Biology subjects

Kirchhoff, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Kirchhoff, R..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Phagocytosis of primary human macrophages is elevated by ex vivo supplementation with n-3 PUFA

ScopeEpidemiologic studies show that a high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status is beneficial for health and inflammatory diseases. However, results of nutrition studies investigating the impact of n-3 PUFA intake on immune functions, such as phagocytosis, are contradictory. In order to gain more insights into the role of n-3 PUFAs on phagocytosis, we investigated the modulation of phagocytosis by n-3 PUFAs and derived oxylipins in human macrophages. Methods and resultsUsing an established ex vivo supplementation strategy, primary human macrophages were supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The PUFA pattern of the cells was shifted from a low n-3 PUFA status towards a high n-3 PUFA status. This was accompanied by a shift in the oxylipin pattern, reduced pro-inflammatory prostaglandin levels, increased phagocytosis in the supplemented macrophages, and reduced inhibitory effect of PGE2 on phagocytosis. However, when tested alone, n-3 PUFA derived oxylipins did not impact phagocytosis. ConclusionUnder controlled conditions, an increased n-3 PUFA status of macrophages resulted in an elevation of phagocytosis. Less formation of prostaglandins could contribute to this effect, whereas n-3 PUFA derived oxylipins, particularly multihydroxy PUFAs, appear to have a limited impact on phagocytosis following n-3 PUFA supplementation.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2024

Phagocytosis is differentially regulated by LPS in M1- and M2-like macrophages via PGE2 formation and EP4 signaling

Phagocytosis is a key process in human innate immune response. Human macrophages are important phagocytes engulfing and neutralizing pathogens and cell debris. In addition, they modulate the inflammatory process by releasing cytokines and lipid mediators. However, the link between oxylipins and phagocytosis in different macrophage phenotypes remains poorly understood. In order to better understand the link between phagocytosis and the arachidonic acid (ARA) cascade, we established a phagocytosis assay in primary human inflammatory M1- and anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages from PBMCs, representing extremes of macrophage phenotypes. The branches of the ARA cascade were investigated by quantitative targeted proteomics and metabolomics. M1-like macrophages show a higher abundance of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and its products particularly after LPS stimulus compared to M2-like macrophages. LPS increased phagocytosis in M2-like, but not in M1-like macrophages. We demonstrate that the COX product PGE2 modulates the differential effects of LPS on phagocytosis: Via the EP4 receptor PGE2 signaling suppresses phagocytosis in primary human macrophages. Thus, blockage of COX, e.g. by NSAID, leads to an increase of phagocytosis also in inflammatory M1-like macrophages and may shift the macrophages towards a more pro-resolving phenotype. This supports the well-described anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2024

Ex vivo DHA supplementation suppresses prostaglandin E2 formation in primary human macrophages

ScopeThere is evidence that intake of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is associated with improved prognosis for inflammatory diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are still subject of ongoing research. For this purpose, we developed an ex vivo n-3 PUFA supplementation strategy to test n-3 PUFA supplementation under controlled conditions in primary human macrophages. Methods and resultsCells were supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Quality parameters to account for possible confounders were established for a reproducible and reliable supplementation. Following supplementation, PUFA pattern of cells was shifted towards a pattern reflecting that of subjects with a high n-3 PUFA status. This was accompanied by a decrease of arachidonic acid-derived oxylipins in a dose- and time-dependent manner in favor of n-3 PUFA ones. Stimulation with LPS resulted in decreased levels of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins in the DHA-supplemented cells, but no changes in cytokines. ConclusionIn vitro supplementation studies with n-3 PUFA need rigorous controls to exclude background formation of oxylipins. By accounting for these possible confounders the desribed ex vivo approach is a promising tool for the mechanistic investigation of n-3 PUFA in primary human immune cells, offering an alternative for intervention studies in humans.

physiology↗