Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Different Reperfusion Sequences in Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND Although most centers perform primary portal vein reperfusion (PV) in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for historical reasons, there is so far no sound evidence as to whether this technique is superior. The present study evaluated the long-term outcome of 3 different reperfusion sequences: PV vs primary arterial (A) vs simultaneous reperfusion (SIM). MATERIAL AND METHODS All patients at our center who underwent OLT (who received a primary, whole-organ liver graft) from 2006 to 2007 were evaluated for analysis. RESULTS A total of 61 patients were found eligible (PV: 25, A: 22, SIM: 14). Twenty-one patients (35%) were still alive after the follow-up period of 12 years. Despite poorer starting conditions such as higher recipient age (59 y (SIM) vs 55 y (A) vs 50 y (PV), P=0.01) and donor age (56 y (SIM) vs 51 y (PV) vs 50 y (A), n.s.), higher MELD scores (22 vs 19 (PV) vs 17 (A), n.s.), as well as a higher number of marginal donor organs (79% (SIM) vs 36% (A/PV), P=0.02), SIM-recipients demonstrated superior outcomes. Overall survival was 8.1 y (SIM), 4.8 y (PV), and 5.9 y (A, n.s.)). None of the SIM-recipients underwent re-transplantation, while the rate was 32% in the PV-group. The 8.1 y graft survival in SIM-recipients was significantly longer than in the other 2 groups, which were 3.3 y (PV) and 5.5 y (A, P=0.013). CONCLUSIONS Although SIM-reperfused recipients were the oldest and received grafts of inferior quality, these recipients showed superior results in terms of overall patient and graft survival. Multicentric randomized controlled trials with larger study populations are required to confirm this finding.

Carboxyl- and amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles differentially affect the polarization profile of M1 and M2 macrophage subsets.

Macrophages are key regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses. Exposure to microenvironmental stimuli determines their polarization into proinflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. M1 exhibit high expression of proinflammatory TNF-α and IL-1ß, and M2 promote tissue repair, but likewise support tumor growth and cause immune suppression by expressing IL-10. Thus, the M1/M2 balance critically determines tissue homeostasis. By using carboxyl- (PS-COOH) and amino-functionalized (PS-NH2) polystyrene nanoparticles, the effects of surface decoration on the polarization of human macrophages were investigated. The nanoparticles did not compromise macrophage viability nor did they affect the expression of the M1 markers CD86, NOS2, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. By contrast, in M2, both nanoparticles impaired expression of scavenger receptor CD163 and CD200R, and the release of IL-10. PS-NH2 also inhibited phagocytosis of Escherichia coli by both, M1 and M2. PS-COOH did not impair phagocytosis by M2, but increased protein mass in M1 and M2, TGF-ß1 release by M1, and ATP levels in M2. Thus, nanoparticles skew the M2 macrophage polarization without affecting M1 markers. Given the critical role of the M1 and M2 polarization for the immunological balance in patients with cancer or chronic inflammation, functionalized nanoparticles might serve as tools for reprogramming the M1/M2 polarization.

Structure and biomedical applications of amyloid oligomer nanoparticles.

Amyloid oligomers are nonfibrillar polypeptide aggregates linked to diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Here we show that these aggregates possess a compact, quasi-crystalline architecture that presents significant nanoscale regularity. The amyloid oligomers are dynamic assemblies and are able to release their individual subunits. The small oligomeric size and spheroid shape confer diffusible characteristics, electrophoretic mobility, and the ability to enter hydrated gel matrices or cells. We finally showed that the amyloid oligomers can be labeled with both fluorescence agents and iron oxide nanoparticles and can target macrophage cells. Oligomer amyloids may provide a new biological nanomaterial for improved targeting, drug release, and medical imaging.