Naslov
The effects of immunomodulatory drugs on the expression of galectin-3, a strong proinflammatory molecule

Autori
Dumić, Jerka

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
9th CEEPUS Biomedicine Students&#8217 ; Council Summer University ; Abstract book / - , 2006

Skup
9th CEEPUS Biomedicine Students&#8217 ; Council Summer University

Mjesto i datum
Zadar, Hrvatska, 24.07.2006. - 31.07.2006

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Pozvano predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Nije recenziran

Ključne riječi
galectin-3; inflammation

Sažetak
Galectin-3, a β -galactoside binding lectin, acts as a strong pro-inflammatory signal that modulates cell proliferation and adhesion, chemotaxis, phagocytosis and synthesis of inflammatory mediators. Its expression is influenced by various endogenous and exogenous stimuli but the precise regulatory mechanisms are not yet elucidated. We have previously shown the involvement of the transcription factors NF- B and AP-1 in regulation of galectin-3 expression through the binding sites present in the promoter region of galectin-3 gene (LGALS3). The immune response is strongly affected by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as well as steroidal immunomodulatory drugs (glucocorticoids). They are frequently used as antipyretics and analgetics, and also in therapy of allergic and autoimmune diseases, despite the fact that their use is often accompanied by harmful side effects. Although their overall ways of action still remain insufficiently understood and controversial, it seems that these two classes of drugs exhibit their effects through different pathways. NSAIDs' pharmacological actions are mostly related to their ability to inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis. In addition, some of their effects seem to be a result of the cyclooxygenase-independent mechanisms, which are mediated through certain transcription factors (such as NF-κ B and AP-1) and modulation of the transcriptional activation. Glucocorticoids exert their effects through the binding with a cytoplasmic receptor that alters gene expression in two ways. One way is dependent on the receptor's binding directly to DNA and acting (positively or negatively) as a transcription factor. The other is dependent on its binding to and interfering with other transcription factors. Recent findings have show that glucocorticoids can also interfere with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Since both steroidal- and non-steroidal immunomodulatory drugs may affect transcription factors NF-κ B and AP-1 that were shown to be involved in the regulation of galectin-3, the important factor in many immune reactions we investigated the effects of NSAIDs (aspirin and indomethacin) and glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and dexamethasone), applied in therapeutic ranges, on the expression of LGALS3 and galectin-3 in THP-1-derived macrophages. The results of these studies will be presented in brief.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA