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Biomedical subjects

J A Elias

Publications and source records attributed to J A Elias.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Cytokine regulation of human lung fibroblast hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) production. Evidence for cytokine-regulated hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) degradation and human lung fibroblast-derived hyaluronidase.

We characterized the mechanisms by which recombinant (r) tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IFN-gamma, and IL-1, alone and in combination, regulate human lung fibroblast hyaluronic acid (HA) production. Each cytokine stimulated fibroblast HA production. The combination of rTNF and rIFN-gamma resulted in a synergistic increase in the production of high molecular weight HA. This was due to a synergistic increase in hyaluronate synthetase activity and a simultaneous decrease in HA degradation. In contrast, when rTNF and rIL-1 were combined, an additive increase in low molecular weight HA was noted. This was due to a synergistic increase in hyaluronate synthetase activity and a simultaneous increase in HA degradation. Human lung fibroblasts contained a hyaluronidase that, at pH 3.7, depolymerized high molecular weight HA to 10-40 kD end products of digestion. However, hyaluronidase activity did not correlate with fibroblast HA degradation. Instead, HA degradation correlated with fibroblast-HA binding, which was increased by rIL-1 plus rTNF and decreased by rIFN-gamma plus rTNF. Recombinant IL-1 and rTNF weakly stimulated and rIL-1 and rTNF in combination further augmented the levels of CD44 mRNA in lung fibroblasts. In contrast, rIFN-gamma did not significantly alter the levels of CD44 mRNA in unstimulated or rTNF stimulated cells. These studies demonstrate that rIL-1, rTNF, and rIFN-gamma have complex effects on biosynthesis and degradation which alter the quantity and molecular weight of the HA produced by lung fibroblasts. They also show that fibroblast HA degradation is mediated by a previously unrecognized lysosomal-type hyaluronidase whose function may be regulated by altering fibroblast-HA binding. Lastly, they suggest that the CD44 HA receptor may be involved in this process.

Adult

Transforming growth factor-beta regulation of IL-6 production by unstimulated and IL-1-stimulated human fibroblasts.

We characterized the ability of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) to regulate IL-6 production by unstimulated and rIL-1-stimulated lung fibroblasts. rTGF-beta 1-, purified TGF-beta 1-, and purified TGF-beta 2-stimulated fibroblasts produced IL-6 bioactivity as assessed with the B9 hybridoma proliferation assay. These TGF-beta moieties also bidirectionally regulated the IL-6 production of rIL-1-stimulated fibroblasts. The addition of TGF-beta to cultures in which fibroblasts were vigorously stimulated with rIL-1 resulted in an inhibition of fibroblast IL-6 production and mRNA accumulation. In contrast, the addition of TGF-beta to cultures in which fibroblasts were incubated with suboptimal concentrations of rIL-1 resulted in a synergistic increase in IL-6 production and mRNA accumulation [corrected]. Nuclear run-on analysis demonstrated that IL-6 gene [corrected] transcription was synergistically augmented when rTGF-beta 1 was combined with suboptimal concentrations of rIL-1. These studies demonstrate that TGF-beta stimulates fibroblast IL-6 production. They also show that TGF-beta can augment or inhibit the IL-6 production of IL-1-stimulated fibroblasts. Lastly, [corrected] they demonstrate that the stimulatory effects of TGF-beta are, at least partially, mediated by alterations in IL-6 gene transcription. TGF-beta may be an important regulator of IL-6 production. stimulated fibroblasts. Last, they demonstrate that the stimulatory effects of TGF-beta are, at least partially, mediated by alterations in IL-6 gene transcription. TGF-beta may be an important regulator of IL-6 production.

Cells, Cultured

IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor synergistically stimulate fibroblast IL-6 production and stabilize IL-6 messenger RNA.

We characterized the effects of rIL-1 and rTNF on human lung fibroblast IL-6 production. rIL-1 was a potent stimulator, rTNF only marginally stimulated, and rIL-1 and rTNF in combination synergistically stimulated IL-6 protein production. These changes were associated with proportionate alterations in IL-6 mRNA accumulation. Nuclear run-on analysis demonstrated that the effects of rIL-1 and rTNF individually were associated with increased IL-6 gene transcription. In contrast, alterations in gene transcription could not fully explain the synergistic effects of rIL-1 and rTNF in combination. However, IL-6 mRNA was significantly more stable in cells stimulated with rIL-1 plus rTNF than in cells stimulated with rIL-1 alone. Thus the synergistic effects of rIL-1 and rTNF in combination were mediated, at least partially, by an alteration in the stability of IL-6 mRNA. Alterations in mRNA stability may be an important mechanism of cytokine-cytokine synergy.

Blotting, Northern

Regulation of human lung fibroblast collagen production by recombinant interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and interferon-gamma.

Several cytokines have been shown to modulate the synthesis of matrix molecules, but few reports have defined how the cytokines interact with one another in mediating these regulatory effects. To define the cytokine network regulating collagen production, we have studied the effects of interferon-gamma, interleukin-1, and tumor necrosis factor on collagen synthesis by cultured human lung fibroblasts. Confluent cells were treated with cytokines for 24 h in the absence of serum or in media containing 1% serum. In the absence of serum, IL-1 and TNF each dose-dependently stimulated types I and III collagen production, with a maximal 2-4-fold increase in collagen accumulation being observed. Cells treated with IL-1 and TNF in combination showed less stimulation than with either cytokine alone. IFN-gamma also diminished the stimulatory effects of both IL-1 and TNF. In contrast, in 1% serum IL-1 and TNF individually had relatively minor effects, while IFN-gamma inhibited collagen production. However, the combination of IL-1 and TNF inhibited collagen production. Generally, these effects were achieved through control of mRNA levels. These studies demonstrate the existence of a cytokine network regulating fibroblast collagen production and suggest that cytokine effects in vivo may vary depending upon the constellation of factors present in the tissue.

Adult

Interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor synergistically stimulate lung fibroblast interleukin-1 alpha production.

We determined whether normal human lung fibroblasts expressed cell-associated thymocyte-stimulating activity in response to recombinant interleukin-1 (rIL-1) (alpha and beta) and recombinant tumor necrosis factor (rTNF). Individually, rIL-1 and rTNF induced fibroblast expression of thymocyte-stimulating activity, with rIL-1 being significantly more potent. Importantly, combining rIL-1 and rTNF resulted in a synergistic increase in fibroblast thymocyte-stimulating activity. This synergistic interaction was dose dependent for both cytokines and was not noted when gamma-interferon was combined with rIL-1 or rTNF. In all cases, the thymocyte-stimulating activity was the result of an IL-1 alpha-like moiety whose maximal production required protein synthesis. IL-1 alpha activity could be detected after as little as 4 h, peaked after 24 h, and returned toward normal with longer periods of cytokine-fibroblast incubation. However, cytokine-stimulated fibroblasts that no longer expressed IL-1 alpha activity could be induced to re-express this activity with repeat cytokine challenge. Induction of fibroblast IL-1 alpha by IL-1 and/or TNF may be an important mechanism amplifying IL-1-mediated biologic events at sites of local inflammation.

Cell Adhesion

Human alveolar macrophage and blood monocyte interleukin-6 production.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) modulates a number of processes relevant to host immunity and inflammation. We investigated the capacity of the human alveolar macrophage to elaborate IL-6 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), recombinant interleukin-1 (rIL-1), and recombinant tumor necrosis factor (rTNF), and compared macrophage IL-6 production to that of blood monocytes and lung fibroblasts. Unstimulated and TNF-stimulated alveolar macrophages and monocytes produced little or no detectable IL-6. In contrast, macrophages and monocytes produced large amounts of IL-6 in response to LPS and monocytes produced lesser but readily detectable amounts in response to rIL-1. Monocytes and alveolar macrophages differed significantly in their capacity to produce IL-6, with macrophages making more IL-6 in response to LPS and less IL-6 in response to rIL-1 than autologous blood monocytes. Monocytes aged in vitro produced little detectable IL-6 in response to LPS or rIL-1, suggesting that differences in cell maturity may account for the diminished capacity of the alveolar macrophage to produce IL-6 in response to IL-1 but not its enhanced capacity to produce IL-6 in response to LPS. Mononuclear phagocytes and lung fibroblasts also differed in their ability to produce IL-6. Lung fibroblasts produced more IL-6 in response to rIL-1 and less IL-6 in response to LPS than monocytes and macrophages. In addition, monocytes and macrophages elaborated electrophoretically identical IL-6 moieties that differed from those produced by lung fibroblasts. These differences could be at least partially attributed to differences in sialylation and/or glycosylation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell Differentiation

Cytokine networks in the regulation of inflammation and fibrosis in the lung.

To understand the processes regulating inflammation and fibrosis in the human lung, we characterized the effects of recombinant interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and gamma interferon on fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, interleukin-1-alpha production, interleukin-1-beta production, and interleukin-6-production. These studies demonstrated the existence of complex cytokine networks by which inflammatory cells regulate fibroblast function and fibroblasts, in turn, feed back to regulate inflammatory cell function. They also demonstrated that, in this complex network, the effect of an individual cytokine varies with the state of activation of the target cell, the presence of other cytokines in the local microenvironment, and the ability of the target cell to produce bioactive autocoids such as prostaglandins. Aspects of this cytokine network are discussed and a testable hypothesis for granuloma and abscess formation is detailed.

Cell Division

Tumor necrosis factor interacts with interleukin-1 and interferons to inhibit fibroblast proliferation via fibroblast prostaglandin-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Mononuclear cells are important regulators of fibroblast function. However, the soluble factors mediating these effects and the importance of intercytokine interactions in these regulating events remain poorly understood. We analyzed the effect of recombinant (r) interleukin-1-alpha (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and gamma, alpha, and beta 1 interferons (IFN), alone and in combination, on the proliferation of normal human lung fibroblasts. rIL-1 and rTNF weakly stimulated and the rIFNs inhibited fibroblast proliferation. Importantly, when rTNF was combined with rIL-1 or rIFN, synergistic inhibition of fibroblast proliferation was noted. The inhibition caused by rIFN-gamma plus rTNF was largely independent of fibroblast prostaglandin (PG) production because fibroblast PG levels were unaltered in the presence of these cytokines and blocking fibroblast PG production did not alter their inhibitory effect. In contrast, the inhibition caused by rIL-1 plus rTNF appeared to be at least partially mediated by fibroblast PG production because these cytokines acted synergistically to stimulate fibroblast PG production and blocking fibroblast PG production reversed the inhibition that they caused. These studies demonstrate that TNF can interact with IL-1 or IFN to inhibit the proliferation of normal diploid fibroblasts and that the inhibitory effects of these cytokine combinations are mediated by different mechanisms.

Cell Division

Regulation of human lung fibroblast glycosaminoglycan production by recombinant interferons, tumor necrosis factor, and lymphotoxin.

Mononuclear cells may be important regulators of fibroblast glycosaminoglycan (GAG) biosynthesis. However, the soluble factors mediating these effects, the importance of intercytokine interactions in this regulation and the mechanisms of these alterations remain poorly understood. We analyzed the effect of recombinant (r) tumor necrosis factor (TNF), lymphotoxin (LT), and gamma, alpha, and beta 1 interferons (INF-gamma, -alpha and -beta 1), alone and in combination, on GAG production by normal human lung fibroblasts. rTNF, rLT, and rINF-gamma each stimulated fibroblast GAG production. In addition, rIFN-gamma synergized with rTNF and rLT to further augment GAG biosynthesis. In contrast, IFN-alpha A, -alpha D, and -beta 1 neither stimulated fibroblast GAG production nor interacted with rTNF or rLT to regulate GAG biosynthesis. The effects of the stimulatory cytokines and cytokine combinations were dose dependent and were abrogated by the respective monoclonal antibodies. In addition, these cytokines did not cause an alteration in the distribution of GAG between the fibroblast cell layer and supernatant. However, the stimulation was at least partially specific for particular GAG moieties with hyaluronic acid biosynthesis being markedly augmented without a comparable increase in the production of sulfated GAGs. Fibroblast prostaglandin production did not mediate these alterations since indomethacin did not decrease the stimulatory effects of the cytokines. In contrast, protein and mRNA synthesis appeared to play a role since the stimulatory effects of the cytokines were abrogated by cyclohexamide and actinomycin D, respectively. In addition, the cytokines and cytokine combinations increased cellular hyaluronate synthetase activity in proportion to their effects on hyaluronic acid suggesting that induction of this enzyme(s) is important in this stimulatory process. These studies demonstrate that IFN-gamma, TNF, and LT are important stimulators of fibroblast GAG biosynthesis, that interactions between these cytokines may be important in this regulatory process, that these cytokines predominantly stimulate hyaluronic acid production and that this effect may be mediated by stimulation of fibroblast hyaluronate synthetase activity.

Biological Products

Changes in ovarian and pituitary function in non-pregnant women during the infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha.

The concentrations of prostaglandin F2alpha, progesterone, oestradiol, LH and cortisol have been determined in serial samples of peripheral venous plasma, before, during and after, the intravenous administration of prostaglandin F2alpha (50 mug/min, for 5 h) to 8 women in the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle. The results show that the mean concentrations of prostaglandin F2alpha and cortisol increased during the infusion by factors of 8.8 and 2.6 respectively. The highest levels of cortisol occurred after 3 h, and were significantly different (P less than 0.0005, Student's t-test) from those obtained before the infusion. There were progressive decreases in the concentrations of LH and progesterone. After 3 h the values for LH were significantly lower (P less than 0.0025) than those before the administration of prostaglandin F2alpha, and the lowest mean value was 26% of the control. The values for progesterone were significantly lower (P less than 0.025) after 5 h, and the mean value at this time was 38% of the control. The pattern of the mean concentration for oestradiol was similar to that for progesterone. The levels of all 5 compounds had returned to normal within 1 h after completion of the infusion. The findings are discussed.

Adrenal Cortex