Dietary protein sources differentially affect microbiota, mTOR activity and transcription of mTOR signaling pathways in the small intestine

Dietary protein sources can have profound effects on host-microbe interactions in the gut that are critically important for immune resilience. However more knowledge is needed to assess the impact of different protein sources on gut and animal health. Thirty-six wildtype male C57BL/6J mice of 35 d age (n = 6/group; mean ± SEM body weight 21.9 ± 0.25 g) were randomly assigned to groups fed for four weeks with semi synthetic diets prepared with one of the following protein sources containing (300 g/kg as fed basis): soybean meal (SBM), casein, partially delactosed whey powder, spray dried plasma protein, wheat gluten meal and yellow meal worm. At the end of the experiment, mice were sacrificed to collect ileal tissue to acquire gene expression data, and mammalian (mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity, ileal digesta to study changes in microbiota and serum to measure cytokines and chemokines. By genome-wide transcriptome analysis, we identified fourteen high level regulatory genes that are strongly affected in SBM-fed mice compared to the other experimental groups. They mostly related to the mTOR pathway. In addition, an increased (P < 0.05) concentration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was observed in serum of SBM-fed mice compared to other dietary groups. Moreover, by 16S rRNA sequencing, we observed that SBM-fed mice had higher (P < 0.05) abundances of Bacteroidales family S24-7, compared to the other dietary groups. We showed that measurements of genome-wide expression and microbiota composition in the mouse ileum reveal divergent responses to diets containing different protein sources, in particular for a diet based on SBM.

Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity of host defense peptides, clavanins and LL-37, in vitro: An endodontic perspective

Endodontic treatment is mainly based on root canal disinfection and its failure may be motivated by microbial resistance. Endodontic therapy can be benefitted by host defense peptides (HDPs), which are multifunctional molecules that act against persistent infection and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial, cytotoxic and immunomodulatory activity of several HDPs, namely clavanin A, clavanin A modified (MO) and LL-37, compared to intracanal medication Ca(OH)₂. HDPs and Ca(OH)₂ were evaluated by: (1) antimicrobial assays against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis, (2) cytotoxicity assays and (3) cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 and nitric oxide (NO) production by RAW 264.7 cells incubated with or without heat-killed (HK) C. albicans or E. faecalis combined or not with interferon-γ. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was established only for E. faecalis (LL-37, 57μM). Considering cytotoxicity, clavanin MO was able to reduce cell viability in many groups and demonstrated lowest LC₅₀. The Ca(OH)₂ up-regulated the production of MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-6 and down-regulated IL-1α, IL-10 and NO. Clavanins up-regulated the TNF-α and NO and down-regulated IL-10 production. LL-37 demonstrated up-regulation of IL-6 and TNF-α production and down-regulation in IL-10 and NO production. In conclusion, LL-37 demonstrated better antibacterial potential. In addition, Ca(OH)₂ demonstrated a proinflammatory response, while the HDPs modulated the inflammatory response from non-interference with the active cytokines in the osteoclastogenesis process, probably promoting the health of periradicular tissues.

An isoflavone from Dipteryx alata Vogel is active against the in vitro neuromuscular paralysis of Bothrops jararacussu snake venom and bothropstoxin I, and prevents venom-induced myonecrosis

Snakebite is a neglected disease and serious health problem in Brazil, with most bites being caused by snakes of the genus Bothrops. Although serum therapy is the primary treatment for systemic envenomation, it is generally ineffective in neutralizing the local effects of these venoms. In this work, we examined the ability of 7,8,3'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone (TM), an isoflavone from Dipteryx alata, to neutralize the neurotoxicity (in mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations) and myotoxicity (assessed by light microscopy) of Bothrops jararacussu snake venom in vitro. The toxicity of TM was assessed using the Salmonella microsome assay (Ames test). Incubation with TM alone (200 μg/mL) did not alter the muscle twitch tension whereas incubation with venom (40 μg/mL) caused irreversible paralysis. Preincubation of TM (200 μg/mL) with venom attenuated the venom-induced neuromuscular blockade by 84% ± 5% (mean ± SEM; n = 4). The neuromuscular blockade caused by bothropstoxin-I (BthTX-I), the major myotoxic PLA₂ of this venom, was also attenuated by TM. Histological analysis of diaphragm muscle incubated with TM showed that most fibers were preserved (only 9.2% ± 1.7% were damaged; n = 4) compared to venom alone (50.3% ± 5.4% of fibers damaged; n = 3), and preincubation of TM with venom significantly attenuated the venom-induced damage (only 17% ± 3.4% of fibers damaged; n = 3; p < 0.05 compared to venom alone). TM showed no mutagenicity in the Ames test using Salmonella strains TA98 and TA97a with (+S9) and without (−S9) metabolic activation. These findings indicate that TM is a potentially useful compound for antagonizing the neuromuscular effects (neurotoxicity and myotoxicity) of B. jararacussu venom.

[Effect of combined application of deproteinised calf serum injection and acupuncture on cerebral ischemia in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of combined application of deproteinised calf serum injection (DCSI) and acupuncture in treating cerebral ischemia (CI) in rats.

METHODS

Ninety Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, CI model, Acupunct (acupuncture), DCSI, Acupunct + DCSI groups, with 18 cases in each group. CI model was duplicated by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). DCSI (80 mg/kg) was given via the rat's tail vein, once daily for 7 days. Acupuncture was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Shuigou" (GV 26), "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Hegu" (LI 4), "Taichong" (LR 3) and "Zusanli" (ST 36), once daily for 7 days. The neurological deficit score (NDS), cerebral infarct volume (CIV), water and lactic acid (LA) contents in cerebral tissues were measured.

RESULTS

In comparison with control group, NDS, CIV, cerebral water content and LA in model group increased significantly (P<0.05); while compared with model group, NDS, CIV, cerebral water content and LA in Acupunct, DCSI and Acupunct + DCSI groups decreased significantly (P<0.05). Comparison among DCSI group, Acupunct group and DCSI + Acupunct group showed that NDS, CIV, cerebral water and LA contents of Acupunct + DCSI group were significantly lower than those of the former two groups (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between DCSI and Acupunct groups in the above-mentioned 4 indexes (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Combined application of DCSI and acupuncture has a definite effect in improving cerebral ischemia and is superior to that of simple acupuncture or DCSI alone.

Autologous Serum Eye Drops for Dry Eye After LASIK

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of autologous serum eye drops for dry eye after LASIK in a prospective, randomized study.

METHODS

Fifty-four eyes of 27 male patients who underwent LASIK were divided into two groups; patients who used autologous serum eye drops and those who used artificial tears postoperatively. Schirmer test with anesthesia, tear break-up time (BUT), and rose bengal and fluorescein staining for the ocular surface were prospectively compared between the groups. All values were also compared before and after surgery (at 1 week [except for Schirmer test], 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months) in each group.

RESULTS

Tear BUT was greater in the autologous serum eye drops group than in the artificial tears group at 6 months postoperatively. Rose bengal score was lower in patients using autologous serum eye drops than in patients using artificial tears at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. No significant difference was noted between patients using autologous serum eye drops and patients using artificial tears in the value of Schirmer test with anesthesia and fluorescein scores. In the autologous serum eye drops group, tear BUT was increased at 3 months after LASIK, rose bengal score was lower at 1 month and 3 months, and fluorescein score was lower at 1 month after LASIK compared to preoperative values, respectively. In the artificial tears group, all values (Schirmer test, tear BUT, rose bengal score, and fluorescein score) showed no differences between before and after LASIK. No differences were noted in the subjective scores for dryness between the autologous serum eye drops and artificial tears groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The autologous serum eye drops group showed prolongation of the tear BUT and a reduction in rose bengal staining score.

Inhibition of protease in intact fish fillets by soaking in or injection of recombinant soy cystatin or bovine plasma

Arrowtooth flounder (AF) fillets are known to contain a heat-activated cysteine protease similar to that found in Pacific whiting, which results in soft texture upon cooking. A crude recombinant soy cystatin (CRSC) produced by Escherichia coli, which has been shown to inhibit the protease(s) in Pacific whiting, was introduced into AF fillets by immersion or injection at one of three levels of inhibitory activity: 10 times less than, equal to, or 10 times greater than that of a 20% bovine plasma protein (BPP) solution, a known inhibitor of AF protease(s). Fillets treated with CRSC or BPP at equal inhibitory strength subsequently exhibited the same degree of protection against textural degradation during cooking. Fillets treated with CRSC at lesser or greater levels of inhibitory activity than those of BPP exhibited lesser or higher protection, accordingly. As revealed by SDS-PAGE, the outer portion of fillets soaked with inhibitory solutions was more effectively protected than the inner portion. Such differences between the outer and inner portions of the fillets were not evident when inhibitory solutions were injected into the fillets.

Combination of transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy and autologous serum eyedrops for treatment of recurrent corneal erosions

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes after transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (t-PTK) using an excimer laser and postoperative administration of autologous serum eyedrops.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

METHODS

Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients with 3 to 12 recurrent corneal erosions were treated with t-PTK using the Schwind Keratom broad-beam excimer laser (Schwind). Routine therapy consisted of 2 pulses x 40 pulses (18.82 +/- 2.56 mum ablation). Postoperatively, autologous serum eyedrops were administered 6 times a day for 6 weeks. Postoperative outcomes and rate of recurrent erosions were evaluated.

RESULTS

The median of the follow-up after t-PTK was 15.5 months (range 6 to 20 months), and the mean age of the patients was 40.6 years +/- 12.0 (SD). Twenty of 25 eyes (80%) recovered without further corneal erosion. Five eyes had 1 further erosion, which was treatable in 4 cases with autologous serum eyedrops without additional excimer laser treatment. One patient requested additional t-PTK treatment and recovered without further complications thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

Transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy is a safe and effective therapy for recurrent corneal erosions. Additional treatment with autologous serum eyedrops can support the healing process following corneal erosions and t-PTK and can be given as a long-term artificial tear treatment.

Use of pet food-grade poultry by-product meal as an alternate protein source in weanling pig diets

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate pet food-grade poultry by-product meal (PBM) as a replacement protein source for fish meal (FM), blood meal (BM), and spray-dried plasma protein (SDPP) in weanling pig diets. In the first study, 200 crossbred pigs (initial BW = 6.5 kg) were weaned (21 d) and randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments, which included a control and three test diets where PBM was substituted for FM, blood products, or both. Experimental diets were fed during Phase I (d 0 to 5 postweaning) and Phase II (d 5 to 19), and a common Phase III diet was fed from d 19 to 26. Overall (d 0 to 26), there was no difference in performance of pigs fed PBM in place of the other ingredients. However, during Phase I, BW (P < 0.05), ADG (P < 0.02), and intake (P < 0.001) in pigs fed diets containing SDPP were greater than those fed diets with PBM. In Exp. 2, the performance of pigs (n = 100, initial BW = 6.5 kg) fed diets containing 20% PBM (as-fed basis, replacing SDPP, BM, FM, and a portion of the soybean meal) in all phases of the nursery diet was compared with a group fed conventional diets without PBM. There were no differences in overall performance (d 0 to 26); however, ADG (P < 0.10) and feed intake were higher (P < 0.01) for pigs fed the conventional diet than for pigs fed the 20% PBM diet during Phase I (d 0 to 5). Experiment 3 was a slope-ratio assay to determine the ability of PBM to replace SDPP. A total of 320 pigs (initial BW = 7.32 kg) was weaned (21 d) and allotted to five treatment groups in three trials in a blocked design with product (SDPP or PBM) as the first factor, and lysine level (1.08, 1.28, 1.49%; as-fed basis) as the second factor. Growth rate increased with increasing lysine (P < 0.05), regardless of the source. These results indicate that PBM can be used in nursery diets in place of blood meal and fish meal without affecting performance. Furthermore, although feeding PBM in Phase I diets was not equivalent to SDPP during the first week, there was no overall difference in performance at the end of the nursery phase.

The effect of autologous serum eyedrops in the treatment of severe dry eye disease: a prospective randomized case-control study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of the autologous serum eyedrops in the treatment of severe dry eye patients.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized case-control study.

METHODS

Thirty-seven eyes of twenty severe dry eye patients without punctal occlusion were enrolled in this study. After 2 weeks of washout, they were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A patients used only preservative-free artificial tears, and group S patients used only autologous serum eyedrops. We evaluated the results of Schirmer test, fluorescein and rose bengal staining scores, tear film breakup time (BUT), and subjective symptom scores before and 2 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

Mean BUT and fluorescein and rose bengal staining scores, as well as subjective symptom scores, showed significant improvement in the patients assigned to autologous serum eyedrops compared with subjects assigned to preservative-free artificial tears after 2 weeks of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous serum eyedrops were found effective in the treatment of severe dry eye disease, as evidenced by improvement of tear stability and ocular surface vital staining scores.

[Autologous serum utilization in patients with lacrimal hyposecretion and persistent epithelial defects of cornea--clinical study]

Autologous serum was supposed to be efficient in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca and persistent epithelial defects. 14 of 24 eyes of patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca improved fluorescein and rose Bengal scores. 3 of 6 eyes with persistent epithelial defects healed completely after this treatment and 2 improved fluorescein and rose bengal scores. All patients had been unsuccessfully treated with conventional treatment. Allergic or immune adverse reactions were not present and economical benefit was appreciated by some patients with poor socioeconomic condition.

[Plasma protein derivatives]

Plasma protein derivatives produced from human plasma include albumin, blood coagulation factors, immuno globulins, haptoglobin, and c1-inactivator and have been widely used clinically. However, the HIV-tainted blood scandal in which HIV was transmitted to many Japanese patients through blood coagulation factors, must be remembered. The safety of blood products has increased since then in response to that event. Because blood products are provided by volunteer donors, there is a risk of contamination by unknown pathogens and they must be used appropriately. In addition, blood products including plasma derivatives are defined as "special biological products" and regulated by the new Medicine Act. All physicians who prescribe plasma derivatives should understand not only their clinical use but also social expectations and legal regulations.

In vitro adsorption of plasma proteins onto the surface (charges) modified-submicron emulsions for intravenous administration

Surface (charge) modified submicron emulsions (cationic and anionic) were prepared following the well established combined emulsification techniques and characterized for their droplet size distribution and surface charge. The effect of these emulsions on in vitro adsorption of plasma proteins was investigated by means of two dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE). The presence of poloxamer 188 in tested emulsions effectively eliminated the adsorption of the larger proteins like immunoglobulins, fibrinogen, etc. However, depending on the type of surface charges, the smaller proteins such as apolipoproteins and albumin were almost completely adsorbed onto the submicron emulsions. Indeed, when compared to marketed lipofundin MCT 10%-and deoxycholic acid-based anionic emulsions, the adsorption of apolipoprotein, especially apoA-1, was approximately three times more on stearylamine-and oleylamine-based cationic emulsions and oleic acid-based anionic emulsions. In addition, the ratio between the apoA-1 and apoA-IV was found to be 1 for lipofundin MCT 10% whereas it was about 0.26 for deoxycholic acid-based anionic emulsion and above 5 for oleic acid-based anionic emulsions and cationic emulsions. This indicates that emulsions having similar surface/interfacial charge imparted by different anion-forming stabilizers (oleic or deoxycholic acids) exhibited markedly different protein adsorption patterns.

Dietary plasma protein affects the immune response of weaned rats challenged with S. aureus Superantigen B

The aim of this study was to determine the potential modulatory effects of diets supplemented with spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) or immunoglobulin concentrates (IC) on the immune response of rats challenged with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB). Lewis rats were fed diets containing 80 g of SDAP/kg diet, 22.7 g of IC/kg diet, or milk proteins (Control diet) from postnatal d 21 (weaning) for 14 d. On d 30 and 33, rats were given SEB (0.5 mg/kg body weight; i.p.). Organized gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) populations, intestinal secretion, mucosal and serum immunoglobulin concentrations, and neutrophil infiltration were studied. On d 35, blood was collected under anesthesia and samples of intestinal mucosa, Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and spleen were taken. SEB increased the water content of feces, which was prevented by diets containing either SDAP (P < 0.002) or IC (P < 0.001), indicating that plasma protein-supplemented diets can reverse the SEB-induced secretory response. In Peyer's patches, the diet containing SDAP partially prevented the SEB-induced increase in T lymphocytes (P < 0.1) and reduced the percentage of activated T helper cells (P < 0.05). In MLN, activated T lymphocytes were increased by SEB but they were not affected by diet. No effects of SEB or dietary supplementation on mucosal IgA and serum IgA and IgG were observed. The effects of SDAP supplementation on the lymphocyte populations of GALT in rats challenged with SEB support the view that SDAP can modulate the immune response and suggest that plasma protein supplementation can prevent GALT from possible activation by luminal bacterial superantigens.

Impact of Spray-Dried Bovine Serum and Environment on Turkey Performance

Two 28-d experiments were conducted with 280 and 224 Hybrid turkeys for experiments 1 (7 poults per pen, 10 pens per treatment) and 2 (7 poults per pen, 8 pens per treatment), respectively. The effect of Innavax (INX; spray-dried serum) administered in drinking water on turkey performance was evaluated. In both experiments, turkeys were randomly assigned to receive tap water mixed with 0, 0.45, 0.90, or 1.35% (wt/wt) INX and housed in floor pens containing clean (experiment 1) or used (experiment 2) litter. In experiment 1, a quadratic response in average daily gain (ADG), water intake, and feed efficiency occurred (P < 0.05) in the first week with increasing levels of INX. During the second and third weeks, a quadratic response in water intake occurred (P < 0.05) with 0.90% INX resulting in peak intake. In the fourth week, ADG increased quadratically (P < 0.05) with increasing INX. Overall for the 4-wk period, ADG and water intake increased quadratic manner (P < 0.05) with increasing INX to a maximum at 0.90%. In experiment 2, ADG and water intake increased linearly (P < 0.05) during the first week. Feed efficiency was unaffected (P > 0.05) by experimental treatment during the first week but increased linearly (P < 0.05) from d 8 to 14 and d 15 to 21. The growth response to INX was influenced by environment. A greater growth response of turkeys to INX was observed when turkeys were housed in floor pens with used litter compared with floor pens with clean litter.

Utilization of spray-dried blood cells and crystalline isoleucine in nursery pig diets1

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate spray-dried blood cells (SDBC) and crystalline isoleucine in nursery pigs. In Exp. 1, 120 pigs were used to evaluate 0, 2, 4, and 6% SDBC (as-fed basis) in a sorghum-based diet. There were six replicates of each treatment and five pigs per pen, with treatments imposed at an initial BW of 9.3 kg and continued for 16 d. Increasing SDBC from 0 to 4% had no effect on ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Pigs fed the 6% SDBC diet had decreased ADG (P < 0.01) and G:F (P = 0.06) compared with pigs fed diets containing 0, 2, or 4% SDBC. In Exp. 2, 936 pigs were used to test diets containing 2.5 or 5% SDBC (as-fed basis) vs. two control diets. There were six replicates of each treatment at industry (20 pigs per pen) and university (six pigs per pen) locations. Treatments were imposed at an initial BW of 5.9 and 8.1 kg at the industry and the university locations, respectively, and continued for 16 d. Little effect on pig performance was noted by supplementing 2.5% SDBC, with or without crystalline Ile, in nursery diets. Pigs fed the 5% SDBC diet without crystalline Ile had decreased ADG (P < 0.01), ADFI (P < or = 0.10), and G:F (P < 0.05) compared with pigs fed the control diets. Supplementation of Ile restored ADG, ADFI, and G:F to levels that were not different from that of pigs fed the control diets. In Exp. 3, 1,050 pigs were used to test diets containing 5, 7.5, or 9% SDBC (as-fed basis) vs. a control diet. There were six replicates of each treatment at the industry (20 pigs per pen) location and five replicates at the university (six pigs per pen) locations. Treatments were imposed at an initial BW of 6.3 and 7.0 kg at the industry and university locations, respectively, and continued for 16 d. Supplementation of 5% SDBC without crystalline Ile decreased ADG and G:F (P < 0.01) compared with pigs fed the control diet, but addition of Ile increased ADG (P < 0.01) to a level not different from that of pigs fed the control diet. The decreased ADG, ADFI, and G:F noted in pigs fed the 7.5% SDBC diet was improved by addition of Ile (P < 0.01), such that ADG and ADFI did not differ from those of pigs fed the control diet. Pigs fed diets containing 9.5% SDBC exhibited decreased ADG, ADFI, and G:F (P < 0.01), all of which were improved by Ile addition (P < 0.01); however, ADG (P < 0.05) and G:F (P = 0.09) remained lower than for pigs fed the control diet. These data indicate that SDBC can be supplemented at relatively high levels to nursery diets, provided that Ile requirements are met.

Effects of cottonseed cake-based diets supplemented with blood meal, alone or with lysine, on the growth of pigs

An experiment was carried out to establish the effect on the growth of pigs of including blood meal or lysine in diets containing gossypol from cottonseed cake. Forty Landrace x Large White pigs (20 of each sex) were randomly allocated to 5 treatments of 8 pigs each in a 2 x 2 factorial design with two levels of lysine or two levels of blood meal in the diets plus a control diet. The pigs were fed different diets and slaughtered at 75.0 +/- 2.0 kg live weight for carcase analysis. Supplementing the diets with blood meal resulted in higher live weight gains (p<0.001) and improved feed conversion ratios (p<0.001) than supplementing with lysine. Pigs fed the higher level of cottonseed cake showed a significant (p<0.001) depression in live weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to those fed a low level of the cake. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in intake in the pigs fed diets with cottonseed cake including blood meal or synthetic lysine. The kidney and liver weights of the pigs fed the diets with a higher level of cottonseed cake were significantly greater (p<0.001) than in those fed the lower level, but when the diets containing cottonseed cake were supplemented with blood meal or lysine at the same level there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the weights of these organs. Lysine or other factors derived from blood meal appear to be more efficient than synthetic lysine in reducing the adverse effects of gossypol.

Targeted photodynamic therapy via receptor mediated delivery systems

Targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers the opportunity of enhancing photodynamic efficiency by directly targeting diseased cells and tissues. While antibody-conjugates have received the most attention, cellular transformations offer numerous other potent targets to exploit during the delivery of photosensitizers (PSs) for PDT. Alterations in receptor expression, increased levels of specific cell surface membrane lipids and proteins as well as changes in the cellular microenvironment all occur in diseased cells. Along with other biochemical and physiological changes that occur during diseased and malignant cell transformation, these factors have been utilized in order to improve the efficacy of PDT. Attempts have been made to either increase the uptake of the dye by the target cells and tissues or to improve subcellular localization so as to deliver the dye to photosensitive sites within the cells. This review discusses various PS bioconjugates that utilize these factors and summarizes the results obtained to date.

Intra-articular injection of deproteinized hemodialysate in osteoarthritis of the knee: a case-series

OBJECTIVE

To report the efficacy of intra-articular injection of deproteinized hemodialysate including its side effects in a case-series of knee osteoarthritic (OA) patients.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Intra-articular injection of deproteinized hemodialysate was performed in 17 subjects (3 male and 14 female) with primary knee OA. Their average age was 63 years (min, max = 50, 80 yrs). The X-ray appearance was grade II-III according to Kellgren-Lawrence criteria.

MEASUREMENTS

100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and any side effects.

RESULTS

The mean (95% CI) of the VAS before and after injection were 70.0 (59.9-80.1) and 42.7 (31.2-54.2) respectively, with a p-value of < 0.001. The mean difference in pain score was 27.35 (95% CI = 17.0-37.7). The symptoms of knee pain resolved in an average of 4.8 (2.9) days (min, max = 1, 10). No side effects were found.

CONCLUSION

Intra-articular injection of deproteinized hemodialysate is effective and safe. However, a further controlled trial with an adequate sample size should be performed to confirm the efficacy as well as to detect any adverse effects of this drug.

Effects of major liver resection, with or without recombinant bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (rBPI21), on the angiogenic profile of patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Surgery induces a process of wound healing, which has immunological and angiogenic aspects. Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is found in azurophilic granules of human neutrophils, which is bactericidal and neutralizes lipo-polysaccharide (LPS). This may reduce postoperative infectious complications. In addition, BPI has been shown to be an inhibitor of angiogenesis.

METHODS

A total of 18 patients with metastasized colorectal carcinoma to the liver were double blind randomized. The levels of the pro-angiogenic factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin were investigated after liver surgery with perioperative administration of either rBPI(21) or placebo.

RESULTS

The highest IL-6 levels were found during the first 24 hr and reached peak levels already at 2 hr postoperatively in both groups. In both groups VEGF levels decreased sharply in the postoperative hours, returning to baseline levels in the days afterwards. In both groups, an immediate decrease in endostatin levels was observed which remained significantly low. RBPI(21) transiently influenced IL-6 and VEGF.

CONCLUSIONS

RBPI(21) only marginally affected IL-6 and VEGF levels. Surgery per se induced an immediate immune response (IL-6) and an immediate angiogenic response, reflected in an initial VEGF decrease and a longer lasting decrease of endostatin. These findings demonstrate the dynamics of tissue responses in the first phase of wound healing.

Safety and utilization of blood components as therapeutic delivery systems

In recent years, natural blood components have been extensively studied as the advanced therapeutic delivery systems. The blood components which can potentially be used as the therapeutic delivery systems include different types of cells, such as erythrocytes and lymphocytes, macromolecular complexes such as lipoproteins and antibody or albumin conjugates and other molecules. This review article covers the progress in this topic, specifically, including the safety issues and the utilization of these component. It can be seen through the literature that the blood components as the therapeutic delivery systems have a number of advantages over traditional pharmaceutical products. The efficacy and practice of the applications, however, require significant amount of development work in the near future.

AOPP-induced activation of human neutrophil and monocyte oxidative metabolism: a potential target for N-acetylcysteine treatment in dialysis patients

AOPP-induced activation of human neutrophil and monocyte oxidative metabolism: A potential target forN-acetylcysteine treatment in dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress largely contributes to hemodialysis-associated lethal complications, thus explaining the urgent need of antioxidant-based therapeutic strategies in hemodialysis patients. We previously identified advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in the uremic plasma as exquisite markers of oxidative stress and potent mediators of monocyte activation. The present study was aimed at searching whether (1) AOPP can also trigger activation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), and (2) whether AOPP-induced activation could be inhibited by N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a widely used compound which has been shown to prevent oxidative injury to kidney.

METHODS

Both human serum albumin (HAS) AOPP (i.e., HOCl-modified HSA in vitro preparations and AOPP extracted from plasma of hemodialysis patients) were tested for their capacity to trigger phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-dependent activities as measured by lucigenin- and luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL), respectively, as compared to receptor-dependent [opsonized zymosan or receptor-independent phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)]. The effect of PMN priming by platelet-activating factor (PAF), and the effect of NAC on normal monocyte and on normal or hemodialysis patient's (N = 16) PMN oxidative responses were compared.

RESULTS

HSA-AOPP triggered in a HOCl dose-dependent manner both NADPH-oxidase- and MPO-dependent CL of PMN. This latter was further enhanced by PAF priming. Plasma-derived AOPP obtained from hemodialysis patients also triggered PMN respiratory burst. NAC significantly reduced HSA-AOPP-mediated responses of normal monocyte and of normal and uremic PMN but had no significant effect on opsonized zymosan- or PMA-induced CL responses.

CONCLUSION

This dual potential of NAC to inhibit phagocyte oxidative responses induced by HSA-AOPP without affecting those mediated by compounds mimicking pathogens supports the proposal of a therapeutic trial with NAC aimed at reducing oxidative stress-related inflammation in hemodialysis patients.

Effect of irradiation of individual feed ingredients and the complete diet on nursery pig performance

A total of 1,210 nursery pigs was used in two experiments to evaluate the effects of irradiation of typical nursery diet ingredients, specialty protein products, and the whole diet on nursery pig performance. In Exp. 1, 880 barrows and gilts (15 +/- 2 d of age at weaning) were used in two growth trials (14 d and 12 d for Trials 1 and 2, respectively) to determine the effects of individual ingredient and whole-diet irradiation on nursery pig performance. Overall (d 0 to 14 of Trial 1 and d 0 to 12 of Trial 2), ADG was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed irradiated animal plasma compared with pigs fed the control, the diet containing irradiated microingredients, and the diet that was manufactured and irradiated. Also, pigs fed irradiated soybean meal had greater (P < 0.05) ADFI compared with pigs fed the manufactured diet that was irradiated. Pigs fed the diet containing irradiated animal plasma had improved feed efficiency (G:F; P < 0.05) compared with those fed the diet with irradiated microingredients and when all ingredients were irradiated before manufacturing of complete feed. Finally, pigs fed irradiated corn, whey, fishmeal, soybean oil, microingredients, or if all ingredients or the whole diet were irradiated, had similar ADG, ADFI, and G:F (P > 0.12) to control pigs. In Exp. 2, 330 nursery pigs (20 +/- 2 d of age at weaning) were used to determine the effects of irradiation of commercially available specialty protein products in diets for nursery pigs. Overall, ADG was greater (P < 0.05) when pigs were fed diets containing nonirradiated spray-dried animal plasma and egg combination (SDAPE) and dried porcine digest (DPD) compared with pigs fed the control diet containing no specialty protein products. In addition, G:F was improved (P < 0.05) when pigs were fed diets containing nonirradiated SDAPE, DPD, spray-dried beef muscle (SDBM), and spray-dried whole egg (SDWE) compared with pigs fed the control diet. Pigs fed irradiated SDAPE and SDBM had greater (P < 0.05) ADG than pigs fed the nonirradiated forms. Pigs fed irradiated SDBM had improved (P < 0.05) G:F compared with pigs fed the nonirradiated form. In Exp. 1 and 2, an irradiation treatment level of 8.5 kGy was effective in reducing the total bacterial concentration of all ingredients evaluated, as well as the whole diet in Exp.1. Irradiation of certain ingredients, but not the complete diet, increased growth performance of nursery pigs.

Effect of menhaden fish oil supplementation and lipopolysaccharide exposure on nursery pigs. I. Effects on the immune axis when fed diets containing spray-dried plasma

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential immunological benefit of adding menhaden fish oil to the diet of weaned pigs. Twenty-four crossbred male pigs were weaned at approximately 18 days of age and placed on a complex nursery diet containing 30% lactose and 7% plasma protein with 6% corn oil as the fat source (Cont, n=12) or with 5% menhaden fish oil and 1% corn oil as the fat source (MFO, n=12) for a period of 15 days. Body weights did not differ (P>0.78) between dietary groups either at the beginning or end of the 15 days feeding period. On day 15, all pigs were non-surgically fitted with an indwelling jugular catheter. On d 16, pigs received an i.v. injection of either saline (n=6/dietary group) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 150 microg/kg body weight; n=6/dietary group) and blood samples were collected at 30 min intervals for a period of 5h. Serum was harvested and stored at -80 degrees C for analysis of cortisol (CS), corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). There was no significant effect of diet on basal concentrations (Time 0) of any of the blood parameters analyzed. A Time x Treatment x Diet interaction (P<0.03) was observed for serum CS such that those pigs which consumed the MFO diet followed by LPS treatment had a reduced CS response as compared to the LPS-treated pigs on the Cont diet. A Time x Treatment interaction (P<0.01) was observed for serum CBG such that LPS treatment reduced circulating CBG as compared to the saline-treated pigs. Time x Treatment x Diet interactions were also observed for serum concentrations of TNF-alpha (P=0.084) and IFN-gamma (P=0.022) such that both the TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma response to the LPS challenge was lower in those pigs receiving the MFO diet as compared to the LPS-treated pigs on the Cont diet. Overall, serum CS was negatively correlated with the CBG response (r=-0.40, P<0.001), however, the strongest negative correlation was observed in the LPS-treated pigs which consumed the MFO diet (r=-0.63, P<0.001). While further studies are needed to evaluate the immunological response of including MFO in the nursery pig diet, the present study demonstrates that supplementation with MFO does indeed alter the immunological response to an LPS challenge.

Effects of blood meal pH and irradiation on nursery pig performance

A total of 720 nursery pigs in three experiments were used to evaluate the effects of blood meal with different pH (a result of predrying storage time) and irradiation of spray-dried blood meal in nursery pig diets. In Exp. 1, 240 barrows and gilts (17 +/- 2 d of age at weaning) were used to determine the effects of blood meal pH (7.4 to 5.9) in diets fed from d 10 to 31 postweaning (7.0 to 16.3 kg of BW). Different lots of dried blood meal were sampled to provide a range in pH. Overall (d 0 to 21), pigs fed diets containing blood meal had greater ADG (P < 0.05) and ADFI (P < 0.05) than pigs fed diets without blood meal. Ammonia concentrations in blood meal rose as pH decreased. However, blood meal pH did not influence (P > 0.16) ADG, ADFI, or gain:feed (G:F). In Exp. 2, 180 barrows (17 +/- 2 d of age at weaning) were used to determine the effects of post drying pH (7.6 to 5.9) and irradiation (gamma ray, 9.5 kGy) of blood meal on growth performance of nursery pigs from d 5 to 19 postweaning (6.8 to 10.1 kg of BW). One lot of whole blood was isolated with 25% of the total lot dried on d 0, 3, 8, and 12 after collection to create a range in pH. Overall, pigs fed blood meal had improved G:F (P < 0.01) compared to pigs fed the control diet. Similar to Exp. 1, the ammonia concentration of blood meal increased with decreasing pH. Blood meal pH did not influence ADG, ADFI, or G:F (P > 0.21), but pigs fed irradiated blood meal (pH 5.9) had greater ADG and G:F (P < 0.05) than pigs fed nonirradiated blood meal (pH 5.9). In Exp. 3, 300 barrows (17 +/- 6 d of age at weaning) were used to determine the effects of blood meal irradiation source (gamma ray vs. electron beam) and dosage (2.5 to 20.0 kGy) on growth performance of nursery pigs from d 4 to 18 postweaning (8.7 to 13.2 kg of BW). Overall, the mean of all pigs fed blood meal did not differ in ADG, ADFI, or G:F (P > 0.26) compared to pigs fed the control diet without blood meal. Pigs fed irradiated blood meal had a tendency (P < 0.10) for increased G:F compared with pigs fed nonirradiated blood meal. No differences in growth performance were detected between pigs fed blood meal irradiated by either gamma ray or electron beam sources (P > 0.26) or dosage levels (P > 0.11). These studies suggest that pH alone as an indicator of blood meal quality is not effective and irradiation of blood meal improved growth performance in nursery pigs.

Autologous serum eye drops for the treatment of severe dry eye in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease

We investigated the efficacy and safety of autologous serum eye drops for the treatment of severe dry eye after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). A total of 14 patients (four males and 10 females; median age, 31.0 years) with severe dry eye associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) were enrolled in this study. All patients were refractory to treatment with conventional artificial tears. Autologous serum eye drops, a solution made of 20% autologous serum in sterile saline, were applied 10 times per eye per day. The patients were evaluated every 4 weeks according to visual acuity, corneal sensitivity, vital staining of the ocular surface, tear dynamics, and subjective assessments of symptoms (complaints scores). The median follow-up period was 19.4 months (range: 4-41 months). After 4 weeks of treatment, significant improvement was observed in both complaint scores (from 33.7+/-12.3 to 23.6+/-10.6 points; P<0.01) and fluorescein scores (from 5.8+/-2.0 to 2.4+/-0.9 points; P<0.005). Significant improvements were observed also in rose-bengal staining and tear break-up time. In seven of the 14 patients, the responses were maintained for 6-41 months (median:19.4+/-8.3 months), while six of the other seven patients required treatment with punctal plugs in addition to autologous serum eye drops. One of these other seven patients developed eczema around the eyelids, after which the treatment was discontinued. No serious adverse events were observed. We conclude that autologous serum eye drops are safe and effective for treating severe dry eye associated with cGVHD and that more efficient control of dry eye may be achieved by the combined use of autologous serum eye drops with punctal plugs.

Preliminary study of the influence of plasma proteins on immunological and production parameters in pigs

The health and productivity of pigs is important to farmers worldwide. One potential method of improving animal health is by providing functional proteins in the diet, for example spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP). These proteins, particularly plasma IgG, can improve health in many species, including humans. By unspecific activation of the immune system, SDAP can reduce morbidity and mortality as well as improve growth and efficiency what results in reduced costs of production. In this study, the influence of SDAP on expression of T-lymphocyte markers and production parameters in weaned pigs was evaluated. The results showed a significant increase in the percentage of T-lymphocytes, especially the CD8+ subpopulation, as well as a positive effect on body weight gain.

[Autologous serum-eye-drops for ocular surface disorders. A literature review and recommendations for their application]

The natural tear film has mechanical, optical, antimicrobial and nutritional properties. Tear film components, such as EGF, fibronectin and vitamin A, play a vital role in the proliferation, migration and differentiation of the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. In ocular surface disease, such as severe dry eye, the epithelia may be depleted of these nutritional factors. Replacing the aqueous component of tears alone,by using pharmaceutical tear substitutes,often has little effect on the ocular surface.Eye-drops prepared from autologous serum are a new treatment option for severe ocular surface disease. They can be produced according to the regulations on drug use as an unpreserved blood preparation. Autologous serum eye-drops are non-allergenic and their biomechanical and biochemical properties are similar to normal tears. In cell culture experiments, serum was found to be superior to preserved or unpreserved pharmaceutical products in the maintenance of human keratinocyte morphology and function. It supports the migration of corneal epithelial cells and the differentiation of conjunctival epithelial cells. The first clinical cohort studies report its successful use for severe dry eyes and persistent epithelial defects. In these studies, however, varying methods for the preparation and different concentrations of autologous serum eye-drops were used. These methodological variations determine the biochemical properties and thus the epitheliotrophic effect of serum eye-drops. In this review we summarise the currently available clinical evidence, discuss relevant legislatory restrictions and describe a standard operating protocol for the use of serum eye drops. This has to be evaluated and optimised in more detail before any meaningful, randomised, controlled trial can attempt to establish the role of serum eye-drops in the management of severe ocular surface disease.

Response of early-weaned pigs to spray-dried porcine or animal plasma-based diets supplemented with egg-yolk antibodies against enterotoxigenic Escherichia colil

Two experiments involving 168 10-d-old weaned pigs were conducted to compare growth-promoting properties of dietary spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP), spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP), and chicken egg-yolk antibodies (EYA) or egg-yolk powder (EYP, contains no specific antibodies) from d 0 to 14 postweaning. In Exp. 1, 96 pigs (3.2 +/- 0.2 kg BW) were used to test the hypothesis that the superior performance of piglets fed SDPP-based diets was partly due to the presence of specific antibodies against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which could be replaced with EYA. Four experimental diets in a completely randomized design and arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial (SDPP without or with autoclaving [AuSDPP] and without [EYP] or with supplementation of EYA) were used. Autoclaving SDPP at 121degrees C for 15 min completely destroyed anti-K88/F18 antibodies. Overall feed intake and gain:feed ratio were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments and averaged 122.7 g/d and 0.688, respectively. However, pigs fed AuSDPP+EYP diets had poorer (P < 0.001) ADG compared with those fed SDPP+EYP or SDPP+EYA from 0 to 14 d. Scours were four times higher (P < 0.05) for treatment AuSDPP+EYP compared with all other treatments. Plasma urea nitrogen concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in AuSDPP+EYP- and AuSDPP+EYA-fed pigs. Also twice the number of piglets fed AuSDPP+EYP appeared unhealthy compared with piglets on treatment AuSDPP+EYA. In Exp. 2, 72 10-d-old weaned pigs (3.5 kg BW) were used to compare the effect of EYA supplementation and oral challenge of ETEC strain F18 on performance and visceral organ weights. The experimental diets consisted of SDAP+EYP, SDAP+EYA, SDPP+EYP, and SDPP+EYA. From d 0 to 7, and the entire experimental period, dietary treatment did not influence (P > 0.05) growth rate and feed consumption. Plasma urea N concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in piglets fed the SDAP+EYP diet before and after the oral challenge. Gain:feed ratio, organ weights, villi heights, and crypt depths were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments. The results indicate that SDPP contains specific anti-ETEC antibodies, which is one of the factors responsible for its superior growth-enhancing effects. Spray-dried animal plasma, SDPP and EYA have similar growth promoting effect in early-weaned pigs.

Important role of serum proteins associated on the surface of particles in their hepatic disposition

To elucidate the important factors for the difference in the hepatic disposition between polystyrene nanospheres with a size of 50 nm (NS-50) and lecithin-coated NS-50 (LNS-50), the liver perfusion studies and the in vitro uptake studies using the cultured Kupffer cells were performed. It was suggested that opsonin-mediated phagocytosis is not significantly involved in the hepatic disposition of LNS-50 in the presence of serum, whereas its involvement in the hepatic uptake of NS-50 was clearly demonstrated. Western blot analysis showed that IgG, complement C3, and fibronectin, well-known opsonins in the serum, adsorbed on the surface of NS-50 in larger amount than on the surface of LNS-50. On the other hand, serum albumin, which was suggested to function as a dysopsonin for the hepatic disposition of NS-50, was associated with both spheres almost to the same extent. These findings suggest that the hepatic disposition of LNS-50 at lower level should be ascribed to the less amount of serum opsonins associated on the surface and that the serum proteins associated with these spheres should be important as a determinant for their hepatic disposition.

The use of bovine serum protein as an oral support therapy following coronavirus challenge in calves

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of a supplemental bovine serum protein blend fed to calves challenged with virulent coronavirus. Twelve Holstein bull calves (approximately 3 wk of age) were allocated by initial body weight to Control (n = 5) and treated (n = 7) groups. On d 0, all calves were orally challenged with 1 x 10(7) plaque-forming units of virulent coronavirus isolate. Infection was allowed to progress for 24 h before treatment was started. On d 1, treated calves began receiving 160 g of dry bovine serum powder (16 g IgG) mixed into milk replacer powder (67 g) at both an a.m. and p.m. feeding. Control calves received only milk replacer powder (227 g) at both feedings. Response to coronavirus challenge and dietary treatment was monitored prior to a.m. and p.m. feeding by the collection of multiple clinical measures. Fecal consistency was decreased by coronavirus challenge but was not affected by dietary treatment. Mean daily rectal temperature and heart rate were not affected by dietary treatment. Average packed cell volume was higher in treated calves than in control (35.0 and 27.0%). Coronavirus challenge resulted in an immediate increase in respiration rate, decreasing by d 7. Control calves tended to have a greater average respiration rate compared with treated (28.7 vs. 26.8 breaths/min). Treated calves had a higher average feed intake than control (0.57 vs. 0.44 kg/d). These data suggest that bovine-serum supplemented milk replacer may decrease the severity of disease in young calves exposed to coronavirus.

The effect of dietary spray-dried porcine plasma on clinical response in weaned piglets challenged with a pathogenic Escherichia coli

Weaned piglets were used to determine the effect of dietary spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) on the clinical response to an infection with a pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) O139:K82 LT(-). The piglets were divided into two groups of 10 animals each. One group was fed the control diet containing soybean(meal) plus whey powder. The test piglets were fed a diet with 8% SDPP. Piglets were orally infected with the challenge strain on days 6 and 7 after weaning. The experimental period lasted 14 days after which the piglets were euthanised and necropsied. Faecal samples were collected daily for bacteriological analysis. Segments of jejunum, caecum and rectum were removed for bacteriological analysis post mortem. Feed intake and weight gain, faecal and condition scores and body temperature were measured daily. In the control and SDPP groups, 6 and 7 piglets died from diarrhoea. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) were substantially higher in the SDPP group than in the control group. SDPP-fed piglets generally had a more favourable faecal score and a healthier appearance than did the control piglets. The faecal excretion of E. coli O139:K82 was similar for control and test piglets. There were no diet effects on the E. coli O139:K82 counts at different sites of the intestine. In this experiment, the inclusion of SDPP at an economically acceptable percentage in the diet could not prevent piglet losses due to challenge with a pathogenic E. coli, but improvements of ADG, ADFI and faecal and condition scores were achieved.

An antibody against anemia-inducing substance inhibits cation influx in red blood cells from cancer patients

Resealed ghost of red blood cells (RBCs) from advanced cancer patients includes proteins with antigenicities common to an anemia-inducing substance that we separated from plasma of patients with advanced malignant neoplasms. Although cation influx in vitro in RBCs from a cancer patient is larger than that from a normal healthy volunteer, an antibody against anemia-inducing substance inhibited the in vitro cation influx in RBCs from the cancer patient. Activation of the cation influx with N-ethylmaleimide after reaction with the antibody reversed the effect to create a greater cation influx in RBCs from the patient, as compared with that from the healthy volunteer.

Sublingual tryptase and ECP in children treated with grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): safety and immunologic implications

BACKGROUND

The clinical safety of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been repeatedly confirmed; nevertheless, the possible onset of local oral symptoms is still a concern, and nothing is known about the pathogenesis of this effect. We aimed to determine whether the administration of SLIT in allergic children can evoke an IgE-mediated reaction, by measuring the levels of sublingual tryptase and ECP.

METHODS

Thirty children (7-12 years old) with allergic rhinitis/asthma due to grass pollen were prescribed SLIT. In these children, an allergen-specific nasal challenge was performed, and nasal tryptase and ECP were measured before and after. Sublingual ECP and tryptase were also assessed before the SLIT, after 1 month, and after 6 months of treatment. Ten matched allergic children and 10 healthy ones served as controls for the baseline levels of sublingual ECP and tryptase.

RESULTS

The levels of nasal tryptase and ECP significantly increased after nasal challenge (P<0.001), whereas no change during the SLIT course (at the beginning, after 1 month, and after 6 months) could be detected in sublingual tryptase either before or after SLIT administration. The sublingual ECP significantly decreased after 6 months of SLIT. The baseline levels of nasal tryptase and ECP were significantly higher in allergic subjects than in healthy controls, as was the level of sublingual ECP.

CONCLUSIONS

In the presence of an IgE-mediated reaction (ASNC), a significant increase of tryptase and ECP can be seen. When SLIT is administered, such a phenomenon does not occur; therefore, SLIT does not elicit any IgE reaction in the mouth. It is noteworthy that allergic subjects display higher levels of nasal ECP and tryptase than healthy subjects, even when symptom-free, and these observations may indicate the presence of subclinical inflammation.

Small intestinal morphology in weaned piglets fed a diet containing spray-dried porcine plasma

The hypothesis tested in this study was that the reported beneficial effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) on piglet post-weaning performance and health are associated with a trophic effect on small intestinal mucosa. At 24 days of age, the piglets of seven sows were assigned to one of three treatment groups. One group continued to be suckled. The other two groups were weaned and offered a diet containing either 15 per cent SDPP or casein. From each treatment group, one piglet was anaesthetised and samples were taken from the small intestinal wall at 26, 28 and 31 days of age. There were no significant effects of SDPP versus casein on villus length. On average, there was less mitotic activity in the SDPP -fed piglets than in those fed casein on days 4 and 7 after weaning. As less mitotic activity leads to less immature enterocytes, this may provide a mechanism for the reported beneficial effects of SDPP on performance and health.

Acylation stimulating protein (ASP) acute effects on postprandial lipemia and food intake in rodents

BACKGROUND

In vitro studies have shown that acylation stimulating protein (ASP) stimulates triglyceride (TG) synthesis and storage in adipocytes. We have previously demonstrated that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of ASP in C57BL/6J mice accelerated TG clearance following an orally-administered fat load as well as reducing postprandial glucose levels.

RESULTS

In the present study, we first examined the effect of i.p. and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of ASP on food intake in Sprague-Dawley rats. Intraperitoneal injection resulted in a short-term increase in food intake (maximum increase 29.3% within the first hour, P<0.025) decreasing thereafter as compared to vehicle alone. i.c.v. Administration of a comparable dose of ASP resulted in a similar but delayed increase in food intake with a maximum at 2-4 h, suggesting that the actions of ASP are peripherally mediated. However, there was no significant difference in 24 h food intake with either i.p. or i.c.v. injection. We also examined the effects of ASP on TG clearance in two obese mouse strains with different metabolic profiles: ob/ob (C57BL/6J-Lep(ob)) and db/db (C57BLKS/J-Lepr(db)). In a crossover design, the response to an oral fat load was determined with and without i.p. injection of exogenous ASP. In ob/ob mice, there was a 44% greater clearance of postprandial TG (area under the curve (AUC)=245+/-49 control vs 138+/-43 mg/dl h with ASP; P<0.05 by RM ANOVA). The db/db mice showed a greater response, with a 62% decrease in postprandial TG (AUC=4080+/-1489 control vs 1540+/-719 mg/dl h with ASP; P=0.004 by RM ANOVA). In addition there were decreases in postprandial glucose and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels in response to ASP.

CONCLUSION

These results are the first to report that ASP can increase food intake in rats and also enhance postprandial TG clearance in obese animals. These data therefore support previous in vitro evidence pointing to ASP as a regulator of lipid metabolism.

Perioperative treatment with bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (rBPI21) in major liver surgery: a concise summary

INTRODUCTION

Major hepatic resections are still associated with considerable morbidity. Gut-derived bacteria and bacterial endotoxin are considered to play a central role in the pathophysiology of complications. Experimental studies suggest that bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), which has both antibacterial and endotoxin-neutralising properties, can reduce postoperative complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, dose escalation trial was conducted in patients undergoing major liver resection, and clinical outcome, infectious complications, plasma amino acid patterns, coagulation and fibrinolytic cascade systems and neutrophil functions were compared between the two treatment groups and an extra group of patients undergoing major abdominal non-hepatic surgery.

RESULTS

Drug administration in this patient group was safe, and resulted in a significant reduction of infectious complications. Furthermore, beneficial effects were found in the postoperative amino acid ratio and fibrinolytic cascades, and rBPI21 preserved leukocyte functions.

CONCLUSION

Administration of rBPI21 in patients undergoing major liver resection is well tolerated and results in improvement of both clinical and biochemical parameters.

Antimicrobial proteins and peptides of blood: templates for novel antimicrobial agents

The innate immune system provides rapid and effective host defense against microbial invasion in a manner that is independent of prior exposure to a given pathogen. It has long been appreciated that the blood contains important elements that mediate rapid responses to infection. Thus, anatomic compartments with ample blood supply are less frequently infected and recover more readily once infected, whereas regions with poor perfusion are prone to severe infection and may require surgical debridement. Blood-borne innate immune mediators are either carried in circulating blood cells (ie, leukocytes and platelets) or in plasma after release from blood cells or on secretion by the liver. (Blood. 2000;96:2664-2672)

Endogenous carriers and ligands in non-immunogenic site-specific drug delivery

Targeted drug delivery has gained recognition in modern therapeutics and attempts are being made to explore the potentials and possibilities of cell biology related bioevents in the development of specific, programmed and target oriented systems. The components which have been recognized to be tools include receptors and ligands, where the receptors act as molecular targets or portals, and ligands, with receptor specificity and selectivity, are trafficked en route to the target site. Although ligands of exogenous or synthetic origin contribute to the selectivity component of carrier constructs, they may impose immunological manifestations of different magnitudes. The latter may entail a continual quest for bio-compatible, non-immunogenic and target orientated delivery. Endogenous serum, cellular and extracellular bio-ligands interact with the colloidal carrier constructs and influence their bio-fate. However, these endogenous bio-ligands can themselves serve as targeting modules either in their native form or engineered as carrier cargo. Bio-regulatory, nutrient and immune ligands are sensitive, specific and effective site directing handles which add to targeted drug delivery. The present review provides an exhaustive account of the identified bio-ligands, which are not only non-immunogenic in nature but also site-specific. The cell-related bioevents which are instrumental in negotiating the uptake of bio-ligands are discussed. Further, a brief account of ligand-receptor interactions and the set of biological events which ensures ligand-driven trafficking of the ligand-receptor complex to the cellular interior is also presented. Since ligand-receptor interaction is a critical pre-requisite for negotiating cellular uptake of endogenous ligands and anchored carrier cargo, an attempt has been made to identify differential expression of receptors and bio-ligands under normal and etiological conditions. Studies which judiciously utilized bio-ligands or their analogs in negotiating site-specific drug delivery have been reviewed and presented. Targeted delivery of bioactives using endogenous bio-ligands offers enormous options and opportunities through carrier construct engineering and could become a future reality in clinical practice.

Overexpression of the Na(+)/K(+)/Cl(-) cotransporter gene induces cell proliferation and phenotypic transformation in mouse fibroblasts

Na(+)/K(+)/Cl(-) cotransporter activity is stimulated in early G(1) phase of the cell cycle and this stimulation was shown to be an essential event in fibroblast cell proliferation. In order to elucidate further the role of the Na(+)/K(+)/Cl(-) cotransporter in cell proliferation, we overexpressed the gene encoding the Na(+)/K(+)/Cl(-) cotransporter in mouse fibroblasts, and analyzed cellular phenotypic changes. Mouse Balb/c 3T3 cells were stably transfected with the cDNA of the shark rectal gland Na(+)/K(+)/Cl(-) cotransporter gene (NKCC1), and expressed in a mammalian vector under the cytomegalovirus promoter (Balb/c-NKCC1 cells). The transfected cells exhibited up to 10-fold greater bumetanide-sensitive Rb(+) influx compared to the control cells. The Balb/c-NKCC1 cells have acquired a typical transformation phenotype indicated by: (1) Loss of contact inhibition exhibited by growth to a higher cell density in confluent cultures, and formation of cell foci; (2) proliferation in low serum concentrations; and (3) formation of cell colonies in soft agar. The control cells transfected with the NKCC1 gene inserted in the opposite orientation in the vector retained their normal phenotype. Furthermore, the two specific inhibitors of the Na(+)/K(+)/Cl(-) cotransporter activity; bumetanide and furosemide inhibited the clonogenic efficiency in the NKCC1 transfected cells. These control experiments indicate that the apparent transformation phenotype acquired by the Balb/c-NKCC1 cells was not merely associated with the process of transfection and selecting for the neomycin-resistant clones, but rather with the overexpression of the Na(+)/K(+)/Cl(-) cotransporter gene. In order to ascertain that the regulated and normal expression of the Na(+)/K(+)/Cl(-) cotransporter control cell proliferation, the effect of bumetanide a specific inhibitor of the cotransporter, was tested on Balb/c 3T3 cell proliferation, induced by fibroblasts growth factor (FGF) and fetal calf serum (FCS). Bumetanide inhibited synchronized Balb/c 3T3 cell exit from the G(0)/G(1) arrest and entering S-phase. The inhibition was reversible, as removal of bumetanide completely released cell proliferation. Taken together, these results propose that the NKCC1 gene is involved in the control of normal cell proliferation, while its overexpression results in apparent cell transformation, in a manner similar to some protooncogenes.

Dietary plasma protein reduces small intestinal growth and lamina propria cell density in early weaned pigs

ABSTRACT We quantified the effects of a diet containing animal plasma protein on small intestinal growth and mucosal morphology in early weaned pigs. Ninety-six pigs [14 d old, 4 kg body weight (BW)] were assigned in groups of 32 to three dietary treatments as follows: 1) free access to control diet (C), 2) free access to plasma protein diet (P), and 3) plasma protein, pair-fed to C (PPF). Eight pigs from each group were killed at 2, 4, 8 or 16 d. Over a 16-d period, weight gain in the P group was 43% greater (P < 0.05) than that in C pigs; weight gain was similar in C and PPF groups. Protein intake in the P group was 33% higher (P < 0.05) than that in the PPF group; no significant difference was observed between the C and P groups. Dietary protein conversion efficiencies in both the P and PPF groups were approximately 18% greater (P < 0.05) than those in the C group. Intestinal masses in the three groups did not differ at 2, 4 and 8 d. By 16 d, the jejunal and ileal protein and DNA masses (mg/kg BW) in both the P and PPF groups were lower than those in the C group (P < 0.05). Dietary plasma protein did not affect crypt cell proliferation, crypt depth or villous height in either the jejunum or ileum. However, the intravillous lamina propria cell density in the jejunum was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in P and PPF pigs than in C pigs. Plasma urea concentrations were also 40 and 42% lower (P < 0.05) in the P and PPF groups, respectively, than in the C group. Our results indicate that dietary plasma protein reduces the cellularity of the lamina propria, but not epithelial cell surface of the small intestine. Feeding plasma protein also increased the efficiency of dietary protein utilization, in part, by decreasing amino acid catabolism.

Plasmapheresis with a substitution solution of human serum protein (5%) versus plasmapheresis with a substitution solution of human albumin (5%) in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been used extensively for over 2 decades to treat a variety of autoimmune and congenital diseases and is now widely accepted. The primary objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of two plasma exchange preparations, human serum protein (HSP) and human albumin (HA). Twenty-four patients in the following disease categories underwent TPE using either HSP (Biseko, 5%) or HA (5%): systemic lupus erythematosus, 8; glomerulonephritis, 8; myasthenia gravis, 2; Guillain-Barré-syndrome, 2; recurrent iritis, 1; pemphigoid, 1; uveitis, 1; and vascular retinitis, 1. There was no statistically significant difference in the average number of TPEs needed in the HSP group (13.5) and HA (13.8) measured over the first 6 weeks of treatment. The secondary parameters, in particular the immunological parameters IgG and IgA, provided evidence that plasma exchange with HSP may have some advantages over HA, and confirmatory studies in a larger group of patients are indicated. Adverse events during TPE occurred in both the HAS group (4 patients) and the HA group (4 patients). However, patients in the HSP group were older (12.3 years), were suffering from more complicated autoimmune diseases, and the number of occasions (days) on which these were reported (6 days) was less than in the HA group (11 days). One patient in the HA group died from septic-toxic circulatory collapse on Day 49 due to an infection with resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Infections in other patients did not occur; all showed considerable improvement in their symptoms and completed the study in good general condition.

Organ blood flow after partial hepatectomy in rats: modification by endotoxin-neutralizing bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (rBPI23)

BACKGROUND/AIM

Both maintenance of adequate perfusion and regeneration of the remnant liver are important in the recovery of liver function after partial hepatectomy. In previous experiments, we have shown that profound hypotension and liver injury can be attenuated by neutralizing endotoxins. The relative contribution of endotoxemia to changes in liver blood flow and blood flow to other major organs after partial hepatectomy is not known. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of endotoxin neutralization on individual organ blood flows including hepatic artery and splanchnic blood flow after experimental partial hepatectomy and its relation to liver cell proliferation.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats underwent either two-thirds partial hepatectomy or sham operation. Treatment consisted of continuous infusion of recombinant N-terminal bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (rBPI23) or control protein. At 4 h after surgery, organ blood flows were measured using the radiolabeled microsphere technique, and at 24 h, proliferation index in liver tissue was calculated.

RESULTS

After partial hepatectomy, blood flows to virtually all organs were significantly lower as compared to values obtained in sham-operated rats. rBPI23 greatly improved hepatic artery flow (p<0.001) but not portal venous flow. These effects of rBPI23 on liver flow preceded an equally enhanced liver cell proliferation (p<0.01). Endotoxin neutralization led to significantly higher flows to some but not all splanchnic organs. Lung perfusion was significantly improved by rBPI23.

CONCLUSIONS

Neutralization of endogenous endotoxins improves liver blood flow after partial hepatectomy and also periportal and pericentral liver cell proliferation. This proliferation effect may result from an increased hepatic artery flow. Lung, colon, spleen and pancreas flow but not kidney flow was greatly enhanced by rBPI23.