Mechanical stability and fibrinolytic resistance of clots containing fibrin, DNA, and histones

Neutrophil extracellular traps are networks of DNA and associated proteins produced by nucleosome release from activated neutrophils in response to infection stimuli and have recently been identified as key mediators between innate immunity, inflammation, and hemostasis. The interaction of DNA and histones with a number of hemostatic factors has been shown to promote clotting and is associated with increased thrombosis, but little is known about the effects of DNA and histones on the regulation of fibrin stability and fibrinolysis. Here we demonstrate that the addition of histone-DNA complexes to fibrin results in thicker fibers (increase in median diameter from 84 to 123 nm according to scanning electron microscopy data) accompanied by improved stability and rigidity (the critical shear stress causing loss of fibrin viscosity increases from 150 to 376 Pa whereas the storage modulus of the gel increases from 62 to 82 pascals according to oscillation rheometric data). The effects of DNA and histones alone are subtle and suggest that histones affect clot structure whereas DNA changes the way clots are lysed. The combination of histones + DNA significantly prolongs clot lysis. Isothermal titration and confocal microscopy studies suggest that histones and DNA bind large fibrin degradation products with 191 and 136 nm dissociation constants, respectively, interactions that inhibit clot lysis. Heparin, which is known to interfere with the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, appears to prolong lysis time at a concentration favoring ternary histone-DNA-heparin complex formation, and DNase effectively promotes clot lysis in combination with tissue plasminogen activator.

Innovation in detection of microparticles and exosomes

Cell-derived or extracellular vesicles, including microparticles and exosomes, are abundantly present in body fluids such as blood. Although such vesicles have gained strong clinical and scientific interest, their detection is difficult because many vesicles are extremely small with a diameter of less than 100 nm, and, moreover, these vesicles have a low refractive index and are heterogeneous in both size and composition. In this review, we focus on the relatively high throughput detection of vesicles in suspension by flow cytometry, resistive pulse sensing, and nanoparticle tracking analysis, and we will discuss their applicability and limitations. Finally, we discuss four methods that are not commercially available: Raman microspectroscopy, micro nuclear magnetic resonance, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and anomalous SAXS. These methods are currently being explored to study vesicles and are likely to offer novel information for future developments.

Extracellular vesicles from human plasma and serum are carriers of extravesicular cargo-Implications for biomarker discovery

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in human blood are a potential source of biomarkers. To which extent anticoagulation affects their concentration, cellular origin and protein composition is largely unexplored. To study this, blood from 23 healthy subjects was collected in acid citrate dextrose (ACD), citrate or EDTA, or without anticoagulation to obtain serum. EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation or by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) for fluorescence-SEC. EVs were analyzed by micro flow cytometry, NTA, TEM, Western blot, and protein mass spectrometry. The plasma EV concentration was unaffected by anticoagulants, but serum contained more platelet EVs. The protein composition of plasma EVs differed between anticoagulants, and between plasma and serum. Comparison to other studies further revealed that the shared EV protein composition resembles the “protein corona” of synthetic nanoparticles incubated in plasma or serum. In conclusion, we have validated a higher concentration of platelet EVs in serum than plasma by contemporary EV methods. Anticoagulation should be carefully described (i) to enable study comparison, (ii) to utilize available sample cohorts, and (iii) when preparing/selecting biobank samples. Further, the similarity of the EV protein corona and that of nanoparticles implicates that EVs carry both intravesicular and extravesicular cargo, which will expand their applicability for biomarker discovery.

Extra-Mediterranean refugia: The rule and not the exception?

Some decades ago, biogeographers distinguished three major faunal types of high importance for Europe: (i) Mediterranean elements with exclusive glacial survival in the Mediterranean refugia, (ii) Siberian elements with glacial refugia in the eastern Palearctic and only postglacial expansion to Europe and (iii) arctic and/or alpine elements with large zonal distributions in the periglacial areas and postglacial retreat to the North and/or into the high mountain systems. Genetic analyses have unravelled numerous additional refugia both of continental and Mediterranean species, thus strongly modifying the biogeographical view of Europe. This modified notion is particularly true for the so-called Siberian species, which in many cases have not immigrated into Europe during the postglacial period, but most likely have survived the last, or even several glacial phases, in extra-Mediterranean refugia in some climatically favourable but geographically limited areas of southern Central and Eastern Europe. Recently, genetic analyses revealed that typical Mediterranean species have also survived the Last Glacial Maximum in cryptic northern refugia (e.g. in the Carpathians or even north of the Alps) in addition to their Mediterranean refuge areas.

A phase II trial of chimeric monoclonal antibody G250 for advanced renal cell carcinoma patients

Chimeric monoclonal antibody G250 (WX-G250) binds to a cell surface antigen found on >90% of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A multicentre phase II study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of WX-G250 in metastatic RCC (mRCC) patients. In all, 36 patients with mRCC were included. WX-G250 was given weekly by intravenous infusion for 12 weeks. Patients with stable disease (SD) or response were eligible to receive additional treatment for 8 weeks. None of the 36 enrolled patients experienced any drug-related grade III or IV toxicity. Only three patients had grade II toxicity possibly related to the study medication. In all, 10 patients had SD and received extended treatment. One complete response and a significant regression was observed during the follow-up of the treatment. Five patients with progressive disease at study entry were stable for more than 6 months after study entry. The median survival after treatment start was 15 months. The weekly schedule of WX-G250 was well tolerated. With a median survival of 15 months after the start of this treatment and two late clinical responses, WX-G250 seems to be able to modulate mRCC. To improve the activity of WX-G250-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and the clinical response rate, currently combinations of WX-G250 with cytokines are in phase II trials.

Identification of steroid sulfate transport processes in the human mammary gland

Circulating hormones and local biotransformation of steroid precursors are both sources of estrogen in human mammary tissue. Estrone-3-sulfate (E(1)S) is an important estrogenic form in premenopausal women, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) constitutes a major adrenal precursor. Membrane transport systems that govern delivery of these anionic steroid conjugates to the mammary gland were investigated. RNA was screened by RT-PCR and Northern blotting for expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) (solute carrier family 21A) and organic anion transporter (OAT) (solute carrier family 22A) gene families. OATP-B (SLC21A9) was the major carrier expressed; OATP-D (SLC21A11) and OATP-E (SLC21A12) were less abundant. In normal sections, OATP-B immunolocalized to the myoepithelium that surrounds the ductal epithelial cells. In invasive carcinoma, ductal epithelial cells were positive. OATP-B was characterized in stable transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. E(1)S affinity constant (K(m)) [K(m) = 5 micro mol/liter, maximum velocity (V(max)) V(max) = 777 pmol/mg.min] and DHEAS (K(m) = 9 micro mol/liter, V(max) = 85 pmol/mg.min) were substrates. The prostaglandins (PG) A(1) and PGA(2) stimulated uptake of E(1)S and DHEAS by increasing V(max) 2-fold but not changing K(m). The effect of PGA was selectively blocked by the lipophilic thiol reagent N-ethylmaleimide but not by the hydrophilic acetamido-4'(iodoacetyl)aminostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, suggesting an interaction between the electrophilic cyclopentenone ring and specific cysteine residues of OATP-B.

Neuroradiology of cholesteatomas

The relevant aspects of cholesteatomas are reviewed with the emphasis on their diagnosis by using cross-sectional imaging. The indications and limitations of CT and MR imaging and the use of novel MR imaging techniques in the diagnosis of cholesteatomas are described. HRCT of the temporal bone has an excellent spatial resolution, thus even small soft-tissue lesions can be accurately delineated (high sensitivity). However, CT has poor specificity (ie, soft-tissue structures cannot be differentiated). MR imaging with the conventional sequences (T1WI, T2WI, postcontrast T1WI) provides additional information for distinguishing different pathologic entities and for accurately diagnosing primary (nonsurgical) and residual/recurrent (surgical) cholesteatomas. Higher diagnostic specificity is achieved by introducing DW-EPI, delayed postcontrast imaging, DW-non-EPI, and DWI-PROPELLER techniques. Studies using DW-non-EPI and DWI-PROPELLER sequences show promising results related to improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for even small (<5 mm) cholesteatomas, thus allowing avoidance of second-look surgery in the future.

Characterization of extracellular vesicles by IR spectroscopy: Fast and simple classification based on amide and CH stretching vibrations

Extracellular vesicles isolated by differential centrifugation from Jurkat T-cell line were investigated by attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Amide and CH stretching band intensity ratios calculated from IR bands, characteristic of protein and lipid components, proved to be distinctive for the different extracellular vesicle subpopulations. This proposed 'spectroscopic protein-to-lipid ratio', combined with the outlined spectrum-analysis protocol is valid also for low sample concentrations (0.15-0.05mg/ml total protein content) and can carry information about the presence of other non-vesicular formations such as aggregated proteins, lipoproteins and immune complexes. Detailed analysis of IR data reveals compositional changes of extracellular vesicles subpopulations: second derivative spectra suggest changes in protein composition from parent cell towards exosomes favoring proteins with β-turns and unordered motifs at the expense of intermolecular β-sheet structures. The IR-based protein-to-lipid assessment protocol was tested also for red blood cell derived microvesicles for which similar values were obtained. The potential applicability of this technique for fast and efficient characterization of vesicular components is high as the investigated samples require no further preparations and all the different molecular species can be determined in the same sample. The results indicate that ATR-FTIR measurements provide a simple and reproducible method for the screening of extracellular vesicle preparations. It is hoped that this sophisticated technique will have further impact in extracellular vesicle research.

Kv1.3 potassium channels are localized in the immunological synapse formed between cytotoxic and target cells

Membrane proteins of cytotoxic T cells specifically reorganize to form an immunological synapse (IS) on interaction with their specific target. In this paper, we investigated the redistribution of Kv1.3 channels, which are the dominant voltage-gated potassium channels, in the plasma membrane of allogen-activated human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) on interacting with their specific target cells. Kv1.3 channels bearing a FLAG epitope were expressed in the CTLs and the cell-surface distribution of fluorescently labeled ion channels was determined from confocal laser-scanning microscopy images. FLAG epitope-tagged Kv1.3 channels showed a patchy distribution in CTLs not engaged with target cells, whereas the channels were accumulated in the IS formed between CTLs and specific target lymphocytes. Localization of Kv1.3 channels in the IS might open an unrevealed possibility in the regulation of ion channel activity by signaling molecules accumulated in the IS.

The risk of early and late lung sequelae after conformal radiotherapy in breast cancer patients

PURPOSE

To study the risks of early and late radiogenic lung damage in breast cancer patients after conformal radiotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Radiogenic lung sequelae were assessed prospectively in 119 patients by means of clinical signs, radiologic abnormalities, and the mean density change (MDC) of the irradiated lung on CT.

RESULTS

Significant positive associations were detected between the development of lung abnormalities 3 months or 1 year after the radiotherapy and the age of the patient, the ipsilateral mean lung dose (MLD), the radiation dose to 25% of the ipsilateral lung (D(25%)) and the volume of the ipsilateral lung receiving 20 Gy (V(20 Gy)). The irradiation of the axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes favored the development of pneumonitis but not that of fibrosis. No relation was found between the preradiotherapy plasma TGF-beta level and the presence of radiogenic lung damage. At both time points, MDC was strongly related to age. Significant positive associations were demonstrated between the risks of pneumonitis or fibrosis and the age of the patient, MLD, D(25%), and V(20 Gy). A synergistic effect of MLD, D(25%), and V(20 Gy) with age in patients older than 59 years is suggested.

CONCLUSION

Our analyses indicate that the risks of early and late radiogenic lung sequelae are strongly related to the age of the patient, the volume of the irradiated lung, and the dose to it.

Prognostic factors in metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: a multi-institutional study

Background:

Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare type of breast cancer that has basal-like characteristics and is perceived to have poorer prognosis when compared with conventional no specific type/ductal carcinomas (ductal/NST). However, current data on MBC are largely derived from small case series or population-based reports. This study aimed to assess the clinicopathological features and outcome of MBC identified through an international multicentre collaboration.

Methods:

A large international multicentre series of MBC (no=405) with histological confirmation and follow-up information has been included in this study. The prognostic value of different variables and outcome has been assessed and compared with grade, nodal status and ER/HER2 receptor-matched ductal/NST breast carcinoma.

Results:

The outcome of MBC diagnosed in Asian countries was more favourable than those in Western countries. The outcome of MBC is not different from matched ductal/NST carcinoma but the performance of the established prognostic variables in MBC is different. Lymph node stage, lymphovascular invasion and histologic subtype are associated with outcome but tumour size and grade are not. Chemotherapy was associated with longer survival, although this effect was limited to early-stage disease. In this study no association between radiotherapy and outcome was identified. Multivariate analysis of MBC shows that histologic subtype is an independent prognostic feature.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that MBC is a heterogeneous disease. Although the outcome of MBC is not different to matched conventional ductal/NST breast carcinoma, its behaviour is dependent on the particular subtype with spindle cell carcinoma in particular has an aggressive biological behaviour. Management of patients with MBC should be based on validated prognostic variables.

Towards traceable size determination of extracellular vesicles

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have clinical importance due to their roles in a wide range of biological processes. The detection and characterization of EVs are challenging because of their small size, low refractive index, and heterogeneity.

Methods

In this manuscript, the size distribution of an erythrocyte-derived EV sample is determined using state-of-the-art techniques such as nanoparticle tracking analysis, resistive pulse sensing, and electron microscopy, and novel techniques in the field, such as small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and size exclusion chromatography coupled with dynamic light scattering detection.

Results

The mode values of the size distributions of the studied erythrocyte EVs reported by the different methods show only small deviations around 130 nm, but there are differences in the widths of the size distributions.

Conclusion

SAXS is a promising technique with respect to traceability, as this technique was already applied for traceable size determination of solid nanoparticles in suspension. To reach the traceable measurement of EVs, monodisperse and highly concentrated samples are required.

Effect of elastin peptides on human monocytes: Ca2+ mobilization, stimulation of respiratory burst and enzyme secretion

The effect of elastin peptides (Kappa-elastin) was investigated on human monocytes. The data presented here indicate that elastin peptides increase the intracellular Ca2+ level measured by Quin 2 fluorescence and mediate the release of beta glucuronidase and elastase. The O2 consumption and H2O2 release were stimulated in a dose-dependent manner. The early rise of cAMP was followed by a return to the original level at 30 min and by a concomitant increase of cGMP level. The action of elastin peptides on intracellular calcium level and cGMP levels may well be related to its previously demonstrated chemotactic activity. These activities may well play a role in the modifications of the extracellular matrix following elastin degradation as observed in atherosclerosis, emphysema and aging.

Ion channels and lymphocyte activation

The ion channels expressed by T lymphocytes play key roles in the control of the membrane potential and calcium signaling, thereby affecting signal transduction pathways that lead to the activation of these cells following antigenic stimulation. Disruption of these pathways can attenuate or prevent the response of T-cells to antigenic challenge resulting in immune suppression. Studies using ion channel blockers of high affinity and specificity have shown that this interference can be achieved at the level of ion channels. Suppression of immune functions by channel blockers has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. New information about the molecular structure of ion channels facilitates the design of more potent and more specific inhibitors. Thus, T-cell ion channels are likely to serve as targets for immunomodulatory drugs in the near future. Here, the biophysical properties, tissue distribution, regulation of expression, molecular pharmacology and role in T-cell activation of the voltage-gated Kv1.3 and the Ca(2+)-activated IKCa1 potassium channels and those of the Ca(+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channel are reviewed.

Acid−Base Profiling of Imatinib (Gleevec) and Its Fragments

The site-specific basicities of imatinib (Gleevec, a new signal transduction inhibitor drug of chronic myeloid leukemia) and two of its fragment compounds were quantitated in terms of protonation macroconstants, microconstants, and group constants by NMR-pH and pH-potentiometric titrations. Sequential protonation of imatinib follows the N(34), N(11), N(31), N(13) order, in which N(11) and N(31) show commensurable basicity, but negligible intramolecular interaction. Fragment compounds include two "halves" of imatinib, and their moiety-specific basicities confirm the NMR-based protonation sequence of the parent compound. NMR-pH profiles, macro- and/or microscopic protonation schemes, and species-specific distribution diagrams are presented. On the basis of these data, imatinib is shown to be predominantly neutral, monocationic, and tricationic at intestinal, blood, and gastric pH, respectively. The molecular hypotheses on imatinib binding to the Bcr-Abl oncogene fusion protein are interpreted at the site-specific level in view of the moiety basicities of imatinib.

Identification and signal transduction mechanism of elastin peptide receptor in human leukocytes

The existence of a novel receptor on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) and monocytes was demonstrated, named soluble elastin peptide receptor. Soluble elastin peptides, like K-elastin, which are liberated from elastin fibres, can be found in the sera, and they possess several biological activities such as chemotaxis. Studying the effects of elastin peptides on leukocytes, it was found that: (i) the elastin peptide stimulates the oxidative burst, the intracellular free Ca2+ elevation through a specific receptor; and (ii) in the signal transduction mechanism of this elastin peptide receptor, the phosphatidylinositol breakdown is involved.

The serum paraoxonase activity in patients with chronic renal failure and hyperlipidemia

Human serum paraoxonase is physically associated with an apolipoprotein (Apo-A1) and clusterin-containing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and prevents low-density lipoprotein from lipid peroxidation. The aim of our study was to determine whether paraoxonase activity or phenotype is altered in patients with chronic renal failure and in hyperlipidemic subjects without renal insufficiency and to compare the values with those of healthy controls. We investigated the serum paraoxonase activity and polymorphism in 119 hemodialyzed uremic patients, 107 patients with primary hyperlipoproteinemia, and in 110 healthy control subjects. The serum paraoxonase activity was significantly decreased both in hyperlipidemic (p < 0.01) and uremic patients (p < 0.001) as compared with controls. On comparison, the serum paraoxonase activity was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in uremic than in hyperlipoproteinemic patients. The HDL and Apo-A1 levels were as follows: uremic < hyperlipidemic < control. To assess whether the observed reduction in paraoxonase activity was due to HDL and Apo-A1 level decreases, we standardized the enzyme activity for HDL and Apo-A1 concentrations. We found that the standardized paraoxonase activity (paraoxonase/HDL ratio) was also lower in the uremic patients (103.3 +/- 69.5) as compared with hyperlipidemic patients (137.64 +/- 81.0) and controls (194.45 +/- 94.45). The standardized values for Apo-A1 showed a similar tendency: paraoxonase/Apo-A1 ratio in uremic patients 89.64 +/- 47.8, in hyperlipidemic patients 128.12 +/- 69.83, and in controls 161.40 +/- 47.35. The phenotypic distribution of paraoxonase (AA, AB, BB) did not change significantly in the patient groups. These results suggest that HDL concentration and phenotypic distribution of paraoxonase may not be the only determining factors, but that other as yet undetermined factors could be involved in the enzyme activity changes.

K+ channel blockers: novel tools to inhibit T cell activation leading to specific immunosuppression

During the last two decades since the identification and characterization of T cell potassium channels great advances have been made in the understanding of the role of these channels in T cell functions, especially in antigen-induced activation. Their limited tissue distribution and the recent discovery that different T cell subtypes carrying out distinct immune functions show specific expression levels of these channels have made T cell potassium channels attractive targets for immunomodulatory drugs. Many toxins of various animal species and a structurally diverse array of small molecules inhibiting these channels with varying affinity and selectivity were found and their successful use in immunosuppression in vivo was also demonstrated. Better understanding of the topological differences between potassium channel pores, detailed knowledge of toxin and small-molecule structures and the identification of the binding sites of blocking compounds make it possible to improve the selectivity and affinity of the lead compounds by introducing modifications based on structural information. In this review the basic properties and physiological roles of the voltage-gated Kv1.3 and the Ca2+-activated IKCa1 potassium channels are discussed along with an overview of compounds inhibiting these channels and approaches aiming at producing more efficient modulators of immune functions for the treatment of diseases like sclerosis multiplex and type I diabetes.

Cholesterol modifies the gating of Kv1.3 in human T lymphocytes

The Kv1.3 potassium channel that belongs to the Shaker family of voltage-gated K(+) channels plays a crucial role in the mitogenic response of T cells. Because it spans the cell membrane its function can be influenced by lipid-protein interactions. In order to study the effect of lipid-protein interactions on the functioning of Kv1.3 we manipulated the membrane cholesterol content in T cells mimicking various physiological conditions by means of the oligosaccharide methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) and its cholesterol-saturated complex (MbetaCD/C). Fluorescence polarization anisotropy and peak current density were used to monitor the efficiency of cholesterol removal (MbetaCD) and loading (MbetaCD/C). Using whole-cell patch-clamp technique we determined the kinetic and steady-state parameters of activation and inactivation of the Kv1.3 currents under different treatment conditions. Upon elevation of cholesterol content by 1 or 1.5 mg/ml MbetaCD/C the rates of both activation and inactivation were slowed. Moreover, the increased cholesterol level in the membrane resulted in a biphasic activation curve. Cholesterol depletion with MbetaCD (0.95 and 1.425 mg/ml) caused no significant changes in the gating characteristics of Kv1.3. The equilibrium between the open and the closed states of the channels was affected by increased cholesterol content, but at the same time steady-state inactivation was unchanged. We argue that manipulation of membrane cholesterol changed both the kinetic properties of Kv1.3 and steady-state parameters of activation by modifying lipid-protein interactions.

Radiolabeling of Extracellular Vesicles with (99m)Tc for Quantitative In Vivo Imaging Studies

The biodistribution of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a fundamental question in the field of circulating biomarkers, which has recently gained attention. Despite the capabilities of nuclear imaging methods, such as single-photon emission computed tomography, radioisotope labeling of EVs and the use of the aforementioned methods for in vivo studies hardly can be found in the literature. In this article, the authors describe a novel method for the radioisotope labeling of erythrocyte-derived EVs using the (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl complex. Moreover, the capability of the developed labeling method for in vivo biodistribution studies is demonstrated in a mouse model. The authors found that the intravenously administered (99m)Tc-labeled EVs mostly accumulated in the liver and spleen. The in vivo stability of the labeled EVs was assessed by the comparison of the obtained biodistribution of EVs with that of the free (99m)Tc-tricarbonyl. According to the authors' data, only a minor fraction of the radioactive label became detached from the EVs.

Lymphocytic progesterone receptors in normal and pathological human pregnancy

The progesterone receptor-specific monoclonal antibody (MoAb) mPRI was tested for its reactivity towards peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of 49 healthy pregnant women, nine pregnant women with clinical symptoms of threatened preterm delivery, seven women with recurrent spontaneous abortion, ten women in labour and ten women with spontaneous abortion. Lymphocytes of 12 healthy age-matched non-pregnant volunteers were used as controls. Lymphocytes of nine healthy pregnant women at the 1st trimester of pregnancy and those of two non-pregnant donors were tested for the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors by enzyme immunoassay. PBL of healthy pregnant women contained significantly more positive cells than those of non-pregnant controls. Furthermore, the number of receptor-containing cells increased in parallel with gestational age. In blood samples drawn during labour, as well as in those obtained from women with spontaneous abortion or clinical symptoms of threatened pre-term delivery, the percentage of positively stained lymphocytes was significantly lower than normal pregnancy values. This was also the case in peripheral blood of pregnant women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions.

Size Measurement of Extracellular Vesicles and Synthetic Liposomes: The Impact of the Hydration Shell and the Protein Corona

Size characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and drug delivery liposomes is of great importance in their applications in diagnosis and therapy of diseases. There are many different size characterization techniques used in the field, which often report different size values. Besides technological biases, these differences originate from the fact that various methods measure different physical quantities to determine particle size. In this study, the size of synthetic liposomes with nominal diameters of 50nm and 100nm, and red blood cell-derived EVs (REVs) were measured with established optical methods, such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and with emerging non-optical methods such as microfluidic resistive pulse sensing (MRPS) and very small-angle neutron scattering (VSANS). The comparison of the hydrodynamic sizes obtained by DLS and NTA with the sizes corresponding to the excluded volume of the particles by MRPS enabled the estimation of the thickness of the hydration shell of the particles. The comparison of diameter values corresponding to the boundary of the phospholipid bilayer obtained from VSANS measurements with MRPS size values revealed the thickness of the polyethylene glycol-layer in case of synthetic liposomes, and the thickness of the protein corona in case of REVs.

Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma of the breast: its cell kinetics, expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes compared with invasive ductal carcinomas and classical infiltrating lobular carcinomas

AIMS

The study addresses whether pleomorphic lobular breast carcinomas represent a distinct entity with respect to proliferation and apoptosis as well the expression of the p53, bcl-2 and Her2 protein.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study included 30 cases of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma (PLC; G2 n=15, G3 n=15). Poorly differentiated invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC; n=15) and well-differentiated infiltrating lobular carcinomas (ILC; n=15) were used as controls. Lymph node metastases were present equally in all groups. MIB-1 labelling was counted as: PLC (G2) 8.36%; PLC (G3) 11.3%; IDC 44.26%; ILC 2.19% (P=0.0001, P=0.004, P=0.001). Apoptotic index was: PLC (G2) 0.82%; PLC (G3) 1.2%; IDC 2.09%; ILC 0.6% (P=0.009, P=0.001). Over-expression of Her2 protein was detected in 53% of PLC (G3) tumours and was present only in scattered cases in the other groups. PLCs and ILCs were strongly positive for bcl-2 and for hormone receptors, while p53+ cells were rare. IDCs exhibited a heterogeneous staining pattern for bcl-2 and for hormone receptors, while p53+ cells occurred considerably more frequently. Stage could not be linked directly to proliferation or apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that more frequent over-expression of Her2 among PLCs (G3) as well as the generally low apoptosis can contribute to their aggressive behaviour.

An improved 96 well plate format lipid quantification assay for standardisation of experiments with extracellular vesicles

The field of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is an exponentially growing segment of biomedical sciences. However, the problems of normalisation and quantification of EV samples have not been completely solved. Currently, EV samples are standardised on the basis of their protein content sometimes combined with determination of the particle number. However, even this combined approach may result in inaccuracy and overestimation of the EV concentration. Lipid bilayers are indispensable components of EVs. Therefore, a lipid-based quantification, in combination with the determination of particle count and/or protein content, appears to be a straightforward and logical approach for the EV field. In this study, we set the goal to improve the previously reported sulfo-phospho-vanillin (SPV) lipid assay. We introduced an aqueous phase liposome standard (DOPC) to replace the purified lipid standards in organic solvents (used commonly in previous studies). Furthermore, we optimised the concentration of the vanillin reagent in the assay. We found that elimination of organic solvents from the reaction mixture could abolish the background colour that interfered with the assay. Comparison of the optimised assay with a commercial lipid kit (based on the original SPV lipid assay) showed an increase of sensitivity by approximately one order of magnitude. Thus, here we report a quick, reliable and sensitive test that may fill an existing gap in EV standardisation. When using the optimised lipid assay reported here, EV lipid measurements can be more reliable than protein-based measurements. Furthermore, this novel assay is almost as sensitive and as easy as measuring proteins with a simple BCA test.