The p75 neurotrophin receptor in cells of oral mucosal epithelium

The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) can play different roles in cells. This protein can on the one hand act in the regulation of cell growth and survival, while being an apoptosis inducing factor in different contexts. p75NTR regulates cell cycle not only in nerve cells but also in epithelial oral mucosal cells. In the former, neurotrophin-p75NTR signaling affects cell growth and survival. Recent studies showed that p75NTR is expressed in basal cells of oral mucosal epithelium and can be used as one of the markers of epithelial stem/progenitor cells. This role of p75NTR can be utilised in aspects such as tissue engineering and gene therapy. One of the examples of clinical use of cultivated oral mucosal cells is ocular surface reconstruction. p75NTR can be a significant marker of stem cells in studies of epithelial tissues, especially when the cells will exhibit other specific markers, such as CK13, CK14 and PCNA..

Haplotyping of Cornus florida and C. kousa chloroplasts: Insights into species-level differences and patterns of plastic DNA variation in cultivars

Chloroplast DNA is a part of plant non-nuclear genome, and is of particular interest for lineage studies. Moreover, the non-coding regions of cpDNA display higher mutation rates than the conserved coding cpDNA, which has been employed for phylogenetic and population research. We analyzed the cpDNA of 332 gDNA samples from collections of Cornus florida and C. kousa (commercial cultivars, breeding selections, and wild kousa accessions from Asia), using the chlorotyping system developed on North America-native, wild accessions of C. florida. Our results indicated significant differences in chlorotype frequencies between the two species. Cornus florida samples were represented by all major chlorotypes previously described, whereas all C. kousa samples analyzed had only one of the chlorotype patterns shown by C. florida. The chlorotyping analytic panel was then expanded by sequencing the targeted three non-coding cpDNA regions. Results indicated a major difference in the maternally-inherited cpDNA between the two closely related Big-Bracted Cornus species. Chlorotype diversity and differences in the proportion of informative sites in the cpDNA regions of focus emphasized the importance of proper loci choice for cpDNA-based comparative studies between the closely related dogwood species. Phylogenetic analyses of the retrieved sequences for the other species of Cornus provided information on the relative utility of the cpDNA regions studied and helped delineate the groups (Big-Bracted, Cornelian Cherries, Blue/White-Fruited) within the genus. Genealogical relationships based on the cpDNA sequences and the inferred chlorotype networks indicated the need for continued analyses across further non-coding cpDNA regions to improve the phylogenetic resolution of dogwoods.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein as a cardiovascular risk marker in independent community-living elderly persons

An alarming fact is that increasing numbers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events occur more often among elderly individuals without previous occurrence of CVD. There are numerous modifiable risk factors such as dyslipidemia,-and inflammatory markers, as well as cardiovascular events risk charts, in the identification and prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among elderly population. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze some CVD risk factors as well as international CVD risk charts in independent community-living elderly persons in relation to their hs-CRP concentration in serum. Of 516 elderly Caucasians, 50 were non-smoking, with no positive history of chronic or acute diseases. The patients' clinical, biochemical and CVD risk charts were recorded. The CRP values were categorized according to the known cut-off points for stratification of cardiovascular risk: low risk patients with hs-CRP of less than 1 mg/L (low hs-CRP), moderate risk with hs-CRP of 1-3 mg/L (moderate hs- CRP) and high risk with hs-CRP of >3 mg/L (high hs-CRP). The groups did not differ in terms of age, anthropometric measures, fasting glucose, creatinine and uric acid concentration or analyzed CVD risk scales. The relationship between hs-CRP levels and both lipid profile and arterial blood pressure are linearly dependent (p less than 0.02). The negative correlation for the hs-CRP and fasting glucose and DIA were found in low hs-CRP (r= -0.619; p less than 0.05 and r= -0.580; p less than 0.05 respectively) and for the hs-CRP and uric acid (r=-0.850; p less than 0.05) in the moderate hs-CRP risk group. Thus, this study should greatly simplify decision-making for clinicians around the world.

Enzyme linked receptor protein signaling pathway is one of the ontology groups that are highly up-regulated in porcine oocytes before in vitro maturation

Before being able to fully participate in the processes associated with its function as a female gamete, the oocyte needs to undergo a range of changes to achieve its mature form. These morphological, biochemical and metabolomic processes are induced by the somatic tissues surrounding the oocyte, through the expression of specific transcription and growth factors. The maturation of the oocyte is highly important for the proceedings that lead to successful fertilization, early embryonic development and implantation. Domestic pigs were used as models for our study, with the cumulus-oocyte complexes obtained from the ovaries that were recovered at slaughter. After shedding of the cumulus, oocytes were assessed with BCB test, with the viable ones chosen to undergo in vitro maturation. With the use of expression microarrays, we analyzed gene expression before and after IVM and detected major changes in both genes that were proven to be associated with oocyte maturation before (FOS, VEGFA, CHRDL1, TGFBR3, FST, INSR, ID1, TXNIP, SMAD4, MAP3K1, EIF2AK3 and KIT) and genes not previously linked with reproduction associated processes (MYO1E, PHIP, KLF10 and SHOC2). All the genes were briefly described, with consideration of possible involvement of the newly discovered elements of the transcriptome in the process of oocyte maturation.

Genes involved in regulation of cellular metabolic processes, signaling and adhesion are the markers of porcine buccal pouch mucosal cells long-term primary cultured in vitro

Extraordinary abilities for continuous proliferation and differentiation, associated with constant renewal triggered by stimulation from the mastication process, together with the relative lack of aesthetic complications associated with post-surgery healing, have highlighted buccal pouch mucosa as a potential source of explants that could be used in transplantation and tissue engineering. Additionally, this tissue plays a major role in the oral drug delivery process, which brings special interest to its molecular properties in the context of new drug development. There is therefore a need to analyse the exact mechanisms of oral mucosa functioning, especially when it comes to the processes that are associated with the potential clinical applications. In this study we analysed a complete transcriptome of long-term in vitro cultures of porcine buccal pouch oral mucosa cells. Using a microarray approach, we focused on genes associated with cellular metabolic processes, signalling and adhesion, from 4 gene ontology groups: "Positive regulation of cellular component movement", "Positive regulation of cellular process", "Positive regulation of intracellular signal transduction" and "Single organism cell adhesion". Nineteen genes (CCL8, CXCL2, PLK2, DUSP5, PTGS2, LIF, CCL2, ATP1B1, REL, ITGB3, SCARB1, UGCG, PDPN, LYN, ETS1, FCER1G, TGFB1, RFC4, LMO2) with fold changes higher than |2| and p value Extraordinary abilities for continuous proliferation and differentiation, associated with constant renewal triggered by stimulation from the mastication process, together with the relative lack of aesthetic complications associated with post-surgery healing, have highlighted buccal pouch mucosa as a potential source of explants that could be used in transplantation and tissue engineering. Additionally, this tissue plays a major role in the oral drug delivery process, which brings special interest to its molecular properties in the context of new drug development. There is therefore a need to analyse the exact mechanisms of oral mucosa functioning, especially when it comes to the processes that are associated with the potential clinical applications. In this study we analysed a complete transcriptome of long-term in vitro cultures of porcine buccal pouch oral mucosa cells. Using a microarray approach, we focused on genes associated with cellular metabolic processes, signalling and adhesion, from 4 gene ontology groups: "Positive regulation of cellular component movement", "Positive regulation of cellular process", "Positive regulation of intracellular signal transduction" and "Single organism cell adhesion". Nineteen genes (CCL8, CXCL2, PLK2, DUSP5, PTGS2, LIF, CCL2, ATP1B1, REL, ITGB3, SCARB1, UGCG, PDPN, LYN, ETS1, FCER1G, TGFB1, RFC4, LMO2) with fold changes higher than |2| and p value less than 0.05 were identified, described in context and analysed. While the study needs much further validation to become applicable in a clinical environment, it yields valuable information about the transcriptomic basis of oral mucosal cell functioning in vitro, that might serve as a reference for further research, aiming to apply this knowledge in clinical situations.0.05 were identified, described in context and analysed. While the study needs much further validation to become applicable in a clinical environment, it yields valuable information about the transcriptomic basis of oral mucosal cell functioning in vitro, that might serve as a reference for further research, aiming to apply this knowledge in clinical situations.

Balance between epithelial and stromal marker expression and distribution in primary culture model of porcine endometrium during real-time cell proliferation

The similarity between humans and pigs, when it comes to tissue morphology, makes Sus scrofa not only a good research model, but also a potential source of cells for tissue engineering. Cell samples obtained from the pig donor, could be influenced in vitro, in order to become a source of tissue material for xenotransplantation, reconstructive and regenerative medicine. Significant amounts of data point to especially major similarities in pig and human reproductive systems. Because of that, particular scientific focus is centered on research concerning porcine COCs, theca and granulosa cells in primary cultures. One of the aspects of the reproductive process, that is still largely undiscovered, is the interaction between preimplantation blastocyst and maternal uterine tissues. In this study, we used molecular analysis techniques, such as RT-qPCR and immunocytochemistry, to analyze the expression and distribution of cytokeratin 18 and panCytokeratins 8, 18 and 19 and vimentin in porcine luminal endometrial epithelial cells, coupled with analysis of their behavior in RTCA. The results have confirmed the presence of epithelial, as well as stromal cell markers in the cells, varying in levels at different stages of culture. They have also given insight into the modes of proliferation and differentiation of studied cells in in vitro culture, as well as providing additional proof for the possible mesenchymal transdifferentiation of epithelial cells.

Gender and age-related variability of macrophage representation in the internal thoracic artery wall: does it matter?

Some recent reports suggested that elderly and female patients did not benefit from implantation of the second internal thoracic artery (ITA) during coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Macrophages, among other cells, were described to be involved in both atherosclerosis and aortocoronary grafts failure. The aim of the study was to examine the age and gender association with different distribution of CD68+ cells within the layers of ITA wall. This study involved 158 consecutive patients (95 male and 63 female), with the mean age of 64.5±9.5 years, who underwent elective CABG procedures. During surgery, the surplus distal segments of ITA were harvested for immunohistochemical analysis. The number and distribution of CD68+ cells was calculated and plotted against the age and gender of the study participants. CD68+ cells were present in all of the harvested ITA fragments (median 44), more in women (55) than in men (42) (p less than 0.001). However, this difference was of statistical significance exclusively in the tunica intima. Approximately 70% of macrophages were found in the tunica adventitia. The total number of CD68+ cells the in arterial wall as well as in the tunica intima and adventitia correlated positively with the age of patients (r=0.544, r=501 and r=0.462, respectively). The lack of significant advantages of the use of two thoracic arteries, in elderly patients and women, might have resulted from the larger population of CD68+ cells in their walls, especially the tunica intima. However, this result from immunohistochemical analysis needs validation in long-term clinical research on a larger cohort of patients.

Seasonal Variation of Vitamin D Status in Long-Term Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

There is little information about circannual rhythm of vitamin D level in kidney transplantation (KTx) patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 71 patients (27 females; 44 males) in the long term after KTx (5.5 ± 2.6 years) during the winter and summer months plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), calcium, and phosphorus were assessed. Vitamin D status was classified according to 25(OH)D level (ie, insufficiency, ≤30 ng/mL; deficiency, <15 ng/mL).

RESULTS

In this study, 96% of KTx patients had vitamin D insufficiency including 37% deficiency during winter and 89% of KTx patients had vitamin D insufficiency and 24% had vitamin D deficiency, respectively, during summer. Mean 25(OH)D level during winter was lower than in summer (17.4 ± 7.1 vs 20.2 ± 7.2 ng/mL; P = .02), similar to calcitriol (163.6 ± 37.4 vs 284.5 ± 77.8 pmol/L; P = .001). There were no significant differences in winter and summer levels of calcium, phosphorus, and PTH. The 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m² compared with those with lower eGFR (21.6 ± 7.5 vs 17.6 ± 6.0; P = .02) only in the summer time.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the KTx patients have vitamin D insufficiency during both winter and summer with higher concentration of vitamin D metabolites in summer. Other factors than graft function may have an impact on vitamin D levels in KTx patients.

Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Risk in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Insights From the DCCT/EDIC Study

Background

Hyperglycemia leading to increased oxidative stress is implicated in the increased risk for the development of macrovascular and microvascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

A random subcohort of 349 participants was selected from the DCCT / EDIC (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications) cohort. This included 320 controls and 29 cardiovascular disease cases that were augmented with 98 additional known cases to yield a case cohort of 447 participants (320 controls, 127 cases). Biosamples from DCCT baseline, year 1, and closeout of DCCT , and 1 to 2 years post‐ DCCT ( EDIC years 1 and 2) were measured for markers of oxidative stress, including plasma myeloperoxidase, paraoxonase activity, urinary F 2α isoprostanes, and its metabolite, 2,3 dinor‐8 iso prostaglandin F 2α . Following adjustment for glycated hemoblobin and weighting the observations inversely proportional to the sampling selection probabilities, higher paraoxonase activity, reflective of antioxidant activity, and 2,3 dinor‐8 iso prostaglandin F 2α , an oxidative marker, were significantly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease (−4.5% risk for 10% higher paraoxonase, P <0.003; −5.3% risk for 10% higher 2,3 dinor‐8 iso prostaglandin F 2α , P =0.0092). In contrast, the oxidative markers myeloperoxidase and F 2α isoprostanes were not significantly associated with cardiovascular disease after adjustment for glycated hemoblobin. There were no significant differences between DCCT intensive and conventional treatment groups in the change in all biomarkers across time segments.

Conclusions

Heightened antioxidant activity (rather than diminished oxidative stress markers) is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk in type 1 diabetes mellitus, but these biomarkers did not change over time with intensification of glycemic control.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL : https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifiers: NCT 00360815 and NCT 00360893.

The effect of budesonide on the expression of Ki-67 and PCNA and the apoptotic index in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of budesonide on the expression of Ki-67 and PCNA proliferative antigens and the apoptotic index in the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to evaluate the applicability of these markers in monitoring IBD treatment in dogs. The experiment was performed on 28 dogs of different breeds and both sexes, with body weight of 6 to 20 kg, aged 6 to 10 years. The animals diagnosed with IBD were divided into four groups of 7 dogs each, including three experimental groups characterized by various severity of IBD and a control group. The dogs from the experimental groups were administered budesonide (Entocort, Astra-Zeneca, Sweden) in daily doses depending on body weight of animal - 1.0 mg (6-10 kg), 1.5 mg (11-15 kg) or 2.0 mg (16-20 kg) and control group dogs were orally administered empty gelatin capsules (placebo) for 30 days. The expression of Ki-67 and PCNA antigens was determined immunohistochemically, and the apoptotic index was expressed as the number of TUNEL-positive lamina propria cells in duodenal, jejunal and colonic mucosa before and after 30 days of budesonide therapy. The results of the study point to the limited applicability of Ki-67 and PCNA proliferation markers and high applicability of the apoptotic index in monitoring IBD progression and treatment in dogs. Budesonide exerted significant anti-apoptotic effects in canine patients with various severity of IBD, which indicates that next-generation glucocorticosteroids can be effectively used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases characterized by high values of the apoptotic index, including IBD.

Increased Exhaled H2O2 and Impaired Lung Function in Patients Undergoing Bioincompatible Hemodialysis

Background

Chronic renal failure (CRF) and hemodialysis (HD) accumulate an inflammatory milieu, contributing to increased systemic and airway oxidative stress that may lead to lung damage.

Objectives

This study was designed to assess exhaled hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lung function and whole blood chemiluminescence in HD and CRF patients and healthy controls.

Methods

The study included 59 patients (Polyamide S™ or Hemophan® membranes-19, cuprophane-16, hemodiafiltration-14, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-10), 16 CRF and 16 healthy controls. The assessment of lung function included FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second) and DLCOc (single breath CO diffusing capacity). Exhaled H2O2 was determined fluorometrically and resting and n-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) luminol-dependent whole blood chemiluminescence (LBCL) were measured simultaneously.

Results

Only cuprophane HD patients presented decreased lung function (FVC 63.8±17.4%, FEV1 55.9±20.3 and DLCOc 72.1± 9.3 % of predicted; p<0.05 vs. controls). These patients exhaled the highest H2O2 levels in comparison to CRF (p<0.01): median 0.36 μM (range R: 0.09–0.56 μM) and controls (p<0.05): 0.17 μM (0.2–17.8 μM). These levels were not decreased during the HD session: preHD 1.25 μM (0.2–16.5μM) and postHD 1.3 μM (0.2–17.8 μM). As a marker of systemic oxidative stress, fMLP-induced LBCL (total light emission) was increased in these patients (1570.6 aUxs /10phagocytes; R: 274.2–8598.9) and in the CRF group (2389.4 aUxs /10phagocytes; R: 491.5–6184; p<0.05 vs. controls). Other patient groups did not express elevated LBCL and revealed decreased exhaled H2O2 after a session.

Conclusions

An increased oxidative burden in the lungs may contribute to functional lung impairment in patients dialyzed with a cellulose membrane. Biocompatible dialysis with other modalities might reduce airway-borne oxidative stress and is not related with lung damage.

Haematopoiesis: “living in the shadow” of stem cell differentiation

Haematopoiesis is one of the most well understood stem-cell associated processes. It is a process in which pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) self-proliferate and differentiate into all types of blood cells. The process takes place in marrow of the flat bones in adults, however its location changes several times through embryonic and foetal development. Given the broad range of blood cells and the major differences in their build and function, together with the fact that their numbers need to be maintained within relatively narrow margins in order to maintain homeostasis despite changing environmental conditions, makes the whole process of haematopoiesis highly regulated and depending on a variety of growth factors. When influenced by those, HSCs undergo several irreversible steps, with every next one committing them to an even more specialised fate, ending with all the specific types of mostly short-lived blood cells, that are unable to proliferate on their own and need constant replenishment from the HSC pool. Because the process of haematopoiesis is the only source of all the members of the group of cells performing a range of highly important roles in functioning of the organism, significant damage to the underlying stem cells can cause a range of severe diseases. Many treatments are suggested for managing their symptoms or slowing progress, with bone marrow transplant being one of the only ones that offer possible permanent solution and, despite being a relatively risky procedure, is being widely performed, with the methods constantly improving in order to achieve progressively better results in both treatability and survivability of the patients.

Up-regulated autophagy: as a protective factor in adipose tissue of WOKW rats with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Wistar Ottawa Karlsburg W (RT1u) rats (WOKW) are a model of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Adipose tissue (AT) and peripheral nerves of WOKW rats exhibit up-regulated autophagy and inflammation corresponding with decreased apoptosis rate. The aim of this study was to characterize AT in WOKW rats in relation to autophagic activity.

METHODS

mRNA and protein expression of adiponectin, pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic markers including MCP1, TNFα, cleaved caspase-3 and RNF157, a new candidate gene regulated through autophagy, were analyzed in adipocytes isolated from visceral and subcutaneous AT of 5-month old WOKW rats with MetS and LEW.1W controls in response to pharmacological inhibition of autophagy. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect adiponectin and RNF157 protein in cultured adipocytes.

RESULTS

Inhibition of autophagy by LY294002 was associated with a fourfold up-regulation of adiponectin expression and a decrease of RNF157 protein and pro-inflammatory markers-MCP-1 and TNFα predominantly in visceral adipocytes of obese WOKW rats compared to LEW.1W rats. Moreover, inhibition of autophagic activity correlates with an activation of cleaved caspase-3 apoptotic signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Up-regulated autophagy in obese WOKW rats contributes to the regulation of visceral AT function and involves an altered balance between pro-inflammatory and protective adipokine expression. Our data suggest that activation of AT autophagy protects against adipocyte apoptosis at least under conditions of obesity related MetS in WOKW rats.

Expression of genes responsible for cell morphogenesis involved in differentiation in porcine buccal pouch mucosal cells during long-term primary culture and real-time proliferation in vitro

Recently, using experimental animal model, we demonstrated that porcine buccal pouch mucosal cells reflect increased proliferation capability during primary cultivation in vitro. Although the histological structure and morphogenesis in oral cavity is well recognized, the molecular mechanisms which regulate this process still need further investigation. This study was aimed to analyze the molecular marker expression profile involved in morphogenesis and differentiation capacity of porcine buccal pouch mucosal cells during their long-term primary cultivation in vitro. The experiment was performed on buccal pouch mucosal cells isolated from 80 pubertal crossbred Landrace gilts. After collection, the cells were treated enzymatically and transferred into a primary in vitro culture (IVC) system and cultured for 30 days. The cells were collected for RNA isolation after 7, 15 and 30 days of IVC and were checked for their real-time proliferative status using the RTCA system. We found an increased expression of FN1 and SOX9 genes when calculated against ACTB after 7, and 30 days of IVC, (P less than 0.01, P less than 0.001, respectively). The CXCL12 mRNA was down-regulated after 7, 15 and 30 days of IVC, but not statistically significant. Similar expression profile was observed when calculated against HPRT, however, DAB2 was found to be higher expressed at day 15 of IVC, (P less than 0.05). The cell index measured during real-time cell proliferation was substantially increased between 96 h and 147h of IVC and reached the log phase. Since FN1 and SOX9 revealed significant increase of expression after long-term culture in vitro, it is suggested that expression of these differentiation and stemness genes is accompanied by cell proliferation. Moreover, FN1 and SOX9 might be recognized as new markers of buccal pouch mucosal cell proliferation and differentiation in pigs in in vitro primary culture model.

Expression of connexins in porcine buccal pouch mucosa cells during real-time long-term cell proliferation in vitro: a primary culture approach

In this study we investigated the expression of connexins Cx36, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45 mRNAs during real-time cellular proliferation in vitro. The oral mucosa cells were isolated from 80 pubertal crossbred Landrace gilts. The cells were transferred into primary in vitro culture (IVC) and cultured for 30 days. The cells were collected to RNA isolation after 7, 15 and 30 days of IVC and were checked for their real-time proliferative status using real-time cell analysis (RTCA). We found an increased expression of Cx43 mRNA after 30 days of IVC as compared to control (P<0.05). The expression level of Cx36 was significantly decreased after 30 days. The expression of Cx37, Cx40 and Cx45 mRNAs was not changed. The expression of Cx43 was statistically increased when compared to Cx40, Cx37, Cx45 and Cx36 (P<0.001, for all time periods, respectively). We confirmed the expression of selected connexins in porcine buccal mucosa cells during their long-term primary IVC, which suggests the existence of functional gap junction connections (GJCs) communication network between these cells. We also confirmed the observations of other authors that Cx43 plays a substantial role in GJC structure. However, the increased expression of Cx43 in buccal mucosa cells, accompanied with their proliferation during real-time primary culture, is presented, to our knowledge, for the first time.

The origin, in vitro differentiation, and stemness specificity of progenitor cells

Since the successful collection of the first progenitor stem cells (SCs), there has been an increased interest in these cells as a model for undiscovered and unlimited potential of differentiation and development. Additionally, it was shown that SC populations display an ability to form pluripotent and/or totipotent cell populations. It was found that human ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) maintain a large capacity for differentiation into several other cell lineages, such as chondrogenic, osteogenic, neurogenic, and adipogenic, particularly during long-term, in vitro culture. In these cases, the specific media supplements that promote various pathways of differentiation, such as leukemia-inhibiting factor (LIF) and/or FSH, are well recognized. However, these are only some examples of the differentiation possibilities of human SCs in vitro and other pathways still require further investigation. Many SC populations, which are directed to differentiate into specific cell types, are also successfully used in several human disease therapies, e.g. leukemia. Moreover, SCs are used for tissue scaffold construction in patients with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, the most recent knowledge about the in vitro growth and differentiation capacity of SCs is presented. Furthermore, we discuss the possible worldwide application of SCs in advanced cell and tissue bioengineering. In conclusion, it is suggested that, in the future, SCs will be a basic strategy in human therapy, and their use will open new gates in regenerative and reconstructive medicine in the 21st century.

Expression of cell mitotic progression proteins and keratinocyte markers in porcine buccal pouch mucosal cells during short-term, real-time primary culture

The porcine model is often used in clinical trials. The pig has many fundamental anatomic, physiological and nutritional similarities to humans. Additionally, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) demands the use large animals in clinical studies. Oral mucosa has received special attention due to its regenerative properties. Oral tissue is composed of several types of cells including fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The porcine oral mucosa/buccal pouch mucosa has a cellular structure with defined proliferation and differentiated capability. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of porcine buccal pouch mucosal cell proliferation and differentiation markers such as Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and involucrin. We observed a clear monolayer culture of spindle-shaped, porcine buccal pouch mucosal cells during 168 h of real-time in vitro culture. The RTCA assays revealed parametric and progressive increases in proliferation after 72 h of IVC. We found an altered proliferation index (PI) in the replicated groups of experiments except through the 144-168 h proliferation period. The RT-qPCR results demonstrated a significant increase in Ki-67 and PCNA expression after 48, 120, and 168 h of IVC as compared to other culture periods (P<0.001). The involucrin mRNA displayed increased expression after 168 h of IVC as compared to other periods. We observed a lack of PCR product at 24 h in the case of Ki-67 and both before IVC (0h) and after 24 h of IVC for PCNA mRNA. When we analyzed the three transcripts together, we found the highest expression of involucrin during each of the culture periods. It has been suggested that Ki-67, PCNA, and involucrin may be successfully used as markers of porcine buccal pouch mucosal cell proliferation and differentiation capability in vitro.

Inflammatory bowel disease affects density of nitrergic nerve fibers in the mucosal layer of the canine gastrointestinal tract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on the density of nitrergic nerve fibers in the mucosal layer of different sections of the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. Twenty-eight German shepherd hybrid dogs of both sexes, weighing from 15 to 25 kg and aged 6 to 10 y, were studied. The dogs were divided into 4 groups with 7 animals in each group: healthy animals, as well as dogs suffering from mild, moderate, and severe IBD. Immunoreactivity to neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase, which is a marker of nitrergic neurons, in samples of the mucosal layer in the duodenum, jejunum, and descending colon was studied using the single immunofluorescence method and the number of nerve fibers was evaluated in each observation field. The obtained results showed that IBD causes an increase in the number of nitrergic nerve fibers in all intestinal segments studied and these changes are directly proportional to the intensity of the disease process. These observations may be useful in diagnostic evaluation of the stage of canine inflammatory bowel disease in veterinary practice. The pathological mechanisms of these observed changes and the specific reasons for them are still not completely explained, however, and further study is required.

Short-term changes of serum potassium concentration induced by physical exercise in patient with arterial hypertension treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor alone or in combination with statin

Intensive physical exercise may facilitate potassium release from skeletal muscles that may result in hyperkalemia. Commonly used drugs including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and statins increase a risk of hyperkalemia. It is not known whether the effect of these drugs on serum potassium during physical exercise is additive. The study compared the effect of physical exercise on the changes of serum potassium in hypertensive patients receiving ACEI alone or in combination with statin. Eighteen patients with arterial hypertension with normal renal function were included in a prospective placebo-controlled cross-over study. The patients underwent 3 exercise tests on a bicycle ergometer with 55 - 60% of maximum oxygen consumption each lasting 30 minutes, i.e. after being treated with ACEI alone for six months, and then in a random order after the administration of ACEI with statin or ACEI with placebo each time for eight weeks separated by 2-week wash-out. Serum potassium was measured with atomic emission flame spectrometry before and after 15 and 30 minutes exercise and after 30-minute recovery. During the exercise serum potassium concentration increased moderately but significantly during all exercise tests. Mean serum potassium during exercise remained within the normal range. There were no differences in the exercise-induced changes of serum potassium during the exercise tests performed after ACEI combined with statin or with placebo. Addition of statin to ACEI does not increase the risk of hyperkalemia in hypertensive patients with preserved renal function during physical exercise with intensity typical for routine daily activities.

Molecular basis of growth, proliferation, and differentiation of mammalian follicular granulosa cells

For normal folliculogenesis and oogenesis to occur many intrinsic and extrinsic factors are needed, i.e. positive feedback of hormone secretion and local ovarian-follicular growth factors distribution. During follicle formation, granulosa cells (GCs) change their morphology and physiological properties. The factors needed for GCs to differentiate within each layer are transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), as well as the activation and modification of biochemical pathways involved in folliculogenesis. Physiological alterations occur when GC genes are characterized by several differences in their gene expression profile. Studies in recent years indicate a variety of processes involved in follicle morphology and biochemical remodeling during growth and development. It was demonstrated that IGFs play a central role in the differentiation of GCs both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the primary role of FSH and LH in the formation of the ovarian follicle, was also described. Our review article characterizes the most important pathways involved in the differentiation of GCs and the effect of various factors on gene expression in GCs during folliculogenesis.