Responses In Human Airway Epithelial Cells Research Articles

In vitro determinants of asbestos fiber toxicity: effect on the relative toxicity of Libby amphibole in primary human airway epithelial cells

BackgroundAn abnormally high incidence of lung disease has been observed in the residents of Libby, Montana, which has been attributed to occupational and environmental exposure to fibrous amphiboles originating from a nearby contaminated vermiculite mine. The composition of Libby amphibole (LA) is complex and minimal toxicity data are available. In this study, we conduct a comparative particle toxicity analysis of LA compared with standard reference asbestiform amphibole samples.MethodsPrimary human airway epithelial cells (HAEC) were exposed to two different LA samples as well as standard amphibole reference samples. Analysis of the samples included a complete particle size distribution analysis, calculation of surface area by electron microscopy and by gas adsorption and quantification of surface-conjugated iron and hydroxyl radical production by the fibers. Interleukin-8 mRNA levels were quantified by qRT-PCR to measure relative pro-inflammatory response induced in HAEC in response to amphibole fiber exposure. The relative contribution of key physicochemical determinants on the observed pro-inflammatory response were also evaluated.ResultsThe RTI amosite reference sample contained the longest fibers and demonstrated the greatest potency at increasing IL-8 transcript levels when evaluated on an equal mass basis. The two LA samples and the UICC amosite reference sample consisted of similar particle numbers per milligram as well as similar particle size distributions and induced comparable levels of IL-8 mRNA. A strong correlation was observed between the elongated particle (aspect ratio ≥3:1) dose metrics of length and external surface area. Expression of the IL-8 data with respect to either of these metrics eliminated the differential response between the RTI amosite sample and the other samples that was observed when HAEC were exposed on an equal mass basis.ConclusionsOn an equal mass basis, LA is as potent as the UICC amosite reference sample at inducing a pro-inflammatory response in HAEC but is less potent than the RTI amosite sample. The results of this study show that the particle length and particle surface area are highly correlated metrics that contribute significantly to the toxicological potential of these amphibole samples with respect to the inflammogenic response induced in airway epithelial cells.

SIGIRR inhibits toll-like receptor 4, 5, 9-mediated immune responses in human airway epithelial cells

Human airway epithelial cells (HAEC) may contribute to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through toll-like receptors (TLRs)-mediated molecular mechanisms. TLRs exist on the surface of HAEC where binding to their cognate ligands initiates airway inflammation. Single immunoglobulin interleukin-1 receptor-related protein (SIGIRR) is a member of the toll-interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) family that can negatively modulate the immune response. We carried out studies to characterize SIGIRR modulation of TLR-mediated immune response in HAEC and to define its mechanisms of action. Following treatment with various concentrations of LPS, flagellin and CpG DNA, the levels of cognate TLRs 4, 5, and 9 were measured in the supernatants of HAEC over-expressing the SIGIRR molecule. Moreover, the interaction of the TLR adaptor myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) with SIGIRR in response to LPS-, flagellin- and CpG DNA-stimulation was examined by co-immunoprecipitation. The findings from this study revealed that overexpression of SIGIRR in HAEC stimulated by LPS, flagellin or CpG DNA resulted in attenuated production of the inflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF-α. This attenuation was not the result of decreased expression of TLR4, 5 or 9, but rather a sequestration of MyD88 to the TLRs. In conclusion, SIGIRR can inhibit TLR4, 5, and 9-mediated immune responses in HAEC and may be a valuable therapeutic target for the prevention of ALI/ARDS.

Tumor necrosis factor-induced interleukin-8 expression in cultured human airway epithelial cells

The effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression and generation were examined in primary cultured human airway epithelial cells (HAEC) and a human lung epithelial cell line (A549). TNF-alpha increased IL-8 mRNA and protein expression in HAEC in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and these effects were inhibited by dexamethasone (1 microM). There was no change in the stability of IL-8 mRNA, and a nuclear run-on assay confirmed that TNF-alpha increased IL-8 gene transcription. TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 mRNA expression showed a biphasic response in HAEC, with an early increase at 2 h followed by a sustained increase from 8 h, which was abolished by the addition of cycloheximide, suggesting that the synthesis of another protein was involved. A549 cells also increased IL-8 secretion and mRNA after incubation of TNF-alpha, with inhibition by dexamethasone. However, A549 cells showed only an early single peak. A549 cells showed a 250-fold increase in the generation of IL-8 immunoreactivity, whereas primary cultured HAEC showed only a threefold increase, suggesting that HAEC and A549 cells may respond to TNF-alpha in different ways. The sustained increase in IL-8 secretion due to an increase in gene transcription in response to TNF-alpha may be an important amplification step in inflammatory diseases of the airways.