Isolation, Culture and Comprehensive Characterization of Biological Properties of Human Urine-Derived Stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an attractive source within the field of tissue engineering. However, their harvesting often requires invasive medical procedures. Urine-derived stem cells (UDSCs) display similar properties to MSCs, and their obtention and further processing is non-invasive for the donors as well as low cost. Here, we offer a comprehensive analysis of their biological properties. The goal of this study was to analyze their morphology, stemness, differentiation potential and cytokine profile. We have successfully isolated UDSCs from 25 urine samples. First colonies emerged up to 9 days after the initial seeding. Cell doubling time was 45 ± 0.24 SD, and when seeded at the density of 100 cells/cm2, they formed 42 ± 6.5 SD colonies within 10 days. Morphological analyzes revealed that two different types of the cell populations have been present. The first type had a rice-grain shape and the second one was characterized by a polyhedral shape. In several cell cultures, dome-shaped cells were observed as well. All examined UDSCs expressed typical MSC-like surface markers, CD73, CD90 and CD105. Moreover, conditioned media from UDSCs were harvested, and cytokine profile has been evaluated showing a significantly higher secretory rate of IL-8, IL-6 and chemokines MCP-1 and GM-CSF. We have also successfully induced human UDSCs into chondrogenic, osteogenic and myogenic cell lineages. Our findings indicate that UDSCs might have immense potential in the regeneration of the damaged tissues.

Acute and Chronic Effects of Interval Training on the Immune System: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Purpose: To summarize the evidence regarding the acute and chronic effects of interval training (IT) in the immune system through a systematic review with meta-analysis. Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Data source: English, Portuguese and Spanish languages search of the electronic databases Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and SciELO. Eligibility criteria: Studies such as clinical trials, randomized cross-over trials and randomized clinical trials, investigating the acute and chronic effects of IT on the immune outcomes in humans. Results: Of the 175 studies retrieved, 35 were included in the qualitative analysis and 18 in a meta-analysis. Within-group analysis detected significant acute decrease after IT on immunoglobulin A (IgA) secretory rate (n = 115; MD = −15.46 µg·min−1; 95%CI, −28.3 to 2.66; p = 0.02), total leucocyte count increase (n = 137; MD = 2.58 × 103 µL−1; 95%CI, 1.79 to 3.38; p < 0.001), increase in lymphocyte count immediately after exercise (n = 125; MD = 1.3 × 103 µL−1; 95%CI, 0.86 to 1.75; p < 0.001), and decrease during recovery (30 to 180 min post-exercise) (n = 125; MD = −0.36 × 103 µL−1;−0.57 to −0.15; p < 0.001). No effect was detected on absolute IgA (n = 127; MD = 47.5 µg·mL−1; 95%CI, −10.6 to 105.6; p = 0.11). Overall, IT might acutely reduce leucocyte function. Regarding chronic effects IT improved immune function without change leucocyte count. Conclusion: IT might provide a transient disturbance on the immune system, followed by reduced immune function. However, regular IT performance induces favorable adaptations on immune function.

Hypoglycemia and Islet Dysfunction Following Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing in Pancreatic-Insufficient Cystic Fibrosis

Context Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-related hypoglycemia is common in pancreatic-insufficient cystic fibrosis (PI-CF), but its mechanistic underpinnings are yet to be established. Objective To delineate the mechanism(s) underlying OGTT-related hypoglycemia. Design and Setting We performed 180-minute OGTTs with frequent blood sampling in adolescents and young adults with PI-CF and compared results with those from a historical healthy control group. Hypoglycemia (Hypo[+]) was defined as plasma glucose &lt;65 mg/dL. We hypothesized that CF-Hypo[+] would demonstrate impaired early phase insulin secretion and persistent late insulin effect compared with control-Hypo[+], and explored the contextual counterregulatory response. Main Outcome Measure OGTT 1-hour and nadir glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and insulin secretory rate (ISR) incremental areas under the curve (AUC) between 0 and 30 minutes (early) and between 120 and 180 minutes (late), and Δglucagon120-180min and Δfree fatty acids (FFAs)120-180min were compared between individuals with CF and control participants with Hypo[+]. Results Hypoglycemia occurred in 15/23 (65%) patients with CF (43% female, aged 24.8 [14.6-30.6] years) and 8/15 (55%) control participants (33% female, aged 26 [21-38] years). The CF-Hypo[+] group versus the control-Hypo[+] group had higher 1-hour glucose (197 ± 49 vs 139 ± 53 mg/dL; P = 0.05) and lower nadir glucose levels (48 ± 7 vs 59 ± 4 mg/dL; P &lt; 0.01), while insulin, C-peptide, and ISR-AUC0-30 min results were lower and insulin and C-peptide, and AUC120-180min results were higher (P &lt; 0.05). Individuals with CF-Hypo[+] had lower Δglucagon120-180min and ΔFFA120-180min compared with the control-Hypo[+] group (P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions OGTT-related hypoglycemia in PI-CF is associated with elevated 1-hour glucose, impaired early phase insulin secretion, higher late insulin exposure, and less increase in glucagon and FFAs. These data suggest that hypoglycemia in CF is a manifestation of islet dysfunction including an impaired counterregulatory response.

Expression of Adenosine Receptors in Rodent Pancreas

Adenosine regulates exocrine and endocrine secretions in the pancreas. Adenosine is considered to play a role in acini-to-duct signaling in the exocrine pancreas. To identify the molecular basis of functional adenosine receptors in the exocrine pancreas, immunohistochemical analysis was performed in the rat, mouse, and guinea pig pancreas, and the secretory rate and concentration of HCO3− in pancreatic juice from the rat pancreas were measured. The A2A adenosine receptor colocalized with ezrin, an A-kinase anchoring protein, in the luminal membrane of duct cells in the mouse and guinea pig pancreas. However, a strong signal ascribed to A2B adenosine receptors was detected in insulin-positive β cells in islets of Langerhans. The A2A adenosine receptor agonist 4-[2-[[6-Amino-9-(N-ethyl-β-D-ribofuranuronamidosyl)-9H-purin-2-yl]amino]ethyl]benzenepropanoic acid (CGS 21680) stimulated HCO3−-rich fluid secretion from the rat pancreas. These results indicate that A2A adenosine receptors may be, at least in part, involved in the exocrine secretion of pancreatic duct cells via acini-to-duct signaling. The adenosine receptors may be a potential therapeutic target for cancer as well as exocrine dysfunctions of the pancreas.

Older Subjects With β-Cell Dysfunction Have an Accentuated Incretin Release

Objective Insulin secretion (IS) declines with age, which increases the risk of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults. IS is regulated by the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). Here we tested the hypotheses that incretin release is lower in older adults and that this decline is associated with β-cell dysfunction. Research Design A total of 40 young (25 ± 3 years) and 53 older (74 ± 7 years) lean nondiabetic subjects underwent a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Based on the OGTT, subjects were divided into three groups: young subjects with normal glucose tolerance (Y-NGT; n = 40), older subjects with normal glucose tolerance (O-NGT; n = 32), and older subjects with IGT (O-IGT; n = 21). Main Outcome Measures Plasma insulin, C-peptide, GLP-1, and GIP concentrations were measured every 15 to 30 minutes. We quantitated insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) and insulin secretory rate (ISR) by deconvolution of C-peptide with the calculation of β-cell glucose sensitivity. Results Matsuda index, early phase ISR (0 to 30 minutes), and parameters of β-cell function were lower in O-IGT than in Y-NGT subjects but not in O-NGT subjects. GLP-1 concentrations were elevated in both older groups [GLP-1 area under the curve (AUC)0–120 was 2.8 ± 0.1 in Y-NGT, 3.8 ± 0.5 in O-NGT, and 3.7 ± 0.4 nmol/L∙120 minutes in O-IGT subjects; P < 0.05], whereas GIP secretion was higher in O-NGT than in Y-NGT subjects (GIP AUC0–120 was 4.7 ± 0.3 in Y-NGT, 6.0 ± 0.4 in O-NGT, and 4.8 ± 0.3 nmol/L∙120 minutes in O-IGT subjects; P < 0.05). Conclusions Aging is associated with an exaggerated GLP-1 secretory response. However, it was not sufficient to increase insulin first-phase release in O-IGT and overcome insulin resistance.

Distinct α-intercalated cell morphology and its modification by acidosis define regions of the collecting duct

During metabolic acidosis, the cortical collecting duct (CCD) of the rabbit reverses the polarity of bicarbonate flux from net secretion to net absorption, and this is accomplished by increasing the proton secretory rate by α-intercalated cells (ICs) and decreasing bicarbonate secretion by β-ICs. To better characterize dynamic changes in H+-secreting α-ICs, we examined their morphology in collecting ducts microdissected from kidneys of normal, acidotic, and recovering rabbits. α-ICs in defined axial regions varied in number and basolateral anion exchanger (AE)1 morphology, which likely reflects their relative activity and function along the collecting duct. Upon transition from CCD to outer medullary collecting duct from the outer stripe to the inner stripe, the number of α-ICs increases from 11.0 ± 1.2 to 15.4 ± 1.11 and to 32.0 ± 1.3 cells/200 μm, respectively. In the CCD, the basolateral structure defined by AE1 typically exhibited a pyramidal or conical shape, whereas in the medulla the morphology was elongated and shallow, resulting in a more rectangular shape. Furthermore, acidosis reversibly induced α-ICs in the CCD to acquire a more rectangular morphology concomitant with a transition from diffusely cytoplasmic to increased basolateral surface distribution of AE1 and apical polarization of B1-V-ATPase. The latter results are consistent with the supposition that morphological adaptation from the pyramidal to rectangular shape reflects a transition toward a more “active” configuration. In addition, α-ICs in the outer medullary collecting duct from the outer stripe exhibited cellular morphology strikingly similar to dendritic cells that may reflect a newly defined ancillary function in immune defense of the kidney.

Salivary Cariogenic Microflora, Buffer Capacity, Secretion Rate and Its Relation to Caries Experience in 12 to 15 Years Old Indian Schoolchildren

ABSTRACT Background Dental caries is a disease of multifactorial etiology and its prevalence is more in developing countries, including India. It was of interest to study the caries risk factors, mainly salivary parameters and its cariogenic association. Materials and Methods Clinical examination of 108 children was done for dental caries. Stimulated saliva was collected and salivary flow rate, salivary buffering capacity; Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts were assessed. Differences between mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and salivary risk factors and their relation were assessed. Results The mean DMFT was 2.41. Statistically, highly significant relation was found between Streptococcus mutans (χ2 = 43.34, p < 0.000) and DMFT categories. Similar results were also obtained for Lactobacillus (χ2 = 25.95, p < 0.000). Similarly, the role of salivary pH and secretory rate was also found to be significant in contributing to caries risk. Conclusion The results of current study showed that there exist's a strong association either directly or indirectly between salivary variables, like salivary microflora, buffer capacity and secretion rate to caries experience. How to cite this article Gopinath NM, John J. Salivary Cariogenic Microflora, Buffer Capacity, Secretion Rate and Its Relation to Caries Experience in 12 to 15 Years Old Indian Schoolchildren. J Contemp Dent 2015;5(1):12-16.

Assessment of liver function, bile secretory rate and liver histological changes in type 1 diabetes mellitus rats treated with ocimum gratissimum

Background: The liver plays an important role in nutrient metabolism and alterations in the liver function, biliary secretion and cytoachitecture are common in diabetes mellitus (DM). Aim: Ocimum gratissimum (OG) has been reported to exert hypoglycaemic effect in DM, the need to assess the impact of its treatment on these diabetic complications became imperative. Material and Methods: Phytochemical and toxicity test were conducted. Eighteen rats into three groups of six rats each were used. Group 1 was the control and given normal feed only. Group 2 was diabetic untreated rats (DM) while group 3 was OG treated diabetic rats (DMT) at a dose of 1500 mg/kg. All groups had access to food and water ad libitum. After 28 days, serum was obtained for analysis of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotranferase (AST). The bile content was collected at 3 hours interval to determine the bile secretory rate. Routine biopsy method was employed for histological studies. Results: Results showed that AST in the DM and DMT groups were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the control group; DM was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the DMT. ALT and ALP levels in DM and DMT groups were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the control; DM was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than DMT. Conclusion: There was structural and functional hepatic impairment in DM. OG treatment appears to effectively ameliorate these complications including enhancement of bile secretion.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.9960Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 16-21

Carotid body chemosensory responses in mice deficient of TASK channels

Background K+ channels of the TASK family are believed to participate in sensory transduction by chemoreceptor (glomus) cells of the carotid body (CB). However, studies on the systemic CB-mediated ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypercapnia in TASK1- and/or TASK3-deficient mice have yielded conflicting results. We have characterized the glomus cell phenotype of TASK-null mice and studied the responses of individual cells to hypoxia and other chemical stimuli. CB morphology and glomus cell size were normal in wild-type as well as in TASK1−/− or double TASK1/3−/− mice. Patch-clamped TASK1/3-null glomus cells had significantly higher membrane resistance and less hyperpolarized resting potential than their wild-type counterpart. These electrical parameters were practically normal in TASK1−/− cells. Sensitivity of background currents to changes of extracellular pH was drastically diminished in TASK1/3-null cells. In contrast with these observations, responsiveness to hypoxia or hypercapnia of either TASK1−/− or double TASK1/3−/− cells, as estimated by the amperometric measurement of catecholamine release, was apparently normal. TASK1/3 knockout cells showed an enhanced secretory rate in basal (normoxic) conditions compatible with their increased excitability. Responsiveness to hypoxia of TASK1/3-null cells was maintained after pharmacological blockade of maxi-K+ channels. These data in the TASK-null mouse model indicate that TASK3 channels contribute to the background K+ current in glomus cells and to their sensitivity to external pH. They also suggest that, although TASK1 channels might be dispensable for O2/CO2 sensing in mouse CB cells, TASK3 channels (or TASK1/3 heteromers) could mediate hypoxic depolarization of normal glomus cells. The ability of TASK1/3−/− glomus cells to maintain a powerful response to hypoxia even after blockade of maxi-K+ channels, suggests the existence of multiple sensor and/or effector mechanisms, which could confer upon the cells a high adaptability to maintain their chemosensory function.

Duodenal brush border intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity affects bicarbonate secretion in rats

We hypothesized that duodenal HCO3− secretion alkalinizes the microclimate surrounding intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), increasing its activity. We measured AP activity in rat duodenum in situ in frozen sections with the fluorogenic substrate ELF-97 phosphate and measured duodenal HCO3− secretion with a pH-stat in perfused duodenal loops. We examined the effects of the IAP inhibitors l-cysteine or l-phenylalanine (0.1–10 mM) or the tissue nonspecific AP inhibitor levamisole (0.1–10 mM) on AP activity in vitro and on acid-induced duodenal HCO3− secretion in vivo. AP activity was the highest in the duodenal brush border, decreasing longitudinally to the large intestine with no activity in stomach. Villous surface AP activity measured in vivo was enhanced by PGE2 intravenously and inhibited by luminal l-cysteine. Furthermore, incubation with a pH 2.2 solution reduced AP activity in vivo, whereas pretreatment with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) inhibitor CFTRinh-172 abolished AP activity at pH 2.2. l-Cysteine and l-phenylalanine enhanced acid-augmented duodenal HCO3− secretion. The nonselective P2 receptor antagonist suramin (1 mM) reduced acid-induced HCO3− secretion. Moreover, l-cysteine or the competitive AP inhibitor glycerol phosphate (10 mM) increased HCO3− secretion, inhibited by suramin. In conclusion, enhancement of the duodenal HCO3− secretory rate increased AP activity, whereas inhibition of AP activity increased the HCO3− secretory rate. These data support our hypothesis that HCO3− secretion increases AP activity by increasing local pH at its catalytic site and that AP hydrolyzes endogenous luminal phosphates, presumably ATP, which increases HCO3− secretion via activation of P2 receptors.