A simple and rapid procedure for the detection of genes encoding Shiga toxins and other specific DNA sequences

Use of MRI to Assess the Regenerative Effects of Adipose Tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rabbit Cartilaginous Laryngeal Defect Model

Background

Stenosis and scar formation after repair of laryngeal tissue defects are serious problems that can significantly influence a patient's quality of life.

Objective

In this study, we evaluated the use of magnetic resonance imaging to assess the efficacy of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) on cartilaginous regeneration in an experimental rabbit model.

Methods

Ten male white Dutch rabbits each had a 5 mm cartilaginous defect created surgically in the right and left thyroid lamina. On the right side, ASCs labeled with iron oxide particles were infused. As a control, the left side was left untreated. Repair of the defects were then evaluated by direct observation, histological evaluation, and magnetic resonance imaging monitoring done on days 1, 7, 14, and 28.

Results

Histological examination revealed that compared with control, transplanted ASCs significantly increased cartilage regeneration (P ˂ 0.001), reduced inflammation (P ˂ 0.001), and fibrosis (P = 0.050). Magnetic resonance imaging tracking showed accurate placement and viability of the infused ASCs, as evidenced by low signal intensity onT2 weighted images at the level of the right thyroid cartilage.

Conclusions

Infusion of ASCs improved laryngeal regeneration of surgically induced cartilaginous defects while decreasing fibrous tissue formation in this in vivo rabbit model. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging was shown to be a useful, noninvasive method to track correct ASCs placement and viability in cartilage regeneration in this animal model.

Dietary Isothiocyanates, Sulforaphane and 2-Phenethyl Isothiocyanate, Effectively Impair Vibrio cholerae Virulence

Vibrio cholerae represents a constant threat to public health, causing widespread infections, especially in developing countries with a significant number of fatalities and serious complications every year. The standard treatment by oral rehydration does not eliminate the source of infection, while increasing antibiotic resistance among pathogenic V. cholerae strains makes the therapy difficult. Thus, we assessed the antibacterial potential of plant-derived phytoncides, isothiocyanates (ITC), against V. cholerae O365 strain. Sulforaphane (SFN) and 2-phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) ability to inhibit bacterial growth was assessed. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values indicate that these compounds possess antibacterial activity and are also effective against cells growing in a biofilm. Tested ITC caused accumulation of stringent response alarmone, ppGpp, which indicates induction of the global stress response. It was accompanied by bacterial cytoplasm shrinkage, the inhibition of the DNA, and RNA synthesis as well as downregulation of the expression of virulence factors. Most importantly, ITC reduced the toxicity of V. cholerae in the in vitro assays (against Vero and HeLa cells) and in vivo, using Galleria mellonella larvae as an infection model. In conclusion, our data indicate that ITCs might be considered promising antibacterial agents in V. cholerae infections.