Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0024141 (systemic lupus erythematosus)
 44,322 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disorder, and the inflammation associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) accelerates the development of atherosclerosis. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of inflammation including the inflammation associated with atherosclerosis and SLE. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3)-mediated constitutive expression of NO promotes endothelial integrity and normal vascular function. In contrast, inducible nitric oxide synthase- (NOS2) mediated expression of NO promotes endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. Statins appear to have anti-inflammatory properties and reverse many of the deleterious effects associated with NO metabolism in atherosclerosis. Statins augment NOS3 expression and inhibit the induction of NOS2. Therefore, the balance between normal vascular function and atherogenesis may be mediated by differences in the quantity, location, and timing of NO production within vessel walls.
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PMID:The dichotomous role of nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of accelerated atherosclerosis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. 1557 24

Monoclonal ribosomal P protein antibody (anti-P mAb) may bind to the cell surface, penetrate into cells, and induce apoptosis of Jurkat T cells. Recently, modulation of cytokines has been considered to be important in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). In this study, effects of anti-P mAbs (9B6) on gene expression of cytokines, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 were analyzed by RT-PCR and ELISA and those on IL-12 promoter activity was determined in an IL-12p40 promoter-reporter gene transfected cell line RAW (IL-12p40-SEAP). After treating LPS-activated RAW 264.7 with 9B6 for 6 or 24 h, the levels of mRNA and protein expression of IL-12, TNF-alpha, and iNOS were significantly inhibited by 25%, 16%, and 13%, respectively. The IL-12 promoter activity of RAW (IL-12p40-SEAP) was also inhibited by 13-22%. However, inhibitory effects were not observed in cells pre-treated with IgG1 for 1 h. The productions of IL-10 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 and human macrophages were potentiated by 9B6 up to 65% and 51%, respectively. Since anti-P Abs inhibit productions of IL-12 and TNF-alpha and enhance IL-10 production in macrophages, these autoantibodies may augment Th2 responses and amplify lupus manifestations by causing immunological polarity and lymphocyte dysfunction.
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PMID:Monoclonal ribosomal P autoantibody inhibits the expression and release of IL-12, TNF-alpha and iNOS in activated RAW macrophage cell line. 1582 6

Nitric oxide (NO) production increases with age in the lupus-prone MRL/lpr mouse, paralleling disease activity. One mechanism for excess NO production in MRL/lpr mice may be a defect in down-regulatory mechanisms of the iNOS pathway. A potential modulator of NO is the nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferation activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). We demonstrate that renal PPARgamma protein expression was altered as disease progressed in MRL/lpr mice, which paralleled increased iNOS protein expression. Additionally, MRL/lpr-derived primary mesangial cells expressed less PPARgamma than BALB/c mesangial cells and produced more NO in response to LPS and IFNgamma. Furthermore, PPARgamma activity was reduced in mesangial cells following exposure to inflammatory mediators. This activity was restored with the addition of a NOS enzyme inhibitor. These results indicate that the activation of inflammatory pathways may lead to reduced activity and expression of PPARgamma, further exacerbating the disease state.
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PMID:Inflammatory modulation of PPAR gamma expression and activity. 1630 34

Formation of reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediates (RNI and ROI) is an essential part of the innate immune response. Markers of systemic RNI production are increased in the setting of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity. Several lines of evidence suggest mechanisms through which the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is pathogenic in SLE, including the ability of peroxynitrite (ONOO(-), a product of iNOS activity) to modify proteins, lipids, and DNA. These modifications can alter enzyme activity and may increase the immunogenicity of self antigens, leading to a break in immune tolerance. In humans, observational data suggest that overexpression of iNOS and increased production of ONOO(-) lead to glomerular and vascular pathology. Therapies designed to target iNOS activity or scavenge ROI and RNI are in development and may provide the means to reduce the pathogenic consequences of ROI and RNI in SLE.
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PMID:The biology of nitric oxide and other reactive intermediates in systemic lupus erythematosus. 1686 Oct 40

Lupus nephritis is one manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Interleukin (IL)-10 is involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. To determine whether IL-20, a member of the IL-10 family, is associated with lupus nephritis, we analyzed the expression of IL-20 and its receptors in mesangial cells derived from SLE-prone, NZB/W, and DBA/W mice. IL-20 and its receptors were upregulated in mesangial cells from NZB/W mice. Incubating IL-20 with mesangial cells upregulated the transcripts of CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL5 (RANTES), CXCL10 (IP-10), IL-6, iNOS, and ROS, all of which are involved in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. IL-20 specifically activated the downstream signal ERK 1/2. We also detected human IL-20 protein in both mesangial cells and inflammatory cells in kidney biopsies of patients with lupus nephritis. Our results reveal the novel effects of IL-20 on mesangial cells and its association with lupus nephritis.
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PMID:Interleukin-20 targets renal mesangial cells and is associated with lupus nephritis. 1877 58

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a crucial role in liver fibrogenesis. armepavine (Arm, C19H23O3N), an active compound from Nelumbo nucifera, has been shown to exert immunosuppressive effects on T lymphocytes and on lupus nephritic mice. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Arm could exert anti-hepatic fibrogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. A cell line of rat HSCs (HSC-T6) was stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Arm. An in vivo therapeutic study was conducted in bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats. BDL rats were given Arm (3 or 10 mg/kg) by gavage twice daily for 3 weeks starting from the onset of BDL. Liver sections were taken for fibrosis scoring, immuno-fluorescence staining and quantitative real-time mRNA measurements. In vitro, Arm (1-10 microM) concentration-dependently attenuated TNF-alpha- and LPS-stimulated alpha-SMA protein expression and AP-1 activation by HSC-T6 cells without adverse cytotoxicity. Arm also suppressed TNF-alpha-induced collagen collagen deposition, NFkappaB activation and MAPK (p38, ERK1/2, and JNK) phosphorylations. In vivo, Arm treatment significantly reduced plasma AST and ALT levels, hepatic alpha-SMA expression and collagen contents, and fibrosis scores of BDL rats as compared with vehicle treatment. Moreover, Arm attenuated the mRNA expression levels of col 1alpha2, TGF-beta1, TIMP-1, ICAM-1, iNOS, and IL-6 genes, but up-regulated metallothionein genes. Our study results showed that Arm exerted both in vitro and in vivo antifibrotic effects in rats, possibly through anti-NF-kappaB activation pathways.
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PMID:Inhibitory effects of armepavine against hepatic fibrosis in rats. 1972 40

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs) play an important role in the process of atherosclerosis. Most previous studies on CEPC in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients were on their number and some functions and the results were not consistent. No studies on their anti-inflammatory function and integrated status were reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the number, function (including anti-inflammatory function), and the integrated status of CEPCs in active SLE patients. The study was performed in 35 active SLE patients (28 females, 7 males) and 35 age-and gender-matched healthy controls. CEPC number was determined by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting. Proliferation capacity of CEPC was assessed by PCNA staining. Adhesion capacity of CEPC to fibronectin and adhesion capacity of THP1 cell to CEPC were determined by cell adhesion assay. Migratory capacity of CEPC was measured by transwell chamber assay and the potential to form tubes on Matrigel of CEPC was determined by in vivo tube formation on Matrigel test. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) assessed by quantitative PCR as well as the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt) assessed by western-blotting were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory function and cell status of CEPCs. The number of CEPC in SLE patients was not different from that in control (p > 0.05). Proliferation capacity of CEPC was decreased in active SLE patients (p = 0.027). Adhesion capacity of CEPC to fibronectin was decreased (p = 0.04) in SLE patients and adhesion capacity of THP1 cell to CEPC was increased in SLE patients (p < 0.001). Migratory activity was reduced in patient CEPCs (p < 0.001). Capacity of CEPCs to form tube on Matrigel was decreased in SLE patients (p < 0.001). Expression of iNOS and IL-6 (p < 0.001, p = 0.006, respectively) and ICAM-1 were increased in CEPC of SLE patients and expression of p-Akt was decreased in CEPC of SLE patients. Our data show that CEPC number in active SLE patients was not significantly different from healthy controls, but their functions were partly impaired, including proliferation, adhesion, migration, and tube formation. Bad cell status and increased susceptibility to inflammatory process of CEPCs in active SLE were also observed in our study.
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PMID:Comparative study on circulating endothelial progenitor cells in systemic lupus erythematosus patients at active stage. 1984 36

Complement activation is an important aspect of systemic lupus erythematosus. In this study we investigated the role of C3a/C3a receptor (R) signaling in brains of the lupus model, MRL/lpr mice, by treating the mice with C3aR antagonist (a) from 13 to 19 weeks of age. C3aR mRNA (0.2 +/- 0.027 versus 0.56 +/- 0.19) and protein (0.16 +/- 0.09 versus 0.63 +/- 0.19) expression was increased in MRL/lpr brains compared with MRL+/+ controls. Apoptosis, a key feature in lupus brain, was significantly reduced by C3aRa treatment, as assessed by DNA laddering, TUNEL staining and caspase3 activity (48% of MRL/lpr mice). mRNA expression of proinflammatory molecules that cause apoptosis, TNFalpha (0.33 +/- 0.07 versus 0.15 +/- 0.1), MIP2 (3.8 +/- 1.3 versus 1.7 +/- 0.6), and INFgamma (4.8 +/- 1.0 versus 2.07 +/- 1.28) are reduced in MRL/lpr brains with C3aRa treatment. In line with these results, Western blotting demonstrates the significant increase in phosphorylation of survival molecules Akt and Erk, decrease in PTEN and reduced iNOS expression. INFgamma receptor (R) and AMPA-GluR1 co-localized, and concomitant with reduced INFgammaR expression, AMPAGluR1 expression was also decreased by C3aR antagonist. All of these variables that modulate neuronal excitability and regulate synaptic plasticity are C3aR dependent in the MRL/lpr brains and suggest a potential therapeutic role for C3aR inhibition in CNS lupus.
Lupus 2010 Jan
PMID:C3aR inhibition reduces neurodegeneration in experimental lupus. 1990 Sep 81

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial anatomic location in the brain. Its dysfunction complicates many neurodegenerative diseases, from acute conditions, such as sepsis, to chronic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Several studies suggest an altered BBB in lupus, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In the current study, we observed a definite loss of BBB integrity in MRL/MpJ-Tnfrsf6(lpr) (MRL/lpr) lupus mice by IgG infiltration into brain parenchyma. In line with this result, we examined the role of complement activation, a key event in this setting, in maintenance of BBB integrity. Complement activation generates C5a, a molecule with multiple functions. Because the expression of the C5a receptor (C5aR) is significantly increased in brain endothelial cells treated with lupus serum, the study focused on the role of C5a signaling through its G-protein-coupled receptor C5aR in brain endothelial cells, in a lupus setting. Reactive oxygen species production increased significantly in endothelial cells, in both primary cells and the bEnd3 cell line treated with lupus serum from MRL/lpr mice, compared with those treated with control serum from MRL(+/+) mice. In addition, increased permeability monitored by changes in transendothelial electrical resistance, cytoskeletal remodeling caused by actin fiber rearrangement, and increased iNOS mRNA expression were observed in bEnd3 cells. These disruptive effects were alleviated by pretreating cells with a C5a receptor antagonist (C5aRant) or a C5a antibody. Furthermore, the structural integrity of the vasculature in MRL/lpr brain was maintained by C5aR inhibition. These results demonstrate the regulation of BBB integrity by the complement system in a neuroinflammatory setting. For the first time, a novel role of C5a in the maintenance of BBB integrity is identified and the potential of C5a/C5aR blockade highlighted as a promising therapeutic strategy in SLE and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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PMID:C5a alters blood-brain barrier integrity in experimental lupus. 2006 6

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a bioactive component of green tea, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells. EGCG is also shown to activate the metabolic regulator, adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Reports have also indicated that EGCG inhibits the immune-stimulated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway has been implicated in mesangial cell activation in lupus. Mesangial cells from MRL/lpr lupus-like mice are hyper-responsive to immune stimulation and overproduce nitric oxide (NO) and other inflammatory mediators when stimulated. In our current studies, we sought to determine the mechanism by which EGCG attenuates immune-induced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators. Cultured mesangial cells from MRL/lpr mice were pre-treated with various concentrations of EGCG and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon (IFN)-gamma. EGCG activated AMPK and blocked LPS/IFN-gamma-induced inflammatory mediator production (iNOS expression, supernatant NO and interleukin-6). Interestingly, EGCG attenuated inflammation during AMPK inhibition indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of EGCG may be partially independent of AMPK activation. Furthermore, we found that EGCG effectively inhibited the immune-stimulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway independently of AMPK, by decreasing phosphorylation of Akt, suggesting an alternate mechanism for EGCG-mediated anti-inflammatory action in mesangial cells. Taken together, these studies show that EGCG attenuated inflammation in MRL/lpr mouse mesangial cells via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Our findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for the use of EGCG to regulate inflammation and control autoimmune disease.
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PMID:Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) attenuates inflammation in MRL/lpr mouse mesangial cells. 2014 7


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