Aerobic physical training reduces severe asthma phenotype involving kinins pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Aerobic physical training (APT) reduces eosinophilic airway inflammation, but its effects and mechanisms in severe asthma remain unknown. METHODS: An in vitro study employing key cells involved in the pathogenesis of severe asthma, such as freshly isolated human eosinophils, neutrophils, and bronchial epithelial cell lineage (BEAS-2B) and lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells), was conducted. Additionally, an in vivo study using male C57Bl/6 mice, including Control (Co; n = 10), Trained (Exe; n = 10), house dust mite (HDM; n = 10), and HDM + Trained (HDM + Exe; n = 10) groups, was carried out, with APT performed at moderate intensity, 5x/week, for 4 weeks. RESULTS: HDM and bradykinin, either alone or in combination, induced hyperactivation in human neutrophils, eosinophils, BEAS-2B, and MRC-5 cells. In contrast, IL-10, the primary anti-inflammatory molecule released during APT, inhibited these inflammatory effects, as evidenced by the suppression of numerous cytokines and reduced mRNA expression of the B1 receptor and ACE-2. The in vivo study demonstrated that APT decreased bronchoalveolar lavage levels of bradykinin, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, IL-33, TNF-α, and IL-13, while increasing levels of IL-10, klotho, and IL-1RA. APT reduced the accumulation of polymorphonuclear cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages in the peribronchial space, as well as collagen fiber accumulation, epithelial thickness, and mucus accumulation. Furthermore, APT lowered the expression of the B1 receptor and ACE-2 in lung tissue and reduced bradykinin levels in the lung tissue homogenate compared to the HDM group. It also improved airway resistance, tissue resistance, and tissue damping. On a systemic level, APT reduced total leukocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes in the blood, as well as plasma levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-33, while elevating the levels of IL-10 and IL-1RA. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that APT inhibits the severe asthma phenotype by targeting kinin signaling.

Aerobic exercise inhibits obesity-induced respiratory phenotype.

PURPOSE: Obesity results in decreased lung function and increased inflammation. Moderate aerobic exercise (AE) reduced lung inflammation and remodeling in a variety of respiratory disease models. Therefore, this study investigated whether AE can attenuate a diet-induced obesity respiratory phenotype; including airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), remodeling and inflammation. METHODS: Sixty C57Bl/6 male mice were distributed into four groups: control lean (CL), exercise lean (EL), obese (O) and obese exercise (OE) groups (2 sets of 7 and 8 mice per group; n = 15). A classical model of diet-induced obesity (DIO) over 12 weeks was used. AE was performed 60 min/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung inflammation and remodeling, adipokines and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was determined. RESULTS: A high fat diet over 18 weeks significantly increased body weight (p < .0001). Five weeks of AE significantly reduced both AHR and pulmonary inflammation. AHR in obese mice that exercised was reduced at the basal level (p < .05), vehicle (PBS) (p < .05), 6.25 MCh mg/mL (p < .05), 12.5 MCh mg/mL (p < .01), 25 MCh mg/mL (p < .01) and 50 MCh mg/mL (p < .05). Collagen (p < .001) and elastic (p < .001) fiber deposition in airway wall and also smooth muscle thickness (p < .001) were reduced. The number of neutrophils (p < .001), macrophages (p < .001) and lymphocytes (p < .01) were reduced in the peribronchial space as well as in the BAL: lymphocytes (p < .01), macrophages (p < .01), neutrophils (p < .001). AE reduced obesity markers leptin (p < .001), IGF-1 (p < .01) and VEGF (p < .001), while increased adiponectin (p < .01) in BAL. AE also reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in the BAL: IL-1ß (p < .001), IL-12p40 (p < .001), IL-13 (p < .01), IL-17 (p < .001, IL-23 (p < .05) and TNF-alpha (p < .05), and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise reduces high fat diet-induced obese lung phenotype (AHR, pulmonary remodeling and inflammation), involving anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and adiponectin.

Blockade of AT1 type receptors for angiotensin II prevents cardiac microvascular fibrosis induced by chronic stress in Sprague-Dawley rats.

To test the effects of chronic-stress on the cardiovascular system, the model of chronic mild unpredictable stress (CMS) has been widely used. The CMS protocol consists of the random, intermittent, and unpredictable exposure of laboratory animals to a variety of stressors, during 3 consecutive weeks. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to the CMS protocol leads to left ventricle microcirculatory remodeling that can be attenuated by angiotensin II receptor blockade. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Control, Stress, Control + losartan, and Stress + losartan (N = 6, each group, losartan: 20 mg/kg/day). The rats were euthanized 15 days after CMS exposure, and blood samples and left ventricle were collected. Rats submitted to CMS presented increased glycemia, corticosterone, noradrenaline and adrenaline concentration, and losartan reduced the concentration of the circulating amines. Cardiac angiotensin II, measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was significantly increased in the CMS group, and losartan treatment reduced it, while angiotensin 1-7 was significantly higher in the CMS losartan-treated group as compared with CMS. Histological analysis, verified by transmission electron microscopy, showed that rats exposed to CMS presented increased perivascular collagen and losartan effectively prevented the development of this process. Hence, CMS induced a state of microvascular disease, with increased perivascular collagen deposition, that may be the trigger for further development of cardiovascular disease. In this case, CMS fibrosis is associated with increased production of catecholamines and with a disruption of renin-angiotensin system balance, which can be prevented by angiotensin II receptor blockade.

Aerobic exercise inhibits acute lung injury: from mouse to human evidence Exercise reduced lung injury markers in mouse and in cells.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is defined as hypoxemic respiratory failure with intense pulmonary inflammation, involving hyperactivation of endothelial cells and neutrophils. Given the anti-inflammatory effects of aerobic exercise (AE), this study investigated whether AE performed daily for 5 weeks would inhibit extra-pulmonary LPS-induced ARDS. C57Bl/6 mice were distributed into Control, Exercise, LPS and Exercise+LPS groups. AE was performed on a treadmill for 5x/week for four weeks before LPS administration. 24hours after the final AE physical test, animals received 100ug of LPS intra-peritoneally. In addition, whole blood cell culture, neutrophils and human endothelial cells were preincubated with IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine induced by exercise. AE reduced total protein levels (p<0.01) and neutrophil accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (p<0.01) and lung parenchyma (p<0.01). AE reduced BAL inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6 and GM-CSF (p<0.001), CXCL1/KC, IL-17, TNF-alpha and IGF-1 (p<0.01). Systemically, AE reduced IL-1ß, IL-6 and IFN-gamma (p<0.001), CXCL1/KC (p<0.01) and TNF-alpha (p<0.05). AE increased IL-10 levels in serum (p<0.001) and BAL (p<0.001). Furthermore, AE increased superoxide dismutase SOD (p<0.01) and decreased superoxide anion accumulation in the lungs (p<0.01). Lastly, pre-incubation with IL-10 significantly reduced LPS-induced activation of whole blood cells, neutrophils and HUVECs, as observed by reduced production of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha. Our data suggest that AE inhibited LPS-induced lung inflammation by attenuating inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers in mice and human cell culture via enhanced IL-10 production.

Myocardial protection induced by fentanyl in pigs exposed to high-dose adrenaline.

The use of high doses of adrenaline is common in critical patients, especially during cardiac arrest. During these situations, myocardial dysfunction can be a result of multiple factors, including adrenaline use. In addition, opioids have been shown to have anti-arrhythmic and anti-ischemic mechanisms that may confer cardiac protection. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fentanyl on myocardial function in pigs exposed to high-dose adrenaline. After institutional ethics committee approval, 26 pigs were randomly allocated to receive either 20 µg/kg fentanyl (n = 10; fentanyl group) administered 5 min before five doses of adrenaline (20 µg/kg), equivalent-volume saline (n = 10; saline group) using the same adrenaline dosing protocol, or neither fentanyl nor adrenaline (n = 6; sham group). The fentanyl group showed lower levels of troponin at the end of the sixth hour compared with the saline group (1.91 ± 1.47 vs 5.44 ± 5.35 ng/mL, P = 0.019). Transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry also showed less myocardial injury in the fentanyl group. The conclusion was reached that fentanyl attenuates myocardial injury caused by high-dose adrenaline without blunting the hemodynamic effect of adrenaline.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus Modulates Lung Inflammation and Mitigates Gut Dysbiosis in a Murine Model of Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome.

The asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) presents lung inflammation similar to both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Due to the immune response between the lung and gut, it is possible that ACOS individuals present gut dysbiosis. Due to therapeutic limitations in ACOS, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr) have received attention once Lr has been effective in asthma and COPD. However, there is no data about the Lr effect on both lung inflammation and gut dysbiosis in ACOS. Thus, our study investigated the Lr effect on lung inflammation, bronchoconstriction, airway remodeling, and gut dysbiosis in the murine ACOS model. Treated mice with Lr were exposed to HDM and cigarette smoke to induce ACOS. Sixty days after ACOS induction, mice were euthanized. Lung inflammation was evaluated in leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), airway remodeling, cytokine secretion, and transcription factor expression in the lung. The gut microbiota was assayed by 16S mRNA sequencing from a fecal sample. Leukocyte population, bronchial hyperreactivity, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and airway remodeling were attenuated in Lr-treated ACOS mice. Likewise, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, STAT6 and GATA3, as well as IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, STAT3, and RORÉ£t were reduced after Lr. In addition, IL-2, IL-12, IFN-γ, STAT1, and T-bet as well as IL-10, TGF-ß, STAT5, and Foxp3 were restored after the Lr. Firmicutes was reduced, while Deferribacteres was increased after Lr. Likewise, Lr decreased Staphylococcus and increased Mucispirillum in ACOS mice. Lr improves fecal bacterial ß-diversity. Our findings show for the first time the Lr effect on lung inflammation and gut dysbiosis in murine ACOS.

Perivascular Innervation in the Nasal Mucosa and Clinical Findings in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Idiopathic Rhinitis.

Introduction The nonspecific hyperreactivity of rhinitis has been attributed to neurotrophins activating sensory nerves and inflammatory cells. The relationship between these markers and the intensity of the symptoms is not well established and few studies have evaluated individuals with idiopathic rhinitis. Objective The present study aims to evaluate whether perivascular innervation and nerve growth factor (NGF) are related to the intensity of the clinical conditions in allergic rhinitis (AR) and idiopathic rhinitis (IR). Methods A total of 15 patients with AR and 15 patients with IR with the indication for inferior turbinectomy (associated or not with septoplasty) were selected. The patients received a score according to their signs and symptoms. After the surgery, we quantified eosinophils, mast cells, NGF, and nerve fibers in the nasal turbinate. Results The score of the signs and symptoms was higher in the AR group. Nerve growth factor was found in the cytoplasm of inflammatory cells in the submucosa in greater quantity in the AR group. The nerve fibers were distributed throughout the tissue, mainly in the subepithelial, glandular, and vascular regions, and there was no difference between the groups. Greater perivascular innervation was associated with a higher signs and symptoms score. Conclusions We concluded that these findings suggest that the NGF produced by submucosal inflammatory cells stimulates increased perivascular innervation in rhinitis, thus directly reflecting in more intense clinical conditions, especially in AR.

The impact of chronic exposure to air pollution over oxidative stress parameters and brain histology.

Air pollution (AP) triggers neuroinflammation and lipoperoxidation involved in physiopathology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Our study aims to investigate the effect of chronic exposure to ambient AP in oxidative stress (OS) parameters and number of neurons and microglial cells of the cortex and striatum. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were distributed in four groups of exposure: control group (FA), exposed throughout life to filtered air; group PA-FA, pre-natal exposed to polluted air until weaning and then to filtered air; group FA-PA, pre-natal exposed to filtered air until weaning and then to polluted air; and group PA, exposed throughout life to polluted air. After 150 days of exposure, the rats were euthanized for biochemical and histological determinations. The malondialdehyde concentration in the cortex and striatum was significantly higher in the PA group. The activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly decreased in the cortex of all groups exposed to AP while activity of catalase was not modified in the cortex or striatum. The total glutathione concentration was lower in the cortex and higher in the striatum of the FA-PA group. The number of neurons or microglia in the striatum did not differ between FA and PA. On the other hand, neurons and microglia cell numbers were significantly higher in the cortex of the FA-PA group. Our findings suggest that the striatum and cortex have dissimilar thresholds to react to AP exposure and different adaptable responses to chronically AP-induced OS. At least for the cortex, changing to a non-polluted ambient early in life was able to avoid and/or reverse the OS, although some alterations in enzymatic antioxidant system may be permanent. As a result, it is important to clarify the effects of AP in the cortical organization and function because of limited capacity of brain tissue to deal with threatening environments.

Different strains of mice present distinct lung tissue mechanics and extracellular matrix composition in a model of chronic allergic asthma.

The impact of genetic factors on asthma is well recognized but poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that different mouse strains present different lung tissue strip mechanics in a model of chronic allergic asthma and that these mechanical differences may be potentially related to changes of extracellular matrix composition and/or contractile elements in lung parenchyma. Oscillatory mechanics were analysed before and after acetylcholine (ACh) in C57BL/10, BALB/c, and A/J mice, subjected or not to ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. In controls, tissue elastance (E) and resistance (R), collagen and elastic fibres' content, and alpha-actin were higher in A/J compared to BALB/c mice, which, in turn, were more elevated than in C57BL/10. A similar response pattern was observed in ovalbumin-challenged animals irrespective of mouse strain. E and R augmented more in ovalbumin-challenged A/J [E: 22%, R: 18%] than C57BL/10 mice [E: 9.4%, R: 11%] after ACh In conclusion, lung parenchyma remodelled differently yielding distinct in vitro mechanics according to mouse strain.

Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter emitted by traffic affects reproductive and fetal outcomes in mice.

Air pollution is an important environmental health risk factor that can result in many different gestational and reproductive negative outcomes. In this study, we have investigated the effects of two different times of exposure (before conception and during pregnancy) to urban ambient particulate matter on reproductive and pregnancy outcomes in mice. Using exposure chambers receiving filtered (F) and non-filtered (NF) air, we observed that exposed females exhibited changes in the length of estrus cycle and extended estrus and, therefore, a reduction in the number of cycles during the studied period (F 2.6 +/- 0.22 and NF 1.2 +/- 0.29, p = 0.03). The mean number of antral follicles declined by 36% (p = 0.04) in NF mice (75 +/- 35.2) compared to F mice (118.6 +/- 18.4). Our results further indicate a significant increase in time necessary for mating and decreased fertility and pregnancy indices (p = 0.003) in NF couples. Mean post-implantation loss rates were increased by 70% (p < or = 0.005) in the NF2 group (exposed before and during pregnancy to NF air) compared to the F1 group (exposed before and during pregnancy to F air) and were influenced by both pre-gestational (p < 0.004) and gestational (p < 0.01) period exposure. Fetal weight was significantly higher in the F1 group when compared with the other groups (p < 0.001), at a 20% higher weight in the F1 group (0.86 +/- 0.18 g) than in the NF2 group (0.68 +/- 0.10 g). Furthermore, fetal weight was influenced by both pre-gestational and gestational period exposure, and a significant interaction between these two factors was found (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that exposure to ambient levels of urban traffic-generated particulate matter negatively affects different functions and stages of the reproductive process. Our results also reinforce the idea that maternal exposure to air pollution is linked to negative pregnancy outcomes, even if the exposure occurs only before conception.

Effect of pre- and postnatal exposure to urban air pollution on myocardial lipid peroxidation levels in adult mice.

Exposure to air pollution can elicit cardiovascular health effects. Children and unborn fetuses appear to be particularly vulnerable. However, the mechanisms involved in cardiovascular damage are poorly understood. It has been suggested that the oxidative stress generated by air pollution exposure triggers tissue injury. To investigate whether prenatal exposure can enhance oxidative stress in myocardium of adult animals, mice were placed in a clean chamber (CC, filtered urban air) and in a polluted chamber (PC, São Paulo city) during the gestational period and/or for 3 mo after birth, according to 4 protocols: control group-prenatal and postnatal life in CC; prenatal group-prenatal in PC and postnatal life in CC; postnatal group-prenatal in CC and postnatal life in PC; and pre-post group-prenatal and postnatal life in PC. As an indicator of oxidative stress, levels of lipid peroxidation in hearts were measured by malondialdehyde (MDA) quantification and by quantification of the myocardial immunoreactivity for 15-F2t-isoprostane. Ultrastructural studies were performed to detect cellular alterations related to oxidative stress. Concentration of MDA was significantly increased in postnatal (2.45 +/- 0.84 nmol/mg) and pre-post groups (3.84 +/- 1.39 nmol/mg) compared to the control group (0.31 +/- 0.10 nmol/mg) (p < .01). MDA values in the pre-post group were significantly increased compared to the prenatal group (0.71 +/- 0.15 nmol/mg) (p = .017). Myocardial isoprostane area fraction in the pre-post group was increased compared to other groups (p < or = .01). Results show that ambient levels of air pollution elicit cardiac oxidative stress in adult mice, and that gestational exposure may enhance this effect.

Montelukast, Leukotriene Inhibitor, Reduces LPS-Induced Acute Lung Inflammation and Human Neutrophil Activation.

OBJECTIVES: Some pro-inflammatory lipids derived from 1 lipooxygenase enzyme are potent neutrophil chemoattractant, a cell centrally involved in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); a syndrome lacking effective treatment. Considering the beneficial effects of the leukotriene receptor inhibitor, montelukast, on other lung diseases, whether montelukast attenuates inflammation in a mouse model of ARDS, and whether it reduces LPS stimulated activation of human neutrophils was investigated. METHODS: Thirty-five C57Bl/6 mice were distributed into control (PBS)+24h, LPS+24h (10µg/mouse), control+48h, LPS+48h, and LPS 48h+Montelukast (10mg/kg). In addition, human neutrophils were incubated with LPS (1µg/mL) and treated with montelukast (10µM). RESULTS: Oral-tracheal administration of montelukast significantly attenuated total cells (P<.05), macrophages (P<.05), neutrophils (P<.01), lymphocytes (P<.001) and total protein levels in BAL (P<.05), as well as IL-6 (P<.05), CXCL1/KC (P<.05), IL-17 (P<.05) and TNF-α (P<.05). Furthermore, montelukast reduced neutrophils (P<.001), lymphocytes (P<.01) and macrophages (P<.01) in the lung parenchyma. In addition, montelukast restored BAL VEGF levels (P<.05). LTB4 receptor expression (P<.001) as well as NF-κB (P<.001), a downstream target of LPS, were also reduced in lung parenchymal leukocytes. Furthermore, montelukast reduced IL-8 (P<.001) production by LPS-treated human neutrophils. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, montelukast efficiently attenuated both LPS-induced lung inflammation in a mouse model of ARDS and in LPS challenged human neutrophils.

Effects of different nutritional support on lung mechanics and remodelling in undernourished rats.

This study investigated the impact of three different oral nutritional support regimens on lung mechanics and remodelling in young undernourished Wistar rats. In the nutritionally deprived group, rats received one-third of their usual daily food consumption for 4 weeks. Undernourished rats were divided into three groups receiving a balanced, glutamine-supplemented, or long-chain triglyceride-supplemented diet for 4 weeks. In the two control groups, rats received food ad libitum for 4 (C4) or 8 weeks. Lung viscoelastic pressure and static elastance were higher in undernourished compared to C4 rats. After refeeding, lung mechanical data remained altered except for the glutamine-supplemented group. Undernutrition led to a reduced amount of elastic and collagen fibres in the alveolar septa. Elastic fibre content returned to control with balanced and glutamine-supplemented diets, but increased with long-chain triglyceride-supplemented diet. The amount of collagen fibre augmented independent of nutritional support. In conclusion, glutamine-supplemented diet is better at reducing morphofunctional changes than other diets after 4 weeks of refeeding.

Dose-dependent hepatic response to subchronic administration of nandrolone decanoate.

BACKGROUND: Androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) are synthetic hormone derivatives of testosterone and are mainly used to enhance athletic performance and muscle mass, but medical applications also have been described. Short- and long-term side effects have been demonstrated in many organs, but the liver adverse effects are the most common and serious ones associated with AAS use. However, these effects have been supported by few clinical and experimental studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hepatic function and structure after 5 wk of nandrolone decanoate administration at three different doses. METHODS: Twenty-seven adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: control, clinical, intermediate, and suprapharmacological doses of nandrolone decanoate during 5 wk. RESULTS: The biochemical studies showed that nandrolone decanoate administration leads to a dose-dependent increase in serum levels of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.01), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P < 0.001), as well as a significant decrease in total proteins (P < 0.01), bilirubin (P < 0.05), total cholesterol and fractions (P < 0.05), and triglycerides (P < 0.05). Although a significant statistical difference was found for AST, ALT, and ALP when compared with the control group, their values remained within the normal range. The number of Kupffer cells was increased in the liver parenchyma (P < 0.05), and the content of collagen was increased in the central lobular vein wall, in the hepatic parenchyma, and in the portal space (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that subchronic treatment with nandrolone decanoate, mainly administered at higher-than-clinical doses, are potentially deleterious to the liver, leading to incipient fibrosis.

Perivascular Innervation in the Nasal Mucosa and Clinical Findings in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis and Idiopathic Rhinitis

Abstract Introduction The nonspecific hyperreactivity of rhinitis has been attributed to neurotrophins activating sensory nerves and inflammatory cells. The relationship between these markers and the intensity of the symptoms is not well established and few studies have evaluated individuals with idiopathic rhinitis. Objective The present study aims to evaluate whether perivascular innervation and nerve growth factor (NGF) are related to the intensity of the clinical conditions in allergic rhinitis (AR) and idiopathic rhinitis (IR). Methods A total of 15 patients with AR and 15 patients with IR with the indication for inferior turbinectomy (associated or not with septoplasty) were selected. The patients received a score according to their signs and symptoms. After the surgery, we quantified eosinophils, mast cells, NGF, and nerve fibers in the nasal turbinate. Results The score of the signs and symptoms was higher in the AR group. Nerve growth factor was found in the cytoplasm of inflammatory cells in the submucosa in greater quantity in the AR group. The nerve fibers were distributed throughout the tissue, mainly in the subepithelial, glandular, and vascular regions, and there was no difference between the groups. Greater perivascular innervation was associated with a higher signs and symptoms score. Conclusions We concluded that these findings suggest that the NGF produced by submucosal inflammatory cells stimulates increased perivascular innervation in rhinitis, thus directly reflecting in more intense clinical conditions, especially in AR.

Aerobic Exercise Protects from Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Induced Pneumonia in Elderly Mice.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PS) infection results in severe morbidity and mortality, especially in immune-deficient populations. Aerobic exercise (AE) modulates the immune system, but its effects on the outcomes of pulmonary PS infection in elderly mice are unknown. METHODS: BALB/c mice (24 weeks old) were randomized to sedentary, exercise (EX), PS, and PS + EX groups for the acute experimental setting, and PS and PS + EX groups for the chronic setting. Low-intensity AE was performed for 5 weeks, 60 min/day; 24 h after the final AE session, mice were inoculated with 5 × 104 colony-forming units (CFU) of PS, and 24 h and 14 days after PS inoculation, mice were studied. RESULTS: AE inhibited PS colonization (p < 0.001) and lung inflammation (total cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes [p < 0.01] in bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL]), with significant differences in BAL levels of IL-1ß (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.01), CXCL1 (p < 0.001), and TNF-α (p < 0.001), as well as parenchymal neutrophils (p < 0.001). AE increased BAL levels of IL-10 and parenchymal (p < 0.001) and epithelial (p < 0.001) IL-10 expression, while epithelial (p < 0.001) and parenchymal (p < 0.001) NF-κB expression was decreased. AE diminished pulmonary lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001) and increased glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.01). Pre-incubation of BEAS-2B with IL-10 inhibited PS-induced epithelial cell expression of TNF-α (p < 0.05), CD40 (p < 0.01), and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AE inhibits PS-induced lung inflammation and bacterial colonization in elderly mice, involving IL-10/NF-κB, and redox signaling.

Dietary interesterified fat enriched with palmitic acid induces atherosclerosis by impairing macrophage cholesterol efflux and eliciting inflammation.

Interesterified fats are currently being used to replace trans fatty acids. However, their impact on biological pathways involved in the atherosclerosis development was not investigated. Weaning male LDLr-KO mice were fed for 16weeks on a high-fat diet (40% energy as fat) containing polyunsaturated (PUFA), TRANS, palmitic (PALM), palmitic interesterified (PALM INTER), stearic (STEAR) or stearic interesterified (STEAR INTER). Plasma lipids, lipoprotein profile, arterial lesion area, macrophage infiltration, collagen content and inflammatory response modulation were determined. Macrophage cholesterol efflux and the arterial expression of cholesterol uptake and efflux receptors were also performed. The interesterification process did not alter plasma lipid concentrations. Although PALM INTER did not increase plasma cholesterol concentration as much as TRANS, the cholesterol enrichment in the LDL particle was similar in both groups. Moreover, PALM INTER induced the highest IL-1ß, MCP-1 and IL-6 secretion from peritoneal macrophages as compared to others. This inflammatory response elicited by PALM INTER was confirmed in arterial wall, as compared to PALM. These deleterious effects of PALM INTER culminate in higher atherosclerotic lesion, macrophage infiltration and collagen content than PALM, STEAR, STEAR INTER and PUFA. These events can partially be attributed to a macrophage cholesterol accumulation, promoted by apoAI and HDL2-mediated cholesterol efflux impairment and increased Olr-1 and decreased Abca1 and Nr1h3 expressions in the arterial wall. Interesterified fats containing palmitic acid induce atherosclerosis development by promoting cholesterol accumulation in LDL particles and macrophagic cells, activating the inflammatory process in LDLr-KO mice.

Aerobic Exercise Attenuated Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Th2-Dominant Mice.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise (AE) in reducing bleomycin-induced fibrosis in mice of a Th2-dominant immune background (BALB/c). METHODS: BALB/c mice were distributed into: sedentary, control (CON), Exercise-only (EX), sedentary, bleomycin-treated (BLEO) and bleomycin-treated+exercised (BLEO+EX); (n = 8/group). Following treadmill adaptation, 15 days following a single, oro-tracheal administration of bleomycin (1.5U/kg), AE was performed 5 days/week, 60min/day for 4 weeks at moderate intensity (60% of maximum velocity reached during a physical test) and assessed for pulmonary inflammation and remodeling, and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). RESULTS: At 45 days post injury, compared to BLEO, BLEO+EX demonstrated reduced collagen deposition in the airways (p<0.001) and also in the lung parenchyma (p<0.001). In BAL, a decreased number of total leukocytes (p<0.01), eosinophils (p<0.001), lymphocytes (p<0.01), macrophages (p<0.01), and neutrophils (p<0.01), as well as reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (CXCL-1; p<0.01), (IL-1ß; p<0.001), (IL-5; p<0.01), (IL-6; p<0.001), (IL-13; p<0.01) and pro-fibrotic growth factor IGF-1 (p<0.001) were observed. Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: AE attenuated bleomycin-induced collagen deposition, inflammation and cytokines accumulation in the lungs of mice with a predominately Th2-background suggesting that therapeutic AE (15-44 days post injury) attenuates the pro-inflammatory, Th2 immune response and fibrosis in the bleomycin model.

Aerobic Exercise Reduces Asthma Phenotype by Modulation of the Leukotriene Pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Leukotrienes (LTs) play a central role in asthma. Low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (AE) reduces asthmatic inflammation in clinical studies and in experimental models. This study investigated whether AE attenuates LT pathway activation in an ovalbumin (OVA) model of asthma. METHODS: Sixty-four male, BALB/c mice were distributed into Control, Exercise (Exe), OVA, and OVA + Exe groups. Treadmill training was performed at moderate intensity, 5×/week, 1 h/session for 4 weeks. Quantification of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cellularity, leukocytes, airway remodeling, interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in BAL was performed. In addition, quantitative analyses on peribronchial leukocytes and airway epithelium for LT pathway agents: 5-lypoxygenase (5-LO), LTA4 hydrolase (LTA4H), CysLT1 receptor, CysLT2 receptor, LTC4 synthase, and LTB4 receptor 2 (BLT2) were performed. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine (MCh) was assessed via whole body plethysmography. RESULTS: AE decreased eosinophils (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p > 0.001), lymphocytes (p < 0.001), and macrophages (p < 0.01) in BAL, as well as eosinophils (p < 0.01), lymphocytes (p < 0.001), and macrophages (p > 0.001) in airway walls. Collagen (p < 0.01), elastic fibers (p < 0.01), mucus production (p < 0.01), and smooth muscle thickness (p < 0.01), as well as IL-5 (p < 0.01), IL-13 (p < 0.01), CysLT (p < 0.01), and LTB4 (p < 0.01) in BAL were reduced. 5-LO (p < 0.05), LTA4H (p < 0.05), CysLT1 receptor (p < 0.001), CysLT2 receptor (p < 0.001), LTC4 synthase (p < 0.001), and BLT2 (p < 0.01) expression by peribronchial leukocytes and airway epithelium were reduced. Lastly, AHR to MCh 25 mg/mL (p < 0.05) and 50 mg/mL (p < 0.01) was reduced. CONCLUSION: Moderate-intensity AE attenuated asthma phenotype and LT production in both pulmonary leukocytes and airway epithelium of OVA-treated mice.

Exercise Reduces Lung Fibrosis Involving Serotonin/Akt Signaling.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fibrosing interstitial pneumonia, which involves aberrant serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) and Akt signaling. As protective effects of chronic aerobic training (AT) have been demonstrated in the context of lung injury, this study investigated whether AT attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis partly via a reduction of 5-HT and AKT signaling. METHODS: Seventy-two C57BL/6 male mice were distributed in Control (Co), Exercise (Ex), Fibrosis (Fi), and Fibrosis + Exercise (Fi + Ex) groups. Bleomycin (1.5 UI·kg) was administered on day 1 and treadmill AT began on day 15 and continued for 60 min·d, 5 d·wk for 4 wk. We evaluated total and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, CXCL1/KC, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor α, and transforming growth factor ß levels in BAL, collagen content in lung parenchyma, 5-HT levels in BAL fluid and in serum, the expression of 5-HT2B receptor, and Akt phosphorylation in lung tissue. RESULTS: AT reduced bleomycin-increased number of total cells (P < 0.001), neutrophils (P < 0.01), macrophages (P < 0.01), and lymphocytes (P < 0.05) in BAL. It also reduced the levels of IL-1ß (P < 0.01), IL-6 (P < 0.05), CXCL1/KC (P < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor α (P < 0.001), and transforming growth factor ß (P < 0.001). It increased expression of ant-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (P < 0.001). It reduced bleomycin-increased 5-HT levels in BAL (P < 0.001) and in serum (P < 0.05). Reductions in collagen fiber deposition (P < 0.01), 5-HT2B receptor expression (P < 0.01), and Akt phosphorylation in lung tissue were observed. CONCLUSIONS: AT accelerates the resolution of lung inflammation and fibrosis in a model of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis partly via attenuation of 5-HT/Akt signaling.