Here, we investigated the ability of IFN-γ to modulate the functions of mouse neutrophils in vitro. Neutrophils incubated in the presence of IFN-γ showed enhanced phagocytosis in response to zymosan, opsonized zymosan or precipitated immune complexes of IgG and ovalbumin. The effect of IFN-γ was dose-dependent with an initial response at 10 U/ml and a maximal response at 150 U/ml; 2 h of incubation were required to reach the optimal response level. These stimuli can also induce IFN-γ-pretreated neutrophils to release reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid, as well as granule lysosomal enzymes and the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. We found that increased expression of FcγR, dectin-1 and complement receptors (CRs) correlated with these effects in these cells. The enhancing effect of IFN-γ on the respiratory burst was found to be associated with up-regulation of the gp91(phox) and p47(phox) subunits of NADPH oxidase, as measured by their mRNA levels. The enhancing effect of IFN-γ on phagocytosis and ROS release may not only be relevant for the efficient killing of invading microorganisms, but may also produce oxidative stress on adjacent cells, resulting in a possible inflammatory role that could also be favored by the liberation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6.

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Experimental and clinical evidence shows that neutrophils play an important role in the mechanism of tissue injury in immune complex diseases through the generation of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we examined the influence of academic psychological stress in post-graduate students on the capacity of their blood neutrophils to release superoxide when stimulated by immune complexes bound to nonphagocytosable surfaces and investigated the modulatory effect of cortisol on this immune function. The tests were performed on the day before the final examination. The state-trait anxiety inventory questionnaire was used to examine whether this stressful event caused emotional distress. In our study, the psychological stress not only increased plasma cortisol concentration, but it also provoked a reduction in superoxide release by neutrophils. This decrease in superoxide release was accompanied by diminished mRNA expression for subunit p47(phox) of the phagocyte superoxide-generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase. These inhibitory effects were also observed by in vitro exposure of neutrophils from control volunteers to 10(- 7) M hydrocortisone, and could be prevented by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU-486. These results show that in a situation of psychological stress, the increased levels of cortisol could inhibit superoxide release by neutrophils stimulated by IgG immune complexes bound to nonphagocytosable surfaces, which could attenuate the inflammatory state.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly disabling disease that affects all structures of the joint and significantly impacts on morbidity and mortality in RA patients. RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the joint associated with infiltration of immune cells. Eighty to 90% of the leukocytes infiltrating the synovia are neutrophils. The specific role that neutrophils play in the onset of RA is not clear, but recent studies have evidenced that they have an important participation in joint damage and disease progression through the release of proteolytic enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokines, and neutrophil extracellular traps, in particular during frustrated phagocytosis of immune complexes (ICs). In addition, the local and systemic activation of the complement system contributes to the pathogenesis of RA and other IC-mediated diseases. This review discusses (i) the participation of Fcγ and complement receptors in mediating the effector functions of neutrophils in RA; (ii) the contribution of the complement system and ROS-dependent and ROS-independent mechanisms to joint damage in RA; and (iii) the use of plant extracts, dietary compounds, and isolated natural compounds in the treatment of RA, focusing on modulation of the effector functions of neutrophils and the complement system activity and/or activation.

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Overall, as compared to C, milk biofortification was associated with stabilization of the activity of alternative complement pathway and the neutrophils burst, and modulated different cytokines levels.

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