Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0003873 (rheumatoid arthritis)
 53,068 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Bucillamine (BUC) has been found to have beneficial effects in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in which the activation of endothelial cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis. The current studies examined the effect of BUC and its intramolecular disulfide form (BUC-ID) on the expression of adhesion molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). HUVEC (4 x 10(4)/well) were incubated with medium M199 containing heparin and 20% FCS with endothelial cell growth supplement (ECGS) for 24 h in the presence or absence of BUC or BUC-ID, after which the culture medium was replaced with ECGS free medium. Then the cultures were further carried out for additional 24 h with TNF-alpha (10 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of BUC or BUC-ID. BUC-ID, but not BUC, appeared to suppress the expression of VCAM-1 on HUVEC stimulated with TNF-alpha in a dose-response manner at its pharmacologically relevant concentrations (0.3-3.0 microg/ml), whereas only the 3 microg/ml concentration level of BUC-ID had a statistically significant effect, although the effect was relatively small. By contrast, lower concentrations of BUC-ID (1-3 microg/ml) suppressed the secretion of soluble VCAM-1 by HUVEC much more effectively. Of note, at the concentration of 3 microg/ml neither BUC nor BUC-ID significantly influenced the expression of ICAM-1 and E-selectin on TNF-alpha stimulated HUVEC. These results indicate that BUC-ID, but not BUC, specifically downregulates the surface expression of VCAM-1 as well as the release of soluble VCAM-1 by HUVEC stimulated with TNF-alpha. BUC-ID suppressed the production of solubleVCAM-1 by RA bone marrow CD34+ cells stimulated with SCF, GM-CSF and TNF-alpha more effectively than BUC. The data thus suggest that one of the mechanisms of action of BUC involves the inhibition of the activation of endothelial cells.
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PMID:Inhibitory effects of bucillamine on the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. 1497 66

Interleukin-23, a recently described cytokine produced by activated antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells, is a p19/p40 heterodimer. The p40 subunit is shared with IL-12, the major Th1-driving cytokine, while p19 is distantly related to IL-12 p35. IL-23 has pro-inflammatory actions, inducing IL-17 secretion from activated CD4+ T cells, and stimulating the proliferation of memory CD4+ T cells. Here, we examined the effects of PGE2, a well-known immunomodulator, on the production of IL-23 by bone marrow- derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs). Our results indicate that PGE2 increases the production of functional IL-23 from immature BM-DCs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. PGE2 induces both the expression of p19 and p40, without affecting p35 expression. The effect of PGE2 is mediated through the specific receptors EP2/4 and is mimicked by cAMP-inducing agents, such as forskolin and dbcAMP. Although PGE2 also induces IL-1beta and IL-6 expression in non-stimulated DCs, the stimulatory effect of PGE2 on IL-23 production is not mediated through IL-1beta or IL-6. GM-CSF, the pro-inflammatory cytokine required for the generation of BM-DCs, amplifies the IL-23 inducing activity of PGE2 in a synergistic manner. Recent studies described both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of PGE2, and our results suggest an additional mechanism for its pro-inflammatory role, particularly significant for autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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PMID:Prostaglandin E2 induces IL-23 production in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. 1518 Sep 65

Bone marrow CD34+ cells from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have abnormal capacities to respond to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and to differentiate into fibroblast-like cells producing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1. We explored the expression of mRNA for nuclear factor (NF)kappaB in RA bone marrow CD34+ cells to delineate the mechanism for their abnormal responses to TNF-alpha. CD34+ cells were purified from bone marrow samples obtained from 49 RA patients and 31 osteoarthritis (OA) patients during joint operations via aspiration from the iliac crest. The mRNAs for NFkappaB1 (p50), NFkappaB2 (p52) and RelA (p65) were examined by quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of NFkappaB1 mRNA in bone marrow CD34+ cells was significantly higher in RA than in OA, whereas there was no significant difference in the expression of mRNA for NFkappaB2 and RelA. The expression of NFkappaB1 mRNA was not correlated with serum C-reactive protein or with the treatment with methotrexate or oral steroid. Silencing of NFkappaB1 by small interfering RNA abrogated the capacity of RA bone marrow CD34+ cells to differentiate into fibroblast-like cells and to produce MMP-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor upon stimulation with stem cell factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and TNF-alpha without influencing their viability and capacity to produce beta2-microglobulin. These results indicate that the enhanced expression of NFkappaB1 mRNA in bone marrow CD34+ cells plays a pivotal role in their abnormal responses to TNF-alpha and, thus, in the pathogenesis of RA.
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PMID:Enhanced expression of mRNA for nuclear factor kappaB1 (p50) in CD34+ cells of the bone marrow in rheumatoid arthritis. 1651 94

The pro-inflammatory cytokine GM-CSF is aberrantly produced in many autoimmune and chronic inflammatory human diseases. GM-CSF neutralization by antibodies has been shown to have a profound therapeutic effect in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory lung diseases, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, the absence of GM-CSF in null mutant mice ameliorates or prevents certain of these diseases. Here we describe the biophysical and biological properties of a human anti-GM-CSF IgG1 antibody designated MT203, which was derived by phage display guided selection. MT203 bound with picomolar affinity to an epitope on human and macaque GM-CSF involved in high-affinity receptor interaction. As a consequence, the antibody potently prevented both GM-CSF-induced proliferation of TF-1 cells with a sub-nanomolar IC50 value and the production of the chemokine IL-8 by U937 cells. MT203 neutralized equally well recombinant (r) human (h) GM-CSF from Escherichia coli and yeast, and also normally glycosylated GM-CSF secreted by human lung epithelial cells in response to IL-1beta stimulation. Furthermore, MT203 significantly reduced both survival and activation of peripheral human eosinophils as may be required for effective treatment of inflammatory lung diseases. The antibody did not show a detectable loss of neutralizing activity after 5 days in human serum at 37 degrees C. Based on its favorable properties, MT203 has been selected for development as a novel anti-inflammatory human monoclonal antibody with therapeutic potential in a multitude of human autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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PMID:A human monoclonal IgG1 potently neutralizing the pro-inflammatory cytokine GM-CSF. 1669 65

Neutrophil NADPH oxidase plays a key role in host defense and in inflammation by releasing large amounts of superoxide and other ROSs. Proinflammatory cytokines such as GM-CSF and TNF-alpha prime ROS production by neutrophils through unknown mechanisms. Here we used peptide sequencing by tandem mass spectrometry to show that GM-CSF and TNF-alpha induce phosphorylation of Ser345 on p47phox, a cytosolic component of NADPH oxidase, in human neutrophils. As Ser345 is located in the MAPK consensus sequence, we tested the effects of MAPK inhibitors. Inhibitors of the ERK1/2 pathway abrogated GM-CSF-induced phosphorylation of Ser345, while p38 MAPK inhibitor abrogated TNF-alpha-induced phosphorylation of Ser345. Transfection of HL-60 cells with a mutated p47phox (S345A) inhibited GM-CSF- and TNF-alpha-induced priming of ROS production. This event was also inhibited in neutrophils by a cell-permeable peptide containing a TAT-p47phox-Ser345 sequence. Furthermore, ROS generation, p47phox-Ser345 phosphorylation, and ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation were increased in synovial neutrophils from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and TAT-Ser345 peptide inhibited ROS production by these primed neutrophils. This study therefore identifies convergent MAPK pathways on Ser345 that are involved in GM-CSF- and TNF-alpha-induced priming of neutrophils and are activated in RA. Inhibition of the point of convergence of these pathways might serve as a novel antiinflammatory strategy.
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PMID:A specific p47phox -serine phosphorylated by convergent MAPKs mediates neutrophil NADPH oxidase priming at inflammatory sites. 1677 89

Synovial leukocyte apoptosis is inhibited in established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In contrast, high levels of leukocyte apoptosis are seen in self-limiting crystal arthritis. The phase in the development of RA at which the inhibition of leukocyte apoptosis is first apparent, and the relationship between leukocyte apoptosis in early RA and other early arthritides, has not been defined. We measured synovial fluid leukocyte apoptosis in very early arthritis and related this to clinical outcome. Synovial fluid was obtained at presentation from 81 patients with synovitis of < or = 3 months duration. The percentages of apoptotic neutrophils and lymphocytes were assessed on cytospin preparations. Patients were assigned to diagnostic groups after 18 months follow-up. The relationship between leukocyte apoptosis and patient outcome was assessed. Patients with early RA had significantly lower levels of neutrophil apoptosis than patients who developed non-RA persistent arthritis and those with a resolving disease course. Similarly, lymphocyte apoptosis was absent in patients with early RA whereas it was seen in patients with other early arthritides. The inhibition of synovial fluid leukocyte apoptosis in the earliest clinically apparent phase of RA distinguishes this from other early arthritides. The mechanisms for this inhibition may relate to the high levels of anti-apoptotic cytokines found in the early rheumatoid joint (e.g. IL-2, IL-4, IL-15 GMCSF, GCSF). It is likely that this process contributes to an accumulation of leukocytes in the early rheumatoid lesion and is involved in the development of the microenvironment required for persistent RA.
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PMID:Synovial fluid leukocyte apoptosis is inhibited in patients with very early rheumatoid arthritis. 1685 18

This study was conducted to examine the frequency, phenotype, and functional profile of T lymphocytes that proliferate in response to type I collagen (CI) in patients with scleroderma (SSc). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SSc patients, healthy controls, and rheumatoid arthritis disease controls were labeled with carboxy-fluorescein diacetate, succinimidyl ester (CFSE), cultured with or without antigen (bovine CI) for 14 days, and analysed by flow cytometry. Surface markers of proliferating cells were identified by multi-color flow cytometry. T-cell lines were derived after sorting for proliferating T cells (CFSElow). Cytokine expression in CI-responsive T cells was detected by intracellular staining/flow cytometry and by multiplex cytokine bead assay (Bio-Plex). A T-cell proliferative response to CI was detected in 8 of 25 (32%) SSc patients, but was infrequent in healthy or disease controls (3.6%; p = 0.009). The proliferating T cells expressed a CD4+, activated (CD25+), memory (CD45RO+) phenotype. Proliferation to CI did not correlate with disease duration or extent of skin involvement. T-cell lines were generated using in vitro CI stimulation to study the functional profile of these cells. Following activation of CI-reactive T cells, we detected intracellular interferon (IFN)-gamma but not interleukin (IL)-4 by flow cytometry. Supernatants from the T-cell lines generated in vitro contained IL-2, IFN-gamma, GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, but little or no IL-4 and IL-10, suggesting that CI-responsive T cells express a predominantly Th1 cytokine pattern. In conclusion, circulating memory CD4 T cells that proliferate to CI are present in a subset of patients with SSc, but are infrequent in healthy or disease controls.
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PMID:Characterisation of the immune response to type I collagen in scleroderma. 1687 46

Expression of CD69 on neutrophils and generation of anti-CD69 autoantibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been reported. Thus natural ligands for CD69 not yet identified and/or the anti-CD69 autoantibodies possibly affect neutrophils by evoking CD69 signaling, which may further affect joint-composing cells in RA. However, the effect of the CD69 signaling in neutrophils remains largely unclear. To elucidate the issue, we tried to identify proteins affected by the crosslinking of CD69 on neutrophils using a proteomic approach. Specifically, CD69 on granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-activated neutrophils was crosslinked by anti-CD69 monoclonal antibodies, and then intracellular proteins were detected using 2-dimensional electrophoresis and further identified by mass spectrometry and subsequent protein database searching. As a result, we successfully identified multiple proteins that increased their production by the CD69 signaling. Among the proteins, we focused on one of the up-regulated proteins, S100A9 calcium binding protein (S100A9), and investigated proteome changes brought by a recombinant S100A9 in a human synovial sarcoma cell line (SW982), a human chondrosarcoma cell line (OUMS-27), and a human T leukemia cell line (Jurkat). This revealed that the recombinant S100A9 altered proteomes of SW982 and OUMS-27, and to a lesser extent, that of the Jurkat cells. Further, S100A9 induced IL-1beta production from neutrophils and the SW982 cells. These data suggest that unidentified natural ligands for CD69 and/or the anti-CD69 autoantibodies possibly affect joint-composing cell types through the increased production of S100A9 in neutrophils, providing a new insight into functions of CD69 on neutrophils in RA.
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PMID:Crosslinking of the CD69 molecule enhances S100A9 production in activated neutrophils. 1723 3

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disabling disease affecting at least 1% of the population on a worldwide basis. Research aimed at understanding the pathogenesis of this disease led to the identification of TNFalpha as a major pro-inflammatory cytokine expressed in the inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Subsequently, in vitro studies provided evidence to suggest that TNFalpha played an important role in driving the expression of additional pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, GM-CSF, IL-6, and IL-8, in synovial cell cultures. Another important finding that confirmed the pathological significance of TNFalpha was that mice genetically engineered to overexpress TNFalpha spontaneously developed arthritis. Subsequently, the therapeutic effect TNFalpha blockade was tested in animal models prior to clinical trials in human patients, which provided unequivocal verification of the validity of TNFalpha as a therapeutic target. Anti-TNFalpha therapy is now accepted as a fully-validated treatment modality for rheumatoid arthritis.
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PMID:Pathogenesis and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis. 1782 74

Neutrophil apoptosis is important for the termination of inflammatory reactions, in that it ensures placid clearance of these potently cytotoxic cells. Various proinflammatory cytokines delay neutrophil apoptosis, which may result in accumulation of these cells, sometimes accompanied by tissue destruction, potentially leading to various inflammatory disease states. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized frequently by elevated levels of the acute-phase reactant serum amyloid A (SAA) in circulation and in tissues. SAA is emerging as a cytokine-like molecule with the ability to activate various proinflammatory processes, many of which involve signaling via the formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1). In this study, we show that SAA, purified from plasma from RA patients or in recombinant form, suppressed apoptosis of human neutrophils. Blocking FPRL1 did not lessen the antiapoptotic effects of SAA, implying the action of a receptor distinct from FPRL1. In contrast, antagonists of the nucleotide receptor P2X7 abrogated the antiapoptotic effect of SAA completely but did not block intracellular calcium transients evoked by SAA stimulation. Based on these results and also the finding that blocking P2X7 inhibited antiapoptotic actions of unrelated stimuli (LPS and GM-CSF), we propose that P2X7 is a general mediator of antiapoptotic signaling in neutrophils rather than a bona fide SAA receptor.
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PMID:Serum amyloid A inhibits apoptosis of human neutrophils via a P2X7-sensitive pathway independent of formyl peptide receptor-like 1. 1796 68


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