Diesel exhaust particles increase IL-1β-induced human β-defensin expression via NF-κB-mediated pathway in human lung epithelial cells

Background  

Human β-defensin (hBD)-2, antimicrobial peptide primarily induced in epithelial cells, is a key factor in the innate immune response of the respiratory tract. Several studies showed increased defensin levels in both inflammatory lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, diffuse panbronchiolitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and infectious diseases. Recently, epidemiologic studies have demonstrated acute and serious adverse effects of particulate air pollution on respiratory health, especially in people with pre-existing inflammatory lung disease. To elucidate the effect of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on pulmonary innate immune response, we investigated the hBD-2 and interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression to DEP exposure in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-stimulated A549 cells.     

Interleukin-12 is not essential for silicosis in mice

Background  

Silicosis features foci of inflammation where macrophages and lymphocytes precede and accompany fibroblast proliferation, alveolar epithelial hyperplasia, and increased deposition of connective tissue matrix material. In the mouse following silica inhalation there is recruitment of natural killer-, B-, and CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocytes to the alveolar spaces, enlargement of bronchial-associated lymphoid tissues (BALT), and aggregation of lymphocytes surrounding small airways and blood vessels. A substantial fraction of the recruited lung lymphocytes produce interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and IFN-γ gene-deleted mice develop less silicosis than wild-type mice. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is an important pathway for driving the adaptive immune response towards a TH1-like phenotype. We hypothesized that IL-12 might stimulate lymphocyte activation and the up-regulation of IFN-γ, and consequently be an essential mediator for silicosis.     

Cytokine responses of human lung cells (BEAS-2B) treated with micron-sized and nanoparticles of metal oxides compared to soil dusts

Background  

The induction of cytokines by airway cells in vitro has been widely used to assess the effects of ambient and occupational particles. This study measured cytotoxicity and the release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 by human bronchial epithelial cells treated with manufactured nano- and micron-sized particles of Al₂O₃, CeO₂, Fe₂O₃, NiO, SiO₂, and TiO₂, with soil-derived particles from fugitive dust sources, and with the positive controls LPS, TNF-α, and VOSO₄.     

Diesel exhaust particles modulate the tight junction protein occludin in lung cells in vitro

Background  

Using an in vitro triple cell co-culture model consisting of human epithelial cells (16HBE14o-), monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells, it was recently demonstrated that macrophages and dendritic cells create a transepithelial network between the epithelial cells to capture antigens without disrupting the epithelial tightness. The expression of the different tight junction proteins in macrophages and dendritic cells, and the formation of tight junction-like structures with epithelial cells has been demonstrated. Immunofluorescent methods combined with laser scanning microscopy and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate if exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) (0.5, 5, 50, 125 μg/ml), for 24 h, can modulate the expression of the tight junction mRNA/protein of occludin, in all three cell types.     

Proprietary arabinogalactan extract increases antibody response to the pneumonia vaccine: a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,pilot study in healthy volunteers

Background  

Arabinogalactan from Larch tree (Larix spp.) bark has previously demonstrated immunostimulatory activity. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that ingestion of a proprietary arabinogalactan extract, ResistAid™, would selectively enhance the antibody response to the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine in healthy adults.     

α-Zirconium Sulfophenylphosphonate as a Catalyst for the Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>)-One Derivatives Under Solvent Free Conditions

Abstract  

3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives were synthesized using layered α-zirconium sulfophenylphosphonate as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst. Several classes of reagents, such as functionalized aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, β-dicarbonyl derivatives and 2-aminobenzimidazole, were used to synthesize different 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives under solvent free conditions.     

In vitro effects of nanoparticles on renal cells

Background  

The ability of nanoparticles to cross the lung-blood barrier suggests that they may translocate to blood and to targets distant from their portal of entry. Nevertheless, nanotoxicity in organs has received little attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nanotoxicity in renal cells using in vitro models. Various carbon black (CB) (FW2–13 nm, Printex60-21 nm and LB101-95 nm) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂-15 and TiO₂-50 nm) nanoparticles were characterized on size by electron microscopy. We evaluated theirs effects on glomerular mesangial (IP15) and epithelial proximal tubular (LLC-PK₁) renal cells, using light microscopy, WST-1 assay, immunofluorescence labeling and DCFH-DA for reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay.     

Insights into the Reactivity of La1?xSrxMnO3 (x?=?0?÷?0.7) in High Temperature N2O Decomposition

Abstract  

In this paper a wide range of La_1−x Sr _x MnO₃ (x = 0–0.7) perovskites was synthesized by Pechini route, characterized by XRD (including high temperature measurements), XPS, differential dissolution phase analysis, TPR H₂, oxygen exchange and tested in N₂O decomposition at 900 °C. At low degree of Sr substitution for La (x ≤ 0.3), high catalytic activity was found for perovskites with hexagonal structure (x = 0.1–0.2) and can be related to fast oxygen mobility caused by the lattice disordering during polymorphic phase transition from the hexagonal to cubic structure. For multiphase samples (x > 0.3) increase of activity and oxygen mobility can be attributed to the formation of the layer-structured perovskite–LaSrMnO₄ on the surface.     

IL-1beta differently involved in IL-8 and FGF-2 release in crystalline silica-treated lung cell co-cultures

Background  

Inhalation of crystalline silica particles is in humans associated with inflammation and development of fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of crystalline silica on the release of the fibrosis- and angiogenesis-related mediator FGF-2 and the pro-inflammatory mediator IL-8, and how IL-1β and TNF-α were involved in this release from various mono- and co-cultures of monocytes, pneumocytes and endothelial cells.     

3D Silver(I)–Diglycolate Coordination Polymer with Short Ag–Ag Bond

Abstract  

A new silver complex [Ag₂(dga)] 1, (dgaH₂ = Diglycolic acid) is synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, elemental analysis. The results showed that it is a monoclinic system with crystal parameters: a = 9.9372(11) ?, b = 5.5719(5) ?, c = 11.1973(12) ?, β = 93.044(10)° and Z = 4. A unique coordination mode of dga²⁻ ligand is observed in the title complex. Crystal structure analysis exposed the existence of two different Ag–Ag bonds with the distances of 2.83 and 3.27 ?. Room temperature photoluminescence study of the silver–dga complex shows emission in the blue region which may be assigned as metal centered (d-s/d-p) transitions. Thermal study has been performed.     

Effects of particulate matter on inflammatory markers in the general adult population

Background

Particulate air pollution is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Although the precise mechanisms underlying this association are still unclear, the induction of systemic inflammation following particle inhalation represents a plausible mechanistic pathway.

Methods

We used baseline data from the CoLaus Study including 6183 adult participants residing in Lausanne, Switzerland. We analyzed the association of short-term exposure to PM₁₀ (on the day of examination visit) with continuous circulating serum levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1??), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNF-??) by robust linear regressions, controlling for potential confounding factors and assessing effect modification.

Results

In adjusted analyses, for every 10???g/m³ elevation in PM₁₀, IL-1? increased by 0.034 (95?% confidence interval, 0.007-0.060) pg/mL, IL-6 by 0.036 (0.015-0.057) pg/mL, and TNF-?? by 0.024 (0.013-0.035) pg/mL, whereas no significant association was found with hs-CRP levels.

Conclusions

Short-term exposure to PM₁₀ was positively associated with higher levels of circulating IL-1?, IL-6 and TNF-?? in the adult general population. This positive association suggests a link between air pollution and cardiovascular risk, although further studies are needed to clarify the mechanistic pathway linking PM₁₀ to cardiovascular risk.     

Soluble iron modulates iron oxide particle-induced inflammatory responses via prostaglandin E2 synthesis: In vitro and in vivo studies

Background  

Ambient particulate matter (PM)-associated metals have been shown to play an important role in cardiopulmonary health outcomes. To study the modulation of PM-induced inflammation by leached off metals, we investigated intracellular solubility of radio-labeled iron oxide (⁵⁹Fe₂O₃) particles of 0.5 and 1.5 μm geometric mean diameter. Fe₂O₃ particles were examined for the induction of the release of interleukin 6 (IL-6) as pro-inflammatory and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) as anti-inflammatory markers in cultured alveolar macrophages (AM) from Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. In addition, we exposed male WKY rats to monodispersed Fe₂O₃ particles by intratracheal instillation (1.3 or 4.0 mg/kg body weight) to examine in vivo inflammation.     

3D Coordination Network of Ag(I) Ions with μ 3 -Bridging Melamine Ligands

Abstract  

A new 3D silver complex [Ag(mela)(H₂O)(NO₃)]_n (1) (mela = melamine or 2,4,6-triaminotriazine) is synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, and elemental analysis. The structural characterization shows that the compound crystallizes in space group C c, a = 8.181(2), b = 10.269(3) c = 11.347(3) ?, β = 105.88(2)°, Z = 4. Out of several structurally characterized transition metal compounds comprising melamine, the titled complex represents a rare example of μ ₃ -melamine coordination mode realized through the heterocycle nitrogen donors. The fluorescent property of complex 1 was investigated and the mechanism was validated by means of a density functional theory (DFT) calculation.     

Synthesis,Characterization, Luminescent and Thermal Properties of a Hybrid Inorganic–Organic Polymeric Framework Formed by Lead (II) Pyridinecarboxylate

Abstract  

A coordination polymer of formula [Pb_0.5(pyc)] _n , 1, where Hpyc = pyridine-3-carboxylic acid, has been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. Every Pb(II) centre demonstrate trigonal dodecahedron geometry. The ligand i.e. pyridine-3-carboxylate offers μ _{3 -} η ² : η ¹ coordination pattern using its hetero donor centres. The complex initially forms an infinite 1D chain (c-axis) which is turned to 2D sheet and finally a 3D network is recognized through ligand connectivity. Stabilization of 3D structure is further reinforced by π–π stacking interaction. An open channel is identified along c-axis. TG analysis has been performed for the complex. Emission study demonstrates the existence of intraligand and metal-to-ligand charge transfer transition in 1.     

N-Heterocyclic Carbene–Rhodium(I) Complexes Derived from Proline for the 1,4-Conjugate Addition of Arylboronic Acids to Enones in Neat Water

Abstract  

N-Heterocyclic carbene–rhodium(I) complexes derived from N-benzyl substituted proline have been successfully synthesized and were found to be efficient catalysts for the 1,4-conjugate addition of arylboronic acids to enones in neat water at 40 °C. Under the optimal reaction conditions, all reactions gave the addition products in good to high yields.     

Bulk Gold-Catalyzed Oxidations of Amines and Benzyl Alcohol Using Amine N-Oxides as Oxidants

Abstract  

Bulk gold powder (~50 μm) catalyzes the oxidative dehydrogenation of amines to give imines using amine N-oxides (R₃N-O) as the oxidant. The reaction of dibenzylamine (PhCH₂–NH–CH₂Ph) with N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) in the presence of gold powder at 60 °C produced N-benzylidenebenzylamine (PhCH=N–CH₂Ph) in 96% yield within 24 h. Benzyl alcohol was oxidized by NMMO to benzaldehyde in >60% yield in the presence of gold powder. Although O₂ was previously shown to oxidize amines in the presence of bulk gold, it is surprising that gold is also capable of catalyzing the oxidation of amines using amine oxides, which are chemically so different from O₂.     

Carbon black nanoparticles induce type II epithelial cells to release chemotaxins for alveolar macrophages

Background  

Alveolar macrophages are a key cell in dealing with particles deposited in the lungs and in determining the subsequent response to that particle exposure. Nanoparticles are considered a potential threat to the lungs and the mechanism of pulmonary response to nanoparticles is currently under intense scrutiny. The type II alveolar epithelial cell has previously been shown to release chemoattractants which can recruit alveolar macrophages to sites of particle deposition. The aim of this study was to assess the responses of a type II epithelial cell line (L-2) to both fine and nanoparticle exposure in terms of secretion of chemotactic substances capable of inducing macrophage migration.     

A dose-controlled system for air-liquid interface cell exposure and application to zinc oxide nanoparticles

Background  

Engineered nanoparticles are becoming increasingly ubiquitous and their toxicological effects on human health, as well as on the ecosystem, have become a concern. Since initial contact with nanoparticles occurs at the epithelium in the lungs (or skin, or eyes), in vitro cell studies with nanoparticles require dose-controlled systems for delivery of nanoparticles to epithelial cells cultured at the air-liquid interface.     

Correlating Enantioselectivity with Activation Energies in the Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Acetophenone Catalysed by Noyori-Type Complexes

Abstract  

The reduction of acetophenone catalysed by Ru(diphosphine)(diamine) complexes, with various diphosphine and diamine ligands, has been investigated theoretically using density functional theory. The results show a correlation between differences in the calculated activation energy (ΔE _a) and enantiomeric excess (ee) in ruthenium-based asymmetric hydrogenation catalysts, suggesting that computational procedures may be able to predict the effect on the ee of ligand substitutions.