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Peptide Treatment (peptide + treatment)
Selected AbstractsA peptide from thrombospondin 1 modulates experimental erosive arthritis by regulating connective tissue growth factorARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2006Joanne M. Manns Objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with leukocyte adhesion to and extravasation through vascular endothelium into synovial tissue. Recent evidence indicates that the thrombospondin 1 gene is up-regulated in patients with RA. We have identified a region within the TSP-1 type 3 repeats that inhibits human neutrophil elastase (HNE) and binds to human neutrophils. The present study was undertaken to investigate the therapeutic benefit of this TSP-1,derived peptide sequence and its effect on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a protein involved in fibrotic disorders and in neovascularization, which is a hallmark of RA. Methods CTGF gene and protein expression, as well as protein levels of CTGF in the synovium, after treatment with the TSP-1,derived peptide were studied in the peptidoglycan,polysaccharide animal model of erosive arthritis. Results Peptide treatment prevented joint infiltration and inflammation and was associated with reduced circulating antigen levels of HNE and TSP-1. Additionally, CTGF was up-regulated in this experimental model of RA. Treatment with the TSP-1,derived peptide was associated with down-regulation of the message and protein levels of CTGF. Immunofluorescence studies showed that the mean area fraction of CTGF immunoreactivity in the peptide-treated group of animals was significantly less than that in the untreated group. Conclusion These results document a role for TSP-1 in regulating CTGF gene and protein expression in synovial tissue, suggesting a link with the disease course in this model of RA. This TSP-1,derived synthetic peptide may represent an important template for drug development in RA and other inflammatory conditions associated with neutrophil activation. [source] Wool peptide derivatives for hand careINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008C. Barba Hands experience much greater wear and tear during normal daily routines compared with most other parts of the body, and thereby demand specific needs from cosmetics targeted at hand care. Keratin proteins are the major structural component of the outer layers of the skin. In this work a novel keratin fraction from wool, which has high cystine content present in the S-sulphonated form, has been developed to target hand care applications. In vivo long-term studies were performed to evaluate the water-holding capacity and elasticity of hand skin following topical application of keratins. Moreover, protection of healthy skin against detergent-induced dermatitis was evaluated after topical application of the keratin-active formulation. Significant results in the measured biophysical parameters were found, which indicated an improvement in the skin's water-holding capacity, hydration, and elasticity for volunteers with dry skin as a result of the keratin peptide treatment. Results also indicated that the keratin peptide treatment can prevent some of the damaging effects associated with surfactant exposure. [source] A novel functional role for the highly conserved , -subunit KVGFFKR motif distinct from integrin ,IIb,3 activation processesJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 8 2006K. AYLWARD Summary.,Background: The highly conserved integrin , -subunit membrane-proximal motif KVGFFKR plays a decisive role in modulating the activation of integrin ,IIb,3. Previously, we have shown that a platelet permeable palmityl (pal)-peptide with this seven amino acid sequence can directly activate ,IIb,3 leading to platelet aggregation. Objectives: To investigate further the role of the KVGFFKR motif in integrin ,IIb,3 function. Methods: We used two sequence-specific complementary model systems, palmityl pal-peptides in platelets, and mutant ,IIb,3 -expressing Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines. Results: In platelets we show that the two phenylalanine amino acids in pal-KVGFFKR (pal-FF) peptide are critical for stimulating platelet aggregation. Pal-FF peptide treatment of platelets also gives rise to a tyrosine phosphorylation signal despite the presence of inhibitors of fibrinogen binding. In CHO cells, a double alanine substitution, ,IIb(F992A, F993A),3, induces constitutive integrin activation but prevents actin stress fiber formation upon adhesion to fibrinogen, suggesting that ,IIb,3 -mediated cytoskeletal reorganization is also dependent on F992 and F993. This further highlights a critical role for the two phenylalanine residues in both of these ,IIb,3 -mediated processes. Conclusion: In addition to regulating integrin ,IIb,3 activation state, the KVGFFKR motif also influences cytoskeletal reorganization. This activity is critically determined by F992 and F993 within the seven amino acid sequence. [source] D-TAT transporter as an ocular peptide delivery systemCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 6 2005Daniel F Schorderet MD Abstract Background:, Future treatment for genetic diseases may involve the replacement of malfunctioning genes through virus-mediated gene therapy. However, this approach is plagued with many problems, both ethical and scientific. Therefore, alternative treatments based on new molecules may represent a safer option. Molecular treatment of many eye diseases will need to bring active molecules into the photoreceptors. Recently, the trans -activator protein (TAT) human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transcriptional factor has proven to be effective in transporting molecules across cellular membranes. The half-life of these molecules does not exceed 48 hours. The potential use of the retro-inverso form of the TAT (D-TAT) peptide, the protein transducing domain of the HIV-1 transcriptional factor, as a molecular transporter was investigated. Methods:, FITC-labelled D-TAT (D-TAT FITC) was applied to the 661W murine photoreceptor cell line in culture. The labelled peptide was also injected into the vitreous body or the subretinal space of adult mice. Cells and cryosections of eyes were analysed under fluorescence microscopy at various time points after peptide treatment. Coimmunostaining with various antibodies was performed in order to characterize the transduces cells. Results:, D-TAT was effective in transducing photoreceptor cells in culture. Transduction of D-TAT FITC was also effective when injected into the vitreous or subretinal space and was observed for a longer period of time than L-TAT FITC. Conclusions:, The retro-inverso form of the TAT sequence is effective in transducing cells from various compartments of the eye. After 14 days, the D-TAT FITC was clearly visible in the retina whereas L-TAT FITC had almost disappeared. The D-TAT peptide represents an interesting molecular transporter that, when coupled to a specific effector, may have potential therapeutic future, especially when a long-lasting action is needed. [source] | ||||||||||