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Biomedical subjects

Mario Mariano

Publications and source records attributed to Mario Mariano.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Recombinant interleukin-4-treated macrophages, epithelioid cell surrogates, harbor and arrest Mycobacterium avium multiplication in vitro.

Our group has previously described that murine peritoneal macrophages treated in vitro for 7 days with recombinant interleukin-4 (rIL-4) acquire morphological and functional characteristics of epithelioid cells (ECs) found in granulomatous lesions. Although EC function has not been clarified so far, it has been suggested that these cells could present antigens and control multiplication of mycobacteria. These aspects have been addressed here using in vitro EC surrogates. Using immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence methods, we have observed an increased expression of CD11b, CD54, CD86 and CD40 molecules on rIL-4-treated macrophages when compared to untreated ones. Cytokine-treated cells were less phagocytic for latex beads (P<0.03) and more pinocytic for dextran particles than untreated macrophages. T-cell lymphoproliferation assays using ovalbumin (OVA) and Mycobacterium avium as antigens showed that both cultured macrophages were equally efficient as antigen presenting cells (APCs). However, M. avium antigens were better presented in vivo by EC surrogates (P<0.01). Both macrophage cultures were similarly infected by M. avium. However, while the infection level was maintained in the cytokine-treated population, untreated macrophages showed a progressive increase in the number of bacilli/cell with time (P<0.01) and a reduction of about 65% in cell population. After 96 h of M. avium infection, untreated cells secreted higher amounts of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P<0.005) while rIL-4-treated macrophages showed higher, although not significant, transforming growth factor-beta production. Also, EC surrogates produced less nitric oxide than control macrophages (P<0.05). Hence, EC surrogates restrain M. avium growth and act as APCs in vitro and in vivo.

Animals↗

Granuloma formation in vitro requires B-1 cells and is modulated by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis gp43 antigen.

The mechanisms that determine granuloma formation and the significance of this type of inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of fungal diseases such as paracoccidioidomycosis are far from fully understood. We developed a granuloma model in vitro using beads to evaluate the role of isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages and B-1 cells. We also investigated granuloma formation in the presence of gp43, the main antigenic component of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which is secreted exocellularly. To determine whether B-1 cells, macrophages, or both, participate in granuloma formation, peritoneal cells from Xid mice, which lack B-1 cells, were used. Granuloma-like structures were not formed with Xid peritoneal cells or with cells from wild type mice that had their peritoneal and pleural cavities irradiated before the cultures were established. Granulomas were observed either when total adherent peritoneal cells or when isolated B-1 cells were added to macrophage cultures. The data strongly suggest that an interaction of B-1 cells and macrophages plays an important role in granuloma-like formation in this experimental model and that the presence of gp43 strongly stimulates this response.

Animals↗

Neutrophilic cell-free exudate induces antinociception mediate by the protein S100A9.

Calcium-binding protein S100A9 (MRP-14) induces antinociceptive effect in an experimental model of painful sensibility and participates of antinociception observed during neutrophilic peritonitis induced by glycogen or carrageenan in mice. In this study, the direct antinociceptive role of the protein S100A9 in neutrophilic cell-free exudates obtained of mice injected with glycogen was investigated. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with a glycogen solution, and after 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours, either the pattern of cell migration of the peritoneal exudate or the nociceptive response of animals was evaluated. The glycogen-induced neutrophilic peritonitis evoked antinociception 4 and 8 hours after inoculation of the irritant. Peritoneal cell-free exudates, collected in different times after the irritant injection, were transferred to naive animals which were submitted to the nociceptive test. The transference of exudates also induced antinociceptive effect, and neutralization of S100A9 activity by anti-S100A9 monoclonal antibody totally reverted this response. This effect was not observed when experiments were made 24 or 48 hours after glycogen injection. These results clearly indicate that S100A9 is secreted during glycogen-induced neutrophilic peritonitis, and that this protein is responsible by antinociception observed in the initial phase of inflammatory reaction. Thus, these data reinforce the hypothesis that the calcium-binding protein S100A9 participates of the endogenous control of inflammatory pain.

Analgesics↗

Autoantibodies directed to extracellular matrix components in patients with different clinical forms of periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease occurs in different clinical forms, from mild and easily controllable to more aggressive inflammatory manifestations, with difficult clinical or surgical control. There is evidence that a local autoimmune reaction may participate in the onset and persistence of the aggressive forms of periodontal disease. As the underlying mechanism in this process is not fully understood, we decided to investigate whether patients bearing this form of disease presented higher levels of antibodies directed to extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as type I collagen, fibronectin, and laminin. METHODS: Three groups of patients were selected by clinical criteria: 22 subjects with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) = group A; 18 subjects with chronic periodontitis (CP) = group B; and 10 healthy (H) volunteers without periodontal disease = group C. Autoantibody levels were evaluated in the sera of these patients using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: The levels of autoantibodies directed to ECM components (type I collagen, fibronectin and laminin) in the sera of patients with AgP and CP were shown to be statistically different (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the present findings suggest an involvement of autoantibodies directed to ECM components per se in the pathogeny of certain types of periodontal disease, the available data do not support the classification of the lesions as autoimmune. Nevertheless, the findings open a possibility for the development of an additional method for a differential diagnosis of the aggressive forms of periodontal disease.

Adolescent↗

B-1 cells are pivotal for in vivo inflammatory giant cell formation.

The mechanisms that govern giant cell (GC) formation in inflammatory, neoplastic and physiologic conditions are far from being understood. Here, we demonstrate that B-1 cells are essential for foreign-body GC formation in the mouse. GCs were analysed on the surface of glass cover slips implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of the animals. It was demonstrated that GCs are almost absent on cover slips implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of BALB/c or CBA/N X-linked immunodeficient mice. As these animals do not have B-1 cells in the peritoneal cavity, they were reconstituted with B-1 cells obtained from cultures of adherent mouse peritoneal cells. Results showed that in B-1-reconstituted animals, the number of GCs on the implant surface surpassed the values obtained with preparations from wild animals. In animals selectively irradiated (pleural and peritoneal cavities) to deplete these cavities of B-1 cells, GCs were also not formed. Enriched suspensions of B-1 cells grown in culture were labelled with [(3)H]-tymidine and injected into the peritoneal cavity of naive mice before implantation of glass cover slips. After 4 days, about 17% of mononuclear cells had their nuclei labelled, and almost 70% of GCs had one or more of their nuclei labelled when analysed by histoautoradiographic technique. A few GCs expressed an immunoglobulin M when analysed by immunostaining and confocal microscopy. Overall, these data demonstrate that B-1 cells are pivotal in the mechanisms of foreign-body GC formation in the mouse.

Animals↗

High expression of myeloid-related proteins 8 and 14 characterizes an inflammatorily active but ineffective response of macrophages during leprosy.

Macrophages are decisive cells for the course of leprosy as they phagocytose Mycobacterium leprae and have the potential to influence the specific immune response. Expression and release of the myeloid-related protein (MRP) 8 and MRP14 (S100A8 and S100A9) characterize a proinflammatory subtype of macrophage that is prominent in, for example, murine infection with lack of a T helper 1 cell response and in certain highly active chronic inflammations of mice and humans. We investigated cutaneous biopsies of the different forms of leprosy (41 untreated patients) including leprosy reaction type 1 (reversal reaction) and type 2 (erythema nodosum leprosum) (n = 18) for expression of MRP8 and MRP14 by subtypes of macrophages. Concomitantly we determined serum levels of MRP8 and MRP14 by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of MRP8 and MRP14 by CD68-positive macrophages was low in tuberculoid leprosy and rose significantly in borderline tuberculoid leprosy and especially in multibacillary forms, there being expressed by mycobacteria-loaded foam cells. A significant rise of MRP8 and MRP14 expression also occurred in lepra reactions compared to the corresponding non-reactional forms. In type 2 reactions this additional increase was associated with a significant elevation of serum levels. In type 1 it was associated with expression of MRP8 and MRP14 by epitheloid and giant cells, which so far were considered not to express both proteins. In conclusion, we present evidence that the two prominent proteins MRP8 and MRP14 can be re-expressed in vivo by tissue macrophages in chronic infection, that their increased expression is characteristic for a macrophage subtype associated with high inflammatory but low antimycobacterial activity in the absence of a T helper 1 response, and that their significant rise in serum during erythema nodosum leprosum bears diagnostic and pathophysiological relevance.

Adolescent↗

Interleukin-10 secreted by B-1 cells modulates the phagocytic activity of murine macrophages in vitro.

As demonstrated previously in our laboratory, B-1 cells migrate from the peritoneal cavity of mice and home to a distant site of inflammation to become macrophage-like cells. However, the influence that these cells might have on the kinetics and fate of the inflammatory process is not known. Considering that macrophages are pivotal in the inflammatory reaction, we decided to investigate the possible influence B-1 cells could have on macrophage activities in vitro. Our results show that peritoneal macrophages from Xid mice, a mouse strain deprived of B-1 cells, have higher phagocytic indexes for zymozan particles when compared with macrophages from wild-type mice. Moreover, macrophages from wild-type mice have a lower ability to release nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide when compared with macrophages from Xid mice. Experiments using cocultures of B-1 cells and macrophages from Xid mice in transwell plates demonstrated that B-1 cells down-regulate macrophage activities. These observations also indicate that this phenomenon is not due to a physical interaction between these two cell populations. As B-1 cells are one of the main sources of interleukin (IL)-10, we demonstrate in this study that adherent peritoneal cells from Xid mice produce significantly less amounts of this cytokine in culture when compared with IL-10 production by cells from wild-type mice. When B-1 cells from IL-10 knock-out mice and macrophages from wild-type mice were cocultured in transwell plates, the phagocytic index of macrophages was not altered demonstrating that B-1 cells can influence the effector functions of macrophages in vitro via IL-10 secretion.

Animals↗

Treatment with Propionibacterium acnes modulates the late phase reaction of immediate hypersensitivity in mice.

The administration of killed Propionibacterium acnes suspension to mice enhances macrophage phagocytic and tumoricidal activities, have an adjuvant effect to antibody response and increases resistance to infection. Recent reports demonstrated that P. acnes treatment promotes IL-12 and IL-18 synthesis in mice inducing IFN-gamma release, enhancement of IgG2a switch and inhibition of Th2 cell expansion. These findings led us to investigate whether P. acnes could modulate hypersensitivity type I reaction observed in a murine model. Animals were implanted with heat coagulated hen's egg white (HEW) into the subcutaneous tissue, followed by OVA-challenge in the footpad. The observed reaction was characterized by elevated Th2 cytokine levels, especially IL-4 and increase in eosinophil infiltration as occurs in the late phase reaction (LPR) of type I hypersensitivity, a pattern observed in allergic asthma in human. Two different biological effects were induced by killed P. acnes depending on the experimental protocol used. When mice were treated with one dose of P. acnes per week during 3 weeks and the last dose administrated at the same time of HEW implantation, a strong adjuvant effect on type I hypersensitivity reaction with intense eosinophilic infiltration was observed. On the other hand, when the HEW implant was made 1 week after the administration of the last dose of P. acnes, animals developed a typical delayed type hypersensitivity reaction, and a cytokines pattern characteristic of the Th1 immune response.

Animals↗

Modulation of proliferation, differentiation and cytokine secretion of murine B-1b cells by proteins of the extracellular matrix.

At least three B cell subsets, B-1a (Ly-1B), B-1b and B-2, are present in the mouse periphery. B-1a and B1-b cells represent a small population in the adult spleen and are abundant in the peritonial and pleural cavities. It has been demonstrated in our laboratory that B-1b cells spontaneously proliferated in stationary cultures of adherent peritonial cells. Further, that these cells migrate to a non-specific inflammatory focus. Based on these findings, it was investigated whether components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) might selectively influence the adherence, proliferation and cytokine production of these cells in vitro. Results showed that collagen induced a higher level of B-1b cells differentiation into adherent phagocytic cells. It was observed that only fibronectin induced higher level of proliferation than other matrix components. The analysis of cytokine production has shown that the presence of laminin stimulated B-1b cells led to high levels of IL-10 production and fibronectin and collagen induced the production of high levels of TNF-alpha. The combination of fibronectin, collagen and laminin induced higher levels of IL-1beta. These results demonstrate that differentiation, proliferation and cytokine production by B-1b cells are markedly influenced by ECM components.

Animals↗

Murine macrophages cultured with IL-4 acquire a phenotype similar to that of epithelioid cells from granulomatous inflammation.

Epithelioid cells (ECs) found in granulomas are thought to derive from mononuclear phagocytes. Although GM-CSF and/or IL-4 are known to promote cell differentiation their role in the development of ECs has never been demonstrated. Here we showed that mouse macrophages treated exclusively with recombinant IL-4 (rIL-4) differentiate into epithelioid-like cells. Macrophages cultivated with rIL-4 presented a fried-egg shape, and ultrastructural studies revealed membrane interdigitations, cytoplasmic vesicles, prominent Golgi complex, and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Compared with controls, rIL-4 treated cells displayed increased expression of MHC class II molecules and of Migration Inhibitory Factor-Related Protein-14. Whereas mannose receptor-mediated phagocytosis was increased, Fcgamma-receptor mediated phagocytosis and the production of nitric oxide were decreased in treated cultures. All these features overlap those reported for ECs from granulomatous lesions. In conclusion, treatment of mouse peritoneal macrophages with rIL-4 drives their in vitro differentiation to an epithelioid phenotype and provides a tool to investigate the biology of ECs.

Animals↗

Morphological characterization of mouse B-1 cells.

At least three B cell subsets, B-1a, B-1b and B-2 are present circulating peripherally in the mouse. In these animals, B-1 cells constitute a minor fraction of B cells in spleen and are absent in lymph nodes although they represent the main B cell population in peritoneal and pleural cavities. Currently these cells are identified by a surface phenotypic repertoire; they express Mac-1, IgM(high), and B220(low). B-1a cells express CDS. The aim of this work emerged from the fact that the morphology of B-1 cells is not fully characterized. Here we identified B-1 cells using colloidal gold immunocytochemical assays and purified B-1 cells from supernatants of adherent peritoneal cell cultures by a magnetic bead technique. These techniques lead us to demonstrate that, in mice, either B-1a or B-1b cells have a unique morphology distinct from that of B-2 cells.

Animals↗

Immunity and hypersensitivity to gp43 antigen in susceptible and resistant mice infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Pathogenic mechanisms underlying paracoccidioidomycosis are still poorly understood. A well-established murine model of resistance (mouse lineage A/Sn) and susceptibility (lineage B10.A) to P. brasiliensis pulmonary infection was here employed to compare immune response to gp43, the major antigenic component of the fungus. Mice were infected and their cellular and humoral immunity to gp43 were investigated for up to 16 weeks. In both mouse strains, challenge with gp43 indistinguishably evoked a typical immediate-hypersensitivity response, followed by a 24-h late-phase reaction consistent with the same type of immunological activation. IL-4 was detected in cultures of gp43-stimulated lymph node cells only in susceptible animals 2 weeks post-infection, while IL-5 was found throughout the study in both mouse strains. IL-10 appeared in the supernatants of stimulated cells from resistant and susceptible animals in increasing amounts as infection advanced. Conversely, interferon (IFN)-gamma was produced under gp43 stimulation only by cells from A/Sn animals. The humoral response was characterized by low levels of anti-gp43. Titration of IgG isotypes, however, revealed a predominance of IgG1. IgG2a levels were highest in resistant animals, whereas IgG2b levels were highest in susceptible mice. In conclusion, immunity induced by gp43 exhibits common features in A/Sn and B10.A phenotypes, such as immediate hypersensitivity, late phase reaction and high levels of IL-10, but some differences between the strains are also seen.

Animals↗

Characterization of gp70 and anti-gp70 monoclonal antibodies in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis pathogenesis.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic granulomatous mycosis whose agent is Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. In the culture supernatant, the fungus expresses glycoproteins of from 13 to 148 kDa. A cell surface glycoprotein of 43 kDa is the major antigenic component of P. brasiliensis. Another expressed glycoprotein, gp70, is recognized by 96% of sera from PCM patients and is able to induce lymphoproliferation. Since, little is known about this glycoprotein, we produced monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against gp70 to isolate the molecule from total fungus extracts and to investigate its possible role in the pathogenesis of PCM. Using these MAbs, it was observed by confocal microscopy that gp70 is located mainly in the intracellular compartment of the fungus, although it was also detected in the culture supernatant. Based on observations showing that gp43 has a down-regulatory effect on mouse peritoneal macrophages, we tested the effects of gp70 on their phagocytic ability. Purified gp70 was able to inhibit the activity of macrophages through the mannose receptors and also through the Fc receptors; the latter effect was not observed with gp43. gp70 inhibits NO and H(2)O(2) liberation by peritoneal macrophages in vitro, as does gp43. Results obtained with gp43 led us to hypothesize that gp70 could act as an escape mechanism for fungal establishment in primary infections. To corroborate this hypothesis, we analyzed the effect of passive immunization of mice during infection with P. brasiliensis using anti-gp70 MAbs. This treatment almost completely abolished granuloma formation in the lungs, suggesting that the protein facilitates fungal establishment and progression of lesions in primary infection.

Animals↗

Characterization of B-1b cells as antigen presenting cells in the immune response to gp43 from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in vitro.

Antigen presentation is an essential stage in the development of immune response to a specific antigen. This response can lead to the production of antibodies and/or effector T lymphocyte activation. Macrophages, dendritic cells and B-lymphocytes, among others, act as antigen presenting cells. B-lymphocytes capture antigenic particles through a surface receptor of IgM nature. The interaction IgM-antigen leads to endocytosis of the complex and antigen processing which culminates in presentation of the antigen on the cell surface associated with a class II MHC molecule. At least three B cell subsets, B-1a (Ly-1B), B-1b and B-2, are present in the mouse periphery. B-1a and B1-b cells represent a small population in the adult spleen and are abundant in the peritonial and pleural cavities. It has been demonstrated in our laboratory that B-1b cells spontaneously proliferated in stationary cultures of adherent peritonial cells. Further, that these cells migrate to a non-specific inflammatory focus. Based on these findings, we investigated whether these cells are antigen presenting cells in vitro using as antigenic stimulus gp43 from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Results showed that B1-b cells express constitutively high levels of class II MHC and costimulatory molecules inducing an efficient proliferation of gp43 sensitized T lymphocytes.

Animals↗

True deficiency of antioxidant vitamins E and A in dialysis patients. Relationship with clinical patterns of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of uremic atherosclerosis. Although antioxidant substances (vitamins A and E) are elevated in the plasma of dialysis patients, intracellular and clinical signs of hypovitaminosis are frequently found. Recently, the importance of vitamin/carrier complexes as a marker of vitamin bioavailability has been demonstrated. In the present study, we analyzed vitamin A and E bioavailability, measured as vitamin/carrier complexes, and the relationship of those measurements with clinical atherosclerosis status in PD patients. We studied 45 patients (15 men, 30 women), who were divided into four groups according to clinical atherosclerotic score (CAS). Five cases were scored as CAS grade 1 (low CAS); 9 as CAS-2; 18 as CAS-3; and 13 as CAS-4. Vitamins A and E and their carriers [prealbumin and retinol binding protein (vitamin A), and cholesterol and triglycerides (vitamin E)] were determined. Plasma levels of vitamin A were low in 5 patients, normal in 7 patients, and high in 33 patients. By correcting the values for the carrier levels, we created three groups: 24 patients showed low vitamin A/carrier complex (5 from the low plasma vitamin A group, 6 from the normal-value group, and 13 from the high-value group); 11 patients were in the group with normal vitamin A/carrier (1 from the normal plasma vitamin A group, and 10 from the high-value group); and 10 patients were in the group with high vitamin A/carrier. The vitamin A/carrier complex showed a statistically significant, negative linear correlation with CAS and with serum iron. Low vitamin E plasma levels were found in 1 patient, normal levels in 28 patients, and high levels in 16 patients. When those values were corrected using the carrier values, three groups were also created. The group with low vitamin E/carrier complex contained 24 patients (1 from the low-value group, 22 from the normal-value group, and 1 from the high-value group). The group with normal vitamin E/carrier complex contained 21 patients (15 from the group with high vitamin E values, and 6 from the normal-value group). By univariate logistic regression analysis, significant associations between CAS and vitamin E plasma levels, vitamin E/carrier, age, and serum albumin were found. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, we confirmed that vitamin E/carrier complex, age, and serum albumin showed independent associations with CAS, but not with vitamin-only plasma levels. Our results in PD patients show a vitamin/carrier complex disorder that results in elevated vitamin mobilization from pool and target cells. Our results and the findings of other researchers about intracellular vitamin A and E deficiencies may change the traditional concept of hypervitaminosis A and E in uremic patients.

Adult↗

GP43 from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis inhibits macrophage functions. An evasion mechanism of the fungus.

Macrophages constitute one of the primary cellular mechanisms that impairs parasite invasion of host tissues. The phagocytic and microbicidal properties of these cells can be modulated by specific membrane receptors involved in cell-microorganism interactions. Gp43, the main antigen secreted by Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis (Pb), the causative agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis, is a high mannose glycoprotein. The role played by gp43 in the pathogenesis of the disease is not completely known. Here, we describe the influence of this molecule on the interaction between peritoneal murine macrophages and Pb. Phagocytosis of Pb, live or heat-killed, by adherent peritoneal cells from both, B10.A (susceptible) and A/Sn (resistant) mice, was evaluated. Addition of different concentrations of gp43 to the culture medium inhibited, in a dose-dependent pattern, phagocytosis of live or heat-killed Pb by peritoneal macrophages from both B10.A and A/Sn mice. Gp43 also inhibits phagocytosis of zymosan particles but did not interfere with the uptake of opsonized sheep red blood cells. It was also shown that both gp43 and heat-killed Pb have an inhibitory effect on the release of NO by zymosan stimulated macrophages. Finally, we demonstrated that gp43 inhibits the fungicidal ability of macrophages from both lineages. Based on these data, it is suggested that gp43 can be considered one of the evasion mechanisms for the installation of primary infection in susceptible hosts.

Animals↗

Keloid heterograft in the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) cheek pouch, Brazil.

PURPOSE: To study the integration of keloid heterograft in hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) cheek pouch. METHODS: The sample is formed by 18 male hamsters, heterogenic ones, aged between 10 and 14 weeks. Keloid fragments were obtained from keloid scars of the breast region of adult female mulatto patient. Each hamster received keloid fragments into both of its pouches, in a total of 36 grafted fragments. Animals were distributed into 6 groups for having their grafts assessed in the days 5, 12, 21,42, 84, and 168. A macroscopic assessment is performed by comparing the pouch containing the grafted fragment, at each time point, with the same pouch in the immediate post surgical moment through a comparison of standardized photographs. Under microscope, the presence of blood vases is considered within the conjunctive tissue of the grafted fragment, as a criterion of its integration. Other events, as keratin secretion, the presence of cellular infiltrated, epithelium and keloid collagen fibers aspects are also analyzed. RESULTS: Macroscopy reveals intensive vascularization of the pouch up to 12 days from the transplantation and the presence of constant dark brown pigmentation on the grafted keloid fragments. In microscopy, the integration of keloid fragments is considered by the presence of blood capillary vases within conjunctive tissue. The presence of intensive cellular inflammatory type infiltrated up to 12 days is also observed, as well as the remaining of keloid epithelium up to 21 days, and the appearing of melanocytes from the day 42. CONCLUSION: Hamster cheek pouch represents, a priori, an experimental model for the investigation of keloid.

Animals↗