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Biomedical subjects

S Endres

Publications and source records attributed to S Endres.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Regulation of acute phase response after cardiopulmonary bypass by immunomodulation.

The object of this prospective, randomized trial was to study the dysregulation effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on the synthesis pattern of interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-6, which have been identified as the key mediators of acute phase response. In addition, the counterregulation achieved by administration of indomethacin, which blocks the downregulating mediator prostaglandin E2, or indomethacin combined with thymopentin, which enhances T-lymphocytic reactivity, was investigated. Sixty patients who had undergone open heart operations were included in the study. These patients were divided into three groups: group A (n = 20) received both indomethacin and thymopentin, and group C (n = 20) served as control. In control patients interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor synthesis were suppressed postoperatively. This effect was significantly counteracted by indomethacin with no further improvement by adding thymopentin. Interleukin-6 synthesis increased in all groups. Although indomethacin treatment alone had little effect on this phenomenon, additional administration of thymopentin significantly reduced elevated interleukin-6 synthesis. Corresponding differences in clinical outcome could not be detected due to small patient numbers. This study was, however, able to demonstrate that an immunomodulatory therapy can influence alterations in immune mechanisms after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

The specific type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram suppresses tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by human mononuclear cells.

Compounds suppressing the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha are protective in animal models of septic shock. Recent studies demonstrated a beneficial effect of xanthine derivatives, which suppress tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by acting as non-specific cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors. In this experiment we tested the effect of (+/-)-rolipram (racemate) and its enantiomers on human mononuclear cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rolipram has a phenyl-pyrrolidinone structure, unrelated to the methylxanthines, and acts as a specific inhibitor of the type IV phosphodiesterase. Our results identify rolipram as a remarkably potent suppressor of the LPS-induced synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. When compared to the non-specific inhibitor pentoxifylline, the IC50 of (+/-)-rolipram (130 nM) is more than 500 times lower. The influence of rolipram on tumor necrosis factor-alpha production depended on the steric configuration of the molecule, since the (-)-enantiomer exhibited a five times lower IC50 than the (+)-enantiomer. The inhibitory effect of all substances tested is selective for tumor necrosis factor-alpha rather than interleukin-1 beta, since interleukin-1 beta production is only slightly influenced.

Cells, Cultured↗

Alterations of cell-mediated immune response following cardiac surgery.

Nosocomial infections in patients following cardiac surgery are frequently associated with opportunistic microorganisms indicating a dysregulation of cell-mediated immune response. The objective of this prospective randomized trial, therefore, was to investigate the mechanisms of dysregulation and the counterregulatory effects of immunomodulation. Twenty patients underwent conventional postoperative therapy, another 20 patients received indomethacin, which inhibits synthesis of the down-regulating mediator prostaglandin E2, and a further 20 patients were given thymopentin in addition to indomethacin, thereby augmenting activation and differentiation of the T-lymphocytes. The immunologic parameters studied included T-lymphocytes and monocytes as well as interleucin (IL)-1 and IL-6 synthesis by monocytes, and IL-2 and IL-6 synthesis by T-lymphocytes. Following cardiac surgery a significant, persistent reduction of T-lymphocytes and IL-2 synthesis as well as significant monocytosis could be observed. Indomethacin treatment resulted in a normalization of the cellular imbalance at the end of the first postoperative week, but IL-2 synthesis remained significantly reduced during the entire observation period. Conversely, with combined indomethacin and thymopentin treatment restoration of cellular distribution as well as protection of IL-2 synthesis could be achieved. These results indicate a quantitative and functional impairment of the forward regulation of cell-mediated immunity. It was shown for the first time that combined indomethacin and thymopentin treatment could successfully counteract these immunomechanistic alterations.

Aged↗

Messengers and mediators: interactions among lipids, eicosanoids, and cytokines.

We identified the probable intermediate step in the suppression of tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) synthesis by prostaglandin E2 or phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. This step serves as a tool in further studies of the mechanisms of TNF-gene regulation. Furthermore, suppression of TNF synthesis may contribute to the beneficial effects of PDE inhibitors in animal models of septic shock or lung injury and may thus have clinical implications.

Cyclic AMP↗

Dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids suppresses interleukin-2 production and mononuclear cell proliferation.

We studied the in vitro production of interleukin-2 in nine healthy volunteers who added 18 g/day of fish-oil concentrate rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to their normal Western diet for a period of 6 weeks. Interleukin-2 synthesis from stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells was suppressed from 6.2 ng/ml at baseline to 2.2 ng/ml 10 weeks after the end of n-3 fatty acid supplementation (65% decrease; P = .04). At the same time phytohemagglutinin-induced proliferation of mononuclear cells was suppressed by 70% from the presupplement level. Interleukin-2 production returned to the premedication level at the end of the studies. The results suggest that the effect of dietary n-3 fatty acids in some diseases may be mediated in part by decreased production of interleukin-2 and decreased mononuclear cell proliferation.

Adult↗

Xanthine derivatives: comparison between suppression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha production and inhibition of cAMP phosphodiesterase activity.

Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated suppression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) synthesis by pentoxifylline. In the present study we compared the effect of pentoxifylline with that of five other xanthine derivatives. We addressed two questions. First, what is the relative potency of those chemically related compounds in suppressing the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of TNF-alpha in human mononuclear cells? Second, does suppression of TNF-alpha production by these xanthine derivatives correlate with their capacity to inhibit 3',5'-cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity? The experimental drug A 80 2715 [1-(5-hydroxy-5-methylhexyl)-3-methyl-7-propylxanthine] was identified as the most potent agent with an IC50 (concentration exerting 50% suppression of LPS-induced TNF-alpha production) of 41 microM (mean of 13 individuals). The IC50 values of the other substances ranged between 106 microM for HWA 138 and 419 microM for theophylline. The LPS-induced interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) production was not influenced by all substances tested at comparable concentrations. Inhibition of PDE activity was determined in a cell-free system using PDE isolated from bovine heart. All xanthine derivatives dose-dependently inhibited PDE activity. Furthermore, with the exception of theophylline, there was a high degree of correlation between the potency to suppress TNF-alpha production in the cell culture system and the potency to inhibit PDE activity in the cell-free enzymatic assay. This argues for a crucial role of PDE inhibition in the suppression of TNF-alpha synthesis by xanthine derivatives.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Successful restoration of cell-mediated immune response after cardiopulmonary bypass by immunomodulation.

The objectives of this prospective randomized trial were to quantify immunosuppressive effects of cardiopulmonary bypass, to identify mechanisms responsible for postoperative immunosuppression, and to investigate the effects of immunomodulatory intervention on these mechanisms. Sixty patients were studied after cardiopulmonary bypass. Immunomodulatory therapy consisted of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, which blocks the downregulating agent prostaglandin E2, and thymopentin, which enhances T-lymphocytic activity. Twenty patients each received indomethacin either alone or combined with thymopentin. Twenty patients served as the control population. Our in vitro studies showed a decrease of CD4+ helper/inducer T cells and interleukin-2 receptor expression on T lymphocytes, while CD8+ suppressor/cytotoxic T cells and monocytes increased. Additionally, a depression of interleukin-1 and interleukin-2 synthesis as well as concurrent low gamma-interferon serum concentrations could be documented. These results indicate a downregulation of cell-mediated immune response. As an in vivo correlate of the immunomechanistic alterations, patients demonstrated an impaired delayed-type hypersensitivity response to an antigen skin test battery. These changes in immunoreactivity could be successfully counteracted by the combined immunomodulatory regimen, whereas sole indomethacin treatment could only partially restore depressed host defense parameters. With this study we could demonstrate for the first time that human lymphocytic interleukin-2 synthesis, which represents the key event among forward regulatory immune mechanisms, can be protected via in vivo immunoaugmentatory therapy and that this therapy can successfully counteract immunosuppressive effects of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Aged↗

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-1 receptor antagonist, and TNF alpha production in whole blood.

The ability of an individual to mount defense responses to infection depend in part on the capacity to produce cytokines such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The specialized equipment, labor intensity, and sterile practice required for the standard in vitro evaluation of cytokine production can make such evaluation impractical in some clinical situations. We report a method for stimulating whole blood to produce cytokines that can be implemented in laboratories without tissue culture facilities and requires minimal sample preparation. IL-1 beta and TNF alpha production in whole blood samples was stimulated with endotoxin and/or phytohemagglutinin in standard EDTA-containing vacuum collection tubes. After incubation, plasma was removed and frozen for later assay. Comparison of this whole blood method with isolated mononuclear cell cultures indicated a significant correlation for IL-1 beta production (r = 0.746, P = 0.005). This technique also produced the newly described cytokine, IL-1 receptor antagonist. We conclude that the whole blood method is an acceptable alternative to isolated cell culture methods for measuring IL-1 beta in situations that preclude the standard in vitro approach.

Adult↗

In vitro desensitization to lipopolysaccharide suppresses tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 gene expression in a similar fashion.

Like blood monocytes, the human monocytic cell line Mono Mac 6 can be stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 1 microgram/ml to produce high levels of cytokines. When Mono Mac 6 cells are stimulated for 4-6 hr at 1 x 10(6)/ml, supernatants contain tumour necrosis factor (TNF) at an average of 60 U/ml and interleukin-6 (IL-6) at an average of 1000 U/ml. IL-1 is not detected in the supernatant, but after three freeze-thaw cycles cell-associated IL-1 can be detected (100 U/ml) and with similar amounts of IL-alpha and -beta. Preculture of Mono Mac 6 cells with LPS at 10 ng/ml for 3 days results in cells refractory to subsequent stimulation by LPS at 1 microgram/ml. In the refractory desensitized cells, production of all three cytokines is down-regulated, with a more than 10-fold reduction in protein production. For all three cytokines, this desensitization appears to be regulated at the transcript level, with a strong reduction in specific mRNA as detected by Northern blot analysis. Furthermore, Mono Mac 6 cells can be stimulated by Staphylococcus aureus (LPS contamination less than 10 pg/ml) to produce cytokines. This type of stimulus is unable to overcome desensitization, in that the secretion of TNF in LPS-precultured Mono Mac 6 cells was 10- to 100-fold lower than in Mono Mac 6 cells without LPS preculture. These data show that desensitization in Mono Mac 6 cells affects all three cytokines tested and that it extends to other activating signals, such as staphylococci.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

Oral (n-3) fatty acid supplementation suppresses cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation: comparison between young and older women.

The effect of (n-3) fatty acid supplementation on cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation was investigated in young (23-33 y) and older (51-68 y) women. Subjects supplemented their diets with 2.4 g of (n-3) fatty acid/d for 3 mo. Blood was collected before and after 1, 2 and 3 mo of supplementation. The (n-3) fatty acid supplementation reduced total interleukin (IL)-1 beta synthesis by 48% in young women but by 90% in older women; tumor necrosis factor was reduced by 58% in young and 70% in older women. Interleukin-6 was reduced in young women by 30% but by 60% in older women. Older women produced less IL-2 and had lower mitogenic responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) than young women prior to (n-3) fatty acid supplementation. The (n-3) fatty acid supplementation reduced IL-2 production in both groups; however, this reduction was significant only in older women. The PHA-stimulated mitogenic response was significantly reduced by (n-3) fatty acid in older women (36%). Thus, long-term (n-3) fatty acid supplementation reduced cytokine production in young women and cytokine production and T cell mitogenesis in older women. The reduction was more dramatic in older women than in young women. Although (n-3) fatty acid-induced reduction in cytokine production may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, its suppression of IL-2 production and lymphocyte proliferation in older women may not be desirable.

Adult↗

Cyclic nucleotides differentially regulate the synthesis of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta by human mononuclear cells.

Recent reports have shown that phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors suppress production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in mouse macrophages. In the present study we show that theophylline, pentoxifylline and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine markedly suppress the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced synthesis of TNF-alpha (also) in human mononuclear cells. This effect is selective for TNF-alpha since up to several-fold higher concentrations of these PDE inhibitors do not affect production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) in the same system. The observed effect of PDE inhibitors appears to be mediated by accumulation of cAMP since (i) addition of PDE inhibitors increases cAMP while cGMP levels are only marginally elevated; (ii) raising cAMP by another mechanism (enhanced formation induced by prostaglandin E2; PGE2) leads to a similar suppression of TNF-alpha production; and (iii) raising cGMP by activating the soluble guanylate cyclase by 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN 1) does not inhibit TNF-alpha synthesis. However, SIN 1 suppressed the synthesis of IL-1 beta. Selective suppression of TNF-alpha synthesis by PDE inhibitors may contribute to their beneficial effects in animal models of septic shock or lung injury and may thus have clinical implications.

Cell Line↗

Correlations and interactions in the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in human blood mononuclear cells: IL-6 suppresses IL-1 and TNF.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) shares several biologic properties with IL-1, including hematopoietin-1 activity and stimulation of T cells. Because many of their biologic activities overlap, we developed and used a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for IL-6 to compare production of this cytokine on a molar basis with that of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha. The RIA correlated well with the hybridoma bioassay for IL-6 (r = .87, P less than .001). Freshly isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultured in the absence of stimuli did not produce IL-6 in most cases. Kinetics of secretion and cell-association of IL-6 were studied. In contrast to IL-1 alpha but similar to TNF, IL-6 was almost entirely secreted into the extracellular fluid. Incubation with different stimuli (lipopolysaccharide [LPS], phytohemagglutinin [PHA], Staphylococcus epidermidis, or IL-1 alpha) resulted in production of IL-6. However, on a molar basis PBMC produced approximately two to three times less IL-6 than IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, or TNF, regardless of the stimulus. The amount of IL-6 produced from PBMC was consistent when measured in the same subjects six time during a 12-week period. In a cohort of 38 donors, the coefficient of variation for IL-6 production was .32, compared with .92 for IL-1 beta and .96 for TNF. Comparing cytokine production by PBMC, there was a significant correlation between IL-6 and IL-1 beta (r = .72) and between IL-6 and TNF (r = .66). IL-6 did not stimulate IL-1 beta or TNF production, but suppressed IL-1 beta and TNF production induced by LPS or PHA by 30% (P less than .01). This suppression of IL-1 beta and TNF by IL-6 appears to be on the level of transcription.

Biological Assay↗

Circulating interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor in septic shock and experimental endotoxin fever.

Interleukins (IL) -1 beta and -1 alpha and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) were measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma samples from 44 healthy individuals, 15 patients in septic shock, and 6 volunteers infused with endotoxin. Plasma IL-1 alpha levels were low (40 pg/ml) or undetectable in all situations. In 67% of the healthy subjects, plasma IL-1 beta levels were less than 70 pg/ml. Septic patients had higher plasma IL-1 beta levels (120 +/- 17 pg/ml, P = .001); those of surviving patients were higher than those of patients who died (P = .05). Plasma TNF-alpha concentrations in septic individuals were elevated (119 +/- 30 pg/ml) and correlated with severity of illness (r = .73, P = .003), but no correlation was observed between plasma IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha concentrations in individual samples. Infusion of endotoxin caused a twofold elevation of IL-1 beta, from a baseline of 35 +/- 5 pg/ml to a maximum of 69 +/- 27 pg/ml at 180 min (P less than .05). Peak TNF-alpha levels after endotoxin infusion were 15 times higher than IL-1 beta levels, were attained more rapidly (90 min), and as with the septic patients, did not correlate with IL-1 beta levels. These data support the concept that plasma IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha concentrations are regulated independently and are associated with different clinical outcomes.

Adolescent↗

Interleukin-1, anorexia, and dietary fatty acids.

IL-1 and other cytokines mediate several components of both acute and chronic pathological processes observed in patients with cancer and chronic infection. Cachexia ranks as one of the more prominent aspects of several diseases and the present studies demonstrate that recombinant forms of either IL-1 beta or IL-1 alpha reduce food intake in experimental animals. In meal-fed rats, a single injection of IL-1 induces a 40% reduction [table: see text] in food intake, whereas daily injections slow normal weight gain. The anorexic response to IL-1 is prevented by cyclooxygenase inhibitors, although this is unlikely due to a central nervous system effect. Reduced production of cyclooxygenase products such as PGE2 also occurs in rats fed supplemental N-3 fatty acids, and this was associated with a decreased anorexic response to IL-1. Therefore, one mechanism by which IL-1 induces anorexia appears to require cyclooxygenase metabolites, such as PGE2. N-3 fatty acid supplements also reduce the severity of host responses to inflammation and infection. Part of this is due to decreased cyclooxygenase products; however, part also may be due to reduced synthesis of IL-1. Blood leukocytes from human subjects taking oral N-3 supplements produce 60% less IL-1. The ability of N-3 fatty acids to reduce IL-1 synthesis appears to be via the lipoxygenase pathway. Therefore, N-3 fatty acids may be beneficial to patients with anorexia, since such supplements would decrease both the anorexic response to IL-1 via reduced cyclooxygenase metabolites and the production of IL-1, via altered lipoxygenase metabolites.

Animals↗

The effect of whole body hyperthermia on the immune cell activity of cancer patients.

The effect of moderate whole body hyperthermia (WBH) on the immunological responses of cancer patients was studied by monitoring their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. WBH of 2 degrees C above normal body temperature was induced in patients by utilizing a 433 MHz microwave system with a series of 6-9 external antennae. A total of three treatments were given with a frequency of one per week. Blood samples were drawn before treatment, when the target temperature was attained, and one hour after heating was discontinued. Changes in the number of PBMC, the mitogenic response, natural killer cell activity, and the production of Interleukin-1, Interleukin-2, and Interferon (IL-1, IL-2, IF) were measured in vitro. Mitogenic responses were increased 2-3 fold when the temperature was raised. Although there was an increase in the number of PBMC, during the course of heating, repeated treatment resulted in a selective and transient reduction in the number of PBMC. Nevertheless, the PBMC were capable of producing a higher level of cytokines and attained an enhanced ability to destroy target cells in vitro. The results indicate that, by inducing a fever-like condition, the immunological responses are enhanced in vitro.

Adolescent↗