Regulation Of iNOS Expression Research Articles

The NF-κB p65 and p50 homodimer cooperate with IRF8 to activate iNOS transcription.

BackgroundInducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) metabolizes L-arginine to produce nitric oxide (NO) which was originally identified in myeloid cells as a host defense mechanism against pathogens. Recent studies, however, have revealed that iNOS is often induced in tumor cells and myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. Compelling experimental data have shown that iNOS promotes tumor development in certain cellular context and suppresses tumor development in other cellular conditions. The molecular mechanisms underlying these contrasting functions of iNOS is unknown. Because iNOS is often induced by inflammatory signals, it is therefore likely that these contrasting functions of iNOS could be controlled by the inflammatory signaling pathways, which remains to be determined.MethodsiNOS is expressed in colon carcinoma and myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. Colon carcinoma and myeloid cell lines were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying iNOS expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were used to determine the IFNγ-activated pSTAT1 and NF-κB association with the chromatin DNA of the nos2 promoter.ResultsWe show here that iNOS is dramatically up-regulated in inflammed human colon tissues and in human colon carcinoma as compared to normal colon tissue. iNOS is expressed in either the colon carcinoma cells or immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. On the molecular level, the proinflammatory IFNγ and NF-κB signals induce iNOS expression in human colon cancer cells. We further demonstrate that NF-κB directly binds to the NOS2 promoter to regulate iNOS expression. Although neither the IFNγ signaling pathway nor the NF-κB signaling pathway alone is sufficient to induce iNOS expression in myeloid cells, IFNγ and NF-κB synergistically induce iNOS expression in myeloid cells. Furthermore, we determine that IFNγ up-regulates IRF8 expression to augment NF-κB induction of iNOS expression. More interestingly, we observed that the p65/p65 and p50/p50 homodimers, not the canonical p65/p50 heterodimer, directly binds to the nos2 promoter to regulate iNOS expression in myeloid cells.ConclusionsIFNγ-induced IRF8 acts in concert with NF-κB to regulate iNOS expression in both colon carcinoma and myeloid cells. In myeloid cells, the NF-κB complexes that bind to the nos2 promoter are p65/p65 and p50/p50 homodimers.

Proinflammatory Interferon Gamma and Nuclear Factor Kappa B Synergestically Activates Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Transcription in Human Colon Cancer Cells

Introduction: Nitric oxide is an important signaling molecule in numerous physiological and pathological conditions. Compelling experimental data have shown that inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) promotes tumor development in certain cellular context and suppresses tumor development in other cellular conditions. iNOS has been proposed as a key-signaling molecule that promotes inflammationmediated spontaneous cancer development, including human colorectal cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are relatively unknown. Methods: Tissue microarray slides of normal, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer specimens as well as cell lines of human colon cancer and myeloid cell lines were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying iNOS expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were used to determine the IFNγ-activated pSTAT1 and NF-kB association with the chromatin DNA of the nos2 promoter. Results: Analysis of human tissue of ulcerative colitis and colon cancer using immunohistochemistry demonstrated significant upregulation of iNOS protein expression levels in inflammed and colon cancer cells or immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Similarly, the proinflammatory INFγ and NF-kB signals synergistically induced iNOS expression in human colon cancer cells. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated IFNγ up-regulates IRF8 expression to augment NF-kB induction of iNOS expression. Interestingly, Chip and Gel shift assay suggested p65/p65 and p50/p50 homodimers and not the canonical p65/p50 heterodimer, directly binds to the nos2 promoter to regulate iNOS expression in myeloid cells. Conclusion: The transcriptional regulation of iNOS has been the subject of extensive studies due to its diverse mechanisms of regulation. Our results suggest both IFNγ and NF-kB synergistically induces iNOS expression in tumor cells and myeloid cells. IFNγ-induced IRF8 acts in concert with the NF-kB p65/p65 and p50/p50 homodimers to regulate iNOS expression in both colon carcinoma and myeloid cells.Figure 1Figure 2Figure 3

Abstract B86: The NF-κB p65 and p50 homodimer cooperate with pSTAT1 to synergistically activate iNOS transcription

Abstract Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) metabolizes L-arginine to produce NO that was originally identified in myeloid cells as a host defense mechanism against pathogens. Recent studies, however, have revealed that iNOS is often induced in both tumor and myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. More intriguingly, compelling experimental data have shown that iNOS promotes tumor development in certain cellular context and suppress tumor development under other cellular conditions. The molecular mechanisms underlying this contrasting function of iNOS is unknown. Because iNOS is often induced by inflammatory signals, it is therefore likely that the opposite functions of iNOS might be controlled by the inflammatory signaling pathways. We show here that proinflammatory IFN-γ and NF-κB signals synergistically induce iNOS expression in human colon cancer cells. We further demonstrated that NF-κB directly binds to the NOS2 promoter to regulate iNOS expression. Although the IFN-γ signaling pathway or the NF-κB signaling pathway alone is insufficient to induce iNOS expression in myeloid cells, IFN-γ and NF-κB synergistically induce iNOS expression in myeloid cells. Furthermore, we determined that IFN-γ up-regulates IRF8 expression to augment NF-κB induction of iNOS expression. More interestingly, we observed that the p65/p65 and p50/p50 homodimers, not the canonical p65/p50 heterodimer, directly binds to the nos2 promoter to regulate iNOS expression in myeloid cells. Our results thus determine that the IFN-γ-induced IRF8 acts in concert with the NF-κB p65/p65 and p50/p50 homodimers to regulate iNOS expression. Citation Format: Priscilla Simon, Sarah Sharman, Chunwan Lu, Dafeng Yang, Amy Paschall, Kebin Liu. The NF-κB p65 and p50 homodimer cooperate with pSTAT1 to synergistically activate iNOS transcription. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy: A New Chapter; December 1-4, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2015;3(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B86.

HIV-1 Myristoylated Nef Treatment of Murine Microglial Cells Activates Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, NO2 Production and Neurotoxic Activity.

BackgroundThe potential role of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) accessory protein Nef in the pathogenesis of neuroAIDS is still poorly understood. Nef is a molecular adapter that influences several cellular signal transduction events and membrane trafficking. In human macrophages, Nef expression induces the production of extracellular factors (e.g. pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines) and the recruitment of T cells, thus favoring their infection and its own transfer to uninfected cells via exosomes, cellular protrusions or cell-to-cell contacts. Murine cells are normally not permissive for HIV-1 but, in transgenic mice, Nef is a major disease determinant. Both in human and murine macrophages, myristoylated Nef (myr+Nef) treatment has been shown to activate NF-κB, MAP kinases and interferon responsive factor 3 (IRF-3), thereby inducing tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducers and activator of transcription (STAT)-1, STAT-2 and STAT-3 through the production of proinflammatory factors.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe report that treatment of BV-2 murine microglial cells with myr+Nef leads to STAT-1, -2 and -3 tyrosine phosphorylation and upregulates the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) with production of nitric oxide. We provide evidence that extracellular Nef regulates iNOS expression through NF-κB activation and, at least in part, interferon-β (IFNβ) release that acts in concert with Nef. All of these effects require both myristoylation and a highly conserved acidic cluster in the viral protein. Finally, we report that Nef induces the release of neurotoxic factors in the supernatants of microglial cells.ConclusionsThese results suggest a potential role of extracellular Nef in promoting neuronal injury in the murine model. They also indicate a possible interplay between Nef and host factors in the pathogenesis of neuroAIDS through the production of reactive nitrogen species in microglial cells.

The NF-κB p65 and p50 homodimer cooperate with pSTAT1 to synergistically activate iNOS transcription in cancer cells and myeloid cells (INM1P.440)

Abstract Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) metabolizes L-arginine to produce NO, which was originally identified in myeloid cells as a host defense mechanism against pathogens. However, recent studies have revealed that iNOS is often induced in both tumor and myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. Compelling experimental data have shown that iNOS can promote or suppress tumor development in certain cellular conditions. The molecular mechanisms underlying this contrasting function of iNOS is unknown. Because iNOS is often induced by inflammatory signals, it is likely that the opposite functions of iNOS might be controlled by inflammatory signaling pathways. We show here that proinflammatory IFN-γ and NF-κB signals synergistically induce iNOS expression in human colon cancer cells. We further demonstrated that NF-κB directly binds to the NOS2 promoter to regulate iNOS expression. Although the IFN-γ and NF-κB signaling pathways alone are insufficient to induce iNOS expression in myeloid cells, IFN-γ and NF-κB can synergistically induce iNOS expression. We determined that IFN-γ up-regulates IRF8 expression to augment NF-κB induction of iNOS expression. We observed that the p65/p65 and p50/p50 homodimers, not the common canonical p65/p50 heterodimer, directly binds to the nos2 promoter to regulate iNOS expression in myeloid cells. Our results thus determine that the IFN-γ-induced IRF8 acts in concert with the NF-κB p65/p65 and p50/p50 homodimers to regulate iNOS expression.

Lactobacillus casei로 발효한 톳 추출물의 항염증 활성

In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of fermented Hizikia fusiformis extracts in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. The fermentation was performed using Lactobacillus casei in mixture of carbon source at 30℃ for 30 days. The sample groups were prepared with/without L. casei group in order to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activity of fermented H. fusiformis in regard to lactic acid bacteria. As a result, we confirmed the inhibitory effect of H. fusiformis extracts on LPS-stimulated NO production and expression of TNFα, while it had no regulatory effect on the expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β and IL-6 as important inflammatory factors. However, L. casei fermented group significantly suppressed the expression of the above factors. In particular, the difference between the two groups in the matter of mRNA expression of iNOS, which is directly associated with NO production, indicated that the fermentation with lactic acid bacteria effectively suppressed NO production by regulating iNOS expression. Also, effective suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines showed that the fermentation using L. casei may provide an increment towards extraction of active ingredients that are effective anti-inflammatory agents.

MicroRNA Regulation of Proinflammatory Response in X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy

The underlying mechanism(s) for development of the inflammatory response in inherited, fatal neurometabolic disease X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) remain completely unknown. Genetic defect (ABCD1 mutation/ deletion), common to all phenotypes of X-ALD, has failed to explain the development of inflammation only in a subset of patients. In this study we document the novel role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the development of the inflammatory response in unstimulated ALD patient-derived lymphocytes and Abcd1-knockout (Abcd1-KO) mice mixed glial cells. The levels of proinflammatory cytokine gene expression (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS]) were increased in X-ALD patient-derived lymphocytes. Predictions via the use of online bioinformatics algorithms and confirmed by using miRNA mimic of inhibitor-transfection method (gain- and loss-of-function) revealed the role of miR-323-5p in regulating iNOS expression in X-ALD patient-derived lymphocytes. Functional confirmation of the targets was obtained by using the dual-luciferase assay and western blot analysis. Abcd1-KO mice do not develop the inflammatory response characteristic of the fatal X-ALD phenotype. We recently reported that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPKα1) deletion induced spontaneous iNOS expression in Abcd1-KO mice mixed glial cells. Here we discover the novel role of miR-323-5p regulating the iNOS response in AMPKα1-deleted Abcd1-KO mice mixed glial cells. This study demonstrated the novel role of miR-323-5p in regulating the inflammatory response in unstimulated X-ALD patient-derived cells and mixed glial cells from Abcd1-KO mice suggesting that these miRNA could function as promising novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of X-ALD.

Calcium-mediated signaling and calmodulin-dependent kinase regulate hepatocyte-inducible nitric oxide synthase expression

BackgroundInduced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is induced in hepatocytes by shock and inflammatory stimuli. Excessive NO from iNOS mediates shock-induced hepatic injury and death, so understanding the regulation of iNOS will help elucidate the pathophysiology of septic shock. In vitro, cytokines induce iNOS expression through activation of signaling pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor κB. Cytokines also induce calcium (Ca2+) mobilization and activate calcium-mediated intracellular signaling pathways, typically through activation of calmodulin-dependent kinases (CaMK). Calcium regulates NO production in macrophages but the role of calcium and calcium-mediated signaling in hepatocyte iNOS expression has not been defined. Materials and methodsPrimary rat hepatocytes were isolated, cultured, and induced to produce NO with proinflammatory cytokines. Calcium mobilization and Ca2+-mediated signaling were altered with ionophore, Ca2+ channel blockers, and inhibitors of CaMK. ResultsThe Ca2+ ionophore A23187 suppressed cytokine-stimulated NO production, whereas Ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid and nifedipine increased NO production, iNOS messenger RNA, and iNOS protein expression. Inhibition of CaMK with KN93 and CBD increased NO production but the calcineurin inhibitor FK 506 decreased iNOS expression. ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that calcium-mediated signaling regulates hepatocyte iNOS expression and does so through a mechanism independent of calcineurin. Changes in intracellular calcium levels may regulate iNOS expression during hepatic inflammation induced by proinflammatory cytokines.

Neuroprotective and Anti-Apoptotic Propensity of Bacopa monniera Extract Against Sodium Nitroprusside Induced Activation of iNOS, Heat Shock Proteins and Apoptotic Markers in PC12 Cells

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is a widely used nitric oxide (NO) donor, known to exert nitrative stress by up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Nω-nitro-L-arginine-methyl esther (L-NAME) is a NO inhibitor, which inhibits iNOS expression, is used as positive control. The present study was designed to assess neuroprotective propensity of Bacopa monniera extract (BME) in SNP-induced neuronal damage and oxido-nitrative stress in PC12 cells via modulation of iNOS, heat shock proteins and apoptotic markers. Our results elucidate that pre-treatment of PC12 cells with BME ameliorates the mitochondrial and plasma membrane damage induced by SNP (200 μM) as evidenced by MTT and LDH assays. BME pre-treatment inhibited NO generation by down regulating iNOS expression. BME replenished the depleted antioxidant status induced by SNP treatment. SNP-induced damage to cellular, nuclear and mitochondrial integrity was also restored by BME, which was confirmed by ROS estimation, comet assay and mitochondrial membrane potential assays respectively. BME pre-treatment efficiently attenuated the SNP-induced apoptotic protein biomarkers such as Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome-c and caspase-3, which orchestrate the proteolytic damage of the cell. Q-PCR results further elucidated up-regulation of neuronal cell stress markers like HO-1 and iNOS and down-regulation of BDNF upon SNP exposure was attenuated by BME pre-treatment. By considering all these findings, we report that BME protects PC12 cells against SNP-induced toxicity via its free radical scavenging and neuroprotective mechanism.

Inhibitory effect of a callophycin A derivative on iNOS expression via inhibition of Akt in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

In previous studies, (R)-2-isobutyl 3-methyl 3,4-dihydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-2,3(9H)-dicarboxylate (1), a callophycin A derivative, was found to strongly inhibit nitrite production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, while (R)- or (S)-callophycin A showed only weak inhibition. We currently report additional studies to define the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory action of 1. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was reduced at both protein and mRNA levels. Major upstream signaling molecules and transcription factors regulating iNOS expression were examined, but it was found that 1 did not affect the phosphorylated and total protein levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), nor did it mediate the degradation of the inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB α-isoform (IκBα). However, starting at early time points, 1 consistently inhibited the phosphorylation of protein kinase B/Akt at serine 473. In addition, 1 suppressed the protein expression of octamer-binding transcription factor-2 (Oct-2) and the expression of microRNA 155 (miR-155). In sum, compound 1 inhibits LPS-induced nitrite production by a unique and complex mechanism. Reduction of iNOS expression is accompanied by inhibition of Akt activation, Oct-2 protein expression, and miR-155 expression.

The role of MAP kinases in the induction of iNOS expression in neutrophils exposed to NDMA: the involvement transcription factors

The role of MAP kinases in the activation of AP-1 (c-Jun, c-Fos) and NF-κB p65 engaged in the regulation of iNOS expression in human neutrophils (PMNs) exposed to N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was analyzed in the study. The study included a group of 20 healthy individuals. Isolated human PMN were incubated in the presence of NDMA. Selective MAP kinases inhibitors were used. The expression of proteins in the cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions was assessed using Western blot method. The results show that NDMA intensifies iNOS, c-Jun, NF-κB p65 and IκB-α expression in the analyzed PMNs. The blocking of the p38 pathway led to lower iNOS expression, and higher expression of c-Jun and c-Fos in the cytoplasmic fraction, and also lower c-Jun expression in the nuclear fraction of PMNs exposed to NDMA. A decrease in iNOS expression in the cytoplasmic fraction, and also c-Jun in both fractions of the examined cells, was observed as a result of JNK pathway inhibition. The blocking of the ERK5 pathway led to higher iNOS, c-Jun and c-Fos expression in the cytoplasmic fraction, and higher c-Jun expression in the nuclear fraction of PMNs exposed to NDMA. The study also demonstrated that blocking of the p38 and JNK pathways resulted in higher expression of NF-κB p65 and IκB-α in the cytoplasmic fraction and their lower expression in the nuclear fraction of these cells. Our data indicate the role of MAP kinases p38 and JNK in the activation of c-Jun and NF-κB p65 transcription factors engaged in the regulation of iNOS expression in human neutrophils exposed to NDMA. However ERK5 kinase is not involved in the regulation of iNOS and NO production by those cells.

The heme oxygenase-1 inducer THI-56 negatively regulates iNOS expression and HMGB1 release in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and CLP-induced septic mice.

The nuclear DNA binding protein high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has recently been suggested to act as a late mediator of septic shock. The effect of ((S)-6,7-dihydroxy-1-(4-hydroxynaphthylmethyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid, also known as THI-56, in an experimental model of sepsis was investigated. THI-56 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory properties in response to LPS in RAW 264.7 cells. In particular, THI-56 significantly inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the release of HMGB1 in activated macrophages. THI-56 activated NE-F2-regulated factor 2 (Nrf-2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). The specific knockdown of the HO-1 gene by HO-1 siRNA significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of THI-56 on iNOS expression and HMGB1 release in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Importantly, THI-56 administration protected animals from death induced by either a lethal dose of LPS or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Furthermore, the ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine, and HMGB1 levels in the blood were significantly increased in CLP-induced septic mice, and the administration of THI-56 reduced these levels in a concentration-dependent and zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX)-sensitive manner. In addition, the administration of THI-56 significantly ameliorated not only lung damage but also macrophage infiltration in the livers of CLP-induced septic mice, and these effects were also abrogated in the presence of ZnPPIX. Thus, we conclude that THI-56 significantly attenuates the proinflammatory response induced by LPS and reduces organ damage in a CLP-induced sepsis model through the upregulation of Nrf-2/HO-1.

MAP Kinase Phosphatase-2 Plays a Key Role in the Control of Infection with Toxoplasma gondii by Modulating iNOS and Arginase-1 Activities in Mice

The dual specific phosphatase, MAP kinase phosphatase-2 (MKP-2) has recently been demonstrated to negatively regulate macrophage arginase-1 expression, while at the same time to positively regulate iNOS expression. Consequently, MKP-2 is likely to play a significant role in the host interplay with intracellular pathogens. Here we demonstrate that MKP-2−/− mice on the C57BL/6 background have enhanced susceptibility compared with wild-type counterparts following infection with type-2 strains of Toxoplasma gondii as measured by increased parasite multiplication during acute infection, increased mortality from day 12 post-infection onwards and increased parasite burdens in the brain, day 30 post-infection. MKP-2−/− mice did not, however, demonstrate defective type-1 responses compared with MKP-2+/+ mice following infection although they did display significantly reduced serum nitrite levels and enhanced tissue arginase-1 expression. Early resistance to T. gondii in MKP-2+/+, but not MKP-2−/−, mice was nitric oxide (NO) dependent as infected MKP-2+/+, but not MKP-2−/− mice succumbed within 10 days post-infection with increased parasite burdens following treatment with the iNOS inhibitor L-NAME. Conversely, treatment of infected MKP-2−/− but not MKP-2+/+ mice with nor-NOHA increased parasite burdens indicating a protective role for arginase-1 in MKP-2−/− mice. In vitro studies using tachyzoite-infected bone marrow derived macrophages and selective inhibition of arginase-1 and iNOS activities confirmed that both iNOS and arginase-1 contributed to inhibiting parasite replication. However, the effects of arginase-1 were transient and ultimately the role of iNOS was paramount in facilitating long-term inhibition of parasite multiplication within macrophages.

Regulation of iNOS Expression by NF-κB in Human Lens Epithelial Cells Treated With High Levels of Glucose

To explore the regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in human lens epithelial cells (LECs) treated with high levels of glucose, and to elucidate the impact of this in the pathogenesis of cataracts associated with diabetes. LECs (SRA01/04) were cultured in vitro. NF-κB nuclear translocation and iNOS expression were measured at different glucose concentrations and at various time points, and the optimal concentration for detecting changes in the patterns of NF-κB nuclear translocation and iNOS expression was chosen. As a specific NF-κB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) was used to assess the effect of inhibiting NF-κB. Western blotting and inverted fluorescence microscopy were used to monitor the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. PCR and Western blotting were used to measure iNOS expression. Using the University of California, Santa Cruz database and the TFSEARCH program, we searched the DNA sequence upstream of iNOS for the core binding sequence for NF-κB. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was used to measure the binding of NF-κB. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB was measured upon glucose treatment, and the concentration of NF-κB in the nucleus was found to peak at 25 to 30 minutes of treatment with 25 mM glucose. iNOS mRNA and protein levels also increased significantly in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and iNOS mRNA and protein reached their peak values after 8 hours of treatment with 25 mM glucose. The binding of NF-κB to the promoter of the iNOS gene was enhanced in the 25 mM glucose group compared with the 5.5 mM glucose group or the 25 mM glucose + 100 μL PDTC group, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). NF-κB regulates iNOS expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Under high glucose conditions, NF-κB is activated and rapidly translocates to the nucleus, leading to increased binding to the iNOS promoter and a consequent increase in iNOS expression. The findings of this study provide important experimental evidence that clarifies the pathogenesis of cataracts associated with diabetes and contributes to the search for therapeutic targets of these cataracts.

MiR-155 Regulates Immune Modulatory Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Targeting TAK1-binding Protein 2

MSCs possess potent immunosuppressive capacity. We have reported that mouse MSCs inhibit T cell proliferation and function via nitric oxide. This immune regulatory capacity of MSCs is induced by the inflammatory cytokines IFNγ together with either TNFα or IL-1β. This effect of inflammatory cytokines on MSCs is extraordinary; logarithmic increases in the expression of iNOS and chemokines are often observed. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this robust effect of cytokines, we examined the expression of microRNAs in MSCs before and after cytokine treatment. We found that miR-155 is most significantly up-regulated. Furthermore, our results showed that miR-155 inhibits the immunosuppressive capacity of MSCs by reducing iNOS expression. We further demonstrated that miR-155 targets TAK1-binding protein 2 (TAB2) to regulate iNOS expression. Additionally, knockdown of TAB2 reduced iNOS expression. In summary, our study demonstrated that miR-155 inhibits the immunosuppressive capacity of MSCs by reducing iNOS expression by targeting TAB2. Our data revealed a novel role of miR-155 in regulating the immune modulatory activities of MSCs.

5-Hydroxy-3,6,7,8,3′4′-hexamethoxyflavone inhibits nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia via NF-κB suppression and Nrf-2-dependent heme oxygenase-1 induction

In this study, we found that 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8,3'4'-hexamethoxyflavone (5HHMF) from Hizikia fusiforme considerably inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated NO production by suppressing the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in BV2 microglia. In addition, 5HHMF blocked LPS-induced phosphorylation of IκB, resulting in suppression of the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunits, namely p65 and p50, which are important molecules involved in the regulation of iNOS expression. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a specific NF-κB inhibitor, along with 20S proteasome inhibitor (PSI) significantly inhibited LPS-induced iNOS expression, which indirectly suggested that 5HHMF downregulated iNOS expression by suppressing NF-κB activity. Thus, we found that 5HHMF enhances heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression via nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. In addition, cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP), a specific HO-1 inducer, predominantly suppressed LPS-induced NO production. In contrast, zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a specific HO-1 inhibitor, showed a partial suppressive effect of 5HHMF on LPS-induced NO production. Further, 5HHMF increased specific DNA-binding activity of Nrf2, and transient knockdown with Nrf2 siRNA subsequently reversed 5HHMF-induced NO inhibition, which was followed by suppression of HO-1 activity. Taken together, our findings indicate that 5HHMF suppresses NO production through modulation of iNOS, consequently suppressing NF-κB activity and induction of Nrf2-dependent HO-1 activity.

Insulin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide synthase expression in rat primary astrocytes

Excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) from reactive astrocytes and microglia may contribute to the development of many types of neurological diseases. Insulin has been shown to inhibit the expression of iNOS, in several organs and cell types. Although insulin and its receptors are present in the central nervous system, the effects of insulin on the iNOS pathway in the brain have not been determined. In this study, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated astrocytes as a model of reactive astrocytes, we investigated the effects of insulin on iNOS expression in activated astrocytes and the mechanism involved. The expression of iNOS was significantly upregulated by LPS in astrocytes. Insulin applied prior to LPS, dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced iNOS gene expression and iNOS protein levels. In agreement with the suppressive effects of insulin on iNOS expression, insulin also inhibited LPS-induced iNOS activity and NO production. Moreover, insulin was found to significantly inhibit LPS-induced IκB-α phosphorylation and degradation, which led to a decrease in levels of the p65 subunit of NF-κB in the nuclear fraction. Therefore, insulin inhibited LPS-induced iNOS expression via suppressing NF-κB pathway in astrocytes. In addition, treatment with insulin had no effect on LPS-induced PKB phosphorylation. Based on our results, it is plausible to speculate that insulin in the brain may play a neuroprotective role in neurological disorders by controlling the release of NO via the regulation of iNOS expression in astrocytes.

Down-Regulation of Protein Kinase Cδ Inhibits Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression through IRF1

In inflammation, pro-inflammatory cytokines and bacterial products induce the production of high amounts of NO by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in inflammatory and tissue cells. NO is an effector molecule in innate immunity, and it also has regulatory and pro-inflammatory/destructive effects in the inflammatory process. Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) is an important signaling protein regulating B lymphocyte functions, but less is known about its effects in innate immunity and inflammatory gene expression. In the present study we investigated the role of PKCδ in the regulation of iNOS expression in inflammatory conditions. NO production and iNOS expression were induced by LPS or a combination of cytokines IFNγ, IL-1β, and TNFα. Down-regulation of PKCδ by siRNA and inhibition of PKCδ by rottlerin suppressed NO production and iNOS expression in activated macrophages and fibroblasts. PKCδ directed siRNA and inhibition of PKCδ by rottlerin suppressed also the expression of transcription factor IRF1, possibly through inhibition of STAT1 activation. Accordingly, down-regulation of IRF1 by siRNA reduced iNOS expression in response to inflammatory stimuli. In addition, inhibition of PKCδ showed anti-inflammatory effects in carrageenan induced paw inflammation in mice as did iNOS inhibitor L-NIL. These results suggest that inhibitors of PKCδ have anti-inflammatory effects in disease states complicated by enhanced NO production through iNOS pathway.

Macrophage-tumor cell interactions regulate the function of nitric oxide

Tumor cell-macrophage interactions change as the tumor progresses, and the generation of nitric oxide (NO) by the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays a major role in this interplay. In early stages, macrophages employ their killing mechanisms, particularly the generation of high concentrations of NO and its derivative reactive nitrogen species (RNS) to initiate tumor cell apoptosis and destroy emerging transformed cells. If the tumor escapes the immune system and grows, macrophages that infiltrate it are reprogramed in situ by the tumor microenvironment. Low oxygen tensions (hypoxia) and immunosuppressive cytokines inhibit iNOS activity and lead to production of low amounts of NO/RNS, which are pro-angiogenic and support tumor growth and metastasis by inducing growth factors (e.g., VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We review here the different roles of NO/RNS in tumor progression and inhibition, and the mechanisms that regulate iNOS expression and NO production, highlighting the role of different subtypes of macrophages and the microenvironment. We finally claim that some tumor cells may become resistant to macrophage-induced death by increasing their expression of microRNA-146a (miR-146a), which leads to inhibition of iNOS translation. This implies that some cooperation between tumor cells and macrophages is required to induce tumor cell death, and that tumor cells may control their fate. Thus, in order to induce susceptibility of tumors cells to macrophage-induced death, we suggest a new therapeutic approach that couples manipulation of miR-146a levels in tumors with macrophage therapy, which relies on ex vivo stimulation of macrophages and their re-introduction to tumors.

The regulatory effect of veratric acid on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells

Veratric acid, a simple benzoic acid derived from plants and fruits, has been reported to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, and blood pressure-lowering effects. This study was designed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of veratric acid on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. It was found that veratric acid inhibited NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The inhibitory effects of veratric acid on the generation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was determined. Furthermore, veratric acid facilitated the inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), STAT-1, and STAT-3 in dose-dependent manner. Notably, NF-κB and members of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family including p38, ERK, and JNK were dephosphorylated by veratric acid. These findings suggest that the treatment of veratric acid might be effective in neutralizing the over-expression of NO in inflammatory disorders.