scholarly journals Endothelial Contribution to Warfarin-Induced Arterial Media Calcification in Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11615
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Van den Bergh ◽  
Sofie De Moudt ◽  
Astrid Van den Branden ◽  
Ellen Neven ◽  
Hanne Leysen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Proteomics ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Calcium Content ◽  
Arterial Calcification ◽  
No Production ◽  
Organ Bath ◽  
Proteomic Data ◽  
Calcification Process ◽  
Functional Pathway ◽  
Set Up

Arterial media calcification (AMC) is predominantly regulated by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which transdifferentiate into pro-calcifying cells. In contrast, there is little evidence for endothelial cells playing a role in the disease. The current study investigates cellular functioning and molecular pathways underlying AMC, respectively by, an ex vivo isometric organ bath set-up to explore the interaction between VSMCs and ECs and quantitative proteomics followed by functional pathway interpretation. AMC development, which was induced in mice by dietary warfarin administration, was proved by positive Von Kossa staining and a significantly increased calcium content in the aorta compared to that of control mice. The ex vivo organ bath set-up showed calcified aortic segments to be significantly more sensitive to phenylephrine induced contraction, compared to control segments. This, together with the fact that calcified segments as compared to control segments, showed a significantly smaller contraction in the absence of extracellular calcium, argues for a reduced basal NO production in the calcified segments. Moreover, proteomic data revealed a reduced eNOS activation to be part of the vascular calcification process. In summary, this study identifies a poor endothelial function, next to classic pro-calcifying stimuli, as a possible initiator of arterial calcification.

Neurally mediated propagating discrete clustered contractions superimposed on myogenic ripples in ex vivo segments of human ileum

2015 ◽  
Vol 308 (1) ◽  
pp. G1-G11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merel H. Kuizenga ◽  
Tiong C. Sia ◽  
Kelsi N. Dodds ◽  
Lukasz Wiklendt ◽  
John W. Arkwright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Video Camera ◽  
Blocking Agent ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Colonic Surgery ◽  
Organ Bath ◽  
Motor Patterns ◽  
Prior Informed Consent ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Low Amplitude

Narrow muscle strips have been extensively used to study intestinal contractility. Larger specimens from laboratory animals have provided detailed understanding of mechanisms that underlie patterned intestinal motility. Despite progress in animal tissue, investigations of motor patterns in large, intact specimens of human gut ex vivo have been sparse. In this study, we tested whether neurally dependent motor patterns could be detected in isolated specimens of intact human ileum. Specimens ( n = 14; 7–30 cm long) of terminal ileum were obtained with prior informed consent from patients undergoing colonic surgery for removal of carcinomas. Preparations were set up in an organ bath with an array of force transducers, a fiberoptic manometry catheter, and a video camera. Spontaneous and distension-evoked motor activity was recorded, and the effects of lidocaine, which inhibits neural activity, were studied. Myogenic contractions (ripples) occurred in all preparations (6.17 ± 0.36/min). They were of low amplitude and formed complex patterns by colliding and propagating in both directions along the specimen at anterograde velocities of 4.1 ± 0.3 mm/s and retrogradely at 4.9 ± 0.6 mm/s. In five specimens, larger amplitude clusters of contractions were seen (discrete clustered contractions), which propagated aborally at 1.05 ± 0.13 mm/s and orally at 1.07 ± 0.09 mm/s. These consisted of two to eight phasic contractions that aligned with ripples. These motor patterns were abolished by addition of lidocaine (0.3 mM). The ripples continued unchanged in the presence of this neural blocking agent. These results demonstrate that both myogenic and neurogenic motor patterns can be studied in isolated specimens of human small intestine.

Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence by Ginsenoside Rh2

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (04) ◽  
pp. 817-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yung-Hsiang Chen ◽  
Yu-Ning Lin ◽  
Wen-Chi Chen ◽  
Wen-Tsong Hsieh ◽  
Huey-Yi Chen
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Stress Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Survival Motor Neuron ◽  
Raw 264.7 Cells ◽  
No Production ◽  
Organ Bath ◽  
Ginsenoside Rh2

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common disorder in middle-aged women and the elderly. Although surgical treatment of SUI has progressed, there are no effective pharmacological therapies without a side effect. We studied the effect of ginsenoside Rh2 against SUI. Here, we studied the effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on the contractile force of the urethra and blood vessels in an ex vivo organ bath assay. We further investigated the mechanisms and effects of Rh2 in cell culture and animal models. Ginsenoside Rh2 dose-dependently reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW 264.7 cells. In the vaginal distension (VD)-induced SUI mouse model, ginsenoside Rh2 significantly reversed the VD-induced SUI physical signs and reduced blood pressure. The modulation of several SUI-related proteins, including myosin, survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, α-adrenergic receptor 1a (AdR1a), and superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), may play some crucial roles in the therapeutic approaches against SUI. In conclusion, the ginsenoside Rh2 may offer therapeutic potential against SUI.

Vitamin D Levels Correlate with Metabolic Syndrome Criteria in Algerian Patients: The Ex-vivo Immunomodulatory Effect of α, 25 Dihydroxyvitamin D3

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 1282-1294
Author(s):  
Meroua Bouchemal ◽  
Djennat Hakem ◽  
Malha Azzouz ◽  
Chafia Touil-Boukoffa ◽  
Dalila Mezioug
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Active Metabolite ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
No Production ◽  
Immunomodulatory Effects ◽  
Immune Balance ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of metabolic disorders with increased risks for several diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. It is associated with the presence of various inflammatory molecules. Vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism homeostasis. Objective: The main goal of this work is to investigate vitamin D levels among Algerian MetS patients and its possible outcomes on key molecules of the immune response, as well, the immunomodulatory effects of its active metabolite. Methods: We evaluated vitamin D status by the electrochemiluminescence method, Nitric Oxide (NO) levels by the Griess method and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) activities such as MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography in plasma of patients and healthy controls (HC). The immunomodulatory effects of the active metabolite of vitamin D (α-25 (OH)2D3) on the production of NO, IL-6, IL-10, TGF- β and s-CTLA-4 were assessed by Griess method and ELISA, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of Algerian MetS patients and HC. MMPs activities were also determined ex-vivo, while iNOS expression was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Results: Severe vitamin D deficiency was registered in Algerian MetS patients. The deficiency was found to be associated with an elevated in vivo NO production and high MMPs activity. Interestingly, α-25 (OH)2D3 declined the NO/iNOS system and IL-6 production, as well as MMPs activities. However, the ex-vivo production of IL-10, TGF-β increased in response to the treatment. We observed in the same way, the implication of s-CTLA-4 in MetS, which was markedly up-regulated with α-25 (OH)2D3. Conclusion: Our report indicated the relationship between MetS factors and Vitamin D deficiency. The ex-vivo findings emphasize its impact on maintaining regulated immune balance.

Aerosol generation through pars plana vitrectomy

2020 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-317214
Author(s):  
Hasan Naveed ◽  
Fong May Chew ◽  
Hanbin Lee ◽  
Edward Hughes ◽  
Mayank A Nanavaty
Keyword(s):  
Pars Plana Vitrectomy ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Dynamic Changes ◽  
Aerosol Generation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Optical Particle Counter ◽  
Pars Plana ◽  
23 Gauge ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Ex Vivo Study

PurposeTo assess whether pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP) in an ex vivo experimental model.MethodsIn this ex vivo study on 10 porcine eyes, optical particle counter was used to measure particles ≤10 μm using cumulative mode in the six in-built channels: 0.3 μm, 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 2.5 μm, 5 μm and 10 μm aerosols during PPV. Two parts of the study were as follows: (1) to assess the pre-experimental baseline aerosol count in the theatre environment where there are dynamic changes in temperature and humidity and (2) to measure aerosol generation with 23-gauge and 25-gauge set-up. For each porcine eye, five measurements were taken for each consecutive step in the experiment including pre-PPV, during PPV, fluid–air exchange (FAX) and venting using a flute with 23-gauge set-up and a chimney with 25-gauge set-up. Therefore, a total of 200 measurements were recorded.ResultsWith 23-gauge and 25-gauge PPV, there was no significant difference in aerosol generation in all six channels comparing pre-PPV versus PPV or pre-PPV versus FAX. Venting using flute with 23-gauge PPV showed significant reduction of aerosol ≤1 μm. Air venting using chimney with 25-gauge set-up showed no significant difference in aerosol of ≤1 μm. For cumulative aerosol counts of all particles measuring ≤5 μm, compared with pre-PPV, PPV or FAX, flute venting in 23-gauge set-up showed significant reduction unlike the same comparison for chimney venting in 25-gauge set-up.ConclusionPPV and its associate steps do not generate aerosols ≤10 μm with 23-gauge and 25-gauge set-ups.

Periostin promotes arterial calcification through PPARγ-related glucose metabolism reprogramming

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Zhu ◽  
Jing-Jing Ji ◽  
Xiao-Dong Wang ◽  
Xue-Jiao Sun ◽  
Min Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Matrix Gla Protein ◽  
Calcium Deposition ◽  
Arterial Calcification ◽  
Agatston Score ◽  
Respiratory Chain Complexes ◽  
Ecm Remodeling ◽  
Pparγ Agonist ◽  
Lactate Levels

Extracellular matrix (ECM) exerts a list of biological functions, contributing to almost 30% of the osteogenic process. Periostin is a secreted protein that can alter ECM remodeling in response to vascular injury. However, the functional role of periostin in vascular calcification has yet to be fully described. Ex vivo, recombinant periostin accelerated thoracic aortas calcification, increased the expression of glycolysis key enzymes, and disturbed the normal oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which could be alleviated by the peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist pioglitazone. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), recombinant periostin promoted VSMC-osteoblastic phenotype transition and calcium deposition, and suppressed PPARγ expression. Mechanistically, recombinant periostin caused over-activation of glycolysis and mitochondrial dysfunction in VSMCs, as assessed by extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), oxygen consumption rate, and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes activities. Targeted glycolysis inhibitors reduced mitochondrial calcium overload, apoptosis, and periostin-induced VSMCs calcification. PPARγ agonists preserved glycolysis and OXPHOS in the stimulated microenvironment, and reversed periostin-promoted VSMC calcification. Furthermore, plasma periostin, lactate, and matrix Gla protein levels were measured in 274 patients who underwent computed tomography to determine coronary artery calcium score (Agatston score). Plasma periostin and lactate levels were both linked to an Agatston score of more than zero in patients with coronary artery calcification. There is also a positive correlation between plasma periostin and lactate levels. This study suggests that downregulation of PPARγ is involved in the mechanism by which periostin accelerates arterial calcification, partly through excessive glycolysis activation and unbalanced mitochondrial homeostasis.

scholarly journals Aging Additively Influences Insulin- and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Endothelial Dysfunction and Antioxidant Deficiency in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 676
Author(s):  
Kunanya Masodsai ◽  
Yi-Yuan Lin ◽  
Sih-Yin Lin ◽  
Chia-Ting Su ◽  
Shin-Da Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats ◽  
No Production ◽  
Organ Bath ◽  
Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽  
Hypertensive Rats ◽  
Spontaneously Hypertensive ◽  
Nos Inhibitors ◽  
Wistar Kyoto

This study aimed to investigate the aging-related endothelial dysfunction mediated by insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and antioxidant deficiency in hypertension. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and age-matched normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKYs) were randomly divided into 24-week-old (younger) and 48-week-old (older) groups, respectively. The endothelial function was evaluated by the insulin- and IGF-1-mediated vasorelaxation of aortic rings via the organ bath system. Serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were examined. The insulin- and IGF-1-mediated vasorelaxation was significantly impaired in both 24- and 48-week-old SHRs compared with age-matched WKYs and was significantly worse in the 48-week-old SHR than the 24-week-old SHR. After pretreatments of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) or NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors, the insulin- and IGF-1-mediated vasorelaxation became similar among four groups. The serum level of MDA was significantly increased, while the NO, catalase, and TAC were significantly reduced in the 48-week-old SHR compared with the 24-week-old SHR. This study demonstrated that the process of aging additively affected insulin- and IGF-1-mediated endothelial dysfunction in SHRs, which could be partly attributed to the reduced NO production and antioxidant deficiency.

Myometrial Responses to Beta-Adrenoceptor Antagonists in Gynecological Malignancies

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Beata Modzelewska ◽  
Marcin Jóźwik ◽  
Tomasz Kleszczewski ◽  
Stanisław Sulkowski ◽  
Maciej Jóźwik
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Contractile Activity ◽  
Organ Bath ◽  
Human Uterus ◽  
Uterine Contractility ◽  
Beta Adrenoceptor ◽  
Gynecological Malignancies

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the influence of beta-adrenoceptor (ADRB) antagonists on contractile activity of the nonpregnant human uterus in patients affected by gynecological malignancies. Design: This was a controlled and prospective ex vivo study. Setting: The work was conducted as a collaboration between 4 academic departments. Materials and Methods: Myometrial specimens were obtained from women undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynecological disorders (reference group; N = 15), and ovarian (N = 15), endometrial (N = 15), synchronous ovarian-endometrial (N = 3), and cervical cancer (N = 10). Contractions of myometrial strips in an organ bath before and after applications of ADRB antagonists (propranolol, bupranolol, SR 59230A, and butoxamine) were studied under isometric conditions. Results: Propranolol and bupranolol attenuated contractions in the endometrial and cervical cancer groups similar to that in the reference group (all p < 0.05), whereas opposite effects were observed in the ovarian and synchronous ovarian-endometrial cancer groups. SR 59230A and butoxamine significantly increased contractions in the ovarian cancer group (both p < 0.001). Limitations: These results require now to be placed into a firm clinical context. Conclusions: Our study indicates that ovarian cancer considerably alters contractile activity of the nonpregnant human uterus in response to ADRB antagonists. This suggests a pathogenetic role of beta-adrenergic pathways in this malignancy. Furthermore, propranolol and bupranolol substantially influence spontaneous uterine contractility.

scholarly journals Antagonism of Adherent Invasive E. coli LF82 With Human α-defensin 5 in the Follicle-associated Epithelium of Patients With Ileal Crohn’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Y Alkaissi ◽  
Martin E Winberg ◽  
Stéphanie DS Heil ◽  
Staffan Haapaniemi ◽  
Pär Myrelid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Ussing Chambers ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Follicle Associated Epithelium ◽  
Vitro Model ◽  
Set Up

Abstract Background The first visible signs of Crohn’s disease (CD) are microscopic erosions over the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE). The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of human α-defensin 5 (HD5) on adherent-invasive Escherichia coli LF82 translocation and HD5 secretion after LF82 exposure in an in vitro model of human FAE and in human FAE ex vivo. Methods An in vitro FAE-model was set up by the coculture of Raji B cells and Caco-2-cl1 cells. Ileal FAE from patients with CD and controls were mounted in Ussing chambers. The effect of HD5 on LF82 translocation was studied by LF82 exposure to the cells or tissues with or without incubation with HD5. The HD5 secretion was measured in human FAE exposed to LF82 or Salmonella typhimurium. The HD5 levels were evaluated by immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and ELISA. Results There was an increased LF82 translocation across the FAE-model compared with Caco-2-cl1 (P &lt; 0.05). Incubation of cell/tissues with HD5 before LF82 exposure reduced bacterial passage in both models. Human FAE showed increased LF82 translocation in CD compared with controls and attenuated passage after incubation with sublethal HD5 in both CD and controls (P &lt; 0.05). LF82 exposure resulted in a lower HD5 secretion in CD FAE compared with controls (P &lt; 0.05), whereas Salmonella exposure caused equal secretion on CD and controls. There were significantly lower HD5 levels in CD tissues compared with controls. Conclusions Sublethal HD5 reduces the ability of LF82 to translocate through FAE. The HD5 is secreted less in CD in response to LF82, despite a normal response to Salmonella. This further implicates the integrated role of antimicrobial factors and barrier function in CD pathogenesis.

scholarly journals Evaluation of malignant effusions using MR-based T1 mapping

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Kuetting ◽  
J. Luetkens ◽  
A. Faron ◽  
A. Isaak ◽  
U. Attenberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T1 Mapping ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Spin Echo ◽  
Relaxation Times ◽  
Inversion Recovery ◽  
Malignant Effusions ◽  
Mapping Techniques ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Post Hoc

AbstractOur aim was to investigate the diagnostic yield of rapid T1-mapping for the differentiation of malignant and non-malignant effusions in an ex-vivo set up. T1-mapping was performed with a fast modified Look-Locker inversion-recovery (MOLLI) acquisition and a combined turbo spin-echo and inversion-recovery sequence (TMIX) as reference. A total of 13 titrated albumin-solutions as well as 48 samples (29 ascites/pleural effusions from patients with malignancy; 19 from patients without malignancy) were examined. Samples were classified as malignant-positive histology, malignant-negative histology and non-malignant negative histology. In phantom analysis both mapping techniques correlated with albumin-content (MOLLI: r = − 0.97, TMIX: r = − 0.98). MOLLI T1 relaxation times were shorter in malignancy-positive histology fluids (2237 ± 137 ms) than in malignancy-negative histology fluids (2423 ± 357 ms) as well as than in non-malignant-negative histology fluids (2651 ± 139 ms); post hoc test for all intergroup comparisons: < 0.05. ROC analysis for differentiation between malignant and non-malignant effusions (malignant positive histology vs. all other) showed an (AUC) of 0.89 (95% CI 0.77–0.96). T1 mapping allows for non-invasive differentiation of malignant and non-malignant effusions in an ex-vivo set up.

scholarly journals Compared Phenolic Compound Contents of 22 Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Juices: Relationship to Ex-Vivo Vascular Reactivity and Potential In Vivo Projection

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Matute ◽  
Jessica Tabart ◽  
Jean-Paul Cheramy-Bien ◽  
Bernard Pirotte ◽  
Claire Kevers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Phenolic Compound ◽  
Vascular Reactivity ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
Epigallocatechin Gallate ◽  
Fruit Juices ◽  
Organ Bath ◽  
Total Polyphenol ◽  
Total Anthocyanin

The real impact of polyphenol-rich vegetable and fruit juice intake on cardiovascular health remains a matter of controversy. In the present study, rat aorta segments immersed in an organ bath (OB) were used to explore whether the total polyphenol content and/or individual phenolic compound contents of 22 commercial vegetable (n = 3) and fruit juices [(citrus (n = 5), berries (n = 10), apple (n = 2), pineapple (n = 2)] might be associated with vascular tone. Red juices (particularly blackcurrant) and lemon juice caused the most marked vasorelaxation, its amplitude being endothelium dependent or not according to the volume ratio of juice to initial OB solution Vjuice/VOBS). At volume ratios 5% and 10%, both the juice and OB total polyphenol for all juices and total anthocyanin contents for berry juices significantly correlated with aorta vasorelaxation intensity. This was not the case for total or individual flavonols (except kaempferol) or for total or individual flavanols (except epigallocatechin gallate). If one relates our measured concentrations of individual phenolic compounds in OB to what is known about their physiological concentrations, and given our evidenced correlations between compound concentrations and vasorelaxation intensity, kaempferol, epigallocatechin gallate and peonidin-3-O-glucoside seem to emerge as the interesting phenolic compounds likely to be responsible for the potent vasorelaxation observed with fruit juices, and more particularly blackcurrant ones. Clinical investigation is required, however, to confirm our observations.

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