NADPH oxidase produces a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastric epithelial cells. Even though ROS mediate apoptotic cell death, direct involvement of NADPH oxidase on H. pylori-induced apoptosis remains unclear. Besides, H. pylori isolates show a high degree of genetic variability. The predominant genotype of H. pylori in Korea has been reported as cagA+, vacA s1b, m2, iceA genotype. Present study aims to investigate whether NADPH oxidase-generated ROS mediate apoptosis in human gastric epithelial AGS cells infected with H. pylori in a Korean isolate. AGS cells were pretreated with or without an NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and cultured in the presence of H. pylori at a bacterium/cell ratio of 300:1. Cell viability, hydrogen peroxide level, DNA fragmentation, and protein levels of p53, Bcl-2, and Bax were determined. Results showed that H. pylori inhibited cell viability with the density of H. pylori added to the cells. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase by DPI suppressed H. pylori-induced cell death, increased hydrogen peroxide, DNA fragmentation, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and p53 induction in AGS cells dose-dependently. The results suggest that targeting NADPH oxidase may prevent the development of gastric inflammation associated with H. pylori infection by suppressing abnormal apoptotic cell death of gastric epithelial cells.
Apoptosis ; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism ; Cell Survival ; Epithelial Cells/metabolism/microbiology ; Gastric Mucosa/metabolism ; Helicobacter Infections/*metabolism/microbiology ; Helicobacter pylori/drug effects/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Humans ; NADPH Oxidase/metabolism ; Onium Compounds/*antagonists & inhibitors/pharmacology ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Republic of Korea ; Stomach/cytology/*metabolism/microbiology

Cerulein-induced pancreatitis is similar to human edematous pancreatitis, characterized by the dysregulation of digestive enzyme production, edema formation, and an infiltration of inflammatory cells into the pancreas. We previously showed that the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 pathway mediates inflammatory signaling in cerulein-stimulated pancreatic acinar cells. PPAR-γ has been implicated in the regulation of inflammatory responses in several cells. In the present study, we investigated the role of PPAR-γ in cerulein-induced activation of JAK2/STAT3 in pancreatic acinar cells. Treatment with cerulein induced the activation of JAK2/STAT3 and PPAR-γ expression in AR42J cells. Cerulein-induced PPAR-γ expression was inhibited by AG490, a JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor, in AR42J cells. An immunoprecipitation analysis showed that PPAR-γ binds to STAT3 in cerulein-stimulated AR42J cells. Down-regulation of PPAR-γ by siRNA increased STAT3 phosphorylation in AR42J cells stimulated with cerulein. These results show that PPAR-γ inactivates STAT3 by directly interacting with STAT3 in cerulein-stimulated pancreatic acinar cells. Overexpression of PPAR-γ may be beneficial for preventing pancreatitis by suppressing the activation of STAT3 in pancreatic acinar cells.
Acinar Cells* ; Ceruletide ; Down-Regulation ; Edema ; Humans ; Immunoprecipitation ; Janus Kinase 2 ; Pancreas ; Pancreatitis ; Peroxisomes* ; Phosphorylation ; RNA, Small Interfering

PURPOSE: Recent evidence shows that nitric oxide (NO) may exhibit both pro-cancer and anti-cancer activities. The present study aimed to determine the differentially expressed proteins in NO-treated NIH/3T3 fibroblasts in order to investigate whether NO induces proteins with pro-cancer or anti-cancer effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cells were treated with 300 microM of an NO donor 3,3-bis-(aminoethyl)-1-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-triazene (NOC-18) for 12 h. The changed protein patterns, which were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis using pH gradients of 4-7, were conclusively identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis of the peptide digests. RESULTS: Seventeen differentially expressed proteins were identified in NOC-18-treated cells. Nine proteins [vinculin protein, keratin 19, ubiquitous tropomodulin, F-actin capping protein (alpha1 subunit), tropomyosin 3, 26S proteasome-associated pad1 homolog, T-complex protein 1 (epsilon subunit) N(G)-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase, and heat shock protein 90] were increased and eight proteins (heat shock protein 70, glucosidase II, lamin B1, calreticulin, nucleophosmin 1, microtubule-associated protein retinitis pigmentosa/end binding family member 1, 150 kD oxygen-regulated protein precursor, and heat shock 70-related protein albino or pale green 2) were decreased by NOC-18 in the cells. Thirteen proteins are related to the suppression of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis while two proteins (heat shock protein 90 and N(G)-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase) are related to carcinogenesis. The functions of 150 kD oxygen-regulated protein precursor and T-complex protein 1 (epsilon subunit) are unknown in relation to carcinogenesis. CONCLUSION: Most proteins differentially expressed by NOC-18 are involved in inhibiting cancer development.
Animals ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional/*methods ; Fibroblasts/*metabolism/pathology ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; Humans ; Mice ; NIH 3T3 Cells ; Neoplasms/*metabolism/pathology ; Nitric Oxide Donors ; Nitroso Compounds ; Proteins/analysis/*metabolism ; Proteomics/*methods ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) induces the activation of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kappaB) and cytokine expression in gastric epithelial cells. The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (Jak/Stat) cascade is the inflammatory signaling in various cells. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether H. pylori-induced activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) are mediated by the activation of Jak1/Stat3 in gastric epithelial (AGS) cells. Thus, gastric epithelial AGS cells were infected with H. pylori in Korean isolates (HP99) at bacterium/cell ratio of 300:1, and the level of IL-8 in the medium was determined by enzyme-linked immonosorbent assay. Phospho-specific and total forms of Jak1/Stat3 and IkappaBalpha were assessed by Western blot analysis, and NF-kappaB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The results showed that H. pylori induced the activation of Jak1/Stat3 and IL-8 production, which was inhibited by a Jak/Stat3 specific inhibitor AG490 in AGS cells in a dose-dependent manner. H. pylori-induced activation of NF-kappaB, determined by phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity, were inhibited by AG490. In conclusion, Jak1/Stat3 activation may mediate the activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of IL-8 in H. pylori-infected AGS cells. Inhibition of Jak1/Stat3 may be beneficial for the treatment of H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation, since the activation of NF-kappaB is inhibited and inflammatory cytokine expression is suppressed.
Blotting, Western ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis/genetics ; Epithelial Cells/metabolism ; Gastric Mucosa/drug effects/*immunology/microbiology ; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects/*immunology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Helicobacter Infections/immunology/*metabolism ; Helicobacter pylori/genetics/pathogenicity/*physiology ; Humans ; Interleukin-8/genetics/*metabolism ; Janus Kinase 1 ; NF-kappa B/biosynthesis/*metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; Signal Transduction/genetics

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) induces the activation of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kappaB) and cytokine expression in gastric epithelial cells. The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (Jak/Stat) cascade is the inflammatory signaling in various cells. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether H. pylori-induced activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) are mediated by the activation of Jak1/Stat3 in gastric epithelial (AGS) cells. Thus, gastric epithelial AGS cells were infected with H. pylori in Korean isolates (HP99) at bacterium/cell ratio of 300:1, and the level of IL-8 in the medium was determined by enzyme-linked immonosorbent assay. Phospho-specific and total forms of Jak1/Stat3 and IkappaBalpha were assessed by Western blot analysis, and NF-kappaB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The results showed that H. pylori induced the activation of Jak1/Stat3 and IL-8 production, which was inhibited by a Jak/Stat3 specific inhibitor AG490 in AGS cells in a dose-dependent manner. H. pylori-induced activation of NF-kappaB, determined by phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity, were inhibited by AG490. In conclusion, Jak1/Stat3 activation may mediate the activation of NF-kappaB and the expression of IL-8 in H. pylori-infected AGS cells. Inhibition of Jak1/Stat3 may be beneficial for the treatment of H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation, since the activation of NF-kappaB is inhibited and inflammatory cytokine expression is suppressed.
Blotting, Western ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis/genetics ; Epithelial Cells/metabolism ; Gastric Mucosa/drug effects/*immunology/microbiology ; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects/*immunology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Helicobacter Infections/immunology/*metabolism ; Helicobacter pylori/genetics/pathogenicity/*physiology ; Humans ; Interleukin-8/genetics/*metabolism ; Janus Kinase 1 ; NF-kappa B/biosynthesis/*metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; Signal Transduction/genetics

Acute pancreatitis is a multifactorial disease associated with the premature activation of digestive enzymes. The genes expressed in pancreatic acinar cells determine the severity of the disease. The present study determined the differentially expressed genes in pancreatic acinar cells treated with cerulein as an in vitro model of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic acinar AR42J cells were stimulated with 10(-8) M cerulein for 4 h, and genes with altered expression were identified using a cDNA microarray for 4,000 rat genes and validated by real-time PCR. These genes showed a 2.5-fold or higher increase with cerulein: lithostatin, guanylate cyclase, myosin light chain kinase 2, cathepsin C, progestin-induced protein, and pancreatic trypsin 2. Stathin 1 and ribosomal protein S13 showed a 2.5-fold or higher decreases in expression. Real-time PCR analysis showed time-dependent alterations of these genes. Using commercially available antibodies specific for guanylate cyclase, myosin light chain kinase 2, and cathepsin C, a time-dependent increase in these proteins were observed by Western blotting. Thus, disturbances in proliferation, differentiation, cytoskeleton arrangement, enzyme activity, and secretion may be underlying mechanisms of acute pancreatitis.
Acinar Cells ; Animals ; Antibodies ; Blotting, Western ; Caerulein ; Cathepsin C ; Cytoskeleton ; Gene Expression ; Guanylate Cyclase ; Lithostathine ; Myosin-Light-Chain Kinase ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Pancreatitis ; Proteins ; Rats ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Ribosomal Proteins ; Trypsin

House dust mite (HDM) is one of the significant causes for airway inflammation such as asthma. It induces oxidative stress and an inflammatory response in the lungs through the release of chemokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate inflammatory signaling mediators such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and redox-sensitive transcription factors including NF-κB and AP-1. Ascorbic acid shows an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in various cells. It ameliorated the symptoms of HDM-induced rhinitis. The present study was aimed to investigate whether HDM could induce IL-8 expression through activation of MAPKs, NF-κB, and AP-1 and whether ascorbic acid could inhibit HDM-stimulated IL-8 expression by reducing ROS and suppressing activation of MAPKs, NF-κB, and AP-1 in respiratory epithelial H292 cells. H292 cells were treated with HDM (5 μg/mL) in the absence or presence of ascorbic acid (100 or 200 μM). HDM treatment increased ROS levels, and activated MAPKs, NF-κB, and AP-1 and thus, induced IL-8 expression in H292 cells. Ascorbic acid reduced ROS levels and inhibited activation of MAPKs, NF-κB and AP-1 and L-8 expression in H292 cells. In conclusion, consumption of ascorbic acid-rich foods may be beneficial for prevention of HDM-mediated respiratory inflammation by suppressing oxidative stress-mediated MAPK signaling pathways and activation of NF-kB and AP-1.

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are activated by inflammatory stimuli, such as TNF-α or viral infection. Activated PSCs play a crucial role in the development of chronic pancreatitis. Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)) is structurally similar to double-stranded RNA and mimics viral infection. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. It inhibited fibrotic mediators and reduced NF-κB activity in the pancreas of mice with chronic pancreatitis. The present study aimed to investigate whether DHA could suppress cytokine expression in PSCs isolated from rats. Cells were pre-treated with DHA or the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and stimulated with TNF-α or poly (I:C). Treatment with TNF-α or poly (I:C) increased the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and chemokine C-X3-C motif ligand 1 (CX3CL1), which are known chemoattractants, and enhanced intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NF-κB activity, but reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Increased intracellular and mitochondrial ROS accumulation, cytokine expression, MMP disruption, and NF-κB activation were all prevented by DHA in TNF-α- or poly (I:C)-treated PSCs. NAC suppressed TNF-α- or poly (I:C)-induced expression of MCP-1 and CX3CL1. In conclusion, DHA inhibits poly (I:C)- or TNF-α-induced cytokine expression and NF-κB activation by reducing intracellular and mitochondrial ROS in PSCs. Consumption of DHA-rich foods may be beneficial in preventing chronic pancreatitis by inhibiting cytokine expression in PSCs.

House dust mite (HDM) is one of the significant causes for airway inflammation such as asthma. It induces oxidative stress and an inflammatory response in the lungs through the release of chemokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate inflammatory signaling mediators such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and redox-sensitive transcription factors including NF-κB and AP-1. Ascorbic acid shows an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in various cells. It ameliorated the symptoms of HDM-induced rhinitis. The present study was aimed to investigate whether HDM could induce IL-8 expression through activation of MAPKs, NF-κB, and AP-1 and whether ascorbic acid could inhibit HDM-stimulated IL-8 expression by reducing ROS and suppressing activation of MAPKs, NF-κB, and AP-1 in respiratory epithelial H292 cells. H292 cells were treated with HDM (5 μg/mL) in the absence or presence of ascorbic acid (100 or 200 μM). HDM treatment increased ROS levels, and activated MAPKs, NF-κB, and AP-1 and thus, induced IL-8 expression in H292 cells. Ascorbic acid reduced ROS levels and inhibited activation of MAPKs, NF-κB and AP-1 and L-8 expression in H292 cells. In conclusion, consumption of ascorbic acid-rich foods may be beneficial for prevention of HDM-mediated respiratory inflammation by suppressing oxidative stress-mediated MAPK signaling pathways and activation of NF-kB and AP-1.

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are activated by inflammatory stimuli, such as TNF-α or viral infection. Activated PSCs play a crucial role in the development of chronic pancreatitis. Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)) is structurally similar to double-stranded RNA and mimics viral infection. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. It inhibited fibrotic mediators and reduced NF-κB activity in the pancreas of mice with chronic pancreatitis. The present study aimed to investigate whether DHA could suppress cytokine expression in PSCs isolated from rats. Cells were pre-treated with DHA or the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and stimulated with TNF-α or poly (I:C). Treatment with TNF-α or poly (I:C) increased the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and chemokine C-X3-C motif ligand 1 (CX3CL1), which are known chemoattractants, and enhanced intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NF-κB activity, but reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Increased intracellular and mitochondrial ROS accumulation, cytokine expression, MMP disruption, and NF-κB activation were all prevented by DHA in TNF-α- or poly (I:C)-treated PSCs. NAC suppressed TNF-α- or poly (I:C)-induced expression of MCP-1 and CX3CL1. In conclusion, DHA inhibits poly (I:C)- or TNF-α-induced cytokine expression and NF-κB activation by reducing intracellular and mitochondrial ROS in PSCs. Consumption of DHA-rich foods may be beneficial in preventing chronic pancreatitis by inhibiting cytokine expression in PSCs.