The glycosaminoglycan-binding chemokine fragment CXCL9(74-103) reduces inflammation and tissue damage in mouse models of coronavirus infection.

Introduction: Pulmonary diseases represent a significant burden to patients and the healthcare system and are one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Particularly, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound global impact, affecting public health, economies, and daily life. While the peak of the crisis has subsided, the global number of reported COVID-19 cases remains significantly high, according to medical agencies around the world. Furthermore, despite the success of vaccines in reducing the number of deaths caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there remains a gap in the treatment of the disease, especially in addressing uncontrolled inflammation. The massive recruitment of leukocytes to lung tissue and alveoli is a hallmark factor in COVID-19, being essential for effectively responding to the pulmonary insult but also linked to inflammation and lung damage. In this context, mice models are a crucial tool, offering valuable insights into both the pathogenesis of the disease and potential therapeutic approaches. Methods: Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-binding chemokine fragment CXCL9(74-103), a molecule that potentially decreases neutrophil transmigration by competing with chemokines for GAG-binding sites, in two models of pneumonia caused by coronavirus infection. Results: In a murine model of betacoronavirus MHV-3 infection, the treatment with CXCL9(74-103) decreased the accumulation of total leukocytes, mainly neutrophils, to the alveolar space and improved several parameters of lung dysfunction 3 days after infection. Additionally, this treatment also reduced the lung damage. In the SARS-CoV-2 model in K18-hACE2-mice, CXCL9(74-103) significantly improved the clinical manifestations of the disease, reducing pulmonary damage and decreasing viral titers in the lungs. Discussion: These findings indicate that CXCL9(74-103) resulted in highly favorable outcomes in controlling pneumonia caused by coronavirus, as it effectively diminishes the clinical consequences of the infections and reduces both local and systemic inflammation.

The Therapeutic Effect of Phosphopeptide P140 Attenuates Inflammation Induced by Uric Acid Crystals in Gout Arthritis Mouse Model.

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of peptide P140 on the inflammatory responses in crystal-induced mouse models of gout and cell models including MSU-treated human cells. Injection of MSU crystals into the knee joint of mice induced neutrophil influx and inflammatory hypernociception. Injection of MSU crystals subcutaneously into the hind paw induced edema and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Treatment with P140 effectively reduced hypernociception, the neutrophil influx, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in these experimental models. Furthermore, P140 modulated neutrophils chemotaxis in vitro and increased apoptosis pathways through augmented caspase 3 activity and reduced NFκB phosphorylation. Moreover, P140 increased the production of the pro-resolving mediator annexin A1 and decreased the expression of the autophagy-related ATG5-ATG12 complex and HSPA8 chaperone protein. Overall, these findings suggest that P140 exerts a significant beneficial effect in a neutrophilic inflammation observed in the model of gout that can be of special interest in the design of new therapeutic strategies.

Absence of CCR2 Promotes Proliferation of Alveolar Macrophages That Control Lung Inflammation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Mice.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) consists of uncontrolled inflammation that causes hypoxemia and reduced lung compliance. Since it is a complex process, not all details have been elucidated yet. In a well-controlled experimental murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ARDS, the activity and viability of macrophages and neutrophils dictate the beginning and end phases of lung inflammation. C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) is a critical chemokine receptor that mediates monocyte/macrophage activation and recruitment to the tissues. Here, we used CCR2-deficient mice to explore mechanisms that control lung inflammation in LPS-induced ARDS. CCR2-/- mice presented higher total numbers of pulmonary leukocytes at the peak of inflammation as compared to CCR2+/+ mice, mainly by enhanced influx of neutrophils, whereas we observed two to six-fold lower monocyte or interstitial macrophage numbers in the CCR2-/-. Nevertheless, the time needed to control the inflammation was comparable between CCR2+/+ and CCR2-/-. Interestingly, CCR2-/- mice presented higher numbers and increased proliferative rates of alveolar macrophages from day 3, with a more pronounced M2 profile, associated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß and C-C chemokine ligand (CCL)22 production, decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2), interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-12b mRNA expression and increased mannose receptor type 1 (Mrc1) mRNA and CD206 protein expression. Depletion of alveolar macrophages significantly delayed recovery from the inflammatory insult. Thus, our work shows that the lower number of infiltrating monocytes in CCR2-/- is partially compensated by increased proliferation of resident alveolar macrophages during the inflammation control of experimental ARDS.

Potent anti-inflammatory activity of the lectin-like domain of TNF in joints.

In view of the crucial role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in joint destruction, TNF inhibitors, including neutralizing anti-TNF antibodies and soluble TNF receptor constructs, are commonly used therapeutics for the treatment of arthropathies like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, not all patients achieve remission; moreover, there is a risk of increased susceptibility to infection with these agents. Spatially distinct from its receptor binding sites, TNF harbors a lectin-like domain, which exerts unique functions that can be mimicked by the 17 residue solnatide peptide. This domain binds to specific oligosaccharides such as N'N'-diacetylchitobiose and directly target the α subunit of the epithelial sodium channel. Solnatide was shown to have anti-inflammatory actions in acute lung injury and glomerulonephritis models. In this study, we evaluated whether the lectin-like domain of TNF can mitigate the development of immune-mediated arthritis in mice. In an antigen-induced arthritis model, solnatide reduced cell influx and release of pro-inflammatory mediators into the joints, associated with reduction in edema and tissue damage, as compared to controls indicating that TNF has anti-inflammatory effects in an acute model of joint inflammation via its lectin-like domain.

The Therapeutic Treatment with the GAG-Binding Chemokine Fragment CXCL9(74-103) Attenuates Neutrophilic Inflammation and Lung Dysfunction during Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection in Mice.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important pathogen associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Bacterial pneumonia is characterized by a harmful inflammatory response with a massive influx of neutrophils, production of cytokines and chemokines, and consequent tissue damage and dysfunction. Targeted therapies to block neutrophil migration to avoid tissue damage while keeping the antimicrobial properties of tissue remains a challenge in the field. Here we tested the effect of the anti-inflammatory properties of the chemokine fragment CXCL9(74-103) in pneumonia induced by Klebsiella pneumoniae in mice. Mice were infected by intratracheal injection of Klebsiella pneumoniae and 6 h after infection were treated systemically with CXCL9(74-103). The recruitment of leukocytes, levels of cytokines and chemokines, colony-forming units (CFU), and lung function were evaluated. The treatment with CXCL9(74-103) decreased neutrophil migration to the airways and the production of the cytokine interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) without affecting bacterial control. In addition, the therapeutic treatment improved lung function in infected mice. Our results indicated that the treatment with CXCL9(74-103) reduced inflammation and improved lung function in Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced pneumonia.

Peptide fragments of bradykinin show unexpected biological activity not mediated by B1 or B2 receptors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bradykinin (BK-(1-9)) is an endogenous nonapeptide involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Peptide fragments of bradykinin are believed to be biologically inactive. We have now tested the two major peptide fragments of bradykinin in human and animals. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: BK peptides were quantified by MS in male rats. NO release was quantified from human, mouse and rat cells loaded with DAF-FM. Rat aortic rings were used to measure vascular reactivity. Changes in BP and HR were measured in conscious male rats. To evaluate pro-inflammatory effects both vascular permeability and nociception were measured in adult mice. KEY RESULTS: BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) are produced in vivo from BK-(1-9). Both peptides induced NO production in all cell types tested. However, unlike BK-(1-9), NO production elicited by BK-(1-7) or BK-(1-5) was not inhibited by B1 or B2 receptor antagonists. BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) induced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation of aortic rings, without involvement of B1 or B2 receptors. Intravenous or intra-arterial administration of BK-(1-7) or BK-(1-5) induced similar hypotensive response in vivo. Nociceptive responses of BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) were reduced compared to BK-(1-9), and no increase in vascular permeability was observed for BK-(1-9) fragments. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: BK-(1-7) and BK-(1-5) are endogenous peptides present in plasma. BK-related peptide fragments show biological activity, not mediated by B1 or B2 receptors. These BK fragments could constitute new, active components of the kallikrein-kinin system.

Pulmonary macrophages and their different roles in health and disease.

Macrophages are a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells with phenotype and function modulated according to the microenvironment in which they are found. The lung resident macrophages known as Alveolar Macrophages (AM) and Interstitial Macrophages (IM) are localized in two different compartments. During lung homeostasis, macrophages can remove inhaled particulates, cellular debris and contribute to some metabolic processes. Macrophages may assume a pro-inflammatory phenotype after being classically activated (M1) or anti-inflammatory when being alternatively activated (M2). M1 and M2 have different transcription profiles and act by eliminating bacteria, viruses and fungi from the host or repairing the damage triggered by inflammation, respectively. Nevertheless, macrophages also may contribute to lung damage during persistent inflammation or continuous exposure to antigens. In this review, we discuss the origin and function of pulmonary macrophages in the context of homeostasis, infectious and non-infectious lung diseases.

Shortened derivatives from native antimicrobial peptide LyeTx I: In vitro and in vivo biological activity assessment.

In the continuing search for novel antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides are promising molecules, due to different mechanisms of action compared to classic antibiotics and to their selectivity for interaction with microorganism cells rather than with mammalian cells. Previously, our research group has isolated the antimicrobial peptide LyeTx I from the venom of the spider Lycosa erythrognatha. Here, we proposed to synthesize three novel shortened derivatives from LyeTx I (LyeTx I mn; LyeTx I mnΔK; LyeTx I mnΔKAc) and to evaluate their toxicity and biological activity as potential antimicrobial agents. Peptides were synthetized by Fmoc strategy and circular dichroism analysis was performed, showing that the three novel shortened derivatives may present membranolytic activity, like the original LyeTx I, once they folded as an alpha helix in 2.2.2-trifluorethanol and sodium dodecyl sulfate. In vitro assays revealed that the shortened derivative LyeTx I mnΔK presents the best score between antimicrobial (↓ MIC) and hemolytic (↑ EC50) activities among the synthetized shortened derivatives, and LUHMES cell-based NeuriTox test showed that it is less neurotoxic than the original LyeTx I (EC50 [LyeTx I mnΔK] ⋙ EC50 [LyeTx I]). In vivo data, obtained in a mouse model of septic arthritis induced by Staphylococcus aureus, showed that LyeTx I mnΔK is able to reduce infection, as demonstrated by bacterial recovery assay (∼10-fold reduction) and scintigraphic imaging (less technetium-99m labeled-Ceftizoxime uptake by infectious site). Infection reduction led to inflammatory process and pain decreases, as shown by immune cells recruitment reduction and threshold nociception increment, when compared to positive control group. Therefore, among the three shortened peptide derivatives, LyeTx I mnΔK is the best candidate as antimicrobial agent, due to its smaller amino acid sequence and toxicity, and its greater biological activity.

Lipoxin A4 impairs effective bacterial control and potentiates joint inflammation and damage caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Staphylococcus aureus is the main cause of septic arthritis in humans, a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Inflammation triggered in response to infection is fundamental to control bacterial growth but may cause permanent tissue damage. Here, we evaluated the role of Lipoxin A4 (LXA4 ) in S aureus-induced arthritis in mice. Septic arthritis was induced by S aureus injection into tibiofemoral joints. At different time points, we evaluated cell recruitment and bacterial load in the joint, the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, and LXA4 in inflamed tissue and analyzed joint damage and dysfunction. LXA4 was investigated using genetically modified mice or by pharmacological blockade of its synthesis and receptor. CD11c+ cells were evaluated in lymph nodes by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry and dendritic cell chemotaxis using the Boyden chamber. Absence or pharmacological blockade of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) reduced joint inflammation and dysfunction and was associated with better control of infection at 4 to 7 days after the infection. There was an increase in LXA4 in joints of S aureus-infected mice and administration of LXA4 reversed the phenotype in 5-LO-/- mice. Blockade or absence of the LXA4 receptor FPR2 has a phenotype similar to 5-LO-/- mice. Mechanistically, LXA4 appeared to control migration and function of dendritic cells, cells shown to be crucial for adequate protective responses in the model. Thus, after the first days of infection when symptoms become evident therapies that inhibit LXA4 synthesis or action could be useful for treatment of S aureus-induced arthritis.

The Inhibition of Phosphoinositide-3 Kinases Induce Resolution of Inflammation in a Gout Model.

Phosphoinositide-3 kinases (PI3Ks) are central signaling enzymes that are involved in many aspects of immune cell function. PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ are the major isoforms expressed in leukocytes. The role of PI3K isoforms in the resolution of inflammation is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the contribution of PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ to the resolution of inflammation in a model of gout in mice. Methods and Results: Experiments were performed in wild-type male C57/Bl6 mice. Selective inhibitors of PI3K-γ (AS605240) or PI3Kδ (GSK045) were injected in the joint 12 h after injection of MSU crystals, hence at the peak of inflammation. Inhibition of either PI3K isoform decreased number of neutrophils that migrated in response to the injection of MSU crystals. This was associated with reduction of myeloperoxidase activity and IL-1ß levels in periarticular tissues and reduction of histological score. Joint dysfunction, as seen by reduced mechanical hypernociception, was improved by treatment with either inhibitor. The decrease in neutrophil numbers was associated with enhanced apoptosis and efferocytosis of these cells. There was shortening of resolution intervals, suggesting inhibition of either isoform induced the resolution of neutrophilic inflammation. Blockade of PI3Kγ or PI3Kδ reduced Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. A pan-PI3K inhibitor (CL27c) reduced inflammation induced by MSU crystals by a magnitude that was similar to that attained by the PI3Kγ or PI3Kδ selective inhibitors alone. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that neutrophils can use PI3Kγ or PI3Kδ to remain in the cavity and blockade of either isoenzyme is sufficient to induce their apoptosis and resolve inflammation in a murine model of gout.

Avaliação da qualidade de saneantes clandestinos comercializados em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais / Assessment of the quality of unlicensed home-made sanitizing products sold in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Os saneantes representam uma variedade de agentes de limpeza, incluindo os desinfetantes. Os saneantes clandestinos não passam por nenhum tipo de avaliação quanto à eficácia e possíveis contaminações, portanto o consumidor não tem segurança ao utilizá-lo. Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar amostras de saneantes clandestinos comercializadas quanto aos parâmetros de rotulagem, qualidade microbiológica e físico-química e a avaliação da eficácia. A contagem de micro-organismos e a pesquisa de patógenos foram determinadas conforme indicado na Farmacopéia Brasileira. A avaliação da eficácia das amostras foi realizada pela determinação da atividade antimicrobiana de produtos desinfetantes por meio da redução da carga microbiana frente a micro-organismos patogênicos. 91% das amostras apresentaram rótulos em desacordo com a Legislação. O teste de Capacidade Inibitória indicou que, para inibir possíveis contaminações, os saneantes clandestinos possuem maior quantidade de princípio ativo do que o indicado nos rótulos e do que o determinado pela Legislação. Além disso, nove amostras apresentaram como princípio ativo o formaldeído, conservante banido das formulações de desinfetantes. Nove amostras apresentaram contaminação por bactérias e/ou fungos. O teste de eficácia indicou que aproximadamente 50% das amostras não foram eficazes contra micro-organismos testados e que não houve redução da carga microbiana nos tempos testados. As amostras analisadas podem oferecer riscos aos consumidores e fabricantes, uma vez que os resultados indicaram que o processo de produção não segue as Boas Práticas de Fabricação, além de serem importantes para reafirmar as ações preventivas, na conscientização dos fabricantes e consumidores pela busca de produtos de qualidade.

The term sanitizer includes a variety of cleaning agents, including disinfectants. Unlicensed home-made sanitizing products do not undergo any kind of quality control to attest to their effectiveness and lack of contamination, so do not ensure consumer safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze samples of clandestine home-made sanitizers sold in the local market, to check microbiological and physicochemical quality and labeling and assess their effectiveness. Total viable counts of microorganisms and pathogens were determined as indicated in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. Effectiveness was assessed by challenging the product with pathogenic microorganisms and antimicrobialactivity was determined by the reduction of the bacterial load. Results showed that 91% of the samples had labels violating current legislation. The analysis indicated that, to guarantee inhibitory capacity, home-made sanitizers had a higher level of active ingredient than indicated on their labels and than allowed by legislation. In addition, nine samples had formaldehyde as the active ingredient, a preservative banned as a component of disinfectants. Nine samples were contaminated by bacteria and/or fungi. The antimicrobial challenge test showed that approximately 50% of the samples were ineffective against the microorganisms tested, with no reduction in the microbial load. The present study points to home-made sanitizers as risks to consumers and manufacturers. Results indicate that the production process does not follow Good Manufacturing Practice, hence they are very significant in reaffirming preventive practices and making manufacturers and consumers aware of the need to seek products of certified quality.