Modulation of Cellular Senescence in HEK293 and HepG2 Cells by Ultrafiltrates UPla and ULu Is Partly Mediated by Modulation of Mitochondrial Homeostasis under Oxidative Stress

Protein probes, including ultrafiltrates from the placenta (UPla) and lung (ULu) of postnatal rabbits, were investigated in premature senescent HEK293 and HepG2 cells to explore whether they could modulate cellular senescence. Tris-Tricine-PAGE, gene ontology (GO), and LC-MS/MS analysis were applied to describe the characteristics of the ultrafiltrates. HEK293 and HepG2 cells (both under 25 passages) exposed to a sub-toxic concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 300 μM) became senescent; UPla (10 μg/mL), ULu (10 μg/mL), as well as positive controls lipoic acid (10 μg/mL) and transferrin (10 μg/mL) were added along with H2O2 to the cells. Cell morphology; cellular proliferation; senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-X-gal) activity; expression of senescence biomarkers including p16 INK4A (p16), p21 Waf1/Cip1 (p21), HMGB1, MMP-3, TNF-α, IL-6, lamin B1, and phospho-histone H2A.X (γ-H2AX); senescence-related gene expression; reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels; and mitochondrial fission were examined. Tris-Tricine-PAGE revealed prominent detectable bands between 10 and 100 kDa. LC-MS/MS identified 150-180 proteins and peptides in the protein probes, and GO analysis demonstrated a distinct enrichment of proteins associated with "extracellular space" and "proteasome core complex". UPla and ULu modulated senescent cell morphology, improved cell proliferation, and decreased beta-galactosidase activity, intracellular and mitochondrial ROS production, and mitochondrial fission caused by H2O2. The results from this study demonstrated that UPla and Ulu, as well as lipoic acid and transferrin, could protect HEK293 and HepG2 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage via protecting mitochondrial homeostasis and thus have the potential to be explored in anti-aging therapies.

Albumin-based nanoparticles as contrast medium for MRI: vascular imaging, tissue and cell interactions, and pharmacokinetics of second-generation nanoparticles

This multidisciplinary study examined the pharmacokinetics of nanoparticles based on albumin-DTPA-gadolinium chelates, testing the hypothesis that these nanoparticles create a stronger vessel signal than conventional gadolinium-based contrast agents and exploring if they are safe for clinical use. Nanoparticles based on human serum albumin, bearing gadolinium and designed for use in magnetic resonance imaging, were used to generate magnet resonance images (MRI) of the vascular system in rats ("blood pool imaging"). At the low nanoparticle doses used for radionuclide imaging, nanoparticle-associated metals were cleared from the blood into the liver during the first 4 h after nanoparticle application. At the higher doses required for MRI, the liver became saturated and kidney and spleen acted as additional sinks for the metals, and accounted for most processing of the nanoparticles. The multiple components of the nanoparticles were cleared independently of one another. Albumin was detected in liver, spleen, and kidneys for up to 2 days after intravenous injection. Gadolinium was retained in the liver, kidneys, and spleen in significant concentrations for much longer. Gadolinium was present as significant fractions of initial dose for longer than 2 weeks after application, and gadolinium clearance was only complete after 6 weeks. Our analysis could not account quantitatively for the full dose of gadolinium that was applied, but numerous organs were found to contain gadolinium in the collagen of their connective tissues. Multiple lines of evidence indicated intracellular processing opening the DTPA chelates and leading to gadolinium long-term storage, in particular inside lysosomes. Turnover of the stored gadolinium was found to occur in soluble form in the kidneys, the liver, and the colon for up to 3 weeks after application. Gadolinium overload poses a significant hazard due to the high toxicity of free gadolinium ions. We discuss the relevance of our findings to gadolinium-deposition diseases.

Head motion predictability explains activity-dependent suppression of vestibular balance control

Vestibular balance control is dynamically weighted during locomotion. This might result from a selective suppression of vestibular inputs in favor of a feed-forward balance regulation based on locomotor efference copies. The feasibility of such a feed-forward mechanism should however critically depend on the predictability of head movements (HMP) during locomotion. To test this, we studied in 10 healthy subjects the differential impact of a stochastic vestibular stimulation (SVS) on body sway (center-of-pressure, COP) during standing and walking at different speeds and compared it to activity-dependent changes in HMP. SVS-COP coupling was determined by correlation analysis in frequency and time domains. HMP was quantified as the proportion of head motion variance that can be explained by the average head trajectory across the locomotor cycle. SVS-COP coupling decreased from standing to walking and further dropped with faster locomotion. Correspondingly, HMP increased with faster locomotion. Furthermore, SVS-COP coupling depended on the gait-cycle-phase with peaks corresponding to periods of least HMP. These findings support the assumption that during stereotyped human self-motion, locomotor efference copies selectively replace vestibular cues, similar to what was previously observed in animal models.

Reexamining the Factorial Validity of the 16-Item Scale Measuring Need for Cognition

Abstract. A growing body of studies has emphasized the need to consider method effects due to positively and negatively worded items for a better understanding of the factorial structure of psychological constructs. In particular, several researchers identified such method factors besides the content factor for various scales measuring Need for Cognition (NFC). However, regarding the factorial validity of the 16-item NFC scale developed by Bless, Wänke, Bohner, Fellhauer, and Schwartz (1994) , only a one-factor structure without the inclusion of possible method factors has been examined so far. Therefore, we considered such method factors in a broader reexamination of the factorial validity of this measure by investigating a range of structural models in two samples ( n = 830, n = 500). We found that a one-factor solution as proposed by Bertrams and Dickhäuser (2010) and Bless et al. (1994) did not fit the data, whereas the inclusion of method factors improved the model fit significantly. According to our results, the model including both the content factor and two uncorrelated method factors yielded the best model fit. In sum, our results provide an extended view of the factorial validity of the 16-item scale of NFC.

Evaluation of a biosurfactant extract obtained from corn for dermal application

At present, there is an increasing demand to improve the sustainability of surface-active compounds in dermal formulations. Biosurfactants, which are derived from living cells, are considered to be more environmentally friendly than synthetic surfactants. Thus, the use of biosurfactants is a promising strategy for the formulation of more environmentally friendly and sustainable dermal products. In this work, a biosurfactant extract (BS) obtained from corn wet-milling industry was studied for its potential use in dermal formulations. The corn derived BS possesses good surface-active properties and was found to be a suitable co-stabilizer for nanoemulsions and nanocrystals for dermal application. It also possesses antioxidative and skin protective properties and was also able to increase the dermal penetration efficacy for lipophilic actives. In dermal formulations the BS can therefore be used as co-stabilizer with antioxidative and penetration enhancing properties at the same time.

Molecular dynamics simulations of phosphonic acid–aluminum oxide self-organization and their evolution into ordered monolayers

We outline an unprejudiced molecular dynamics simulation approach to study the mechanisms of self-organization encompassing the evolution of surfactant–surface interactions to the growth of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs).

Anesthesia in swine : optimizing a laboratory model to optimize translational research

In order to extrapolate novel therapies from the bench to the bedside (translational research), animal experiments are scientifically necessary. Swine are popular laboratory animals as their cardiorespiratory physiology is very similar to humans. Every study has to be approved by the local and/or national animal ethical committees. As swine are extremely sensitive to stress the primary goal is therefore to provide a calm, stress-free environment in both housing and experimental facilities. Swine should be properly sedated for transport and normothermia needs to be ensured. It is recommended to commence anesthesia by injecting ketamine and propofol followed by endotracheal intubation during spontaneous breathing. After intubation, anesthesia maintenance is performed with morphine or piritramide, propofol and rocuronium and routine monitoring is applied analogue to a clinical operating theater for humans. Normothermia (38.5 °C) needs to be ensured. While surgical procedures can be readily extrapolated from a human operating theater to swine, non-anesthesiologist scientists may lose the animal rapidly due to airway management problems. Vascular access can be secured by cut-downs or ultrasound-guided techniques in the inguinal and the neck region. For humane euthanasia of pigs, morphine, followed by propofol, rocuronium and potassium chloride are recommended. As radical animal right groups may threaten scientists, it is prudent that animal laboratories have unmarked entrance doors, are located in buildings that are not accessible to the public and strictly controlled access of laboratory staff is enforced. In conclusion, swine are an excellent laboratory animal for bench to bedside research and can be managed properly when basic knowledge and adequate skills on careful handling, anesthesia and surgical considerations are present.

Scientific Competencies in the Social Sciences

The aim of the present study was to introduce a general theoretical model of scientific competencies in higher education and to adapt it to three social sciences, namely psychology, sociology, and political science, by providing evidence from expert interviews and program regulations. Within our general model, we distinguished and specified four building blocks of scientific competencies: input, operations, and output, as well as personal characteristics. We defined input as content students are exposed to in their respective domains, operations as cognitive processes stated by Anderson et al. (2001), and output as content students create as a result of applying operations on input. We considered scientific competencies to be the constructive use of operations on input and the creation of output thereby. Furthermore, we considered personal characteristics that are relevant for competency acquisition and for working in a scientifically competent manner. In the present article we provide main results for the four building blocks of scientific competencies in psychology, sociology, and political science. Furthermore, we discuss limitations of our current model such as the necessity to determine criteria to further clarify what the constructive use of operations on input looks like in the different cycles of higher education.

The risk of polyomavirus-associated graft nephropathy is increased by a combined suppression of CD8 and CD4 cell-dependent immune effects

Polyomavirus-associated graft nephropathy (PAN) has emerged as a significant risk factor for kidney graft loss. We analyzed intracellular cytokine responses for possible protective versus permissive immunologic effects on BK-virus replication. One hundred five renal transplant patients included in a prospective single-center study were randomized to receive cyclosporine mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (CM: n = 31), tacrolimus (Tac)/MMF (TM: n = 32) or Tac/MMF with conversion to everolimus (TErl; n = 32). Ten patients were not randomized (NR) due to contraindications to MMF. The immunosuppressive therapy was monitored pre- and posttransplantation at 4, 12, and 24 months using triple fluorescence flow cytometry for intracellular interleukin (Il)-2 Il-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ production in phorbol myristate acetate- and lipopolysaccharide- stimulated lymphocyte cultures. BK viremia screening was performed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction testing on days 0, 14, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 270, 360, and 720. Seven of 105 (6.7%) patients developed biopsy-proven PAN (CM: n = 1, TM: n = 3, TErl: n = 2, NR: n = 1), among whom 4 lost their grafts (TM: n = 1, TErl: n = 2, NR: n = 1). Twenty-one of 105 (20.0%) patients had documented BK viremia. BK viremia which preceded PAN in all cases, was significantly associated with TM immunosuppression: 4/31 (12.9%) CM: 11/32 (34.4%) TM; 5/32 (15.6%) TErl, and 1/10 (10.0%) NR patients (P = .034). BK-viremic patients showed significantly diminished CD8(+) T-cell Il-2 production at 120 days (P = .011) and 1 year posttransplantation (P = .014) compared with non-BK-viremic patients. Patients with PAN displayed significantly lower CD4(+) T-cell Il-4 responses at 1 and 2 years after transplantation (1 year: P = .007; 2 years: P = .001) with diminished IFN-γ responses at 1 year after transplantation (P = .011). Our analysis showed the incidence of BK viremia to be increased among patients with defective cytotoxic CD8(+) T-cell -dependent immune reactivity. Recipients who progressed from BK viremia to overt PAN showed an additional immunologic defect in CD4(+) T-cell function. Patients on a Tac- plus MMF-based immunosuppression were at higher risk to develop BK viremia.

In vitro and in vivo role of heat shock protein 90 in Amphotericin B resistance of Aspergillus terreus

Aspergillus terreus (A. terreus) is of serious concern because of a high propensity to dissemination and in vitro and in vivo resistance to Amphotericin B (AmB). The underlying molecular mechanism of AmB is not known yet and here we want to explore whether fungal heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is involved in polyene resistance in A. terreus. AmB-susceptible (ATS) and AmB-resistant (ATR) A. terreus and AmB-susceptible Aspergillus fumigatus (AFS) were investigated in response to AmB with a special focus on HSP90. HSP90 inhibitors resulted in significant improvement of AmB activity against ATR as minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) decreased from 32 to 0.38 mg/L. Gene expression profiling showed a greater basal amount of HSP90 levels in ATR and ATS when compared with AFS. HSP90 blockers in combination with AmB were evaluated in a murine model of disseminated aspergillosis. HSP90 inhibitors were not beneficial for mice infected with ATR, and neither mono- nor combination treatment with AmB yielded clinical improvement. HSP90 inhibition with 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) was harmful. HSP90 seems to play a vital role in antifungal stress response in all aspergilli tested, whereas HSP90 does not substantiate the origin of AmB resistance in ATR.

Interaction of nitrogen nutrition and salinity in Grey poplar (Populus tremula x alba)

Salinity represents an increasing environmental problem in managed ecosystems. Populus spp. is widely used for wood production by short-rotation forestry in fertilized plantations and can be grown on saline soil. Because N fertilization plays an important role in salt tolerance, we analysed Grey poplar (Populus tremula x alba, syn. Populus canescens) grown with either 1 mM nitrate or ammonium subjected to moderate 75 mM NaCl. The impact of N nutrition on amelioration of salt tolerance was analysed on different levels of N metabolism such as N uptake, assimilation and N (total N, proteins and amino compounds) accumulation. Na concentration increased in all tissues over time of salt exposure. The N nutrition-dependent effects of salt exposure were more intensive in roots than in leaves. Application of salt reduced root increment as well as stem height increase and, at the same time, increased the concentration of total amino compounds more intensively in roots of ammonium-fed plants. In leaves, salt treatment increased concentrations of total N more intensively in nitrate-fed plants and concentrations of amino compounds independently of N nutrition. The major changes in N metabolism of Grey poplar exposed to moderate salt concentrations were detected in the significant increase of amino acid concentrations. The present results indicate that N metabolism of Grey poplar exposed to salt performed better when the plants were fed with nitrate instead of ammonium as sole N source. Therefore, nitrate fertilization of poplar plantations grown on saline soil should be preferred.

99mTc-labelled HYNIC-minigastrin with reduced kidney uptake for targeting of CCK-2 receptor-positive tumours

PURPOSE

Different attempts have been made to develop a suitable radioligand for targeting CCK-2 receptors in vivo, for staging of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and other receptor-expressing tumours. After initial successful clinical studies with [DTPA(0),D: Glu(1)]minigastrin (DTPA-MG0) radiolabelled with (111)In and (90)Y, our group developed a (99m)Tc-labelled radioligand, based on HYNIC-MG0. A major drawback observed with these derivatives is their high uptake by the kidneys. In this study we describe the preclinical evaluation of the optimised shortened peptide analogue, [HYNIC(0),D: Glu(1),desGlu(2-6)]minigastrin (HYNIC-MG11).

METHODS

(99m)Tc labelling of HYNIC-MG11 was performed using tricine and EDDA as coligands. Stability experiments were carried out by reversed phase HPLC analysis in PBS, PBS/cysteine and plasma as well as rat liver and kidney homogenates. Receptor binding and cell uptake experiments were performed using AR4-2J rat pancreatic tumour cells. Animal biodistribution was studied in AR4-2J tumour-bearing nude mice.

RESULTS

Radiolabelling was performed at high specific activities and radiochemical purity was >90%. (99m)Tc-EDDA-HYNIC-MG11 showed high affinity for the CCK-2 receptor and cell internalisation comparable to that of (99m)Tc-EDDA-HYNIC-MG0. Despite high stability in solution, a low metabolic stability in rat tissue homogenates was found. In a nude mouse tumour model, very low unspecific retention in most organs, rapid renal excretion with reduced renal retention and high tumour uptake were observed.

CONCLUSION

(99m)Tc-EDDA-HYNIC-MG11 shows advantages over (99m)Tc-EDDA-HYNIC-MG0 in terms of lower kidney retention with unchanged uptake in tumours and CCK-2 receptor-positive tissue. However, the lower metabolic stability and impurities formed in the labelling process still leave room for further improvement.

Inhibitory and Inductive Effects of Rifampin on the Pharmacokinetics of Bosentan in Healthy Subjects

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of rifampin on the pharmacokinetics of bosentan. Healthy male subjects received bosentan 125 mg b.i.d. for 6.5 days in the presence or absence of rifampin 600 mg once a day. In vitro experiments were performed to investigate the effect of rifampin on the uptake of bosentan into Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B1, -1B3, and -2B1. Following the first concomitant administration, there was a fivefold increase in bosentan trough concentrations. At steady state, concomitant rifampin significantly decreased exposure to bosentan by 58%. Rifampin potently inhibited the uptake of bosentan into cells expressing human OATP1B1 and -1B3. Rifampin decreased the exposure to bosentan consistent with its known cytochrome P450 enzyme-inductive properties. The initial increase in bosentan concentrations can be explained by an inhibitory effect of rifampin on hepatic drug transporters.

Nitrogen uptake and metabolism in Populus x canescens as affected by salinity

External salinization can affect different steps of nitrogen (N) metabolism (ion uptake, N assimilation, and amino acid and protein synthesis) depending on the inorganic N source. Here, we assessed the net uptake of N supplied as nitrate or ammonium and N assimilation (combining metabolite analyses with molecular biological approaches) in grey poplar (Populus x canescens) plants grown under saline (75 mM NaCl) and control conditions. The specific (micromol N g(-1) dry weight fine roots h(-1)) and total plant (micromol N per plant h(-1)) N net uptake rates, total plant N content, total plant biomass and total leaf protein concentration were reduced under saline conditions when plants were supplied with ammonium. In both nutritional groups, salt treatment caused pronounced accumulation of soluble N compounds in the leaves. The mRNAs of genes coding for enzymes catalyzing rate-limiting steps of both proline synthesis and degradation (delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase and proline dehydrogenase) as well as for NADH-dependent glutamate synthase were accumulated under saline conditions. Whereas under control conditions the plant N status seemed to be superior when ammonium was supplied, the N balance of ammonium-fed plants was more severely affected by salt stress than that of plants supplied with nitrate. Possible metabolic implications of stress-related accumulation of particular amino acids are discussed.

Immunoglobulin Induction Therapy in Renal Transplant Recipients: Effects on Immunoglobulin and Regulatory Antibody Levels

We have previously shown that high pretransplant regulatory autoantibodies are associated with better kidney graft outcome. To analyze the effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) induction therapy on these regulatory antibodies, we performed a prospective randomized study in 50 renal transplant recipients who were randomly assigned to receive 7 x 10 g IVIG or 7 x 10 g IV albumin infusions. Basic immunosuppressive therapy consisted of tacrolimus/azathioprine (n = 24) and tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil (n = 26), respectively. ELISA was used to assess IgG-/IgA-anti-Fab, -anti-F(ab)2 and -anti-hinge regulatory antibodies. IVIG induction therapy resulted in upregulation of serum IgG and IgA levels within the first 20 days posttransplant (P = .001, IgG; P = .04, IgA), so that a significant IgG deficiency was found only in non-IVIG patients (day 10: IgG <6 g/L: 7/25 (28%) non-IVIG versus 0/25 IVIG patients; P = .005). As the IVIG charges contained all of the regulatory antibodies tested, intravenous administration of these antibodies explain the elevated IgG- and IgA-anti-F(ab)2 antibody levels found in IVIG compared to non-IVIG patients on day 10 (P = .005 and P = .04, respectively). Our data indicated that IVIG induction prevented severe IgG deficiency in the early posttransplant period but had no impact on severe infectious complications. IVIG induction enhanced immunoregulatory antibody levels early posttransplant, which might provide graft protective effects.

Post-transplant sCD30 and neopterin as predictors of chronic allograft nephropathy: impact of different immunosuppressive regimens

Immunological monitoring for chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is of great potential interest. We assessed serum soluble CD30 (sCD30) together with in vitro Th2-type responses (IL-4, IL-10, CD4 helper activity) and neopterin in a prospective study of 84 renal transplant recipients with 2-year follow-up. Patients were randomized to CsA/Aza, CsA/MMF and Tacr/Aza, respectively, to analyze the effect of immunosuppression on posttransplant sCD30 and neopterin. ATG induction and acute rejections did not alter sCD30 levels whereas CMV disease was associated with transient upregulation of sCD30 (p = 0.003 at 4 months) and sustained upregulation of neopterin (corrected for graft function (Neo/CR) p = 0.005 at 2 years). Tacr versus CsA treatment proved to be an independent variable associated with downregulation of 1-year sCD30, which was positively related to Neo/CR (p = 0.007 and 0.01, respectively; logistic regression). Importantly, increased 1-year sCD30 and Neo/CR were associated with decreased glomerular filtration rate at 2 years (p = 0.02 and p < 0.0005, respectively) and evidence of CAN (p < 0.0005). High 1-year sCD30 could not be attributed to enhanced Th2-type responses and was not associated with HLA antibody formation. Our data suggest that elevated sCD30 and neopterin predict graft deterioration by CAN. Tacr effectively downregulates these responses and might be of advantage in patients with elevated sCD30 or neopterin.

[Occupational and non-occupational risk factors in bladder cancer patients in an industrialized area located in former East-Germany]

PURPOSE

Several occupational carcinogens are metabolized by polymorphic enzymes. The distribution of the polymorphic enzymes N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2; substrates: aromatic amines), glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1; substrates: e. g., reactive metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1; substrates: small molecules with 1 - 2 carbon atoms) were investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

At the urological department in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, 136 patients with a histologically proven transitional cell cancer of the urinary bladder were investigated for all occupations performed for more than 6 months. Several occupational and non-occupational risk factors were asked. The genotypes of NAT2, GSTM1, and GSTT1 were determined from leucocyte DNA by PCR.

RESULTS

Compared to the general population in Middle Europe, the percentage of GSTT1 negative persons (22.1 %) was ordinary; the percentage of slow acetylators (59.6 %) was in the upper normal range, while the percentage of GSTM1 negative persons (58.8 %) was elevated in the entire group. Shifts in the distribution of the genotypes were observed in subgroups who had been exposed to asbestos (6/6 GSTM1 negative, 5/6 slow acetylators), rubber manufacturing (8/10 GSTM1 negative), and chlorinated solvents (9/15 GSTM1 negative).

CONCLUSIONS

The overrepresentation of GSTM1 negative bladder cancer patients also in this industrialized area and more pronounced in several occupationally exposed subgroups points to an impact of the GSTM1 negative genotype in bladder carcinogenesis.

Dynamics of bone marrow changes in patients with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis following allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Scant knowledge exists about the dynamics of fibro-osteosclerotic bone marrow (BM) lesions and regeneration of hematopoiesis following allogeneic peripheral stem cell transplantation (SCT) in chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis. Therefore, an immunohistochemical and morphometric study was performed on BM biopsies in 20 patients before and at standardized intervals (days 30 through 384) following SCT. In responding patients, a total regression of the pretransplant increased fibrosis was completed in the posttransplant period after about six months, while the extent of osteosclerosis did not change significantly during observation time. The quantity of CD61+ megakaryocytes including precursors was strikingly variable after SCT and, by using planimetric methods, atypical microforms exhibiting a dysplastic aspect could be demonstrated. These anomalies may be responsible for posttransplant thrombocytopenia. CD34+ progenitor cells were increased before transplantation, however, their number declined rapidly to normal values in responding patients. Nucleated erythroid precursors revealed a decreased amount before and after SCT accounting for anemia. Large clusters of this cell lineage indicated an initial hematopoietic reconstitution comparable with the expansion of the neutrophil granulopoiesis. Proliferative activity and apoptosis showed an increase until one year after SCT that implied a still regenerating hematopoiesis in keeping with an enhanced cell turnover.

sCD30 and Neopterin as Risk Factors of Chronic Renal Transplant Rejection: Impact of Cyclosporine A, Tacrolimus, and Mycophenolate Mofetil

High pretransplantation sCD30 levels have been shown to be associated with lower 5-year kidney graft survival in mainly Cyclosporine A (CsA)-treated recipients (Collaborative Transplant Study database). To analyze the effect of different immunosupressive regimens (CsA/Azathioprine [Aza], CsA/Mycophenolate Mofetil [MMF], Tacrolimus [Tacr]/Aza) on sCD30, we assessed serum sCD30 and neopterin together with in vitro cytokine responses in a prospective randomized study of 84 renal transplant recipients before, 4 months, and 1 year after transplantation. Panel-reactive antibody (PRA) formation, HLA matching, ATG induction therapy, and acute rejections had no impact on sCD30 levels, whereas cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections induced an up-regulation of sCD30 4 months posttransplantation (P = .003). Whereas MMF showed no effect on sCD30 compared with Aza therapy, we found a significant impact of Tacr versus CsA treatment (1-year sCD30 > or = 60 U/mL: 14/42 (33%), CsA; 1/38 (3%), Tacr; P < .0005). Chronic rejection 2 years posttransplantation was associated with elevated 1-year sCD30 (P = .001) and neopterin levels (P = .006). Our data indicate that the Th2 activation marker sCD30 provides a risk factor for chronic rejection independent of classical immunological risk factors and may be down-regulated using Tacr treatment.

Cloudy apple juice decreases DNA damage, hyperproliferation and aberrant crypt foci development in the distal colon of DMH-initiated rats

Clear (CleA) and cloudy (CloA) apple juices containing different amounts of analyzed procyanidins and pectin were investigated for preventive effects of colon cancer and underlying molecular mechanisms in F344 rats given intraperitoneal injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH; 20 mg/kg body wt) once a week for 4 weeks. Rats received either water (Cont), CleA or CloA (ad libitum) for 7 weeks starting 1 week before the first DMH injection. CloA inhibited DMH induced genotoxic damage in mucosa cells of the distal colon compared with Cont as investigated by single-cell microgel electrophoresis assay. The mean tail intensity in mucosa cells of DMH-treated controls (Cont/DMH: 6.1+/-0.9%) was significantly reduced by CloA (2.4+/-0.8%; P<0.01) but not by CleA intervention (4.1+/-1.2%; P>0.05). The crypt cell proliferation index induced by DMH (Cont/NaCl: 10.0+/-0.7%; Cont/DMH: 19.9+/-1.0%; P<0.001) was significantly decreased by CleA (15.7+/-0.7%; P<0.001) and CloA intervention (11.9+/-0.4%; P<0.001). CloA but not CleA significantly reduced the number of large aberrant crypt foci (ACF) consisting of more than four aberrant crypts (AC) (Cont/DMH: 37.4+/-5.4; CleA/DMH: 32.8+/-4.4, P>0.05; CloA/DMH: 18.8+/-2.5 ACF; P<0.05) and the overall mean ACF size in the distal colon (Cont/DMH: 2.31+/-0.09; CleA/DMH: 2.27+/-0.05; CloA/DMH: 2.04+/-0.03 AC/ACF; P<0.05). After treatment with DMH and/or apple juices there were no changes in transcript levels of colonic cyclooxygenase isoforms (COX-1, COX-2) or glutathione-associated enzymes (GST-M2, gamma-GCS, GST-P), the splenocyte natural killer cell activity and plasma antioxidant status. However, CloA but not CleA prevented the DMH-induced reduction of splenocyte CD4/CD8 (T-helper cells to cytotoxic lymphocytes) ratio. Since both formulations contained comparable concentrations and types of monomeric polyphenols, complex polyphenols or non-polyphenolic compounds, such as pectin might be responsible for the stronger cancer-preventive effect by CloA.

Promoter polymorphisms of the CD14 gene are not associated with bronchial asthma in Caucasian children

Several studies have investigated the association of a promoter polymorphism in CD14 with atopic phenotypes. We screened this and another polymorphism in 182 asthmatic children and found no association with asthma. Furthermore, there was substantial linkage disequilibrium of the polymorphisms. Thus CD14 does not play a major role in the development of asthma in our population of Caucasian children.