Effect of B2-integrin molecule deficiency in lipid mediators production and immune response during experimental infection with Leishmania amazonensis

As leishmanias são parasitas intracelulares obrigatórios que utilizam fagócitos (em especial os macrófagos), para sua sobrevivência e propagação. Estes parasitas são interiorizados via interação com diversos receptores da superfície celular, como o receptor CR3 (MAC-1; CD18/CD11b), componente da família das 2-integrinas. As B2-integrinas são importantes em diferentes mecanismos imunológicos, como a adesão e migração de células, fagocitose e modulação de vias de sinalização intracelulares. Estudos demonstram que a molécula CD18 (constituinte de todas as B2-integrinas) está envolvida na resposta imune na leishmaniose experimental, mas há controvérsias quanto a sua importância na defesa contra esta infecção. Leucotrienos e prostaglandinas são mediadores lipídicos envolvidos em diversos mecanismos da resposta imune inata e adaptativa. Na leishmaniose, os leucotrienos são considerados cruciais para a defesa do organismo por induzir mecanismos efetores celulares, como fagocitose e atividade microbicida. Por outro lado, as prostaglandinas (em especial PGE2) exercem efeito imunossupressor sobre estes mecanismos, podendo favorecer o desenvolvimento da doença. Entretanto, não há conhecimento sobre a relação entre a expressão das B2-integrinas e a produção destes mediadores lipídicos na leishmaniose e a importância destas moléculas na resposta imune contra esta infecção. Assim, o objetivo desta tese foi investigar o efeito da redução da expressão das B2-integrinas na produção de citocinas, quimiocinas e de medidores lipídicos, em modelo de infecção experimental por L. amazonensis. Para isso, camundongos da linhagem C57BL/6 selvagens (WT) e com baixa expressão de CD18 (CD18 Low), foram infectados com promastigotas de L. amazonensis na pata posterior, e o desenvolvimento da infecção foi acompanhado por 5 e 8 semanas após a inoculação. Com base nos resultados obtidos, os animais CD18 Low apresentaram maior carga parasitária nas patas, em comparação com os camundongos selvagens. Além disso, a maior suscetibilidade dos camundongos CD18 Low foi independente da produção de NO e de IL-10 e da redução de IL-12 mediada por IL-4. Estes animais também apresentaram reduzida produção de IFN-gama. Além disso, os camundongos CD18 Low tiveram alterações na produção de LTB4 e de PGE2 ,as quais podem ter reduzido as respostas efetoras das células no sítio da infecção. Também demonstramos que a migração de neutrófilos e de eosinófilos para o sítio de infecção ocorreu de modo independente da expressão de CD18. O maior edema e recrutamento de eosinófilos nas patas dos camundongos CD18 Low foi independente da produção de MCP-1 e parcialmente dependente de RANTES. Entretanto, a produção de LTC4 pareceu ter sido o principal responsável por estes efeitos, em conjunto com PGD2. Deste modo, nossos resultados mostram que a baixa expressão de CD18 favorece o desenvolvimento da infecção por L. amazonensis.Leishmania are obligate intracellular parasites that use phagocytes (especially macrophages) for their survival and propagation. These parasites are internalized through interaction with several receptors of cellular surface, such as the CR3 receptor (Mac-1; CD18/CD11b), component of the B2-integrins family. B2- integrins are involved in important immune mechanisms, such as cell adhesion, cell migration, phagocytosis and modulation of intracellular signaling pathways. Studies have shown that the CD18 molecule (component of all B2-integrins), is involved in the immune response in experimental leishmaniasis, but its importance in the host defense against this infection is still controversial. Leukotrienes and prostaglandins are lipid mediators involved in various mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune response. In leishmaniasis, leukotrienes are considered critical for the host defense, once it induces cellular effector mechanisms such as phagocytosis and microbicide activity. On the other hand, prostaglandins (in particular PGE2), lead to immunosuppressive effects on these mechanisms and may favor development of disease. However, it is unknown whether there is an interaction between the B2 integrins expression and the production of these mediators in leishmaniasis and the role of these molecules in host defense against this disease. Thus, the aim of this thesis was to verify the effect of reduced expression of B2-integrins in cytokines, chemokines and lipid mediators production, in experimental model of L. amazonensis infection. For this purpose, wild type mice (WT) and mice with reduced CD18 expression (CD18Low) from C57BL/6 strain were infected with L. amazonensis promastigotes in the hind footpad. The development of the infection was assessed for 5 and 8 weeks after inoculation. Our results showed that the CD18Low mice had higher parasite load in footpad, compared to wild-type mice. Moreover, the higher susceptibility of CD18Low mice was independent of NO and IL-10 production and independent of IL-12 reduction mediated by IL-4. These mice also showed reduced IFN- gamma production. CD18Low mice had alterations in LTB4 and PGE2 levels in site of infection, which may have altered the effector cell responses. We also demonstrated that the migration of neutrophils and eosinophils to the site of infection was CD18-independent. Moreover, the higher edema and eosinophils recruitment in CD18Low mice was MCP-1-independent and partially dependent of RANTES. However, LTC4 production seemed to be the main factor for edema and migration of eosinophils, together with PGD2. Thus, our results show that the reduction on CD18 expression favors the development of L. amazonensis infection

Th1/Th2 cytokines' expression and production by propolis-treated mice

Aim of the study: Propolis is a natural product extensively used in food and beverages to improve health and to prevent diseases, showing immunomodulatory properties. The goal of this work was to evaluate the effect of propolis administration over a short-term to mice on Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines' expression and production.Materials and methods: Propolis was administered for 3 days to mice by gavage, spleens were removed and RNA was extracted to assess cytokines' expression by real-time PCR. Supernatants of spleen cell cultures were used for cytokines determination by ELISA.Results: Propolis administration to mice did not affect IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 expression and production, while IFN-gamma production was inhibited in the splenocyte cultures stimulated or not by Con A.Conclusions: Since IFN-gamma is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, our data suggest that propolis administration over a short-term to mice may be associated with anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, and further assays could check propolis efficiency in inflammatory diseases. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Propolis effect on Th1/Th2 cytokines production by acutely stressed mice

Aim of the study: Propolis has gained special attention due to its biological properties, however, little is known about its immunomodulatory effects in stress conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate propolis effect on Th1/Th2 cytokines production by spleen cells of acutely stressed mice. Serum corticosterone concentration was determined as a stress indicator.Materials and methods: Male BALB/c mice were submitted to restraint stress and treated with propolis (200 mg/kg) for 3 days. Supernatants of splenocytes cultures were assessed for Th1/Th2 cytokines determination.Results: Regarding Th1 cytokines production, no alterations were seen in IL-2 production; however, IFN-gamma production was inhibited in stressed mice, even when treated with propolis. As to Th2 cytokines, IL-4 was inhibited in stressed mice, but normal levels were seen when these animals were treated with propolis. No significant differences were found in IL-10 production between the experimental groups. Stressed groups (treated or not with propolis) showed higher corticosterone concentrations in comparison to control group.Conclusions: Data suggest that propolis treatment was not able to counteract the stress-induced immunosuppressive effect on IFN-gamma production; however, propolis showed an immunorestorative role, increasing IL-4 production in stressed mice, favoring humoral immune response during stress. Since the exact mechanisms of this natural product on immune system are still unclear, further studies are still required for a better comprehension of propolis use as a therapeutic alternative against the stress-induced negative effects that could lead to the development of various diseases. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Th1/Th2 cytokine production by clove-treated mice

Although clove possesses several biological and therapeutic properties, its immunomodulatory action has not been fully investigated. The goal of this work was to investigate the effect of administration of the water extract of clove over a short-term to BALB/c mice on Th1 (IFN-gamma and IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokine production. After treatment, spleen cells were aseptically removed and cells were stimulated with concanavalin A. Supernatants of cell cultures were used for cytokine determination by ELISA. The chemical composition of the extract was also carried out, revealing that eugenol(4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) was the major component in our sample. Although the anti-inflammatory action of clove has been mentioned, our data showed that clove administration to mice did not influence the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. Further studies dealing with cytokine expression and production will provide a better understanding of clove's immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions, using different extract concentrations and different intake periods

Propolis effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine production and Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 expression in stressed mice

Introduction: Propolis is a beehive product and its immunomodulatory action has been well documented; however, little is known concerning its activity on the immune system of stressed mice. This work investigated a possible role of propolis against the immunosuppressive effects induced by stress in mice, assessing the pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1 beta and IL-6) production and Toll-like receptor (TLR-2 and TLR-4) expression by spleen cells.Methods: BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups: G1 was considered control; G2 was submitted to restraint stress for 3 days, and G3 was treated with propolis and immediately submitted to stress. After sacrifice, spleens were removed and TLR-2 and TLR-4 gene expression was analyzed, as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Serum corticosterone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay as a stress indicator.Results: Stressed mice, treated or not with propolis, produced higher corticosterone levels, whereas IL-1 beta and IL-6 production was inhibited. TLR-2 and TLR-4 expression was inhibited in stressed mice, while propolis exerted an immunorestorative role in TLR-4 expression. The immunosuppressive effects on IL-1 beta and IL-6 production and on TLR expression by stressed mice might have occurred due to a higher corticosterone production during stress.Conclusion: Propolis treatment did not antagonize the inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine production, however it restored at least partially TLR2 mRNA expression and counteracted the inhibition on TLR-4 expression in stressed animals, contributing to the recognition of microorganisms during stressful conditions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES