Differential intracellular trafficking of extracellular vesicles in microglia and astrocytes

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key players in cell-to-cell communication in both physiological and pathological processes in the Central Nervous System. Thus far, the intracellular pathways involved in uptake and trafficking of EVs within different cell types of the brain are poorly understood. In our study, the endocytic processes and subcellular sorting of EVs were investigated in primary glial cells, particularly linked with the EV-associated α-synuclein (α-syn) transmission. Mouse microglia and astrocytic primary cultures were incubated with DiI-stained mouse brain-derived EVs. The internalization and trafficking pathways were analyzed in cells treated with pharmacological reagents that block the major endocytic pathways. Brain-derived EVs were internalized by both glial cell types; however, uptake was more efficient in microglia than in astrocytes. Colocalization of EVs with early and late endocytic markers (Rab5, Lamp1) indicated that EVs are sorted to endo-lysosomes for subsequent processing. Blocking actin-dependent phagocytosis and/or macropinocytosis with Cytochalasin D or EIPA inhibited EV entry into glial cells, whereas treatment with inhibitors that strip cholesterol off the plasma membrane, induced uptake, however differentially altered endosomal sorting. EV-associated fibrillar α-Syn was efficiently internalized and detected in Rab5- and Lamp1-positive compartments within microglia. Our study strongly suggests that EVs enter glial cells through phagocytosis and/or macropinocytosis and are sorted to endo-lysosomes for subsequent processing. Further, brain-derived EVs serve as scavengers and mediate cell-to-glia transfer of pathological α-Syn which is also targeted to the endolysosomal pathway, suggesting a beneficial role in microglia-mediated clearance of toxic protein aggregates, present in numerous neurodegenerative diseases.

Prostate operations: long-term effects on sexual and urinary function and quality of life. Comparison with an age-matched control population

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and the alterations induced by ageing on quality of life, urinary and sexual function, and bother. We evaluated 283 patients who filled in and returned the questionnaire used. A total of 105 were treated with RP and were selected prostate cancer patients with localised disease without recurrences. An additional 98 underwent TURP for BPH and a third group consisted of 80 apparently healthy men. The general quality of life was estimated by the Rand 36-Item Health Survey 1.0. Urinary function was estimated by the AUA Symptom Index and the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index (urinary function and bother scale). Sexual function and bother, were explored using the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory for Urology. Patient outcome 2 years post treatment was compared to the pre-treatment status and to that of the matched control population. General quality of life was not affected by RP or TURP, with the exception of an increase in the emotional/well being domain in RP patients to control group levels. After RP there was more bother reported for the urinary function than urinary malfunction itself, while TURP, as expected, restored urinary function and bother to normal population norms. Elderly males had urinary function and bother similar to the operated patients. Estimating sexual function on RP patients, erectile dysfunction (ED) predominates, leading to decreased sexual life. TURP marginally affects sexual life, mainly due to the loss of ejaculation, while in men from the control group, sexual function, although affected, was still present.

Determination of sensitivity of inhalant allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in West Athens

In this study we have determined the sensitivity to inhalant (pollen and non-pollen) allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis from West Athens, Greece. The frequency of SPT positivity was highest for Dactylis glomerata, Parietaria, Olea europea, Dermatophagoides and several moulds.