SIRT1 redresses the imbalance of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the development of mouse emphysema and human COPD.

Sirtuin1 (SIRT1), a protein/histone deacetylase, protects against the development of pulmonary emphysema. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this observation remain elusive. The imbalance of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs)/matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema. We hypothesized that SIRT1 protects against emphysema by redressing the imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs. To test this hypothesis, SIRT1-deficient and overexpressing/transgenic mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). The protein level and activity of MMP-9 were increased in lungs of SIRT1-deficient mice exposed to CS compared with wild-type (WT) littermates, and these effects were attenuated by SIRT1 overexpression. SIRT1 deficiency decreased the level of TIMP-1, which was augmented in SIRT1 transgenic mice compared with WT littermates by CS. However, the level of MMP-2, MMP-12, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, or TIMP-4 was not altered by SIRT1 in response to CS exposure. SIRT1 reduction was associated with imbalance of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 in lungs of smokers and COPD patients. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that TIMP-1 acetylation on specific lysine residues was increased, whereas its interaction with SIRT1 and MMP-9 was reduced in mouse lungs with emphysema, as well as in lungs of smokers and COPD patients. SIRT1 deficiency increased CS-induced TIMP-1 acetylation, and these effects were attenuated by SIRT1 overexpression. These results suggest that SIRT1 protects against COPD/emphysema, in part, via redressing the TIMP-1/MMP-9 imbalance involving TIMP-1 deacetylation. Thus redressing the TIMP-1/MMP-9 imbalance by pharmacological activation of SIRT1 is an attractive approach in the intervention of COPD.

Environmental exposure as an independent risk factor of chronic bronchitis in northwest Russia.

BACKGROUND: In some parts of the northwest Russia, Murmansk region, high exposures to heavy mining and refining industrial air pollution, especially sulphur dioxide, have been documented. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate whether living in the mining area would be an independent risk factor of the respiratory symptoms. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of 200 Murmansk region adult citizens was performed. The main outcome variable was prolonged cough with sputum production that fulfilled the criteria of chronic bronchitis. RESULTS: Of the 200 participants, 53 (26.5%) stated that they had experienced chronic cough with phlegm during the last 2 years. The prevalence was higher among those subjects living in the mining area with its high pollution compared to those living outside this region (35% vs. 18%). Multivariable regression model confirmed that the risk for the chronic cough with sputum production was elevated in a statistical significant manner in the mining and refining area (adjusted OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.07-4.35) after adjustment for smoking status, age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: The increased level of sulphur dioxide emitted during nickel mining and refining may explain these adverse health effects. This information is important for medical authorities when they make recommendations and issue guidelines regarding the relationship between environmental pollution and health outcomes.

Dual use of cigarettes and Swedish snuff (snus) among young adults in Northern Finland.

BACKGROUND: The sale of smokeless tobacco has been totally banned in Finland since the country joined the European Union in 1995. Adolescents have continued to use smokeless tobacco even after the sales ban. The objective was to describe dual use of Swedish snuff (snus) and cigarettes in young adults living in Northern Finland. METHODS: This study on male military recruits (n = 1151, mean age 19.4 years; response rate 80%) investigated association of snus use with self-reported tobacco use, nicotine dependence and attempts to quit smoking. RESULTS: Overall, 15.6% (n = 179) reported daily snus use, and almost half of them were dual users who used both products, i.e. cigarettes and snus, daily. Daily smokers were often occasional snus users (66.3%), and those with dual use smoked equal number of cigarettes per day as daily smokers who were not snus users. In addition, dual snus use seemed to increase the dependence to cigarettes, although this trend did not reach statistical significance. Dual users tried to quit less likely than exclusive smokers. Very few snus users were 'switchers' (ex-smokers) [3.2% (n = 22) of all snus users]. CONCLUSIONS: Dual use of snus and cigarettes is common among young in Finland, despite the sales ban on snus. The role of snus in reducing cigarette smoking is unclear, but it is likely that snus use complicates the attempts to quit smoking.

Distribution and levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin in the lung and plasma in smokers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Our recent non-biased proteomic screening study revealed elevated SerpinA1 i.e. alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) levels in induced sputum of smokers with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study was designed to further investigate the role of AAT in smokers and subjects with COPD. The expression/distribution of AAT was studied by immunohistochemistry/digital image morphometry in the lung, by Western blot in the lung and sputum, and by ELISA in the plasma at baseline (n = 349) and after a 2-year follow-up (n = 58). AAT was localized mainly in airway and alveolar epithelium and endothelium, especially in smokers and in those with COPD. AAT was elevated in smokers and in subjects with COPD in the lung endothelial cells. Total lung AAT immunoreactivity was elevated in subjects with moderate COPD compared with smokers and with non-smokers. AAT showed elevated tendency in sputum of smokers with COPD compared with 'healthy' smokers. Plasma AAT levels were elevated in smokers with/without COPD compared with non-smokers. In the follow-up, plasma AAT concentrations decreased significantly after quitting smoking. Chronic smoking/COPD leads to AAT elevation especially in the endothelium of the lung periphery; these changes reflect only modestly to the AAT in sputum, while plasma AAT significantly reflects smoking-related systemic manifestations, and decreases after smoking cessation.

Peroxiredoxins and their expression in ependymomas.

AIMS: Peroxiredoxins I-VI (Prxs) have recently been shown to have a role in the tumorigenesis of astrocytic brain tumours. In some tumour types they are associated with Nrf2 (transcription factor NF-E2-related factor), a sensor of oxidative stress, and DJ-1 (also known as PARK7), a protein known to stabilise Nrf2. METHODS: We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of Prxs I-VI, Nrf2 and DJ-1 in a total of 76 ependymomas and their relationship with clinicopathological features of these tumours. RESULTS: There was a significant expression of all Prxs except Prx IV in the ependymomas. Strong nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of Nrf2 could be detected in these tumours. Prx I expression was significantly associated with cytoplasmic and nuclear Nrf2 expression. Prx I expression was also associated with tumour site, with cerebellar ependymomas having a lower expression of Prx I than other tumours. DJ-1 did not associate with Prxs but nuclear DJ-1 had an inverse association with nuclear Nrf2. Cytoplasmic DJ-1 associated with worse survival in ependymoma patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that oxidative mechanisms as reflected by Nrf2 expression are highly activated in ependymomas. Prxs, especially Prx I, were associated with Nrf2 expression, suggesting a role for Nrf2 in Prx I synthesis in ependymomas. While DJ-1 did not associate with any of the Prxs, its expression was associated with worsened patient survival and could have a role as a prognostic marker in ependymomas.

Genetic polymorphisms and protein expression of NRF2 and Sulfiredoxin predict survival outcomes in breast cancer.

NRF2 activates several protective genes, such as sulfiredoxin (SRXN1), as a response to oxidative and xenobiotic stress. Defects in NRF2 pathway may increase cancer susceptibility. In tumor cells, activation of NRF2 may lead to chemo- and radioresistance and thus affect patient outcome. Nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms on NRF2 gene and eight on SRXN1 were genotyped in 452 patients with breast cancer and 370 controls. Protein expression of NRF2 and SRXN1 was studied in 373 breast carcinomas by immunohistochemistry. Statistical significance of the associations between genotypes, protein expression, clinicopathologic variables, and survival was assessed. A high level (>25%) of cytoplasmic NRF2 positivity was observed in 237 of 361 (66%) and SRXN1 positivity was observed in 82 of 363 (23%) cases. The NRF2 rs6721961 genotype TT was associated with increased risk of breast cancer [P = 0.008; OR, 4.656; confidence interval (CI), 1.350-16.063] and the T allele was associated with a low extent of NRF2 protein expression (P = 0.0003; OR, 2.420; CI, 1.491-3.926) and negative SRXN1 expression (P = 0.047; OR, 1.867; CI = 1.002-3.478). The NRF2 rs2886162 allele A was associated with low NRF2 expression (P = 0.011; OR, 1.988; CI, 1.162-3.400) and the AA genotype was associated with a worse survival (P = 0.032; HR, 1.687; CI, 1.047-2.748). The NRF2 rs1962142 T allele was associated with a low level of cytoplasmic NRF2 expression (P = 0.036) and negative sulfiredoxin expression (P = 0.042). The NRF2 rs2706110 AA genotype was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and the SRXN1 rs6053666 C allele was associated with a decrease in breast cancer risk (P = 0.011 and 0.017). NRF2 and SRXN1 genetic polymorphisms are associated with breast cancer risk and survival, implicating that mechanisms associated with reactive oxygen species and NRF2 pathway are involved in breast cancer initiation and progression.

Nitric oxide-induced eosinophil apoptosis is dependent on mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT), JNK and oxidative stress: apoptosis is preceded but not mediated by early mPT-dependent JNK activation.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophils are critically involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in high amounts in asthmatic lungs and has an important role as a regulator of lung inflammation. NO was previously shown to induce eosinophil apoptosis mediated via c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and caspases. Our aim was to clarify the cascade of events leading to NO-induced apoptosis in granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-treated human eosinophils concentrating on the role of mitochondria, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and JNK. METHODS: Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometric analysis of relative DNA content, by Annexin-V labelling and/or morphological analysis. Immunoblotting was used to study phospho-JNK (pJNK) expression. Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed by JC-1-staining and mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) by loading cells with calcein acetoxymethyl ester (AM) and CoCl2 after which flow cytometric analysis was conducted. Statistical significance was calculated by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) or paired t-test. RESULTS: NO-donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP) induced late apoptosis in GM-CSF-treated eosinophils. SNAP-induced apoptosis was suppressed by inhibitor of mPT bongkrekic acid (BA), inhibitor of JNK SP600125 and superoxide dismutase-mimetic AEOL 10150. Treatment with SNAP led to late loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, we found that SNAP induces early partial mPT (1 h) that was followed by a strong increase in pJNK levels (2 h). Both events were prevented by BA. However, these events were not related to apoptosis because SNAP-induced apoptosis was prevented as efficiently when BA was added 16 h after SNAP. In addition to the early and strong rise, pJNK levels were less prominently increased at 20-30 h. CONCLUSIONS: Here we demonstrated that NO-induced eosinophil apoptosis is mediated via ROS, JNK and late mPT. Additionally, our results suggest that NO induces early transient mPT (flickerings) that leads to JNK activation but is not significant for apoptosis. Thereby, we showed some interesting early events in NO-stimulated eosinophils that may take place even if the threshold for irreversible mPT and apoptosis is not crossed. This study also revealed a previously unknown physiological function for transient mPT by showing that it may function as initiator of non-apoptotic JNK signalling.

Young male daily smokers are nicotine dependent and experience several unsuccessful quit attempts.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies on smoking cessation have generally been conducted with adolescents or adults. Very little is known about the cessation attempts, their success, and/or use of pharmacological aids in young adult smokers who want to quit. The present study aimed to investigate quitting attempts in a group of both young male daily and occasional smokers. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: 614 male smokers aged 18-26 years completed a standardized questionnaire about their smoking habits, quit attempts, and aids used in smoking cessation. RESULTS: Nearly all daily smokers (95.3%, 95% CI 93.1-96.8) were nicotine addicted to some extend according to the standardized questionnaire, and the more addicted they were, the more often they had tried to quit (p = 0.025). Of the daily smokers, 55.6% (95% CI 51.3-59.9) had made quit attempts and 36.2% (95% CI 32.1-40.4) had used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). In all, 34.1% (95% CI 25.2-44.3) of all occasional smokers reported having intended to quit but they had seldom made more than one attempt whereas 20.2% of daily smokers had made at least three attempts. The stronger the nicotine dependence in daily smokers was, the more likely the subject was to have attempted to use NRT (quite dependent 23.8% vs. totally dependent 48.9%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of young male daily smokers were nicotine addicted. Young smokers make many unsuccessful attempts to stop smoking using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on their own. A better availability of professional cessation services directed to young adult smokers is needed.

Strategies to decrease ongoing oxidant burden in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, and its development is mainly associated with tobacco/biomass smoke-induced oxidative stress. Hence, targeting systemic and local oxidative stress with agents that can balance the antioxidant/redox system can be expected to be useful in the treatment of COPD. Preclinical and clinical trials have revealed that antioxidants/redox modulators can detoxify free radicals and oxidants, control expression of redox and glutathione biosynthesis genes, chromatin remodeling and inflammatory gene expression; and are especially useful in preventing COPD exacerbations. In this review, various novel approaches and problems associated with these approaches in COPD are reviewed.

SIRT1 protects against emphysema via FOXO3-mediated reduction of premature senescence in mice.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema (COPD/emphysema) is characterized by chronic inflammation and premature lung aging. Anti-aging sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a NAD+-dependent protein/histone deacetylase, is reduced in lungs of patients with COPD. However, the molecular signals underlying the premature aging in lungs, and whether SIRT1 protects against cellular senescence and various pathophysiological alterations in emphysema, remain unknown. Here, we showed increased cellular senescence in lungs of COPD patients. SIRT1 activation by both genetic overexpression and a selective pharmacological activator, SRT1720, attenuated stress-induced premature cellular senescence and protected against emphysema induced by cigarette smoke and elastase in mice. Ablation of Sirt1 in airway epithelium, but not in myeloid cells, aggravated airspace enlargement, impaired lung function, and reduced exercise tolerance. These effects were due to the ability of SIRT1 to deacetylate the FOXO3 transcription factor, since Foxo3 deficiency diminished the protective effect of SRT1720 on cellular senescence and emphysematous changes. Inhibition of lung inflammation by an NF-κB/IKK2 inhibitor did not have any beneficial effect on emphysema. Thus, SIRT1 protects against emphysema through FOXO3-mediated reduction of cellular senescence, independently of inflammation. Activation of SIRT1 may be an attractive therapeutic strategy in COPD/emphysema.

Chronic smoke exposure induces rheumatoid factor and anti-heat shock protein 70 autoantibodies in susceptible mice and humans with lung disease.

The impact of cigarette smoke (CS), a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), on sauto-antibody production was studied in humans and mice with and without chronic lung disease (LD). Rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCPs), and anti-HSP70 autoantibodies were measured in several mouse strains and in cohorts of smokers and nonsmokers with and without autoimmune disease. Chronic smoking-induced RFs in AKR/J mice, which are most susceptible to LD. RFs were identified in human smokers, preferentially in those with LD. Anti-HSP70 auto-antibodies were identified in CS-exposed AKR/J mice but not in ambient air exposed AKR/J controls. Whereas inflammation could induce anti-HSP70 IgM, smoke exposure promoted the switch to anti-HSP70 IgG autoantibodies. Elevated anti-CCP autoantibodies were not detected in CS-exposed mice or smokers. AKR/J splenocytes stimulated in vitro by immune complexes (ICs) of HSP70/anti-HSP70 antibodies produced RFs. The CD91 scavenger pathway was required as anti-CD91 blocked the HSP70-IC-induced RF response. Blocking Toll-like receptors did not influence the HSP70-IC-induced RFs. These studies identify both anti-HSP70 and RFs as serological markers of smoke-related LD in humans and mice. Identification of these autoantibodies could suggest a common environmental insult, namely CS, in a number of different disease settings.

Regulation of TGF-ß storage and activation in the human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease of unknown cause. The pathogenesis of the disease is characterized by fibroblast accumulation and excessive transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) activation. Although TGF-ß activation is a complex process involving various protein interactions, little is known of the specific routes of TGF-ß storage and activation in human lung. Here, we have systematically analyzed the expression of specific proteins involved in extracellular matrix targeting and activation of TGF-ß. Latent TGF-ß-binding protein (LTBP)-1 was found to be significantly upregulated in IPF patient lungs. LTBP-1 expression was especially high in the fibroblastic foci, in which P-Smad2 immunoreactivity, indicative of TGF-ß signaling activity, was less prominent. In cultured primary lung fibroblasts and epithelial cells, short-interfering-RNA-mediated downregulation of LTBP-1 resulted in either increased or decreased TGF-ß signaling activity, respectively, suggesting that LTBP-1-mediated TGF-ß activation is dependent on the cellular context in the lung. Furthermore, LTBP-1 was shown to colocalize with fibronectin, fibrillin-1 and fibrillin-2 proteins in the IPF lung. Fibrillin-2, a developmental gene expressed only in blood vessels in normal adult lung, was found specifically upregulated in IPF fibroblastic foci. The TGF-ß-activating integrin ß8 subunit was expressed at low levels in both control and IPF lungs. Alterations in extracellular matrix composition, such as high levels of the TGF-ß storage protein LTBP-1 and the re-appearance of fibrillin-2, probably modulate TGF-ß availability and activation in different pulmonary compartments in the fibrotic lung.

A combined pulmonary-radiology workshop for visual evaluation of COPD: study design, chest CT findings and concordance with quantitative evaluation.

UNLABELLED: The purposes of this study were: to describe chest CT findings in normal non-smoking controls and cigarette smokers with and without COPD; to compare the prevalence of CT abnormalities with severity of COPD; and to evaluate concordance between visual and quantitative chest CT (QCT) scoring. METHODS: Volumetric inspiratory and expiratory CT scans of 294 subjects, including normal non-smokers, smokers without COPD, and smokers with GOLD Stage I-IV COPD, were scored at a multi-reader workshop using a standardized worksheet. There were 58 observers (33 pulmonologists, 25 radiologists); each scan was scored by 9-11 observers. Interobserver agreement was calculated using kappa statistic. Median score of visual observations was compared with QCT measurements. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was moderate for the presence or absence of emphysema and for the presence of panlobular emphysema; fair for the presence of centrilobular, paraseptal, and bullous emphysema subtypes and for the presence of bronchial wall thickening; and poor for gas trapping, centrilobular nodularity, mosaic attenuation, and bronchial dilation. Agreement was similar for radiologists and pulmonologists. The prevalence on CT readings of most abnormalities (e.g. emphysema, bronchial wall thickening, mosaic attenuation, expiratory gas trapping) increased significantly with greater COPD severity, while the prevalence of centrilobular nodularity decreased. Concordances between visual scoring and quantitative scoring of emphysema, gas trapping and airway wall thickening were 75%, 87% and 65%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite substantial inter-observer variation, visual assessment of chest CT scans in cigarette smokers provides information regarding lung disease severity; visual scoring may be complementary to quantitative evaluation.

A novel screening method detects herpesviral DNA in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung.

BACKGROUND: Herpesviruses could contribute to the lung epithelial injury that initiates profibrotic responses in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). METHODS: We identified herpesviral DNA from IPF and control lung tissue using a multiplex PCR-and microarray-based method. Active herpesviral infection was detected by standard methods, and inflammatory cell subtypes were identified with specific antibodies. Patients that underwent lung transplantation were monitored for signs of herpesviral infection. RESULTS: A total of 11/12 IPF samples were positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and 10/12 for human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) DNA. Control lung samples (n = 10) were negative for EBV DNA, whereas three samples were positive for HHV-6B. EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) was identified in nine IPF samples and localized mainly to lymphocytic aggregates. HHV-6B antigens were detected in mononuclear cells in IPF lung tissue. CD20+ B lymphocytic aggregates that were surrounded by CD3+ T cells were abundant in IPF lungs. CD23+ cells (activated B cells, EBV-transformed lymphoblasts, and dendritic cells) were observed in the aggregates. IPF patients had no signs of increased herpesviral activation after lung transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory cells are the main source of herpesviral DNA in the human IPF lung. Diagnostic tools should be actively used to elucidate whether herpesviral infection affects the pathogenesis, progression, and/or exacerbation of IPF.

Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) and DJ1 are prognostic factors in lung cancer.

Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) controls the expression of several enzymes that are protective against oxidative stress. We investigated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2, DJ1 (Nrf2 stabilizer), and sulfiredoxin in a large set of lung carcinomas. The cases were analyzed immunohistochemically with antibodies to nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2, DJ1, and sulfiredoxin with the results being compared with histologic and clinical data. Significant differences were observed in the expression of DJ1 and sulfiredoxin between various types of lung tumors, while expression of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 was more constant. Patients with tumors with cytoplasmic (P = .033) or nuclear (P = .003) DJ1 positivity exhibited worse survival. Separately in squamous cell carcinomas, there was a tendency toward worse survival with both cytoplasmic (P = .013) and nuclear (P = .071) DJ1 positivity. Patients with a strong nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 expression in their tumors had worse survival (P = .006). In the Cox regression analysis, nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 was an independent prognostic factor (P = .012) along with the T status (P = .008) and DJ1 cytoplasmic positivity (P = .028). Interestingly, smokers and ex-smokers had significantly more sulfiredoxin expression in their tumors (P < .001); and in patients receiving cytostatic drugs or radiation therapy, sulfiredoxin expression predicted a poor prognosis (P = .038). Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 and its stabilizing protein DJ1 affect the prognosis of patients with lung cancer by inducing an elevated stress response to oxidative damage. There were differences in the expression of sulfiredoxin and DJ1 between different lung tumor types, suggesting that the pathways involved in combating oxidative stress vary in different lung cancer types.

SIRT1 as a therapeutic target in inflammaging of the pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic inflammation and cellular senescence are intertwined in the pathogenesis of premature aging, which is considered as an important contributing factor in driving chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sirtuin1 (SIRT1), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+))-dependent protein/histone deacetylase, regulates inflammation, senescence/aging, stress resistance, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage repair via deacetylating intracellular signaling molecules and chromatin histones. The present review describes the mechanism and regulation of SIRT1 by environmental agents/oxidants/reactive aldehydes and pro-inflammatory stimuli in lung inflammation and aging. The role of dietary polyphenols in regulation of SIRT1 in inflammaging is also discussed. METHODS: Analysis of current research findings on the mechanism of inflammation and senescence/aging (i.e., inflammaging) and their regulation by SIRT1 in premature aging of the lung. RESULTS: COPD is a disease of the lung inflammaging, which is associated with the DNA damage response, transcription activation and chromatin modifications. SIRT1 regulates inflammaging via regulating forkhead box class O 3, p53, nuclear factor kappa B, histones and various proteins involved in DNA damage and repair. Polyphenols and its analogs have been shown to activate SIRT1 although they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting lung inflammation and cellular senescence as well as premature lung aging using pharmacological SIRT1 activators or polyphenols would be a promising therapeutic intervention for COPD/emphysema.

Sputum proteomics identifies elevated PIGR levels in smokers and mild-to-moderate COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. However, the exact mechanisms leading to COPD and its progression are still poorly understood. In this study, induced sputum was analyzed by cysteine-specific two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) coupled with mass spectrometry to identify proteins involved in COPD pathogenesis. The comparison of nonsmokers, smokers, and smokers with moderate COPD revealed 15 changed proteins with the majority, including polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), being elevated in smokers and subjects with COPD. PIGR, which is involved in specific immune defense and inflammation, was further studied in sputum, lung tissue, and plasma by Western blot, immunohistochemistry/image analysis, and/or ELISA. Sputum PIGR was characterized as glycosylated secretory component (SC). Lung PIGR was significantly elevated in the bronchial and alveolar epithelium of smokers and further increased in the alveolar area in mild to moderate COPD. Plasma PIGR was elevated in smokers and smokers with COPD compared to nonsmokers with significant correlation to obstruction. In conclusion, new proteins in smoking-related chronic inflammation and COPD could be identified, with SC/PIGR being one of the most prominent not only in the lung but also in circulating blood.

NF-κB inducing kinase, NIK mediates cigarette smoke/TNFα-induced histone acetylation and inflammation through differential activation of IKKs.

BACKGROUND: Nuclear factor (NF)-κB inducing kinase (NIK) is a central player in the non-canonical NF κB pathway, which phosphorylates IκB kinase α (IKKα) resulting in enhancement of target gene expression. We have recently shown that IKKα responds to a variety of stimuli including oxidants and cigarette smoke (CS) regulating the histone modification in addition to its role in NF-κB activation. However, the primary signaling mechanism linking CS-mediated oxidative stress and TNFα with histone acetylation and pro-inflammatory gene transcription is not well understood. We hypothesized that CS and TNFα increase NIK levels causing phosphorylation of IKKα, which leads to histone acetylation. METHODOLOGY: To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether NIK mediates effects of CS and TNFα on histone acetylation in human lung epithelial cells in vitro and in lungs of mouse exposed to CS in vivo. CS increased the phosphorylation levels of IKKα/NIK in lung epithelial cells and mouse lungs. NIK is accumulated in the nuclear compartment, and is recruited to the promoters of pro-inflammatory genes, to induce posttranslational acetylation of histones in response to CS and TNFα. Cells in which NIK is knocked down using siRNA showed partial attenuation of CSE- and TNFα-induced acetylation of histone H3 on pro-inflammatory gene promoters. Additional study to determine the role of IKKß/NF-κB pathway in CS-induced histone acetylation suggests that the canonical pathway does not play a role in histone acetylation particularly in response to CS in mouse lungs. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings provide a novel role for NIK in CS- and TNFα-induced histone acetylation, especially on histone H3K9.

FOXO3 deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to cigarette smoke-induced inflammation, airspace enlargement, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Forkhead box class O 3a (FOXO3) is a member of the FoxO transcription factor subfamily, which regulates the expression of target genes not only through DNA binding as a transcription factor, but also through protein-protein interaction. Although FoxO3 is a well-known transcription factor involved in diverse biological processes, the role of FoxO3 in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung inflammation and injury has not been studied. It is, therefore, hypothesized that deficiency of FoxO3 leads to increased susceptibility to CS-induced lung inflammatory response and airspace enlargement. In this article, we show that the levels of FOXO3 are significantly decreased in lungs of smokers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as in lungs of mice exposed to CS. Genetic ablation of FoxO3 led to pulmonary emphysema and exaggerated inflammatory response in lungs of mice exposed to CS. We further showed that CS induced the translocation of FoxO3 into the nucleus where FoxO3 interacted with NF-κB and disrupted NF-κB DNA-binding ability, leading to inhibition of its activity. Targeted disruption of FoxO3 also resulted in downregulation of antioxidant genes in mouse lungs in response to CS exposure. These results suggest that FoxO3 plays a pivotal role in regulation of lung inflammatory response and antioxidant genes, and deficiency of FoxO3 results in development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema.