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D Rotilio

Publications and source records attributed to D Rotilio.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Inhibition by Interleukin-4 of stromelysin expression in human skin fibroblasts: role of PKC.

This study explores novel aspects of the interaction between inflammatory mediators and extracellular matrix degradation. Here we have evaluated the effects of a T-cell cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) on the expression and activity of a metalloprotease, stromelysin, and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) in human skin fibroblasts. IL-4 strongly decreased stromelysin mRNA levels and stromelysin-producing activity induced by IL-1 beta-treated and untreated cells. Under the same experimental conditions, TIMP-1 mRNA expression was slightly modified. Phorbol ester (PMA), a PKC activator, induced stromelysin gene expression, an effect enhanced by the addition of IL-1 beta. IL-4 was not able to decrease the PMA and PMA + IL1 beta effects. Calphostin, a specific PKC inhibitor, inhibited stromelysin mRNA expression induced by IL-1 beta. Forskolin, a PKA activator, did not modify mRNA levels and was not able to reduce the effect of IL-4 on IL-1 beta-induced stromelysin expression. These data suggest that in human dermal fibroblasts, activation of PKC abolishes the observed IL-4 effect on both basal and IL-1 beta-induced stromelysin gene expression. It therefore appears that lack of PKC activation is a prerequisite for the inhibitory effect of IL-4 in the system.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1996

Effects of atrazine on Ochrobactrum anthropi membrane fatty acids.

Ochrobactrum anthropi is a gram-negative bacillus recognized as a human opportunist pathogen isolated in clinical specimens and not of clinical significance. We report a new aspect of this bacterium, that it has been isolated from activated sludge. In fact, it is able to grow on atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropyl-amine-s-triazine) by utilizing it as the only source of carbon. Our results show that atrazine (0.03 g/liter) causes a dramatical increase in the degree of saturation of membrane fatty acids. Analysis and identification of bacterial fatty acids were performed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques.

Alcaligenes↗
PubMed1995

IL-1 beta and TGF-beta 1 modulate the sulphation grade of chondro-disaccharides in porcine articular cartilage: a capillary electrophoresis study.

This report describes the effect of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) on proteoglycan release from cartilage explants and modification at the sulphation level. Matrix proteoglycans purified by ion-exchange chromatography were composed of two distinct peaks (1 and 2) each showing a different Kav value when they were subjected to size-exclusion chromatography on a Sepharose CL-2B column. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) of conditioned medium and extracellular matrix proteoglycans were digested by chondroitin ABC and AC lyase, suggesting that chondroitin sulphate (CS) is the major GAG present (80-90%). Structural analysis of disaccharides, by capillary zone electrophoresis, revealed a different pattern of sulphated glycosaminoglycans when cartilage was treated with either IL-1 beta or TGF-beta 1. Analysis of GAGs released into the medium from TGF-beta 1 treated cartilage showed a reduction in the level of 4-S-disaccharide (delta Di4S) and an increase in non-sulphated disaccharides (delta Di0S), while no significant changes were found in IL-1 beta treated cartilage. In the extracellular matrix, IL-1 beta and TGF-beta 1 induced a more complex rearrangement of the GAGs. The level of non-sulphated disaccharides was increased whereas that of total sulphated disaccharides was reduced. Taken together, these results suggest that both cytokines modify the structure of GAGs, probably by interfering with the activity or the synthesis of sulphotransferases involved in GAG turnover.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Effects of thrombin and thrombin peptide activating receptor (SFLLRN) on proteoglycan synthesis and distribution in human endothelial cells.

In the present study we compared the effect of alpha-thrombin and the active receptor peptide (SFLLRN) on proteoglycan (PG) release from human endothelial cells (HUVEC) exposed for 24 h in the presence of 35S-sulfate and 3H-glucosamine. The effect of thrombin (5U/ml) and receptor peptide (100 microM) was evaluated on the distribution of PGs in the conditioned medium, cellular extract and extracellular matrix. In the conditioned medium, thrombin increased the amount of PGs. In extracellular matrix thrombin decreased radioactive PGs measured by both isotopes; no difference was observed in cell extracts. SFLLRN peptide showed a consistent increase in PG content in the medium. At variance with thrombin, in cell extracts the peptide increased the amount of PGs. No relevant differences were observed in PG content of extracellular matrix. These results indicate that thrombin and the peptide act differently on PG distribution and underline the different role of the serine protease and of the receptor binding activities of thrombin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Modulation by transforming growth factor-beta 1 and interleukin-1 beta of proteoglycan release and chondrodisaccharide composition in porcine articular cartilage.

The effects of IL-1 beta and TGF-beta 1 on proteoglycan release and modifications in porcine articular cartilage explants are described. Proteoglycan release in culture medium was markedly increased when cartilage was treated with IL-1 beta (5 to 100 ng/mL). Addition of IL-1 beta alone or in combination with TGF-beta 1 to cartilage culture stimulated the production and release of PGE2. Indomethacin (10(-6) M) did not modify the IL-1 beta effect on proteoglycan release. Both the spontaneous and IL-1 beta-induced proteoglycan release were downregulated by TGF-beta 1 (50 ng/mL). Basal and stimulated loss of proteoglycans was reduced by the addition of cycloheximide (10(-6) M) and by metalloprotease inhibitors. GAGs of conditioned medium and extracellular matrix proteoglycans were digested to about 90% by chondroitin ABC lyase, suggesting that CS is the major GAG present. Structural analysis of disaccharides, by CZE, revealed a different pattern of oxysulfation when cartilage explants were treated either with IL-1 beta or TGF-beta 1. Indeed, analysis of GAGs, released into the medium from TGF-beta 1-treated cartilage, showed a reduction in the level of 4-S-disaccharide (delta Di4S and an increase in desulfated disaccharides delta Di0S). In the extracellular matrix, IL-1 beta and TGF-beta 1 induced a more complex rearrangement of the GAGs, in that the levels of delta Di0S and delta Di4S were increased whereas those of delta Di6S were decreased. Altogether, these results suggest that TGF-beta 1 does not only counteract the effect of IL-1 beta on proteoglycan release, but modifies the structure of GAGs, probably by interfering with the activity or the synthesis of sulfotranspherases involved in GAG biosynthesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Molecular analysis of human beta-arrestin-1: cloning, tissue distribution, and regulation of expression. Identification of two isoforms generated by alternative splicing.

The cDNA for human beta-arrestin-1 was cloned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and identified based on its remarkably high amino acid identity (98.6%) with the bovine sequence. Two alternatively spliced isoforms of human beta-arrestin-1, differing only in the presence or absence of 24 base pairs/8 amino acids within the sequence, were identified and called beta-arrestin-1A and beta-arrestin-1B, respectively. Both isoforms were found in all tissues tested. Southern blot analysis revealed the existence of a single gene for beta-arrestin-1, suggesting that the two isoforms are generated by alternative mRNA splicing. The possible presence of similar isoforms was investigated for the other members of the arrestin/beta-arrestin gene family by PCR. Two isoforms of arrestin were revealed in bovine peripheral blood leukocytes. The expression of beta-arrestin-1 was studied in several human tissues and cell types. High levels of beta-arrestin-1 mRNA and immunoreactivity were found in peripheral blood leukocytes. The possible regulation of the expression of beta-arrestin-1 was also investigated. Our work documents for the first time that the expression of beta-arrestin-1 is modulated by intracellular cAMP. Using two cell types, human endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, we found that 6-8-h treatments with the cAMP-inducing agents cholera toxin, forskolin, iloprost, and isoproterenol raised beta-arrestin-1 mRNA by 2-4-fold. Forskolin preferentially increased beta-arrestin-1A expression in smooth muscle cells, as assessed by PCR. beta-Arrestin-1 immunoreactivity was 2-3-fold higher in smooth muscle cells exposed to forskolin for 8 h, compared with untreated controls. We conclude that (i) the finding of alternatively spliced isoforms of beta-arrestin-1 and arrestin documents a novel mechanism to generate diversity within the arrestin/beta-arrestin gene family; (ii) the abundant expression of beta-arrestin-1 in peripheral blood leukocytes further supports our previous suggestion of a major role for the beta ARK/beta-arrestin system in regulating receptor-mediated immune functions; (iii) the increased expression of beta-arrestin-1 by cAMP suggests a new mechanism for the regulation of receptor-mediated responses.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1991

IL-1 beta-induced expression of PDGF-AA isoform in rabbit articular chondrocytes is modulated by TGF-beta 1.

Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced proliferation in many cell types. Both peptides are released by activated macrophages and other cells in response to injury and are thought to play a crucial role in a number of pathological processes. We found that IL-1 beta stimulates proliferation of rabbit articular chondrocytes and induces synthesis and release of PDGF into their culture medium. This effect, which is time- and dose-dependent (0.05-5 ng/ml), is restricted to PDGF-AA, one of the three PDGF isoforms; IL-1 beta effect on PDGF is inhibited by actinomycin D and alpha-amanitin, suggesting a transcriptional regulation of PDGF-A chain. IL-1 beta stimulates PDGF-AA synthesis also in the presence of indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), a dimeric polypeptide which displays multiple biological activities, inhibits in a dose-dependent manner (1-10 ng/ml) PDGF-AA production induced by IL-1 beta. In a binding assay, TGF-beta 1 induces 45% decrease in specific binding sites for 125I-IL-1 beta, with no change in affinity.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Human alpha-thrombin induces phosphoinositide turnover and Ca2+ movements in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

This report shows that purified human alpha-thrombin was able to stimulate a rapid and transient formation of water-soluble phosphorylated 3H-inositols in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) prelabelled with 3H-inositol. A parallel breakdown and resynthesis of 3H-inositol-containing phospholipids was observed. Simultaneously, thrombin induced a transient increase of intracellular free Ca2+[( Ca2+]i), as measured from increased fluorescence of quin2 loaded cells. Phosphoinositide turnover and Ca2+ mobilization showed a similar dependence on thrombin dose. [Ca2+]i rise resulted from both influx from extracellular medium and redistribution from intracellular storage sites. On the other hand thrombin-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis was not dependent on [Ca2+]i rise. [Ca2+]i elevation might be, at least partially, a consequence of increased phosphoinositide turnover, as suggested by [Ca2+]-mobilizing activity of inositol-trisphosphate in other cells.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1989

Absence of a lyso-PAF relationship with PAF (platelet activating factor) in monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammatory exudates.

Monosodium urate crystal (MSU)-induced inflammation was evaluated for increased vascular permeability and platelet activating factor (PAF) production. Intraperitoneal injection of MSU crystals increased vascular permeability and lyso-PAF, as shown by acetylation and bioassay, but PAF was not detected. Intraperitoneal administration of PAF elicited dye-extravasation, which was abolished by the PAF antagonist WEB-2086, but this compound had no significant effect upon MSU-induced dye extravasation. Thus, the presence of lyso-PAF did not reflect in situ production of PAF. Lyso-PAF extracted from normal serum in amounts equivalent to that extravasated could account for the lyso-PAF observed. Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of acetylated extracts from plasma and peritoneal washouts showed identical Rf values to the PAF standard. We conclude that lyso-PAF in the exudate was associated with extravasated plasma proteins rather than a reflection of in situ production of PAF.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Modulation by cyclic AMP of arachidonic acid-induced platelet desensitization.

We have previously demonstrated that arachidonic acid (AA) and the stable cyclic endoperoxide analogue (U46619) desensitize human platelets at a common site, which is sensitive to endoperoxides/thromboxane receptor antagonists. We now report on the influence of agents which evaluate intracellular levels of platelet adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) on AA- and U46619-induced platelet desensitization. Prostaglandin E1, prostacyclin, carbacyclin, forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP prevented platelet activation by and desensitization to AA and to U46619 under conditions where the formation of thromboxane B2 was not significantly modified. Inhibition of platelet activation (aggregation and secretion) required a lower increase of the cAMP content than was needed to inhibit desensitization, confirming previous findings that desensitization to and by AA or U46619 are independent from the platelet release reaction. Together, these results indicate that AA-induced desensitization can be modulated by the adenylate cyclase/cAMP system acting at a site distinct from the known mechanisms of Ca2+ sequestration. This site is shared by the AA metabolite responsible for desensitization and by U46619 and is related to their common platelet membrane receptor.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗
PubMed1985

Platelet desensitization induced by arachidonic acid is not due to cyclo-oxygenase inactivation and involves the endoperoxide receptor.

Human platelets pre-exposed to arachidonic acid (AA) (0.1-1 mM) or to the endoperoxide analogue U46619 (1-3 microM) and then washed and resuspended, failed to respond with aggregation or secretion to a second challenge by either agonist. The response to thrombin at low (0.04-0.1 u ml-1) but not at high (2.5 u ml-1) concentrations was also inhibited by pre-exposure to AA and U46619. The ability of platelets to synthesize thromboxane (Tx) B2 from AA or upon challenge with thrombin persisted despite platelet desensitization. In the presence of the reversible cyclo-oxygenase (CO) inhibitors methyl salicylate (MS) or L8027, pre-exposure to AA had no effect on subsequent challenge by the same agonist or by U46619, whereas platelet desensitization by pre-exposure to U46619 persisted. However, platelet activation by, and desensitization to AA and U46619, was prevented by trimetoquinol and compound L636499, two thromboxane/endoperoxide receptor antagonists. In contrast to the CO inhibitors, the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor dazoxiben, which in 3 'responders' out of 5 subjects suppressed aggregation, secretion, and Tx formation induced by AA, failed to prevent AA-induced desensitization. Compared to quiescent cells the distances between platelets desensitized after re-exposure to AA were reduced in electron microscopy, but the tight connections associated with aggregated cells were not observed. Degranulation was also not observed and cell morphology resembled that of normal quiescent platelets. In conclusion, (a) AA and U46619 desensitize human platelets at a similar site sensitive to prostaglandin/thromboxane receptor antagonists, and show cross-desensitization; (b) desensitization by AA appears to be mediated by a CO-dependent metabolite, as CO inhibitors prevent desensitization by AA but not to U46619; (c) the failure of dazoxiben to prevent desensitization by AA suggests that a metabolite other than TxA2, possibly the endoperoxides, mediates the phenomenon; (d) desensitization does not involve inactivation of CO or thromboxane synthetase enzymes.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1984

Structural requirements for preventing the aspirin- and the arachidonate-induced inactivation of platelet cyclo-oxygenase: additional evidence for distinct enzymatic sites.

2-Hydroxybenzoic acid (salicylic acid) prevents the inhibition by aspirin (ASA) of platelet aggregation and of the generation of thromboxane A2 from arachidonic acid (AA). We studied the ability of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid analogues to block ASA and to prevent the platelet desensitization due to a first exposure to AA. Inactivation was prevented when exposure to AA was done in the presence of reversible inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase. Phenol, methyl salicylate and L8027 were thus strong inhibitors of AA-induced platelet activation and desensitization. The minimal structural requirement for inhibition of thromboxane A2 generation from AA was a phenol group as benzoic acid was fully inactive. 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid, and to some extent 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid were effective against ASA, the most active substances being methyl salicylate and L8027. The minimal structural requirement for blocking ASA was that 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-methoxybenzoic acid should be devoid of activity, which highlights the fact that the hydroxyl group must be available. Our work favours the hypothesis that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs react with two sites of cyclo-oxygenase, which were named the supplementary and the catalytic sites. The interaction of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid and of its analogues with the supplementary site is necessary but not sufficient for the efficacy of these compounds as cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. The intensity of interaction with the supplementary site and the modifications of the catalytic site determine the potency of these compounds as cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. For preventing ASA inactivation, an interaction with the supplementary sites is always necessary, but furthermore an appropriate group, preferentially in the position ortho to the hydroxyl, is needed.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

The platelet-independent release of thromboxane A2 by Paf-acether from guinea-pig lungs involves mechanisms distinct from those for leukotriene.

Intra-arterial injections of platelet-activating factor (Paf-acether, 10-300 ng) to the perfused guinea-pig lung induced a dose-related bronchoconstriction, followed by contraction of the rat aorta superfused with the lung effluent, indicating the release of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) activity. These effects were matched with injections of bradykinin (Bk) at 100-1000 ng, leukotriene C4(LTC4) at 10-300 ng or arachidonic acid (AA) at 30-300 micrograms. Repeated doses of Paf-acether led to a specific desensitization of the release of TXA2, under conditions where Bk, LTC4 and arachidonic acid retained their ability to release TXA2. Bronchoconstriction and the release of TXA2 induced by Paf-acether were suppressed when the lungs were perfused with acetylsalicylic acid, but not with salicylic acid. The phospholipase A2 inhibitor, p-bromophenacyl bromide suppressed the release of TXA2 by Bk, but did not interfere with its formation from AA, nor with its release with Paf-acether and LTC4. The lipoxygenase inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, inhibited to a similar extent the release of TXA2 by Bk, LTC4 and Paf-acether but also reduced directly the formation of TXA2 from arachidonic acid, invalidating its use as a specific antilipoxygenase agent. The leukotriene C4/D4 antagonist, FPL 55712, suppressed the TXA2 releasing effects of LTC4, and was completely inactive against Paf-acether, Bk or arachidonic acid. The aerosol of Paf-acether was tested in the anaesthetized guinea-pig and resulted in bronchoconstriction, unaccompanied by thrombocytopenia. Unlike bronchoconstriction induced by intravenous Paf-acether, which is refractory to cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, the effects of the aerosol were suppressed by aspirin. Platelet depletion, which blocks the intravenous effects of Paf-acether, failed to interfere with those of the aerosol. Paf-acether induced a marked contraction of the superfused guinea-pig isolated parenchyma lung strip, which was followed by total and irreversible desensitization to itself. The contractile effect was not inhibited by aspirin or indomethacin, atropine, mepyramine, methysergide, phenoxybenzamine or propranolol, indicating that cyclo-oxygenase products, cholinergic stimuli, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and catecholamine mechanisms are not involved. Our results indicate that Paf-acether interacts with pulmonary sites distinct from those for Bk, LTC4 or AA, since no cross-desensitization between Paf-acether and the other agonists was noted, p-bromophenacyl bromide inhibited Bk only and FPL 55712 inhibited only LTC4. The phospholipase A2 involved with the release of the arachidonate needed for the formation of TXA2 by Paf-acether or LTC4-stimulated lungs may differ from the enzyme accounting for its formation by Bk. The cellular sites with which Paf-acether interacts may also be distinct and less readily accessible to p-bromophenacyl bromide.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1979

In vitro studies on the metabolism of dibenzo[c,f]-[1,2]diazepine.

Dibenzo [c,f]-[1,2] diazepine is a new compound with a tricyclic structure and a double bond between two nitrogen atoms in positions 1 and 2 of the molecule. Its in vitro metabolism has been studied, incubating the compound with rat liver microsomes. Two metabolites have been identified: dibenzo [c,f] - [1,2]diazepine-1-N-oxide and a monohydroxyderivative in the aromatic ring.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

In vivo studied on the metabolism of dibenzo [c,f]-[1,2] diazepine.

The in vivo metabolism of dibenzo [c,f]-[1,2] diazepine (I) was studied after i.p. administration to rats, in order to observe the influence of the heteroatom on the metabolic pathway. Metabolites were separated by chromatography and their structures elucidated by mass spectrometry, by both gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and the direct inlet system. Six metabolites were identified, some of them by direct comparison with authentic samples.

Animals↗