Expression of advanced glycation end-products and NFκB in chick embryos exposed to dioxins and treated with acetylsalicylic acid and α-tocopherol.

Dioxins have adverse and multifaceted effect on body functions. They are known to be carcinogens, immunotoxins, and teratogenic agents. In vivo, transformation of dioxins occurs after their interaction with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and leads to formation of proinflammatory and toxic metabolites. The aim of this study was to verify whether α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), could reduce the damage caused by the action of dioxins. Fertile chicken eggs were injected with a solution of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), followed by the injection of α-tocopherol or acetylsalicylic acid. Organs such as heart and liver were dissected from the chick embryos at d 13 and 19 of development and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis of presence of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) in tissues. The AGEs were used as the marker for exposure to dioxins, since it is well established that their level increases in dioxin-damaged tissues. Formation of AGEs was evaluated in embryos exposed to dioxin and treated with vitamin E and/or ASA (against dioxin-exposed, untreated controls). We have found that TCDD causes developmental disorders and increases the level of AGEs in chick embryo tissues. The use of such pharmacological agents as vitamin E, ASA, and combination of ASA and vitamin E, inhibited formation of the AGEs in 13-day-old embryos and reduced the AGEs level in embryos after 19 d of the development.

Quantification of the mRNA encoding Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFalpha) and its receptors in human nasal polyps.

PURPOSE: The object of the study was to assess the expression of the genes encoding TNFalpha and its receptors (TNF-R1 and TNF-R2) in patients with nasal polyps (NP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The number of the mRNA copies was assessed by QRT-PCR in RNA extracts from 16 eosinophilic (ENP) and 5 neutrophilic nasal polyps (NNP), and 9 normal mucosa (NM) samples. The expression of corresponding proteins was demonstrated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The mean level of mRNA copies for TNFalpha in ENP (82229c/microg) was not significantly higher when compared with controls (74869c/microg). NNP demonstrated significantly lower mean TNFalpha gene expression (7021c/microg) than the controls (p<0.05). A statistically higher mRNA TNFalpha copy number in ENP than in NNP was also revealed (p<0.01). A noticeably lower mRNA expression of TNF-R1 in ENP and NNP was seen as compared to the control group (10198c/microg vs. 30749c/microg, p<0.05 and 3440c/microg vs. 30749c/microg; p<0.05 respectively). In ENP the mean TNF-R2 mRNA copy number was markedly higher than in NNP (185c/microg vs. 7.6c/microg, p<0.05). TNF-R2 mRNA level did not differ significantly between ENP and the control group (185c/microg vs. 469c/microg). TNF-R1 expression was significantly higher than TNF-R2 at the mRNA (p<0.01) and protein (p<0.05) level both in ENP and NNP. No significant correlations in proteins expression were detected between ENP and NNP. CONCLUSIONS: TNF-R1 has been identified to be a prevalent form of the TNFalpha receptor in nasal polyps which may reflect the apparent dominance of this form in TNFalpha signalling. The findings raise the possibility that the eosinophils from NP may influence biological responses through TNFalpha-dependent mechanisms. The differences between ENP and NNP relating to TNFalpha and the expression of its receptors may reflect the distinct character of those diseases.

Study on ganglioside composition in brain tumours supra- and infratentorial.

The composition of gangliosides in primary tumors depends on their histological origin and differentiation grade (biological malignancy). The aim of the present study was the comparison of gangliosides in various types of brain tumours. The studies were performed on specimens from 20 high grade gliomas, 5 low grade gliomas, 8 meningiomas and 9 metastatic tumours. The isolated gangliosides were separated on silica 60 HPTLC plates and their mobilities were compared with glycolipids standards. The following observations were made: 1. high and low grade gliomas had similar ganglioside profiles comprising 7 different species; 2. the profiles of gangliosides isolated from metastatic neoplasms differ considerably from those of gliomas as well as menigiomas.

[Biocompatibility testing and function of a pancreatic prosthesis consisting of viable pancreatic islets encapsulated in PVA macrocapsules]. / Badanie biokompatybilnosci i funkcjonowania protezy wewnatrzwydzielniczej czesci trzustki, wykonanej z zasiedlonych zywymi wyspami trzustki makrokapsulek PVA.

The application of semipermeable membranes for immunoisolation of living pancreatic islets is an interesting alternative for treatment in diabetes mellitus patients. The aim of this work was in vivo evaluation of biocompatibility of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) macrocapsules and of the polyethylene foil itself as well. To establish the value of the artificial prosthesis made from settled with viable pancreatic islets (PVA) macrocapsules the glucose plasma levels were analyzed versus time after implantation into peritoneal cavity of rats with alloxane-induced diabetes. The results of the experiment revealed the progressive disadvantageous alterations of PVA hydrogel membrane resulting in decrease of permeability of albumin and glucose. The histologic examination of the cellular enzyme activities to estimate the intensity of inflammation in surrounding tissues showed changes typical or chronic proliferative inflammation. The correct function of artificial prosthesis of the pancreas manifested in normalization glucose plasma level has been observed for from 14 to 42 days after implantation.

Evaluation of bioartificial pancreas function made from sodium alginate and poly-L-lisine microcapsules settled with viable pancreatic islets.

The possibility of transplantation of immuno-isolated viable pancreatic islets is a promising alternative for treatment diabetic patients. To establish the value of the artificial prosthesis made from settled with viable pancreatic islets microcapsulated using sodium alginate and poly-L-lisine, the glucose plasma levels were analyzed versus time after implantation into peritoneal cavity of rats or mice with alloxan-induced diabetes. The proper function of the bio-artificial pancreas manifested in normalization of glucose plasma level has been observed from 14 to 21 days after implantation in diabetic mice and rats.

Long-term in vivo performance and biocompatibility of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel macrocapsules for hybrid-type artificial pancreas.

A bag-shaped macrocapsule suitable for Langerhans islets entrapment and immunoisolation was constructed using a semipermeable hydrogel membrane of poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) cross-linked chemically and sterilized by a radiation method. Empty (not seeded with Langerhans islets), sealed, sterile macrocapsules were implanted into the intraperitoneal cavity of adult female Buffalo rats for periods of up to 6.5 months. Long-term in vivo performance of the macrocapsule membrane was evaluated on the basis of the permeability measurements of glucose and albumin. The results of experiments revealed the progressive, disadvantageous alterations of the PVA hydrogel membrane resulting in a decrease in the permeability of solutes. Histochemical examinations of the cellular enzyme activities in the implant-encapsulating tissue, regarding the acid and alkaline phosphatases, were performed to evaluate the activity of cells involved in the inflammatory response to the long-term macrocapsule implantation.

Porphobilinogen deaminase activity in malignant proliferative disorders of the lymphatic system and bone marrow.

Porphobilinogen deaminase activity was studied in the erythrocytes of 73 women and 35 men with various malignant proliferative disorders of the lymphatic system and bone marrow, and, for comparison, in the erythrocytes of 34 women and 14 men with non malignant diseases of the haemopoietic system, and in those of 20 healthy women and 20 healthy men. The activity of the enzyme was determined by the Hsiao et al. method, using porphobilinogen as a substrate. Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease of porphobilinogen deaminase activity in the erythrocytes of men with Hodgkin's disease and women with plasmocytoma and with myeloblastic leukemia; an increased activity of the studied enzyme was found only in men with lymphocytic leukemia.