Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and Lung Inflammation
Author Information
Author(s): Xu Feng, Xu Zhihao, Zhang Rong, Wu Zuqun, Lim Jae-Hyang, Koga Tomoaki, Li Jian-Dong, Shen Huahao
Primary Institution: Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
NTHi induces the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) via activation of p38 MAPK and NF-kappa B in pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells.
Conclusion
NTHi induces COX-2 and PGE2 expression in a p38 MAPK and NF-kappa B-dependent manner through TLR2 in lung epithelial cells.
Supporting Evidence
- NTHi induced COX-2 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner.
- The enhanced expression of PGE2 by NTHi infection was significantly decreased by pre-treatment of COX-2 specific inhibitor.
- NTHi induced COX-2 expression was mediated by TLR2 in the epithelial cell in vitro and in the lungs of mice in vivo.
- NTHi induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and up-regulated DNA binding activity of NF-kappa B.
Takeaway
When a certain bacteria infects lung cells, it makes them produce substances that can cause inflammation. This study shows how that happens.
Methodology
Human alveolar epithelial A549 cells were infected with NTHi, and various assays were performed to measure COX-2 and PGE2 expression.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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