Aqueous extracts ofCimicifuga racemosaand phenolcarboxylic constituents inhibit production of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated human whole blood

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (11) ◽  
pp. 963-972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diethart Schmid ◽  
Florian Woehs ◽  
Martin Svoboda ◽  
Theresia Thalhammer ◽  
Peter Chiba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Black Cohosh ◽  
Active Principle ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Antiinflammatory Action ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Isoferulic Acid ◽  
Ifn Γ

Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) is commonly used in traditional medicines as treatment for menopausal symptoms and as an antiinflammatory remedy. To clarify the mechanism of action and active principle for the antiinflammatory action, the effects of aqueous C. racemosa root extracts (CRE) and its major constituents on the release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and the chemokine IL-8 were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole blood of healthy volunteers. CRE (3 µg/µL and 6 µg/µL) reduced LPS-induced release of IL-6 and TNF-α in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and almost completely blocked release of IFN-γ into the plasma supernatant. Except for IFN-γ, these effects were attenuated at longer incubation periods. IL-8 secretion was stimulated by CRE. As shown by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, effects on cytokines were based on preceding changes in mRNA levels except for IL-8. According to their content in CRE, the phenolcarboxylic compounds caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and isoferulic acid, as well as the triterpene glycosides 23-epi-26-deoxyactein and cimigenol-3-O-xyloside, were tested at representative concentrations. Among these, isoferulic acid was the prominent active principle in CRE, responsible for the observed inhibition of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, but not for IL-8 stimulation. The effect of this compound may explain the antiinflammatory activities of CRE and its beneficial actions in rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases.

scholarly journals Tuberculous Lymphadenitis Is Associated with Enhanced Baseline and Antigen-Specific Induction of Type 1 and Type 17 Cytokines and Reduced Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 at the Site of Infection

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gokul Raj Kathamuthu ◽  
Kadar Moideen ◽  
Dhanaraj Baskaran ◽  
Vaithilingam V. Banurekha ◽  
Dina Nair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Interleukin 17 ◽  
Mycobacterial Antigen ◽  
Tuberculous Lymphadenitis ◽  
Specific Production ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

ABSTRACT Tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBL) is characterized by an expansion of Th1 and Th17 cells with altered serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines. However, the cytokine profile at the site of infection, i.e., the affected lymph nodes, has not been examined in detail. To estimate the baseline and mycobacterial antigen-stimulated concentrations of type 1, type 17, and other proinflammatory cytokines in patients with TBL (n = 14), we examined both the baseline and the antigen-specific concentrations of these cytokines before and after chemotherapy and compared them with those in individuals with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) (n = 14). In addition, we also compared the cytokine responses in whole blood and those in the lymph nodes of TBL individuals. We observed significantly enhanced baseline and antigen-specific levels of type 1 cytokines (gamma interferon [IFN-γ] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) and a type 17 cytokine (interleukin-17 [IL-17]) and significantly diminished baseline and antigen-specific levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) in the whole blood of TBL individuals compared to those in the whole blood of PTB individuals. Moreover, we also observed a pattern of baseline and antigen-specific cytokine production at the site of infection (lymph node) similar to that in the whole blood of TBL individuals. Following standard antituberculosis (anti-TB) treatment, we observed alterations in the baseline and/or antigen-specific levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18. TBL is therefore characterized by enhanced baseline and antigen-specific production of type 1 and type 17 cytokines and reduced baseline and antigen-specific production of IL-1β and IL-18 at the site of infection.

scholarly journals Protective Effects of Kyungohkgo on Atopic Dermatitis in HaCaT Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1286-1292
Author(s):  
Il-Joo Jo ◽  
Mee-Ok Choi
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Hacat Cells ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Oxidant ◽  
Stat1 Signaling ◽  
Ifn Γ

Kyungohkgo (KOG) is an oriental herbal medicine that has been used for its various pharmacological effects, which include anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immuno-regulation activities. But its effects and mechanisms of anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been elucidated. HaCaT cells were pre-treated with KOG for 1 h and stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ (10 ng/ml each). After 24 h, cells were harvested to measure the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and chemokines such as regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES/CCL5), Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) and macrophage-deraived chemokine (MDC/CCL22). To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of KOG, we also assessed the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT1) signaling pathways in HaCaT cells. Treatment of KOG decreased the ROS production and mRNA levels of RANTES, TARC, MDC with a concentration dependent manner. In addition, KOG significantly inhibited TNF-α and IFN-γ induced phosphorylation of STAT1. This could indicate that the KOG shows anti-AD activity mainly through STAT1. Thus, we propose that KOG may be a promising anti-AD skin protector, which could suggest the clinical basis for cosmetics development.

scholarly journals Inhibition of Complement and CD14 Attenuates the Escherichia coli-Induced Inflammatory Response in Porcine Whole Blood

2008 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 725-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebbe Billmann Thorgersen ◽  
Anne Pharo ◽  
Karin Haverson ◽  
Anne K. Axelsen ◽  
Peter Gaustad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Bacterial Clearance ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Dose Dependent

ABSTRACT The innate immune response is a double-edged sword in systemic inflammation and sepsis. Uncontrolled or inappropriate activation can damage and be lethal to the host. Several studies have investigated inhibition of downstream mediators, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Emerging evidence indicates that upstream inhibition is a better therapeutic approach for attenuating damaging immune activation. Therefore, we investigated inhibition of two central innate immune pathways, those of complement and CD14/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD-2), in a porcine in vitro model of Escherichia coli-induced inflammation. Porcine whole blood anticoagulated with lepuridin, which did not interfere with the complement system, was incubated with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or whole bacteria. Inhibitors of complement and CD14 and thus the LPS CD14/TLR4/MD-2 receptor complex were tested to investigate the effect on the inflammatory response. A broad range of inflammatory readouts were used to monitor the effect. Anti-CD14 was found to saturate the CD14 molecule on granulocytes and completely inhibited LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Anti-CD14 significantly reduced the levels of the E. coli-induced proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, but not IL-8, in a dose-dependent manner. No effect on bacterial clearance was seen. Vaccinia complement control protein and smallpox inhibitor of complement enzymes, two Orthopoxvirus-encoded complement inhibitors, completely inhibited complement activation. Furthermore, these agents almost completely inhibited the expression of wCD11R3, which is associated with CD18 as a β2 integrin, on porcine granulocytes and decreased IL-8 levels significantly in a dose-dependent manner. As expected, complement inhibition reduced bacterial clearance. We conclude that inhibition of complement and CD14 attenuates E. coli-induced inflammation and might be used as a therapeutic regimen in gram-negative sepsis along with appropriate treatment with antibiotics.

Suppressive effect of TRH and antidepressants on human interferon-γ production in vitro

2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 226-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Kubera ◽  
Gunter Kenis ◽  
Agnieszka Basta-Kaim ◽  
Eugene Bosmans ◽  
Bogustawa Budziszewska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Tricyclic Antidepressants ◽  
Human Interferon ◽  
Inhibitory Effects ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Therapeutic Efficiency ◽  
Joint Application ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

Background:It has been established that thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) affects several aspects of immunoreactivity, e.g. production of proinflammatory cytokines. It has been shown that TRH enhances the therapeutic efficiency of classical tricyclic antidepressants. Proinflammatory cytokines may play a role in the etiology of depression, whereas the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants may be related to their negative immunoregulatory effects.Objective:In order to verify the hypothesis that TRH-induced increase of therapeutic efficiency of classical tricyclic antidepressants results from synergistic inhibitory effects of these agents on the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, we determine the effect of imipramine or fluoxetine with and without TRH on the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) by stimulated human whole blood cells.Methods:Diluted whole blood of 17 volunteers was incubated with imipramine or fluoxetine (both in doses of 10−5 M) with or without TRH (in a dose of 10−5 M). The supernatants were collected 24 h later for the assay of TNF-α and after 72 h for the assays of IFN-γ and IL-10. The three cytokines were assayed by ELISA methods.Results:A significant decrease in production of IFN-γ was observed in cells stimulated with mitogens and co-incubated with imipramine or fluoxetine and TRH. Under the same conditions, TRH alone did not change the production of these cytokines, whereas imipramine alone significantly decreases IFN-γ production, and fluoxetine alone significantly decreases IFN-γ and TNF-α production.Conclusion:Although a significant decrease in IFN-γ production was observed after joint application of TRH and antidepressants, our data did not support the above-mentioned hypothesis. Indeed, we did not observe synergistic inhibitory effects of these agents on the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.

scholarly journals Impressic Acid Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions by Inhibiting ERK1/2-Mediated Phosphorylation of NF-κB and STAT1

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2334
Author(s):  
Jae Ho Choi ◽  
Gi Ho Lee ◽  
Sun Woo Jin ◽  
Ji Yeon Kim ◽  
Yong Pil Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Histopathological Analysis ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Chemokine Production ◽  
Dermal Thickness ◽  
Skin Symptoms ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
In Cells

Impressic acid (IPA), a lupane-type triterpenoid from Acanthopanax koreanum, has many pharmacological activities, including the attenuation of vascular endothelium dysfunction, cartilage destruction, and inflammatory diseases, but its influence on atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the suppressive effect of IPA on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin symptoms in mice and the underlying mechanisms in cells. IPA attenuated the DNCB-induced increase in the serum concentrations of IgE and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and in the mRNA levels of thymus and activation regulated chemokine(TARC), macrophage derived chemokine (MDC), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-13 (IL-13), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in mice. Histopathological analysis showed that IPA reduced the epidermal/dermal thickness and inflammatory and mast cell infiltration of ear tissue. In addition, IPA attenuated the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκBα, and the degradation of IκBα in ear lesions. Furthermore, IPA treatment suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced TARC expression by inhibiting the NF-κB activation in cells. Phosphorylation of extracellular signalregulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), the upstream signaling proteins, was reduced by IPA treatment in HaCaT cells. In conclusion, IPA ameliorated AD-like skin symptoms by regulating cytokine and chemokine production and so has therapeutic potential for AD-like skin lesions.

scholarly journals Comparing the protective effects of resveratrol, curcumin and sulforaphane against LPS/IFN-γ-mediated inflammation in doxorubicin-treated macrophages

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haidy A. Saleh ◽  
Eman Ramdan ◽  
Mohey M. Elmazar ◽  
Hassan M. E. Azzazy ◽  
Anwar Abdelnaser
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Raw 264.7 Cells ◽  
Inos Mrna ◽  
No Production ◽  
Raw 264.7 ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

AbstractDoxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy is associated with the release of inflammatory cytokines from macrophages. This has been suggested to be, in part, due to DOX-mediated leakage of endotoxins from gut microflora, which activate Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in macrophages, causing severe inflammation. However, the direct function of DOX on macrophages is still unknown. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that DOX alone is incapable of stimulating inflammatory response in macrophages. Then, we compared the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin (CUR), resveratrol (RES) and sulforaphane (SFN) against lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma (LPS/IFN-γ)-mediated inflammation in the absence or presence of DOX. For this purpose, RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with LPS/IFN-γ (10 ng/mL/10 U/mL) in the absence or presence of DOX (0.1 µM). Our results showed that DOX alone is incapable of stimulating an inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, after 24 h of incubation with LPS/IFN-γ, a significant increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels was observed. Similarly, nitric oxide (NO) production and TNF-α and IL-6 protein levels were significantly upregulated. Moreover, in LPS/IFN-γ-treated macrophages, the microRNAs (miRNAs) miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-21 were significantly overexpressed. Interestingly, upon testing CUR, RES, and SFN against LPS/IFN-γ-mediated inflammation, only SFN was able to significantly reverse the LPS/IFN-γ-mediated induction of iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 and attenuate miR-146a and miR-155 levels. In conclusion, SFN, at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, exhibits potent immunomodulatory action against LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated macrophages, which may indicate SFN as a potential treatment for DOX-associated inflammation.

scholarly journals Modulation of ACE-2 mRNA by inflammatory cytokines in human thyroid cells: a pilot study

Endocrine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Coperchini ◽  
Gianluca Ricci ◽  
Laura Croce ◽  
Marco Denegri ◽  
Rubina Ruggiero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Combination Treatment ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Human Thyroid ◽  
Thyroid Cell ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Thyroid Cells ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Introduction Angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE-2) was demonstrated to be the receptor for cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. ACE-2 mRNA was identified in several human tissues and recently also in thyroid cells in vitro. Purpose Aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on the ACE-2 mRNA levels in human thyroid cells in primary cultures. Methods Primary thyroid cell cultures were treated with IFN-γ and TNF-α alone or in combination for 24 h. ACE-2 mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR. As a control, the levels of IFN-γ inducible chemokine (CXCL10) were measured in the respective cell culture supernatants. Results The mean levels of ACE-2 mRNA increased after treatment with IFN-γ and TNF-α in all the thyroid cell preparations, while the combination treatment did not consistently synergically increase ACE-2-mRNA. At difference, CXCL10 was consistently increased by IFN-γ and synergically further increased by the combination treatment with IFN-γ + TNF-α, with respect to IFN-γ alone. Conclusions The results of the present study show that IFN-γ and, to a lesser extent TNF-α consistently increase ACE-2 mRNA levels in NHT primary cultures. More interestingly, the combined stimulation (proven to be effective according to the synergic effect registered for CXCL10) produces different responses in terms of ACE-2 mRNA modulation. These results would suggest that elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines could facilitate the entering of the virus in cells by further increasing ACE-2 expression and/or account for the different degree of severity of SARS-COV-2 infection. This hypothesis deserves to be confirmed by further specific studies.

scholarly journals Tailored Hydrogels as Delivery Platforms for Conditioned Medium from Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Model of Acute Colitis in Mice

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1127
Author(s):  
Juan Sendon-Lago ◽  
Lorena Garcia-del Rio ◽  
Noemi Eiro ◽  
Patricia Diaz-Rodriguez ◽  
Leandro Avila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Conditioned Medium ◽  
Local Treatment ◽  
Histopathological Analysis ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Acute Colitis ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is increasingly prevalent and current therapies are not completely effective. Mesenchymal stem cells are emerging as a promising therapeutic option. Here, the effect of local hydrogel application loaded with conditioned medium (CM) from human uterine cervical stem cells (hUCESC-CM) in an experimental acute colitis mice model has been evaluated. Colitis induction was carried out in C57BL/6 mice by dissolving dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for nine days. Ulcers were treated by rectal administration of either mesalazine (as positive control) or a mucoadhesive and thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with hUCESC-CM (H-hUCESC-CM). Body weight changes, colon length, and histopathological analysis were evaluated. In addition, pro-inflammatory TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ mRNA levels were measured by qPCR. Treatment with H-hUCESC-CM inhibited body weight loss and colon shortening and induced a significant decrease in colon mucosa degeneration, as well as TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 mRNA levels. Results indicate that H-hUCESC-CM effectively alleviated DSS-induced colitis in mice, suggesting that H-hUCESC-CM may represent an attractive cell-free therapy for local treatment of IBD.

scholarly journals Upregulation of Cytokines Is Detected in the Placentas of Cattle Infected with Neospora caninum and Is More Marked Early in Gestation When Fetal Death Is Observed

2008 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 2352-2361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Rosbottom ◽  
E. Helen Gibney ◽  
Catherine S. Guy ◽  
Anja Kipar ◽  
Robert F. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Fetal Death ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Cytokine Mrna ◽  
Early Gestation ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

ABSTRACT The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum causes fetal death after experimental infection of pregnant cattle in early gestation, but the fetus survives a similar infection in late gestation. An increase in Th1-type cytokines in the placenta in response to the presence of the parasite has been implicated as a contributory factor to fetal death due to immune-mediated pathological alterations. We measured, using real-time reverse transcription-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the levels of cytokines in the placentas of cattle experimentally infected with N. caninum in early and late gestation. After infection in early gestation, fetal death occurred, and the levels of mRNA of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), IL-12p40, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-18, IL-10, and IL-4, were significantly (P < 0.01) increased by up to 1,000-fold. There was extensive placental necrosis and a corresponding infiltration of CD4+ T cells and macrophages. IFN-γ protein expression was also highly increased, and a modest increase in transforming growth factor β was detected. A much smaller increase in the same cytokines and IFN-γ protein expression, with minimal placental necrosis and inflammatory infiltration, occurred after N. caninum infection in late gestation when the fetuses survived. Comparison of cytokine mRNA levels in separated maternal and fetal placental tissue that showed maternal tissue was the major source of all cytokine mRNA except for IL-10 and TNF-α, which were similar in both maternal and fetal tissues. These results suggest that the magnitude of the cytokine response correlates with but is not necessarily the cause of fetal death and demonstrate that a polarized Th1 response was not evident in the placentas of N. caninum-infected cattle.

scholarly journals High Matrix Metalloproteinase Production Correlates with Immune Activation and Leukocyte Migration in Leprosy Reactional Lesions

2009 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 1012-1021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosane M. B. Teles ◽  
Rose B. Teles ◽  
Thais P. Amadeu ◽  
Danielle F. Moura ◽  
Leila Mendonça-Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Metalloproteinase ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Leukocyte Migration ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Membrane Breakdown ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

ABSTRACT Gelatinases A and B (matrix metalloproteinase 2 [MMP-2] and MMP-9, respectively) can induce basal membrane breakdown and leukocyte migration, but their role in leprosy skin inflammation remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed clinical specimens from leprosy patients taken from stable, untreated skin lesions and during reactional episodes (reversal reaction [RR] and erythema nodosum leprosum [ENL]). The participation of MMPs in disease was suggested by (i) increased MMP mRNA expression levels in skin biopsy specimens correlating with the expression of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), (ii) the detection of the MMP protein and enzymatic activity within the inflammatory infiltrate, (iii) increased MMP levels in patient sera, and (iv) the in vitro induction of MMP-9 by Mycobacterium leprae and/or TNF-α. It was observed that IFN-γ, TNF-α, MMP-2, and MMP-9 mRNA levels were higher in tuberculoid than lepromatous lesions. In contrast, interleukin-10 and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP-1) message were not differentially modulated. These data correlated with the detection of the MMP protein evidenced by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. When RR and ENL lesions were analyzed, an increase in TNF-α, MMP-2, and MMP-9, but not TIMP-1, mRNA levels was observed together with stronger MMP activity (zymography/in situ zymography). Moreover, following in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood cells, M. leprae induced the expression of MMP-9 (mRNA and protein) in cultured cells. Overall, the present data demonstrate an enhanced MMP/TIMP-1 ratio in the inflammatory states of leprosy and point to potential mechanisms for tissue damage. These results pave the way toward the application of new therapeutic interventions for leprosy reactions.

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