted in significantly elevated levels of both interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and stimulation with P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide also upregulated CCL25 gene expression. In one of three experiments, interleukin-6 induced CCL2 secretion, whereas interleukin-6 plus soluble interleukin-6 receptor induced CCL2 secretion in all three experiments, suggesting that both direct interleukin-6 signaling and interleukin-6 trans-signaling may be involved. However, because soluble gp130 did not inhibit trans-signaling, and because direct stimulation of gingival cells with soluble gp130 resulted in CCL2 secretion, the possibility exists that soluble gp130 forms binary complexes with soluble interleukin-6 receptor that promote direct interleukin-6 stimulation., Conclusion: These findings define a pathway in which exposure of gingival cells to P. gingivalis induces the release of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha; interleukin-6, in turn, induces CCL2 secretion.

Asthma is associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation and eosinophils are believed to be important in the pathogenesis of asthma. IL-5 has been considered the central mediator for eosinophilic proliferation, differentiation and eosinophilic inflammation, but results of recent studies suggest that besides IL-5, eotaxin may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. Eotaxin is CC chemokine first isolated from guinea pig bronchoalveolar lavage. It selectively binds to a specific receptor (CCR3) highly expressed on eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells being important in the pathogenesis of asthma. Eotaxin is produced mainly by epithelial cells of lung and gut, to mediate organ preferential attraction of eosinophils. Production of eotaxin is stimulated by IL-4, IL-13, TNF(-alpha). Human eotaxin family includes: eotaxin-1 (CCL11), eotaxin-2 (CCL24) and eotaxin-3 (CCL26). It seems that eotaxin-3 may be expressed following allergen challenge. Studies with glucocorticosteroids have shown some inhibitory effect on eotaxin production in cell culture in vitro however, very little in vivo data exists in humans relating to corticosteroid effects on chemokine levels. CCR3 receptor is considered as the possible therapeutic target in asthma treatment.