The TLR4-MyD88 Signaling Axis Regulates Lung Monocyte Differentiation Pathways in Response to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main cause of bacterial pneumonia, a condition that currently produces significant global morbidity and mortality. The initial immune response to this bacterium occurs when the innate system recognizes common motifs expressed by many pathogens, events driven by pattern recognition receptors like the Toll-like family receptors (TLRs). In this study, lung myeloid-cell populations responsible for the innate immune response (IIR) against S. pneumoniae, and their dependence on the TLR4-signaling axis, were analyzed in TLR4-/- and Myeloid-Differentiation factor-88 deficient (MyD88-/-) mice. Neutrophils and monocyte-derived cells were recruited in infected mice 3-days post-infection. Compared to wild-type mice, there was an increased bacterial load in both these deficient mouse strains and an altered IIR, although TLR4-/- mice were more susceptible to bacterial infection. These mice also developed fewer alveolar macrophages, weaker neutrophil infiltration, less Ly6Chigh monocyte differentiation and a disrupted classical and non-classical monocyte profile. The pro-inflammatory cytokine profile (CXCL1, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) was also severely affected by the lack of TLR4 and no induction of Th1 was observed in these mice. The respiratory burst (ROS production) after infection was profoundly dampened in TLR4-/- and MyD88-/- mice. These data demonstrate the complex dynamics of myeloid populations and a key role of the TLR4-signaling axis in the IIR to S. pneumoniae, which involves both the MyD88 and TRIF (Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-ß) dependent pathways.

Application-Oriented Growth of a Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Single Layer by Means of Parametrically Optimized Chemical Vapor Deposition.

In the 2D material framework, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was originally studied as an archetypical transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) material. The controlled synthesis of large-area and high-crystalline MoS2 remains a challenge for distinct practical applications from electronics to electrocatalysis. Among the proposed methods, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a promising way for synthesizing high-quality MoS2 from isolated domains to a continuous film because of its high flexibility. Herein, we report on a systematic study of the effects of growth pressure, temperature, time, and vertical height between the molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) source and the substrate during the CVD process that influence the morphology, domain size, and uniformity of thickness with controlled parameters over a large scale. The substrate was pretreated with perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid tetrapotassium salt (PTAS) seed molecule that promoted the layer growth of MoS2. Further, we characterized the as-grown MoS2 morphologies, layer quality, and physical properties by employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL). Our experimental findings demonstrate the effectiveness and versatility of the CVD approach to synthesize MoS2 for various target applications.

CD45 expression discriminates waves of embryonic megakaryocytes in the mouse.

Embryonic megakaryopoiesis starts in the yolk sac on gestational day 7.5 as part of the primitive wave of hematopoiesis, and it continues in the fetal liver when this organ is colonized by hematopoietic progenitors between day 9.5 and 10.5, as the definitive hematopoiesis wave. We characterized the precise phenotype of embryo megakaryocytes in the liver at gestational day 11.5, identifying them as CD41++CD45-CD9++CD61+MPL+CD42c+ tetraploid cells that express megakaryocyte-specific transcripts and display differential traits when compared to those present in the yolk sac at the same age. In contrast to megakaryocytes from adult bone marrow, embryo megakaryocytes are CD45- until day 13.5 of gestation, as are both the megakaryocyte progenitors and megakaryocyte/erythroid-committed progenitors. At gestational day 11.5, liver and yolk sac also contain CD41+CD45+ and CD41+CD45- cells. These populations, and that of CD41++CD45-CD42c+ cells, isolated from liver, differentiate in culture into CD41++CD45-CD42c+ proplatelet-bearing megakaryocytes. Also present at this time are CD41-CD45++CD11b+ cells, which produce low numbers of CD41++CD45-CD42c+ megakaryocytes in vitro, as do fetal liver cells expressing the macrophage-specific Csf receptor-1 (Csf1r/CD115) from MaFIA transgenic mice, which give rise poorly to CD41++CD45-CD42c+ embryo megakaryocytes both in vivo and in vitro In contrast, around 30% of adult megakaryocytes (CD41++CD45++CD9++CD42c+) from C57BL/6 and MaFIA mice express CD115. We propose that differential pathways operating in the mouse embryo liver at gestational day 11.5 beget CD41++CD45-CD42c+ embryo megakaryocytes that can be produced from CD41+CD45- or from CD41+CD45+ cells, at difference from those from bone marrow.

Altered marginal zone and innate-like B cells in aged senescence-accelerated SAMP8 mice with defective IgG1 responses.

Aging has a strong impact on the activity of the immune system, enhancing susceptibility to pathogens and provoking a predominant pre-inflammatory status, whereas dampening responses to vaccines in humans and mice. Here, we demonstrate a loss of marginal zone B lymphocytes (MZ, CD19+CD45R+CD21++CD23lo) and a decrease of naive B cells (CD19+IgD+), whereas there is an enhancement of a CD19+CD45Rlo innate-like B cell population (B1REL) and the so-called aged B cell compartment (ABC, CD45R+CD21loCD23loCD5-CD11b-) in aged senescence-accelerated (SAMP8) mice but not in aged senescence-resistant (SAMR1) mice. These changes in aged SAMP8 mice were associated with lower IgG isotype levels, displaying low variable gene usage repertoires of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (VH) diversity, with a diminution on IgG1-memory B cells (CD11b-Gr1-CD138-IgM-IgD-CD19+CD38+IgG1+), an increase in T follicular helper (TFH, CD4+CXCR5+PD1+) cell numbers, and an altered MOMA-1 (metallophilic macrophages) band in primary follicles. LPS-mediated IgG1 responses were impaired in the B1REL and ABC cell compartments, both in vitro and in vivo. These data demonstrate the prominent changes to different B cell populations and in structural follicle organization that occur upon aging in SAMP8 mice. These novel results raise new questions regarding the importance of the cellular distribution in the B cell layers, and their effector functions needed to mount a coordinated and effective humoral response.

Phenotypic Characterization of Macrophages from Rat Kidney by Flow Cytometry.

There is increasing evidence suggesting the important role of inflammation and, subsequently, macrophages in the development and progression of renal disease. Macrophages are heterogeneous cells that have been implicated in kidney injury. Macrophages may be classified into two different phenotypes: classically activated macrophages (M1 macrophages), that release pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote fibrosis; and alternatively activated macrophages (M2 macrophages) that are associated with immunoregulatory and tissue-remodeling functions. These macrophage phenotypes need to be discriminated and analyzed to determine their contribution to renal injury. However, there are scarce studies reporting consistent phenotypic and functional information about macrophage subtypes in inflammatory renal disease models, especially in rats. This fact may be related to the limited macrophage markers used in rats, contrary to mice. Therefore, novel strategies are necessary to quantify and characterize the renal content of these infiltrating cells in a reliable way. This manuscript details a protocol for kidney digestion and further phenotypic and quantitative analysis of macrophages from rat kidneys by flow cytometry. Briefly, kidneys were incubated with collagenase and total macrophages were identified according to the dual presence of CD45 (leukocytes common antigen) and CD68 (PAN macrophage marker) in live cells.This was followed by surface staining of CD86 (M1 marker) and CD163 (M2 marker). Rat peritoneal macrophages were used as positive control for macrophage marker detection by flow cytometry. Our protocol resulted in low cellular mortality and allowed characterization of different intracellular and surface protein markers, thus limiting the loss of cellular integrity observed in other protocols. Moreover, this procedure allows the use of macrophages for further techniques, including cell sorting and mRNA or protein expression studies, among others.

Towards a uniform and large-scale deposition of MoS2 nanosheets via sulfurization of ultra-thin Mo-based solid films.

Large-scale integration of MoS2 in electronic devices requires the development of reliable and cost-effective deposition processes, leading to uniform MoS2 layers on a wafer scale. Here we report on the detailed study of the heterogeneous vapor-solid reaction between a pre-deposited molybdenum solid film and sulfur vapor, thus resulting in a controlled growth of MoS2 films onto SiO2/Si substrates with a tunable thickness and cm(2)-scale uniformity. Based on Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence, we show that the degree of crystallinity in the MoS2 layers is dictated by the deposition temperature and thickness. In particular, the MoS2 structural disorder observed at low temperature (<750 °C) and low thickness (two layers) evolves to a more ordered crystalline structure at high temperature (1000 °C) and high thickness (four layers). From an atomic force microscopy investigation prior to and after sulfurization, this parametrical dependence is associated with the inherent granularity of the MoS2 nanosheet that is inherited by the pristine morphology of the pre-deposited Mo film. This work paves the way to a closer control of the synthesis of wafer-scale and atomically thin MoS2, potentially extendable to other transition metal dichalcogenides and hence targeting massive and high-volume production for electronic device manufacturing.

Aldosterone Induces Renal Fibrosis and Inflammatory M1-Macrophage Subtype via Mineralocorticoid Receptor in Rats.

We aimed to evaluate macrophages heterogeneity and structural, functional and inflammatory alterations in rat kidney by aldosterone + salt administration. The effects of treatment with spironolactone on above parameters were also analyzed. Male Wistar rats received aldosterone (1 mgkg-1d-1) + 1% NaCl for 3 weeks. Half of the animals were treated with spironolactone (200 mg kg-1d-1). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were elevated (p<0.05) in aldosterone + salt-treated rats. Relative kidney weight, collagen content, fibronectin, macrophage infiltrate, CTGF, Col I, MMP2, TNF-α, CD68, Arg2, and SGK-1 were increased (p<0.05) in aldosterone + salt-treated rats, being reduced by spironolactone (p<0.05). Increased iNOS and IFN-γ mRNA gene expression (M1 macrophage markers) was observed in aldosterone + salt rats, whereas no significant differences were observed in IL-10 and gene ArgI mRNA expression or ED2 protein content (M2 macrophage markers). All the observed changes were blocked with spironolactone treatment. Macrophage depletion with liposomal clodronate reduced macrophage influx and inflammatory M1 markers (INF-γ or iNOS), whereas interstitial fibrosis was only partially reduced after this intervention, in aldosterone plus salt-treated rats. In conclusion, aldosterone + salt administration mediates inflammatory M1 macrophage phenotype and increased fibrosis throughout mineralocorticoid receptors activation.

Postnatal and adult immunoglobulin repertoires of innate-like CD19(+)CD45R(lo) B Cells.

The diversity in antibody repertoire relies on different B cell populations working efficiently to fulfil distinct specific functions. We recently described an innate-like CD19(+)CD45R(-/lo) (19(+)45R(lo)) cell population in postnatal unstimulated adult mice, a heterogeneous population containing cells expressing immunoglobulin M (IgM) and others behaving as differentiated mature B lymphocytes (intracytoplasmic IgG1, AID(+), Blimp-1(+)RAG2(-)). In the present study, we characterized the Ig repertoire expressed by splenic 19(+)45R(lo) cells, assuming that they would bear a restricted repertoire biased for germline rearrangements and low mutation rates similar to other innate-like cells. Sequences from 19(+)45R(lo) cells displayed a variety of V, D and J regions, and the analysis of the CDR-H3 region revealed an intermediate overall CDR-H3 length and moderate hydrophobicity. Both IgM and switched sequences of PD15 19(+)45R(lo) cells had shorter CDR-H3 region and fewer non-template N nucleotides than adult sequences, as expected for profiles that correspond to an immature phenotype. Regarding the mutation rate in the VH regions, IgG1 sequences already carried a high rate of replacement mutations at PD15, which increased further in the sequences obtained from adult mice. Moreover, statistical models suggest that a proportion of the switched sequences in adult 19(+)45R(lo) cells had experienced antigen selection, unlike other innate-like B cell compartments.

Dynamics of the splenic innate-like CD19⁺CD45Rlo cell population from adult mice in homeostatic and activated conditions.

In the adult spleen, CD19⁺CD45R(-/lo) (19⁺45R(lo)) lymphocytes of embryonic origin exist as a distinct population to that of the conventional B cell lineage. These cells display a plasmablast phenotype, and they spontaneously secrete IgG1 and IgA, whereas the bone marrow population of 19⁺45R(lo) cells contains B1 progenitors. In this study, we show that 19⁺45R(lo) cells are also present in Peyer's patches and in the spleen throughout the life span of wild-type mice, beginning at postnatal day 7. Although this population is heterogeneous, the surface phenotype of most of these cells distinguishes them from follicular, transitional, marginal zone, and B1 cells. In CBA/CaHN mice, few 19⁺45R(lo) cells were detected at postnatal day 7, and none was observed in the adult spleen. Splenic 19⁺45R(lo) cells exhibited homeostatic BrdU uptake in vivo and actively transcribed cell cycle genes. When transferred to immunodeficient RAG2⁻/⁻γchain⁻/⁻ recipient mice, 19⁺45R(lo) cells survived and differentiated into IgG1- and IgA-plasma cells. Moreover, in vitro stimulation of splenic 19⁺45R(lo) cells with LPS, CpG, BAFF/IL4, and CD40/IL4 induced cell proliferation, IgG1/IgA secretion and the release of IL-10, suggesting a potential immunoregulatory role for this subset of innate-like B cells.

Megakaryocytes promote hepatoepithelial liver cell development in E11.5 mouse embryos by cell-to-cell contact and by vascular endothelial growth factor A signaling.

UNLABELLED: In the mouse embryo, hematopoietic progenitor cells migrate to the fetal liver (FL) between gestational days (E) 9.5 and 10.5, where they rapidly expand to form the main fetal reservoir of hematopoietic cells. The embryonic megakaryocyte progenitors (MKPs) in the E11.5 FL were identified as CD49f(H) CD41(H) (and c-Kit(D)KDR(+)CD42(+)CD9(++)CD31(+)) cells, expressing several hepato-specific proteins. Unlike adult bone marrow megakaryocytes (MKs), embryonic MKPs were CD45(-) and represent an abundant population in the FL. The CD49f(H)CD41(H) MKPs purified by cytometry differentiated in vitro to produce proplatelets, independent of thrombopoietin stimulation, and they responded to stimulation with adenosine diphosphate, thrombin, and the PAR4 thrombin receptor-activating peptide. Moreover, after removing CD49f(H)CD41(H) MKPs from purified E11.5 FL hepatoepithelial-enriched cell preparations (c-Kit(D)CD45(-)Ter119(-)), the remaining CD49f(D) cells neither differentiated nor survived in vitro. Indeed, direct cell-to-cell contact between the CD49f(H) CD41(H) and CD49f(D) populations was required to promote the hepatocyte differentiation of CD49f(D) cells. The addition of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and medium conditioned by E11.5 CD49f(H)CD41(H) MKPs produced a partial effect on CD49f(D) cells, inducing the formation of hepatoepithelial layers. This effect was abolished by anti-VEGF-A antibodies. Together, these findings strongly suggest that CD49f(H)CD41(H) MKPs are fundamental to promote FL development, as proposed in adult liver regeneration. CONCLUSION: The cells of the MK lineage present in the developing mouse embryo liver promote the growth of hepatoepithelial cells in vitro through VEGF-A signaling and may play a role in liver development in vivo.

A diet rich in dietary fiber from cocoa improves lipid profile and reduces malondialdehyde in hypercholesterolemic rats.

OBJECTIVE: The potential hypolipidemic effect of a new cocoa product rich in dietary fiber (DF) naturally containing antioxidant polyphenols (cocoa fiber [CF]) was studied in a rat model of dietary-induced hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: For 3 wk animals were fed normal, cholesterol-free diets or diets supplemented with cholesterol to evoke hypercholesterolemia. Control diets contained 10% cellulose as DF, and test diets were supplemented with 165 g of CF per kilogram (providing 10% DF). Lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde were measured in serum in addition to the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase and concentrations of glutathione and malondialdehyde in the liver. RESULTS: Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were established as a consequence of the cholesterol-rich diets. CF showed an important hypolipidemic action, returning triacylglycerol levels in hypercholesterolemic animals to normal values. The hypocholesterolemic effect was also patent, reducing total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, yet basal values were not attained. Decreased lipid peroxidation in serum and liver as a consequence of CF intake was patent not only in hypercholesterolemic but also in normocholesterolemic animals. No apparent effects on serum total antioxidant capacity or on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and hepatic levels of glutathione were observed. These effects might be attributed to the high DF content of CF and to the natural presence of antioxidant polyphenols. CONCLUSION: The consumption of CF with a hypercholesterolemic diet improved the lipidemic profile and reduced lipid peroxidation, suggesting that CF might contribute to a reduction of cardiovascular risk.

Quercetin protects human hepatoma HepG2 against oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide.

Flavonols such as quercetin, have been reported to exhibit a wide range of biological activities related to their antioxidant capacity. The objective of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of quercetin on cell viability and redox status of cultured HepG2 cells submitted to oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Concentrations of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde, generation of reactive oxygen species and activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes were used as markers of cellular oxidative status. Pretreatment of HepG2 with 10 microM quercetin completely prevented lactate dehydrogenase leakage from the cells. Pretreatment for 2 or 20 h with all doses of quercetin (0.1-10 microM) prevented the decrease of reduced glutathione and the increase of malondialdehyde evoked by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in HepG2 cells. Reactive oxygen species generation induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide was significantly reduced when cells were pretreated for 2 or 20 h with 10 microM and for 20 h with 5 microM quercetin. Finally, some of the quercetin treatments prevented the significant increase of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and catalase activities induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Gene expression of antioxidant enzymes was also affected by the treatment with the polyphenol. The results of the biomarkers analyzed clearly show that treatment of HepG2 cells in culture with the natural dietary antioxidant quercetin strongly protects the cells against an oxidative insult.

Influence of quercetin and rutin on growth and antioxidant defense system of a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2).

BACKGROUND: Dietary polyphenols like quercetin and rutin are considered beneficial because of their potential protective role in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases associated to oxidative stress such as cancer, coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis. However, many of these effects may depend on the concentration of the polyphenol utilized since high doses of some phenolic compounds may be prooxidant and negatively affect cell growth and viability. AIM OF THE STUDY: To test the potential chemoprotective effects of quercetin and rutin, two flavonols with high antioxidant capacity, on cell growth, viability and the response of the antioxidant defense system of a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2). METHODS: Cell growth was measured by diaminobenzoic acid and bromodeoxyuridine assays, cell toxicity by lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay, reduced glutathione was quantified by a fluorimetric assay, cellular malondialdehyde was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, reactive oxygen species were quantified by the dichlorofluorescein assay, antioxidant enzyme activities were determined by spectrophotometric analysis and their gene expression by northern blot. RESULTS: Short-term exposure (4 h) to these flavonols had no antiproliferative nor cytotoxic effect. High doses of quercetin (50-100 microM) increased glutathione concentration and gene expression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and catalase inhibiting the activity of the latter enzyme, whereas lower doses (0.1-1 microM) decreased gene expression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and increased that of glutathione peroxidase. All doses of quercetin and rutin diminished reactive oxygen species and high doses (10-100 microM) decreased malondialdehyde concentration. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that both natural antioxidants induce favorable changes in the antioxidant defense system of cultured HepG2 that prevent or delay conditions which favor cellular oxidative stress.

Response of the antioxidant defense system to tert-butyl hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide in a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2).

The aim of this work was to investigate the response of the antioxidant defense system to two oxidative stressors, hydrogen peroxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide, in HepG2 cells in culture. The parameters evaluated included enzyme activity and gene expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and activity of glutathione reductase. Besides, markers of the cell damage and oxidative stress evoked by the stressors such as cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, malondialdehyde levels, and reduced glutathione concentration were evaluated. Both stressors, hydrogen peroxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide, enhanced cell damage and reactive oxygen species generation at doses above 50 microM. The concentration of reduced glutathione decreased, and levels of malondialdehyde and activity of the antioxidant enzymes consistently increased only when HepG2 cells were treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide but not when hydrogen peroxide was used. A slight increase in the gene expression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and catalase with 500 microM tert-butyl hydroperoxide and of catalase with 200 microM hydrogen peroxide was observed. The response of the components of the antioxidant defense system evaluated in this study indicates that tert-butyl hydroperoxide evokes a consistent cellular stress in HepG2.

Comparative effects of food-derived polyphenols on the viability and apoptosis of a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2).

Consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in polyphenols, has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer. Dietary polyphenols have antioxidant and antiproliferative properties that might explain their beneficial effect on cancer prevention. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different pure polyphenols [quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and (-)-epicatechin] and natural fruit extracts (strawberry and plum) on viability or apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The treatment of cells for 18 h with quercetin and fruit extracts reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner; however, chlorogenic acid and (-)-epicatechin had no prominent effects on the cell death rate. Similarly, quercetin and strawberry and plum extracts, rather than chlorogenic acid and (-)-epicatechin, induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Moreover, quercetin and fruit extracts arrested the G1 phase in the cell cycle progression prior to apoptosis. Quercetin and strawberry and plum extracts may induce apoptosis and contribute to a reduced cell viability in HepG2 cells.