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Systemic Infusion (systemic + infusion)
Selected AbstractsSystemic infusion of angiotensin II exacerbates liver fibrosis in bile duct,ligated rats,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Ramón Bataller Recent evidence indicates that the renin,angiotensin system (RAS) plays a major role in liver fibrosis. Here, we investigate whether the circulatory RAS, which is frequently activated in patients with chronic liver disease, contributes to fibrosis progression. To test this hypothesis, we increased circulatory angiotensin II (Ang II) levels in rats undergoing biliary fibrosis. Saline or Ang II (25 ng/kg/h) were infused into bile duct,ligated rats for 2 weeks through a subcutaneous pump. Ang II infusion increased serum levels of Ang II and augmented bile duct ligation,induced liver injury, as assessed by elevated liver serum enzymes. Moreover, it increased the hepatic concentration of inflammatory proteins (tumor necrosis factor , and interleukin 1,) and the infiltration of CD43-positive inflammatory cells. Ang II infusion also favored the development of vascular thrombosis and increased the procoagulant activity of tissue factor in the liver. Livers from bile duct,ligated rats infused with Ang II showed increased transforming growth factor ,1 content, collagen deposition, accumulation of smooth muscle ,-actin,positive cells, and lipid peroxidation products. Moreover, Ang II infusion stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase and increased proliferation of bile duct cells. In cultured rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Ang II (10,8 mol/L) increased intracellular calcium and stimulated reactive oxygen species formation, cellular proliferation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, Ang II stimulated the procoagulant activity of HSCs, a newly described biological function for these cells. In conclusion, increased systemic Ang II augments hepatic fibrosis and promotes inflammation, oxidative stress, and thrombogenic events. (HEPATOLOGY 2005;41:1046,1055.) [source] Treatment of experimental arthritis by inducing immune tolerance with human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cellsARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 4 2009Manuel A. González Objective Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by loss of immunologic self tolerance and characterized by chronic joint inflammation. Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were recently found to suppress effector T cell responses and to have beneficial effects in various immune disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine a new therapeutic strategy for RA based on the administration of human adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs). Methods DBA/1 mice with collagen-induced arthritis were treated with human AD-MSCs after disease onset, and clinical scores were determined. Inflammatory response was determined by measuring the levels of different mediators of inflammation in the joints and serum. The Th1-mediated autoreactive response was evaluated by determining the proliferative response and cytokine profile of draining lymph node cells stimulated with the autoantigen. The number of Treg cells and the suppressive capacity on self-reactive Th1 cells were also determined. Results Systemic infusion of human AD-MSCs significantly reduced the incidence and severity of experimental arthritis. This therapeutic effect was mediated by down-regulating the 2 deleterious disease components: the Th1-driven autoimmune and inflammatory responses. Human AD-MSCs decreased the production of various inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, decreased antigen-specific Th1/Th17 cell expansion, and induced the production of antiinflammatory interleukin-10 in lymph nodes and joints. Human AD-MSCs also induced de novo generation of antigen-specific CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells with the capacity to suppress self-reactive T effector responses. Conclusion Human AD-MSCs emerge as key regulators of immune tolerance by inducing the generation/activation of Treg cells and are thus attractive candidates for a cell-based therapy for RA. [source] Cell-based immunotherapy with mesenchymal stem cells cures bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw,like disease in miceJOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2010Takashi Kikuiri Abstract Patients on high-dose bisphosphonate and immunosuppressive therapy have an increased risk of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ); despite the disease severity, its pathophysiology remains unknown, and appropriate therapy is not established. Here we have developed a mouse model of BRONJ-like disease that recapitulates major clinical and radiographic manifestations of the human disease, including characteristic features of an open alveolar socket, exposed necrotic bone or sequestra, increased inflammatory infiltrates, osseous sclerosis, and radiopaque alveolar bone. We show that administration of zoledronate, a potent aminobisphosphonate, and dexamethasone, an immunosuppressant drug, causes BRONJ-like disease in mice in part by suppressing the adaptive regulatory T cells, Tregs, and activating the inflammatory T-helper-producing interleukin 17 cells, Th17. Most interestingly, we demonstrate that systemic infusion with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) prevents and cures BRONJ-like disease possibly via induction of peripheral tolerance, shown as an inhibition of Th17 and increase in Treg cells. The suppressed Tregs/Th17 ratio in zoledronate- and dexamethasone-treated mice is restored in mice undergoing salvage therapy with Tregs. These findings provide evidence of an immunity-based mechanism of BRONJ-like disease and support the rationale for in vivo immunomodulatory therapy using Tregs or MSCs to treat BRONJ. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research [source] In Vivo Labeling of Mitochondrial Complex I (NADH:UbiquinoneOxidoreductase) in Rat Brain Using [3H]DihydrorotenoneJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2000Deepa J. Talpade Abstract: Defects in mitochondrial energy metabolism have beenimplicated in several neurodegenerative disorders. Defective complex I(NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) activity plays a key role in Leber'shereditary optic neuropathy and, possibly, Parkinson's disease, but there isno way to assess this enzyme in the living brain. We previously described anin vitro quantitative autoradiographic assay using[3H]dihydrorotenone ([3H]DHR) binding to complex I. Wehave now developed an in vivo autoradiographic assay for complex I using[3H]DHR binding after intravenous administration. In vivo[3H]DHR binding was regionally heterogeneous, and brain uptake wasrapid. Binding was enriched in neurons compared with glia, and white matterhad the lowest levels of binding. In vivo [3H]DHR binding wasmarkedly reduced by local and systemic infusion of rotenone and was enhancedby local NADH administration. There was an excellent correlation betweenregional levels of in vivo [3H]DHR binding and the in vitroactivities of complex II (succinate dehydrogenase) and complex IV (cytochromeoxidase), suggesting that the stoichiometry of these components of theelectron transport chain is relatively constant across brain regions. Theability to assay complex I in vivo should provide a valuable tool toinvestigate the status of this mitochondrial enzyme in the living brain andsuggests potential imaging techniques for complex I in humans. [source] Influence of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on pulmonary O2 uptake kinetics during supra-maximal exercise in humansTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2004Daryl P. Wilkerson We have recently reported that inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) with NG -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester (l -NAME) accelerates the ,phase II' pulmonary O2 uptake kinetics following the onset of moderate and heavy intensity submaximal exercise in humans. These data suggest that the influence of nitric oxide (NO) on mitochondrial function is an important factor in the inertia to aerobic respiration that is evident in the transition from a lower to a higher metabolic rate. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of l -NAME on pulmonary kinetics following the onset of supra-maximal exercise, where it has been suggested that O2 availability represents an additional limitation to kinetics. Seven healthy young men volunteered to participate in this study. Following an incremental cycle ergometer test for the determination of , the subjects returned on two occasions to perform a ,step' exercise test from a baseline of unloaded cycling to a work rate calculated to require 105%, preceded either by systemic infusion of l -NAME (4 mg kg,1 in 50 ml saline) or 50 ml saline as a control (Con). Pulmonary gas exchange was measured on a breath-by-breath basis throughout the exercise tests. The duration of ,phase I' was greater with l -NAME (Con: 14.0 ± 2.1 versusl -NAME: 16.0 ± 1.6 s; P= 0.03), suggestive of a slower cardiovascular adaptation following the onset of exercise. However, the phase II time constant was reduced by 44% with l -NAME (Con: 36.3 ± 17.3 versusl -NAME: 20.4 ± 8.3 s; P= 0.01). The accumulation of blood lactate during exercise was also reduced with l -NAME (Con: 4.0 ± 1.1 versusl -NAME: 2.7 ± 2.1 mm; P= 0.04). These data indicate that skeletal muscle NO production represents an important limitation to the acceleration of oxidative metabolism following the onset of supra-maximal exercise in humans. [source] Radioembolization with selective internal radiation microspheres for neuroendocrine liver metastases,CANCER, Issue 5 2008Julie King MPH Abstract BACKGROUND. There are limited effective treatment options available and a poor 5-year survival for patients with inoperable neuroendocrine liver metastases (NETLMs). In this study, the authors prospectively assessed the safety and efficacy of treatment with yttrium 90 (90Y) radioactive microspheres for patients with unresectable NETLMs. METHODS. Radioactive 90Y resin microspheres (selective internal radiation [SIR-Spheres]) were administered through a temporarily placed percutaneous hepatic artery catheter concomitantly with a 7-day systemic infusion of 5-fluorouracil to patients with progressive, unresectable NETLMs. Patients were monitored prospectively, and the response to treatment was measured by using cancer markers and tumor size on computed tomography imaging studies. RESULTS. Thirty-four patients (22 men) with a mean age 61 years (range, 32-79 years) who had unresectable NETLMs were treated between December 2003 and December 2005. The mean (±standard error) follow-up was 35.2 ± 3.2 months. The site of the primary neuroendocrine tumor was the bronchus in 1 patient, the medullary thyroid in 2 patients, gastrointestinal in 15 patients, the pancreas in 8 patients, and of unknown origin in 8 patients. The tumors were classified as vipoma (1 tumor), somatostatinoma (1 tumor), glucagonoma (2 tumors), large cell (3 tumors), carcinoid (25 tumors), and of unknown origin (2 tumors). Complications after 90Y radioembolization included abdominal pain, which was mild to severe; nausea and fever; and lethargy that lasted from 1 week to 1 month. Two patients developed biopsy-proven radiation gastritis, 1 patient developed a duodenal ulcer, and there was 1 early death from liver dysfunction and pneumonia. Subjective changes from recorded baseline hormone symptoms were reported every 3 months. Symptomatic responses were observed in 18 of 33 patients (55%) at 3 months and in 16 of 32 patients (50%) at 6 months. Radiologic liver responses were observed in 50% of patients and included 6 (18%) complete responses and 11 (32%) partial responses, and the mean overall survival was 29.4 ± 3.4 months). In patients who had evaluable chromogranin A (CgA) marker levels, there was a fall in CgA marker levels after 90Y radioembolization in 19 patients (26%) at 1 month, in 19 patients (41%) at 3 months, in 15 patients (43%) at 6 months, in 11 patients (42%) at 12 months, in 8 patients (38%) at 24 months, and in 3 patients (46%) at 30 months. CONCLUSIONS. In this open study of 34 patients, the results demonstrated that radioembolization with 90Y resin microspheres can achieve relatively long-term responses in some patients with nonresectable NETLMs. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society. [source] Effect of systemic moxaverine on ocular blood flow in humansACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 7 2009Hemma Resch Abstract. Purpose:, A number of common eye diseases are associated with ocular perfusion abnormalities. The present study aimed to investigate whether systemically administered moxaverine improves ocular blood flow. Methods:, Sixteen healthy volunteers were studied in this randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover study. Moxaverine in a dose of 150 mg was administered i.v. Ocular haemodynamic parameters were measured before and after drug administration. Retinal arterial and venous diameters were measured with a retinal vessel analyser. Retinal blood velocity was assessed using laser Doppler velocimetry and choroidal and optic nerve head blood flow was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry. Results:, Moxaverine increased choroidal blood flow (22.6 ± 27.9%), an effect which was significant versus placebo (p = 0.015). Red blood cell velocity in retinal veins tended to increase by 13.6 ± 13.3% after infusion of moxaverine, but this effect was not significant compared with placebo (p = 0.25). In the optic nerve head moxaverine also tended to increase blood flow (11.8 ± 12.7%), but, again, this effect was not significant versus placebo (p = 0.12). Neither moxaverine nor placebo had an effect on retinal arterial diameters. In retinal veins moxaverine tended to induce vasodilation (2.6 ± 2.8%) and to increase blood flow (19.6 ± 16.5%), but these effects were not significant (both p = 0.12). Conclusions:, The present study indicates an increase in choroidal blood flow after systemic infusion of a single dose of moxaverine in healthy subjects. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether these effects are also seen after longterm treatment in patients with ocular vascular disease. [source] Caffeine does not attenuate experimentally induced ischemic pain in healthy subjectsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 10 2009J. DELLERMALM Background and aims: Caffeine is likely the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world. It is also an analgesic adjuvant and has individual analgesic properties. The latter effect has been attributed to adenosine receptor antagonism, but the site of action is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic properties of caffeine on experimentally induced ischemic pain and to attempt to elucidate whether the site of action is central or peripheral. Materials and methods: Seventeen healthy subjects received intravenous (i.v.) regional and systemic infusions of caffeine at 10 mg/kg or placebo in a double-blind, crossover fashion to investigate the site of action for caffeine-induced analgesia. Subjects underwent a sub-maximum effort tourniquet test. Pain scores [visual analogue scale (VAS), 0,100] were assessed every minute up to a maximum of 45 min. Results: The sum of pain scores (SPS, accumulation of VAS scores) was attenuated neither by systemic 2405 (±234) nor by i.v. regional caffeine 2427 (±190) as compared with placebo 2442 (±205), P=0.99 (mean±SEM). Time to maximal VAS score did not differ significantly between treatments, P=0.94. There was no correlation between caffeine concentration in plasma and time to maximal pain score, or between SPS and plasma concentration. Conclusion: Caffeine does not have an analgesic effect on ischemic pain, either by a peripheral or by a central site of action. [source] |