THP-1 Macrophage Cell Research Articles

Quercetin and Ascorbic Acid Suppress Fructose-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Blocking Intracellular Shuttling of TXNIP in Human Macrophage Cell Lines.

The aim of this study was to identify the role of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and its interaction with antioxidants in the activation of the fructose-induced NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in human macrophages. The study was performed with U937 and THP-1 macrophage cell lines. Total reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by flow cytometry. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, NLRP3, TXNIP, and caspase-1 protein expression was detected using western blotting. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect IL-1β, IL-18, and caspase-1 gene expression. Intracellular shuttling of TXNIP was assessed by immunofluorescent staining with MitoTracker Red. Increased production of ROS and expression of IL-1β, IL-18, and caspase-1 genes and proteins were observed in U937 and THP-1 cells incubated with fructose and were effectively inhibited by quercetin and ascorbic acid. Intracellular shuttling of TXNIP from the nucleus into the mitochondria was detected under stimulation with fructose, which was also attenuated by antioxidants quercetin and ascorbic acid but not butylated hydroxyanisole. Treatment of macrophages with fructose promoted the association between TXNIP and NLRP3 in the cytosol, sequentially resulting in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This study revealed that intracellular TXNIP protein is a critical regulator of activation of the fructose-induced NLRP3 inflammasome, which can be effectively blocked by the antioxidants quercetin and ascorbic acid.

A fluorescence probe based on the nitrogen-doped carbon dots prepared from orange juice for detecting Hg2+ in water

An excellent biocompatible nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) was successfully synthesized from orange juice and ethylenediamine by hydrothermal decomposition method. The as-prepared N-CDs were mono-dispersed spherical nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution of 0.5–3.0nm and showed a good dispersion and stability in aqueous solution with the pH value ranging from 3.0 to 13.0. Photoluminescence spectra of as-prepared N-CDs demonstrated that the fluorescence intensity of N-CDs was increased with the doped nitrogen atoms and the FL-QY (fluorescence quantum yield) of N-CDs was up to 31.7%. Compared with Gly-CQDs(CQDs synthesied by Gly), which were prepared from chemical carbon source via hydrothermal decomposition method, the as-prepared N-CDs showed much lower cytotoxicity for Human THP-1 macrophage cells. These results indicated N-CDs prepared by our proposed method have excellent compatibility and more suitable for the application in biolabeling and bioimage. Due to the fluorescence quenching of N-CDs by mercury (II) ion (Hg2+), a sensitive and selective method was developed for detecting Hg2+. The results indicated that the fluorescence intensity ratio of N-CDs was proportional to the concentration of Hg2+ in the range from 4.0μg/mL to 32.0μg/mL and the recovery of spiked samples was ranged from 102.0% to 103.0%, which hinted our proposed method has a good sensitivity and accuracy and was suitable for detecting Hg2+ with satisfactory in tap water.

Identification of a Novel Liver X Receptor Agonist that Regulates the Expression of Key Cholesterol Homeostasis Genes with Distinct Pharmacological Characteristics

Activation of liver X receptor (LXR) is associated with cholesterol metabolism and anti-inflammatory processes, which makes it beneficial to antiatherosclerosis therapy. Nevertheless, existing agonists that target LXR, for example TO901317, are related to unwanted side effects. In the present study, using a screening method we identified IMB-808, which displayed potent dual LXRα/β agonistic activity. In vitro, IMB-808 effectively increased the expressing quantity of genes related to reverse cholesterol transport process as well as those associated with cholesterol metabolism pathway in multiple cell lines. Additionally, IMB-808 remarkably promoted cholesterol efflux from RAW264.7 as well as THP-1 macrophage cells and reduced cellular lipid accumulation accordingly. Interestingly, compared with TO901317, IMB-808 almost did not increase the expressing quantity of genes related to lipogenesis in HepG2 cells, which indicated that IMB-808 could exhibit fewer internal lipogenic side effects with a characteristic of selective LXR agonist. Furthermore, in comparison with the full LXR agonist TO901317, IMB-808 recruits coregulators differently and possesses a distinct predictive binding pattern for the LXR ligand-binding domain. In summary, our study demonstrated that IMB-808 could act as an innovative partial LXR agonist that avoids common lipogenic side effects, providing insight for the design of novel LXR modulators. Our data indicate that this compound might be used as a promising therapeutic agent for the prospective treatment of atherosclerosis in the future.

An observational study of phagocytes and Klebsiella pneumoniae relationships: different behaviors

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium that can be in relation with free living amoebae like Acanthamoeba castellanii in natural environments such as soil and water. This pathogen, which is responsible for community-acquired pneumonia and for nosocomial infections, also has interactions with host defense mechanisms like macrophages. As it has been shown that A. castellanii shares some traits with macrophages, in particular the ability to phagocyte bacteria, we have studied the uptake and the fate of the bacteria after contact with the two phagocytic cells. In our conditions, K. pneumoniae growth was increased in coculture in presence of A. castellanii or Thp-1 macrophagic cells and bacterial development was also increased by A. castellanii supernatant. In addition, we showed that the presence of the bacteria had a negative effect on the macrophages whereas it does not affect amoeba viability. Using gentamicin, which kills bacteria outside cells, we showed that only macrophages were able to internalize K. pneumoniae. This result was confirmed by electron microscopy. We have consequently reported some differences in bacterial uptake and internalization between a free living amoeba and macrophagic cells, highlighting the fact that results obtained with this amoebal model should not be extrapolated to the relationships between K. pneumoniae and macrophages.

In vitro biological responses to nanofibrillated cellulose by human dermal, lung and immune cells: surface chemistry aspect

BackgroundNanocellulose, and particularly nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), has been proposed for a diversity of applications in industry and in the biomedical field. Its unique physicochemical and structural features distinguish nanocellulose from traditional materials and enable its use as an advance nanomaterial. However, its nanoscale features may induce unknown biological responses. Limited studies with NFC are available and the biological impacts of its use have not been thoroughly explored. This study assesses the in vitro biological responses elicited by wood-derived NFC gels, when human dermal fibroblasts, lung MRC-5 cells and THP-1 macrophage cells are exposed to the nanomaterial. Furthermore, whether the presence of surface charged groups (i.e. carboxymethyl and hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium groups) on NFC can induce distinct biological responses is investigated.ResultsThe introduction of surface charged groups resulted in individual nanofibrils, while fibril aggregates predominated in the unmodified NFC gel suspensions as observed by transmission electron microscopy. In the presence of proteins, the surface modified NFCs formed compact agglomerates while the agglomeration pattern of the unmodified NFC was similar in the presence of proteins and in physiological buffer. Unmodified and modified NFC gels did not induce cytotoxicity in human dermal fibroblasts, lung and macrophage cells. No significant ROS production by THP-1 macrophages was found and no cellular uptake was observed. However, an inflammatory response was detected when THP-1 macrophages were treated with unmodified NFC as assessed by an increase in TNF-α and IL1-β levels, an effect that was absent when surface charged groups were introduced into NFC.ConclusionsTaken together, the data presented here show the absence of cytotoxic effects associated with the exposure to unmodified, carboxymethylated and hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium-modified NFCs. Unmodified NFC presented a pro-inflammatory effect which can be further moderated by introducing surface modifications such as carboxymethyl and hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium groups into the nanofibrils. The present findings suggest that the inflammatory response to NFC might be driven by the material surface chemistry, and thus open up for the possibility of designing safe nanocellulose materials.

Role of simvastatin and RORα activity in the macrophage apoptotic pathway.

Objective:Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition and is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Macrophages play important roles in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Apoptosis is progressively observed while plaques develop, although the precise mechanisms and outcomes of apoptosis in atherosclerosis development and progression are still contradictory. This study was conducted to explore the effects of simvastatin and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORa) ligands on apoptosis in human acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1) macrophage cells.Methods:Briefly, the occupancy of RORa in the promoter regions of apoptotic pathway genes was demonstrated in THP-1 cell lines using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis. In order to modulate RORa activity, THP-1 macrophage cells were treated with specific ligands (CPG52608 and SR1001) and then viability as well as count of THP-1 macrophage cells were analyzed.Results:We observed that simvastatin and both RORa ligands had a tendency to decrease THP-1 macrophage cell viability in culture. When compared with non-treated controls, simvastatin significantly decreased cell viability (p=0.04) and cell count (p=0.03). However, this negative effect of simvastatin seemed to be partly prevented by RORa ligands. In addition, bioinformatics analysis of ChIP-on-chip data demonstrated that several genes that are involved in the apoptotic pathway were likely RORa target genes. These genes were involved in the regulation of apoptosis through various pathways.Conclusion:In summary, our study suggest that simvastatin-mediated macrophage apoptosis might be modulated by SR1001 administration. However, involvement of RORa in this modulation through potential apoptotic target genes remains elusive.

A T4SS Effector Targets Host Cell Alpha-Enolase Contributing to Brucella abortus Intracellular Lifestyle.

Brucella abortus, the causative agent of bovine brucellosis, invades and replicates within cells inside a membrane-bound compartment known as the Brucella containing vacuole (BCV). After trafficking along the endocytic and secretory pathways, BCVs mature into endoplasmic reticulum-derived compartments permissive for bacterial replication. Brucella Type IV Secretion System (VirB) is a major virulence factor essential for the biogenesis of the replicative organelle. Upon infection, Brucella uses the VirB system to translocate effector proteins from the BCV into the host cell cytoplasm. Although the functions of many translocated proteins remain unknown, some of them have been demonstrated to modulate host cell signaling pathways to favor intracellular survival and replication. BPE123 (BAB2_0123) is a B. abortus VirB-translocated effector protein recently identified by our group whose function is yet unknown. In an attempt to identify host cell proteins interacting with BPE123, a pull-down assay was performed and human alpha-enolase (ENO-1) was identified by LC/MS-MS as a potential interaction partner of BPE123. These results were confirmed by immunoprecipitation assays. In bone-marrow derived macrophages infected with B. abortus, ENO-1 associates to BCVs in a BPE123-dependent manner, indicating that interaction with translocated BPE123 is also occurring during the intracellular phase of the bacterium. Furthermore, ENO-1 depletion by siRNA impaired B. abortus intracellular replication in HeLa cells, confirming a role for α-enolase during the infection process. Indeed, ENO-1 activity levels were enhanced upon B. abortus infection of THP-1 macrophagic cells, and this activation is highly dependent on BPE123. Taken together, these results suggest that interaction between BPE123 and host cell ENO-1 contributes to the intracellular lifestyle of B. abortus.

Rabex-5 is a lenalidomide target molecule that negatively regulates TLR-induced type 1 IFN production

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are a family of compounds derived from thalidomide. Binding of the IMiD molecule to the Lon protease Cereblon initiates the degradation of substrates via the ubiquitin proteasome pathway. Here, we show that Cereblon forms a complex with Rabex-5, a regulator of immune homeostasis. Treatment with lenalidomide prevented the association of Cereblon with Rabex-5. Conversely, mutation of the IMiD binding site increased Cereblon-Rabex-5 coimmunoprecipitation. The thalidomide binding region of Cereblon therefore regulates the formation of this complex. Knockdown of Rabex-5 in the THP-1 macrophage cell line up-regulated Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced cytokine and type 1 IFN production via a STAT1/IRF activating pathway. Thus, we identify Rabex-5 as a IMiD target molecule that functions to restrain TLR activated auto-immune promoting pathways. We propose that release of Rabex-5 from complex with Cereblon enables the suppression of immune responses, contributing to the antiinflammatory properties of IMiDs.

Abstract 4083: Tumor associated macrophages mediates the oncogenic effect of FGF18 in ovarian cancer

Abstract Epithelial ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women and has the highest case-fatality rate among gynecologic cancers. Effective management of this deadly disease still remains scanty due to the inadequate understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the tumor progression and prognosis. We have previously reported the tumor-promoting role of Fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18), which have been identified through genomic analysis of ovarian tumors. Initial studies suggested FGF18 promotes ovarian tumor progression through NF-κB pathway mediated elevation of proinflammatory cytokines, which mediate the increased tumor burden, angiogenesis and infiltration of macrophages in FGF18 expressing xenografts. Based on these findings, the present study aims to delineate the mechanism by which FGF18 modulates the phenotype of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) as well as the reciprocal tumor-promoting feedback from the TAMs which potentially contributes FGF18 mediated ovarian tumorigenesis. Immunohistochemical staining of a tissue array comprising 216 archived high-grade advanced stage serous ovarian tumor specimens revealed a significant correlation between the FGF18 expression and infiltration of M2-polarized macrophages (by CD163). In addition, the density of intratumoral M2 TAMs inversely associated with patients’ overall survival as a negative prognostic factor independent to age, tumor grade and debulking status. These findings suggest intratumoral TAMs may play an important role in ovarian tumorigenesis. In vitro co-culture studies further demonstrated that human monocyte cell line THP-1 or murine peritoneal macrophage cell line IC-21 could significantly activate the NF-κB pathway and increase the production of various proinflammatory cytokines in A224 ovarian cancer cells. Co-culture also increased the migratory potential of A224 cells. Addition of an IKKβ inhibitor into the co-culture system nullified the cytokine production and migration of tumor cells promoted by monocytes/macrophages, implicating the involvement of canonical NF-κB signaling in the crosstalk. Conversely, liposome clodronate mediated in vivo macrophage depletion significantly shrunk the tumor burden of the intraperitoneal xenograft derived from FGF18 overexpressing SKOV3 cells, while minimal effect was observed over the control RFP overexpressing xenograft. Besides, macrophage depletion also markedly decreased the intratumoral microvessel density induced by FGF18 overexpression. Taken together, our data potentially suggest TAMs may mediate the FGF18 related ovarian tumorigenesis by augmenting the proinflammatory status of the tumors. Citation Format: Wei Wei, Michael Birrer. Tumor associated macrophages mediates the oncogenic effect of FGF18 in ovarian cancer. [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 4083.

Tracking immune-related cell responses to drug delivery microparticles in 3D dense collagen matrix

Beyond the therapeutic purpose, the impact of drug delivery microparticles on the local tissue and inflammatory responses remains to be further elucidated specifically for reactions mediated by the host immune cells. Such immediate and prolonged reactions may adversely influence the release efficacy and intended therapeutic pathway. The lack of suitable in vitro platforms limits our ability to gain insight into the nature of immune responses at a single cell level. In order to establish an in vitro 3D system mimicking the connective host tissue counterpart, we utilized reproducible, compressed, rat-tail collagen polymerized matrices. THP1 cells (human acute monocytic leukaemia cells) differentiated into macrophage-like cells were chosen as cell model and their functionality was retained in the dense rat-tail collagen matrix. Placebo microparticles were later combined in the immune cell seeded system during collagen polymerization and secreted pro-inflammatory factors: TNFα and IL-8 were used as immune response readout (ELISA). Our data showed an elevated TNFα and IL-8 secretion by macrophage THP1 cells indicating that Placebo microparticles trigger certain immune cell responses under 3D in vivo like conditions. Furthermore, we have shown that the system is sensitive to measure the differences in THP1 macrophage pro-inflammatory responses to Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) microparticles with different API release kinetics. We have successfully developed a tissue-like, advanced, in vitro system enabling selective “readouts” of specific responses of immune-related cells. Such system may provide the basis of an advanced toolbox enabling systemic evaluation and prediction of in vivo microparticle reactions on human immune-related cells.

LAMP-3 (Lysosome-Associated Membrane Protein 3) Promotes the Intracellular Proliferation of Salmonella typhimurium.

Lysosomes are cellular organelles containing diverse classes of catabolic enzymes that are implicated in diverse cellular processes including phagocytosis, autophagy, lipid transport, and aging. Lysosome-associated membrane proteins (LAMP-1 and LAMP-2) are major glycoproteins important for maintaining lysosomal integrity, pH, and catabolism. LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 are constitutively expressed in Salmonella-infected cells and are recruited to Salmonella-containing vacuoles (SCVs) as well as Salmonella-induced filaments (Sifs) that promote the survival and proliferation of the Salmonella. LAMP-3, also known as DC-LAMP/CD208, is a member of the LAMP family of proteins, but its role during Salmonella infection remains unclear. DNA microarray analysis identified LAMP-3 as one of the genes responding to LPS stimulation in THP-1 macrophage cells. Subsequent analyses reveal that LPS and Salmonella induced the expression of LAMP-3 at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Confocal Super resolution N-SIM imaging revealed that LAMP-3, like LAMP-2, shifts its localization from the cell surface to alongside Salmonella. Knockdown of LAMP-3 by specific siRNAs decreased the number of Salmonella recovered from the infected cells. Therefore, we conclude that LAMP-3 is induced by Salmonella infection and recruited to the Salmonella pathogen for intracellular proliferation.

Complement factor H interferes with Mycobacterium bovis BCG entry into macrophages and modulates the pro-inflammatory cytokine response

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an accomplished intracellular pathogen, particularly within the macrophage and this is of the utmost importance in the host-pathogen stand-off observed in the granuloma during latent tuberculosis. Contact with innate immune molecules is one of the primary interactions that can occur with the pathogen M. tuberculosis once inhaled. Complement proteins may play a role in facilitating M. tuberculosis interactions with macrophages. Here, we demonstrate that factor H, a complement regulatory protein that down-regulates complement alternative pathway activation, binds directly to the model organism M. bovis BCG. Binding of factor H reaches saturation at 5–10μg of factor H/ml, well below the plasma level. C4 binding protein (C4BP) competed with factor H for binding to mycobacteria. Factor H was also found to inhibit uptake of M. bovis BCG by THP-1 macrophage cells in a dose-dependent manner. Real-time qPCR analysis showed stark differential responses of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines during the early stages of phagocytosis, as evident from elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and a concomitant decrease in IL-10, TGF-β and IL-12 levels, when THP-1:BCG interaction took place in the presence of factor H. Our results suggest that factor H can interfere with mycobacterial entry into macrophages and modulate inflammatory cytokine responses, particularly during the initial stages of infection, thus affecting the extracellular survival of the pathogen. Our results offer novel insights into complement activation-independent functions of factor H during the host-pathogen interaction in tuberculosis.

Comparative genomics of Crohn's disease-associated adherent-invasive Escherichia coli

ObjectiveAdherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) are a leading candidate bacterial trigger for Crohn's disease (CD). The AIEC pathovar is defined by in vitro cell-line assays examining specific bacteria/cell interactions. No molecular...

Alterations in the iron homeostasis network: A driving force for macrophage-mediated hepatitis C virus persistency

ABSTRACTMechanisms that favor Hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistence over clearance are unclear, but involve defective innate immunity. Chronic infection is characterized by hepatic iron overload, hyperferraemia and hyperferittinaemia. Hepcidin modulates iron egress via ferroportin and its storage in ferritin. Chronic HCV patients have decreased hepcidin, while HCV replication is modified by HAMP silencing. We aimed to investigate interactions between HCV and hepcidin, during acute and chronic disease, and putative alterations in cellular iron homeostasis that enhance HCV propagation and promote viral persistence. Thus, we used HCV JFH-1-infected co-cultures of Huh7.5 hepatoma and THP-1 macrophage cells, HCV patients’ sera and Huh7 hepcidin-expressing cells transfected with HCV replicons. Hepcidin levels were elevated in acutely infected patients, but correlated with viral load in chronic patients. HAMP expression was up-regulated early in HCV infection in vitro, with corresponding changes in ferritin and FPN. Hepcidin overexpression enhanced both viral translation and replication. In HCV-infected co-cultures, we observed increased hepcidin, reduced hepatoma ferritin and a concurrent rise in macrophaghic ferritin over time. Altered iron levels complemented amplified replication in hepatoma cells and one replication round in macrophages. Iron-loading of macrophages led to enhancement of hepatic HCV replication through reversed ferritin “flow.” Viral transmissibility from infected macrophages to naïve hepatoma cells was induced by iron. We propose that HCV control over iron occurs both by intracellular iron sequestration, through hepcidin, and intercellular iron mobilisation via ferritin, as means toward enhanced replication. Persistence could be achieved through HCV-induced changes in macrophagic iron that enhances viral replication in these cells.

Drug permeation and cellular interaction of amino acid-coated drug combination powders for pulmonary delivery

The effect of three amino acid coatings (l-leucine, l-valine and l-phenylalanine) on particle integrity, aerosolization properties, cellular interaction, cytocompatibility, and drug permeation properties of drug combination powder particles (beclomethasone dipropionate and salbutamol sulphate) for dry powder inhalation (DPI) was investigated. Particles with crystalline l-leucine coating resulted in intact separated particles, with crystalline l-valine coating in slightly sintered particles and with amorphous l-phenylalanine coating in strongly fused particles. The permeation of beclomethasone dipropionate across a Calu-3 differentiated cell monolayer was increased when compared with its physical mixture. Drug crystal formation was also observed on the Calu-3 cell monolayer. The l-leucine coated particles were further investigated for cytocompatibility in three human pulmonary (Calu-3, A549 and BEAS-2B) and one human macrophage (THP-1) cell lines, where they showed excellent tolerability. The l-leucine coated particles were also examined for their ability to elicit reactive oxygen species in pulmonary BEAS-2B and macrophage THP-1 cell lines. The study showed the influence of the amino acid coatings for particle formation and performance and their feasibility for combination therapy for pulmonary delivery.

Novel conformation-specific monoclonal antibodies against amyloidogenic forms of transthyretin

Introduction: Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis) is caused by the misfolding and deposition of the transthyretin (TTR) protein and results in progressive multi-organ dysfunction. TTR epitopes exposed by dissociation and misfolding are targets for immunotherapeutic antibodies. We developed and characterized antibodies that selectively bound to misfolded, non-native conformations of TTR.Methods: Antibody clones were generated by immunizing mice with an antigenic peptide comprising a cryptotope within the TTR sequence and screened for specific binding to non-native TTR conformations, suppression of in vitro TTR fibrillogenesis, promotion of antibody-dependent phagocytic uptake of mis-folded TTR and specific immunolabeling of ATTR amyloidosis patient-derived tissue.Results: Four identified monoclonal antibodies were characterized. These antibodies selectively bound the target epitope on monomeric and non-native misfolded forms of TTR and strongly suppressed TTR fibril formation in vitro. These antibodies bound fluorescently tagged aggregated TTR, targeting it for phagocytic uptake by macrophage THP-1 cells, and amyloid-positive TTR deposits in heart tissue from patients with ATTR amyloidosis, but did not bind to other types of amyloid deposits or normal tissue.Conclusions: Conformation-specific anti-TTR antibodies selectively bind amyloidogenic but not native TTR. These novel antibodies may be therapeutically useful in preventing deposition and promoting clearance of TTR amyloid and in diagnosing TTR amyloidosis.

Ivermectin-loaded lipid nanocapsules: toward the development of a new antiparasitic delivery system for veterinary applications.

Ivermectin (IVM) is probably one of the most widely used antiparasitic drugs worldwide, and its efficacy is well established. However, slight differences in formulation may change the plasma kinetics, the biodistribution, and in consequence, the efficacy of this compound. The present study focuses on the development of a novel nanocarrier for the delivery of lipophilic drugs such as IVM and its potential application in antiparasitic control. Lipid nanocapsules (LNC) were prepared by a new phase inversion procedure and characterized in terms of size, surface potential, encapsulation efficiency, and physical stability. A complement activation assay (CH50) and uptake experiments by THP-1 macrophage cells were used to assess the stealth properties of this nanocarrier in vitro. Finally, a pharmacokinetics and biodistribution study was carried out as a proof of concept after subcutaneous (SC) injection in a rat model. The final IVM-LNC suspension displayed a narrow size distribution and an encapsulation rate higher than 90% constant over the evaluated time (60days). Through flow cytometry and blood permanence measurements, it was possible to confirm the ability of these particles to avoid the macrophage uptake. Moreover, the systemic disposition of IVM in the LNC administered by the SC route was higher (p < 0.05) (1367ngh/ml) compared to treatment with a commercial formulation (CF) (1193ng.h/ml), but no significant differences in the biodistribution pattern were found. In conclusion, this new carrier seems to be a promising therapeutic approach in antiparasitic control and to delay the appearance of resistance.

Probing cell internalisation mechanics with polymer capsules.

We report polymer capsule-based probes for quantifying the pressure exerted by cells during capsule internalisation (Pin). Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) capsules with tuneable mechanical properties were fabricated through layer-by-layer assembly. The Pin was quantified by correlating the cell-induced deformation with the ex situ osmotically induced deformation of the polymer capsules. Ultimately, we found that human monocyte-derived macrophage THP-1 cells exerted up to approximately 360 kPa on the capsules during internalisation.

The effect of PEGylation on the stimulation of IL-1β by gold (Au) nanoshell/silica core nanoparticles.

Au nanoshell/silica core (GNS) nanoparticles have been used for the photothermal ablation of tumors and imaging, and have recently reached clinical trials. In this study, we compared the ability of bare (GNS) and PEGylated Au nanoshell/silica core (PEG-GNS) nanoparticles in stimulating the production of IL-1β in both macrophage cell lines. GNS particles formed large aggregates while PEG-GNS particles did not in cell culture medium. Correspondingly, GNS particles induced the production of IL-1β while PEG-GNS did not in THP-1 macrophage cell line. Corroborating with in vitro results, GNS induced a significant level of neutrophil influx in peritoneal cavity, and PEG-GNS reduced the level four times. The density of PEG on particle surface has little effect on both the induction of IL-1β and neutrophil influx by PEG-GNS. The ability of induction and scavenging reactive oxygen species(ROS) by GNS and PEG-GNS particles were also assessed. We demonstrated that GNS was able to induce and scavenge ROS while PEG-GNS was not. The excess of ROS induced by GNS potentially caused the activation of inflammasomes, and thus the secretion of IL-1β. Our finding in the reduction Il-1β production by PEGylation of nanoparticles has implications in other particulates used for drug delivery, imaging and therapy.

Effect of bisphosphonates on macrophagic THP-1 cell survival in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ)

Immune deficiency and bacterial infection have been suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Zoledronate was previously found to promote THP-1 cell death. To examine this hypothesis with all commonly prescribed bisphosphonates, we tested the effect of (nitrogen-containing) ibandronate, risedronate, alendronate, pamidronate, and (non-nitrogen-containing) clodronate on macrophagic THP-1 cells. Activated THP-1 cells were exposed to .5 to 50 μM of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and .5 to 500 μM of clodronate. Cell adherence and survival were assessed in vitro using the xCELLigence real-time monitoring system. Results were confirmed histologically and verified with Live/Dead staining. All bisphosphonates inhibited THP-1 cell adherence and survival dose and time dependently, significant for zoledronate, alendronate, pamidronate, and clodronate in high concentrations (50 μM and 500 μM; P < .05). Low concentrations (0.5 μM) of risedronate, alendronate, and pamidronate prolonged the inflexion points of THP-1 cell survival compared with controls (P < .05). THP-1 cells exhibited no cytomorphologic changes at all concentrations. Commonly prescribed bisphosphonates inhibit the survival of macrophagic THP-1 cells dose-dependently without altering morphology. This may suggest a local immune dysfunction reflective of individual bisphosphonate potency leading to the pathogenesis of BRONJ.