Induction of the cytokine TWEAK and its receptor Fn14 in ischemic stroke.

Abstract

Stroke outcome is determined by delayed neuronal cell death and edema formation. TWEAK, a cytokine of the TNF superfamily, and its membrane receptor Fn14 promote ischemia-induced neuronal apoptosis and leakage of the blood-brain barrier. Both TWEAK and Fn14 are upregulated in experimental stroke models. In this study, we investigated whether TWEAK and Fn14 are upregulated in stroke patients. We measured serum concentrations of TWEAK in stroke patients and matched control subjects by ELISA. Expression of Fn14 in the brain was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. TWEAK serum concentrations were elevated in stroke patients. In autopsy samples, we found elevated mRNA levels of the receptor Fn14 and a trend towards higher TWEAK mRNA levels. In the infarcted and peri-infarct tissue immunostaining for Fn14 was enhanced. These data show that the cytokine TWEAK and its membrane receptor Fn14 are upregulated in stroke and suggest that they contribute to stroke outcome.

• Authors: Ioana Inta, Katrin Frauenknecht, Henrike Dörr, Patricia Kohlhof, Tanja Rabsilber, Gerd U Auffarth, Linda Burkly, Michel Mittelbronn, Kyungmin Hahm, Clemens Sommer, Markus Schwaninger
• Journal: Journal of the neurological sciences (J Neurol Sci) Vol. 275 Issue 1-2 Pg. 117-20 (Dec 15 2008) ISSN: 0022-510X [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 18793781 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cytokine TWEAK
• RNA, Messenger
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
• TNFRSF12A protein, human
• TNFSF12 protein, human
• TWEAK Receptor
• Tumor Necrosis Factors

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Brain (metabolism)
• Case-Control Studies
• Cytokine TWEAK
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (methods)
• Female
• Functional Laterality
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• RNA, Messenger (metabolism)
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor (genetics, metabolism)
• Stroke (metabolism, pathology, physiopathology)
• TWEAK Receptor
• Tumor Necrosis Factors (blood)
• Up-Regulation (physiology)