PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Tomoaki Hoshino

Publications and source records attributed to Tomoaki Hoshino.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

[A case of follicular bronchiolitis preceding rheumatoid arthritis].

A 52-year-old woman was admitted to Yame General Hospital because of persistent cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath at age 48. Chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral centrilobular shadows. Pulmonary function test revealed obstructive dysfunction. She also had chronic sinusitis. Initially, diffuse panbronchiolitis was diagnosed and she was given macrolides, but no improvement was observed. Thus video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy (VATS) was performed in order to establish a definitive diagnosis. Histopathological findings were compatible with a diagnosis of follicular bronchiolitis. Treatment with corticosteroid (oral prednisolone, 50 mg/day) improved her condition. However, on reducing the steroid doze, her symptoms and chest X-ray film/CT findings became exacerbated. In addition, polyarthritis appeared. Further investigations revealed a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Only 2 cases of follicular bronchiolitis preceding rheumatoid arthritis have been reported in Japan.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Thioredoxin suppresses airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation in asthma.

Thioredoxin (TRX) is a 12-kDa redox (reduction/oxidation)-active protein that has a highly conserved site (-Cys-Gly-Pro-Cys-) and scavenges reactive oxygen species. Here we examined whether exogenously administered TRX modulated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway inflammation in a mouse asthma model. Increased AHR to inhaled acetylcholine and airway inflammation accompanied by eosinophilia were observed in OVA-sensitized mice. Administration of wild-type but not 32S/35S mutant TRX strongly suppressed AHR and airway inflammation, and upregulated expression of mRNA of several cytokines (e.g., IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and IL-18) in the lungs of OVA-sensitized mice. In contrast, TRX treatment at the time of OVA sensitization did not improve AHR or airway inflammation in OVA-sensitized mice. Thus, TRX inhibited the asthmatic response after sensitization, but did not prevent sensitization itself. TRX and redox-active protein may have clinical benefits in patients with asthma.

Animals↗

[A case of Kimura's disease accompanied with bilateral, mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy].

A 52-year-old man presented with general fatigue and body weight loss. Chest X-ray and computed tomography showed bilateral, mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. Laboratory tests revealed that peripheral eosinophils (1,850/microL) and serum IgE levels (1,610 U/L) were markedly increased. Cervical lymph node biopsy was performed for a definitive diagnosis. Histopathological analysis, using conventional H&E staining, showed mild infiltration of eosinophils into lymphoid follicules in the cervical lymph node. Immunohistopathological analysis, using an anti-human IgE antibody, showed mesh-like IgE positive staining in lymphoid follicles. These clinical and pathological findings are compatible with a diagnosis of Kimura's disease.

Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia↗

Enhanced expression of interleukin-18 and its receptor in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is a major interstitial lung disease (ILD). Recently, we established a new mouse model for ILD in which daily administration of interleukin (IL)-18 with IL-2 induces lethal lung injury, suggesting that IL-18 is involved in the pathogenesis of ILD. Here, utilizing immunohistochemistry, we have analyzed IL-18 and IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) alpha expression in the lungs of 18 patients with IPF/UIP and 13 control subjects by using monoclonal anti-IL-18 antibodies and a new monoclonal antibody for IL-18Ralpha (H44). IL-18 was expressed in bronchoalveolar epithelium, alveolar macrophages, and the endothelium of small vessels in control subjects, and was abundantly expressed in the majority of pulmonary cells in patients with IPF. IL-18Ralpha was expressed in bronchoalveolar epithelium and alveolar macrophages in control subjects, and was strongly expressed in interstitial cells in patients with IPF, especially in the fibroblastic foci (FF). Interestingly, IL-18Ralpha expression was only weakly observed in areas showing established fibrosis. Semiquantitative analysis revealed that the histologic FF score was significantly correlated with the IL-18Ralpha expression level in FF lesions. Moreover, IL-18 levels in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with IPF were significantly higher than those in control subjects. Our findings suggest IL-18 and IL-18R are involved in the pathogenesis of IPF/UIP.

Adult↗

B7-DC regulates asthmatic response by an IFN-gamma-dependent mechanism.

B7-H1 (PD-L1) and B7-DC (PD-L2) are the ligands for programmed death-1 (PD-1), which is a member of the CD28/CTLA-4 family and has been implicated in peripheral tolerance. We investigated the roles of B7-H1 and B7-DC in a murine OVA-induced allergic asthma model. B7-H1 was constitutively expressed on dendritic cells, macrophages, B cells, and T cells in the lungs of naive mice, and its expression could be dramatically increased after allergen challenge. In contrast, B7-DC expression was scarcely expressed on dendritic cells in naive mice, but was up-regulated after allergen challenge, although the up-regulation of B7-DC expression on macrophages was minimal. Treatment of mice with anti-B7-DC mAb at the time of allergen challenge, but not at the time of sensitization, significantly increased their airway hyper-reactivity and eosinophilia. Such treatment also resulted in the increased production of IL-5 and IL-13, and decreased IFN-gamma production in the lungs and draining lymph node cells. These changes were diminished when mice were depleted of IFN-gamma by anti-IFN-gamma mAb pretreatment. Interestingly, treatment with anti-B7-H1 or anti-PD-1 mAb did not significantly affect the asthmatic response. These results suggest a unique role for B7-DC in the regulation of asthmatic response through an IFN-gamma-dependent, but PD-1-independent, mechanism.

Allergens↗

Limited role for interleukin-18 in the host protection response to pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice.

We report that clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, accumulation of neutrophils, and synthesis of tumor necrosis factor alpha and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 in the infected lung were not largely different in interleukin-18 (IL-18) knockout or transgenic mice compared with control mice. Our results suggest a limited role for IL-18 in the host defense against P. aeruginosa.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning, chromosomal location, and biological activity of porcine interleukin-21.

A pig interleukin-21 (IL-21) cDNA was successfully cloned and sequenced from porcine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) stimulated with 10 microg/ml concanavalin A (ConA), 10 microg/ml phytohemagglutinin P (PHA), 50 ng/ml phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and 0.5 microg/ml anti-porcine CD3 antibody for 48 hr. The open reading frame of the porcine IL-21 cDNA is 459 base pairs in length and encodes 152 amino acids. The predicted amino acid sequence of the porcine IL-21 shows 86.2%, 77.7%, and 58.4% identity to the bovine, human, and murine IL-21, respectively. The porcine IL-21 gene was mapped to porcine chromosome 8 (8q22-->q23) by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization and radiation hybrid mapping, where the porcine IL-2 gene had been mapped nearby. The recombinant porcine mature IL-21 expressed by E. coli induced dose-dependent proliferation and IFN-gamma production from a human NK cell line, NK0. The porcine IL-21 identified in this study will be helpful for the enhancement of innate immune responses of pigs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Redox-active protein thioredoxin prevents proinflammatory cytokine- or bleomycin-induced lung injury.

Thioredoxin (TRX) is a multifunctional redox (reduction/oxidation)-active protein that scavenges reactive oxygen species by itself or together with TRX-dependent peroxiredoxin. TRX also has chemotaxis-modulating functions and suppresses leukocyte infiltration into sites of inflammation. Leukocyte infiltration and oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including interstitial lung diseases (ILD). We examined the effects of TRX in two mouse models of human ILD. Recently, we established a new mouse model for human ILD in which daily administration of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-18 with IL-2 induces lethal lung injury accompanied by acute interstitial inflammatory responses. Administration of recombinant TRX suppressed IL-18/IL-2-induced interstitial infiltration of cells and prevented death and lung tissue damage. TRX-transgenic mice also showed resistance to lethal lung injury caused by IL-18/IL-2. Administration of bleomycin induces the infiltration of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leukocytes in the pulmonary interstitium, followed by progressive fibrosis. Wild-type mice given recombinant TRX treatment and TRX-transgenic mice demonstrated a decrease in bleomycin-induced cellular infiltrates and fibrotic changes in the lung tissue. These results suggest that TRX modulates pulmonary inflammatory responses and acts to prevent lung injury. TRX may have clinical benefits in human ILD, including lung fibrosis, for which no effective therapeutic strategy currently exists.

Animals↗

Interleukin-18 overproduction exacerbates the development of colitis with markedly infiltrated macrophages in interleukin-18 transgenic mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The authors have previously shown that production of interleukin (IL)-18 was increased in the inflamed mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and blockade of IL-18 ameliorated the murine model of CD. This demonstrated that IL-18 plays a significant role during intestinal inflammation. However, the initial role of IL-18 during intestinal inflammation was unclear; therefore the susceptibility of IL-18 transgenic (Tg) mice to acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis was examined. METHODS: Interleukin-18 Tg and wild-type (WT) mice were fed 2.0% of DSS for 8 days. The total clinical scores (bodyweight loss, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding), colon length and histological scores were assessed. The expressions of surface markers and IL-18 on infiltrating lamina propria mononuclear cells were analyzed immunohistochemistrically. Mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells were isolated and the expressions of CD4+ T-cell activation markers (CD69, CD25 and IL18R) were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The IL-18 Tg mice exhibited an increased susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis, as shown by significantly increased clinical, histological scores, and more severe colonic shortening compared with WT mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant increase of IL-18 production and CD11b+ macrophages but not CD4+ T cells in the inflamed mucosa in DSS-fed IL-18 Tg compared with DSS-fed WT mice. Furthermore, MLN cells revealed no evidence of increased CD4+ T-cell activation in DSS-fed IL-18 Tg. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that IL-18 overproduction in the mucosa plays an important role in the marked infiltration of macrophages and exacerbates colitis in IL-18 Tg mice.

Analysis of Variance↗

Exacerbated and prolonged allergic and non-allergic inflammatory cutaneous reaction in mice with targeted interleukin-18 expression in the skin.

Interleukin 18 induces both T helper 1 and T helper 2 cytokines, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and IgE and IgG1 production. A role of interleukin 18 in inflammatory cutaneous reactions is still unclear, however. Here we generated keratin 5/interleukin 18 transgenic mice overexpressing mature murine interleukin 18 in the skin using a human keratin 5 promoter. In the contact hypersensitivity model, trinitrochlorobenzene elicited a stronger ear swelling in keratin 5/interleukin 18 transgenic mice compared with control littermate wild-type or immunoglobulin/interleukin 18 transgenic mice in which mature interleukin 18 was expressed by B and T cells under the control of the immunoglobulin promoter. Application of an irritant, croton oil, induced stronger and more sustained ear swelling in keratin 5/interleukin 18 transgenic mice than in immunoglobulin/interleukin 18 transgenic or wild-type mice. Repetitive topical application (weekly for six consecutive weeks) of trinitrochlorobenzene to their ears also elicited a stronger cutaneous inflammation in keratin 5/interleukin 18 transgenic mice than seen in immunoglobulin/interleukin 18 transgenic or wild-type mice. After these six trinitrochlorobenzene applications, the expression of interferon-gamma, interleukin-4, and CCL20 mRNA in the ear tissue was increased and dermal changes, such as acanthosis and eosinophilic, neutrophilic, and mast cell infiltration, were greater in keratin 5/interleukin 18 transgenic mice than in wild-type mice. Furthermore, the repetitive application elicited a significant increase in serum IgE levels and the number of B cells in the draining lymph node in keratin 5/interleukin 18 transgenic mice. These results suggest that overexpression of interleukin 18 in the skin aggravates allergic and nonallergic cutaneous inflammation, which is accompanied by high expression of T helper 1 and T helper 2 cytokines and chemokines in the skin.

Animals↗

Bone malformations in interleukin-18 transgenic mice.

The in vivo effects of IL-18 on bone metabolism were investigated by histopathology in IL-18 transgenic mice. Deformed cortical bone and decreased turnover rate of lumbar trabecular bone are consistent with increased expression of IFN-gamma and IL-18 in the bone marrow. Interleukin (IL)-18 has been demonstrated to inhibit osteoclastogenesis in an in vitro co-culture system. We investigated the effects of IL-18 overexpression on bone metabolism by comparing bone characteristics in male IL-18 transgenic (TG) mice, which secrete mature murine IL-18 from their B- and T-cells, and their wildtype littermates (WT). Histopathological analysis revealed that the cortical bone of the femur was thinner and more deformed in IL-18 TG mice. Bone histomorphometry showed that the cortical bone area of the mid-diaphysis of the femur and the trabecular bone volume of the lumbar vertebrae were significantly reduced in IL-18 TG mice. IL-18 TG mice also exhibited significantly fewer osteoclasts and a reduced bone formation rate in the trabecular bones of their lumbar vertebrae. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction amplification of bone marrow cell mRNA revealed that interferon (IFN)-gamma mRNA expression was significantly increased, whereas IL-4 mRNA expression was significantly reduced, in IL-18 TG mice. However, the expression ratio of receptor activator of NFkappaB ligand and osteoprotegerin mRNA was not significantly altered. Thus, deformed cortical bone and a decreased turnover rate of lumbar trabecular bone are characteristic of IL-18 TG mice, and these features might be associated with the increased expression of IFN-gamma and IL-18 in the bone marrow.

Animals↗

[A case of interstitial pneumonia induced by an ACE inhibitor (temocapril hydrochloride)].

A 51-year-old woman who had been treated for years for rheumatoid arthritis presented with a persistent dry cough and shortness of breath three weeks after administration of the ACE inhibitor temocapril hydrochloride against essential hypertension. Chest radiography and computed tomography showed diffuse reticular shadows and ground-grass opacities in both lung fields. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis showed an increase of lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells (93.3% of lymphocytes), and a decrease of the CD4/8 ratio of the T cell subset (0.04). Histopathological analysis of trans-bronchial lung biopsy specimens showed infiltration of lymphocytes into the alveolar septa and exudation of alveolar macrophages, signs characteristic of interstitial pneumonia. A drug lymphocyte stimulation test was positive for temocapril, but negative for other drugs. On the basis of these findings, we diagnosed temocapril hydrochloride-induced interstitial pneumonia.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Contribution of IL-18 to Th1 response and host defense against infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a comparative study with IL-12p40.

The present study was conducted to critically determine the protective role of IL-18 in host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. IL-18-deficient (knockout (KO)) mice were slightly more prone to this infection than wild-type (WT) mice. Sensitivity of IL-12p40KO mice was lower than that of IL-12p40/IL-18 double KO mice. IFN-gamma production caused by the infection was significantly attenuated in IL-18KO mice compared with WT mice, as indicated by reduction in the levels of this cytokine in sera, spleen, lung, and liver, and its synthesis by spleen cells restimulated with purified protein derivatives. Serum IL-12p40 level postinfection and its production by peritoneal exudate cells stimulated with live bacilli were also significantly lower in IL-18KO mice than WT mice, suggesting that attenuated production of IFN-gamma was secondary to reduction of IL-12 synthesis. However, this was not likely the case, because administration of excess IL-12 did not restore the reduced IFN-gamma production in IL-18KO mice. In further studies, IL-18 transgenic mice were more resistant to the infection than control littermate mice, and serum IFN-gamma level and its production by restimulated spleen cells were increased in the former mice. Taken together, our results indicate that IL-18 plays an important role in Th1 response and host defense against M. tuberculosis infection although the contribution was not as profound as that of IL-12p40.

Animals↗

Partial impairment of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18 signaling in Tyk2-deficient mice.

Tyk2 is activated in response to interleukin-12 (IL-12) and is essential for IL-12-induced T-cell function, including interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production and Th1 cell differentiation. Because IL-12 is a stimulatory factor for natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity, we examined whether tyk2 is required for IL-12-induced NK cell activity. IL-12-induced NK cell activity in cells from tyk2-deficient mice was drastically reduced compared to that in cells from wild-type mice. IL-18 shares its biologic functions with IL-12. However, the molecular mechanism of IL-18 signaling, which activates an IL-1 receptor-associated kinase and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB, is different from that of IL-12. We next examined whether biologic functions induced by IL-18 are affected by the absence of tyk2. NK cell activity and IFN-gamma production induced by IL-18 were reduced by the absence of tyk2. Moreover, the synergistic effect of IL-12 and IL-18 for the production of IFN-gamma was also abrogated by the absence of tyk2. This was partially due to the absence of any up-regulation of the IL-18 receptor treated with IL-12, and it might suggest the presence of the cross-talk between Jak-Stat and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in cytokine signaling.

Animals↗

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) in synergy with IL-2 induces lethal lung injury in mice: a potential role for cytokines, chemokines, and natural killer cells in the pathogenesis of interstitial pneumonia.

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) was discovered as an interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-inducing factor and plays important roles in natural killer (NK) cell activation. IL-18 also induces proinflammatory cytokines; chemokines; helper T-cell 2 (T(H)2) cytokines (eg, IL-4, IL-13); and immunoglobulin E (Ig-E) and IgG1 production. The combination of IL-18 plus IL-2 or IL-12 up-regulates IFN-gamma gene expression and NK cytotoxicity and has synergistic antitumor activity in vivo and in vitro. Here it is reported that daily administration of IL-18 with IL-2, but not of IL-18 or IL-2 alone, induces lethal lung injury in normal mice, but not in IL-18 receptor alpha (IL-1 receptor-related protein)-deficient (IL-18 receptor alpha(-/-)) mice. Marked interstitial infiltration of lymphocytes, composed mainly of NK cells, was found in the lungs of IL-18/IL-2-treated mice. Increased cytokine and chemokine levels were observed in the sera and lungs of IL-18/IL-2-treated mice. Administration of IL-18/IL-2 was also lethal to mice treated with a metalloproteinase inhibitor, which inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha and Fas-ligand release. While IFN-gamma(-/-) mice were partially resistant to the treatment, IL-4(-/-), IL-13(-/-), IL-4/IL-13(-/-), and Stat6(-/-) mice were sensitive to IL-18/IL-2, indicating that these genes were not involved in the host response. The lethal effect by IL-18/IL-2 was completely eliminated in severe combined immunodeficient mice pretreated with antiasialo-GM1 antibody and normal mice pretreated with anti-NK1.1 but not with anti-CD4 or anti-CD8, monoclonal antibody. These results suggest that specific cytokines, chemokines, and NK cells are involved in the pathogenesis of interstitial pneumonia. These results suggest that the clinical use of this interleukin may result in unexpected physiological consequences.

Animals↗

Redox regulation of lung inflammation by thioredoxin.

The lungs are the richest in oxygen among the various organs of the body and are always subject to harmful reactive oxygen species. Regulation of the reduction/oxidation (redox) state is critical for cell viability, activation, proliferation, and organ functions. Although the protective importance of various antioxidants has been reported, few antioxidants have established their clinical usefulness. Thioredoxin (TRX), a key redox molecule, plays crucial roles as an antioxidant and a catalyst in protein disulfide/dithiol exchange. TRX also modulates intracellular signal transduction and exerts antiinflammatory effects in tissues. In addition to its beneficial effects in other organs, the protective effect of TRX in the lungs has been shown against ischemia/ reperfusion injury, influenza infection, bleomycin-induced injury, or lethal inflammation caused by interleukin- 2 and interleukin-18. Monitoring of TRX in the plasma, airway, or lung tissue may be useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of pulmonary inflammation. Promotion/modulation of the TRX system by the administration of recombinant TRX protein, induction of endogenous TRX, or gene therapies can be a therapeutic modality for oxidative stress-associated lung disorders.

Animals↗