Redox-active metal-induced release of high mobility group box 1(HMGB1) and inflammatory cytokines in fibroblast-like synovial cells is Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) dependent

Publication date: Available online 25 August 2018Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of DiseaseAuthor(s): Asmaa A. Alsousi, Orisa J. IgweAbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease that is characterized by synovial inflammation and bone erosion. We have investigated the mechanism(s) by which essential trace metals may initiate and propagate inflammatory phenotypes in synovial fibroblasts. We used HIG-82, rabbit fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS), as a model system for potentially initiating RA through oxidative stress. We used potassium peroxychromate (PPC, Cr+5), ferrous chloride (FeCl2, Fe+2), and cuprous chloride (CuCl, Cu+) trace metal agents as exogenous pro-oxidants. Intracellular ROS was quantified by fluorescence microscopy and confirmed by flow cytometry (FC). Protein expression levels were measured by western blot and FC, while ELISA was used to quantify the levels of cytokines. Trace metal agents in different valence states acted as exogenous pro-oxidants that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which signal through TLR-4 stimulation. TLR-4/ROS coupled activation resulted in the release of HMGB1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 in conjunction with upregulation of myeloid-related protein (MRP8/14) inflammatory markers that may contribute to the RA pathophysiology. Our results indicate that oxidant-induced TLR-4 activation can release HMGB1 in combination with other inflammatory cytokines to mediat...
Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) Molecular Basis of Disease - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research