| 1. |
- Brandelius, Angelica, et al.
(författare)
-
Selective inhibition by simvastatin of IRF3 phosphorylation and TSLP production in dsRNA-challenged bronchial epithelial cells from COPD donors.
- 2012
-
Ingår i: British Journal of Pharmacology. - : Wiley. - 1476-5381 .- 0007-1188.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and purpose: Statin treatment may ameliorate viral infection-induced exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which exhibit Th2-type bronchial inflammation. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a hub cytokine switching on Th2-inflammation, is overproduced in viral and dsRNA-stimulated bronchial epithelial cells from COPD donors. Hence, TSLP may be causally involved in exacerbations. This study tests our hypothesis that simvastatin may inhibit dsRNA-induced TSLP. Experimental approach: Epithelial cells, obtained by bronchoscopy from COPD (n=7) and smoker control (n=8) donors, were grown and stimulated with viral infection and danger signal surrogate, dsRNA (10 µg·mL(-1) ). Cells were treated with simvastatin (0.2-5 µg·mL(-1) ), with or without mevalonate (13-26 µg·mL(-1) ), or dexamethasone (1 µg·mL(-1) ) prior to dsRNA. Cytokine expression and production, and transcription factor (IRF3 and NF-κB) activation were determined. Key results: dsRNA induced TSLP, TNFα, CXCL8, and IFNβ. TSLP was overproduced in dsRNA-exposed COPD cells compared to control. Simvastatin, concentration-dependently, but not dexamethasone, inhibited dsRNA-induced TSLP. Unexpectedly, simvastatin acted independent of mevalonate and did not affect dsRNA-induced NF-κB activation nor did it reduce production of TNFα and CXCL8. Instead, simvastatin inhibited dsRNA-induced IRF3 phosphorylation and generation of IFNβ. Conclusions and implications: Independent of mevalonate and NF-κB, previously acknowledged anti-inflammatory mechanisms of pleiotropic statins, simvastatin selectively inhibited dsRNA-induced IRF3 activation and production of TSLP and IFNβ in COPD epithelium. These data provide novel insight into epithelial generation of TSLP and suggest paths to be exploited in drug discovery aimed at inhibiting TSLP-induced pulmonary immunopathology.
|
|
| 2. |
- Akbarshahi, Hamid, et al.
(författare)
-
House dust mite impairs antiviral response in asthma exacerbation models through its effects on TLR3
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Allergy. - : Wiley. - 1398-9995 .- 0105-4538. ; 73:5, s. 1053-1063
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Impaired antiviral interferon expression may be involved in asthma exacerbations commonly caused by rhinovirus infections. Allergy is a known risk factor for viral-induced asthma exacerbation, but little is known whether allergens may affect interferon responses.OBJECTIVE: Our hypothesis is that house dust mite (HDM) impairs viral stimulus-induced antiviral signalling.METHODS: Experimental asthma exacerbations were produced in vitro in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) and in mice by using sequential challenges with HDM and a viral infection mimic, Poly(I:C). We examined rhinovirus pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) signalling pathways and potential mechanisms of impaired interferon response.RESULTS: HBECs and mice exposed to HDM prior to Poly(I:C) exhibited a reduced antiviral response compared to Poly(I:C) alone, including reduced IFN-β, IFN-lambda, TLR3, RIG-I, MDA5, IRF-3 and IRF-7. Heat-inactivation of HDM partially restored the TLR3-induced interferon response in vitro and in vivo. Our HBEC-data further showed that HDM directly affects TLR3 signalling by targeting the receptor glycosylation level.CONCLUSIONS: Direct effects of allergens such as HDM on PRRs can present as potential mechanism for defective antiviral airway responses. Accordingly, therapeutic measures targeting inhibitory effects of allergens on antiviral PRRs may find use as a strategy to boost antiviral response and ameliorate exacerbations in asthmatic patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
|
|
| 3. |
- Almendros, Isaac, et al.
(författare)
-
Early Career Members at the ERS Lung Science Conference: cell-matrix interactions in lung disease and regeneration: Early career forum
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Breathe. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 1810-6838 .- 2073-4735. ; 14:2, s. 78-83
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The 16th ERS Lung Science Conference (LSC) took place on March 8–11, 2018, in Estoril, Portugal, with around 200 delegates from all over the world. This year’s topic was “Cell-matrix interactions in lung disease and regeneration” and involved excellent presentations by leading experts in the field covering everything from exploratory studies on how the matrix functions, matrix remodelling and biomarkers in disease, to more technical knowledge described in the field of lung bioengineering. As in previous years, the Saturday afternoon was reserved for a programme dedicated to early career delegates, which this year focussed on “Maximising your publication output”. In this article, we summarise the Early Career Member highlights of this year’s LSC.
|
|
| 4. |
|
|
| 5. |
- Bergman, Fanny, et al.
(författare)
-
Physicochemical metamorphosis of re-aerosolized urban PM2.5
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Journal of Aerosol Science. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0021-8502 .- 1879-1964. ; 181
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The toxicity of particulate matter (PM) is dependent on particle physical and chemical properties and is commonly studied using in vivo and in vitro approaches. PM to be used for in vivo and in vitro studies is often collected on filters and then extracted from the filter surface using a solvent. During extraction and further PM sample handling, particle properties change, but this is often neglected in toxicology studies, with possible implications for health effect assessment. To address the current lack of knowledge and investigate changes in particle properties further, ambient PM with diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) was collected on filters at an urban site and extracted using a standard methanol protocol. After extraction, the PM was dried, dispersed in water and subsequently nebulized. The resulting aerosol properties were then compared to those of the ambient PM2.5. The number size distribution for the nebulized aerosol resembled the ambient in terms of the main mode diameter, and >90 % of particle mass in the nebulized size distribution was still in the PM2.5 range. Black carbon made up a similar fraction of PM mass in nebulized as in ambient aerosol. The sulfate content in the nebulized aerosol seemed depleted and the chemical composition of the organic fraction was altered, but it remains unclear to what extent other non-refractory components were affected by the extraction process. Trace elements were not distributed equally across size fractions, neither in ambient nor nebulized PM. Change in chemical form was studied for zinc, copper and iron. The form did not appear to be different between the ambient and nebulized PM for iron and copper, but seemed altered for zinc. Although many of the studied properties were reasonably well preserved, it is clear that the PM2.5 collection and re-aerosolization process affects particles, and thus potentially also their health effects. Because of this, the effect of the particle collection and extraction process must be considered when evaluating cellular and physiological outcomes upon PM2.5 exposure. © 2024 The Authors
|
|
| 6. |
- Bergman, Fanny, et al.
(författare)
-
Physicochemical metamorphosis of re-aerosolized urban PM2.5
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Journal of Aerosol Science. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0021-8502 .- 1879-1964. ; 181
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The toxicity of particulate matter (PM) is dependent on particle physical and chemical properties and is commonly studied using in vivo and in vitro approaches. PM to be used for in vivo and in vitro studies is often collected on filters and then extracted from the filter surface using a solvent. During extraction and further PM sample handling, particle properties change, but this is often neglected in toxicology studies, with possible implications for health effect assessment. To address the current lack of knowledge and investigate changes in particle properties further, ambient PM with diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) was collected on filters at an urban site and extracted using a standard methanol protocol. After extraction, the PM was dried, dispersed in water and subsequently nebulized. The resulting aerosol properties were then compared to those of the ambient PM2.5. The number size distribution for the nebulized aerosol resembled the ambient in terms of the main mode diameter, and >90 % of particle mass in the nebulized size distribution was still in the PM2.5 range. Black carbon made up a similar fraction of PM mass in nebulized as in ambient aerosol. The sulfate content in the nebulized aerosol seemed depleted and the chemical composition of the organic fraction was altered, but it remains unclear to what extent other non-refractory components were affected by the extraction process. Trace elements were not distributed equally across size fractions, neither in ambient nor nebulized PM. Change in chemical form was studied for zinc, copper and iron. The form did not appear to be different between the ambient and nebulized PM for iron and copper, but seemed altered for zinc. Although many of the studied properties were reasonably well preserved, it is clear that the PM2.5 collection and re-aerosolization process affects particles, and thus potentially also their health effects. Because of this, the effect of the particle collection and extraction process must be considered when evaluating cellular and physiological outcomes upon PM2.5 exposure.
|
|
| 7. |
- Boswinkel, Milou, et al.
(författare)
-
Utilizing MRI, [18F]FDG-PET and [89Zr]Zr-DFO-28H1 FAP-PET tracer to assess inflammation and fibrogenesis in a reproducible lung injury rat model : a multimodal imaging study
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Frontiers in Nuclear Medicine. - 2673-8880. ; 3
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Accurate imaging biomarkers that indicate disease progression at an early stage are highly important to enable timely mitigation of symptoms in progressive lung disease. In this context, reproducible experimental models and readouts are key. Here, we aim to show reproducibility of a lung injury rat model, by inducing disease and assessing disease progression by multi-modal non-invasive imaging techniques at two different research sites. Furthermore, we evaluated the potential of fibroblast activating protein (FAP) as an imaging biomarker in the early stage of lung fibrosis. Methods: An initial lung injury rat model was set up at one research site (Lund University, Lund, Sweden) and repeated at a second site (Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands). To induce lung injury, Sprague-Dawley rats received intratracheal instillation of bleomycin as one single dose (1,000 iU in 200 µL) or saline as control. Thereafter, longitudinal images were acquired to track inflammation in the lungs, at 1 and 2 weeks after the bleomycin challenge by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and [18F]FDG-PET. After the final [18F]FDG-PET scan, rats received an intravenous tracer [89Zr]Zr-DFO-28H1 (anti-FAP antibody) and were imaged at day 15, to track fibrogenesis. Upon termination, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed to assess cell and protein concentration. Subsequently, the biodistribution of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-28H1 was measured ex vivo and the spatial distribution in lung tissue was studied by autoradiography. Lung sections were stained, and fibrosis assessed using the modified Ashcroft score. Results: Bleomycin-challenged rats showed body weight loss and increased numbers of immune cells and protein concentrations after BAL compared with control animals. The initiation and progression of the disease were reproduced at both research sites. Lung lesions in bleomycin-exposed rats were visualized by MRI and confirmed by histology. [18F]FDG uptake was higher in the lungs of bleomycin-challenged rats compared with the controls, similar to that observed in the Lund study. [89Zr]Zr-DFO-28H1 tracer uptake in the lung was increased in bleomycin-challenged rats compared with control rats (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Here, we demonstrate a reproducible lung injury model and monitored disease progression using conventional imaging biomarkers MRI and [18F]FDG-PET. Furthermore, we showed the first proof-of-concept of FAP imaging. This reproducible and robust animal model and imaging experimental set-up allows for future research on new therapeutics or biomarkers in lung disease.
|
|
| 8. |
- Cerps, Samuel C., et al.
(författare)
-
Interferon-β deficiency at asthma exacerbation promotes MLKL mediated necroptosis
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 8:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Defective production of antiviral interferon (IFN)-β is thought to contribute to rhinovirus-induced asthma exacerbations. These exacerbations are associated with elevated lung levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), indicating occurrence of cell necrosis. We thus hypothesized that reduced lung IFN-β could contribute to necrotic cell death in a model of asthma exacerbations. Wild-type and IFN-β-/- mice were given saline or house dust mite (HDM) intranasally for 3 weeks to induce inflammation. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was then given for additional 3 days to induce exacerbation. HDM induced an eosinophilic inflammation, which was not associated with increased expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP or elevated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) LDH levels in wild-type. However, exacerbation evoked by HDM + dsRNA challenges increased BALF levels of LDH, apoptotic markers and the necroptotic markers receptor-interacting protein (RIP)-3 and phosphorylation of mixed linage kinase domain-like protein (pMLKL), compared to HDM + saline. Absence of IFN-β at exacerbation further increased BALF LDH and protein expression of pMLKL compared to wild-type. We demonstrate that cell death markers are increased at viral stimulus-induced exacerbation in mouse lungs, and that absence of IFN-β augments markers of necroptotic cell death at exacerbation. Our data thus suggest a novel role of deficient IFN-β production at viral-induced exacerbation.
|
|
| 9. |
- Mahmutovic Persson, Irma, et al.
(författare)
-
Capacity of capsazepinoids to relax human small airways and inhibit TLR3-induced TSLP and IFNβ production in diseased bronchial epithelial cells.
- 2012
-
Ingår i: International Immunopharmacology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-1705 .- 1567-5769. ; 13:3, s. 292-300
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an immunomodulating potentially disease-inducing cytokine, is overproduced in TLR3-stimulated bronchial epithelial cells from asthmatic donors whereas production of antiviral IFNβ is deficient. It is of therapeutic interest that capsazepine inhibits epithelial TSLP and relaxes human small airways with similar potencies. However, it is not known if other capsazepine-like compounds share such dual actions. This study explores epithelial anti-TSLP and anti-IFNβ effects of capsazepine and novel capsazepine-like bronchorelaxants. We used primary bronchial epithelial cells from asthmatic and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) donors, and human small airways dissected from surgically removed lungs. Seven novel capsazepinoids were about 10 times, and one compound (RES187) >30 times, more potent than capsazepine as relaxants of LTD(4)-contracted small airways. TLR3-induced TSLP, TNFα, CXCL8, and IFNβ mRNA and protein levels were dose-dependently and non-selectively inhibited by capsazepine, equally in cells from asthmatic and COPD donors. The novel compounds, except RES187, reduced TSLP and IFNβ but none are more potent than capsazepine. Only capsazepine consistently inhibited TNFα and CXCL8 production and attenuated TLR3-induced epithelial NF-κB signalling. Hence, the present compounds did not separate between inhibition of TLR3-induced epithelial TSLP and IFNβ, but all compounds, except capsazepine, did separate between the bronchorelaxant and the epithelial immune effects. We conclude that similar mechanisms may be involved in capsazepine-like inhibition of TLR3-induced epithelial TSLP and IFNβ and that these are distinct from mechanisms involved in relaxation of small airways by these compounds.
|
|
| 10. |
- Mahmutovic Persson, Irma, et al.
(författare)
-
IL-1β mediates lung neutrophilia and IL-33 expression in a mouse model of viral-induced asthma exacerbation
- 2018
-
Ingår i: Respiratory Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1465-9921 .- 1465-993X. ; 19:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Viral-induced asthma exacerbations, which exhibit both Th1-type neutrophilia and Th2-type inflammation, associate with secretion of Interleukin (IL)-1β. IL-1β induces neutrophilic inflammation. It may also increase Th2-type cytokine expression. We hypothesised that IL-1β is causally involved in both Th1 and Th2 features of asthma exacerbations. This hypothesis is tested in our mouse model of viral stimulus-induced asthma exacerbation.METHOD: Wild-type (WT) and IL-1β deficient (IL-1β-/-) mice received house dust mite (HDM) or saline intranasally during three weeks followed by intranasal dsRNA (PolyI:C molecule known for its rhinovirus infection mimic) for three consecutive days to provoke exacerbation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analysed for inflammatory cells and total protein. Lung tissues were stained for neutrophilic inflammation and IL-33. Tissue homogenates were analysed for mRNA expression of Muc5ac, CXCL1/KC, TNF-α, CCL5, IL-25, TSLP, IL-33, IL-1β, CCL11 and CCL2 using RT-qPCR.RESULTS: Expression of IL-1β, neutrophil chemoattractants, CXCL1 and CCL5, the Th2-upstream cytokine IL-33, and Muc5ac were induced at exacerbation in WT mice and were significantly inhibited in IL-1β-/- mice at exacerbation. Effects of HDM alone were not reduced in IL-1β-deficient mice.CONCLUSION: Without being involved in the baseline HDM-induced allergic asthma, IL-1β signalling was required to induce neutrophil chemotactic factors, IL-33, and Muc5ac expression at viral stimulus-induced exacerbation. We suggest that IL-1β has a role both in neutrophilic and Th2 inflammation at viral-induced asthma exacerbations.
|
|
| 11. |
- Mahmutovic Persson, Irma, et al.
(författare)
-
Imaging Biomarkers and Pathobiological Profiling in a Rat Model of Drug-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease Induced by Bleomycin
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Frontiers in Physiology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-042X. ; 11
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A large number of systemically administered drugs have the potential to cause drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DIILD). We aim to characterize a model of DIILD in the rat and develop imaging biomarkers (IBs) for detection and quantification of DIILD. In this study, Sprague–Dawley rats received one single dose of intratracheal (i.t.) bleomycin and were longitudinally imaged at day 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 post dosing, applying the imaging techniques magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for total protein and inflammatory cells. Lungs were saved for further evaluation by gene analysis using quantitative-PCR and by histology. Lung sections were stained with Masson’s-Trichrome staining and evaluated by modified Ashcroft score. Gene expression profiling of inflammatory and fibrotic markers was performed on lung tissue homogenates. Bleomycin induced significant increase in total protein concentration and total cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), peaking at day 3 (p > 0.001) and day 7 (p > 0.001) compared to control, respectively. Lesions measured by MRI and PET signal in the lungs of bleomycin challenged rats were significantly increased during days 3–14, peaking at day 7. Two subgroups of animals were identified as low- and high-responders by their different change in total lung volume. Both groups showed signs of inflammation initially, while at later time points, the low-responder group recovered toward control, and the high-responder group showed sustained lung volume increase, and significant increase of lesion volume (p < 0.001) compared to control. Lastly, important inflammatory and pro-fibrotic markers were assessed from lung tissue, linking observed imaging pathological changes to gene expression patterns. In conclusion, bleomycin-induced lung injury is an adequate animal model for DIILD studies and for translational lung injury assessment by MRI and PET imaging. The scenario comprised disease responses, with different fractions of inflammation and fibrosis. Thereby, this study improved the understanding of imaging and biological biomarkers in DIILD and lung injury.
|
|
| 12. |
- Mahmutovic Persson, Irma, et al.
(författare)
-
Imaging biomarkers in animal models of drug-induced lung injury : A systematic review
- 2021
-
Ingår i: Journal of Clinical Medicine. - : MDPI AG. - 2077-0383. ; 10:1, s. 1-30
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- For drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DIILD) translational imaging biomarkers are needed to improve detection and management of lung injury and drug-toxicity. Literature was reviewed on animal models in which in vivo imaging was used to detect and assess lung lesions that resembled pathological changes found in DIILD, such as inflammation and fibrosis. A systematic search was carried out using three databases with key words “Animal models”, “Imaging”, “Lung disease”, and “Drugs”. A total of 5749 articles were found, and, based on inclusion criteria, 284 papers were selected for final data extraction, resulting in 182 out of the 284 papers, based on eligibility. Twelve different animal species occurred and nine various imaging modalities were used, with two-thirds of the studies being longitudinal. The inducing agents and exposure (dose and duration) differed from non-physiological to clinically relevant doses. The majority of studies reported other biomarkers and/or histological confirmation of the imaging results. Summary of radiotracers and examples of imaging biomarkers were summarized, and the types of animal models and the most used imaging modalities and applications are discussed in this review. Pathologies resembling DIILD, such as inflammation and fibrosis, were described in many papers, but only a few explicitly addressed drug-induced toxicity experiments.
|
|
| 13. |
- Mahmutovic Persson, Irma, et al.
(författare)
-
In vivo MRI and PET imaging in a translational ILD mouse model expressing non-resolving fibrosis and bronchiectasis-like pathology after repeated systemic exposure to bleomycin
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Frontiers in Medicine. - 2296-858X. ; 11
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Methods: Drug-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD) is crucial to detect early to achieve the best treatment outcome. Optimally, non-invasive imaging biomarkers can be used for early detection of disease progression and treatment follow-up. Therefore, reliable in vivo models are warranted in new imaging biomarker development to accelerate better-targeted treatment options. Single-dose bleomycin models have, for a long time, served as a reference model in fibrosis and lung injury research. Here, we aimed to use a clinically more relevant animal model by systemic exposure to bleomycin and assessing disease progression over time by combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.C57BL/6 mice received bleomycin (i.p. 35iU/kg) or saline as control twice per week for 4 weeks. Mice were monitored until 2 weeks after cessation of bleomycin administration (w4 + 1 and w4 + 2), referred to as the resting period. MRI scans were performed in weeks 3 and 4 and during the resting weeks. [18F]FDG-PET was performed at the last week of dosing (w4) and 2 weeks after the last dosing (w4 + 2). Lung tissue sections were stained with Masson’s trichrome and evaluated by modified Ashcroft scoring. Lung volume and lesion volumes were assessed using MRI, as well as 3D mapping of the central airways.Results and discussion: Bleomycin-challenged mice showed increased lung weights (p < 0.05), while total lung volume was unchanged (w4 and onward). Histology analysis demonstrated fibrotic lesions emanating from the distal parts of the lung. Fibrosis progression was visualized by MRI with significantly increased high signal in bleomycin-exposed lungs compared to controls (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant increase in central airway diameter (p < 0.01) was displayed in bleomycin-exposed animals compared to controls and further continued to dilate as the disease progressed, comparing the bleomycin groups over time (p < 0.05–0.001). Lung [18F]FDG uptake was significantly elevated in bleomycin-exposed mice compared to controls (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Non-invasive imaging displayed progressing lesions in the lungs of bleomycin-exposed mice, using two distinct MRI sequences and [18F]FDG-PET. With observed fibrosis progression emanating from distal lung areas, dilation of the central airways was evident. Taken together, this chronic bleomycin-exposure model is translationally more relevant for studying lung injury in ILD and particularly in the context of DIILD.
|
|
| 14. |
- Mahmutovic Persson, Irma, et al.
(författare)
-
Increased expression of upstream TH2-cytokines in a mouse model of viral-induced asthma exacerbation.
- 2016
-
Ingår i: Journal of Translational Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1479-5876. ; 14:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Exacerbations of asthma caused by respiratory viral infections are serious conditions in need of novel treatment. To this end animal models of asthma exacerbations are warranted. We have shown that dsRNA challenges or rhinoviral infection produce exacerbation effects in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. However, house dust mite (HDM) is a more human asthma-relevant allergen than OVA. We thus hypothesised that dsRNA challenges in mice with HDM-induced experimental asthma would produce important translational features of asthma exacerbations.
|
|
| 15. |
|
|
| 16. |
- Mahmutovic Persson, Irma, et al.
(författare)
-
Longitudinal Imaging Using PET/CT with Collagen-I PET-Tracer and MRI for Assessment of Fibrotic and Inflammatory Lesions in a Rat Lung Injury Model
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Journal of Clinical Medicine. - : MDPI AG. - 2077-0383. ; 9:11, s. 1-21
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Non-invasive imaging biomarkers (IBs) are warranted to enable improved diagnostics and follow-up monitoring of interstitial lung disease (ILD) including drug-induced ILD (DIILD). Of special interest are IB, which can characterize and differentiate acute inflammation from fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a PET-tracer specific for Collagen-I, combined with multi-echo MRI, in a rat model of DIILD. Rats were challenged intratracheally with bleomycin, and subsequently followed by MRI and PET/CT for four weeks. PET imaging demonstrated a significantly increased uptake of the collagen tracer in the lungs of challenged rats compared to controls. This was confirmed by MRI characterization of the lesions as edema or fibrotic tissue. The uptake of tracer did not show complete spatial overlap with the lesions identified by MRI. Instead, the tracer signal appeared at the borderline between lesion and healthy tissue. Histological tissue staining, fibrosis scoring, lysyl oxidase activity measurements, and gene expression markers all confirmed establishing fibrosis over time. In conclusion, the novel PET tracer for Collagen-I combined with multi-echo MRI, were successfully able to monitor fibrotic changes in bleomycin-induced lung injury. The translational approach of using non-invasive imaging techniques show potential also from a clinical perspective.
|
|
| 17. |
|
|
| 18. |
- Malm Tillgren, Sofia, et al.
(författare)
-
C57Bl/6N mice have an attenuated lung inflammatory response to dsRNA compared to C57Bl/6J and BALB/c mice
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Journal of Inflammation. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-9255. ; 20, s. 1-13
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Lower respiratory infections caused by ssRNA viruses are a major health burden globally. Translational mouse models are a valuable tool for medical research, including research on respiratory viral infections. In in vivo mouse models, synthetic dsRNA can be used as a surrogate for ssRNA virus replication. However, studies investigating how genetic background of mice impacts the murine lung inflammatory response to dsRNA is lacking. Hence, we have compared lung immunological responses of BALB/c, C57Bl/6N and C57Bl/6J mice to synthetic dsRNA.METHODS: dsRNA was administered intranasally to BALB/c, C57Bl/6N and C57Bl/6J mice once/day for three consecutive days. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, inflammatory cells, and total protein concentration were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Pattern recognition receptors levels (TLR3, MDA5 and RIG-I) were measured in lung homogenates using RT-qPCR and western blot. Gene expression of IFN-β, TNF-α, IL-1β and CXCL1 was assessed in lung homogenates by RT-qPCR. ELISA was used to analyze protein concentrations of CXCL1 and IL-1β in BALF and lung homogenates.RESULTS: BALB/c and C57Bl/6J mice showed infiltration of neutrophils to the lung, and an increase in total protein concentration and LDH activity in response to dsRNA administration. Only modest increases in these parameters were observed for C57Bl/6N mice. Similarly, dsRNA administration evoked an upregulation of MDA5 and RIG-I gene and protein expression in BALB/c and C57Bl/6J, but not C57Bl/6N, mice. Further, dsRNA provoked an increase in gene expression of TNF-α in BALB/c and C57Bl/6J mice, IL-1β only in C57Bl/6N mice and CXCL1 exclusively in BALB/c mice. BALF levels of CXCL1 and IL-1β were increased in BALB/c and C57Bl/6J mice in response to dsRNA, whereas the response of C57Bl/6N was blunt. Overall, inter-strain comparisons of the lung reactivity to dsRNA revealed that BALB/c, followed by C57Bl/6J, had the most pronounced respiratory inflammatory responses, while the responses of C57Bl/6N mice were attenuated.CONCLUSIONS: We report clear differences of the lung innate inflammatory response to dsRNA between BALB/c, C57Bl/6J and C57Bl/6N mice. Of particular note, the highlighted differences in the inflammatory response of C57Bl/6J and C57Bl/6N substrains underscore the value of strain selection in mouse models of respiratory viral infections.
|
|
| 19. |
- Menzel, Mandy, et al.
(författare)
-
Caspase-1 deficiency reduces eosinophilia and interleukin-33 in an asthma exacerbation model
- 2017
-
Ingår i: ERJ Open Research. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 2312-0541. ; 3:4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rhinovirus infections are common triggers of asthma exacerbations. Viruses can activate the inflammasome, resulting in processing and activation of caspase-1. This recruitment triggers production of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, which have been implicated in asthma. Elucidating the involvement of the inflammasome and its compartments, such as caspase-1, in asthma exacerbations is warranted. Gene expression of caspase-1 was measured in rhinovirus-infected primary bronchial epithelial cells of asthmatic and healthy donors 24 h post-infection. In an in vivo exacerbation experiment C57BL/6 wild-type and caspase-1-/- mice were challenged with house dust mite followed by exposures to the viral mimic poly(I:C). General lung inflammatory parameters and levels of T-helper type 2 (Th2)-upstream cytokines IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL-25 were assessed. Caspase-1 expression was elevated after rhinoviral infection exclusively in bronchial epithelial cells from asthmatics. In a translational mouse model of asthma exacerbation effects of caspase-1 on airway inflammation and Th2-upstream cytokines were explored. Caspase-1 deficient mice exhibited no alterations of general lung inflammatory parameters, but showed markedly reduced eosinophilia. Furthermore, the Th2-upstream cytokines IL-33, TSLP and IL-25 were reduced at exacerbation in mice lacking caspase-1. Rhinovirus infection increases bronchial epithelial caspase-1 in asthma. Caspase-1 may induce production of lung Th2-upstream cytokines and eosinophilia at exacerbations. Further targeting of caspase-1 signalling is warranted to explore its role in asthma exacerbations.
|
|
| 20. |
- Menzel, Mandy, et al.
(författare)
-
NFκB1 Dichotomously Regulates Pro-Inflammatory and Antiviral Responses in Asthma
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Journal of Innate Immunity. - : S. Karger AG. - 1662-811X .- 1662-8128. ; 14:3, s. 182-191
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Asthma exacerbations are commonly triggered by rhinovirus infections. Viruses can activate the NFκB pathway resulting in airway inflammation and increased Th2 cytokine expression. NFκB signaling is also involved in early activation of IFNβ, which is a central mediator of antiviral responses to rhinovirus infection. Using a mouse model, this study tests our hypothesis that NFκB signaling is involved in impaired IFNβ production at viral-induced asthma exacerbations. C57BL/6 wild-type and NFκB1 mice were challenged with house dust mite for 3 weeks and were subsequently stimulated with the rhinoviral mimic poly(I:C). General lung inflammatory parameters and levels of the Th2 upstream cytokine IL-33 were measured after allergen challenge. At exacerbation, production of IFNβ and antiviral proteins as well as gene expression of pattern recognition receptors and IRF3/IRF7 was assessed. In the asthma exacerbation mouse model, lack of NFκB1 resulted in lower levels of IL-33 after allergen challenge alone and was associated with reduced eosinophilia. At exacerbation, mice deficient in NFκB1 exhibited enhanced expression of IFNβ and antiviral proteins. This was accompanied by increased IRF3/IRF7 expression and induction of pattern recognition receptor expression. In a human asthma dataset, a negative correlation between IRF3 and NFκB1 expression was observed. NFκB may impair antiviral responses at exacerbation, possibly by reducing expression of the transcription factors IRF3/IRF7. These findings suggest a therapeutic potential for targeting NFκB pathways at viral infection-induced exacerbations.
|
|
| 21. |
- Ogger, Patricia P., et al.
(författare)
-
Early career members at the ers lung science conference 2020 : Metabolic alterations in lung ageing and disease
- 2020
-
Ingår i: Breathe. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 1810-6838 .- 2073-4735. ; 16:3
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Every year, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) organises the Lung Science Conference (LSC) in Estoril, Portugal, to discuss basic and translational science. The topic of the LSC 2020 was “Metabolic alterations in lung ageing and disease”. In addition to an outstanding scientific programme, the LSC provides excellent opportunities for career development and inclusion of Early Career Members (ECMs). All scientific and poster sessions are chaired by an ECM who is paired with a senior faculty member to allow ECMs to become acquainted with session chairing. In addition, 40 travel bursaries are made available to abstract authors and all bursary recipients are invited to take part in a mentorship lunch. Moreover, there is a session organised by the Early Career Members Committee (ECMC) dedicated to career development. Here, we describe the scientific highlights of LSC 2020 for those who could not attend. The ERS presents several awards at the LSC and here we will highlight all winners of the LSC 2020 awards. The five highest ranked abstracts from ECMs are presented during the Young investigator session. Patricia Ogger (UK) was presented with the William MacNee Award for the best presentation in this session. Several abstracts were selected for programmed oral presentations and Renata Jurkowska (UK) was presented with the inaugural Geoffrey Laurent Award for the best oral presentation. Moreover, the organisers presented eight Distinguished Poster awards to Anne-Sophie Lamort (Germany), Julia Frankenberg Garcia (UK), Johnatas Silva (UK), Pauline Esteves (France), Claudio Bussi (UK), Elodie Picard (France), Felix Ritzmann (Germany) and Alen Faiz (Australia) for their excellent contributions during the poster session.
|
|
| 22. |
- Voss, Ulrikke, et al.
(författare)
-
Airway exposure to urban aerosolized PM2.5 particles induces neuroinflammation and endothelin-mediated contraction of coronary arteries in adult rats
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Environmental Advances. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-7657. ; 8
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ambient airborne particles with an aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 µm (PM2.5), which contain particles from combustion processes, are linked to increased risks for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. In this experimental study, the short-term and long-term physiologic consequences of PM2.5 inhalation were investigated with the focus on inflammatory parameters and vascular tonus. PM2.5 collected from urban environments in southern Sweden were aerosolized with a nebulizer and delivered to male Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were divided into two treatment groups (n=8 in each): short-term exposed (8 h with an estimated lung exposure rate of 90 μg PM2.5/h); and long-term exposed (3 h/day, 5 days/week, for 8 weeks, with an estimated lung exposure rate of 30 μg PM2.5/h). A group of non-particle-exposed control animals (n=8) was run in parallel with each test group. The results showed that short-term exposure increased the numbers of lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. Long-term exposure led to impaired substance P-induced relaxation and increased endothelin-1-induced contraction of the coronary arteries. The contractile response was found to be mediated by endothelin receptor A. Long-term exposure led to increased interleukin-6 levels in brain tissues, as compared to the controls. In summary, this explorative study reveals that exposure to aerosolized, ambient PM2.5 leads to impaired coronary artery function and neuroinflammation. Further investigations into the impacts on health effects of short-term and long-term exposures to urban air pollution are warranted.
|
|
| 23. |
- Waterton, John C., et al.
(författare)
-
Repeatability and reproducibility of longitudinal relaxation rate in 12 small-animal MRI systems
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Magnetic Resonance Imaging. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-5894 .- 0730-725X. ; 59, s. 121-129
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Many translational MR biomarkers derive from measurements of the water proton longitudinal relaxation rate R 1 , but evidence for between-site reproducibility of R 1 in small-animal MRI is lacking. Objective: To assess R 1 repeatability and multi-site reproducibility in phantoms for preclinical MRI. Methods: R 1 was measured by saturation recovery in 2% agarose phantoms with five nickel chloride concentrations in 12 magnets at 5 field strengths in 11 centres on two different occasions within 1–13 days. R 1 was analysed in three different regions of interest, giving 360 measurements in total. Root-mean-square repeatability and reproducibility coefficients of variation (CoV) were calculated. Propagation of reproducibility errors into 21 translational MR measurements and biomarkers was estimated. Relaxivities were calculated. Dynamic signal stability was also measured. Results: CoV for day-to-day repeatability (N = 180 regions of interest) was 2.34% and for between-centre reproducibility (N = 9 centres) was 1.43%. Mostly, these do not propagate to biologically significant between-centre error, although a few R 1 -based MR biomarkers were found to be quite sensitive even to such small errors in R 1 , notably in myocardial fibrosis, in white matter, and in oxygen-enhanced MRI. The relaxivity of aqueous Ni 2+ in 2% agarose varied between 0.66 s −1 mM −1 at 3 T and 0.94 s −1 mM −1 at 11.7T. Interpretation: While several factors affect the reproducibility of R 1 -based MR biomarkers measured preclinically, between-centre propagation of errors arising from intrinsic equipment irreproducibility should in most cases be small. However, in a few specific cases exceptional efforts might be required to ensure R 1 -reproducibility.
|
|
