Mast cells and ionizing radiation induce a synergistic expression of inflammatory genes in endothelial cells by a mechanism involving p38α MAP kinase and (p65) NF-κB activation

Radiat Res. 2012 Dec;178(6):556-67. doi: 10.1667/RR3058.1. Epub 2012 Oct 23.

Abstract

Vascular endothelium is a key compartment involved in the development of normal tissue toxicity associated with cancer radiation therapy, i.e., acute inflammation and late fibrosis. Radiation-induced endothelial cell activation has been extensively studied, and activated endothelial cells are characterized by increased expression of inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules, and activation of the coagulation and thrombosis pathways. However, little is known about the role of vascular endothelium interaction with resident immune cells, such as mast cells on its response to irradiation. Here, we report that endothelial exposure to mast cell conditioned medium and irradiation induces a synergistic expression of many inflammatory genes including interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, CXCL2 and E-selectin. This synergy is blocked by the histamine H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine and partially mimicked by exogenous histamine addition before irradiation. Using pharmacological and molecular inhibition approaches, we show the p38α MAP kinase and p65 (NF-κB) dependence of the synergy. Moreover, our data show a link between both pathways, with p65 (NF-κB) being downstream of p38. These data highlight the possible exacerbation of the radiation-induced endothelial inflammatory response by its interactions with immune cells. It also suggest that p38α MAP kinase and p65 (NF-κB) inhibition in vascular endothelium may limit excessive tissue inflammation induced by radiation therapy, and thereby limit the associated acute and late tissue damage.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Culture Media, Conditioned / metabolism
  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Enzyme Activation / radiation effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / radiation effects*
  • Gene Silencing
  • Histamine / pharmacology
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / genetics*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Mast Cells / cytology*
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Phosphorylation / radiation effects
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Transcription Factor RelA / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Transcription Factor RelA / deficiency
  • Transcription Factor RelA / genetics
  • Transcription Factor RelA / metabolism*
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / deficiency
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Culture Media, Conditioned
  • Interleukin-6
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Transcription Factor RelA
  • Histamine
  • MAP-kinase-activated kinase 2
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein