ATF3-CBS signaling axis coordinates ferroptosis and tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer.

The induction of ferroptosis is promising for cancer therapy. However, the mechanisms enabling cancer cells to evade ferroptosis, particularly in low-cystine environments, remain elusive. Our study delves into the intricate regulatory mechanisms of Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) on Cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) under cystine deprivation stress, conferring resistance to ferroptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Additionally, our findings establish a positively correlation between this signaling axis and CRC progression, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target. Mechanistically, ATF3 positively regulates CBS to resist ferroptosis under cystine deprivation stress. In contrast, the suppression of CBS sensitizes CRC cells to ferroptosis through targeting the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Notably, our study highlights that the ATF3-CBS signaling axis enhances ferroptosis-based CRC cancer therapy. Collectively, the findings reveal that the ATF3-CBS signaling axis is the primary feedback pathway in ferroptosis, and blocking this axis could be a potential therapeutic approach for colorectal cancer.

DPY30 knockdown suppresses colorectal carcinoma progression via inducing Raf1/MST2-mediated apoptosis.

Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract, with a high mortality rate. DPY30 is one of the core subunits of the histone methyltransferase complex, which was involved in many cancer processes. However, the role of DPY30 in the occurrence and progression of CRC remains unclear. In this study, we sought to evaluate the role and mechanism of DPY30 in CRC cells apoptosis. Here, we identified that knockdown of DPY30 significantly inhibited the HT29 and HCT116 cells proliferation in vitro. Moreover, the knockdown of DPY30 significantly increased the apoptosis rate and promoted the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in CRC cells. Meanwhile, DPY30 knockdown promoted CRC cells apoptosis through endogenous programmed death and in a caspase activation-dependent manner. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the action of DPY30 is closely related to the apoptosis biological processes, and screened its potential effectors Raf1. Mechanistically, DPY30 downregulation promotes MST2-induced apoptosis by inhibiting Raf1 transcriptional activity through histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3). In vivo experiments showed that DPY30 was correlated with Raf1 in nude mouse subcutaneous xenografts tissues significantly. Clinical colorectal specimens further confirmed that overexpression of DPY30 in malignant tissues was significantly correlated with Raf1 level. The vital role of the DPY30/Raf1/MST2 signaling axis in the cell death and survival rate of CRC cells was disclosed, which provides potential new targets for early diagnosis and clinical treatment of CRC.

DPY30 promotes colorectal carcinoma metastasis by upregulating ZEB1 transcriptional expression.

DPY30 belongs to the core subunit of components of the histone lysine methyltransferase complex, which is implicated in tumorigenesis, cell senescence, and other biological events. However, its contribution to colorectal carcinoma (CRC) progression and metastasis has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the biological function of DPY30 in CRC metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, our results revealed that DPY30 overexpression is significantly positively correlated with positive lymph nodes, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and CRC metastasis. Moreover, DPY30 knockdown in HT29 and SW480 cells markedly decreased EMT progression, as well as the migratory and invasive abilities of CRC cells in vitro and lung tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, DPY30 increased histone H3K4me3 level and promoted EMT and CRC metastasis by upregulating the transcriptional expression of ZEB1. Taken together, our findings indicate that DPY30 may serve as a therapeutic target and prognostic marker for CRC.

Aldolase B impairs DNA mismatch repair and induces apoptosis in colon adenocarcinoma.

Evidence suggests that DNA repair capacity manifested by intact functional base excision repair and mismatch repair (MMR) pathways is related to the prognosis of multiple cancer types. Aldolase B (ALDOB) is well known for its role in metabolism and glycolysis. The expression of ALDOB in colon adenocarcinoma and the relationship between its expression and colon adenocarcinoma prognosis remain controversial; in addition, the potential role of ALDOB in DNA MMR has not yet been reported. In this study, we identified a cluster of DNA repair-related proteins that interact with ALDOB in the colon adenocarcinoma cell line HCT116. Expression analysis of colon adenocarcinoma data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-COAD data, n = 551) indicated that ALDOB mRNA expression was significantly higher in specimens with microsatellite instability (MSI) than in specimens with microsatellite stability (MSS). Regarding prognosis, colon adenocarcinoma patients with high ALDOB mRNA expression had longer overall survival (OS). Higher expression of ALDOB protein was significantly correlated with MMR deficiency (d-MMR) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) patient specimens. The expression of ALDOB was significantly elevated in colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. Further evidence indicated that rather than affecting proliferation, ALDOB overexpression induced the functional loss of MMR proteins and in turn caused irreversible DNA damage via disrupting EZH2-Rad51 expression and then caused apoptosis by ERK inactivation. Overall, our study demonstrates that high ALDOB expression impairs DNA MMR and induces apoptosis in colon adenocarcinoma. ALDOB may be a new biomarker associated with d-MMR and an independent prognostic factor for colon adenocarcinoma.

Neutrophil extracellular trap-microparticle complexes enhance thrombin generation via the intrinsic pathway of coagulation in mice.

Abdominal sepsis is associated with dysfunctional hemostasis. Thrombin generation (TG) is a rate-limiting step in systemic coagulation. Neutrophils can expell neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and/or microparticles (MPs) although their role in pathological coagulation remains elusive. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced TG in vivo was reflected by a reduced capacity of plasma from septic animals to generate thrombin. Depletion of neutrophils increased TG in plasma from CLP mice. Sepsis was associated with increased histone 3 citrullination in neutrophils and plasma levels of cell-free DNA and DNA-histone complexes and administration of DNAse not only eliminated NET formation but also elevated TG in sepsis. Isolated NETs increased TG and co-incubation with DNAse abolished NET-induced formation of thrombin. TG triggered by NETs was inhibited by blocking factor XII and abolished in factor XII-deficient plasma but intact in factor VII-deficient plasma. Activation of neutrophils simultaneously generated large amount of neutrophil-derived MPs, which were found to bind to NETs via histone-phosphatidylserine interactions. These findings show for the first time that NETs and MPs physically interact, and that NETs might constitute a functional assembly platform for MPs. We conclude that NET-MP complexes induce TG via the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and that neutrophil-derived MPs play a key role in NET-dependent coagulation.

Platelet-derived microparticles regulates thrombin generation via phophatidylserine in abdominal sepsis.

Sepsis is associated with dysfunctional coagulation. Recent data suggest that platelets play a role in sepsis by promoting neutrophil accumulation. Herein, we show that cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) triggered systemic inflammation, which is characterized by formation of IL-6 and CXC chemokines as well as neutrophil accumulation in the lung. Platelet depletion decreased neutrophil accumulation, IL-6, and CXC chemokines formation in septic lungs. Depletion of platelets increased peak thrombin formation and total thrombin generation (TG) in plasma from septic animals. CLP elevated circulating levels of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs). In vitro generated PMPs were a potent inducer of TG. Interestingly, in vitro wild-type recombinant annexin V abolished PMP-induced thrombin formation whereas a mutant annexin V protein, which does not bind to phosphatidylserine (PS), had no effect. Administration of wild-type, but not mutant annexin V, significantly inhibited thrombin formation in septic animals. Moreover, CLP-induced formation of thrombin-antithrombin complexes were reduced in platelet-depleted mice and in animals pretreated with annexin V. PMP-induced TG attenuated in FXII- and FVII-deficient plasma. These findings suggest that sepsis-induced TG is dependent on platelets. Moreover, PMPs formed in sepsis are a potent inducer of TG via PS exposure, and activation of both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of coagulation. In conclusion, these observations suggest that PMPs and PS play an important role in dysfunctional coagulation in abdominal sepsis.

Rac1 regulates sepsis-induced formation of platelet-derived microparticles and thrombin generation.

Dysfunctional coagulation aggravates clinical outcome in patients with sepsis. The aim of this study was to define the role of Rac-1 in the formation of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and thrombin generation (TG) in abdominal sepsis. Male C57BL/6 mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry were used to quantify PMPs. TG was determined by use of a fluorimetric assay. It was found that CLP increased Rac1 activity in platelets, which was abolished by administration of the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766. Sepsis-induced TG in vivo was reflected by reduced capacity of plasma from septic animals to generate thrombin ex vivo. Administration of NSC23766 increased peak and total TG in plasma from CLP mice indicating that Rac-1 regulates sepsis-induced formation of thrombin. The number of circulating PMPs was markedly elevated in animals with abdominal sepsis. Treatment with NSC23766 significantly decreased formation of PMPs in septic mice. Platelet activation in vitro caused release of numerous MPs. Notably, NSC23766 abolished PMP formation in activated platelets in vitro. These findings suggest that Rac-1 regulates PMP formation and TG in sepsis and that inhibition of Rac1 activity could be a useful target to inhibit dysfunctional coagulation in abdominal sepsis.

Rac1 regulates bacterial toxin-induced thrombin generation.

OBJECTIVE: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome is associated with severe coagulopathy. The purpose of this study was to examine thrombin generation in systemic inflammation triggered by the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the exotoxin streptococcal M1 protein. METHODS: Thrombin generation, lung histology and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were determined 6 and 24 h after induction of systemic inflammation. Male C57BL/6 mice received the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 prior to challenge with bacterial toxins. RESULTS: LPS and M1 protein challenge increased neutrophil infiltration and caused damage in the lung. Time to peak thrombin formation was increased and peak and total generation of thrombin were decreased in plasma from LPS- and M1 protein-treated mice. Coincubation of samples from mice exposed to bacterial toxins with platelet poor plasma from healthy mice completely reversed the inhibitory effect of LPS and M1 protein on thrombin generation, suggesting that bacterial toxins decreased levels of plasma factors explaining the reduction of thrombin generating capacity of plasma from septic animals. NSC23766 treatment not only decreased LPS- and M1 protein-induced neutrophil accumulation as well as levels of interleukin-6 and CXCL2 in the lung, but also abolished bacterial toxin-induced changes in thrombin generation. For example, NSC23766 increased peak formation by 57% and total thrombin generation by 48% in LPS-treated animals at 6 h. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our novel findings show that bacterial toxins increase thrombin generation via consumption of plasma factors and that Rac1 signaling plays an important role in thrombin generation in response to bacterial toxins. Thus, targeting Rac1 activity might be a useful way not only to ameliorate pulmonary inflammation, but also inhibit pathological changes in coagulation in bacterial infections.

Adhesive Mechanisms of Histone-Induced Neutrophil-Endothelium Interactions in the Muscle Microcirculation.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular histones released during cell damage have the capacity to cause tissue injury associated with increased leukocyte accumulation. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating histone-induced leukocyte recruitment remain elusive. The objective of this study was to examine the role of adhesion molecules in histone-dependent leukocyte accumulation by use of intravital microscopy of the mouse cremaster microcirculation. METHODS: Histone 3 and TNF-α were intrascrotally administered, and anti-P-selectin, anti-P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), anti-membrane-activated complex-1 (Mac-1), anti-lymphocyte function antigen-1 (LFA-1) antibody and neutrophil depletion antibody were injected intravenously or intraperitoneally. RESULTS: Intrascrotal injection of histone 3 dose-dependently increased leukocyte recruitment. Neutrophil depletion abolished intravascular and extravascular leukocytes after histone 3 challenge, suggesting that neutrophils were the dominating leukocyte subtype responding to histone stimulation. Pretreatment with an anti-P-selectin and an anti-PSGL-1 antibody abolished histone-stimulated neutrophil rolling, adhesion and emigration. When the anti-P-selectin or the anti-PSGL-1 antibody was administrated after histone 3 stimulation, neutrophil rolling was reduced, whereas the number of firmly adherent and emigrated neutrophils were unchanged, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of blocking P-selectin and PSGL-1 on neutrophil adhesion and recruitment was due to the reduction in neutrophil rolling. Moreover, pretreatment with antibodies against Mac-1 and LFA-1 had no effect of neutrophil rolling but abolished adhesion and emigration evoked by histone 3. Thus, our data demonstrate that P-selectin and PSGL-1 play an important role in histone-induced inflammatory cell recruitment by mediating neutrophil rolling as a precondition for histone-provoked firm adhesion and emigration in vivo. Moreover, we conclude that both Mac-1 and LFA-1 are critical in supporting histone-provoked firm adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: These novel findings define specific selectins and integrins as potential targets for pharmacological intervention in histone-dependent inflammatory diseases.

Platelet-Derived CCL5 Regulates CXC Chemokine Formation and Neutrophil Recruitment in Acute Experimental Colitis.

Accumulating data suggest that platelets not only regulate thrombosis and haemostasis but also inflammatory processes. Platelets contain numerous potent pro-inflammatory compounds, including the chemokines CCL5 and CXCL4, although their role in acute colitis remains elusive. The aim of this study is to examine the role of platelets and platelet-derived chemokines in acute colitis. Acute colitis is induced in female Balb/c mice by administration of 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 days. Animals receive a platelet-depleting, anti-CCL5, anti-CXCL4, or a control antibody prior to DSS challenge. Colonic tissue is collected for quantification of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, CXCL5, CXCL2, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and CCL5 levels as well as morphological analyses. Platelet depletion reduce tissue damage and clinical disease activity index in DSS-exposed animals. Platelet depletion not only reduces levels of CXCL2 and CXCL5 but also levels of CCL5 in the inflamed colon. Immunoneutralization of CCL5 but not CXCL4 reduces tissue damage, CXC chemokine expression, and neutrophil recruitment in DSS-treated animals. These findings show that platelets play a key role in acute colitis by regulating CXC chemokine generation, neutrophil infiltration, and tissue damage in the colon. Moreover, our results suggest that platelet-derived CCL5 is an important link between platelet activation and neutrophil recruitment in acute colitis.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Induce Trypsin Activation, Inflammation, and Tissue Damage in Mice With Severe Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Neutrophils are involved in the development of acute pancreatitis (AP), but it is not clear how neutrophil-induced tissue damage is regulated. In addition to secreting antimicrobial compounds, activated neutrophils eliminate invading microorganisms by expelling nuclear DNA and histones to form extracellular web-like structures called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, NETs have been reported to contribute to organ dysfunction in patients with infectious diseases. We investigated whether NETs contribute to the development of AP in mice. METHODS: AP was induced in C57BL/6 mice by infusion of taurocholate into the pancreatic duct or by intraperitoneal administration of L-arginine. Pancreata were collected and extracellular DNA was detected by Sytox green staining, levels of CXC chemokines, histones, and cytokines also were measured. Cell-free DNA was quantified in plasma samples. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation and trypsin activation were analyzed in isolated acinar cells. NETs were depleted by administration of DNase I to mice. Plasma was obtained from healthy individuals (controls) and patients with severe AP. RESULTS: Infusion of taurocholate induced formation of NETs in pancreatic tissues of mice and increased levels of cell-free DNA in plasma. Neutrophil depletion prevented taurocholate-induced deposition of NETs in the pancreas. Administration of DNase I to mice reduced neutrophil infiltration and tissue damage in the inflamed pancreas and lung, and decreased levels of blood amylase, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, interleukin 6, and high-mobility groups protein 1. In mice given taurocholate, DNase I administration also reduced expression of integrin α M (macrophage-1 antigen) on circulating neutrophils. Similar results occurred in mice with L-arginine-induced AP. Addition of NETs and histones to acinar cells induced formation of trypsin and activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3; these processes were blocked by polysialic acid. Patients with severe AP had increased plasma levels of NET components compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: NETs form in the pancreata of mice during the development of AP, and NET levels are increased in plasma from patients with AP, compared with controls. NETs regulate organ inflammation and injury in mice with AP, and might be targeted to reduce pancreatic tissue damage and inflammation in patients.

STAT3-dependent CXC chemokine formation and neutrophil migration in streptococcal M1 protein-induced acute lung inflammation.

Streptococcus pyogenes cause infections ranging from mild pharyngitis to severe streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). The M1 serotype of Streptococcus pyogenes is most frequently associated with STSS. Herein, it was hypothesized that STAT3 signaling might be involved in M1 protein-evoked lung inflammation. The STAT3 inhibitor, S3I-201, was administered to male C57Bl/6 mice before iv challenge with M1 protein. Bronchoalveolar fluid and lung tissue were harvested for quantification of STAT3 activity, neutrophil recruitment, edema, and CXC chemokine formation. Neutrophil expression of Mac-1 was quantified by use of flow cytometry. Levels of IL-6 and HMGB1 were determined in plasma. CXCL2-induced neutrophil chemotaxis was studied in vitro. Administration of S3I-201 markedly reduced M1 protein-provoked STAT3 activity, neutrophil recruitment, edema formation, and inflammatory changes in the lung. In addition, M1 protein significantly increased Mac-1 expression on neutrophils and CXC chemokine levels in the lung. Treatment with S3I-201 had no effect on M1 protein-induced expression of Mac-1 on neutrophils. In contrast, inhibition of STAT3 activity greatly reduced M1 protein-induced formation of CXC chemokines in the lung. Interestingly, STAT3 inhibition markedly decreased plasma levels of IL-6 and HMGB1 in animals exposed to M1 protein. Moreover, we found that S3I-201 abolished CXCL2-induced neutrophil migration in vitro. In conclusion, these novel findings indicate that STAT3 signaling plays a key role in mediating CXC chemokine production and neutrophil infiltration in M1 protein-induced acute lung inflammation.

Inhibition of Ras signalling reduces neutrophil infiltration and tissue damage in severe acute pancreatitis.

Neutrophil recruitment is known to be a rate-limiting step in mediating tissue injury in severe acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the signalling mechanisms controlling inflammation and organ damage in AP remain elusive. Herein, we examined the role of Ras signalling in AP. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with a Ras inhibitor (farnesylthiosalicylic acid, FTS) before infusion of taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic and lung tissues as well as blood were collected 24 h after pancreatitis induction. Pretreatment with FTS decreased serum amylase levels by 82% and significantly attenuated acinar cell necrosis, tissue haemorrhage and oedema formation in taurocholate-induced pancreatitis. Inhibition of Ras signalling reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in the inflamed pancreas by 42%. In addition, administration of FTS decreased pancreatic levels of CXC chemokines as well as circulating levels of interleukin-6 and high-mobility group box 1 in animals exposed to taurocholate. Moreover, treatment with FTS reduced taurocholate-induced MPO levels in the lung. Inhibition of Ras signalling had no effect on neutrophil expression of Mac-1 in mice with pancreatitis. Moreover, FTS had no direct impact on trypsin activation in isolated pancreatic acinar cells. These results indicate that Ras signalling controls CXC chemokine formation, neutrophil recruitment and tissue injury in severe AP. Thus, our findings highlight a new signalling mechanism regulating neutrophil recruitment in the pancreas and suggest that inhibition of Ras signalling might be a useful strategy to attenuate local and systemic inflammation in severe AP.

Rac1 signaling regulates neutrophil-dependent tissue damage in experimental colitis.

Excessive neutrophil recruitment in the colon is a major feature in acute colitis although the signaling mechanisms behind colonic recruitment of neutrophils remain elusive. Herein, we hypothesized that Rac1 activity might play an important role in neutrophil infiltration in the inflamed colon. Female Balb/c mice were treated with the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 (0.5 and 5mg/kg) before and daily after administration of 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Colonic tissue was collected for quantification of neutrophil recruitment, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CXC chemokine formation as well as histological damage score five days after challenge with DSS. Rac1 activity was determined by western blot and Mac-1 expression by flow cytometry in neutrophils. Administration of NSC23766 decreased DSS-induced neutrophil recruitment and tissue damage in the colon. Rac1 inhibition decreased colonic formation of IL-6 and CXC chemokines in experimental colitis. Chemokine challenge increased Rac1 activity in neutrophils and NSC23766 markedly reduced this neutrophil activity of Rac1. Inhibition of Rac1 abolished CXC chemokine-induced neutrophil chemotaxis and up-regulation of Mac-1 in vitro. Taken together, Rac1 signaling plays a significant role in controlling accumulation of neutrophils and tissue injury in experimental colitis. Thus, our novel results suggest that targeting Rac1 signaling might be a useful way to protect against neutrophil-mediated tissue injury in acute colitis.

Proinflammatory role of neutrophil extracellular traps in abdominal sepsis.

Excessive neutrophil activation is a major component in septic lung injury. Neutrophil-derived DNA may form extracellular traps in response to bacterial invasions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in septic lung injury. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with recombinant human (rh)DNAse (5 mg/kg) after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Extracellular DNA was stained by Sytox green, and NET formation was quantified by confocal microscopy and cell-free DNA in plasma, peritoneal cavity, and lung. Blood, peritoneal fluid, and lung tissue were harvested for analysis of neutrophil infiltration, NET levels, tissue injury, as well as CXC chemokine and cytokine formation. We observed that CLP caused increased formation of NETs in plasma, peritoneal cavity, and lung. Administration of rhDNAse not only eliminated NET formation in plasma, peritoneal cavity, and bronchoalveolar space but also reduced lung edema and tissue damage 24 h after CLP induction. Moreover, treatment with rhDNAse decreased CLP-induced formation of CXC chemokines, IL-6, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in plasma, as well as CXC chemokines and IL-6 in the lung. In vitro, we found that neutrophil-derived NETs had the capacity to stimulate secretion of CXCL2, TNF-α, and HMGB1 from alveolar macrophages. Taken together, our findings show that NETs regulate pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils and tissue injury via formation of proinflammatory compounds in abdominal sepsis. Thus we conclude that NETs exert a proinflammatory role in septic lung injury.

Dynamic changes in thrombin generation in abdominal sepsis in mice.

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and severe infections are associated with major derangements in the coagulation system. The purpose of this study was to examine the dynamic alterations in thrombin generation in abdominal sepsis. Abdominal sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in C57/Bl6 mice. Cecal ligation and puncture caused a systemic inflammatory response, with neutrophil recruitment and tissue damage in the lung as well as thrombocytopenia and leukocytopenia. Thrombin generation, coagulation factors, lung histology, and myeloperoxidase activity was determined 1, 3, 6, and 24 h after induction of CLP. It was found that thrombin generation was increased 1 h after CLP and that thrombin generation started to decrease at 3 h and was markedly reduced 6 and 24 h after CLP induction. Platelet-poor plasma from healthy mice could completely reverse the inhibitory effect of CLP on thrombin generation, suggesting that sepsis caused a decrease in the levels of plasma factors regulating thrombin generation in septic animals. Indeed, it was found that CLP markedly decreased plasma levels of prothrombin, factor V, and factor X at 6 and 24 h. Moreover, we observed that CLP increased plasma levels of activated protein C at 6 h, which returned to baseline levels 24 h after CLP induction. Finally, pretreatment with imipenem/cilastatin attenuated the CLP-evoked decrease in thrombin generation and consumption of prothrombin 24 h after CLP induction. Our novel findings suggest that thrombin generation is initially increased and later decreased in abdominal sepsis. Sepsis-induced reduction in thrombin generation is correlated to changes in the plasma levels of coagulation factors and activated protein C. These findings help explain the dynamic changes in global hemostasis in abdominal sepsis.

Nuclear factor of activated T cells regulates neutrophil recruitment, systemic inflammation, and T-cell dysfunction in abdominal sepsis.

The signaling mechanisms regulating neutrophil recruitment, systemic inflammation, and T-cell dysfunction in polymicrobial sepsis are not clear. This study explored the potential involvement of the calcium/calcineurin-dependent transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), in abdominal sepsis. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) triggered NFAT-dependent transcriptional activity in the lung, spleen, liver, and aorta in NFAT-luciferase reporter mice. Treatment with the NFAT inhibitor A-285222 prior to CLP completely prevented sepsis-induced NFAT activation in all these organs. Inhibition of NFAT activity reduced sepsis-induced formation of CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL5 chemokines and edema as well as neutrophil infiltration in the lung. Notably, NFAT inhibition efficiently reduced the CLP-evoked increases in HMBG1, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and CXCL5 levels in plasma. Moreover, administration of A-285222 restored sepsis-induced T-cell dysfunction, as evidenced by markedly decreased apoptosis and restored proliferative capacity of CD4 T cells. Along these lines, treatment with A-285222 restored gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and IL-4 levels in the spleen, which were markedly reduced in septic mice. CLP-induced formation of regulatory T cells (CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+)) in the spleen was also abolished in A-285222-treated animals. All together, these novel findings suggest that NFAT is a powerful regulator of pathological inflammation and T-cell immune dysfunction in abdominal sepsis. Thus, our data suggest that NFAT signaling might be a useful target to protect against respiratory failure and immunosuppression in patients with sepsis.

Distinct patterns of leukocyte recruitment in the pulmonary microvasculature in response to local and systemic inflammation.

The mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment in the pulmonary microvasculature in response to local and systemic inflammation remain elusive. Male C57BL/6 mice received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intrapulmonary (intratracheally, it) or systemically (intravenously, iv) for 1-18 h. Leukocyte responses in lung were analyzed by use of intravital fluorescence microscopy. Plasma and lung levels of CXC chemokines as well as Mac-1 and F-actin expression in leukocytes and bronchoalveolar leukocytes were quantified. Venular leukocyte rolling was markedly increased in response to local LPS but only marginally after systemic LPS. Leukocyte adhesion in venules was enhanced in both groups although adhesion was higher in mice receiving LPS intratracheally compared with LPS intravenously. Systemic LPS caused more leukocytes trapping in capillaries compared with local LPS. The ratio of adherent leukocytes in venules compared with capillaries was higher in response to local LPS, suggesting that leukocytes were more prone to accumulate in venules in local inflammation and in capillaries in systemic inflammation. Systemic LPS triggered higher F-actin formation and Mac-1 expression in leukocytes compared with local LPS. Local and systemic LPS caused similar increases in CXC chemokines in the lung whereas intravenous endotoxin provoked higher levels of CXC chemokines in the circulation. Interestingly, intratracheal LPS increased recruitment of leukocytes in the alveolar space whereas intravenous LPS was ineffective in promoting leukocyte accumulation in the bronchoalveolar space. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that pulmonary microvascular recruitment of leukocytes differs in local and systemic inflammation, which might be related to premature activation and stiffening of circulating leukocytes in endotoxemia.

Simvastatin protects against T cell immune dysfunction in abdominal sepsis.

Sepsis-triggered immune paralysis including T-cell dysfunction increases susceptibility to infections. Statins exert beneficial effects in patients with sepsis, although the mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we hypothesized that simvastatin may attenuate T-cell dysfunction in abdominal sepsis. Male C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with simvastatin (10 mg/kg) before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Spleen CD4 T-cell apoptosis, proliferation, and regulatory T cells (CD4CD25Foxp3) were quantified by use of flow cytometry. Formation of interferon γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) in the spleen and plasma levels of high-mobility box group 1 (HMBG1) and IL-6 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cecal ligation and puncture caused a clear-cut increase in apoptosis and decrease in proliferation in splenic CD4 T cells. It was found that simvastatin markedly reduced apoptosis and improved proliferation in CD4 T cells in septic mice. Moreover, CLP-induced formation of regulatory T cells in the spleen was abolished in simvastatin-treated animals. Cecal ligation and puncture greatly decreased the levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in the spleen. Simvastatin completely reversed this sepsis-mediated inhibition of IFN-γ and IL-4 formation in the spleen. We observed that CLP increased plasma levels of HMBG1 by 25-fold and IL-6 by 99,595-fold. Notably, treatment with simvastatin abolished this CLP-evoked increase in HMBG1 and IL-6 levels in the plasma, suggesting that simvastatin is a potent inhibitor of systemic inflammation in sepsis. Lastly, it was found that simvastatin reduced CLP-induced bacteremia. In conclusion, these novel findings suggest that simvastatin is a powerful regulator of T-cell immune dysfunction in abdominal sepsis. Thus, these protective effects of simvastatin on T-cell functions help to explain the protective effect of statins in patients with sepsis.