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Iron overload impairs pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses by Kupffer cells
Author(s) -
Olynyk John K,
Clarke Sharon L
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2001.02456.x
Subject(s) - tumor necrosis factor alpha , cytokine , kupffer cell , lipopolysaccharide , macrophage , endocrinology , medicine , interleukin , biology , immunology , biochemistry , in vitro
Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of chronic iron overload on Kupffer cell cytokine production. Methods: Kupffer cells were isolated from rats that were fed either a control or iron‐supplemented diet for 12 months. Cytokine mRNA and protein levels were determined by using a ribonuclease protection assay and ELISA, respectively. Results: Baseline levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor‐β1, interleukin‐6 and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor were similar in iron‐loaded and control Kupffer cells. Following the addition of lipopolysaccharide to control cells, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐1α and interleukin‐6 mRNA levels increased. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha mRNA and protein levels were reduced by 40 and 60%, respectively, in iron‐loaded cells compared with controls following the addition of lipopolysaccharide. Interleukin‐6 mRNA levels in iron‐loaded Kupffer cells were also reduced. Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor mRNA levels remained unchanged in controls, but were significantly elevated in iron‐loaded cells. Tumor growth factor‐β1 mRNA and protein levels were similar in control and iron‐loaded cells. Conclusion: Deposition of iron in Kupffer cells in chronic dietary iron overload results in an impaired pro‐inflammatory cytokine response to lipopolysaccharide. Our observations may have relevance to the altered immune function observed in chronic iron‐overload syndromes.