PGD2 Production Research Articles

Interleukin-6 potentiates FcεRI-induced PGD2 biosynthesis and induces VEGF from human in situ-matured skin mast cells

BackgroundInterleukin-6 is a gp130 utilizing cytokine that is consistently associated with allergic diseases like asthma and urticaria in humans where mast cells are known to play a critical role. However, the role of IL-6 in allergic disease in not known. IL-6 was reported to enhance degranulation of in vitro-derived mast cells, but the effect of IL-6 on mediator release from human in situ-matured tissue-isolated mast cells had not been reported. MethodsHuman mature mast cells were isolated and purified from normal skin tissue from different donors. The expression of surface-expressed IL-6 receptors was demonstrated by flow cytometry. The effect of IL-6 on FcεRI-induced degranulation, PGD2 biosynthesis, and cytokine production was determined with β‑hexosaminidase release assay, Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, and ELISA. The small molecule inhibitor of STAT-3, C188-9, was used to demonstrate STAT3 dependency.Results: IL-6 significantly potentiated FcεRI-induced PGD2 biosynthesis, but had no effect on degranulation. IL-6 also induced VEGF gene expression and protein secretion, and enhanced FcεRI-induced IL-8 production. Mechanistically, IL-6 enhanced FcεRI-induced COX‑2 expression, PGD2 biosynthesis, and VEGF production in a STAT3 dependent manner. ConclusionHere, we demonstrate that IL-6 is a potentiator of FcεRI-induced PGD2 biosynthesis, and can induce or enhance production of pro-angiogenesis factors VEGF and IL-8 from human in situ-matured skin mast cells. General significanceThese findings from this study indicate that IL-6 contributes to human allergic disease by enhancing the production of inflammatory PGD2 from tissue-resident mast cells. Moreover, the data suggest a novel role for IL-6 in mast cell-mediated angiogenesis.

EFFECT OF TOFACITINIB ON IGE-MEDIATED DEGRANULATION OF LAD2 HUMAN MAST CELLS AND PGD2 PRODUCTION

Tofacitinib is an inhibitor of the enzymes JAK1 and JAK3, and can interfere with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, transmission of extracellular information into the cell nucleus and DNA transcription. Tofacitinib is approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis and is being explored for use in psoriasis, colitis, atopic dermatitis and ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, tofacitinib was said to lead to symptomatic improvement in two patients diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome. This prompted us to examine the effect of tofacitinib on the biologic reactivity of the human mast cell line, LAD2. In preliminary experiments, cultured LAD2 cells were incubated overnight with biotinylated human IgE. Cells were washed and then incubated with 1, 10, 100, 1000 nM tofacitinib for 1 hour. FcepsilonRI crosslinking was next performed with streptavidin, and degranulation monitored by the release of beta-hexosaminidase (b-Hex). LAD2 cells were also incubated with tofacitinib followed by stimulation with PMA, degranulation and release of b-Hex. The effect on PgD2 production was measured 30 minutes following IgE mediated mast cell activation. In LAD2 cells, b-Hex release following FcepsilonRI crosslinking or PMA stimulation remained consistently high (50-60%) in the presence of tofacitinib with no dose-response reduction in degranulation. Similarly, tofacitinib had no effect on PgD2 release. The JAK kinase inhibitor tofacitinib had no effect on LAD2 human mast cell degranulation or PgD2 production. Additional experiments are underway including an examination of the effects of tofacitinib on LAD2 cytokine production, adhesion and proliferation.

Autophagy deficiency in myeloid cells exacerbates eosinophilic inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis

Eosinophilic inflammation is a major pathologic feature of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and is frequently associated with severe refractory disease. Prostaglandin (PG) D2 levels are increased in patients with CRS, and PGD2 is an important contributing factor to eosinophilic inflammation. Autophagy has a pleiotropic effect on immune responses and disease pathogenesis. Recent studies suggest the potential involvement of autophagy in patients with CRS and the PG pathway. We sought to investigate whether altered function of autophagy is associated with eosinophilic inflammation and dysregulated production of PGD2 in patients with CRS. We used myeloid cell-specific deletion of autophagy-related gene 7 (Atg7), which is vital for autophagy, and investigated the effects of impaired autophagy on eosinophilic inflammation in a murine model of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS). The effect of autophagy on PGD2 production and gene expression profiles associated with allergy and the PG pathway were assessed. We found that impaired autophagy in myeloid cells aggravated eosinophilia, epithelial hyperplasia, and mucosal thickening in mice with ECRS. This aggravation was associated with gene expression profiles that favor eosinophilic inflammation, TH2 response, mast cell infiltration, and PGD2 dysregulation. Supporting this, PGD2 production was also increased significantly by impaired autophagy. Among other myeloid cells, macrophages were associated with autophagy deficiency, leading to increased IL-1β levels. Macrophage depletion or blockade of IL-1 receptor led to alleviation of eosinophilic inflammation and sinonasal anatomic abnormalities associated with autophagy deficiency. Our results suggest that impaired autophagy in myeloid cells, particularly macrophages, has a causal role in eosinophilic inflammation and ECRS pathogenesis.

AM404, paracetamol metabolite, prevents prostaglandin synthesis in activated microglia by inhibiting COX activity

BackgroundN-arachidonoylphenolamine (AM404), a paracetamol metabolite, is a potent agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and low-affinity ligand of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). There is evidence that AM404 exerts its pharmacological effects in immune cells. However, the effect of AM404 on the production of inflammatory mediators of the arachidonic acid pathway in activated microglia is still not fully elucidated.MethodIn the present study, we investigated the effects of AM404 on the eicosanoid production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in organotypic hippocampal slices culture (OHSC) and primary microglia cultures using Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA.ResultsOur results show that AM404 inhibited LPS-mediated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in OHSC, and LPS-stimulated PGE2 release was totally abolished in OHSC if microglial cells were removed. In primary microglia cultures, AM404 led to a significant dose-dependent decrease in the release of PGE2, independent of TRPV1 or CB1 receptors. Moreover, AM404 also inhibited the production of PGD2 and the formation of reactive oxygen species (8-iso-PGF2 alpha) with a reversible reduction of COX-1- and COX-2 activity. Also, it slightly decreased the levels of LPS-induced COX-2 protein, although no effect was observed on LPS-induced mPGES-1 protein synthesis.ConclusionsThis study provides new significant insights about the potential anti-inflammatory role of AM404 and new mechanisms of action of paracetamol on the modulation of prostaglandin production by activated microglia.

Dormant 5-lipoxygenase in inflammatory macrophages is triggered by exogenous arachidonic acid

The differentiation of resident tissue macrophages from embryonic precursors and that of inflammatory macrophages from bone marrow cells leads to macrophage heterogeneity. Further plasticity is displayed through their ability to be polarized as subtypes M1 and M2 in a cell culture microenvironment. However, the detailed regulation of eicosanoid production and its involvement in macrophage biology remains unclear. Using a lipidomics approach, we demonstrated that eicosanoid production profiles between bone marrow-derived (BMDM) and peritoneal macrophages differed drastically. In polarized BMDMs, M1 and M2 phenotypes were distinguished by thromboxane B2, prostaglandin (PG) E2, and PGD2 production, in addition to lysophospholipid acyltransferase activity. Although Alox5 expression and the presence of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) protein in BMDMs was observed, the absence of leukotrienes production reflected an impairment in 5-LO activity, which could be triggered by addition of exogenous arachidonic acid (AA). The BMDM 5-LO regulatory mechanism was not responsive to PGE2/cAMP pathway modulation; however, treatment to reduce glutathione peroxidase activity increased 5-LO metabolite production after AA stimulation. Understanding the relationship between the eicosanoids pathway and macrophage biology may offer novel strategies for macrophage-associated disease therapy.

Increased 15-PGDH expression leads to dysregulated resolution responses in stromal cells from patients with chronic tendinopathy

The mechanisms underpinning the failure of inflammation to resolve in diseased musculoskeletal soft tissues are unknown. Herein, we studied bioactive lipid mediator (LM) profiles of tendon-derived stromal cells isolated from healthy donors and patients with chronic tendinopathy. Interleukin(IL)-1β treatment markedly induced prostaglandin biosynthesis in diseased compared to healthy tendon cells, and up regulated the formation of several pro-resolving mediators including 15-epi-LXA4 and MaR1. Incubation of IL-1β stimulated healthy tendon cells with 15-epi-LXA4 or MaR1 down-regulated PGE2 and PGD2 production. When these mediators were incubated with diseased cells, we only found a modest down regulation in prostanoid concentrations, whereas it led to significant decreases in IL-6 and Podoplanin expression. In diseased tendon cells, we also found increased 15-Prostaglandin Dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) expression as well as increased concentrations of both 15-epi-LXA4 and MaR1 further metabolites, 15-oxo-LXA4 and 14-oxo-MaR1. Inhibition of 15-PGDH using either indomethacin or SW033291 significantly reduced the further conversion of 15-epi-LXA4 and MaR1 and regulated expression of IL-6, PDPN and STAT-1. Taken together these results suggest that chronic inflammation in musculoskeletal soft tissues may result from dysregulated LM-SPM production, and that inhibition of 15-PGDH activity together with promoting resolution using SPM represents a novel therapeutic strategy to resolve chronic tendon inflammation.

DP1 receptor agonist, BW245C inhibits diet-induced obesity in ApoE−/− mice

Lipocalin Prostaglandin D2 synthase (LPGDS) contributes to the production of PGD2, which has been associated with adipogenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of PGD2 on obesity through its DP1 and DP2 receptor signaling using intraperitoneal injection of their respective agonists and antagonists. ApoE-/- mice were divided into five groups: vehicle control (n=5), DP1 receptor agonist (n=5), DP1 receptor antagonist (n=5), DP2 receptor agonist (n=5), and DP2 receptor antagonist (n=5), and the study was carried out for 10 weeks. Despite being on high fat diet, mice receiving DP1 receptor agonist sustained a significant inhibition of weight gain throughout the study gaining only 11.4% body weight compared to the controls gaining 61% body weight. Interestingly, parallel to the body weight, the DP1 receptor agonist group showed a significant reduction in food intake throughout the study. Consistently, fasting leptin, insulin and bile acids levels were elevated in the DP1 receptor agonist group compared to controls. As expected, there was a significant reduction in fasting glucose level in DP1 receptor agonist group. At last, as a result of weight gain inhibition, DP1 receptor agonist also imparted cardiovascular benefits showing significant reduction in aortic wall thickness, intima, adventia and lumen size. Based on the obtained results, we believe DP1 receptor agonism inhibited diet induced weight gain possibly through controlling appetite which consequently imparted beneficial cardiometabolic effects. DP1 receptor agonism may represent a novel therapeutic target for the management of obesity.

Decreased Prostaglandin D2 Levels in Major Depressive Disorder Are Associated with Depression-Like Behaviors.

BackgroundProstaglandin (PG) D2 is the most abundant prostaglandin in the mammalian brain. The physiological and pharmacological actions of PGD2 in the central nervous system seem to be associated with some of the symptoms exhibited by patients with major depressive disorder. Previous studies have found that PGD2 synthase was decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid of major depressive disorder patients. We speculated that there may be a dysregulation of PGD2 levels in major depressive disorder.MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with a stable isotopic-labeled internal standard was used to determine PGD2 levels in the plasma of major depressive disorder patients and in the brains of depressive mice. A total of 32 drug-free major depressive disorder patients and 30 healthy controls were recruited. An animal model of depression was constructed by exposing mice to 5 weeks of chronic unpredictable mild stress. To explore the role of PGD2 in major depressive disorder, selenium tetrachloride was administered to simulate the change in PGD2 levels in mice.ResultsMice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress exhibited depression-like behaviors, as indicated by reduced sucrose preference and increased immobility time in the forced swimming test. PGD2 levels in the plasma of major depressive disorder patients and in the brains of depressive mice were both decreased compared with their corresponding controls. Further inhibiting PGD2 production in mice resulted in an increased immobility time in the forced swimming test that could be reversed by imipramine.ConclusionDecreased PGD2 levels in major depressive disorder are associated with depression-like behaviors.

Niacin ameliorates ulcerative colitis via prostaglandin D2‐mediated D prostanoid receptor 1 activation

Niacin, as an antidyslipidemic drug, elicits a strong flushing response by release of prostaglandin (PG) D2. However, whether niacin is beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. Here, we observed niacin administration‐enhanced PGD2 production in colon tissues in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐challenged mice, and protected mice against DSS or 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)‐induced colitis in D prostanoid receptor 1 (DP1)‐dependent manner. Specific ablation of DP1 receptor in vascular endothelial cells, colonic epithelium, and myeloid cells augmented DSS/TNBS‐induced colitis in mice through increasing vascular permeability, promoting apoptosis of epithelial cells, and stimulating pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion of macrophages, respectively. Niacin treatment improved vascular permeability, reduced apoptotic epithelial cells, promoted epithelial cell update, and suppressed pro‐inflammatory gene expression of macrophages. Moreover, treatment with niacin‐containing retention enema effectively promoted UC clinical remission and mucosal healing in patients with moderately active disease. Therefore, niacin displayed multiple beneficial effects on DSS/TNBS‐induced colitis in mice by activation of PGD2/DP1 axis. The potential efficacy of niacin in management of IBD warrants further investigation.

Ibuprofen results in alterations of human fetal testis development

Among pregnant women ibuprofen is one of the most frequently used pharmaceutical compounds with up to 28% reporting use. Regardless of this, it remains unknown whether ibuprofen could act as an endocrine disruptor as reported for fellow analgesics paracetamol and aspirin. To investigate this, we exposed human fetal testes (7–17 gestational weeks (GW)) to ibuprofen using ex vivo culture and xenograft systems. Ibuprofen suppressed testosterone and Leydig cell hormone INSL3 during culture of 8–9 GW fetal testes with concomitant reduction in expression of the steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and HSD17B3, and of INSL3. Testosterone was not suppressed in testes from fetuses younger than 8 GW, older than 10–12 GW, or in second trimester xenografted testes (14–17 GW). Ex vivo, ibuprofen also affected Sertoli cell by suppressing AMH production and mRNA expression of AMH, SOX9, DHH, and COL2A1. While PGE2 production was suppressed by ibuprofen, PGD2 production was not. Germ cell transcripts POU5F1, TFAP2C, LIN28A, ALPP and KIT were also reduced by ibuprofen. We conclude that, at concentrations relevant to human exposure and within a particular narrow ‘early window’ of sensitivity within first trimester, ibuprofen causes direct endocrine disturbances in the human fetal testis and alteration of the germ cell biology.

Inhibitory Effects of Viscum coloratum Extract on IgE/Antigen-Activated Mast Cells and Mast Cell-Derived Inflammatory Mediator-Activated Chondrocytes.

The accumulation and infiltration of mast cells are found in osteoarthritic lesions in humans and rodents. Nonetheless, the roles of mast cells in osteoarthritis are almost unknown. Although Viscum coloratum has various beneficial actions, its effect on allergic and osteoarthritic responses is unknown. In this study, we established an in vitro model of mast cell-mediated osteoarthritis and investigated the effect of the ethanol extract of Viscum coloratum (VEE) on IgE/antigen (IgE/Ag)-activated mast cells and mast cell-derived inflammatory mediator (MDIM)-stimulated chondrocytes. The anti-allergic effect of VEE was evaluated by degranulation, inflammatory mediators, and the FcεRI signaling cascade in IgE/Ag-activated RBL-2H3 cells. The anti-osteoarthritic action of VEE was evaluated by cell migration, and the expression, secretion, and activity of MMPs in MDIM-stimulated SW1353 cells. VEE significantly inhibited degranulation (IC50: 93.04 μg/mL), the production of IL-4 (IC50: 73.28 μg/mL), TNF-α (IC50: 50.59 μg/mL), PGD2 and LTC4, and activation of the FcεRI signaling cascade in IgE/Ag-activated RBL-2H3 cells. Moreover, VEE not only reduced cell migration but also inhibited the expression, secretion, and/or activity of MMP-1, MMP-3, or MMP-13 in MDIM-stimulated SW1353 cells. In conclusion, VEE possesses both anti-allergic and anti-osteoarthritic properties. Therefore, VEE could possibly be considered a new herbal drug for anti-allergic and anti-osteoarthritic therapy. Moreover, the in vitro model may be useful for the development of anti-osteoarthritic drugs.

Association of interleukin-25 levels with development of aspirin induced respiratory diseases

BackgroundAspirin-exacerbated respiratory diseases (AERD) are caused by ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and are characterized by acute bronchospasms and marked infiltration of eosinophils, the latter being attributable to altered synthesis of cysteinyl leukotrienes (LT) and prostaglandins (PG). Recently, the innate Th2 response is revealed to induce eosinophil infiltration in allergic inflammation, however the role of the innate Th2 response has not been studies in AERD. Thus, we evaluated the relationship between the innate Th2 cytokines including IL-25, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL-33 and the development of AERD. Methods and materialsPlasma IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP levels were measured before and after aspirin challenge in subjects with AERD (n = 25) and aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA, n = 25) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pre and post-aspirin challenge levels of LTC4 and PGD2 were measured using ELISA. ResultsBasal plasma IL-25 levels were significantly higher in AERD group than in normal controls and in ATA group (p = 0.025 and 0.031, respectively). IL-33 and TSLP levels were comparable in the AERD and ATA groups. After the aspirin challenge, the IL-25 levels were markedly decreased in the ATA group (p = 0.024), while not changed in the AERD group. The post-challenge IL-25 levels of all asthmatic subjects were significantly correlated with aspirin challenge - induced declines in FEV1 (r = 0.357, p = 0.011), but not with basal and post challenge LTC4 and PGD2 levels. ConclusionsIL-25 is associated with bronchospasm after aspirin challenge, possibly via mechanisms other than altered LTC4 and PGD2 production.

Exogenous fatty acids and niacin on acute prostaglandin D2 production in human myeloid cells

Niacin activates HCA2 receptor that results in the release of PGD2. However, little is known on PGD2-producing cells and the role of fatty acids. Notably M-CSF macrophages exhibited a timely dependent PGD2 production upon niacin challenge. Short pretreatment of M-CSF macrophages with autologous postprandial TRLs induced the down-regulation of HCA2 gene and up-regulation of genes encoding COX1 and COX2 enzymes in a fatty acid-dependent manner. These effects were paralleled by a higher PGD2 production with postprandial TRL-SFAs. The niacin-mediated transcriptional activity of all genes involved in PGD2 biosynthesis was desensitized in a time-dependent manner by postprandial TRLs, leading to a decreased PGD2 release. In vivo, the net excursions of PGD2 in plasma followed similar fatty acid-dependent patterns as those found for PGD2 release in vitro. The predominant fatty acid class in the diet acutely modulates PGD2 biosynthetic pathway both in vitro and in vivo.

Involvement of mast cells and histamine in edema induced in mice by Scolopendra viridicornis centipede venom

Bites caused by Scolopendra viridicornis centipede are mainly characterized by burning pain, paresthesia and edema. On this regard, the aim of this work was to study the involvement of mast cells and histamine in edema induced by Scolopendra viridicornis (Sv) centipede venom. The edema was analyzed on mice paws. The mice were pretreated with cromolyn (mast cell degranulation inhibitor) and antagonists of histamine receptors, such as promethazine (H1R), cimetidine (H2R) and thioperamide (H3/H4R). The analyses were carried out at different times after the injection of Sv venom (15 μg) or PBS in the footpad of mice. Our results showed a significant inhibition of the edema induced by Sv venom injection in mice previously treated: cromolyn (38–91%), promethazine (50–59%) and thioperamide (around 30%). The treatment with cimetidine did not alter the edema induced by Sv venom. Histopathological analysis showed that Sv venom injection (15 μg) induced edema, leukocyte recruitment and mast cells degranulation, when compared with the PBS-injected mice. Direct effects of the Sv venom on mast cells were studied in PT-18 line (mouse mast cell) and RBL-2H3 cells (rat mast cells). The data showed that higher doses (3.8 and 7.5 μg) of Sv venom were cytotoxic for both cell lineages and induced morphological changes. However, lower doses of the venom induced degranulation of both mast cell lines, as well as the secretion of MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-1β. The production of PGD2 was only observed in the RBL-2H3 line incubated with Sv venom. Taking our results together, we demonstrated that upon Sv venom exposure, mast cells and histamine are crucial for the establishment of the local inflammatory reaction.

Abstract 1281: Prostaglandin D synthase is a potential novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric carcinomas expressing PPARγ

Abstract Background & Aims: The antitumor activity of prostaglandin (PG) D2 has been demonstrated against some types of cancer, including gastric cancer. However, exogenous PGD2 is not useful from a clinical point of view because it is rapidly metabolized in vivo. The aim of this study was to clarify the antitumor efficacy of an alternative, PGD2 synthase (PGDS), on gastric cancer cells. This is the first report showing that PG synthase is a promising agent for the treatment of gastric carcinomas that express peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Methods: The effects of PGD2 and PGDS on the proliferation of gastric cancer were examined in vivo and in vitro for five human gastric cancer cell lines. The expression levels of PGD2 receptors and PPARγ were evaluated by RT-PCR. The effects of PGD2 and PGDS on the expression of c-myc and cyclin D1 were examined by Western blotting in the presence or absence of a PPARγ antagonist. Results: PPARγ was expressed in gastric cancer cell lines, but PGD2 receptors were not. PGD2 and PGDS significantly decreased the proliferation of gastric cancer cells that highly expressed PPARγ. PGDS increased the PGD2 production of gastric cancer cells. A PPARγ antagonist significantly suppressed the growth-inhibitory effects of PGD2 and PGDS. Expression of c-myc and cyclin D1 was significantly decreased by PGD2; this inhibitory effect was suppressed by the PPARγ antagonist. Both PGD2 and PGDS significantly decreased subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo. Tumor volume after PGDS treatment was significantly less than after PGD2 treatment. PGD2 decreased the proliferation of gastric cancer cells through PPARγ signaling. Conclusion: PGDS and PGD2 decreased the proliferation of gastric cancer via the PPARγ pathway. PGDS is a promising therapeutic agent for gastric cancer and PPARγ might be a predictive biomarker for PGDS treatment in gastric cancer. Citation Format: Masakazu Yashiro, Tatsunari Fukuoka, Haruhito Kinoshita, Go Masuda, Kishu Kitayama, Yuichiro Miki, Tamami Morisaki, Tsuyoshi Hasegawa, Kosei Hirakawa. Prostaglandin D synthase is a potential novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric carcinomas expressing PPARγ. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1281.

Eosinophil production of prostaglandin D2 in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) differs from aspirin-tolerant disease in part because of eosinophilic tissue infiltration and overexpression of arachidonic acid metabolic pathway components that lead to enhanced secretion of cysteinyl leukotrienes and prostaglandin (PG) D2 observed constitutively and paradoxically in response to aspirin and other COX inhibitors. We have previously demonstrated the capacity of IFN-γ to drive cysteinyl leukotriene expression and response. We investigated eosinophils as a source of PGD2 production in patients with AERD. Eosinophils were enriched from tissue and peripheral blood obtained from control subjects, patients with aspirin-tolerant disease, and patients with AERD. mRNA was extracted and evaluated for expression of hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (hPGDS). Expression of hPGDS protein was confirmed with Western hybridization and immunofluorescence staining. Cells were stimulated with aspirin, and secretion of PGD2 was quantified. CD34+ progenitor cells were isolated and matured into eosinophils in the presence or absence of IFN-γ and hPGDS mRNA, and PGD2 release was measured. Gene expression analysis revealed that eosinophils from tissue and blood of patients with AERD display increased levels of hPGDS compared with asthmatic and control samples. Western hybridization confirmed the increase in hPGDS mRNA translated to increased protein expression. Immunofluorescence confirmed mast cells and eosinophils from tissue of patients with AERD and asthma demonstrated hPGDS expression, with higher levels in eosinophils from patients with AERD. Incubation of eosinophils from blood and tissue with aspirin stimulated PGD2 release. IFN-γ-matured eosinophil progenitors showed enhanced hPGDS expression and increased levels of PGD2 release at baseline and after aspirin stimulation. In addition to mast cells, eosinophils represent an important source of PGD2 in patients with AERD and identify a new target for therapeutic intervention.

Bidirectional crosstalk via IL-6, PGE2 and PGD2 between murine myofibroblasts and alternatively activated macrophages enhances anti-inflammatory phenotype in both cells.

Alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) are important cells in the resolution of inflammation and tissue repair. We examined the impact of myofibroblasts, a vital cell in wound healing and tissue repair, on the development and function of AAMs. The interaction between AAMs and myofibroblasts was tested using conditioned medium from murine dermal myofibroblasts and bone marrow-derived macrophages. AAMs were differentiated with IL-4 and IL-13. Conditioned medium from myofibroblasts enhanced the expression of AAM markers, arginase 1 and Ym1 (chitinase-3-like 3) and the spontaneous production of IL-10, while suppressing LPS-induced nitric oxide production. IL-6 from the myofibroblasts contributed to the amplification of the AAM phenotype; the selective COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398, significantly reduced the ability of myofibroblasts to promote an AAM phenotype. Pharmacological analyses indicated that myofibroblast-derived IL-6 enhanced arginase activity and spontaneous IL-10 output, while PGE2 , via the EP4 receptor, enhanced arginase expression and LPS-evoked IL-10 production. PGD2 suppressed LPS-evoked nitric oxide via the DP1 receptor. Reciprocally, conditioned medium from macrophages treated with IL-4 + IL-13 and myofibroblast conditioned medium components, but not macrophages given IL-4 + IL-13 only, reduced myofibroblast migration, the expression of COX-2, and the production of PGE2 and PGD2 . These findings define mechanisms by which myofibroblasts enhance an AAM phenotype, which can promote wound healing directly, and/or via feedback communication to the myofibroblast, subsequently down-regulating its capacity to promote AAM function. This is an important homeostatic regulatory pathway in wound healing that can also limit unwanted fibrosis.

Alterations in oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic events in short-lived and long-lived mice testes.

Aged testes undergo profound histological and morphological alterations leading to a reduced functionality. Here, we investigated whether variations in longevity affect the development of local inflammatory processes, the oxidative state and the occurrence of apoptotic events in the testis. To this aim, well-established mouse models with delayed (growth hormone releasing hormone-knockout and Ames dwarf mice) or accelerated (growth hormone-transgenic mice) aging were used. We hereby show that the testes of short-lived mice show a significant increase in cyclooxygenase 2 expression, PGD2 production, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes expression, local macrophages and TUNEL-positive germ cells numbers, and the levels of both pro-caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3. In contrast, although the expression of antioxidant enzymes remained unchanged in testes of long-lived mice, the remainder of the parameters assessed showed a significant reduction. This study provides novel evidence that longevity confers anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic capacities to the adult testis. Oppositely, short-lived mice suffer testicular inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic processes.

Prostaglandin D synthase is a potential novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric carcinomas expressing PPARγ.

The antitumor activity of prostaglandin (PG) D2 has been demonstrated against some types of cancer, including gastric cancer. However, exogenous PGD2 is not useful from a clinical point of view because it is rapidly metabolized in vivo. The aim of this study was to clarify the antitumor efficacy of an alternative, PGD synthase (PGDS), on gastric cancer cells. The effects of PGD2 and PGDS on the proliferation of gastric cancer cells were examined in vivo and in vitro. The expression levels of PGD2 receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were evaluated by RT-PCR. The effects of a PPARγ antagonist or siPPARγ on the proliferation of cancer cells and the c-myc and cyclin D1 expression were examined in the presence or absence of PGD2 or PGDS. PPARγ was expressed in gastric cancer cell lines, but PGD2 receptors were not. PGD2 and PGDS significantly decreased the proliferation of gastric cancer cells that highly expressed PPARγ. PGDS increased the PGD2 production of gastric cancer cells. A PPARγ antagonist and siPPARγ transfection significantly suppressed the growth-inhibitory effects of PGD2 and PGDS. Expression of c-myc and cyclin D1 was significantly decreased by PGD2 ; this inhibitory effect was suppressed by PPARγ antagonist. Both PGD2 and PGDS significantly decreased subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo. Tumor volume after PGDS treatment was significantly less than PGD2 treatment. These findings suggest that PGDS and PGD2 decrease the proliferation of gastric cancer cells through PPARγ signaling. PGDS is a potentially promising therapeutic agent for gastric cancers that express PPARγ.

A new target for squamous cell skin cancer?

Prostaglandins (PGs) derived from arachidonic acid of cell membrane are synthesized by PG G/H synthase (cyclooxygenase; COX-1/-2) and signal as autocrine/paracrine lipids (1, 2). Similar to other tissues, COX-1 is constitutively expressed in keratinocytes of normal epidermis, whereas COX-2 expression is more variable and regulated (3, 4). COX-2 is induced for example by cytokines and growth factors; accumulated prostaglandins from COX-2 regulate pain, inflammation, and cancers (2, 3). In the case of cancer, increased levels of PGs disrupt differentiation and thus contribute to the sensitization of cells to carcinogens and ensuing hyperplasia (5, 6). Therefore, the inhibition of COX-2 activity with aspirin like compounds has been suggested as a potent chemo-preventive therapy to suppress tumor development, not just in skin but particularly for gastrointestinal cancers (2, 7).