[Generation of rat induced pluripotent stem cells: the analysis of reprogramming and culturing media]

The rat represents very important, superior in many respects to the mous, animal model for studying pharmacology, physiology, ageing, cardiovascular etc. However, numerous attempts to derive rat ES cells necessary to carry out loss-of-gene-function studies have not been successful thus far. Therefore rat induct pluripotent stem cells (or riPS) should provide a notable alternative to ES cell, allowing to study gene functions in this valuable animal model. Here we report an improved lentivirus-based riPS derivation protocol that makes use of small inhibitors of MEK and GSK3. We show that the excision of proviruses does not affect neither karyotype and pluripotency state of these cells. Also, we propose genetic tool for an improvement of the quality of riPS cells in culture. These data may prompt further iPS-based gene targeting in rat as well as the development iPS-based gene therapies, using this animal model.

[Genetic manipulation and studying of differentiation properties of rat induced pluripotent stem cells]

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are derived from somatic cells reprogrammed to the pluripotent state by the induced expression of defined transcription factors, achieved for the first time by the seminal work of Takahashi and Yamanaka. This new type of pluripotent cells has offered new exciting options in regenerative medicine allowing the replacement of cells and organs with the patient's own cells thereby avoiding immunological complications. In order to develop such technologies in approved animal models, iPS cells were also generated from rodents. Of course, the most important model for studying of different diseases is rat. In this study, we present a method suitable for rat iPS cells genetic modification by stable transfection and show necessary conditions for the first stages of direct differentiation.

[Clinical approach to renal trauma]

Management of kidney injuries is an uncommon challenge to urologists. Therapy has evolved in recent years from mainly surgical to predominantly conservative treatment. Immediate surgical intervention for renal trauma is now only necessary in rare instances. This overview is based on the guidelines of the European Association of Urology and the Societé International d'Urologie as well as clinical experience and is intended to provide practical advice for treatment of renal trauma.

[Diagnostic work-up for lymph node metastases of urological tumors]

Both CT and MRI are currently the most frequently used and recommended modalities for lymph node staging of uro-oncological diseases. Their diagnostic usefulness is limited particularly for recognition of micrometastases and lymph nodes <10 mm. FDG- and choline-based PET/CT procedures also do not offer much improvement in these cases. Meanwhile however PET/CT has been included in the EAU guidelines for seminomas and is recommended for further management of residual tumors after chemotherapy. Magnetic resonance imaging with lymphotropic monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticles appears to exhibit great potential and can detect smaller metastases and micrometastases even in normal-sized lymph nodes in uro-oncological diseases. Nevertheless, Guerbet has withdrawn its application to the EMEA for marketing authorization of its product Sinerem (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles). In the meantime diffusion-weighted MRI represents a promising technique and is already being evaluated in fields outside the realm of urology.

Human ovarian tissue vitrification versus conventional freezing: morphological, endocrinological, and molecular biological evaluation

Cryopreservation as a process can be divided into two methods: conventional freezing and vitrification. The high effectiveness of vitrification in comparison with conventional freezing for human oocytes and embryos is shown, whereas data on human ovarian tissue are limited. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of conventional freezing and vitrification of human ovarian tissue. Ovarian tissue fragments from 15 patients were transported to the laboratory within 22–25 h in a special, isolated transport box that can maintain a stable temperature of between 5 and 8 °C for 36 h. Small pieces of ovarian tissue (0.3–1×1–1.5×0.7–1 mm) were randomly distributed into three groups: group 1, fresh pieces immediately after receiving transport box (control); group 2, pieces after vitrification; and group 3, pieces after conventional freezing. After thawing, all the pieces were culturedin vitro. The viability and proliferative capacity of the tissue byin vitroproduction of hormones, development of follicles, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene expression after culture were evaluated. A difference between freezing and vitrification was not found in respect to hormonal activity and follicle quality. The supernatants showed 17-β estradiol concentrations of 365, 285, and 300 pg/ml respectively, and progesterone concentrations of 3.82, 1.99, and 1.95 ng/ml respectively. It was detected that 95, 80, and 83% follicles respectively were morphologically normal. The molecular biological analysis, however, demonstrated that theGAPDHgene expression in ovarian tissue after vitrification was dramatically decreased in contrast to conventional freezing. For cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue, conventional freezing is more promising than vitrification, because of higher developmental potential.

Serotonin stimulates platelet receptor shedding by tumor necrosis factor-alpha-converting enzyme (ADAM17)

BACKGROUND

Peripheral serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is transported by platelets and released upon stimulation. In the platelet cytoplasm, 5-HT is transamidated to small GTPases, promoting alpha-granule release and primary hemostasis.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that 5-HT could also stimulate platelet receptor shedding after binding to the membrane 5-HT receptor (5-HT2AR).

METHODS

Western blot and flow cytometry were used to determine levels of the adhesion receptor glycoprotein (GP)Ibalpha on platelets or its shed fragment glycocalicin in plasma and serum from wild-type mice, Tph1(-/-) mice lacking peripheral 5-HT, and mice lacking functional tumor necrosis factor-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE, ADAM17). Flow chamber experiments and intravital microscopy were used to examine the adhesive properties of platelets after stimulation of 5-HT2AR.

RESULTS

Glycocalicin was significantly reduced in Tph1(-/-) plasma and serum. In isolated platelets, 5-HT induced shedding of GPIbalpha, which was increased to 60% when 5-HT uptake was inhibited by the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine. Specific 5-HT2AR agonism and antagonism suggested activation of this receptor. The shedding could not be induced in TACE(DeltaZn/DeltaZn) platelets, suggesting that activated TACE mediated the shedding of GPIbalpha. Intracellular signaling involved phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase rather than G-protein signaling. 5-HT2AR stimulation decreased platelet adhesion to collagen-bound von Willebrand factor under arterial shear (1500 s(-1)) and incorporation into FeCl3-induced thrombi in mesenteric arterioles.

CONCLUSIONS

Stimulation of 5-HT2AR on platelets induces TACE-mediated shedding of GPIbalpha, the key adhesion molecule under high shear conditions. Our observations demonstrate a new pathway through which 5-HT could modulate cardiovascular disease.

[CENTB5 gene expression in human and mouse]

Centaurin beta5 with unclear function belongs to protein family of centaurins. Human centaurin beta5 is encoded by gene CENTB5 whose intron 14-15 contains low variable minisatellite UPS29, and mouse homolog CENTB5 in analogous intron contains imperfect microsatellite repeat (CATG)19. Earlier we found the association between an occurrence of short UPS29 alleles with some forms of Parkinson disease and epilepsy. Besides this, both human and mice CENTB5 are localized in the same synteny group with SCNN1D and ACOT7 genes which are known to be expressed predominantly in nervous system. Mutations in these genes are connected with neurodegenerative processes and epilepsy. It is known that intra-intronic sequences can modulate genes of their location and neighbor and even remote genes. Using RT-PCR we carried out simultaneous analysis of CENTB5, SCNN1D and ACOT7 genes expression. Potential possibility of human intra-intronic tandem repeat UPS29 and of mouse intra-intronic tandem repeat (CATG)19 to regulate/modulate CENTB5, SCNN1D and ACOT7 activity was evaluated in silico. It was found that all these genes were expressed in all studied organs and tissues. It is suggested that minisatellite locus UPS29 can regulate an activity of CENTB5, SCNN1D and ACOT7 in nervous system cells.

Quality of life and perioperative outcomes after retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy (RN), open RN and nephron-sparing surgery in patients with renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and perioperative outcomes in patients with T1 and T2 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy (RRN), open RN (ORN) or open nephron-sparing surgery (NSS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data of 117 patients who had undergone RRN (36), ORN (37) or NSS (44) were evaluated. RRN data were obtained at Basel University Hospital, Switzerland, while the ORN and NSS data were collected at the University of Munich, Germany. Perioperative outcomes were analysed and compared. HRQoL was prospectively evaluated based on the Short Form 36 questionnaire with a mean follow-up of 22 months.

RESULTS

Operative duration was significantly longer in the RRN group compared with the ORN and NSS groups, at a mean (sem) of 146 (42) min vs 113 (48) min and 114 (42) min (P < 0.001). In the RRN group intraoperative blood loss was lower than in the ORN and NSS groups, at a mean (sem) of 231 (153) mL vs 424 (361) mL and 494 (360) mL (P < 0.001). Morbidity rates were 13.9% for RRN, 16.2% for ORN and 20.5% for NSS, the most relevant complications being bleeding requiring transfusions in RRN and NSS patients and haemorrhage (5% of patients in each group). Creatinine values at 6 months after surgery only recovered completely in the NSS group. Patients in the ORN group had a trend towards higher mental well-being scores than patients in the RRN and NSS groups, with a mean Mental Component Summary Score of 48.3 vs 48.0 and 44.5, respectively (not statistically significant), while all patients were in similar physical condition after surgery, with a mean Physical Component Summary Scores of 48.0 (ORN), 47.4 (RRN) and 47.2 (NSS). The physical condition scores of patients in all groups were higher than scores reached by an age and sex-matched population (45.8).

CONCLUSION

These real-world data show that each of the surgical techniques can be considered safe. Importantly, after surgery patients reported high QoL scores independent of the technique used.

Delayed blockade of the kinin B1 receptor reduces renal inflammation and fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy

Renal fibrosis is the common histological feature of advanced glomerular and tubulointerstitial disease leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, specific antifibrotic therapies to slow down the evolution to ESRD are still absent. Because persistent inflammation is a key event in the development of fibrosis, we hypothesized that the proinflammatory kinin B1 receptor (B1R) could be such a new target. Here we show that, in the unilateral ureteral obstruction model of renal fibrosis, the B1R is overexpressed and that delayed treatment with an orally active nonpeptide B1R antagonist blocks macrophage infiltration, leading to a reversal of the level of renal fibrosis. In vivo bone marrow transplantation studies as well as in vitro studies on renal cells show that part of this antifibrotic mechanism of B1R blockade involves a direct effect on resident renal cells by inhibiting chemokine CCL2 and CCL7 expression. These findings suggest that blocking the B1R is a promising antifibrotic therapy.

[Production of reconstructed two-cell rat embryos after chemical inactivation of chromosomes in MII oocytes by etoposide]

The application of etoposide for chemical enucleation of rat oocytes was tested. The reconstruction efficiency after chemical and mechanical enucleation was comparatively analyzed. The obtained data indicate similar viability of reconstructed rat embryos irrespective of the enucleation technique.

Expression and functional pharmacology of the bradykinin B1 receptor in the normal and inflamed human gallbladder

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It has recently been described that bradykinin B(2) receptors are expressed in the human gallbladder and that their activation induces a powerful contraction, especially in acute cholecystitis tissues. Here the role of the B(1) receptor in the contractility of control and inflamed human gallbladder was investigated.

METHODS

Strips of human gallbladder from either acute gallstone cholecystitis or elective gastro-entero-pancreatic surgery (control) were assessed in vitro and processed for reverse transcription-PCR analysis. Cumulative concentration-response curves with the selective B(1) receptor agonist, Lys-Des-Arg(9)-bradykinin, cholecystokinin and carbachol were performed in control and cholecystitis specimens.

RESULTS

Lys-Des-Arg(9)-bradykinin concentration-dependently contracted strips of control gallbladders and its motor effect was higher in inflamed gallbladders. Lys-Des-Arg(9)-bradykinin-induced contraction was not altered by pretreatment with the selective bradykinin B(2) receptor antagonist, HOE140 (1 microM), the NK(1) (SR140333), NK(2) (SR48968) and NK(3) (SR142801) tachykinin receptor antagonists (all 1 microM), the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, atropine (1 microM), and the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (5 microM). In contrast, the Lys-Des-Arg(9)-bradykinin-induced motor response was significantly reduced by the selective B(1) receptor antagonist, R-715. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that B(1) receptor mRNA levels were significantly higher in cholecystitis smooth muscle specimens, when compared with that observed in control tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Bradykinin B(1) receptor has an important role as a spasmogen of human gallbladder, and selective antagonists of the B(1) receptor may represent a valid therapeutic option to control pain in patients with acute cholecystitis.