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Selected AbstractsIrradiated cultured apoptotic peripheral blood mononuclear cells regenerate infarcted myocardiumEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 6 2009H. J. Ankersmit Abstract Background, Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is followed by post AMI cardiac remodelling, often leading to congestive heart failure. Homing of c-kit+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) has been thought to be the optimal source for regenerating infarcted myocardium. Methods, Immune function of viable peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was evaluated after co-culture with irradiated apoptotic PBMC (IA-PBMC) in vitro. Viable PBMC, IA-PBMC and culture supernatants (SN) thereof were obtained after 24 h. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were utilized to quantify interleukin-8 (IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) in PBMC, SN and SN exposed fibroblasts. Cell suspensions of viable- and IA-PBMC were infused in an experimental rat AMI model. Immunohistological analysis was performed to detect inflammatory and pro-angiogenic cells within 72 h post-infarction. Functional data and determination of infarction size were quantified by echocardiography and Elastica van Gieson staining. Results, The IA-PBMC attenuated immune reactivity and resulted in secretion of pro-angiogenic IL-8 and MMP9 in vitro. Fibroblasts exposed to viable and IA-PBMC derived SN caused RNA increment of IL-8 and MMP9. AMI rats that were infused with IA-PBMC cell suspension evidenced enhanced homing of endothelial progenitor cells within 72 h as compared to control (medium alone, viable-PBMC). Echocardiography showed a significant reduction in infarction size and improvement in post AMI remodelling as evidenced by an attenuated loss of ejection fraction. Conclusion, These data indicate that infusion of IA-PBMC cell suspension in experimental AMI circumvented inflammation, caused preferential homing of regenerative EPC and replaced infarcted myocardium. [source] Pigment epithelium-derived factor supports normal Müller cell development and glutamine synthetase expression after removal of the retinal pigment epitheliumGLIA, Issue 1 2001Monica M. Jablonski Abstract In conditions in which the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is dystrophic, carries a genetic mutation, or is removed physically, Müller cells undergo degenerative changes that contribute to the retinal pathology. We previously demonstrated that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a glycoprotein secreted by the RPE cells with neuroprotective and differentiation properties, protects against photoreceptor degeneration induced by RPE removal. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the putative gliosupportive activity of PEDF on Müller cells of RPE-deprived retinas and assess whether protection of Müller cells was correlated with improved photoreceptor outer segment assembly. Eyes were dissected from Xenopus laevis tadpoles, and the RPE was removed before culturing in medium containing purified PEDF, PEDF plus anti-PEDF, or medium alone. Control eyes matured with an adherent RPE or in medium containing PEDF plus nonimmune serum. Müller cell ultrastructure was examined. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and glutamine synthetase were localized immunocytochemically, and the corresponding protein levels were quantified. In control retinas, Müller cells were structurally intact and formed adherens junctions with neighboring photoreceptors. In addition, they did not express GFAP, whereas glutamine synthetase expression was high. RPE removal dramatically altered the ultrastructure and biosynthetic activity of Müller cells; Müller cells failed to form adherens junctions with photoreceptors and glutamine synthetase expression was suppressed. PEDF prevented the degenerative glial response; Müller cells were ultrastructurally normal and formed junctional complexes with photoreceptors. PEDF also preserved the expression of glutamine synthetase at near-normal levels. The morphogenetic effects of PEDF were blocked by the anti-PEDF antibody. Our study documents the glioprotective effects of PEDF and suggests that maintenance of the proper Müller cell ultrastructure and expression of glutamine synthetase may be necessary to support the proper assembly of photoreceptor outer segments. GLIA 35:14,25, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Anti-inflammatory role of interleukin-15 in Crohn's diseaseINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 3 2005Manuel A Silva MD Abstract Background: Interleukin (IL)-15 is overexpressed in intestinal tissue with active Crohn's disease (CD). However, its role in the pathogenesis of the disease remains uncertain. We studied the effects of IL-15 on colonic mucosal proinflammatory cytokine response in vitro using organ culture of human colonic explants. Methods: Colonic tissue was obtained from (1) resections in pediatric CD patients (inflamed and noninflamed) and (2) rectal biopsies in patients with CD undergoing colonoscopy (n = 31) and controls (n = 9). In preliminary experiments, explants from the resections were cultured in the presence or absence of a simulated TH1 stimulation using ionomycin (Io) and phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA), with or without IL-15, or in medium alone. Rectal biopsies were cultured in the same conditions as above, with or without adding a monoclonal anti-IL-15 neutralizing antibody (mAb). Levels of interferon (IFN)-,, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-,, and IL-2R, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: IL-15, in the absence of Io + PMA, did not induce the expression of IFN-,, TNF-,, or IL-2R,. Only inflamed explants from resections stimulated with Io + PMA expressed IFN-,, TNF-,, and IL-2R,. This TH1 stimulatory effect was inhibited by IL-15 in a dose-dependent fashion. In rectal biopsy explants, inflamed, noninflamed CD, and control tissue responded to stimulation with Io + PMA (P < 0.05) with increased IFN-, and TNF-, (P < 0.05). This response was again inhibited by IL-15. The inhibitory effect of IL-15 was specifically reversed by anti-IL-15 mAb (P < 0.05). The data for the CD group were also analyzed according to the severity of colonic inflammation and medication use. Conclusions: Our results suggest a possible anti-inflammatory role for IL-15 in CD. We postulate that its overexpression in CD potentially represents a protective mechanism against the exaggerated TH1 immune response. [source] Methyl tert -butyl ether (MTBE)-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in isolated rat spermatogenic cellsJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Dongmei Li Abstract Methyl tert -butyl ether (MTBE) is a class of synthetic organic chemical. In the USA, MTBE pollution is regarded as a serious environmental problem. The objective of the present study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects and oxidative stress induced by MTBE in isolated rat spermatogenic cells. In cytotoxic experiments, spermatogenic cells isolated from the testes of adult Sprague-Dawley rats by a mechanical procedure without the use of trypsin were incubated with medium alone (control), 0.5, 5, 50 mm MTBE, respectively, for 6, 12 and 18 h. MTT assay, staining with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI) and flow cytometric analyses were used. In oxidative stress experiments, the spermatogenic cells were incubated with medium alone (control) and with 0.5, 50 ,m, 5 mm MTBE. For 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 h incubation, ROS production was tested using a 2,,7,-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCHF-DA) probe; for 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 h incubation, cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and extracellular SOD (SODEX) activity was assessed; and for 18 h incubation, lipid peroxidation was assessed. The results showed that MTBE at high doses significantly decreased the spermatogenic cell viability and increased plasma membrane damage and the ratio of necrotic cells compared with the control. Assessment of the MTBE-induced oxidative stress revealed that MTBE increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced lipid peroxidation. In addition, although SODEX activity increased at a high dose level, cytosolic SOD activity decreased. These results suggest that an increase of MTBE-induced ROS production and an enhancement of membrane lipid peroxidation may play an important role in its cytotoxicity in isolated rat spermatogenic cells. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Functional hepatic recovery after xenotransplantation of cryopreserved fetal liver cells or soluble cell-factor administration in a cirrhotic rat model: Are viable cells necessary?JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 7pt2 2008Olga V Ochenashko Abstract Background and Aim:, Chronic liver failure results in the decrease of the number of functioning hepatocytes. It dictates the necessity of using exogenous viable cells or/and agents that can stimulate hepatic regenerative processes. Fetal liver contains both hepatic and hematopoietic stem cells with high proliferative potential, which may replace damaged cells. Also, immature cells produce fetal-specific factors which may support the injured liver. Our aim was to test the ability of human fetal liver cells and cell-free fetal-specific factors of non-hepatic origin to stimulate recovery processes in an experimental model of carbon tetrachloride,induced cirrhosis in rats. Methods:, Cirrhotic rats were intrasplenically injected with fetal liver cells (1 × 107 cells/0.3 mL medium) or cell-free fetal-specific factors (0.3 mL/1 mg protein). Control groups received medium alone. Serum indexes, hepatic functions, and morphology were evaluated for 15 days. Result:, Human fetal liver cell transplantation was shown to abrogate the mortality of cirrhotic animals, to improve serum markers, and to restore liver mitochondrial function and detoxification. Morphological patterns of liver recovery were observed by histology. In comparison, an injection of fetal-specific factors produced similar functional recovery, whilst a more limited liver regeneration was observed by histology. Conclusions:, The positive effects of fetal liver cell and cell-free fetal-specific factors in experimental cirrhosis may result from the presence of stage-specific factors activating hepatocellular repair. [source] IL-1 Activity is Expressed Differently During Pregnancy in the Rat Uterine Artery than in Aortic or Uterine TissuesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2002Mahmoud Huleihel PROBLEM:,Uterine artery was shown to be unique in its capacity to change in size and function during pregnancy. As interleukin-1 (IL-1) was shown to be involved in reproduction processes, the aim of this study was to determine the levels of IL-1 activity of the uterine artery tissue in pregnant rat. METHOD OF STUDY:,Nine virgins and nine midpregnant rats were selected. Both uterine arteries were obtained, together with reference tissues from aorta and uterus. The levels of IL-1 were examined in the above tissues after culturing with media alone (control; CT), and media that contained stimulants like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-,) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IL-1-like activity was evaluated by its capacity to promote the culture growth of 1A-5 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte derived (CTLD) cell lines. This activity was expressed as optical density (OD)/mg protein of the examined organ. RESULTS:,Uterine artery tissue, of pregnant rats, cultured in medium alone produced significantly higher levels of IL-1 than uterine artery of virgin animals under the same conditions (16.2 S.E. 1.3 versus 0.6 S.E. 0.05 OD/mg protein, respectively; P < 0.02). Stimulation of uterine artery in vitro by LPS and TNF increased their capacity to secrete IL-1. In comparison with uterine artery, aorta produced higher levels of IL-1 in virgin rats compared with pregnant rats (13.6 S.E. 1.2 versus 1.6 S.E. 0.1; P < 0.02). Stimulation of aorta tissues (from both virgin and pregnant rats) with LPS, in vitro, significantly decreased their capacity to secrete IL-1 (P < 0.04). Stimulation of aorta tissues from virgin rats with TNF-,, in vitro, did not change their capacity to secrete IL-1 activity. However, stimulation of aorta tissues from pregnant rats with TNF-, decreased the secretion of bioactive IL-1. The levels of IL-1 produced by uterine tissues from virgin and pregnant rats were similar, and stimulation with either LPS or TNF-, significantly decreased their capacity to secrete IL-1 (P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS:,The high level of IL-1 activity detected during pregnancy in the uterine artery may suggest its unique involvement in the changes occurring throughout pregnancy in those blood vessels. [source] Development of an ex vivo cellular model of rheumatoid arthritis: Critical role of cd14-positive monocyte/macrophages in the development of pannus tissueARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 9 2007Toshiko Nozaki Objective To establish an ex vivo cellular model of pannus, the aberrant overgrowth of human synovial tissue (ST). Methods Inflammatory cells that infiltrated pannus tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were collected without enzyme digestion, and designated as ST-derived inflammatory cells. Single-cell suspensions of ST-derived inflammatory cells were cultured in medium alone. Levels of cytokines produced in culture supernatants were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. ST-derived inflammatory cells were transferred into the joints of immunodeficient mice to explore whether these cells could develop pannus. CD14 and CD2 cells were depleted by negative selection. Results Culture of ST-derived inflammatory cells from 92 of 111 patients with RA resulted in spontaneous reconstruction of inflammatory tissue in vitro within 4 weeks. Ex vivo tissue contained fibroblasts, macrophages, T cells, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase,positive multinucleated cells. On calcium phosphate,coated slides, ST-derived inflammatory cell cultures showed numerous resorption pits. ST-derived inflammatory cell cultures continuously produced matrix metalloproteinase 9 and proinflammatory cytokines associated with osteoclastogenesis, such as tumor necrosis factor ,, interleukin-8, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor. More importantly, transferring ST-derived inflammatory cells into the joints of immunodeficient mice resulted in the development of pannus tissue and erosive joint lesions. Both in vitro development and in vivo development of pannus tissue by ST-derived inflammatory cells were inhibited by depleting CD14-positive, but not CD2-positive, cells from ST-derived inflammatory cells. Conclusion These findings suggest that overgrowth of inflammatory cells from human rheumatoid synovium simulates the development of pannus. This may prove informative in the screening of potential antirheumatic drugs. [source] Modulation of cell adhesion and viability of cultured murine bone marrow cells by arsenobetaine, a major organic arsenic compound in marine animalsBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Teruaki Sakurai In this study, we investigated the biological effects of trimethyl (carboxymethyl) arsonium zwitterion, namely arsenobetaine (AsBe), which is a major organic arsenic compound in marine animals using murine bone marrow (BM) cells and compared them with those of an inorganic arsenical, sodium arsenite, in vitro. Sodium arsenite showed strong cytotoxicity in BM cells, and its IC50 was 6 ,M. In contrast, AsBe significantly enhanced the viability of BM cells in a dose-dependent manner during a 72-h incubation; about a twofold increase in the viability of cells compared with that of control cells cultured with the medium alone was observed with a ,M level of AsBe. In morphological investigations, AsBe enhanced the numbers of large mature adherent cells, especially granulocytes, during a 72-h BM culture. When BM cells were cultured together with AsBe and a low dose (1 u ml,1) of recombinant murine granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rMu GM-CSF), significant additive-like increasing effects were observed on the numbers of both granulocytes and macrophages originated from BM cells. However, AsBe did not cause proliferation of BM cells at all as determined by colony-forming assay using a gelatious medium. These findings demonstrate the unique and potent biological effects in mammalian cells of AsBe, a major organic arsenic compound in various marine animals which are ingested daily as seafood in many countries. British Journal of Pharmacology (2001) 132, 143,150; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703790 [source] |