Biomedical subjects

Z Zídek

Publications and source records attributed to Z Zídek.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The role of adrenergic agonists on glycogenolysis in rat hepatocyte cultures and possible involvement of NO.

Certain liver metabolic diseases point to the presence of disturbances in glycogen deposition. Epinephrine raises the cAMP level that activates protein kinase A leading to the activation of phosphorylase and glycogen breakdown. In the present report, we sought to investigate whether NO is produced during adrenoceptor agonist-induced glycogenolysis in rat hepatocytes in cultures. Isolated glycogen rich rat hepatocytes in cultures were used. NO production (NO(2)(-)) was assessed under the effect of adrenergic agonists and adrenergic agonist/antagonist pairs, dibutyryl cyclic AMP sodium-potassium salt (db-cAMP), NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), aminoguanidine (AG) and the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP). The inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA was examined by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Glycogenolysis was quantified by glucose levels released into medium. The amount of glucose and NO(2)(-) released by hepatocytes was increased as a result of epinephrine, phenylephrine or db-cAMP treatments. The increase in glucose and NO(2)(-) released by epinephrine or phenylephrine was blocked or reduced by prazosin pretreatment and by NOS inhibitors aminoguanidine and L-NAME. iNOS gene expression was up-regulated by epinephrine. It can be concluded that glycogenolysis occurs through -adrenoceptor stimulation and a signaling cascade may involve NO production.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed2006

Inhibition of human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 activities by adefovir and tenofovir.

Adefovir (PMEA) and tenofovir (PMPA) and their prodrugs, adefovir dipivoxil (bisPOM-PMEA) and tenofovir disoproxil (bisPOC-PMPA), were subjected to a detailed study of their potential to inhibit the activities of human liver microsomal cytochromes P450 (CYP). The inhibition of marker enzyme activities of CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 was examined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or spectroscopic (fluorescence, luminescence) detection. Adefovir and adefovir dipivoxil did not significantly influence activities of most CYP enzymes. The activity of CYP3A4 was inhibited by adefovir dipivoxil at concentrations over 100 microM. Adefovir and its prodrug inhibited CYP2C9 at concentrations below 100 microM; inhibition by adefovir was of the uncompetitive (at the lower inhibitor concentrations) or of the competitive nature with a Ki = 420 microM. Tenofovir and tenofovir disoproxil influenced the activity of CYP2C9, and competitive inhibition was found with Ki = 580 and 395 microM, respectively. Tenofovir disoproxil was shown to inhibit microsomal CYP2E1 activities by a mixed-type inhibition with Ki values at about 140 microM. The results indicate the possibility of an influence of the compounds tested on the respective CYP activities when used at high doses.

Adenine↗

PubMed2005

Irradiation of the rabbit cornea with UVB rays stimulates the expression of nitric oxide synthases-generated nitric oxide and the formation of cytotoxic nitrogen-related oxidants.

Until now, the role of nitric oxide (NO) in cornea irradiated with UVB rays remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated nitric oxide synthase isomers (NOS), enzymes that generate NO, nitrotyrosine (NT), a cytotoxic byproduct of NO, and malondialdehyde (MDA), a byproduct of lipid peroxidation, in rabbit corneas repeatedly irradiated with UVB rays (312 nm, 1x daily for 6 days, the dose per day 1.01 J/cm2) using immunohistochemical methods. The biochemical measurement of nitrite and nitrate has been used for the indirect investigation of NO concentration in the aqueous humor. Results show that in contrast to normal corneas, where of the NOS isomers only endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) was expressed in a significant amount (in the epithelium and endothelium), in irradiated corneas all NOS isomers (also brain nitric oxide synthase, NOS1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, NOS2) as well as an indirect measure of ONOO-formation and MDA were gradually expressed, first in the epithelium, the endothelium and the keratocytes beneath the epithelium and finally in the cells of all corneal layers and the inflammatory cells that invaded the corneal stroma. This was accompanied by an elevated concentration of NO in the aqueous humor. In conclusion, repeated irradiation with UVB rays evoked the stimulation of NO production, peroxynitrite formation (demonstrated by NT residues) and lipid peroxidation (evaluated by MDA staining).

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Quantitative aspects of lipopolysaccharide and cytokine requirements to generate nitric oxide in macrophages from LPS-hyporesponsive (Lps(d)) C3H/HeJ mice.

Due to a gene defect (Lps(d)), C3H/HeJ mice are known to be hyporesponsive to the immunobiological potential of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We studied dose requirements for LPS, IFN-gamma, and cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-10 to produce nitric oxide (NO) in peritoneal macrophages (Mphi) from these animals. In contrast to the Lps(n) C3H/HeN mice, high concentrations of LPS (up to 5 microg/mL) or IFN-gamma (up to 5 ng/mL) by themselves were unable to activate NO production in C3H/HeJ Mphi. The failure to produce NO could not be overcome by addition of L-arginine or tetrahydropterin. The high-output NO biosynthesis was dose-dependently stimulated by combined administration of varying concentrations of IFN-gamma (50-5000 pg/mL) and LPS (approximately 1 ng/mL) or to a lesser extent by IFN-gamma plus TNF-alpha or TNF-alpha/IL-10. Formation of NO in C3H/HeJ MCO triggered by high concentration of LPS (approximately 1 microg/mL) given together with IFN-gamma (0.2-5 ng/mL) reached the values typical for Lps(n) C3H/HeN mice. While Mphi from C3H/HeN mice secreted TNF-alpha, IL-10, and IL-10 upon contact with a low dose of LPS (1 ng/mL), C3H/HeJ Mphi required high concentration of LPS (5 microg/mL) to enhance the secretion of the cytokines. Yet, this dose remained ineffective to stimulate IFN-gamma in Mphi from C3H/HeJ mice. It can be presumed that one of the important factors influencing their deficient ability to form NO is a failure of Mphi to produce IFN-gamma upon LPS contact.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Surprises and omissions in toxicology.

The paper describes expected and unexpected results gained from studies performed decades ago, and so to say - forgotten. 1. Different bacterial toxins can induce considerable changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of applied drugs. To admit clinical trials, only results from healthy human volunteers are required, however. 2. Antagonists to the toxicity of bacterial toxins in general have to be administered prior to the toxin. However, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is effective also when applied after toxins. ATP is "in" again in contemporary research. 3. A controlled clinical trial revealed substantial differences between the D- and D,L-form of cycloserin. 4. The antimetabolite 6-azauracil riboside and eventually its triacetate derivative was claimed to possess antitumor properties. However, a controlled clinical trial did not confirm its potency in this aspect. On the other hand, the tolerance was excellent. This finding encouraged clinical trials in psoriasis, a disease of autoimmune etiology. Moreover, beneficial effects and tolerance of the compound was described in herpes zoster and even in smallpox. On the basis of these results a controlled clinical trial in rheumatoid arthritis, also judged to be an autoimmune disease, was started. Because of early high toxicity, the study was discontinued. 5. High doses of the compound induce ocular lesions in animals. The above examples justify the titel of this paper.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Nitric oxide metabolites in gnotobiotic piglets orally infected with Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium.

Reactive NO metabolites play a distinct role in the control of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST; a facultative intracellular pathogen) in susceptible host. A significant increase of nitrite and/or nitrate plasma levels, 3-nitro-tyrosine expression and pathological changes in mesenteric lymph nodes have been observed in gnotobiotic piglets orally infected for 1 d with a virulent strain of ST but not in piglets infected with a rough mutant of ST.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Activation by 9-(R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine of chemokine (RANTES, macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-10 [IL-10], IL-1beta) production.

Development of a novel group of antiviral agents, acyclic nucleoside phosphonates, has provided a new perspective for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. One of the compounds, 9-(R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine (PMPA) (tenofovir), has been shown to confer complete protection against AIDS in a simian model of the infection. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the antiviral efficacy of PMPA, which depends mainly on inhibition of virus-induced DNA polymerase or of reverse transcriptase, could be contributed by immunomodulatory potential of this drug. We screened for its ability to activate production of cytokines and chemokines that are known to interfere with the replication and/or the entry of HIV in cells. Using the in vitro test system of mouse macrophages and lymphocytes, it has been found that PMPA stimulates macrophage secretion of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Production of the chemokines RANTES and macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha was activated in both macrophages and lymphocytes, and also in human cell line U937. Other cytokines--i.e., IL-2, IL-12, IL-13, and gamma interferon-remained uninfluenced by PMPA. The cytokines were stimulated in a dose-dependent fashion, with rapid onset, and peak concentrations were achieved within 5 to 24 h. The findings contribute to a more complex understanding of mechanisms of antiviral effectiveness of PMPA and support the view that this drug could become a promising candidate for therapeutic exploitation in anti-HIV preventive medicine.

Adenine↗

PubMed2001

Role of cytokines in the modulation of nitric oxide production by cyclic AMP.

Enhanced levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP), resulting from stimulation of adenylyl cyclase through activation of distinct pharmacological receptor systems, have a remarkable impact on the activity of the immune system. Among other responses, production of nitric oxide (NO) is also affected. The effects of cAMP range from stimulation to inhibition (or no effect) of immune-stimulated biosynthesis of NO, with a preponderance of stimulatory interference. cAMP has been shown to be a potent, dual modulator of cytokine expression. It dose-dependently suppresses secretion of major NO up-regulatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). On the other hand, production of IL-10, which is known to regulate the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) activation in both a positive and negative direction, is inversely enhanced. It is suggested that the dual effects of cAMP on NO formation are likely to result from the differences in the concentration ratio of these cytokines. The value of this parameter depends on the type and concentration of cAMP-stable derivatives and cAMP-enhancing agents, such as prostaglandins, beta-adrenoceptor agonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, forskolin and cholera toxin. The cytokine ratio may be influenced by dynamically developing multiple down- and up-regulatory feedback circuits among cytokines, NO, and cAMP.

Adenosine↗

PubMed2000

Past, present and future of psychoneuroimmunology.

Psychoneuroimmunology was for the first time comprehensively described about 20 years ago. The influence of mental status on the course and outcome of a number of diseases, however, was suspected a long time before. Also the links between mental affective disorders and the immune status were repeatedly suggested. The authors in this paper shortly reviewed the most important clinical as well as experimental evidence which at present strongly supports the concept of a close and bidirectional communication between central nervous, neuroendocrine and immune systems. The most important anatomical, physiological as well as pharmacological experimental data, which were obtained by the authors during 20 years of research in this field, are presented. The data strongly suggest that in the very next future we will not only better understand a very complex communication between mind and body, but also completely new types of compounds might become available.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Activation of macrophages by food antigens: enhancing effect of gluten on nitric oxide and cytokine production.

Macrophages play an important role in effector mechanisms of various chronic inflammatory diseases. We studied the effect of gluten, the agent inducing celiac disease, and other food antigens on the activation of macrophages. Nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine production were followed as markers of activation, using cultured murine peritoneal macrophages. None of the food antigens tested caused direct inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activation in macrophages. Unlike other food antigens gluten, gliadin, and their proteolytic fragments significantly enhanced NO production when applied together with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), the most efficient being fragments originating from 25- to 45-min peptic digestion. The activation pathway was mediated via direct stimulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion. The NO-enhancing effect was confirmed at the level of iNOS mRNA transcription. In case of sustained local inflammatory reaction connected with increase of IFN-gamma, gluten and its proteolytic fragments may thus elevate NO production. Increased NO level could consequently participate in the development of mucosal lesions in the gut of celiac patients.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Macrophage activation by antiviral acyclic nucleoside phosphonates in dependence on priming immune stimuli.

Acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs) are potent broad-spectrum antivirals, also effective against immunodeficiency viruses and hepatitis viruses. Effects of several ANPs on in vitro cytokine gene expression and nitric oxide (NO) production by murine peritoneal macrophages were investigated. Included in the study were 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine (PMEA; Adefovir), 9-(R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine [(R)-PMPA; Tenofovir], 9-(S)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine; (S)-PMPA), 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]-2,6-diaminopurine (PMEDAP), 9-(R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-2,6-diaminopurine (PMPDAP), and 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]guanine (PMEG). Some of them, i.e. (R)-PMPA, (S)-PMPA, and PMEG, stimulate secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-10 in a concentration-dependent manner, and enhance the IFN-gamma-induced secretion of TNF-alpha. Although unable to activate production of nitric oxide (NO) on their own, these compounds substantially augment NO formation induced by IFN-gamma. Analysis of the expression of inducible NO synthase mRNA indicates that the NO-enhancing effect of ANPs is mediated posttranscriptionally. In contrast to IFN-gamma, production of NO triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone, or synergistically by LPS+IFN-gamma, remains unaltered by ANPs. The immunomodulatory effects have been differentially expressed in distinct genotypes of inbred strains of mice, including the low NO-responders Balb/c and high NO-responders C3H/HeN. Although less effectively, PMEG and (R)-PMPA also increase production of TNF-alpha and NO by the IFN-gamma- but not LPS-co-stimulated macrophages from C3H/HeJ mice, which are otherwise hypo-responsive to major immune stimuli provided by IFN-gamma and LPS. It can be concluded that the expression of immunomodulatory properties of ANPs depends on the immune state of cells and its activation by distinct priming signals.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2000

Genetic variation in in-vitro cytokine-induced production of nitric oxide by murine peritoneal macrophages.

Quantitative aspects of the in-vitro interferon (IFN)-gamma-induced nitric oxide (NO) production by peritoneal macrophages of eight inbred strains of mice were investigated. Animals employed in the study can be assorted into three phenotype categories: high, moderate, and low NO-responders. Concentration of nitrites in the 24-h supernatants of cells stimulated with recombinant murine IFN-gamma (25 U/ml) reached the following values (mean +/- SEM; in microM): C57BL/10 (33.7+/-1.88) = C57BL/6 (32.1+/-2.10) > SIL (24.0+/-1.55) > CBA/J (18.1+/-1.79) = C3H/HeN (18.0+/-1.10) > DBA/2 (11.4+/-1.16) = DBA/1 (11.0+/-1.20) = Balb/c (11.0+/-1.16). Approximately 80% of the total variation was found to be controlled by genetic factors. No association between the extent of NO formation and variation in the constitutive expression of macrophage IFN-gamma receptor was observed. Similar magnitude of inter-strain differences was sustained after enhanced NO-stimulation of the cells with IFN-gamma + tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, but only high (strains BL/10, BL/6, SJL, CBA/J, C3H/HeN) and low (DBA/1, DBA/2, Balb/c) NO-responder phenotypes were detected after the triple cytokine cocktail composed of IFN-gamma + TNF-alpha + interleukin (IL)-10. The strain differences remained unchanged after the supplementation of culture medium with L-arginine or tetrahydrobipopterin. Genetically governed differences in IFN-gamma-induced NO production have been found to be tightly associated with differential expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA. Possible implications of the findings for various fields of NO biomedical research are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Chemokines, nitric oxide and antiarthritic effects of 9-(2-phosphonomethoxyethyl)adenine (Adefovir).

Antiarthritic effects of two acyclic nucleoside phosphonates, 9-(2-phosphonomethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA; Adefovir) and 9-(2-phosphonomethoxypropyl)adenine (PMPA), as well as their more bioavailable prodrugs, bis(pivaloyloxymethyl)ester of PMEA [bis(POM)-PMEA; Adefovir Dipivoxil] and bis(isopropyloxycarbonyloxymethyl)ester of PMPA [bis(POC)-PMPA], were investigated in a model of adjuvant-induced arthritis in Lewis rats. The drugs were injected subcutaneously at doses of 5-50 mg/kg. PMEA and its prodrug inhibited by > 80% arthritic paw swelling, splenomegaly and fibroadhesive perisplenitis. Both prophylactic and therapeutic dosing regimens were effective. Neither PMPA nor bis(POC)-PMPA suppressed development of arthritic lesions. Substantially reduced nitrite + nitrate levels were detected in serum and urine of PMEA-treated animals as compared to those of untreated diseased controls. Also, complete suppression of the disease-associated, greatly enhanced systemic levels of the chemokine, RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), was observed in rats injected with PMEA. Additional in vitro studies showed that PMEA does not change, PMPA enhances, and both prodrugs inhibit the immune-activated NO production. Under the same conditions PMEA inhibits, while PMPA slightly stimulates, secretion of RANTES. Collectively, these data suggest that the in vivo-inhibited production of nitric oxide (NO) is a consequence rather than a mechanism of antiarthritic action of PMEA. Possible mechanisms for the anti-RANTES activity of PMEA remains to be firmly established.

Adenine↗

PubMed1997

Inhibition of murine macrophage nitric oxide synthase expression by a pivoxil prodrug of antiviral acyclic nucleotide analogue 9-(2-phosphonomethoxyethyl)adenine.

The effect of the acyclic nucleotide analogue, 9-(2-phosphonomethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA, Adefovir), and its (bis)pivaloyloxymethyl ester (bis-POM-PMEA, Adefovir Dipivoxil) on in vitro nitric oxide (NO) production by murine peritoneal macrophages was investigated. Bis-POM-PMEA inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the formation of NO generated by interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide, the IC50 being 15 microM. Suppressed transcription of mRNA for inducible NO synthase (EC 1.14.13.39) resulting in decreased synthesis of NO synthase protein was found. Parent compound PMEA was virtually ineffective.

Adenine↗

PubMed1997

Antiretroviral agent (R)-9-(2-phosphonomethoxypropyl)adenine stimulates cytokine and nitric oxide production.

The immunomodulatory properties of (R)-enantiomer of 9-(2-phoshonomethoxypropyl)adenine ((R)-PMPA), one of the most potent acyclic nucleotide analogs effective against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), were investigated under in vitro conditions using murine peritoneal macrophages. Remaining without influence on interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 expression, (R)-PMPA dramatically stimulated in a concentration- and time-dependent manner the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-10. It also substantially augmented the production of nitric oxide (NO) induced by exogenous interferon-gamma. Inhibitory experiments using neutralizing antibodies against TNF-alpha and/or interleukin-10 demonstrated that these two cytokines are major factors responsible for triggering the underlying mechanism(s) leading to enhanced NO production. The novel findings on the immunomodulatory potential of acyclic nucleotide analogs are discussed in the context of their possible implication in antiviral therapeutic efficacy.

Adenine↗

PubMed1997

Effects of nitroprusside as a nitric oxide donor on anoxia/reoxygenation and D-galactosamine hepatic injuries: a study in perfused hepatocytes.

At present, the physiological role of NO. synthesis in the liver is ambiguous. Studies directed to reveal the role of NO. in relation to liver function were primarily initiated by an interest in the hepatic response to infections and the consequent modulation of liver function. The purpose of the present investigation was to use perfused rat hepatocytes to test the ability of the latter to produce NO. and to delineate the relationship between exogenously delivered NO. and any alteration in the degree of injury as produced by anoxia/reoxygenation (AR) or D-galactosamine (GalN, 5 mM) intoxication. NO. production in rats was stimulated by a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 20 mg/kg i.p.) from which hepatocytes were isolated and perfused. Exogenous NO. was delivered to the perfusate of hepatocytes that were isolated from untreated rats, by the addition of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 2 mM and 0.2 mM). AR and GalN hepatocyte injury was followed after the addition of SNP. Rat hepatocytes were immobilized in low-gelling agarose and perfused with Williams E medium. Endogenous synthesis of NO. and exogenous NO. as produced by SNP was evaluated by estimating the end products of NO. (NO2- + NO3-) in the perfusion medium. The functional and structural integrity of hepatocytes was evaluated from lactate dehydrogenase (LD) leakage and urea synthesis in the perfusion medium. Normal, AR- and GalN-injured hepatocytes did not exhibit measurable NO. while LPS-treated hepatocytes produced NO. (80 microM NO2- + NO3-). SNP-produced NO. significantly increased or decreased LD leakage in AR at 2 mM or 0.2 mM, respectively, and also reduced or increased the rate of urea synthesis, respectively. 0.2 mM SNP increased trypan blue exclusion by hepatocytes. On the other hand, GalN toxicity was not significantly altered by SNP as demonstrated by LD leakage and the rate of urea synthesis was increased by SNP addition. The present data suggest both deleterious and beneficial role of NO. in AR liver injury model depending on the level of NO. generated.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Macrophage nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation by Nocardia opaca fractions and 15- and 56-kD isolated antigens.

The Gram-positive bacterium, Nocardia opaca, is a source of substances with adjuvant effect, ability to stimulate macrophages and natural killer cells for enhanced cytotoxity and cytokine production and B lymphocytes for polyclonal immunoglobulin secretion. We determined the immunogenicity of isolated N. opaca fractions and prepared MoAbs against immunogenic water-soluble mitogen (NWSM). Two main proteins of molecular mass 15 and 56 kD were detected in western blot analysis and isolated by affinity chromatography using anti-NWSM MoAb B7/7. Both these isolated nocardial antigens were found to stimulate mouse peritoneal macrophage NOS. The effect of 5 micrograms NWSM was comparable to that of 5 micrograms lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or 20 U of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) added to cell cultures. The MoAb B7/7 decreased No2- production induced by NWSM or by isolated nocardial antigens, but did not significantly influence the production elicited by LPS or IFN-gamma. On the other hand, NOS activation by NWSM was not affected by anti-IFN-gamma MoAb. The possible independent pathway for IFN-gamma and NWSM macrophage activation is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Indirect stimulatory effects of murine interleukin-12 on in vitro production of nitric oxide by mouse peritoneal cells.

The effect of murine interleukin-12 (IL-12) on L-arginine-dependent biosynthesis of nitric oxide (NO) by mouse peritoneal cells was evaluated. Interleukin-12 was found to trigger considerably enhanced production of NO in a dose-dependent manner. Antibody neutralization studies indicated that the effect of IL-12 was mediated by IFN-gamma without apparent participation of TNF-alpha. Synergistic effects of IL-12 plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were also observed. Our data thus provide evidence that IL-12 is a powerful but indirect modulator of NO formation. These findings may contribute to the better understanding of various biologic effects of IL-12.

Animals↗