Disruption of survivin protein expression by treatment with YM155 accelerates the resolution of neutrophilic inflammation.

Background and purpose: Prolonged survival of neutrophils is essential for determining the progression and severity of inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders, including gouty arthritis. Survivin, an anti-apoptotic molecule, has been described as a regulator of cell survival. This study aims to examine the effects of YM155 treatment, a survivin selective suppressant, in maintaining neutrophil survival in vitro and in vivo experimental settings of neutrophilic inflammation.

Experimental approach: BALB/c mice were injected with monosodium urate (MSU) crystals and treated with YM155 (intra-articularly) at the peak of inflammatory response. Leukocyte recruitment, apoptosis neutrophil and efferocytosis were determined by knee joint wash cell morphology counting and flow cytometry. Resolution interval (Ri) was quantified by neutrophil infiltration, monitoring the amplitude and duration of the inflammation. Cytokine production was measured by ELISA. Mechanical hypernociception was assessed using an electronic von Frey aesthesiometer. Efferocytosis was evaluated in zymosan-induced neutrophilic peritonitis. Survivin and cleaved caspase-3 expression was determined in human neutrophils by flow cytometry.

Key results: Survivin was expressed in neutrophils during MSU-induced gout, and the treatment with YM155 reduced survivin expression and shortened Ri from ∼8 h observed in vehicle-treated mice to ∼5.5 h, effect accompanied by increased neutrophil apoptosis and efferocytosis, both crucial for the inflammation resolution. Reduced IL-1β and CXCL1 levels were also observed in periarticular tissue. YM155 reduced histopathological score and hypernociceptive response. In human neutrophils, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased survivin expression, whereas survivin inhibition with YM155 induced neutrophil apoptosis, with activation of caspase-3.

Conclusions and implications: Survivin may be a promising therapeutic target to control neutrophilic inflammation.