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Hirahito Endo

Publications and source records attributed to Hirahito Endo.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Glucocorticoids co-interact with lipoxin A4 via lipoxin A4 receptor (ALX) up-regulation.

Lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) is an eicosanoid which is produced via lipoxygenases and characteristic of its anti-inflammatory effect in many metabolites of arachidonic acid, which are mostly pro-inflammatory. Glucocorticoids are well known also for their strong anti-inflammatory action but induce 5-lipoxygenase, essential to synthesize leukotrienes, which are pro-inflammatory. To elucidate the interaction of glucocorticoids and lipoxin A(4) for anti-inflammation, we analyzed in vitro expression of lipoxin A(4) receptor (ALX) on human neutrophils and the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticoids and LXA(4) using a dermal inflammation mouse model. ALX mRNA was up-regulated by dexamethasone (Dex) in human neutrophils. A glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, mifepristone, suppressed up-regulation of ALX induced by Dex. LXA(4) and/or Dex decreased CD11b expression on human neutrophils and suppressed mouse dermatitis induced by LTB(4). These results suggest that anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids depend at least partly on up-regulation of ALX and that the lipoxin system could be a negative feedback regulator for LTB(4).

Adult↗

SKL-2841, a dual antagonist of MCP-1 and MIP-1 beta, prevents bleomycin-induced skin sclerosis in mice.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by fibrosis and excessive collagen deposition in the skin and various internal organs. In early stages of SSc, the dermis reveals infiltration of inflammatory cells associated with increased collagen synthesis. SKL-2841 was initially synthesized as a novel small molecule antagonist of MCP-1. In this study, we indicated that SKL-2841 also exerts anti-chemotactic activity for MIP-1 beta in mouse spleen cells. In the early stages of bleomycin-induced skin lesions, immunohistochemical analysis showed the expression of both MCP-1 and MIP-1 beta in dermal inflammatory cells. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of SKL-2841 suppressed the infiltration of inflammatory mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear cells in the acute phase and also significantly suppressed fibrillization in the chronic phase in bleomycin-induced scleroderma, compared with PBS treatment. These findings suggest that SKL-2841 has potential as a compound for the treatment of conditions associated with skin fibrosis such as SSc.

Animals↗

Induction of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 in murine resident peritoneal macrophages by monosodium urate monohydrate crystals.

OBJECTIVE: Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) is a cell surface molecule that was recently identified on monocytes and neutrophils. TREM-1 has been implicated in the early inflammatory responses induced by microbes, but its pathophysiologic role in nonmicrobial inflammation remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of TREM-1 in acute inflammation induced by monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals. Induction of TREM-1 expression by MSU crystal-stimulated murine resident peritoneal macrophages and infiltrating leukocytes in a murine air-pouch model of crystal-induced acute inflammation was determined. The biologic role of TREM-1 in crystal-induced cytokine production by resident peritoneal macrophages was also investigated. METHODS: TREM-1 expression by resident peritoneal macrophages and infiltrating leukocytes in a murine air-pouch model was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and flow cytometry. Cytokine production by resident peritoneal macrophages after incubation with MSU crystals in the presence or absence of an anti-TREM-1 agonist antibody was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: TREM-1 expression by resident peritoneal macrophages was significantly induced after stimulation with the crystals. Maximum expression of TREM-1 transcripts and protein occurred at 1 and 4 hours after exposure to the crystals, respectively. Costimulation of resident peritoneal macrophages with MSU crystals and an anti-TREM-1 agonist antibody synergistically increased the production of both interleukin-1beta and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 compared with stimulation with the crystals alone. MSU crystals also induced TREM-1 expression in infiltrating leukocytes in a murine air-pouch model of crystal-induced acute inflammation. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that rapid induction of TREM-1 expression on resident peritoneal macrophages and neutrophils by MSU crystals may contribute to the development of acute gout through enhancement of inflammatory responses.

Acute Disease↗

Recurrent paralytic ileus associated with strongyloidiasis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

We present an interesting case of recurrent paralytic ileus due to strongyloidiasis in a woman who was being treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She was also a carrier of human T-cell leukemia virus type I. She had a history of strongyloidiasis 8 years earlier. Recurrent episodes of paralytic ileus due to strongyloidiasis occurred during treatment of her SLE with corticosteroids. Ivermectin was given and improved the symptoms. This case shows that symptomatic strongyloidiasis can be induced in immunocompromised hosts by immunosuppressive therapy. It is important to rule out strongyloidiasis prior to starting immunosuppressive therapy in patients from endemic areas.

Animals↗

[Combined effect of micafangin and itraconazole on severe aspergillosis of the bilateral pleural cavities in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis].

Visceral fungal infections are difficult to manage in patients with collagen diseases and immunocompromised hosts. In particular aspergillosis can be a life-threatening complication in these patients. Here we report that combined use of two antifungal agents (micafangin and itraconazole) was effective against severe aspergillosis of the bilateral pleural cavities in a 48-year old male patient diagnosed with Wegener's granulomatosis. Immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamides improved his nasal and pulmonary symptoms, but inflammation of the bilateral pleural cavities caused bronchial fistulas. Aspergillus fumigatus then infected the bilateral pulmonary cavities through these fistulas. This patient was treated with combined therapy of ITCZ and MCFG was given to this patient because of the risk of renal dysfunction associated with AMPH-B. After 5 weeks of treatment his clinical findings had improved and the fungus was suppressed.

Adult↗

Inhibition of skin sclerosis by 15deoxy delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 and retrovirally transfected prostaglandin D synthase in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma.

Hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (PGDS) is a key enzyme involved in production of the PGD and J series, which have various role in inflammation and immunity. We evaluated the effect of treatment with 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)) or the injection of prostaglandin D(2) synthase (PGDS) cDNA expressing-retrovirally transfected fibroblasts on bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma-like skin sclerosis. Daily injection of BLM (30 microg) for 4 weeks induced histological evidence of dermal sclerosis in C3H mice. We examined the effect of injection of 15d-PGJ(2) (30 ng twice a day) or PGDS expressing-retrovirally transfected fibroblast on BLM-induced dermal sclerosis. Administration of 15d-PGJ(2) (a nonenzymatic metabolite of PGD(2)) injection of PGDS cDNA-expressing fibroblasts significantly reduced dermal sclerosis, the hydroxyproline content, and dermal thickness. Moreover, 15-d PGJ2 down-regulation of the expression of transforming growth factor beta(1) and connective tissue growth factor which had been induced by BLM. Mast cells were also increased in the skin by BLM injection and there was prominent degranulation of these mast cells along with elevated plasma histamine levels. 15-d PGJ(2) and PGDS-expressing cells also suppressed degranulation of cultured mast cells and histamine release by these cells. These results show that 15-d PGJ(2) and PGDS-expressing cells can prevent experimental skin sclerosis induced by BLM and raise the possibility of therapeutic approaches targeting of PPARgamma for the skin lesion of scleroderma.

Animals↗

Host stromal bradykinin B2 receptor signaling facilitates tumor-associated angiogenesis and tumor growth.

We evaluated the significance of the host kallikrein-kinin system in tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth using two rodent models genetically deficient in a kallikrein-kinin system. Inoculation of Walker 256 carcinoma cells into the s.c. tissues of the back of normal Brown Norway Kitasato rats (BN-Ki rats) resulted in the rapid development of solid tumors with marked angiogenesis. By contrast, in kininogen-deficient Brown Norway Katholiek rats (BN-Ka rats), which cannot generate intrinsic bradykinin (BK), the weights of the tumors and the extent of angiogenesis were significantly less than those in BN-Ki rats. Daily administration of B(2) receptor antagonists significantly reduced angiogenesis and tumor weights in BN-Ki rats to levels similar to those in BN-Ka rats but did not do so in BN-Ka rats. Angiogenesis and tumor growth were significantly suppressed in B(2) receptor knockout mice bearing sarcoma 180 compared with their wild-type counterparts. Immunoreactive vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was localized in Walker tumor stroma more extensively in BN-Ki rats than in BN-Ka rats, although immunoreactive B(2) receptor also was detected in the stroma to the same extent in both types of rats. Cultured stromal fibroblasts isolated from BN-Ki rats and BN-Ka rats produced VEGF in response to BK (10(-8)-10(-6) m), and this stimulatory effect of BK was abolished with a B(2) receptor antagonist, Hoe140 (10(-5) m). These results suggest that BK generated from kininogens supplied from the host may facilitate tumor-associated angiogenesis and tumor growth by stimulating stromal B(2) signaling to up-regulate VEGF production mainly in fibroblasts.

Animals↗

Host prostaglandin E(2)-EP3 signaling regulates tumor-associated angiogenesis and tumor growth.

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatories are known to suppress incidence and progression of malignancies including colorectal cancers. However, the precise mechanism of this action remains unknown. Using prostaglandin (PG) receptor knockout mice, we have evaluated a role of PGs in tumor-associated angiogenesis and tumor growth, and identified PG receptors involved. Sarcoma-180 cells implanted in wild-type (WT) mice formed a tumor with extensive angiogenesis, which was greatly suppressed by specific inhibitors for cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 but not for COX-1. Angiogenesis in sponge implantation model, which can mimic tumor-stromal angiogenesis, was markedly suppressed in mice lacking EP3 (EP3(-/-)) with reduced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) around the sponge implants. Further, implanted tumor growth (sarcoma-180, Lewis lung carcinoma) was markedly suppressed in EP3(-/-), in which tumor-associated angiogenesis was also reduced. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that major VEGF-expressing cells in the stroma were CD3/Mac-1 double-negative fibroblasts, and that VEGF-expression in the stroma was markedly reduced in EP3(-/-), compared with WT. Application of an EP3 receptor antagonist inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis in WT, but not in EP3(-/-). These results demonstrate significance of host stromal PGE(2)-EP3 receptor signaling in tumor development and angiogenesis. An EP3 receptor antagonist may be a candidate of chemopreventive agents effective for malignant tumors.

Animals↗

Inhibition of monosodium urate monohydrate crystal-induced acute inflammation by retrovirally transfected prostaglandin D synthase.

OBJECTIVE: Hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (H-PGDS) is a key enzyme in the production of prostaglandin D and its J series metabolites. We evaluated the antiinflammatory effect of retrovirally transfected H-PGDS in order to investigate the role of H-PGDS in monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystal-induced acute inflammation. METHODS: Expression of endogenous PGDS in a murine air-pouch model of MSU crystal-induced acute inflammation was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. H-PGDS complementary DNA (cDNA) was retrovirally transfected into C57BL/6J fibroblasts, and the cells were designated as C57-PGDS cells. Production of prostaglandins by C57-PGDS cells was measured by enzyme immunoassay. The effect of C57-PGDS cells on crystal-induced inflammation was investigated. RESULTS: Injection of the crystals caused a rapid decrease in H-PGDS expression by infiltrating cells and by the soft tissues around the air pouches. In contrast, expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) as well as cellular infiltration were significantly increased during the early stage of inflammation. C57-PGDS cells, but not control cells, produced an increased amount of PGD(2) in vitro, but suppressed production of PGE(2). Injection of C57-PGDS cells into air pouches inhibited cellular infiltration and MIP-2 and IL-1beta expression. CONCLUSION: In this murine air-pouch model of MSU crystal-induced inflammation, retrovirally transfected H-PGDS cDNA could reduce cellular infiltration, at least partly by inhibiting MIP-2 and IL-1beta. These findings suggest that gene therapy with H-PGDS may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases.

Acute Disease↗

Retrovirally introduced prostaglandin D2 synthase suppresses lung injury induced by bleomycin.

Hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (PGDS) is a key enzyme to produce prostaglandin (PG) D and J series. These PGs are involved in inflammation and immune system. The PGDS complementary DNA (cDNA)-expressing retrovirally transfected fibroblasts were introduced in vivo, and effect of the expression on lung injury induced by bleomycin was investigated in mice. Intravenous injection of PGDS cDNA-expressing fibroblasts significantly reduced lung edema, leukocyte infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and pulmonary collagen content at 4 wk after instillation of bleomycin. Survival rate in mice instilled with the PGDS-expressing fibroblasts was higher than that in mice that received the mock transfection. Administration of 15-deoxy-Delta 12,14-PGJ2, which is a nonenzymatic metabolite of PGD2, also attenuated the lung injury, suggesting mediation of PGs produced by PGDS for the attenuation. Introduction of PGDS cDNA-expressing fibroblasts suppressed expression of basic fibroblast growth factor, connective tissue growth factor, and collagen messenger RNAs in the lungs, as well as the levels of total proteins and hemoglobin in BAL fluid. These data suggest that the suppressive effect of PGDS on the lung injury could be partly mediated by edema formation and inhibition of genes involved in the fibrotic change.

Animals↗

Differential expression of leukotriene B4 receptor subtypes (BLT1 and BLT2) in human synovial tissues and synovial fluid leukocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptors in inflammatory arthritis, we investigated the expression of BLT1 and BLT2 mRNA in synovial tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. BLT1 and BLT2 mRNA were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization in synovial tissues from 40 patients with RA and 10 patients with OA. Results. BLT2 (the low-affinity receptor for LTB4) showed stronger expression than BLT1 (the high-affinity receptor) in actively inflamed synovial tissue from patients with RA. Synovial macrophages, fibroblast-like cells, and lymphocytes expressed BLT2 mRNA in RA synovial tissues showing active inflammation. BLT2 mRNA was strongly expressed in the synovial lining cells, which also expressed 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme that synthesizes LTB4. BLT1 and BLT2 mRNA expression in synovial tissues was stronger in RA than in OA by real-time quantitative PCR. In contrast, leukocytes infiltrating synovial fluid predominantly expressed BLT1 mRNA in patients with RA. It was recently reported that these 2 receptors for LTB4 have quite different pharmacological effects and a different tissue distribution. Conclusion. BLT2 is the main receptor mediating the effects of LTB4 in the synovial tissues of patients with RA; this suggests the possibility of developing a new therapy to block LTB4 in inflammatory arthritis.

Aged↗

Binary regulation of interleukin (IL)-6 production by EP1 and EP2/EP4 subtypes of PGE2 receptors in IL-1beta-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) exerts its biological actions via EP receptors, which are divided into four subtypes of EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4. In the present study, we investigated whether PGE2 regulated interleukin (IL)-6 production in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) stimulated with IL-1beta and if so, which subtype(s) of PGE2 receptors were involved. Indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, significantly enhanced IL-1beta-induced IL-6 production by HGF, although it completely inhibited IL-1beta-induced PGE2 production. Exogenous PGE2 suppressed the IL-1beta-induced IL-6 production. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that mRNA of EP1, EP2 and EP4, but not EP3 mRNA, was expressed in unstimulated and IL-1beta-stimulated HGF. 11-deoxy-PGE1, a selective EP2/EP3/EP4 agonist, and butaprost, a selective EP2 agonist, inhibited IL-1beta-induced IL-6 production, although butaprost was less potent than 11-deoxy-PGE1. 17-phenyl-omega-trinor PGE2, an EP1 agonist, enhanced IL-1beta-induced IL-6 production. Based on these data, we suggest that PGE2 can up- or downregulate IL-1beta-induced IL-6 production via EP1 receptors or via EP2/EP4 receptors in HGF, respectively. Expression and function of EP1, EP2 and EP4 receptors in HGF may play critical roles in controlling inflammatory periodontal conditions.

Alprostadil↗

Down-regulation of lipoxin A4 receptor by thromboxane A2 signaling in RAW246.7 cells in vitro and bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in vivo.

Lipoxins (LXs) are members of eicosanoid family that can be endogenously produced during cell-to-cell interactions such as platelet-leukocyte interactions. Anti-inflammatory function of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) as "braking signals" is mediated by the receptor. On the other hand, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) produced by catalysis of cyclooxygenase and thromboxane synthetase is released during platelet aggregation as a vasoconstrictor and a pro-inflammatory factor. To investigate interaction of TXA2 receptor (TP) and LXA4 receptor, effects of a TP agonist and a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor on expression of LXA4 receptor were examined in vitro and in vivo. A TP agonist, U46619 showed a down-regulation of LXA4 receptor induced by interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in RAW246.7 cells. In bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice, administration of a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor DP-1904 increased LXA4 receptor mRNA and decreased type I collagen mRNA. In vitro experiments indicate that LXA4 significantly prevented enhanced proliferation of NIH3T3 fibroblasts and the collagen expression by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). These results suggest that TXA2-TP signaling could cause negative regulation of lipoxin A4 receptor under the transcriptional level during inflammatory process mediated by IL-1beta and TGF-beta induce the expression of LXA4 receptor. Furthermore, the down-regulation of LXA4 receptor by TXA2 implies a possibility that a cellular signaling by TXA2 may have a novel and potential function as a pro-inflammatory factor to inhibit anti-inflammatory effect of LXA4. Concomitantly, selective blockade of TXA2-TP signaling could be suggested to lead to anti-inflammation through active role of LXA4.

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