CRP and TNF-α Induce PAPP-A Expression in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Objective. The effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) require further investigation. Methods. The PAPP-A levels in culture supernatants, PAPP-A mRNA expression, and cellular PAPP-A expression were measured in human PBMCs isolated from fresh blood donations provided by 6 healthy volunteers (4 donations per volunteer). Analyses were conducted by ultrasensitive ELISA, western blotting, and RT-PCR following stimulation with CRP or TNF-alpha cytokines. Results. PAPP-A mRNA and protein levels after CRP stimulation peaked at 24 hours, whereas peak PAPP-A mRNA and protein levels were achieved after TNF-alpha stimulation at only 2 and 8 hours, respectively. These findings indicate the dose-dependent effect of CRP and TNF-alpha stimulation. Actinomycin D treatment completely prevented CRP and TNF-alpha induction of PAPP-A mRNA and protein expression. Additionally, nuclear factor- (NF-) kappa B inhibitor (BAY11-7082) potently inhibited both CRP and TNF-alpha stimulated PAPP-A mRNA and protein expression. Conclusions. Human PBMCs are capable of expressing PAPP-A in vitro, expression that may be regulated by CRP and TNF-alpha through the NF-kappa B pathway. This mechanism may play a significant role in the observed increase of serum PAPP-A levels in acute coronary syndrome (ACS).