TNF Synthesis Research Articles

Modulation of antibody-mediated glomerular injury in vivo by interleukin-6

We have shown previously that pretreatment with small doses of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), human recombinant interleukin-1 beta (hrIL-1 beta) and human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (hrTNF) increase injury in the heterologous phase of nephrotoxic nephritis (NTN). All three pretreatments induce synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) which in some systems down-regulates synthesis of IL-1 and TNF. We have now investigated the influence of IL-6 on injury in both heterologous and autologous phases of NTN in rats. Injection of hrIL-6 in doses sufficient to induce hepatic synthesis of acute phase proteins (assessed by plasma alpha 2-macroglobulin concentration) had no effect on glomerular injury in the heterologous phase of NTN (albuminuria in NTAb alone 9 +/- 6; LPS/NTAb 34 +/- 10 and IL-6/NTAb 2 +/- 1 mg/24 hr, P < 0.001, Wilcoxon test). In contrast, IL-6 pretreatment partially abrogated the effect of LPS on albumin excretion (NTAb 4 +/- 2; LPS/NTAb 85 +/- 11 and IL-6/LPS/NTAb 32 +/- 6 mg/24 hr, P < 0.002), percentage of glomerular capillary thrombi (3 +/- 1%; 39 +/- 8%; and 6 +/- 1%, P < 0.001) and glomerular neutrophil infiltrate (29 +/- 3; 58 +/- 5; and 34 +/- 2 neutrophils/50 glomeruli in section, P < 0.001, respectively) at 24 hours. The effect of IL-6 was also evident four hours after induction of nephritis and was associated with a marked reduction in glomerular concentration of mRNA for IL-1 beta and TNF, without change in that of tubulin. Serum TNF concentrations were also significantly reduced at four hours in IL-6 treated rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Specific inhibition of TNF synthesis by cultured LPS-stimulated Kupffer cells with antisense DNA oligonucleotide

Specific inhibition of TNF synthesis by cultured LPS-stimulated Kupffer cells with antisense DNA oligonucleotide

Mechanism of increased tumor necrosis factor production after thermal injury. Altered sensitivity to PGE2 and immunomodulation with indomethacin.

Altered macrophage function after thermal injury is associated with increased production of PGE2 and TNF. However, it is not clear why synthesis of both cellular products remains elevated, as PGE2 is a potent inhibitor of TNF secretion. We studied the relationship between PGE2 and TNF synthesis in a murine model of thermal injury, and examined the effect of prostaglandin blockade on splenic macrophage secretion of these mediators of inflammation. LPS-stimulated production of PGE2 was significantly elevated in burn groups compared with sham-burned controls (pg/ml mean(SEM); sham 151(32): burn 597(147), p < 0.01). TNF production was similarly increased after thermal injury (pg/ml mean(SEM); sham 62(20): burn 928(316), p < 0.01). In vitro culture of macrophages with indomethacin augmented LPS stimulated TNF production in sham-burned controls but did not affect synthesis in burn groups, suggesting a loss of PGE2-dependent regulation of TNF synthesis after thermal injury. Direct measurement of TNF secretion as a function of exogenous PGE2 confirmed this dissociation between PGE2 and TNF synthesis, as burned animals displayed a 5-fold reduction in sensitivity to PGE2-induced inhibition of TNF, when compared with sham-burned controls (ID50 PGE2 molar; sham 1.26 x 10(-8): burn 6.43 x 10(-8), p < 0.05). In vivo pretreatment of burn groups with indomethacin for 5 days before assay partially restored sensitivity to the prostaglandin, and significantly down-regulated synthesis of both TNF and PGE2. These data show that thermal injury is associated with a loss of PGE2-dependent down-regulation of TNF synthesis, which accounts at least in part for increased TNF in these animals. In vivo cyclooxygenase blockade partially restored sensitivity to the prostaglandin and consequently down-regulated synthesis of TNF. These data further support existing evidence that suggests a potential therapeutic role for cyclooxygenase blockade after major thermal injury and trauma.

Interferon-γ, interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor-α synthesis during experimental murine staphylococcal infection

Several exotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus were shown to modulate the host immune system by stimulation of monokine release. BALB/c mice infected intravenously (i.v.) with live cells if S. aureus, strain Cowan 1, had a detectable serum level of TNF-alpha at 3, 4 and 5 h after injection. When S. epidermidis (strain E3380, clinical isolate) was used to infect mice, the level of TNF-alpha was lower (the detection limit of the cytotoxicity assay with WEHI cells was 40 pg ml-1). Kinetics of TNF synthesis was different from that observed in experimental infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Similarly to TNF-alpha, IL-1 alpha appears in a measurable level at 3 h after i.v. injection of bacteria. The highest serum level of IFN-gamma was observed 12 h after infection with both S. aureus and S. epidermidis. A quantity ten times more of S. epidermidis than of S. aureus cells was required to induce similar levels of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. Recombinant IFN-gamma administered in vivo in four daily doses followed by infection of S. aureus resulted in increased elimination of bacteria from the spleen, liver and peritoneal cavity of mice.

Inhibition of endogenous TNF formation by pentoxifylline

During the last decade cytokines were recognized as focal components in acute and chronic inflammatory processes. The growing knowledge about these agents stimulated efforts to pharmacologically control their synthesis and action in clinical situations. Various rational approaches to these issues including selective antibodies or receptor antagonists are at present under clinical investigation. Recently, in our institute evidence was raised that pentoxifylline is able to suppress the synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-α in cell cultures, and in vivo, and to protect experimental animals against endotoxin shock. Extended studies in human experimental endotoxemia showed that pentoxifylline decreased circulating TNF without affecting endogenous formation of interleukins. The potency of this drug to interfere with TNF synthesis could also be demonstrated in cases of acute and chronic cytokine release-syndromes such as OKT3 first-dose reaction and severe pulmonary tuberculosis, respectively. Tn conclusion, we suggest that pentoxifylline may improve therapeutic strategies in septic syndrome and other diseases in which TNF represents a causative pathophysiological factor.

Cytokine-induced differentiation of cultured nonadherent macrophages

Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood and cultured in vitro for more than 3 weeks in glass chamber slides. Phenotypically and ultrastructurally these nonadherent macrophages (NAM) appear similar to connective tissue resident macrophages. They constitutively secrete a high amount of IL-1ra and little or no IL-1α or IL-1β. When exposed to GM-CSF, IL-2, or IFN-γ for 24 hr, NAM become adherent and undergo dramatic morphological changes. Cytokines treatment primes NAM for increased LPS-mediated TNF production and these GM-CSF- and LPS-treated NAM are cytotoxic to WEHI 164, a TNF-sensitive target. Morphological changes and TNF production are both inhibited by antimetabolites and a variety of antineoplastic drugs. Although morphology inhibition is reversible under certain circumstances, inhibition of TNF synthesis is irreversible. These findings suggest that cytokines might play a role in differentiation and maturation of long-term cultured monocytes. Furthermore, the effects of antimetabolites and antineoplastic drugs on arresting the differentiation processes may significantly impair antitumor functions of macrophages.

Effect of RU 38486 on TNF production and toxicity

Gluracarticoid steroids provide considerable protection against the systemic toxicity or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, cachexin). In animal experiments RU 38486 (mircpristone), a steroid antagonist, increased the synthesis of TNF and sensitized the animals to the cytotoxic action of TNF. As compared to the control and methylprednisolone-treated groups, mifepristone significantly increased the level of TNF in the serum, liver and spleen or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated animals. In tissue cultures F.U. 38486 induced the TNF synthesis of mycloid cells and increase the TNF production or genetically modified HeLa cells, which synthesize TNF constitutively. Normal and tumor cell cultures exhibited increased sensitivity toward TNF in the presence of mifepristone.

Dietary supplementation with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and synthesis of IL-1 and TNF by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC): [formula omitted], New England Medical Center; USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA, 02111

Dietary supplementation with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and synthesis of IL-1 and TNF by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC): [formula omitted], New England Medical Center; USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA, 02111

Reversal of defective IL-6 production in lipopolysaccharide-tolerant mice by phorbol myristate acetate.

Abstract The development of LPS tolerance has been suggested to be mediated by an inhibition of cytokine synthesis. Here we have studied serum IL-6 and TNF levels in mice after LPS administration. Repeated administration of LPS (35 micrograms daily for 4 days) to mice induced a refractoriness (tolerance) to subsequent administrations of LPS in terms of induction of circulating IL-6 and TNF. To investigate the mechanism by which LPS down-regulates its own induction of cytokine synthesis and the relationship between IL-6 and TNF production, we attempted to revert the inhibition of IL-6 and TNF production using agents like PMA or IFN-gamma, previously reported to activate macrophage production of cytokines. Pretreatment with PMA (4 micrograms, 10 min before LPS) partially restored IL-6 production in LPS-tolerant mice given 2 micrograms LPS. On the other hand, PMA did not restore TNF induction in LPS-tolerant mice, even when administered with high doses of LPS (up to 200 micrograms). A similar reversal of LPS resistance to IL-6, but not TNF, induction by PMA was observed in genetically LPS-resistant C3H/HeJ mice. IFN-gamma also restored, although to a lesser extent than PMA, IL-6 production. However, unlike PMA, IFN-gamma could also partially restore TNF production in LPS-tolerant mice, although only when LPS was administered at high doses. By contrast with PMA, IFN-gamma was clearly more active in restoring TNF synthesis than that of IL-6. Similar results were obtained in genetically LPS-unresponsive C3H/HeJ mice. These data suggest that different mechanisms are implicated in the inhibition of IL-6 and TNF synthesis in LPS-tolerant mice and that part of this inhibition can be overcome by PMA or IFN-gamma.

Effect of indomethacin on the kinetics of tumour necrosis factor alpha release and tumour necrosis factor alpha gene expression by human blood monocytes

In this investigation we have examined the effects of indomethacin, an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid, upon the kinetics of the release of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and of the expression of TNF gene by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human blood monocytes (BM). Following stimulation of BM with LPS, TNF was released within 2 h, reached peak values at 8 h and declined at subsequent time-points (24 and 48 h). Indomethacin (10(-5) M) slightly stimulated the production of TNF at 2, 4, and 8 h and prevented the decline of TNF observed at 24 and 48 h. This effect was related to the persistence of TNF synthesis, as demonstrated by kinetic evaluation of the expression of TNF gene performed by dot-blot analysis. The effects of indomethacin on TNF release and TNF gene expression were due to the inhibition of endogenous prostaglandin (PG)E2 production. In the absence of indomethacin, PGE2 release by the LPS-stimulated BM began concomitantly with the decline of TNF production by the same cells under the same stimulus. Indomethacin completely blocked PGE2 release at any time-point. Exogenous PGE2 suppressed the release of TNF and the expression of TNF gene in a dose-dependent fashion. Exogenous PGE2 completely reversed the effects of indomethacin on TNF production at 24 h. These findings suggest that indomethacin may significantly alter the kinetics of TNF release and TNF gene expression by LPS-stimulated BM. These effects are related, at least in part, to the inhibition of the production of endogenous PGE2, an important self-driven regulatory factor of the kinetics of TNF production.

A CAT reporter construct allows ultrasensitive estimation of TNF synthesis, and suggests that the TNF gene has been silenced in non-macrophage cell lines.

We have prepared a construct (designated CATTNF) in which the mouse TNF (cachectin) coding sequence is replaced by a sequence encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), with preservation of the TNF promoter and 3'-untranslated sequences known to be important in the regulation of gene expression. When activated by LPS, permanently transfected RAW 264.7 (mouse macrophage) cells synthesize large quantities of CAT. Unlike TNF itself, CAT is nonsecreted and quite stable in the macrophage cytoplasm. Fewer than 1,000 LPS-induced macrophages can easily be detected by CAT assay. Cells maintain the ability to respond to LPS in vivo; as such, when injected intravenously, they accurately report conditions required for the production of TNF in diverse tissues. These cells may thus be used for the detection of cachectin/TNF synthesis in mice under conditions in which endogenously produced cachectin/TNF would be undetectable. Studies of the expression of CATTNF in nonmacrophage cell lines have revealed that the modified TNF gene is constitutively expressed in L-929 cells, but that its expression is tightly suppressed in HeLa cells and in NIH 3T3 cells. This finding would suggest that certain non-macrophage cells are potentially capable of utilizing the TNF promoter and translating the TNF mRNA; however, the endogenous gene has been developmentally silenced.

Effects of SIN-1 on Cytokine Synthesis in Human Mononuclear Cells

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated in vitro with the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1), a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing agent, to investigate the effects of NO on cytokine synthesis and cyclic nucleotide accumulation. The cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) and the cyclic nucleotides adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) were measured by specific radioimmunoassays. LPS induced the synthesis of IL-1β and TNF α as shown earlier. Cyclic nucleotide levels remained unchanged after incubation with LPS alone. SIN-1 suppressed the LPS-induced synthesis of IL-1β, and to a minor degree of TNFα. Cyclic GMP levels but not cyclic AMP levels were markedly elevated by SIN-1. Similar results were obtained with sodium nitroprusside. These findings suggest that NO, which is known to be a product of activated macrophages and monocytes, may be involved in the regulation of cytokine synthesis.

Pentoxifylline, fibrinogen and leukocytes

Pentoxifylline has been reported to induce a decrease in plasma fibrinogen level in patients with arteritis. We report here ex vivo experiments in both healthy volunteers and patients with arteritis. In patients we have confirmed the decrease in plasma fibrinogen level during pentoxifylline therapy, and shown that the decrease is correlated with the improvement of the clinical symptoms, whereas no significant modification was noted in the healthy volunteers taking pentoxifylline. Therefore it is suggested that the decrease in fibrinogen induced in patients was due to an indirect mechanism, probably related to the pentoxifylline-induced decrease in TNF synthesis.

Amoeboid Microglial Cells and not Astrocytes Synthesize TNF‐α in Swiss Mouse Brain Cell Cultures

The role of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) in brain physiology and pathology has been the focus of several studies. However, the source of this lymphokine in the central nervous system and the regulation of its synthesis is still poorly understood. We have therefore used purified astrocytes and brain macrophages in culture to compare the abilities of these two cell types to synthesize TNF-alpha and its mRNA. We find that, in the Swiss mouse, no significant TNF activity or TNF-alpha mRNA are produced by astrocytes, even following activation with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). On the other hand, purified microglial cells express a cytotoxic activity able to kill TNF-sensitive LM cells. Part of this activity is released into the culture medium and part remains bound to the membrane after mild paraformaldehyde treatment, demonstrating the existence in the culture of the soluble and membrane-bound forms of TNF activity. The fact that amoeboid microglial cells, and not astrocytes, are the actual source of TNF in brain cultures was further demonstrated by Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization using a TNF-alpha specific oligonucleotide probe. The definition of the cell type which, in the CNS, is responsible for TNF synthesis will allow the regulation of this lymphokine to be analysed and opens the way for a better understanding of the interactions between amoeboid microglial cells and the other cell types which make up the nervous system.

Effects of quinolones on tumor necrosis factor production by human monocytes

Previous studies have shown that in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human monocytes, interleukin 1 (IL-1) production is altered by quinoline derivative antibiotics (quinolones), in a way which depends both on the dose and on the agents used. Given that Il-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) are produced in response to LPS and have some overlapping and synergistic activities, we sought to determine if TNF production was altered under the above-mentioned conditions. We investigated the effects of three quinolones: ciprofloxacin (Cip), pefloxacin (Pef) and ofloxacin (Ofl). These quinolones were found to decrease extracellular TNF production in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations higher than 25 μg/ml as previously described by our laboratory with regard to IL-1 production. Moreover, the order of the extracellular decrease in TNF and IL-1 induced by each drug was similar. However, in contrast to IL-1 activity, the quinolones studied also reduced cell-associated TNF. The kinetics of TNF production suggested that the quinolones affected TNF production at a very early step, probably during TNF synthesis rather than during its secretion into the extracellular medium. Furthermore, the quinolone-induced accumulation of intracellular cAMP could explain the extracellular decrease in both IL-1 and TNF production.

Advanced Nonenzymatic Tissue Glycosylation: Cell-Mediated Interactions Implicated in the Complications Associated with Diabetes and Aging

Tissue and cell surface proteins modified nonenzymatically by glucose are shown to be highly active in protein cross-linking and have been implicated in tissue damage. The production of such protein-glucose interactions called advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGE) are recently shown to be processed by macrophages through a recently characterized high-affinity receptor. Coupling of AGE proteins to their AGE receptor results in TNF and IL-1 synthesis and secretion. This suggests that AGE may act as a signal for growth-promoting factor secretion in a coordinated replacement process during tissue remodeling. A disturbance of this balance may lead to pathologic proliferative response such as in the vasculopathy of diabetes and aging. Since peritoneal surface proteins can be modified by AGE after exposure to high-glucose, a similar pathogenetic process may be involved in the peritoneal fibrosis associated with chronic peritoneal dialysis.

OXPENTIFYLLINE IN ENDOTOXAEMIA

Oxpentifylline (pentoxifylline), which is known to have pharmacological effects in animal models of respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan failure, and shock, was tested in human beings after injection of endotoxin. Of ten healthy volunteers, nine met the inclusion criterion of a rise in body temperature of at least 1·0°C after 100 ng endotoxin ( Salmonella abortus equi) as a bolus injection. Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were both significantly higher than baseline levels 2 h and 3 h after endotoxin injection. 3 weeks later the nine volunteers were again injected with 100 ng endotoxin and oxpentifylline (500 mg over 4 h) was also infused. There was no rise in TNF levels, though IL-6 levels rose in parallel with body temperature. These data suggest that oxpentifylline blocks the endotoxin-induced synthesis of TNF in man and, therefore, could possibly have beneficial effects in clinical endotoxaemia.

Transcriptional activation but not synthesis of IL-1β and TNF by activated complement: C5a as a “priming” event for IL-1 and TNF production by human mononuclear cells (PBMC): R. Schindler, M. Morin, S.F. Orencole, J.A. Gelfand and C.A. Dinarello. Tufts University and New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111

Transcriptional activation but not synthesis of IL-1β and TNF by activated complement: C5a as a “priming” event for IL-1 and TNF production by human mononuclear cells (PBMC): R. Schindler, M. Morin, S.F. Orencole, J.A. Gelfand and C.A. Dinarello. Tufts University and New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111

The synthesis of TNF by human placental and decidual tissue

The synthesis of TNF by human placental and decidual tissue

Regulation of Monokine Gene Expression: Prostaglandin E2 Suppresses Tumor Necrosis Factor but Not Interleukin-1α or β-mRNA and Cell-Associated Bioactivity

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-mediated suppression of macrophage interleukin-1 alpha,beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synthesis was examined at the cellular and molecular levels. Treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated adjuvant-elicited murine macrophages with 5 x 10(-7) M PGE2 caused a 70% reduction in cell-associated TNF but had no suppressive effect on cell-associated interleukin-1 (IL-1) activity. Consistent with this result, Northern blot and nuclear transcription analyses demonstrated suppression of TNF mRNA but PGE2 had no effect on IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta mRNA accumulation, as compared to LPS controls. Immunoperoxidase staining for cell-associated TNF alpha, IL-1 alpha, and IL-1 beta demonstrated that PGE2 suppressed TNF, but not IL-1 alpha or -beta expression, supporting the bioassay data. These results imply that PGE2-mediated regulation of IL-1 alpha,beta and TNF alpha is quite distinct. Synthesis of TNF appears to be regulated at least at the level of transcription, whereas that for IL-1 alpha and -beta is regulated post-transcriptionally.