Herein, we demonstrate that Src homology 2-domain-containing inositol-5′-phosphatase (SHIP)-deficient murine macrophages are more sensitive to IL-4-mediated skewing to an alternatively activated phenotype. Moreover, SHIP levels are decreased in macrophages treated with IL-4 and in murine GM-CSF-derived and tumor-associated macrophages. Loss of SHIP and induction of alternatively activated macrophage markers, Ym1 and arginase

I (argI), were dependent on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity and argI induction was dependent on the class IA PI3Kp110 delta isoform. STAT6 was required to reduce SHIP protein levels, but reduced SHIP levels did not increase STAT6 phosphorylation. STAT6 transcription was inhibited by PI3K inhibitors and enhanced when SHIP was reduced using siRNA. Importantly, reducing SHIP levels enhanced, BIIB057 order whereas SHIP overexpression or blocking SHIP degradation reduced, IL-4-induced argI activity. These findings identify SHIP and the PI3K pathway as critical regulators Dinaciclib chemical structure of alternative macrophage activation and SHIP as a target for manipulation in diseases where macrophage phenotype contributes to

pathology.”
“Radioactive isotopes originating from the damaged Fukushima nuclear reactor in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 were found in resident marine animals and in migratory Pacific bluefin tuna (PBFT). Publication of this information resulted in aworldwide selleck kinase inhibitor response that caused public anxiety and concern, although PBFT captured off California in August 2011 contained activity concentrations below those from naturally occurring radionuclides. To link the radioactivity

to possible health impairments, we calculated doses, attributable to the Fukushima-derived and the naturally occurring radionuclides, to both the marine biota and human fish consumers. We showed that doses in all cases were dominated by the naturally occurring alpha-emitter Po-210 and that Fukushima-derived doses were three to four orders of magnitude below Po-210-derived doses. Doses to marine biota were about two orders of magnitude below the lowest benchmark protection level proposed for ecosystems (10 mu Gy.h(-1)). The additional dose from Fukushima radionuclides to humans consuming tainted PBFT in the United States was calculated to be 0.9 and 4.7 mu Sv for average consumers and subsistence fishermen, respectively. Such doses are comparable to, or less than, the dose all humans routinely obtain from naturally occurring radionuclides in many food items, medical treatments, air travel, or other background sources.