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Russell L Delude

Publications and source records attributed to Russell L Delude.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

LPS increases hepatic HIF-1alpha protein and expression of the HIF-1-dependent gene aldolase A in rats.

BACKGROUND: Cellular adaptation to hypoxia is mediated in part by the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Accumulating data suggest that pro-inflammatory mediators can up-regulate HIF-1alpha protein expression and HIF-1 DNA-binding activity in the absence of hypoxia. Accordingly, we investigated HIF-1 mediated signaling in endotoxemic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied three groups of male Sprague Dawley rats. Controls (N = 5) were injected i.p. with saline. Endotoxemic rats (N = 9) received a sublethal dose of lipopolysaccaride (Escherichia coli; 5 mg/kg, i.p.). A third group of rats (N = 5) received the HIF-1 stabilizing agent CoCl(2) (14 mg/kg, i.p.) at T = 0 h and T = 16 h. At T = 18 h, liver microvascular perfusion was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry and hepatic tissue samples were obtained. RNA was isolated and mRNA levels of the HIF-1 dependent genes aldolase A and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. HIF-1alpha content was estimated by immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. RESULTS: HIF-1alpha increased in hepatic tissue after treatment with LPS or CoCl(2). LPS markedly increased hepatic expression of aldolase A, but failed to alter expression of VEGF. CoCl(2) increased aldolase A and VEGF mRNA expression. Although hepatic microvascular perfusion was comparable in saline- and LPS-treated rats, hepatic microvascular blood flow and aldolase A expression were significantly inversely correlated among endotoxemic rats (r = 0.773; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Increased expression of aldolase A in endotoxemic rats is mediated by both hypoxia-dependent and hypoxia-independent mechanisms.

Analysis of Variance↗

The phase 2 enzyme inducers ethacrynic acid, DL-sulforaphane, and oltipraz inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced high-mobility group box 1 secretion by RAW 264.7 cells.

The diuretic ethacrynic acid (EA) has been shown to inhibit signaling by the proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Accordingly, we sought to determine whether this compound is capable of inhibiting the release of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10] and NO from RAW 264.7 murine macrophage-like cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, we sought to determine whether EA can inhibit secretion of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a nuclear protein that is secreted by immunostimulated macrophages and functions in the extracellular milieu as a proinflammatory mediator. In a concentration-dependent manner, EA inhibited secretion of IL-6, IL-10, nitric oxide, and HMGB1. As expected, EA inhibited NF-kappaB DNA binding in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Treating these cells with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, SN50 (amino acid sequence AAVALLPAVLLALLAPVQRKRQKLMP) or 5-(thien-3-yl)-3-aminothiophene-2-carboxamide (SC-514) also inhibited LPS-induced NF-kappaB DNA binding, but these compounds failed to inhibit LPS-induced HMGB1 secretion. These findings suggested that inhibition of HMGB1 secretion by EA might occur via a mechanism unrelated to the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. Because EA is an electrophilic compound that is known to be capable of inducing expression of so-called phase 2 proteins, we sought to determine whether two other phase 2 enzyme inducers, oltipraz and DL-sulforaphane, also are capable of inhibiting HMGB1 release from immunostimulated macrophages. Incubating RAW 264.7 cells with either oltipraz or DL-sulforaphane inhibited LPS-induced HMGB1 secretion. Moreover, both EA and DL-sulforaphane inhibited relocalization of nuclear HMGB1 into the cytoplasm of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These data suggest that phase 2 inducers may exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting secretion of the cytokine-like nuclear protein HMGB1.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

HMGB1 is secreted by immunostimulated enterocytes and contributes to cytomix-induced hyperpermeability of Caco-2 monolayers.

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a cytokine-like proinflammatory protein, is secreted by activated macrophages and released by necrotic cells. We hypothesized that immunostimulated enterocytes might be another source for this mediator. Accordingly, Caco-2 cells or primary mouse intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were incubated with "cytomix" (a mixture of TNF, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma) for various periods. HMGB1 in cell culture supernatants was detected by Western blot analysis and visualized in Caco-2 cells with the use of fluorescence confocal and immunotransmission electron microscopy. Caco-2 cells growing on filters in diffusion chambers were stimulated with cytomix for 48 h in the absence or presence of anti-HMGB1 antibody, and permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (average molecular mass, 4 kDa; FD4) was assessed. Cytomix-stimulated Caco-2 cells secreted HMGB1 into the apical but not the basolateral compartments of diffusion chambers. Although undetectable at 6 and 12 h after the start of incubation with cytomix, HMGB1 was present in supernatants after 24 h of incubation. HMGB1 secretion by Caco-2 monolayers also was induced when the cells were exposed to FSL-1, a Toll-like receptor (Tlr)-2 agonist, or flagellin, a Tlr5 agonist, but not lipopolysaccharide, a Tlr4 agonist. Cytomix also induced HMGB1 secretion by primary IECs. Cytoplasmic HMGB1 is localized within vesicles in Caco-2 cells and is secreted, at least in part, associated with exosomes. Incubating Caco-2 cells with cytomix increased FD4 permeation, but this effect was significantly decreased in the presence of anti-HMGB1 antibody. Collectively, these data support the view that HMGB1 is secreted by immunostimulated enterocytes. This process may exacerbate inflammation-induced epithelial hyperpermeability via an autocrine feedback loop.

Animals↗

The ethyl pyruvate analogues, diethyl oxaloproprionate, 2-acetamidoacrylate, and methyl-2-acetamidoacrylate, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in vivo and/or in vitro.

Ethyl pyruvate (EP) is a simple aliphatic ester derived from the endogenous metabolite, pyruvic acid. EP has been shown to decrease the expression of various pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO*), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin (IL)-6, in a variety of in vitro and in vivo model systems. In an effort to better understand the chemical features that might explain the anti-inflammatory properties of EP, we screened 15 commercially available compounds for cytoprotective or anti-inflammatory effects using two in vitro assay systems: TNF and NO* production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage-like cells and changes in the permeability of Caco-2 human enterocyte-like monolayers stimulated with a cocktail of pro-inflammatory cytokines called cytomix (1000U/ml IFN-gamma plus 10ng/ml TNF-alpha plus 1ng/ml IL-1beta). Two compounds, namely diethyl oxaloproprionate (DEOP) and 2-acetamidoacrylate (2AA), demonstrated consistent anti-inflammatory or cytoprotective pharmacological properties in this screening process. Treatment of mice with either of these compounds ameliorated LPS-induced ileal mucosal hyperpermeability to the fluorescent probe, fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran (average molecular mass 4kDa), and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes. Treatment with either of these compounds also improved survival in mice challenged with a lethal dose of LPS. Finally, in a study that compared 2AA to its methyl ester, we showed that methyl-2-acetamidoacrylate is at least 100-fold more potent than the parent carboxylate as an inhibitor of LPS-induced NO* production by RAW 264.7 cells. Collectively, these data are consistent with the view that anti-inflammatory activity is demonstrable for a number of compounds that either incorporate an olefinic linkage conjugated to a carbonyl moiety or are capable of undergoing tautomeric rearrangement to form such a structure. Moreover, our findings suggest that esters with these general characteristics, perhaps because of their greater lipophilicity or electrophilicity, are more potent anti-inflammatory agents than are the parent carboxylates.

Acrylates↗

Epithelial barrier dysfunction: a unifying theme to explain the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction at the cellular level.

The multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is the most common cause of death among patients requiring care in an ICU. There is widespread agreement that MODS is the clinical manifestation of a dysregulated inflammatory response. This article, however, summarizes some tantalizing data to support the view that derangements in the formation or function of specialized structures in epithelial cells, tight junctions, may be a key factor leading to lung, liver, gut, and perhaps kidney dysfunction associated with such conditions as sepsis and acute lung injury syndrome that are caused by dysregulated inflammatory processes.

Animals↗

Ethyl pyruvate ameliorates ileus induced by bowel manipulation in mice.

BACKGROUND: Ethyl pyruvate (EP) improves survival, decreases proinflammatory cytokine expression, and ameliorates organ dysfunction in mice who have lethal sepsis or were subjected to hemorrhagic shock. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that treatment with EP can prevent the development of ileus after bowel manipulation, a phenomenon that is mediated by an inflammatory response in the bowel wall. METHODS: C57Bl/6 mice underwent operative manipulation of the small intestine or were subjected to a sham procedure. Some of the mice subjected to gut manipulation were pre- and post-treated with 4 doses of EP (40 or 80 mg/kg per dose), whereas others received similar volumes of the vehicle for EP. Gastrointestinal transit of a nonabsorbable marker was assessed by gavaging the mice with the tracer 24 hours after operation and assessing its concentration 90 minutes later in bowel contents from the stomach, 10 equally long segments of small intestine, the cecum, and 2 equally long segments of colon. The contractile responses of ileal circular smooth muscle to graded concentrations of bethanechol were assessed by using standard organ bath methodology. Expression of interleukin-6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase transcripts in ileal muscularis propria was assessed by using the semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In sham-operated controls, the mean (+/- SE) geometric center for the transit marker was 10.0 +/- 0.5, whereas for vehicle-treated mice subject to bowel manipulation, the value for this parameter was 3.5 +/- 0.1 (P < .05). When mice subjected to bowel manipulation were treated with several 40 mg/kg doses of EP, the geometric center was 7.3 +/- 1.0 (P < .05 vs sham-operated group). Gut manipulation impaired intestinal smooth muscle contractility in vitro and increased steady-state levels of interleukin-6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase messenger RNA. Treatment with EP ameliorated these effects of gut manipulation. CONCLUSIONS: EP warrants further evaluation as a therapeutic agent to ameliorate postoperative ileus.

Animals↗

Flow cytometry.

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Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Ethacrynic acid inhibits multiple steps in the NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

Ethacrynic acid has been used as a safe and effective diuretic for more than 30 years. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that ethacrynic acid is also an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits signaling by the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB. We showed that ethacrynic acid inhibited luciferase expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells transfected with an NF-kappaB-dependent luciferase reporter vector and also inhibited NF-kappaB DNA binding in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (electrophoretic mobility shift assay). Ethacrynic acid inhibited degradation of IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Ethacrynic acid impaired DNA binding of wild-type p65 subunits of NF-kappaB in cells. However, DNA binding of a Cys--> Ser p65 mutant was not inhibited by ethacrynic acid, suggesting that ethacrynic acid inhibits DNA binding by alkylating p65 at Cys. In a cell-free system, binding of p50 homodimers to an NF-kappaB consensus sequence was inhibited by ethacrynic acid at concentrations from 10 to 100 microM, indicating that ethacrynic acid probably also covalently modifies the p50 subunit. These data indicate that ethacrynic acid inhibits activation of the NF-kappaB pathway at multiple points and suggest that this well-studied drug warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic for various conditions that are associated with excessive inflammation.

Animals↗

Ethyl pyruvate inhibits nuclear factor-kappaB-dependent signaling by directly targeting p65.

Ethyl pyruvate has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in numerous cell culture and animal studies. In this series of experiments, we tested the hypothesis that ethyl pyruvate inhibits signaling by the pro-inflammatory transcription factor, NF-kappaB. Ethyl pyruvate inhibited luciferase expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells transfected with an NF-kappaB-dependent luciferase reporter vector. Ethyl pyruvate also decreased NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of an NF-kappaB-dependent gene, inducible nitric oxide synthase. Ethyl pyruvate had no effect on the degradation of IkappaBalpha or IkappaBbeta in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, suggesting that ethyl pyruvate acts distally to this step in the activation of NF-kappaB. In a cell-free system, binding of p50 homodimers to an NF-kappaB consensus oligonucleotide sequence was unaffected by ethyl pyruvate over a wide range of concentrations, indicating that ethyl pyruvate probably does not modify or interact with the p50 subunit of NF-kappaB. In contrast, ethyl pyruvate inhibited DNA binding by ectopically overexpressed wild-type p65 homodimers. However, ethyl pyruvate failed to inhibit the DNA-binding activity of homodimers of an overexpressed mutant form of a p65 with substitution of serine for cysteine 38. Taken together, these results suggest that ethyl pyruvate inhibits DNA-binding by covalently modifying p65 at Cys(38). We conclude that some of the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of ethyl pyruvate may be due to modification of p65, thereby inhibiting signaling via the NF-kappaB pathway.

Animals↗

Ethyl pyruvate ameliorates distant organ injury in a murine model of acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: Ethyl pyruvate has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent in a variety of in vitro and in vivo model systems. Herein, we used a murine model of acute pancreatitis to compare the effects of treatment with either Ringer's lactate solution or ethyl pyruvate solution on several physiologic and biochemical variables related to disease severity. DESIGN: Experimental animal study. SETTING: University laboratory. SUBJECTS: C57Bl/6 mice. INTERVENTIONS: Pancreatitis was induced by feeding the animals a choline-deficient diet supplemented with 0.5% ethionine for 24 hrs and then challenging the animals with seven hourly 50 microg/kg intraperitoneal injections of cerulein and a single intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (4 mg/kg). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: When mice were treated with ethyl pyruvate (40 mg/kg intraperitoneally every 6 hrs for 48 hrs) instead of Ringer's lactate solution starting 2 hrs after the injection of lipopolysaccharide, long-term survival was improved from one of ten to six of ten (p =.057). When mice were treated with a 40 mg/kg dose of ethyl pyruvate just before the first dose of cerulein and then injected with a second 40 mg/kg dose 6 hrs later, serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase measured 10 hrs after the first cerulein dose were significantly lower than in mice with pancreatitis treated with Ringer's lactate solution. In this model of acute pancreatitis, the same dosing regimen for ethyl pyruvate also ameliorated bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes and leakage of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled albumin from blood into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Treatment with ethyl pyruvate decreased pancreatic expression of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 messenger RNA and nuclear factor-kappaB DNA binding in nuclear extracts prepared from pancreatic tissue. CONCLUSION: Treatment with ethyl pyruvate ameliorated the local inflammatory response and decreased local and distant organ injury in a murine model of necrotizing pancreatitis.

Animals↗

Increased iNOS activity is essential for intestinal epithelial tight junction dysfunction in endotoxemic mice.

We tested the hypothesis that increased production of nitric oxide (NO.) associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation leads to functionally significant alterations in the expression and/or targeting of key tight junction (TJ) proteins in ileal and colonic epithelium. Wild-type or inducible NO. synthase (iNOS) knockout male C57B1/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with 2 mg/kg Escherichia coli O111:B4 LPS. iNOS was inhibited using intraperitoneal L-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (L-NIL; 5 mg/kg). Immunoblotting of total protein and NP-40 insoluble proteins revealed decreased expression and decreased TJ localization, respectively, of the TJ proteins, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, and/or occludin in ileal mucosa and colonic mucosa (total protein only) after injection of C57B1/6J mice with LPS. Immunohistochemistry showed deranged distribution of ZO-1 and occludin in both tissues from endotoxemic mice. Endotoxemia was associated with evidence of gut epithelial barrier dysfunction evidenced by increased ileal mucosal permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (Mr=4 kDa) and increased bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes. Pharmacologic inhibition of iNOS activity using L-NIL or genetic ablation of the iNOS gene ameliorated LPS-induced changes in TJ protein expression and gut mucosal barrier function. These results support the view that at least one mechanism contributing to the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal epithelial dysfunction secondary to systemic inflammation is increased iNOS-dependent NO. production leading to altered expression and localization of key TJ proteins.

Animals↗

NAD+ ameliorates inflammation-induced epithelial barrier dysfunction in cultured enterocytes and mouse ileal mucosa.

In the course of other experiments, we serendipitously observed that extracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) ameliorated the development of epithelial hyperpermeability when monolayers of Caco-2 enterocyte-like cells were incubated with cytomix, a mixture containing interferon-gamma, interleukin-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. We sought to characterize the effects of NAD+ on inflammation-induced epithelial barrier dysfunction using Caco-2 monolayers that were exposed to cytomix in the absence or presence of NAD+ or other purine-containing molecules. Paracellular barrier function measured as the apical-to-basolateral passage of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran (mol. wt. approximately 4000) was preserved in a concentration-dependent manner when immunostimulated Caco-2 cells were exposed to extracellular NAD+. Incubation with NAD+ prevented cytomix-induced derangements in the expression and localization of the tight junction proteins occludin and zonula occludens-1 in Caco-2 cells. Treatment of cytomix-stimulated cells with NAD+ also blocked nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, inducible nitric-oxide synthase induction, and increased production of nitric oxide (NO.). Ileal mucosal permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran mol. wt. approximately 4000 was increased in mice 18 h after lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) injection, but treatment of endotoxemic mice with NAD+ ameliorated the development of gut mucosal hyperpermeability. Thus, extracellular NAD+ seems to ameliorate inflammation-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation and increased NO. production.

Animals↗

Dose-dependent effects of ethyl pyruvate in mice subjected to mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: We previously showed that infusing rats with a solution of ethyl pyruvate ameliorates intestinal mucosal injury after mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion. Ethyl pyruvate also has been shown to inhibit the expression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines in several animal models of critical illness, but dose-response relationships have not been investigated. DESIGN: Anesthetized C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 60 min of mesenteric ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. After 55 min of ischemia, groups of mice were treated with normal saline or graded bolus doses of ethyl pyruvate dissolved in a calcium-containing balanced salt solution. Some animals (i.e., those in the sham group) were subjected to the anesthetic, but not mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion. Gut mucosal permeability was assessed using an everted gut sac technique. SETTING: University research laboratory. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion significantly increased ileal mucosal permeability to the hydrophilic macromolecule, fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (molecular mass 4,000 Da). Whereas the lowest dose of ethyl pyruvate evaluated (17 mg/kg) had no effect on gut mucosal permeability, the two highest doses tested (50 and 150 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the development of ischemia/reperfusion-induced mucosal hyperpermeability to about the same extent. The two highest doses of ethyl pyruvate also significantly ameliorated deficits in ileal serosal and mucosal and hepatic surface microvascular perfusion induced by mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion. Ethyl pyruvate inhibited post-ischemia/reperfusion hepatic NF-kappaB activation and TNF mRNA expression in a dose-dependent fashion. CONCLUSION: Doses of ethyl pyruvate equal to or greater than 50 mg/kg ameliorate inflammation, microvascular hypoperfusion and gut mucosal damage induced by mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion in mice.

Analysis of Variance↗

Increased iNOS activity is essential for hepatic epithelial tight junction dysfunction in endotoxemic mice.

We tested the hypothesis that increased production of nitric oxide (NO*) by inducible NO* synthase (iNOS) is a key factor responsible for alterations in the expression, localization, and function of key tight junction (TJ) proteins in mice challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin). Endotoxemia was associated with hepatobiliary epithelial barrier dysfunction, as evidenced by increased plasma-to-bile leakage of FITC-labeled dextran (relative molecular mass 40 kDa) and increased circulating levels of bile acids and conjugated bilirubin. Immunoblotting revealed decreased expression of zonula occludens (ZO)-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, and occludin in liver after injection of C57Bl/6J mice with 2 mg/kg Escherichia coli 0111:B4 LPS. Nonidet P-40-insoluble (i.e., TJ-associated) occludin and ZO-1 were virtually undetectable 12 and 18 h after injecting LPS. Immunofluorescence microscopy also revealed deranged subcellular localization of ZO-1 and occludin in endotoxemic mice. Pharmacological inhibition of iNOS activity using l-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (5 mg/kg) or genetic ablation of iNOS ameliorated LPS-induced changes in hepatobiliary barrier function, and these strategies partially preserved TJ protein expression and localization. Steady-state levels of occludin and ZO-3 transcripts decreased transiently after injecting LPS but returned toward normal by 12 and 24 h after induction of endotoxemia, respectively. These results support the view that iNOS-dependent NO* production is an important factor contributing to hepatobiliary epithelial barrier dysfunction resulting from systemic inflammation and suggest that iNOS induction may play a role in the development of cholestatic jaundice in patients with severe sepsis.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Increased iNOS activity is essential for pulmonary epithelial tight junction dysfunction in endotoxemic mice.

A murine endotoxemia model and cultured Calu-3 monolayers were used to test the hypothesis that excessive nitric oxide (NO) production secondary to induction of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is a key factor leading to altered tight junction (TJ) protein expression and function in the pulmonary epithelium. C57Bl/6J mice were injected with either Escherichia coli 0111:B4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2 mg/kg) or vehicle. Twelve hours later, leakage of FITC-dextran (M(r) 4 kDa; FD4) from blood into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was significantly increased in endotoxemic but not control mice. This decrease in bronchoalveolar barrier function was associated with upregulation of iNOS protein expression and NF-kappaB activation in lung tissue. Expression of the TJ proteins, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, and occludin, as assessed by immunoblotting and/or immunofluorescence, decreased in lung after the injection of mice with LPS. Treatment of endotoxemic mice with an isoform-selective iNOS inhibitor [l-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl)lysine; l-NIL] ameliorated LPS-induced changes in TJ protein expression and preserved bronchoalveolar epithelial barrier function. Incubating Calu-3 bronchiolar epithelial monolayers with cytomix (a mixture of 1,000 U/ml IFN-gamma, 10 ng/ml TNF-alpha, and 1 ng/ml IL-1beta) increased permeability to FD4, but adding l-NIL prevented this effect. These results suggest that decreased expression and mistargeting of TJ proteins in lung after systemic inflammation may be NO dependent.

Animals↗

IL-6 is essential for development of gut barrier dysfunction after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation in mice.

We sought to determine the role of IL-6 as a mediator of the alterations in gut barrier function that occur after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HS/R). C57Bl/6 wild-type (WT) and IL-6 knockout (KO) mice on a C57Bl/6 background were subjected to either a sham procedure or HS/R. Organ and tissue samples were obtained 4 h after resuscitation. In WT mice, HS/R significantly increased ileal mucosal permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran (average molecular mass, 4 kDa) and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes. These alterations in gut barrier function were not observed in IL-6 KO animals. HS/R increased ileal steady-state mRNA levels for IL-6, TNF, and IL-10 in WT but not in IL-6 KO mice. Ileal mucosal expression of the tight junction protein, ZO-1, decreased after HS/R in WT but not IL-6 KO mice. Collectively, these data support the view that expression of IL-6 is essential for the development of gut barrier dysfunction after HS/R.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Ethyl pyruvate ameliorates acute alcohol-induced liver injury and inflammation in mice.

Ethyl pyruvate dissolved in a calcium-containing balanced salt solution--Ringer's ethyl pyruvate solution (REPS)--ameliorates ileal mucosal hyperpermeability and decreases the expression of several proinflammatory genes when it is used instead of Ringer's lactate solution (RLS) to resuscitate mice from hemorrhagic shock. Herein, we sought to determine whether delayed treatment with REPS would be beneficial in a murine model of acute alcoholic liver injury associated with binge drinking. Mice were gavaged with 3 doses of ethanol (5 g/kg each dose) over a 12-hour period and then randomized to treatment with 3 intraperitoneal doses of REPS or RLS over 12 hours. Compared with sham-treated controls not subjected to alcohol intoxication, RLS-treated mice demonstrated histologic evidence of fatty change and piecemeal necrosis of hepatocytes in the liver, as well as a significant increase in the plasma concentration of alanine aminotransferase. Biochemical changes induced by alcohol administration included increased hepatic lipid peroxidation, nuclear factor-kappaB activation, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha messenger RNA expression. All of these alcohol-induced effects were ameliorated by treatment with REPS instead of RLS. These data support the view that treatment with REPS ameliorates the hepatic inflammatory response and decreases hepatocellular injury in mice subjected to acute alcohol intoxication.

Acute Disease↗

Proinflammatory cytokines cause NO*-dependent and -independent changes in expression and localization of tight junction proteins in intestinal epithelial cells.

Intestinal epithelial barrier function is impaired after the exposure of enterocytes to proinflammatory cytokines. The mechanism(s) responsible for this phenomenon remain incompletely understood. We used cultured monolayers of Caco-2 enterocyte-like cells to characterize the effect of cytomix, a mixture of interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta, on the expression and localization of several tight junctions proteins. Cells were stimulated with cytomix in the presence or absence of 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1 -oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO), an NO* scavenger. Some cells were treated with (Z)-1-[2-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl) amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate] (DETA-NONOate), an NO* donor. Tight junction protein expression was measured in cellular extracts by Western blotting and localized in cells using immunofluorescence. Steady-state mRNA levels were determined using semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Incubation of cells with DETA-NONOate or cytomix decreased epithelial barrier function, decreased expression of ZO-1 mRNA, decreased expression of ZO-1, ZO-3, and occludin protein, and increased expression of claudin-1 protein. The effects of cytomix on barrier function and tight junction protein expression were modulated by cPTIO. Cytomix caused incorrect subcellular localization of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1, and this was modulated by co-incubation with cPTIO. DETA-NONOate caused similar protein mislocalization as observed with cytomix. The effectiveness of cPTIO in maintaining tight junction protein expression and correct subcellular localization was less apparent at early time points (12 h) compared with later points, suggesting an NO*-independent effect of cytokines on barrier function. Thus, cytomix appears to increase the permeability of Caco-2 monolayers through NO*-dependent and -independent mechanisms that are associated with changes in the expression and/or targeting of proteins involved in tight junction function.

Base Sequence↗