Expression of alpha-defensin-1 in chronic hyperplastic candidosis

BACKGROUND: Chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC) represents a chronic opportunistic candida infection. We clarified the presence, localization and participation of alpha-defensin-1 in host response against chronic candidal stimulus. METHODS: Immunohistochemically stained CHC biopsies (n = 10) were compared to candida negative idiopathic leukoplakia (n = 10). RESULTS: In CHC alpha-defensin-1 was detected in neutrophils intravascularly, in lamina propria and in the epithelium, in part in intraepithelial microabscesses. Staining intensity of individual neutrophils varied and was associated with peri- and extracellular staining, in particular in the superficial epithelial cell layers. In controls only very few homogeneously staining neutrophils were detected intravascularly without any extracellular alpha-defensin-1 deposition. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophils form microabscesses and respond to Candida by activation and release of alpha-defensin-1 to peri- and extracellular matrix. This together with the epithelial cell migration from the basal layer to epithelial surface leads to alpha-defensin-1 rich protective shield in the most superficial epithelial cell layers.     

Interleukin 1-induced lymphocyte binding to endothelial cells. Role of cAMP as a second messenger

Interleukin 1 (IL 1) is a potent protein mediator of inflammation. Among other things it increases the number of lymphocytes adhering to endothelial cell monolayers. We analyzed the signal transduction during IL 1-induced lymphocyte binding. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, which is a cAMP analog able to penetrate into the cytosol, increased lymphocyte binding to the same extent as IL 1. Direct activation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin enhanced also lymphocyte binding. IL 1 increased the level of cytosolic cAMP in a time- and dose-dependent manner measured with radioimmunoassay. 2',5'-Dideoxyadenosine, which is an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, decreased both the IL 1-induced lymphocyte binding to endothelial cells and elevation in cytosolic cAMP levels. Lymphocyte binding increased with cytosolic cAMP levels in accordance with elevation of IL 1 concentration. These results suggest that cAMP is essential in signal transduction during IL 1-induced lymphocyte binding to cultured endothelial cell monolayers.     

Inefficient central nervous system delivery limits the use of ibuprofen in neurodegenerative diseases.

Chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. To date, only limited information exists on the brain distribution of these drugs. The objective of this study was to determine the absolute brain delivery of ibuprofen by using constant in vivo infusion in rats. Ibuprofen was infused to steady-state concentrations both in plasma and brain tissue. Ibuprofen levels in plasma and brain tissue were measured by RP-HPLC after the plasma and the brain samples were purified by protein precipitation and solid phase extraction, respectively. Results indicate that both plasma and brain concentrations reached steady-state within 6h, and that the brain to plasma ratio of ibuprofen was only 0.02. Thus, limited brain penetration prevents the possible use of ibuprofen in treating or preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.     

Enzymatic detoxification of gluten by germinating wheat proteases: Implications for new treatment of celiac disease

Introduction. Currently the only treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet. The diet is, however, often burdensome, and thus new treatment options are warranted. We isolated proteases from germinating wheat grain naturally meant for total digestion of wheat storage proteins and investigated whether these enzymes can diminish toxic effects of gluten in vitro and ex vivo.

Methods. Pepsin and trypsin digested (PT) gliadin was pretreated with proteases from germinating wheat, whereafter the degradation was analyzed by HPLC-MS (high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy) and sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The toxicity of cleaved PT-gliadin products was assessed in Caco-2 epithelial cells, celiac patient-derived T cells, and in human small intestinal mucosal organ culture biopsies.

Results. Proteases from germinating wheat degraded gliadin into small peptide fragments, which, unlike unprocessed PT-gliadin, did not increase epithelial permeability, induce cytoskeletal rearrangement or changes in ZO-1 expression in Caco-2 cells. Pretreated gliadin did not stimulate T cell proliferation in vitro or enhance the production of autoantibodies to culture supernatants and the activation of CD25+ lymphocytes in the organ culture to the same extent as unprocessed PT-gliadin.

Discussion. Germinating wheat enzymes reduce the toxicity of wheat gliadin in vitro and ex vivo. Further studies are justified to develop an alternative therapy for celiac disease.