Slilica, Hyaluronate, and Alveolar Macrophage Functional Differentiation

BackgroundSilicosis is mediated by macrophages, their soluble mediators, and extracellular matrix molecules. In this study, we investigated the effects of silica and/or hyaluronate (HA) on several alveolar macrophage responses.MethodsWe evaluated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production by radiolabeled pr...

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Published in:Journal of investigative medicine 2003-03, Vol.51 (2), p.95-103
Main Authors: Bodo, Maria, Bellocchio, Silvia, Bellucci, Catia, Balloni, Stefania, Pietrella, Donatella, Sbaraglia, Giovanni, Muzi, Giacomo, Lilli, Cinzia, Lumare, Alessandro, Dell'Omo, Marco, Abbritti, Giuseppe
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Language:English
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Summary:BackgroundSilicosis is mediated by macrophages, their soluble mediators, and extracellular matrix molecules. In this study, we investigated the effects of silica and/or hyaluronate (HA) on several alveolar macrophage responses.MethodsWe evaluated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production by radiolabeled precursors, nitric oxide (NO) release by its oxidation product, phagocytic activity by Candida albicans internalization, and the secretion of two fibrogenic cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, by specific assays.ResultsSilica significantly reduced GAG secretion, particularly HA secretion. Alone, it decreased Candida uptake; associated with HA, it enhanced the reduction. Silica and Candida reduced NO release, which was not significantly affected when silica- or Candida-exposed cells were also treated with HA. TNF-α and TGF-β activities were stimulated by silica but reduced by HA.ConclusionsThe results suggest that silica and HA modify alveolar macrophage functional differentiation. Silica- and HA-induced modifications of the microenvironment could determine whether the response proceeds toward healing and repair or toward lung chronic pathology.
ISSN:1081-5589
1708-8267
DOI:10.1136/jim-51-02-11