Article
The antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and HBD-3 are expressed and produced in healthy and inflamed human synovial membranes
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Authors
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S. Oestern
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Orthopädie, Kiel
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F. Paulsen
- Halle
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T. Pufe
- Kiel
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L. Conradi
- Kiel
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J. Hassenpflug
- Kiel
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M. Mann
- Kiel
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R. Schütz
- Kiel
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D. Varoga
- Kiel
| Published: | June 13, 2005 |
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Outline
Text
Introduction
In this study we determined the expression and production of human cationic antimicrobial protein (LL-37) and human beta-defensin-3 (HBD-3) in healthy and inflamed human synovial membranes. Moreover we evaluated the regulation of these antibacterial substances after stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines and bacteria in cultured synoviocytes.
Methods and Material
Expression of LL-37 and HBD-3 in heathy synovial membranes as well as samples from patients with pyogenic arthritis (PA) were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In vitro experiments with cultered synoviocytes were performed to assess the regulation of LL-37 and
HBD-3 after stimulation with bacterial supernatants and proinflamatory cytokines. Expression of the antimicrobial peptides in stimulated synoviocytes were analysed by real-time-RT-PCR and ELISA.
Results
In healthy synovial membranes the antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and HBD-3
were not expressed, but they were upregulated in samples of synovial membranes from patients with pyogenic arthritis (PA), suggesting a bacterial influence. After stimulation with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and IL-1 or TNF-α. the expression pattern of LL-37 and HBD-3 in synoviocytes changed.
Discussion
The synovial membrane holds potential for induction of antimicrobial peptides while inflammatory reaction caused by bacterial supernatants or proinflamatory cytokines.
A deficiency in the production of antimicrobial peptide may cause a higher susceptibility to bacterial joint infections. There is still a lack of experience in the clinical use of antimicrobial peptides, and this important aspect should be addressed in future investigations.
