Embryos, DOHaD and David Barker

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 377-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. P. Fleming ◽  
M. A. Velazquez ◽  
J. J. Eckert

The early embryo and periconceptional period is a window during which environmental factors may cause permanent change in the pattern and characteristics of development leading to risk of adult onset disease. This has now been demonstrated across small and large animal models and also in the human. Most evidence of periconceptional ‘programming’ has emerged from maternal nutritional models but also other in vivo and in vitro conditions including assisted reproductive treatments, show consistent outcomes. This short review first reports on the range of environmental in vivo and in vitro periconceptional models and resulting long-term outcomes. Second, it uses the rodent maternal low protein diet model restricted to the preimplantation period and considers the stepwise maternal-embryonic dialogue that comprises the induction of programming. This dialogue leads to cellular and epigenetic responses by the embryo, mainly identified in the extra-embryonic cell lineages, and underpins an apparently permanent change in the growth trajectory during pregnancy and associates with increased cardiometabolic and behavioural disease in adulthood. We recognize the important advice of David Barker some years ago to investigate the sensitivity of the early embryo to developmental programming, an insight for which we are grateful.

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 713
Author(s):  
Shu Fang ◽  
Ditte Gry Ellman ◽  
Ditte Caroline Andersen

To date, a wide range of materials, from synthetic to natural or a mixture of these, has been explored, modified, and examined as small-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts (SD-TEVGs) for tissue regeneration either in vitro or in vivo. However, very limited success has been achieved due to mechanical failure, thrombogenicity or intimal hyperplasia, and improvements of the SD-TEVG design are thus required. Here, in vivo studies investigating novel and relative long (10 times of the inner diameter) SD-TEVGs in large animal models and humans are identified and discussed, with emphasis on graft outcome based on model- and graft-related conditions. Only a few types of synthetic polymer-based SD-TEVGs have been evaluated in large-animal models and reflect limited success. However, some polymers, such as polycaprolactone (PCL), show favorable biocompatibility and potential to be further modified and improved in the form of hybrid grafts. Natural polymer- and cell-secreted extracellular matrix (ECM)-based SD-TEVGs tested in large animals still fail due to a weak strength or thrombogenicity. Similarly, native ECM-based SD-TEVGs and in-vitro-developed hybrid SD-TEVGs that contain xenogeneic molecules or matrix seem related to a harmful graft outcome. In contrast, allogeneic native ECM-based SD-TEVGs, in-vitro-developed hybrid SD-TEVGs with allogeneic banked human cells or isolated autologous stem cells, and in-body tissue architecture (IBTA)-based SD-TEVGs seem to be promising for the future, since they are suitable in dimension, mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and availability.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrance Chandra ◽  
Dana C Borcherding ◽  
Dawn Kingsbury ◽  
Todd Atherly ◽  
Yoko M Ambrosini ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundLarge animal models, such as the dog, are increasingly being used over rodent models for studying naturally occurring diseases including gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Dogs share similar environmental, genomic, anatomical, and intestinal physiologic features with humans. To bridge the gap between currently used animal models (e.g. mouse) and humans, and expand the translational potential of the dog model, we developed a three dimensional (3D) canine GI organoid (enteroid and colonoid) system. Organoids have recently gained interest in translational research as this model system better recapitulates the physiological and molecular features of the tissue environment in comparison with two-dimensional cultures.ResultsOrganoids were propagated from isolation of adult intestinal stem cells (ISC) from whole jejunal tissue as well as endoscopically obtained duodenal, ileal and colonic biopsy samples of healthy dogs and GI cases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal carcinomas. Intestinal organoids were comprehensively characterized using histology, immunohistochemistry, RNA in situ hybridization and transmission electron microscopy, and organoids mimicked the in vivo tissue environment. Physiological relevance of the enteroid system was defined using functional assays such as Optical Metabolic Imaging (OMI), the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) function assay, and Exosome-Like Vesicles (EV) uptake assay, as a basis for wider applications of this technology in basic, preclinical and translational GI research.ConclusionsIn summary, our findings establish the canine GI organoid systems as a novel model to study naturally occurring intestinal diseases in dogs and humans. Furthermore, canine organoid systems will help to elucidate host-pathogen interactions contributing to GI disease pathogenesis.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom P. Fleming ◽  
Emma S. Lucas ◽  
Adam J. Watkins ◽  
Judith J. Eckert

Maternal periconceptional (PC) nutrition, coupled with maternal physiological condition, can impact on reproductive performance and potential across mammalian species. Oocyte quality and embryo development are affected adversely by either nutrient restriction or excess. Moreover, the quality of maternal PC nutrition can have lasting effects through fetal development and postnatally into adulthood. Chronic disease, notably cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and abnormal behaviour have been identified in adult offspring in small and large animal models of PC nutrient restriction. These long-term effects associate with compensatory responses that begin from the time of early embryo development. This review assesses the field of PC nutrition in vivo on short- and long-term developmental consequences in rodent and ruminant models and considers the implications for human health.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Vilahur ◽  
Teresa Padro ◽  
Lina Badimon

Atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications are responsible for remarkably high numbers of deaths. The combination ofin vitro, ex vivo, andin vivoexperimental approaches has largely contributed to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the atherothrombotic process. Indeed, different animal models have been implemented in atherosclerosis and thrombosis research in order to provide new insights into the mechanisms that have already been outlined in isolated cells and protein studies. Yet, although no model completely mimics the human pathology, large animal models have demonstrated better suitability for translation to humans. Indeed, direct translation from mice to humans should be taken with caution because of the well-reported species-related differences. This paper provides an overview of the availableatherothrombotic-likeanimal models, with a particular focus on large animal models of thrombosis and atherosclerosis, and examines their applicability for translational research purposes as well as highlights species-related differences with humans.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. SCI-1-SCI-1
Author(s):  
Thomas Renné

Abstract Combinations of proinflammatory and procoagulant reactions are the unifying principle for a variety of disorders affecting the cardiovascular system. Factor XII (FXII, Hageman factor) is a plasma protease that initiates the contact system. This system starts a cascade of procoagulant and proinflammatory reactions via the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, and the bradykinin producing kallikrein-kinin system, respectively. The biochemistry of the contact system in vitro is well understood, however its in vivo functions are just beginning to emerge. This presentation will summarize roles of the FXII-driven contact system in vivo. Genetically altered mice and large animal models have shown that FXII is essential for thrombus formation while being dispensable for hemostatic processes that terminate blood loss. Challenging the dogma of a coagulation balance, targeting FXII protected from cerebral ischemia without interfering with hemostasis. In contrast, excess FXII activity is associated with a life threatening inflammatory disorder, hereditary angioedema. Platelet polyphosphate (an inorganic polymer), neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and mast cell heparin activate FXII with implications on the initiation of thrombosis and edema. A key aspect of the talk will be the analysis of common principles, interactions and cross-talk between coagulation and inflammation, and the use of the novel FXII blocking antibody 3F7 in cardiopulmonary bypass system. Elucidating the FXII-driven contact system offers the exciting opportunity to develop strategies for safe interference with both thrombotic and inflammatory diseases. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6468
Author(s):  
Annika Mohr ◽  
Jens G. Brockmann ◽  
Felix Becker

To ameliorate ischemia-induced graft injury, optimal organ preservation remains a critical hallmark event in solid organ transplantation. Although numerous preservation solutions are in use, they still have functional limitations. Here, we present a concise review of a modified Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) solution, named HTK-N. Its composition differs from standard HTK solution, carrying larger antioxidative capacity and providing inherent toxicity as well as improved tolerance to cold aiming to attenuate cold storage injury in organ transplantation. The amino acids glycine, alanine and arginine were supplemented, N-acetyl-histidine partially replaced histidine, and aspartate and lactobionate substituted chloride. Several in vitro studies confirmed the superiority of HTK-N in comparison to HTK, being tested in vivo in animal models for liver, kidney, pancreas, small bowel, heart and lung transplantation to adjust ingredients for required conditions, as well as to determine its innocuousness, applicability and potential advantages. HTK-N solution has proven to be advantageous especially in the preservation of liver and heart grafts in vivo and in vitro. Thus, ongoing clinical trials and further studies in large animal models and consequently in humans are inevitable to show its ability minimizing ischemia-induced graft injury in the sequel of organ transplantation.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Lourdes Mateos-Hernández ◽  
Natália Pipová ◽  
Eléonore Allain ◽  
Céline Henry ◽  
Clotilde Rouxel ◽  
...  

Neuropeptides are small signaling molecules expressed in the tick central nervous system, i.e., the synganglion. The neuronal-like Ixodes scapularis embryonic cell line, ISE6, is an effective tool frequently used for examining tick–pathogen interactions. We detected 37 neuropeptide transcripts in the I. scapularis ISE6 cell line using in silico methods, and six of these neuropeptide genes were used for experimental validation. Among these six neuropeptide genes, the tachykinin-related peptide (TRP) of ISE6 cells varied in transcript expression depending on the infection strain of the tick-borne pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The immunocytochemistry of TRP revealed cytoplasmic expression in a prominent ISE6 cell subpopulation. The presence of TRP was also confirmed in A. phagocytophilum-infected ISE6 cells. The in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry of TRP of I. scapularis synganglion revealed expression in distinct neuronal cells. In addition, TRP immunoreaction was detected in axons exiting the synganglion via peripheral nerves as well as in hemal nerve-associated lateral segmental organs. The characterization of a complete Ixodes neuropeptidome in ISE6 cells may serve as an effective in vitro tool to study how tick-borne pathogens interact with synganglion components that are vital to tick physiology. Therefore, our current study is a potential stepping stone for in vivo experiments to further examine the neuronal basis of tick–pathogen interactions.


1963 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel E. Kaplan ◽  
James H. Jandl

Studies were undertaken in man and in the rat comparing the effects of rheumatoid factors and immune antiglobulins on red cells sensitized with incomplete antibodies. The interaction of immune antiglobulins with sensitized red cells produced (a) agglutination in vitro and (b) an accelerated sequestration of the sensitized cells in vivo. In contrast, rheumatoid macroglobulins, although capable of agglutinating Rh-sensitized red cells in vitro, did not modify their destruction in vivo. The failure of rheumatoid factors to function as antiglobulins in vivo appears to reflect their non-reactivity with sensitized cells in whole serum. It is suggested: (a) that the native (7S) gamma globulins of plasma competitively inhibit rheumatoid factors from reacting with fixed antibody in the blood stream; (b) that if these macroglobulins do indeed have pathogenetic activity, this may be limited to body fluids of low protein content.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naor Sagy ◽  
Shaked Slovin ◽  
Maya Allalouf ◽  
Maayan Pour ◽  
Gaya Savyon ◽  
...  

AbstractDuring early embryogenesis, mechanical signals, localized biochemical signals and neighboring cell layers interaction coordinate around anteroposterior axis determination and symmetry breaking. Deciphering their relative roles, which are hard to tease apart in vivo, will enhance our understanding of how these processes are driven. In recent years, in vitro 3D models of early mammalian development, such as embryoid bodies (EBs) and gastruloids, were successful in mimicking various aspects of the early embryo, providing high throughput accessible systems for studying the basic rules shaping cell fate and morphology during embryogenesis. Using Brachyury (Bry), a primitive streak and mesendoderm marker in EBs, we study how contact, biochemical and neighboring cell cues affect the positioning of a primitive streak-like locus, determining the AP axis. We show that a Bry-competent layer must be formed in the EB before Bry expression initiates, and that Bry onset locus selection depends on contact points of the EB with its surrounding. We can maneuver Bry onset to occur at a specific locus, a few loci, or in an isotropic peripheral pattern. By spatially separating contact and biochemical signal sources, we show these two modalities can be integrated by the EB to generate a single Bry locus. Finally, we show Foxa2+ cells are predictive of the future location of Bry onset, demonstrating an earlier symmetry-breaking event. By delineating the temporal signaling pathway dependencies of Bry and Foxa2, we were able to selectively abolish either, or spatially decouple the two cell types during EB differentiation. These findings demonstrate multiple inputs integration during an early developmental process, and may prove valuable in directing in vitro differentiation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Zayed ◽  
Steven Newby ◽  
Nabil Misk ◽  
Robert Donnell ◽  
Madhu Dhar

Horses are widely used as large animal preclinical models for cartilage repair studies, and hence, there is an interest in using equine synovial fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SFMSCs) in research and clinical applications. Since, we have previously reported that similar to bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs), SFMSCs may also exhibit donor-to-donor variations in their stem cell properties; the current study was carried out as a proof-of-concept study, to compare the in vivo potential of equine BMMSCs and SFMSCs in articular cartilage repair. MSCs from these two sources were isolated from the same equine donor. In vitro analyses confirmed a significant increase in COMP expression in SFMSCs at day 14. The cells were then encapsulated in neutral agarose scaffold constructs and were implanted into two mm diameter full-thickness articular cartilage defect in trochlear grooves of the rat femur. MSCs were fluorescently labeled, and one week after treatment, the knee joints were evaluated for the presence of MSCs to the injured site and at 12 weeks were evaluated macroscopically, histologically, and then by immunofluorescence for healing of the defect. The macroscopic and histological evaluations showed better healing of the articular cartilage in the MSCs’ treated knee than in the control. Interestingly, SFMSC-treated knees showed a significantly higher Col II expression, suggesting the presence of hyaline cartilage in the healed defect. Data suggests that equine SFMSCs may be a viable option for treating osteochondral defects; however, their stem cell properties require prior testing before application.


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