A simple cage-autonomous method for the maintenance of the barrier status of germ-free mice during experimentation

The use of germ-free (GF) isolators for microbiome-related research is exponentially increasing, yet limited by its cost, isolator size and potential for trans-contamination. As such, current isolator technology is highly limiting to researchers engaged in short period experiments involving multiple mouse strains and employing a variety of mono-inoculated microorganisms. In this study, we evaluate the use of positive pressure Isocages as a solution for short period studies (days to 2–3 weeks) of experimentation with GF mice at multiple simultaneous conditions. We demonstrate that this new Isocage technology is cost-effective and room-sparing, and enables maintenance of multiple simultaneous groups of GF mice. Using this technology, transferring GF mice from isolators to Isocage racks for experimentation, where they are kept under fully germ-free conditions, enables parallel inoculation with different bacterial strains and simultaneous experimentation with multiple research conditions. Altogether, the new GF Isocage technology enables the expansion of GF capabilities in a safe and cost-effective manner that can facilitate the growth, elaboration and flexibility of microbiome research.

Integrative inflammasome activity in the regulation of intestinal mucosal immune responses

The mammalian intestinal tract harbors a vast and diverse ecosystem of microbes that are separated from the sterile host milieu by a single layer of epithelial cells. While this bio-geographical configuration is critical for host biological processes, it imposes a risk for microbial penetration and life-threatening systemic invasion. Inflammasomes are cytosolic multi-protein platforms that sense both microbial and damage-associated molecular patterns and initiate a potent innate immune anti-microbial response. In this review, we will highlight the role of inflammasomes in the orchestration and regulation of the intestinal immune response, focusing on the roles of inflammasomes in maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, enteric infection, auto-inflammation, and tumorigenesis. We highlight the centrality of inflammasome signaling in the complex cross-talk between host mucosal immune arms and the environment, in particular the microflora, with emphasis on the spatial and temporal integration of inflammasome activation with signals from other innate signaling platforms.

CCL2 (pM levels) as a therapeutic agent in Inflammatory Bowel Disease models in mice

BACKGROUND

Chemokines regulate the pathways that restrict homing of specific subsets of immune cells, and thereby fine tune the immune response at specific lymphoid and peripheral tissues. CCL2 is a chemokine that induces migration of monocytes, memory T cells, and dendritic cells. Previously, we demonstrated that pM levels of CCL2 dramatically inhibit migration of T cells. The aim was to test whether subphysiological doses of CCL2 can ameliorate murine colitis and inflammation-induced colorectal cancer.

METHODS

TNBS (2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid) colitis and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis were induced in Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice, respectively. Mice were treated daily with intraperitoneal CCL2 injections. Disease activity was assessed clinically, histologically, and by measuring inflammatory cytokine levels. In addition, an inflammatory cancer model was induced by azoxymethane-DSS (AOM-DSS) in Balb/c mice. Mice were treated daily with CCL2 for 11 weeks and then assessed for number of tumors in the colons.

RESULTS

Daily administration of CCL2 (60-120 ng) significantly decreased the development of TNBS- and DSS-induced colitis. In a DSS-AOM model, CCL2-treated mice developed significantly fewer tumors (P < 0.005) at 11 weeks. Chronic inflammation in the CCL2-treated mice was significantly less pronounced as compared to phosphate-buffered saline-treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of pM levels of CCL2 significantly inhibits migration of T cells in amelioration of TNBS and DSS colitis and inhibits development of colorectal cancer in an AOM-DSS colitis model in mice. Thus, pM levels of CCL2 may be clinically beneficial as an antiinflammatory agent in IBD.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with Child class C liver cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation

We report the case of a Child class C cirrhotic patient who was diagnosed with coronary artery disease in the course of his pretransplantation evaluation. He underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB), which was complicated with acute renal failure. The morbidity and mortality associated with cardiac operation in patients with cirrhosis is discussed, and the potential advantage of OPCAB in this patient population is emphasized.

Adoptive transfer of regulatory NKT lymphocytes ameliorates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and glucose intolerance in ob/ob mice and is associated with intrahepatic CD8 trapping

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adoptive transfer of regulatory natural killer T (NKT) lymphocytes on the metabolic disorder in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice, which feature depletion and defective function of NKT and CD4 lymphocytes. Leptin-deficient ob/ob mice were subjected to transplantation of 1 x 10(6) of either ob/ob or wild-type-derived NKT lymphocytes, or to transplantation of either ob/ob or wild-type-derived splenocytes. The effect on hepatic fat content was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (signal intensity index) and histology, using the steatohepatitis grading scale. The degree of glucose intolerance was measured by an oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). Adoptive transfer of wild-type or ob/ob-derived regulatory NKT cells led to a 12% decrease in hepatic fat content. A significant histological shift from macrosteatosis to microsteatosis was observed. Marked improvement in the GTT was noted in wild-type or ob/ob-derived NKT recipients. Metabolic effects were associated with a significant decrease in peripheral and intrahepatic CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratios. Intrahepatic CD8 trapping was observed in all responders. Serum interleukin 10 levels decreased significantly. In conclusion, adoptive transfer of a relatively small number of regulatory NKT lymphocytes into ob/ob mice results in a significant reduction in hepatic fat content, a shift from macro to microsteatosis, and significant improvement in glucose intolerance. These effects were associated with decreased peripheral and intrahepatic CD4/CD8 ratios and decreased interleukin 10 levels. The results further support a role for regulatory NKT lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in the leptin-deficient murine model.

Fatal voluntary salt intake resulting in the highest ever documented sodium plasma level in adults (255 mmol L-1): a disorder linked to female gender and psychiatric disorders

Excessive ingestion of salt is a well-recognized cause of hypernatraemia in children, is uncommonly recognized in debilitated elderly persons, but is rarely diagnosed in healthy, independent adults. We report a case of fatal salt poisoning in a 20-year-old lady who suffered of post-natal depression and ingested large quantities of salt as part of exorcism ritual. She presented with the highest ever documented serum sodium level of 255 mmol L(-1), associated with severe neurological impairment that was unresponsive to aggressive hypotonic fluid replacement. Post-mortem examination ruled out any other possible probable cause of death. The medical literature was reviewed, and 16 previous cases of severe hypernatraemia in adults secondary to excessive salt ingestion were retrieved. Common features of all reported cases included female gender (95% of cases) and evidence of underlying cognitive or psychiatric disorders (all reported cases). We conclude that women with documented cognitive or psychiatric disorders, in particular depression, are susceptible for psychogenic salt poisoning. Awareness should be raised to the potentially life-risking use of salty beverages as emetics or as part of 'exorcism' rituals.

Low dose warfarin treatment for calcinosis in patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of low doses of warfarin in patients with systemic sclerosis with disseminated subcutaneous calcinosis.

METHODS

Three patients with disseminated subcutaneous calcinosis were treated with low doses of warfarin for 1 year. Subcutaneous calcinotic lesions, coagulation blood parameters, and the tendency for bleeding were followed up during the year.

RESULTS

Two of the patients, who had newly diagnosed, diffuse, and relatively small calcinotic lesions, responded to warfarin treatment, with complete resolution of the calcinosis. The other patient, with larger and longer standing calcinotic lesions, did not respond to warfarin treatment. None of the three patients showed a prolongation of prothrombin time or partial thromboplastin time, nor did any have an increased tendency for bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Low dose warfarin may serve as an effective treatment for calcinosis in a selected group of patients who have small and relatively new onset calcinosis. This treatment does not prolong the coagulation of blood and there is no increased tendency for bleeding.

Hyperplastic gastropathy as a presenting manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

A patient is described who had severe hyperplastic gastropathy as the presenting manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Aggressive immunosuppressive therapy with systemic corticosteroids and immunoglobulins resulted in complete remission of lupus, and a prompt clinical and radiological regression of hyperplastic gastropathy. Hyperplastic gastropathy is an uncommon gastric illness, which is usually idiopathic but rarely is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, cytomegalovirus infection or lymphocytic gastritis. Three previous case reports have noted a response of idiopathic hyperplastic gastropathy to systemic corticosteroid treatment, yet none of the presented patients had a systemic inflammatory disease. The presented case is the first in the medical literature in which hyperplastic gastropathy is directly linked to the development of clinical and laboratory manifestations of SLE. We suggest that hyperplastic gastropathy be added to the list of rare gastrointestinal manifestations of SLE, and that autoimmune disease be considered a possible cause of hyperplastic gastropathy. As such, any patient with symptomatic idiopathic hyperplastic gastropathy accompanied by other evidence of systemic inflammation should be considered for SLE evaluation and immunosuppressive treatment.