scholarly journals Effects of Mycoplasmas on the Host Cell Signaling Pathways

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
Sergei N. Borchsenius ◽  
Innokentii E. Vishnyakov ◽  
Olga A. Chernova ◽  
Vladislav M. Chernov ◽  
Nikolai A. Barlev

Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living organisms. Reduced sizes of their genomes put constraints on the ability of these bacteria to live autonomously and make them highly dependent on the nutrients produced by host cells. Importantly, at the organism level, mycoplasmal infections may cause pathological changes to the host, including cancer and severe immunological reactions. At the molecular level, mycoplasmas often activate the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) inflammatory response and concomitantly inhibit the p53-mediated response, which normally triggers the cell cycle and apoptosis. Thus, mycoplasmal infections may be considered as cancer-associated factors. At the same time, mycoplasmas through their membrane lipoproteins (LAMPs) along with lipoprotein derivatives (lipopeptide MALP-2, macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2) are able to modulate anti-inflammatory responses via nuclear translocation and activation of Nrf2 (the nuclear factor-E2-related anti-inflammatory transcription factor 2). Thus, interactions between mycoplasmas and host cells are multifaceted and depend on the cellular context. In this review, we summarize the current information on the role of mycoplasmas in affecting the host’s intracellular signaling mediated by the interactions between transcriptional factors p53, Nrf2, and NF-κB. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathologic processes associated with reprogramming eukaryotic cells that arise during the mycoplasma-host cell interaction should facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat oncogenic and inflammatory processes.

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (02) ◽  
pp. 445-462
Author(s):  
Linsha Dong ◽  
Zhuoma Dongzhi ◽  
Yonglong Jin ◽  
Youn-Chul Kim ◽  
Dong-Sung Lee ◽  
...  

As a long-established medicinal and edible homologous plant, Taraxacum officinale Wigg. is widely distributed in Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world. T. officinale is reported to exert a variety of biological and pharmacological activities, including anticancer, hepatoprotective, and anti-obesity effects. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extracts of T. officinale (A-TOW) by examining the suppression of proinflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated BV2 and mouse hippocampus. Furthermore, A-TOW also inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor [Formula: see text]B p65 caused by stimulation with LPS. In addition, A-TOW regulates heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression through the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in BV2 cells. The effects of A-TOW on the over-expression of proinflammatory mediators were partially reversed by transfection of the cells with HO-1 siRNA. These findings suggest that the potent anti-inflammatory activity of T. officinale, possibly through the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway.


2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (05) ◽  
pp. 1229-1244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Li ◽  
Hee-Jin Choi ◽  
Dong-Sung Lee ◽  
Hyuncheol Oh ◽  
Youn-Chul Kim ◽  
...  

Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire, used as a spice in Asia, is an important source of Chinese cuisine and traditional Chinese medicines. A. tsao-ko is reported to exert a variety of biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-proliferative, anti-oxidative and neuroprotective effects. In this study, NNMBS227, consisting of the ethanol extract of A. tsao-ko, exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activities in RAW264.7 macrophages. We investigated the effect of NNMBS227 in the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including pro-inflammatory enzymes (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) in LPS stimulated macrophages. NNMBS227 also inhibited the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α, as well as the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 caused by stimulation with LPS. In addition, NNMBS227 induced heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression through the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in macrophages. Using tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), an HO activity inhibitor, we confirmed an association between the anti-inflammatory effects of NNMBS227 and the up-regulation of HO-1. These findings suggest that Nrf2-dependent increases in the expression of HO-1 induced by NNMBS227 conferred anti-inflammatory activities in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1130
Author(s):  
Chih-Wei Chiu ◽  
Chih-Hao Yang ◽  
Jie-Heng Tsai ◽  
Cheng-Ying Hsieh ◽  
Shih-Yi Huang

Inflammation of the arterial wall is critical to atherosclerosis pathogenesis. The switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to macrophage-like cells is essential in the exacerbation of vascular inflammation. Platonin, a cyanine photosensitizing dye, exhibits protective effects in sepsis, trauma, and acute ischemic stroke through its anti-inflammatory capacity in macrophages. The present study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of platonin in inflammatory VSMCs. Pretreatment with platonin suppressed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthetase and mature interleukin-1β but not that of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in VSMCs stimulated by a combination of lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ (LPS/IFN-γ). Furthermore, platonin inhibited LPS/IFN-γ-induced Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation though the direct reduction of p65Ser536 phosphorylation but not the restoration of Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκBα) degradation in VSMCs. However, platonin inhibited Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced MCP-1 production, possibly through the attenuation of Activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding activity and C-Jun N-terminal kinases ½ (JNK1/2) phosphorylation. Platonin also lowered lipid drop accumulation in VSMCs in Oil red O staining assay. The results collectively indicated that platonin has a vascular protective property with potent anti-inflammatory effects in VSMCs. In conclusion, platonin should be a potential for treating vascular inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 475 (22) ◽  
pp. 3687-3706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weibing Dong ◽  
Xin Zhu ◽  
Xuan Zhou ◽  
Ying Yang ◽  
Xin Yan ◽  
...  

Antimicrobial peptides have broad-spectrum killing activities against bacteria, enveloped viruses, fungi and several parasites via cell membrane permeation and exhibit primarily immunomodulatory and anti-infective functions in their interactions with host cells. However, the mechanism underlying their anti-inflammatory activity remains to be elucidated. L-K6, an analog of temporin-1CEb isolated from the skin secretion of Rana chensinensis, has demonstrated a wide range of antimicrobial activities against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. In this study, the potent anti-inflammatory mechanism of L-K6 and its analogs in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human macrophage U937 cells were evaluated. We found that L-K6 suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors by two downstream signaling components in the MyD88-dependent pathway, including the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the NF (nuclear factor)-κB signaling pathway, but its analog L-K5, which had the same amino acid sequence as L-K6 but no Lys residue at the –COOH terminal, only inhibited the phosphorylation of I-κB and NF-κB. Importantly, L-K6 and L-K5 were actively taken up by U937 cells through an independent cell membrane disruption mechanism and were eventually localized to the perinuclear region. The L-K6 uptake process was mediated by endocytosis, but L-K5 was specifically taken up by U937 cells via TLR4 endocytosis. Our results demonstrated that L-K6 can neutralize LPS and diassociate LPS micelles to inhibit LPS from triggering the proinflammatory signaling pathway, and by partially inhibiting inflammatory responses by the intracellular target. However, L-K5 may mainly inhibit proinflammatory responses by intracellular reporters to modulate the NF-κB signaling pathway.


Cartilage ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmelita G. Frondoza ◽  
Lowella V. Fortuno ◽  
Mark W. Grzanna ◽  
Stacy L. Ownby ◽  
Angela Y. Au ◽  
...  

Objective Pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E-2 (PGE2) play major roles in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Although current pharmacologic treatments reduce inflammation, their prolonged use is associated with deleterious side effects prompting the search for safer and effective alternative strategies. The present study evaluated whether chondrocyte production of PGE2 can be suppressed by the combination of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) and α-lipoic acid (LA). Design Chondrocytes from articular cartilage of equine joints were incubated for 24 hours with: (1) control media, (2) ASU, (3) LA, or (4) ASU + LA combination. Cells were activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 24 hours and supernatants were immunoassayed for PGE2. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) analyses were performed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot following 1 hour of activation with IL-1β. Results LPS, IL-1β, or H2O2 significantly increased PGE2 production. ASU or LA alone suppressed PGE2 production in LPS and IL-1β activated cells. Only LA alone at 2.5 µg/mL was inhibitory in H2O2-activated chondrocytes. ASU + LA inhibited more than either agent alone in all activated cells. ASU + LA also inhibited the IL-1β induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Conclusions The present study provides evidence that chondrocyte PGE2 production can be inhibited by the combination of ASU + LA more effectively than either ASU or LA alone. Inhibition of PGE2 production is associated with the suppression of NF-κB translocation. The potent inhibitory effect of ASU + LA on PGE2 production could offer a potential advantage for a combination anti-inflammatory/antioxidant approach in the management of OA.


Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Badrul Alam ◽  
Nargis Sultana Chowdhury ◽  
Md Hossain Sohrab ◽  
Md Sohel Rana ◽  
Choudhury Mahmood Hasan ◽  
...  

As part of our continuous effort to find potential anti-inflammatory agents from endophytic fungi, a Fusarium solani strain, isolated from the plant Aponogeton undulatus Roxb., was investigated. Cerevisterol (CRVS) was identified from endophytic fungi, a Fusarium solani strain, and moreover exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. However, the underlying mode of action remains poorly understood. The aim of this study is to reveal the potential mechanisms of CRVS against inflammation on a molecular level in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 peritoneal macrophage cells. CRVS was isolated from F. solani and characterized based on spectral data analysis. The MTT assay was performed to measure cell viability in CRVS-treated macrophages. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measurement of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, as well as the production of various cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and -6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. RT-PCR and immunoblotting analyses were done to examine the expression of various inflammatory response genes. A reporter gene assay was conducted to measure the level of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) transactivation. CRVS suppresses the LPS-induced production of NO and PGE2, which is a plausible mechanism for this effect is by reducing the expression of iNOS and COX-2. CRVS also decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. CRVS halted the nuclear translocation of NF-κB by blocking the phosphorylation of inhibitory protein κBα (IκBα) and suppressing NF-κB transactivation. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways are also suppressed. CRVS treatment also inhibited the transactivation of AP-1 and the phosphorylation of c-Fos. Furthermore, CRVS could induce the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by down-regulating Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1) and up-regulating hemeoxygenases-1 (HO-1) expression. The results suggest that CRVS acts as a natural agent for treating inflammatory diseases by targeting an MAPK, NF-κB, AP-1, and Nrf2-mediated HO-1 signaling cascade.


Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (18) ◽  
pp. 3394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seon Min Lee ◽  
Na-Hyun Kim ◽  
Sangbum Lee ◽  
Yun Na Kim ◽  
Jeong-Doo Heo ◽  
...  

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Debromohymenialdisine is an active pyrrole alkaloid that is well known to serve as a stable and effective inhibitor of Chk2. In the present study, we attempted to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of (10Z)-debromohymenialdisine (1) isolated from marine sponge Stylissa species using an intestinal in vitro model with a transwell co-culture system. The treatment with 1 attenuated the production and gene expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and tumor necrosis factor-α in co-cultured THP-1 macrophages at a concentration range of 1–5 μM. The protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were down-regulated in response to the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) translocation into the nucleus in cells. In addition, we observed that 1 markedly promoted the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and subsequent increase of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. These findings suggest the potential use of 1 as a pharmaceutical lead in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases including IBD.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Gil Lee ◽  
Cindi R. Brownmiller ◽  
Sun-Ok Lee ◽  
Hye Won Kang

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) possesses various dietary compounds that improve human health. However, the functions of anthocyanins in red clover remain unclear. Here we examined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of red clover extract (RC) and red clover anthocyanins fraction (RCA) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages and identified dietary compounds. RC and RCA suppressed LPS-induced expression of genes such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)1, and cyclooxygenase (COX)2. LPS-stimulated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production also was prevented by both RC and RCA. NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) gene and phosphorylation of p47phox of NOX1 that were increased by LPS were inhibited in the cells treated with RCA. LPS-stimulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) gene expression and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) subunit p65 were suppressed together with reduced iNOS and COX2 proteins by RCA. Additionally, 27 polyphenols and 7 anthocyanins from RC were identified and quantified. In conclusion, RC, especially RCA, exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities in vitro by regulating NF-κB and NRF2 signaling pathways, suggesting that anthocyanins in red clover are the potential candidates to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (06) ◽  
pp. 1281-1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Yun Han ◽  
Young-Su Yi ◽  
Seong-Gu Jeong ◽  
Yo Han Hong ◽  
Kang Jun Choi ◽  
...  

Lilium bulbs have long been used as Chinese traditional medicines to alleviate the symptoms of various human inflammatory diseases. However, mechanisms of Lilium bulb-mediated anti-inflammatory activity and the bioactive components in Lilium bulbs remain unknown. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activity of Lilium bulbs and the underlying mechanism of action were investigated in macrophages using Lilium bulb ethanol extracts (Lb-EE). In a dose-dependent manner, Lb-EE inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) without causing significant cytotoxicity. Lb-EE also down-regulated mRNA expression of inflammatory genes in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, which included inducuble nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text] (TNF-[Formula: see text]). Furthermore, Lb-EE markedly restored LPS-induced morphological changes in RAW264.7 cells to a normal morphology. HPLC analysis identified quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol as bioactive components contained in Lb-EE. Mechanistic studies in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells revealed that Lb-EE suppressed MyD88- and TRIF-induced NF-[Formula: see text]B transcriptional activation and the nuclear translocation of NF-[Formula: see text]B transcription factors. Moreover, Lb-EE inhibited IKK[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]-induced activation of the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway and IKK inhibition significantly reduced NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Lb-EE plays an anti-inflammatory role by targeting IKK[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]-mediated activation of the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway during macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses.


2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (4) ◽  
pp. L675-L682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Farmer ◽  
Jérôme Pugin

In addition to their well-studied bronchodilatory and cardiotonic effects, β-adrenergic agonists carry anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting cytokine production by human mononuclear cells. In a model of human promonocytic THP-1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we showed that β-agonists inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8 production predominantly via the β2-adrenergic receptor through the generation of cAMP and activation of protein kinase A. This effect was reproduced by other cAMP-elevating agents such as prostaglandins and cAMP analogs. Activation and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB induced by LPS were inhibited with treatment with β-agonists, an effect that was prominent at late time points (>1 h). Although the initial IκB-α degradation induced by LPS was minimally affected by β-agonists, the latter induced a marked rebound of the cytosolic IκB-α levels at later time points (>1 h), accompanied by an increased IκB-α cytoplasmic half-life. This potentially accounts for the observed nuclear factor-κB sequestration in the cytoplasmic compartment. We postulate that the anti-inflammatory effects of β-agonists reside in their capacity to increase cytoplasmic concentrations of IκB-α, possibly by decreasing its degradation.


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