• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.160-164
• /
• 2019

Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) are major periodontal pathogens. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) from periodontal bacteria play an important role in periodontal pathogenesis by stimulating host cells to produce inflammatory cytokines. In this study, highly pure LPSs from the five major periodontopathogens were prepared, and their monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-inducing activities were compared in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and THP-1 macrophagic cells, respectively. In HUVECs, LPSs from Aa and Fn were potent stimulators for MCP-1 induction; however, LPSs from Pg, Pi, and Tf were much weaker MCP-1 inducers. In THP-1 cells, LPSs from Pg, Aa, and Fn were relatively strong inducers of TNF-α, whereas LPSs from Pi and Tf produced little activity. The Toll-like receptor (TLR)2/TLR4 dependency of various LPSs was also determined by measuring NF-κB reporter activity in TLR2- or TLR4-expressing 293 cells. LPSs from Aa, Fn, and Tf stimulated only TLR4; however, LPSs from Pg and Pi stimulated both TLR2 and TLR4. These results suggest that LPSs from major periodontal bacteria differ considerably in their cell-stimulating activity.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.175-181
• /
• 2009

In hypertriglyceridaemic individuals, atherosclerogenesis is associated with the increased concentrations of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and VLDL-associated remnant particles. In vitro studies have suggested that VLDL induces foam cells formation. To reveal the changes of the proteins expression in the process of foam cells formation induced by VLDL, we performed a proteomic analysis of the foam cells based on the stimulation of differentiated THP-1 cells with VLDL. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis, 14 differentially expressed proteins, containing 8 up-regulated proteins and 6 down-regulated proteins were identified. The proteins are involved in energy metabolism, oxidative stress, cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis, such as adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP), enolase, S100A11, heat shock protein 27 and so on. In addition, the expression of some selected proteins was confirmed by Western blot and RT-PCR analysis. The results suggest that VLDL not only induces lipid accumulation, but also brings about foam cells diverse characteristics by altering the expression of various proteins.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.145-151
• /
• 2008

During Toxoplasma gondii infection, macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils are important sources of pro-inflammatory cytokines from the host. To counteract the pro-inflammatory activities, T. gondii is known to have several mechanisms inducing down-regulation of the host immunity. In the present study, we analyzed the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines from a human myelomonocytic cell line, THP-1 cells, in response to treatment with T. gondii lysate or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Treatment of THP-1 cells with LPS induced production of IL-12, TNF-$\alpha$, IL-8, and IL-10. Co-treatment of THP-1 cells with T. gondii lysate inhibited the LPS-induced IL-12, IL-8 and TNF-$\alpha$ expression, but increased the level of IL-10 synergistically. IL-12 and IL-10 production was down-regulated by anti-human toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR4 antibodies. T. gondii lysate triggered nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$-dependent IL-8 expression in HEK293 cells transfected with TLR2. It is suggested that immunosuppression induced by T. gondii lysate treatment might occur via TLR2-mediated NF-${\kappa}B$ activation.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.69-83
• /
• 2011

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Amyda sinensis (AS) on allergic inflammation mechanism related atopy dermatitis. Methods: To investigate the effects of AS, We study inhibitory effect of AS on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines released from Raw264.7 cell stimulated with LPS (lipopolysaccaride), and EoL-1, THP-1, Jutkat cell stimulated with DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), and LPS indused acute inflammatory BALB/c mouse model. Result: AS reduced the levels of IL-$1{\beta}$ released from Raw264.7 cell stimulated with LPS at 20 ug/ml, 5 ug/ml concentration, and reduced the levels of IL-6 in a dose-dependent. AS significantly reduced the levels of MCP-1 released from EoL-1 cell stimulated with DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) at all the concentration, and significantly reduced the level of IL-8 at 0.1 ug/ml concentration. AS significantly reduced the levels of MCP-1 released from THP-1 cell stimulated with DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) at 1 ug/ml concentration, and reduced the level of IL-6 in a dose-dependent. AS significantly reduced the levels of IL-4 released from Jutkat cell stimulated with DP at all the concentration, and significantly reduced the level of IL-5 at 0.1 ug/ml. 1 ug/ml concentration,. and reduced the level of TNF-${\alpha}$ in a dose-dependent. AS significantly reduced the levels of TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, in LPS indused acute inflammatory BALB/c mouse model, in a dose-dependent. Conclusion: These result suggested that AS has suppressive effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines in various cell lines through the regulation of immune system. AS could be applied on the medicinal sources for treatment of immune abnormal diseases such as atopy dermatitis afterward.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.90-97
• /
• 2009

Background: CD147, as a cellular receptor for cyclophilin A (CypA), is a multifunctional protein involved in tumor invasion, inflammation, tissue remodeling, neural function, and reproduction. Recent observations showing the expression of CD147 in leukocytes indicate that this molecule may have roles in inflammation. Methods: In order to investigate the role of CD147 and its ligand in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, human atherosclerotic plaques were analyzed for the expression pattern of CD147 and CypA. The cellular responses and signaling molecules activated by the stimulation of CD147 were then investigated in the human macrophage cell line, THP-1, which expresses high basal level of CD147 on the cell surface. Results: Staining of both CD147 and CypA was detected in endothelial cell layers facing the lumen and macrophage-rich areas. Stimulation of CD147 with its specific monoclonal antibody induced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in THP-1 cells and it was suppressed by inhibitors of both ERK and NF-${\kappa}B$. Accordingly, the stimulation of CD147 was observed to induce phosphorylation of ERK, phosphorylation-associated degradation of $I{\kappa}B$, and nuclear translocation of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 and p50 subunits. Conclusion: These results suggest that CD147 mediates the inflammatory activation of macrophages that leads to the induction of MMP-9 expression, which could play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
• /
• v.35 no.6
• /
• pp.11-19
• /
• 2020

Objective : The genus Glycyrrhiza has been used in food and traditional herbal medicine. Glycyrrhiza new varieties Wongam and Sinwongam have been developed by Korea Rural Development Administration and investigated to register on Korean Pharmacopoeia of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The aim of this study is to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of Wongam and Sinwongam comparing with listed Glycyrrhiza species (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer and G. glabra Linne) for evaluations about pharmacological effect of Glycyrrhiza new varieties. Methods : We studied the immunomodulatory effect of Wongam and Sinwongam compared with G. uralensis and G. glabra using THP-1 cell in vitro model. The cells were treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for differentiation and stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to induce immune activation. We analyzed and compared the effects Glycyrrhiza new varieties and listed Glycyrrhiza species using nitric oxide (NO) assay, western blot, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. 1) Results : Wongam and Sinwongam showed no cytotoxicity in THP-1 cells. Wongam and Sinwongam, and listed Glycyrrhiza species increased NO production, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression with or without LPS in differentiated THP-1 macrophages. Furthermore, Wongam and Sinwongam and listed Glycyrrhiza species upregulated the mRNA expressions of T helper type 1 (Th 1)-associated cytokines in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages. Conclusion : These results indicated that Wongam and Sinwongam would have effect of enhancing immune response through the increase of NO and COX-2 expression, and activate Th1-associated cytokines. The findings of this study suggest the wide applicability of Glycyrrhiza new varieties.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.119-124
• /
• 2010

Purpose: In addition to regulating body weight, leptin is also recognized for its role in the regulation of immune function and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leptin on Prevotella (P.) intermedia lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$ production in differentiated THP-1 cells, a human monocytic cell line. Methods: LPS from P. intermedia ATCC 25611 was prepared by the standard hot phenol-water method. THP-1 cells were incubated in the medium supplemented with phorbol myristate acetate to induce differentiation into macrophage-like cells. The amount of TNF-$\alpha$ and interleukin-8 secreted into the culture medium was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TNF-$\alpha$ and Ob-R mRNA expression levels were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results: Leptin enhanced P. intermedia LPS-induced TNF-$\alpha$ production in a dose-dependent manner. Leptin modulated P. intermedia LPS-induced TNF-$\alpha$ expression predominantly at the transcriptional level. Effect of leptin on P. intermedia LPS-induced TNF-$\alpha$ production was not mediated by the leptin receptor. Conclusions: The ability of leptin to enhance P. intermedia LPS-induced TNF-$\alpha$ production may be important in the establishment of chronic lesion accompanied by osseous tissue destruction observed in inflammatory periodontal disease.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.308-313
• /
• 2006

Stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1) is a CXC chemokine that selectively activates the CXCR4 chemokine receptor. Fibronectin is an intracellular matrix component that binds integrin and mediates cell-matrix adhesion. Activation of the integrin receptor can occur in two ways: by ligand binding (outside-in signaling), and in response to intracellular events (inside-out signaling). In the current study we showed that SDF-$1{\alpha}$ inhibited adhesion of T lymphocyte Jurkat cells resulting from binding high concentrations of fibronectin as well as that of THP-1 monocytes. The effect of SDF-$1{\alpha}$ on fibronectin-mediated adhesion was partly reversed by the CXCR4 receptor antagonist T140. Our results suggest that an SDF-1/CXCR4 signal pathway modulates fibronectin-mediated lymphocytes adhesion.

• Nutritional Sciences
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.153-158
• /
• 2005

Numerous natural herbal compounds have been reported to inhibit adhesion and migration of leukocytes to the site of inflammation Licorice extracts, which have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicinal preparation, possess various pharmacological effects. Isoliquiritigenin, a biogenetic precursor of flavonoids with various pharmacological effects, is a natural pigment present in licorice. We attempted to explore whether licorice extracts and isoliquiritigenin mitigate monocyte adhesion to tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$)-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In addition, it was tested whether the inhibition of monocyte adhesion to the activated HUVEC accompanied a reduction in vascular cell adhesion molecule-l expression(VCAM-l). Dry-roasted licorice extracts in methylene chloride but not in ethanol markedly interfered with THP-l monocyte adhesion to INF-$\alpha$-activated endothelial cells. licochalcone A compound isolated from licorice extract in methylene chloride appeared to modestly inhibit the interaction of THP-l monocytes and activated endothelium. In addition, isoliquiritigenin abolished the monocyte adhesion with attenuating VCAM-l protein expression on HUVEC induced by INF-$\alpha$. These results demonstrated that non-polar components from dry-roasted licorice extracts containing licochalcone A as well as isoliquiritigenin were active in blocking monocyte adhesion to cytokine-activated endothelimn, which appeared to be mediated most likely through the inhibition of VCAM-l expression on HUVEC. Therefore, licorice may hamper initial inflammatory events on the vascular endothelium involving induction of endothelial cell adhesion molecules.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.63-68
• /
• 2016

The serine/threonine kinase mTOR is essential for the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) signaling pathway, and regulates the development and function of immune cells. Aberrant activation of mTOR signaling pathway is associated with many cancers including leukemia. Here, we report the contributions of mTOR signaling to growth of human leukemic cell lines and mouse T-cell acute leukemia (T-ALL) cells. Torin, an ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitor, was found to have both cytotoxic and cytostatic effects on U-937, THP-1, and RPMI-8226 cells, but not on Jurkat or K-562 cells. All cells were relatively resistant to rapamycin even with suppressed activity of mTOR complex 1. Growth of T-ALL cells induced by Notch1 was profoundly affected by torin partially due to increased expression of Bcl2l11 and Bbc3. Of note, activation of Akt or knockdown of FoxO1 mitigated the effect of mTOR inhibition on T-ALL cells. Our data provide insight on the effect of mTOR inhibitors on the survival and proliferation of leukemic cells, thus further improving our understanding on cell-context-dependent impacts of mTOR signaling. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(1): 63-68]