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Claessens F, Seys D, Van der Auwera C, Castro EM, Jans A, Schoenmakers B, De Ridder D, Bruyneel L, Van Wilder A, Vanhaecht K. The FlaQuM-Quickscan: A starting point to include primary care professionals' perspectives in the evaluation of hospital quality priorities. J Healthc Qual Res 2024; 39:89-99. [PMID: 38195377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhqr.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Today, primary care professionals' (PCPs) perspectives on hospital quality are unknown when evaluating hospital quality priorities. The aims of the present study were to identify key healthcare quality attributes from PCPs' perspective, to validate an instrument that measures PCPs' experiences of healthcare quality multidimensionally and to define hospital quality priorities based on PCPs' experiences. MATERIAL AND METHODS Focus groups with PCPs were conducted to identify quality attributes through a qualitative in-depth analysis. A multicentre study of 18 hospitals was used to quantitatively assess construct, discriminant and criterion validity of the FlaQuM-Quickscan, an instrument that measures 'Healthcare quality for patients and kin' (part 1) and 'Healthcare quality for professionals' (part 2). To set quality priorities, scores on quality domains were analyzed descriptively and between-hospital variation was examined by evaluating differences in hospitals' mean scores on the quality domains using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). RESULTS Identified key attributes largely corresponded with Lachman's multidimensional quality model. Including 'Communication' as a new quality domain was recommended. The FlaQuM-Quickscan was completed by 550 PCPs. Confirmatory factor analyses showed reasonable to good fit, except for the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) in part 2. The 'Equity' domain scored the highest in parts 1 and 2. Domains 'Kin-centred care' and 'Accessibility and timeliness' scored the lowest in part 1 and 'Resilience' and 'Partnership and co-production' in part 2. Significant variation in hospitals' mean scores was observed for eleven domains in part 1 and sixteen domains in part 2. CONCLUSIONS The results gained a better understanding of PCPs' perspective on quality. The FlaQuM-Quickscan is a valid instrument to measure PCPs' experiences of hospital quality. Identified priorities indicate that hospital management should focus on multifaceted quality strategies, including technical domains, person-and kin-centredness, core values and catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Claessens
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - D Seys
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Van der Auwera
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - E M Castro
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Quality Management, Regionaal Ziekenhuis Heilig Hart Tienen, Tienen, Belgium
| | - A Jans
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Quality Management, Sint-Trudo Ziekenhuis, Sint-Truiden, Belgium
| | - B Schoenmakers
- Academic Center for General Practice, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D De Ridder
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Quality Management, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L Bruyneel
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Van Wilder
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - K Vanhaecht
- Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Quality Management, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Vankrunkelsven W, Thiessen S, Derde S, Vervoort E, Derese I, Pintelon I, Matheussen H, Jans A, Goossens C, Langouche L, Van den Berghe G, Vanhorebeek I. Development of muscle weakness in a mouse model of critical illness: does fibroblast growth factor 21 play a role? Skelet Muscle 2023; 13:12. [PMID: 37537627 PMCID: PMC10401744 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-023-00320-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical illness is hallmarked by severe stress and organ damage. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been shown to rise during critical illness. FGF21 is a pleiotropic hormone that mediates adaptive responses to tissue injury and repair in various chronic pathological conditions. Animal studies have suggested that the critical illness-induced rise in FGF21 may to a certain extent protect against acute lung, liver, kidney and brain injury. However, FGF21 has also been shown to mediate fasting-induced loss of muscle mass and force. Such loss of muscle mass and force is a frequent problem of critically ill patients, associated with adverse outcome. In the present study, we therefore investigated whether the critical illness-induced acute rise in FGF21 is muscle-protective or rather contributes to the pathophysiology of critical illness-induced muscle weakness. METHODS In a catheterised mouse model of critical illness induced by surgery and sepsis, we first assessed the effects of genetic FGF21 inactivation, and hence the inability to acutely increase FGF21, on survival, body weight, muscle wasting and weakness, and markers of muscle cellular stress and dysfunction in acute (30 h) and prolonged (5 days) critical illness. Secondly, we assessed whether any effects were mirrored by supplementing an FGF21 analogue (LY2405319) in prolonged critical illness. RESULTS FGF21 was not required for survival of sepsis. Genetic FGF21 inactivation aggravated the critical illness-induced body weight loss (p = 0.0003), loss of muscle force (p = 0.03) and shift to smaller myofibers. This was accompanied by a more pronounced rise in markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress in muscle, without effects on impairments in mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities or autophagy activation. Supplementing critically ill mice with LY2405319 did not affect survival, muscle force or weight, or markers of muscle cellular stress/dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Endogenous FGF21 is not required for sepsis survival, but may partially protect muscle force and may reduce cellular stress in muscle. Exogenous FGF21 supplementation failed to improve muscle force or cellular stress, not supporting the clinical applicability of FGF21 supplementation to protect against muscle weakness during critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Vankrunkelsven
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Thiessen
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Derde
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Vervoort
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Inge Derese
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hanne Matheussen
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander Jans
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chloë Goossens
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies Langouche
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greet Van den Berghe
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Vanhorebeek
- Clinical Division and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Boesveld S, Kittel Y, Luo Y, Jans A, Oezcifci B, Bartneck M, Preisinger C, Rommel D, Haraszti T, Centeno SP, Boersma AJ, De Laporte L, Trautwein C, Kuehne AJC, Strnad P. Microgels as Platforms for Antibody-Mediated Cytokine Scavenging. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300695. [PMID: 37248777 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies are the key treatment option for various cytokine-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, systemic injection of these antibodies can cause side effects and suppress the immune system. Moreover, clearance of therapeutic antibodies from the blood is limiting their efficacy. Here, water-swollen microgels are produced with a size of 25 µm using droplet-based microfluidics. The microgels are functionalized with TNFα antibodies to locally scavenge the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα. Homogeneous distribution of TNFα-antibodies is shown throughout the microgel network and demonstrates specific antibody-antigen binding using confocal microscopy and FLIM-FRET measurements. Due to the large internal accessibility of the microgel network, its capacity to bind TNFα is extremely high. At a TNFα concentration of 2.5 µg mL-1 , the microgels are able to scavenge 88% of the cytokine. Cell culture experiments reveal the therapeutic potential of these microgels by protecting HT29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells from TNFα toxicity and resulting in a significant reduction of COX II and IL8 production of the cells. When the microgels are incubated with stimulated human macrophages, to mimic the in vivo situation of inflammatory bowel disease, the microgels scavenge almost all TNFα that is produced by the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Boesveld
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yonca Kittel
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yizhao Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Jans
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Burak Oezcifci
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht, 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Preisinger
- Proteomics Facility, Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research (IZKF), Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dirk Rommel
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tamás Haraszti
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Silvia P Centeno
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Arnold J Boersma
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, Utrecht, 3584 CH, The Netherlands
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB), Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME) Department of Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), Forckenbeckstraße 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander J C Kuehne
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Lin C, Mostafa A, Jans A, Wolters JC, Mohamed MR, Van der Vorst EPC, Trautwein C, Bartneck M. Targeting Ligand Independent Tropism of siRNA-LNP by Small Molecules for Directed Therapy of Liver or Myeloid Immune Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2202670. [PMID: 36617516 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic clearance of lipid nanoparticles (LNP) with encapsulated nucleic acids restricts their therapeutic applicability. Therefore, tools for regulating hepatic clearance are of high interest for nucleic acid delivery. To this end, this work employs wild-type (WT) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr)-/- mice pretreated with either a leukotriene B4 receptor inhibitor (BLT1i) or a high-density lipoprotein receptor inhibitor (HDLRi) prior to the injection of siRNA-LNP. This work is able to demonstrate significantly increased hepatic uptake of siRNA-LNP by the BLT1i in Ldlr-/- mice by in vivo imaging and discover an induction of specific uptake-related proteins. Irrespective of the inhibitors and Ldlr deficiency, the siRNA-LNP induced RNA-binding and transport-related proteins in liver, including haptoglobin (HP) that is also identified as most upregulated serum protein. This work observes a downregulation of proteins functioning in hepatic detoxification and of serum opsonins. Most strikingly, the HDLRi reduces hepatic uptake and increases siRNA accumulation in spleen and myeloid immune cells of blood and liver. RNA sequencing demonstrates leukocyte recruitment by the siRNA-LNP and the HDLRi through induction of chemokine ligands in liver tissue. The data provide insights into key mechanisms of siRNA-LNP biodistribution and indicate that the HDLRi has potential for extrahepatic and leukocyte targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology and Shanghai Institute of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Asmaa Mostafa
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, 33 El-Bohouth St., El-Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt
| | - Alexander Jans
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Justina Clarinda Wolters
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Mohamed Ramadan Mohamed
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Emiel P C Van der Vorst
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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Rezvantalab S, Maleki R, Drude NI, Khedri M, Jans A, Keshavarz Moraveji M, Darguzyte M, Ghasemy E, Tayebi L, Kiessling F. Experimental and Computational Study on the Microfluidic Control of Micellar Nanocarrier Properties. ACS Omega 2021; 6:23117-23128. [PMID: 34549113 PMCID: PMC8444197 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c02651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic-based synthesis is a powerful technique to prepare well-defined homogenous nanoparticles (NPs). However, the mechanisms defining NP properties, especially size evolution in a microchannel, are not fully understood. Herein, microfluidic and bulk syntheses of riboflavin (RF)-targeted poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG-RF) micelles were evaluated experimentally and computationally. Using molecular dynamics (MD), a conventional "random" model for bulk self-assembly of PLGA-PEG-RF was simulated and a conceptual "interface" mechanism was proposed for the microfluidic self-assembly at an atomic scale. The simulation results were in agreement with the observed experimental outcomes. NPs produced by microfluidics were smaller than those prepared by the bulk method. The computational approach suggested that the size-determining factor in microfluidics is the boundary of solvents in the entrance region of the microchannel, explaining the size difference between the two experimental methods. Therefore, this computational approach can be a powerful tool to gain a deeper understanding and optimize NP synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Rezvantalab
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Urmia University
of Technology, 57166-93188 Urmia, Iran
- Institute
for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Reza Maleki
- Computational
Biology and Chemistry Group (CBCG), Universal
Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 1449614535 Iran
| | - Natascha Ingrid Drude
- Institute
for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department
of Experimental Neurology, Charité
−Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mohammad Khedri
- Computational
Biology and Chemistry Group (CBCG), Universal
Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 1449614535 Iran
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University
of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), 424 Hafez Avenue, Tehran 1591634311, Iran
| | - Alexander Jans
- DWI-Leibniz
Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Mostafa Keshavarz Moraveji
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University
of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), 424 Hafez Avenue, Tehran 1591634311, Iran
| | - Milita Darguzyte
- Institute
for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ebrahim Ghasemy
- Centre
Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, Institut national de la recherché, 1650 Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Quebec J3X 1S2, Canada
| | - Lobat Tayebi
- School
of Dentistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233, United States
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Institute
for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen International University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Peters LJF, Jans A, Bartneck M, van der Vorst EPC. Immunomodulatory Nanomedicine for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3185. [PMID: 34300351 PMCID: PMC8306310 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10143185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the main underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which remain the number one contributor to mortality worldwide. Although current therapies can slow down disease progression, no treatment is available that can fully cure or reverse atherosclerosis. Nanomedicine, which is the application of nanotechnology in medicine, is an emerging field in the treatment of many pathologies, including CVDs. It enables the production of drugs that interact with cellular receptors, and allows for controlling cellular processes after entering these cells. Nanomedicine aims to repair, control and monitor biological and physiological systems via nanoparticles (NPs), which have been shown to be efficient drug carriers. In this review we will, after a general introduction, highlight the advantages and limitations of the use of such nano-based medicine, the potential applications and targeting strategies via NPs. For example, we will provide a detailed discussion on NPs that can target relevant cellular receptors, such as integrins, or cellular processes related to atherogenesis, such as vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Furthermore, we will underline the (ongoing) clinical trials focusing on NPs in CVDs, which might bring new insights into this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linsey J. F. Peters
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Jans
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.J.); (M.B.)
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.J.); (M.B.)
| | - Emiel P. C. van der Vorst
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Nothdurft K, Müller DH, Mürtz SD, Meyer AA, Guerzoni LPB, Jans A, Kühne AJC, De Laporte L, Brands T, Bardow A, Richtering W. Is the Microgel Collapse a Two-Step Process? Exploiting Cononsolvency to Probe the Collapse Dynamics of Poly- N-isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM). J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:1503-1512. [PMID: 33503378 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c10430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many applications of responsive microgels rely on the fast adaptation of the polymer network. However, the underlying dynamics of the de-/swelling process of the gels have not been fully understood. In the present work, we focus on the collapse kinetics of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM) microgels due to cononsolvency. Cononsolvency means that either of the pure solvents, e.g., pure water or pure methanol, act as a so-called good solvent, leading to a swollen state of the polymer network. However, in mixtures of water and methanol, the previously swollen network undergoes a drastic volume loss. To further elucidate the cononsolvency transition, pNIPAM microgels with diameters between 20 and 110 μm were synthesized by microfluidics. To follow the dynamics, pure water was suddenly exchanged with an unfavorable mixture of 20 mol% methanol (solvent-jump) within a microfluidic channel. The dynamic response of the microgels was investigated by optical and fluorescence microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy. The experimental data provide unique and detailed insight into the size-dependent kinetics of the volume phase transition due to cononsolvency. The change in the microgel's diameter over time points to a two-step process of the microgel collapse with a biexponential behavior. Furthermore, the dependence between the two time constants from this biexponential behavior and the microgel's diameter in the collapsed state deviates from the square-power law proposed by Tanaka and Fillmore [ J. Chem. Phys. 1979, 70, 1214-1218]. The deviation is discussed considering the adhesion-induced deformation of the gels and the physical processes underlying the collapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Nothdurft
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - David H Müller
- Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen University, Schinkelstr. 8, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sonja D Mürtz
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Anna A Meyer
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Luis P B Guerzoni
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Jans
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander J C Kühne
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Brands
- Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen University, Schinkelstr. 8, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - André Bardow
- Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen University, Schinkelstr. 8, 52062 Aachen, Germany.,Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, Tannenstr. 3, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany.,DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Meulemans J, Jans A, Vermeulen K, Vandommele J, Delaere P, Vander Poorten V. Evone® Flow-Controlled Ventilation During Upper Airway Surgery: A Clinical Feasibility Study and Safety Assessment. Front Surg 2020; 7:6. [PMID: 32185179 PMCID: PMC7058692 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: During upper airway surgery in a narrowed airway due to tumor or stenosis, safe ventilation, good laryngotracheal exposure, and preservation of an adequate surgical working space are of paramount importance. This can be achieved by small-lumen ventilation such as High Frequency Jet Ventilation (HFJV). However, this technique has major drawbacks, such as air-trapping and desaturation in patients with poor pulmonary reserve. Recently, an innovative ventilating system with flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) and a small-lumen endotracheal tube, the Evone® (Ventinova, Eindhoven, The Netherlands), was introduced, claiming to counter the drawbacks of HFJV. Objectives: To evaluate feasibility and safety of the Evone® FCV system in difficult upper airway surgery and to critically appraise this novel ventilation method. Patients and methods: Evone® is a FCV-device using a small-bore cuffed tube (Tritube®). This ventilator actively sucks air out of the lungs, rather than relying on the passive backflow of air like in HFJV. Data related to the medical history, surgery, and anesthesia of all consecutive patients undergoing upper airway surgery with Evone® FCV ventilation were included in a tertiary center retrospective observational study. Results: Fifteen Patients, with a median age of 54 years, were included. Surgical procedures and indications included laser-assisted endoscopic treatment of idiopathic subglottic stenosis (n = 3), tracheal stenosis (n = 1), and posterior glottic stenosis (n = 2), biopsy and/or Transoral Laser Microsurgery for laryngeal (pre)malignancy (n = 7) and resection of benign lesions with posterior (supra)glottic location (n = 2). Mean ventilation duration was 52.0 min (range 30-115 min, SD 19.6 min), mean surgery duration was 31.7 min (range 15-65 min, SD 13.2 min), mean minimal SaO2 was 96.3% (range 89-100%, SD 4.0%) and mean peak pCO2 was 41.4 mmHg (range 31-50 mmHg, SD = 5.5 mmHg). No anesthesia- or surgery-related complications, adverse events or intra-operative difficulties were reported during or after any of the 15 procedures. In all cases, compared to HFJV, Evone® FCV ventilation allowed a superior visualization and working space during the surgical procedure. Conclusion: The Evone® FCV ventilation system provides excellent conditions in patients undergoing upper airway surgery, as it combines excellent accessibility and visibility of the operation site with safe and stable ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Meulemans
- Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, Section Head and Neck Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander Jans
- Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Pierre Delaere
- Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent Vander Poorten
- Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, Section Head and Neck Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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9
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Krüger AJD, Bakirman O, Guerzoni LPB, Jans A, Gehlen DB, Rommel D, Haraszti T, Kuehne AJC, De Laporte L. Compartmentalized Jet Polymerization as a High-Resolution Process to Continuously Produce Anisometric Microgel Rods with Adjustable Size and Stiffness. Adv Mater 2019; 31:e1903668. [PMID: 31621960 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201903668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, anisometric rod-shaped microgels have attracted growing interest in the materials-design and tissue-engineering communities. Rod-shaped microgels exhibit outstanding potential as versatile building blocks for 3D hydrogels, where they introduce macroscopic anisometry, porosity, or functionality for structural guidance in biomaterials. Various fabrication methods have been established to produce such shape-controlled elements. However, continuous high-throughput production of rod-shaped microgels with simultaneous control over stiffness, size, and aspect ratio still presents a major challenge. A novel microfluidic setup is presented for the continuous production of rod-shaped microgels from microfluidic plug flow and jets. This system overcomes the current limitations of established production methods for rod-shaped microgels. Here, an on-chip gelation setup enables fabrication of soft microgel rods with high aspect ratios, tunable stiffness, and diameters significantly smaller than the channel diameter. This is realized by exposing jets of a microgel precursor to a high intensity light source, operated at specific pulse sequences and frequencies to induce ultra-fast photopolymerization, while a change in flow rates or pulse duration enables variation of the aspect ratio. The microgels can assemble into 3D structures and function as support for cell culture and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J D Krüger
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Onur Bakirman
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Luis P B Guerzoni
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Jans
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - David B Gehlen
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dirk Rommel
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tamás Haraszti
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander J C Kuehne
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Textilchemie und Makromolekulare Chemie, 52056, Aachen, Germany
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10
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Jans A, Lölsberg J, Omidinia-Anarkoli A, Viermann R, Möller M, De Laporte L, Wessling M, Kuehne AJC. High-Throughput Production of Micrometer Sized Double Emulsions and Microgel Capsules in Parallelized 3D Printed Microfluidic Devices. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11111887. [PMID: 31731709 PMCID: PMC6918360 DOI: 10.3390/polym11111887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Double emulsions are useful geometries as templates for core-shell particles, hollow sphere capsules, and for the production of biomedical delivery vehicles. In microfluidics, two approaches are currently being pursued for the preparation of microfluidic double emulsion devices. The first approach utilizes soft lithography, where many identical double-flow-focusing channel geometries are produced in a hydrophobic silicone matrix. This technique requires selective surface modification of the respective channel sections to facilitate alternating wetting conditions of the channel walls to obtain monodisperse double emulsion droplets. The second technique relies on tapered glass capillaries, which are coaxially aligned, so that double emulsions are produced after flow focusing of two co-flowing streams. This technique does not require surface modification of the capillaries, as only the continuous phase is in contact with the emulsifying orifice; however, these devices cannot be fabricated in a reproducible manner, which results in polydisperse double emulsion droplets, if these capillary devices were to be parallelized. Here, we present 3D printing as a means to generate four identical and parallelized capillary device architectures, which produce monodisperse double emulsions with droplet diameters in the range of 500 µm. We demonstrate high throughput synthesis of W/O/W and O/W/O double emulsions, without the need for time-consuming surface treatment of the 3D printed microfluidic device architecture. Finally, we show that we can apply this device platform to generate hollow sphere microgels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Jans
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany; (A.J.); (J.L.); (A.O.-A.); (R.V.); (M.M.); (L.D.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Jonas Lölsberg
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany; (A.J.); (J.L.); (A.O.-A.); (R.V.); (M.M.); (L.D.L.); (M.W.)
- AVT—Chemical Process Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 51, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Abdolrahman Omidinia-Anarkoli
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany; (A.J.); (J.L.); (A.O.-A.); (R.V.); (M.M.); (L.D.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Robin Viermann
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany; (A.J.); (J.L.); (A.O.-A.); (R.V.); (M.M.); (L.D.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Martin Möller
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany; (A.J.); (J.L.); (A.O.-A.); (R.V.); (M.M.); (L.D.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany; (A.J.); (J.L.); (A.O.-A.); (R.V.); (M.M.); (L.D.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Matthias Wessling
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany; (A.J.); (J.L.); (A.O.-A.); (R.V.); (M.M.); (L.D.L.); (M.W.)
- AVT—Chemical Process Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 51, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander J. C. Kuehne
- DWI—Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany; (A.J.); (J.L.); (A.O.-A.); (R.V.); (M.M.); (L.D.L.); (M.W.)
- OC3—Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence:
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11
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Boesveld S, Jans A, Rommel D, Bartneck M, Möller M, Elling L, Trautwein C, Strnad P, Kuehne AJC. Microgels Sopping Up Toxins-GM1a-Functionalized Microgels as Scavengers for Cholera Toxin. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:25017-25023. [PMID: 31265226 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b06413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes secretory diarrhea and constitutes a major health threat in the industrialized world and even more in developing countries. Its main virulence factor is the cholera toxin, which is internalized by intestinal epithelial cells after binding to the glycosphingolipid receptor GM1a on their apical surface. A potential future solution to dampen complications of cholera infection is by scavenging the cholera toxin by presenting competitive binding motifs to diminish the in vivo toxicity of V. cholerae. Here, we generate GM1a-functionalized and biocompatible microgels with diameters of 20 μm using drop-based microfluidics. The microgels are designed to exhibit a mesoporous and widely meshed network structure, allowing diffusion of the toxin protein deep into the microgel scavengers. Flow cytometry demonstrates strong and multivalent binding at high capacity of these microgels to the binding domain of the cholera toxin. Cell culture-based assays reveal the ability of these microgels to scavenge and retain the cholera toxin in direct binding competition to colorectal cells. This ability is evidenced by suppressed cyclic adenosine monophosphate production as well as reduced vacuole formation in mucus-forming colorectal HT-29 cells. Therefore, glycan-functionalized microgels show great potential as a non-antibiotic treatment for toxin-mediated infectious disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Boesveld
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstraße 30 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Alexander Jans
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , RWTH Aachen University , Forckenbeckstraße 50 , 52076 Aachen , Germany
| | - Dirk Rommel
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , RWTH Aachen University , Forckenbeckstraße 50 , 52076 Aachen , Germany
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstraße 30 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Martin Möller
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , RWTH Aachen University , Forckenbeckstraße 50 , 52076 Aachen , Germany
| | - Lothar Elling
- Laboratory for Biomaterials, Institute for Biotechnology and Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstraße 20 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstraße 30 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital , RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstraße 30 , 52074 Aachen , Germany
| | - Alexander J C Kuehne
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials , RWTH Aachen University , Forckenbeckstraße 50 , 52076 Aachen , Germany
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry , Ulm University , Albert-Einstein-Allee 11 , 89081 Ulm , Germany
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12
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Guerzoni LPB, Rose JC, Gehlen DB, Jans A, Haraszti T, Wessling M, Kuehne AJC, De Laporte L. Cell Encapsulation in Soft, Anisometric Poly(ethylene) Glycol Microgels Using a Novel Radical-Free Microfluidic System. Small 2019; 15:e1900692. [PMID: 30993907 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201900692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Complex 3D artificial tissue constructs are extensively investigated for tissue regeneration. Frequently, materials and cells are delivered separately without benefitting from the synergistic effect of combined administration. Cell delivery inside a material construct provides the cells with a supportive environment by presenting biochemical, mechanical, and structural signals to direct cell behavior. Conversely, the cell/material interaction is poorly understood at the micron scale and new systems are required to investigate the effect of micron-scale features on cell functionality. Consequently, cells are encapsulated in microgels to avoid diffusion limitations of nutrients and waste and facilitate analysis techniques of single or collective cells. However, up to now, the production of soft cell-loaded microgels by microfluidics is limited to spherical microgels. Here, a novel method is presented to produce monodisperse, anisometric poly(ethylene) glycol microgels to study cells inside an anisometric architecture. These microgels can potentially direct cell growth and can be injected as rod-shaped mini-tissues that further assemble into organized macroscopic and macroporous structures post-injection. Their aspect ratios are adjusted with flow parameters, while mechanical and biochemical properties are altered by modifying the precursors. Encapsulated primary fibroblasts are viable and spread and migrate across the 3D microgel structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis P B Guerzoni
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jonas C Rose
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - David B Gehlen
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Jans
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tamàs Haraszti
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Wessling
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- AVT.CVT, Forckenbeckstrasse 51, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander J C Kuehne
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen, Worringerweg 1-2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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13
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Lölsberg J, Linkhorst J, Cinar A, Jans A, Kuehne AJC, Wessling M. 3D nanofabrication inside rapid prototyped microfluidic channels showcased by wet-spinning of single micrometre fibres. Lab Chip 2018; 18:1341-1348. [PMID: 29619449 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc01366c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is an established multidisciplinary research domain with widespread applications in the fields of medicine, biotechnology and engineering. Conventional production methods of microfluidic chips have been limited to planar structures, preventing the exploitation of truly three-dimensional architectures for applications such as multi-phase droplet preparation or wet-phase fibre spinning. Here the challenge of nanofabrication inside a microfluidic chip is tackled for the showcase of a spider-inspired spinneret. Multiphoton lithography, an additive manufacturing method, was used to produce free-form microfluidic masters, subsequently replicated by soft lithography. Into the resulting microfluidic device, a three-dimensional spider-inspired spinneret was directly fabricated in-chip via multiphoton lithography. Applying this unprecedented fabrication strategy, the to date smallest printed spinneret nozzle is produced. This spinneret resides tightly sealed, connecting it to the macroscopic world. Its functionality is demonstrated by wet-spinning of single-digit micron fibres through a polyacrylonitrile coagulation process induced by a water sheath layer. The methodology developed here demonstrates fabrication strategies to interface complex architectures into classical microfluidic platforms. Using multiphoton lithography for in-chip fabrication adopts a high spatial resolution technology for improving geometry and thus flow control inside microfluidic chips. The showcased fabrication methodology is generic and will be applicable to multiple challenges in fluid control and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Lölsberg
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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14
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Guerzoni LPB, Bohl J, Jans A, Rose JC, Koehler J, Kuehne AJC, De Laporte L. Microfluidic fabrication of polyethylene glycol microgel capsules with tailored properties for the delivery of biomolecules. Biomater Sci 2018; 5:1549-1557. [PMID: 28604857 DOI: 10.1039/c7bm00322f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic encapsulation platforms have great potential not only in pharmaceutical applications but also in the consumer products industry. Droplet-based microfluidics is increasingly used for the production of monodisperse polymer microcapsules for biomedical applications. In this work, a microfluidic technique is developed for the fabrication of monodisperse double emulsion droplets, where the shell is crosslinked into microgel capsules. A six-armed acrylated star-shaped poly(ethylene oxide-stat-propylene oxide) pre-polymer is used to form the microgel shell after a photo-initiated crosslinking reaction. The synthesized microgel capsules are hollow, enabling direct encapsulation of large amounts of multiple biomolecules with the inner aqueous phase completely engulfed inside the double emulsion droplets. The shell thickness and overall microgel sizes can be controlled via the flow rates. The morphology and size of the shells are characterized by cryo-SEM. The encapsulation and retention of 10 kDa FITC-dextran and its microgel degradation mediated release are monitored by fluorescence microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis P B Guerzoni
- DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Jan Bohl
- DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Jans
- DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Jonas C Rose
- DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Jens Koehler
- DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Alexander J C Kuehne
- DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, Aachen, Germany.
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15
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Jans A, Rosencrantz RR, Mandić AD, Anwar N, Boesveld S, Trautwein C, Moeller M, Sellge G, Elling L, Kuehne AJC. Glycan-Functionalized Microgels for Scavenging and Specific Binding of Lectins. Biomacromolecules 2017; 18:1460-1465. [PMID: 28257575 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6b01754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lectins are proteins with a well-defined carbohydrate recognition domain. Many microbial proteins such as bacterial toxins possess lectin or lectin-like binding domains to interact with cell membranes that are decorated with glycan recognition motifs. We report a straightforward way to prepare monodisperse and biocompatible polyethylene glycol microgels, which carry glycan motifs for specific binding to lectins. The sugar-functionalized colloids exhibit a wide mesh size and a highly accessible volume. The microgels are prepared via drop-based microfluidics combined with radical polymerization. GSII and ECL are used as model lectins that bind specifically to the corresponding carbohydrates, namely, GlcNAc and LacNAc. LacNAc microgels bind ECL with a high capacity and high affinity (Kd ≈ 0.5 to 1 μM), suggesting multivalent binding of the lectin to the LacNAc-decorated flexible microgel network. Glycan-functionalized microgels present a useful tool for lectin scavenging in biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Jans
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University , Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ruben R Rosencrantz
- Laboratory for Biomaterials Institute for Biotechnology and Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstr. 20, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ana D Mandić
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Naveed Anwar
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University , Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sarah Boesveld
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Moeller
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University , Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany
| | - Gernot Sellge
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lothar Elling
- Laboratory for Biomaterials Institute for Biotechnology and Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University , Pauwelsstr. 20, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander J C Kuehne
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen University , Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52076 Aachen, Germany
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16
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Femmer T, Jans A, Eswein R, Anwar N, Moeller M, Wessling M, Kuehne AJC. High-Throughput Generation of Emulsions and Microgels in Parallelized Microfluidic Drop-Makers Prepared by Rapid Prototyping. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2015; 7:12635-8. [PMID: 26040198 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b03969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We describe the preparation of rapid prototyped parallelized microfluidic drop-maker devices. The manufacturing technique facilitates stacking of the drop-makers vertically on top of each other allowing for a reduced footprint and minimized dead-volume through efficient design of the distribution channels. We showcase the potential of the additive manufacturing technique for microfluidics and the performance of the parallelized device by producing large amounts of microgels with a diameter of ca. 500 μm, a size that is inaccessible using traditional synthetic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Femmer
- †DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- ‡Chemical Process Engineering AVT.CVT, RWTH Aachen University, Turmstrasse 46, 52064 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Jans
- †DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Rudi Eswein
- †DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Naveed Anwar
- †DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Moeller
- †DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Wessling
- †DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- ‡Chemical Process Engineering AVT.CVT, RWTH Aachen University, Turmstrasse 46, 52064 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander J C Kuehne
- †DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstrasse 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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17
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Gjelstad IMF, Haugen F, Gulseth HL, Norheim F, Jans A, Bakke SS, Raastad T, Tjønna AE, Wisløff U, Blaak EE, Risérus U, Gaster M, Roche HM, Birkeland KI, Drevon CA. Expression of perilipins in human skeletal muscle in vitro and in vivo in relation to diet, exercise and energy balance. Arch Physiol Biochem 2012; 118:22-30. [PMID: 22117101 DOI: 10.3109/13813455.2011.630009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The perilipin proteins enclose intracellular lipid droplets. We describe the mRNA expression of the five perilipins in human skeletal muscle in relation to fatty acid supply, exercise and energy balance. We observed that all perilipins were expressed in skeletal muscle biopsies with the highest mRNA levels of perilipin 2, 4 and 5. Cultured myotubes predominantly expressed perilipin 2 and 3. In vitro, incubation of myotubes with fatty acids enhanced mRNA expression of perilipin 1, 2 and 4. In vivo, low fat diet increased mRNA levels of perilipin 3 and 4. Endurance training, but not strength training, enhanced the expression of perilipin 2 and 3. Perilipin 1 mRNA correlated positively with body fat mass, whereas none of the perilipins were associated with insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, all perilipins mRNAs were expressed in human skeletal muscle. Diet as well as endurance exercise modulated the expression of perilipins.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M F Gjelstad
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway.
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Jans A, Fauvart M, Michiels J. Transcriptional control of the general stress response in Rhizobium etli. Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci 2011; 76:227-230. [PMID: 21539237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Jans
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
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19
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Liebens VR, De Groote VN, Fauvart M, Kint CI, Jans A, Vercruysse M, Verstraeten N, Michiels J. Cell surface properties determine persistence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci 2011; 76:193-196. [PMID: 21539229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- V R Liebens
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, K.U. Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
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20
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Gong Y, Slee RB, Fukai N, Rawadi G, Roman-Roman S, Reginato AM, Wang H, Cundy T, Glorieux FH, Lev D, Zacharin M, Oexle K, Marcelino J, Suwairi W, Heeger S, Sabatakos G, Apte S, Adkins WN, Allgrove J, Arslan-Kirchner M, Batch JA, Beighton P, Black GC, Boles RG, Boon LM, Borrone C, Brunner HG, Carle GF, Dallapiccola B, De Paepe A, Floege B, Halfhide ML, Hall B, Hennekam RC, Hirose T, Jans A, Jüppner H, Kim CA, Keppler-Noreuil K, Kohlschuetter A, LaCombe D, Lambert M, Lemyre E, Letteboer T, Peltonen L, Ramesar RS, Romanengo M, Somer H, Steichen-Gersdorf E, Steinmann B, Sullivan B, Superti-Furga A, Swoboda W, van den Boogaard MJ, Van Hul W, Vikkula M, Votruba M, Zabel B, Garcia T, Baron R, Olsen BR, Warman ML. LDL receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) affects bone accrual and eye development. Cell 2001; 107:513-23. [PMID: 11719191 DOI: 10.1016/s0092-8674(01)00571-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1548] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In humans, low peak bone mass is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis. We report that LRP5, encoding the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5, affects bone mass accrual during growth. Mutations in LRP5 cause the autosomal recessive disorder osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome (OPPG). We find that OPPG carriers have reduced bone mass when compared to age- and gender-matched controls. We demonstrate LRP5 expression by osteoblasts in situ and show that LRP5 can transduce Wnt signaling in vitro via the canonical pathway. We further show that a mutant-secreted form of LRP5 can reduce bone thickness in mouse calvarial explant cultures. These data indicate that Wnt-mediated signaling via LRP5 affects bone accrual during growth and is important for the establishment of peak bone mass.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
- Adult
- Animals
- Animals, Outbred Strains
- Bone Density/genetics
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
- Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/pharmacology
- COS Cells
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11/genetics
- Culture Media, Conditioned/pharmacology
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Dishevelled Proteins
- Eye/embryology
- Eye Abnormalities/genetics
- Female
- Genes, Recessive
- Heterozygote
- Humans
- LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
- Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-5
- Male
- Mesoderm/cytology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Organ Culture Techniques
- Osteoblasts/metabolism
- Osteoporosis/genetics
- Phosphoproteins/genetics
- Phosphoproteins/physiology
- Proteins/genetics
- Proteins/physiology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/physiology
- Receptors, LDL/deficiency
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/physiology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/physiology
- Recombinant Proteins
- Signal Transduction
- Skull/cytology
- Species Specificity
- Stromal Cells/cytology
- Stromal Cells/drug effects
- Syndrome
- Transfection
- Transforming Growth Factor beta
- Wnt Proteins
- Wnt-5a Protein
- Wnt2 Protein
- Wnt3 Protein
- Wnt4 Protein
- Zebrafish Proteins
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21
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Gong Y, Vikkula M, Boon L, Liu J, Beighton P, Ramesar R, Peltonen L, Somer H, Hirose T, Dallapiccola B, De Paepe A, Swoboda W, Zabel B, Superti-Furga A, Steinmann B, Brunner HG, Jans A, Boles RG, Adkins W, van den Boogaard MJ, Olsen BR, Warman ML. Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome, a disorder affecting skeletal strength and vision, is assigned to chromosome region 11q12-13. Am J Hum Genet 1996; 59:146-51. [PMID: 8659519 PMCID: PMC1915094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome (OPS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe juvenile-onset osteoporosis and congenital or juvenile-onset blindness. The pathogenic mechanism is not known. Clinical, biochemical, and microscopic analyses suggest that OPS may be a disorder of matrix homeostasis rather than a disorder of matrix structure. Consequently, identification of the OPS gene and its protein product could provide insights regarding common osteoporotic conditions, such as postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis. As a first step toward determining the cause of OPS, we utilized a combination of traditional linkage analysis and homozygosity mapping to assign the OPS locus to chromosome region 11q12-13. Mapping was accomplished by analyzing 16 DNA samples (seven affected individuals) from three different consanguineous kindreds. Studies in 10 additional families narrowed the candidate region, supported locus homogeneity, and did not detect founder effects. The OPS locus maps to a 13-cM interval between D11S1298 and D11S971 and most likely lies in a 3-cM region between GSTP1 and D11S1296. At present, no strong candidate genes colocalize with OPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Gong
- Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland OH 44106, USA
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22
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Kinne RK, Pavenstädt-Grupp I, Grupp C, Jans A, Grunewald RW. [Transport mechanisms and metabolic processes in isolated cells of the collecting tubule of the kidney papilla]. Klin Wochenschr 1988; 66:836-42. [PMID: 2846946 DOI: 10.1007/bf01728944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Taking into account recent results obtained with isolated papillary collecting duct cells the metabolic pathways and membrane transport systems of collecting duct cells are reviewed. The plasma membranes contain a luminal proton AT-Pase and a contraluminal Cl-/HCO3- exchanger which are involved in proton secretion; a luminal sodium channel and a contraluminal Na+/K+-AT-Pase for sodium reabsorption; a K+ channel for potassium secretion, and a Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport system for chloride transport and/or volume regulation. The plasma membranes also possess transport systems for organic substrates and organic osmolytes. D-glucose, the main substrate of the papillary collecting duct is taken up into the cell by a sodium-independent D-glucose transport system with a Km of 1.2 mM. The plasma membrane also contains mechanisms which mediate sorbitol release into the medium. This mechanism is stimulated when cells are exposed to media with a low osmolality and inhibited when cells are exposed to media with a high osmolality. D-glucose is used as metabolic substrate in anaerobic and aerobic glycolysis and as precursor for sorbitol synthesis via the aldose reductase, which is highly enriched in papillary collecting duct cells. The cells also show gluconeogenic activity as evidenced by incorporation of labeled carbon from L-alanine into glycerol, sorbitol, and myo-inositol. Accordingly, the cells show fructose-1,6-biphosphatase activity. Sorbitol synthesis in contrast to sorbitol permeability is not affected by osmolarity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Kinne
- Max-Planck-Institut für Systemphysiologie, Dortmund
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