Expression of peptide YY by human blood leukocytes

Julia Pia Natascha Holler1, Jessica Schmitz1, Rainer Roehrig2

  • 1Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgen-Str. 10-12, D-35385 Giessen, Germany.

Peptides
|June 28, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells in healthy humans express Peptide YY (PYY). However, PYY expression decreases with monocyte differentiation and inflammation, suggesting a role in immune response modulation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Peptide YY (PYY) is a hormone primarily produced in the gut with known systemic and paracrine functions.
  • Its expression in immune cells, particularly peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), has not been extensively studied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of Peptide YY (PYY) mRNA and peptide in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
  • To examine PYY expression in differentiated THP-1 cells, an in vitro model of inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood was collected from healthy male donors (n=63).
  • Peptide YY (PYY) mRNA levels in PBMCs were quantified.
  • PBMCs were cultured, and PYY peptide levels in supernatant were measured.
  • Human monocytic THP-1 cells were differentiated into macrophages and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to model inflammation.

Main Results:

  • Peptide YY (PYY) mRNA was detected in PBMCs from all healthy subjects.
  • PYY peptide was found in the supernatant of cultured PBMCs.
  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment led to down-regulation of PYY mRNA in differentiated THP-1 cells.

Conclusions:

  • Freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals express Peptide YY (PYY).
  • In vitro studies indicate that PYY expression is reduced during monocyte differentiation into macrophages and in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli.