Decreased immunoreactive beta-endorphin in mononuclear leucocytes from patients with rheumatic diseases

Abstract

SUMMARYThe neuroendocrine polypeptide hormone beta-endorphin (f-END), which is released from various tissues including the anterior pituitary gland and cells of the immune system, has recently been implicated as having an immunoregulatory role. We used a radioimmunoassay to measure f-END levels in circulating mononuclear leucocytes from normal subjects and patients with various rheumatic diseases. Levels of f-END in leucocytes from patients were lower than in leucocytes from healthy subjects (P< 000 1). Whereas levels of f-END in leucocytes from patients with the various rheumatic disorders were not significantly different, an inverse correlation was found between f-END levels in leucocytes and expression of rheumatoid factor (P < 0 025) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0 025). This study demonstrates decreased content of f-END in cells of the immune system related to parameters of inflammatory activity in rheumatic diseases.

Increased splenocyte proliferative response and cytokine production in β-endorphin-deficient mice

“…An inhibitory role of h-endorphin on immune functions is further supported by evidence from several clinical studies and animal models. Examples of diseases in humans where h-endorphin levels are diminished are rheumatoid arthritis (Wiedermann et al, 1992), type 2 diabetes mellitus (Solerte et al, 1988), Crohn's disease (Wiedermann et al, 1994) and multiple sclerosis (Giron et al, 2000). The higher inflammatory cytokine responses in mice lacking h-endorphin suggest that the level of this peptide may be important for the onset of the inflammatory -autoimmune process, and not a consequence of its development.…”

Roles of β-Endorphin in Stress, Behavior, Neuroinflammation, and Brain Energy Metabolism

“…Mu-receptor agonists have been found to decrease intestinal inflammation in mice, with mu-receptor deficient mice experiencing dramatic increases in both inflammation and mortality [ 94 ]. In those with rheumatic diseases, which typically involve inflammation at joints, muscles or connective tissue, levels of immunoreactive β-endorphin are lower than in age-matched healthy individuals; a lack of the normal suppression provided by β-endorphins may contribute to the development and exacerbation of such disorders [ 95 ].…”

Rapamycin prevents Concanavalin A‐induced liver injury by inhibiting lymphocyte activation

“…Rapa was initially discovered as an antibiotic drug 26,27 and later on it was found to have potent immunosuppressive effects 28 . In the clinic, Rapa is able to alleviate pathology in some animal models of autoimmunity 29 and graft‐versus‐host disease, 30 and is effective for the treatment of de novo autoimmune hepatitis that develops after liver transplantation 31 . However, the therapeutic effects of Rapa in Con A‐induced liver injury have not been examined and, therefore, it remains unclear.…”