Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0032285 (pneumonia)
 54,520 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

NF-kappaB binding sites are present in the promoter regions of many acute phase and inflammatory response genes, suggesting that NF-kappaB plays an important role in the initiation of innate immune responses. However, targeted mutations of the various NF-kappaB family members have yet to identify members responsible for this critical role. RelA-deficient mice die on embryonic day 15 from TNF-alpha-induced liver degeneration. To investigate the importance of RelA in innate immunity, we genetically suppressed this embryonic lethality by breeding the RelA deficiency onto a TNFR type 1 (TNFR1)-deficient background. TNFR1/RelA-deficient mice were born healthy, but were susceptible to bacterial infections and bacteremia and died within a few weeks after birth. Hemopoiesis was intact in TNFR1/RelA-deficient newborns, but neutrophil emigration to alveoli during LPS-induced pneumonia was severely reduced relative to that in wild-type or TNFR1-deficient mice. In contrast, radiation chimeras reconstituted with RelA or TNFR1/RelA-deficient hemopoietic cells were healthy and demonstrated no defect in neutrophil emigration during LPS-induced pneumonia. Analysis of RNA harvested from the lungs of mice 4 h after LPS insufflation revealed that the induction of several genes important for neutrophil recruitment to the lung was significantly reduced in TNFR1/RelA-deficient mice relative to that in wild-type or TNFR1-deficient mice. These results suggest that TNFR1-independent activation of RelA is essential in cells of nonhemopoietic origin during the initiation of an innate immune response.
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PMID:Targeted mutation of TNF receptor I rescues the RelA-deficient mouse and reveals a critical role for NF-kappa B in leukocyte recruitment. 1146 81

Elderly subjects are at increased risk of pneumonia, influenza, and tuberculosis. Besides the known age-related decrease in mechanisms for mechanical clearance of the lungs, impaired alveolar macrophage function contributes to the increased risk of illness in the elderly. We have previously shown that age-induced macrophage immunodeficiencies are associated with a defective system for anchoring protein kinase C. Castration of young male rats produces effects on alveolar macrophages similar to those of aging, suggesting a relationship between circulating sex hormones, particularly androgens, and the decreases in the receptor for activated C kinase (RACK-1) and macrophage function observed. The aging process in humans and rats is associated with a decline in the plasma concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate, among other steroid hormones. We report here that in vitro and in vivo administration of DHEA to rats restores the age-decreased level of RACK-1 and the LPS-stimulated production of TNF-alpha in alveolar macrophages. DHEA in vivo also restores age-decreased spleen mitogenic responses and the level of RACK-1 expression. These findings suggest that the age-related loss in immunological responses, linked to defective pathways of signal transduction, are partially under hormonal control and can be restored by appropriate replacement therapy.
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PMID:In vivo dehydroepiandrosterone restores age-associated defects in the protein kinase C signal transduction pathway and related functional responses. 1182 7

Neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte [PMN]) migration into pulmonary airspaces is a prerequisite for clearance of bacteria commonly found in nosocomial pneumonia. Patients at risk for nosocomial pneumonia often experience endotoxemia, and neutrophil dysfunction is associated with endotoxemia in both humans and animals. Using a rodent model of endotoxemia-associated pneumonia, we characterized the altered kinetics of pulmonary PMN trafficking and addressed the roles of platelets, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and products of complement activation as potential mediators in the modulation of PMN migratory function. In male Sprague-Dawley rats made endotoxemic with intravenously (i.v.) administered endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), recruitment of PMNs into the lung airspaces in response to intratracheally (i.t.) instilled LPS was inhibited. In animals given IT LPS alone (0.5 mg/rat), numbers of airway PMNs were significantly elevated by 2 h, and immunohistochemical evaluation revealed PMNs in alveolar airspaces, alveolar walls, and in interstitium surrounding large airways. LPS (2 mg/kg i.v.) caused neutropenia and pulmonary PMN sequestration within 15 min of administration. Inhibition of airway PMN accumulation occurred by 30 min and lasted for at least 6 h after i.v. LPS. Factors present or activated after 30 min of endotoxemia were hypothesized to mediate the inhibitory effect of i.v. LPS. We found that pretreatment of rats with cobra venom factor to deplete complement (and C5a production) or immunodepletion of platelets or TNF did not affect the ability of i.v. LPS to inhibit pulmonary PMN recruitment or to cause pulmonary leukostasis. In summary, our results show that the inhibitory effects of i.v. LPS on PMN trafficking are rapid and persist for several hours and suggest that neither TNF, C5a, nor platelets are sufficient to mediate the inhibitory response.
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PMID:Pulmonary leukostasis and the inhibition of airway neutrophil recruitment are early events in the endotoxemic rat. 1183 92

The herb, Chrysanthemum zawadskii var, latilobum commomly known as Gu-Jul-Cho in Korea, used in traditional medicine to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, cough, common cold, pharyngitis, bladder-related disorders, gastroenteric disorders, and hypertension. Linarin is the main active compound and the biological mechanisms of its activity are unclear. It is believed that effects of this herb may be exerted through the pluripotent effectors of linarin due to its ability to treat a variety of afflictions. In this study, the effects of linarin on the mouse macrophages cell line, RAW 264.7, were investigated. It was found that linarin could activate macrophages by producing cytokines. Monocytes and tissue macrophages produce at least two groups of protein mediators of inflammation, interleukin 1 (IL-1) and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Recent studies have shown that TNF and IL-1 modulate the inflammatory function of endothelial cells, leukocytes, and fibroblasts. TNF-alpha production by macrophages treated with linarin occured in a dose dependent manner. However, IL-1 production was largely unaffected by this natural product. This study demonstrated the ability of linarin to activate macrophages both directly and indirectly. Linarin also affect both cytokine production and nitric oxide inhibition, in addition to the expression of some surface molecules. Nitric oxide (NO), derived from L-argin-ine, is produced by two forms(constitutive and inducible) of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The NO produced in large amounts by inducible NOS is known to be responsible for the vasodilation and hypotension observed in septic shock. Linarin was found to inhibit NO production in the LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Linarin may be a useful candidate as a new drug for treating endotoxemia and the inflammation accompanied by NO overproduction. The linarin-treated total lymphocytes exhibited cytotoxicity in a dose dependent manner between 20 microg/ml and 40 microg/ml. These results suggest that linarin may function through macrophage activation.
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PMID:The effect of linarin on LPS-induced cytokine production and nitric oxide inhibition in murine macrophages cell line RAW264.7. 1200 31

The early cytokines interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1, -6 and -8 (IL-1, -6, -8) are produced during the most early stage of an infection. The activities of these cytokines have been studied extensively in vitro and in rodents, but in vivo studies on the role of these cytokines in infectious diseases of food animals are few. This review concentrates on in vivo studies of cytokine involvement in infectious respiratory diseases of swine, with an emphasis on viral infections. First evidence for the role of early cytokines in pneumonia in swine came from experimental infections with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. The role of TNF-alpha and IL-1 in the symptoms and pathology of porcine pleuropneumonia has recently been proven by use of an adenovirus vector expressing the anti-inflammatory IL-10. In the authors' laboratory, studies were undertaken to investigate the relationship between viral respiratory disease and bioactive lung lavage levels of IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6. Out of three respiratory viruses-porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and swine influenza virus (SIV)-only SIV induced acute respiratory disease and severe lung damage by itself. Disease and lung pathology were tightly associated with the simultaneous production of IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6. In challenge studies of SIV-vaccinated pigs, levels of IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha and IL-6, but not IL-1 were correlated with clinical and virological protection. Multifactorial respiratory disease was reproduced by combined inoculations with PRCV or PRRSV followed by LPS from Escherichia coli. In comparison with the respective single inoculations, which were subclinical, there was a true potentiation of disease and production of TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6. TNF-alpha and IL-6 were best correlated with disease. In further studies, we will use more specific strategies to dissect the role of cytokines during viral infections.
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PMID:In vivo studies on cytokine involvement during acute viral respiratory disease of swine: troublesome but rewarding. 1207 30

The influence of LPS preincubation on hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced loss of epithelial barrier function was investigated in rat alveolar epithelial type II cells (ATII). Both apical and basolateral H(2)O(2) administration caused a manyfold increase in transepithelial [(3)H]mannitol passage. Apical but not basolateral preincubation of ATII with LPS did not influence control barrier properties but fully abrogated the H(2)O(2)-induced leakage response. The effect of apical LPS was CD14 dependent and was accompanied by a strong up-regulation of NO synthase II mRNA and protein and NO release. Inhibition of NO by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine suppressed the LPS effect, whereas it was reproduced by exogenous application of gaseous NO or NO donor agents. Manipulation of the glutathione homeostasis (buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine) and the cGMP pathway (1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo[4,3-alpha]quinoxaline-1-one; zaprinast) did not interfere with the protective effect of LPS. Superoxide (O*(-)(2)) generation by ATII cells was reduced by exogenous NO and LPS preincubation. O*(-)(2) scavenging with exogenous superoxide dismutase, the intracellular superoxide dismutase analog Mn(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid) porphyrin, and the superoxide scavenger nitroblue tetrazolium and, in particular, hydroxyl radical scavenging with hydroxyl radical scavenger 1,3-dimethyl-thiourea inhibited the H(2)O(2)-induced epithelial leakage response. In conclusion, apical but not basolateral LPS preincubation of ATII cells provides strong protection against H(2)O(2)-induced transepithelial leakage, attributable to an up-regulation of epithelial NO synthesis. It is suggested that the LPS-induced NO formation is effective via interaction with reactive oxygen species, including superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. The polarized epithelial response to LPS may be part of the lung innate immune system, activated by inhaled endotoxin or under conditions of pneumonia.
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PMID:Apical, but not basolateral, endotoxin preincubation protects alveolar epithelial cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced loss of barrier function: the role of nitric oxide synthesis. 1213 74

CD14 functions as a cell surface receptor for endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) and is thought to have an essential role in innate immune responses to infection. Previous studies have revealed attenuation of the systemic response after sepsis by blocking CD14. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that CD14 blockade protects against inflammatory responses associated with LPS pneumonia. We examined the effect of an anti-murine CD14 monoclonal antibody (4C1) on the development of acute lung injury induced by intratracheal LPS in mice. We also measured the production of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2) and nitric oxide by murine peritoneal macrophages exposed to LPS in vitro. Nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B translocation was evaluated in nuclear extracts from lung homogenates. 4C1 significantly attenuated pulmonary edema and neutrophil emigration after LPS administration. The production of cytokines and nitric oxide by LPS-stimulated macrophages was significantly decreased by 4C1 treatment. NF-kappa B translocation induced by LPS instillation was also suppressed by 4C1. These results suggest that blockade of CD14 might attenuate acute lung injury after intratracheal instillation of LPS through the suppression of NF-kappa B translocation. The inhibitory effect of CD14 blockade on cytokine production and nitric oxide release of macrophages might contribute to the attenuation of lung injury.
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PMID:Effect of CD14 blockade on endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in mice. 1263 39

Supplemental oxygen is often required in the treatment of critically ill patients. The impact of hyperoxia on pulmonary host defense is not well-established. We hypothesized that hyperoxia directly impairs pulmonary host defense, beyond effects on alveolar wall barrier function. C57BL/6 mice were kept in an atmosphere of >95% O(2) for 4 days followed by return to room air. This exposure does not lead to mortality in mice subsequently returned to room air. Mice kept in room air served as controls. Mice were intratracheally inoculated with Klebsiella pneumoniae and followed for survival. Alveolar macrophages (AM) were harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage after 4 days of in vivo hyperoxia for ex vivo experiments. Mortality from pneumonia increased significantly in mice exposed to hyperoxia compared with infected mice in room air. Burden of organisms in the lung and dissemination of infection were increased in the hyperoxia group whereas accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lung was impaired. Hyperoxia alone had no impact on AM numbers, viability, or ability to phagocytize latex microbeads. However, following in vivo hyperoxia, AM phagocytosis and killing of Gram-negative bacteria and production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in response to LPS were significantly reduced. AM surface expression of Toll-like receptor-4 was significantly decreased following in vivo hyperoxia. Thus sublethal hyperoxia increases Gram-negative bacterial pneumonia mortality and has a significant adverse effect on AM host defense function. Impaired AM function due to high concentrations of supplemental oxygen may contribute to the high rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia seen in critically ill patients.
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PMID:Sublethal hyperoxia impairs pulmonary innate immunity. 1284 67

Gut epithelial apoptosis is increased in human studies and animal models of noninfectious inflammation and sepsis. Elevated intestinal cell death appears to be physiologically significant in sepsis. Previous studies demonstrate that overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in the gut epithelium of transgenic mice is associated with improved survival from Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia and cecal ligation and puncture. The functional significance of elevated gut apoptosis in noninfectious inflammation has not been examined. We hypothesized that intestinal apoptosis would be detrimental to survival in noninfectious critical illness. To address this issue, acute lung injury (ALI) was induced with intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 800 microg) in wild-type (WT) FVB/N mice and transgenic mice that overexpress Bcl-2 in their intestinal epithelium. Guts were harvested at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h and assessed for apoptosis by both hematoxylin and eosin and active caspase-3 staining in 100 contiguous crypts. ALI increased gut epithelial apoptosis 12 h after LPS instillation compared with shams (P < 0.01), whereas overexpression of Bcl-2 decreased intestinal apoptosis compared with WT animals with ALI when assayed by active caspase-3 (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 were similar between WT and transgenic animals with ALI, both of which had elevated IL-10 levels at 12 h and elevated IL-6 levels at 24 h compared with sham animals. In a separate experiment, transgenic and WT animals with ALI were followed for mortality to determine whether gut overexpression of Bcl-2 conferred a survival advantage. Survival at 10 days was 73% in WT animals (n = 33) and 65% in Bcl-2 animals (n = 23, P = ns). These results indicate that while gut epithelial apoptosis is elevated in multiple models of critical illness, prevention of intestinal cell death by overexpression of Bcl-2 is associated with a disparate survival effect between sepsis and noninfectious inflammation.
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PMID:Bcl-2 inhibits gut epithelial apoptosis induced by acute lung injury in mice but has no effect on survival. 1456 Jan 8

IL-10 inhibits the production of many pro-inflammatory cytokines. Polymorphisms in the IL10 gene promoter at positions -1082G-->A, -819C-->T and -592C-->A occur as three haplotypes, ATA, GCC and ACC. These influence several infectious and inflammatory diseases including community-acquired pneumonia, where a role for IL-10 is suggested by fluctuations in plasma levels of the cytokine. However, the effects of the haplotypes on IL-10 production are unclear. We stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from at least five individuals homozygous for each of the three haplotypes with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 microg/ml) or heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae (10(7)cfu/ml) and measured IL-10 mRNA by RT-PCR. Following S. pneumoniae stimulation, PBMC with the ATA haplotype had higher IL-10 mRNA levels than those with the GCC haplotype at 4 h (independent t-test; P=0.024), or the ACC haplotype at 4 h ( P<0.0001) and 8 h ( P=0.007). Following LPS stimulation, IL-10 mRNA levels were not significantly influenced by the IL10 haplotype, but similar trends were observed, consistent with the variable outcome of published studies. The results suggest that the -819 and/or -592 alleles affect transcription.
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PMID:Alleles carried at positions -819 and -592 of the IL10 promoter affect transcription following stimulation of peripheral blood cells with Streptococcus pneumoniae. 1460 76


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