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Pro-inflammatory effect of cystic fibrosis sputum microparticles in the murine lung

Chiara Porro1, Sante Di Gioia, Teresa Trotta

  • 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis : Official Journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society
|April 10, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microparticles (MPs) from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients induce lung inflammation. Neutrophil-derived MPs may contribute to CF airway inflammation by binding shed lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Area of Science:

  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The role of microparticles (MPs) in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway inflammation remains unclear.
  • This study investigates the pro-inflammatory potential of CF MPs in an acute lung injury model.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the inflammatory effects of MPs from CF patients compared to primary ciliary diskinesia (PCD) patients.
  • To investigate the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-like activity of these MPs.

Main Methods:

  • Intratracheal administration of MPs from CF and PCD patients into mice.
  • Evaluation of lung inflammation via histopathology and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis.
  • Limulus amebocyte lysate assay to detect LPS-like activity in MPs.

Main Results:

  • MPs from acute CF patients induced significant peribronchial and perivascular inflammation, similar to LPS.
  • Inflammation induced by CF MPs was granulocyte-dominated and more pronounced than from stable CF patients.
  • PCD MPs induced macrophage-dominated inflammation; LPS-like activity was found in CF sputum MPs and stimulated neutrophils, not circulating CF MPs.

Conclusions:

  • Neutrophil-derived MPs in CF airways may exert pro-inflammatory effects through binding shed LPS.
  • This mechanism highlights a potential pathway for inflammation in CF lung disease.
Keywords:
Cystic fibrosisLipopolysaccharideLung inflammationMacrophagesNeutrophilsPrimary ciliary dyskinesia

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