Activin A is a critical component of the inflammatory response, and its binding protein, follistatin, reduces mortality in endotoxemia.

ABSTRACT: Activin A is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, which we have identified as having a role in inflammatory responses. We show that circulating levels of activin increase rapidly after LPS-induced challenge through activation of Toll-like receptor 4 and the key adaptor protein, MyD88. Treatment with the activin-binding protein, follistatin, alters the profiles of TNF, IL-1beta, and IL-6 after LPS stimulation, indicating that activin modulates the release of several key proinflammatory cytokines. Further, mice administered one 10-mug dose of follistatin to block activin effects have increased survival after a lethal dose of LPS, and the circulating levels of activin correlate with survival outcome. These findings demonstrate activin A's crucial role in the inflammato

SUBMITTER: Jones KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2042191 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature