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Kanamycin activates caspase-1 in NC/Nga mice
Na-Ra Han1, Hyung-Min Kim, Hyun-Ja Jeong
1Department of Pharmacology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
Experimental Dermatology
|May 17, 2011
Summary
Antibiotic use in children may lead to inflammatory diseases. Kanamycin treatment in mice increased skin inflammation by upregulating caspase-1, suggesting a link between early antibiotic exposure and inflammatory reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic overuse in children is linked to increased inflammatory disease risk.
- Mechanisms underlying this association require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of kanamycin-induced skin inflammation in NC/Nga mice.
- To explore the role of caspase-1 in antibiotic-induced inflammatory responses.
Main Methods:
- NC/Nga mice were orally administered kanamycin for 7 days.
- Skin, blood, and spleen tissues were collected 18 weeks post-treatment.
- Assessed allergic reactions, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α expression, and NF-κB/IκBα activation.
Main Results:
- Kanamycin administration significantly increased allergic skin reactions.
- Elevated caspase-1 mRNA and protein expression were observed in mouse skin.
- Increased IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α production and NF-κB activation were noted.
Conclusions:
- Kanamycin-induced skin inflammation in mice is mediated by caspase-1 upregulation.
- Early-life antibiotic exposure may predispose individuals to inflammatory conditions.
- Findings highlight the potential long-term effects of antibiotic use on immune responses.
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Caspases
Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.
In-vitro Mutagenesis
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.

