| 1. |
- Baker, Crystal, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of Alzheimer's peptide and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin on astrocyte gene expression
- 2007
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Ingår i: Neurobiology of Aging. - : Elsevier BV. - 1558-1497 .- 0197-4580. ; 28:1, s. 51-61
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We employed gene array technology to investigate the effects of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), soluble or fibrillar Alzheimer's peptide (A beta(1-42)) alone and the combination of ACT/A beta(1-42) on human astrocytes. Using a 1.2-fold change as significance threshold, 398 astrocyte genes showed altered expression in response to these treatments compared to controls. Of the 276 genes affected by the ACT/soluble A beta(1-42) combination, 195 (70.6%) were suppressed. The ACT/fibrillar A beta(1-42) combination affected expression of 64 genes of which 58 (90.5%) were up-regulated. The most prominent gene expression changes in response to the ACT/soluble A beta(1-42), were the down-regulation of at least 60 genes involved in transcription, signal transduction, apoptosis and neurogenesis. The ACT/fibril A beta(1-42) increased the expression of genes involved in transcription regulation and signal transduction. Surprisingly, gene expression of astrocytes exposed to soluble or fibrillar A beta(1-42) alone was largely unaffected. Thus, the molecular forms generated by the combination of ACT/A beta(1-42) alter expression of astrocyte genes more profoundly in breadth and magnitude than soluble or fibrillar A beta(1-42) alone, suggesting that pathogenic effects of A beta(1-42) may occur as a consequence of its association with other proteins. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2. |
- Blanco, Ignacio, et al.
(författare)
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Estimates of the prevalence and number of Fibromyalgia syndrome patients and their alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotypic distribution in ten countries
- 2007
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Ingår i: Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. - 1540-7012. ; 15:4, s. 41540-41540
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: During the last few years, clinical, epidemiological, and pathological evidence has suggested that inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin [AAT] deficiency might play a role in the development of the fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS], probably because of the loss of AAT anti-inflammatory efficacy. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and number of FMS patients, and their AAT phenotypic distribution worldwide. Methods: A critical review selecting reliable studies on the subject. Results: Studies on AAT gene frequencies and FMS prevalence were retrieved for ten countries worldwide, namely Canada, the United States of America [USA], Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Pakistan. The severe deficiency Z allele was found in all these countries, with very high frequencies in Denmark and Sweden [23 and 27 per 1,000, respectively], high frequencies in Italy and Spain [16 and 17], intermediate frequencies in Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, and the USA [10 to 14], and a low frequency in Pakistan [nine per 1,000]. The calculated prevalence of AAT deficiency and the number of FMS patients with AAT deficiency were 1/10 and 25,408 in Canada, 1/11 and 478,681 in the US, 1/9 and 3,124 in Denmark, 1/36 and 726 in Finland, 1/16 and 48,523 in Germany, 1/13 and 84,876 in Italy, 1115 and 9,639 in the Netherlands, 1/4 and 114,359 in Spain, 1/11 and 9,065 in Sweden, and 1/25 and 85.965 in Pakistan. Our calculations predict that AAT deficiency would remain undetected in around nine percent of FMS patients, with about eight percent of them carrying moderate deficiency phenotypes [MS, SS, and MZ], and less than one percent with severe deficiency phenotypes [SZ and ZZ]. Conclusions: Therefore, AAT phenotype characterization should be recommended in FMS patients and the possible efficacy of AAT replacement therapy in severe deficiency FMS patients should warrant further Studies.
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| 3. |
- Buchhave, Peder, et al.
(författare)
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Elevated plasma levels of soluble CD40 in incipient Alzheimer's disease.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Neuroscience letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-3940. ; 450:1, s. 56-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor super-family and has been suggested to play a role in the metabolism of beta-amyloid (Abeta) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the role of CD40-signalling in incipient AD has not yet been studied. We investigated the plasma levels of soluble CD40 (sCD40) and the soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) at baseline in 136 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 30 age-matched controls. Sixty of the 136 MCI cases converted to AD (MCI-AD) during a clinical follow-up period of 4-7 years. The baseline levels of sCD40, but not sCD40L, were elevated in MCI-AD cases when compared to age-matched controls (Mann-Whitney U-test, p=0.02). However, MCI patients who were cognitively stable or developed vascular dementia during follow-up did not have significantly increased levels of sCD40 or sCD40L when compared to controls. The levels of sCD40 correlated to decreased baseline performance on mini-mental state examination (MMSE) in both controls (r(s)=-0.37, p<0.05) and MCI-AD cases (r(s)=-0.29, p<0.05). Finally, the plasma levels of sCD40 correlated with the levels of soluble amyloid precursor protein-alpha (sAPP-alpha) (r(s)=0.28, p<0.01) and sAPP-beta (r(s)=0.23, p<0.05) in cerebrospinal fluid. In conclusion, CD40-signalling might play a role in the pathogenesis of early AD.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Frendéus, Katarina H, et al.
(författare)
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Macrophage Responses to Interferon-gamma are Dependent on Cystatin C Levels.
- 2009
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Ingår i: International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-5875 .- 1357-2725. ; 41, s. 2262-2269
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the present investigation was to elucidate possible effects of cystatin C on inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages. Previously it has been shown that in vitro treatment of murine peritoneal macrophages with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) causes a down-regulation of cystatin C secretion. To investigate whether such changes in cystatin C expression in turn can affect inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages, we have compared effects of IFN-gamma on macrophages isolated from wild-type (cysC(+/+)) and cystatin C knockout (cysC(-/-)) mice. It was shown that IFN-gamma-primed cysC(-/-) macrophages exhibit significantly higher interleukin-10 (IL-10) but lower tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression, and reduced nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB p65 activation, compared to similarily primed cysC(+/+) cells. Exogenously added cystatin C enhanced IFN-gamma-induced activation of NF-kappaB p65 and increased mRNA levels for inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in cysC(-/-) macrophages as well as levels of nitric oxide and TNF-alpha in the cell culture medium, in agreement with an enhanced pro-inflammatory response. Accordingly, IFN-gamma-induced IL-10 mRNA expression in cysC(-/-) macrophages was down-regulated by exogenously added cystatin C square. Taken together, our data provide evidence that changes in cystatin C levels alter macrophage responses to IFN-gamma. The latter downregulates the production of cystatin C, which leads to a suppressed inflammatory condition with enhanced IL-10 levels and downregulated TNF-alpha and NF-kappaB. It is concluded that cystatin C through this effect can act as an immunomodulatory molecule.
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| 6. |
- Grip, Olof, et al.
(författare)
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Atorvastatin reduces plasma levels of chemokine (CXCL10) in patients with Crohn's disease.
- 2009
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Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 4:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: In Crohn's disease high tissue expression and serum levels of chemokines and their receptors are known to correlate with disease activity. Because statins can reduce chemokine expression in patients with coronary diseases, we wanted to test whether this can be achieved in patients with Crohn's disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We investigated plasma levels of chemokines (CCL2, CCL4, CCL11, CCL13, CCL17, CCL22, CCL26, CXCL8, CXCL10) and endothelial cytokines (sP-selectin, sE-selectin, sICAM-3, thrombomodulin) in ten Crohn's disease patients before and after thirteen weeks' daily treatment with 80 mg atorvastatin. Of the 13 substances investigated, only CXCL10 was found to be significantly reduced (by 34%, p = 0.026) in all of the treated patients. Levels of CXCL10 correlated with C-reactive protein (r = 0.82, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: CXCL10 is a ligand for the CXCR3 receptor, the activation of which results in the recruitment of T lymphocytes and the perpetuation of mucosal inflammation. Hence the reduction of plasma CXCL10 levels by atorvastatin may represent a candidate for an approach to the treatment of Crohns disease in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (ClinicalTrials.gov) NCT00454545.
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| 7. |
- Grip, Olof, et al.
(författare)
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Use of atorvastatin as an anti-inflammatory treatment in Crohn's disease.
- 2008
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Ingår i: British Journal of Pharmacology. - : Wiley. - 1476-5381 .- 0007-1188. ; 155, s. 1085-1092
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and purpose:Experimental and clinical investigations have revealed that statins can downregulate both acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Whether statins express anti-inflammatory activities in the treatment of Crohn's disease is unknown.Experimental approach:Ten patients were given 80 mg atorvastatin once daily for 13 weeks and then followed up for 8 weeks after the treatment. The anti-inflammatory effects of statin were assessed by measuring levels of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble (s) CD14, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, sTNFRI and II, CCL2 and 8 and the mucosal inflammation by faecal calprotectin. Circulating monocytes were subgrouped and their chemokine receptor expression of CCR2 and CX(3)CR1 were analysed.Key results:In 8 of 10 patients, atorvastatin treatment reduced CRP (P=0.008) and sTNFRII (P=0.064). A slight decrease in plasma levels of sCD14, TNF-alpha and sTNFRI was observed in 7/10 patients and faecal calprotectin was reduced in 8/10 patients. We also observed that the treatment diminished expression of CCR2 and CX(3)CR1 on monocyte populations (P=0.014). At the follow-up visit, 8 weeks after the atorvastatin treatment was terminated, CRP levels had returned to those seen before the treatment.Conclusions and implications:Our findings imply that atorvastatin therapy reduces inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease and, therefore, encourage further investigations of statin-mediated protective effects in inflammatory bowel diseases.British Journal of Pharmacology advance online publication, 22 September 2008; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.369.
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| 8. |
- Gross, B., et al.
(författare)
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New Findings in PiZZ alpha(1)-Antitrypsin Deficiency-Related Panniculitis Demonstration of Skin Polymers and High Dosing Requirements of Intravenous Augmentation Therapy
- 2009
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Ingår i: Dermatology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9832 .- 1018-8665. ; 218:4, s. 370-375
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Panniculitis is a recognized but unusual complication of a severe deficiency of alpha(1)-antitrypsin (AAT), with fewer than 100 cases described to date. Like the pathogenesis of emphysema in severe PiZZ deficiency of AAT, panniculitis has been hypothesized to be an inflammatory process, possibly related to Z AAT polymer formation and to an unopposed anti-inflammatory screen in the context of deficient serum levels of AAT. The current report presents a 31-year-old woman with PiZZ AAT deficiency-associated panniculitis. Our case extends current knowledge of AAT-associated panniculitis in 2 ways: (1) we demonstrate Z-type AAT polymers in the skin, which supports the inflammatory pathogenesis of panniculitis and the potential pro-inflammatory role of polymers; (2) we show that a high dose and long- term use of intravenous augmentation therapy (90 mg/kg body weight once weekly during 3 years) can ameliorate the frequency and severity of panniculitis associated with AAT deficiency. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
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| 9. |
- Hadzic, Radinka, et al.
(författare)
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alpha1-Antitrypsin inhibits Moraxella catarrhalis MID protein-induced tonsillar B cell proliferation and IL-6 release.
- 2006
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Ingår i: Immunology Letters. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-2478 .- 1879-0542. ; 102:2, s. 141-147
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- alpha 1-Antitrypsin (AAT) is a major circulating and tissues inhibitor of serine proteinases implicated in the regulation of inflammation and host defence. There is now increasing evidence that AAT may also exhibit anti-inflammatory activities independent of its protease inhibitor function. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of native (inhibitory) and polymerized (non-inhibitory) forms of AAT on MID (Moraxella IgD binding protein)-induced human tonsillar B cell activation in vitro. We found that 0.5 mu g/ml MID induces B cell proliferation and stimulates IL-6 release (p < 0.001) relative to non-stimulated controls. Both native and polymerized AAT (0.5 mg/ml) inhibited MID-stimulated B cell proliferation in a similar manner (by 70%, p < 0.001), whereas MID-induced IL-6 release was more strongly suppressed by polymefized (9.9-fold, p < 0.001) as compared to native AAT (2.8-fold, p < 0.01). Electrophoretic analysis of cell culture media did not indicate any interaction between AAT and MID, and flow cytometry data showed no competition for the same receptor. The effects of AATs were observed whether added together with MID or 2 h after MID-addition to cell cultures. Thus, our data demonstrate that AAT inhibits MID-induced B cell activation in vitro that is unrelated to its protease inhibitory activity and is not dependent on MID binding to the cell surface.
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| 10. |
- Hadzic, Radinka, et al.
(författare)
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α1-Antitrypsin inhibits Moraxella catarrhalis MID protein-induced tonsillar B cell proliferation and IL-6 release
- 2006
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Ingår i: Immunology Letters. - 0165-2478 .- 1879-0542. ; 102:2, s. 141-147
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- α1-Antitrypsin (AAT) is a major circulating and tissues inhibitor of serine proteinases implicated in the regulation of inflammation and host defence. There is now increasing evidence that AAT may also exhibit anti-inflammatory activities independent of its protease inhibitor function. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of native (inhibitory) and polymerized (non-inhibitory) forms of AAT on MID (Moraxella IgD binding protein)-induced human tonsillar B cell activation in vitro. We found that 0.5 μg/ml MID induces B cell proliferation and stimulates IL-6 release (p < 0.001) relative to non-stimulated controls. Both native and polymerized AAT (0.5 mg/ml) inhibited MID-stimulated B cell proliferation in a similar manner (by 70%, p < 0.001), whereas MID-induced IL-6 release was more strongly suppressed by polymerized (9.9-fold, p < 0.001) as compared to native AAT (2.8-fold, p < 0.01). Electrophoretic analysis of cell culture media did not indicate any interaction between AAT and MID, and flow cytometry data showed no competition for the same receptor. The effects of AATs were observed whether added together with MID or 2 h after MID-addition to cell cultures. Thus, our data demonstrate that AAT inhibits MID-induced B cell activation in vitro that is unrelated to its protease inhibitory activity and is not dependent on MID binding to the cell surface.
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| 11. |
- Helmers, Sevim Barbasso, et al.
(författare)
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Sera from anti-Jo-1-positive patients with polymyositis and interstitial lung disease induce expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in human lung endothelial cells
- 2009
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Ingår i: Arthritis and Rheumatism. - : Wiley. - 0004-3591 .- 1529-0131. ; 60:8, s. 2524-2530
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether sera or purified IgG from patients with polymyositis (PM) and patients with dermatomyositis (DM), with or without interstitial lung disease (ILD), can activate endothelial cells (ECs). METHODS: Patients' sera were selected based on the presence or absence of anti-Jo-1, anti-SSA, or anti-U1 small nuclear RNP autoantibodies. The presence of autoantibodies was determined by line blot assays. Cultured human microvascular ECs derived from lung tissue (HMVEC-L) were incubated with sera or purified IgG from 22 patients with PM, 7 patients with DM, and 10 healthy individuals as controls. Assessment of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression was conducted by immunofluorescence (n=22) and by cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (n=20). Serum levels of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Sera from PM patients with ILD who were positive for anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies had a significantly stronger effect on the expression of ICAM-1 by HMVEC-L in comparison with sera from healthy controls and patients with other autoantibodies. Purified IgG did not induce ICAM-1 expression. Higher serum levels of sICAM-1 were found in patients with myositis compared with healthy controls. CONCLUSION: EC activation with ICAM-1 expression could contribute to the multiorgan involvement, including the development of myositis and ILD, in patients carrying anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies. The EC-activating factors are not the autoantibodies themselves, but might be systemic factors associated with these autoantibodies.
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| 12. |
- Hollander, Camilla, et al.
(författare)
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Serum and bronchial lavage fluid concentrations of IL-8, SLPI, sCD14 and sICAM-1 in patients with COPD and asthma
- 2007
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Ingår i: Respiratory Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 1532-3064 .- 0954-6111. ; 101:9, s. 1947-1953
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Airway inflammation is associated with an increased expression and release of inflammatory reactants that regulate processes of cell migration, activation and degranulation. The purpose of this study was to quantify bronchial lavage (BAL) fluid and serum levels of chemokine (IL-8), secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), soluble intracellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1) and sCD14, as surrogate markers of inflammatory and immune response in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with similar disease duration time. Methods: Biomarkers in serum and BAL fluid from asthma (n = 13) and COPD (n = 25) patients were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Results: We found that in asthma and COPD groups the concentrations of IL-8 and SLPI are significantly higher in BAL fluid than in serum, while levels of sICAM-1 and sCD14 in BAL fluid are significantly lower than in serum. Of these 4 measured biomarkers, only the BAL IL-8 was higher in COPD patients when compared to asthma (P < 0.05). In both groups, BAL IL-8 correlated with SLPI (r = 0.577, P < 0.01 and r = 0.589, P < 0.05, respectively). In patients with COPD the BAL sICAM-1 correlated with sCD14 (r = 0.576, P < 0.01), while in asthma patients BAL sICAM-1 correlated with FEV,/FVC (r= 0.418, P < 0.01). Moreover, in asthma patients the serum SLPI correlated with sCD14 (r=0.688, P < 0.01) and serum sICAM-1 negatively correlated with FEV1/FVC (r= -0.582, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings point to the importance of selecting a correct biological fluid when analyzing specific biomarkers, and also show that of 4 measured biomarkers, only the BAL IL-8 was higher in COPD patients when compared to asthma. 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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| 13. |
- Janciauskiene, Sabina, et al.
(författare)
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A link between sICAM-1, ACE and parietal blood flow in the aging brain.
- 2009
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Ingår i: Neurobiology of Aging. - : Elsevier BV. - 0197-4580 .- 1558-1497. ; 30:9, s. 1504-1511
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A connection between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and endothelium pathology has been inferred from measured decreases in both blood flow and metabolism in the parietal and temporal cortex. However, it is not known whether these alterations are seen in normal aging. We performed regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) measurements in 22 AD patients and in 44 non-demented subjects during a simple test of information processing speed. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the soluble form of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were analyzed in non-demented subjects. We found correlations between sICAM-1 and ACE (p=0.004), and sICAM (but not ACE) and CSF/plasma albumin ratio (p<0.0001). Higher concentrations of sICAM-1 (>893ng/L) and ACE (>5.22microg/L) were exclusively associated with lower parietal blood flow (p<0.001). The rCBF patterns in the AD and non-demented subjects with biomarker levels above median showed similar reductions in the temporoparietal areas. Our findings provide evidence that elevated CSF sICAM-1 and ACE are associated with lower perfusion levels in the parietal cortex of cognitively intact elderly.
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| 14. |
- Janciauskiene, Sabina, et al.
(författare)
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{alpha}1-antitrypsin Inhibits the Activity of the Matriptase Catalytic Domain in vitro.
- 2008
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Ingår i: American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. - 1535-4989. ; 39:6, s. 631-637
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Matriptase is a type II transmembrane protease which is characterized by an N-terminal transmembrane and multiple extracellular domains, in addition to the conserved extracellular serine protease catalytic domain. The expression pattern of matriptase suggests that this protease may play broad roles in the biology of surface lining epithelial cells. In this study we report that alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT), an endogenous inhibitor of serine proteases, inhibits the catalytic domain of human recombinant matriptase in vitro. Co-incubation of alpha1-antitrypsin with matriptase (at a molar ratio 1:2) resulted in the formation of heat stable complexes, clearly seen in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) electrophoresis and Western blots. AAT was found to be a slow, tight-binding inhibitor of the catalytic domain of matriptase with a second order reaction rate constant of 0.31 x10(3) M(-1)s(-1). Notably, the oxidised form of AAT, which lacks serine protease inhibitor activity, failed to generate matriptase complexes and to inhibit matriptase activity. Since matriptase is involved in a number of physiological processes including activation of epithelial sodium channels, our findings offer considerable new insights into new regulatory function of AAT in vivo.
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| 15. |
- Janciauskiene, Sabina, et al.
(författare)
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alpha(1)-Antitrypsin, old dog, new tricks - alpha 1-Antitrypsin exerts in vitro anti-inflammatory activity in human monocytes by elevatin cAMP
- 2007
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Ingår i: Journal of Biological Chemistry. - 1083-351X. ; 282:12, s. 8573-8582
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Regulation of serine protease activity is considered to be the sole mechanism for the function of alpha(1)-antitrypsin (AAT). However, recent reports of the anti-inflammatory effects of AAT are hard to reconcile with this classical mechanism. We discovered that two key activities of AAT in vitro, namely inhibition of endotoxin-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-a and enhancement of interleukin-10 in human monocytes, are mediated by an elevation of cAMP and activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A. As expected with this type of mechanism, the AAT mediated rise in cAMP and the impact on endotoxin-stimulated tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-10 was enhanced when the catabolism of cAMP was blocked by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram. These effects were still observed with modified forms of AAT lacking protease inhibitor activity.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Janciauskiene, Sabina, et al.
(författare)
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Secreted leukocyte protease inhibitor is present in aqueous humours from cataracts and other eye pathologies.
- 2006
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Ingår i: Experimental Eye Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0014-4835. ; 82:3, s. 505-511
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Previous studies identified serine, cysteine and metalloproteases in normal aqueous humours (AH) and suggested that a balance between proteases and their inhibitors may play a role in the modulation of the AH outflow. We aimed to determine whether secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a serine protease inhibitor, is present in AH of patients with cataract and other eye pathologies. AH was collected from 117 cataract patients of which 55 were diagnosed with more when one eye disease: cataract only (n = 62), pseudoexfoliation (PEX) (n = 26), glaucoma (n = 6), diabetes retinopathy (n = 4), iritis-uveitis (n = 4) and macular degeneration (n = 28). The total protein in AH was determined by a Bradford assay and SLPI was analyzed by Western blot and ELISA methods. The average concentration of total protein and SLPI in AH samples was 160 +/- 15 mu g/ml (n = 117, +/- SEM) and 500 +/- 94 pg/ml (n = 105), respectively. The cataract patients with additional eye disease(s) showed higher protein levels (201 + 35 mu g/ml) than cataract (controls) (128 31 pg/ml), P < 0.01. It is noteworthy that no correlation was found between SLPI and the total protein concentrations in AH, but SLPI was positively correlated with age (r = 0.2, P < 0.05). No statistical difference in SLPI levels was found between controls (cataract) and other pathologies, while patients with iritis/uveitis had higher SLPI levels compared to those with diabetes (P < 0.05). We show here for the first time that SLPI is present in AH and may play a role as well as serve as a marker in pathological states. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Lazrak, Ahmed, et al.
(författare)
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alpha(1)-Antitrypsin Inhibits Epithelial Na+ Transport In Vitro and In Vivo
- 2009
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Ingår i: American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. - 1535-4989. ; 41:3, s. 261-270
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A variety of studies have shown that Na+ reabsorption across epithelial cells depends on the protease-antiprotease balance. Herein, we investigate the mechanisms by which alpha(1)-antitrypsin (A1AT), a major anti-serine protease in human plasma and lung epithelial fluid and lacking a Kunitz domain, regulates amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) function in vitro and in vivo. A1AT (0.05 mg/ml = 1 mu M) decreased ENaC currents across Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with human alpha, beta, gamma-ENaC (hENaC) cRNAs, and human lung Clara-like (H441) cells expressing native ENaC, in a partially irreversible fashion. MAT also decreased ENaC single-channel activity when added in the pipette but not in the bath solutions of ENaC-expressing oocytes patched in the cell-attached mode. Incubation of A1AT with peroxynitrite (ONOO-), an oxidizing and nitrating agent, abolished its antiprotease activity and significantly decreased its ability to inhibit ENaC. Intratracheal instillation of normal but not ONOO--treated A1AT (1 mu M) in C57BL/6 mice also decreased Na+-dependent alveolar fluid clearance to the same level as amiloride. Incubation of either H441 cells or ENaC-expressing oocytes with normal but not ONOO--treated MAT decreased their ability to cleave a substrate of serine proteases. A1AT had no effect on amiloride-sensitive currents of oocytes injected with hENaC bearing Liddle mutations, presumably because these channels remain at the surface longer than the wild-type channels. These data indicate that MAT may be an important modulator of ENaC activity and of Na+-dependent fluid clearance across the distal lung epithelium in vivo by decreasing endogenous protease activity needed to activate silent ENaC.
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| 20. |
- Li, Zhenjun, et al.
(författare)
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Oxidized alpha(1)-antitrypsin stimulates the release of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 from lung epithelial cells: potential role in emphysema
- 2009
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Ingår i: American Journal of Physiology: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 1522-1504 .- 1040-0605. ; 297:2, s. 388-400
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Li Z, Alam S, Wang J, Sandstrom CS, Janciauskiene S, Mahadeva R. Oxidized alpha(1)-antitrypsin stimulates the release of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 from lung epithelial cells: potential role in emphysema. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 297: L388-L400, 2009. First published June 12, 2009; doi:10.1152/ajplung.90373.2008.-alpha(1)-Antitrypsin ( AT) is a major elastase inhibitor within the lung. Oxidation of critical methionine residues in AT generates oxidized AT (Ox-AT), which has a greatly diminished ability to inhibit neutrophil elastase. This process may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by creating a functional deficiency of AT permitting lung destruction. We show here that Ox-AT promotes release of human monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and IL-8 from human lung type epithelial cells (A549) and normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells. Native, cleaved, polymeric AT and secretory leukoproteinase inhibitor (SLPI) and oxidized conformations of cleaved, polymeric AT and SLPI did not have any significant effect on MCP-1 and IL-8 secretion. These findings were supported by the fact that instillation of Ox-AT into murine lungs resulted in an increase in JE (mouse MCP-1) and increased macrophage numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The effect of Ox-AT was dependent on NF-kappa B and activator protein-1 (AP-1)/JNK. These findings have important implications. They demonstrate that the oxidation of methionines in AT by oxidants released by cigarette smoke or inflammatory cells not only reduces the antielastase lung protection, but also converts AT into a proinflammatory stimulus. Ox-AT generated in the airway interacts directly with epithelial cells to release chemokines IL-8 and MCP-1, which in turn attracts macrophages and neutrophils into the airways. The release of oxidants by these inflammatory cells could oxidize AT, perpetuating the cycle and potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of COPD. Furthermore, these data demonstrate that molecules such as oxidants, antiproteinases, and chemokines, rather than act independently, are likely to interact to cause emphysema.
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| 21. |
- Mahadeva, R, et al.
(författare)
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Polymers of Z alpha(1)-antitrypsin co-localize with neutrophils in emphysematous alveoli and are chemotactic in vivo
- 2005
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Ingår i: American Journal of Pathology. - 1525-2191. ; 166:2, s. 377-386
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The molecular mechanisms that cause emphysema are complex but most theories suggest that an excess of proteinases is a crucial requirement. This paradigm is exemplified by severe deficiency of the key antielastase within the lung: alpha(1)-antitrypsin. The Z mutant of alpha(1)-antitrypsin has a point mutation Glu342Lys in the hinge region of the molecule that renders it prone to intermolecular linkage and loop-sheet polymerization. Polymers of Z alpha(1)-antitrypsin aggregate within the liver leading to juvenile liver cirrhosis and the resultant plasma deficiency predisposes to premature emphysema. We show here that polymeric alpha(1)-antitrypsin co-localizes with neutrophils in the alveoli of individuals with Z alpha(1)-antitrypsin-related emphysema. The significance of this finding is underscored by the excess of neutrophils in these individuals and the demonstration that polymers cause an influx of neutrophils when instilled into murine lungs. Polymers exert their effect directly on neutrophils rather than via inflammatory cytokines. These data provide an explanation for the accelerated tissue destruction that is characteristic of Z alpha(1)-antitrypsin-related emphysema. The transition of native Z alpha(1)-antitrypsin to polymers inactivates its anti-proteinase function, and also converts it to a proinflammatory stimulus. These findings may also explain the progression of emphysema in some individual despite alpha(1)-antitrypsin replacement therapy.
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| 22. |
- Nielsen, Henrietta, et al.
(författare)
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Binding and Uptake of A beta 1-42 by Primary Human Astrocytes In Vitro
- 2009
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Ingår i: GLIA. - : Wiley. - 1098-1136 .- 0894-1491. ; 57:9, s. 978-988
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Clearance of the amyloid-P peptide (A beta) as a remedy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major target in on-going clinical trials. In vitro studies confirmed that A beta is taken up by rodent astrocytes, but knowledge on human astrocyte-mediated A beta clearance is sparse. Therefore, by means of flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), we evaluated the binding and internalization of A beta 1-42 by primary human fetal astrocytes and adult astrocytes, isolated from nondemented subjects (n = 8) and AD subjects (n = 6). Furthermore, we analyzed whether alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), which is found in amyloid plaques and can influence A beta fibrillogenesis, affects the A beta uptake by human astrocytes. Upon over night exposure of astrocytes to FAM-labeled A beta 1-42 (10 mu M) preparations, (80.7 +/- 17.7)% fetal and (52.9 +/- 20.9)% adult A beta-positive astrocytes (P = 0.018) were observed. No significant difference was found in A beta 1-42 uptake between AD and non-AD astrocytes, and no influence of ApoE genotype on A beta 1-42 uptake was observed in any group. There was no difference in the percentage of A beta-positive cells upon exposure to A beta 1-42 (10 mu M) combined with ACT (1,000:1, 100:1, and 10:1 molar ratio), versus A beta 1-42 alone. CLSM revealed binding of A beta 1-42 to the cellular surfaces and cellular internalization of smaller A beta 1-42 fragments. Under these conditions, there was no increase in cellular release of the proinflammatory chemokine monocyte-chemoattractant protein 1, as compared with nontreated control astrocytes. Thus, primary human astrocytes derived from different sources can bind and internalize A beta 1-42, and fetal astrocytes were more efficient in A beta 1-42 uptake than adult astrocytes. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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| 23. |
- Nielsen, Henrietta, et al.
(författare)
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Plasma and CSF serpins in Alzheimer disease and dementia with Lewy bodies
- 2007
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Ingår i: Neurology. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1526-632X .- 0028-3878. ; 69, s. 1569-79
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Serine protease inhibitors (serpins), the acute phase reactants and regulators of the proteolytic processing of proteins, have been recognized as potential contributors to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). We measured plasma and CSF levels of serpins in controls and patients with dementia. METHODS: Using rocket immunoelectrophoresis, ELISA, and Luminex xMAP technology, we analyzed plasma levels of alpha1-antichymotrypsin and alpha1-antitrypsin, and CSF levels of alpha1-antichymotrypsin, alpha1-antitrypsin, and neuroserpin along with three standard biomarkers (total tau, tau phosphorylated at threonine-181, and the Abeta1-42) in patients with AD (n = 258), patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB; n = 38), and age-matched controls (n = 37). RESULTS: The level of CSF neuroserpin was significantly higher in AD compared with controls and DLB, whereas CSF alpha1-antichymotrypsin and alpha1-antitrypsin were significantly higher in both AD and DLB groups than in controls. Results from logistic regression analyses demonstrate a relationship between higher CSF levels of alpha1-antichymotrypsin and neuroserpin and increased predicted probability and odds ratios (ORs) of AD (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 20.8 and OR 3.3, CI 1.3 to 8.8). Furthermore, a logistic regression model based on CSF alpha1-antichymotrypsin, neuroserpin, and Abeta1-42 enabled us to discriminate between AD patients and controls with a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 77.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Higher CSF levels of neuroserpin and alpha1-antichymotrypsin were associated with the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) and facilitated the diagnostic classification of AD vs controls. CSF serpin levels did not improve the diagnostic classification of AD vs dementia with Lewy bodies.
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| 24. |
- Nielsen, Henrietta, et al.
(författare)
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Soluble adhesion molecules and angiotensin-converting enzyme in dementia.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Neurobiology of Disease. - : Elsevier BV. - 0969-9961. ; 26, s. 27-35
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We aimed to determine plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the soluble forms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (sPECAM-1) as surrogate markers for endothelial cell activation in clinically diagnosed patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD, n=260), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB, n=39) and non-demented controls (n=34). Plasma sICAM-1 and sPECAM-1 were higher and CSF sVCAM-1 were lower in AD and DLB patients than in controls (p < 0.001). DLB patients had higher CSF sICAM-1, but lower CSF sVCAM-1 (p < 0.001). No difference in ACE levels was found between the dementia groups and controls. In controls and AD patients CSF sICAM and sVCAM-1 strongly correlated with each other and with blood barrier permeability whereas in DLB group these correlations were weaker. The observed patterns in adhesion molecules may reflect distinctions in the pathophysiological basis of their generation in dementia patients.
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| 25. |
- Nita, Izabela, et al.
(författare)
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alpha1-Antitrypsin regulates CD14 expression and soluble CD14 levels in human monocytes in vitro.
- 2007
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Ingår i: International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-5875 .- 1357-2725. ; 39:Mar 1, s. 1165-1176
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The recognition of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is principally mediated by either membrane-bound or soluble form of the glycoprotein CD14 and CD14-associated signal transducer, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Recent findings indicate that the serine protease inhibitor, alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT), may not only afford protection against proteolytic injury, but may also neutralize microbial activities and affect regulation of innate immunity. We postulated that AAT affects monocyte responses to LPS by regulating CD14 expression and soluble CD 14 release. Here we show that a short-term (up to 2 h) monocyte exposure to AAT alone or in combination with LPS leads to a remarkable induction of CD 14 levels. In parallel, a short-term (2 h) cell exposure to AAT/LPS significantly enhances LPS-induced NF kappa B (p50 and p65) activation in conjunction with increased TNF alpha, IL-beta and IL-8 release. In contrast, longer term incubation (18 h) of monocytes with combined AAT/LPS results in a significant reduction in expression of both CD 14 and TLR4, inhibition of LPS-induced TNF alpha, IL-beta and IL-8 mRNA and protein expression. These findings provide evidence that AAT is an important regulator of CD14 expression and release in monocytes and suggest that AAT may be involved in LPS neutralization and prevention of over-activation of monocytes in vivo. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 26. |
- Nita, Izabela, et al.
(författare)
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Prolastin, a pharmaceutical preparation of purified human alpha 1-antitrypsin, blocks endotoxin-mediated cytokine release
- 2005
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Ingår i: Respiratory Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1465-9921 .- 1465-993X. ; 6:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) serves primarily as an inhibitor of the elastin degrading proteases, neutrophil elastase and proteinase 3. There is ample clinical evidence that inherited severe AAT deficiency predisposes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Augmentation therapy for AAT deficiency has been available for many years, but to date no sufficient data exist to demonstrate its efficacy. There is increasing evidence that AAT is able to exert effects other than protease inhibition. We investigated whether Prolastin, a preparation of purified pooled human AAT used for augmentation therapy, exhibits antibacterial effects. Methods: Human monocytes and neutrophils were isolated from buffy coats or whole peripheral blood by the Ficoll-Hypaque procedure. Cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or zymosan, either alone or in combination with Prolastin, native AAT or polymerised AAT for 18 h, and analysed to determine the release of TNF alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-8. At 2-week intervals, seven subjects were submitted to a nasal challenge with sterile saline, LPS ( 25 mu g) and LPS-Prolastin combination. The concentration of IL-8 was analysed in nasal lavages performed before, and 2, 6 and 24 h after the challenge. Results: In vitro, Prolastin showed a concentration-dependent (0.5 to 16 mg/ml) inhibition of endotoxin-stimulated TNF alpha and IL-1 beta release from monocytes and IL-8 release from neutrophils. At 8 and 16 mg/ml the inhibitory effects of Prolastin appeared to be maximal for neutrophil IL- 8 release (5.3-fold, p < 0.001 compared to zymosan treated cells) and monocyte TNFa and IL- 1 release (10.7- and 7.3-fold, p < 0.001, respectively, compared to LPS treated cells). Furthermore, Prolastin (2.5 mg per nostril) significantly inhibited nasal IL- 8 release in response to pure LPS challenge. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate for the first time that Prolastin inhibits bacterial endotoxin-induced pro-inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo, and provide scientific bases to explore new Prolastin-based therapies for individuals with inherited AAT deficiency, but also for other clinical conditions.
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| 27. |
- Ohlsson, Bodil, et al.
(författare)
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Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction due to Buserelin-Induced Formation of Anti-GnRH Antibodies.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Gastroenterology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1528-0012 .- 0016-5085. ; 132:1, s. 45-51
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background & Aims: A 30-year-old woman, treated with buserelin, an analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (also called luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, LH-RH), developed chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO). The sudden onset of this disease in a previously healthy woman perplexed us. CIPO refers to a gastrointestinal disorder that can have a variety of causes, such as drugs, among others. Thus, we wanted to examine whether in this patient the development of CIPO is related to the treatment with buserelin. Methods: The patient was examined using esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophageal, and antroduodenojejunal manometry, gastric emptying tests, and histologic analyses and immunohistochemistry on full-thickness biopsies including staining with anti-GnRH antibody. Plasma samples were examined by the standard serologic analyses and specifically for the occurrence of anti-GnRH antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Results: CIPO was diagnosed based on symptoms (abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation), and the results of the clinical examinations, such as signs of esophageal aperistalsis, delayed gastric emptying, and small intestinal bursts. Histologic examination revealed a decreased number of myenteric neurons as well as increased neuronal degeneration and an abnormal immune profile. There was a loss of GnRH-containing neurons. The patient had high plasma titers of anti-GnRH antibodies, which occurred on the occasions of the treatment with buserelin. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the patient has developed CIPO due to buserelin-induced formation of anti-GnRH antibodies destroying GnRH-producing neurons of the myenteric plexus.
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Persson, Caroline, et al.
(författare)
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Do native and polymeric alpha1-antitrypsin activate human neutrophils in vitro?
- 2006
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Ingår i: Chest. - 1931-3543. ; 129:6, s. 1683-1692
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: {alpha}1-Antitrypsin (AAT)-Z deficiency is a risk factor for the development of COPD. Compared to wild-type M, AAT-Z has an increased tendency to polymerize, rendering it inactive as a serine proteinase inhibitor. It has been demonstrated that wild-type M- and Z-deficiency AAT polymers are chemotactic for human neutrophils. However, our own studies dispute a proinflammatory role for polymerized AAT-M and AAT-Z, suggesting rather that they are predominantly antiinflammatory, exhibiting inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human monocyte activation. The discrepancies between these observations prompted us to re-examine the effects of AAT. Methods and results: The effects of native and polymerized AAT-M and AAT-Z with varying levels of endotoxin contamination (0.08 to 2.55 endotoxin units [EU]/mg protein) on human neutrophil chemotaxis and interleukin (IL)-8 release, in vitro, were evaluated. Neither native nor polymerized (M- or Z-deficient) AAT contaminated with low levels of endotoxin (≤ 0.08 EU/mg protein) stimulated neutrophil chemotaxis, whereas N-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP), a positive control, increased chemotaxis fourfold. A small but nonsignificant increase in neutrophil chemotaxis, however, was observed with AAT preparations containing higher levels of endotoxin (≥ 0.88 EU/mg protein), and significant chemotaxis occurred when AAT was spiked with either endotoxin or zymosan. In support, native and polymeric AAT-M with low endotoxin contamination completely inhibited neutrophil IL-8 release triggered by the zymosan, while AATs with high endotoxin contamination strongly induced IL-8 release and did not inhibit zymosan-stimulated IL-8 release. Conclusions: The proinflammatory effects of native and polymeric AAT may be critically dependent on the presence of other cell activators, bacterial or otherwise, while pure preparations of AAT appear to exert predominantly antiinflammatory activity.
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| 31. |
- Sandström, Caroline, et al.
(författare)
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An association between Type 2 diabetes and alpha(1)-antitrypsin deficiency
- 2008
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Ingår i: Diabetic Medicine. - : Wiley. - 1464-5491 .- 0742-3071. ; 25:11, s. 1370-1373
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims alpha(1)-Antitrypsin (AAT) is a serine protease inhibitor which recently has been shown to prevent Type 1 diabetes development, to prolong islet allograft survival and to inhibit pancreatic B-cell apoptosis in vivo. It has also been reported that Type 1 diabetic patients have significantly lower plasma concentrations of AAT, suggesting the potential role of AAT in the pathogenesis of Type 1 diabetes. We have investigated whether plasma AAT levels are altered in Type 2 diabetes. Methods The study included patients with Type 2 diabetes (n = 163) and non-diabetic control subjects matched for age, sex and smoking habits (n = 158) derived from the population-based Malmo Diet and Cancer study. Plasma samples were analysed for AAT concentration and phenotype and serum glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein and lipid levels were measured. Glycated haemoglobin was also measured. Results In the diabetic group, the women had higher mean plasma AAT levels than men ( P < 0.05). The mean plasma AAT levels did not differ between diabetic and control subjects. However, the number of individuals with low AAT levels (< 1.0 mg/ml) was 50% higher in the diabetic group (P < 0.05) and the frequency of AAT deficiency genotypes was 50% higher (NS) in diabetic compared with control subjects. In the group of diabetic patients with AAT < 1 mg/ml, AAT directly correlated with systolic blood pressure (P = 0.048) and inversely correlated with waist-hip ratio (P = 0.031). Conclusions Our results provide evidence that deficiency of AAT may be associated with an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
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| 32. |
- Sandström, Caroline, et al.
(författare)
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Endotoxin receptor CD14 in PiZ alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency individuals
- 2008
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Ingår i: Respiratory Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1465-9921 .- 1465-993X. ; 9:34
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: CD14, a receptor for lipopolysaccharides (LPS), is found in both a membrane-bound form (mCD14) and a soluble form (sCD14). It is suggested that sCD14 is mainly released from blood monocytes by serine protease-mediated shedding. Because alpha(1)-antitrypsin (AAT), an inhibitor of serine proteases, has been shown to regulate CD14 expression in human monocytes in vitro, we sought to investigate plasma levels of sCD14 and monocyte expression of mCD14 in subjects at age 30 years with normal MM and deficient PiZZ and PiSZ genotypes of AAT. Methods: Plasma levels of AAT and sCD14 were measured in 75 PiZZ and 34 PiSZ individuals with normal lung function identified from the Swedish neonatal AAT deficiency screening, and in 95 age matched PiMM controls. The mCD14 expression in monocytes from 9 PiZZ, 6 PiSZ and 11 PiMM subjects was analysed by FACS and Quantitative Real Time Reverse Transcription PCA. Results: As expected, plasma AAT concentrations were PiMM > PiSZ > PiZZ (p < 0.001). Plasma sCD14 levels were higher in PiZZ than in PiMM subjects (p < 0.01). The expression level of mCD14 was higher (1.89-fold) in monocytes isolated from PiZZ subjects compared to PiMM controls (p = 0.00189). Conclusion: This study is the first to show higher levels of plasma sCD14 and monocyte mCD14 expression in young, clinically healthy PiZZ AAT subjects.
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| 33. |
- Sitkauskiene, Brigita, et al.
(författare)
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Screening for alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency in Lithuanian patients with COPD
- 2008
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Ingår i: Respiratory Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 1532-3064 .- 0954-6111. ; 102:11, s. 1654-1658
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Alphal-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is an under-diagnosed condition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of the present screening was to estimate the AAT gene frequency and prevalence and to identify AAT deficiency cases in a large cohort of Lithuanian patients with COPD. Methods: A nationwide program of AAT deficiency was conducted in 1167 COPD patients, defined according to the GOLD criteria. Patients were collected from outpatient clinics in five different Lithuanian regions (Kaunas, Vilnius, Siauliai, Klaipeda and Alytus). AAT serum concentrations were measured by nephelometry; PI-phenotypes characterized by isoelectric-focusing. Results: Mean age and FEV1 were 62.0 (10.3) and 54.7% (10.9), respectively. Ninety-one AAT deficiency genotypes (40 MZ, 39 MS, 1 SS, 3 SZ and 8 ZZ) were identified. Catculated PI*S and PI*Z frequencies, expressed in per 1000, were 18.8 (95% CI: 13.9-25) and 25.3 (95% CI: 19.4-32.7), respectively. The calculated AAT gene prevalence (Hardy-Weinberg principle) was: 1/1.09 for MM, 1/28 for MS, 1/2814 for SS, 1/20 for MZ, 1/1049 for SZ and 1/1565 for ZZ. Calculated Odds ratio (OR) for PI*Z in COPD vs. Lithuanian healthy people was of 1.87 (P = 0.004). Conclusion: The OR for each genotypic class demonstrated a significant increase of MZ, SZ and ZZ genotypes in COPD patients. The results of the present study, with a significant number of ZZ individuals detected, support the general concept of targeted screening for AAT deficiency in countries like Lithuania, with a large population of COPD patients and tow awareness among care-givers about this genetic condition. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 34. |
- Subramaniyam, Devipriya, et al.
(författare)
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C-36 peptide, a degradation product of alpha1-antitrypsin, modulates human monocyte activation through LPS signaling pathways.
- 2006
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Ingår i: International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-5875 .- 1357-2725. ; 38:4, s. 563-575
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- alpha 1-Antitrypsin (AAT), a major endogenous inhibitor of serine proteases, plays an important role in minimizing proteolytic injury to host tissue at sites of infection and inflammation. There is now increasing evidence that AAT undergoes post-translational modifications to yield by-products With novel biological activity. One Such molecule, the C-terminal fragment of AAT, corresponding to residues 359-394 (C-36 peptide) has been reported to stimulate significant pro-inflammatory activity in monocytes and neutrophils in vitro. In this study we showed that C-36 peptide is present in human lung tissue and mimics the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LIPS), albeit with lower magnitude, by inducing monocyte cytokine (TNF alpha, IL-I beta) and chemokine (IL-8) release in conjunction with the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). Using receptor blocking antibodies and protein kinase inhibitors, we further demonstrated that C-36, like LPS, utilizes CD14 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) receptors and enzymes of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways to stimulate monocyte TNF alpha release. The specificity of C-36 effects were demonstrated by failure of a shorter peptide (C-20) to elicit biological activity and the failure of C-36 to inhibit M/CD28-stimulated IL-2 receptor expression or proliferation in T-cells which lack TLR4 and CD14. We suggest that C-36 mediates its effects though the activation of LPS signaling pathways. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 35. |
- Subramaniyam, Devipriya, et al.
(författare)
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TNF-alpha-induced self expression in human lung endothelial cells is inhibited by native and oxidized alpha 1-antitrypsin
- 2008
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Ingår i: International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1878-5875 .- 1357-2725. ; 40:2, s. 258-271
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Endothelial cells are among the main physiological targets of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). In endothelial cells TNF-alpha elicits a broad spectrum of biological effects including differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT), an endogenous inhibitor of serine proteases plays a vital role in protecting host tissue from proteolytic injury at sites of inflammation. Recently, it has been shown that AAT can be internalized by pulmonary endothelial cells, raising speculation that it may modulate endothelial cell function in addition to suppressing protease activity. Using Affymetrix microarray technology, real time PCR and ELISA methods we have investigated the effects of AAT on un-stimulated and TNF-alpha stimulated human primary lung microvascular endothelial cell gene expression and protein secretion. We find that AAT and TNF-alpha generally induced expression of distinct gene families with AAT exhibiting little activity in terms of inflammatory gene expression. Approximately 25% of genes up regulated by TNF-alpha were inhibited by co-administration of AAT including TNF-alpha-induced self expression. Surprisingly, the effects of AAT on TNF-alpha-induced self expression was inhibited equally well by oxidized AAT, a modified form of AAT, which lacks serine protease inhibitor activity. Overall, the pattern of gene expression regulated by native and oxidized AAT was similar with neither inducing pro-inflammatory gene expression. These findings suggest that inhibitory effects of native and oxidized forms of AAT on TNF-alpha stimulated gene expression may play an important role in limiting the uncontrolled endothelial cell activation and vascular injury in inflammatory disease.
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| 36. |
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| 37. |
- Trouw, Leendert A, et al.
(författare)
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C4b-binding protein in Alzheimer's disease: Binding to Abeta(1-42) and to dead cells.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Molecular Immunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-9142 .- 0161-5890. ; 45, s. 3649-3660
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, binding of Clq within the Cl complex, the initiating molecule of the classical complement pathway, to apoptotic cells, DNA and amyloid-beta (Abeta), the major constituent of senile plaques, can initiate complement activation. However, the extent of activation is determined by the balance between activation and inhibition. Fluid-phase complement inhibitor C4b-binding protein (C4BP) was immunohistochemically detected in Abeta plaques and on apoptotic cells in AD brain. In vitro, C4BP bound apoptotic and necrotic but not viable brain cells (astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes) and limited complement activation on dead brain cells. C4BP also bound Abeta(1-42) peptide directly, via the C4BP alpha-chain, and limited the extent of complement activation by Abeta. C4BP levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dementia patients and controls were low compared to levels in plasma and correlated with CSF levels of other inflammation-related factors. In conclusion, C4BP binds to dead brain cells and Abeta peptide in vitro, is present in CSF and possibly protects against excessive complement activation in AD brains.
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
- Warkentin, Siegbert, et al.
(författare)
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rCBF pathology in Alzheimer's disease is associated with slow processing speed
- 2008
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Ingår i: Neuropsychologia. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-3514 .- 0028-3932. ; 46:5, s. 1193-1200
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Decreased information processing speed (mental slowing) is a known sequelae of many brain disorders, and can be assessed by continuous naming tasks. Functional imaging studies have shown that pause and articulation times in continuous speech are normally associated with different brain regions, but knowledge about such association in dementia is lacking. We therefore tested the hypothesis that perfusion deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are not only associated with slower processing, but also with these speech measures. Using regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) measurements during the performance of a continuous colour and form-naming task, we found that naming speed was substantially slower in AD patients than in controls. This slower naming was exclusively determined by an increase in mean pause time, and only to a limited extent by articulation time. The increased pause time was uniquely associated with temporo-parietal rCBF reductions of the patients, while articulation was not. By contrast, the rCBF of healthy elderly control subjects was consistently accompanied by substantially shorter articulation and pause times, although the naming measures were not statistically associated with rCBF. These findings suggest that pause time (in contrast to articulation time) may serve as a sensitive measure in the assessment of information processing speed deficits in dementia, by virtue of its close association with brain pathology. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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