ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Dab1 gene silencing on the immunoexpression of light chain 3 beta (Lc3b), glucose regulating protein 78 (Grp78), heat shock cognate 71 (Hsc70), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2A (Lamp2a) in the lung tissue of developing yotari (Dab1-/-) and wild-type (wt) mice. The lung epithelium and mesenchyme of the embryos at gestational days E13.5 and E15.5 were examined using immunofluorescence and semi-quantitative methods. In the pulmonary mesenchyme and epithelium, Grp78 and Lc3b of moderate fluorescence reactivity was demonstrated in wt mice for both evaluated time points, while yotari mice exhibited only epithelial reactivity for the same markers. Mild punctate expression of Hsc70 was observed for both genotypes. A significant difference was present when analyzing mTOR expression, where wt mice showed strong perinuclear staining in the epithelium. According to our data, Dab1 gene silencing may result in autophagy abnormalities, which could then cause respiratory system pathologies via defective lung cell degradation by lysosome-dependent cell elimination.
ABSTRACT
We investigated DAB1-protein deficiency in the inner-ear development of yotari in comparison to humans and wild-type (wt) mice by immunofluorescence for the expression of connexins (Cxs) and the pannexin Panx1. The spatial and temporal dynamics of Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45, and Panx1 were determined in the sixth and eighth weeks of human development and at the corresponding mouse embryonic E13.5 and E15.5, in order to examine gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and hemichannel formation. The quantification of the area percentage covered by positive signal was performed for the epithelium and mesenchyme of the cochlear and semicircular ducts and is expressed as the mean ± SD. The data were analysed by one-way ANOVA. Almost all of the examined Cxs were significantly decreased in the cochlear and semicircular ducts of yotari compared to wt and humans, except for Cx32, which was significantly higher in yotari. Cx40 dominated in human inner-ear development, while yotari and wt had decreased expression. The Panx1 expression in yotari was significantly lower than that in the wt and human inner ear, except at E13.5 in the mesenchyme of the wt and epithelium and mesenchyme of humans. Our results emphasize the relevance of GJIC during the development of vestibular and cochlear functions, where they can serve as potential therapeutic targets in inner-ear impairments.
ABSTRACT
Aim Colorectal carcinoma is one of the most common neoplasms, especially in Western countries and those with westernisation. On the other hand, high rate of metabolic syndrome (MetSy) has also been noticed, as well as in Western countries. It seems like these two conditions are somehow connected. In this study, we wish to explore some characteristics of colorectal carcinoma and its correlation with MetSy. Methods In this retrospective study the data were taken from medical records of 67 patients with colorectal carcinoma, and for 30 healthy controls. Input parameters of patients were compared mutually, as well as with parameters of healthy, control examinees that had negative screening colonoscopy for neoplasm. Results Average age of patients was 68 years. The most frequent localisation of neoplasm was on rectum (53.7%) and most frequent level was Dukes C (38.8%). The patients had MetSy more frequently when compared with controls (p=0.048), and also they had more MetSy components (p=0.006). The link between MetSy and localisation of neoplasm was not found, neither with its pathohystological characteristics. Conclusion Patients with MetSy should be warned about the increased risk of colorectal carcinoma, and, in this way, motivated for earlier and more frequent screening colonoscopies, as well as of a change of unhealthy lifestyle.
