Activation of the MAPK network provides a survival advantage during the course of COVID-19-induced sepsis: a real-world evidence analysis of a multicenter COVID-19 Sepsis Cohort.

PURPOSE: There is evidence that lower activity of the RAF/MEK/ERK network is associated with positive outcomes in mild and moderate courses of COVID-19. The effect of this cascade in COVID-19 sepsis is still undetermined. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that activity of the RAF/MEK/ERK network in COVID-19-induced sepsis is associated with an impact on 30-day survival. METHODS: We used biomaterial from 81 prospectively recruited patients from the multicentric CovidDataNet.NRW-study cohort (German clinical trial registry: DRKS00026184) with their collected medical history, vital signs, laboratory parameters, microbiological findings and patient outcome. ERK activity was measured by evaluating ERK phosphorylation using a Proximity Ligation Assay. RESULTS: An increased ERK activity at 4 days after diagnosis of COVID-19-induced sepsis was associated with a more than threefold increased chance of survival in an adjusted Cox regression model. ERK activity was independent of other confounders such as Charlson Comorbidity Index or SOFA score (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.84, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: High activity of the RAF/MEK/ERK network during the course of COVID-19 sepsis is a protective factor and may indicate recovery of the immune system. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Exploring the relationship between HCMV serostatus and outcomes in COVID-19 sepsis.

Background: Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the dysregulated host response to infection, is a major global health concern. Understanding the impact of viral or bacterial pathogens in sepsis is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) seropositivity as a risk factor for development of sepsis in patients with COVID-19. Methods: A multicenter observational study enrolled 95 intensive care patients with COVID-19-induced sepsis and 80 post-surgery individuals as controls. HCMV serostatus was determined using an ELISA test. Comprehensive clinical data, including demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day mortality, were collected. Statistical analyses evaluated the association between HCMV seropositivity and COVID-19 induced sepsis. Results: The prevalence of HCMV seropositivity did not significantly differ between COVID-19-induced sepsis patients (78%) and controls (71%, p = 0.382) in the entire cohort. However, among patients aged ≤60 years, HCMV seropositivity was significantly higher in COVID-19 sepsis patients compared to controls (86% vs 61%, respectively; p = 0.030). Nevertheless, HCMV serostatus did not affect 30-day survival. Discussion: These findings confirm the association between HCMV seropositivity and COVID-19 sepsis in non-geriatric patients. However, the lack of an independent effect on 30-day survival can be explained by the cross-reactivity of HCMV specific CD8+ T-cells towards SARS-CoV-2 peptides, which might confer some protection to HCMV seropositive patients. The inclusion of a post-surgery control group strengthens the generalizability of the findings. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this association, explore different patient populations, and identify interventions for optimizing patient management. Conclusion: This study validates the association between HCMV seropositivity and severe COVID-19-induced sepsis in non-geriatric patients, contributing to the growing body of evidence on viral pathogens in sepsis. Although HCMV serostatus did not independently influence 30-day survival, future investigations should focus on unraveling the intricate interplay between HCMV, immune responses, and COVID-19. These insights will aid in risk stratification and the development of targeted interventions for viral sepsis.

[Anesthesia for aortic valve stenosis : Anesthesiological management of patients with aortic valve stenosis during noncardiac surgery]. / Anästhesie bei Aortenklappenstenose : Anästhesiologisches Management von Patienten mit Aortenklappenstenose bei nichtkardiochirurgischen Eingriffen.

Aortic valve stenosis is a common condition that requires an anesthesiologist's in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnostics and perioperative features of the disease. A newly diagnosed aortic valve stenosis is often initially identified from the anamnesis (dyspnea, syncope, angina pectoris) or a suspicious auscultation finding during the anesthesiologist's preoperative assessment. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to ensure the optimal management of these patients in the perioperative setting. An accurate anamnesis and examination during the preoperative assessment are crucial to select the most suitable anesthetic approach. Additionally, a precise understanding of the hemodynamic peculiarities associated with aortic valve stenosis is necessary. After a short summary of the overall pathophysiology of aortic valve stenosis, this review article focuses on the specific anesthetic considerations, risk factors for complications, and the perioperative management for noncardiac surgery in patients with aortic valve stenosis.

High-Impact Actions to Reduce the Carbon Dioxide Footprint in an Ophthalmic Operation Room: A Narrative Review.

Germany's health care footprint accounts for 5.2% of the national emissions footprint which results in 0.71 tons of CO2 emission per capita. Thus, the health sector has a responsibility to take climate action. Surgery is a resource-intensive health care activity, requiring expensive equipment, sterilization procedures, advanced operative technologies, and obligatory life support systems. We spotlight the situation in a department of ophthalmology with frequent anesthesia services and highly standardized procedures. This narrative review discusses high-impact actions which result in a major reduction of the CO2 footprint according to the global road map for health care decarbonization, considering both the ophthalmic and anesthesiologic point of view.

Toll-like receptor-3 contributes to the development of aortic valve stenosis.

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) development is driven by distinct molecular and cellular mechanisms which include inflammatory pathways. Toll-like-receptor-3 (TLR3) is a lysosomal pattern-recognition receptor that binds double-stranded RNA and promotes pro-inflammatory cellular responses. In recent years, TLR3 has emerged as a major regulator of vascular inflammation. The exact role of TLR3 in the development of AS has not been investigated. Isolated human valvular interstitial cells (VICs) were stimulated with the TLR3-agonist polyIC and the resulting pro-inflammatory and pro-osteogenic response measured. Severe AS was induced in wildtype- and TLR3-/- mice via mechanical injury of the aortic valve with a coronary springwire. TLR3 activation was achieved by polyIC injection every 24 h after wire injury, while TLR3 inhibition was realized using Compound 4a (C4a) every 48 h after surgery. Endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) of human valvular endothelial cells (VECs) was assessed after polyIC stimulation. Stimulation of human VICs with polyIC promoted a strong inflammatory and pro-osteogenic reaction. Similarly, injection of polyIC marginally increased AS development in mice after wire injury. AS induction was significantly decreased in TLR3-/- mice, confirming the role of endogenous TLR3 ligands in AS pathology. Pharmacological inhibition of TLR3 with C4a not only prevented the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and osteogenic markers in VICs, and EndoMT in VECs, but also significantly abolished the development of AS in vivo. Endogenous TLR3 activation significantly contributes to AS development in mice. Pharmacological inhibition of TLR3 with C4a prevented AS formation. Therefore, targeting TLR3 may be a viable treatment option.

Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Deficiency Is Associated with Deleterious Cardiac Effects after Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion in Mice.

Ischemic cardiomyopathy leads to inflammation and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Animal studies provided evidence for cardioprotective effects of the endocannabinoid system, including cardiomyocyte adaptation, inflammation, and remodeling. Cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2) deficiency led to increased apoptosis and infarctions with worsened LV function in ischemic cardiomyopathy. The aim of our study was to investigate a possible cardioprotective effect of endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Therefore, fatty acid amide hydrolase deficient (FAAH)-/- mice were subjected to repetitive, daily, 15 min, left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion over 3 and 7 consecutive days. Interestingly, FAAH-/- mice showed stigmata such as enhanced inflammation, cardiomyocyte loss, stronger remodeling, and persistent scar with deteriorated LV function compared to wild-type (WT) littermates. As endocannabinoids also activate PPAR-α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), PPAR-α mediated effects of AEA were eliminated with PPAR-α antagonist GW6471 i.v. in FAAH-/- mice. LV function was assessed using M-mode echocardiography. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed apoptosis, macrophage accumulation, collagen deposition, and remodeling. Hypertrophy was determined by cardiomyocyte area and heart weight/tibia length. Molecular analyses involved Taqman® RT-qPCR and immune cells were analyzed with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Most importantly, collagen deposition was reduced to WT levels when FAAH-/- mice were treated with GW6471. Chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) expression was significantly higher in FAAH-/- mice compared to WT, followed by higher macrophage infiltration in infarcted areas, both being reversed by GW6471 treatment. Besides restoring antioxidative properties and contractile elements, PPAR-α antagonism also reversed hypertrophy and remodeling in FAAH-/- mice. Finally, FAAH-/--mice showed more substantial downregulation of PPAR-α compared to WT, suggesting a compensatory mechanism as endocannabinoids are also ligands for PPAR-α, and its activation causes lipotoxicity leading to cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our study gives novel insights into the role of endocannabinoids acting via PPAR-α. We hypothesize that the increase in endocannabinoids may have partially detrimental effects on cardiomyocyte survival due to PPAR-α activation.

Characterization of Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice Based on the Specific Recruitment of Leukocytes to the Hypertrophic Myocardium and the Aorta Ascendens.

Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) is a model that mimics pressure overload-induced left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in mice. Alterations in immune cell functionality can promote cardiac and vascular remodeling. In the present study, we characterized the time course in innate immune cell dynamics in response to TAC in the different tissues of mice. It was determined whether TAC induces a characteristic leukocyte-driven immune response in the myocardium, aorta ascendens and descendens, spleen, blood, and draining lymph nodes supported by cytokine-driven chemotaxis in mice at 3, 6, and 21 days following surgery. We used complex flow cytometry staining combinations to characterize the various innate immune cell subsets and a multiplex array to determine cytokine concentrations in the serum. The results of the current study indicated that leukocytes accumulate in the myocardium and aorta ascendens in response to TAC. The leukocyte dynamics in the myocardium were dominated by the Ly6Clow macrophages with an early accumulation, whereas the response in the aorta ascendens was characterized by a long-lasting proinflammatory phenotype driven by Ly6Chigh macrophages, neutrophils, and activated DCs. In contrast to the high-pressure environment of the aorta ascendens, the tissue of the aorta descendens did not react to TAC with any leukocyte increase. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the blood were elevated in response to TAC, indicating a systemic reaction. Moreover, our findings strongly suggest that cardiac macrophages could origin from splenic pools and reach the site of the inflammation via the blood. Based on the current findings, it can be concluded that the high-pressure conditions in the aorta ascendens cause a characteristic immune response, dominated by the accumulation of leukocytes and the activation of DCs that varies in comparison to the immune cell dynamics in the myocardium and the aorta descendens.

Vancomycin and daptomycin modulate the innate immune response in a murine model of LPS-induced sepsis.

Sepsis is a leading cause of death worldwide, despite the use of multimodal therapies. Common antibiotic regimens are being affected by a rising number of multidrug-resistant pathogens, and new therapeutic approaches are therefore needed. Antibiotics have immunomodulatory properties which appear to be beneficial in the treatment of sepsis. We hypothesized that the last-resort antibiotics vancomycin (VAN) and daptomycin (DMC) modulate cell migration, phagocytosis, and protein cytokine levels in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis. Ten to twelve-week-old C57BL/6 mice (n = 4-6 animals per group) were stimulated with LPS for 20 h, followed by the administration of VAN or DMC. The outcome parameters were leukocyte accumulation and effector function. Quantification of the immune cells in the peritoneal lavage was performed using flow cytometry analysis. Phagocytosis was measured using pHrodo E. coli BioParticles. The response of the cytokines TNFα, IL-6, and IL-10 was measured in vitro using murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated with LPS and VAN or DMC. VAN decreased both the peritoneal macrophage and the dendritic cell populations following LPS stimulation. DMC reduced the dendritic cell population in the peritoneal cavity in LPS-infected mice. Both antibiotics increased the phagocytic activity in peritoneal macrophages, but this effect was diminished in response to LPS. Phagocytosis of dendritic cells was increased in LPS-infected animals treated with VAN. VAN and DMC differently modulated the levels of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In a murine model of LPS-induced sepsis, VAN and DMC exhibit immunomodulatory effects on cells involved in innate immunity. The question of whether these antibiotics exhibit synergistic effects in the treatment of septic patients, beyond their bactericidal properties, should be further evaluated in future studies.

CX3CR1 is a prerequisite for the development of cardiac hypertrophy and left ventricular dysfunction in mice upon transverse aortic constriction.

The CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis mediates recruitment and extravasation of CX3CR1-expressing subsets of leukocytes and plays a pivotal role in the inflammation-driven pathology of cardiovascular disease. The cardiac immune response differs depending on the underlying causes. This suggests that for the development of successful immunomodulatory therapy in heart failure due to chronic pressure overload induced left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, the underlying immune patterns must be examined. Here, the authors demonstrate that Fraktalkine-receptor CX3CR1 is a prerequisite for the development of cardiac hypertrophy and left ventricular dysfunction in a mouse model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC). The comparison of C57BL/6 mice with CX3CR1 deficient mice displayed reduced LV hypertrophy and preserved cardiac function in response to pressure overload in mice lacking CX3CR1. Moreover, the normal immune response following TAC induced pressure overload which is dominated by Ly6Clow macrophages changed to an early pro-inflammatory immune response driven by neutrophils, Ly6Chigh macrophages and altered cytokine expression pattern in CX3CR1 deficient mice. In this early inflammatory phase of LV hypertrophy Ly6Chigh monocytes infiltrated the heart in response to a C-C chemokine ligand 2 burst. CX3CR1 expression impacts the immune response in the development of LV hypertrophy and its absence has clear cardioprotective effects. Hence, suppression of CX3CR1 may be an important immunomodulatory therapeutic target to ameliorate pressure-overload induced heart failure.

CpG postconditioning after reperfused myocardial infarction is associated with modulated inflammation, less apoptosis, and better left ventricular function.

Postconditioning attenuates inflammation and fibrosis in myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to investigate whether postconditioning with the cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG)-containing Toll-like receptor-9 (TLR9) ligand 1668-thioate (CpG) can modulate inflammation and remodeling in reperfused murine MI. Thirty minutes of left descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion was conducted in 12-wk-old C57BL/6 mice. Mice were treated with CpG intraperitoneally 5 min before reperfusion. The control group received PBS; the sham group did not undergo ischemia. M-mode echocardiography (3, 7, and 28 days) and Millar left ventricular (LV) catheterization were performed (7 and 28 days) before the hearts were excised and harvested for immunohistochemical (6 h, 24 h, 3 days, 7 days, and 28 days), gene expression (6 h, 24 h, and 3 days; Taqman RT-qPCR), protein, and FACS analysis (24 h and 3 days). Mice treated with CpG showed significantly better LV function after 7 and 28 days of reperfusion. Protein and mRNA expressions of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were significantly induced after CpG treatment. Histology revealed fewer macrophages in CpG mice after 24 h, confirmed by FACS analysis with a decrease in both classically M1- and alternative M2a-monocytes. CpG treatment reduced apoptosis and cardiomyocyte loss and was associated with induction of adaptive mechanisms, e.g., of heme-oxigenase-1 and ß-/α-myosin heavy chain (MHC) ratio. Profibrotic markers collagen type Iα (Col-Ια) and Col-III induction was abrogated in CpG mice, accompanied by fewer myofibroblasts. This led to the formation of a smaller scar. Differential matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) expression contributed to attenuated remodeling in CpG, resulting in preserved cardiac function in a Toll-like receptor 1- and TLR9-dependent manner. Our study suggests a cardioprotective mechanism of CpG postconditioning, involving Toll-like receptor-driven modulation of inflammation. This is followed by attenuated remodeling and preserved LV function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) postconditioning seems to mediate inflammation via Toll-like receptor-1 and Toll-like receptor-9 signaling. Enhanced cytokine and chemokine expressions are partly attenuated by IL-10 and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8) induction, being associated with lower macrophage infiltration and M1-monocyte differentiation. Furthermore, switch from α- to ß-MHC and balanced MMP/TIMP expression led to lesser cardiomyocyte apoptosis, smaller scar size, and preserved cardiac function. Data of pharmacological postconditioning have been widely disappointing to date. Our study suggests a new pathway promoting myocardial postconditioning via Toll-like receptor activation.

Sustained Immunoparalysis in Endotoxin-Tolerized Monocytic Cells.

Sepsis is associated with a strong inflammatory reaction triggering a complex and prolonged immune response. Septic patients have been shown to develop sustained immunosuppression due to a reduced responsiveness of leukocytes to pathogens. Changes in cellular metabolism of leukocytes have been linked to this phenomenon and contribute to the ongoing immunological derangement. However, the underlying mechanisms of these phenomena are incompletely understood. In cell culture models, we mimicked LPS tolerance conditions to provide evidence that epigenetic modifications account for monocyte metabolic changes which cause immune paralysis in restimulated septic monocytes. In detail, we observed differential methylation of CpG sites related to metabolic activity in human PBMCs 18 h after septic challenge. The examination of changes in immune function and metabolic pathways was performed in LPS-tolerized monocytic THP-1 cells. Passaged THP-1 cells, inheriting initial LPS challenge, presented with dysregulation of cytokine expression and oxygen consumption for up to 7 days after the initial LPS treatment. Proinflammatory cytokine concentrations of TNFα and IL1ß were significantly suppressed following a second LPS challenge (p < 0.001) on day 7 after first LPS stimulation. However, the analysis of cellular metabolism did not reveal any noteworthy alterations between tolerant and nontolerant THP-1 monocytes. No quantitative differences in ATP and NADH synthesis or participating enzymes of energy metabolism occurred. Our data demonstrate that the function and epigenetic modifications of septic and tolerized monocytes can be examined in vitro with the help of our LPS model. Changes in CpG site methylation and monocyte function point to a correlation between epigenetic modification in metabolic pathways and reduced monocyte function under postseptic conditions.

A high-salt diet compromises antibacterial neutrophil responses through hormonal perturbation.

The Western diet is rich in salt, which poses various health risks. A high-salt diet (HSD) can stimulate immunity through the nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (Nfat5)-signaling pathway, especially in the skin, where sodium is stored. The kidney medulla also accumulates sodium to build an osmotic gradient for water conservation. Here, we studied the effect of an HSD on the immune defense against uropathogenic E. coli-induced pyelonephritis, the most common kidney infection. Unexpectedly, pyelonephritis was aggravated in mice on an HSD by two mechanisms. First, on an HSD, sodium must be excreted; therefore, the kidney used urea instead to build the osmotic gradient. However, in contrast to sodium, urea suppressed the antibacterial functionality of neutrophils, the principal immune effectors against pyelonephritis. Second, the body excretes sodium by lowering mineralocorticoid production via suppressing aldosterone synthase. This caused an accumulation of aldosterone precursors with glucocorticoid functionality, which abolished the diurnal adrenocorticotropic hormone-driven glucocorticoid rhythm and compromised neutrophil development and antibacterial functionality systemically. Consistently, under an HSD, systemic Listeria monocytogenes infection was also aggravated in a glucocorticoid-dependent manner. Glucocorticoids directly induced Nfat5 expression, but pharmacological normalization of renal Nfat5 expression failed to restore the antibacterial defense. Last, healthy humans consuming an HSD for 1 week showed hyperglucocorticoidism and impaired antibacterial neutrophil function. In summary, an HSD suppresses intrarenal neutrophils Nfat5-independently by altering the local microenvironment and systemically by glucocorticoid-mediated immunosuppression. These findings argue against high-salt consumption during bacterial infections.

Inducing Acute Lung Injury in Mice by Direct Intratracheal Lipopolysaccharide Instillation.

Airway administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a common way to study pulmonary inflammation and acute lung injury (ALI) in small animal models. Various approaches have been described, such as the inhalation of aerosolized LPS as well as nasal or intratracheal instillation. The presented protocol describes a detailed step-by-step procedure to induce ALI in mice by direct intratracheal LPS instillation and perform FACS analysis of blood samples, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and lung tissue. After intraperitoneal sedation, the trachea is exposed and LPS is administered via a 22 G venous catheter. A robust and reproducible inflammatory reaction with leukocyte invasion, upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, and disruption of the alveolo-capillary barrier is induced within hours to days, depending on the LPS dosage used. Collection of blood samples, BAL fluid, and lung harvesting, as well as the processing for FACS analysis, are described in detail in the protocol. Although the use of the sterile LPS is not suitable to study pharmacologic interventions in infectious diseases, the described approach offers minimal invasiveness, simple handling, and good reproducibility to answer mechanistic immunological questions. Furthermore, dose titration as well as the use of alternative LPS preparations or mouse strains allow modulation of the clinical effects, which can exhibit different degrees of ALI severity or early vs. late onset of disease symptoms.

Myocardial maladaptation to pressure overload in CB2 receptor-deficient mice.

BACKGROUND: Adaptation to aortic valve stenosis leads to myocardial hypertrophy, which has been associated with inflammation, fibrosis and activation of the endocannabinoid system. Since the endocannabinoid system and the CB2 receptor provide cardioprotection and modulate immune response in experimental ischemia, we investigated the role of CB2 in a mouse model of cardiac pressure overload. METHODS: Transverse aortic constriction was performed in CB2 receptor-deficient (Cnr2-/-) mice and their wild-type littermates (Cnr2+/+). After echocardiography and Millar left heart catheter hemodynamic evaluation hearts were processed for histological, cellular and molecular analyses. RESULTS: The endocannabinoid system showed significantly higher anandamide production and CB2 receptor expression in Cnr2+/+ mice. Histology showed non-confluent, interstitial fibrosis with rare small areas of cardiomyocyte loss in Cnr2+/+ mice. In contrast, extensive cardiomyocyte loss and confluent scar formation were found in Cnr2-/- mice accompanied by significantly increased apoptosis and left ventricular dysfunction when compared with Cnr2+/+ mice. The underlying cardiac maladaptation in Cnr2-/- mice was associated with significantly reduced expression of myosin heavy chain isoform beta and less production of heme oxygenase-1. Cnr2-/- hearts presented after 7 days with stronger proinflammatory response including significantly higher TNF-alpha expression and macrophage density, but lower density of CD4+ and B220+ cells. At the same time, we found increased apoptosis of macrophages and adaptive immune cells. Higher myofibroblast accumulation and imbalance in MMP/TIMP-regulation indicated adverse remodeling in Cnr2-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides mechanistic evidence for the role of the endocannabinoid system in myocardial adaptation to pressure overload in mice. The underlying mechanisms include production of anandamide, adaptation of contractile elements and antioxidative enzymes, and selective modulation of immune cells action and apoptosis in order to prevent the loss of cardiomyocytes.

Experimental murine acute lung injury induces increase of pulmonary TIE2-expressing macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Breakdown of the alveolo-capillary wall is pathognomonic for Acute Lung Injury (ALI). Angiopoietins, vascular-specific growth factors, are linked to endothelial barrier dysfunction, and elevated Angiopoietin-2 (ANG2) levels are associated with poor outcome of ALI patients. Specialized immune cells, referred to as 'TIE2-expressing monocytes and macrophages' (TEM), were shown to specifically respond to ANG2 binding. However, their involvement in acute inflammatory processes is so far completely undescribed. Thus, our aim was to assess the dynamics of TEMs in a murine model of ALI. RESULTS: Intratracheal instillation of LPS induced a robust pulmonary pro-inflammatory response with endothelial barrier dysfunction and significantly enhanced ANG2 expression. The percentage number of TEMs, assessed by FACS analysis, was more than trebled compared to controls, with TEM count in lungs reaching more than 40% of all macrophages. Such distinct dynamic was absent in all other analyzed compartments (alveolar space, spleen, blood). Incubation of the monocytic cell line THP-1 with LPS or TNF-α resulted in a dose-dependent, significant upregulation of TIE2, suggesting that not recruitment from extra-pulmonary compartments but TIE2 upregulation in resident macrophages accounts for increased lung TEM frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, our data provide evidence that the activity of TEMs changes at sites of acute inflammation.

A Closed-chest Model to Induce Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice.

Research on cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure is frequently based on pressure overload mouse models induced by TAC. The standard procedure is to perform a partial thoracotomy to visualize the transverse aortic arch. However, the surgical trauma caused by the thoracotomy in open-chest models changes the respiratory physiology as the ribs are dissected and left unattached after chest closure. To prevent this, we established a minimally invasive, closed chest approach via lateral thoracotomy. Herein we approach the aortic arch via the 2nd intercostal space without entering the chest cavities, leaving the mouse with a less traumatic injury to recover from. We perform this operation using standard laboratory settings for open chest TAC procedures with equal survival rates. Apart from maintaining physiological breathing patterns due to the closed chest approach, the mice seem to benefit by showing rapid recovery, as the less invasive technique appears to facilitate a fast healing process and to reduce immune response after trauma.

Tlr4 Deficiency Protects against Cardiac Pressure Overload Induced Hyperinflammation.

Transverse aortic constriction provokes a pro-inflammatory reaction and results in cardiac hypertrophy. Endogenous ligands contribute to cardiac hypertrophy via toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 binding. A lack of TLR4 signaling diminishes hypertrophy and inflammation. Wild type mice undergoing aortic constriction respond to a lipopolysaccharide second-hit stimulus with hyperinflammation. The objective of this study was to assess whether other second-hit challenges utilizing TLR ligands provoke a comparable inflammatory reaction, and to find out whether this response is absent in TLR4 deficient mice. Assuming that cardiac stress alters the expression of pattern recognition receptors we analyzed the effects of transverse aortic constriction and second-hit virulence factor treatment on TLR expression, as well as cytokine regulation. Wild type and Tlr4-/- mice were subjected to three days of TAC and subsequently confronted with gram-positive TLR2 ligand lipoteichoic acid (LTA, 15 mg/g bodyweight) or synthetic CpG-oligodesoxynucleotide 1668 thioate (20 nmol/kg bodyweight, 30 min after D-galactosamin desensitization) signaling via TLR9. Hemodynamic measurements and organ preservation were performed 6 h after stimulation. Indeed, the study revealed a robust enhancement of LTA induced pattern recognition receptor and cytokine mRNA expression and a LTA-dependent reduction of hemodynamic pressure in TAC wild type mice. Second-Hit treatment with CpG-ODNs led to similar results. However, second-hit effects were abolished in Tlr4-/- mice. In total, these data indicate for the first time that cardiac stress increases the inflammatory response towards both, gram-negative and gram-positive, TLR ligands as well as bacterial DNA. The decrease of the inflammatory response upon TLR2 and -9 ligand challenge in TAC Tlr4-/- mice demonstrates that a lack of TLR4 signaling does not only prevent left ventricular hypertrophy but also protects the mice from a cardiac stress induced hyperinflammatory reaction.

Antifungal antibiotics modulate the pro-inflammatory cytokine production and phagocytic activity of human monocytes in an in vitro sepsis model.

AIMS: The incidence of secondary systemic fungal infections has sharply increased in bacterial septic patients. Antimycotics exhibit immunomodulatory properties, yet these effects are incompletely understood in secondary systemic fungal infections following bacterial sepsis. We investigated a model of systemic inflammation to determine whether antimycotics (liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB), itraconazol (ITC), and anidulafungin (ANI)) modulate the gene and protein expression as well as the phagocytic activity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human monocytes. MAIN METHODS: THP-1 monocytes were incubated with L-AMB, ITC or ANI and LPS. Gene expression levels of cytokines (TNF-, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10) were measured after 2h, 6h, and 24h. Cytokine protein levels were evaluated after 24h and phagocytic activity was determined following co-incubation with Escherichia coli. KEY FINDINGS: All antimycotics differentially modulated the gene and protein expression of cytokines in sepsis-like conditions. In the presence of LPS, we identified L-AMB as immunosuppressive, whereas ITC demonstrated pro-inflammatory properties. Both compounds induced remarkably less phagocytosis. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study suggests that antimycotics routinely used in septic patients alter the immune response in sepsis-like conditions by modulating cytokine gene and protein expression levels and phagocytic activity. Future treatment strategies should consider the immune status of the host and apply antimycotics accordingly in bacterial septic patients with secondary fungal infections.

Linezolid, vancomycin and daptomycin modulate cytokine production, Toll-like receptors and phagocytosis in a human in vitro model of sepsis.

Conventional antibiotics exhibit immunomodulatory properties beneficial in the treatment of sepsis. Antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria have become a problem in sepsis therapy, giving rise to increased use of last-resort antibiotics; for example, linezolid (LIN), vancomycin (VAN) and daptomycin (DAP). As the immunomodulatory properties of these antibiotics in treating sepsis are unknown, this study examined the effect of VAN, LIN and DAP on the immune response under sepsis-like conditions in vitro. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated THP-1 monocytes were incubated with LIN, VAN or DAP. Gene expression of cytokines (TNFα, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10) and Toll-like receptors (TLR1, 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9) was monitored and phagocytosis was determined following coincubation with E. coli. The antibiotics differentially modulated the gene expression of the investigated cytokines. While LIN and VAN upregulated the expression of all TLRs, DAP downregulated mRNA levels of TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6, which recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns from Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, LIN inhibited, whereas VAN promoted the phagocytic activity of monocytes. Our results suggest that LIN and VAN possess pro-inflammatory properties, whereas DAP might reduce the immune response to Gram-positive bacteria in sepsis. Furthermore, VAN might be beneficial in the prevention of Gram-negative infections by increasing the phagocytosis of E. coli.

Dendritic Cells and Macrophages: Sentinels in the Kidney.

The mononuclear phagocytes (dendritic cells and macrophages) are closely related immune cells with central roles in anti-infectious defense and maintenance of organ integrity. The canonical function of dendritic cells is the activation of T cells, whereas macrophages remove apoptotic cells and microbes by phagocytosis. In the kidney, these cell types form an intricate system of mononuclear phagocytes that surveys against injury and infection and contributes to organ homeostasis and tissue repair but may also promote progression of CKD. This review summarizes the general functions and classification of dendritic cells and macrophages in the immune system and recapitulates why overlapping definitions and historically separate research have created controversy about their tasks. Their roles in acute kidney disease, CKD, and renal transplantation are described, and therapeutic strategy to modify these cells for therapeutic purposes is discussed.