Effect of obesity on the acute inflammatory response in pregnant and cycling female rats

Nonpregnant female rats have a lower inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) than males and, at late stages of gestation, the fever response to this immunogen is almost completely suppressed. We have shown in males that obesity exacerbates sickness responses to pathogenic stimuli. In the present study, we investigated whether obesity would have a similar effect in females and reverse some of the suppressive effects of pregnancy on the innate immune response. Lean and diet-induced obese adult Wistar rats were randomly separated into either cycling or mated groups. On day 18 of pregnancy or in the metestrous/dioestrous phase in cycling rats, a single injection of LPS (100 μg/kg) was administered and rats were sacrificed 8h or 24 h later. In pregnant females, LPS induced a higher increase in body temperature in obese rats only at the 24-h time point and lower hypothalamic interleukin (IL)-1β expression and higher circulating levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra) than their cycling counterparts. Conversely, there was no suppression of inflammatory signals in the white adipose tissue of pregnant rats. At 24 h post LPS, the cell surface marker CD11c and IL-6 mRNA expression were increased in white adipose tissue from obese rats regardless of reproductive state, whereas IL-1ra was highest in the LPS-treated obese pregnant group. In cycling females, LPS induced a higher fever response in obese rats accompanied by higher circulating levels of IL-6 and IL-1ra, as well as an increase in circulating leptin only in the obese cycling group. In the hypothalamus, obese rats showed significantly higher expression of nuclear factor-IL-6 in at the 8-h time point. Collectively, these results show that diet-induced obesity in females is associated with a similar pattern of response to that previously observed in males. On the other hand, obesity had limited effects in pregnant rats, with the exception of white adipose tissue.

Transnasal endoscopy for direct visual control of esophageal stent placement without fluoroscopy

Placement of self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) is a well-established treatment for esophageal stenosis and postoperative anastomotic leaks. Conventional endoscopic procedures for SEMS placement require fluoroscopic guidance, but transnasal endoscopy (TNE) with ultraslim endoscopes may allow precise stent release under direct visual control without the need for fluoroscopy. This prospectively collected data investigated the feasibility and safety of TNE-guided SEMS placement without fluoroscopy. Between March 2009 and February 2011, 20 consecutive patients underwent TNE-guided SEMS placement without fluoroscopy. The technical success rate was 100 % and no fluoroscopy was required during the procedures. Five patients underwent SEMS placement as a bedside procedure in the intensive care unit. The mean intervention time was 13.4 minutes (range 6 - 26) and there were no early complications. In summary, TNE-guided SEMS placement allows precise stent placement without fluoroscopic control and can therefore be performed as a simple bedside procedure.

The 3' untranslated regions of influenza genomic sequences are 5'PPP-independent ligands for RIG-I

Retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is a key regulator of antiviral immunity. RIG-I is generally thought to be activated by ssRNA species containing a 5'-triphosphate (PPP) group or by unphosphorylated dsRNA up to ~300 bp in length. However, it is not yet clear how changes in the length, nucleotide sequence, secondary structure, and 5' end modification affect the abilities of these ligands to bind and activate RIG-I. To further investigate these parameters in the context of naturally occurring ligands, we examined RNA sequences derived from the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTR) of the influenza virus NS1 gene segment. As expected, RIG-I-dependent interferon-β (IFN-β) induction by sequences from the 5' UTR of the influenza cRNA or its complement (26 nt in length) required the presence of a 5'PPP group. In contrast, activation of RIG-I by the 3' UTR cRNA sequence or its complement (172 nt) exhibited only a partial 5'PPP-dependence, as capping the 5' end or treatment with CIP showed a modest reduction in RIG-I activation. Furthermore, induction of IFN-β by a smaller, U/A-rich region within the 3' UTR was completely 5'PPP-independent. Our findings demonstrated that RNA sequence, length, and secondary structure all contributed to whether or not the 5'PPP moiety is needed for interferon induction by RIG-I.

Antiviral activity and increased host defense against influenza infection elicited by the human cathelicidin LL-37

The extensive world-wide morbidity and mortality caused by influenza A viruses highlights the need for new insights into the host immune response and novel treatment approaches. Cationic Host Defense Peptides (CHDP, also known as antimicrobial peptides), which include cathelicidins and defensins, are key components of the innate immune system that are upregulated during infection and inflammation. Cathelicidins have immunomodulatory and anti-viral effects, but their impact on influenza virus infection has not been previously assessed. We therefore evaluated the effect of cathelicidin peptides on disease caused by influenza A virus in mice. The human cathelicidin, LL-37, and the murine cathelicidin, mCRAMP, demonstrated significant anti-viral activity in vivo, reducing disease severity and viral replication in infected mice to a similar extent as the well-characterized influenza virus-specific antiviral drug zanamivir. In vitro and in vivo experiments suggested that the peptides may act directly on the influenza virion rather than via receptor-based mechanisms. Influenza virus-infected mice treated with LL-37 had lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lung than did infected animals that had not been treated with cathelicidin peptides. These data suggest that treatment of influenza-infected individuals with cathelicidin-derived therapeutics, or modulation of endogenous cathelicidin production may provide significant protection against disease.

Long-term outcome after argon plasma coagulation of small-bowel lesions using double-balloon enteroscopy in patients with mid-gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Vascular malformations are the most common sources of bleeding in the small bowel. They can be treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC) during double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). This study aimed to evaluate the long-term follow-up of the effectiveness of APC for small-bowel bleeding by means of a single-center retrospective study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between June 2003 and December 2005, APC treatment for small-bowel lesions was carried out during DBE in 63 patients with known or suspected mid-gastrointestinal bleeding. Fifty patients were included in the analysis. Main outcome measurements were comparison of hemoglobin values and blood transfusion requirements before and after APC, and rebleeding rates.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (58%) had only oral DBE, whereas 21 patients (42%) underwent combined oral and anal approaches. The most frequent bleeding sources treated with APC were angiodysplasias in 44 patients (88%). Hemoglobin levels increased distinctly and stabilized after APC during a mean long-term follow-up of 55 ± 7 months, with mean levels of 7.6 g/dL before APC and 11.0 g/dL afterwards. Blood transfusion requirements substantially declined, from 30 patients (60%) before APC to 8 (16%) afterwards. However, small-bowel bleeding recurred in 21 patients (42%), particularly in patients with Osler disease (6 of 8 patients, 75%).

CONCLUSIONS

Bleeding sources in the small bowel can be effectively treated with APC using DBE, and long-term follow-up data show a clear increase in hemoglobin levels and reduced blood transfusion requirements after APC. Further efforts are needed to reduce the rebleeding rate, possibly through more intensive initial treatment.

Pilus backbone protein PitB of Streptococcus pneumoniae contains stabilizing intramolecular isopeptide bonds

Streptococcus pneumoniae type 2 pili are recently identified fimbrial structures extending from the bacterial surface and formed by polymers of the structural protein PitB. Intramolecular isopeptide bonds are a characteristic of the related pilus backbone protein Spy0128 of group A streptococci. Based on the identification of conserved residues in PitB, we predicted two intramolecular isopeptide bonds in PitB. Using a combination of tandem mass spectrometry and Edman sequencing, we show that these bonds were formed between Lys(63)-Asn(214) and Lys(243)-Asn(372) in PitB. Mutant proteins lacking the intramolecular isopeptide bonds retained the proteolytic stability observed with the wild type protein. However, absence of these bonds substantially decreased the melting temperature of the PitB-derivatives, indicating a stabilizing function of these bonds in PitB of the pneumococcal type 2 pilus.

Topology of the disulfide bonds in the antiviral lectin scytovirin

The antiviral lectin scytovirin (SVN) contains a total of five disulfide bonds in two structurally similar domains. Previous reports provided contradictory results on the disulfide pairing in each individual domain, and we have now re-examined the disulfide topology. N-terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry were used to analyze proteolytic fragments of native SVN obtained at acidic pH, yielding the assignment as Cys7-Cys55, Cys20-Cys32, Cys26-Cys38, Cys68-Cys80, and Cys74-Cys86. We also analyzed the N-terminal domain of SVN (SD1, residues 1-48) prepared by expression/oxidative folding of the recombinant protein and by chemical synthesis. The disulfide pairing in the chemically synthesized SD1 was forced into predetermined topologies: SD1A (Cys20-Cys26, Cys32-Cys38) or SD1B (Cys20-Cys32, Cys26-Cys38). The topology of native SVN was found to be in agreement with the SD1B and the one determined for the recombinant SD1 domain. Although the two synthetic forms of SD1 were distinct when subjected to chromatography, their antiviral properties were indistinguishable, having low nM activity against HIV. Tryptic fragments, the "cystine clusters" [Cys20-Cys32/Cys26-Cys38; SD1] and [Cys68-Cys80/Cys74-C-86; SD2], were found to undergo rapid disulfide interchange at pH 8. This interchange resulted in accumulation of artifactual fragments in alkaline pH digests that are structurally unrelated to the original topology, providing a rational explanation for the differences between the topology reported herein and the one reported earlier (Bokesh et al., Biochemistry 2003;42:2578-2584). Our observations emphasize the fact that proteins such as SVN, with disulfide bonds in close proximity, require considerable precautions when being fragmented for the purpose of disulfide assignment.

Structural and Electrical Properties of Undoped Microcrystalline Silicon Grown by 70 MHz and 13.56 MHz PECVD

Microcrystalline silicon films deposited by plasma methods have an optical absorption for photon energies above 2.0 eV lower than a-Si:H films and can be efficiently doped with boron or phosphorus. The most widely used deposition technique is the 13.56 MHz PECVD. However quite recently µc-Si:H films were grown at high deposition rates by the 70 MHz PECVD. In this work the authors report on a comparison between µc-Si:H films deposited by both 70 MHz and 13.56 MHz techniques. Particular attention has been devoted to differences and similarities between structural, compositional and electrical properties of the films deposited with the two systems.

The “Micromorph” Cell: a New Way to High-Efficiency-Low-Temperature Crystalline Silicon Thin-Film Cell Manufacturing?

In the past, microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si:H) has been successfully used as active semiconductor in entirely μc-Si:H p-i-n solar cells and a new type of tandem solar cell, called the “micromorph” cell, was introduced [1]. Micromorph cells consist of an amorphous silicon top cell and a microcrystalline bottom cell. In the paper a micromorph cell with a stable efficiency of 10.7 % (confirmed by ISE Freiburg) is reported.

Among sofar existing crystalline silicon-based solar cell manufacturing techniques, the application of microcrystalline silicon is a new promising way towards implementing thin-film silicon solar cells with a low temperature deposition. Microcrystalline silicon can, indeed, be deposited at temperatures as low as 220°C; hence, the way is here open to use cheap substrates as, e.g. plastic or glass. In the present paper, the development of single and tandem cells containing microcrystalline silicon is reviewed. As stated in previous publications, microcrystalline silicon technique has at present a severe drawback that has yet to be overcome: Its deposition rate for solar-grade material is about 2Å/s; in a more recent case 4.3 Å/s [2] could be obtained. In the present paper, using suitable mixtures of silane, hydrogen and argon, deposition rates of 9.4 Å/s are presented. Thereby the dominating plasma mechanism and the basic properties of resulting layers are described in detail. A first entirely microcrystalline cell deposited at 8.7 Å/s has an efficiency of 3.15%.

HIV-1 enhancing effect of prostatic acid phosphatase peptides is reduced in human seminal plasma

We recently reported that HIV-1 infection can be inhibited by innate antimicrobial components of human seminal plasma (SP). Conversely, naturally occurring peptidic fragments from the SP-derived prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) have been reported to form amyloid fibrils called “SEVI” and enhance HIV-1 infection in vitro. In order to understand the biological consequence of this proviral effect, we extended these studies in the presence of human SP. PAP-derived peptides were agitated to form SEVI and incubated in the presence or absence of SP. While PAP-derived peptides and SEVI alone were proviral, the presence of 1% SP ablated their proviral activity in several different anti-HIV-1 assays. The anti-HIV-1 activity of SP was concentration dependent and was reduced following filtration. Supraphysiological concentrations of PAP peptides and SEVI incubated with diluted SP were degraded within hours, with SP exhibiting proteolytic activity at dilutions as high as 1∶200. Sub-physiological concentrations of two prominent proteases of SP, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and matriptase, could degrade physiological and supraphysiological concentrations of PAP peptides and SEVI. While human SP is a complex biological fluid, containing both antiviral and proviral factors, our results suggest that PAP peptides and SEVI may be subject to naturally occurring proteolytic components capable of reducing their proviral activity.

[Secondary aorto-enteral fistula as a cause of acute recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding, 20 years after living kidney donation]

Aorto-enteral fistulas (AEF) are a rare but life-threatening cause of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Clinically, they can appear through massive haematochezia and haematemesis or as intermittent occult intestinal bleeding. The diagnostic procedure using endoscopy is often difficult but can contribute to making the correct diagnosis. We report on a patient who developed a secondary aorto-enteral fistula twenty years after a living kidney donation. The vascular surgery in combination with a chronic inflammatory reaction had resulted in the formation of a fistula between the renal artery stump and the duodenum. The inflammatory response was maintained by continuous treatment with methotrexate because of rheumatoid arthritis. Despite several total enteroscopies and diagnostic laparotomies, the fistula was seen on several occasions but was overlooked and misinterpreted in the absence of bleeding at first. The suspected fistula was finally marked with two endoclips and confirmed subsequently by radiological imaging by means of an abdominal CT scan.

The human host defense peptide LL-37 interacts with Neisseria meningitidis capsular polysaccharides and inhibits inflammatory mediators release

Capsular polysaccharides (CPS) are a major virulence factor in meningococcal infections and form the basis for serogroup designation and protective vaccines. Our work has identified meningococcal CPS as a pro-inflammatory ligand that functions through TLR2 and TLR4-MD2-dependent activation. We hypothesized that human cationic host defense peptides interact with CPS and influence its biologic activity. Accordingly, the interaction of meningococcal CPS with the human-derived cationic peptide LL-37, which is expressed by phagocytic and epithelial cells that interface with meningococci during infection, was investigated. LL-37 neutralized the pro-inflammatory activity of endotoxin-free CPS as assessed by TLR2 and TLR4-MD-2-dependent release of TNFα, IL-6 and IL-8 from human and murine macrophages. The cationic and hydrophobic properties of LL-37 were crucial for this inhibition, which was due to binding of LL-37 to CPS. LL-37 also inhibited the ability of meningococcal CPS to induce nitric oxide release, as well as TNFα and CXCL10 (IP-10) release from TLR4-sufficient and TLR4-deficient murine macrophages. Truncated LL-37 analogs, especially those that retained the antibacterial domain, inhibited vaccine grade CPS and meningococcal CPS prepared from the major serogroups (A, B C, Y and W135). Thus, LL-37 interaction with CPS was independent of specific glucan structure. We conclude that the capacity of meningococcal CPS to activate macrophages via TLR2 and TLR4-MD-2 can be inhibited by the human cationic host defense peptide LL-37 and propose that this impacts CPS-based vaccine responses.

Genomic signature-based identification of influenza A viruses using RT-PCR/electro-spray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) technology

BACKGROUND

The emergence and rapid spread of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza A virus (H1N1pdm) in humans highlights the importance of enhancing the capability of existing influenza surveillance systems with tools for rapid identification of emerging and re-emerging viruses. One of the new approaches is the RT-PCR electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (RT-PCR/ESI-MS) technology, which is based on analysis of base composition (BC) of RT-PCR amplicons from influenza "core" genes. Combination of the BC signatures represents a "genomic print" of an influenza A virus.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Here, 757 samples collected between 2006 and 2009 were tested, including 302 seasonal H1N1, 171 H3N2, 7 swine triple reassortants, and 277 H1N1pdm viruses. Of the 277 H1N1pdm samples, 209 were clinical specimens (throat, nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs, nasal washes, blood and sputum). BC signatures for the clinical specimen from one of the first cases of the 2009 pandemic, A/California/04/2009, confirmed it as an unusual, previously unrecognized influenza A virus, with "core" genes related to viruses of avian, human and swine origins. Subsequent analysis of additional 276 H1N1pdm samples revealed that they shared the genomic print of A/California/04/2009, which differed from those of North American swine triple reassortant viruses, seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 and other viruses tested. Moreover, this assay allowed distinction between "core" genes of co-circulating groups of seasonal H1N1, such as clades 2B, 2C, and their reassortants with dual antiviral resistance to adamantanes and oseltamivir.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The RT-PCR/ESI-MS assay is a broad range influenza identification tool that can be used directly on clinical specimens for rapid and accurate detection of influenza virus genes. The assay differentiates the H1N1pdm from seasonal and other nonhuman hosts viruses. Although not a diagnostic tool, this assay demonstrates its usefulness and robustness in influenza virus surveillance and detection of novel and unusual viruses with previously unseen genomic prints.

Candidacidal activity of synthetic peptides based on the antimicrobial domain of the neutrophil-derived protein, CAP37

The primary bactericidal domain of CAP37, a cationic antimicrobial protein with potent activity against Gram-negative organisms was previously shown to reside between amino acids 20 through 44 (NQGRHFCGGALIHARFVMTAASCFQ) of the native protein. In this study, we explored the efficacy of four synthetic CAP37 peptide analogs, based on this sequence, against various Candida species including fluconazole-sensitive and -resistant isolates of C. albicans. Three of the peptides demonstrated strong antifungal activity for C. albicans, including fluconazole-resistant isolates of C. albicans and were active against C. guilliermondii, C. tropicalis, C. pseudotropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. dubliniensis. The peptides were ineffective against C. glabrata, C. krusei, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. For C. albicans isolates, the peptides had relatively greater activity against blastoconidia than hyphal forms, although strong antifungal activity was observed with pseudohyphal forms of the various Candida species tested. Kinetic studies demonstrated fungicidal rather than fungistatic activity. These findings indicate that synthetic peptides based on the antimicrobial domain of CAP37 also have activity against eukaryotic organisms suggesting a broader range of activity than originally demonstrated and show for the first time their potent fungicidal activity.

Impact of fluoroscopy on oral double-balloon enteroscopy: results of a randomized trial in 156 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The routine utility of fluoroscopy during double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) via the oral route has been not prospectively evaluated. Up to now, there have been no prospective randomized trials to assess whether fluoroscopy improves outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the value of fluoroscopy during oral DBE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 156 patients (88 men, 56.4 %) of mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 56 (19) years were randomly assigned to undergo oral DBE either with or without fluoroscopy. The majority of the patients had obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 96, 62 %). The primary target criteria for the study were postpyloric insertion depth and time required to reach the deepest insertion point. A secondary target criterion was the diagnostic yield achieved.

RESULTS

The results in the fluoroscopy and nonfluoroscopy groups did not differ significantly with respect to the mean (SD) insertion depth (fluoroscopy, 284 [89] cm, range 70 - 470 cm; nonfluoroscopy, 256 [86] cm, 40 - 430 cm), the mean time required to reach the deepest point of insertion, or the diagnostic yield achieved. In patients with previous abdominal surgery and during difficult procedures, the mean insertion depth was significantly lower.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluoroscopy during DBE via the oral route does not provide a significant gain in insertion depth, advancement time, or diagnostic yield in comparison with nonfluoroscopically guided procedures. In experienced hands, fluoroscopy does not have to be used routinely during oral DBE.

Endoscopic closure of postoperative esophageal leaks with a novel over-the-scope clip system

Management of esophageal anastomotic leaks is associated with high morbidity and mortality and remains an interdisciplinary challenge. We describe the first two cases of endoscopic closure of postoperative leaks following gastrectomy and primary repair after spontaneous acute esophageal perforation, using the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system (Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tübingen, Germany). Both leaks were successfully sealed with one clip. While one patient recovered without reintervention, in the other patient the postoperative leak reappeared following clip displacement 13 days later.

Endoscopic closure of postoperative esophageal leaks with a novel over-the-scope clip system

Management of esophageal anastomotic leaks is associated with high morbidity and mortality and remains an interdisciplinary challenge. We describe the first two cases of endoscopic closure of postoperative leaks following gastrectomy and primary repair after spontaneous acute esophageal perforation, using the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system (Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tübingen, Germany). Both leaks were successfully sealed with one clip. While one patient recovered without reintervention, in the other patient the postoperative leak reappeared following clip displacement 13 days later.

Computed image modification for enhancement of small-bowel surface structures at video capsule endoscopy

Computed virtual chromoendoscopy with the Fujinon intelligent color-enhancement (FICE) system was reported to improve visualization of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions at gastroscopy and colonoscopy. The technique is based on narrowing the bandwidth of the conventional endoscopic image arithmetically by a spectral estimation technology. Implementation of the FICE software in the video capsule workstation might also allow for contrast-enhanced assessment of nature and extent of small-bowel mucosal lesions. Here we propose this novel technique and report on 10 consecutive patients who underwent small-bowel video capsule endoscopy that was evaluated with FICE-enhanced imaging.

Molecular characterization of neuropeptide F from the eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Neuropeptide F (NPF)-like immunoreactivity was previously found to be abundant in the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes. Purification of the NPF from a whole body extract of worker termites was accomplished in the current study by HPLC and heterologous radioimmunoassay for an NPF-related peptide, Helicoverpa zea Midgut Peptide-I. A partial amino acid sequence allowed determination of the corresponding cDNA that encoded an open reading frame deduced for authentic R. flavipes NPF (Ref NPF): KPSDPEQLADTLKYLEELDRFYSQVARPRFa. Effects of synthetic NPFs on muscle contractions were investigated for isolated foreguts and hindguts of workers, with Drm NPF inhibiting spontaneous contractions of hindguts. Phylogenetic analysis of invertebrate NPF sequences reveals two separate groupings, with Ref NPF occurring within a clade composed exclusively of arthropods.

[Neuroendocrine tumors of the small bowels are on the rise: early tumors and their management]

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the small bowels are on the rise: in the US they have increased by 300-500% in the last 35 years. At the same time their prognosis has been much improved. Most NETs of the duodenum are nowadays detected "incidentally" and therefore recognized at an early stage. Duodenal NETs that are well differentiated, not larger than 10 mm in greatest dimension and limited to the mucosa/submucosa can be endoscopically resected. In NETs with a size between 10 mm and 20 mm the therapeutic strategy has to be individually discussed. Endoscopic ultrasound is the method of choice to determine tumor size and depth of infiltration. Surgery is indicated for well differentiated duodenal NETs greater than 20 mm, for localized sporadic gastrinomas and for localized poorly differentiated NE cancers. Surgery is also indicated for localized/regional ileal NETs. Advanced ileal NETs with a carcinoid syndrome are treated with stable somatostatin analogs. This treatment also significantly improves the (progression-free) survival in patients with metastatic NETs of the ileum. For optimal NET management tumor biology, type, localization and stage of the neoplasm as well as the individual situation of the patient have to be taken into account.

A key role for mitochondria in endothelial signaling by plasma cysteine/cystine redox potential

The redox potential of the plasma cysteine/cystine couple (E(h)CySS) is oxidized in association with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including age, smoking, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and alcohol abuse. Previous in vitro findings support a cause-effect relationship for extracellular E(h)CySS in cell signaling pathways associated with CVD, including those controlling monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. In this study, we provide evidence that mitochondria are a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the signaling response to a more oxidized extracellular E(h)CySS. This increase in ROS was blocked by overexpression of mitochondrial thioredoxin-2 (Trx2) in endothelial cells from Trx2-transgenic mice, suggesting that mitochondrial thiol antioxidant status plays a key role in this redox signaling mechanism. Mass spectrometry-based redox proteomics showed that several classes of plasma membrane and cytoskeletal proteins involved in inflammation responded to this redox switch, including vascular cell adhesion molecule, integrins, actin, and several Ras family GTPases. Together, the data show that the proinflammatory effects of oxidized plasma E(h)CySS are due to a mitochondrial signaling pathway that is mediated through redox control of downstream effector proteins.