Sample records for human plasma factor

  1. Fibulin-1 purification from human plasma using affinity chromatography on Factor H-Sepharose

    PubMed Central

    DiScipio, Richard G.; Liddington, Robert C.; Schraufstatter, Ingrid U.

    2016-01-01

    A method is reported to purify Fibulin-1 from human plasma resulting in a 36% recovery. The steps involve removal of the cryoglobulin and the vitamin K dependent proteins followed by polyethylene glycol and ammonium sulfate precipitations, DEAE-Sephadex column chromatography and finally Factor H-Sepharose affinity purification. The procedure is designed to be integrated into an overall scheme for the isolation of over 30 plasma proteins from a single batch of human plasma. Results from mass spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting indicate that human plasma Fibulin-1 is a single chain of the largest isotype. Functional binding assays demonstrated calcium ion dependent interaction of Fibulin-1 for fibrinogen, fibronectin, and Factor H. The procedure described is the first to our knowledge that enables a large scale purification of Fibulin-1 from human plasma. PMID:26826315

  2. Comparison of proteomic profiles of serum, plasma, and modified media supplements used for cell culture and expansion

    PubMed Central

    Ayache, Saleh; Panelli, Monica C; Byrne, Karen M; Slezak, Stefanie; Leitman, Susan F; Marincola, Francesco M; Stroncek, David F

    2006-01-01

    Background The culture and expansion of human cells for clinical use requires the presence of human serum or plasma in culture media. Although these supplements have been extensively characterized in their chemical composition, only recently it has been possible to provide by high throughput protein analysis, a comprehensive profile of the soluble factors contributing to cell survival. This study analyzed and compared the presence of 100 proteins including chemokines, cytokines and soluble factors in six different types of media supplements: serum, plasma, recalcified plasma, heat inactivated serum, heat inactivated plasma and heat inactivated recalcified plasma. Methods Serum, plasma, recalcified plasma, and heat inactivated supplements were prepared from ten healthy subjects. The levels of 100 soluble factors were measured in each sample using a multiplexed ELISA assay and compared by Eisen hierarchical clustering analysis. Results A comparison of serum and plasma levels of soluble factors found that 2 were greater in plasma but 18 factors were greater in serum including 11 chemokines. The levels of only four factors differed between recalcified plasma and plasma. Heat inactivation had the greatest effect on soluble factors. Supervised Eisen hierarchical clustering indicated that the differences between heat inactivated supplements and those that were not were greater than the differences within these two groups. The levels of 36 factors differed between heat inactivated plasma and plasma. Thirty one of these factors had a lower concentration in heat inactivated plasma including 12 chemokines, 4 growth factors, 4 matrix metalloproteases, and 3 adhesion molecules. Heat inactivated decalcified plasma is often used in place of heat inactivated serum and the levels of 19 soluble factors differed between these two supplements. Conclusion Our report provides a comprehensive protein profile of serum, plasma recalcified plasma, and heat inactivated supplements. This profile represents a qualitative and quantitative database that can aid in the selection of the appropriate blood derived supplement for human cell cultures with special requirements. PMID:17020621

  3. A rapid method for selecting suitable animal species for studying pathogen interactions with plasma protein ligands in vivo.

    PubMed

    Naudin, Clément; Schumski, Ariane; Salo-Ahen, Outi M H; Herwald, Heiko; Smeds, Emanuel

    2017-05-01

    Species tropism constitutes a serious problem for developing relevant animal models of infection. Human pathogens can express virulence factors that show specific selectivity to human proteins, while their affinity for orthologs from other species can vary significantly. Suitable animal species must be used to analyse whether virulence factors are potential targets for drug development. We developed an assay that rapidly predicts applicable animal species for studying virulence factors binding plasma proteins. We used two well-characterized Staphylococcus aureus proteins, SSL7 and Efb, to develop an ELISA-based inhibition assay using plasma from different animal species. The interaction between SSL7 and human C5 and the binding of Efb to human fibrinogen and human C3 was studied. Affinity experiments and Western blot analyses were used to validate the assay. Human, monkey and cat plasma interfered with binding of SSL7 to human C5. Binding of Efb to human fibrinogen was blocked in human, monkey, gerbil and pig plasma, while human, monkey, gerbil, rabbit, cat and guinea pig plasma inhibited the binding of Efb to human C3. These results emphasize the importance of choosing correct animal models, and thus, our approach is a rapid and cost-effective method that can be used to prevent unnecessary animal experiments. © 2017 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.

  4. Development of a microplate coagulation assay for Factor V in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Tilley, Derek; Levit, Irina; Samis, John A

    2011-06-28

    Factor V (FV) in its activated form, FVa, is a critical regulator of thrombin generation during fibrin clot formation. There is a need of a simple, fast, and inexpensive microplate-based coagulation assay to measure the functional activity of FV in human plasma. The objective of this study was to develop a microplate-based assay that measures FV coagulation activity during clot formation in human plasma, which is currently not available. The FV assay requires a kinetic microplate reader to measure the change in absorbance at 405nm during fibrin formation in human plasma. The FV assay accurately measures the time, initial rate, and extent of fibrin clot formation in human plasma. The FV microplate assay is simple, fast, economical, sensitive to approx 24-80pM, and multiple samples may be analyzed simultaneously. All the required materials are commercially available. Standard curves of time or initial rate of fibrin clot formation vs FV activity in the 1-stage assay (Without activation by thrombin) may be used to measure FV activity in samples of human plasma. The assay was used to demonstrate that in nine patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the FV 1-stage, 2-stage (With activation by thrombin), and total (2-stage activity - 1-stage activity) activities were decreased, on average, by approximately 54%, 44%, and 42%, respectively, from prolonged clot times when compared to normal pooled human reference plasma (NHP). The results indicate that the FV in the DIC patient plasmas supported both a delayed and slower rate of fibrin clot formation compared with NHP; however, the extent of fibrin clot formation in the DIC patients remained largely unchanged from that observed with NHP. The FV microplate assay may be easily adapted to measure the activity of any coagulation factor using the appropriate factor-deficient plasma and clot initiating reagent. The microplate assay will find use in both research and clinical laboratories to provide measurement of the functional coagulation activity of FV in human plasma.

  5. Clotting factor VIII (FVIII) and thrombin generation in camel plasma: A comparative study with humans

    PubMed Central

    Abdel Gader, Abdel Galil M.; Al Momen, Abdul Karim M.; Alhaider, Abdulqader; Brooks, Marjory B.; Catalfamo, James L.; Al Haidary, Ahmed A.; Hussain, Mansour F.

    2013-01-01

    The objective of this study was to characterize the highly elevated levels of clotting factor VIII (FVIII) in camel plasma. Whole blood was collected from healthy camels and factor VIII clotting activity (FVIII:C) assays were conducted using both the clotting and the chromogenic techniques. The anticoagulant citrate phosphate dextrose adenine (CPDA) produced the highest harvest of FVIII:C, the level of plasma factor VIII, compared to heparin:saline and heparin:CPDA anticoagulants. Camel FVIII can be concentrated 2 to 3 times in cryoprecipitate. There was a significant loss of camel FVIII when comparing levels of FVIII in camel plasma after 1 h of incubation at 37°C (533%), 40°C (364%), and 50°C (223%). Thrombin generation of camel plasma is comparable to that of human plasma. It was concluded that camel plasma contains very elevated levels of FVIII:C, approaching 8 times the levels in human plasma, and that these elevated levels could not be attributed to excessive thrombin generation. Unlike human FVIII:C, camel FVIII:C is remarkably heat stable. Taken together, these unique features of camel FVIII could be part of the physiological adaptation of hemostasis of the Arabian camel in order to survive in the hot desert environment. PMID:24082408

  6. Radioimmunoassay of human Hageman factor (factor XII). [/sup 125/I tracer technique

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Saito, H.; Ratnoff, O.D.; Pensky, J.

    A specific, sensitive, and reproducible radioimmunoassay for human Hageman factor (HF, factor XII) has been developed with purified human HF and monospecific rabbit antibody. Precise measurements of HF antigen were possible for concentrations as low as 0.1 percent of that in normal pooled plasma. A good correlation (correlation coefficient = 0.82) existed between the titers of HF measured by clot-promoting assays and radioimmunoassays among 42 normal adults. Confirming earlier studies, HF antigen was absent in Hageman trait plasma, but other congenital deficient plasmas, including those of individuals with Fletcher trait and Fitzgerald trait, contained normal amounts of HF antigen. HFmore » antigen was reduced in the plasmas of patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation or advanced liver cirrhosis, but it was normal in those of patients with chronic renal failure or patients under treatment with warfarin. HF antigen was detected by this assay in plasmas of primates, but not detectable in plasmas of 11 nonprimate mammalian and one avian species.« less

  7. Pathogen Reduction in Human Plasma Using an Ultrashort Pulsed Laser

    PubMed Central

    Tsen, Shaw-Wei D.; Kingsley, David H.; Kibler, Karen; Jacobs, Bert; Sizemore, Sara; Vaiana, Sara M.; Anderson, Jeanne; Tsen, Kong-Thon; Achilefu, Samuel

    2014-01-01

    Pathogen reduction is a viable approach to ensure the continued safety of the blood supply against emerging pathogens. However, the currently licensed pathogen reduction techniques are ineffective against non-enveloped viruses such as hepatitis A virus, and they introduce chemicals with concerns of side effects which prevent their widespread use. In this report, we demonstrate the inactivation of both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses in human plasma using a novel chemical-free method, a visible ultrashort pulsed laser. We found that laser treatment resulted in 2-log, 1-log, and 3-log reductions in human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis A virus, and murine cytomegalovirus in human plasma, respectively. Laser-treated plasma showed ≥70% retention for most coagulation factors tested. Furthermore, laser treatment did not alter the structure of a model coagulation factor, fibrinogen. Ultrashort pulsed lasers are a promising new method for chemical-free, broad-spectrum pathogen reduction in human plasma. PMID:25372037

  8. Development of a microplate coagulation assay for Factor V in human plasma

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Factor V (FV) in its activated form, FVa, is a critical regulator of thrombin generation during fibrin clot formation. There is a need of a simple, fast, and inexpensive microplate-based coagulation assay to measure the functional activity of FV in human plasma. The objective of this study was to develop a microplate-based assay that measures FV coagulation activity during clot formation in human plasma, which is currently not available. Methods The FV assay requires a kinetic microplate reader to measure the change in absorbance at 405nm during fibrin formation in human plasma. The FV assay accurately measures the time, initial rate, and extent of fibrin clot formation in human plasma. Results The FV microplate assay is simple, fast, economical, sensitive to approx 24-80pM, and multiple samples may be analyzed simultaneously. All the required materials are commercially available. Standard curves of time or initial rate of fibrin clot formation vs FV activity in the 1-stage assay (Without activation by thrombin) may be used to measure FV activity in samples of human plasma. The assay was used to demonstrate that in nine patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the FV 1-stage, 2-stage (With activation by thrombin), and total (2-stage activity - 1-stage activity) activities were decreased, on average, by approximately 54%, 44%, and 42%, respectively, from prolonged clot times when compared to normal pooled human reference plasma (NHP). The results indicate that the FV in the DIC patient plasmas supported both a delayed and slower rate of fibrin clot formation compared with NHP; however, the extent of fibrin clot formation in the DIC patients remained largely unchanged from that observed with NHP. Conclusions The FV microplate assay may be easily adapted to measure the activity of any coagulation factor using the appropriate factor-deficient plasma and clot initiating reagent. The microplate assay will find use in both research and clinical laboratories to provide measurement of the functional coagulation activity of FV in human plasma. PMID:21711555

  9. In vitro control of human bone marrow stromal cells for bone tissue engineering.

    PubMed

    Anselme, Karine; Broux, Odile; Noel, Benoit; Bouxin, Bertrand; Bascoulergue, Gerard; Dudermel, Anne-France; Bianchi, Fabien; Jeanfils, Joseph; Hardouin, Pierre

    2002-12-01

    For the clinical application of cultured human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cells must have minimal contact with fetal calf serum (FCS) because it might be a potential vector for contamination by adventitious agents. The use of human plasma and serum for clinical applications also continues to give rise to considerable concerns with respect to the transmission of known and unknown human infectious agents. With the objective of clinical applications of cultured human MSCs, we tested the ability of autologous plasma, AB human serum, FCS, and artificial serum substitutes containing animal-derived proteins (Ultroser G) or vegetable-derived proteins (Prolifix S6) to permit their growth and differentiation in vitro. To conserve as much autologous plasma as possible, we attempted to mix it at decreasing concentrations with the serum substitute containing vegetable-derived mitogenic factors. Under control conditions, by day 10 all the fibroblast colony-forming units (CFU-Fs) were alkaline phosphatase (ALP) positive. However, their number and size were highly variable among donors. Better CFU-F formation was obtained with Ultroser G, and with human AB serum and autologous plasma mixed at, respectively, 5 and 1% with Prolifix S6. The effects of these mixtures on CFU-F formation demonstrate synergy, with the human serum or plasma supplying the factors that favor differentiation of MSCs while Prolifix S6 supplies the mitogenic factors. Finally, we demonstrated the possibility of controlling human MSC growth and differentiation in vitro. Notably, by means of a minimal quantity of human serum or human plasma mixed with a new serum substitute containing vegetable-derived proteins, we displayed growth and differentiation of human MSCs comparable to that obtained with FCS or serum substitutes containing animal-derived proteins. These results will have crucial significance for future applications of cultured human MSCs in bone tissue engineering.

  10. Does granulocyte colony-stimulating factor ameliorate the proinflammatory response in human meningococcal septic shock?

    PubMed

    Rojahn, Astrid; Brusletto, Berit; Øvstebø, Reidun; Haug, Kari B F; Kierulf, Peter; Brandtzaeg, Petter

    2008-09-01

    To test the hypothesis that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor acts cooperatively with interleukin-10 in down-regulating monocyte function in severe meningococcal septic shock. 1) We quantified the plasma levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-10, Neisseria meningitidis lipopolysaccharide and the number of N. meningitidis DNA copies in 28 patients with systemic meningococcal disease. 2) We studied the inhibitory effect of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on normal human monocytes stimulated with purified meningococcal lipopolysaccaride. 3) We monitored the inhibitory effects of endogenously produced granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-10 in meningococcal shock plasmas on monocytes. Comparative, experimental study. University Hospital and laboratory. Twenty-eight patients with systemic meningococcal disease, 13 with persistent shock, 7 died, and 15 without shock. The median levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in shock and nonshock patients were 1.7 x 10(6) and 8.1 x 10(2) pg/mL; interleukin-10, 2.1 x 10(4) and 4 x 10(1) pg/mL; number of N. meningitidis DNA copies, 2.9 x 10(7) and <10(3)/mL; and lipopolysaccharide, 105 and <0.04 endotoxin units/mL, respectively. The plasma levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor were reduced by 50% within 4 to 6 hrs after initiation of antibiotic treatment. In model experiments with lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human monocytes, recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-10 reduced the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by mean 30% and 92%, respectively. When plasmas from three shock patients were depleted of native granulocyte colony-stimulating factor or interleukin-10 by immunoprecipitation, no increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha release occurred after removal of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, whereas removal of interleukin-10 increased the tumor necrosis factor-alpha release eight-fold. Although granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in plasma increases by five orders of magnitude in patients with meningococcal shock, the anti-inflammatory effect on patients' monocytes is uncertain.

  11. Two distinct forms of Factor VIII coagulant protein in human plasma. Cleavage by thrombin, and differences in coagulant activity and association with von Willebrand factor.

    PubMed Central

    Weinstein, M J; Chute, L E

    1984-01-01

    We have characterized Factor VIII coagulant protein, present in normal human plasma, that reacts with a specific human 125I-labeled anti-human VIII:C antigen Fab antibody fragment. Two major Factor VIII coagulant antigen populations were present. The first, approximately 85% of the total antigen, was bound to von Willebrand factor and when tested in a standard one-stage assay had Factor VIII coagulant activity. The second antigenic population, eluting near fibrinogen when plasma was gel filtered, was not bound to von Willebrand protein, did not have Factor VIII coagulant activity unless activated, but did block anti-VIII:C Fab neutralization of clotting activity. The two antigenic populations were separable by cryoprecipitation and agarose gel electrophoresis. Although the two antigenic populations differed in their Factor VIII coagulant activity and in their binding to von Willebrand factor, the principal member of both populations is of mol wt 2.4 X 10(5). Both antigens, when proteolyzed by thrombin, were quickly converted to a 1 X 10(5)-mol wt form in association with the appearance of VIII:C activity. The 1 X 10(5)-mol wt antigen was further slowly degraded to an 8 X 10(4)-mol wt form while Factor VIII coagulant activity declined. These results demonstrate the presence of an inactive Factor VIII coagulant protein in plasma, not associated with von Willebrand factor, that can react with thrombin to yield Factor VIII coagulant activity. Images PMID:6421875

  12. Human plasma enhances the expression of Staphylococcal microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules promoting biofilm formation and increases antimicrobial tolerance In Vitro.

    PubMed

    Cardile, Anthony P; Sanchez, Carlos J; Samberg, Meghan E; Romano, Desiree R; Hardy, Sharanda K; Wenke, Joseph C; Murray, Clinton K; Akers, Kevin S

    2014-07-17

    Microbial biofilms have been associated with the development of chronic human infections and represent a clinical challenge given their increased antimicrobial tolerance. Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen causing a diverse range of diseases, of which biofilms are often involved. Staphylococcal attachment and the formation of biofilms have been shown to be facilitated by host factors that accumulate on surfaces. To better understand how host factors enhance staphylococcal biofilm formation, we evaluated the effect of whole human plasma on biofilm formation in clinical isolates of S. aureus and the expression of seven microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs) known to be involved in biofilm formation by quantitative real-time PCR. We also evaluated whether plasma augmented changes in S. aureus biofilm morphology and antimicrobial resistance. Exposure of clinical isolates of S. aureus to human plasma (10%) within media, and to a lesser extent when coated onto plates, significantly enhanced biofilm formation in all of the clinical isolates tested. Compared to biofilms grown under non-supplemented conditions, plasma-augmented biofilms displayed significant changes in both the biofilm phenotype and cell morphology as determined by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Exposure of bacteria to plasma resulted in a significant fold-increase in MSCRAMM expression in both a time and isolate-dependent manner. Additionally, plasma-augmented biofilms displayed an increased tolerance to vancomycin compared to biofilms grown in non-supplemented media. Collectively, these studies support previous findings demonstrating a role for host factors in biofilm formation and provide further insight into how plasma, a preferred growth medium for staphylococcal biofilm formation enhances as well as augments other intrinsic properties of S. aureus biofilms. Consequently, these findings indicate that incorporation of host factors may be necessary to better replicate in vivo conditions and for the best utility of a clinical biofilm assay to evaluate the process of biofilm formation and treatments.

  13. Antisense oligonucleotide inhibition of apolipoprotein C-III reduces plasma triglycerides in rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans.

    PubMed

    Graham, Mark J; Lee, Richard G; Bell, Thomas A; Fu, Wuxia; Mullick, Adam E; Alexander, Veronica J; Singleton, Walter; Viney, Nick; Geary, Richard; Su, John; Baker, Brenda F; Burkey, Jennifer; Crooke, Stanley T; Crooke, Rosanne M

    2013-05-24

    Elevated plasma triglyceride levels have been recognized as a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. Apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) represents both an independent risk factor and a key regulatory factor of plasma triglyceride concentrations. Furthermore, elevated apoC-III levels have been associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. To date, no selective apoC-III therapeutic agent has been evaluated in the clinic. To test the hypothesis that selective inhibition of apoC-III with antisense drugs in preclinical models and in healthy volunteers would reduce plasma apoC-III and triglyceride levels. Rodent- and human-specific second-generation antisense oligonucleotides were identified and evaluated in preclinical models, including rats, mice, human apoC-III transgenic mice, and nonhuman primates. We demonstrated the selective reduction of both apoC-III and triglyceride in all preclinical pharmacological evaluations. We also showed that inhibition of apoC-III was well tolerated and not associated with increased liver triglyceride deposition or hepatotoxicity. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I clinical study was performed in healthy subjects. Administration of the human apoC-III antisense drug resulted in dose-dependent reductions in plasma apoC-III, concomitant lowering of triglyceride levels, and produced no clinically meaningful signals in the safety evaluations. Antisense inhibition of apoC-III in preclinical models and in a phase I clinical trial with healthy subjects produced potent, selective reductions in plasma apoC-III and triglyceride, 2 known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This compelling pharmacological profile supports further clinical investigations in hypertriglyceridemic subjects.

  14. Human umbilical cord plasma proteins revitalize hippocampal function in aged mice

    PubMed Central

    Castellano, Joseph M.; Mosher, Kira I.; Abbey, Rachelle J.; McBride, Alisha A.; James, Michelle L.; Berdnik, Daniela; Shen, Jadon C.; Zou, Bende; Xie, Xinmin S.; Tingle, Martha; Hinkson, Izumi V.; Angst, Martin S.; Wyss-Coray, Tony

    2017-01-01

    Ageing drives changes in neuronal and cognitive function, the decline of which is a major feature of many neurological disorders. The hippocampus, a brain region subserving roles of spatial and episodic memory and learning, is sensitive to the detrimental effects of ageing at morphological and molecular levels. With advancing age, synapses in various hippocampal subfields exhibit impaired long-term potentiation1, an electrophysiological correlate of learning and memory. At the molecular level, immediate early genes are among the synaptic plasticity genes that are both induced by long-term potentiation2, 3, 4 and downregulated in the aged brain5, 6, 7, 8. In addition to revitalizing other aged tissues9, 10, 11, 12, 13, exposure to factors in young blood counteracts age-related changes in these central nervous system parameters14, 15, 16, although the identities of specific cognition-promoting factors or whether such activity exists in human plasma remains unknown17. We hypothesized that plasma of an early developmental stage, namely umbilical cord plasma, provides a reservoir of such plasticity-promoting proteins. Here we show that human cord plasma treatment revitalizes the hippocampus and improves cognitive function in aged mice. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2), a blood-borne factor enriched in human cord plasma, young mouse plasma, and young mouse hippocampi, appears in the brain after systemic administration and increases synaptic plasticity and hippocampal-dependent cognition in aged mice. Depletion experiments in aged mice revealed TIMP2 to be necessary for the cognitive benefits conferred by cord plasma. We find that systemic pools of TIMP2 are necessary for spatial memory in young mice, while treatment of brain slices with TIMP2 antibody prevents long-term potentiation, arguing for previously unknown roles for TIMP2 in normal hippocampal function. Our findings reveal that human cord plasma contains plasticity-enhancing proteins of high translational value for targeting ageing- or disease-associated hippocampal dysfunction. PMID:28424512

  15. Antitumorigenic effect of atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge on human colorectal cancer cells via regulation of Sp1 transcription factor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Duksun; Cho, Jin Hyoung; Lee, Ra Ham; Bang, Woong; Park, Kyungho; Kim, Minseok S.; Shim, Jung-Hyun; Chae, Jung-Il; Moon, Se Youn

    2017-02-01

    Human colorectal cancer cell lines (HT29 and HCT116) were exposed to dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at atmospheric pressure to investigate the anticancer capacity of the plasma. The dose- and time-dependent effects of DBDP on cell viability, regulation of transcription factor Sp1, cell-cycle analysis, and colony formation were investigated by means of MTS assay, DAPI staining, propidium iodide staining, annexin V-FITC staining, Western blot analysis, RT-PCR analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and anchorage-independent cell transformation assay. By increasing the duration of plasma dose times, significant reductions in the levels of both Sp1 protein and Sp1 mRNA were observed in both cell lines. Also, expression of negative regulators related to the cell cycle (such as p53, p21, and p27) was increased and of the positive regulator cyclin D1 was decreased, indicating that the plasma treatment led to apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. In addition, the sizes and quantities of colony formation were significantly suppressed even though two cancer promoters, such as TPA and epidermal growth factor, accompanied the plasma treatment. Thus, plasma treatment inhibited cell viability and colony formation by suppressing Sp1, which induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in these two human colorectal cancer cell lines.

  16. Inhibitory spectrum of alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor.

    PubMed Central

    Saito, H; Goldsmith, G H; Moroi, M; Aoki, N

    1979-01-01

    alpha 2-Plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2PI) has been recently characterized as a fast-reacting inhibitor of plasmin in human plasma and appears to play an important role in the regulation of fibrinolysis in vivo. We have studied the effect of purified alpha 2PI upon various proteases participating in human blood coagulation and kinin generation. At physiological concentration (50 microgram/ml), alpha 2PI inhibited the clot-promoting and prekallikrein-activating activity of Hageman factor fragments, the amidolytic, kininogenase, and clot-promoting activities of plasma kallikrein, and the clot-promoting properties of activated plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA, Factor XIa) and thrombin. alpha 2PI had minimal inhibitory effect on surface-bound activated PTA and activated Stuart factor (Factor Xa). alpha 2PI did not inhibit the activity of activated Christmas factor (Factor IXa) or urinary kallikrein. Heparin (1.5-2.0 units/ml) did not enhance the inhibitory function of alpha 2PI. These results suggest that, like other plasma protease inhibitors, alpha 2PI possesses a broad in vitro spectrum of inhibitory properties. PMID:156364

  17. Molecular cloning and biochemical characterization of rabbit factor XI.

    PubMed Central

    Sinha, Dipali; Marcinkiewicz, Mariola; Gailani, David; Walsh, Peter N

    2002-01-01

    Human factor XI, a plasma glycoprotein required for normal haemostasis, is a homodimer (160 kDa) formed by a single interchain disulphide bond linking the Cys-321 of each Apple 4 domain. Bovine, porcine and murine factor XI are also disulphide-linked homodimers. Rabbit factor XI, however, is an 80 kDa polypeptide on non-reducing SDS/PAGE, suggesting that rabbit factor XI exists and functions physiologically either as a monomer, as does prekallikrein, a structural homologue to factor XI, or as a non-covalent homodimer. We have investigated the structure and function of rabbit factor XI to gain insight into the relation between homodimeric structure and factor XI function. Characterization of the cDNA sequence of rabbit factor XI and its amino acid translation revealed that in the rabbit protein a His residue replaces the Cys-321 that forms the interchain disulphide linkage in human factor XI, explaining why rabbit factor XI is a monomer in non-reducing SDS/PAGE. On size-exclusion chromatography, however, purified plasma rabbit factor XI, like the human protein and unlike prekallikrein, eluted as a dimer, demonstrating that rabbit factor XI circulates as a non-covalent dimer. In functional assays rabbit factor XI and human factor XI behaved similarly. Both monomeric and dimeric factor XI were detected in extracts of cells expressing rabbit factor XI. We conclude that the failure of rabbit factor XI to form a covalent homodimer due to the replacement of Cys-321 with His does not impair its functional activity because it exists in plasma as a non-covalent homodimer and homodimerization is an intracellular process. PMID:12084014

  18. Evaluation of procoagulant tissue factor expression in canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines.

    PubMed

    Witter, Lauren E; Gruber, Erika J; Lean, Fabian Z X; Stokol, Tracy

    2017-01-01

    OBJECTIVE To evaluate expression of procoagulant tissue factor (TF) by canine hemangiosarcoma cells in vitro. SAMPLES 4 canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines (SB-HSA [mouse-passaged cutaneous tumor], Emma [primary metastatic brain tumor], and Frog and Dal-1 [primary splenic tumors]) and 1 nonneoplastic canine endothelial cell line (CnAoEC). PROCEDURES TF mRNA and TF antigen expression were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Thrombin generation was measured in canine plasma and in coagulation factor-replete or specific coagulation factor-deficient human plasma by calibrated automated thrombography. Corn trypsin inhibitor and annexin V were used to examine contributions of contact activation and membrane-bound phosphatidylserine, respectively, to thrombin generation. RESULTS All cell lines expressed TF mRNA and antigen, with significantly greater expression of both products in SB-HSA and Emma cells than in CnAoEC. A greater percentage of SB-HSA cells expressed TF antigen, compared with other hemangiosarcoma cell lines. All hemangiosarcoma cell lines generated significantly more thrombin than did CnAoEC in canine or factor-replete human plasma. Thrombin generation induced by SB-HSA cells was significantly lower in factor VII-deficient plasma than in factor-replete plasma and was abolished in factor X-deficient plasma; residual thrombin generation in factor VII-deficient plasma was abolished by incubation of cells with annexin V. Thrombin generation by SB-HSA cells was unaffected by the addition of corn trypsin inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hemangiosarcoma cell lines expressed procoagulant TF in vitro. Further research is needed to determine whether TF can be used as a biomarker for hemostatic dysfunction in dogs with hemangiosarcoma.

  19. Prevalence of IgG antibodies to human parvovirus B19 in haemophilia children treated with recombinant factor (F)VIII only or with at least one plasma-derived FVIII or FIX concentrate: results from the French haemophilia cohort.

    PubMed

    Gaboulaud, Valérie; Parquet, Armelle; Tahiri, Cedric; Claeyssens, Ségolène; Potard, Valérie; Faradji, Albert; Peynet, Jocelyne; Costagliola, Dominique

    2002-02-01

    Human parvovirus B19 (B19) has been transmitted by some brands of virally attenuated plasma-derived factor VIII (FVIII) or IX (FIX) concentrates. To quantify the differences of human parvovirus B19 risk transmission between albumin-stabilized recombinant factor and plasma-derived factor, we studied the prevalence of IgG antibodies to B19 (anti-B19) in 193 haemophiliac children between 1 and 6-years of age who had previously been treated with albumin-stabilized recombinant FVIII only (n = 104), and in children previously treated with solvent/detergent high-purity non-immunopurified and non-nanofiltered FVIII or IX concentrates (n = 89). Association between the prevalence of anti-B19 and the treatment group was analysed using multivariate logistic regression. Age, severity and type of haemophilia, number of cumulative days of exposure to factor VIII or IX, previous history of red blood cells or plasma transfusion were considered as potential confounding variables. A higher prevalence of anti-B19 was found in children previously treated with solvent/detergent high-purity non-immunopurified and non-nanofiltered FVIII or IX concentrates than in children treated with albumin- stabilized recombinant FVIII only (OR: 22.3; CI: 7.9-62.8), independently of the other factors studied.

  20. Influence of Pre-Analytical Factors on Thymus- and Activation-Regulated Chemokine Quantitation in Plasma

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Xuemei; Delgado, Liliana; Weiner, Russell; Laterza, Omar F.

    2015-01-01

    Thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) in serum/plasma associates with the disease activity of atopic dermatitis (AD), and is a promising tool for assessing the response to the treatment of the disease. TARC also exists within platelets, with elevated levels detectable in AD patients. We examined the effects of pre-analytical factors on the quantitation of TARC in human EDTA plasma. TARC levels in platelet-free plasma were significantly lower than those in platelet-containing plasma. After freeze-thaw, TARC levels increased in platelet-containing plasma, but remained unchanged in platelet-free plasma, suggesting TARC was released from the platelets during the freeze-thaw process. In contrast, TARC levels were stable in serum independent of freeze-thaw. These findings underscore the importance of pre-analytical factors to TARC quantitation. Plasma TARC levels should be measured in platelet-free plasma for accurate quantitation. Pre-analytical factors influence the quantitation, interpretation, and implementation of circulating TARC as a biomarker for the development of AD therapeutics. PMID:28936246

  1. Doping control analysis of filgrastim in equine plasma and its application to a co-administration study of filgrastim and recombinant human erythropoietin in the horse.

    PubMed

    Ho, Emmie N M; Kwok, W H; Lau, M Y; Wong, April S Y; Lam, Kenneth K H; Stewart, Brian D; Wan, Terence S M

    2014-04-18

    Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor regulating granulopoiesis. The recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) is widely used for the treatment of granulopenia in humans. Filgrastim is a rhG-CSF analogue and is marketed under various brand names, including Neupogen(®) (Amgen), Imumax(®) (Abbott Laboratories), Neukine(®) (Intas Biopharmaceuticals) and others. It is banned in both human and equine sports owing to its potential for misuse. In order to control the abuse of filgrastim in equine sports, a method to identify unequivocally its prior use in horses is required. This study describes an effective screening method for filgrastim in equine plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISA), and a follow-up confirmatory method for the unequivocal identification of filgrastim by analysing its highly specific tryptic peptide (1)MTPLGPASSLPQSFLLK(17). Filgrastim was isolated from equine plasma by immunoaffinity purification. After trypsin digestion, the mixture was analysed by nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Filgrastim could be detected and confirmed at 0.2ng/mL in equine plasma. The applicability of the ELISA screening method and the LC/MS/MS confirmation method was demonstrated by analysing post-administration plasma samples collected from horses having been co-administered with epoetin alfa as recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and filgrastim as rhG-CSF. rhEPO and filgrastim could be detected in plasma samples collected from horses for at least 57 and 101h respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of filgrastim in post-administration samples from horses. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. A review of three stand-alone topical thrombins for surgical hemostasis.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Christine M; Meyer-Massetti, Carla; Kayser, Steven R

    2009-01-01

    Topical thrombins are active hemostatic agents that can be used to minimize blood loss during surgery. Before 2007, the only topical thrombins available were derived from bovine plasma. Antibody formation to bovine thrombin and/or factor V, with subsequent risk of cross-reactivity with human factor V, and hemorrhagic complications associated with human factor-V deficiencies have been described in case reports of surgeries in which bovine thrombins were used. This risk is now included in the boxed warning section of the bovine thrombin prescribing information. In 2007 and 2008, 2 new topical thrombins from nonbovine sources received approval for use from the US Food and Drug Administration. The 3 active topical thrombins that are currently marketed are bovine plasma-derived thrombin, human plasma-derived thrombin, and human recombinant thrombin. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the literature on the efficacy and safety of topical thrombins and discuss the pharmacoeconomic considerations associated with their use. PubMed, EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched for relevant papers published in English through October 10,2008, using the terms thrombin, human recombinant thrombin, bovine thrombin, plasma derived thrombin, and topical thrombin. Manufacturer-provided materials were also reviewed. Abstracts and unpublished data, as well as evaluations of sealants, adhesives, glues, and other hemostats that contain thrombin mixed with fibrinogen and other clotting factors, were excluded. Four randomized, double-blind studies involving the active, stand-alone topical thrombins were found. The bovine thrombin involved in these studies was the predecessor to the currently marketed, highly purified bovine formulation. No studies comparing the human products, studies involving the highly purified bovine preparation, or placebo-controlled studies involving bovine thrombin were found. In a Phase III comparison of human recombinant thrombin and bovine thrombin, the percentages of patients who achieved hemostasis within 10 minutes of topical thrombin application were 95.4% and 95.1%, respectively (95% CI, -3.7 to 5.0). The incidence of hemostasis within 10 minutes was also similar in a Phase III comparison of human plasma-derived thrombin and bovine thrombin (both, 97.4% [95% CI, 0.96 to 1.05]). In the study that compared human recombinant and bovine thrombin, the incidence of antiproduct antibody formation was 21.5% (43/200) in the bovine thrombin group and 1.5% (3/198) in the human recombinant thrombin group (P < 0.001); patients with antibodies to bovine thrombin had numerically higher incidences of bleeding or thromboembolic events than did patients without these antibodies (19% vs 13%; P value not reported). Human plasma-derived thrombin is available as a frozen sterile solution that must be thawed before application, whereas the human recombinant and bovine plasma-derived products are supplied as unrefrigerated sterile powders that must be reconstituted before use. The human thrombins are more costly than bovine thrombin on a per-vial basis. The average wholesale prices (US $, 2008) for 5000-IU vials of bovine thrombin and human recombinant thrombin were $87.85 and $103.20, respectively; the average wholesale price for a 4000- to 6000-IU vial of human plasma-derived thrombin was $96.00. Topical thrombins vary in the ways in which they are manufactured and their safety profiles, storage requirements, and costs. Human recombinant thrombin and human plasma-derived thrombin have each been shown to have hemostatic efficacy comparable to that of bovine thrombin. Bovine thrombin carries the risk of formation of cross-reactive antibodies to bovine thrombin, factor V, and other impurities that may be present in these formulations. Immunogenicity data for the currently marketed, highly purified bovine thrombin relative to older formulations of bovine thrombin could not be found. Whether the potential safety advantage justifies the added cost of the human products remains to be established.

  3. Endogenous pyrogen activity in human plasma after exercise.

    PubMed

    Cannon, J G; Kluger, M J

    1983-05-06

    Plasma obtained from human subjects after exercise and injected intraperitoneally into rats elevated rat rectal temperature and depressed plasma iron and zinc concentrations. The pyrogenic component was heat-denaturable and had an apparent molecular weight of 14,000 daltons. Human mononuclear leukocytes obtained after exercise and incubated in vitro released a factor into the medium that also elevated body temperature in rats and reduced trace metal concentrations. These results suggest that endogenous pyrogen, a protein mediator of fever and trace metal metabolism during infection, is released during exercise.

  4. Hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease: 2. Management. Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada.

    PubMed Central

    1995-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: To present current strategies for the treatment of hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease. OPTIONS: Prophylactic and corrective therapy with hemostatic and adjunctive agents: DDAVP (1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin [desmopressin acetate]), recombinant coagulation products (human Factor VIII and human Factor VIIa) or virally inactivated plasma-derived products (high- or ultra-high-purity human Factor VIII or human Factor VIII concentrate containing von Willebrand factor activity, porcine Factor VIII, high-purity human Factor IX, human prothrombin-complex concentrate, human activated prothrombin-complex concentrate), adjunctive antifibrinolytic agents, topical thrombin and fibrin sealant. The induction of immune tolerance in patients in whom inhibitors develop should also be considered. OUTCOMES: Morbidity and quality of life associated with bleeding and treatment. EVIDENCE: Relevant clinical studies and reports published from 1974 to 1994 were examined. A search was conducted of our reprint files, MEDLINE, citations in the articles reviewed and references provided by colleagues. In the MEDLINE search the following terms were used singly or in combination: "hemophilia," "von Willebrand's disease," "Factor VIII," "Factor IX," "von Willebrand factor," "diagnosis," "management," "home care," "comprehensive care," "inhibitor," "AIDS," "hepatitis," "life expectancy," "complications," "practice guidelines," "consensus statement" and "controlled trial." The in-depth review included only articles written in English from North America and Europe that were relevant to human disease and pertinent to a predetermined outline. The availability of treatment products in Canada was also considered. VALUES: Minimizing morbidity and maximizing functional status and quality of life were given a high value. BENEFITS, HARMS AND COSTS: Proper prophylactic or early treatment with appropriate hemostatic agents minimizes morbidity and functional disability and improves quality of life. Economic gains are realized through the reduction of mortality and morbidity and their associated costs. The patient has a better opportunity to contribute to society through gainful employment and the fulfillment of social roles. Potential harms include HIV infection, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and the development of inhibitor antibodies to clotting-factor concentrates. The risk of viral transmission has been minimized through the development of procedures for the viral inactivation of plasma-derived clotting-factor concentrates and through the use of recombinant coagulation-factor concentrates and other non-plasma-derived hemostatic agents. RECOMMENDATIONS: DDAVP is the drug of choice for patients with mild hemophilia or type 1 or 2 (except 2B) von Willebrand's disease whose response to DDAVP in previous testing has been found to be adequate. Therapeutic blood components of choice include recombinant products and virally inactivated plasma-derived products. In Canada the recommended products are recombinant Factor VIII for hemophilia A, high-purity plasma-derived Factor IX for hemophilia B and plasma-derived Factor VIII concentrates containing adequate von Willebrand factor (e.g., Haemate P) for von Willebrand's disease. Dosages vary according to specific indications. Adjunctive antifibrinolytic agents, topical thrombin and fibrin sealant are useful for the treatment of oral or dental bleeds and localized bleeds in accessible sites. In patients with inhibitor antibodies, high-dose human or porcine Factor VIII is usually effective when the inhibitor titre is less than 5 Bethesda units/mL. In nonresponsive patients, or in those whose inhibitor titre is higher, "bypassing" agents (e.g., activated prothrombin-complex concentrate and recombinant Factor VIIa) are useful. Long-term management may include immune-tolerance induction.VALIDATION: These recommendations were reviewed and approved by the Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada (AHCDC) and the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee of the Canadian Hemophilia Society. No similar consensus statements or practice guidelines are available for comparison. SPONSORS: These recommendations were developed at the request of the Canadian Blood Agency, which funds the provision of all coagulation-factor concentrates for people with congenital bleeding disorders, and were developed and endorsed by the AHCDC and the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee of the Canadian Hemophilia Society. PMID:7600466

  5. Neonatal Plasma Polarizes TLR4-Mediated Cytokine Responses towards Low IL-12p70 and High IL-10 Production via Distinct Factors

    PubMed Central

    Belderbos, Mirjam E.; Levy, Ofer; Stalpers, Femke; Kimpen, Jan L.; Meyaard, Linde; Bont, Louis

    2012-01-01

    Human neonates are highly susceptible to infection, which may be due in part to impaired innate immune function. Neonatal Toll-like receptor (TLR) responses are biased against the generation of pro-inflammatory/Th1-polarizing cytokines, yet the underlying mechanisms are incompletely defined. Here, we demonstrate that neonatal plasma polarizes TLR4-mediated cytokine production. When exposed to cord blood plasma, mononuclear cells (MCs) produced significantly lower TLR4-mediated IL-12p70 and higher IL-10 compared to MC exposed to adult plasma. Suppression by neonatal plasma of TLR4-mediated IL-12p70 production, but not induction of TLR4-mediated IL-10 production, was maintained up to the age of 1 month. Cord blood plasma conferred a similar pattern of MC cytokine responses to TLR3 and TLR8 agonists, demonstrating activity towards both MyD88-dependent and MyD88-independent agonists. The factor causing increased TLR4-mediated IL-10 production by cord blood plasma was heat-labile, lost after protein depletion and independent of lipoprotein binding protein (LBP) or soluble CD14 (sCD14). The factor causing inhibition of TLR4-mediated IL-12p70 production by cord blood plasma was resistant to heat inactivation or protein depletion and was independent of IL-10, vitamin D and prostaglandin E2. In conclusion, human neonatal plasma contains at least two distinct factors that suppress TLR4-mediated IL-12p70 production or induce IL-10 or production. Further identification of these factors will provide insight into the ontogeny of innate immune development and might identify novel targets for the prevention and treatment of neonatal infection. PMID:22442690

  6. Serum-converted platelet lysate can substitute for fetal bovine serum in human mesenchymal stromal cell cultures.

    PubMed

    Mojica-Henshaw, Mariluz P; Jacobson, Pam; Morris, Julie; Kelley, Linda; Pierce, Jan; Boyer, Michael; Reems, Jo-Anna

    2013-12-01

    Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is commonly used as a serum supplement for culturing human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). However, human cells grown in FBS, especially for extended periods, risk potential exposure to bovine immunogenic proteins and infectious agents. To address this issue, we investigated the ability of a novel human platelet serum supplement to substitute for FBS in hMSC cultures. Platelet lysate-serum (PL-serum) was converted from platelet lysate-plasma (PL-plasma) that was manufactured from pooled platelet-rich plasma (PRP) apheresis units. Growth factor levels and the number of residual intact platelets in PL-serum and PL-plasma were compared with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and flow cytometry, respectively. Proliferation responses of hMSCs cultured in PL-serum, PL-plasma, or FBS were assessed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, the immunophenotype of harvested hMSCs was evaluated by flow cytometry and tri-lineage differentiation potential was evaluated by assessing adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic development. Selected growth factor levels in PL-serum were not significantly different from PL-plasma (P > 0.05). hMSC cultures supplemented with PL-serum had comparable growth kinetics to PL-plasma, and hMSC yields were consistently greater than with FBS. hMSCs harvested from cultures supplemented with PL-serum, PL-plasma or FBS had similar cell surface phenotypes and maintained tri-lineage differentiation potential. PL-serum, similar to PL-plasma, can substitute for FBS in hMSC cultures. Use of PL-serum, in contrast to PL-plasma, has an added advantage of not requiring addition of a xenogeneic source of heparin, providing a completely xeno-free culture medium. Copyright © 2013 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Comparative lytic efficacy of rt-PA and ultrasound in porcine versus human clots.

    PubMed

    Huang, Shenwen; Shekhar, Himanshu; Holland, Christy K

    2017-01-01

    Porcine thrombi are employed routinely in preclinical models of ischemic stroke. In this study, we examined the differential lytic susceptibility of porcine and human whole blood clots with and without the use of microbubbles and ultrasound (US) as an adjuvant. An in vitro system equipped with time-lapse microscopy was used to evaluate recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) lysis of porcine and human clots in the same species or cross species plasma. Human and porcine whole blood clots were treated with rt-PA and an echo contrast agent, Definity®, and exposed to intermittent 120 kHz US. The rt-PA lytic efficacy observed for porcine clots in porcine plasma was 22 times lower than for human clots in human plasma reported previously. Further, porcine clots did not exhibit increased lysis with adjuvant Definity® and US exposure. However, the rt-PA lytic susceptibility of the porcine clots in human plasma was similar to that of human clots in human plasma. Human clots perfused with porcine plasma did not respond to rt-PA, but adjuvant use of Definity® and US enhanced lysis. These results reveal considerable differences in lytic susceptibility of porcine clots and human clots to rt-PA. The use of porcine clot models to test new human thrombolytic therapies may necessitate modulation of coagulation and thrombolytic factors to reflect human hemostasis accurately.

  8. Inhibition of plasma vasopressin after drinking in dehydrated humans

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Geelen, G.; Keil, L. C.; Kravik, S. E.; Wade, C. E.; Thrasher, T. N.; Barnes, P. R.; Pyka, G.; Nesvig, C.; Greenleaf, J. E.

    1984-01-01

    The effects of nonosmotic and nonvolumetric factors on vasopressin secretion in dehydrated humans has been investigated experimentally, before and after drinking. The subjects of the experiment were five adult men and three adult women weighing 69-77 kg. In order to determine the influence of nonosmotic and nonvolumetric factors on vasopressin secretion, measurements were obtained of the following blood hematological indices: serum Na(+) content; serum K(+) content; osmolality; and hemoglobin. Measurements of hematocrit, plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP), aldosterone, and renin activity were also obtained. It is found that dehydration increased mean serum Na(+) content, osmolality,and AVP. No significant changes were observed in renin activity, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or plasma volume, while plasma aldosterone increased from 11.1 ng/dl after dehydration to 15.6 ng/dl between 30 and 60 min after drinking. A rapid fall of AVP content following rehydration occurred in the absence of changes in the primary regulators of AVP osmolality and plasma volume, with no change in blood pressure. On the basis of the experimental results, it is suggested that oropharyngeal factors may be the mechanism, for the observed decrease in AVP following rehydration.

  9. The study of the proteome of healthy human blood plasma under conditions of long-term confinement in an isolation chamber.

    PubMed

    Trifonova, O P; Pastushkova, L Kh; Samenkova, N F; Chernobrovkin, A L; Karuzina, I I; Lisitsa, A V; Larina, I M

    2013-05-01

    We identified changes in the proteome of healthy human blood plasma caused by exposure to 105-day confinement in an isolation chamber. After removal of major proteins and concentration of minor proteins, plasma fractions were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by identification of significantly different protein spots by mass spectrometric analysis of the peptide fragments. The levels of α- and β-chains of fibrinogen, a fragment of complement factor C4, apolipoproteins AI and E, plasminogen factor C1 complement, and immunoglobulin M changed in participants during the isolation period. These changes probably reflect the adaptive response to altered conditions of life.

  10. Comparison of functional aspects of the coagulation cascade in human and sea turtle plasmas.

    PubMed

    Soslau, Gerald; Wallace, Bryan; Vicente, Catherine; Goldenberg, Seth J; Tupis, Todd; Spotila, James; George, Robert; Paladino, Frank; Whitaker, Brent; Violetta, Gary; Piedra, Rotney

    2004-08-01

    Functional hemostatic pathways are critical for the survival of all vertebrates and have been evolving for more than 400 million years. The overwhelming majority of studies of hemostasis in vertebrates have focused on mammals with very sparse attention paid to reptiles. There have been virtually no studies of the coagulation pathway in sea turtles whose ancestors date back to the Jurassic period. Sea turtles are often exposed to rapidly altered environmental conditions during diving periods. This may reduce their blood pH during prolonged hypoxic dives. This report demonstrates that five species of turtles possess only one branch of the mammalian coagulation pathway, the extrinsic pathway. Mixing studies of turtle plasmas with human factor-deficient plasmas indicate that the intrinsic pathway factors VIII and IX are present in turtle plasma. These two factors may play a significant role in supporting the extrinsic pathway by feedback loops. The intrinsic factors, XI and XII are not detected which would account for the inability of reagents to induce coagulation via the intrinsic pathway in vitro. The analysis of two turtle factors, factor II (prothrombin) and factor X, demonstrates that they are antigenically/functionally similar to the corresponding human factors. The turtle coagulation pathway responds differentially to both pH and temperature relative to each turtle species and relative to human samples. The coagulation time (prothrombin time) increases as the temperature decreases between 37 and 15 degrees C. The increased time follows a linear relationship, with similar slopes for loggerhead, Kemps ridley and hawksbill turtles as well as for human samples. Leatherback turtle samples show a dramatic nonlinear increased time below 23 degrees C, and green turtle sample responses were similar but less dramatic. All samples also showed increased prothrombin times as the pH decreased from 7.8 to 6.4, except for three turtle species. The prothrombin times decreased, to varying extents, in a linear fashion relative to reduced pH with the rate of change greatest in leatherbacks>green>loggerhead turtles. All studies were conducted with reagents developed for human samples which would impact on the quantitative results with the turtle samples, but are not likely to alter the qualitative results. These comparative studies of the coagulation pathway in sea turtles and humans could enhance our knowledge of structure/function relationships and evolution of coagulation factors.

  11. Studies on a complex mechanism for the activation of plasminogen by kaolin and by chloroform: the participation of Hageman factor and additional cofactors

    PubMed Central

    Ogston, Derek; Ogston, C. Marie; Ratnoff, Oscar D.; Forbes, Charles D.

    1969-01-01

    As demonstrated by others, fibrinolytic activity was generated in diluted, acidified normal plasma exposed to kaolin, a process requiring Hageman factor (Factor XII). Generation was impaired by adsorbing plasma with glass or similar agents under conditions which did not deplete its content of Hageman factor or plasminogen. The defect could be repaired by addition of a noneuglobulin fraction of plasma or an agent or agents eluted from diatomaceous earth which had been exposed to normal plasma. The restorative agent, tentatively called Hageman factor-cofactor, was partially purified by chromatography and had an apparent molecular weight of approximately 165,000. It could be distinguished from plasma thromboplastin antecedent (Factor XI) and plasma kallikrein, other substrates of Hageman factor, and from the streptokinase-activated pro-activator of plasminogen. Evidence is presented that an additional component may be needed for the generation of fibrinolytic activity in mixtures containing Hageman factor, HF-cofactor, and plasminogen. The long-recognized generation of plasmin activity in chloroform-treated euglobulin fractions of plasma was found to be dependent upon the presence of Hageman factor. Whether chloroform activation of plasminogen requires Hageman factor-cofactor was not determined, but glass-adsorbed plasma, containing Hageman factor and plasminogen, did not generate appreciable fibrinolytic or caseinolytic activity. These studies emphasize the complex nature of the mechanisms which lead to the generation of plasmin in human plasma. PMID:4241814

  12. Evaluation of procoagulant tissue factor expression in canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines

    PubMed Central

    Witter, Lauren E.; Gruber, Erika J.; Lean, Fabian Z. X.; Stokol, Tracy

    2017-01-01

    OBJECTIVE To evaluate expression of procoagulant tissue factor (TF) by canine hemangiosarcoma cells in vitro. SAMPLES 4 canine hemangiosarcoma cell lines (SB-HSA [mouse-passaged cutaneous tumor], Emma [primary metastatic brain tumor], and Frog and Dal-1 [primary splenic tumors]) and 1 nonneoplastic canine endothelial cell line (CnAoEC). PROCEDURES TF mRNA and TF antigen expression were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Thrombin generation was measured in canine plasma and in coagulation factor–replete or specific coagulation factor–deficient human plasma by calibrated automated thrombography. Corn trypsin inhibitor and annexin V were used to examine contributions of contact activation and membrane-bound phosphatidylserine, respectively, to thrombin generation. RESULTS All cell lines expressed TF mRNA and antigen, with significantly greater expression of both products in SB-HSA and Emma cells than in CnAoEC. A greater percentage of SB-HSA cells expressed TF antigen, compared with other hemangiosarcoma cell lines. All hemangiosarcoma cell lines generated significantly more thrombin than did CnAoEC in canine or factor-replete human plasma. Thrombin generation induced by SB-HSA cells was significantly lower in factor VII-deficient plasma than in factor-replete plasma and was abolished in factor X–deficient plasma; residual thrombin generation in FVII-deficient plasma was abolished by incubation of cells with annexin V. Thrombin generation by SB-HSA cells was unaffected by the addition of corn trypsin inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hemangiosarcoma cell lines expressed procoagulant TF in vitro. Further research is needed to determine whether TF can be used as a biomarker for hemostatic dysfunction in dogs with hemangiosarcoma. PMID:28029283

  13. Development of a lectin binding assay to differentiate between recombinant and endogenous proteins in pharmacokinetic studies of protein-biopharmaceuticals.

    PubMed

    Weber, Alfred; Minibeck, Eva; Scheiflinger, Friedrich; Turecek, Peter L

    2015-04-10

    Human glycoproteins, expressed in hamster cell lines, show similar glycosylation patterns to naturally occurring human molecules except for a minute difference in the linkage of terminal sialic acid: both cell types lack α2,6-galactosyl-sialyltransferase, abundantly expressed in human hepatocytes and responsible for the α2,6-sialylation of circulating glycoproteins. This minute difference, which is currently not known to have any physiological relevance, was the basis for the selective measurement of recombinant glycoproteins in the presence of their endogenous counterparts. The assay is based on using the lectin Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA), selectively binding to α2,6-sialylated N-glycans. Using von Willebrand factor (VWF), factor IX (FIX), and factor VIIa (FVIIa), it was demonstrated that (i) the plasma-derived proteins, but not the corresponding recombinant proteins, specifically bind to SNA and (ii) this binding can be used to deplete the plasma-derived proteins. The feasibility of this approach was confirmed in spike-recovery studies for all three recombinant coagulation proteins in human plasma and for recombinant VWF (rVWF) in macaque plasma. Analysis of plasma samples from macaques after administration of recombinant and a plasma-derived VWF demonstrated the suitability and robustness of this approach. Data showed that rVWF could be selectively measured without changing the ELISAs and furthermore revealed the limitations of baseline adjustment using a single measurement of the predose concentration only. The SNA gel-based depletion procedure can easily be integrated in existing procedures as a specific sample pre-treatment step. While ELISA-based methods were used to measure the recombinant coagulation proteins in the supernatants obtained by depletion, this procedure is applicable for all biochemical analyses. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Human corpus luteum: presence of epidermal growth factor receptors and binding characteristics

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ayyagari, R.R.; Khan-Dawood, F.S.

    Epidermal growth factor receptors are present in many reproductive tissues but have not been demonstrated in the human corpus luteum. To determine the presence of epidermal growth factor receptors and its binding characteristics, we carried out studies on the plasma cell membrane fraction of seven human corpora lutea (days 16 to 25) of the menstrual cycle. Specific epidermal growth factor receptors were present in human corpus luteum. Insulin, nerve growth factor, and human chorionic gonadotropin did not competitively displace epidermal growth factor binding. The optimal conditions for corpus luteum-epidermal growth factor receptor binding were found to be incubation for 2more » hours at 4 degrees C with 500 micrograms plasma membrane protein and 140 femtomol /sup 125/I-epidermal growth factor per incubate. The number (mean +/- SEM) of epidermal growth factor binding sites was 12.34 +/- 2.99 X 10(-19) mol/micrograms protein; the dissociation constant was 2.26 +/- 0.56 X 10(-9) mol/L; the association constant was 0.59 +/- 0.12 X 10(9) L/mol. In two regressing corpora lutea obtained on days 2 and 3 of the menstrual cycle, there was no detectable specific epidermal growth factor receptor binding activity. Similarly no epidermal growth factor receptor binding activity could be detected in ovarian stromal tissue. Our findings demonstrate that specific receptors for epidermal growth factor are present in the human corpus luteum. The physiologic significance of epidermal growth factor receptors in human corpus luteum is unknown, but epidermal growth factor may be involved in intragonadal regulation of luteal function.« less

  15. The Effect of Drinking on Plasma Vasopressin and Renin in Dehydrated Human Subjects

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Geelen, G.; Keil, L. C.; Kravik, S. E.; Wade, C. E.; Thrasher, T. N.; Barnes, P. R.; Pyka, G.; Nesvig, C.; Greenleaf, J. E.

    1996-01-01

    Oropharyngeal mechanisms activated by drinking have been shown to induce a rapid decline in plasma vasopressin which preceeds postabsorptive changes in plasma composition in the dehydrated dog. The present study was undertaken to determine what factor(s) inhibit(s) vasopressin secretion after rehydration in water deprived human subjects. Hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb) were determined on the day of the experiment, together with electrolytes and osmolalities which were measured on freshly separated serum. Plasma was immediately frozen and further analyzed by radioimmunoassay for renin activity (PRA), vasopressin (AVP), and aldosterone. The data were analyzed using an analysis of variance for repeated measurements and significant differences between the dehydrated control period and various time points after the start of rehydration were determined using a multiple-range test. began and reached water replete levels 15 minutes after drinking in the absence of any detectable decline in serum sodium or osmolality, we conclude that 427 oropharyngeal factors, alone or combined with gastric distension account for the extremely rapid inhibition of AVP secretion after drinking in the water-deprived human, as has been shown to be the case in dogs. Our findings are also in agreement wiht the recent demonstration that at the onset of drinking in the dehydrated monkey, there is an abrupt fall in plasma AVP concentration associated with a considerable decrease in the firing rate of the supraoptic neurosecretory neurons.

  16. Comparative lytic efficacy of rt-PA and ultrasound in porcine versus human clots

    PubMed Central

    Shekhar, Himanshu; Holland, Christy K.

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Porcine thrombi are employed routinely in preclinical models of ischemic stroke. In this study, we examined the differential lytic susceptibility of porcine and human whole blood clots with and without the use of microbubbles and ultrasound (US) as an adjuvant. Materials and methods An in vitro system equipped with time-lapse microscopy was used to evaluate recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) lysis of porcine and human clots in the same species or cross species plasma. Human and porcine whole blood clots were treated with rt-PA and an echo contrast agent, Definity®, and exposed to intermittent 120 kHz US. Results and conclusions The rt-PA lytic efficacy observed for porcine clots in porcine plasma was 22 times lower than for human clots in human plasma reported previously. Further, porcine clots did not exhibit increased lysis with adjuvant Definity® and US exposure. However, the rt-PA lytic susceptibility of the porcine clots in human plasma was similar to that of human clots in human plasma. Human clots perfused with porcine plasma did not respond to rt-PA, but adjuvant use of Definity® and US enhanced lysis. These results reveal considerable differences in lytic susceptibility of porcine clots and human clots to rt-PA. The use of porcine clot models to test new human thrombolytic therapies may necessitate modulation of coagulation and thrombolytic factors to reflect human hemostasis accurately. PMID:28545055

  17. Components in Plasma-Derived Factor VIII, But Not in Recombinant Factor VIII Downregulate Anti-Inflammatory Surface Marker CD163 in Human Macrophages through Release of CXCL4 (Platelet Factor 4).

    PubMed

    Bertling, Anne; Brodde, Martin F; Visser, Mayken; Treffon, Janina; Fennen, Michelle; Fender, Anke C; Kelsch, Reinhard; Kehrel, Beate E

    2017-09-01

    Hemarthrosis, or bleeding into the joints, is a hallmark of hemophilia. Heme triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, and destruction of cartilage and bone. The haptoglobin-CD163-heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway circumvents heme toxicity through enzymatic degradation of heme and transcription of antioxidant genes. Plasma-derived factor concentrates contain many proteins that might impact on cellular pathways in joints, blood, and vessels. Activation of platelets from healthy volunteers was assessed by flow cytometry analysis of fibrinogen binding and CD62P expression. Platelet CXCL4 release was measured by ELISA. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to CXCL4 or platelet supernatants (untreated or pre-stimulated with factor VIII (FVIII) products) during their differentiation to macrophages and analyzed for CD163 expression. Some macrophage cultures were additionally incubated with autologous hemoglobin for 18 h for analysis of HO-1 expression. Platelet CXCL4 release was increased by all 8 tested plasma-derived FVIII products but not the 3 recombinant products. Macrophages exposed to supernatant from platelets treated with some plasma-derived FVIII products downregulated CD163 surface expression and failed to upregulate the athero- and joint protective enzyme HO-1 in response to hemoglobin. Plasma-derived FVIII products might promote bleeding-induced joint injury via generation of macrophages that are unable to counteract redox stress.

  18. One-year enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay follow-up of human interleukin for Da cells/leukemia inhibitory factor in blood and urine of 22 kidney transplant recipients.

    PubMed

    Morel, D; Taupin, J L; Combe, C; Potaux, L; Gualde, N; Moreau, J F

    1994-12-15

    The cytokine human interleukin for Da cells/leukemia inhibitory factor (HILDA/LIF) exerts multiple biological effects in vitro. In mice, high circulating levels of HILDA/LIF induce a wide range of pathophysiological events, some of them closely involved with immunological and inflammatory responses. Using a sandwich ELISA recognizing the natural human HILDA/LIF molecule with a threshold of 50 pg/ml in urine and 150 pg/ml in plasma, we monitored the urine and plasma HILDA/LIF levels of 22 patients in their first year after a kidney transplant. HILDA/LIF urine excretion is increased during acute rejection, and infections also trigger heavy HILDA/LIF plasma concentrations or urine excretion. In addition, this study raises the question of HILDA/LIF involvement in post-kidney-transplant phenomena such as hypercalcemia, osteoporosis, or the reversal of anemia.

  19. Genomic atlas of the human plasma proteome.

    PubMed

    Sun, Benjamin B; Maranville, Joseph C; Peters, James E; Stacey, David; Staley, James R; Blackshaw, James; Burgess, Stephen; Jiang, Tao; Paige, Ellie; Surendran, Praveen; Oliver-Williams, Clare; Kamat, Mihir A; Prins, Bram P; Wilcox, Sheri K; Zimmerman, Erik S; Chi, An; Bansal, Narinder; Spain, Sarah L; Wood, Angela M; Morrell, Nicholas W; Bradley, John R; Janjic, Nebojsa; Roberts, David J; Ouwehand, Willem H; Todd, John A; Soranzo, Nicole; Suhre, Karsten; Paul, Dirk S; Fox, Caroline S; Plenge, Robert M; Danesh, John; Runz, Heiko; Butterworth, Adam S

    2018-06-01

    Although plasma proteins have important roles in biological processes and are the direct targets of many drugs, the genetic factors that control inter-individual variation in plasma protein levels are not well understood. Here we characterize the genetic architecture of the human plasma proteome in healthy blood donors from the INTERVAL study. We identify 1,927 genetic associations with 1,478 proteins, a fourfold increase on existing knowledge, including trans associations for 1,104 proteins. To understand the consequences of perturbations in plasma protein levels, we apply an integrated approach that links genetic variation with biological pathway, disease, and drug databases. We show that protein quantitative trait loci overlap with gene expression quantitative trait loci, as well as with disease-associated loci, and find evidence that protein biomarkers have causal roles in disease using Mendelian randomization analysis. By linking genetic factors to diseases via specific proteins, our analyses highlight potential therapeutic targets, opportunities for matching existing drugs with new disease indications, and potential safety concerns for drugs under development.

  20. Designing plasmas for chronic wound disinfection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nosenko, T.; Shimizu, T.; Morfill, G. E.

    2009-11-01

    Irradiation with low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma provides a promising method for chronic wound disinfection. To be efficient for this purpose, plasma should meet the following criteria: it should significantly reduce bacterial density in the wounded area, cause a long-term post-irradiation inhibition of bacterial growth, yet without causing any negative effect on human cells. In order to design plasmas that would satisfy these requirements, we assessed the relative contribution of different components with respect to bactericidal properties due to irradiation with argon plasma. We demonstrate that plasma-generated UV radiation is the main short-term sterilizing factor of argon plasma. On the other hand, plasma-generated reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause a long-term 'after-irradiation' inhibition of bacterial growth and, therefore, are important for preventing wound recolonization with bacteria between two treatments. We also demonstrate that at certain concentrations plasma-generated RNS and ROS cause significant reduction of bacterial density, but have no adverse effect on human skin cells. Possible mechanisms of the different effects of plasma-generated reactive species on bacteria and human cells are discussed. The results of this study suggest that argon plasma for therapeutic purposes should be optimized in the direction of reducing the intensity of plasma-generated UV radiation and increasing the density of non-UV plasma products.

  1. In Vivo Characterization of Human APOA5 Haplotypes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ahituv, Nadav; Akiyama, Jennifer; Chapman-Helleboid, Audrey

    2006-10-01

    Increased plasma triglycerides concentrations are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies support a reproducible genetic association between two minor haplotypes in the human apolipoprotein A5 gene (APOA5) and increased plasma triglyceride concentrations. We thus sought to investigate the effect of these minor haplotypes (APOA5*2 and APOA5*3) on ApoAV plasma levels through the precise insertion of single-copy intact APOA5 haplotypes at a targeted location in the mouse genome. While we found no difference in the amount of human plasma ApoAV in mice containing the common APOA5*1 and minor APOA5*2 haplotype, the introduction of the single APOA5*3 defining allelemore » (19W) resulted in 3-fold lower ApoAV plasma levels consistent with existing genetic association studies. These results indicate that S19W polymorphism is likely to be functional and explain the strong association of this variant with plasma triglycerides supporting the value of sensitive in vivo assays to define the functional nature of human haplotypes.« less

  2. Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay

    PubMed Central

    Tilley, Derek; Levit, Irina; Samis, John A.

    2012-01-01

    In response to injury, blood coagulation is activated and results in generation of the clotting protease, thrombin. Thrombin cleaves fibrinogen to fibrin which forms an insoluble clot that stops hemorrhage. Factor V (FV) in its activated form, FVa, is a critical cofactor for the protease FXa and accelerator of thrombin generation during fibrin clot formation as part of prothrombinase 1, 2. Manual FV assays have been described 3, 4, but they are time consuming and subjective. Automated FV assays have been reported 5-7, but the analyzer and reagents are expensive and generally provide only the clot time, not the rate and extent of fibrin formation. The microplate platform is preferred for measuring enzyme-catalyzed events because of convenience, time, cost, small volume, continuous monitoring, and high-throughput 8, 9. Microplate assays have been reported for clot lysis 10, platelet aggregation 11, and coagulation Factors 12, but not for FV activity in human plasma. The goal of the method was to develop a microplate assay that measures FV activity during fibrin formation in human plasma. This novel microplate method outlines a simple, inexpensive, and rapid assay of FV activity in human plasma. The assay utilizes a kinetic microplate reader to monitor the absorbance change at 405nm during fibrin formation in human plasma (Figure 1) 13. The assay accurately measures the time, initial rate, and extent of fibrin clot formation. It requires only μl quantities of plasma, is complete in 6 min, has high-throughput, is sensitive to 24-80pM FV, and measures the amount of unintentionally activated (1-stage activity) and thrombin-activated FV (2-stage activity) to obtain a complete assessment of its total functional activity (2-stage activity - 1-stage activity). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an acquired coagulopathy that most often develops from pre-existing infections 14. DIC is associated with a poor prognosis and increases mortality above the pre-existing pathology 15. The assay was used to show that in 9 patients with DIC, the FV 1-stage, 2-stage, and total activities were decreased, on average, by 54%, 44%, and 42%, respectively, compared with normal pooled human reference plasma (NHP). The FV microplate assay is easily adaptable to measure the activity of any coagulation factor. This assay will increase our understanding of FV biochemistry through a more accurate and complete measurement of its activity in research and clinical settings. This information will positively impact healthcare environments through earlier diagnosis and development of more effective treatments for coagulation disorders, such as DIC. PMID:22987015

  3. Measurement of factor v activity in human plasma using a microplate coagulation assay.

    PubMed

    Tilley, Derek; Levit, Irina; Samis, John A

    2012-09-09

    In response to injury, blood coagulation is activated and results in generation of the clotting protease, thrombin. Thrombin cleaves fibrinogen to fibrin which forms an insoluble clot that stops hemorrhage. Factor V (FV) in its activated form, FVa, is a critical cofactor for the protease FXa and accelerator of thrombin generation during fibrin clot formation as part of prothrombinase (1, 2). Manual FV assays have been described (3, 4), but they are time consuming and subjective. Automated FV assays have been reported (5-7), but the analyzer and reagents are expensive and generally provide only the clot time, not the rate and extent of fibrin formation. The microplate platform is preferred for measuring enzyme-catalyzed events because of convenience, time, cost, small volume, continuous monitoring, and high-throughput (8, 9). Microplate assays have been reported for clot lysis (10), platelet aggregation (11), and coagulation Factors (12), but not for FV activity in human plasma. The goal of the method was to develop a microplate assay that measures FV activity during fibrin formation in human plasma. This novel microplate method outlines a simple, inexpensive, and rapid assay of FV activity in human plasma. The assay utilizes a kinetic microplate reader to monitor the absorbance change at 405 nm during fibrin formation in human plasma (Figure 1) (13). The assay accurately measures the time, initial rate, and extent of fibrin clot formation. It requires only μl quantities of plasma, is complete in 6 min, has high-throughput, is sensitive to 24-80 pM FV, and measures the amount of unintentionally activated (1-stage activity) and thrombin-activated FV (2-stage activity) to obtain a complete assessment of its total functional activity (2-stage activity - 1-stage activity). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an acquired coagulopathy that most often develops from pre-existing infections (14). DIC is associated with a poor prognosis and increases mortality above the pre-existing pathology (15). The assay was used to show that in 9 patients with DIC, the FV 1-stage, 2-stage, and total activities were decreased, on average, by 54%, 44%, and 42%, respectively, compared with normal pooled human reference plasma (NHP). The FV microplate assay is easily adaptable to measure the activity of any coagulation factor. This assay will increase our understanding of FV biochemistry through a more accurate and complete measurement of its activity in research and clinical settings. This information will positively impact healthcare environments through earlier diagnosis and development of more effective treatments for coagulation disorders, such as DIC.

  4. The importance of selecting a proper biological milieu for protein corona analysis in vitro: Human plasma versus human serum.

    PubMed

    Mirshafiee, Vahid; Kim, Raehyun; Mahmoudi, Morteza; Kraft, Mary L

    2016-06-01

    Nanoparticle (NP) exposure to biological fluids in the body results in protein binding to the NP surface, which forms a protein coating that is called the "protein corona". To simplify studies of protein-NP interactions and protein corona formation, NPs are incubated with biological solutions, such as human serum or human plasma, and the effects of this exposure are characterized in vitro. Yet, how NP exposure to these two different biological milieus affects protein corona composition and cell response has not been investigated. Here, we explore the differences between the protein coronas that form when NPs are incubated in human serum versus human plasma. NP characterization indicated that NPs that were exposed to human plasma had higher amounts of proteins bound to their surfaces, and were slightly larger in size than those exposed to human serum. In addition, significant differences in corona composition were also detected with gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, where a higher fraction of coagulation proteins and complement factors were found on the plasma-exposed NPs. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed that the uptake of plasma-exposed NPs was higher than that of serum-exposed NPs by RAW 264.7 macrophage immune cells, but not by NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells. This difference is likely due to the elevated amounts of opsonins, such as fibrinogen, on the surfaces of the NPs exposed to plasma, but not serum, because these components trigger NP internalization by immune cells. As the human plasma better mimics the composition of the in vivo environment, namely blood, in vitro protein corona studies should employ human plasma, and not human serum, so the biological phenomena that is observed is more similar to that occurring in vivo. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Future prospects for contact factors as therapeutic targets

    PubMed Central

    Gailani, David

    2015-01-01

    Anticoagulants currently used in clinical practice to treat or prevent thromboembolic disease are effective, but place patients at increased risk for serious bleeding because they interfere with plasma enzymes (thrombin and factor Xa) that are essential for hemostasis. In the past 10 years, work with genetically altered mice and studies in baboons and rabbits have demonstrated that the plasma contact proteases factor XI, factor XII, and prekallikrein contribute to the formation of occlusive thrombi despite having limited roles in hemostasis. In the case of factor XI, epidemiologic data from human populations indicate that elevated levels of this protein increase risk for stroke and venous thromboembolism and may also influence risk for myocardial infarction. These findings suggest that inhibiting contact activation may produce an antithrombotic effect without significantly compromising hemostasis. This chapter reviews strategies that are being developed for therapeutic targeting of factor XI and factor XII and their performances in preclinical and early human trials. PMID:25696834

  6. Plasma zinc's alter ego is a low-molecular-weight humoral factor.

    PubMed

    Ou, Ou; Allen-Redpath, Keith; Urgast, Dagmar; Gordon, Margaret-Jane; Campbell, Gill; Feldmann, Jörg; Nixon, Graeme F; Mayer, Claus-Dieter; Kwun, In-Sook; Beattie, John H

    2013-09-01

    Mild dietary zinc deprivation in humans and rodents has little effect on blood plasma zinc levels, and yet cellular consequences of zinc depletion can be detected in vascular and other tissues. We proposed that a zinc-regulated humoral factor might mediate the effects of zinc deprivation. Using a novel approach, primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were treated with plasma from zinc-deficient (<1 mg Zn/kg) or zinc-adequate (35 mg Zn/kg, pair-fed) adult male rats, and zinc levels were manipulated to distinguish direct and indirect effects of plasma zinc. Gene expression changes were analyzed by microarray and qPCR, and incubation of VSMCs with blood plasma from zinc-deficient rats strongly changed the expression of >2500 genes, compared to incubation of cells with zinc-adequate rat plasma. We demonstrated that this effect was caused by a low-molecular-weight (∼2-kDa) zinc-regulated humoral factor but that changes in gene expression were mostly reversed by adding zinc back to zinc-deficient plasma. Strongly regulated genes were overrepresented in pathways associated with immune function and development. We conclude that zinc deficiency induces the production of a low-molecular-weight humoral factor whose influence on VSMC gene expression is blocked by plasma zinc. This factor is therefore under dual control by zinc.

  7. Components in Plasma-Derived Factor VIII, But Not in Recombinant Factor VIII Downregulate Anti-Inflammatory Surface Marker CD163 in Human Macrophages through Release of CXCL4 (Platelet Factor 4)

    PubMed Central

    Bertling, Anne; Brodde, Martin F.; Visser, Mayken; Treffon, Janina; Fennen, Michelle; Fender, Anke C.; Kelsch, Reinhard; Kehrel, Beate E.

    2017-01-01

    Background Hemarthrosis, or bleeding into the joints, is a hallmark of hemophilia. Heme triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, and destruction of cartilage and bone. The haptoglobin-CD163-heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway circumvents heme toxicity through enzymatic degradation of heme and transcription of antioxidant genes. Plasma-derived factor concentrates contain many proteins that might impact on cellular pathways in joints, blood, and vessels. Methods Activation of platelets from healthy volunteers was assessed by flow cytometry analysis of fibrinogen binding and CD62P expression. Platelet CXCL4 release was measured by ELISA. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to CXCL4 or platelet supernatants (untreated or pre-stimulated with factor VIII (FVIII) products) during their differentiation to macrophages and analyzed for CD163 expression. Some macrophage cultures were additionally incubated with autologous hemoglobin for 18 h for analysis of HO-1 expression. Results Platelet CXCL4 release was increased by all 8 tested plasma-derived FVIII products but not the 3 recombinant products. Macrophages exposed to supernatant from platelets treated with some plasma-derived FVIII products downregulated CD163 surface expression and failed to upregulate the athero- and joint protective enzyme HO-1 in response to hemoglobin. Conclusion Plasma-derived FVIII products might promote bleeding-induced joint injury via generation of macrophages that are unable to counteract redox stress. PMID:29070980

  8. Novel Thrombotic Function of a Human SNP in STXBP5 Revealed by CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing in Mice.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Qiuyu Martin; Ko, Kyung Ae; Ture, Sara; Mastrangelo, Michael A; Chen, Ming-Huei; Johnson, Andrew D; O'Donnell, Christopher J; Morrell, Craig N; Miano, Joseph M; Lowenstein, Charles J

    2017-02-01

    To identify and characterize the effect of a SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) in the STXBP5 locus that is associated with altered thrombosis in humans. GWAS (genome-wide association studies) have identified numerous SNPs associated with human thrombotic phenotypes, but determining the functional significance of an individual candidate SNP can be challenging, particularly when in vivo modeling is required. Recent GWAS led to the discovery of STXBP5 as a regulator of platelet secretion in humans. Further clinical studies have identified genetic variants of STXBP5 that are linked to altered plasma von Willebrand factor levels and thrombosis in humans, but the functional significance of these variants in STXBP5 is not understood. We used CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated 9) techniques to produce a precise mouse model carrying a human coding SNP rs1039084 (encoding human p. N436S) in the STXBP5 locus associated with decreased thrombosis. Mice carrying the orthologous human mutation (encoding p. N437S in mouse STXBP5) have lower plasma von Willebrand factor levels, decreased thrombosis, and decreased platelet secretion compared with wild-type mice. This thrombosis phenotype recapitulates the phenotype of humans carrying the minor allele of rs1039084. Decreased plasma von Willebrand factor and platelet activation may partially explain the decreased thrombotic phenotype in mutant mice. Using precise mammalian genome editing, we have identified a human nonsynonymous SNP rs1039084 in the STXBP5 locus as a causal variant for a decreased thrombotic phenotype. CRISPR/Cas9 genetic editing facilitates the rapid and efficient generation of animals to study the function of human genetic variation in vascular diseases. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  9. Plasma NOV/CCN3 Levels Are Closely Associated with Obesity in Patients with Metabolic Disorders

    PubMed Central

    Pakradouni, Jihane; Le Goff, Wilfried; Calmel, Claire; Antoine, Bénédicte; Villard, Elise; Frisdal, Eric; Abifadel, Marianne; Tordjman, Joan; Poitou, Christine; Bonnefont-Rousselot, Dominique; Bittar, Randa; Bruckert, Eric; Clément, Karine; Fève, Bruno; Martinerie, Cécile; Guérin, Maryse

    2013-01-01

    Objective Evidence points to a founder of the multifunctional CCN family, NOV/CCN3, as a circulating molecule involved in cardiac development, vascular homeostasis and inflammation. No data are available on the relationship between plasma NOV/CCN3 levels and cardiovascular risk factors in humans. This study investigated the possible relationship between plasma NOV levels and cardiovascular risk factors in humans. Methods NOV levels were measured in the plasma from 594 adults with a hyperlipidemia history and/or with lipid-lowering therapy and/or a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2. Correlations were measured between NOV plasma levels and various parameters, including BMI, fat mass, and plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and C-reactive protein. NOV expression was also evaluated in adipose tissue from obese patients and rodents and in primary cultures of adipocytes and macrophages. Results After full multivariate adjustment, we detected a strong positive correlation between plasma NOV and BMI (r = 0.36 p<0.0001) and fat mass (r = 0.33 p<0.0005). According to quintiles, this relationship appeared to be linear. NOV levels were also positively correlated with C-reactive protein but not with total cholesterol, LDL-C or blood glucose. In patients with drastic weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery, circulating NOV levels decreased by 28% (p<0.02) and 48% (p<0.0001) after 3 and 6 months, respectively, following surgery. In adipose tissue from obese patients, and in human primary cultures NOV protein was detected in adipocytes and macrophages. In mice fed a high fat diet NOV plasma levels and its expression in adipose tissue were also significantly increased compared to controls fed a standard diet. Conclusion Our results strongly suggest that in obese humans and mice plasma NOV levels positively correlated with NOV expression in adipose tissue, and support a possible contribution of NOV to obesity-related inflammation. PMID:23785511

  10. Purification and characterization of an abnormal factor IX (Christmas factor) molecule. Factor IX Chapel Hill.

    PubMed Central

    Chung, K S; Madar, D A; Goldsmith, J C; Kingdon, H S; Roberts, H R

    1978-01-01

    Human Factor IX (Christmas factor) was isolated from the plasma of a patient with mild hemophilia B. The patient's plasma contained 5% Factor IX clotting activity but 100% Factor IX antigenic activity as determined by immunological assays, which included inhibitor neutralization and a radioimmunoassay for Factor IX. This abnormal Factor IX is called Factor IX Chapel Hill (Factor IXCH). Both normal Factor IX and Factor IXCH have tyrosine as the NH2-terminal amino acid. The two proteins have a similar molecular weight, a similar amino acid analysis, the same number of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues (10 gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues), and a similar carbohydrate content. Both exist as a single-chain glycoprotein in plasma. The major difference between normal Factor IX and Factor IXCH is that the latter exhibits delayed activation to Factor IXa in the presence of Factor XIa and Ca2+. Thus, Factor IXCH differs from other previously described abnormal Factor IX molecules. Images PMID:711853

  11. Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Induces Cell Proliferation, Migration, Differentiation, and Cell Survival of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

    PubMed

    Mellado-López, Maravillas; Griffeth, Richard J; Meseguer-Ripolles, Jose; Cugat, Ramón; García, Montserrat; Moreno-Manzano, Victoria

    2017-01-01

    Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a promising therapeutic alternative for tissue repair in various clinical applications. However, restrictive cell survival, differential tissue integration, and undirected cell differentiation after transplantation in a hostile microenvironment are complications that require refinement. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) from platelet-rich plasma favors human and canine ASC survival, proliferation, and delaying human ASC senescence and autophagocytosis in comparison with serum-containing cultures. In addition, canine and human-derived ASCs efficiently differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, or chondrocytes in the presence of PRGF. PRGF treatment induces phosphorylation of AKT preventing ASC death induced by lethal concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Indeed, AKT inhibition abolished the PRGF apoptosis prevention in ASC exposed to 100  μ M of hydrogen peroxide. Here, we show that canine ASCs respond to PRGF stimulus similarly to the human cells regarding cell survival and differentiation postulating the use of dogs as a suitable translational model. Overall, PRGF would be employed as a serum substitute for mesenchymal stem cell amplification to improve cell differentiation and as a preconditioning agent to prevent oxidative cell death.

  12. 21 CFR 610.12 - Sterility.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... Factor, Platelets, Red Blood Cells, Plasma, Source Plasma, Smallpox Vaccine, Reagent Red Blood Cells, Anti-Human Globulin, and Blood Grouping Reagents. (2) A manufacturer is not required to comply with the... the test is capable of reliably and consistently detecting the presence of viable contaminating...

  13. 21 CFR 610.12 - Sterility.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... Factor, Platelets, Red Blood Cells, Plasma, Source Plasma, Smallpox Vaccine, Reagent Red Blood Cells, Anti-Human Globulin, and Blood Grouping Reagents. (2) A manufacturer is not required to comply with the... the test is capable of reliably and consistently detecting the presence of viable contaminating...

  14. Plasma temperature during methylene blue/light treatment influences virus inactivation capacity and product quality.

    PubMed

    Gravemann, U; Handke, W; Sumian, C; Alvarez, I; Reichenberg, S; Müller, T H; Seltsam, A

    2018-02-27

    Photodynamic treatment using methylene blue (MB) and visible light is in routine use for pathogen inactivation of human plasma in different countries. Ambient and product temperature conditions for human plasma during production may vary between production sites. The influence of different temperature conditions on virus inactivation capacity and plasma quality of the THERAFLEX MB-Plasma procedure was investigated in this study. Plasma units equilibrated to 5 ± 2°C, room temperature (22 ± 2°C) or 30 ± 2°C were treated with MB/light and comparatively assessed for the inactivation capacity for three different viruses, concentrations of MB and its photoproducts, activity of various plasma coagulation factors and clotting time. Reduced solubility of the MB pill was observed at 5 ± 2°C. Photocatalytic degradation of MB increased with increasing temperature, and the greatest formation of photoproducts (mainly azure B) occurred at 30 ± 2°C. Inactivation of suid herpesvirus, bovine viral diarrhoea virus and vesicular stomatitis virus was significantly lower at 5 ± 2°C than at higher temperatures. MB/light treatment affected clotting times and the activity of almost all investigated plasma proteins. Factor VIII (-17·7 ± 8·3%, 22 ± 2°C) and fibrinogen (-14·4 ± 16·4%, 22 ± 2°C) showed the highest decreases in activity. Increasing plasma temperatures resulted in greater changes in clotting time and higher losses of plasma coagulation factor activity. Temperature conditions for THERAFLEX MB-Plasma treatment must be carefully controlled to assure uniform quality of pathogen-reduced plasma in routine production. Inactivation of cooled plasma is not recommended. © 2018 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  15. Exercise-induced shear stress is associated with changes in plasma von Willebrand factor in older humans.

    PubMed

    Gonzales, Joaquin U; Thistlethwaite, John R; Thompson, Benjamin C; Scheuermann, Barry W

    2009-07-01

    Shear stress is the frictional force of blood against the endothelium, a stimulus for endothelial activation and the release of von Willebrand factor (vWF). This study tested the hypothesis that the increase in shear stress associated with exercise correlates with plasma vWF. Young (n = 14, 25.7 +/- 5.4 years) and older (n = 13, 65.6 +/- 10.7 years) individuals participated in 30 min of dynamic handgrip exercise at a moderate intensity. Brachial artery diameter and blood flow were measured using ultrasound Doppler and blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and following 30 min of recovery from exercise with plasma levels of vWF. Plasma levels of vWF increased (P < 0.05) by 6 +/- 2% in young individuals and 4 +/- 1% in older individuals immediately after exercise. The change in plasma vWF was linearly correlated with the increase in shear stress during exercise in older individuals (post-exercise: r = 0.78, 30 min recovery: r = 0.77, P < 0.01), but no association was found in the young individuals. These changes in plasma levels of vWF in humans suggest that aging influences endothelial activation and hemostasis.

  16. Dehydration-induced drinking in humans

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Greenleaf, J. E.

    1982-01-01

    The human tendency to experience a delay in rehydration (involuntary dehydration) after fluid loss is considered. The two primary factors contributing to involuntary dehydration are probably upright posture, and extracellular fluid and electrolyte loss by sweating from exercise and heat exposure. First, as the plasma sodium and osmotic concentrations remain virtually unchanged for supine to upright postural changes, the major stimuli for drinking appear to be associated with the hypovolemia and increase in the renin-angiotension system. Second, voluntary drinking during the heat experiments was 146% greater than in cool experiments; drinking increased by 109% with prior dehydration as opposed to normal hydration conditions; and drinking was increased by 41% after exercise as compared with the resting condition. Finally, it is concluded that the rate of sweating and the rate of voluntary fluid intake are highly correlated, and that the dispogenic factors of plasma volume, osmolality, and plasma renin activity are unrelated to sweat rate, but are likely to induce drinking in humans.

  17. Prevalence of nucleic acid sequences specific for human parvoviruses, hepatitis A and hepatitis E viruses in coagulation factor concentrates.

    PubMed

    Modrow, S; Wenzel, J J; Schimanski, S; Schwarzbeck, J; Rothe, U; Oldenburg, J; Jilg, W; Eis-Hübinger, A M

    2011-05-01

    Due to their high resistance to inactivation procedures, nonenveloped viruses such as parvovirus B19, human bocavirus (HBoV), human parvovirus 4 (PARV4), hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) pose a particular threat to blood products. Virus transmission to patients treated with blood products presents an additional burden to disease. We determined the frequency and the amount of nucleic acid specific for nonenveloped viruses in recently manufactured preparations of commercial coagulation factor concentrates. At least three different batches of each of 13 different plasma-derived and recombinant coagulation factor products were tested for the presence and the amount of nucleic acid for parvovirus B19, HBoV, human parvovirus 4, hepatitis A virus and HEV by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Whereas none of the recombinant products tested positive for any of these viruses, parvovirus B19 DNA with amounts ranging between 2×10(1) and 1.3×10(3) genome equivalents/ml was detected in five plasma-derived products. In addition to parvovirus B19 genotype 1, genotypes 2 and 3 were observed in two batches of a factor VIII/von-Willebrand factor product. In two products (one factor VIII concentrate and one activated prothrombin complex concentrate), a combination of both genotypes 1 and 2 of parvovirus B19 was detected. The data show that nucleic acids from several relevant nonenveloped viruses are not found at detectable levels in coagulation factor concentrates. In some cases, parvovirus B19 DNA was detectable at low levels. Testing of the plasma pools for the full range of parvovirus genotypes is advocated for ensuring product safety. © 2010 The Author(s). Vox Sanguinis © 2010 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

  18. Initial Resuscitation with Plasma and Other Blood Components Reduced Bleeding Compared to Hetastarch in Anesthetized Swine with Uncontrolled Splenic Hemorrhage

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-04-01

    products and Hextend. The fluid with the highest amount of coagulation factors , FFP resulted in the lowest blood loss. The FFP treatment had the highest...compared to humans and have higher concentrations of many of the clotting factors (FV, FVII , FVIII, F IX, and FXII).44 Although we have confirmed the higher...utilizing plasma early in treatment is to prevent dilution of remaining coagulation factors or reverse the coagulopathy that has been observed in

  19. In matrix derivatization of trichloroethylene metabolites in human plasma with methyl chloroformate and their determination by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-electron capture detector.

    PubMed

    Mudiam, Mohana Krishna Reddy; Jain, Rajeev; Varshney, Meenu; Ch, Ratnasekhar; Chauhan, Abhishek; Goyal, Sudhir Kumar; Khan, Haider A; Murthy, R C

    2013-04-15

    Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common industrial chemical that has been widely used as metal degreaser and for many industrial purposes. In humans, TCE is metabolized into dichloroacetic acid (DCA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and trichloroethanol (TCOH). A simple and rapid method has been developed for the quantitative determination of TCE metabolites. The procedure involves the in situ derivatization of TCE metabolites with methyl chloroformate (MCF) directly in diluted plasma samples followed by extraction and analysis with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Factors which can influence the efficiency of derivatization such as amount of MCF and pyridine (PYR), ratio of water/methanol were optimized. The factors which can affect the extraction efficiencies of SPME were screened using 2(7-4) Placket-Burman Design (PBD). A central composite design (CCD) was then applied to further optimize the most significant factors for optimum SPME extraction. The optimum factors for the SPME extraction were found to be 562.5mg of NaCl, pH at 1 and an extraction time of 22 min. Recoveries and detection limits of all three analytes in plasma were found to be in the range of 92.69-97.55% and 0.036-0.068 μg mL(-1) of plasma, respectively. The correlation coefficients were found to be in the range of 0.990-0.995. The intra- and inter-day precisions for TCE metabolites were found to be in the range of 2.37-4.81% and 5.13-7.61%, respectively. The major advantage of this method is that MCF derivatization allows conversion of TCE metabolites into their methyl esters in very short time (≤30 s) at room temperature directly in the plasma samples, thus makes it a solventless analysis. The method developed was successfully applied to the plasma samples of humans exposed to TCE. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Differential compartmentalization of Streptococcus pyogenes virulence factors and host protein binding properties as a mechanism for host adaptation.

    PubMed

    Kilsgård, Ola; Karlsson, Christofer; Malmström, Erik; Malmström, Johan

    2016-11-01

    Streptococcus pyogenes is an important human pathogen responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although S. pyogenes is a strictly human pathogen with no other known animal reservoir, several murine infection models exist to explore different aspects of the bacterial pathogenesis. Inoculating mice with wild-type S. pyogenes strains can result in the generation of new bacterial phenotypes that are hypervirulent compared to the original inoculum. In this study, we used a serial mass spectrometry based proteomics strategy to investigate if these hypervirulent strains have an altered distribution of virulence proteins across the intracellular, surface associated and secreted bacterial compartments and if any change in compartmentalization can alter the protein-protein interaction network between bacteria and host proteins. Quantitative analysis of the S. pyogenes surface and secreted proteomes revealed that animal passaged strains are associated with significantly higher amount of virulence factors on the bacterial surface and in the media. This altered virulence factor compartmentalization results in increased binding of several mouse plasma proteins to the bacterial surface, a trend that was consistent for mouse plasma from several different mouse strains. In general, both the wild-type strain and animal passaged strain were capable of binding high amounts of human plasma proteins. However, compared to the non-passaged strains, the animal passaged strains displayed an increased ability to bind mouse plasma proteins, in particular for M protein binders, indicating that the increased affinity for mouse blood plasma proteins is a consequence of host adaptation of this pathogen to a new host. In conclusion, plotting the total amount of virulence factors against the total amount of plasma proteins associated to the bacterial surface could clearly separate out animal passaged strains from wild type strains indicating a virulence model that could predict the virulence of a S. pyogenes strain in mice and which could be used to identify key aspects of this bacteria's pathogenesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  1. Monitoring of treatment with vitamin K antagonists: recombinant thromboplastins are more sensitive to factor VII than tissue-extract thromboplastins.

    PubMed

    Biedermann, J S; van den Besselaar, A M H P; de Maat, M P M; Leebeek, F W G; Kruip, M J H A

    2017-03-01

    Essentials Differences in sensitivity to factor VII (FVII) have been suggested between thromboplastins. FVII-induced International Normalized Ratio (INR) changes differ between commercial reagents. Recombinant human thromboplastins are more sensitive to FVII than tissue-extract thromboplastins. Thromboplastin choice may affect FVII-mediated INR stability. Background Differences regarding sensitivity to factor VII have been suggested for recombinant human and tissue-extract thromboplastins used for International Normalized Ratio (INR) measurement, but the evidence is scarce. Differences in FVII sensitivity are clinically relevant, as they can affect INR stability during treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Objectives To determine whether commercial thromboplastins react differently to changes in FVII. Methods We studied the effect of addition of FVII on the INR in plasma by using three tissue-extract (Neoplastin C1+, Hepato Quick, and Thromborel S) and three recombinant human (Recombiplastin 2G, Innovin, and CoaguChek XS) thromboplastins. Three different concentrations of purified human FVII (0.006, 0.012 and 0.062 μg mL -1 plasma), or buffer, were added to five certified pooled plasmas of patients using VKAs (INR of 1.5-3.5). Changes in FVII activity were measured with two bioassays (Neoplastin and Recombiplastin), and relative INR changes were compared between reagents. Results After addition of 0.062 μg mL -1 FVII, FVII activity in the pooled plasmas increased by approximately 20% (Neoplastin) or 32% (Recombiplastin) relative to the activity in pooled normal plasma. All thromboplastins showed dose-dependent INR decreases. The relative INR change in the pooled plasmas significantly differed between the six thromboplastins. No differences were observed among recombinant or tissue-extract thromboplastins. Pooled results indicated that the FVII-induced INR change was greater for recombinant than for tissue-extract thromboplastins. Conclusions Differences regarding FVII sensitivity exist between various thromboplastins used for VKA monitoring. Recombinant human thromboplastins are more sensitive to FVII than tissue-extract thromboplastins. Therefore, thromboplastin choice may affect FVII-mediated INR stability. © 2017 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

  2. Evaluation of a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeat motifs 13 (ADAMTS13) activity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for measuring plasma ADAMTS13 activity in dogs.

    PubMed

    Maruyama, Haruhiko; Kaneko, Michiko; Otake, Taiga; Kano, Rui; Yamaya, Yoshiki; Watari, Toshihiro; Hasegawa, Atsuhiko; Kamata, Hiroshi

    2014-03-01

    A disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeat motifs 13 (ADAMTS13) is a von Willebrand factor (vWF)-cleaving protease. Deficiencies in ADAMTS13 activity are known to cause thrombotic diseases in human beings. The present study evaluated whether the human ADAMTS13 activity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit containing human vWF73 (a minimal substrate) and anti-N10 antibody (which specifically recognizes the decapeptide of the C-terminal edge of cleaved vWF by human ADAMTS13) is applicable to the measurement of canine plasma ADAMTS13 activity. Human vWF73 fused with a GST-tag and a His-tag (GST-hvWF73-His) was reacted with recombinant canine (rc)ADAMTS13, canine plasma, and human plasma, and then used in Western blotting using anti-N10 antibody. Linearity and intra- and interassay reproducibility of the human ADAMTS13 activity ELISA kit in canine plasma were further evaluated. Finally, plasma ADAMTS13 activity was measured in 13 healthy dogs and 6 dogs with bacteremia using the human ADAMTS13 activity ELISA kit. Cleaved products with a 28-kDa GST-hvWF73-His were detected specifically in rcADAMTS13 as well as in human ADAMTS13, and also in canine plasma by anti-N10 antibody, showing excellent linearity. Intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was 3.0-12.4%, and interassay CV was 11.5-12.5%. The ADAMTS13 activity was significantly lower in dogs with bacteremia than in healthy dogs (P = 0.0025). The current study revealed that the human ADAMTS13 activity ELISA kit is applicable for measurement of canine plasma ADAMTS13 activity to elucidate the pathology of thrombotic diseases in dogs.

  3. Inactivation of Zika virus by solvent/detergent treatment of human plasma and other plasma-derived products and pasteurization of human serum albumin.

    PubMed

    Kühnel, Denis; Müller, Sebastian; Pichotta, Alexander; Radomski, Kai Uwe; Volk, Andreas; Schmidt, Torben

    2017-03-01

    In 2016 the World Health Organization declared the mosquito-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) a "public health emergency of international concern." ZIKV is a blood-borne pathogen, which therefore causes concerns regarding the safety of human plasma-derived products due to potential contamination of the blood supply. This study investigated the effectiveness of viral inactivation steps used during the routine manufacturing of various plasma-derived products to reduce ZIKV infectivity. Human plasma and intermediates from the production of various plasma-derived products were spiked with ZIKV and subjected to virus inactivation using the identical techniques (either solvent/detergent [S/D] treatment or pasteurization) and conditions used for the actual production of the respective products. Samples were taken and the viral loads measured before and after inactivation. After S/D treatment of spiked intermediates of the plasma-derived products Octaplas(LG), Octagam, and Octanate, the viral loads were below the limit of detection in all cases. The mean log reduction factor (LRF) was at least 6.78 log for Octaplas(LG), at least 7.00 log for Octagam, and at least 6.18 log for Octanate after 60, 240, and 480 minutes of S/D treatment, respectively. For 25% human serum albumin (HSA), the mean LRF for ZIKV was at least 7.48 log after pasteurization at 60°C for 120 minutes. These results demonstrate that the commonly used virus inactivation processes utilized during the production of human plasma and plasma-derived products, namely, S/D treatment or pasteurization, are effective for inactivation of ZIKV. © 2016 The Authors Transfusion published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of AABB.

  4. Elevated plasma factor VIII enhances venous thrombus formation in rabbits: contribution of factor XI, von Willebrand factor and tissue factor.

    PubMed

    Sugita, Chihiro; Yamashita, Atsushi; Matsuura, Yunosuke; Iwakiri, Takashi; Okuyama, Nozomi; Matsuda, Shuntaro; Matsumoto, Tomoko; Inoue, Osamu; Harada, Aya; Kitazawa, Takehisa; Hattori, Kunihiro; Shima, Midori; Asada, Yujiro

    2013-07-01

    Elevated plasma levels of factor VIII (FVIII) are associated with increased risk of deep venous thrombosis. The aim of this study is to elucidate how elevated FVIII levels affect venous thrombus formation and propagation in vivo. We examined rabbit plasma FVIII activity, plasma thrombin generation, whole blood coagulation, platelet aggregation and venous wall thrombogenicity before and one hour after an intravenous infusion of recombinant human FVIII (rFVIII). Venous thrombus induced by the endothelial denudation of rabbit jugular veins was histologically assessed. Thrombus propagation was evaluated as indocyanine green fluorescence intensity. Argatroban, a thrombin inhibitor, and neutralised antibodies for tissue factor (TF), factor XI (FXI), and von Willebrand factor (VWF) were infused before or after thrombus induction to investigate their effects on venous thrombus formation or propagation. Recombinant FVIII (100 IU/kg) increased rabbit plasma FVIII activity two-fold and significantly enhanced whole blood coagulation and total plasma thrombin generation, but did not affect initial thrombin generation time, platelet aggregation and venous wall thrombogenicity. The rFVIII infusion also increased the size of venous thrombus 1 hour after thrombus induction. Argatroban and the antibodies for TF, FXI or VWF inhibited such enhanced thrombus formation and all except TF suppressed thrombus propagation. In conclusion, elevated plasma FVIII levels enhance venous thrombus formation and propagation. Excess thrombin generation by FXI and VWF-mediated FVIII recruitment appear to contribute to the growth of FVIII-driven venous thrombus.

  5. Independent effects of apolipoprotein AV and apolipoprotein CIII on plasma triglyceride concentrations

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Baroukh, Nadine N.; Bauge, Eric; Akiyama, Jennifer

    2003-08-15

    Both the apolipoprotein A5 and C3 genes have repeatedly been shown to play an important role in determining plasma triglyceride concentrations in humans and mice. In mice, transgenic and knockout experiments indicate that plasma triglyceride levels are negatively and positively correlated with APOA5 and APOC3 expression, respectively. In humans, common polymorphisms in both genes have also been associated with plasma triglyceride concentrations. The evolutionary relationship among these two apolipoprotein genes and their close proximity on human chromosome 11q23 have largely precluded the determination of their relative contribution to altered Both the apolipoprotein A5 and C3 genes have repeatedly been shownmore » to play an important role in determining plasma triglyceride concentrations in humans and mice. In mice, transgenic and knockout experiments indicate that plasma triglyceride levels are negatively and positively correlated with APOA5 and APOC3 expression, respectively. In humans, common polymorphisms in both genes have also been associated with plasma triglyceride concentrations. The evolutionary relationship among these two apolipoprotein genes and their close proximity on human chromosome 11q23 have largely precluded the determination of their relative contribution to altered triglycerides. To overcome these confounding factors and address their relationship, we generated independent lines of mice that either over-expressed (''double transgenic'') or completely lacked (''double knockout'') both apolipoprotein genes. We report that both ''double transgenic'' and ''double knockout'' mice display intermedia tetriglyceride concentrations compared to over-expression or deletion of either gene alone. Furthermore, we find that human ApoAV plasma protein levels in the ''double transgenic'' mice are approximately 500-fold lower than human ApoCIII levels, supporting ApoAV is a potent triglyceride modulator despite its low concentration. Together, these data indicate that APOA5 and APOC3 independently influence plasma triglyceride concentrations but in an opposing manner.« less

  6. What can be learned in the snake antivenom field from the developments in human plasma derived products?

    PubMed

    Burnouf, Thierry

    2018-05-01

    Human plasma-derived medicinal products and snake antivenom immunoglobulins are unique and complex therapeutic protein products. Human plasma products are obtained by fractionating large pools of plasma collected from blood plasma donors. They comprise a wide range of protein products, including polyvalent and hyperimmune immunoglobulins, coagulation factors, albumin, and various protease inhibitors that are transfused to patients affected by congenital or acquired protein deficiencies, immunological disorders, or metabolic diseases. Snake antivenoms are manufactured from pools of plasma collected from animals, typically horses, which have been immunized against snake venoms. Transfusing antivenoms is the cornerstone therapy to treat patients affected by snakebite envenoming. Over the last thirty years, much technical and regulatory evolution has been implemented to ensure that this class of biologicals meets modern quality requirements. The purpose of this review is to compare the main developments that took place in plasma production, protein fractionation, pathogen safety, quality control, preclinical and clinical studies, and regulations of these products. We also analyze whether both fields have been influencing and cross-fertilizing each other technically and in regulatory aspects to reach modern safety and efficacy standards at global levels, and how experience in the human plasma fractionation industry can further impact the manufacture of snake antivenom and that of other animal-derived antisera. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Bioassay of procoagulant albumin in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Grosset, A; Liu, L; Parker, C J; Rodgers, G M

    1994-09-01

    Procoagulant albumin (P-Al) is present in normal human plasma and increases monocyte and endothelial cell expression of tissue factor activity. To develop a bioassay for P-Al, we partially purified plasma from healthy volunteers and several patient groups using BaCl2 and (NH4)2SO4 precipitation. The samples were assayed for tissue factor (TF) inducing activity, expressed as a percentage increase compared to a serum-free media control. Over six months, the assay was reproducible in stored samples and in serial samples from normal volunteers. The plasma P-Al activities of 35 volunteers averaged 141 +/- 8.2% (SEM). There was no diurnal variation. There was no difference in the P-Al activity after a 12 hour fast and 2 hours after a large meal in 4 healthy volunteers. There was no increase in activity (r = 0.16) with the subject's age. The average activity from 16 poorly-controlled diabetics was 131 +/- 11% (SEM). No alteration in activity was seen with samples from patients with uremia, liver dysfunction, hemophilia, thrombotic events, or adenocarcinoma. These results indicate that P-Al activity can be bioassayed in individual patient samples; however, pathologic states associated with abnormal P-Al-induced tissue factor activity presently remain unidentified.

  8. A Survey of Exposure Level and Lifestyle Factors for Perfluorooctanoate and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in Human Plasma from Selected Residents in Korea

    PubMed Central

    Eom, Jinhee; Choi, Jaeyeon; Kim, Jiye; Kim, Yunje

    2014-01-01

    Following few decades of commercial use, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) have been found in human blood and serum. We determined the amounts of PFOA and PFOS in human plasma (n = 183) and the effects of multiple uses of food-contact materials and smoking habits and alcohol consumption using liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/TOF-MS). For the paper cups, the PFOA level in the plasma of the heavy user group was 1.37 times higher than that of the light user group. However, no association between the effects of multiple uses of food-contact materials and the plasma levels of PFOA and PFOS was found, except for paper cups. Active smokers had lower plasma levels of PFOA and PFOS than non-smokers. We show that multiple uses of food-contact materials do not appear to be a significant source of PFOA and PFOS. PMID:25032739

  9. Uric acid is a main electron donor to peroxidases in human blood plasma.

    PubMed

    Padiglia, Alessandra; Medda, Rosaria; Longu, Silvia; Pedersen, Jens Z; Floris, Giovanni

    2002-11-01

    Peroxidases are widely distributed and have been isolated from many higher-order plants, animal tissues, yeast and microorganisms. During measurements of peroxidase activities in samples of human plasma, we noticed the presence of a compound in the plasma which was interfering with the peroxidase assay. In this paper we describe the purification and characterization of this factor, which was identified as uric acid. The procedure used to purify uric acid from plasma involved ultra-filtration of the plasma, heat denaturation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography. The lyophilized powder was tested for homogeneity using an HPLC apparatus and capillary electrophoresis. Genuine uric acid samples were used for comparison. The compound obtained by the above-reported purification procedure was identified as uric acid by spectrophotometric analysis through comparison with genuine uric acid samples. Spectrophotometric measurements indicated that uric acid was degraded by HRP in the presence of H2O2. The experimental procedures described above allowed us to isolate and identify uric acid as the component in human plasma that acts as a true substrate for peroxidases.

  10. Plasma fractionation issues.

    PubMed

    Farrugia, Albert; Evers, Theo; Falcou, Pierre-Francois; Burnouf, Thierry; Amorim, Luiz; Thomas, Sylvia

    2009-04-01

    Procurement and processing of human plasma for fractionation of therapeutic proteins or biological medicines used in clinical practice is a multi-billion dollar international trade. Together the private sector and public sector (non-profit) provide large amounts of safe and effective therapeutic plasma proteins needed worldwide. The principal therapeutic proteins produced by the dichotomous industry include gamma globulins or immunoglobulins (including pathogen-specific hyperimmune globulins, such as hepatitis B immune globulins) albumin, factor VIII and Factor IX concentrates. Viral inactivation, principally by solvent detergent and other processes, has proven highly effective in preventing transmission of enveloped viruses, viz. HBV, HIV, and HCV.

  11. Factor XIII as a modulator of plasma fibronectin alterations during experimental bacteremia.

    PubMed

    Kiener, J L; Cho, E; Saba, T M

    1986-11-01

    Fibronectin is found in plasma as well as in association with connective tissue and cell surfaces. Depletion of plasma fibronectin is often observed in septic trauma and burned patients, while experimental rats often manifest hyperfibronectinemia with sepsis. Since Factor XIII may influence the rate of clearance and deposition of plasma fibronectin into tissues, we evaluated the temporal changes in plasma fibronectin and plasma Factor XIII following bacteremia and RE blockade in rats in an attempt to understand the mechanism leading to elevation of fibronectin levels in bacteremic rats, which is distinct from that observed with RE blockade. Clearance of exogenously administered fibronectin after bacteremia was also determined. Rats received either saline, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1 X 10(9) organisms), gelatinized RE test lipid emulsion (50 mg/100 gm B.W.), or emulsion followed by Pseudomonas. Plasma fibronectin and Factor XIII were determined at 0, 2, 24, and 48 hours post-blockade or bacteremia. At 24 and 48 hr following bacteremia alone or bacteremia after RE blockade, there was a significant elevation (p less than 0.05) of plasma fibronectin and a concomitant decrease (p less than 0.05) of plasma factor XIII activity. Extractable tissue fibronectin from liver and spleen was also increased at 24 and 48 hours following R.E. blockade plus bacteremia. In addition, the plasma clearance of human fibronectin was significantly prolonged (p less than 0.05) following bacterial challenge. Infusion of activated Factor XIII (20 units/rat) during a period of hyperfibronectinemia (908.0 +/- 55.1 micrograms/ml) resulted in a significant (p less than 0.05) decrease in plasma fibronectin (548.5 +/- 49.9 micrograms/ml) within 30 min. Thus Factor XIII deficiency in rats with bacteremia may contribute to the elevation in plasma fibronectin by altering kinetics associated with the clearance of fibronectin from the blood.

  12. Improved neovascularization and wound repair by targeting human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to fibrin.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Wenxue; Han, Qianqian; Lin, Hang; Gao, Yuan; Sun, Wenjie; Zhao, Yannan; Wang, Bin; Chen, Bing; Xiao, Zhifeng; Dai, Jianwu

    2008-10-01

    Targeted therapy is a new generation of therapeutics, where two critical factors are involved. One is the particular molecular target, and the other is the specific target-binding drug. In this work, the fibrin, a main component of plasma clot at wound sites, was used as the target for human bFGF, aiming to improve therapeutic neovascularization and wound repair. To endow bFGF with fibrin-targeting ability, a fibrin-binding peptide Kringle1 (K1), derived from human plasminogen, was fused to human bFGF. The recombinant K1bFGF showed high fibrin and plasma-clot-binding ability. When applied to the wound sites with plasma clots, K1bFGF induced robust neovascularization and improved wound healing. To extend the application of K1bFGF to other cases where no plasma clots exist, we developed a fibrin-scaffold/K1bFGF system. This system could induce localized neovascularization by delivery of K1bFGF in a sustained and site-targeting manner, and provide a microenvironment promoting cell growth and tissue regeneration. In summary, we successfully used the pathologic environment fibrin clot as the target for bFGF, and based on which bFGF was designed into a targeting agent by introduction of a fibrin-binding peptide. This provides a potential approach to improve therapeutic neovascularization and wound repair.

  13. Synthetic peptides and fluorogenic substrates related to the reactive site sequence of Kunitz-type inhibitors isolated from Bauhinia: interaction with human plasma kallikrein.

    PubMed

    Oliva, M L; Santomauro-Vaz, E M; Andrade, S A; Juliano, M A; Pott, V J; Sampaio, M U; Sampaio, C A

    2001-01-01

    We have previously described Kunitz-type serine proteinase inhibitors purified from Bauhinia seeds. Human plasma kallikrein shows different susceptibility to those inhibitors. In this communication, we describe the interaction of human plasma kallikrein with fluorogenic and non-fluorogenic peptides based on the Bauhinia inhibitors' reactive site. The hydrolysis of the substrate based on the B. variegata inhibitor reactive site sequence, Abz-VVISALPRSVFIQ-EDDnp (Km 1.42 microM, kcat 0.06 s(-1), and kcat/Km 4.23 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1)), is more favorable than that of Abz-VMIAALPRTMFIQ-EDDnp, related to the B. ungulata sequence (Km 0.43 microM, kcat 0.00017 s(-1), and kcat/Km 3.9 x 10(2) M(-1) s(-1)). Human plasma kallikrein does not hydrolyze the substrates Abz-RPGLPVRFESPL-EDDnp and Abz-FESPLRINIIKE-EDDnp based on the B. bauhinioides inhibitor reactive site sequence, the most effective inhibitor of the enzyme. These peptides are competitive inhibitors with Ki values in the nM range. The synthetic peptide containing 19 amino acids based on the B. bauhinioides inhibitor reactive site (RPGLPVRFESPL) is poorly cleaved by kallikrein. The given substrates are highly specific for trypsin and chymotrypsin hydrolysis. Other serine proteinases such as factor Xa, factor XII, thrombin and plasmin do not hydrolyze B. bauhinioides inhibitor related substrates.

  14. Human plasma paraoxonase 1 (PON1) arylesterase activity during aging: correlation with susceptibility of LDL oxidation.

    PubMed

    Mehdi, Mohammad Murtaza; Rizvi, Syed Ibrahim

    2012-08-01

    The role of free radicals has long been proposed as a cause for the aging process. Oxidative stress is considered a major factor for altering many physiological processes and enzymatic activities during aging and is also known to play a major role in the development of several age-dependent diseases. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an anti-atherosclerotic enzyme that mainly prevents accumulation of lipoperoxides and inhibits the lipid oxidation in low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant behavior of PON1 by measuring its arylesterase activity. The susceptibility of LDL for oxidation and the radical scavenging activity of plasma were also measured during aging in humans. Arylesterase activity of PON1 was measured in plasma of human subjects between 20 and 81 years of age of both genders. The susceptibility of LDL for oxidation and radical scavenging activity were measured in plasma. Decrease in plasma arylesterase activity of PON1, increase in susceptibility of LDL for oxidation and decrease in plasma radical scavenging activity were observed as a function of human age. The study provides evidence of a relationship between PON1 activity, LDL oxidation and free radical scavenging activity of plasma. The present results emphasize the dependency of PON1 activity to prevailing oxidative stress during human aging. Our findings assume significance in view of the possible categorization of PON1 as a longevity gene. Copyright © 2012 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Genetic control of the alternative pathway of complement in humans and age-related macular degeneration

    PubMed Central

    Hecker, Laura A.; Edwards, Albert O.; Ryu, Euijung; Tosakulwong, Nirubol; Baratz, Keith H.; Brown, William L.; Issa, Peter Charbel; Scholl, Hendrik P.; Pollok-Kopp, Beatrix; Schmid-Kubista, Katharina E.; Bailey, Kent R.; Oppermann, Martin

    2010-01-01

    Activation of the alternative pathway of complement is implicated in common neurodegenerative diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We explored the impact of common variation in genes encoding proteins of the alternative pathway on complement activation in human blood and in AMD. Genetic variation across the genes encoding complement factor H (CFH), factor B (CFB) and component 3 (C3) was determined. The influence of common haplotypes defining transcriptional and translational units on complement activation in blood was determined in a quantitative genomic association study. Individual haplotypes in CFH and CFB were associated with distinct and novel effects on plasma levels of precursors, regulators and activation products of the alternative pathway of complement in human blood. Further, genetic variation in CFH thought to influence cell surface regulation of complement did not alter plasma complement levels in human blood. Plasma markers of chronic activation (split-products Ba and C3d) and an activating enzyme (factor D) were elevated in AMD subjects. Most of the elevation in AMD was accounted for by the genetic variation controlling complement activation in human blood. Activation of the alternative pathway of complement in blood is under genetic control and increases with age. The genetic variation associated with increased activation of complement in human blood also increased the risk of AMD. Our data are consistent with a disease model in which genetic variation in the complement system increases the risk of AMD by a combination of systemic complement activation and abnormal regulation of complement activation in local tissues. PMID:19825847

  16. Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Induces Cell Proliferation, Migration, Differentiation, and Cell Survival of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

    PubMed Central

    Mellado-López, Maravillas; Griffeth, Richard J.; Meseguer-Ripolles, Jose; García, Montserrat

    2017-01-01

    Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a promising therapeutic alternative for tissue repair in various clinical applications. However, restrictive cell survival, differential tissue integration, and undirected cell differentiation after transplantation in a hostile microenvironment are complications that require refinement. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) from platelet-rich plasma favors human and canine ASC survival, proliferation, and delaying human ASC senescence and autophagocytosis in comparison with serum-containing cultures. In addition, canine and human-derived ASCs efficiently differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, or chondrocytes in the presence of PRGF. PRGF treatment induces phosphorylation of AKT preventing ASC death induced by lethal concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Indeed, AKT inhibition abolished the PRGF apoptosis prevention in ASC exposed to 100 μM of hydrogen peroxide. Here, we show that canine ASCs respond to PRGF stimulus similarly to the human cells regarding cell survival and differentiation postulating the use of dogs as a suitable translational model. Overall, PRGF would be employed as a serum substitute for mesenchymal stem cell amplification to improve cell differentiation and as a preconditioning agent to prevent oxidative cell death. PMID:29270200

  17. Combined Functional and Immunochemical Analysis of Normal and Abnormal Human Factor X

    PubMed Central

    Fair, Daryl S.; Plow, Edward F.; Edgington, Thomas S.

    1979-01-01

    Human Factor X was isolated from Cohn fraction III and characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, amino acid composition, and isoelectric focusing. Two molecular forms with biological activity were observed at isoelectric points of 4.8 and 5.0. Antisera generated to Factor X was monospecific and used to establish an equilibrium competitive inhibition radioimmunoassay. This assay was specific for human Factor X and did not cross-react with human prothrombin or bovine Factor X within the sensitivity range of 6-300 ng Factor X antigen/ml. The mean concentration of Factor X based on the antigen was 11.9 μg/ml, whereas concentration values based on coagulant activity was 7.8 μg/ml. This 30% difference in measurement appears to result from the presence of a subpopulation of Factor X molecules devoid of coagulant activity. The radioimmunoassay was used to qualitatively and quantitatively compare purified Factor X to plasmic Factor X obtained from normal, warfarintreated, acquired Factor X-deficient, and congenitaldeficient patients. In all but one case, the Factor X present in these plasmas was immunochemically identical to the purified Factor X and permitted precise quantitation of these abnormal Factor X molecules. Factor X procoagulant activity was analyzed relative to Factor X antigen and the specific activities were used to characterize normal and abnormal Factor X molecules. Reduced Factor X activity in plasmas from warfarin-treated and acquired Factor X-deficient patients was attributed to both decreases in Factor X antigen and decreased function of the Factor X molecules. Congenitally deficient patients, in general, showed a reduction in Factor X antigen in parallel with Factor X procoagulant activities resulting from comparable decreases in specific biological activity of the molecules. Images PMID:90058

  18. Circulating factors induce coronary endothelial cell activation following exposure to inhaled diesel exhaust and nitrogen dioxide in humans: Evidence from a novel translational in vitro model**

    EPA Science Inventory

    The vascular toxicity of inhaled agents may be caused by soluble factors that are released into the systemic circulation. To confirm this in a straightforward manner, we obtained plasma from healthy human volunteers before and after exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) and nitrogen di...

  19. Induction of polyclonal antibody synthesis by human allogeneic and autologous helper factors

    PubMed Central

    1979-01-01

    Human helper factors were obtained from supernates of 48 h unidirectional allogeneic and autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions. These supernates were shown to induce the production of large amounts of immunoglobulin by tonsillar and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Abundant polyclonal activation to antibody production occurred in these cultures in the absence of antigenic challenge which was similar in degree to that produced by pokeweed mitogen. This was documented by quantitating plasma cells, specific plaque-forming cells, and secreted immunoglobulin. In addition, the supplementation of companion cultures with sheep erythrocytes resulted in a significant enhancement of the specific plaque-forming cell response without an appreciable change in plasma cell number of secreted Ig. PMID:156242

  20. Intact stable isotope labeled plasma proteins from the SILAC-labeled HepG2 secretome.

    PubMed

    Mangrum, John B; Martin, Erika J; Brophy, Donald F; Hawkridge, Adam M

    2015-09-01

    The plasma proteome remains an attractive biospecimen for MS-based biomarker discovery studies. The success of these efforts relies on the continued development of quantitative MS-based proteomics approaches. Herein we report the use of the SILAC-labeled HepG2 secretome as a source for stable isotope labeled plasma proteins for quantitative LC-MS/MS measurements. The HepG2 liver cancer cell line secretes the major plasma proteins including serum albumin, apolipoproteins, protease inhibitors, coagulation factors, and transporters that represent some of the most abundant proteins in plasma. The SILAC-labeled HepG2 secretome was collected, spiked into human plasma (1:1 total protein), and then processed for LC-MS/MS analysis. A total of 62 and 56 plasma proteins were quantified (heavy:light (H/L) peptide pairs) from undepleted and depleted (serum albumin and IgG), respectively, with log2 H/L = ± 6. Major plasma proteins quantified included albumin, apolipoproteins (e.g., APOA1, APOA2, APOA4, APOB, APOC3, APOE, APOH, and APOM), protease inhibitors (e.g., A2M and SERPINs), coagulation factors (e.g., Factor V, Factor X, fibrinogen), and transport proteins (e.g., TTR). The average log2 H/L values for shared plasma proteins in both undepleted and depleted plasma samples were 0.43 and 0.44, respectively. This work further expands the SILAC strategy into MS-based biomarker discovery of clinical biospecimens. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Control of exogenous factors affecting plasma homovanillic acid concentration.

    PubMed

    Davidson, M; Giordani, A B; Mohs, R C; Mykytyn, V V; Platt, S; Aryan, Z S; Davis, K L

    1987-04-01

    Measurements of plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) concentrations appear to be a valid research strategy in psychiatric disorders in which a central dopamine (DA) abnormality has been implicated. This study provides guidance about the control of some of the exogenous factors affecting pHVA concentrations. Fasting for 14 hours eliminates the dietary effects on pHVA in healthy human subjects. Changing position, walking for 30 minutes, or smoking two cigarettes has no effect on pHVA concentrations.

  2. Plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA, factor XI): a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay. [/sup 125/I tracer technique

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Saito, H.; Goldsmith, G.H. Jr.

    A specific, sensitive, and reproducible radioimmunoassay for human plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA, factor XI) has been developed with purified PTA and monospecific rabbit antiserum. Precise measurements of PTA antigen were possible for concentrations as low as 0.3% of that in normal pooled plasma. Normal plasma contained approximately 6 ..mu..g PTA/ml. A good correlation (correlation coefficient 0.68) existed between the PTA procoagulant assays and radioimmunoassays among 50 normal adults (25 males and 25 females). PTA antigen was markedly reduced in plasma of 13 patients with congenital homozygous PTA deficiency (range <0.003-0.128 U/ml) and 9 patients with hepatic cirrhosis (0.35 +- 0.17more » U/ml), but was normal in those of 9 patients under treatment with warfarin, 8 patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation and 16 patients with other congenital clotting factor abnormalities, including prekallikrein deficiency (Fletcher trait) and high molecular weight kininogen deficiency (Fitzgerald trait).« less

  3. The influence of biological and environmental factors on metallothionein concentration in the blood.

    PubMed

    Kowalska, Katarzyna; Bizoń, Anna; Zalewska, Marta; Milnerowicz, Halina

    2015-01-01

    The concentration of metallothionein (MT), a low-molecular-weight protein, is regulated by many factors, primarily metals (zinc, cadmium, copper), cytokines, glucocorticoides and free radicals. These factors are determined by such aspects of human biology as gender, pregnancy and age, as well as by environmental factors including the use of oral contraceptives and cigarette smoking, all which may affect MT levels in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of these biological and environmental factors on MT concentrations in erythrocyte lysate and in plasma. MT concentrations were determined by a two-step direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Evaluation of exposure to cigarette smoking was performed by checking cotinine levels in the plasma of subjects. The studies showed higher MT concentrations in both the erythrocyte lysate and plasma of women when compared to men. Furthermore, pregnancy causes an increase of MT concentration in plasma, while oral contraceptives cause an elevated concentration of MT in erythrocyte lysate. Age impacts plasma MT concentrations in men, whereas it does not affect concentrations of MT in erythrocyte lysate. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  4. A direct thrombin inhibitor suppresses protein C activation and factor Va degradation in human plasma: Possible mechanisms of paradoxical enhancement of thrombin generation.

    PubMed

    Kamisato, Chikako; Furugohri, Taketoshi; Morishima, Yoshiyuki

    2016-05-01

    We have demonstrated that antithrombin (AT)-independent thrombin inhibitors paradoxically increase thrombin generation (TG) in human plasma in a thrombomodulin (TM)- and protein C (PC)-dependent manner. We determined the effects of AT-independent thrombin inhibitors on the negative-feedback system, activation of PC and production and degradation of factor Va (FVa), as possible mechanisms underlying the paradoxical enhancement of TG. TG in human plasma containing 10nM TM was assayed by means of the calibrated automated thrombography. As an index of PC activation, plasma concentration of activated PC-PC inhibitor complex (aPC-PCI) was measured. The amounts of FVa heavy chain and its degradation product (FVa(307-506)) were examined by western blotting. AT-independent thrombin inhibitors, melagatran and dabigatran (both at 25-600nM) and 3-30μg/ml active site-blocked thrombin (IIai), increased peak levels of TG. Melagatran, dabigatran and IIai significantly decreased plasma concentration of aPC-PCI complex at 25nM or more, 75nM or more, and 10 and 30μg/ml, respectively. Melagatran (300nM) significantly increased FVa and decreased FVa(307-506). In contrast, a direct factor Xa inhibitor edoxaban preferentially inhibited thrombin generation (≥25nM), and higher concentrations were required to inhibit PC activation (≥150nM) and FVa degradation (300nM). The present study suggests that the inhibitions of protein C activation and subsequent degradation of FVa and increase in FVa by antithrombin-independent thrombin inhibitors may contribute to the paradoxical TG enhancement, and edoxaban may inhibit PC activation and FVa degradation as a result of TG suppression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Tissue Factor Coagulant Activity is Regulated by the Plasma Membrane Microenvironment.

    PubMed

    Yu, Yuanjie; Böing, Anita N; Hau, Chi M; Hajji, Najat; Ruf, Wolfram; Sturk, Auguste; Nieuwland, Rienk

    2018-06-01

     Tissue factor (TF) can be present in a non-coagulant and coagulant form. Whether the coagulant activity is affected by the plasma membrane microenvironment is unexplored.  This article studies the presence and coagulant activity of human TF in plasma membrane micro-domains.  Plasma membranes were isolated from human MIA PaCa2 cells, MDA-MB-231 cells and human vascular smooth muscle cells by Percoll gradient ultracentrifugation after cell disruption. Plasma membranes were fractionated by OptiPrep gradient ultracentrifugation, and the presence of TF, flotillin, caveolin, clathrin, protein disulphide isomerase (PDI), TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and phosphatidylserine (PS) were determined.  Plasma membranes contain two detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) compartments differing in density and biochemical composition. High-density DRMs (DRM-H) have a density ( ρ ) of 1.15 to 1.20 g/mL and contain clathrin, whereas low-density DRMs (DRM-L) have a density between 1.09 and 1.13 g/mL and do not contain clathrin. Both DRMs contain TF, flotillin and caveolin. PDI is detectable in DRM-H, TFPI is not detectable in either DMR-H or DRM-L and PS is detectable in DRM-L. The DRM-H-associated TF (> 95% of the TF antigen) lacks detectable coagulant activity, whereas the DRM-L-associated TF triggers coagulation. This coagulant activity is inhibited by lactadherin and thus PS-dependent, but seemed insensitive to 16F16, an inhibitor of PDI.  Non-coagulant and coagulant TF are present within different types of DRMs in the plasma membrane, and the composition of these DRMs may affect the TF coagulant activity. Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart.

  6. Biological effects of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on human endometrial fibroblasts.

    PubMed

    Anitua, Eduardo; de la Fuente, María; Ferrando, Marcos; Quintana, Fernando; Larreategui, Zaloa; Matorras, Roberto; Orive, Gorka

    2016-11-01

    To evaluate the biological outcomes of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on human endometrial fibroblasts in culture. PRGF was obtained from three healthy donors and human endometrial fibroblasts (HEF) were isolated from endometrial specimens from five healthy women. The effects of PRGF on cell proliferation and migration, secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), procollagen type I and hyaluronic acid (HA) and contractility of isolated and cultured human endometrial fibroblasts (HEF) were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed in order to compare the effects of PRGF with respect to control situation (T-test or Mann-Whitney U-test). We report a significantly elevated human endometrial fibroblast proliferation and migration after treatment with PRGF. In addition, stimulation of HEF with PRGF induced an increased expression of the angiogenic factor VEGF and favored the endometrial matrix remodeling by the secretion of procollagen type I and HA and endometrial regeneration by elevating the contractility of HEF. These results were obtained for all PRGF donors and each endometrial cell line. The myriad of growth factors contained in PRGF promoted HEF proliferation, migration and synthesis of paracrine molecules apart from increasing their contractility potential. These preliminary results suggest that PRGF improves the biological activity of HEF in vitro, enhancing the regulation of several cellular processes implied in endometrial regeneration. This innovative treatment deserves further investigation for its potential in "in vivo" endometrial development and especially in human embryo implantation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. PBPK-Based Probabilistic Risk Assessment for Total Chlorotriazines in Drinking Water

    PubMed Central

    Breckenridge, Charles B.; Campbell, Jerry L.; Clewell, Harvey J.; Andersen, Melvin E.; Valdez-Flores, Ciriaco; Sielken, Robert L.

    2016-01-01

    The risk of human exposure to total chlorotriazines (TCT) in drinking water was evaluated using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. Daily TCT (atrazine, deethylatrazine, deisopropylatrazine, and diaminochlorotriazine) chemographs were constructed for 17 frequently monitored community water systems (CWSs) using linear interpolation and Krieg estimates between observed TCT values. Synthetic chemographs were created using a conservative bias factor of 3 to generate intervening peaks between measured values. Drinking water consumption records from 24-h diaries were used to calculate daily exposure. Plasma TCT concentrations were updated every 30 minutes using the PBPK model output for each simulated calendar year from 2006 to 2010. Margins of exposure (MOEs) were calculated (MOE = [Human Plasma TCTPOD] ÷ [Human Plasma TCTEXP]) based on the toxicological point of departure (POD) and the drinking water-derived exposure to TCT. MOEs were determined based on 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 28, or 90 days of rolling average exposures and plasma TCT Cmax, or the area under the curve (AUC). Distributions of MOE were determined and the 99.9th percentile was used for risk assessment. MOEs for all 17 CWSs were >1000 at the 99.9th percentile. The 99.9th percentile of the MOE distribution was 2.8-fold less when the 3-fold synthetic chemograph bias factor was used. MOEs were insensitive to interpolation method, the consumer’s age, the water consumption database used and the duration of time over which the rolling average plasma TCT was calculated, for up to 90 days. MOEs were sensitive to factors that modified the toxicological, or hyphenated appropriately no-observed-effects level (NOEL), including rat strain, endpoint used, method of calculating the NOEL, and the pharmacokinetics of elimination, as well as the magnitude of exposure (CWS, calendar year, and use of bias factors). PMID:26794141

  8. PBPK-Based Probabilistic Risk Assessment for Total Chlorotriazines in Drinking Water.

    PubMed

    Breckenridge, Charles B; Campbell, Jerry L; Clewell, Harvey J; Andersen, Melvin E; Valdez-Flores, Ciriaco; Sielken, Robert L

    2016-04-01

    The risk of human exposure to total chlorotriazines (TCT) in drinking water was evaluated using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. Daily TCT (atrazine, deethylatrazine, deisopropylatrazine, and diaminochlorotriazine) chemographs were constructed for 17 frequently monitored community water systems (CWSs) using linear interpolation and Krieg estimates between observed TCT values. Synthetic chemographs were created using a conservative bias factor of 3 to generate intervening peaks between measured values. Drinking water consumption records from 24-h diaries were used to calculate daily exposure. Plasma TCT concentrations were updated every 30 minutes using the PBPK model output for each simulated calendar year from 2006 to 2010. Margins of exposure (MOEs) were calculated (MOE = [Human Plasma TCTPOD] ÷ [Human Plasma TCTEXP]) based on the toxicological point of departure (POD) and the drinking water-derived exposure to TCT. MOEs were determined based on 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 28, or 90 days of rolling average exposures and plasma TCT Cmax, or the area under the curve (AUC). Distributions of MOE were determined and the 99.9th percentile was used for risk assessment. MOEs for all 17 CWSs were >1000 at the 99.9(th)percentile. The 99.9(th)percentile of the MOE distribution was 2.8-fold less when the 3-fold synthetic chemograph bias factor was used. MOEs were insensitive to interpolation method, the consumer's age, the water consumption database used and the duration of time over which the rolling average plasma TCT was calculated, for up to 90 days. MOEs were sensitive to factors that modified the toxicological, or hyphenated appropriately no-observed-effects level (NOEL), including rat strain, endpoint used, method of calculating the NOEL, and the pharmacokinetics of elimination, as well as the magnitude of exposure (CWS, calendar year, and use of bias factors). © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology.

  9. Effect of hydration on plasma volume and endocrine responses to water immersion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Harrison, M. H.; Keil, L. C.; Wade, C. A.; Silver, J. E.; Geelen, G.

    1986-01-01

    The effect of hydration status on early endocrine responses and on osmotic and intravascular volume changes during immersion was determined in humans undergoing successive periods of dehydration, immersion, rehydration, and immersion. Immersion caused an isotonic expansion of plasma volume, as well as suppression of plasma renin activity and aldosterone, which all occurred independently of hydration status. On the other hand, the concentration of plasma vasopressin (PVP) was found to decrease during dehydrated immersion, but not during rehydrated immersion. It is concluded that plasma tonicity is not a factor influencing PVP suppression during water immersion.

  10. Recommendations for Improving Identification and Quantification in Non-Targeted, GC-MS-Based Metabolomic Profiling of Human Plasma

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Hanghang; Muehlbauer, Michael J.; O’Neal, Sara K.; Newgard, Christopher B.; Hauser, Elizabeth R.; Shah, Svati H.

    2017-01-01

    The field of metabolomics as applied to human disease and health is rapidly expanding. In recent efforts of metabolomics research, greater emphasis has been placed on quality control and method validation. In this study, we report an experience with quality control and a practical application of method validation. Specifically, we sought to identify and modify steps in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based, non-targeted metabolomic profiling of human plasma that could influence metabolite identification and quantification. Our experimental design included two studies: (1) a limiting-dilution study, which investigated the effects of dilution on analyte identification and quantification; and (2) a concentration-specific study, which compared the optimal plasma extract volume established in the first study with the volume used in the current institutional protocol. We confirmed that contaminants, concentration, repeatability and intermediate precision are major factors influencing metabolite identification and quantification. In addition, we established methods for improved metabolite identification and quantification, which were summarized to provide recommendations for experimental design of GC-MS-based non-targeted profiling of human plasma. PMID:28841195

  11. Platelet-rich plasma stimulated by pulse electric fields: Platelet activation, procoagulant markers, growth factor release and cell proliferation.

    PubMed

    Frelinger, A L; Torres, A S; Caiafa, A; Morton, C A; Berny-Lang, M A; Gerrits, A J; Carmichael, S L; Neculaes, V B; Michelson, A D

    2016-01-01

    Therapeutic use of activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been explored for wound healing, hemostasis and antimicrobial wound applications. Pulse electric field (PEF) stimulation may provide more consistent platelet activation and avoid complications associated with the addition of bovine thrombin, the current state of the art ex vivo activator of therapeutic PRP. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of PEF, bovine thrombin and thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP) to activate human PRP, release growth factors and induce cell proliferation in vitro. Human PRP was prepared in the Harvest SmartPreP2 System and treated with vehicle, PEF, bovine thrombin, TRAP or Triton X-100. Platelet activation and procoagulant markers and microparticle generation were measured by flow cytometry. Released growth factors were measured by ELISA. The releasates were tested for their ability to stimulate proliferation of human epithelial cells in culture. PEF produced more platelet-derived microparticles, P-selectin-positive particles and procoagulant annexin V-positive particles than bovine thrombin or TRAP. These differences were associated with higher levels of released epidermal growth factor after PEF than after bovine thrombin or TRAP but similar levels of platelet-derived, vascular-endothelial, and basic fibroblast growth factors, and platelet factor 4. Supernatant from PEF-treated platelets significantly increased cell proliferation compared to plasma. In conclusion, PEF treatment of fresh PRP results in generation of microparticles, exposure of prothrombotic platelet surfaces, differential release of growth factors compared to bovine thrombin and TRAP and significant cell proliferation. These results, together with PEF's inherent advantages, suggest that PEF may be a superior alternative to bovine thrombin activation of PRP for therapeutic applications.

  12. Circulating factors induce coronary endothelial ceIl activation foIlowing exposure to inhaled diesel exhaust and nitrogen dioxide in humans :Evidence from a novel translational in vitro model

    EPA Science Inventory

    The vascular toxicity of inhaled agents may be caused by soluble factors that are released into the systemic circulation. To confirm this in a straightforward manner, we obtained plasma from healthy human volunteers before and after exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) and nitrogen di...

  13. Plasma Sterilization: New Epoch in Medical Textiles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Senthilkumar, P.; Arun, N.; Vigneswaran, C.

    2015-04-01

    Clothing is perceived to be second skin to the human body since it is in close contact with the human skin most of the times. In hospitals, use of textile materials in different forms and sterilization of these materials is an essential requirement for preventing spread of germs. The need for appropriate disinfection and sterilization techniques is of paramount importance. There has been a continuous demand for novel sterilization techniques appropriate for use on various textile materials as the existing sterilization techniques suffer from various technical and economical drawbacks. Plasma sterilization is the alternative method, which is friendlier and more effective on the wide spectrum of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Basically, the main inactivation factors for cells exposed to plasma are heat, UV radiation and various reactive species. Plasma exposure can kill micro-organisms on a surface in addition to removing adsorbed monolayer of surface contaminants. Advantages of plasma surface treatment are removal of contaminants from the surface, change in the surface energy and sterilization of the surface. Plasma sterilization aims to kill and/or remove all micro-organisms which may cause infection of humans or animals, or which can cause spoilage of foods or other goods. This review paper emphasizes necessity for sterilization, essentials of sterilization, mechanism of plasma sterilization and the parameters influencing it.

  14. Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides inhibit the intrinsic tenase complex.

    PubMed

    Sheehan, J P; Lan, H C

    1998-09-01

    Systemic administration of ISIS 2302, a 20-mer antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide targeting human intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mRNA, causes prolongation of plasma clotting times in both monkey and human studies. The anticoagulant effects of ISIS 2302 were investigated with both in vitro coagulation assays in human plasma and purified enzyme systems. At high oligonucleotide plasma concentrations (>100 microgram/mL), prolongation of the prothrombin and thrombin times was observed. In a thrombin time assay using purified components, high concentrations of ISIS 2302 inhibited thrombin clotting activity both by stimulating inhibition by heparin cofactor II and directly competing with fibrinogen for binding to anion binding exosite I. In contrast, low concentrations of ISIS 2302 (<100 microgram/mL) showed a selective, linear prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT). The rate limiting effect of 50 microgram/mL ISIS 2302, which prolonged the PTT to 1.5 times control, was identified by sequential modification of the clotting assay. Delaying addition of oligonucleotide until after contact activation failed to correct prolongation of the PTT. The calcium-dependent steps of the intrinsic pathway were individually assessed by adding sufficient activated coagulation factor to correct the PTT in plasma deficient in that specific factor. Addition of factor XIa, IXa, VIIIa, or Va failed to correct the PTT in the presence of ISIS 2302. In contrast, 0.2 nmol/L factor Xa corrected prolongation of the PTT in factor X-deficient plasma with or without oligonucleotide present. ISIS 2302 (50 microgram/mL) did not prolong a modified Russel viper venom time, suggesting no significant inhibition of prothrombinase. Thus, 50 microgram/mL ISIS 2302 prolonged the PTT by selectively inhibiting intrinsic tenase activity. ISIS 2302 showed partial inhibition of intrinsic tenase activity (to approximately 35% of control) at clinically relevant oligonucleotide concentrations in a chromogenic assay. This activity was oligonucleotide sequence-independent but required the phosphorothioate backbone, suggesting that inhibition of intrinsic tenase is a general property of this class of oligonucleotides. These results are relevant to both the therapeutic use of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides and the potential design of inhibitors of the intrinsic tenase complex, a novel target for anticoagulation. Copyright 1998 by The American Society of Hematology.

  15. Plasma growth hormone response to human growth hormone releasing factor in rats administered with chlorpromazine and antiserum against somatostatin. Effects of hypo- and hyperthyroidism.

    PubMed

    Wakabayashi, I; Tonegawa, Y; Ihara, T; Hattori, M; Shibasaki, T; Ling, N

    1985-10-01

    The effect of hypo- and hyperthyroidism on the plasma growth hormone (GH) response to synthetic human growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) was determined in conscious, freely moving rats pretreated with chlorpromazine and antiserum against somatostatin. Chlorpromazine plus somatostatin antiserum pretreated rats gave consistent response to GRF which was not observed in untreated rats. Chlorpromazine alone has no effect on GH secretion induced by GRF in rat pituitary monolayer culture. In rats made hypothyroid by thyroidectomy, both basal and peak plasma GH responses to a small (0.25 microgram/kg bw) and a moderate dose of GRF (1 microgram/kg bw) were significantly reduced as compared to controls. In rats made hyperthyroid by the administration of thyroxine, basal and peak plasma GH responses to a small but not to a moderate dose of GRF were significantly reduced as compared to controls. A reduced plasma GH response to a small dose of GRF was observed 8 days after the cessation of thyroxine administration. The pituitary GH reserve was markedly reduced in hypothyroid but not in hyperthyroid rats as compared to their respective controls. These results indicate that plasma GH response to GRF is reduced both in hypo- and hyperthyroidism. The mechanism involved in the phenomenon appears to be different between the two conditions.

  16. A central role of eNOS in the protective effect of wine against metabolic syndrome.

    PubMed

    Leighton, Federico; Miranda-Rottmann, Soledad; Urquiaga, Inés

    2006-01-01

    The positive health effects derived from moderate wine consumption are pleiotropic. They appear as improvements in cardiovascular risk factors such as plasma lipids, haemostatic mechanisms, endothelial function and antioxidant defences. The active principles would be ethanol and mainly polyphenols. Results from our and other laboratories support the unifying hypothesis that the improvements in risk factors after red wine consumption are mediated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Many genes are involved, but the participation of eNOS would be a constant feature. The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic risk factors associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The National Cholesterol Education Programmmes Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEPATP III) clinical definition of the metabolic syndrome requires the presence of at least three risk factors, from among abdominal obesity, high plasma triacylglycerols, low plasma HDL, high blood pressure and high fasting plasma glucose. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the metabolic syndrome are not known. Since metabolic syndrome apparently affects 10-30% of the population in the world, research on its pathogenesis and control is needed. The recent finding that eNOS knockout mice present a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors comparable to those of the metabolic syndrome suggests that defects in eNOS function may cause human metabolic syndrome. These mice are hypertensive, insulin resistant and dyslipidemic. Further support for a pathogenic role of eNOS comes from the finding in humans that eNOS polymorphisms associate with insulin resistance and diabetes, with hypertension, with inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and with albuminuria. So, the data sustain the hypothesis that eNOS enhancement should reduce metabolic syndrome incidence and its consequences. Therefore red wine, since it enhances eNOS function, should be considered as a potential tool for the control of metabolic syndrome. This hypothesis is supported by epidemiological observations and needs experimental validation in human intervention studies. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  17. The clearance of /sup 131/I-human plasma ferritin in man

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Worwood, M.; Cragg, S.J.; Williams, A.M.

    1982-10-01

    Ferritin was purified 33,000-fold from the plasma of patients with idiopathic hemochromatosis. The plasma ferritin was labeled with /sup 131/I and injected into 2 normal men. Clearance was found to be relatively slow, with 50% /sup 131/I-ferritin remaining in the plasma at 27-30 hr. The fraction of plasma ferritin that bound to concanavalin-A was found to be cleared more slowly than the nonbinding fraction. These findings confirm our previous suggestion that glycosylation is a major factor prolonging the survival of ferritin in the plasma, but differ from the results of earlier studies in experimental animals and preterm infants, which indicatedmore » very rapid plasma ferritin turnover.« less

  18. Alternative pathway regulation by factor H modulates Streptococcus pneumoniae induced proinflammatory cytokine responses by decreasing C5a receptor crosstalk.

    PubMed

    van der Maten, Erika; de Bont, Cynthia M; de Groot, Ronald; de Jonge, Marien I; Langereis, Jeroen D; van der Flier, Michiel

    2016-12-01

    Bacterial pathogens not only stimulate innate immune receptors, but also activate the complement system. Crosstalk between complement C5a receptor (C5aR) and other innate immune receptors is known to enhance the proinflammatory cytokine response. An important determinant of the magnitude of complement activation is the activity of the alternative pathway, which serves as an amplification mechanism for complement activation. Both alternative pathway activity as well as plasma levels of factor H, a key inhibitor of the alternative pathway, show large variation within the human population. Here, we studied the effect of factor H-mediated regulation of the alternative pathway on bacterial-induced proinflammatory cytokine responses. We used the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae as a model stimulus to induce proinflammatory cytokine responses in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Serum containing active complement enhanced pneumococcal induced proinflammatory cytokine production through C5a release and C5aR crosstalk. We found that inhibition of the alternative pathway by factor H, with a concentration equivalent to a high physiological level, strongly reduced C5a levels and decreased proinflammatory cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This suggests that variation in alternative pathway activity due to variation in factor H plasma levels affects individual cytokine responses during infection. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Factor XI and Contact Activation as Targets for Antithrombotic Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Gailani, David; Bane, Charles E.; Gruber, Andras

    2015-01-01

    Summary The most commonly used anticoagulants produce therapeutic antithrombotic effects either by inhibiting thrombin or factor Xa, or by lowering the plasma levels of the precursors of these key enzymes, prothrombin and factor X. These drugs do not distinguish between thrombin generation contributing to thrombosis from thrombin generation required for hemostasis. Thus, anticoagulants increase bleeding risk, and many patients who would benefit from therapy go untreated because of comorbidities that place them at unacceptable risk for hemorrhage. Studies in animals demonstrate that components of the plasma contact activation system contribute to experimentally-induced thrombosis, despite playing little or no role in hemostasis. Attention has focused on factor XII, the zymogen of a protease (factor XIIa) that initiates contact activation when blood is exposed to foreign surfaces; and factor XI, the zymogen of the protease factor XIa, which links contact activation to the thrombin generation mechanism. In the case of factor XI, epidemiologic data indicate this protein contributes to stroke and venous thromboembolism, and perhaps myocardial infarction, in humans. A phase 2 trial showing that reduction of factor XI may be more effective than low-molecular-weight heparin at preventing venous thrombosis during knee replacement surgery provides proof of concept for the premise that an antithrombotic effect can be uncoupled from an anticoagulant effect in humans by targeting components of contact activation. Here we review data on the role of factor XI and factor XII in thrombosis, and results of pre-clinical and human trials for therapies targeting these proteins. PMID:25976012

  20. Identification of NaK-ATPase inhibitors in human plasma as nonesterified fatty acids and lysophospholipids.

    PubMed

    Kelly, R A; O'Hara, D S; Mitch, W E; Smith, T W

    1986-09-05

    Elevated plasma levels of factors with cardiac glycoside-like activity have been implicated in the response to volume expansion in animals and in the pathogenesis of certain human diseases. We recently described four fractions (IR1, EI1, EI2, EI3) from normal human plasma that inhibit NaK-ATPase, displace ouabain from the enzyme, and exhibit digoxin-like immunoreactivity (Kelly, R. A., O'Hara, D. S., Canessa, M. L., Mitch, W. E., and Smith, T. W. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 11396-11405). In this report, we identify the active component of these plasma fractions as long-chain nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and lysophospholipids. These lipids were present in fractions EI1, EI2, and EI3 in quantities sufficient to account for all of the NaK-ATPase inhibitory activity. The digoxin-like immunoreactivity in fraction IR1 could be attributed to hydrocortisone and other endogenous steroids. To explore the nature of the lipid-NaK-ATPase interactions, we examined the effects of various ATP or sodium concentrations on the NaK-ATPase activity measured in the presence of NEFA. Varying sodium did not affect the inhibition of NaK-ATPase by linoleic acid. At less than 0.15 mM ATP, linoleic acid stimulated NaK-ATPase, but at higher ATP concentrations, the enzyme was progressively inhibited. In summary, NEFA and lysophospholipids, at levels similar to those occurring in human plasma, may account for all of the NaK-ATPase inhibitory activity observed in human plasma fractions. These lipids probably do not directly regulate NaK-ATPase in vivo under normal physiologic conditions, but may alter the sodium pump in disease states characterized by abnormalities in lipid metabolism or plasma protein binding.

  1. Large-scale production and properties of human plasma-derived activated Factor VII concentrate.

    PubMed

    Tomokiyo, K; Yano, H; Imamura, M; Nakano, Y; Nakagaki, T; Ogata, Y; Terano, T; Miyamoto, S; Funatsu, A

    2003-01-01

    An activated Factor VII (FVIIa) concentrate, prepared from human plasma on a large scale, has to date not been available for clinical use for haemophiliacs with antibodies against FVIII and FIX. In the present study, we attempted to establish a large-scale manufacturing process to obtain plasma-derived FVIIa concentrate with high recovery and safety, and to characterize its biochemical and biological properties. FVII was purified from human cryoprecipitate-poor plasma, by a combination of anion exchange and immunoaffinity chromatography, using Ca2+-dependent anti-FVII monoclonal antibody. To activate FVII, a FVII preparation that was nanofiltered using a Bemberg Microporous Membrane-15 nm was partially converted to FVIIa by autoactivation on an anion-exchange resin. The residual FVII in the FVII and FVIIa mixture was completely activated by further incubating the mixture in the presence of Ca2+ for 18 h at 10 degrees C, without any additional activators. For preparation of the FVIIa concentrate, after dialysis of FVIIa against 20 mm citrate, pH 6.9, containing 13 mm glycine and 240 mm NaCl, the FVIIa preparation was supplemented with 2.5% human albumin (which was first pasteurized at 60 degrees C for 10 h) and lyophilized in vials. To inactivate viruses contaminating the FVIIa concentrate, the lyophilized product was further heated at 65 degrees C for 96 h in a water bath. Total recovery of FVII from 15 000 l of plasma was approximately 40%, and the FVII preparation was fully converted to FVIIa with trace amounts of degraded products (FVIIabeta and FVIIagamma). The specific activity of the FVIIa was approximately 40 U/ micro g. Furthermore, virus-spiking tests demonstrated that immunoaffinity chromatography, nanofiltration and dry-heating effectively removed and inactivated the spiked viruses in the FVIIa. These results indicated that the FVIIa concentrate had both high specific activity and safety. We established a large-scale manufacturing process of human plasma-derived FVIIa concentrate with a high yield, making it possible to provide sufficient FVIIa concentrate for use in haemophiliacs with inhibitory antibodies.

  2. Lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and human immunodeficiency virus in haemophilia.

    PubMed Central

    Cohen, H; Mackie, I J; Anagnostopoulos, N; Savage, G F; Machin, S J

    1989-01-01

    The prevalence of lupus anticoagulant, using the dilute Russell's viper venom time (DRVT), was determined in 22 patients with mild to severe haemophilia A to see if there was any association with the presence of viral disease. Twelve haemophiliacs (58%) were lupus anticoagulant positive, with a mean patient:control ratio of 1.24 (range 1.15-1.52, normal range 0.84-1.06 which partially corrected with lysed, washed platelets). Nine of these patients were IgG or IgM, or both, anticardiolipin antibody positive and nine were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody positive, but associations between lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and HIV antibody positivity were not significant. Mixing studies of normal plasma and immune depleted factor VIII deficient plasma showed that the DRVT ratio increased when the factor VIII concentration fell below 0.15 IU/ml. There was no significant association between plasma factor VIII concentration and positive DRVT results in haemophiliacs. The addition of porcine factor VIII concentrate produced no correction in eight of the 12 with DRVTs indicative of lupus anticoagulant, suggesting that these were prolonged by antiphospholipid activity. It is concluded that the presence of lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies in haemophiliacs may represent an antiphospholipid response to viraemic challenge, not only to HIV but also to other viral antigens, and that a very low factor VIII concentration may produce a false positive DRVT result. PMID:2500459

  3. Ultrasound-assisted combined with nano-sized molecularly imprinted polymer for selective extraction and pre-concentration of amitriptyline in human plasma with gas chromatography-flame detection.

    PubMed

    Khanahmadzadeh, Salah; Tarigh, Ahmad

    2014-12-01

    A new process was developed for the selective extraction and pre-concentration of amitriptyline (AT) from human plasma using nano-sized molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The nano-sized AT imprinted polymer particles were synthesized using suspension polymerization in silicon oil and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) methods. With the application of optimized values, linearity values in the ranges of 20-200μgmL(-1) and 35-200μgmL(-1) were obtained for AT with the correlation of determination values (r(2)) 0.998 and 0.995 in water and plasma, respectively. The limits of detections (S/N=3) for AT were found to be 0.7 and 1.2μgmL(-1) in water and plasma, respectively. The enrichment factors of AT in water and plasma were 52 and 40, respectively. The inter-day precisions (%) were in the range of 5.8-9.2%. Relative recovery rates ranged from 82.4% to 92.3%. The method was successfully applied to determine AT in the human plasma samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Chronic Exercise Reduces CETP and Mesterolone Treatment Counteracts Exercise Benefits on Plasma Lipoproteins Profile: Studies in Transgenic Mice.

    PubMed

    Casquero, Andrea Camargo; Berti, Jairo Augusto; Teixeira, Laura Lauand Sampaio; de Oliveira, Helena Coutinho Franco

    2017-12-01

    Regular exercise and anabolic androgenic steroids have opposing effects on the plasma lipoprotein profile and risk of cardio-metabolic diseases in humans. Studies in humans and animal models show conflicting results. Here, we used a mice model genetically modified to mimic human lipoprotein profile and metabolism. They under-express the endogenous LDL receptor gene (R1) and express a human transgene encoding the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), normally absent in mice. The present study was designed to evaluate the independent and interactive effects of testosterone supplementation, exercise training and CETP expression on the plasma lipoprotein profile and CETP activity. CETP/R1 and R1 mice were submitted to a 6-week swimming training and mesterolone (MEST) supplementation in the last 3 weeks. MEST treatment increased markedly LDL levels (40%) in sedentary CETP/R1 mice and reduced HDL levels in exercised R1 mice (18%). A multifactorial ANOVA revealed the independent effects of each factor, as follows. CETP expression reduced HDL (21%) and increased non-HDL (15%) fractions. MEST treatment increased the VLDL concentrations (42%) regardless of other interventions. Exercise training reduced triacylglycerol (25%) and free fatty acids (20%), increased both LDL and HDL (25-33%), and reduced CETP (19%) plasma levels. Significant factor interactions showed that the increase in HDL induced by exercise is explained by reducing CETP activity and that MEST blunted the exercise-induced elevation of HDL-cholesterol. These results reinforce the positive metabolic effects of exercise, resolved a controversy about CETP response to exercise and evidenced MEST potency to counteract specific exercise benefits.

  5. Plasma membrane organization promotes virulence of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans

    PubMed Central

    Douglas, Lois M.; Konopka, James. B.

    2017-01-01

    Candida albicans is a human fungal pathogen capable of causing lethal systemic infections. The plasma membrane plays key roles in virulence because it not only functions as a protective barrier, it also mediates dynamic functions including secretion of virulence factors, cell wall synthesis, invasive hyphal morphogenesis, endocytosis, and nutrient uptake. Consistent with this functional complexity, the plasma membrane is composed of a wide array of lipids and proteins. These components are organized into distinct domains that will be the topic of this review. Some of the plasma membrane domains that will be described are known to act as scaffolds or barriers to diffusion, such as MCC/eisosomes, septins, and sites of contact with the endoplasmic reticulum. Other zones mediate dynamic processes, including secretion, endocytosis, and a special region at hyphal tips that facilitates rapid growth. The highly organized architecture of the plasma membrane facilitates the coordination of diverse functions and promotes the pathogenesis of C. albicans. PMID:26920878

  6. Plasma membrane organization promotes virulence of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans.

    PubMed

    Douglas, Lois M; Konopka, James B

    2016-03-01

    Candida albicans is a human fungal pathogen capable of causing lethal systemic infections. The plasma membrane plays key roles in virulence because it not only functions as a protective barrier, it also mediates dynamic functions including secretion of virulence factors, cell wall synthesis, invasive hyphal morphogenesis, endocytosis, and nutrient uptake. Consistent with this functional complexity, the plasma membrane is composed of a wide array of lipids and proteins. These components are organized into distinct domains that will be the topic of this review. Some of the plasma membrane domains that will be described are known to act as scaffolds or barriers to diffusion, such as MCC/eisosomes, septins, and sites of contact with the endoplasmic reticulum. Other zones mediate dynamic processes, including secretion, endocytosis, and a special region at hyphal tips that facilitates rapid growth. The highly organized architecture of the plasma membrane facilitates the coordination of diverse functions and promotes the pathogenesis of C. albicans.

  7. Plasma endocannabinoid levels in lean, overweight and obese humans: relationships with intestinal permeability markers, inflammation and incretin secretion.

    PubMed

    Little, Tanya J; Cvijanovic, Nada; DiPatrizio, Nicholas V; Argueta, Donovan A; Rayner, Christopher K; Feinle-Bisset, Christine; Young, Richard L

    2018-02-13

    Intestinal production of endocannabinoid and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is impaired in high-fat diet/obese rodents, leading to reduced satiety. Such diets also alter the intestinal microbiome in association with enhanced intestinal permeability and inflammation, however little is known of these effects in humans. This study aimed to: (i) evaluate effects of lipid on plasma anandamide (AEA), 2-arachidonyl-sn-glycerol (2-AG) and OEA in humans, and (ii) examine relationships with intestinal permeability, inflammation markers and incretin hormone secretion. 20 lean, 18 overweight and 19 obese participants underwent intraduodenal Intralipid® infusion (2 kcal/min) with collection of endoscopic duodenal biopsies and blood. Plasma AEA, 2-AG, and OEA (HPLC/tandem mass spectrometry), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) (multiplex), and duodenal expression of occludin, zona-occludin-1 (ZO-1), intestinal-alkaline-phosphatase (IAP), and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) (RT-PCR), were assessed. Fasting plasma AEA was increased in obese, compared with lean and overweight (P<0.05), with no effect of BMI group or ID lipid infusion on plasma 2-AG or OEA. Duodenal expression of IAP and ZO-1 was reduced in obese, compared with lean (P<0.05), and these levels related negatively to plasma AEA (P<0.05). The iAUC for AEA was positively related to iAUC GIP (r=0.384, P=0.005). Obese individuals have increased plasma AEA and decreased duodenal expression of ZO-1 and IAP, in comparison to lean and overweight. The relationships between plasma AEA with duodenal ZO-1 and IAP, and GIP, suggest that altered endocannabinoid signalling may contribute to changes in intestinal permeability, inflammation and incretin release in human obesity.

  8. Detergent solubilization of the EGF receptor from A431 cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dayanidhi, R.; Rintoul, D. A.; Spooner, B. S. (Principal Investigator)

    1993-01-01

    Functional reconstitution of purified preparations of human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) requires dissociation of the protein from its plasma membrane lipid environment. Solubilization of membrane proteins in this manner requires the use of detergents, which are known to disrupt plasma membrane lipid/protein interactions. We have investigated the ability of three nonionic detergents to solubilize the human EGFR selectively, and have also analyzed the effect of these various treatments on the intrinsic tyrosyl kinase activity of the receptor. The nonionic detergent known as n-octyl glucoside (n-octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside) was found to give the best combination of selectivity, yield, and maintenance of enzymatic activity of the human EGFR.

  9. Endothelin-3 production by human rhabdomyosarcoma: a possible new marker with a paracrine role.

    PubMed

    Palladini, Arianna; Astolfi, Annalisa; Croci, Stefania; De Giovanni, Carla; Nicoletti, Giordano; Rosolen, Angelo; Sartori, Francesca; Lollini, Pier-Luigi; Landuzzi, Lorena; Nanni, Patrizia

    2006-03-01

    Several autocrine and paracrine growth factor circuits have been found in human rhabdomyosarcoma cells. In this study we show that endothelin-3 (ET-3), a vasoactive peptide, is produced by human rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, whereas it is not expressed by human sarcoma cell lines of non-muscle origin. We did not find evidence of a significant autocrine loop; nevertheless ET-3 produced by rhabdomyosarcoma cells can act as a paracrine factor, since it promotes migration of endothelial cells. Moreover ET-3 is present in plasma of mice bearing xenografts of human rhabdomyosarcoma cells, and may be potential new marker of the human rhabdomyosarcoma to be studied further.

  10. Endogenous circulating sympatholytic factor in orthostatic intolerance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shapiro, R. E.; Winters, B.; Hales, M.; Barnett, T.; Schwinn, D. A.; Flavahan, N.; Berkowitz, D. E.

    2000-01-01

    Sympathotonic orthostatic hypotension (SOH) is an idiopathic syndrome characterized by tachycardia, hypotension, elevated plasma norepinephrine, and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance provoked by assumption of an upright posture. We studied a woman with severe progressive SOH with blood pressure unresponsive to the pressor effects of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonists. We tested the hypothesis that a circulating factor in this patient interferes with vascular adrenergic neurotransmission. Preincubation of porcine pulmonary artery vessel rings with patient plasma produced a dose-dependent inhibition of vasoconstriction to phenylephrine in vitro, abolished vasoconstriction to direct electrical stimulation, and had no effect on nonadrenergic vasoconstrictive stimuli (endothelin-1), PGF-2alpha (or KCl). Preincubation of vessels with control plasma was devoid of these effects. SOH plasma inhibited the binding of an alpha(1)-selective antagonist radioligand ([(125)I]HEAT) to membrane fractions derived from porcine pulmonary artery vessel rings, rat liver, and cell lines selectively overexpressing human ARs of the alpha(1B) subtype but not other AR subtypes (alpha(1A) and alpha(1D)). We conclude that a factor in SOH plasma can selectively and irreversibly inhibit adrenergic ligand binding to alpha(1B) ARs. We propose that this factor contributes to a novel pathogenesis for SOH in this patient. This patient's syndrome represents a new disease entity, and her plasma may provide a unique tool for probing the selective functions of alpha(1)-ARs.

  11. The human plasma-metabolome: Reference values in 800 French healthy volunteers; impact of cholesterol, gender and age

    PubMed Central

    Al-Salameh, Abdallah; Croixmarie, Vincent; Masson, Perrine; Corruble, Emmanuelle; Fève, Bruno; Colle, Romain; Ripoll, Laurent; Walther, Bernard; Boursier-Neyret, Claire; Werner, Erwan; Becquemont, Laurent; Chanson, Philippe

    2017-01-01

    Metabolomic approaches are increasingly used to identify new disease biomarkers, yet normal values of many plasma metabolites remain poorly defined. The aim of this study was to define the “normal” metabolome in healthy volunteers. We included 800 French volunteers aged between 18 and 86, equally distributed according to sex, free of any medication and considered healthy on the basis of their medical history, clinical examination and standard laboratory tests. We quantified 185 plasma metabolites, including amino acids, biogenic amines, acylcarnitines, phosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins and hexose, using tandem mass spectrometry with the Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit. Principal components analysis was applied to identify the main factors responsible for metabolome variability and orthogonal projection to latent structures analysis was employed to confirm the observed patterns and identify pattern-related metabolites. We established a plasma metabolite reference dataset for 144/185 metabolites. Total blood cholesterol, gender and age were identified as the principal factors explaining metabolome variability. High total blood cholesterol levels were associated with higher plasma sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines concentrations. Compared to women, men had higher concentrations of creatinine, branched-chain amino acids and lysophosphatidylcholines, and lower concentrations of sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines. Elderly healthy subjects had higher sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines plasma levels than young subjects. We established reference human metabolome values in a large and well-defined population of French healthy volunteers. This study provides an essential baseline for defining the “normal” metabolome and its main sources of variation. PMID:28278231

  12. The human plasma-metabolome: Reference values in 800 French healthy volunteers; impact of cholesterol, gender and age.

    PubMed

    Trabado, Séverine; Al-Salameh, Abdallah; Croixmarie, Vincent; Masson, Perrine; Corruble, Emmanuelle; Fève, Bruno; Colle, Romain; Ripoll, Laurent; Walther, Bernard; Boursier-Neyret, Claire; Werner, Erwan; Becquemont, Laurent; Chanson, Philippe

    2017-01-01

    Metabolomic approaches are increasingly used to identify new disease biomarkers, yet normal values of many plasma metabolites remain poorly defined. The aim of this study was to define the "normal" metabolome in healthy volunteers. We included 800 French volunteers aged between 18 and 86, equally distributed according to sex, free of any medication and considered healthy on the basis of their medical history, clinical examination and standard laboratory tests. We quantified 185 plasma metabolites, including amino acids, biogenic amines, acylcarnitines, phosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins and hexose, using tandem mass spectrometry with the Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit. Principal components analysis was applied to identify the main factors responsible for metabolome variability and orthogonal projection to latent structures analysis was employed to confirm the observed patterns and identify pattern-related metabolites. We established a plasma metabolite reference dataset for 144/185 metabolites. Total blood cholesterol, gender and age were identified as the principal factors explaining metabolome variability. High total blood cholesterol levels were associated with higher plasma sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines concentrations. Compared to women, men had higher concentrations of creatinine, branched-chain amino acids and lysophosphatidylcholines, and lower concentrations of sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines. Elderly healthy subjects had higher sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines plasma levels than young subjects. We established reference human metabolome values in a large and well-defined population of French healthy volunteers. This study provides an essential baseline for defining the "normal" metabolome and its main sources of variation.

  13. Targeted inactivation of the mouse locus encoding coagulation factor XIII-A: hemostatic abnormalities in mutant mice and characterization of the coagulation deficit.

    PubMed

    Lauer, Peter; Metzner, Hubert J; Zettlmeissl, Gerd; Li, Meng; Smith, Austin G; Lathe, Richard; Dickneite, Gerhard

    2002-12-01

    Blood coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) promotes cross-linking of fibrin during blood coagulation; impaired clot stabilization in human genetic deficiency is associated with marked pathologies of major clinical impact, including bleeding symptoms and deficient wound healing. To investigate the role of FXIII we employed homologous recombination to generate a targeted deletion of the inferred exon 7 of the FXIII-A gene. FXIII transglutaminase activity in plasma was reduced to about 50% in mice heterozygous for the mutant allele, and was abolished in homozygous null mice. Plasma fibrin gamma-dimerization was also indetectable in the homozygous deficient animals, confirming the absence of activatable FXIII. Homozygous mutant mice were fertile, although reproduction was impaired. Bleeding episodes, hematothorax, hematoperitoneum and subcutaneous hemorrhage in mutant mice were associated with reduced survival. Arrest of tail-tip bleeding in FXIII-A deficient mice was markedly and significantly delayed; replacement of mutant mice with human plasma FXIII (Fibrogammin P) restored bleeding time to within the normal range. Thrombelastography (TEG) experiments demonstrated impaired clot stabilization in FXIII-A mutant mice, replacement with human FXIII led to dose-dependent TEG normalization. The mutant mice thus reiterate some key features of the human genetic disorder: they will be valuable in assessing the role of FXIII in other associated pathologies and the development of new therapies.

  14. Preparation of a Homologous (Human) Intravenous Botulinal Immune Globulin.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-05-01

    lipoprotein ( HDL ) per ml of plasma to ŗ.06 mg/ml for beta- lipoprotein (LDL). Triglyceride and cholesterol levels were intermediate within this...OF LIPOPROTEIN DURING FRACTIONATION "( HDL ) (LDL) Triglyceride Cholesterol cxLipoprotein 8 LipoproteinSample mg/ml mg/ml mg/mi m/ml IVBG-l.A:"Plasma...plasminogen, prekallikrein, triglycerides , cholesterol , alpha- lipoprotein , beta- lipoprotein , clotting factors, fibrinogen and complement

  15. Equid Herpesvirus Type 1 Activates Platelets

    PubMed Central

    Stokol, Tracy; Yeo, Wee Ming; Burnett, Deborah; DeAngelis, Nicole; Huang, Teng; Osterrieder, Nikolaus; Catalfamo, James

    2015-01-01

    Equid herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) causes outbreaks of abortion and neurological disease in horses. One of the main causes of these clinical syndromes is thrombosis in placental and spinal cord vessels, however the mechanism for thrombus formation is unknown. Platelets form part of the thrombus and amplify and propagate thrombin generation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that EHV-1 activates platelets. We found that two EHV-1 strains, RacL11 and Ab4 at 0.5 or higher plaque forming unit/cell, activate platelets within 10 minutes, causing α-granule secretion (surface P-selectin expression) and platelet microvesiculation (increased small events double positive for CD41 and Annexin V). Microvesiculation was more pronounced with the RacL11 strain. Virus-induced P-selectin expression required plasma and 1.0 mM exogenous calcium. P-selectin expression was abolished and microvesiculation was significantly reduced in factor VII- or X-deficient human plasma. Both P-selectin expression and microvesiculation were re-established in factor VII-deficient human plasma with added purified human factor VIIa (1 nM). A glycoprotein C-deficient mutant of the Ab4 strain activated platelets as effectively as non-mutated Ab4. P-selectin expression was abolished and microvesiculation was significantly reduced by preincubation of virus with a goat polyclonal anti-rabbit tissue factor antibody. Infectious virus could be retrieved from washed EHV-1-exposed platelets, suggesting a direct platelet-virus interaction. Our results indicate that EHV-1 activates equine platelets and that α-granule secretion is a consequence of virus-associated tissue factor triggering factor X activation and thrombin generation. Microvesiculation was only partly tissue factor and thrombin-dependent, suggesting the virus causes microvesiculation through other mechanisms, potentially through direct binding. These findings suggest that EHV-1-induced platelet activation could contribute to the thrombosis that occurs in clinically infected horses and provides a new mechanism by which viruses activate hemostasis. PMID:25905776

  16. Non-thermal Plasma Activates Human Keratinocytes by Stimulation of Antioxidant and Phase II Pathways

    PubMed Central

    Schmidt, Anke; Dietrich, Stephan; Steuer, Anna; Weltmann, Klaus-Dieter; von Woedtke, Thomas; Masur, Kai; Wende, Kristian

    2015-01-01

    Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma provides a novel therapeutic opportunity to control redox-based processes, e.g. wound healing, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. By spatial and time-resolved delivery of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, it allows stimulation or inhibition of cellular processes in biological systems. Our data show that both gene and protein expression is highly affected by non-thermal plasma. Nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (NRF2) and phase II enzyme pathway components were found to act as key controllers orchestrating the cellular response in keratinocytes. Additionally, glutathione metabolism, which is a marker for NRF2-related signaling events, was affected. Among the most robustly increased genes and proteins, heme oxygenase 1, NADPH-quinone oxidoreductase 1, and growth factors were found. The roles of NRF2 targets, investigated by siRNA silencing, revealed that NRF2 acts as an important switch for sensing oxidative stress events. Moreover, the influence of non-thermal plasma on the NRF2 pathway prepares cells against exogenic noxae and increases their resilience against oxidative species. Via paracrine mechanisms, distant cells benefit from cell-cell communication. The finding that non-thermal plasma triggers hormesis-like processes in keratinocytes facilitates the understanding of plasma-tissue interaction and its clinical application. PMID:25589789

  17. The Interplay of IL-21 and BAFF in the Formation and Maintenance of Human B Cell Memory

    PubMed Central

    Karnell, Jodi L.; Ettinger, Rachel

    2011-01-01

    To date, IL-21 stands out as the most influential cytokine for human B cell activation and differentiation. Indeed, when compared to other important B cell tropic cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10, IL-21 is clearly the most potent in terms of its ability to influence humoral immune responses in humans. IL-21 has wide reaching actions in determining how B cells will respond to co-stimulation ranging from induction of cell death upon BCR crosslinking to potent induction of class switch recombination and plasma cell differentiation when CD40 molecules are co-engaged. Another crucial B cell factor, exemplified in recent clinical trials, is BAFF/BLys. BAFF plays a critical role in the survival of human B cells and plasma blasts and influences B cell expansion and migration. Recent evidence has shown that IL-21 and BAFF can work in concert to promote and perhaps maintain humoral immunity in humans. Notably, BAFF has the unique ability to substitute for CD40L activities in regard to IL-21-co-stimulation and differentiation of a specific B cell subpopulation located in the human splenic marginal zone. However, and perhaps surprisingly, BAFF signals do not have the capability to override IL-21-driven cell death events when BCR is engaged. In stark contrast, anti-CD40 ligation of B cells co-activated with IL-21 and anti-IgM not only reverses this aforementioned activation-induced cell death, but transforms this death signal into one that drives plasma cell differentiation. Here we will discuss these two critical B cell factors, IL-21 and BAFF, and their distinct and complimentary effects on human B cell responses. PMID:22566888

  18. Redox Stimulation of Human THP-1 Monocytes in Response to Cold Physical Plasma.

    PubMed

    Bekeschus, Sander; Schmidt, Anke; Bethge, Lydia; Masur, Kai; von Woedtke, Thomas; Hasse, Sybille; Wende, Kristian

    2016-01-01

    In plasma medicine, cold physical plasma delivers a delicate mixture of reactive components to cells and tissues. Recent studies suggested a beneficial role of cold plasma in wound healing. Yet, the biological processes related to the redox modulation via plasma are not fully understood. We here used the monocytic cell line THP-1 as a model to test their response to cold plasma in vitro. Intriguingly, short term plasma treatment stimulated cell growth. Longer exposure only modestly compromised cell viability but apparently supported the growth of cells that were enlarged in size and that showed enhanced metabolic activity. A significantly increased mitochondrial content in plasma treated cells supported this notion. On THP-1 cell proteome level, we identified an increase of protein translation with key regulatory proteins being involved in redox regulation (hypoxia inducible factor 2α), differentiation (retinoic acid signaling and interferon inducible factors), and cell growth (Yin Yang 1). Regulation of inflammation is a key element in many chronic diseases, and we found a significantly increased expression of the anti-inflammatory heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) and of the neutrophil attractant chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8). Together, these results foster the view that cold physical plasma modulates the redox balance and inflammatory processes in wound related cells.

  19. THE INHIBITION OF PLASMIN, PLASMA KALLIKREIN, PLASMA PERMEABILITY FACTOR, AND THE C'1r SUBCOMPONENT OF THE FIRST COMPONENT OF COMPLEMENT BY SERUM C'1 ESTERASE INHIBITOR

    PubMed Central

    Ratnoff, Oscar D.; Pensky, Jack; Ogston, Derek; Naff, George B.

    1969-01-01

    The fraction of human serum designated as C'1 esterase inhibitor is known to inhibit the action of C'1 esterase, a plasma kallikrein, and PF/Dil, an enzyme in plasma enhancing cutaneous vascular permeability. In the present study, C'1 esterase inhibitor has been found to block the actions of plasmin and the C'1r subcomponent of the first component of complement, and to retard the generation of PF/Dil. No inhibition of blood clotting or of the generation of plasmin was demonstrable. PMID:4178758

  20. Development and validation of LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of oxcarbazepine in human plasma using an experimental design.

    PubMed

    Srinubabu, Gedela; Ratnam, Bandaru Veera Venkata; Rao, Allam Appa; Rao, Medicherla Narasimha

    2008-01-01

    A rapid tandem mass spectrometric (MS-MS) method for the quantification of Oxcarbazepine (OXB) in human plasma using imipramine as an internal standard (IS) has been developed and validated. Chromatographic separation was achieved isocratically on a C18 reversed-phase column within 3.0 min, using a mobile phase of acetonitrile-10 mM ammonium formate (90 : 10 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. Quantitation was achieved using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scan at MRM transitions m/z 253>208 and m/z 281>86 for OXB and the IS respectively. Calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 0.2-16 mug/ml (r>0.999) with a limit of quantification of 0.2 mug/ml. Analytical recoveries of OXB from spiked human plasma were in the range of 74.9 to 76.3%. Plackett-Burman design was applied for screening of chromatographic and mass spectrometric factors; factorial design was applied for optimization of essential factors for the robustness study. A linear model was postulated and a 2(3) full factorial design was employed to estimate the model coefficients for intermediate precision. More specifically, experimental design helps the researcher to verify if changes in factor values produce a statistically significant variation of the observed response. The strategy is most effective if statistical design is used in most or all stages of the screening and optimizing process for future method validation of pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies.

  1. Fluorescent quantification of terazosin hydrochloride content in human plasma and tablets using second-order calibration based on both parallel factor analysis and alternating penalty trilinear decomposition.

    PubMed

    Zou, Hong-Yan; Wu, Hai-Long; OuYang, Li-Qun; Zhang, Yan; Nie, Jin-Fang; Fu, Hai-Yan; Yu, Ru-Qin

    2009-09-14

    Two second-order calibration methods based on the parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and the alternating penalty trilinear decomposition (APTLD) method, have been utilized for the direct determination of terazosin hydrochloride (THD) in human plasma samples, coupled with the excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the two algorithms combing with the standard addition procedures have been applied for the determination of terazosin hydrochloride in tablets and the results were validated by the high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. These second-order calibrations all adequately exploited the second-order advantages. For human plasma samples, the average recoveries by the PARAFAC and APTLD algorithms with the factor number of 2 (N=2) were 100.4+/-2.7% and 99.2+/-2.4%, respectively. The accuracy of two algorithms was also evaluated through elliptical joint confidence region (EJCR) tests and t-test. It was found that both algorithms could give accurate results, and only the performance of APTLD was slightly better than that of PARAFAC. Figures of merit, such as sensitivity (SEN), selectivity (SEL) and limit of detection (LOD) were also calculated to compare the performances of the two strategies. For tablets, the average concentrations of THD in tablet were 63.5 and 63.2 ng mL(-1) by using the PARAFAC and APTLD algorithms, respectively. The accuracy was evaluated by t-test and both algorithms could give accurate results, too.

  2. Genetic Architecture of Atherosclerosis in Mice: A Systems Genetics Analysis of Common Inbred Strains

    PubMed Central

    Bennett, Brian J.; Davis, Richard C.; Civelek, Mete; Orozco, Luz; Wu, Judy; Qi, Hannah; Pan, Calvin; Packard, René R. Sevag; Eskin, Eleazar; Yan, Mujing; Kirchgessner, Todd; Wang, Zeneng; Li, Xinmin; Gregory, Jill C.; Hazen, Stanley L.; Gargalovic, Peter S.; Lusis, Aldons J.

    2015-01-01

    Common forms of atherosclerosis involve multiple genetic and environmental factors. While human genome-wide association studies have identified numerous loci contributing to coronary artery disease and its risk factors, these studies are unable to control environmental factors or examine detailed molecular traits in relevant tissues. We now report a study of natural variations contributing to atherosclerosis and related traits in over 100 inbred strains of mice from the Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel (HMDP). The mice were made hyperlipidemic by transgenic expression of human apolipoprotein E-Leiden (APOE-Leiden) and human cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). The mice were examined for lesion size and morphology as well as plasma lipid, insulin and glucose levels, and blood cell profiles. A subset of mice was studied for plasma levels of metabolites and cytokines. We also measured global transcript levels in aorta and liver. Finally, the uptake of acetylated LDL by macrophages from HMDP mice was quantitatively examined. Loci contributing to the traits were mapped using association analysis, and relationships among traits were examined using correlation and statistical modeling. A number of conclusions emerged. First, relationships among atherosclerosis and the risk factors in mice resemble those found in humans. Second, a number of trait-loci were identified, including some overlapping with previous human and mouse studies. Third, gene expression data enabled enrichment analysis of pathways contributing to atherosclerosis and prioritization of candidate genes at associated loci in both mice and humans. Fourth, the data provided a number of mechanistic inferences; for example, we detected no association between macrophage uptake of acetylated LDL and atherosclerosis. Fifth, broad sense heritability for atherosclerosis was much larger than narrow sense heritability, indicating an important role for gene-by-gene interactions. Sixth, stepwise linear regression showed that the combined variations in plasma metabolites, including LDL/VLDL-cholesterol, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), arginine, glucose and insulin, account for approximately 30 to 40% of the variation in atherosclerotic lesion area. Overall, our data provide a rich resource for studies of complex interactions underlying atherosclerosis. PMID:26694027

  3. Comprehensive Analysis of Low-Molecular-Weight Human Plasma Proteome Using Top-Down Mass Spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Cheon, Dong Huey; Nam, Eun Ji; Park, Kyu Hyung; Woo, Se Joon; Lee, Hye Jin; Kim, Hee Cheol; Yang, Eun Gyeong; Lee, Cheolju; Lee, Ji Eun

    2016-01-04

    While human plasma serves as a great source for disease diagnosis, low-molecular-weight (LMW) proteome (<30 kDa) has been shown to contain a rich source of diagnostic biomarkers. Here we employ top-down mass spectrometry to analyze the LMW proteoforms present in four types of human plasma samples pooled from three healthy controls (HCs) without immunoaffinity depletion and with depletion of the top two, six, and seven high-abundance proteins. The LMW proteoforms were first fractionated based on molecular weight using gel-eluted liquid fraction entrapment electrophoresis (GELFrEE). Then, the GELFrEE fractions containing up to 30 kDa were subjected to nanocapillary-LC-MS/MS, and the high-resolution MS and MS/MS data were processed using ProSightPC 3.0. As a result, a total of 442 LMW proteins and cleaved products, including those with post-translational modifications and single amino acid variations, were identified. From additional comparative analysis of plasma samples without immunoaffinity depletion between HCs and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients via top-down approach, tens of LMW proteoforms, including platelet factor 4, were found to show >1.5-fold changes between the plasma samples of HCs and CRC patients, and six of the LMW proteins were verified by Western blot analysis.

  4. Fourth Annual Workshop on Space Operations Applications and Research (SOAR 90)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Savely, Robert T. (Editor)

    1991-01-01

    The papers from the symposium are presented. Emphasis is placed on human factors engineering and space environment interactions. The technical areas covered in the human factors section include: satellite monitoring and control, man-computer interfaces, expert systems, AI/robotics interfaces, crew system dynamics, and display devices. The space environment interactions section presents the following topics: space plasma interaction, spacecraft contamination, space debris, and atomic oxygen interaction with materials. Some of the above topics are discussed in relation to the space station and space shuttle.

  5. Effect of salt depletion on sodium ion transport from human erythrocytes.

    PubMed

    Krzesinski, J M; Rorive, G L

    1985-01-01

    This study was realized to test De Wardener's hypothesis on the presence of a plasmatic and natriuretic factor in essential hypertension. By an indirect approach consisting of modification of plasma volume and sodium pool in chronic renal failure and primary hypertension with, at the same time, measurements of ionic flux variations in human erythrocytes, we provide some arguments to confirm the presence of such a factor in hydrosaline overloaded uraemic patients and in "salt-sensitive" essential hypertensive subjects.

  6. Endothelial Inflammatory Transcriptional Responses Induced by Plasma Following Inhalation of Diesel Emissions

    PubMed Central

    Schisler, Jonathan C.; Ronnebaum, Sarah M.; Madden, Michael; Channell, Meghan M.; Campen, Matthew J.; Willis, Monte S.

    2016-01-01

    Background Air pollution, especially emissions derived from traffic sources, is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, it remains unclear how inhaled factors drive extrapulmonary pathology. Objectives Previously, we found that canonical inflammatory response transcripts were elevated in cultured endothelial cells treated with plasma obtained after exposure compared with pre-exposure samples or filtered air (sham) exposures. While the findings confirmed the presence of bioactive factor(s) in the plasma after diesel inhalation, we wanted to better examine the complete genomic response to investigate 1) major responsive transcripts and 2) collected response pathways and ontogeny that may help to refine this method and inform the pathogenesis. Methods We assayed endothelial RNA with gene expression microarrays, examining the responses of cultured endothelial cells to plasma obtained from 6 healthy human subjects exposed to 100 μg/m3 diesel exhaust or filtered air for 2 h on separate occasions. In addition to pre-exposure baseline samples, we investigated samples obtained immediately-post and 24h-post exposure. Results Microarray analysis of the coronary artery endothelial cells challenged with plasma identified 855 probes that changed over time following diesel exhaust exposure. Over-representation analysis identified inflammatory cytokine pathways were upregulated both at the 2 and 24 h condition. Novel pathways related to FOX transcription factors and secreted extracellular factors were also identified in the microarray analysis. Conclusions These outcomes are consistent with our recent findings that plasma contains bioactive and inflammatory factors following pollutant inhalation. The specific study design implicates a novel pathway related to inflammatory blood borne components that may drive the extrapulmonary toxicity of ambient air pollutants. PMID:25942053

  7. Platelet-Poor and Platelet-Rich Plasma Stimulate Bone Lineage Differentiation in Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells.

    PubMed

    Martínez, Constanza E; González, Sergio A; Palma, Verónica; Smith, Patricio C

    2016-02-01

    Plasma-derived fractions have been used as an autologous source of growth factors; however, limited knowledge concerning their biologic effects has hampered their clinical application. In this study, the authors analyze the content and specific effect of both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) on osteoblastic differentiation using primary cultures of human periodontal ligament stem cells (HPLSCs). The authors evaluated the growth factor content of PRP and PPP using a proteome profiler array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HPLSCs were characterized by flow cytometry and differentiation assays. The effect of PRP and PPP on HPLSC bone differentiation was analyzed by quantifying calcium deposition after 14 and 21 days of treatment. Albeit at different concentrations, the two fractions had similar profiles of growth factors, the most representative being platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms (PDGF-AA, -BB, and -AB), insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2, and IGFBP-6. Both formulations exerted a comparable stimulus on osteoblastic differentiation even at low doses (2.5%), increasing calcium deposits in HPLSCs. PRP and PPP showed a similar protein profile and exerted comparable effects on bone differentiation. Further studies are needed to characterize and compare the effects of PPP and PRP on bone healing in vivo.

  8. β-Nerve growth factor is a major component of alpaca seminal plasma and induces ovulation in female alpacas.

    PubMed

    Kershaw-Young, C M; Druart, X; Vaughan, J; Maxwell, W M C

    2012-01-01

    Ovulation in camelids is induced by an unidentified protein in the seminal plasma of the male termed 'ovulation-inducing factor'. This protein has been reported to be a 14-kDa protein under reducing conditions, which, when purified from seminal plasma, induces ovulation in llamas. The identification of this protein and investigation of its potential to induce ovulation in camelids may aid the development of protocols for the induction of ovulation. In the present study, alpaca seminal plasma proteins were separated using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the most abundant protein of 14 kDa was identified as β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF) by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Female alpacas (n = 5 per group) were given intramuscular injections of: (1) 1 mL of 0.9% saline; (2) 4 µg buserelin, a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist; (3) 2 mL alpaca seminal plasma; or (4) 1mg human β-NGF. Ovulation was detected by transrectal ultrasonography 8 days after treatment and confirmed by plasma progesterone concentrations. Ovulation occurred in 0%, 80%, 80% and 80% of animals treated with saline, buserelin, seminal plasma and β-NGF, respectively. Treatment type did not affect the diameter of the corpus luteum, but plasma progesterone concentrations were lower in saline-treated animals than in the other treatment groups owing to the lack of a corpus luteum. The present study is the first to identify the ovulation-inducing factor protein in alpacas. β-NGF successfully induces ovulation in alpacas and this finding may lead to new methods for the induction of ovulation in camelids.

  9. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF-Endoret) stimulates proliferation and migration of primary keratocytes and conjunctival fibroblasts and inhibits and reverts TGF-beta1-Induced myodifferentiation.

    PubMed

    Anitua, Eduardo; Sanchez, Mikel; Merayo-Lloves, Jesus; De la Fuente, Maria; Muruzabal, Francisco; Orive, Gorka

    2011-08-01

    Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF-Endoret) technology is an autologous platelet-enriched plasma obtained from patient's own blood, which after activation with calcium chloride allows the release of a pool of biologically active proteins that influence and promote a range of biological processes including cell recruitment, and growth and differentiation. Because ocular surface wound healing is mediated by different growth factors, we decided to explore the potential of PRGF-Endoret technology in stimulating the biological processes related with fibroblast-induced tissue repair. Furthermore, the anti-fibrotic properties of this technology were also studied. Blood from healthy donors was collected, centrifuged and, whole plasma column (WP) and the plasma fraction with the highest platelet concentration (F3) were drawn off, avoiding the buffy coat. Primary human cells including keratocytes and conjunctival fibroblasts were used to perform the "in vitro" investigations. The potential of PRGF-Endoret in promoting wound healing was evaluated by means of a proliferation and migration assays. Fibroblast cells were induced to myofibroblast differentiation after the treatment with 2.5 ng/mL of TGF-β1. The capability of WP and F3 to prevent and inhibit TGF-β1-induced differentiation was evaluated. Results show that this autologous approach significantly enhances proliferation and migration of both keratocytes and conjunctival fibroblasts. In addition, plasma rich in growth factors prevents and inhibits TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation. No differences were found between WP and F3 plasma fractions. These results suggest that PRGF-Endoret could reduce scarring while stimulating wound healing in ocular surface. F3 or whole plasma column show similar biological effects in keratocytes and conjunctival fibroblast cells.

  10. Pharmacokinetics and effects on serum cholinesterase activities of organophosphorus pesticides acephate and chlorpyrifos in chimeric mice transplanted with human hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    Suemizu, Hiroshi; Sota, Shigeto; Kuronuma, Miyuki; Shimizu, Makiko; Yamazaki, Hiroshi

    2014-11-01

    Organophosphorus pesticides acephate and chlorpyrifos in foods have potential to impact human health. The aim of the current study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of acephate and chlorpyrifos orally administered at lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level doses in chimeric mice transplanted with human hepatocytes. Absorbed acephate and its metabolite methamidophos were detected in serum from wild type mice and chimeric mice orally administered 150mg/kg. Approximately 70% inhibition of cholinesterase was evident in plasma of chimeric mice with humanized liver (which have higher serum cholinesterase activities than wild type mice) 1day after oral administrations of acephate. Adjusted animal biomonitoring equivalents from chimeric mice studies were scaled to human biomonitoring equivalents using known species allometric scaling factors and in vitro metabolic clearance data with a simple physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. Estimated plasma concentrations of acephate and chlorpyrifos in humans were consistent with reported concentrations. Acephate cleared similarly in humans and chimeric mice but accidental/incidental overdose levels of chlorpyrifos cleared (dependent on liver metabolism) more slowly from plasma in humans than it did in mice. The data presented here illustrate how chimeric mice transplanted with human hepatocytes in combination with a simple PBPK model can assist evaluations of toxicological potential of organophosphorus pesticides. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Procoagulant effects of lung cancer chemotherapy: impact on microparticles and cell-free DNA.

    PubMed

    Lysov, Zakhar; Dwivedi, Dhruva J; Gould, Travis J; Liaw, Patricia C

    2017-01-01

    Lung cancer is the second leading type of cancer, with venous thromboembolism being the second leading cause of death. Studies have shown increased levels of microparticles and cell-free DNA (CFDNA) in cancer patients, which can activate coagulation through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, respectively. However, the impact of lung cancer chemotherapy on microparticle and/or CFDNA generation is not completely understood. The aim of the study was to study the effects of platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents on generation of procoagulant microparticles and CFDNA in vitro and in vivo. Microparticles were isolated from chemotherapy-treated monocytes, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, or cancer cells. Tissue factor (TF) and phosphatidylserine levels were characterized and thrombin/factor Xa generation assays were used to determine microparticle procoagulant activity. CFDNA levels were isolated from cell supernatants and plasma. A murine xenograft model of human lung carcinoma was used to study the procoagulant effects of TF microparticles and CFDNA in vivo. In vitro, platinum-based chemotherapy induced TF/phosphatidylserine microparticle shedding from A549 and A427 lung cancers cells, which enhanced thrombin generation in plasma in a FVII-dependent manner. CFDNA levels were increased in supernatants of chemotherapy-treated neutrophils and plasma of chemotherapy-treated mice. TF microparticles were elevated in plasma of chemotherapy-treated tumour-bearing mice. Plasma CFDNA levels are increased in chemotherapy-treated tumour-free mice and correlate with increased thrombin generation. In tumour-bearing mice, chemotherapy increases plasma levels of CFDNA and TF/phosphatidylserine microparticles. Platinum-based chemotherapy induces the shedding of TF/phosphatidylserine microparticles from tumour cells and the release of CFDNA from host neutrophils.

  12. Isolation and purification of C3 from human plasma.

    PubMed

    O'Rear, L D; Ross, G D

    2001-05-01

    The alternative pathway of complement shares its terminal components (C3 and C5 through 9) with the classical pathway, but has several unique components, including factors D, B, and P (properdin). This unit presents methods for assaying total alternative pathway activity and the activity of factors B and D. Radial immunodiffusion (RID) can also be used to measure factor D, B, and P concentrations.

  13. Stability of BDNF in Human Samples Stored Up to 6 Months and Correlations of Serum and EDTA-Plasma Concentrations.

    PubMed

    Polyakova, Maryna; Schlögl, Haiko; Sacher, Julia; Schmidt-Kassow, Maren; Kaiser, Jochen; Stumvoll, Michael; Kratzsch, Jürgen; Schroeter, Matthias L

    2017-06-03

    Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important neural growth factor, has gained growing interest in neuroscience, but many influencing physiological and analytical aspects still remain unclear. In this study we assessed the impact of storage time at room temperature, repeated freeze/thaw cycles, and storage at -80 °C up to 6 months on serum and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-plasma BDNF. Furthermore, we assessed correlations of serum and plasma BDNF concentrations in two independent sets of samples. Coefficients of variations (CVs) for serum BDNF concentrations were significantly lower than CVs of plasma concentrations ( n = 245, p = 0.006). Mean serum and plasma concentrations at all analyzed time points remained within the acceptable change limit of the inter-assay precision as declared by the manufacturer. Serum and plasma BDNF concentrations correlated positively in both sets of samples and at all analyzed time points of the stability assessment ( r = 0.455 to r s = 0.596; p < 0.004). In summary, when considering the acceptable change limit, BDNF was stable in serum and in EDTA-plasma up to 6 months. Due to a higher reliability, we suggest favoring serum over EDTA-plasma for future experiments assessing peripheral BDNF concentrations.

  14. IFITM3 Restricts Human Metapneumovirus Infection.

    PubMed

    McMichael, Temet M; Zhang, Yu; Kenney, Adam D; Zhang, Lizhi; Zani, Ashley; Lu, Mijia; Chemudupati, Mahesh; Li, Jianrong; Yount, Jacob S

    2018-06-15

    Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) utilizes a bifurcated cellular entry strategy, fusing either with the plasma membrane or, after endocytosis, with the endosome membrane. Whether cellular factors restrict or enhance either entry pathway is largely unknown. We found that the interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) inhibits hMPV infection to an extent similar to endocytosis-inhibiting drugs, and an IFITM3 variant that accumulates at the plasma membrane in addition to its endosome localization provided increased virus restriction. Mechanistically, IFITM3 blocks hMPV F protein-mediated membrane fusion, and inhibition of infection was reversed by the membrane destabilizing drug amphotericin B. Conversely, we found that infection by some hMPV strains is enhanced by the endosomal protein Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), and that IFITM3 retains the ability to restrict hMPV infection even in cells expressing TLR7. Overall, our results identify IFITM3 as an endosomal restriction factor that limits hMPV infection of cells.

  15. Predictive dose-based estimation of systemic exposure multiples in mouse and monkey relative to human for antisense oligonucleotides with 2'-o-(2-methoxyethyl) modifications.

    PubMed

    Yu, Rosie Z; Grundy, John S; Henry, Scott P; Kim, Tae-Won; Norris, Daniel A; Burkey, Jennifer; Wang, Yanfeng; Vick, Andrew; Geary, Richard S

    2015-01-20

    Evaluation of species differences and systemic exposure multiples (or ratios) in toxicological animal species versus human is an ongoing exercise during the course of drug development. The systemic exposure ratios are best estimated by directly comparing area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUCs), and sometimes by comparing the dose administered, with the dose being adjusted either by body surface area (BSA) or body weight (BW). In this study, the association between AUC ratio and the administered dose ratio from animals to human were studied using a retrospective data-driven approach. The dataset included nine antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl) modifications, evaluated in two animal species (mouse and monkey) following single and repeated parenteral administrations. We found that plasma AUCs were similar between ASOs within the same species, and are predictable to human exposure using a single animal species, either mouse or monkey. Between monkey and human, the plasma exposure ratio can be predicted directly based on BW-adjusted dose ratios, whereas between mouse and human, the exposure ratio would be nearly fivefold lower in mouse compared to human based on BW-adjusted dose values. Thus, multiplying a factor of 5 for the mouse BW-adjusted dose would likely provide a reasonable AUC exposure estimate in human at steady-state.

  16. Association of Roadway Proximity with Fasting Plasma Glucose and Metabolic Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in a Cross-Sectional Study of Cardiac Catheterization Patients

    EPA Science Inventory

    Background: The relationship between traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) and risk factors for cardiovascular disease needs to be better understood in order to address the adverse impact o.f air pollution on human health.Objective: We examined associations between roadway proximi...

  17. Non-thermal plasma activates human keratinocytes by stimulation of antioxidant and phase II pathways.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Anke; Dietrich, Stephan; Steuer, Anna; Weltmann, Klaus-Dieter; von Woedtke, Thomas; Masur, Kai; Wende, Kristian

    2015-03-13

    Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma provides a novel therapeutic opportunity to control redox-based processes, e.g. wound healing, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. By spatial and time-resolved delivery of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, it allows stimulation or inhibition of cellular processes in biological systems. Our data show that both gene and protein expression is highly affected by non-thermal plasma. Nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (NRF2) and phase II enzyme pathway components were found to act as key controllers orchestrating the cellular response in keratinocytes. Additionally, glutathione metabolism, which is a marker for NRF2-related signaling events, was affected. Among the most robustly increased genes and proteins, heme oxygenase 1, NADPH-quinone oxidoreductase 1, and growth factors were found. The roles of NRF2 targets, investigated by siRNA silencing, revealed that NRF2 acts as an important switch for sensing oxidative stress events. Moreover, the influence of non-thermal plasma on the NRF2 pathway prepares cells against exogenic noxae and increases their resilience against oxidative species. Via paracrine mechanisms, distant cells benefit from cell-cell communication. The finding that non-thermal plasma triggers hormesis-like processes in keratinocytes facilitates the understanding of plasma-tissue interaction and its clinical application. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  18. Protein Replacement Therapy and Gene Transfer in Canine Models of Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, von Willebrand Disease, and Factor VII Deficiency

    PubMed Central

    Nichols, Timothy C.; Dillow, Aaron M.; Franck, Helen W.G.; Merricks, Elizabeth P.; Raymer, Robin A.; Bellinger, Dwight A.; Arruda, Valder R.; High, Katherine A.

    2011-01-01

    Dogs with hemophilia A, hemophilia B, von Willebrand disease (VWD), and factor VII deficiency faithfully recapitulate the severe bleeding phenotype that occurs in humans with these disorders. The first rational approach to diagnosing these bleeding disorders became possible with the development of reliable assays in the 1940s through research that used these dogs. For the next 60 years, treatment consisted of replacement of the associated missing or dysfunctional protein, first with plasma-derived products and subsequently with recombinant products. Research has consistently shown that replacement products that are safe and efficacious in these dogs prove to be safe and efficacious in humans. But these highly effective products require repeated administration and are limited in supply and expensive; in addition, plasma-derived products have transmitted bloodborne pathogens. Recombinant proteins have all but eliminated inadvertent transmission of bloodborne pathogens, but the other limitations persist. Thus, gene therapy is an attractive alternative strategy in these monogenic disorders and has been actively pursued since the early 1990s. To date, several modalities of gene transfer in canine hemophilia have proven to be safe, produced easily detectable levels of transgene products in plasma that have persisted for years in association with reduced bleeding, and correctly predicted the vector dose required in a human hemophilia B liver-based trial. Very recently, however, researchers have identified an immune response to adeno-associated viral gene transfer vector capsid proteins in a human liver-based trial that was not present in preclinical testing in rodents, dogs, or nonhuman primates. This article provides a review of the strengths and limitations of canine hemophilia, VWD, and factor VII deficiency models and of their historical and current role in the development of improved therapy for humans with these inherited bleeding disorders. PMID:19293459

  19. Effects of atmospheric pressure cold plasma on human hepatocarcinoma cell and its 5-fluorouracil resistant cell line

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, H.; Lu, R.; Xian, Y.; Gan, L.; Lu, X.; Yang, X.

    2015-12-01

    Atmospheric pressure cold plasma showed selective killing efficiency on cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, which makes plasma a potential option for cancer therapy. However, the plasma effects on chemotherapeutic drugs-resistant cells are rarely to be found. In this paper, the effects of plasma on human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel7402 cells and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistant Bel7402/5FU cells were intensively investigated. The results showed that plasma induced superior toxicity to Bel7402 cells compared with Bel7402/5FU cells. Incubation with plasma-treated medium for 20 s induced more than 85% death rate in Bel7402 cells, while the same death ratio was achieved when Bel7402/5FU cells were treated for as long as 300 s. The hydrogen peroxide in the medium played a leading role in the cytotoxicity effects. Further studies implicated that when the treatment time was shorter than 60 s, the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis occurred through the intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation in Bel7402 cells. Molecular analysis showed an increase in the transcription factor activity for AP-1, NF-кB, and p53 in Bel7402 cells. No obvious damage could be detected in plasma-treated Bel7402/5FU cells due to the strong intracellular reactive oxygen stress scavenger system.

  20. Adhesive blood microsampling systems for steroid measurement via LC-MS/MS in the rat.

    PubMed

    Heussner, Kirsten; Rauh, Manfred; Cordasic, Nada; Menendez-Castro, Carlos; Huebner, Hanna; Ruebner, Matthias; Schmidt, Marius; Hartner, Andrea; Rascher, Wolfgang; Fahlbusch, Fabian B

    2017-04-01

    Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) allows for the direct analysis of multiple hormones in a single probe with minimal sample volume. Rodent-based animal studies strongly rely on microsampling, such as the dry blood spot (DBS) method. However, DBS suffers the drawback of hematocrit-dependence (non-volumetric). Hence, novel volumetric microsampling techniques were introduced recently, allowing sampling of fixed accurate volumes. We compared these methods for steroid analysis in the rat to improve inter-system comparability. We analyzed steroid levels in blood using the absorptive microsampling devices Whatman® 903 Protein Saver Cards, Noviplex™ Plasma Prep Cards and the Mitra™ Microsampling device and compared the obtained results to the respective EDTA plasma levels. Quantitative steroid analysis was performed via LC-MS/MS. For the determination of the plasma volume factor for each steroid, their levels in pooled blood samples from each human adults and rats (18weeks) were compared and the transferability of these factors was evaluated in a new set of juvenile (21days) and adult (18weeks) rats. Hematocrit was determined concomitantly. Using these approaches, we were unable to apply one single volume factor for each steroid. Instead, plasma volume factors had to be adjusted for the recovery rate of each steroid and device individually. The tested microsampling systems did not allow the use of one single volume factor for adult and juvenile rats based on an unexpectedly strong hematocrit-dependency and other steroid specific (pre-analytic) factors. Our study provides correction factors for LC-MS/MS steroid analysis of volumetric and non-volumetric microsampling systems in comparison to plasma. It argues for thorough analysis of chromatographic effects before the use of novel volumetric systems for steroid analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. TNFα pathway blockade ameliorates toxic effects of FSGS plasma on podocyte cytoskeleton and β3 integrin activation.

    PubMed

    Bitzan, Martin; Babayeva, Sima; Vasudevan, Anil; Goodyer, Paul; Torban, Elena

    2012-12-01

    In the absence of mutant genes encoding components of the podocyte slit diaphragm, about 30-50 % of children with primary glucocorticoid-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) develop recurrent proteinuria and slowly progressive FSGS lesions following renal transplantation. Recurrence of FSGS in the allograft strongly suggests a circulating factor that disturbs normal podocyte biology. To date, the nature of the circulating factor is unclear, and there is no cure for the recurrent form of FSGS (R-FSGS). Cultured differentiated human podocytes were exposed to the plasmapheresis effluent or blood plasma samples from pediatric patients with recurrent or primary FSGS; in some cases, podocytes were pre-incubated with specific antibodies to block the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) signaling pathway. Integrity of focal adhesion complexes and actin cytoskeleton were investigated by immunofluorescent microscopy. Plasmapheresis effluent from an R-FSGS child or fresh plasma from two children with primary FSGS rapidly disturbed the cytoskeleton of normal human podocytes in vitro. Plasma from a child with R-FSGS also activated β3 integrin and dispersed focal adhesion complexes. The effects were reversed by pre-incubation with antibodies against TNFα or either of the two TNFα receptors. When our patient with R-FSGS became resistant to plasmapheresis, we initiated treatment with twice weekly etanercept injections and then infliximab. Within 3 weeks of regular anti-TNFα therapy, the patient achieved sustained partial remission of proteinuria, allowing us to wean her off plasmapheresis completely. We suggest that in some FSGS patients, disruption of the podocyte cytoskeleton and β3 integrin-mediated podocyte attachment are driven by the TNFα pathway.

  2. Glycosaminoglycan and transforming growth factor beta1 changes in human plasma and urine during the menstrual cycle, in vitro fertilization treatment, and pregnancy.

    PubMed

    De Muro, Pierina; Capobianco, Giampiero; Formato, Marilena; Lepedda, Antonio Junior; Cherchi, Gian Mario; Gordini, Laila; Dessole, Salvatore

    2009-07-01

    To evaluate transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) changes in human plasma and urine during the menstrual cycle, IVF-ET, and pregnancy. Prospective clinical study. University hospital. Thirteen women with apparently normal menstrual cycle (group 1); 18 women undergoing IVF-ET (group 2); and 14 low-risk pregnant women (group 3). We assayed plasma and urine concentrations of TGF-beta1, urine content, and distribution of GAG. Blood and urine samples were collected during days 2 to 3, 12 to 13, and 23 to 24 in group 1; in group 2, samples were obtained at menstrual phase, oocyte pick-up day, and 15 days after ET; in group 3, samples were obtained during gestational weeks 10-12, 22-24, and 30-32 and 1 month after delivery. Changes in TGF-beta1 and GAG content. The mean value of total urinary trypsin inhibitor/chondroitin sulfate (UTI/CS) showed a distinct peak at day 12 of the menstrual cycle in the fertile women in whom we monitored the ovulatory period. In the IVF-ET group, GAG distribution and TGF-beta1 levels showed significant differences during the cycle. We observed increased levels of plasma TGF-beta1 15 days after ET. A significant increase of total UTI/CS value with increasing gestation was detected. Transforming growth factor beta1 and GAG levels could represent an additional tool to monitor reproductive events and could be useful, noninvasive markers of ovulation and ongoing pregnancy.

  3. Effects of topographical and mechanical property alterations induced by oxygen plasma modification on stem cell behavior.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yong; Kulangara, Karina; Lam, Ruby T S; Dharmawan, Rena; Leong, Kam W

    2012-10-23

    Polymeric substrates intended for cell culture and tissue engineering are often surface-modified to facilitate cell attachment of most anchorage-dependent cell types. The modification alters the surface chemistry and possibly topography. However, scant attention has been paid to other surface property alterations. In studying oxygen plasma treatment of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), we show that oxygen plasma treatment alters the surface chemistry and, consequently, the topography and elasticity of PDMS at the nanoscale level. The elasticity factor has the predominant effect, compared with the chemical and topographical factors, on cell adhesions of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The enhanced focal adhesions favor cell spreading and osteogenesis of hMSCs. Given the prevalent use of PDMS in biomedical device construction and cell culture experiments, this study highlights the importance of understanding how oxygen plasma treatment would impact subsequent cell-substrate interactions. It helps explain inconsistency in the literature and guides preparation of PDMS-based biomedical devices in the future.

  4. Enzymatically oxidized phospholipids restore thrombin generation in coagulation factor deficiencies.

    PubMed

    Slatter, David A; Percy, Charles L; Allen-Redpath, Keith; Gajsiewicz, Joshua M; Brooks, Nick J; Clayton, Aled; Tyrrell, Victoria J; Rosas, Marcela; Lauder, Sarah N; Watson, Andrew; Dul, Maria; Garcia-Diaz, Yoel; Aldrovandi, Maceler; Heurich, Meike; Hall, Judith; Morrissey, James H; Lacroix-Desmazes, Sebastien; Delignat, Sandrine; Jenkins, P Vincent; Collins, Peter W; O'Donnell, Valerie B

    2018-03-22

    Hemostatic defects are treated using coagulation factors; however, clot formation also requires a procoagulant phospholipid (PL) surface. Here, we show that innate immune cell-derived enzymatically oxidized phospholipids (eoxPL) termed hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid-phospholipids (HETE-PLs) restore hemostasis in human and murine conditions of pathological bleeding. HETE-PLs abolished blood loss in murine hemophilia A and enhanced coagulation in factor VIII- (FVIII-), FIX-, and FX-deficient human plasma . HETE-PLs were decreased in platelets from patients after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). To explore molecular mechanisms, the ability of eoxPL to stimulate individual isolated coagulation factor/cofactor complexes was tested in vitro. Extrinsic tenase (FVIIa/tissue factor [TF]), intrinsic tenase (FVIIIa/FIXa), and prothrombinase (FVa/FXa) all were enhanced by both HETE-PEs and HETE-PCs, suggesting a common mechanism involving the fatty acid moiety. In plasma, 9-, 15-, and 12-HETE-PLs were more effective than 5-, 11-, or 8-HETE-PLs, indicating positional isomer specificity. Coagulation was enhanced at lower lipid/factor ratios, consistent with a more concentrated area for protein binding. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed binding of FII and FX to HETE-PEs. HETE-PEs increased membrane curvature and thickness, but not surface charge or homogeneity, possibly suggesting increased accessibility to cations/factors. In summary, innate immune-derived eoxPL enhance calcium-dependent coagulation factor function, and their potential utility in bleeding disorders is proposed.

  5. Enzymatically oxidized phospholipids restore thrombin generation in coagulation factor deficiencies

    PubMed Central

    Slatter, David A.; Percy, Charles L.; Allen-Redpath, Keith; Gajsiewicz, Joshua M.; Brooks, Nick J.; Tyrrell, Victoria J.; Lauder, Sarah N.; Watson, Andrew; Dul, Maria; Garcia-Diaz, Yoel; Aldrovandi, Maceler; Heurich, Meike; Hall, Judith; Lacroix-Desmazes, Sebastien; Delignat, Sandrine; Jenkins, P. Vincent; Collins, Peter W.; O’Donnell, Valerie B.

    2018-01-01

    Hemostatic defects are treated using coagulation factors; however, clot formation also requires a procoagulant phospholipid (PL) surface. Here, we show that innate immune cell–derived enzymatically oxidized phospholipids (eoxPL) termed hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid–phospholipids (HETE-PLs) restore hemostasis in human and murine conditions of pathological bleeding. HETE-PLs abolished blood loss in murine hemophilia A and enhanced coagulation in factor VIII- (FVIII-), FIX-, and FX-deficient human plasma . HETE-PLs were decreased in platelets from patients after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). To explore molecular mechanisms, the ability of eoxPL to stimulate individual isolated coagulation factor/cofactor complexes was tested in vitro. Extrinsic tenase (FVIIa/tissue factor [TF]), intrinsic tenase (FVIIIa/FIXa), and prothrombinase (FVa/FXa) all were enhanced by both HETE-PEs and HETE-PCs, suggesting a common mechanism involving the fatty acid moiety. In plasma, 9-, 15-, and 12-HETE-PLs were more effective than 5-, 11-, or 8-HETE-PLs, indicating positional isomer specificity. Coagulation was enhanced at lower lipid/factor ratios, consistent with a more concentrated area for protein binding. Surface plasmon resonance confirmed binding of FII and FX to HETE-PEs. HETE-PEs increased membrane curvature and thickness, but not surface charge or homogeneity, possibly suggesting increased accessibility to cations/factors. In summary, innate immune-derived eoxPL enhance calcium-dependent coagulation factor function, and their potential utility in bleeding disorders is proposed. PMID:29563336

  6. A Genome-Wide Association Study of the Human Metabolome in a Community-Based Cohort

    PubMed Central

    Rhee, Eugene P.; Ho, Jennifer E.; Chen, Ming-Huei; Shen, Dongxiao; Cheng, Susan; Larson, Martin G.; Ghorbani, Anahita; Shi, Xu; Helenius, Iiro T.; O’Donnell, Christopher J.; Souza, Amanda L.; Deik, Amy; Pierce, Kerry A.; Bullock, Kevin; Walford, Geoffrey A.; Vasan, Ramachandran S.; Florez, Jose C.; Clish, Clary; Yeh, J.-R. Joanna; Wang, Thomas J.; Gerszten, Robert E.

    2014-01-01

    SUMMARY Because metabolites are hypothesized to play key roles as markers and effectors of cardio-metabolic diseases, recent studies have sought to annotate the genetic determinants of circulating metabolite levels. We report a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 217 plasma metabolites, including >100 not measured in prior GWAS, in 2,076 participants of the Framingham Heart Study. For the majority of analytes, we find that estimated heritability explains >20% of inter-individual variation, and that variation attributable to heritable factors is greater than that attributable to clinical factors. Further, we identify 31 genetic loci associated with plasma metabolites, including 23 that have not previously been reported. Importantly, we include GWAS results for all surveyed metabolites, and demonstrate how this information highlights a role for AGXT2 in cholesterol ester and triacylglycerol metabolism. Thus, our study outlines the relative contributions of inherited and clinical factors on the plasma metabolome and provides a resource for metabolism research. PMID:23823483

  7. Zinc decreases C-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory cytokines in elderly subjects: a potential implication of zinc as an atheroprotective agent123

    PubMed Central

    Bao, Bin; Prasad, Ananda S; Beck, Frances WJ; Fitzgerald, James T; Snell, Diane; Bao, Ginny W; Singh, Tapinder; Cardozo, Lavoisier J

    2010-01-01

    Background: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are common risk factors for atherosclerosis. Zinc is an essential micronutrient that can function as an antiinflammatory and antioxidative agent, and as such, it may have atheroprotective properties. Objective: We hypothesized that zinc down-regulates the production of atherosclerosis-related cytokines/molecules in humans. Design: To examine these effects, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo trial of zinc supplementation in elderly subjects. We recruited 40 healthy elderly subjects (aged 56–83 y) and randomly assigned them to 2 groups. One group was given an oral dose of 45 mg zinc/d as a gluconate for 6 mo. The other group was given a placebo. Cell culture models were conducted to study the mechanism of zinc as an atheroprotective agent. Results: After 6 mo of supplementation, the intake of zinc, compared with intake of placebo, increased the concentrations of plasma zinc and decreased the concentrations of plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-6, macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), secretory phospholipase A2, and malondialdehyde and hydroxyalkenals (MDA+HAE) in elderly subjects. Regression analysis showed that changes in concentrations of plasma zinc were inversely associated with changes in concentrations of plasma hsCRP, MCP-1, VCAM-1, and MDA+HAE after 6 mo of supplementation. In cell culture studies, we showed that zinc decreased the generation of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, VCAM-1, and MDA+HAE and the activation of nuclear transcription factor κB and increased antiinflammatory proteins A20 and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α in human monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells and human aortic endothelial cells compared with zinc-deficient cells. Conclusion: These findings suggest that zinc may have a protective effect in atherosclerosis because of its antiinflammatory and antioxidant functions. PMID:20427734

  8. Ozone dosing alters the biological potential and therapeutic outcomes of plasma rich in growth factors.

    PubMed

    Anitua, E; Zalduendo, M M; Troya, M; Orive, G

    2015-04-01

    Until now, ozone has been used in a rather empirical way. This in-vitro study investigates, for the first time, whether different ozone treatments of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) alter the biological properties and outcomes of this autologous platelet-rich plasma. Human plasma rich in growth factors was treated with ozone using one of the following protocols: a continuous-flow method; or a syringe method in which constant volumes of ozone and PRGF were mixed. In both cases, ozone was added before, during and after the addition of calcium chloride. Three ozone concentrations, of the therapeutic range 20, 40 and 80 μg/mL, were tested. Fibrin clot properties, growth factor content and the proliferative effect on primary osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts were evaluated. Ozone treatment of PRGF using the continuous flow protocol impaired formation of the fibrin scaffold, drastically reduced the levels of growth factors and significantly decreased the proliferative potential of PRGF on primary osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts. In contrast, treatment of PRGF with ozone using the syringe method, before, during and after the coagulation process, did not alter the biological outcomes of the autologous therapy. These findings suggest that ozone dose and the way that ozone combines with PRGF may alter the biological potential and therapeutic outcomes of PRGF. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  9. High-Mobility Group Box 1 From Hypoxic Trophoblasts Promotes Endothelial Microparticle Production and Thrombophilia in Preeclampsia.

    PubMed

    Hu, Yae; Yan, Ruhong; Zhang, Ce; Zhou, Zhichao; Liu, Meng; Wang, Can; Zhang, Hong; Dong, Liang; Zhou, Tiantian; Wu, Yi; Dong, Ningzheng; Wu, Qingyu

    2018-04-12

    Thrombophilia is a major complication in preeclampsia, a disease associated with placental hypoxia and trophoblast inflammation. Preeclampsia women are known to have increased circulating microparticles that are procoagulant, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we sought to understand the mechanism connecting placental hypoxia, circulating microparticles, and thrombophilia. We analyzed protein markers on plasma microparticles from preeclampsia women and found that the increased circulating microparticles were mostly from endothelial cells. In proteomic studies, we identified HMGB1 (high-mobility group box 1), a proinflammatory protein, as a key factor from hypoxic trophoblasts in stimulating microparticle production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Immunodepletion or inhibition of HMGB1 in the conditioned medium from hypoxic human trophoblasts abolished the endothelial microparticle-stimulating activity. Conversely, recombinant HMGB1 stimulated microparticle production in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The microparticles from recombinant HMGB1-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells promoted blood coagulation and neutrophil activation in vitro. Injection of recombinant HMGB1 in pregnant mice increased plasma endothelial microparticles and promoted blood coagulation. In preeclampsia women, elevated placental HMGB1 expression was detected and high levels of plasma HMGB1 correlated with increased plasma endothelial microparticles. Our results indicate that placental hypoxia-induced HMGB1 expression and release from trophoblasts are important mechanism underlying increased circulating endothelial microparticles and thrombophilia in preeclampsia. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

  10. An ecoimmunological approach to study evolutionary and ancient links between coagulation, complement and Innate immunity

    PubMed Central

    Kasetty, Gopinath; Alyafei, Saud; Smeds, Emanuel; Salo-Ahen, Outi M. H.; Hansson, Stefan R.; Egesten, Arne; Herwald, Heiko

    2018-01-01

    ABSTRACT Coagulation, complement, and innate immunity are tightly interwoven and form an alliance that can be traced back to early eukaryotic evolution. Here we employed an ecoimmunological approach using Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI)-1-derived peptides from the different classes of vertebrates (i.e. fish, reptile, bird, and mammals) and tested whether they can boost killing of various human bacterial pathogens in plasma. We found signs of species-specific conservation and diversification during evolution in these peptides that significantly impact their antibacterial activity. Though all peptides tested executed bactericidal activity in mammalian plasma (with the exception of rodents), no killing was observed in plasma from birds, reptiles, and fish, pointing to a crucial role for the classical pathway of the complement system. We also observed an interference of these peptides with the human intrinsic pathway of coagulation though, unlike complement activation, this mechanism appears not to be evolutionary conserved. PMID:29473457

  11. Cytochrome P450 dependent metabolism of the new designer drug 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP). In vivo studies in Wistar and Dark Agouti rats as well as in vitro studies in human liver microsomes.

    PubMed

    Staack, Roland F; Paul, Liane D; Springer, Dietmar; Kraemer, Thomas; Maurer, Hans H

    2004-01-15

    1-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) is a designer drug with serotonergic properties. Previous studies with male Wistar rats (WI) had shown, that TFMPP was metabolized mainly by aromatic hydroxylation. In the current study, it was examined whether this reaction may be catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP)2D6 by comparing TFMPP vs. hydroxy TFMPP ratios in urine from female Dark Agouti rats, a model of the human CYP2D6 poor metabolizer phenotype (PM), male Dark Agouti rats, an intermediate model, and WI, a model of the human CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer phenotype. Furthermore, the human hepatic CYPs involved in TFMPP hydroxylation were identified using cDNA-expressed CYPs and human liver microsomes. Finally, TFMPP plasma levels in the above mentioned rats were compared. The urine studies suggested that TFMPP hydroxylation might be catalyzed by CYP2D6 in humans. Studies using human CYPs showed that CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 catalyzed TFMPP hydroxylation, with CYP2D6 being the most important enzyme accounting for about 81% of the net intrinsic clearance, calculated using the relative activity factor approach. The hydroxylation was significantly inhibited by quinidine (77%) and metabolite formation in poor metabolizer genotype human liver microsomes was significantly lower (63%) compared to pooled human liver microsomes. Analysis of the plasma samples showed that female Dark Agouti rats exhibited significantly higher TFMPP plasma levels compared to those of male Dark Agouti rats and WI. Furthermore, pretreatment of WI with the CYP2D inhibitor quinine resulted in significantly higher TFMPP plasma levels. In conclusion, the presented data give hints for possible differences in pharmacokinetics in human PM and human CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer phenotype subjects relevant for risk assessment.

  12. Effects of plasma glycosyltransferase on the ABO(H) blood group antigens of human von Willebrand factor.

    PubMed

    Kano, Taiki; Kondo, Kazunao; Hamako, Jiharu; Matsushita, Fumio; Sakai, Kazuya; Matsui, Taei

    2018-04-04

    Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is one of the plasma protein carrying ABO(H) blood group antigens, but the combining process of these antigens is not clear. In the present study, we examined whether plasma glycosyltransferase affects the blood group antigens on VWF. VWF expressing H-antigen (H-VWF) from blood group O and bovine serum albumin conjugated with H-antigen (H-BSA) were incubated with recombinant α1-3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (rA-transferase) and A-plasma with or without an additional UDP-GalNAc. Transformed antigens were detected by western blotting and ELISA, using an anti-A antibody. Both H-VWF and H-BSA acquired the A-antigen after incubation with rA-transferase and UDP-GalNAc. Incubation with A-plasma very weakly converted the H-antigen on BSA and VWF to A-antigen only in the presence of supplemented UDP-GalNAc. This conversion was enhanced on desialylation of H-VWF. These results indicate that sugar chains of plasma VWF can be modified by the external glycosyltransferase, but that plasma glycosyltransferase has no effect on the blood group antigens of VWF due to its low activity and the lack of donor sugars. Further, sialic acid residues of VWF may exert a protective effect against post-translational glycosylation. Our results clearly exclude the possibility that blood group antigens of VWF are constructed extracellularly in plasma.

  13. Epicatechin attenuates atherosclerosis and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on diet-induced human-CRP and NFκB in vivo.

    PubMed

    Morrison, Martine; van der Heijden, Roel; Heeringa, Peter; Kaijzel, Eric; Verschuren, Lars; Blomhoff, Rune; Kooistra, Teake; Kleemann, Robert

    2014-03-01

    Previous studies investigating flavanol-rich foods provide indications for potential cardioprotective effects of these foods, but the effects of individual flavanols remain unclear. We investigated whether the flavanol epicatechin can reduce diet-induced atherosclerosis, with particular emphasis on the cardiovascular risk factors dyslipidaemia and inflammation. ApoE*3-Leiden mice were fed a cholesterol-containing atherogenic diet with or without epicatechin (0.1% w/w) to study effects on early- and late-stage atherosclerosis (8 w and 20 w). In vivo effects of epicatechin on diet-induced inflammation were studied in human-CRP transgenic mice and NFκB-luciferase reporter mice. Epicatechin attenuated atherosclerotic lesion area in ApoE*3-Leiden mice by 27%, without affecting plasma lipids. This anti-atherogenic effect of epicatechin was specific to the severe lesion types, with no effect on mild lesions. Epicatechin mitigated diet-induced increases in plasma SAA (in ApoE*3-Leiden mice) and plasma human-CRP (in human-CRP transgenic mice). Microarray analysis of aortic gene expression revealed an attenuating effect of epicatechin on several diet-induced pro-atherogenic inflammatory processes in the aorta (e.g. chemotaxis of cells, matrix remodelling), regulated by NFκB. These findings were confirmed immunohistochemically by reduced lesional neutrophil content in HCE, and by inhibition of diet-induced NFκB activity in epicatechin-treated NFκB-luciferase reporter mice. Epicatechin attenuates development of atherosclerosis and impairs lesion progression from mild to severe lesions in absence of an effect on dyslipidaemia. The observed reduction of circulating inflammatory risk factors by epicatechin (e.g. SAA, human-CRP), as well as its local anti-inflammatory activity in the vessel wall, provide a rationale for epicatechin's anti-atherogenic effects. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Predictive blood plasma biomarkers for EGFR inhibitor-induced skin rash.

    PubMed

    Hichert, Vivien; Scholl, Catharina; Steffens, Michael; Paul, Tanusree; Schumann, Christian; Rüdiger, Stefan; Boeck, Stefan; Heinemann, Volker; Kächele, Volker; Seufferlein, Thomas; Stingl, Julia

    2017-05-23

    Epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression in human cancer can be effectively targeted by drugs acting as specific inhibitors of the receptor, like erlotinib, gefitinib, cetuximab and panitumumab. A common adverse effect is a typical papulopustular acneiform rash, whose occurrence and severity are positively correlated with overall survival in several cancer types. We studied molecules involved in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling which are quantifiable in plasma, with the aim of identifying biomarkers for the severity of rash. With a predictive value for the rash these biomarkers may also have a prognostic value for survival and disease outcome.The concentrations of amphiregulin, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and calcidiol were determined by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in plasma samples from 211 patients.We observed a significant inverse correlation between the plasma concentration of HGF and overall survival in patients with an inhibitor-induced rash (p-value = 0.0075; mean overall survival low HGF: 299 days, high HGF: 240 days) but not in patients without rash. The concentration of HGF was also significantly inversely correlated with severity of rash (p-value = 0.00124).High levels of HGF lead to increased signaling via its receptor MET, which can activate numerous pathways which are normally also activated by epidermal growth factor receptor. Increased HGF/MET signaling might compensate the inhibitory effect of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in skin as well as tumor cells, leading to less severe skin rash and decreased efficacy of the anti-tumor therapy, rendering the plasma concentration of HGF a candidate for predictive biomarkers.

  15. Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Terbinafine in Rats and Humans

    PubMed Central

    Hosseini-Yeganeh, Mahboubeh; McLachlan, Andrew J.

    2002-01-01

    The aim of this study was to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PB-PK) model capable of describing and predicting terbinafine concentrations in plasma and tissues in rats and humans. A PB-PK model consisting of 12 tissue and 2 blood compartments was developed using concentration-time data for tissues from rats (n = 33) after intravenous bolus administration of terbinafine (6 mg/kg of body weight). It was assumed that all tissues except skin and testis tissues were well-stirred compartments with perfusion rate limitations. The uptake of terbinafine into skin and testis tissues was described by a PB-PK model which incorporates a membrane permeability rate limitation. The concentration-time data for terbinafine in human plasma and tissues were predicted by use of a scaled-up PB-PK model, which took oral absorption into consideration. The predictions obtained from the global PB-PK model for the concentration-time profile of terbinafine in human plasma and tissues were in close agreement with the observed concentration data for rats. The scaled-up PB-PK model provided an excellent prediction of published terbinafine concentration-time data obtained after the administration of single and multiple oral doses in humans. The estimated volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) obtained from the PB-PK model agreed with the reported value of 11 liters/kg. The apparent volume of distribution of terbinafine in skin and adipose tissues accounted for 41 and 52%, respectively, of the Vss for humans, indicating that uptake into and redistribution from these tissues dominate the pharmacokinetic profile of terbinafine. The PB-PK model developed in this study was capable of accurately predicting the plasma and tissue terbinafine concentrations in both rats and humans and provides insight into the physiological factors that determine terbinafine disposition. PMID:12069977

  16. Reversible covalent binding of neratinib to human serum albumin in vitro.

    PubMed

    Chandrasekaran, Appavu; Shen, Li; Lockhead, Susan; Oganesian, Aram; Wang, Jianyao; Scatina, JoAnn

    2010-12-01

    Neratinib (HKI-272), an irreversible inhibitor of Her 2 tyrosine kinase, is currently in development as an alternative for first and second line therapy in metastatic breast cancer patients who overexpress Her 2. Following incubation of [(14)C]neratinib in control human plasma at 37°C for 6 hours, about 60% to 70% of the radioactivity was not extractable, due to covalent binding to albumin. In this study, factors that could potentially affect the covalent binding of neratinib to plasma proteins, specifically to albumin were investigated. When [(14)C]neratinib was incubated at 10 μg/mL in human serum albumin (HSA) or control human plasma, the percent binding increased with time; the highest percentages of binding (46 and 67%, respectively) were observed at 6 hours, the longest duration of incubation examined. Binding increased with increasing temperature; the highest percentages of binding to HSA or human plasma (59 and 78%) were observed at 45°C, the highest temperature tested. The binding also increased with increasing pH of incubation; the highest percentages of binding (56 and 65%) were observed at pH 8.5, the highest pH value tested. The percentages of binding were similar (53% to 57%) when a wide range of concentrations of [(14)C]neratinib (50 ng/mL to 10 μg/mL) were incubated with human plasma at 37°C for 6 hours, indicating that the binding was independent of the substrate concentration, especially in the therapeutic range (50 to 200 ng/mL). When human plasma proteins containing covalently bound [(14)C]neratinb were suspended in a 10 fold volume of phosphate buffer at pH 4.0, 6.0, 7.4, and 8.5, and further incubated at 37°C for ~ 16 hours, about 45%, 44%, 32%, and 12% of the total radioactivity, respectively, was released as unchanged [(14)C]neratinib, indicating that the binding is reversible in nature, with more released at pH 7.4 and below. In conclusion, the covalent binding of neratinib to serum albumin is pH, time and temperature dependent, but not substrate concentration dependent, especially in the therapeutic range. Acidification and incubation of human plasma proteins that contained covalently bound [(14)C]neratinib leads to the release of the drug, indicating that the binding is reversible in nature. It is reasonable to speculate that the release of neratinib from human serum albumin provides a transport system leading to release of neratinib in the more acidic environment of the tumor.

  17. [Pathogenic factors of vibrios with special emphasis on Vibrio vulnificus].

    PubMed

    Shinoda, Sumio

    2005-07-01

    Bacteria of the genus Vibrio are normal habitants of the aquatic environment and play roles for biocontrole of aquatic ecosystem, but some species are believed to be human pathogens. These species can be classified into two groups according to the types of diseases they cause: the gastrointestinal infections and the extraintestinal infections. The pathogenic species produce various pathogenic factors including enterotoxin, hemolysin, cytotoxin, protease, siderophore, adhesive factor, and hemagglutinin. We studied various pathogenic factors of vibrios with special emphasis on protease and hemolysin of V. vulnificus. V. vulnificus is now recognized as being among the most rapidly fatal of human pathogens, although the infection is appeared in patients having underlying disease(s) such as liver dysfunction, alcoholic cirrhosis or haemochromatosis. V. vulnificus protease (VVP) is thought to be a major toxic factor causing skin damage in the patients having septicemia. VVP is a metalloprotease and degrades a number of biologically important proteins including elastin, fibrinogen, and plasma proteinase inhibitors of complement components. VVP causes skin damages through activation of the Factor XII-plasma kallikrein-kinin cascade and/or exocytotic histamine release from mast cells, and a haemorrhagic lesion through digestion of the vascular basement membrane. Thus, the protease is the most probable candidate for tissue damage and bacterial invasion during an infection. Pathogenic roles and functional mechanism of other factors including hemolysins of V. vulnificus and V. mimicus are also shown in this review article.

  18. Vitamin A levels and human immunodeficiency virus load in injection drug users.

    PubMed Central

    Semba, R D; Farzadegan, H; Vlahov, D

    1997-01-01

    Although low plasma vitamin A levels are associated with increased mortality and higher vertical transmission during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, it is unknown whether plasma low vitamin A levels are a marker for circulating HIV load. We conducted a cross-sectional study within a prospective cohort study of injection drug users in order to evaluate the relationship between plasma vitamin A levels and HIV viral load. Plasma vitamin A level was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Infectious viral load was measured by quantitative microculture of serial fivefold dilutions of 10(6) peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A total of 284 HIV-infected adults (79 women, 205 men) were studied. Plasma vitamin A levels consistent with deficiency were found in 28.9% of adults. A total of 38.0% of women and 25.3% of men had vitamin A deficiency (P < 0.04). The median infectious viral load for the entire study population was 8 infectious units per million cells. No significant relationship between plasma vitamin A levels and infectious viral load was observed in these injection drug users. This study suggests that there is no correlation between HIV viral load and plasma vitamin A levels in injection drug users, and these variables may represent independent risk factors during HIV infection. HIV-infected adult women appear to be at higher risk of developing vitamin A deficiency. PMID:9008289

  19. Laboratory assessment of Activated Protein C Resistance/Factor V-Leiden and performance characteristics of a new quantitative assay.

    PubMed

    Amiral, Jean; Vissac, Anne Marie; Seghatchian, Jerard

    2017-12-01

    Activated Protein C Resistance is mainly associated to a factor V mutation (RQ506), which induces a deficient inactivation of activated factor V by activated protein C, and is associated to an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis in affected individuals, caused by the prolonged activated factor V survival. Its prevalence is mainly in Caucasians (about 5%), and this mutation is absent in Africans and Asians. Presence of Factor V-Leiden is usually evidenced with clotting methods, using a two-step APTT assay performed without or with APC: prolongation of blood coagulation time is decreased if this factor is present. The R506Q Factor V-Leiden mutation is now usually characterized using molecular biology, and this technique tends to become the first intention assay for characterization of patients. Both techniques are qualitative, and allow classifying tested individuals as heterozygotes or homozygotes for the mutation, when present. A new quantitative assay for Factor V-Leiden, using a one-step clotting method, has been developed, and designed with highly purified human coagulation proteins. Clotting is triggered with human Factor Xa, in presence of calcium and phospholipids (mixture which favours APC action over clotting process). Diluted tested plasma, is supplemented with a clotting mixture containing human fibrinogen, prothrombin, and protein S at a constant concentration. APC is added, and clotting is initiated with calcium. Calibration is performed with a pool of plasmas from patients carrying the R506Q Factor V mutation, and its mixtures with normal plasma. Homozygous patients have clotting times of about <40sec; heterozygous patients have clotting times of about 40-60sec and normal individuals yield clotting times >70sec. Factor V-Leiden concentration is usually >75% in homozygous patients, 30-60% in heterozygous patients and below 5% in normal. The assay is insensitive to clotting factor deficiencies (II, VII, VIII: C, IX, X), dicoumarol or heparin therapies, and has no interference with lupus anticoagulant (LA). This new assay for Factor V-Leiden can be easily used in any coagulation laboratory, is performed as a single test, and is quantitative. This assay has a high robustness, is accurate and presents a good intra- (<3%) and inter-assay (<5%) variability. It contributes solving most of the laboratory issues faced when testing factor V-Leiden. Quantitation of Factor V-L could contribute to a better assessment of thrombotic risk in affected patients, as this complication is first associated to and caused by the presence of a defined amount of FVa. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Predictive value of plasma β2-microglobulin on human body function and senescence.

    PubMed

    Dong, X-M; Cai, R; Yang, F; Zhang, Y-Y; Wang, X-G; Fu, S-L; Zhang, J-R

    2016-06-01

    To explore the correlation between plasma β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) as senescence factor with age, heart, liver and kidney function as well as the predictive value of β2-MG in human metabolism function and senescence. 387 cases of healthy people of different ages were selected and the automatic biochemical analyzer was used to test β2-MG in plasma based on immunoturbidimetry and also all biochemical indexes. The correlation between β2-MG and age, gender and all biochemical indexes was analyzed. β2-MG was positively correlated to age, r = 0.373; and the difference was of statistical significance (p < 0.010). It was significantly negative correlated to HDL-C but positively correlated to LP (a), BUN, CREA, UA, CYS-C, LDH, CK-MB, HBDH, AST, GLB and HCY. β2-MG was closely correlated to age, heart, kidney and liver biochemical indexes, which can be taken as an important biomarker for human body function and anti-senescence and have significant basic research and clinical guidance values.

  1. Apolipoprotein AI Deficiency Inhibits Serum Opacity Factor Activity against Plasma High Density Lipoprotein via a Stabilization Mechanism

    PubMed Central

    Rosales, Corina; Patel, Niket; Gillard, Baiba K.; Yelamanchili, Dedipya; Yang, Yaliu; Courtney, Harry S.; Santos, Raul D.; Gotto, Antonio M.; Pownall, Henry J.

    2016-01-01

    The reaction of Streptococcal serum opacity factor (SOF) against plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDL) produces a large cholesteryl ester-rich microemulsion (CERM), a smaller neo HDL that is apolipoprotein (apo) AI-poor, and lipid-free apo AI. SOF is active vs. both human and mouse plasma HDL. In vivo injection of SOF into mice reduces plasma cholesterol ~40% in 3 hours while forming the same products observed in vitro, but at different ratios. Previous studies supported the hypothesis that labile apo AI is required for the SOF reaction vs. HDL. Here we further tested that hypothesis by studies of SOF against HDL from apo AI-null mice. When injected into apo AI-null mice, SOF reduced plasma cholesterol ~35% in three hours. The reaction of SOF vs. apo AI-null HDL in vitro produced a CERM and neo HDL, but no lipid-free apo. Moreover, according to the rate of CERM formation, the extent and rate of the SOF reaction vs. apo AI-null mouse HDL was less than that against wild-type (WT) mouse HDL. Chaotropic perturbation studies using guanidine hydrochloride showed that apo AI-null HDL was more stable than WT HDL. Human apo AI added to apo AI-null HDL was quantitatively incorporated, giving reconstituted HDL. Both SOF and guanidine hydrochloride displaced apo AI from the reconstituted HDL. These results support the conclusion that apo AI-null HDL is more stable than WT HDL because it lacks apo AI, a labile protein that is readily displaced by physico-chemical and biochemical perturbations. Thus, apo AI-null HDL is less SOF-reactive than WT HDL. The properties of apo AI-null HDL can be partially restored to those of WT HDL by the spontaneous incorporation of human apo AI. It remains to be determined what other HDL functions are affected by apo AI deletion. PMID:25790332

  2. Superparamagnetic graphene oxide-based dispersive-solid phase extraction for preconcentration and determination of tamsulosin hydrochloride in human plasma by high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection.

    PubMed

    Pashaei, Yaser; Ghorbani-Bidkorbeh, Fatemeh; Shekarchi, Maryam

    2017-05-26

    In the present study, superparamagnetic graphene oxide-Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites were successfully prepared by a modified impregnation method (MGO mi ) and their application as a sorbent in the magnetic-dispersive solid phase extraction (M-dSPE) mode to the preconcentration and determination of tamsulosin hydrochloride (TMS) in human plasma was investigated by coupling with high performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). The structure, morphology and magnetic properties of the prepared nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Some factors affecting the extraction efficiency, including the pH value, amount of sorbent, extraction time, elution solvent and its volume, and desorption time were studied and optimized. Magnetic nanocomposites plasma extraction of TMS following HPLC analyses showed a linear calibration curve in the range of 0.5-50.0ngmL -1 with an acceptable correlation coefficient (R 2 =0.9988). The method was sensitive, with a low limit of detection (0.17ngmL -1 ) and quantification (0.48ngmL -1 ). Inter- and intra-day precision expressed as relative standard deviation (n=3) and the preconcentration factor, were found to be 5.6-7.2%, 2.9-4.2% and 10, respectively. Good recoveries (98.1-101.4%) with low relative standard deviations (4.2-5.0%) indicated that the matrices under consideration do not significantly affect the extraction process. Due to its high precision and accuracy, the developed method may be a HPLC-UV alternative with M-dSPE for bioequivalence analysis of TMS in human plasma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity, serum selenium concentration, and plasma total antioxidant capacity in cats with IRIS stages I-IV chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Krofič Žel, M; Tozon, N; Nemec Svete, A

    2014-01-01

    Serum selenium concentrations and the activity of plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decrease with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in human patients. Selenium is considered a limiting factor for plasma GPx synthesis. Plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is decreased in CKD cats in comparison to healthy cats. Serum selenium concentrations and plasma and erythrocyte GPx activity in cats with CKD are lower than in healthy cats. Serum selenium concentrations, the activity of enzymes, and plasma TAC progressively decrease with the progression of kidney disease according to IRIS (International Renal Interest Society) classification. Twenty-six client-owned cats in IRIS stages I-IV of CKD were compared with 19 client-owned healthy cats. A CBC, serum biochemical profile, urinalysis, plasma and erythrocyte GPx activity, serum selenium concentration, and plasma TAC were measured in each cat. Cats in IRIS stage IV CKD had a significantly higher (P = .025) activity of plasma GPx (23.44 ± 6.28 U/mL) than cats in the control group (17.51 ± 3.75 U/mL). There were no significant differences in erythrocyte GPx, serum selenium concentration, and plasma TAC, either among IRIS stages I-IV CKD cats or between CKD cats and healthy cats. Erythrocyte GPx activity, serum selenium concentration, and plasma TAC do not change in CKD cats compared with healthy cats. Selenium is not a limiting factor in feline CKD. Increased plasma GPx activity in cats with stage IV CKD suggests induction of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Antioxidant defense systems might not be exhausted in CKD in cats. Copyright © 2013 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  4. Analysis of malondialdehyde in human plasma samples through derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine by ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction-GC-FID approach.

    PubMed

    Malaei, Reyhane; Ramezani, Amir M; Absalan, Ghodratollah

    2018-05-04

    A sensitive and reliable ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (UA-DLLME) procedure was developed and validated for extraction and analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an important lipids-peroxidation biomarker in human plasma. In this methodology, to achieve an applicable extraction procedure, the whole optimization processes were performed in human plasma. To convert MDA into readily extractable species, it was derivatized to hydrazone structure-base by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) at 40 °C within 60 min. Influences of experimental variables on the extraction process including type and volume of extraction and disperser solvents, amount of derivatization agent, temperature, pH, ionic strength, sonication and centrifugation times were evaluated. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the enhancement factor and extraction recovery were 79.8 and 95.8%, respectively. The analytical signal linearly (R 2  = 0.9988) responded over a concentration range of 5.00-4000 ng mL -1 with a limit of detection of 0.75 ng mL -1 (S/N = 3) in the plasma sample. To validate the developed procedure, the recommend guidelines of Food and Drug Administration for bioanalytical analysis have been employed. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  5. Study of hepatocyte plasma membrane mechanical properties using optical trapping

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vedyaykin, A. D.; Morozova, N. E.; Pobegalov, G. E.; Arseniev, A. N.; Khodorkoskii, M. A.; Sabantsev, A. V.

    2014-12-01

    In this paper we describe the use of membrane tether formation technique which is widely used to study mechanical properties of plasma membranes. This method was successfully used for the direct measurement of parameters characterizing membranes mechanical properties (static tether tension force and effective membrane viscosity) of human hepatocytes (HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma line). These results allow using this method in future for diagnostics of the cell membrane, evaluating the influence on the mechanical parameters of various factors, including toxins and drugs.

  6. 21 CFR 640.90 - Plasma Protein Fraction (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Plasma Protein Fraction (Human). 640.90 Section...) BIOLOGICS ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.90 Plasma Protein Fraction (Human). (a) Proper name and definition. The proper name of the product shall be...

  7. 21 CFR 640.90 - Plasma Protein Fraction (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Plasma Protein Fraction (Human). 640.90 Section...) BIOLOGICS ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.90 Plasma Protein Fraction (Human). (a) Proper name and definition. The proper name of the product shall be...

  8. 21 CFR 640.90 - Plasma Protein Fraction (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2011-04-01 2010-04-01 true Plasma Protein Fraction (Human). 640.90 Section 640...) BIOLOGICS ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.90 Plasma Protein Fraction (Human). (a) Proper name and definition. The proper name of the product shall be...

  9. 21 CFR 640.90 - Plasma Protein Fraction (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Plasma Protein Fraction (Human). 640.90 Section...) BIOLOGICS ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.90 Plasma Protein Fraction (Human). (a) Proper name and definition. The proper name of the product shall be...

  10. 21 CFR 640.90 - Plasma Protein Fraction (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Plasma Protein Fraction (Human). 640.90 Section...) BIOLOGICS ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.90 Plasma Protein Fraction (Human). (a) Proper name and definition. The proper name of the product shall be...

  11. Cytotoxic macrophage-released tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as a killing mechanism for cancer cell death after cold plasma activation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaushik, Nagendra Kumar; Kaushik, Neha; Min, Booki; Choi, Ki Hong; Hong, Young June; Miller, Vandana; Fridman, Alexander; Choi, Eun Ha

    2016-03-01

    The present study aims at studying the anticancer role of cold plasma-activated immune cells. The direct anti-cancer activity of plasma-activated immune cells against human solid cancers has not been described so far. Hence, we assessed the effect of plasma-treated RAW264.7 macrophages on cancer cell growth after co-culture. In particular, flow cytometer analysis revealed that plasma did not induce any cell death in RAW264.7 macrophages. Interestingly, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis confirmed that TNF-α released from plasma-activated macrophages acts as a tumour cell death inducer. In support of these findings, activated macrophages down-regulated the cell growth in solid cancer cell lines and induced cell death in vitro. Together our findings suggest plasma-induced reactive species recruit cytotoxic macrophages to release TNF-α, which blocks cancer cell growth and can have the potential to contribute to reducing tumour growth in vivo in the near future.

  12. Delayed Expression of Circulating TGF-β1 and BMP-2 Levels in Human Nonunion Long Bone Fracture Healing.

    PubMed

    Hara, Yoshiaki; Ghazizadeh, Mohammad; Shimizu, Hajime; Matsumoto, Hisashi; Saito, Nobuyuki; Yagi, Takanori; Mashiko, Kazuki; Mashiko, Kunihiro; Kawai, Makoto; Yokota, Hiroyuki

    2017-01-01

    The healing process of bone fracture requires a well-controlled multistage and sequential order beginning immediately after the injury. However, complications leading to nonunion exist, creating serious problems and costs for patients. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2) are two major growth factors involved in human bone fracture healing by promoting various stages of bone ossification. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of these factors during the fracture healing of human long bones and assess their impacts on nonunion condition. We performed a comprehensive analysis of plasma TGF-β1 and BMP-2 levels in blood samples from 10 patients with proved nonunion and 10 matched patients with normal union following a predetermined time schedule. The concentrations of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 were measured at each time point using a solid-phase ELISA. TGF-β1 and BMP-2 levels were detectable in all patients. For all patients, a maximal peak for TGF-β1 was found at 3-week. In normal union group, TGF-β1 showed a maximal peak at 2-week while nonunion group had a delayed maximal peak at 3-week. Plasma levels of BMP-2 for all patients and for normal union group reached a maximal peak at 1-week, but nonunion group showed a delayed maximal peak at 2-week. In general, plasma TGF-β1 or BMP-2 level was not significantly different between normal union and nonunion groups. The expression levels of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 appeared to be delayed in nonunion patients which could play an important role in developing an early marker of fracture union condition and facilitate improved patient's management.

  13. The plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of erlotinib and its active metabolite (OSI-420) after intravenous administration of erlotinib in non-human primates.

    PubMed

    Meany, Holly J; Fox, Elizabeth; McCully, Cynthia; Tucker, Chris; Balis, Frank M

    2008-08-01

    Erlotinib hydrochloride is a small molecule inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is over-expressed in primary brain tumors and solid tumors that metastasize to the central nervous system. We evaluated the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pharmacokinetics of erlotinib and its active metabolite OSI-420 after an intravenous (IV) dose in a non-human primate model. Erlotinib was administered as a 1 h IV infusion to four adult rhesus monkeys. Serial blood and CSF samples were drawn over 48 h and erlotinib and OSI-420 were quantified with an HPLC/tandem mass spectroscopic assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using non-compartmental and compartmental methods. CSF penetration was calculated from the AUC(CSF):AUC(plasma). Erlotinib disappearance from plasma after a short IV infusion was biexponential with a mean terminal half-life of 5.2 h and a mean clearance of 128 ml/min per m(2). OSI-420 exposure (AUC) in plasma was 30% (range 12-59%) of erlotinib, and OSI-420 clearance was more than 5-fold higher than erlotinib. Erlotinib and OSI-420 were detectable in CSF. The CSF penetration (AUC(CSF):AUC(plasma)) of erlotinib and OSI-420 was <5% relative to total plasma concentration, but CSF drug exposure was approximately 30% of plasma free drug exposure, which was calculated from published plasma protein binding values. The IV administration of erlotinib was well tolerated. Erlotinib and its active metabolite OSI-420 are measurable in CSF after an IV dose. The drug exposure (AUC) in the CSF is limited relative to total plasma concentrations but is substantial relative the free drug exposure in plasma.

  14. Interleukin-6 production by human monocytes stimulated with Cryptococcus neoformans components.

    PubMed Central

    Delfino, D; Cianci, L; Lupis, E; Celeste, A; Petrelli, M L; Curró, F; Cusumano, V; Teti, G

    1997-01-01

    In order to ascertain if Cryptococcus neoformans components can induce interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, we stimulated human whole blood with purified capsular products. Their potencies in stimulating IL-6 release were mannoproteins > galactoxylomannan = glucuronoxylomannan > alpha(1-3)glucan. IL-6 production was tumor necrosis factor alpha independent and required the presence of monocytes and plasma. Since IL-6 can stimulate replication of the human immunodeficiency virus in monocytic cells, these findings may be clinically relevant. PMID:9169790

  15. Effects of a Western-type diet on plasma lipids and other cardiometabolic risk factors in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus).

    PubMed

    Jorgensen, Matthew J; Aycock, S Tyler; Clarkson, Thomas B; Kaplan, Jay R

    2013-07-01

    Our goal was to assess a nonhuman primate diet that mimicked the Western-type diet of humans with regard to palatability and the diet's effects on plasma lipid concentrations and other cardiometabolic risk factors. We evaluated male (n = 8) and female (n = 11) African green monkeys (vervets; Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) that initially were fed a standard diet. Each cohort then was divided into 2 groups, which received either standard chow or the Western diet. Food consumption and fecal quality were measured weekly. Body weight, waist circumference, and body-mass index were measured every 2 wk. CBC and clinical chemistry analyses were performed at baseline and 4 wk after the diet change. Plasma lipid concentrations, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and fructosamine were measured at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 wk after the diet change. Isoflavones were measured in the male monkeys at 6 wk after diet change, and lipid particle size was measured in the female monkeys at the 12-wk point. Green monkeys readily ate the Western diet and maintained baseline body weight and morphometric measures, with no adverse effects on fecal quality or clinical measures. Total plasma cholesterol was higher in monkeys fed the Western diet compared with standard chow. Isoflavones were higher in male monkeys fed standard chow compared with the Western diet, but lipid particle size did not differ by diet in female monkeys. Our data indicate that the Western diet led to changes in various biomedical risk factors of green monkeys to become similar to those of humans in the United States.

  16. Protein source and choice of anticoagulant decisively affect nanoparticle protein corona and cellular uptake

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schöttler, S.; Klein, Katja; Landfester, K.; Mailänder, V.

    2016-03-01

    Protein adsorption on nanoparticles has been a focus of the field of nanocarrier research in the past few years and more and more papers are dealing with increasingly detailed lists of proteins adsorbed to a plethora of nanocarriers. While there is an urgent need to understand the influence of this protein corona on nanocarriers' interactions with cells the strong impact of the protein source on corona formation and the consequence for interaction with different cell types are factors that are regularly neglected, but should be taken into account for a meaningful analysis. In this study, the importance of the choice of protein source used for in vitro protein corona analysis is concisely investigated. Major and decisive differences in cellular uptake of a polystyrene nanoparticle incubated in fetal bovine serum, human serum, human citrate and heparin plasma are reported. Furthermore, the protein compositions are determined for coronas formed in the respective incubation media. A strong influence of heparin, which is used as an anticoagulant for plasma generation, on cell interaction is demonstrated. While heparin enhances the uptake into macrophages, it prevents internalization into HeLa cells. Taken together we can give the recommendation that human plasma anticoagulated with citrate seems to give the most relevant results for in vitro studies of nanoparticle uptake.Protein adsorption on nanoparticles has been a focus of the field of nanocarrier research in the past few years and more and more papers are dealing with increasingly detailed lists of proteins adsorbed to a plethora of nanocarriers. While there is an urgent need to understand the influence of this protein corona on nanocarriers' interactions with cells the strong impact of the protein source on corona formation and the consequence for interaction with different cell types are factors that are regularly neglected, but should be taken into account for a meaningful analysis. In this study, the importance of the choice of protein source used for in vitro protein corona analysis is concisely investigated. Major and decisive differences in cellular uptake of a polystyrene nanoparticle incubated in fetal bovine serum, human serum, human citrate and heparin plasma are reported. Furthermore, the protein compositions are determined for coronas formed in the respective incubation media. A strong influence of heparin, which is used as an anticoagulant for plasma generation, on cell interaction is demonstrated. While heparin enhances the uptake into macrophages, it prevents internalization into HeLa cells. Taken together we can give the recommendation that human plasma anticoagulated with citrate seems to give the most relevant results for in vitro studies of nanoparticle uptake. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Complete list of proteins identified by LC-MS. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08196c

  17. Role of hepsin in factor VII activation in zebrafish.

    PubMed

    Khandekar, Gauri; Jagadeeswaran, Pudur

    2014-01-01

    Factor VII, the initiator of the extrinsic coagulation cascade, circulates in human plasma mainly in its zymogen form, factor VII and in small amounts in its activated form, factor VIIa. However, the mechanism of initial generation of factor VIIa is not known despite intensive research using currently available model systems. Earlier findings suggested serine proteases factor VII activating protease and hepsin play a role in activating factor VII, however, it has remained controversial. In this paper we estimated the levels of factor VIIa and factor VII for the first time in zebrafish adult population and also reevaluated the role of the above two serine proteases in activating factor VII in vivo using zebrafish as a model system. Knockdown of factor VII activating protease and hepsin was performed followed by assaying for their effect on factor VIIa concentration and extrinsic coagulation as measured by the kinetic prothrombin time. Factor VII activating protease knockdown showed no change in kinetic prothrombin time and no effect on factor VIIa levels while hepsin knockdown increased the kinetic prothrombin time and significantly reduced the factor VIIa plasma levels. Our results thus indicate that hepsin plays a physiologically important role in factor VII activation and hemostasis in zebrafish. © 2013.

  18. Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs from human plasma and urine using response surface experimental designs.

    PubMed

    Fernández, Purificación; Fernández, Ana M; Bermejo, Ana M; Lorenzo, Rosa A; Carro, Antonia M

    2013-04-01

    The performance of microwave-assisted extraction and HPLC with photodiode array detection method for determination of six analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs from plasma and urine, is described, optimized, and validated. Several parameters affecting the extraction technique were optimized using experimental designs. A four-factor (temperature, phosphate buffer pH 4.0 volume, extraction solvent volume, and time) hybrid experimental design was used for extraction optimization in plasma, and three-factor (temperature, extraction solvent volume, and time) Doehlert design was chosen to extraction optimization in urine. The use of desirability functions revealed the optimal extraction conditions as follows: 67°C, 4 mL phosphate buffer pH 4.0, 12 mL of ethyl acetate and 9 min, for plasma and the same volume of buffer and ethyl acetate, 115°C and 4 min for urine. Limits of detection ranged from 4 to 45 ng/mL in plasma and from 8 to 85 ng/mL in urine. The reproducibility evaluated at two concentration levels was less than 6.5% for both specimens. The recoveries were from 89 to 99% for plasma and from 83 to 99% for urine. The proposed method was successfully applied in plasma and urine samples obtained from analgesic users. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  19. A high affinity monoclonal antibody recognizing the light chain of human coagulating factor VII.

    PubMed

    Sarial, Sheila; Asadi, Farzad; Jeddi-Tehrani, Mahmood; Hadavi, Reza; Bayat, Ali Ahmad; Mahmoudian, Jafar; Taghizadeh-Jahed, Masoud; Shokri, Fazel; Rabbani, Hodjattallah

    2012-12-01

    Factor VII (FVII) is a serine protease-coagulating element responsible for the initiation of an extrinsic pathway of clot formation. Here we generated and characterized a high affinity monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes human FVII. Recombinant human FVII (rh-FVII) was used for the production of a monoclonal antibody using BALB/c mice. The specificity of the antibody was determined by Western blot using plasma samples from human, mouse, sheep, goat, bovine, rabbit, and rat. Furthermore, the antibody was used to detect transiently expressed rh-FVII in BHK21 cell line using Western blot and sandwich ELISA. A mouse IgG1 (kappa chain) monoclonal antibody clone 1F1-B11 was produced against rh-FVII. The affinity constant (K(aff)) of the antibody was calculated to be 6.4×10(10) M(-1). The antibody could specifically recognize an epitope on the light chain of hFVII, with no reactivity with factor VII from several other animals. In addition, transiently expressed rh-FVII in BHK21 cells was recognized by 1F1-B11. The high affinity as well as the specificity of 1F1-B11 for hFVII will facilitate the affinity purification of hFVII and also production of FVII deficient plasma and minimizes the risk of bovine FVII contamination when fetal bovine serum-supplemented media are used for production and subsequent purification of rh-FVII.

  20. Running-Induced Systemic Cathepsin B Secretion Is Associated with Memory Function.

    PubMed

    Moon, Hyo Youl; Becke, Andreas; Berron, David; Becker, Benjamin; Sah, Nirnath; Benoni, Galit; Janke, Emma; Lubejko, Susan T; Greig, Nigel H; Mattison, Julie A; Duzel, Emrah; van Praag, Henriette

    2016-08-09

    Peripheral processes that mediate beneficial effects of exercise on the brain remain sparsely explored. Here, we show that a muscle secretory factor, cathepsin B (CTSB) protein, is important for the cognitive and neurogenic benefits of running. Proteomic analysis revealed elevated levels of CTSB in conditioned medium derived from skeletal muscle cell cultures treated with AMP-kinase agonist AICAR. Consistently, running increased CTSB levels in mouse gastrocnemius muscle and plasma. Furthermore, recombinant CTSB application enhanced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and doublecortin (DCX) in adult hippocampal progenitor cells through a mechanism dependent on the multifunctional protein P11. In vivo, in CTSB knockout (KO) mice, running did not enhance adult hippocampal neurogenesis and spatial memory function. Interestingly, in Rhesus monkeys and humans, treadmill exercise elevated CTSB in plasma. In humans, changes in CTSB levels correlated with fitness and hippocampus-dependent memory function. Our findings suggest CTSB as a mediator of effects of exercise on cognition. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  1. [Determination of plasma protein binding rate of arctiin and arctigenin with ultrafiltration].

    PubMed

    Han, Xue-Ying; Wang, Wei; Tan, Ri-Qiu; Dou, De-Qiang

    2013-02-01

    To determine the plasma protein binding rate of arctiin and arctigenin. The ultrafiltration combined with HPLC was employed to determine the plasma protein binding rate of arctiin and arctigenin as well as rat plasma and healthy human plasma proteins. The plasma protein binding rate of arctiin with rat plasma at the concentrations of 64. 29, 32.14, 16.07 mg x L(-1) were (71.2 +/- 2.0)%, (73.4 +/- 0.61)%, (78.2 +/- 1.9)%, respectively; while the plasma protein binding rate of arctiin with healthy human plasma at the above concentrations were (64.8 +/- 3.1)%, (64.5 +/- 2.5)%, (77.5 +/- 1.7)%, respectively. The plasma protein binding rate of arctigenin with rat plasma at the concentrations of 77.42, 38.71, 19.36 mg x L(-1) were (96.7 +/- 0.41)%, (96.8 +/- 1.6)%, (97.3 +/- 0.46)%, respectively; while the plasma protein binding rate of arctigenin with normal human plasma at the above concentrations were (94.7 +/- 3.1)%, (96.8 +/- 1.6)%, (97.9 +/- 1.3)%, respectively. The binding rate of arctiin with rat plasma protein was moderate, which is slightly higher than the binding rate of arctiin with healthy human plasma protein. The plasma protein binding rates of arctigenin with both rat plasma and healthy human plasma are very high.

  2. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in an intergenic chromosome 2q region associated with tissue factor pathway inhibitor plasma levels and venous thromboembolism.

    PubMed

    Dennis, J; Truong, V; Aïssi, D; Medina-Rivera, A; Blankenberg, S; Germain, M; Lemire, M; Antounians, L; Civelek, M; Schnabel, R; Wells, P; Wilson, M D; Morange, P-E; Trégouët, D-A; Gagnon, F

    2016-10-01

    Essentials Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) regulates the blood coagulation cascade. We replicated previously reported linkage of TFPI plasma levels to the chromosome 2q region. The putative causal locus, rs62187992, was associated with TFPI plasma levels and thrombosis. rs62187992 was marginally associated with TFPI expression in human aortic endothelial cells. Click to hear Ann Gil's presentation on new insights into thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor SUMMARY: Background Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) regulates fibrin clot formation, and low TFPI plasma levels increase the risk of arterial thromboembolism and venous thromboembolism (VTE). TFPI plasma levels are also heritable, and a previous linkage scan implicated the chromosome 2q region, but no specific genes. Objectives To replicate the finding of the linkage region in an independent sample, and to identify the causal locus. Methods We first performed a linkage analysis of microsatellite markers and TFPI plasma levels in 251 individuals from the F5L Family Study, and replicated the finding of the linkage peak on chromosome 2q (LOD = 3.06). We next defined a follow-up region that included 112 603 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) under the linkage peak, and meta-analyzed associations between these SNPs and TFPI plasma levels across the F5L Family Study and the Marseille Thrombosis Association (MARTHA) Study, a study of 1033 unrelated VTE patients. SNPs with false discovery rate q-values of < 0.10 were tested for association with TFPI plasma levels in 892 patients with coronary artery disease in the AtheroGene Study. Results and Conclusions One SNP, rs62187992, was associated with TFPI plasma levels in all three samples (β = + 0.14 and P = 4.23 × 10 -6 combined; β = + 0.16 and P = 0.02 in the F5L Family Study; β = + 0.13 and P = 6.3 × 10 -4 in the MARTHA Study; β = + 0.17 and P = 0.03 in the AtheroGene Study), and contributed to the linkage peak in the F5L Family Study. rs62187992 was also associated with clinical VTE (odds ratio 0.90, P = 0.03) in the INVENT Consortium of > 7000 cases and their controls, and was marginally associated with TFPI expression (β = + 0.19, P = 0.08) in human aortic endothelial cells, a primary site of TFPI synthesis. The biological mechanisms underlying these associations remain to be elucidated. © 2016 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

  3. Development of a simple and valid method for the trace determination of phthalate esters in human plasma using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Ebrahim, Karim; Poursafa, Parinaz; Amin, Mohammad Mehdi

    2017-11-01

    A new method was developed for the trace determination of phthalic acid esters in plasma using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis. Plasma proteins were efficiently precipitated by trichloroacetic acid and then a mixture of chlorobenzene (as extraction solvent) and acetonitrile (as dispersive solvent) rapidly injected to clear supernatant using a syringe. After centrifuging, chlorobenzene sedimented at the bottom of the test tube. 1 μL of this sedimented phase was injected into the gas chromatograph for phthalic acid esters analysis. Different factors affecting the extraction performance, such as the type of extraction and dispersive solvent, their volume, extraction time, and the effects of salt addition were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors and extraction recoveries were satisfactory and ranged between 820-1020 and 91-97%, respectively. The linear range was wide (50-1000 ng/mL) and limit of detection was very low (1.5-2.5 ng/mL for all analytes). The relative standard deviations for analysis of 1 μg/mL of the analytes were between 3.2-6.1%. Salt addition showed no significant effect on extraction recovery. Finally, the proposed method was successfully utilized for the extraction and determination of the phthalic acid esters in human plasma samples and satisfactory results were obtained. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrinolytic effects of thrombomodulin alfa through carboxypeptidase B2 in the presence of thrombin.

    PubMed

    Tawara, Shunsuke; Sakai, Takumi; Matsuzaki, Osamu

    2016-11-01

    Thrombomodulin (TM) alfa, a recombinant human soluble TM, enhances activation of pro-carboxypeptidase B2 (pro-CPB2) by thrombin. Activated pro-CPB2 (CPB2) exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrinolytic activities. Therefore, TM alfa may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrinolytic effects through CPB2. However, these effects of TM alfa have not been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of TM alfa on inactivation of complement component C5a as an anti-inflammatory effect and prolongation of clot lysis time as an anti-fibrinolytic effect via CPB2 in vitro. CPB2 activity and tissue factor-induced thrombin generation was examined by a chromogenic assay. C5a inactivation was evaluated by C-terminal cleavage of C5a and inhibition of C5a-induced human neutrophil migration. Clot lysis time prolongation was examined by a tissue-type plasminogen activator-induced clot lysis assay. CPB2 activity in human plasma was increased by TM alfa and thrombin in a concentration-dependent manner. TM alfa inhibited tissue factor-induced thrombin generation and enhanced pro-CPB2 activation in human plasma simultaneously. The mass spectrum of C5a treated with TM alfa, thrombin, and pro-CPB2 was decreased at 156m/z, indicating that TM alfa enhanced the processing of C5a to C-terminal-cleaved C5a, an inactive form of C5a. C5a-induced human neutrophil migration was decreased after C5a treatment with TM alfa, thrombin, and pro-CPB2. TM alfa prolonged the clot lysis time in human plasma, and this effect was completely abolished by addition of a CPB2 inhibitor. TM alfa exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrinolytic effects through CPB2 in the presence of thrombin in vitro. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. The proangiogenic phenotype of tumor-derived endothelial cells is reverted by the overexpression of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase.

    PubMed

    Doublier, Sophie; Ceretto, Monica; Lupia, Enrico; Bravo, Stefania; Bussolati, Benedetta; Camussi, Giovanni

    2007-10-01

    We previously reported that human tumor-derived endothelial cells (TEC) have an angiogenic phenotype related to the autocrine production of several angiogenic factors. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether an enhanced synthesis of platelet-activating factor (PAF) might contribute to the proangiogenic characteristics of TEC and whether its inactivation might inhibit angiogenesis. To address the potential role of PAF in the proangiogenic characteristics of TEC, we engineered TEC to stably overexpress human plasma PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), the major PAF-inactivating enzyme, and we evaluated in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis. TECs were able to synthesize a significantly enhanced amount of PAF compared with normal human microvascular endothelial cells when stimulated with thrombin, vascular endothelial growth factor, or soluble CD154. Transfection of TEC with PAF-AH (TEC-PAF-AH) significantly inhibited apoptosis resistance and spontaneous motility of TEC. In addition, PAF and vascular endothelial growth factor stimulation enhanced the motility and adhesion of TEC but not of TEC-PAF-AH. In vitro, TEC-PAF-AH lost the characteristic ability of TEC to form vessel-like structures when plated on Matrigel. Finally, when cells were injected s.c. within Matrigel in severe combined immunodeficiency mice or coimplanted with a renal carcinoma cell line, the overexpression of PAF-AH induced a significant reduction of functional vessel formation. These results suggest that inactivation of PAF, produced by TEC, by the overexpression of plasma PAF-AH affects survival, migration, and the angiogenic response of TEC both in vitro and in vivo.

  6. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of cocaine and its metabolite (-)ecgonine methyl ester in human acidified stabilized plasma samples.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yongzhen; Zheng, Bo; Strafford, Stephanie; Orugunty, Ravi; Sullivan, Michael; Gus, Jeffrey; Heidbreder, Christian; Fudala, Paul J; Nasser, Azmi

    2014-06-15

    Two simple, sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) methods (low range and high range) were developed and validated for the quantification of cocaine and its metabolite (-)ecgonine methyl ester (EME) in human acidified stabilized plasma samples. In the low range assay, cocaine and the internal standard, cocaine-D3, were extracted using a single step liquid-liquid extraction from human acidified stabilized plasma. For the high range assay, human acidified stabilized plasma containing cocaine, EME, and the internal standards, cocaine-D3 and EME-D3, was mixed with acetonitrile, and the protein precipitate was separated by centrifugation. Both cocaine and EME extracted from both assays were separated on a HILIC column and detected in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Both methods were validated and the specificity, linearity, lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), precision, accuracy, recoveries and stability were determined. The linear range for the low range assay was 0.01-5ng/mL for cocaine; in the high range assay values were 5-1000ng/mL for cocaine and 1-200ng/mL for EME. The correlation coefficient (R(2)) values for both assays were 0.993 or greater. The precision and accuracy for intra-day and inter-day were better than 13.0%. The recovery was above 85% and matrix effects were low with the matrix factor ranging from 0.817 to 1.10 for both analytes in both assays. The validated methods were successfully used to quantify the plasma concentrations of cocaine and EME in clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Plasma cytokine concentrations in dogs with a congenital portosystemic shunt.

    PubMed

    Kilpatrick, Scott; Gow, Adam G; Foale, Rob D; Tappin, Simon W; Carruthers, Harvey; Reed, Nicola; Yool, Donald A; Woods, Samantha; Marques, Ana I; Jalan, Rajiv; Mellanby, Richard J

    2014-04-01

    Congenital portosystemic shunts (cPSS) are a well-recognised vascular anomaly in dogs. Recent studies have shown an association between inflammation and hepatic encephalopathy (HE), which is a common clinical syndrome in dogs with a cPSS. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α are frequently increased in the plasma of human patients with liver disease and have been implicated in the development of HE. In the current study, plasma concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were measured using a multiplex electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in 36 dogs with a cPSS and compared to 25 healthy dogs. There were no significant differences in plasma IL-2, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations between the two groups; however, plasma concentrations of IL-6 were significantly higher in dogs with a cPSS compared to healthy dogs (P=0.02). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Immune profiling of plasma and cervical secretions using recycling immunoaffinity chromatography.

    PubMed

    Castle, Philip E; Phillips, Terry M; Hildesheim, Allan; Herrero, Rolando; Bratti, M Concepcion; Rodríguez, Ana Cecilia; Morera, Lidia Ana; Pfeiffer, Ruth; Hutchinson, Martha L; Pinto, Ligia A; Schiffman, Mark

    2003-12-01

    Small volumes of cervical secretions have limited measurements of immunity at the cervix, which may be important to studies of human papillomavirus (HPV). We report the use of recycling immunoaffinity chromatography to efficiently study immune profiles in cervical secretions. Frozen pairs of plasma and cervical secretions (collected on ophthalmic sponges) were selected randomly from women with normal cervical cytology (n = 50) participating in a natural history study of HPV in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Single 25- micro l aliquots of plasma and (diluted) cervical secretions were assayed for interleukin (IL) -1 beta, -2, -4, -6, -8, -10, -12, -13, -15, IFN-alpha, -beta, -gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, -beta, RANTES (regulated on activation normal T-cell express and secreted), MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein), -2, -3, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha, -1 beta (regulated on activation normal T-cell express and secreted), macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IgG, IgA, and cyclooxygenase 2. All of the specimens were tested as blind replicates, and refrozen plasma was retested 4 months later. To evaluate the reproducibility of the repeat measurements and to examine the correlation between plasma and cervical secretions, we calculated kappa values with 95% confidence intervals among categorized analyte values and Spearman correlation coefficients (rho) among detectable, continuous analyte values. Measurements of all of the analytes in either plasma or cervical secretions were highly reproducible, with all of the kappa > or = 0.78 (70% above 0.90), and all of the rho > or = 0.88 (96% above 0.90). Only IL-1 beta (kappa = 0.60 and rho = 0.82) and IL-6 (kappa = 0.50 and rho = 0.78) levels were strongly correlated between plasma and cervical secretions. IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-beta, RANTES, MCP-1, MCP -2, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels were especially poorly correlated between plasma and cervical secretions (kappa < or = 0.25 and rho < or = 0.25). We conclude that recycling immunoaffinity chromatography is a reproducible method of measuring immune profiles from biological specimens, and immune profiles are not well correlated between plasma and cervical secretions, perhaps necessitating cervical collections to study cervix-specific immunity in HPV natural history studies.

  9. Chronic inflammation modulates ghrelin levels in humans and rats.

    PubMed

    Otero, M; Nogueiras, R; Lago, F; Dieguez, C; Gomez-Reino, J J; Gualillo, O

    2004-03-01

    The aim of this work was to investigate whether changes in plasma ghrelin, the recently discovered 28-amino acid gastric hormone that regulates growth hormone (GH) secretion and energy homeostasis, occur during inflammation in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) in rats. For completeness, ghrelin plasma levels were measured in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. AA was induced in male Lewis rats using Freund's complete adjuvant. Animals were monitored for weight and food intake, every 2 or 3 days, along all time-course experiments. Plasma ghrelin concentrations in 31 RA patients and 18 healthy controls, as well as in rats, were determined by a specific double-antibody radioimmunoassay. Gastric ghrelin mRNA expression was evaluated by northern blot analysis. Human GH and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 were determined by quantitative chemiluminescence assay. Compared with controls, arthritic rats gained significantly (P < 0.01) less body weight than controls until the end of the study, when a partial recovery occurred. Ghrelin plasma levels were significantly lower at day 7 after arthritis induction than in controls (AA 7 = 91.2 +/- 5.6 pg/ml vs controls = 124.75 +/- 5.9 pg/ml), but they recovered to control levels by day 15. RA patients had ghrelin plasma levels significantly lower than healthy controls (RA = 24.54 +/- 2.57 pg/ml vs 39.01 +/- 4.47 pg/ml of healthy controls; P = 0.0041). In AA, there is a compensatory variation of ghrelin levels that relates to body weight adjustments. Recovery of ghrelin levels in the latter stage suggests an adaptive response and may represent a compensatory mechanism under catabolic conditions. In RA patients, chronic imbalance in ghrelin levels suggests that this gastric hormone may participate, together with other factors, in alterations of metabolic status during inflammatory stress.

  10. Streptococcal Serum Opacity Factor Increases Hepatocyte Uptake of Human Plasma High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol1

    PubMed Central

    Gillard, Baiba K.; Rosales, Corina; Pillai, Biju K.; Lin, Hu Yu; Courtney, Harry S.; Pownall, Henry J.

    2010-01-01

    Serum opacity factor (SOF), a virulence determinant of Streptococcus pyogenes, converts plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) to three distinct species: lipid-free apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, neo HDL, a small discoidal HDL-like particle, and a large cholesteryl ester-rich microemulsion (CERM), that contains the cholesterol esters (CE) of up to ~400,000 HDL particles and apo E as its major protein. Similar SOF reaction products are obtained with HDL, total plasma lipoproteins and whole plasma. We hypothesized that hepatic uptake of CERM-CE via multiple apo E dependent receptors would be faster than that of HDL-CE. We tested our hypothesis using human hepatoma cells and lipoprotein receptor-specific Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. [3H]CE uptake by HepG2 and Huh7 cells from HDL after SOF treatment, which transfers >90% of HDL-CE to CERM, was respectively 2.4 and 4.5 times faster than from control HDL. CERM-[3H]CE uptake was inhibited by LDL and HDL, suggestive of uptake by both the LDL receptor (LDL-R) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). Studies in CHO cells specifically expressing LDL-R and SR-BI confirmed CERM-[3H]CE uptake by both receptors. RAP and heparin inhibit CERM-[3H]CE but not HDL-[3H]CE uptake thereby implicating LRP-1 and cell surface proteoglycans in this process. These data demonstrate that SOF treatment of HDL increases CE uptake via multiple hepatic apo E receptors. In so doing, SOF might increase hepatic disposal of plasma cholesterol in a way that is therapeutically useful. PMID:20879789

  11. The manufacture of blood plasma products in Scotland: a brief history.

    PubMed

    Foster, Peter R

    2016-02-01

    A number of essential clinical products are derived from human blood plasma, including immunoglobulin products for the treatment of infections and disorders of immunity; albumin for protein and fluid replacement and coagulation factors for the treatment of haemophilia and other disorders of haemostasis. For many years, these protein pharmaceuticals were manufactured by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) at its Scottish Protein Fractionation Centre (PFC) in Edinburgh, a contribution which ended with the closure of the PFC in 2008. The origins and development of plasma fractionation in Scotland are summarised in this article, as well as issues which contributed to the closure of the PFC. © The Author(s) 2015.

  12. Expression of solute carrier 7A4 (SLC7A4) in the plasma membrane is not sufficient to mediate amino acid transport activity.

    PubMed

    Wolf, Sabine; Janzen, Annette; Vékony, Nicole; Martiné, Ursula; Strand, Dennis; Closs, Ellen I

    2002-06-15

    Member 4 of human solute carrier family 7 (SLC7A4) exhibits significant sequence homology with the SLC7 subfamily of human cationic amino acid transporters (hCATs) [Sperandeo, Borsani, Incerti, Zollo, Rossi, Zuffardi, Castaldo, Taglialatela, Andria and Sebastio (1998) Genomics 49, 230-236]. It is therefore often referred to as hCAT-4 even though no convincing transport activity has been shown for this protein. We expressed SLC7A4 in Xenopus laevis oocytes, but could not detect any transport activity for cationic, neutral or anionic amino acids or for the polyamine putrescine. In addition, human glioblastoma cells stably overexpressing a fusion protein between SLC7A4 and the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) did not exhibit an increased transport activity for l-arginine. The lack of transport activity was not due to a lack of SLC7A4 protein expression in the plasma membrane, as in both cell types SLC7A4-EGFP exhibited a similar subcellular localization and level of protein expression as functional hCAT-EGFP proteins. The expression of SLC7A4 can be induced in NT2 teratocarcinoma cells by treatment with retinoic acid. However, also for this endogenously expressed SLC7A4, we could not detect any transport activity for l-arginine. Our data demonstrate that the expression of SLC7A4 in the plasma membrane is not sufficient to induce an amino acid transport activity in X. laevis oocytes or human cells. Therefore, SLC7A4 is either not an amino acid transporter or it needs additional (protein) factor(s) to be functional.

  13. Expression of solute carrier 7A4 (SLC7A4) in the plasma membrane is not sufficient to mediate amino acid transport activity.

    PubMed Central

    Wolf, Sabine; Janzen, Annette; Vékony, Nicole; Martiné, Ursula; Strand, Dennis; Closs, Ellen I

    2002-01-01

    Member 4 of human solute carrier family 7 (SLC7A4) exhibits significant sequence homology with the SLC7 subfamily of human cationic amino acid transporters (hCATs) [Sperandeo, Borsani, Incerti, Zollo, Rossi, Zuffardi, Castaldo, Taglialatela, Andria and Sebastio (1998) Genomics 49, 230-236]. It is therefore often referred to as hCAT-4 even though no convincing transport activity has been shown for this protein. We expressed SLC7A4 in Xenopus laevis oocytes, but could not detect any transport activity for cationic, neutral or anionic amino acids or for the polyamine putrescine. In addition, human glioblastoma cells stably overexpressing a fusion protein between SLC7A4 and the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) did not exhibit an increased transport activity for l-arginine. The lack of transport activity was not due to a lack of SLC7A4 protein expression in the plasma membrane, as in both cell types SLC7A4-EGFP exhibited a similar subcellular localization and level of protein expression as functional hCAT-EGFP proteins. The expression of SLC7A4 can be induced in NT2 teratocarcinoma cells by treatment with retinoic acid. However, also for this endogenously expressed SLC7A4, we could not detect any transport activity for l-arginine. Our data demonstrate that the expression of SLC7A4 in the plasma membrane is not sufficient to induce an amino acid transport activity in X. laevis oocytes or human cells. Therefore, SLC7A4 is either not an amino acid transporter or it needs additional (protein) factor(s) to be functional. PMID:12049641

  14. Improved survival and antagonistic effect of sodium fusidate on tumor necrosis factor alpha in a neonatal mouse model of endotoxin shock.

    PubMed Central

    Genovese, F; Mancuso, G; Cuzzola, M; Cusumano, V; Nicoletti, F; Bendtzen, K; Teti, G

    1996-01-01

    Unlike the antibiotics erythromycin and penicillin G, sodium fusidate (fusidin) pretreatment (80 mg/kg of body weight) increased the survival rate of neonatal BALB/c mice challenged with Salmonella enteritidis lipopolysaccharide. Fusidin also significantly reduced the plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha levels. Hence, fusidin may prove useful in the management of bacterial sepsis in humans. PMID:8807074

  15. Comparison Between Human and Porcine Thromboelastograph Parameters in Response to Ex-Vivo Changes to Platelets, Plasma, and Red Blood Cells

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    diluted with lactated Ringer’s solution. We demonstrated that the major factor affecting the MA and angle was the platelet count. In fact, reducing...with an accelerant, either kaolin or tissue factor or both as in the case of ‘rapid’ TEG. The TEG tracing represents the cell-based theory of...There are claims in the trauma literature that the pro- longation of the R-time reflects clotting factor deficiency or dilution, prolongation of K

  16. Comparison of Measured and Predicted Bioconcentration Estimates of Pharmaceuticals in Fish Plasma and Prediction of Chronic Risk.

    PubMed

    Nallani, Gopinath; Venables, Barney; Constantine, Lisa; Huggett, Duane

    2016-05-01

    Evaluation of the environmental risk of human pharmaceuticals is now a mandatory component in all new drug applications submitted for approval in EU. With >3000 drugs currently in use, it is not feasible to test each active ingredient, so prioritization is key. A recent review has listed nine prioritization approaches including the fish plasma model (FPM). The present paper focuses on comparison of measured and predicted fish plasma bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of four common over-the-counter/prescribed pharmaceuticals: norethindrone (NET), ibuprofen (IBU), verapamil (VER) and clozapine (CLZ). The measured data were obtained from the earlier published fish BCF studies. The measured BCF estimates of NET, IBU, VER and CLZ were 13.4, 1.4, 0.7 and 31.2, while the corresponding predicted BCFs (based log Kow at pH 7) were 19, 1.0, 7.6 and 30, respectively. These results indicate that the predicted BCFs matched well the measured values. The BCF estimates were used to calculate the human: fish plasma concentration ratios of each drug to predict potential risk to fish. The plasma ratio results show the following order of risk potential for fish: NET > CLZ > VER > IBU. The FPM has value in prioritizing pharmaceutical products for ecotoxicological assessments.

  17. C-terminal peptides of tissue factor pathway inhibitor are novel host defense molecules.

    PubMed

    Papareddy, Praveen; Kalle, Martina; Kasetty, Gopinath; Mörgelin, Matthias; Rydengård, Victoria; Albiger, Barbara; Lundqvist, Katarina; Malmsten, Martin; Schmidtchen, Artur

    2010-09-03

    Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) inhibits tissue factor-induced coagulation, but may, via its C terminus, also modulate cell surface, heparin, and lipopolysaccharide interactions as well as participate in growth inhibition. Here we show that C-terminal TFPI peptide sequences are antimicrobial against the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as the fungi Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. Fluorescence studies of peptide-treated bacteria, paired with analysis of peptide effects on liposomes, showed that the peptides exerted membrane-breaking effects similar to those seen for the "classic" human antimicrobial peptide LL-37. The killing of E. coli, but not P. aeruginosa, by the C-terminal peptide GGLIKTKRKRKKQRVKIAYEEIFVKNM (GGL27), was enhanced in human plasma and largely abolished in heat-inactivated plasma, a phenomenon linked to generation of antimicrobial C3a and activation of the classic pathway of complement activation. Furthermore, GGL27 displayed anti-endotoxic effects in vitro and in vivo in a mouse model of LPS shock. Importantly, TFPI was found to be expressed in the basal layers of normal epidermis, and was markedly up-regulated in acute skin wounds as well as wound edges of chronic leg ulcers. Furthermore, C-terminal fragments of TFPI were associated with bacteria present in human chronic leg ulcers. These findings suggest a new role for TFPI in cutaneous defense against infections.

  18. 21 CFR 866.5700 - Whole human plasma or serum immunological test system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Whole human plasma or serum immunological test... Systems § 866.5700 Whole human plasma or serum immunological test system. (a) Identification. A whole human plasma or serum immunological test system is a device that consists of reagents used to measure by...

  19. 21 CFR 866.5700 - Whole human plasma or serum immunological test system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Whole human plasma or serum immunological test... Systems § 866.5700 Whole human plasma or serum immunological test system. (a) Identification. A whole human plasma or serum immunological test system is a device that consists of reagents used to measure by...

  20. 21 CFR 866.5700 - Whole human plasma or serum immunological test system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Whole human plasma or serum immunological test... Systems § 866.5700 Whole human plasma or serum immunological test system. (a) Identification. A whole human plasma or serum immunological test system is a device that consists of reagents used to measure by...

  1. 21 CFR 866.5700 - Whole human plasma or serum immunological test system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Whole human plasma or serum immunological test... Systems § 866.5700 Whole human plasma or serum immunological test system. (a) Identification. A whole human plasma or serum immunological test system is a device that consists of reagents used to measure by...

  2. 21 CFR 866.5700 - Whole human plasma or serum immunological test system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Whole human plasma or serum immunological test... Systems § 866.5700 Whole human plasma or serum immunological test system. (a) Identification. A whole human plasma or serum immunological test system is a device that consists of reagents used to measure by...

  3. Recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administered enterally to neonates is not absorbed.

    PubMed

    Calhoun, Darlene A; Maheshwari, Akhil; Christensen, Robert D

    2003-08-01

    Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is present in liquids swallowed by the fetus and neonate; specifically, amniotic fluid, colostrum, and human milk. The swallowed G-CSF has local effects on enteric cells, which express the G-CSF receptor. However, some portion of the G-CSF ingested by the fetus and neonate might be absorbed into the circulation and have systemic actions, such as stimulating neutrophil production. To assess this possibility we sought to determine if circulating G-CSF concentrations of neonates increase after enteral administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). This was a single-center, prospective, blinded, randomized, 2 x 2 crossover study, with each infant receiving 1 dose of rhG-CSF (100 microg/kg) and 1 dose of placebo. Plasma G-CSF concentrations were measured at 2 and 4 hours after administration of the test solution. No significant change in plasma G-CSF concentration was observed after the enteral administration of rhG-CSF. On this basis, we conclude that orally administered rhG-CSF is not absorbed in significant quantities, and we speculate that the G-CSF swallowed by the fetus and neonate has local but not systemic effects.

  4. The effect of serum on monocyte tissue factor generation.

    PubMed

    Edwards, R L; Perla, D

    1984-09-01

    Human monocytes generate the procoagulant tissue factor (MTF) following exposure to a variety of immune stimuli in vitro. The generation of MTF is modified by T cells, lymphokines, and immunoregulatory lipoproteins, and recent studies have shown that MTF can be activated in an immune-specific manner following exposure to antigen. We have examined the role of serum factors in the regulation of MTF generation. Low concentrations (less than 1%) of heat-inactivated normal human serum greatly enhanced MTF generation in cultures of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The stimulatory effect was observed in cultures of both unstimulated cells and cells exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Stimulation was not observed at high serum concentrations (greater than 10%) and could not be explained by endotoxin contamination or activation of the assay system. Stimulatory activity was present in plasma and BaSO4-adsorbed plasma as well as autologous and allogeneic serum, was not abolished by removal of serum lipoproteins, and did not require the presence of T cells for its expression. Sera from 28 different normal volunteers were screened for stimulatory activity and demonstrated a wide variation in potency. These results suggest that a potent factor is present in sera that enhances the expression of MTF activity in vitro. This factor is distinct from previously described lipoprotein regulators and may play a role in the initiation of coagulation in both normal hemostasis and pathologic states.

  5. Protein expression profiles of human lymph and plasma mapped by 2D-DIGE and 1D SDS–PAGE coupled with nanoLC–ESI–MS/MS bottom-up proteomics

    PubMed Central

    Clement, Cristina C.; Aphkhazava, David; Nieves, Edward; Callaway, Myrasol; Olszewski, Waldemar; Rotzschke, Olaf; Santambrogio, Laura

    2013-01-01

    In this study a proteomic approach was used to define the protein content of matched samples of afferent prenodal lymph and plasma derived from healthy volunteers. The analysis was performed using two analytical methodologies coupled with nanoliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1DEF nanoLC Orbitrap–ESI–MS/MS), and two-dimensional fluorescence difference-in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE nanoLC–ESI–MS/MS). The 253 significantly identified proteins (p<0.05), obtained from the tandem mass spectrometry data, were further analyzed with pathway analysis (IPA) to define the functional signature of prenodal lymph and matched plasma. The 1DEF coupled with nanoLC–MS–MS revealed that the common proteome between the two biological fluids (144 out of 253 proteins) was dominated by complement activation and blood coagulation components, transporters and protease inhibitors. The enriched proteome of human lymph (72 proteins) consisted of products derived from the extracellular matrix, apoptosis and cellular catabolism. In contrast, the enriched proteome of human plasma (37 proteins) consisted of soluble molecules of the coagulation system and cell–cell signaling factors. The functional networks associated with both common and source-distinctive proteomes highlight the principal biological activity of these immunologically relevant body fluids. PMID:23202415

  6. Stereoselective binding of doxazosin enantiomers to plasma proteins from rats, dogs and humans in vitro

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Jia-an; Kong, De-zhi; Zhen, Ya-qin; Li, Qing; Zhang, Wei; Zhang, Jiang-hua; Yin, Zhi-wei; Ren, Lei-ming

    2013-01-01

    Aim: (±)Doxazosin is a long-lasting inhibitor of α1-adrenoceptors that is widely used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms. In this study we investigated the stereoselective binding of doxazosin enantiomers to the plasma proteins of rats, dogs and humans in vitro. Methods: Human, dog and rat plasma were prepared. Equilibrium dialysis was used to determine the plasma protein binding of each enantiomer in vitro. Chiral HPLC with fluorescence detection was used to measure the drug concentrations on each side of the dialysis membrane bag. Results: Both the enantiomers were highly bound to the plasma proteins of rats, dogs and humans [(−)doxazosin: 89.4%–94.3%; (+)doxazosin: 90.9%–95.4%]. (+)Doxazosin exhibited significantly higher protein binding capacities than (−)doxazosin in all the three species, and the difference in the bound concentration (Cb) between the two enantiomers was enhanced as their concentrations were increased. Although the percentage of the plasma protein binding in the dog plasma was significantly lower than that in the human plasma at 400 and 800 ng/mL, the corrected percentage of plasma protein binding was dog>human>rat. Conclusion: (−)Doxazosin and (+)doxazosin show stereoselective plasma protein binding with a significant species difference among rats, dogs and humans. PMID:24241343

  7. In vitro granulocyte adherence and in vivo margination: two associated complement-dependent functions. Studies based on the acute neutropenia of filtration leukophoresis.

    PubMed

    Fehr, J; Jacob, H S

    1977-09-01

    To study mechanisms and mediators regulating the distribution of intravascular granulocytes between circulating and marginated pools, a human model with extreme transient margination, the neutropenia of continuous flow filtration leukophoresis, was analyzed. Studies in animals demonstrated the existence of a complement (C)-derived granulocytopenia-inducing factor. Thus, autologous plasma, exposed to nylon fibers (NF) of the filtration system, produced an acute selective decrement of circulating granulocytes and monocytes. This phenomenon was blocked by decomplementing plasma, by pretreatment of plasma with EDTA or hydrazine, and by preheating at 56 degrees C, but did occur after recombination of heat-inactivated and hydrazine-treated plasma before NF exposure. Preheating plasma at 50 degrees C did not inhibit the neutropenic response, suggesting involvement of the classical pathway of C activation. Ultrafiltration studies indicated that the NF-provoked neutropenia-inducing factor has a mol wt in the range of 10,000-30,000, and is heat stable (56 degrees C). To analyze the hypothesis that C- induced neutrophil margination might be consequent to increased cell adhesiveness to endothelial surfaces, the role of C in promoting granulocyte adherence was evaluated in vitro. Measured with a plastic Petridish assay, granulocyte adherence was significantly reduced in heat- inactivated (56 degrees C) and hydrazine-treated plasma, but adherence promoting capacity was restored by mixing the two plasmas, or by adding purified C3 to hydrazine-treated plasma. After exposure to activated C, neutrophils showed significantly increased adhesiveness which was maintained when cells were resuspended in heat-inactivated plasma, but progressively lost when resuspended in fresh plasma. On the basis of these results we conclude that granulocyte adhesiveness in vitro and margination in vivo are closely associated, C-dependent phenomena.

  8. The Human Plasma Proteome Draft of 2017: Building on the Human Plasma PeptideAtlas from Mass Spectrometry and Complementary Assays.

    PubMed

    Schwenk, Jochen M; Omenn, Gilbert S; Sun, Zhi; Campbell, David S; Baker, Mark S; Overall, Christopher M; Aebersold, Ruedi; Moritz, Robert L; Deutsch, Eric W

    2017-12-01

    Human blood plasma provides a highly accessible window to the proteome of any individual in health and disease. Since its inception in 2002, the Human Proteome Organization's Human Plasma Proteome Project (HPPP) has been promoting advances in the study and understanding of the full protein complement of human plasma and on determining the abundance and modifications of its components. In 2017, we review the history of the HPPP and the advances of human plasma proteomics in general, including several recent achievements. We then present the latest 2017-04 build of Human Plasma PeptideAtlas, which yields ∼43 million peptide-spectrum matches and 122,730 distinct peptide sequences from 178 individual experiments at a 1% protein-level FDR globally across all experiments. Applying the latest Human Proteome Project Data Interpretation Guidelines, we catalog 3509 proteins that have at least two non-nested uniquely mapping peptides of nine amino acids or more and >1300 additional proteins with ambiguous evidence. We apply the same two-peptide guideline to historical PeptideAtlas builds going back to 2006 and examine the progress made in the past ten years in plasma proteome coverage. We also compare the distribution of proteins in historical PeptideAtlas builds in various RNA abundance and cellular localization categories. We then discuss advances in plasma proteomics based on targeted mass spectrometry as well as affinity assays, which during early 2017 target ∼2000 proteins. Finally, we describe considerations about sample handling and study design, concluding with an outlook for future advances in deciphering the human plasma proteome.

  9. Global measurement of coagulation in plasma from normal and haemophilia dogs using a novel modified thrombin generation test – Demonstrated in vitro and ex vivo

    PubMed Central

    Madsen, Daniel Elenius; Nichols, Timothy C.; Merricks, Elizabeth P.; Waters, Emily K.; Wiinberg, Bo

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Canine models of severe haemophilia resemble their human equivalents both regarding clinical bleeding phenotype and response to treatment. Therefore pre-clinical studies in haemophilia dogs have allowed researchers to make valuable translational predictions regarding the potency and efficacy of new anti-haemophilia drugs (AHDs) in humans. To refine in vivo experiments and reduce number of animals, such translational studies are ideally preceded by in vitro prediction of compound efficacy using a plasma based global coagulation method. One such widely used method is the thrombin generation test (TGT). Unfortunately, commercially available TGTs are incapable of distinguishing between normal and haemophilia canine plasma, and therefore in vitro prediction using TGT has so far not been possible in canine plasma material. Aim Establish a modified TGT capable of: 1) distinguishing between normal and haemophilia canine plasma, 2) monitoring correlation between canine plasma levels of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) and IX (FIX) and thrombin generation, 3) assessing for agreement between compound activity and thrombin generation in ex vivo samples. Methods A modified TGT assay was established where coagulation was triggered using a commercially available activated partial thromboplastin time reagent. Results With the modified TGT a significant difference was observed in thrombin generation between normal and haemophilia canine plasma. A dose dependent thrombin generation was observed when assessing haemophilia A and B plasma spiked with dilution series of FVIII and FIX, respectively. Correlation between FVIII activity and thrombin generation was observed when analyzing samples from haemophilia A dogs dosed with canine FVIII. Limit of detection was 0.1% (v/v) FVIII or FIX. Conclusion A novel modified TGT suitable for monitoring and prediction of replacement therapy efficacy in plasma from haemophilia A and B dogs was established. PMID:28384182

  10. Vitamin D Supplementation is a Promising Therapy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in Conjunction with Current Chemoradiation Therapy.

    PubMed

    Mukai, Yosuke; Yamada, Daisaku; Eguchi, Hidetoshi; Iwagami, Yoshifumi; Asaoka, Tadafumi; Noda, Takehiro; Kawamoto, Koichi; Gotoh, Kunihito; Kobayashi, Shogo; Takeda, Yutaka; Tanemura, Masahiro; Mori, Masaki; Doki, Yuichiro

    2018-04-19

    The cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are well known to play a dominant role in distant metastasis. Nevertheless, the effect on CAFs with current chemoradiation therapies remains uncertain. This study aimed to reveal the role of CAFs under current chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and investigate the factors regulating CAFs. α-SMA-positive cells in 86 resected PDAC specimens with/without preoperative CRT were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Various factors, including the plasma levels of vitamin D, were investigated for association with the number of CAFs or distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Human pancreatic satellite cells (hPSCs) extracted from clinical specimens were used to validate the factors. All PDAC samples contained CAFs but the number varied widely. Multivariate analysis for DMFS indicated a larger number of CAFs was a significant risk factor. Univariate analysis for the number of CAFs identified two clinical factors: preoperative CRT and lower plasma levels of vitamin D. In subgroup analysis, the higher plasma level of vitamin D was a dominant factor for longer DMFS in PDAC patients after preoperative CRT. These results were validated by using extracted hPSCs. Irradiation activated stromal cells into CAFs facilitating malignant characteristics of PDAC and the change was inhibited by vitamin D supplementation in vitro. In conjunction with established current therapies, vitamin D supplementation may be an effective treatment for PDAC patients by inactivating CAFs.

  11. Neprilysin, obesity and the metabolic syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Standeven, Kristina F.; Hess, Katharina; Carter, Angela M.; Rice, Gillian I.; Cordell, Paul A.; Balmforth, Anthony J.; Lu, Bao; Scott, D. Julian; Turner, Anthony J.; Hooper, Nigel M.; Grant, Peter J.

    2010-01-01

    Objective Neprilysin (NEP), a zinc metallo-endopeptidase, has a role in blood pressure control and lipid metabolism. The present study tested the hypothesis that NEP is associated with insulin resistance and features of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a study of 318 healthy human subjects and in murine obesity and investigated NEP production by adipocytes in-vitro. Methods and Results In 318 white European males, plasma NEP was elevated in the MetS and increased progressively with increasing MetS components. Plasma NEP activity correlated with insulin, homeostasis model assessment and body mass index in all subjects (p<0.01). Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that in human pre-adipocytes NEP expression is upregulated 25-30 fold during differentiation into adipocytes. Microarray analysis of mRNA from differentiated human adipocytes confirmed high NEP expression comparable to adiponectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. In a murine model of diet-induced insulin resistance, plasma NEP levels were significantly higher in high fat diet (HFD)-fed compared with normal chow diet (NCD)-fed animals (1642±529 and 820±487 pg/μl, respectively; p<0.01). Tissue NEP was increased in mesenteric fat in HFD compared with NCD-fed mice (p<0.05). NEP knock out mice did not display any changes in insulin resistance, glucose tolerance or body and epididymal fat pad weight compared to wild type mice. Conclusions In humans, NEP activity correlated with body mass index and measures of insulin resistance with increasing levels in subjects with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. NEP protein production in human adipocytes increased during cell differentiation and plasma and adipose tissue levels of NEP were increased in obese insulin resistant mice. Our results indicate that NEP associates with cardio-metabolic risk in the presence of insulin resistance and increases in obesity. PMID:21042321

  12. Arylesterase activities in the plasma of rats, rabbits and humans on low- and high-cholesterol diets.

    PubMed

    Beynen, A C; Weinans, G J; Katan, M B

    1984-01-01

    Arylesterase activities were measured with beta-naphthylpropionate and/or alpha-naphthylacetate as substrate in the plasma of rats, rabbits and humans on low- and high-cholesterol diets. The plasma esterase activities measured with alpha-naphthylacetate were similar in rats, rabbits and humans. With beta-naphthylpropionate as a substrate, rabbits were found to have a markedly higher esterase activity than rats and humans. Basal plasma esterase activity was significantly higher in an inbred rat strain which is hyporesponsive to dietary cholesterol than in a hyperresponsive strain. In rats, but not in humans and rabbits, plasma esterase activity was significantly increased by a high-cholesterol diet. In individual humans and random-bred rabbits and rats there was no association between initial plasma total esterase activity and the subsequent plasma cholesterol response to cholesterol feeding. We suggest that arylesterases are associated with cholesterol metabolism and with the response to dietary cholesterol in rats; evidence for such a role in rabbits and humans is, however, inconclusive.

  13. Lipoproteins alter the catalytic behavior of the platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase in human plasma.

    PubMed Central

    Stafforini, D M; Carter, M E; Zimmerman, G A; McIntyre, T M; Prescott, S M

    1989-01-01

    Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been implicated as a mediator of inflammation, allergy, shock, and thrombosis. A specific degradative enzyme, PAF acetylhydrolase (EC 3.1.1.47), is found in plasma and could regulate the concentration of PAF in blood. In plasma, 70% of the PAF acetylhydrolase is found with low density lipoprotein (LDL), and the remainder is in high density lipoprotein (HDL). In previous studies we found that with subsaturating concentrations of PAF the activity in LDL seemed to be the relevant one; e.g., depletion of LDL slowed degradation of PAF, while removal of HDL accelerated the degradation slightly. We have pursued this observation by using plasma from humans with lipoprotein mutations. In abetalipoproteinemia, all of the PAF acetylhydrolase activity was in HDL, whereas in Tangier disease all of the activity was in LDL. In both conditions the total activity measured in an optimized assay was normal or increased. However, when we measured the t1/2 of PAF in plasma, we found that it was prolonged in subjects with abetalipoproteinemia compared to normal controls. Conversely, the t1/2 in Tangier plasma was shortened. We next demonstrated that the PAF acetylhydrolase in HDL was recognized by an antibody to the enzyme purified from LDL, establishing that the enzyme in the two particles is the same protein. Finally, we inactivated the PAF acetylhydrolase in isolated lipoprotein particles and then reconstituted them with enzyme from the opposite particle. The reconstituted particles were used to measure the t1/2 of PAF, and we again found that the LDL particle was more efficient. We conclude that the lipoprotein environment of the PAF acetylhydrolase markedly influences its catalytic behavior. This may be important in pathophysiology and will complicate attempts to assess the role of this enzyme in such circumstances. Images PMID:2928339

  14. Tissue factor-expressing monocytes inhibit fibrinolysis through a TAFI-mediated mechanism, and make clots resistant to heparins

    PubMed Central

    Semeraro, Fabrizio; Ammollo, Concetta T.; Semeraro, Nicola; Colucci, Mario

    2009-01-01

    Background Thrombin is the main activator of the fibrinolysis inhibitor TAFI (thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor) and heightened clotting activation is believed to impair fibrinolysis through the increase of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activation. However, the enhancement of thrombin generation by soluble tissue factor was reported to have no effect on plasma fibrinolysis and it is not known whether the same is true for cell-associated tissue factor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tissue factor-expressing monocytes on plasma fibrinolysis in vitro. Design and Methods Tissue factor expression by human blood mononuclear cells (MNC) and monocytes was induced by LPS stimulation. Fibrinolysis was spectrophotometrically evaluated by measuring the lysis time of plasma clots containing LPS-stimulated or control cells and a low concentration of exogenous tissue plasminogen activator. Results LPS-stimulated MNC (LPS-MNC) prolonged fibrinolysis time as compared to unstimulated MNC (C-MNC) in contact-inhibited but not in normal citrated plasma. A significantly prolonged lysis time was observed using as few as 30 activated cells/μL. Fibrinolysis was also impaired when clots were generated on adherent LPS-stimulated monocytes. The antifibrinolytic effect of LPS-MNC or LPS-monocytes was abolished by an anti-tissue factor antibody, by an antibody preventing thrombin-mediated thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activation, and by a TAFIa inhibitor (PTCI). Assays of thrombin and TAFIa in contact-inhibited plasma confirmed the greater generation of these enzymes in the presence of LPS-MNC. Finally, the profibrinolytic effect of unfractionated heparin and enoxaparin was markedly lower (~50%) in the presence of LPS-MNC than in the presence of a thromboplastin preparation displaying an identical tissue factor activity. Conclusions Our data indicate that LPS-stimulated monocytes inhibit fibrinolysis through a tissue factor-mediated enhancement of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activation and make clots resistant to the profibrinolytic activity of heparins, thus providing an additional mechanism whereby tissue factor-expressing monocytes/macrophages may favor fibrin accumulation and diminish the antithrombotic efficacy of heparins. PMID:19377079

  15. Decreased plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.

    PubMed

    Podfigurna-Stopa, Agnieszka; Casarosa, Elena; Luisi, Michele; Czyzyk, Adam; Meczekalski, Blazej; Genazzani, Andrea Riccardo

    2013-09-01

    Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a non organic, secondary amenorrhea related to gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulsatile secretion impairment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family of survival-promoting molecules, plays an important role in the growth, development, maintenance and function of several neuronal systems. The aim of the study was the evaluation of plasma BDNF concentrations in patients with the diagnosis of FHA. We studied 85 subjects diagnosed with FHA who were compared with 10 healthy, eumenorrheic controls with normal body mass index. Plasma BDNF and serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol (E2) concentrations were measured by immunoenzymatic method (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Significantly lower concentration of plasma BDNF was found in FHA patients (196.31 ± 35.26 pg/ml) in comparison to healthy controls (407.20 ± 25.71 pg/ml; p < 0.0001). In the control group, there was a strong positive correlation between plasma BDNF and serum E2 concentrations (r = 0.92, p = 0.0001) but in FHA group it was not found. Role of BDNF in FHA is not yet fully understood. There could be found studies concerning plasma BDNF concentrations in humans and animals in the literature. However, our study is one of the first projects which describes decreased plasma BDNF concentration in patients with diagnosed FHA. Therefore, further studies on BDNF in FHA should clarify the role of this peptide.

  16. Comparative study of the Ar and He atmospheric pressure plasmas on E-cadherin protein regulation for plasma-mediated transdermal drug delivery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Hyun Young; Hae Choi, Jeong; Hong, Jin Woo; Kim, Gyoo Cheon; Lee, Hae June

    2018-05-01

    The effects of argon plasma (ArP) and helium plasma (HeP) jets on E-cadherin protein function have been tested in order to choose the working gas for a better plasma-mediated transdermal drug delivery. The plasma-mediated changes of the E-cadherin function and the skin penetration efficacies of epidermal growth factor (EGF) were monitored in vitro using HaCaT human keratinocytes and in vivo using hairless mice. The ArP showed higher efficacy for E-cadherin regulation and EGF absorption than HeP under the same applied voltage and the same gas flow rate. The ArP generates higher volume power density, higher discharge current peak, and more reactive species than HeP, especially for OH with the same operating parameters. Moreover, the effect of ArP on E-cadherin function was blocked by the use of a grounded metal mesh. Taken together, this study presents the possibility that the synergetic effect of negative charges with radicals plays an important role in plasma-mediated E-cadherin regulation, which leads to enhanced transdermal drug delivery.

  17. Advances in display technology III; Proceedings of the Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, January 18, 19, 1983

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schlam, E.

    1983-01-01

    Human factors in visible displays are discussed, taking into account an introduction to color vision, a laser optometric assessment of visual display viewability, the quantification of color contrast, human performance evaluations of digital image quality, visual problems of office video display terminals, and contemporary problems in airborne displays. Other topics considered are related to electroluminescent technology, liquid crystal and related technologies, plasma technology, and display terminal and systems. Attention is given to the application of electroluminescent technology to personal computers, electroluminescent driving techniques, thin film electroluminescent devices with memory, the fabrication of very large electroluminescent displays, the operating properties of thermally addressed dye switching liquid crystal display, light field dichroic liquid crystal displays for very large area displays, and hardening military plasma displays for a nuclear environment.

  18. Polyguluronate sulfate, polymannuronate sulfate, and their oligosaccharides have antithrombin III- and heparin cofactor II-independent anticoagulant activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Xuan; Lan, Ying; Zeng, Pengjiao; Guo, Zhihua; Hao, Cui; Zhang, Lijuan

    2017-04-01

    Cardiovascular disease is the leading causes of death. However, the complications can be treated with heparin and heparinoids, such as heparin pentasaccharide Fondaparinux, dermatan sulfate, and PSS made from alginate extracted from brown seaweeds by chemical sulfation. Alginate is composed of a linear backbone of polymannuronate (PM), polyguluronate (PG), and alternate residues of mannuronic acid and guluronic acid. It is unknown if heparin and sulfated PG (PGS)/PM (PMS) have the same or different anticoagulant molecular targets. In the current study, the anticoagulant activities of PGS, PMS, and their oligosaccharides were directly compared to that of heparin, Fondaparinux, and dermatan sulfate by the activated partial thrombinplastin time (aPTT) assay using normal, antithrombin III (ATIII)-deficient, heparin co-factor II (HCII)-deficient, and ATIII- and HCII-double deficient human plasmas. Our results showed that PGS, PMS, and their oligosaccharides had better anticoagulant activity than that of Fondaparinux in all four human plasmas tested. As expected, heparin was the best anticoagulant in normal plasma. Moreover, PGS, PGS6, PGS12, PGS25, PMS6, PMS12, and PMS25 were better anticoagulants than dermatan sulfate in HCII-deficient plasma. Most strikingly, PGS, PGS12, PGS25, PMS6, PMS12, and PMS25 were better anticoagulants than that of heparin in ATIII- and HCII-double deficient human plasma. The results revealed for the first time that sulfated alginate had ATIII- and HCII-independent anticoagulant activities. Therefore, developing PGS and PMS-based anticoagulants might require to discover their major molecular targets and to develop target-specific anticoagulant assays.

  19. In vitro effects of three blood derivatives on human corneal epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Freire, Vanesa; Andollo, Noelia; Etxebarria, Jaime; Durán, Juan A; Morales, María-Celia

    2012-08-15

    We compared the effects of three blood derivatives, autologous serum (AS), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and serum derived from plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), on a human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell line to evaluate their potential as an effective treatment for corneal epithelial disorders. The concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and fibronectin were quantified by ELISA. The proliferation and viability of HCE cells were measured by an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. Cell morphology was assessed by phase-contrast microscopy. The patterns of expression of several connexin, involucrin, and integrin α6 genes were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. We found significantly higher levels of EGF in PRGF compared to AS and PRP. However, AS and PRGF induced robust proliferation of HCE cells. In addition, PRGF cultured cells grew as heterogeneous colonies, exhibiting differentiated and non-differentiated cell phenotypes, whereas AS- and PRP-treated cultures exhibited quite homogeneous colonies. Finally, PRGF upregulated the expression of several genes associated with communication and cell differentiation, in comparison to AS or PRP. PRGF promotes biological processes required for corneal epithelialization, such as proliferation and differentiation. Since PRGF effects are similar to those associated with routinely used blood derivatives, the present findings warrant further research on PRGF as a novel alternative treatment for ocular surface diseases.

  20. Evaluation of human platelet lysate versus fetal bovine serum for culture of mesenchymal stromal cells.

    PubMed

    Hemeda, Hatim; Giebel, Bernd; Wagner, Wolfgang

    2014-02-01

    Culture media for therapeutic cell preparations-such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-usually comprise serum additives. Traditionally, fetal bovine serum is supplemented in basic research and in most clinical trials. Within the past years, many laboratories adapted their culture conditions to human platelet lysate (hPL), which further stimulates proliferation and expansion of MSCs. Particularly with regard to clinical application, human alternatives for fetal bovine serum are clearly to be preferred. hPL is generated from human platelet units by disruption of the platelet membrane, which is commonly performed by repeated freeze and thaw cycles. Such culture supplements are notoriously ill-defined, and many parameters contribute to batch-to-batch variation in hPL such as different amounts of plasma, a broad range of growth factors and donor-specific effects. The plasma components of hPL necessitate addition of anticoagulants such as heparins to prevent gelatinization of hPL medium, and their concentration must be standardized. Labels for description of hPL-such as "xenogen-free," "animal-free" and "serum free"-are not used consistently in the literature and may be misleading if not critically assessed. Further analysis of the precise composition of relevant growth factors, attachment factors, microRNAs and exosomes will pave the way for optimized and defined culture conditions. The use of hPL has several advantages and disadvantages: they must be taken into account because the choice of cell culture additive has major impact on cell preparations. Copyright © 2014 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Angiogenic effect of platelet-rich plasma combined with gelatin hydrogel granules injected into murine subcutis.

    PubMed

    Kakudo, Natsuko; Morimoto, Naoki; Ogawa, Takeshi; Hihara, Masakatsu; Notodihardjo, Priscilla Valentin; Matsui, Makoto; Tabata, Yasuhiko; Kusumoto, Kenji

    2017-07-01

    Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which contains highly concentrated platelets, is produced by centrifuging whole blood. It is a safe and readily available source of a wide range of growth factors necessary for angiogenesis. Gelatin hydrogel granules have been designed and prepared for the controlled release of many growth factors. The angiogenic effect of human PRP was examined in vitro, and the effect of its subcutaneous injection with gelatin hydrogel granules into murine subcutis was evaluated. Human PRP was prepared using a double-spin method. The concentration of growth factors and the platelet count were examined in PRP and in vitro, and the angiogenic activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in co-culture with human dermal fibroblast cells (NHDFs) in the presence and absence of PRP was evaluated. Then, in vivo, PRP, either free or with gelatin hydrogel granules, was injected subcutaneously into tiebacks on mice. Using a microscope and Kurabo angiogenesis image analyser software, the area containing newly formed capillaries was evaluated histologically and the microvascular network score was calculated. PRP was shown to contain high concentrations of PDGF, VEGF and TGFβ and had an angiogenic effect on the co-culture system. PRP with gelatin hydrogel granules significantly enlarged the area containing newly formed capillaries and promoted the microvascular network in murine subcutaneous tissue. PRP encapsulated in gelatin hydrogel microspheres shows promise for enhancing angiogenic effects in murine subcutis and could represent a potential therapeutic combination for the treatment of ischaemic disorders. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  2. Vaccination with Irradiated Autologous Melanoma Cells Engineered to Secrete Human Granulocyte--Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Generates Potent Antitumor Immunity in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Soiffer, Robert; Lynch, Thomas; Mihm, Martin; Jung, Ken; Rhuda, Catherine; Schmollinger, Jan C.; Hodi, F. Stephen; Liebster, Laura; Lam, Prudence; Mentzer, Steven; Singer, Samuel; Tanabe, Kenneth K.; Benedict Cosimi, A.; Duda, Rosemary; Sober, Arthur; Bhan, Atul; Daley, John; Neuberg, Donna; Parry, Gordon; Rokovich, Joseph; Richards, Laurie; Drayer, Jan; Berns, Anton; Clift, Shirley; Cohen, Lawrence K.; Mulligan, Richard C.; Dranoff, Glenn

    1998-10-01

    We conducted a Phase I clinical trial investigating the biologic activity of vaccination with irradiated autologous melanoma cells engineered to secrete human granulocyte--macrophage colony-stimulating factor in patients with metastatic melanoma. Immunization sites were intensely infiltrated with T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, and eosinophils in all 21 evaluable patients. Although metastatic lesions resected before vaccination were minimally infiltrated with cells of the immune system in all patients, metastatic lesions resected after vaccination were densely infiltrated with T lymphocytes and plasma cells and showed extensive tumor destruction (at least 80%), fibrosis, and edema in 11 of 16 patients examined. Antimelanoma cytotoxic T cell and antibody responses were associated with tumor destruction. These results demonstrate that vaccination with irradiated autologous melanoma cells engineered to secrete granulocyte--macrophage colony-stimulating factor stimulates potent antitumor immunity in humans with metastatic melanoma.

  3. Chronic sleep deprivation markedly reduces coagulation factor VII expression

    PubMed Central

    Pinotti, Mirko; Bertolucci, Cristiano; Frigato, Elena; Branchini, Alessio; Cavallari, Nicola; Baba, Kenkichi; Contreras-Alcantara, Susana; Ehlen, J. Christopher; Bernardi, Francesco; Paul, Ketema N.; Tosini, Gianluca

    2010-01-01

    Chronic sleep loss, a common feature of human life in industrialized countries, is associated to cardiovascular disorders. Variations in functional parameters of coagulation might contribute to explain this relationship. By exploiting the mouse model and a specifically designed protocol, we demonstrated that seven days of partial sleep deprivation significantly decreases (−30.5%) the thrombin generation potential in plasma evaluated upon extrinsic (TF/FVIIa pathway) but not intrinsic activation of coagulation. This variation was consistent with a decrease (−49.8%) in the plasma activity levels of factor VII (FVII), the crucial physiologicalal trigger of coagulation, which was even more pronounced at the liver mRNA level (−85.7%). The recovery in normal sleep conditions for three days completely restored thrombin generation and FVII activity in plasma. For the first time, we demonstrate that chronic sleep deprivation on its own reduces, in a reversible manner, the FVII expression levels, thus influencing the TF/FVIIa activation pathway efficiency. PMID:20418241

  4. Selective Killing Effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma with NO Induced Dysfunction of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jung-Hwan; Om, Ji-Yeon; Kim, Yong-Hee; Kim, Kwang-Mahn; Choi, Eun-Ha; Kim, Kyoung-Nam

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP)-induced radicals on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is overexpressed by oral squamous cell carcinoma, to determine the underlying mechanism of selective killing. CAP-induced highly reactive radicals were observed in both plasma plume and cell culture media. The selective killing effect was observed in oral squamous cell carcinoma compared with normal human gingival fibroblast. Degradation and dysfunction of EGFRs were observed only in the EGFR-overexpressing oral squamous cell carcinoma and not in the normal cell. Nitric oxide scavenger pretreatment in cell culture media before CAP treatment rescued above degradation and dysfunction of the EGFR as well as the killing effect in oral squamous cell carcinoma. CAP may be a promising cancer treatment method by inducing EGFR dysfunction in EGFR-overexpressing oral squamous cell carcinoma via nitric oxide radicals.

  5. Comparison between human and porcine thromboelastograph parameters in response to ex-vivo changes to platelets, plasma, and red blood cells.

    PubMed

    Sondeen, Jill L; de Guzman, Rodolfo; Amy Polykratis, Irene; Dale Prince, Malcolm; Hernandez, Orlando; Cap, Andrew P; Dubick, Michael A

    2013-12-01

    In the acute care setting, both the tracings and numeric outputs (R time, angle, and MA) of thrombelastography (TEG) may be used to inform treatment decisions. The objective was to determine the sensitivity of TEG to isolated changes in platelet count, hematocrit and fibrinogen concentration in human blood. As pigs have a similar coagulation system, we also compared the responses of the pig blood. Eight volunteers (>18 years of age, no anticoagulation or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy, not pregnant) were enrolled into this study. Four female anesthetized donor pigs were instrumented percutaneously with a catheter for blood collection. All blood was collected into sodium citrate. The concentration of each component (platelets, fibrinogen, and red blood cells) was changed while keeping the other components constant by use of centrifugation or preparation of each individual's plasma into platelet poor plasma, platelet rich plasma, cryoprecipitate, purified washed platelets, and packed red blood cells as appropriate. TEG (Haemoscope) analysis was performed and compared with the patients' whole blood diluted with lactated Ringer's solution. We demonstrated that the major factor affecting the MA and angle was the platelet count. In fact, reducing platelets alone resulted in TEG profiles and parameters that were similar to lactated Ringer's dilution profiles. Swine blood responses were parallel to that of human blood, although there were offsets especially of TEG-R and angle that confirmed that the swine are hypercoagulable compared with humans. Superficially similar TEG tracing patterns can be produced by divergent mechanisms associated with altered concentrations of blood components.

  6. Major surgical trauma induces proteolysis of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in transgenic mice and is associated with a rapid increase in circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9.

    PubMed

    Belizon, A; Kirman, I; Balik, E; Karten, M; Jain, S; Whelan, R L

    2007-04-01

    The authors previously demonstrated a significant decrease in plasma levels of intact insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) after major open but not after laparoscopic-assisted surgery in humans. They postulated that this decrease may have an effect on postoperative tumor growth. It also has been shown that plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a protease capable of degrading IGFBP-3, are transiently increased after open colectomy in humans. The authors aimed to develop an animal model that would allow further study of the effect that surgical trauma has on plasma levels IGFBP-3 and MMP-9. In addition, they set out to assess the concentration of MMP-9 in circulating monocytes before and after surgery. The 30 mice included in this study were divided into three groups: sham laparotomy, carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum, and anesthesia control. All mice were IGFBP-3 transgenics (overexpressing human IGFBP-3) on a CD1 background. The mice were anesthetized using ketamine and xylazine. Blood was drawn retroorbitally 48 h before the procedure. The duration of the procedure was 30 min. The animals were killed 24 h postoperatively and blood was drawn. Intact IGFBP-3 levels were measured using a combination of Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) at the two time points: before and after the operation. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell levels of MMP-9 were measured at each time point using zymography. Mononuclear cell lysates were used to determine intracellular MMP-9 levels. Plasma levels of intact IGFBP-3 were significantly lower than preoperative levels after sham laparotomy. A mean decrease of 76.6% was noted (p < 0.05). Zymography demonstrated significantly higher plasma MMP-9-related proteolytic activity than observed preoperatively after sham laparotomy (78.5 vs 42.3 Relative Units [RU]; p < 0.05). In the pneumoperitoneum group, no significant decrease was found between the pre- and postoperative levels of intact IGFBP-3. A nonsignificant increase in MMP-9 was noted after CO2 pneumoperitoneum (38 RU preoperatively vs. 46.4 RU postoperatively; p > 0.05). The anesthesia control group did not demonstrate a significant change in either circulating intact IGFBP-3 levels or MMP-9 levels. Mononuclear intracellular levels of MMP-9 were significantly lower after laparotomy than the preoperative levels (3 vs 37 RU). The postprocedure intracellular levels of MMP-9 were not significantly decreased in the pneumoperitoneum or anesthesia control group. Plasma levels of intact IGFBP-3, a cell growth regulating factor, were found to be decreased significantly after laparotomy. This decrease was not seen after pneumoperitoneum. Depletion of intact IGFBP-3 after laparotomy correlated with a rapid release of MMP-9 from mononuclear cells and an increase in circulating plasma MMP-9 levels. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 may play an important role in IGFBP-3 proteolysis after surgical trauma. Furthermore, circulating mononuclear cells are one source of MMP-9 after surgery. Finally, the model used reproduces events in humans after surgery, and thus should permit further study on the mechanism of IGFBP-3 proteolysis after surgical trauma.

  7. Differences in the Lipoprotein Distribution of Free and Liposome-Associated All-trans-Retinoic Acid in Human, Dog, and Rat Plasma Are Due to Variations in Lipoprotein Lipid and Protein Content

    PubMed Central

    Wasan, Kishor M.; Ramaswamy, Manisha; Ng, Samson P.; Wong, Wesley; Parrott, Steven C.; Ojwang, Joshua O.; Wallace, Thomas; Cossum, Paul A.

    1998-01-01

    The objective of the proposed study was to determine the distribution in plasma lipoprotein of free all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and liposomal ATRA (Atragen; composed of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine and soybean oil) following incubation in human, rat, and dog plasma. When ATRA and Atragen at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 25 μg/ml were incubated in human and rat plasma for 5, 60, and 180 min, the majority of the tretinoin was recovered in the lipoprotein-deficient plasma fraction. However, when ATRA and Atragen were incubated in dog plasma, the majority of the tretinoin (>40%) was recovered in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction. No differences in the plasma distribution between ATRA and Atragen were found. These data suggest that a significant percentage of tretinoin associates with plasma lipoproteins (primarily the HDL fraction) upon incubation in human, dog, and rat plasma. Differences between the lipoprotein lipid and protein profiles in human plasma and in dog and rat plasma influenced the plasma distribution of ATRA and Atragen. Differences in lipoprotein distribution between ATRA and Atragen were not observed, suggesting that the drug’s distribution in plasma is not influenced by its incorporation into these liposomes. PMID:9660998

  8. Influence of stearic acid on hemostatic risk factors in humans.

    PubMed

    Tholstrup, Tine

    2005-12-01

    Stearic acid has been claimed to be prothrombotic. Elevated plasma factor VII coagulant activity (FVIIc) may raise the risk of coronary thrombosis in the event of plaque rupture. Fibrinogen, an acute-phase protein, is necessary for normal blood clotting; however, elevated levels of fibrinogen increase the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Here I report the results of three controlled, human dietary intervention studies, which used a randomized crossover design to investigate the hemostatic effects of stearic acid-rich test diets in healthy young men. A diet high in stearic acid (shea butter) resulted in a 13% lower fasting plasma FVIIc than a high palmitic acid diet, and was 18% lower than a diet high in myristic and lauric acids (P = 0.001) after 3 wk of intervention. The stearic acid-rich test fat increased plasma fibrinogen concentrations slightly compared with the myristic-lauric acid diet (P < 0.01). When investigating the acute effects of fatty meals, those high in stearic acid (synthesized test fat) resulted in a smaller postprandial increase in FVII than those high in trans and oleic FA, indicating a smaller increase in activated FVII after ingesting stearic acid compared with fats high in monounsaturated FA, probably caused by lower postprandial lipemia. Thus, the present investigations did not find dietary stearic acid to be more thrombogenic, in either fasting effects compared with other long-chain FA, or in acute effects compared with dietary unsaturated FA, including trans monounsaturated FA. The slightly increased effect on fasting plasma fibrinogen may be biologically insignificant, but it should be investigated further.

  9. Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Concentration in Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease.

    PubMed

    Harjes, L M; Parker, V J; Dembek, K; Young, G S; Giovaninni, L H; Kogika, M M; Chew, D J; Toribio, R E

    2017-05-01

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hyperphosphatemia, decreased vitamin D metabolite concentrations, and hyperparathyroidism. This syndrome is known as CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Recently, it has been shown that an increase in fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) concentration is an early biomarker of CKD in people. It is an independent risk factor for both progression of renal disease and survival time in humans and cats with CKD. Information about FGF-23 in healthy dogs and those with CKD is lacking. To measure FGF-23 concentration in dogs with different stages of CKD and determine its association with factors involved in CKD-MBD, including serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. A secondary aim was to validate an ELISA for measurement of plasma FGF-23 concentration in dogs. Thirty-two client-owned dogs with naturally occurring CKD and 10 healthy control dogs. Prospective cross-sectional study. An FGF-23 ELISA was used to measure plasma FGF-23 concentration in dogs and their association with serum creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, and PTH concentrations. Plasma FGF-23 concentrations increased with severity of CKD and were significantly different between IRIS stages 1 and 2 versus stages 3 and 4 (P < .0001). Increases in FGF-23 concentrations were more frequent than hyperparathyroidism or hyperphosphatemia in this cohort. Serum creatinine and phosphorus concentrations were the strongest independent predictors of FGF-23 concentration. Plasma FGF-23 concentrations increase in dogs with CKD as disease progresses. Plasma FGF-23 concentrations appear to be useful for further study of the pathophysiology of CKD-MBD in dogs. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  10. A Single Rainbow Trout Cobalamin-binding Protein Stands in for Three Human Binders

    PubMed Central

    Greibe, Eva; Fedosov, Sergey; Sorensen, Boe S.; Højrup, Peter; Poulsen, Steen S.; Nexo, Ebba

    2012-01-01

    Cobalamin uptake and transport in mammals are mediated by three cobalamin-binding proteins: haptocorrin, intrinsic factor, and transcobalamin. The nature of cobalamin-binding proteins in lower vertebrates remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to characterize the cobalamin-binding proteins of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and to compare their properties with those of the three human cobalamin-binding proteins. High cobalamin-binding capacity was found in trout stomach (210 pmol/g), roe (400 pmol/g), roe fluid (390 nmol/liter), and plasma (2500 nmol/liter). In all cases, it appeared to be the same protein based on analysis of partial sequences and immunological responses. The trout cobalamin-binding protein was purified from roe fluid, sequenced, and further characterized. Like haptocorrin, the trout cobalamin-binding protein was stable at low pH and had a high binding affinity for the cobalamin analog cobinamide. Like haptocorrin and transcobalamin, the trout cobalamin-binding protein was present in plasma and recognized ligands with altered nucleotide moiety. Like intrinsic factors, the trout cobalamin-binding protein was present in the stomach and resisted degradation by trypsin and chymotrypsin. It also resembled intrinsic factor in the composition of conserved residues in the primary cobalamin-binding site in the C terminus. The trout cobalamin-binding protein was glycosylated and displayed spectral properties comparable with those of haptocorrin and intrinsic factor. In conclusion, only one soluble cobalamin-binding protein was identified in the rainbow trout, a protein that structurally behaves like an intermediate between the three human cobalamin-binding proteins. PMID:22872637

  11. Human neutrophil peptides and complement factor Bb in pathogenesis of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

    PubMed

    Cao, Wenjing; Pham, Huy P; Williams, Lance A; McDaniel, Jenny; Siniard, Rance C; Lorenz, Robin G; Marques, Marisa B; Zheng, X Long

    2016-11-01

    Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is primarily caused by the deficiency of plasma ADAMTS13 activity resulting from autoantibodies against ADAMTS13. However, ADAMTS13 deficiency alone is often not sufficient to cause acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Infections or systemic inflammation may precede acute bursts of the disease, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Herein, 52 patients with acquired autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and 30 blood donor controls were recruited for the study. The plasma levels of human neutrophil peptides 1-3 and complement activation fragments (i.e. Bb, iC3b, C4d, and sC5b-9) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Univariate analyses were performed to determine the correlation between each biomarker and clinical outcomes. We found that the plasma levels of human neutrophil peptides 1-3 and Bb in patients with acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura were significantly higher than those in the control (P<0.0001). The plasma levels of HNP1-3 correlated with the levels of plasma complement fragment Bb (rho=0.48, P=0.0004) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (rho=0.28, P=0.04); in addition, the plasma levels of Bb correlated with iC3b (rho=0.55, P<0.0001), sC5b-9 (rho=0.63, P<0.0001), serum creatinine (rho=0.42, p=0.0011), and lactate dehydrogenase (rho=0.40, P=0.0034), respectively. Moreover, the plasma levels of iC3b and sC5b-9 were correlated (rho=0.72, P<0.0001), despite no statistically significant difference of the two markers between thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients and the control. We conclude that innate immunity, i.e. neutrophil and complement activation via the alternative pathway, may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and a therapy targeted at these pathways may be considered in a subset of these patients. Copyright© Ferrata Storti Foundation.

  12. Epidermal growth factor- and hepatocyte growth factor-receptor activity in serum-free cultures of human hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    Runge, D M; Runge, D; Dorko, K; Pisarov, L A; Leckel, K; Kostrubsky, V E; Thomas, D; Strom, S C; Michalopoulos, G K

    1999-02-01

    Serum-free primary cultures of hepatocytes are a useful tool to study factors triggering hepatocyte proliferation and regeneration. We have developed a chemically defined serum-free system that allows human hepatocyte proliferation in the presence of epidermal growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor. DNA synthesis and accumulation were determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation and fluorometry, respectively. Western blot analyses and co-immunoprecipitations were used to investigate the association of proteins involved in epidermal growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor activation and signaling: epidermal growth factor receptor, hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET), urokinase-type plasminogen activator and its receptor, and a member of the signal transducer and activator of transcription family, STAT-3. Primary human hepatocytes proliferated under serum-free conditions in a chemically defined medium for up to 12 days. Epidermal growth factor-receptor and MET were present and functional, decreasing over time. MET, urokinase-type plasminogen activator and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor co-precipitated to varying degrees during the culture period. STAT-3 co-precipitated with epidermal growth factor-receptor and MET to varying degrees. Proliferation of human hepatocytes can improve by modification of a chemically defined medium originally used for rat hepatocyte cultures. In these long-term cultures of human hepatocytes, hepatocyte growth factor and epidermal growth factor can stimulate growth and differentiation by interacting with their receptors and initiating downstream signaling. This involves complex formation of the receptors with other plasma membrane components for MET (urokinase-type plasminogen activator in context of its receptor) and activation of STAT-3 for both receptors.

  13. Endocytosed factor V is trafficked to CD42b+ proplatelet extensions during differentiation of human umbilical cord blood-derived megakaryocytes.

    PubMed

    Gertz, Jacqueline M; McLean, Kelley C; Bouchard, Beth A

    2018-05-15

    Plasma- and platelet-derived factor Va are essential for thrombin generation catalyzed by the prothrombinase complex; however, several observations demonstrate that the platelet-derived cofactor, which is formed following megakaryocyte endocytosis and modification of the plasma procofactor, factor V, is more hemostatically relevant. Factor V endocytosis, as a function of megakaryocyte differentiation and proplatelet formation, was assessed by flow cytometry and microscopy in CD34 + hematopoietic progenitor cells isolated from human umbilical cord blood and cultured for 12 days in the presence of cytokines to induce ex vivo differentiation into megakaryocytes. Expression of an early marker of megakaryocyte differentiation, CD41, endocytosis of factor V, and the percentage of CD41 + cells that endocytosed factor V increased from days 6 to 12 of differentiation. In contrast, statistically significant decreases in expression of the stem cell marker, CD34, and in the percentage of CD34 + cells that endocytosed factor V were observed. A statistically significant increase in the expression of CD42b, a late marker of megakaryocyte differentiation, was also observed over time, such that by Day 12, all CD42b + cells endocytosed factor V and expressed CD41. This endocytosed factor V was trafficked to proplatelet extensions and was localized in a punctate pattern in the cytoplasm consistent with its storage in α-granules. In conclusion, loss of CD34 and expression of CD42b define cells capable of factor V endocytosis and trafficking to proplatelet extensions during differentiation of megakaryocytes ex vivo from progenitor cells isolated from umbilical cord blood. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. Production of Cloned Miniature Pigs Expressing High Levels of Human Apolipoprotein(a) in Plasma.

    PubMed

    Ozawa, Masayuki; Himaki, Takehiro; Ookutsu, Shoji; Mizobe, Yamato; Ogawa, Junki; Miyoshi, Kazuchika; Yabuki, Akira; Fan, Jianglin; Yoshida, Mitsutoshi

    2015-01-01

    High lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. However, because apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)], the unique component of Lp(a), is found only in primates and humans, the study of human Lp(a) has been hampered due to the lack of appropriate animal models. Using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) techniques, we produced transgenic miniature pigs expressing human apo(a) in the plasma. First, we placed the hemagglutinin (HA)-tagged cDNA of human apo(a) under the control of the β-actin promoter and cytomegalovirus enhancer, and then introduced this construct into kidney epithelial cells. Immunostaining of cells with anti-HA antibody allowed identification of cells stably expressing apo(a); one of the positive clones was used to provide donor cells for SCNT, yielding blastocysts that expressed apo(a). Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue sections and RT-PCR analysis of total RNA from organs of cloned piglet revealed that apo(a) is expressed in various tissues/organs including heart, liver, kidney, and intestine. More importantly, a transgenic line exhibited a high level (>400 mg/dL) of Lp(a) in plasma, and the transgenic apo(a) gene was transmitted to the offspring. Thus, we generated a human apo(a)-transgenic miniature pig that can be used as a model system to study advanced atherosclerosis related to human disease. The anatomical and physiological similarities between the swine and human cardiovascular systems will make this pig model a valuable source of information on the role of apo(a) in the formation of atherosclerosis, as well as the mechanisms underlying vascular health and disease.

  15. Three-Dimensional Structural Characterization of HIV-1 Tethered to Human Cells

    PubMed Central

    Strauss, Joshua D.; Hammonds, Jason E.; Yi, Hong; Ding, Lingmei

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT Tetherin (BST2, CD317, or HM1.24) is a host cellular restriction factor that prevents the release of enveloped viruses by mechanically linking virions to the plasma membrane. The precise arrangement of tetherin molecules at the plasma membrane site of HIV-1 assembly, budding, and restriction is not well understood. To gain insight into the biophysical mechanism underlying tetherin-mediated restriction of HIV-1, we utilized cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to directly visualize HIV-1 virus-like particles (VLPs) and virions tethered to human cells in three dimensions (3D). Rod-like densities that we refer to as tethers were seen connecting HIV-1 virions to each other and to the plasma membrane. Native immunogold labeling showed tetherin molecules located on HIV-1 VLPs and virions in positions similar to those of the densities observed by cryo-ET. The location of the tethers with respect to the ordered immature Gag lattice or mature conical core was random. However, tethers were not uniformly distributed on the viral membrane but rather formed clusters at sites of contact with the cell or other virions. Chains of tethered HIV-1 virions often were arranged in a linear fashion, primarily as single chains and, to a lesser degree, as branched chains. Distance measurements support the extended tetherin model, in which the coiled-coil ectodomains are oriented perpendicular with respect to the viral and plasma membranes. IMPORTANCE Tetherin is a cellular factor that restricts HIV-1 release by directly cross-linking the virus to the host cell plasma membrane. We used cryo-electron tomography to visualize HIV-1 tethered to human cells in 3D. We determined that tetherin-restricted HIV-1 virions were physically connected to each other or to the plasma membrane by filamentous tethers that resembled rods ∼15 nm in length, which is consistent with the extended tetherin model. In addition, we found the position of the tethers to be arbitrary relative to the ordered immature Gag lattice or the mature conical cores. However, when present as multiple copies, the tethers clustered at the interface between virions. Tethered HIV-1 virions were arranged in a linear fashion, with the majority as single chains. This study advances our understanding of tetherin-mediated HIV-1 restriction by defining the spatial arrangement and orientation of tetherin molecules at sites of HIV-1 restriction. PMID:26582000

  16. Mortality Benefit of Recombinant Human Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist for Sepsis Varies by Initial Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Plasma Concentration.

    PubMed

    Meyer, Nuala J; Reilly, John P; Anderson, Brian J; Palakshappa, Jessica A; Jones, Tiffanie K; Dunn, Thomas G; Shashaty, Michael G S; Feng, Rui; Christie, Jason D; Opal, Steven M

    2018-01-01

    Plasma interleukin-1 beta may influence sepsis mortality, yet recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist did not reduce mortality in randomized trials. We tested for heterogeneity in the treatment effect of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist by baseline plasma interleukin-1 beta or interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentration. Retrospective subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trial. Multicenter North American and European clinical trial. Five hundred twenty-nine subjects with sepsis and hypotension or hypoperfusion, representing 59% of the original trial population. Random assignment of placebo or recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist × 72 hours. We measured prerandomization plasma interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and tested for statistical interaction between recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist treatment and baseline plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist or interleukin-1 beta concentration on 28-day mortality. There was significant heterogeneity in the effect of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist treatment by plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentration whether plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist was divided into deciles (interaction p = 0.046) or dichotomized (interaction p = 0.028). Interaction remained present across different predicted mortality levels. Among subjects with baseline plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist above 2,071 pg/mL (n = 283), recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist therapy reduced adjusted mortality from 45.4% to 34.3% (adjusted risk difference, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.23 to -0.01), p = 0.044. Mortality in subjects with plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist below 2,071 pg/mL was not reduced by recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (adjusted risk difference, +0.07; 95% CI, -0.04 to +0.17), p = 0.230. Interaction between plasma interleukin-1 beta concentration and recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist treatment was not statistically significant. We report a heterogeneous effect of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on 28-day sepsis mortality that is potentially predictable by plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in one trial. A precision clinical trial of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist targeted to septic patients with high plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist may be worthy of consideration.

  17. 21 CFR 640.91 - Processing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.91 Processing. (a) Date... °C or colder. (e) Heat treatment. Heating of the final containers of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human... concentration of the product. (g) Incubation. All final containers of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) shall be...

  18. 21 CFR 640.91 - Processing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.91 Processing. (a) Date... °C or colder. (e) Heat treatment. Heating of the final containers of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human... concentration of the product. (g) Incubation. All final containers of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) shall be...

  19. 21 CFR 640.91 - Processing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.91 Processing. (a) Date... °C or colder. (e) Heat treatment. Heating of the final containers of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human... concentration of the product. (g) Incubation. All final containers of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) shall be...

  20. 21 CFR 640.91 - Processing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.91 Processing. (a) Date... °C or colder. (e) Heat treatment. Heating of the final containers of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human... concentration of the product. (g) Incubation. All final containers of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) shall be...

  1. Study on the interaction of plasma protein binding rate between edaravone and taurine in human plasma based on HPLC analysis coupled with ultrafiltration technique.

    PubMed

    Tang, Dao-quan; Li, Yin-jie; Li, Zheng; Bian, Ting-ting; Chen, Kai; Zheng, Xiao-xiao; Yu, Yan-yan; Jiang, Shui-shi

    2015-08-01

    In this work, two high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays were developed and validated for the independent determination of edaravone and taurine using 3-methyl-1-p-tolyl-5-pyrazolone and L-glutamine as internal standards. In in vitro experiments, human plasma was separately spiked with a mixture of edaravone and taurine, edaravone or taurine alone. Plasma was precipitated with acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid. Ultrafiltration was employed to obtain the unbound ingredients of the two drugs. The factors that might influence the ultrafiltration effiency were elaborately optimized. Plasma supernatant and ultrafiltrate containing taurine were derivated with o-phthalaldehyde and ethanethiol in the presence of 40 mmol/L sodium borate buffer (pH 10.2) at room temperature within 1 min. Chromatographic separations were achieved on an InertSustain C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm). Isocratic 50 mmol/L ammonium acetate-acetonitrile and gradient 50 mmol/L sodium acetate (pH 5.3)-methanol were respectively selected as the mobile phase for the determination of edaravone and taurine. All of the validation data including linearity, extraction recovery, precision, accuracy and stability conformed to the requirements. Results showed that there were no significant alterations in the plasma protein binding rate of taurine and edaravone, implying that the proposed combination therapy was pharmacologically feasible. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  2. Effects of recombinant human prothrombin on thrombin generation in plasma from patients with hemophilia A and B.

    PubMed

    Hansson, K M; Gustafsson, D; Skärby, T; Frison, L; Berntorp, E

    2015-07-01

    The present study was carried out to investigate the impact of FII levels, and their increase, on the hemostatic potential in plasma from hemophilia A and B patients with and without inhibitors. Recombinant human factor (F) II (rhFII) was added ex vivo to plasma from 68 patients with hemophilia A and B, with or without inhibitors. The hemostatic potential as measured by thrombin generation (calibrated automated thrombogram [CAT]) was focused on the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) as it has been shown to correlate with the clinical phenotype of bleeding in hemophilia patients and has also been used to guide bypassing therapy in hemophilia patients with inhibitors before elective surgery. The factor eight inhibitor bypassing agent (FEIBA(®) ) was used as a reference to the clinical situation. The study shows that rhFII concentration-dependently increased ETP by a similar magnitude in hemophilia A and B, both with and without inhibitors. Compared with FEIBA, rhFII showed a shallower concentration-response curve. In both types of hemophilia 100 mg L(-1) of rhFII roughly doubled the ETP. A corresponding response was obtained by 0.5 U mL(-1) of FEIBA. These data support the theory that FII is one of the major components responsible for the efficacy of FEIBA. The data also indicate that rhFII may be useful, alone or in combination with other coagulation factors, in some of the conditions for which FEIBA is used today, although more data are needed to substantiate this. © 2015 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

  3. The Scl1 protein of M6-type group A Streptococcus binds the human complement regulatory protein, factor H, and inhibits the alternative pathway of complement.

    PubMed

    Caswell, Clayton C; Han, Runlin; Hovis, Kelley M; Ciborowski, Pawel; Keene, Douglas R; Marconi, Richard T; Lukomski, Slawomir

    2008-02-01

    Non-specific activation of the complement system is regulated by the plasma glycoprotein factor H (FH). Bacteria can avoid complement-mediated opsonization and phagocytosis through acquiring FH to the cell surface. Here, we characterize an interaction between the streptococcal collagen-like protein Scl1.6 of M6-type group A Streptococcus (GAS) and FH. Using affinity chromatography with immobilized recombinant Scl1.6 protein, we co-eluted human plasma proteins with molecular weight of 155 kDa, 43 kDa and 38 kDa. Mass spectrometry identified the 155 kDa band as FH and two other bands as isoforms of the FH-related protein-1. The identities of all three bands were confirmed by Western immunoblotting with specific antibodies. Structure-function relation studies determined that the globular domain of the Scl1.6 variant specifically binds FH while fused to collagenous tails of various lengths. This binding is not restricted to Scl1.6 as the phylogenetically linked Scl1.55 variant also binds FH. Functional analyses demonstrated the cofactor activity of the rScl1.6-bound FH for factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b. Finally, purified FH bound to the Scl1.6 protein present in the cell wall material obtained from M6-type GAS. In conclusion, we have identified a functional interaction between Scl1 and plasma FH, which may contribute to GAS evasion of complement-mediated opsonization and phagocytosis.

  4. CORRELATED PULMONARY AND SYSTEMIC EFFECTS IN SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS FOLLOWING ACUTE EXPOSURES TO CONCENTRATED AMBIENT PARTICLES (CAPS)

    EPA Science Inventory

    The increase in plasma fibrinogen, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), has recently been associated with exposures to particulate air pollution (PM) in humans. We have shown a similar pattern of fibrinogen increases in rats exposed to emission PM. The purpose of thi...

  5. 21 CFR 866.5350 - Fibrinopeptide A immuno-logical test system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... fibrinopeptide A (a blood-clotting factor) in plasma and other body fluids. Measurement of fibrinopeptide A may... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Fibrinopeptide A immuno-logical test system. 866.5350 Section 866.5350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

  6. 21 CFR 866.5350 - Fibrinopeptide A immuno-logical test system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... fibrinopeptide A (a blood-clotting factor) in plasma and other body fluids. Measurement of fibrinopeptide A may... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Fibrinopeptide A immuno-logical test system. 866.5350 Section 866.5350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

  7. 21 CFR 866.5350 - Fibrinopeptide A immuno-logical test system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... fibrinopeptide A (a blood-clotting factor) in plasma and other body fluids. Measurement of fibrinopeptide A may... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Fibrinopeptide A immuno-logical test system. 866.5350 Section 866.5350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

  8. 21 CFR 866.5350 - Fibrinopeptide A immuno-logical test system.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... fibrinopeptide A (a blood-clotting factor) in plasma and other body fluids. Measurement of fibrinopeptide A may... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Fibrinopeptide A immuno-logical test system. 866.5350 Section 866.5350 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...

  9. Factors Determining the Oxygen Permeability of Biological Membranes: Oxygen Transport Across Eye Lens Fiber-Cell Plasma Membranes.

    PubMed

    Subczynski, Witold Karol; Widomska, Justyna; Mainali, Laxman

    2017-01-01

    Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-label oximetry allows the oxygen permeability coefficient to be evaluated across homogeneous lipid bilayer membranes and, in some cases, across coexisting membrane domains without their physical separation. The most pronounced effect on oxygen permeability is observed for cholesterol, which additionally induces the formation of membrane domains. In intact biological membranes, integral proteins induce the formation of boundary and trapped lipid domains with a low oxygen permeability. The effective oxygen permeability coefficient across the intact biological membrane is affected not only by the oxygen permeability coefficients evaluated for each lipid domain but also by the surface area occupied by these domains in the membrane. All these factors observed in fiber cell plasma membranes of clear human eye lenses are reviewed here.

  10. Manifestation of cryptic fibroblast tissue factor occurs at detergent concentrations which dissolve the plasma membrane.

    PubMed

    Carson, S D

    1996-04-01

    Cultured fibroblasts treated with increasing concentrations of detergents expressed only encrypted levels of tissue factor activity (measured by fX activation in the presence of fVIIa), characteristic of undamaged cells, until each detergent reached a critical concentration at which the cryptic tissue factor activity was manifested. Beyond the narrow ranges of concentrations over which the detergents stimulated tissue factor activity, the detergents were inhibitory. Studies with Triton X-100 and octyl glucoside revealed that manifestation of tissue factor activity coincided with breakdown of the plasma membrane. The magnitude of the increased tissue factor activity differed among detergents, with octyl glucoside giving the largest response. The tissue factor that was active after Triton X-100 treatment remained mostly associated with the insoluble cell residue, whereas the concentration of octyl glucoside which stimulated activity released tissue factor activity into the supernatant. Radiolabeled antibody against human tissue factor was used to show that a small percentage of the total accessible tissue factor remained in the insoluble fraction after treatment with either non-ionic detergent. Chromatographic analysis of lipids extracted from cells treated with detergents and dansyl chloride showed dansyl-reactivity of phosphatidylserine on intact cells, and solubilization of membrane lipids at sublytic concentrations of detergents. These findings reveal that there is a critical level of detergent-induced membrane damage at which tissue factor activity is maximally expressed, in essentially an all-or-none manner. The results are consistent with a major role for phospholipid asymmetry in regulation of tissue factor specific activity, but require either maintenance of asymmetry during sublytic detergent perturbation of the plasma membrane or additional control mechanisms.

  11. The Impact of the Glomerular Filtration Rate on the Human Plasma Proteome.

    PubMed

    Christensson, Anders; Ash, Jessica A; DeLisle, Robert K; Gaspar, Fraser W; Ostroff, Rachel; Grubb, Anders; Lindström, Veronica; Bruun, Laila; Williams, Steve A

    2018-05-01

    The application of proteomics in chronic kidney disease (CKD) can potentially uncover biomarkers and pathways that are predictive of disease. Within this context, this study examines the relationship between the human plasma proteome and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as measured by iohexol clearance in a cohort from Sweden (n = 389; GFR range: 8-100 mL min -1 /1.73 m 2 ). A total of 2893 proteins are quantified using a modified aptamer assay. A large proportion of the proteome is associated with GFR, reinforcing the concept that CKD affects multiple physiological systems (individual protein-GFR correlations listed here). Of these, cystatin C shows the most significant correlation with GFR (rho = -0.85, p = 1.2 × 10 -97 ), establishing strong validation for the use of this biomarker in CKD diagnostics. Among the other highly significant protein markers are insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 6, neuroblastoma suppressor of tumorigenicity 1, follistatin-related protein 3, trefoil factor 3, and beta-2 microglobulin. These proteins may indicate an imbalance in homeostasis across a variety of cellular processes, which may be underlying renal dysfunction. Overall, this study represents the most extensive characterization of the plasma proteome and its relation to GFR to date, and suggests the diagnostic and prognostic value of proteomics for CKD across all stages. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  12. 21 CFR 640.100 - Immune Globulin (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... (Human). The product is defined as a sterile solution containing antibodies derived from human plasma. (b) Source material. The source material of Immune Globulin (Human) shall be plasma recovered from Whole Blood prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.1 through 640.5, or Source Plasma prepared as prescribed in...

  13. 21 CFR 640.100 - Immune Globulin (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... (Human). The product is defined as a sterile solution containing antibodies derived from human plasma. (b) Source material. The source material of Immune Globulin (Human) shall be plasma recovered from Whole Blood prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.1 through 640.5, or Source Plasma prepared as prescribed in...

  14. 21 CFR 640.100 - Immune Globulin (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... (Human). The product is defined as a sterile solution containing antibodies derived from human plasma. (b) Source material. The source material of Immune Globulin (Human) shall be plasma recovered from Whole Blood prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.1 through 640.5, or Source Plasma prepared as prescribed in...

  15. 21 CFR 640.100 - Immune Globulin (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... (Human). The product is defined as a sterile solution containing antibodies derived from human plasma. (b) Source material. The source material of Immune Globulin (Human) shall be plasma recovered from Whole Blood prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.1 through 640.5, or Source Plasma prepared as prescribed in...

  16. 21 CFR 640.100 - Immune Globulin (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... (Human). The product is defined as a sterile solution containing antibodies derived from human plasma. (b) Source material. The source material of Immune Globulin (Human) shall be plasma recovered from Whole Blood prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.1 through 640.5, or Source Plasma prepared as prescribed in...

  17. Platelet-rich plasma differs according to preparation method and human variability.

    PubMed

    Mazzocca, Augustus D; McCarthy, Mary Beth R; Chowaniec, David M; Cote, Mark P; Romeo, Anthony A; Bradley, James P; Arciero, Robert A; Beitzel, Knut

    2012-02-15

    Varying concentrations of blood components in platelet-rich plasma preparations may contribute to the variable results seen in recently published clinical studies. The purposes of this investigation were (1) to quantify the level of platelets, growth factors, red blood cells, and white blood cells in so-called one-step (clinically used commercial devices) and two-step separation systems and (2) to determine the influence of three separate blood draws on the resulting components of platelet-rich plasma. Three different platelet-rich plasma (PRP) separation methods (on blood samples from eight subjects with a mean age [and standard deviation] of 31.6 ± 10.9 years) were used: two single-spin processes (PRPLP and PRPHP) and a double-spin process (PRPDS) were evaluated for concentrations of platelets, red and white blood cells, and growth factors. Additionally, the effect of three repetitive blood draws on platelet-rich plasma components was evaluated. The content and concentrations of platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors for each method of separation differed significantly. All separation techniques resulted in a significant increase in platelet concentration compared with native blood. Platelet and white blood-cell concentrations of the PRPHP procedure were significantly higher than platelet and white blood-cell concentrations produced by the so-called single-step PRPLP and the so-called two-step PRPDS procedures, although significant differences between PRPLP and PRPDS were not observed. Comparing the results of the three blood draws with regard to the reliability of platelet number and cell counts, wide variations of intra-individual numbers were observed. Single-step procedures are capable of producing sufficient amounts of platelets for clinical usage. Within the evaluated procedures, platelet numbers and numbers of white blood cells differ significantly. The intra-individual results of platelet-rich plasma separations showed wide variations in platelet and cell numbers as well as levels of growth factors regardless of separation method.

  18. Imatinib mesylate (STI571) decreases the vascular endothelial growth factor plasma concentration in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

    PubMed

    Legros, Laurence; Bourcier, Christine; Jacquel, Arnaud; Mahon, François-Xavier; Cassuto, Jill-Patrice; Auberger, Patrick; Pagès, Gilles

    2004-07-15

    Increased angiogenesis in bone marrow (BM) is one of the characteristics of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a clonal myeloproliferative disorder that expresses a chimeric Bcr/Abl protein. Recently, the therapeutic strategy in CML has been totally modified with the development of a new drug: imatinib mesylate (STI571), a specific inhibitor of Bcr/Abl tyrosine kinase activity. The aim of our study was to determine, in patients with CML, the capacity of imatinib mesylate to modulate one of the most potent regulators of angiogenesis, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In newly diagnosed CML, we observed significantly increased VEGF secretion by CML BM cells and significantly increased VEGF plasma concentrations. We showed that low plasma VEGF concentrations could be one of the characteristics of complete cytogenetic remission. To understand the molecular mechanisms leading to the inhibition of VEGF production by imatinib, we focused our experiments on the human cell line K562, which is Bcr/Abl positive. We demonstrated that imatinib inhibits VEGF gene transcription by targeting the Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors. Taken together, our results highlight the potential prognostic value of VEGF concentrations in evaluating the evolution of CML patients treated with imatinib.

  19. A Protocol for the Preparation of Cryoprecipitate and Cryo-depleted Plasma for Proteomic Studies.

    PubMed

    Sparrow, Rosemary L; Simpson, Richard J; Greening, David W

    2017-01-01

    Cryoprecipitate is a concentrate of high-molecular-weight plasma proteins that precipitate when frozen plasma is slowly thawed at 1-6 °C. The concentrate contains factor VIII (antihemophilic factor), von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen, factor XIII, fibronectin, and small amounts of other plasma proteins. Clinical grade preparations of cryoprecipitate are mainly used to treat fibrinogen deficiency caused by acute bleeding or functional abnormalities of the fibrinogen protein. In the past, cryoprecipitate was used to treat von Willebrand disease and hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency), but the availability of more highly purified coagulation factor concentrates or recombinant protein preparations has superseded the use of cryoprecipitate for these coagulopathies. Cryo-depleted plasma ("cryosupernatant") is the plasma supernatant remaining following removal of the cryoprecipitate from frozen-thawed plasma. It contains all the other plasma proteins and clotting factors present in plasma that remain soluble during cold-temperature thawing of the plasma. This protocol describes the clinical-scale preparation of cryoprecipitate and cryo-depleted plasma for proteomic studies.

  20. Considerable variation in the concentration of osteopontin in human milk, bovine milk, and infant formulas.

    PubMed

    Schack, L; Lange, A; Kelsen, J; Agnholt, J; Christensen, B; Petersen, T E; Sørensen, E S

    2009-11-01

    Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional bioactive protein that is implicated in numerous biological processes such as bone remodeling, inhibition of ectopic calcification, and cellular adhesion and migration, as well as several immune functions. Osteopontin has cytokine-like properties and is a key factor in the initiation of T helper 1 immune responses. Osteopontin is present in most tissues and body fluids, with the highest concentrations being found in milk. In the present study, ELISA for human and bovine milk OPN were developed and OPN concentration in human breast milk, bovine milk, and infant formulas was measured and compared. The OPN concentration in human milk was measured to approximately 138 mg/L, which corresponds to 2.1% (wt/wt) of the total protein in human breast milk. This is considerably higher than the corresponding OPN concentrations in bovine milk (approximately 18 mg/L) and infant formulas (approximately 9 mg/L). Moreover, bovine milk OPN is shown to induce the expression of the T helper 1 cytokine IL-12 in cultured human lamina propria mononuclear cells isolated from intestinal biopsies. Finally, the OPN concentration in plasma samples from umbilical cords, 3-mo-old infants, and pregnant and nonpregnant adults was measured. The OPN level in plasma from 3-mo-old infants and umbilical cords was found to be 7 to 10 times higher than in adults. Thus, the high levels of OPN in milk and infant plasma suggest that OPN is important to infants and that ingested milk OPN is likely to induce cytokine production in neonate intestinal immune cells.

  1. Robustness of solvent/detergent treatment of plasma derivatives: a data collection from Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association member companies.

    PubMed

    Dichtelmüller, Herbert O; Biesert, Lothar; Fabbrizzi, Fabrizio; Gajardo, Rodrigo; Gröner, Albrecht; von Hoegen, Ilka; Jorquera, Juan I; Kempf, Christoph; Kreil, Thomas R; Pifat, Dominique; Osheroff, Wendy; Poelsler, Gerhard

    2009-09-01

    Solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment is an established virus inactivation technology that has been applied in the manufacture of medicinal products derived from human plasma for more than 20 years. Data on the inactivation of enveloped viruses by S/D treatment collected from seven Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association member companies demonstrate the robustness, reliability, and efficacy of this virus inactivation method. The results from 308 studies reflecting production conditions as well as technical variables significantly beyond the product release specification were evaluated for virus inactivation, comprising different combinations of solvent and detergent (tri(n-butyl) phosphate [TNBP]/Tween 80, TNBP/Triton X-100, TNBP/Na-cholate) and different products (Factor [F]VIII, F IX, and intravenous and intramuscular immunoglobulins). Neither product class, process temperature, protein concentration, nor pH value has a significant impact on virus inactivation. A variable that did appear to be critical was the concentration of solvent and detergent. The data presented here demonstrate the robustness of virus inactivation by S/D treatment for a broad spectrum of enveloped test viruses and process variables. Our data substantiate the fact that no transmission of viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, or of other enveloped viruses was reported for licensed plasma derivatives since the introduction of S/D treatment.

  2. Direct effect of plasma permeability factors from patients with idiopatic FSGS on nephrin and podocin expression in human podocytes.

    PubMed

    Doublier, Sophie; Musante, Luca; Lupia, Enrico; Candiano, Giovanni; Spatola, Tiziana; Caridi, Gianluca; Zennaro, Cristina; Carraro, Michele; Ghiggeri, Gian Marco; Camussi, Giovanni

    2005-07-01

    The presence of circulating plasma factors (PF) altering renal permeability to proteins has been previously described in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Since these patients show reduced nephrin and podocin expression at renal biopsy, we evaluated the effect of serum and PF from patients with FSGS on nephrin and podocin expression in human podocytes. We studied 7 sera from patients with steroid-resistant FSGS, 3 from patients with nephrotic syndrome caused by non-immune disease, and 6 from healthy subjects. PF was prepared from plasmapheresis eluates of 2 patients with post-transplant recurrence of FSGS. Purification procedure was based on protein A Sepharose chromatography and differential precipitation in ammonium sulphate. Nephrin and podocin expression was semi-quantitatively evaluated by immunofluorescence. We found that serum and PF from FSGS patients rapidly induced redistribution and loss of nephrin in podocytes. This effect was associated with cytoskeleton redistribution and inhibited by cytochalasin B and sodium azide. On the contrary, podocin expression was unchanged after incubation with serum and PF from FSGS patients for short periods, but markedly reduced at 24 h. Our results demonstrate that serum and PF from FSGS patients may directly affect nephrin and podocin in human podocytes, thus providing new insights into the mechanisms causing proteinuria in FSGS.

  3. Investigation of factors affecting in vitro doxorubicin release from PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin for the development of in vitro release testing conditions.

    PubMed

    Shibata, Hiroko; Izutsu, Ken-Ichi; Yomota, Chikako; Okuda, Haruhiro; Goda, Yukihiro

    2015-01-01

    Establishing appropriate drug release testing methods of liposomal products for assuring quality and performance requires the determination of factors affecting in vitro drug release. In this study, we investigated the effects of test conditions (human plasma lot, pH/salt concentration in the test media, dilution factor, temperature, ultrasound irradiation, etc.), and liposomal preparation conditions (pH/concentration of ammonium sulfate solution), on doxorubicin (DXR) release from PEGylated liposomal DXR. Higher temperature and lower pH significantly increased DXR release. The evaluation of DXR solubility indicated that the high DXR release induced by low pH may be attributed to the high solubility of DXR at low pH. Ultrasound irradiation induced rapid DXR release in an amplitude-dependent manner. The salt concentration in the test solution, human plasma lot, and dilution factor had a limited impact on DXR-release. Variations in the ammonium sulfate concentration used in solutions for the formation/hydration of liposomes significantly affected DXR release behavior, whereas differences in pH did not. In addition, heating condition in phosphate-buffered saline at lower pH (<6.5) exhibited higher discriminative ability for the release profiles from various liposomes with different concentrations of ammonium sulfate than did ultrasound irradiation. These results are expected to be helpful in the process of establishing appropriate drug release testing methods for PEGylated liposomal DXR.

  4. Transforming growth factor-{alpha} enhances corneal epithelial cell migration by promoting EGFR recycling.

    PubMed

    McClintock, Jennifer L; Ceresa, Brian P

    2010-07-01

    PURPOSE. The goal of this study was to determine the molecular mechanism by which transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) is a more potent activator of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated corneal wound healing than epidermal growth factor (EGF). METHODS. Telomerase immortalized human corneal epithelial (hTCEpi) cells and primary human corneal epithelial cells were tested for their ability to migrate in response to EGF and TGF-alpha. In parallel, the endocytic trafficking of the EGFR in response to these same ligands was examined using indirect immunofluorescence, immunoblots, and radioligand binding. RESULTS. TGF-alpha, compared with EGF, is a more potent activator of corneal epithelial cell migration. Although both TGF-alpha and EGF were able to induce EGFR internalization and phosphorylation, only those receptors that were stimulated with EGF progressed to lysosomal degradation. EGFRs stimulated with TGF-alpha recycled back to the plasma membrane, where they could be reactivated with ligand. CONCLUSIONS. This study reveals that EGFR-mediated cell migration is limited by ligand-stimulated downregulation of the EGFR. This limitation can be overcome by treating cells with TGF-alpha because TGF-alpha stimulates EGFR endocytosis, but not degradation. After internalization of the TGF-alpha/EGFR complex, EGFR recycles back to the plasma membrane, where it can be restimulated. This sequence of events provides the receptor multiple opportunities for stimulation. Thus, stimulation with TGF-alpha prolongs EGFR signaling compared with EGF.

  5. Pathogen-free, plasma-poor platelet lysate and expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells.

    PubMed

    Iudicone, Paola; Fioravanti, Daniela; Bonanno, Giuseppina; Miceli, Michelina; Lavorino, Claudio; Totta, Pierangela; Frati, Luigi; Nuti, Marianna; Pierelli, Luca

    2014-01-27

    Supplements to support clinical-grade cultures of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are required to promote growth and expansion of these cells. Platelet lysate (PL) is a human blood component which may replace animal serum in MSC cultures being rich in various growth factors. Here, we describe a plasma poor pathogen-free platelet lysate obtained by pooling 12 platelet (PLT) units, to produce a standardized and safe supplement for clinical-grade expansion of MSC. PL lots were obtained by combining 2 6-unit PLT pools in additive solution (AS) following a transfusional-based procedure including pathogen inactivation (PI) by Intercept technology and 3 cycles of freezing/thawing, followed by membrane removal. Three PI-PL and 3 control PL lots were produced to compare their ability to sustain bone marrow derived MSC selection and expansion. Moreover, two further PL, subjected to PI or not, were also produced starting from the same initial PLT pools to evaluate the impact of PI on growth factor concentration and capacity to sustain cell growth. Additional PI-PL lots were used for comparison with fetal bovine serum (FBS) on MSC expansion. Immunoregulatory properties of PI-PL-generated MSC were documented in vitro by mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) mitogen induced proliferation. PI-PL and PL control lots had similar concentrations of 4 well-described growth factors endowed with MSC stimulating ability. Initial growth and MSC expansion by PI-PL and PL controls were comparable either using different MSC populations or in head to head experiments. Moreover, PI-PL and PL control sustained similar MSC growth of frozen/thawed MSC. Multilineage differentiation of PI-derived and PI-PL-derived MSC were maintained in any MSC cultures as well as their immunoregulatory properties. Finally, no direct impact of PI on growth factor concentration and MSC growth support was observed, whereas the capacity of FBS to sustain MSC expansion in basic medium was irrelevant as compared to PL and PI-PL. The replacement of animal additives with human supplements is a basic issue in MSC ex vivo production. PI-PL represents a standardized, plasma-poor, human preparation which appears as a safe and good candidate to stimulate MSC growth in clinical-scale cultures.

  6. Pathogen-free, plasma-poor platelet lysate and expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Supplements to support clinical-grade cultures of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are required to promote growth and expansion of these cells. Platelet lysate (PL) is a human blood component which may replace animal serum in MSC cultures being rich in various growth factors. Here, we describe a plasma poor pathogen-free platelet lysate obtained by pooling 12 platelet (PLT) units, to produce a standardized and safe supplement for clinical-grade expansion of MSC. Methods PL lots were obtained by combining 2 6-unit PLT pools in additive solution (AS) following a transfusional-based procedure including pathogen inactivation (PI) by Intercept technology and 3 cycles of freezing/thawing, followed by membrane removal. Three PI-PL and 3 control PL lots were produced to compare their ability to sustain bone marrow derived MSC selection and expansion. Moreover, two further PL, subjected to PI or not, were also produced starting from the same initial PLT pools to evaluate the impact of PI on growth factor concentration and capacity to sustain cell growth. Additional PI-PL lots were used for comparison with fetal bovine serum (FBS) on MSC expansion. Immunoregulatory properties of PI-PL-generated MSC were documented in vitro by mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) mitogen induced proliferation. Results PI-PL and PL control lots had similar concentrations of 4 well-described growth factors endowed with MSC stimulating ability. Initial growth and MSC expansion by PI-PL and PL controls were comparable either using different MSC populations or in head to head experiments. Moreover, PI-PL and PL control sustained similar MSC growth of frozen/thawed MSC. Multilineage differentiation of PI-derived and PI-PL-derived MSC were maintained in any MSC cultures as well as their immunoregulatory properties. Finally, no direct impact of PI on growth factor concentration and MSC growth support was observed, whereas the capacity of FBS to sustain MSC expansion in basic medium was irrelevant as compared to PL and PI-PL. Conclusion The replacement of animal additives with human supplements is a basic issue in MSC ex vivo production. PI-PL represents a standardized, plasma-poor, human preparation which appears as a safe and good candidate to stimulate MSC growth in clinical-scale cultures. PMID:24467837

  7. Nattokinase decreases plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII in human subjects.

    PubMed

    Hsia, Chien-Hsun; Shen, Ming-Ching; Lin, Jen-Shiou; Wen, Yao-Ke; Hwang, Kai-Lin; Cham, Thau-Ming; Yang, Nae-Cherng

    2009-03-01

    Nattokinase, a serine proteinase from Bacillus subtilis, is considered to be one of the most active functional ingredients found in natto. In this study, we hypothesized that nattokinase could reduce certain factors of blood clotting and lipids that are associated with an increase risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, an open-label, self-controlled clinical trial was conducted on subjects of the following groups: healthy volunteers (Healthy Group), patients with cardiovascular risk factors (Cardiovascular Group), and patients undergoing dialysis (Dialysis Group). All subjects ingested 2 capsules of nattokinase (2000 fibrinolysis units per capsule) daily orally for 2 months. The laboratory measurements were performed on the screening visit and, subsequently, regularly after the initiation of the study. The intent-to-treat analysis was performed on all 45 enrolled subjects. By use of mixed model analysis, a significant time effect, but not group effect, was observed in the change from baseline of fibrinogen (P = .003), factor VII (P < .001), and factor VIII (P < .001), suggesting that the plasma levels of the 3 coagulation factors continuously declined during intake; also, the extents of decrease were similar between groups. After 2 months of administration, fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII decreased 9%, 14%, and 17%, respectively, for the Healthy Group; 7%, 13%, and 19%, respectively, for the Cardiovascular Group; and 10%, 7%, and 19%, respectively, for the Dialysis Group, whereas blood lipids were unaffected by nattokinase. No significant changes of uric acid or notable adverse events were observed in any of the subjects. In summary, this study showed that oral administration of nattokinase could be considered as a CVD nutraceutical by decreasing plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII.

  8. Dietary Betaine Supplementation Increases Fgf21 Levels to Improve Glucose Homeostasis and Reduce Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Ejaz, Asma; Martinez-Guino, Laura; Goldfine, Allison B.; Ribas-Aulinas, Francesc; De Nigris, Valeria; Ribó, Sílvia; Gonzalez-Franquesa, Alba; Garcia-Roves, Pablo M.; Li, Elizabeth; Dreyfuss, Jonathan M.; Gall, Walt; Kim, Jason K.; Bottiglieri, Teodoro; Villarroya, Francesc; Gerszten, Robert E.

    2016-01-01

    Identifying markers of human insulin resistance may permit development of new approaches for treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. To this end, we analyzed the fasting plasma metabolome in metabolically characterized human volunteers across a spectrum of insulin resistance. We demonstrate that plasma betaine levels are reduced in insulin-resistant humans and correlate closely with insulin sensitivity. Moreover, betaine administration to mice with diet-induced obesity prevents the development of impaired glucose homeostasis, reduces hepatic lipid accumulation, increases white adipose oxidative capacity, and enhances whole-body energy expenditure. In parallel with these beneficial metabolic effects, betaine supplementation robustly increased hepatic and circulating fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)21 levels. Betaine administration failed to improve glucose homeostasis and liver fat content in Fgf21−/− mice, demonstrating that Fgf21 is necessary for betaine’s beneficial effects. Together, these data indicate that dietary betaine increases Fgf21 levels to improve metabolic health in mice and suggest that betaine supplementation merits further investigation as a supplement for treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes in humans. PMID:26858359

  9. Exploring the Human Plasma Proteome for Humoral Mediators of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning - A Word of Caution

    PubMed Central

    Helgeland, Erik; Breivik, Lars Ertesvåg; Vaudel, Marc; Svendsen, Øyvind Sverre; Garberg, Hilde; Nordrehaug, Jan Erik; Berven, Frode Steingrimsen; Jonassen, Anne Kristine

    2014-01-01

    Despite major advances in early revascularization techniques, cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death worldwide, and myocardial infarctions contribute heavily to this. Over the past decades, it has become apparent that reperfusion of blood to a previously ischemic area of the heart causes damage in and of itself, and that this ischemia reperfusion induced injury can be reduced by up to 50% by mechanical manipulation of the blood flow to the heart. The recent discovery of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) provides a non-invasive approach of inducing this cardioprotection at a distance. Finding its endogenous mediators and their operative mode is an important step toward increasing the ischemic tolerance. The release of humoral factor(s) upon RIPC was recently demonstrated and several candidate proteins were published as possible mediators of the cardioprotection. Before clinical applicability, these potential biomarkers and their efficiency must be validated, a task made challenging by the large heterogeneity in reported data and results. Here, in an attempt to reproduce and provide more experimental data on these mediators, we conducted an unbiased in-depth analysis of the human plasma proteome before and after RIPC. From the 68 protein markers reported in the literature, only 28 could be mapped to manually reviewed (Swiss-Prot) protein sequences. 23 of them were monitored in our untargeted experiment. However, their significant regulation could not be reproducibly estimated. In fact, among the 394 plasma proteins we accurately quantified, no significant regulation could be confidently and reproducibly assessed. This indicates that it is difficult to both monitor and reproduce published data from experiments exploring for RIPC induced plasma proteomic regulations, and suggests that further work should be directed towards small humoral factors. To simplify this task, we made our proteomic dataset available via ProteomeXchange, where scientists can mine for novel potential targets. PMID:25333471

  10. Immunization by bovine thrombin used with fibrin glue during cardiovascular operations. Development of thrombin and factor V inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Berruyer, M; Amiral, J; Ffrench, P; Belleville, J; Bastien, O; Clerc, J; Kassir, A; Estanove, S; Dechavanne, M

    1993-05-01

    Brief case histories of three patients aged 58, 38, and 44 years are reported. All underwent cardiovascular operations. Subsequently hemostasis test abnormalities developed between the seventh and eighth postoperative days after exposure to bovine thrombin used with fibrin glue. These were characterized by an increased activated partial thromboplastin time (64 to 147 seconds), prothrombin time (19 to 24 seconds), bovine thrombin time (> 120 seconds) and a markedly reduced factor V level (< 10% in two patients and 16% in the third patient). A patient plasma dilution of 1 in 200 with a normal plasma pool was necessary to correct bovine thrombin time. No fast-acting or progressive inhibitor against factor V could be detected by coagulation tests, and fresh frozen plasma perfusion had no effect. Plasmapheresis was performed preventatively to avoid bleeding, and factor V levels stabilized at around 50% after two to four exchanges. Immunologic studies showed that the inhibitors were directed not only against bovine factors but also against human ones. Therefore factor V decrease could have been the result of rapid clearance from the circulation of complexes formed with a nonneutralizing inhibitor that is not detected by clotting tests. These antibodies were purified by standard methods and immunoaffinity. Fast immunization could be explained by a prior sensitization to bovine thrombin exposure during previous operations. It is suggested that bovine thrombin used with fibrin glue contains small amounts of factor V and may be responsible for these abnormalities. This is in agreement with previous literature reports. However, these described neutralizing factor V inhibitors, which were easily detected.

  11. The risk of transmitting prion disease by blood or plasma products.

    PubMed

    Knight, Richard

    2010-12-01

    Various experimental studies have shown infectivity in blood in relation to bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). Human to human transmission vCJD infection has been reported via transfusion of non-leukocyte-reduced red cells and, probably, via factor VIII concentrates. A number of precautionary measures are in place but uncertainties remain, especially concerning the number of BSE-infected people in the population. Additional measures such as prion filtration need consideration. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Na/K ATPase inhibition by digitalis-like factors in neonates

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bottorff, M.B.; Songu-Mize, E.; Hoon, T.J.

    1986-03-01

    At the authors institution, 48% of neonates < 1 month of age had false-positive digoxin immunoassay determinations while not receiving digoxin, presumably due to an endogenous digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (DLIS) in the plasma. Plasma from 3 neonates positive for DLIS by fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) was evaluated for inhibitory activity on human red blood cell (RBC) Na/K ATPase. Neonatal plasma aliquots containing DLIS concentrations (conc) of 0.24, 0.37, 0.43, 0.49 and 0.61 ng/ml (3.07 - 7.81 x 10/sup -10/M) were incubated with human RBC and /sup 86/Rb in order to measure /sup 86/Rb uptake inhibition with respect to DLIS negativemore » neonatal plasma. /sup 86/Rb uptake inhibition by digoxin-spiked human serum (1.07 x 10/sup -10/ - 4.57 x 10/sup -6/M) was also measured. Percent inhibition vs. log molar conc plots for DLIS and digoxin were compared. DLIS inhibited Na/K ATPase in a linear fashion over the range studied. Comparing the linear portions of the conc-inhibition curves for digoxin and DLIS, the molar conc of digoxin producing 40% inhibition of /sup 86/Rb uptake is 333 times greater than the molar conc of DLIS producing similar inhibition. Therefore, DLIS in neonatal serum as measured by FPIA has approximately 300 times greater inhibitory activity than digoxin. The presence of circulating DLIS may reflect an adaptive or maladaptive response to some, as yet unknown, process early in life.« less

  13. The State of the Human Proteome in 2013 as viewed through PeptideAtlas: Comparing the Kidney, Urine, and Plasma Proteomes for the Biology and Disease-driven Human Proteome Project

    PubMed Central

    Farrah, Terry; Deutsch, Eric W.; Omenn, Gilbert S.; Sun, Zhi; Watts, Julian D.; Yamamoto, Tadashi; Shteynberg, David; Harris, Micheleen M.; Moritz, Robert L.

    2014-01-01

    The kidney, urine, and plasma proteomes are intimately related: proteins and metabolic waste products are filtered from the plasma by the kidney and excreted via the urine, while kidney proteins may be secreted into the circulation or released into the urine. Shotgun proteomics datasets derived from human kidney, urine, and plasma samples were collated and processed using a uniform software pipeline, and relative protein abundances were estimated by spectral counting. The resulting PeptideAtlas builds yielded 4005, 2491, and 3553 nonredundant proteins at 1% FDR for the kidney, urine, and plasma proteomes, respectively—for kidney and plasma, the largest high-confidence protein sets to date. The same pipeline applied to all available human data yielded a 2013 Human PeptideAtlas build containing 12,644 nonredundant proteins and at least one peptide for each of ~14,000 Swiss-Prot entries, an increase over 2012 of ~7.5% of the predicted human proteome. We demonstrate that abundances are correlated between plasma and urine, examine the most abundant urine proteins not derived from either plasma or kidney, and consider the biomarker potential of proteins associated with renal decline. This analysis forms part of the Biology and Disease-driven Human Proteome Project (B/D-HPP) and a contribution to the Chromosome-centric Human Proteome Project (C-HPP) special issue. PMID:24261998

  14. Comparative thermometric coagulation studies of plasmas from normal outbred Swiss Webster mice and persons.

    PubMed

    Tsang, V C; Wyatt, C R; Damian, R T

    1979-06-01

    The functional capabilities of a thermometric clot-timer have been demonstrated in a comparative study of human and mouse plasma coagulation. The influence of some variables on coagulation times of mouse and human plasmas were examined in activated partial thromboplastin time, one-stage prothrombin time, and Russell's viper venom time assays. Mouse plasma coagulation times were generally shorter and more reproducible than those of human plasma. Optimal assay conditions are also described.

  15. Choline and betaine in health and disease.

    PubMed

    Ueland, Per Magne

    2011-02-01

    Choline is an essential nutrient, but is also formed by de novo synthesis. Choline and its derivatives serve as components of structural lipoproteins, blood and membrane lipids, and as a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Pre-and postnatal choline availability is important for neurodevelopment in rodents. Choline is oxidized to betaine that serves as an osmoregulator and is a substrate in the betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase reaction, which links choline and betaine to the folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism. Choline and betaine are important sources of one-carbon units, in particular, during folate deficiency. Choline or betaine supplementation in humans reduces concentration of total homocysteine (tHcy), and plasma betaine is a strong predictor of plasma tHcy in individuals with low plasma concentration of folate and other B vitamins (B₂, B₆, and B₁₂) in combination TT genotype of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 C->T polymorphism. The link to one-carbon metabolism and the recent availability of food composition data have motivated studies on choline and betaine as risk factors of chronic diseases previously studied in relation to folate and homocysteine status. High intake and plasma level of choline in the mother seems to afford reduced risk of neural tube defects. Intake of choline and betaine shows no consistent relation to cancer or cardiovascular risk or risk factors, whereas an unfavorable cardiovascular risk factor profile was associated with high choline and low betaine concentrations in plasma. Thus, choline and betaine showed opposite relations with key components of metabolic syndrome, suggesting a disruption of mitochondrial choline oxidation to betaine as part of the mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic syndrome.

  16. Lack of species-specific difference in pulmonary function when using mouse versus human plasma in a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock.

    PubMed

    Peng, Zhanglong; Pati, Shibani; Fontaine, Magali J; Hall, Kelly; Herrera, Anthony V; Kozar, Rosemary A

    2016-11-01

    Clinical studies have demonstrated that the early and empiric use of plasma improves survival after hemorrhagic shock. We have demonstrated in rodent models of hemorrhagic shock that resuscitation with plasma is protective to the lungs compared with lactated Ringer's solution. As our long-term objective is to determine the molecular mechanisms that modulate plasma's protective effects in injured bleeding patients, we have used human plasma in a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock. The goal of the current experiments is to determine if there are significant adverse effects on lung injury when using human versus mouse plasma in an established murine model of hemorrhagic shock and laparotomy. Mice underwent laparotomy and 90 minutes of hemorrhagic shock to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 35 ± 5 mm Hg followed by resuscitation at 1× shed blood using either mouse fresh frozen plasma (FFP), human FFP, or human lyophilized plasma. Mean arterial pressure was recorded during shock and for the first 30 minutes of resuscitation. After 3 hours, animals were killed, and lungs collected for analysis. There was a significant increase in early MAP when mouse FFP was used to resuscitate animals compared with human FFP or human lyophilized plasma. However, despite these differences, analysis of the mouse lungs revealed no significant differences in pulmonary histopathology, lung permeability, or lung edema between all three plasma groups. Analysis of neutrophil infiltration in the lungs revealed that mouse FFP decreased neutrophil influx as measured by neutrophil staining; however, myeloperoxidase immunostaining revealed no significant differences in between groups. The study of human plasma in a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock is feasible but does reveal some differences compared with mouse plasma-based resuscitation in physiologic measures such as MAP postresuscitation. Measures of end organ function such as lung injury appear to be comparable in this acute model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.

  17. DNA aptamer affinity ligands for highly selective purification of human plasma-related proteins from multiple sources.

    PubMed

    Forier, Cynthia; Boschetti, Egisto; Ouhammouch, Mohamed; Cibiel, Agnès; Ducongé, Frédéric; Nogré, Michel; Tellier, Michel; Bataille, Damien; Bihoreau, Nicolas; Santambien, Patrick; Chtourou, Sami; Perret, Gérald

    2017-03-17

    Nucleic acid aptamers are promising ligands for analytical and preparative-scale affinity chromatography applications. However, a full industrial exploitation requires that aptamer-grafted chromatography media provide a number of high technical standards that remained largely untested. Ideally, they should exhibit relatively high binding capacity associated to a very high degree of specificity. In addition, they must be highly resistant to harsh cleaning/sanitization conditions, as well as to prolonged and repeated exposure to biological environment. Here, we present practical examples of aptamer affinity chromatography for the purification of three human therapeutic proteins from various sources: Factor VII, Factor H and Factor IX. In a single chromatographic step, three DNA aptamer ligands enabled the efficient purification of their target protein, with an unprecedented degree of selectivity (from 0.5% to 98% of purity in one step). Furthermore, these aptamers demonstrated a high stability under harsh sanitization conditions (100h soaking in 1M NaOH). These results pave the way toward a wider adoption of aptamer-based affinity ligands in the industrial-scale purification of not only plasma-derived proteins but also of any other protein in general. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Plasma protein hydroperoxides during aging in humans: correlation with paraoxonase 1 (PON1) arylesterase activity and plasma total thiols.

    PubMed

    Mehdi, Mohammad Murtaza; Rizvi, Syed Ibrahim

    2013-02-01

    Oxidative stress is thought to play a major role in the development of several age-dependent diseases. Proteins are major targets for oxidative attack. Protein hydroperoxides are formed by hydroxyl and singlet oxygen attack on protein, forming relatively stable hydroperoxides on histidine, tyrosine and tryptophan residues. This study investigated the levels of plasma protein hydroperoxides and antioxidant potential of plasma during aging in humans. We correlated the protein hydroperoxide formation with plasma antioxidant potential, paraoxonase 1 (PON1) arylesterase activity and plasma total thiols. The protein hydroperoxides and antioxidant potential were measured in plasma of human subjects aged between 20 and 81 years of both genders. Increase in plasma protein hydroperoxides and decrease in plasma antioxidant potential were observed as function of human age. This study provides strong correlation between plasma protein hydroperoxides formation and decrease in plasma antioxidant potential during aging. PON1 arylesterase activity and plasma total thiols levels were also found to show significant correlation with increasing levels of plasma protein hydroperoxides during aging. The plasma protein hydroperoxides provide a reliable marker of long-term redox balance and degree of oxidative stress during aging process. Copyright © 2013 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative analysis of ceritinib in human plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic studies.

    PubMed

    Heudi, Olivier; Vogel, Denise; Lau, Yvonne Y; Picard, Franck; Kretz, Olivier

    2014-11-01

    Ceritinib is a highly selective inhibitor of an important cancer target, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Because it is an investigational compound, there is a need to develop a robust and reliable analytical method for its quantitative determination in human plasma. Here, we report the validation of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the rapid quantification of ceritinib in human plasma. The method consists of protein precipitation with acetonitrile, and salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SALLE) using a saturated solution of sodium chloride prior to analysis by LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization (ESI) technique in positive mode. Samples were eluted at 0.800 mL min(-1) on Ascentis Express® C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 2.7 μm) with a mobile phase made of 0.1 % formic acid in water (A) and 0.1 % formic acid in acetonitrile (B). The method run time was 3.6 min and the low limit of quantification (LLOQ) was estimated at 1.00 ng mL(-1) when using 0.100 mL of human plasma. The assay was fully validated and the method exhibited sufficient specificity, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. In addition, recovery data and matrix factor (MF) in normal and in hemolyzed plasmas were assessed, while incurred samples stability (ISS) for ceritinib was demonstrated for at least 21 months at a storage temperature of -65 °C or below. The method was successfully applied to the measurement of ceritinib in clinical samples and the data obtained on incurred samples reanalysis (ISR) showed that our method was reliable and suitable to support the analysis of samples from the clinical studies.

  20. False-positive pregnancy test after transfusion of solvent/detergent-treated plasma.

    PubMed

    Jilma-Stohlawetz, Petra; Wreford-Bush, Tim; Mills, Francesca; Davidson, Fiona; Kursten, Friedrich W; Jilma, Bernd; Birchall, Janet

    2017-12-01

    The transmission of pathogens, antibodies, and proteins is a possible consequence of blood product transfusion. A female patient had an unexpected positive serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin result, indicative of pregnancy, after she had received a transfusion with 1 unit of platelet concentrate, 4 units of red blood cells, and 4 units of pooled solvent/detergent-treated plasma (Octaplas). To investigate the possibility of passive transfusion of β-human chorionic gonadotropin from the plasma transfusion, one additional unit from the same batch was thawed and analyzed. To validate the β-human chorionic gonadotropin assay for use in solvent/detergent-treated plasma and to investigate any interference in the assay, dilution experiments were performed using the implicated plasma batch diluted with male and non-pregnant female sera. Also, plasma from a known pregnant woman was diluted with Octaplas (tested negative for β-human chorionic gonadotropin) and with a male serum to validate the assay for use in solvent/detergent-treated plasma. The implicated solvent/detergent-treated plasma had a mean β-human chorionic gonadotropin level of 91.5 mIU/mL. Results from the dilution experiments revealed an excellent correlation (r > 0.99) between β-human chorionic gonadotropin measurement in solvent/detergent-treated plasma and male serum and no over or under recovery of the expected results. Further measurements of β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels in the female recipient revealed an estimated half-life of 6 hours. This case demonstrates the importance of considering the possibility of passive transmission of analytes to a patient from the transfusion of blood products. Furthermore, the measurement of β-human chorionic gonadotropin is valid in solvent/detergent-treated plasma using a Roche Cobas analyzer. © 2017 AABB.

  1. Growth factor and pro-inflammatory cytokine contents in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF), and concentrated growth factors (CGF).

    PubMed

    Masuki, Hideo; Okudera, Toshimitsu; Watanebe, Taisuke; Suzuki, Masashi; Nishiyama, Kazuhiko; Okudera, Hajime; Nakata, Koh; Uematsu, Kohya; Su, Chen-Yao; Kawase, Tomoyuki

    2016-12-01

    The development of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) drastically simplified the preparation procedure of platelet-concentrated biomaterials, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and facilitated their clinical application. PRF's clinical effectiveness has often been demonstrated in pre-clinical and clinical studies; however, it is still controversial whether growth factors are significantly concentrated in PRF preparations to facilitate wound healing and tissue regeneration. To address this matter, we performed a comparative study of growth factor contents in PRP and its derivatives, such as advanced PRF (A-PRF) and concentrated growth factors (CGF). PRP and its derivatives were prepared from the same peripheral blood samples collected from healthy donors. A-PRF and CGF preparations were homogenized and centrifuged to produce extracts. Platelet and white blood cell counts in A-PRF and CGF preparations were determined by subtracting those counts in red blood cell fractions, supernatant acellular serum fractions, and A-PRF/CGF exudate fractions from those counts of whole blood samples. Concentrations of growth factors (TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, VEGF) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) were determined using ELISA kits. Compared to PRP preparations, both A-PRF and CGF extracts contained compatible or higher levels of platelets and platelet-derived growth factors. In a cell proliferation assay, both A-PRF and CGF extracts significantly stimulated the proliferation of human periosteal cells without significant reduction at higher doses. These data clearly demonstrate that both A-PRF and CGF preparations contain significant amounts of growth factors capable of stimulating periosteal cell proliferation, suggesting that A-PRF and CGF preparations function not only as a scaffolding material but also as a reservoir to deliver certain growth factors at the site of application.

  2. Characterization of digitalis-like factors in human plasma. Interactions with NaK-ATPase and cross-reactivity with cardiac glycoside-specific antibodies.

    PubMed

    Kelly, R A; O'Hara, D S; Canessa, M L; Mitch, W E; Smith, T W

    1985-09-25

    Much of the evidence for a physiologically important endogenous inhibitor of the sodium pump has been either contradictory or indirect. We have identified three discrete fractions in desalted deproteinized plasma from normal humans that resemble the digitalis glycosides in that they: are of low molecular weight; are resistant to acid and enzymatic proteolysis; inhibit NaK-ATPase activity; inhibit Na+ pump activity in human erythrocytes; displace [3H]ouabain bound to the enzyme; and cross-react with high-affinity polyclonal and monoclonal digoxin-specific antibodies but not with anti-ouabain or anti-digitoxin antibodies. An additional fraction cross-reacted with digoxin-specific antibodies but had no detectable activity against NaK-ATPase. The three inhibitory fractions differed from cardiac glycosides in that their concentration-effect curves in a NaK-ATPase inhibition and [3H]ouabain radioreceptor assays were steeper than unlabeled ouabain. This suggests that these inhibitors are not simple competitive ligands for binding to NaK-ATPase. In the presence of sodium, no fraction required ATP for binding to NaK-ATPase, and in the presence of potassium, only one fraction had the reduced affinity for the enzyme that is characteristic of cardiac glycosides. Unlike digitalis, all three NaK-ATPase inhibitory fractions stimulated the activity of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase. The presence of at least three fractions in human plasma that inhibit NaK-ATPase and cross-react to a variable degree with different digoxin-specific antibody populations could explain much of the conflicting evidence for the existence of endogenous digitalis-like compounds in plasma.

  3. Antioxidant capacity of human blood plasma and human urine: simultaneous evaluation of the ORAC index and ascorbic acid concentration employing pyrogallol red as probe.

    PubMed

    Torres, P; Galleguillos, P; Lissi, E; López-Alarcón, C

    2008-10-15

    The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methodology has been employed to estimate the antioxidant capacity of human blood plasma and human urine using pyrogallol red (ORAC-PGR) as target molecule. Uric acid, reduced glutathione, human serum albumin, and ascorbic acid (ASC) inhibited the consumption of pyrogallol red, but only ASC generated an induction time. Human blood plasma and human urine protected efficiently pyrogallol red. In these assays, both biological fluids generated neat induction times that were removed by ascorbate oxidase. From these results, ORAC-PGR method could be proposed as a simple alternative to evaluate an ORAC index and, simultaneously, to estimate the concentration of ascorbic acid in human blood plasma or human urine.

  4. Characterization of the Low-Molecular-Weight Human Plasma Peptidome.

    PubMed

    Greening, David W; Simpson, Richard J

    2017-01-01

    The human plasma proteome represents an important secreted sub-proteome. Proteomic analysis of blood plasma with mass spectrometry is a challenging task. The high complexity and wide dynamic range of proteins as well as the presence of several proteins at very high concentrations complicate the profiling of the human plasma proteome. The peptidome (or low-molecular-weight fraction, LMF) of the human plasma proteome is an invaluable source of biological information, especially in the context of identifying plasma-based markers of disease. Peptides are generated by active synthesis and proteolytic processing, often yielding proteolytic fragments that mediate a variety of physiological and pathological functions. As such, degradomic studies, investigating cleavage products via peptidomics and top-down proteomics in particular, have warranted significant research interest. However, due to their molecular weight, abundance, and solubility, issues with identifying specific cleavage sites and coverage of peptide fragments remain challenging. Peptidomics is currently focused toward comprehensively studying peptides cleaved from precursor proteins by endogenous proteases. This protocol outlines a standardized rapid and reproducible procedure for peptidomic profiling of human plasma using centrifugal ultrafiltration and mass spectrometry. Ultrafiltration is a convective process that uses anisotropic semipermeable membranes to separate macromolecular species on the basis of size. We have optimized centrifugal ultrafiltration (cellulose triacetate membrane) for plasma fractionation with respect to buffer and solvent composition, centrifugal force, duration, and temperature to facilitate recovery >95% and enrichment of the human plasma peptidome. This method serves as a comprehensive and facile process to enrich and identify a key, underrepresented sub-proteome of human blood plasma.

  5. Heparanase enhances the generation of activated factor X in the presence of tissue factor and activated factor VII.

    PubMed

    Nadir, Yona; Brenner, Benjamin; Fux, Liat; Shafat, Itay; Attias, Judith; Vlodavsky, Israel

    2010-11-01

    Heparanase is an endo-β-D-glucuronidase dominantly involved in tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. Recently, we demonstrated that heparanase is involved in the regulation of the hemostatic system. Our hypothesis was that heparanase is directly involved in activation of the coagulation cascade. Activated factor X and thrombin were studied using chromogenic assays, immunoblotting and thromboelastography. Heparanase levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A potential direct interaction between tissue factor and heparanase was studied by co-immunoprecipitation and far-western assays. Interestingly, addition of heparanase to tissue factor and activated factor VII resulted in a 3- to 4-fold increase in activation of the coagulation cascade as shown by increased activated factor X and thrombin production. Culture medium of human embryonic kidney 293 cells over-expressing heparanase and its derivatives increased activated factor X levels in a non-enzymatic manner. When heparanase was added to pooled normal plasma, a 7- to 8-fold increase in activated factor X level was observed. Subsequently, we searched for clinical data supporting this newly identified role of heparanase. Plasma samples from 35 patients with acute leukemia at presentation and 20 healthy donors were studied for heparanase and activated factor X levels. A strong positive correlation was found between plasma heparanase and activated factor X levels (r=0.735, P=0.001). Unfractionated heparin and an inhibitor of activated factor X abolished the effect of heparanase, while tissue factor pathway inhibitor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 only attenuated the procoagulant effect. Using co-immunoprecipitation and far-western analyses it was shown that heparanase interacts directly with tissue factor. Overall, our results support the notion that heparanase is a potential modulator of blood hemostasis, and suggest a novel mechanism by which heparanase increases the generation of activated factor X in the presence of tissue factor and activated factor VII.

  6. Moringa Oleifera leaf extract increases plasma antioxidant status associated with reduced plasma malondialdehyde concentration without hypoglycemia in fasting healthy volunteers.

    PubMed

    Ngamukote, Sathaporn; Khannongpho, Teerawat; Siriwatanapaiboon, Marent; Sirikwanpong, Sukrit; Dahlan, Winai; Adisakwattana, Sirichai

    2016-12-29

    To investigate the effect of Moringa Oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) on plasma glucose concentration and antioxidant status in healthy volunteers. A randomized crossover design was used in this study. Healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either 200 mL of warm water (10 cases) or 200 mL of MOLE (500 mg dried extract, 10 cases). Blood samples were drawn at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min for measuring fasting plasma glucose (FPG), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA). FPG concentration was not signifificantly different between warm water and MOLE. The consumption of MOLE acutely improved both FRAP and TEAC, with increases after 30 min of 30 μmol/L FeSO 4 equivalents and 0.18 μmol/L Trolox equivalents, respectively. The change in MDA level from baseline was signifificantly lowered after the ingestion of MOLE at 30, 60, and 90 min. In addition, FRAP level was negatively correlated with plasma MDA level after an intake of MOLE. MOLE increased plasma antioxidant capacity without hypoglycemia in human. The consumption of MOLE may reduce the risk factors associated with chronic degenerative diseases.

  7. 21 CFR 640.60 - Source Plasma.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Source Plasma. 640.60 Section 640.60 Food and... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Source Plasma § 640.60 Source Plasma. The proper name of the product shall be Source Plasma. The product is defined as the fluid portion of human blood...

  8. 21 CFR 640.60 - Source Plasma.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Source Plasma. 640.60 Section 640.60 Food and... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Source Plasma § 640.60 Source Plasma. The proper name of the product shall be Source Plasma. The product is defined as the fluid portion of human blood...

  9. 21 CFR 640.60 - Source Plasma.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Source Plasma. 640.60 Section 640.60 Food and... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Source Plasma § 640.60 Source Plasma. The proper name of the product shall be Source Plasma. The product is defined as the fluid portion of human blood...

  10. 21 CFR 640.60 - Source Plasma.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Source Plasma. 640.60 Section 640.60 Food and... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Source Plasma § 640.60 Source Plasma. The proper name of the product shall be Source Plasma. The product is defined as the fluid portion of human blood...

  11. Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma applied to post-extraction retained lower third molar alveoli. A systematic review.

    PubMed

    Barona-Dorado, C; González-Regueiro, I; Martín-Ares, M; Arias-Irimia, O; Martínez-González, J-M

    2014-03-01

    Dental retentions have a high prevalence among the general population and their removal can involve multiple complications. The use of platelet rich plasma has been proposed in an attempt to avoid these complications, as it contains high growth factors and stimulates diverse biological functions that facilitate the healing of soft and hard tissues. To evaluate the available scientific evidence related to the application of platelet-rich plasma in the post-extraction alveoli of a retained lower third molars. A systematic review of published literature registered in the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and NIH databases. The following categories were included: human randomized clinical studies. Key search words were: platelet rich plasma; platelet rich plasma and oral surgery; platelet rich in growth factors and third molar. Of 101 potentially valid articles, seven were selected, of which four were rejected as they failed to meet quality criteria. Three studies fulfilled all selection and quality criteria: Ogundipe et al.; Rutkowski et al.; Haraji et al. The studies all measured osteoblast activity by means of sintigraphy, and also registered pain, bleeding, inflammation, temperature, numbness as perceived by the patients, radiological bone density and the incidence of alveolar osteitis. Scientific evidence for the use of PRP in retained third molar surgery is poor. For this reason randomized clinical trials are needed before recommendations for the clinical application of PRP can be made.

  12. In Vitro Effect of Activated Recombinant Factor VII (rFVIIa) on Coagulation Properties of Human Blood at Hypothermic Temperatures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-11-01

    purified soy phosphatides in ellagic acid (Actin FS Activated PTT Reagent, Dade Behring, Marburg, Germany) was added to plasma samples in a 1:1 volume...acetylsali- cylic acid or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the 7 days before blood sampling. A smooth cubital venipuncture was

  13. 21 CFR 26.4 - Product coverage.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... subpart. (b) Human blood, human plasma, human tissues and organs, and veterinary immunologicals (under 9... the scope of this subpart. Human plasma derivatives (such as immunoglobulins and albumin...

  14. 21 CFR 26.4 - Product coverage.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... subpart. (b) Human blood, human plasma, human tissues and organs, and veterinary immunologicals (under 9... the scope of this subpart. Human plasma derivatives (such as immunoglobulins and albumin...

  15. Interorgan handling of fibroblast growth factor-23 in humans.

    PubMed

    Verzola, Daniela; Ansaldo, Francesca; Milanesi, Samantha; Parodi, Emanuele Luigi; Rosa, Gian Marco; Sofia, Antonella; Bonanni, Alice; Viazzi, Francesca; Balbi, Manrico; Garibotto, Giacomo

    2017-02-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) accumulates in blood of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated both with cardiovascular complications and disease progression. However, our knowledge of the sites and mechanisms that regulate plasma FGF-23 is still incomplete. We measured plasma intact FGF-23 across the kidney, splanchnic organs, and lung in 11 patients [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 60 ± 6 ml/min] during elective diagnostic cardiac catheterizations. In these patients FGF-23 was removed by the kidney, with a fractional extraction (FE) of ∼22%. The FE of FGF-23 across the kidney was similar to that of creatinine (∼17%, P = NS). In addition, the FGF-23 FE by the kidney was significantly directly related to eGFR (r = 0.709 P = 0.018) and to kidney creatinine FE (r = 0.736 P = 0.013) but only as a trend to plasma phosphate levels (r = 0.55, P = 0.18). There was no difference in FGF-23 levels in blood perfusing splanchnic organs and cardiopulmonary bed. However, the arterial-venous difference of FGF-23 across the lung was directly related to FGF-23 pulmonary artery levels, suggesting that the lung, and possibly the heart, participate in the homeostasis of plasma FGF-23 when its systemic levels are increased. Our data show that the human kidney is the only site for FGF-23 removal from blood and suggest that FGF-23 is predominantly removed by glomerular filtration. The kidney ability to remove FGF-23 from the circulation likely accounts for the early increase in blood of FGF-23 in patients with CKD. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  16. Increased volume of distribution for recombinant activated factor VII and longer plasma-derived factor VII half-life may explain their long lasting prophylactic effect.

    PubMed

    Mathijssen, Natascha C J; Masereeuw, Rosalinde; Holme, Pal Andre; van Kraaij, Marian G J; Laros-van Gorkom, Britta A P; Peyvandi, Flora; van Heerde, Waander L

    2013-08-01

    Prophylaxis with plasma-derived or recombinant activated factor VII is beneficial in severe factor VII deficiency. To understand why prophylactic treatment with both products is efficacious, we conducted a pharmacokinetic study. Ten factor VII deficient patients were treated with either recombinant activated (20 μg/kg) or plasma-derived (25 IU/kg) factor VII in a cross-over design. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed through activated factor VII activity, factor VII clotting activity, and factor VII antigen levels on depicted time points. Factor VII activity half-lifes, determined by non-compartmental and one-compartmental analysis (results in brackets), were shorter for recombinant activated (1.4h; 0.7h) than for plasma-derived factor VII (6.8h; 3.2h); both recombinant activated (5.1h; 2.1h and plasma-derived factor VII (5.8h; 3.2h) resulted in longer half-lives of factor VII antigen. Activated factor VII half-lives (based on activated factor VII activity levels) were significantly higher compared to factor VII clotting activity (1.6h; 0.9h). Volumes of distribution were significantly higher for activated factor VII (236 ml/kg; 175 ml/kg, measured by activated factor VII) as compared to plasma-derived factor VII (206 ml/kg; 64 ml/kg, measured by factor FVII activity), suggesting a plasma- and extracellular fluid distribution for recombinant activated factor VII. Recombinant activated factor VII showed significantly shorter half-lifes than plasma-derived factor VII. Volumes of distribution were significantly higher for treatment with recombinant activated factor VII. The longer half-life for plasma-derived factor VII, compared to recombinant activated factor VII, and the increased volume of distribution for recombinant activated factor VII, compared to plasma-derived factor VII may further elucidate the beneficial effect of prophylactic treatment of both products. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Electronegative Low-density Lipoprotein Increases Coronary Artery Disease Risk in Uremia Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Chiz-Tzung; Wang, Guei-Jane; Kuo, Chin-Chi; Hsieh, Ju-Yi; Lee, An-Sean; Chang, Chia-Ming; Wang, Chun-Cheng; Shen, Ming-Yi; Huang, Chiu-Ching; Sawamura, Tatsuya; Yang, Chao-Yuh; Stancel, Nicole; Chen, Chu-Huang

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a recognized factor in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the general population, but its role in the development of CAD in uremia patients is unknown. L5 is the most electronegative subfraction of LDL isolated from human plasma. In this study, we examined the distribution of L5 (L5%) and its association with CAD risk in uremia patients. The LDL of 39 uremia patients on maintenance hemodialysis and 21 healthy controls was separated into 5 subfractions, L1–L5, with increasing electronegativity. We compared the distribution and composition of plasma L5 between uremia patients and controls, examined the association between plasma L5% and CAD risk in uremia patients, and studied the effects of L5 from uremia patients on endothelial function. Compared to controls, uremia patients had significantly increased L5% (P < 0.001) and L5 that was rich in apolipoprotein C3 and triglycerides. L5% was significantly higher in uremia patients with CAD (n = 10) than in those without CAD (n = 29) (P < 0.05). Independent of other major CAD risk factors, the adjusted odds ratio for CAD was 1.88 per percent increase in plasma L5% (95% CI, 1.01–3.53), with a near-linear dose–response relationship. Compared with controls, uremia patients had decreased flow-mediated vascular dilatation. In ex vivo studies with preconstricted rat thoracic aortic rings, L5 from uremia patients inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxation. In cultured human endothelial cells, L5 inhibited endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation and induced endothelial dysfunction. Our findings suggest that elevated plasma L5% may induce endothelial dysfunction and play an important role in the increased risk of CAD in uremia patients. PMID:26765403

  18. Determination of PNU-248686A, a novel matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, following protein precipitation in the 96-well plate format.

    PubMed

    Frigerio, E; Cenacchi, V; James, C A

    2003-02-14

    A sensitive, specific and high-throughput analytical method for the quantitation of PNU-248686A (I), in human plasma has been developed. I, sodium (2R)-3-[[(4'-chloro(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl]sulfonyl]-2-hydroxy-2-[(phenylsulfanyl)methyl] propanoate, is an orally active matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor developed for the treatment of solid tumors over-expressing MMPs. Concentrations of I, as free acid, were determined in human plasma by LC-MS-MS after plasma protein precipitation in the 96-well plate format. Aliquots of plasma (50 microl) were placed into the plates and 0.2 ml of methanol was added. The plates were shaken for 5 min and centrifuged at 1500 g for 10 min. Aliquots of 10 microl of the supernatants were then directly injected into the LC-MS-MS system. A Symmetry Shield C. column (50 x 2.1 mm, 3.5 microm) was used to perform the chromatographic analysis. The mobile phase was 5 mM ammonium formate buffer solution pH 5.0-acetonitrile (60:40. v/v) with a flow-rate of 0.3 ml/min. Retention time of I was about 1.2 min. Total cycle time was 2.5 min. MS detection used the Applied Biosystems-MDS Sciex API 3000 with TurbolonSpray interface and single reaction monitoring (461 --> 251 m/z transition) operated in negative ion mode. Calibration curves were constructed by plotting the area of the compound (y) against its concentration (x). A weighed linear regression (weighting factor 1/x(2)) was used to calculate I concentrations in quality control and unknown samples. The method was fully validated over the range of 5.0-5000 ng/ml. The suitability and robustness of the method for in vivo samples was confirmed by analysis of plasma samples from a pilot clinical study.

  19. Prognostic importance of plasma total magnesium in a cohort of cats with azotemic chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    van den Broek, D Hendrik N; Chang, Yu-Mei; Elliott, Jonathan; Jepson, Rosanne E

    2018-04-27

    Hypomagnesemia is associated with increased mortality and renal function decline in humans with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Magnesium is furthermore inversely associated with fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), an important prognostic factor in CKD in cats. However, the prognostic significance of plasma magnesium in cats with CKD is unknown. To explore associations of plasma total magnesium concentration (tMg) with plasma FGF23 concentration, all-cause mortality, and disease progression in cats with azotemic CKD. Records of 174 client-owned cats with IRIS stage 2-4 CKD. Cohort study. Cats with azotemic CKD were identified from the records of two London-based first opinion practices (1999-2013). Possible associations of baseline plasma tMg with FGF23 concentration and risks of death and progression were explored using, respectively, linear, Cox, and logistic regression. Plasma tMg (reference interval, 1.73-2.57 mg/dL) was inversely associated with plasma FGF23 when controlling for plasma creatinine and phosphate concentrations (partial correlation coefficient, -0.50; P < .001). Hypomagnesemia was observed in 12% (20/174) of cats, and independently associated with increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-5.55; P = .005). The unadjusted associations of hypermagnesemia (prevalence, 6%; 11/174 cats) with survival (hazard ratio, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.54-5.38; P = .001), and hypomagnesemia with progressive CKD (odds ratio, 17.7; 95% CI, 2.04-154; P = .009) lost significance in multivariable analysis. Hypomagnesemia was associated with higher plasma FGF23 concentrations and increased risk of death. Measurement of plasma tMg augments prognostic information in cats with CKD, but whether these observations are associations or causations warrants further investigation. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  20. Human trypanolytic factor APOL1 forms pH-gated cation-selective channels in planar lipid bilayers: Relevance to trypanosome lysis

    PubMed Central

    Thomson, Russell; Finkelstein, Alan

    2015-01-01

    Apolipoprotein L-1 (APOL1), the trypanolytic factor of human serum, can lyse several African trypanosome species including Trypanosoma brucei brucei, but not the human-infective pathogens T. brucei rhodesiense and T. brucei gambiense, which are resistant to lysis by human serum. Lysis follows the uptake of APOL1 into acidic endosomes and is apparently caused by colloid-osmotic swelling due to an increased ion permeability of the plasma membrane. Here we demonstrate that nanogram quantities of full-length recombinant APOL1 induce ideally cation-selective macroscopic conductances in planar lipid bilayers. The conductances were highly sensitive to pH: their induction required acidic pH (pH 5.3), but their magnitude could be increased 3,000-fold upon alkalinization of the milieu (pKa = 7.1). We show that this phenomenon can be attributed to the association of APOL1 with the bilayer at acidic pH, followed by the opening of APOL1-induced cation-selective channels upon pH neutralization. Furthermore, the conductance increase at neutral pH (but not membrane association at acidic pH) was prevented by the interaction of APOL1 with the serum resistance-associated protein, which is produced by T. brucei rhodesiense and prevents trypanosome lysis by APOL1. These data are consistent with a model of lysis that involves endocytic recycling of APOL1 and the formation of cation-selective channels, at neutral pH, in the parasite plasma membrane. PMID:25730870

  1. A validated UPLC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of an unstable peptide, monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (MLIF) in human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xuemei; Hu, Pei; Wang, Yongsheng; Wang, Xizhu; Huang, Jinghua; Li, Jin; Li, Cheng; Wang, Hongyun; Jiang, Ji

    2018-04-10

    Monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (MLIF, Met-Gln-Cys-Asn-Ser), a pentapeptide with anti-inflammatory activity, was developed for neural protection in acute ischemic stroke. Determination of MLIF in human plasma samples is of great importance for pharmacokinetic evaluation in clinical studies. A reliable and sensitive method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was established for the measurement of MLIF in human plasma. Instability of peptide in matrix was the primary challenge in method development, which was properly resolved by addition of acidification reagents like sulfuric acid. Samples were prepared by protein precipitation and then analyzed using a gradient chromatographic separation over an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T 3 column. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile containing 0.2% formic acid and water containing 0.2% formic acid and gradient elution was performed at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Detection was carried out on a Xevo TQ-S tandem mass spectrometer and positive electrospray ionization was employed in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. This method was fully validated over the concentration range of 0.5-40 ng/mL with a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.5 ng/mL. The inter- and intra-batch precision was no more than 8.8% and the accuracy was between 88.7 and 104.2%. The mean extraction recovery was 43.3% and the detection was independent of matrix. Besides, the analyte proved to be stable under various handling processes and storage conditions after acidification. Finally, the method was applied to the first-in-human (FIH) study of MLIF in Chinese healthy subjects. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  2. 21 CFR 640.60 - Source Plasma.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 7 2011-04-01 2010-04-01 true Source Plasma. 640.60 Section 640.60 Food and Drugs... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Source Plasma § 640.60 Source Plasma. The proper name of the product shall be Source Plasma. The product is defined as the fluid portion of human blood collected by...

  3. Changes in hemostasis caused by different replacement fluids and outcome in therapeutic plasma exchange in pediatric patients in a retrospective single center study.

    PubMed

    Witt, Volker; Pichler, Herbert; Beiglboeck, Elisabeth; Kursten, Friedrich; Weidner, Lisa

    2017-02-01

    Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a generally accepted and frequently performed procedure for numerous therapeutic indications in adults. Slowly, TPE is also becoming more and more popular in the treatment of pediatric patients. Although, we know that TPE is safe in pediatric patients, the outcome of children treated with TPE is rarely reported. Furthermore, there are only general recommendations regarding the plasma replacement fluid for children and these are adopted from adults. Data concerning outcome and the influence of different types of replacement fluids on hemostasis in children are scarce. We retrospectively evaluated 324 TPE treatments performed in 35 patients between 2008 and 2013 in our level 4 institution for pediatric hematology and oncology. The plasmapheresis procedures were categorized into three groups based on the replacement fluid used. The first group received solvent/detergent-treated (S/D) plasma (70.0% of patients), the second group was administered 5% human albumin (7.7% of patients) and the third group was treated with a combination of human albumin 5% and S/D plasma (22.3% of patients). To assess hemostasis, data on INR, aPTT, fibrinogen and ATIII were collected before and after plasmapheresis from the patients' charts. A modified Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) Index was used to classify organ failure. Patient outcome, survival rate and adverse events were evaluated. We found a significant increase in the INR by 35.83% and of the aPTT by 18.53% within the human albumin group. The INR and aPTT of patients allocated to the S/D plasma group decreased by 1.58% and 15.77% on average, respectively. The combination group revealed a mild increase of the INR (9.47%), accompanied by a reduction of aPTT (5.97%). Furthermore we found that the survival rate was significantly associated with a MODS Index of <2 (p<0.001). Overall, the number of adverse events was low (1.2%) and none of these were considered life-threatening. Hemostasis could be preserved in a clinically acceptable range for a variety of underlying diseases with SD plasma alone or in combination with human albumin. Based on our results we would recommend practitioners to closely pre-estimate the hemostatic situation before using human albumin alone in critically ill pediatric patients with a limited ability to produce coagulation factors. The outcome of the patients in our collective exprience is correlated to the extent of organ dysfunction. Therefore further controlled studies are highly recommended. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Metabolic Disposition of Osimertinib in Rats, Dogs, and Humans: Insights into a Drug Designed to Bind Covalently to a Cysteine Residue of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor.

    PubMed

    Dickinson, Paul A; Cantarini, Mireille V; Collier, Jo; Frewer, Paul; Martin, Scott; Pickup, Kathryn; Ballard, Peter

    2016-08-01

    Preclinical and clinical studies were conducted to determine the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of osimertinib and key metabolites AZ5104 and AZ7550. Osimertinib was designed to covalently bind to epidermal growth factor receptors, allowing it to achieve nanomolar cellular potency (Finlay et al., 2014). Covalent binding was observed in incubations of radiolabeled osimertinib with human and rat hepatocytes, human and rat plasma, and human serum albumin. Osimertinib, AZ5104, and AZ7550 were predominantly metabolized by CYP3A. Seven metabolites were detected in human hepatocytes, also observed in rat or dog hepatocytes at similar or higher levels. After oral administration of radiolabeled osimertinib to rats, drug-related material was widely distributed, with the highest radioactivity concentrations measured at 6 hours postdose in most tissues; radioactivity was detectable in 42% of tissues 60 days postdose. Concentrations of [(14)C]-radioactivity in blood were lower than in most tissues. After the administration of a single oral dose of 20 mg of radiolabeled osimertinib to healthy male volunteers, ∼19% of the dose was recovered by 3 days postdose. At 84 days postdose, mean total radioactivity recovery was 14.2% and 67.8% of the dose in urine and feces. The most abundant metabolite identified in feces was AZ5104 (∼6% of dose). Osimertinib accounted for ∼1% of total radioactivity in the plasma of non-small cell lung cancer patients after 22 days of 80-mg osimertinib once-daily treatment; the most abundant circulatory metabolites were AZ7550 and AZ5104 (<10% of total osimertinib-related material). Osimertinib is extensively distributed and metabolized in humans and is eliminated primarily via the fecal route. Copyright © 2016 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  5. A simple and quantitative liquid culture system to measure megakaryocyte growth using highly purified CFU-MK.

    PubMed

    Miyazaki, H; Horie, K; Shimada, Y; Kokubo, A; Maeda, E; Inoue, H; Kato, T

    1995-10-01

    A new and quantitative liquid culture system has been developed to measure the production of megakaryocytes from megakaryocyte progenitor cells (colony-forming units-megakaryocyte [CFU-MK]). The system uses as a target population a glycoprotein (Gp) IIb/IIIa+ subpopulation of rat bone marrow cells previously demonstrated to be highly enriched for CFU-MK. GpIIb/IIIa+ cells were cultured at 5 x 10(4) cells/mL (10(4) cells/well) with test samples in 96-well tissue culture plates for 4 days at 37 degrees C. During the final 3 hours of incubation, the cells were pulsed with [14C]5-hydroxytryptamine creatinine sulfate (14C-serotonin). After incubation, the plates were washed and the cell pellets were lysed with Triton-X 100. The cell lysate was infiltrated into a commercially available solid scintillator and dried, and radioactivity was measured. In this assay system, rat interleukin-3 (IL-3) was found to be the most potent among known cytokines tested. Murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), human erythropoietin (Epo), human IL-6, and murine stem cell factor (SCF) each alone stimulated megakaryocyte growth but were much less active than rat IL-3. Plasma of rats rendered thrombocytopenic by injection of monoclonal antirat platelet GpIIb/IIIa antibody exhibited significant activity, and the active protein fractions partially purified from the plasma showed much higher activity, but normal rat plasma had no effect. This liquid culture system allows the measurement of a large number of test samples--including a wide variety of cytokines and unknown growth factors, alone or in combinations--and provides a simple method for evaluating the early proliferative events involving CFU-MK in the megakaryocyte differentiation pathway.

  6. Participation of the hypothalamus-hypophysis axis in the sympathetic activation of human obesity.

    PubMed

    Grassi, G; Seravalle, G; Dell'Oro, R; Turri, C; Pasqualinotto, L; Colombo, M; Mancia, G

    2001-12-01

    Previous studies have shown that hypothalamic and hypophyseal factors are involved in the acute sympathoexcitation induced by a variety of laboratory stimuli. Whether a chronic condition of sympathetic activation, such as that characterizing human obesity, is also dependent on these factors has never been investigated. In 40 normotensive obese subjects ([mean+/-SEM] age, 39.1+/-0.8 years) we measured blood pressure (Finapres), heart rate (ECG), and postganglionic muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) (microneurography). In 20 subjects measurements were repeated, according to a double-blind randomized sequence, after a midnight oral dose of dexamethasone (1 mg) (n=10) or placebo (n=10), while in the remaining subjects they were performed again after 1 week of a daily evening oral administration of 1 mg of dexamethasone (n=10) or placebo (n=10). The same protocol was performed in 16 age-matched lean normotensives. In both groups acute dexamethasone administration markedly reduced plasma cortisol (radioimmunoassay), without affecting hemodynamic and neural variables. In contrast to the acute administration, in obese subjects prolonged dexamethasone administration, although not affecting blood pressure and heart rate, significantly reduced both plasma cortisol (from 16.0+/-1.3 to 0.7+/-0.1 microg/dL; P<0.01) and MSNA (from 59.5+/-2.8 to 39.6+/-2.9 bursts per 100 heartbeats; P<0.02; -33.1+/-4.1%). This was not the case in lean subjects, in which the dexamethasone-induced reduction in plasma cortisol was associated with a slight and nonsignificant MSNA decrease. In both lean and obese subjects, placebo administration caused no change in any variable. Thus, prolonged dexamethasone administration exerts in obese subjects marked sympathoinhibitory effects that are not detectable in lean individuals. This suggests that hypothalamic and hypophyseal factors substantially contribute to the sympathoexcitation of obesity.

  7. Streptococcus mutans autolysin AtlA is a fibronectin-binding protein and contributes to bacterial survival in the bloodstream and virulence for infective endocarditis.

    PubMed

    Jung, Chiau-Jing; Zheng, Quan-Hau; Shieh, Ya-Hsiung; Lin, Chi-Shuan; Chia, Jean-San

    2009-11-01

    Streptococcus mutans, a commensal of the human oral cavity, can survive in the bloodstream and cause infective endocarditis (IE). However, the virulence factors associated with this manifestation of disease are not known. Here, we demonstrate that AtlA, an autolysin of S. mutans is a newly identified fibronectin (Fn) binding protein and contributes to bacterial resistance to phagocytosis and survival in the bloodstream. Interestingly, prior exposure to plasma at low concentrations was sufficient to enhance bacterial survival in the circulation. Calcium ions at physiological plasma concentrations induced maturation of AtlA from the 104-90 kDa isoform resulting in increased Fn binding and resistance to phagocytosis. An isogenic mutant strain defective in AtlA expression exhibited reduced survival and virulence when tested in a rat model of IE compared with the wild-type and complemented strains. The data presented suggest that plasma components utilized by S. mutans enhanced survival in the circulation and AtlA is a virulence factor associated with infective endocarditis.

  8. Fell-Muir lecture: connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) – a pernicious and pleiotropic player in the development of kidney fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Mason, Roger M

    2013-01-01

    Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) is a member of the CCN family of matricellular proteins. It interacts with many other proteins, including plasma membrane proteins, modulating cell function. It is expressed at low levels in normal adult kidney cells but is increased in kidney diseases, playing important roles in inflammation and in the development of glomerular and interstitial fibrosis in chronic disease. This review reports the evidence for its expression in human and animal models of chronic kidney disease and summarizes data showing that anti-CTGF therapy can successfully attenuate fibrotic changes in several such models, suggesting that therapies targeting CTGF and events downstream of it in renal cells may be useful for the treatment of human kidney fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor stimulates the development of fibrosis in the kidney in many ways including activating cells to increase extracellular matrix synthesis, inducing cell cycle arrest and hypertrophy, and prolonging survival of activated cells. The relationship between CTGF and the pro-fibrotic factor TGFβ is examined and mechanisms by which CTGF promotes signalling by the latter are discussed. No specific cellular receptors for CTGF have been discovered but it interacts with and activates several plasma membrane proteins including low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)-1, LRP-6, tropomyosin-related kinase A, integrins and heparan sulphate proteoglycans. Intracellular signalling and downstream events triggered by such interactions are reviewed. Finally, the relationships between CTGF and several anti-fibrotic factors, such as bone morphogenetic factor-4 (BMP4), BMP7, hepatocyte growth factor, CCN3 and Oncostatin M, are discussed. These may determine whether injured tissue heals or progresses to fibrosis. PMID:23110747

  9. Human in Vivo pharmacokinetics of [ 14C]Dibenzo[ def,p]chrysene by accelerator mass spectrometry following oral microdosing

    DOE PAGES

    Madeen, Erin; Corley, Richard A.; Crowell, Susan; ...

    2014-11-24

    Dibenzo( def,p)chrysene (DBC), (also known as dibenzo[a,l]pyrene), is a high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) found in the environment, including food, produced by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. DBC, classified by IARC as a 2A probable human carcinogen, has a relative potency factor (RPF) in animal cancer models 30-fold higher than benzo[ a]pyrene. No data are available describing the disposition of high molecular weight (>4 rings) PAHs in humans to compare to animal studies. Pharmacokinetics of DBC was determined in 3 female and 6 male human volunteers following oral microdosing (29 ng, 5 nCi) of [ 14C]-DBC. This studymore » was made possible with highly sensitive accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), capable of detecting [ 14C]-DBC equivalents in plasma and urine following a dose considered of de minimus risk to human health. Plasma and urine were collected over 72 h. The plasma C max was 68.8 ± 44.3 fg·mL –1 with a T max of 2.25 ± 1.04 h. Elimination occurred in two distinct phases: a rapid (α)-phase, with a T 1/2 of 5.8 ± 3.4 h and an apparent elimination rate constant (K el) of 0.17 ± 0.12 fg·h –1, followed by a slower (β)-phase, with a T 1/2 of 41.3 ± 29.8 h and an apparent K el of 0.03 ± 0.02 fg·h –1. In spite of the high degree of hydrophobicity (log Kow of 7.4), DBC was eliminated rapidly in humans, as are most PAHs in animals, compared to other hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants such as, DDT, PCBs and TCDD. Preliminary examination utilizing a new UHPLC-AMS interface, suggests the presence of polar metabolites in plasma as early as 45 min following dosing. Finally, this is the first in vivo data set describing pharmacokinetics in humans of a high molecular weight PAH and should be a valuable addition to risk assessment paradigms.« less

  10. Human in Vivo pharmacokinetics of [ 14C]Dibenzo[ def,p]chrysene by accelerator mass spectrometry following oral microdosing

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Madeen, Erin; Corley, Richard A.; Crowell, Susan

    Dibenzo( def,p)chrysene (DBC), (also known as dibenzo[a,l]pyrene), is a high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) found in the environment, including food, produced by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. DBC, classified by IARC as a 2A probable human carcinogen, has a relative potency factor (RPF) in animal cancer models 30-fold higher than benzo[ a]pyrene. No data are available describing the disposition of high molecular weight (>4 rings) PAHs in humans to compare to animal studies. Pharmacokinetics of DBC was determined in 3 female and 6 male human volunteers following oral microdosing (29 ng, 5 nCi) of [ 14C]-DBC. This studymore » was made possible with highly sensitive accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), capable of detecting [ 14C]-DBC equivalents in plasma and urine following a dose considered of de minimus risk to human health. Plasma and urine were collected over 72 h. The plasma C max was 68.8 ± 44.3 fg·mL –1 with a T max of 2.25 ± 1.04 h. Elimination occurred in two distinct phases: a rapid (α)-phase, with a T 1/2 of 5.8 ± 3.4 h and an apparent elimination rate constant (K el) of 0.17 ± 0.12 fg·h –1, followed by a slower (β)-phase, with a T 1/2 of 41.3 ± 29.8 h and an apparent K el of 0.03 ± 0.02 fg·h –1. In spite of the high degree of hydrophobicity (log Kow of 7.4), DBC was eliminated rapidly in humans, as are most PAHs in animals, compared to other hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants such as, DDT, PCBs and TCDD. Preliminary examination utilizing a new UHPLC-AMS interface, suggests the presence of polar metabolites in plasma as early as 45 min following dosing. Finally, this is the first in vivo data set describing pharmacokinetics in humans of a high molecular weight PAH and should be a valuable addition to risk assessment paradigms.« less

  11. A novel workflow combining plaque imaging, plaque and plasma proteomics identifies biomarkers of human coronary atherosclerotic plaque disruption.

    PubMed

    Lee, Regent; Fischer, Roman; Charles, Philip D; Adlam, David; Valli, Alessandro; Di Gleria, Katalin; Kharbanda, Rajesh K; Choudhury, Robin P; Antoniades, Charalambos; Kessler, Benedikt M; Channon, Keith M

    2017-01-01

    Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the culprit event which underpins most acute vascular syndromes such as acute myocardial infarction. Novel biomarkers of plaque rupture could improve biological understanding and clinical management of patients presenting with possible acute vascular syndromes but such biomarker(s) remain elusive. Investigation of biomarkers in the context of de novo plaque rupture in humans is confounded by the inability to attribute the plaque rupture as the source of biomarker release, as plaque ruptures are typically associated with prompt down-stream events of myocardial necrosis and systemic inflammation. We developed a novel approach to identify potential biomarkers of plaque rupture by integrating plaque imaging, using optical coherence tomography, with both plaque and plasma proteomic analysis in a human model of angioplasty-induced plaque disruption. We compared two pairs of coronary plaque debris, captured by a FilterWire Device, and their corresponding control samples and found matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) to be significantly enriched in plaque. Plaque contents, as defined by optical coherence tomography, affect the systemic changes of MMP9. Disruption of lipid-rich plaque led to prompt elevation of plasma MMP9, whereas disruption of non-lipid-rich plaque resulted in delayed elevation of plasma MMP9. Systemic MMP9 elevation is independent of the associated myocardial necrosis and systemic inflammation (measured by Troponin I and C-reactive protein, respectively). This information guided the selection of a subset of subjects of for further label free proteomics analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We discovered five novel, plaque-enriched proteins (lipopolysaccharide binding protein, Annexin A5, eukaryotic translocation initiation factor, syntaxin 11, cytochrome B5 reductase 3) to be significantly elevated in systemic circulation at 5 min after plaque disruption. This novel approach for biomarker discovery in human coronary artery plaque disruption can identify new biomarkers related to human coronary artery plaque composition and disruption.

  12. Endogenous digitalis-like factors.

    PubMed

    Schoner, W

    1992-01-01

    The postulate of a natriuretic factor inhibiting the sodium pump in the kidney led to the detection of increased concentrations of endogenous digitalis-like factors in blood after salt loading, in essential hypertension, in pregnancy-induced hypertension and in chronic hypervolaemia. The recent isolation of ouabain or a close isomer thereof from human plasma and the demonstration of a compound similar if not identical to digoxin in adrenals and human urine shows that mammals like non-vertebrates and toads may synthesize cardiac glycosides in their adrenals and possibly in hypothalamus. The hypothalamus also forms other compounds of unknown structure which bind to the cardiac glycoside receptor site. The differential functions of endogenously formed ouabain and of a digoxin-like substance are unclear. The detailed knowledge of the physiological role of both endogenously formed cardiac glycosides in the regulation of blood pressure has still to be worked out.

  13. Biodegradable electrospun nanofibers coated with platelet-rich plasma for cell adhesion and proliferation

    PubMed Central

    Díaz-Gómez, Luis; Alvarez-Lorenzo, Carmen; Concheiro, Angel; Silva, Maite; Dominguez, Fernando; Sheikh, Faheem A.; Cantu, Travis; Desai, Raj; Garcia, Vanessa L.; Macossay, Javier

    2014-01-01

    Biodegradable electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds were coated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve cell adhesion and proliferation. PRP was obtained from human buffy coat, and tested on human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to confirm cell proliferation and cytocompatibility. Then, PRP was adsorbed on the PCL scaffolds via lyophilization, which resulted in uniform sponge-like coating of 2.85 (s.d. 0.14) mg/mg. The scaffolds were evaluated regarding mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, tensile stress and tensile strain), sustained release of total protein and growth factors (PDGF-BB, TGF-β1 and VEGF), and hemocompatibility. MSC seeded on the PRP-PCL nanofibers showed an increased adhesion and proliferation compared to pristine PCL fibers. Moreover, the adsorbed PRP enabled angiogenesis features observed as neovascularization in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Overall, these results suggest that PRP-PCL scaffolds hold promise for tissue regeneration applications. PMID:24857481

  14. Multiplexed MRM-based quantitation of candidate cancer biomarker proteins in undepleted and non-enriched human plasma.

    PubMed

    Percy, Andrew J; Chambers, Andrew G; Yang, Juncong; Borchers, Christoph H

    2013-07-01

    An emerging approach for multiplexed targeted proteomics involves bottom-up LC-MRM-MS, with stable isotope-labeled internal standard peptides, to accurately quantitate panels of putative disease biomarkers in biofluids. In this paper, we used this approach to quantitate 27 candidate cancer-biomarker proteins in human plasma that had not been treated by immunoaffinity depletion or enrichment techniques. These proteins have been reported as biomarkers for a variety of human cancers, from laryngeal to ovarian, with breast cancer having the highest correlation. We implemented measures to minimize the analytical variability, improve the quantitative accuracy, and increase the feasibility and applicability of this MRM-based method. We have demonstrated excellent retention time reproducibility (median interday CV: 0.08%) and signal stability (median interday CV: 4.5% for the analytical platform and 6.1% for the bottom-up workflow) for the 27 biomarker proteins (represented by 57 interference-free peptides). The linear dynamic range for the MRM assays spanned four orders-of-magnitude, with 25 assays covering a 10(3) -10(4) range in protein concentration. The lowest abundance quantifiable protein in our biomarker panel was insulin-like growth factor 1 (calculated concentration: 127 ng/mL). Overall, the analytical performance of this assay demonstrates high robustness and sensitivity, and provides the necessary throughput and multiplexing capabilities required to verify and validate cancer-associated protein biomarker panels in human plasma, prior to clinical use. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Platelet-Rich Plasma in Bone Regeneration: Engineering the Delivery for Improved Clinical Efficacy

    PubMed Central

    Rodriguez, Isaac A.; Growney Kalaf, Emily A.; Bowlin, Gary L.; Sell, Scott A.

    2014-01-01

    Human bone is a tissue with a fairly remarkable inherent capacity for regeneration; however, this regenerative capacity has its limitations, and defects larger than a critical size lack the ability to spontaneously heal. As such, the development and clinical translation of effective bone regeneration modalities are paramount. One regenerative medicine approach that is beginning to gain momentum in the clinical setting is the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP therapy is essentially a method for concentrating platelets and their intrinsic growth factors to stimulate and accelerate a healing response. While PRP has shown some efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo scenarios, to date its use and delivery have not been optimized for bone regeneration. Issues remain with the effective delivery of the platelet-derived growth factors to a localized site of injury, the activation and temporal release of the growth factors, and the rate of growth factor clearance. This review will briefly describe the physiological principles behind PRP use and then discuss how engineering its method of delivery may ultimately impact its ability to successfully translate to widespread clinical use. PMID:25050347

  16. Plasma Drug Concentrations of Orally Administered Rosuvastatin in Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona ventralis).

    PubMed

    Beaufrère, Hugues; Papich, Mark G; Brandão, João; Nevarez, Javier; Tully, Thomas N

    2015-03-01

    Atherosclerotic diseases are common in pet psittacine birds, in particular Amazon parrots. While hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia have not definitely been associated with increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis in parrots, these are important and well-known risk factors in humans. Therefore statin drugs such as rosuvastatin constitute the mainstay of human treatment of dyslipidemia and the prevention of atherosclerosis. No pharmacologic studies have been performed in psittacine birds despite the high prevalence of atherosclerosis in captivity. Thirteen Hispaniolan Amazon parrots were used to test a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg of rosuvastatin with blood sampling performed according to a balanced incomplete block design over 36 hours. Because low plasma concentrations were produced in the first study, a subsequent pilot study using a dose of 25 mg/kg in 2 Amazon parrots was performed. Most plasma samples for the 10 mg/kg dose and all samples for the 25 mg/kg dose had rosuvastatin concentration below the limits of quantitation. For the 10 mg/kg study, the median peak plasma concentration and time to peak plasma concentration were 0.032 μg/mL and 2 hours, respectively. Our results indicate that rosuvastatin does not appear suitable in Amazon parrots as compounded and used at the dose in this study. Pharmacodynamic studies investigating lipid-lowering effects of statins rather than pharmacokinetic studies may be more practical and cost effective in future studies to screen for a statin with more ideal properties for potential use in psittacine dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic diseases.

  17. Lack of an association of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and plasma BDNF with hippocampal volume and memory

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Ana; Fagan, Anne M; Goate, Alison M; Benzinger, Tammie LS; Morris, John C; Head, Denise

    2015-01-01

    Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to be important for neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus in non-human animals. The Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene, involving a valine (Val) to methionine (Met) substitution at codon 66, has been associated with lower BDNF secretion in vitro. However, there have been mixed results regarding associations between either circulating BDNF or the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with hippocampal volume and memory in humans. The current study examined the association of BDNF genotype and plasma BDNF with hippocampal volume and memory in two large independent cohorts of middle-aged and older adults (both cognitively normal and early-stage dementia). Sample sizes ranged from 123 to 649. Measures of the BDNF genotype, plasma BDNF, MRI-based hippocampal volume and memory performance were obtained from the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). There were no significant differences between BDNF Met+ and Met- groups on either hippocampal volume or memory in either cohort. In addition, plasma BDNF was not significantly associated with either hippocampal volume or memory in either cohort. Neither age, cognitive status nor gender moderated any of the relationships. Overall, current findings suggest that BDNF genotype and plasma BDNF may not be robust predictors for variance in hippocampal volume and memory in middle age and older adult cohorts. PMID:25784293

  18. Field and laboratory fish tissue accumulation of the anti-convulsant drug carbamazepine.

    PubMed

    Garcia, Santos N; Foster, Michael; Constantine, Lisa A; Huggett, Duane B

    2012-10-01

    Understanding the potential for human and veterinary pharmaceuticals to accumulate in the tissues of biota is a topic of increasing importance in the pharmaceutical risk assessment process. However, few data are available in the literature that compare the ability of laboratory bioconcentration studies to predict field tissue concentrations. To begin to address this data gap, bioconcentration factors (BCF) for carbamazepine (CBZ), a human anticonvulsant that modulates Na+ channels, were determined using laboratory experiments with Pimephales notatus and Ictalurus punctatus. These data were compared to field derived bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for Oreochromis niloticus from the Denton, Texas Wastewater Treatment Plant. The 42 d kinetic BCFs (BCFk) for white muscle and liver of P. notatus were 1.9 and 4.6, respectively, while the white muscle, liver, brain, and plasma BCFk's of I. punctatus were 1.8, 1.5, 1.6, and 7.1, respectively. Field derived BAF values (2.5-3.8) for O. niloticus were similar to those derived in laboratory studies. Partitioning values between blood plasma and individual tissues were calculated for I. punctatus and O. niloticus, with the values indicating that tissue levels of carbamazepine are similar or slightly higher than plasma concentrations. Collectively these data suggest that the fish laboratory BCF and field derived BCF/BAF values for carbamazepine are similar and much lower than the European Union regulatory threshold of 2000 for designation of a "B" substance. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Thawing as a critical pre-analytical step in the lipidomic profiling of plasma samples: New standardized protocol.

    PubMed

    Pizarro, Consuelo; Arenzana-Rámila, Irene; Pérez-del-Notario, Nuria; Pérez-Matute, Patricia; González-Sáiz, José María

    2016-03-17

    Lipid profiling is a promising tool for the discovery and subsequent identification of biomarkers associated with various diseases. However, data quality is quite dependent on the pre-analytical methods employed. To date, potential confounding factors that may affect lipid metabolite levels after the thawing of plasma for biomarker exploration studies have not been thoroughly evaluated. In this study, by means of experimental design methodology, we performed the first in-depth examination of the ways in which thawing conditions affect lipid metabolite levels. After the optimization stage, we concluded that temperature, sample volume and the thawing method were the determining factors that had to be exhaustively controlled in the thawing process to ensure the quality of biomarker discovery. Best thawing conditions were found to be: 4 °C, with 0.25 mL of human plasma and ultrasound (US) thawing. The new US proposed thawing method was quicker than the other methods we studied, allowed more features to be identified and increased the signal of the lipids. In view of its speed, efficiency and detectability, the US thawing method appears to be a simple, economical method for the thawing of plasma samples, which could easily be applied in clinical laboratories before lipid profiling studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Remodeling of the Host Cell Plasma Membrane by HIV-1 Nef and Vpu: A Strategy to Ensure Viral Fitness and Persistence.

    PubMed

    Sugden, Scott M; Bego, Mariana G; Pham, Tram N Q; Cohen, Éric A

    2016-03-03

    The plasma membrane protects the cell from its surroundings and regulates cellular communication, homing, and metabolism. Not surprisingly, the composition of this membrane is highly controlled through the vesicular trafficking of proteins to and from the cell surface. As intracellular pathogens, most viruses exploit the host plasma membrane to promote viral replication while avoiding immune detection. This is particularly true for the enveloped human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which assembles and obtains its lipid shell directly at the plasma membrane. HIV-1 encodes two proteins, negative factor (Nef) and viral protein U (Vpu), which function primarily by altering the quantity and localization of cell surface molecules to increase virus fitness despite host antiviral immune responses. These proteins are expressed at different stages in the HIV-1 life cycle and employ a variety of mechanisms to target both unique and redundant surface proteins, including the viral receptor CD4, host restriction factors, immunoreceptors, homing molecules, tetraspanins and membrane transporters. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the study of the Nef and Vpu targeting of host membrane proteins with an emphasis on how remodeling of the cell membrane allows HIV-1 to avoid host antiviral immune responses leading to the establishment of systemic and persistent infection.

  1. Intake of dietary salt and drinking water: Implications for the development of age-related macular degeneration

    PubMed Central

    Hollborn, Margrit; Kohen, Leon; Wiedemann, Peter

    2016-01-01

    Purpose Systemic hypertension is a risk factor of age-related retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. High intake of dietary salt and low intake of water increase extracellular osmolality resulting in hypertension, in particular in salt-sensitive individuals. This review summarizes the present knowledge regarding the impact of salt and water intake on the regulation of blood pressure, retinal function, and the development of age-related retinal diseases. Methods A literature search of the Medline database and a summary of recent studies that used human RPE cells. Results The salt sensitivity of the blood pressure and plasma osmolality increase with age, and body water deficits are common in older individuals. High plasma osmolality has adverse effects in the retina. In RPE cells, high osmolality induces expression and secretion of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor, and expression of aquaporin-5, a water channel implicated in transepithelial water transport. The transcriptional activities of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and nuclear factor of activated T cell 5 (NFAT5) are critical for the production of VEGF in response to salt-induced osmotic stress. Salt-induced osmotic stress also induces priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome and activates inflammatory enzymes in RPE cells. Conclusions Raised plasma osmolality may aggravate age-related retinal diseases by stimulation of local inflammation and angiogenic factor production in the RPE. Alterations in salt and water consumption, and of minerals that stimulate renal salt excretion, may offer nutritional approaches to prevent age-related retinal disorders, in particular in salt-sensitive individuals and individuals who show signs of body dehydration. PMID:28031693

  2. Intake of dietary salt and drinking water: Implications for the development of age-related macular degeneration.

    PubMed

    Bringmann, Andreas; Hollborn, Margrit; Kohen, Leon; Wiedemann, Peter

    2016-01-01

    Systemic hypertension is a risk factor of age-related retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. High intake of dietary salt and low intake of water increase extracellular osmolality resulting in hypertension, in particular in salt-sensitive individuals. This review summarizes the present knowledge regarding the impact of salt and water intake on the regulation of blood pressure, retinal function, and the development of age-related retinal diseases. A literature search of the Medline database and a summary of recent studies that used human RPE cells. The salt sensitivity of the blood pressure and plasma osmolality increase with age, and body water deficits are common in older individuals. High plasma osmolality has adverse effects in the retina. In RPE cells, high osmolality induces expression and secretion of angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor, and expression of aquaporin-5, a water channel implicated in transepithelial water transport. The transcriptional activities of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and nuclear factor of activated T cell 5 (NFAT5) are critical for the production of VEGF in response to salt-induced osmotic stress. Salt-induced osmotic stress also induces priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome and activates inflammatory enzymes in RPE cells. Raised plasma osmolality may aggravate age-related retinal diseases by stimulation of local inflammation and angiogenic factor production in the RPE. Alterations in salt and water consumption, and of minerals that stimulate renal salt excretion, may offer nutritional approaches to prevent age-related retinal disorders, in particular in salt-sensitive individuals and individuals who show signs of body dehydration.

  3. Plasma mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin levels are inversely associated with anxiety but unrelated to depression: Results from the observational DIAST-CHF study in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

    PubMed

    Meyer, Thomas; Herrmann-Lingen, Christoph; Chavanon, Mira-Lynn; Pieske, Burkert; Wachter, Rolf; Edelmann, Frank

    2015-12-01

    It has been postulated that patients with heart failure have a high risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death resulting from anxiety-induced autonomic arousal. In the prospective and multicenter DIAST-CHF (Diagnostic Trial on Prevalence and Clinical Course of Diastolic Dysfunction and Heart Failure) study, we therefore, tested the hypothesis that adrenomedullin (ADM), a well-established predictor for cardiovascular outcome, is associated with self-rated anxiety symptoms in patients at risk of suffering from or actually with overt heart failure. Study participants with risk factors for diastolic dysfunction were requested to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and plasma mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) concentrations were measured. In bivariate analysis, we found significantly lower plasma MR-proADM levels in patients with elevated HADS-anxiety scores above the clinically relevant cut-off level of ≥11 (n=118, 536pmol/l, interquartile range [IQR] 449-626) as compared to non-anxious study participants (n=1,292, 573pmol/l, IQR 486-702, p=0.001). A set of multivariate models adjusted for potential confounders confirmed the negative association between self-rated anxiety symptoms and plasma MR-proADM. In similar models, no significant association was detected between HADS-depression scores and MR-proADM. The inverse relationship between plasma MR-proADM and anxiety observed in patients with cardiovascular risk factors supports a previous experimental study using a mutant mouse line with a brain-specific loss of ADM expression which displayed hyperactive and over-anxious behavior. Further experimental and clinical studies are warranted to test the hypothesis that also in humans ADM acts as a neuromodulator with anxiolytic properties. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  4. Susceptibility of Mice to Trypanosoma evansi Treated with Human Plasma Containing Different Concentrations of Apolipoprotein L-1

    PubMed Central

    Fanfa, Vinicius R.; Otto, Mateus A.; Gressler, Lucas T.; Tavares, Kaio C.S.; Lazzarotto, Cícera R.; Tonin, Alexandre A.; Miletti, Luiz C.; Duarte, Marta M.M.F.; Monteiro, Silvia G.

    2011-01-01

    The aim of this study was to test the susceptibility of mice to Trypanosoma evansi treated with human plasma containing different concentrations of apolipoprotein L-1 (APOL1). For this experiment, a strain of T. evansi and human plasma (plasmas 1, 2, and 3) from 3 adult males clinically healthy were used. In vivo test used 50 mice divided in 5 groups (A to E) with 10 animals in each group. Animals of groups B to E were infected, and then treated with 0.2 ml of human plasma in the following outline: negative control (A), positive control (B), treatment with plasma 1 (C), treatment with plasma 2 (D), and treatment with plasma 3 (E). Mice treated with human plasma showed an increase in longevity of 40.9±0.3 (C), 20±9.0 (D) and 35.6±9.3 (E) days compared to the control group (B) which was 4.3±0.5 days. The number of surviving mice and free of the parasite (blood smear and PCR negative) at the end of the experiment was 90%, 0%, and 60% for groups C, D, and E, respectively. The quantification of APOL1 was performed due to the large difference in the treatments that differed in the source plasma. In plasmas 1, 2, and 3 was detected the concentration of 194, 99, and 115 mg/dl of APOL1, respectively. However, we believe that this difference in the treatment efficiency is related to the level of APOL1 in plasmas. PMID:22355213

  5. 21 CFR 640.80 - Albumin (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... a sterile solution of the albumin derived from human plasma. (b) Source material. The source material of Albumin (Human) shall be plasma recovered from Whole Blood prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.1 through 640.5, or Source Plasma prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.60 through 640.76. (c) Additives in...

  6. 21 CFR 640.80 - Albumin (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... a sterile solution of the albumin derived from human plasma. (b) Source material. The source material of Albumin (Human) shall be plasma recovered from Whole Blood prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.1 through 640.5, or Source Plasma prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.60 through 640.76. (c) Additives in...

  7. 21 CFR 640.80 - Albumin (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... a sterile solution of the albumin derived from human plasma. (b) Source material. The source material of Albumin (Human) shall be plasma recovered from Whole Blood prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.1 through 640.5, or Source Plasma prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.60 through 640.76. (c) Additives in...

  8. 21 CFR 640.80 - Albumin (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... a sterile solution of the albumin derived from human plasma. (b) Source material. The source material of Albumin (Human) shall be plasma recovered from Whole Blood prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.1 through 640.5, or Source Plasma prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.60 through 640.76. (c) Additives in...

  9. 21 CFR 640.80 - Albumin (Human).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... a sterile solution of the albumin derived from human plasma. (b) Source material. The source material of Albumin (Human) shall be plasma recovered from Whole Blood prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.1 through 640.5, or Source Plasma prepared as prescribed in §§ 640.60 through 640.76. (c) Additives in...

  10. The Complex Exogenous RNA Spectra in Human Plasma: An Interface with Human Gut Biota?

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Kai; Li, Hong; Yuan, Yue; Etheridge, Alton; Zhou, Yong; Huang, David; Wilmes, Paul; Galas, David

    2012-01-01

    Human plasma has long been a rich source for biomarker discovery. It has recently become clear that plasma RNA molecules, such as microRNA, in addition to proteins are common and can serve as biomarkers. Surveying human plasma for microRNA biomarkers using next generation sequencing technology, we observed that a significant fraction of the circulating RNA appear to originate from exogenous species. With careful analysis of sequence error statistics and other controls, we demonstrated that there is a wide range of RNA from many different organisms, including bacteria and fungi as well as from other species. These RNAs may be associated with protein, lipid or other molecules protecting them from RNase activity in plasma. Some of these RNAs are detected in intracellular complexes and may be able to influence cellular activities under in vitro conditions. These findings raise the possibility that plasma RNAs of exogenous origin may serve as signaling molecules mediating for example the human-microbiome interaction and may affect and/or indicate the state of human health. PMID:23251414

  11. Determination of triapine, a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Feng, Ye; Kunos, Charles A; Xu, Yan

    2015-09-01

    Triapine is an inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). Studies have shown that triapine significantly decreases the activity of RNR and enhanced the radiation-mediated cytotoxicity in cervical and colon cancer. In this work, we have developed and validated a selective and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the determination of triapine in human plasma. In this method, 2-[(3-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)methylene] hydrazinecarbothioamide (NSC 266749) was used as the internal standard (IS); plasma samples were prepared by deproteinization with acetonitrile; tripaine and the IS were separated on a Waters Xbridge Shield RP18 column (3.5 µm; 2.1 × 50 mm) using a mobile phase containing 25.0% methanol and 75.0% ammonium bicarbonate buffer (10.0 mM, pH 8.50; v/v); column eluate was monitored by positive turbo-ionspray tandem mass spectrometry; and quantitation of triapine was carried out in multiple-reaction-monitoring mode. The method developed had a linear calibration range of 0.250-50.0 ng/mL with correlation coefficient of 0.999 for triapine in human plasma. The IS-normalized recovery and the IS-normalized matrix factor of triapine were 101-104% and 0.89-1.05, respectively. The accuracy expressed as percentage error and precision expressed as coefficient of variation were ≤±6 and ≤8%, respectively. The validated LC-MS/MS method was applied to the measurement of triapine in patient samples from a phase I clinical trial. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  12. Lower Plasma Creatinine and Urine Albumin in Individuals at Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes with Factor V Leiden Mutation

    PubMed Central

    Fritsche, Andreas; Machicao, Fausto; Nawroth, Peter P.; Häring, Hans-Ulrich; Isermann, Berend

    2014-01-01

    The factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation is the most frequent genetic cause of venous thrombosis in Caucasians. However, protective effects have been suggested to balance the disadvantages. We have recently observed protective effects of FVL mutation on experimental diabetic nephropathy in mice as well as an association with reduced albuminuria in two human cohorts of diabetic patients. In the present study we aimed to reevaluate these findings in an independent, larger cohort of 1905 Caucasians at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and extend possible associations to earlier disease stages of nephropathy. Carriers of FVL mutation had a significantly lower urine albumin excretion (P = 0.03) and tended to have lower plasma creatinine concentrations (P = 0.07). The difference in plasma creatinine concentrations was significant after adjustment for the influencing factors: age, gender, and lean body mass (P = 0.048). These observations at a very early “disease” stage are an important extension of previous findings and suggest that modification of glomerular dysfunction by FVL mutation is relevant during very early stages of diabetic nephropathy. This makes the underlying mechanism an interesting therapeutic target and raises the question whether FVL mutation may also exert protective effects in other glomerulopathies. PMID:24729885

  13. Pharmacokinetics and safety of a novel recombinant human von Willebrand factor manufactured with a plasma-free method: a prospective clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Mannucci, Pier Mannuccio; Kempton, Christine; Millar, Carolyn; Romond, Edward; Shapiro, Amy; Birschmann, Ingvild; Ragni, Margaret V; Gill, Joan Cox; Yee, Thynn Thynn; Klamroth, Robert; Wong, Wing-Yen; Chapman, Miranda; Engl, Werner; Turecek, Peter L; Suiter, Tobias M; Ewenstein, Bruce M

    2013-08-01

    Safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of recombinant von Willebrand factor (rVWF) combined at a fixed ratio with recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) were investigated in 32 subjects with type 3 or severe type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) in a prospective phase 1, multicenter, randomized clinical trial. rVWF was well tolerated and no thrombotic events, inhibitors, or serious adverse events were observed. The PK of rVWF ristocetin cofactor activity, VWF antigen, and collagen-binding activity were similar to those of the comparator plasma-derived (pd) VWF-pdFVIII. In vivo cleavage of ultra-large molecular-weight rVWF multimers by ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13; the endogenous VWF protease) and generation of characteristic satellite bands were demonstrated. In 2 subjects with specific nonneutralizing anti-VWF-binding antibodies already detectable before rVWF infusion, a reduction in VWF multimers and VWF activity was observed. Stabilization of endogenous FVIII was enhanced following post-rVWF-rFVIII infusion as shown by the difference in area under the plasma concentration curve compared with pdVWF-pdFVIII (AUC0-∞) (P < .01). These data support the concept of administering rVWF alone once a therapeutic level of endogenous FVIII is achieved.

  14. Antisense oligonucleotide directed to human apolipoprotein B-100 reduces lipoprotein(a) levels and oxidized phospholipids on human apolipoprotein B-100 particles in lipoprotein(a) transgenic mice.

    PubMed

    Merki, Esther; Graham, Mark J; Mullick, Adam E; Miller, Elizabeth R; Crooke, Rosanne M; Pitas, Robert E; Witztum, Joseph L; Tsimikas, Sotirios

    2008-08-12

    Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a genetic cardiovascular risk factor that preferentially binds oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) in plasma. There is a lack of therapeutic agents that reduce plasma Lp(a) levels. Transgenic mice overexpressing human apolipoprotein B-100 (h-apoB-100 [h-apoB mice]) or h-apoB-100 plus human apo(a) to generate genuine Lp(a) particles [Lp(a) mice] were treated with the antisense oligonucleotide mipomersen directed to h-apoB-100 mRNA or control antisense oligonucleotide for 11 weeks by intraperitoneal injection. Mice were then followed up for an additional 10 weeks off therapy. Lp(a) levels [apo(a) bound to apoB-100] and apo(a) levels ["free" apo(a) plus apo(a) bound to apoB-100] were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunoassay and commercial assays, respectively. The content of OxPL on h-apoB-100 particles (OxPL/h-apoB) was measured by capturing h-apoB-100 in microtiter wells and detecting OxPL by antibody E06. As expected, mipomersen significantly reduced plasma h-apoB-100 levels in both groups of mice. In Lp(a) mice, mipomersen significantly reduced Lp(a) levels by approximately 75% compared with baseline (P<0.0001) but had no effect on apo(a) levels or hepatic apo(a) mRNA expression. OxPL/h-apoB levels were much higher at baseline in Lp(a) mice compared with h-ApoB mice (P<0.0001) but decreased in a time-dependent fashion with mipomersen. There was no effect of the control antisense oligonucleotide on lipoprotein levels or oxidative parameters. Mipomersen significantly reduced Lp(a) and OxPL/apoB levels in Lp(a) mice. The present study demonstrates that h-apoB-100 is a limiting factor in Lp(a) particle synthesis in this Lp(a) transgenic model. If applicable to humans, mipomersen may represent a novel therapeutic approach to reducing Lp(a) levels and their associated OxPL.

  15. Human plasma kallikrein and tissue kallikrein binding to a substrate based on the reactive site of a factor Xa inhibitor isolated from Bauhinia ungulata seeds.

    PubMed

    Oliva, M L; Andrade, S A; Batista, I F; Sampaio, M U; Juliano, M; Fritz, H; Auerswald, E A; Sampaio, C A

    1999-12-01

    Kunitz type Bauhinia ungulata factor Xa inhibitor (BuXI) was purified from B. ungulata seeds. BuXI inactivates factor Xa and human plasma kallikrein (HuPK) with Ki values of 18.4 and 6.9 nM, respectively. However, Bauhinia variegata trypsin inhibitor (BvTI) which is 70% homologous to BuXI does not inhibit factor Xa and is less efficient on HuPK (Ki = 80 nM). The comparison between BuXI and BvTI reactive site structure indicates differences at Met59, Thr66 and Met67 residues. The hydrolysis rate of quenched fluorescence peptide substrates based on BuXI reactive site sequence, Abz-VMIAALPRTMFIQ-EDDnp (leading peptide), by HuPK and porcine pancreatic kallikrein (PoPK) is low, but hydrolysis is enhanced with Abz-VMIAALPRTMQ-EDDnp, derived from the leading peptide shortened by removing the dipeptide Phe-Ileu from the C-terminal portion, for HuPK (Km = 0.68 microM, k(cat)/Km = 1.3 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)), and the shorter substrate Abz-LPRTMQ-EDDnp is better for PoPK (Km = 0.66 microM, k(cat)/Km = 2.2 x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1)). The contribution of substrate methionine residues to HuPK and PoPK hydrolysis differs from that observed with factor Xa. The determined Km and k(cat) values suggest that the substrates interact with kallikreins the same as an enzyme and inhibitor interacts to form complexes.

  16. Plasma Surface Modification for Immobilization of Bone Morphogenic Protein-2 on Polycaprolactone Scaffolds

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Byung Hoon; Myung, Sung Woon; Jung, Sang Chul; Ko, Yeong Mu

    2013-11-01

    The immobilization of recombinant human bone formation protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds was performed by plasma polymerization. RhBMP-2, which induces osteoblast differentiation in various cell types, is a growth factor that plays an important role in bone formation and repair. The surface of the PCL scaffold was functionalized with the carboxyl groups of plasma-polymerized acrylic acid (PPAA) thin films. Plasma polymerization was carried out at a discharge power of 60 W at an acrylic acid flow rate of 7 sccm for 5 min. The PPAA thin film exhibited moderate hydrophilic properties and possessed a high density of carboxyl groups. Carboxyl groups and rhBMP-2 on the PCL scaffolds surface were identified by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The alkaline phosphatase activity assay showed that the rhBMP-2 immobilized PCL scaffold increased the level of MG-63 cell differentiation. Plasma surface modification for the preparation of biomaterials, such as biofunctionalized polymer scaffolds, can be used for the binding of bioactive molecules in tissue engineering.

  17. The robust bio-immobilization based on pulsed plasma polymerization of cyclopropylamine and glutaraldehyde coupling chemistry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manakhov, Anton; Makhneva, Ekaterina; Skládal, Petr; Nečas, David; Čechal, Jan; Kalina, Lukáš; Eliáš, Marek; Zajíčková, Lenka

    2016-01-01

    The performance of immunosensing devices crucially depends on the methodology of antibody or antigen immobilization on the sensor surface. Hence, the stable intermediate layers capable of specific and reproducible binding of antibodies are required. Herein, we introduce the amine rich (NHx concentration of 6 at.%) layers prepared by pulsed plasma polymerization of cyclopropylamine (CPA) for functionalization of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) surface by the antibody specific to human serum albumin. In these layers the amine groups serve as anchor for the antibody binding. The sensitivity of QCM sensors prepared in this way surpasses the one for the previously reported sensors functionalized by the thiol-based self-assembled monolayers by the factor of 2. Our results thus show that CPA plasma polymers have a significant potential for further development of the active layers for biosensing applications.

  18. Plasma-deposited tetraglyme surfaces greatly reduce total blood protein adsorption, contact activation, platelet adhesion, platelet procoagulant activity, and in vitro thrombus deposition.

    PubMed

    Cao, Lan; Chang, Mark; Lee, Chi-Ying; Castner, David G; Sukavaneshvar, Sivaprasad; Ratner, Buddy D; Horbett, Thomas A

    2007-06-15

    The ability of tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (tetraglyme) plasma deposited coatings exhibiting ultralow fibrinogen adsorption to reduce blood activation was studied with six in vitro methods, namely fibrinogen and von Willebrand's factor adsorption, total protein adsorption, clotting time in recalcified plasma, platelet adhesion and procoagulant activity, and whole blood thrombosis in a disturbed flow catheter model. Surface plasmon resonance results showed that tetraglyme surfaces strongly resisted the adsorption of all proteins from human plasma. The clotting time in the presence of tetraglyme surfaces was lengthened compared with controls, indicating a lower activation of the intrinsic coagulation cascade. Platelet adhesion and thrombin generation by adherent platelets were greatly reduced on tetraglyme-coated materials, compared with uncoated and Biospan-coated glass slides. In the in vitro disturbed blood flow model, tetraglyme plasma coated catheters had 50% less thrombus than did the uncoated catheters. Tetraglyme-coated materials thus had greatly reduced blood interactions as measured with all six methods. The improved blood compatibility of plasma-deposited tetraglyme is thus not only due to their reduced platelet adhesion and activation, but also to a generalized reduction in blood interactions. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Evidence for growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor I axis regulation of seawater acclimation in the euryhaline teleost Fundulus heteroclitus

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Mancera, J.M.; McCormick, S.D.

    1998-01-01

    The ability of ovine growth hormone (oGH), recombinant bovine insulin- like growth factor I (rbIGF-I), recombinant human insulin-like growth factor II (rhIGF-II), and bovine insulin to increase hypoosmoregulatory capacity in the euryhaline teleost Fundulus heteroclitus was examined. Fish acclimated to brackish water (BW, 10 ppt salinity, 320 mOsm/kg H2O) were injected with a single dose of hormone and transferred to seawater (SW, 35 ppt salinity, 1120 mOsm/kg H2O) 2 days later. Fish were sampled 24 h after transfer and plasma osmolality, plasma glucose, and gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity were examined. Transfer from BW to SW increased plasma osmolality and gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity. Transfer from BW to BW had no effect on these parameters. rbIGF-I (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 ??g/g) improved the ability to maintain plasma osmolality and to increase gill Na+, K+-ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner. oGH (0.5, 1, and 2 ??g/g) also increased hypoosmoregulatory ability but only the higher doses (2 ??g/g) significantly increased gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity. oGH (1 ??g/g) and rbIGF-I (0.1 ??g/g) had a significantly greater effect on plasma osmolality and gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity than either hormone alone. rhIGF-II (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 ??g/g) and bovine insulin (0.01 and 0.05 ??g/g) were without effect. The results suggest a role of GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in seawater acclimation of E heteroclitus. Based on these findings and previous studies, it is concluded that the capacity of the GH/IGF-I axis to increase hypoosmoregulatory ability may be a common feature of euryhalinity in teleosts.

  20. Plasma extraction rate enhancement scheme for a real-time and continuous blood plasma separation device using a sheathless cell concentrator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kang, Dong-Hyun; Kim, Kyongtae; Kim, Yong-Jun

    2018-02-01

    Microfluidic devices for plasma extraction are popular because they offer the advantage of smaller reagent consumption compared to conventional centrifugations. The plasma yield (volume percentage of plasma that can be extracted) is an important factor for diagnoses in microdevices with small reagent consumptions. However, recently designed microfluidic devices tend to have a low plasma yield because they have been optimized to improve the purity of extracted plasma. Thus, these devices require large amounts of reagents, and this complexity has eliminated the advantage of microfluidic devices that can operate with only small amounts of reagents. We therefore propose a continuous, real-time, blood plasma separation device, for plasma extraction rate enhancements. Moreover, a blood plasma separation device was designed to achieve improved plasma yields with high-purity efficiency. To obtain a high plasma yield, microstructures were placed on the bottom side of the channel to increase the concentration of blood cells. Plasma separation was then accomplished via microfluidic networks based on the Zweifach-Fung effect. The proposed device was fabricated based on the polydimethylsiloxane molding process using the SU-8 microfluidic channel for the fabrication of the mold and bottom structures. Human blood diluted in a phosphate buffered saline solution (25% hematocrit) was injected into the inlet of the device. The purity efficiencies were approximately equal to 96% with a maximum of 96.75% at a flow rate of 2 µl min-1, while the plasma yield was approximately 59% with a maximum of 59.92% at a flow rate of 4 µl min-1. Compared to results obtained using other devices, our proposed device could obtain comparable or higher plasma purity and a high plasma yield.

  1. Homologous ELISA for detection of oligomeric human TNF: properties of the assay.

    PubMed

    Petyovka, N; Lyach, L; Voitenok, N N

    1995-10-26

    In order to quantify oligomeric human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), we have developed a sensitive homologous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Hm-ELISA) using the same monoclonal antibody (MoAb) for both solid and liquid phase. Different anti-TNF MoAb have been compared in terms of their efficacy in the Hm-ELISA, affinity, neutralization capacity and epitope specificity. The data suggest, that effectiveness in the Hm-ELISA may represent a novel characteristic of MoAb. Of the MoAbs tested, 5 N was capable of recognizing oligomeric TNF in the Hm-ELISA with a detection limit of 15 pg/ml. Furthermore, using Hm-ELISA against human TNF, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and lymphotoxin, we have demonstrated that these cytokines are oligomeric in physiological solutions, but are converted into monomeric forms in the presence of the non-ionic detergent Tween 20. High salt buffer was employed to abrogate a nonspecific false positive reaction in the Hm-ELISA found in nearly half of the plasma samples obtained from healthy subjects. Finally, a good correlation between the Hm-ELISA and the L929 bioassay was observed for natural and recombinant TNF measured in human plasma.

  2. Modelling dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) plasma kinetics in humans.

    PubMed

    van Eijkeren, Jan C H; Olie, J Daniël N; Bradberry, Sally M; Vale, J Allister; de Vries, Irma; Meulenbelt, Jan; Hunault, Claudine C

    2016-11-01

    No kinetic models presently exist which simulate the effect of chelation therapy on lead blood concentrations in lead poisoning. Our aim was to develop a kinetic model that describes the kinetics of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA; succimer), a commonly used chelating agent, that could be used in developing a lead chelating model. This was a kinetic modelling study. We used a two-compartment model, with a non-systemic gastrointestinal compartment (gut lumen) and the whole body as one systemic compartment. The only data available from the literature were used to calibrate the unknown model parameters. The calibrated model was then validated by comparing its predictions with measured data from three different experimental human studies. The model predicted total DMSA plasma and urine concentrations measured in three healthy volunteers after ingestion of DMSA 10 mg/kg. The model was then validated by using data from three other published studies; it predicted concentrations within a factor of two, representing inter-human variability. A simple kinetic model simulating the kinetics of DMSA in humans has been developed and validated. The interest of this model lies in the future potential to use it to predict blood lead concentrations in lead-poisoned patients treated with DMSA.

  3. Exploring the human seminal plasma proteome: an unexplored gold mine of biomarker for male infertility and male reproduction disorder.

    PubMed

    Gilany, Kambiz; Minai-Tehrani, Arash; Savadi-Shiraz, Elham; Rezadoost, Hassan; Lakpour, Niknam

    2015-01-01

    The human seminal fluid is a complex body fluid. It is not known how many proteins are expressed in the seminal plasma; however in analog with the blood it is possible up to 10,000 proteins are expressed in the seminal plasma. The human seminal fluid is a rich source of potential biomarkers for male infertility and reproduction disorder. In this review, the ongoing list of proteins identified from the human seminal fluid was collected. To date, 4188 redundant proteins of the seminal fluid are identified using different proteomics technology, including 2-DE, SDS-PAGE-LC-MS/MS, MudPIT. However, this was reduced to a database of 2168 non-redundant protein using UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot reviewed database. The core concept of proteome were analyzed including pI, MW, Amino Acids, Chromosome and PTM distribution in the human seminal plasma proteome. Additionally, the biological process, molecular function and KEGG pathway were investigated using DAVID software. Finally, the biomarker identified in different male reproductive system disorder was investigated using proteomics platforms so far. In this study, an attempt was made to update the human seminal plasma proteome database. Our finding showed that human seminal plasma studies used to date seem to have converged on a set of proteins that are repeatedly identified in many studies and that represent only a small fraction of the entire human seminal plasma proteome.

  4. Concentrated Growth Factor Enhanced Fat Graft Survival: A Comparative Study.

    PubMed

    Hu, Yun; Jiang, Yichen; Wang, Muyao; Tian, Weidong; Wang, Hang

    2018-06-08

    Concentrated growth factors (CGFs) belong to a new generation biomaterials that concentrate large number of growth factors and CD34 stem cells in small volume of plasma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the new technique, CGF, on fat graft survival, which compared with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Nude mice received fat graft were divided into PRP group, PRF group, CGF group, and saline. The grafts were volumetrically and histologically evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after fat grafting. In vitro growth factor levels in PRP, PRF, and CGF were compared using enzyme-linked immunoassay method. Cell count and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the impact of CGF in medium on human adipose-derived stem cell (hADSC) proliferation and vascular differentiation, respectively. Fat graft weight was significantly higher in the CGF group than those in the other groups, and histologic evaluation revealed greater vascularity, fewer cysts, and less fibrosis. Adding CGF to the medium maximally promoted hADSC proliferation and expressing vascular endothelial growth factor and PECAM-1. In this preliminary study, CGF treatment improved the survival and quality of fat grafts.

  5. In vitro degradation of neurotensin in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Lee, Y C; Uttenthal, L O; Smith, H A; Bloom, S R

    1986-01-01

    To study the degradation of neurotensin in plasma in vitro, fresh human plasma was incubated with neurotensin in the presence and absence of the peptidase inhibitors pepstatin A, EDTA, PMSF and aprotinin. The half-time of disappearance of neurotensin at 37 degrees C was calculated to be 226 min in vitro as opposed to 1.4 min in vivo when measured by radioimmunoassay with a C-terminally directed neurotensin antiserum. Both gel filtration and reversed phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that the main degradation product of neurotensin in human plasma in vitro was chromatographically and immunologically identical to neurotensin 1-8 and HPLC also demonstrated the formation of neurotensin 1-11. The loss of neurotensin incubated in human plasma in vitro was greatly reduced by EDTA but not by the other peptidase inhibitors tested. In this respect peptidase(s) responsible for the degradation of neurotensin in plasma differ from those present in brain homogenates. EDTA may be of importance in the preservation of neurotensin in plasma samples.

  6. Prediction of Human Pharmacokinetic Profile After Transdermal Drug Application Using Excised Human Skin.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Syunsuke; Karashima, Masatoshi; Arai, Yuta; Tohyama, Kimio; Amano, Nobuyuki

    2017-09-01

    Although several mathematical models have been reported for the estimation of human plasma concentration profiles of drug substances after dermal application, the successful cases that can predict human pharmacokinetic profiles are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the prediction of human plasma concentrations after dermal application using in vitro permeation parameters obtained from excised human skin. The in vitro skin permeability of 7 marketed drug products was evaluated. The plasma concentration-time profiles of the drug substances in humans after their dermal application were simulated using compartment models and the clinical pharmacokinetic parameters. The transdermal process was simulated using the in vitro skin permeation rate and lag time assuming a zero-order absorption. These simulated plasma concentration profiles were compared with the clinical data. The result revealed that the steady-state plasma concentration of diclofenac and the maximum concentrations of nicotine, bisoprolol, rivastigmine, and lidocaine after topical application were within 2-fold of the clinical data. Furthermore, the simulated concentration profiles of bisoprolol, nicotine, and rivastigmine reproduced the decrease in absorption due to drug depletion from the formulation. In conclusion, this simple compartment model using in vitro human skin permeation parameters as zero-order absorption predicted the human plasma concentrations accurately. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Gender, Contraceptives and Individual Metabolic Predisposition Shape a Healthy Plasma Lipidome.

    PubMed

    Sales, Susanne; Graessler, Juergen; Ciucci, Sara; Al-Atrib, Rania; Vihervaara, Terhi; Schuhmann, Kai; Kauhanen, Dimple; Sysi-Aho, Marko; Bornstein, Stefan R; Bickle, Marc; Cannistraci, Carlo V; Ekroos, Kim; Shevchenko, Andrej

    2016-06-14

    Lipidomics of human blood plasma is an emerging biomarker discovery approach that compares lipid profiles under pathological and physiologically normal conditions, but how a healthy lipidome varies within the population is poorly understood. By quantifying 281 molecular species from 27 major lipid classes in the plasma of 71 healthy young Caucasians whose 35 clinical blood test and anthropometric indices matched the medical norm, we provided a comprehensive, expandable and clinically relevant resource of reference molar concentrations of individual lipids. We established that gender is a major lipidomic factor, whose impact is strongly enhanced by hormonal contraceptives and mediated by sex hormone-binding globulin. In lipidomics epidemiological studies should avoid mixed-gender cohorts and females taking hormonal contraceptives should be considered as a separate sub-cohort. Within a gender-restricted cohort lipidomics revealed a compositional signature that indicates the predisposition towards an early development of metabolic syndrome in ca. 25% of healthy male individuals suggesting a healthy plasma lipidome as resource for early biomarker discovery.

  8. CANINE HEMOPHILIA

    PubMed Central

    Graham, John B.; Buckwalter, Joseph A.; Hartley, L. J.; Brinkhous, Kenneth M.

    1949-01-01

    A study was made of the clotting defect and the course of the malady in a group of male dogs with an inherited, sex-linked bleeding disease. The clotting defect is characterized by a prolonged clotting time and a delayed prothrombin utilization, and is corrected by the addition either of thromboplastin or of normal plasma. A plasma protein fraction, fraction I, also corrects the defect. The defect appears to be due to a deficiency of a plasma factor, which normally, in the presence of platelets, makes thromboplastin available in shed blood. The clotting anomaly appears to be identical with that found in human hemophilia. The hemostatic defect is characterized by repeated hemorrhages, usually without obvious relationship to trauma. Hemarthroses occur frequently and may result in permanent joint deformity. The animals usually die early in life from massive hemorrhage. Transfusions with normal blood or plasma correct the clotting defect and readily control the hemorrhagic phenomena. By the use of transfusions, these dogs have been reared to maturity. PMID:18136192

  9. Effect of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery on Bile Acid Metabolism in Normal and Obese Diabetic Rats

    PubMed Central

    Bhutta, Hina Y; Rajpal, Neetu; White, Wendy; Freudenberg, Johannes M.; Liu, Yaping; Way, James; Rajpal, Deepak; Cooper, David C.; Young, Andrew; Tavakkoli, Ali; Chen, Lihong

    2015-01-01

    In addition to classic functions of facilitating hepatobiliary secretion and intestinal absorption of lipophilic nutrients, bile acids (BA) are also endocrine factors and regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. Recent data indicate that antiobesity bariatric procedures e.g. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), which also remit diabetes, increase plasma BAs in humans, leading to the hypothesis that BAs may play a role in diabetes resolution following surgery. To investigate the effect of RYGB on BA physiology and its relationship with glucose homeostasis, we undertook RYGB and SHAM surgery in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and normoglycemic Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and measured plasma and fecal BA levels, as well as plasma glucose, insulin, Glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and Peptide YY (PYY), 2 days before and 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after surgery. RYGB decreased body weight and increased plasma GLP-1 in both SD and ZDF rats while decreasing plasma insulin and glucose in ZDF rats starting from the first week. Compared to SHAM groups, both SD-RYGB and ZDF-RYGB groups started to have increases in plasma total BAs in the second week, which might not contribute to early post-surgery metabolic changes. While there was no significant difference in fecal BA excretion between SD-RYGB and SD-SHAM groups, the ZDF-RYGB group had a transient 4.2-fold increase (P<0.001) in 24-hour fecal BA excretion on post-operative day 3 compared to ZDF-SHAM, which paralleled a significant increase in plasma PYY. Ratios of plasma and fecal cholic acid/chenodeoxycholic acid derived BAs were decreased in RYGB groups. In addition, tissue mRNA expression analysis suggested early intestinal BA reabsorption and potentially reduced hepatic cholic acid production in RYGB groups. In summary, we present novel data on RYGB-mediated changes in BA metabolism to further understand the role of BAs in RYGB-induced metabolic effects in humans. PMID:25798945

  10. Pharmaceuticals in water, fish and osprey nestlings in Delaware River and Bay

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bean, Thomas G.; Rattner, Barnett A.; Lazarus, Rebecca S.; Day, Daniel D.; Burket, S. Rebekah; Brooks, Bryan W.; Haddad, Samuel P.; Bowerman, William W.

    2018-01-01

    Exposure of wildlife to Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) is likely to occur but studies of risk are limited. One exposure pathway that has received attention is trophic transfer of APIs in a water-fish-osprey food chain. Samples of water, fish plasma and osprey plasma were collected from Delaware River and Bay, and analyzed for 21 APIs. Only 2 of 21 analytes exceeded method detection limits in osprey plasma (acetaminophen and diclofenac) with plasma levels typically 2–3 orders of magnitude below human therapeutic concentrations (HTC). We built upon a screening level model used to predict osprey exposure to APIs in Chesapeake Bay and evaluated whether exposure levels could have been predicted in Delaware Bay had we just measured concentrations in water or fish. Use of surface water and BCFs did not predict API concentrations in fish well, likely due to fish movement patterns, and partitioning and bioaccumulation uncertainties associated with these ionizable chemicals. Input of highest measured API concentration in fish plasma combined with pharmacokinetic data accurately predicted that diclofenac and acetaminophen would be the APIs most likely detected in osprey plasma. For the majority of APIs modeled, levels were not predicted to exceed 1 ng/mL or method detection limits in osprey plasma. Based on the target analytes examined, there is little evidence that APIs represent a significant risk to ospreys nesting in Delaware Bay. If an API is present in fish orders of magnitude below HTC, sampling of fish-eating birds is unlikely to be necessary. However, several human pharmaceuticals accumulated in fish plasma within a recommended safety factor for HTC. It is now important to expand the scope of diet-based API exposure modeling to include alternative exposure pathways (e.g., uptake from landfills, dumps and wastewater treatment plants) and geographic locations (developing countries) where API contamination of the environment may represent greater risk.

  11. Fungal-derived semiochemical 1-octen-3-ol disrupts dopamine packaging and causes neurodegeneration

    PubMed Central

    Inamdar, Arati A.; Hossain, Muhammad M.; Bernstein, Alison I.; Miller, Gary W.; Richardson, Jason R.; Bennett, Joan Wennstrom

    2013-01-01

    Parkinson disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder and, although the exact causes are unknown, recent epidemiological and experimental studies indicate that several environmental agents may be significant risk factors. To date, these suspected environmental risk factors have been man-made chemicals. In this report, we demonstrate via genetic, biochemical, and immunological studies that the common volatile fungal semiochemical 1-octen-3-ol reduces dopamine levels and causes dopamine neuron degeneration in Drosophila melanogaster. Overexpression of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) rescued the dopamine toxicity and neurodegeneration, whereas mutations decreasing VMAT and tyrosine hydroxylase exacerbated toxicity. Furthermore, 1-octen-3-ol also inhibited uptake of dopamine in human cell lines expressing the human plasma membrane dopamine transporter (DAT) and human VMAT ortholog, VMAT2. These data demonstrate that 1-octen-3-ol exerts toxicity via disruption of dopamine homeostasis and may represent a naturally occurring environmental agent involved in parkinsonism. PMID:24218591

  12. VEGF-121 plasma level as biomarker for response to anti-angiogenetic therapy in recurrent glioblastoma.

    PubMed

    Martini, Maurizio; de Pascalis, Ivana; D'Alessandris, Quintino Giorgio; Fiorentino, Vincenzo; Pierconti, Francesco; Marei, Hany El-Sayed; Ricci-Vitiani, Lucia; Pallini, Roberto; Larocca, Luigi Maria

    2018-05-10

    Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms, particularly the diffusible VEGF-121, could play a major role in the response of recurrent glioblastoma (GB) to anti-angiogenetic treatment with bevacizumab. We hypothesized that circulating VEGF-121 may reduce the amount of bevacizumab available to target the heavier isoforms of VEGF, which are the most clinically relevant. We assessed the plasma level of VEGF-121 in a brain xenograft model, in human healthy controls, and in patients suffering from recurrent GB before and after bevacizumab treatment. Data were matched with patients' clinical outcome. In athymic rats with U87MG brain xenografts, the level of plasma VEGF-121 relates with tumor volume and it significantly decreases after iv infusion of bevacizumab. Patients with recurrent GB show higher plasma VEGF-121 than healthy controls (p = 0.0002) and treatment with bevacizumab remarkably reduced the expression of VEGF-121 in plasma of these patients (p = 0.0002). Higher plasma level of VEGF-121 was significantly associated to worse PFS and OS (p = 0.0295 and p = 0.0246, respectively). Quantitative analysis of VEGF-121 isoform in the plasma of patients with recurrent GB could be a promising predictor of response to anti-angiogenetic treatment.

  13. Uptake of human pharmaceuticals in bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) inhabiting a wastewater-impacted river.

    PubMed

    Gelsleichter, James; Szabo, Nancy J

    2013-07-01

    The presence of human pharmaceuticals in sewage-impacted ecosystems is a growing concern that poses health risks to aquatic wildlife. Despite this, few studies have investigated the uptake of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in aquatic organisms. In this study, the uptake of 9 APIs from human drugs was examined and compared in neonate bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) residing in pristine (Myakka River) and wastewater-impacted (Caloosahatchee River) tributaries of Florida's Charlotte Harbor estuary. The synthetic estrogen used in human contraceptives (17α-ethynylestradiol) and 6 of the selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine) used in human antidepressants were observed at detectable and, in some cases, quantifiable levels in plasma of Caloosahatchee River sharks. Comparatively, only venlafaxine was detected in the plasma of a single Myakka River shark at a level below the limit of quantitation. These results suggest that sharks residing in wastewater-impacted habitats accumulate APIs, a factor that may pose special risks to C. leucas since it is one of few shark species to regularly occupy freshwater systems. Further research is needed to determine if the low levels of API uptake observed in Caloosahatchee River bull sharks pose health risks to these animals. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Variability of cholesterol accessibility in human red blood cells measured using a bacterial cholesterol-binding toxin

    PubMed Central

    Chakrabarti, Rima S; Ingham, Sally A; Kozlitina, Julia; Gay, Austin; Cohen, Jonathan C; Radhakrishnan, Arun; Hobbs, Helen H

    2017-01-01

    Cholesterol partitions into accessible and sequestered pools in cell membranes. Here, we describe a new assay using fluorescently-tagged anthrolysin O, a cholesterol-binding bacterial toxin, to measure accessible cholesterol in human red blood cells (RBCs). Accessible cholesterol levels were stable within individuals, but varied >10 fold among individuals. Significant variation was observed among ethnic groups (Blacks>Hispanics>Whites). Variation in accessibility of RBC cholesterol was unrelated to the cholesterol content of RBCs or plasma, but was associated with the phospholipid composition of the RBC membranes and with plasma triglyceride levels. Pronase treatment of RBCs only modestly altered cholesterol accessibility. Individuals on hemodialysis, who have an unexplained increase in atherosclerotic risk, had significantly higher RBC cholesterol accessibility. Our data indicate that RBC accessible cholesterol is a stable phenotype with significant inter-individual variability. Factors both intrinsic and extrinsic to the RBC contribute to variation in its accessibility. This assay provides a new tool to assess cholesterol homeostasis among tissues in humans. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.23355.001 PMID:28169829

  15. Network Analysis Identifies Proinflammatory Plasma Cell Polarization for Secretion of ISG15 in Human Autoimmunity

    PubMed Central

    Care, Matthew A.; Stephenson, Sophie J.; Barnes, Nicholas A.; Fan, Im; Zougman, Alexandre; El-Sherbiny, Yasser M.; Vital, Edward M.; Westhead, David R.; Tooze, Reuben M.

    2016-01-01

    Plasma cells (PCs) as effectors of humoral immunity produce Igs to match pathogenic insult. Emerging data suggest more diverse roles exist for PCs as regulators of immune and inflammatory responses via secretion of factors other than Igs. The extent to which such responses are preprogrammed in B-lineage cells or can be induced in PCs by the microenvironment is unknown. In this study, we dissect the impact of IFNs on the regulatory networks of human PCs. We show that core PC programs are unaffected, whereas PCs respond to IFNs with distinctive transcriptional responses. The IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) system emerges as a major transcriptional output induced in a sustained fashion by IFN-α in PCs and linked both to intracellular conjugation and ISG15 secretion. This leads to the identification of ISG15-secreting plasmablasts/PCs in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus. Thus, ISG15-secreting PCs represent a distinct proinflammatory PC subset providing an Ig-independent mechanism of PC action in human autoimmunity. PMID:27357150

  16. Pre-formulation studies of resveratrol

    PubMed Central

    Robinson, Keila; Mock, Charlotta; Liang, Dong

    2015-01-01

    Context Resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes, has potential chemotherapy effects but very low oral bioavailability in humans. Objective To evaluate the solubility, pH stability profile, plasma protein binding (PPB) and stability in plasma for resveratrol. Methods Solubility of resveratrol was measured in 10 common solvents at 25 °C using HPLC. The solution state pH stability of resveratrol was assessed in various United States Pharmacopeia buffers ranging from pH 2 to 10 for 24 h at 37 °C. Samples were analyzed up to 24 h. Human PPB was determined using ultracentrifugation technique. Standard solutions of drug were spiked to blank human plasma to yield final concentrations of 5, 12.5 or 25 µg/mL for determination. Finally, stability of resveratrol in human and rat plasma was also assessed at 37 °C. Aliquots of blank plasma were spiked with a standard drug concentration to yield final plasma concentration of 50 µg/mL. Samples were analyzed for resveratrol concentration up to 96 h. Results Resveratrol has wide solubility ranging from 0.05 mg/mL in water to 374 mg/mL in polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400). Resveratrol is relatively stable above pH 6 and has maximum degradation at pH 9. The mean PPB of resveratrol is 98.3%. Resveratrol degrades in human and rat plasma in a first-order process with mean half lives of 54 and 25 h, respectively. Conclusion Resveratrol is more soluble in alcohol and PEG-400 and stable in acidic pH. It binds highly to plasma proteins and degrades slower in human then rat plasma. PMID:25224342

  17. Simultaneous determination of nicotine, cotinine, and nicotine N-oxide in human plasma, semen, and sperm by LC-Orbitrap MS.

    PubMed

    Abu-Awwad, Ahmad; Arafat, Tawfiq; Schmitz, Oliver J

    2016-09-01

    Nicotine (Nic) distribution in human fluids and tissues has a deleterious effect on human health. In addition to its poisoning profile, Nic may contribute to the particular impact of smoking on human reproduction. Although present in seminal fluid, still nobody knows whether nicotine is available in sperm or not. Herein, we developed and validated a new bioanalytical method, for simultaneous determination of Nic, cotinine (Cot), and nicotine N'-oxide (Nox) in human plasma, semen, and sperm by LC-ESI-orbitrap-MS. Blood and semen samples were collected from 12 healthy smoking volunteers in this study. Sperm bodies were then separated quantitatively from 1 mL of semen samples by centrifugation. The developed method was fully validated for plasma following European and American guidelines for bioanalytical method validation, and partial validation was applied to semen analysis. Plasma, semen, and sperm samples were treated by trichloroacetic acid solution for protein direct precipitation in single extraction step. The established calibration range for Nic and Nox in plasma and semen was linear between 5 and 250 ng/mL, and for Cot between 10 and 500 ng/mL. Nic and Cot were detected in human sperm at concentrations as high as in plasma. In addition, Nox was present in semen and sperm but not in plasma. Graphical abstract Nicotine correlation between plasma and semen a; Nicotine correlation between semen and sperm c; Cotinine correlation between plasma and semen b; Cotinine correlation between semen and sperm d.

  18. Production of biologically active recombinant human factor H in Physcomitrella.

    PubMed

    Büttner-Mainik, Annette; Parsons, Juliana; Jérôme, Hanna; Hartmann, Andrea; Lamer, Stephanie; Schaaf, Andreas; Schlosser, Andreas; Zipfel, Peter F; Reski, Ralf; Decker, Eva L

    2011-04-01

    The human complement regulatory serum protein factor H (FH) is a promising future biopharmaceutical. Defects in the gene encoding FH are associated with human diseases like severe kidney and retinal disorders in the form of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis II (MPGN II) or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is a current need to apply intact full-length FH for the therapy of patients with congenital or acquired defects of this protein. Application of purified or recombinant FH (rFH) to these patients is an important and promising approach for the treatment of these diseases. However, neither protein purified from plasma of healthy individuals nor recombinant protein is currently available on the market. Here, we report the first stable expression of the full-length human FH cDNA and the subsequent production of this glycoprotein in a plant system. The moss Physcomitrella patens perfectly suits the requirements for the production of complex biopharmaceuticals as this eukaryotic system not only offers an outstanding genetical accessibility, but moreover, proteins can be produced safely in scalable photobioreactors without the need for animal-derived medium compounds. Transgenic moss lines were created, which express the human FH cDNA and target the recombinant protein to the culture supernatant via a moss-derived secretion signal. Correct processing of the signal peptide and integrity of the moss-produced rFH were verified via peptide mapping by mass spectrometry. Ultimately, we show that the rFH displays complement regulatory activity comparable to FH purified from plasma. © 2010 The Authors. Plant Biotechnology Journal © 2010 Society for Experimental Biology, Association of Applied Biologists and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  19. Determination of human serum alpha1-acid glycoprotein and albumin binding of various marketed and preclinical kinase inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Zsila, Ferenc; Fitos, Ilona; Bencze, Gyula; Kéri, György; Orfi, László

    2009-01-01

    There are about 380 protein kinase inhibitors in drug development as of today and 15 drugs have been marketed already for the treatment of cancer. This time 139 validated kinase targets are in the focus of drug research of pharmaceutical companies and big efforts are made for the development of new, druglike kinase inhibitors. Plasma protein binding is an important factor of the ADME profiling of a drug compound. Human serum albumin (HSA) and alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AAG) are the most relevant drug carriers in blood plasma. Since previous literature data indicated that AAG is the principal plasma binding component of some kinase inhibitors the present work focuses on the comprehensive evaluation of AAG binding of a series of marketed and experimental kinase inhibitors by using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy approach. HSA binding was also evaluated by affinity chromatography. Protein binding interactions of twenty-six kinase inhibitors are characterized. The contribution of AAG and HSA binding data to the pharmacokinetic profiles of the investigated therapeutic agents is discussed. Structural, biological and drug binding properties of AAG as well as the applicability of the CD method in studying drug-protein binding interactions are also briefly reviewed.

  20. Red Blood Cell Susceptibility to Pneumolysin

    PubMed Central

    Bokori-Brown, Monika; Petrov, Peter G.; Khafaji, Mawya A.; Mughal, Muhammad K.; Naylor, Claire E.; Shore, Angela C.; Gooding, Kim M.; Casanova, Francesco; Mitchell, Tim J.; Titball, Richard W.; Winlove, C. Peter

    2016-01-01

    This study investigated the effect of the biochemical and biophysical properties of the plasma membrane as well as membrane morphology on the susceptibility of human red blood cells to the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin pneumolysin, a key virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae, using single cell studies. We show a correlation between the physical properties of the membrane (bending rigidity and surface and dipole electrostatic potentials) and the susceptibility of red blood cells to pneumolysin-induced hemolysis. We demonstrate that biochemical modifications of the membrane induced by oxidative stress, lipid scrambling, and artificial cell aging modulate the cell response to the toxin. We provide evidence that the diversity of response to pneumolysin in diabetic red blood cells correlates with levels of glycated hemoglobin and that the mechanical properties of the red blood cell plasma membrane are altered in diabetes. Finally, we show that diabetic red blood cells are more resistant to pneumolysin and the related toxin perfringolysin O relative to healthy red blood cells. Taken together, these studies indicate that the diversity of cell response to pneumolysin within a population of human red blood cells is influenced by the biophysical and biochemical status of the plasma membrane and the chemical and/or oxidative stress pre-history of the cell. PMID:26984406

  1. Perioperative haemostatic management of haemophilic mice using normal mouse plasma.

    PubMed

    Tatsumi, K; Ohashi, K; Kanegae, K; Shim, I K; Okano, T

    2013-11-01

    Intense haemostatic interventions are required to avoid bleeding complications when surgical procedures are performed on haemophilia patients. The objective of this study was to establish an appropriate protocol for perioperative haemostatic management of haemophilic mice. We assessed the prophylactic haemostatic effects of normal mouse plasma (NMP) on haemophilia B (HB) mice for both a skin flap procedure and a laparotomy. When 500 μL of NMP was administered to the mice, plasma factor IX (FIX:C) levels peaked at 15.1% immediately after intravenous (IV) administration, at 6.1% 2 h after intraperitoneal (IP) administration and at 2.7% 6 h after subcutaneous administration. Administering 500 μL of NMP via IP or IV 30 min in advance enabled the skin flap procedure to be performed safely without any complications. After the laparotomy procedure, several mice in the IP administration group exhibited lethal bleeding, but all mice survived in the IV administration group. Anti-mouse FIX inhibitors did not develop, even after repetitive administrations of NMP. However, human FIX concentrates, especially plasma-derived concentrates, elicited the anti-human FIX inhibitors. The results show that administering 500 μL of NMP via IV or IP 30 min in advance enables surgical procedures to be safely performed on HB mice, and that IV administration is more desirable than IP if the procedure requires opening of the abdominal wall. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  2. Oncogenic transformation induced by cell-free nucleic acids circulating in plasma (genometastasis) remains after the surgical resection of the primary tumor: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    García-Olmo, Damián; García-Olmo, Dolores C; Domínguez-Berzosa, Carolina; Guadalajara, Hector; Vega, Luz; García-Arranz, Mariano

    2012-06-01

    The oncogenic transformation by cell-free nucleic acids circulating in plasma has been named as genometastasis. The feasibility of this phenomenon has been demonstrated and now it is necessary to value the impact of this phenomenon and to determine what conditions could promote or inhibit it. The goal of this study was to examine the transforming ability of plasma from colorectal cancer patients in a long-term follow-up after the surgical excision of the primary tumor, and to try correlate it with the clinical picture of patients. Blood samples were taken from eight patients with K-ras-mutated colorectal tumors, who were under surgical primary tumor resection at least 2 years before. Plasma was isolated by two centrifugations and added to cultures of NIH-3T3 cells and human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). In two cases, plasma was separated from cells by a membrane with 0.4-μm pores. The presence of mutated and non-mutated human K-ras sequences was tested by real-time PCR in cultured cells. After 30 days, cells were subcutaneously injected into athymic nude mice in order to test their ability to generate tumors. In four of the eight patients analyzed after surgery, tumor DNA was detected in plasma. Plasmas from three of them were able to oncogenically transform NIH-3T3 cells in culture and, when those cells were injected in mice, carcinomas were generated. After a 2-year follow-up, metastases were found in two of the three patients whose plasmas were able to transform cells, and in two of the four in whom plasma tumor DNA was not detected. Thus, after a mean follow-up of 29.5 months, only four of 13 patients (30.8%) were alive and disease-free. Primary tumor resection does not assure a complete clean of blood of circulating oncogenes, in spite of a disease-free clinical picture. Moreover, in some cases plasma kept their oncogenic capabilities. The value of these findings as prognosis factor remains unclear and needs further investigations.

  3. Increased plasma FGF21 level as an early biomarker for insulin resistance and metabolic disturbance in obese insulin-resistant rats.

    PubMed

    Tanajak, Pongpan; Pongkan, Wanpitak; Chattipakorn, Siriporn C; Chattipakorn, Nipon

    2018-05-01

    Propose: To investigate the temporal relationship between plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction and cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 resistance in long-term high-fat diet-induced obese rats. In total, 36 male Wistar rats were fed with either a normal diet or high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Blood was collected from the tail tip, and plasma was used to determine metabolic profiles and fibroblast growth factor 21 levels. Rats were sacrificed at weeks 4, 8 and 12, and the hearts were rapidly removed for the determination of cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 signalling pathways. Body weight and plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels were increased after 4 weeks of consumption of a high-fat diet. At weeks 8 and 12, high-fat diet rats had significantly increased body weight and plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels, together with increased plasma insulin, HOMA index, area under the curve of glucose, plasma total cholesterol, plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum malondialdehyde and cardiac malondialdehyde levels. However, plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 signalling proteins (p-FGFR1 Tyr 154 , p-ERK1/2 Thr 202 /Tyr 204 and p-Akt Ser 473 ) were decreased, compared with normal diet rats. These findings suggest that plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels could be an early predictive biomarker prior to the development of insulin resistance, metabolic disturbance and cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 resistance.

  4. Novel Parvovirus and Related Variant in Human Plasma

    PubMed Central

    Fryer, Jacqueline F.; Kapoor, Amit; Minor, Philip D.; Delwart, Eric

    2006-01-01

    We report a novel parvovirus (PARV4) and related variants in pooled human plasma used in the manufacture of plasma-derived medical products. Viral DNA was detected by using highly selective polymerase chain reaction assays; 5% of pools tested positive, and amounts of DNA ranged from <500 copies/mL to >106 copies/mL plasma. PMID:16494735

  5. Unsuccessful Detection of Plant MicroRNAs in Beer, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Human Plasma After an Acute Ingestion of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

    PubMed

    Micó, Victor; Martín, Roberto; Lasunción, Miguel A; Ordovás, Jose M; Daimiel, Lidia

    2016-03-01

    The recent description of the presence of exogenous plant microRNAs from rice in human plasma had profound implications for the interpretation of microRNAs function in human health. If validated, these results suggest that food should not be considered only as a macronutrient and micronutrient supplier but it could also be a way of genomic interchange between kingdoms. Subsequently, several studies have tried to replicate these results in rice and other plant foods and most of them have failed to find plant microRNAs in human plasma. In this scenario, we aimed to detect plant microRNAs in beer and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)--two plant-derived liquid products frequently consumed in Spain--as well as in human plasma after an acute ingestion of EVOO. Our hypothesis was that microRNAs present in beer and EVOO raw material could survive manufacturing processes, be part of these liquid products, be absorbed by human gut and circulate in human plasma. To test this hypothesis, we first optimized the microRNA extraction protocol to extract microRNAs from beer and EVOO, and then tried to detect microRNAs in those samples and in plasma samples of healthy volunteers after an acute ingestion of EVOO.

  6. Sulfated Pentagalloylglucoside is a Potent, Allosteric, and Selective Inhibitor of Factor XIa

    PubMed Central

    Al-Horani, Rami A.; Ponnusamy, Pooja; Mehta, Akul Y.; Gailani, David; Desai, Umesh R.

    2013-01-01

    Inhibition of factor XIa (FXIa) is a novel paradigm for developing anticoagulants without major bleeding consequences. We present the discovery of sulfated pentagalloylglucoside (6) as a highly selective inhibitor of human FXIa. Biochemical screening of a focused library led to the identification of 6, a sulfated aromatic mimetic of heparin. Inhibitor 6 displayed a potency of 551 nM against FXIa, which was at least 200-fold more selective than other relevant enzymes. It also prevented activation of factor IX and prolonged human plasma and whole blood clotting. Inhibitor 6 reduced VMAX of FXIa hydrolysis of chromogenic substrate without affecting the KM suggesting an allosteric mechanism. Competitive studies showed that 6 bound in the heparin-binding site of FXIa. No allosteric small molecule has been discovered to date that exhibits equivalent potency against FXIa. Inhibitor 6 is expected to open up a major route to allosteric FXIa anticoagulants with clinical relevance. PMID:23316863

  7. PCB 28 metabolites elimination kinetics in human plasma on a real case scenario: Study of hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyl (OH-PCB) metabolites of PCB 28 in a highly exposed German Cohort.

    PubMed

    Quinete, Natalia; Esser, André; Kraus, Thomas; Schettgen, Thomas

    2017-07-05

    Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are suspected of carcinogenic, neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects in animals and humans. Although background levels of PCBs have been slowly decreased after their ban, they are still among the most persistent and ubiquitous pollutants in the environment, remaining the subject of great concern. PCB 28 is a trichlorinated PCB found in high concentrations not only in human plasma but also in indoor air in Europe, yet little is known about its metabolic pathway and potential metabolites in humans. The present study aims to elucidate the kinetics of metabolite formation and elimination by analyzing four hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs) in human plasma as potential metabolites of the PCB 28 congener. For this purpose, the study was conducted in plasma samples of highly PCB-exposed individuals (N=268), collected from 2010 to 2014 as a representation of a real case scenario with longitudinal data. OH-PCBs have been predicted, synthesized in the course of this study and further identified and quantitated in human plasma. This is the first time that previously unknown PCB 28 metabolites have been measured in human plasma and half-lives have been estimated for PCB metabolites, which could then provide further understanding in the toxicological consequences of exposure to PCBs in humans. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. [The possibility of using PlasmaDeepDive™ MRM panel in clinical diagnostics].

    PubMed

    Miroshnichenko, Iu V; Petushkova, N A; Moskaleva, N E; Teryaeva, N B; Zgoda, V G; Ilgisonis, E V; Belyaev, A Yu

    2015-01-01

    Concentrations of 46 proteins have been determined in human blood plasma using PlasmaDeepDive™ MRM Panel ("Biognosys AG", Switzerland). 18 of them were included into the group of proteins with higher concentrations, also identified by the shotgun proteomic analysis. Based on literature data it is concluded that the PlasmaDeepDive™ MRM Panel is applicable for studies of human plasma samples for potential biomarkers of various nervous system disorders.

  9. Factor H-related proteins.

    PubMed

    Józsi, Mihály; Meri, Seppo

    2014-01-01

    Factor H-related proteins (CFHRs) are plasma glycoproteins related in structure and antigenicity to each other and to the complement inhibitory protein factor H. Such proteins are found in most mammals but their number and domain composition vary. This chapter summarizes our current knowledge on the human factor H-related proteins. In contrast to factor H, they have no strong complement inhibitory activity, although for some of them regulatory or complement modulatory activity has been reported. A common feature of CFHRs is that they bind to the C3b component of complement. Novel links between CFHRs and various diseases (C3 glomerulopathies, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and age-related macular degeneration) have been revealed in recent years, but we are still far from understanding their biological function.

  10. Placental Growth Factor Administration Abolishes Placental Ischemia-Induced Hypertension.

    PubMed

    Spradley, Frank T; Tan, Adelene Y; Joo, Woo S; Daniels, Garrett; Kussie, Paul; Karumanchi, S Ananth; Granger, Joey P

    2016-04-01

    Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder of new-onset hypertension. Unfortunately, the most effective treatment is early delivery of the fetus and placenta. Placental ischemia appears central to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia because placental ischemia/hypoxia induced in animals by reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) or in humans stimulates release of hypertensive placental factors into the maternal circulation. The anti-angiogenic factor soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), which antagonizes and reduces bioavailable vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor (PlGF), is elevated in RUPP rats and preeclampsia. Although PlGF and vascular endothelial growth factor are both natural ligands for sFlt-1, vascular endothelial growth factor also has high affinity to VEGFR2 (Flk-1) causing side effects like edema. PlGF is specific for sFlt-1. We tested the hypothesis that PlGF treatment reduces placental ischemia-induced hypertension by antagonizing sFlt-1 without adverse consequences to the mother or fetus. On gestational day 14, rats were randomized to 4 groups: normal pregnant or RUPP±infusion of recombinant human PlGF (180 μg/kg per day; AG31, a purified, recombinant human form of PlGF) for 5 days via intraperitoneal osmotic minipumps. On day 19, mean arterial blood pressure and plasma sFlt-1 were higher and glomerular filtration rate lower in RUPP than normal pregnant rats. Infusion of recombinant human PlGF abolished these changes seen with RUPP along with reducing oxidative stress. These data indicate that the increased sFlt-1 and reduced PlGF resulting from placental ischemia contribute to maternal hypertension. Our novel finding that recombinant human PlGF abolishes placental ischemia-induced hypertension, without major adverse consequences, suggests a strong therapeutic potential for this growth factor in preeclampsia. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  11. 21 CFR 640.92 - Tests on final product.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.92 Tests on...) Heat stability. A final container sample of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) shall remain unchanged, as...

  12. 21 CFR 640.92 - Tests on final product.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.92 Tests on...) Heat stability. A final container sample of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) shall remain unchanged, as...

  13. 21 CFR 640.92 - Tests on final product.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.92 Tests on...) Heat stability. A final container sample of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) shall remain unchanged, as...

  14. 21 CFR 640.92 - Tests on final product.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.92 Tests on...) Heat stability. A final container sample of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) shall remain unchanged, as...

  15. 21 CFR 640.92 - Tests on final product.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.92 Tests on...) Heat stability. A final container sample of Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) shall remain unchanged, as...

  16. Heckathorn's disease: variable functional dificiency of antihemophilic factor (factor VIII).

    PubMed

    Ratnoff, O D; Lewis, J H

    1975-08-01

    A family is described in which a syndrome resembling moderately severe classic hemophilia was apparently inherited as an X chromosome-linked trait. In two affected individuals, the titer of functional antihemophilic factor varied dramatically from time to time, while the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin was impaired in no apparent relationship to AHF functional activity. A transfusion of 200 ml of fresh-frozen plasma did not correct the serum prothrombin times in either patient. In vitro, the additions of 10% of normal plasma or serum or washed plain or frozen platelets also did not normalize the serum prothrombin times. No inhibitor could be demonstrated in the blood of either patient. In one patient, RH, dissipation of infused cryoprecipitated AHF was abnormally slow, and, after an intensive course of transfusion of cryoprecipitate and whole blood, the titer of functional AHF remained at normal levels for at least 1 wk. The plasma of RH inhibited a human antibody against AHF in proportion to its titer of functional AHF (i.e., the defect was CRM-) despite the presence of relatively greater amounts of antigenic material recognized by heterologous antiserum. No qualitative abnormality of the AHF-like material in RH's plasma was identified. Inheritance of the abnormality appears superficially to be X chromosome-linked; on this assumption, three of four obligate carriers of the disorder were recognized by the presence of excess amounts of AHF-like antigens relative to AHF functional activity. This coagulation disorder has been designated Heckathorn's disease and may presage the discovery of other examples of hemophilia-related syndromes.

  17. Nitric oxide circulates in mammalian plasma primarily as an S-nitroso adduct of serum albumin.

    PubMed Central

    Stamler, J S; Jaraki, O; Osborne, J; Simon, D I; Keaney, J; Vita, J; Singel, D; Valeri, C R; Loscalzo, J

    1992-01-01

    We have recently shown that nitric oxide or authentic endothelium-derived relaxing factor generated in a biologic system reacts in the presence of specific protein thiols to form S-nitrosoprotein derivatives that have endothelium-derived relaxing factor-like properties. The single free cysteine of serum albumin, Cys-34, is particularly reactive toward nitrogen oxides (most likely nitrosonium ion) under physiologic conditions, primarily because of its anomalously low pK; given its abundance in plasma, where it accounts for approximately 0.5 mM thiol, we hypothesized that this plasma protein serves as a reservoir for nitric oxide produced by the endothelial cell. To test this hypothesis, we developed a methodology, which involves UV photolytic cleavage of the S--NO bond before reaction with ozone for chemiluminescence detection, with which to measure free nitric oxide, S-nitrosothiols, and S-nitrosoproteins in biologic systems. We found that human plasma contains approximately 7 microM S-nitrosothiols, of which 96% are S-nitrosoproteins, 82% of which is accounted for by S-nitroso-serum albumin. By contrast, plasma levels of free nitric oxide are only in the 3-nM range. In rabbits, plasma S-nitrosothiols are present at approximately 1 microM; 60 min after administration of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine at 50 mg/ml, a selective and potent inhibitor of nitric oxide synthetases, S-nitrosothiols decreased by approximately 40% (greater than 95% of which were accounted for by S-nitrosoproteins, and approximately 80% of which was S-nitroso-serum albumin); this decrease was accompanied by a concomitant increase in mean arterial blood pressure of 22%. These data suggest that naturally produced nitric oxide circulates in plasma primarily complexed in S-nitrosothiol species, principal among which is S-nitroso-serum albumin. This abundant, relatively long-lived adduct likely serves as a reservoir with which plasma levels of highly reactive, short-lived free nitric oxide can be regulated for the maintenance of vascular tone. PMID:1502182

  18. Nitric oxide circulates in mammalian plasma primarily as an S-nitroso adduct of serum albumin.

    PubMed

    Stamler, J S; Jaraki, O; Osborne, J; Simon, D I; Keaney, J; Vita, J; Singel, D; Valeri, C R; Loscalzo, J

    1992-08-15

    We have recently shown that nitric oxide or authentic endothelium-derived relaxing factor generated in a biologic system reacts in the presence of specific protein thiols to form S-nitrosoprotein derivatives that have endothelium-derived relaxing factor-like properties. The single free cysteine of serum albumin, Cys-34, is particularly reactive toward nitrogen oxides (most likely nitrosonium ion) under physiologic conditions, primarily because of its anomalously low pK; given its abundance in plasma, where it accounts for approximately 0.5 mM thiol, we hypothesized that this plasma protein serves as a reservoir for nitric oxide produced by the endothelial cell. To test this hypothesis, we developed a methodology, which involves UV photolytic cleavage of the S--NO bond before reaction with ozone for chemiluminescence detection, with which to measure free nitric oxide, S-nitrosothiols, and S-nitrosoproteins in biologic systems. We found that human plasma contains approximately 7 microM S-nitrosothiols, of which 96% are S-nitrosoproteins, 82% of which is accounted for by S-nitroso-serum albumin. By contrast, plasma levels of free nitric oxide are only in the 3-nM range. In rabbits, plasma S-nitrosothiols are present at approximately 1 microM; 60 min after administration of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine at 50 mg/ml, a selective and potent inhibitor of nitric oxide synthetases, S-nitrosothiols decreased by approximately 40% (greater than 95% of which were accounted for by S-nitrosoproteins, and approximately 80% of which was S-nitroso-serum albumin); this decrease was accompanied by a concomitant increase in mean arterial blood pressure of 22%. These data suggest that naturally produced nitric oxide circulates in plasma primarily complexed in S-nitrosothiol species, principal among which is S-nitroso-serum albumin. This abundant, relatively long-lived adduct likely serves as a reservoir with which plasma levels of highly reactive, short-lived free nitric oxide can be regulated for the maintenance of vascular tone.

  19. Serotonin (5-HT) receptor 5A sequence variants affect human plasma triglyceride levels

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Y.; Smith, E. M.; Baye, T. M.; Eckert, J. V.; Abraham, L. J.; Moses, E. K.; Kissebah, A. H.; Martin, L. J.

    2010-01-01

    Neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) work closely with leptin and insulin to fine-tune the metabolic and neuroendocrine responses to dietary intake. Losing the sensitivity to excess food intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and a multitude of behavioral disorders. It is largely unclear how different serotonin receptor subtypes respond to and integrate metabolic signals and which genetic variations in these receptor genes lead to individual differences in susceptibility to metabolic disorders. In an obese cohort of families of Northern European descent (n = 2,209), the serotonin type 5A receptor gene, HTR5A, was identified as a prominent factor affecting plasma levels of triglycerides (TG), supported by our data from both genome-wide linkage and targeted association analyses using 28 publicly available and 12 newly discovered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which 3 were strongly associated with plasma TG levels (P < 0.00125). Bayesian quantitative trait nucleotide (BQTN) analysis identified a putative causal promoter SNP (rs3734967) with substantial posterior probability (P = 0.59). Functional analysis of rs3734967 by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed distinct binding patterns of the two alleles of this SNP with nuclear proteins from glioma cell lines. In conclusion, sequence variants in HTR5A are strongly associated with high plasma levels of TG in a Northern European population, suggesting a novel role of the serotonin receptor system in humans. This suggests a potential brain-specific regulation of plasma TG levels, possibly by alteration of the expression of HTR5A. PMID:20388841

  20. Rapid measurement of fibrinogen concentration in whole blood using a steel ball coagulometer

    PubMed Central

    Schlimp, Christoph J.; Khadem, Anna; Klotz, Anton; Solomon, Cristina; Hochleitner, Gerald; Ponschab, Martin; Redl, Heinz; Schöchl, Herbert

    2015-01-01

    BACKGROUND Fibrinogen plays a key role in hemostasis and is the first coagulation factor to reach critical levels in bleeding patients. Current European guidelines on the management of traumatic or perioperative bleeding recommend fibrinogen supplementation at specific threshold levels. Whole blood viscoelastic tests provide fast evaluation of fibrin deficits. Fast measurement of plasma fibrinogen concentration is not yet available. We investigated a method to rapidly determine whole blood fibrinogen concentration using standard Clauss assays and a steel ball coagulometer and provide an estimate of the “plasma-equivalent” fibrinogen concentration within minutes by adjustment of the measured whole blood fibrinogen concentration with a quickly measureable hemoglobin-derived hematocrit. METHODS The feasibility of this approach was tested with a Clauss assay using multiple porcine fresh blood samples obtained during in vivo bleeding, hemodilution, and after treatment with hemostatic therapy. Two different Clauss assays were then tested using multiple human volunteers’ blood samples diluted in vitro and supplemented with fibrinogen concentrate. Comparative measurements with fibrin-based thromboelastometry tests were performed. RESULTS Regression and Bland-Altman analyses of derived “plasma-equivalent” fibrinogen and measured plasma fibrinogen concentration was excellent in porcine and human blood samples, especially in the ranges relevant to traumatic or perioperative bleeding. CONCLUSION Fast whole blood fibrinogen measurements could be considered as an alternative to plasma fibrinogen measurement for acute bleeding management in trauma and perioperative care settings. Further studies are needed to prove this concept and determine the turnaround times for its clinical application in emergency departments and operating theaters. PMID:25742256

  1. Determination of five antiarrhythmic drugs in human plasma by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and high-performance liquid chromatography.

    PubMed

    Jouyban, Abolghasem; Sorouraddin, Mohammad Hossein; Farajzadeh, Mir Ali; Somi, Mohammad Hossein; Fazeli-Bakhtiyari, Rana

    2015-03-01

    A fast and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of five antiarrhythmic drugs (metoprolol, propranolol, carvedilol, diltiazem, and verapamil) in human plasma samples. It involves dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) of the desired drugs from 660 µL plasma and separation using isocratic elution with UV detection at 200 nm. The complete separation of all analytes was achieved within 7 min. Acetonitrile (as disperser solvent) resulting from the protein precipitation procedure was mixed with 100 µL dichloromethane (as an extraction solvent) and rapidly injected into 5 mL aqueous solution (pH 11.5) containing 1% (w/v), NaCl. After centrifugation, the sedimented phase containing enriched analytes was collected and evaporated to dryness. The residue was re-dissolved in 50 µL de-ionized water (acidified to pH 3) and injected into the HPLC system for analysis. Under the optimal conditions, the enrichment factors and extraction recoveries ranged between 4.4-10.8 and 33-82%, respectively. The suggested method was linear (r(2) ≥0.997) over a dynamic range of 0.02-0.80 µg mL(-1) in plasma. The intra- and inter-days relative standard deviation (RSD%) and relative error (RE%) values of the method were below 20%, which shows good precision and accuracy. Finally, this method was applied to the analysis of real plasma samples obtained from the patients treated with these drugs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Plasma Potassium Determines NCC Abundance in Adult Kidney-Specific γENaC Knockout.

    PubMed

    Boscardin, Emilie; Perrier, Romain; Sergi, Chloé; Maillard, Marc P; Loffing, Johannes; Loffing-Cueni, Dominique; Koesters, Robert; Rossier, Bernard C; Hummler, Edith

    2018-03-01

    The amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) are key regulators of sodium and potassium and colocalize in the late distal convoluted tubule of the kidney. Loss of the α ENaC subunit leads to a perinatal lethal phenotype characterized by sodium loss and hyperkalemia resembling the human syndrome pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA-I). In adulthood, inducible nephron-specific deletion of α ENaC in mice mimics the lethal phenotype observed in neonates, and as in humans, this phenotype is prevented by a high sodium (HNa + )/low potassium (LK + ) rescue diet. Rescue reflects activation of NCC, which is suppressed at baseline by elevated plasma potassium concentration. In this study, we investigated the role of the γ ENaC subunit in the PHA-I phenotype. Nephron-specific γ ENaC knockout mice also presented with salt-wasting syndrome and severe hyperkalemia. Unlike mice lacking α ENaC or β ΕΝaC, an HNa + /LK + diet did not normalize plasma potassium (K + ) concentration or increase NCC activation. However, when K + was eliminated from the diet at the time that γ ENaC was deleted, plasma K + concentration and NCC activity remained normal, and progressive weight loss was prevented. Loss of the late distal convoluted tubule, as well as overall reduced β ENaC subunit expression, may be responsible for the more severe hyperkalemia. We conclude that plasma K + concentration becomes the determining and limiting factor in regulating NCC activity, regardless of Na + balance in γ ENaC-deficient mice. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  3. Factor IX assay

    MedlinePlus

    ... factor assay; Serum factor IX; Hemophilic factor B; Plasma thromboplastin component; PTC ... BJ. Factor IX (Christmas factor, hemophilic factor B, plasma thromboplastin component, PTC) - blood. In: Chernecky CC, Berger ...

  4. Metabolomic Analyses of Blood Plasma after Oral Administration of D-Glucosamine Hydrochloride to Dogs

    PubMed Central

    Osaki, Tomohiro; Azuma, Kazuo; Kurozumi, Seiji; Takamori, Yoshimori; Tsuka, Takeshi; Imagawa, Tomohiro; Okamoto, Yoshiharu; Minami, Saburo

    2012-01-01

    D-Glucosamine hydrochloride (GlcN∙HCl) is an endogenous amino monosaccharide synthesized from glucose that is useful in the treatment of joint diseases in both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to examine amino acid metabolism in dogs after oral administration of GlcN∙HCl. Accelerated fumarate respiration and elevated plasma levels of lactic acid and alanine were observed after administration. These results suggest that oral administration of GlcN∙HCl induces anaerobic respiration and starvation in cells, and we hypothesize that these conditions promote cartilage regeneration. Further studies are required to evaluate the expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). PMID:23015778

  5. Evaluation of tranexamic acid and ε-aminocaproic acid concentrations required to inhibit fibrinolysis in plasma of dogs and humans.

    PubMed

    Fletcher, Daniel J; Blackstock, Kelly J; Epstein, Kira; Brainard, Benjamin M

    2014-08-01

    To determine minimum plasma concentrations of the antifibrinolytic agents tranexamic acid (TEA) and ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) needed to completely inhibit fibrinolysis in canine and human plasma after induction of hyperfibrinolysis. Pooled citrated plasma from 7 dogs and commercial pooled citrated human plasma. Concentrations of EACA from 0 μg/mL to 500 μg/mL and of TEA from 0 μg/mL to 160 μg/mL were added to pooled citrated canine and human plasma. Hyperfibrinolysis was induced with 1,000 units of tissue plasminogen activator/mL, and kaolin-activated thromboelastography was performed in duplicate. The minimum concentrations required to completely inhibit fibrinolysis 30 minutes after maximum amplitude of the thromboelastography tracing occurred were determined. Minimum plasma concentrations necessary for complete inhibition of fibrinolysis by EACA and TEA in pooled canine plasma were estimated as 511.7 μg/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 433.2 to 590.3 μg/mL) and 144.7 μg/mL (95% CI, 125.2 to 164.2 μg/mL), respectively. Concentrations of EACA and TEA necessary for complete inhibition of fibrinolysis in pooled human plasma were estimated as 122.0 μg/mL (95% CI, 106.2 to 137.8 μg/mL) and 14.7 μg/mL (95% CI, 13.7 to 15.6 μg/mL), respectively. Results supported the concept that dogs are hyperfibrinolytic, compared with humans. Higher doses of EACA and TEA may be required to fully inhibit fibrinolysis in dogs.

  6. Procoagulant snake venoms have differential effects in animal plasmas: Implications for antivenom testing in animal models.

    PubMed

    Maduwage, Kalana P; Scorgie, Fiona E; Lincz, Lisa F; O'Leary, Margaret A; Isbister, Geoffrey K

    2016-01-01

    Animal models are used to test toxic effects of snake venoms/toxins and the antivenom required to neutralise them. However, venoms that cause clinically relevant coagulopathy in humans may have differential effects in animals. We aimed to investigate the effect of different procoagulant snake venoms on various animal plasmas. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen and D-dimer levels were measured in seven animal plasmas (human, rabbit, cat, guinea pig, pig, cow and rat). In vitro clotting times were then used to calculate the effective concentration (EC50) in each plasma for four snake venoms with different procoagulant toxins: Pseudonaja textilis, Daboia russelli, Echis carinatus and Calloselasma rhodostoma. Compared to human, PT and aPTT were similar for rat, rabbit and pig, but double for cat and cow, while guinea pig had similar aPTT but double PT. Fibrinogen and D-dimer levels were similar for all species. Human and rabbit plasmas had the lowest EC50 for P. textilis (0.1 and 0.4 μg/ml), D. russelli (0.4 and 0.1 μg/ml), E. carinatus (0.6 and 0.1 μg/ml) venoms respectively, while cat plasma had the lowest EC50 for C. rhodostoma (11 μg/ml) venom. Cow, rat, pig and guinea pig plasmas were highly resistant to all four venoms with EC50 10-fold that of human. Different animal plasmas have varying susceptibility to procoagulant venoms, and excepting rabbits, animal models are not appropriate to test procoagulant activity. In vitro assays on human plasma should instead be adopted for this purpose. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Systemic and cavernous plasma levels of endothelin 1 in healthy males during different functional conditions of the penis.

    PubMed

    Becker, A J; Uckert, S; Stief, C G; Truss, M C; Hartman, U; Sohn, M; Jonas, U

    2000-06-01

    The role of the sympathetic adrenergic nerves in mediating the constant tone of penile flaccidity and returning the erect penis to its flaccid state is fairly well established. However, it is not yet known whether additional nonadrenergic transmitters might be involved in this process. Endothelin 1 (ET-1), a 21-amino-acid peptide with potent and long-lasting vasoconstrictor activity, may be one of the factors contributing to such control. The present study was undertaken to determine whether plasma levels of ET-1 changed during flaccidity, tumescence, rigidity, and detumescence. We determined plasma levels of ET-1 in the peripheral and cavernosal blood of 32 potent adult male volunteers, in whom penile tumescence and erection were elicited by exposure to visual and tactile erotic stimuli. Whole blood was aspirated from the corpus cavernosum and the cubital vein, and ET-1 was quantified in plasma aliquots obtained from the blood samples. Using the organ bath technique, we evaluated the contractile effects of ET-1 and norepinephrine (NE) on isolated human corpus cavernosum musculature. No significant change in ET-1 levels was observed in the peripheral or cavernosal blood in the process of developing erection, rigidity, or detumescence. The mean plasma level of ET-1 was 0.2-0.7 fmol/ml. In the organ bath, ET-1 elicited concentration-dependent contractions of isolated human corpus cavernosum, which were much more pronounced than those evoked by the adrenergic agonist NE. Our data indicate that despite the in vitro efficacy of ET-1 in stimulating contractile activity in isolated human cavernous smooth muscle, the peptide may not be of ultimate importance for the mechanism of flaccidity and detumescence in healthy males. Nevertheless, the exact role of ETs in the control of penile smooth muscle tone remains to be established.

  8. Differential Responses of Plasma Adropin Concentrations To Dietary Glucose or Fructose Consumption In Humans.

    PubMed

    Butler, Andrew A; St-Onge, Marie-Pierre; Siebert, Emily A; Medici, Valentina; Stanhope, Kimber L; Havel, Peter J

    2015-10-05

    Adropin is a peptide hormone encoded by the Energy Homeostasis Associated (ENHO) gene whose physiological role in humans remains incompletely defined. Here we investigated the impact of dietary interventions that affect systemic glucose and lipid metabolism on plasma adropin concentrations in humans. Consumption of glucose or fructose as 25% of daily energy requirements (E) differentially affected plasma adropin concentrations (P < 0.005) irrespective of duration, sex or age. Glucose consumption reduced plasma adropin from 3.55 ± 0.26 to 3.28 ± 0.23 ng/ml (N = 42). Fructose consumption increased plasma adropin from 3.63 ± 0.29 to 3.93 ± 0.34 ng/ml (N = 45). Consumption of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as 25% E had no effect (3.43 ± 0.32 versus 3.39 ± 0.24 ng/ml, N = 26). Overall, the effect of glucose, HFCS and fructose on circulating adropin concentrations were similar to those observed on postprandial plasma triglyceride concentrations. Furthermore, increases in plasma adropin levels with fructose intake were most robust in individuals exhibiting hypertriglyceridemia. Individuals with low plasma adropin concentrations also exhibited rapid increases in plasma levels following consumption of breakfasts supplemented with lipids. These are the first results linking plasma adropin levels with dietary sugar intake in humans, with the impact of fructose consumption linked to systemic triglyceride metabolism. In addition, dietary fat intake may also increase circulating adropin concentrations.

  9. Lymphocytic hypophysitis in a dog with diabetes insipidus.

    PubMed

    Meij, B P; Voorhout, G; Gerritsen, R J; Grinwis, G C M; Ijzer, J

    2012-11-01

    An 8-year-old male German longhaired pointer was referred for diabetes insipidus responsive to treatment with desmopressin. The dog had polyuria and polydipsia, exercise intolerance and a dull hair coat. Plasma concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 were decreased; plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was slightly elevated and plasma α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) was within the reference range. Computed tomography revealed a heterogeneously contrast-enhancing pituitary mass compressing the hypothalamus. Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy was performed and microscopical examination of the surgical biopsy samples revealed hypophysitis without evidence of pituitary adenoma. The hypophysitis was characterized by marked lymphocytic infiltration of the adenohypophysis that contained a mixed population of neuroendocrine cells expressing GH, ACTH or α-MSH. The lymphocytes were identified as T cells, resulting in a final diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis strongly resembling human primary lymphocytic hypophysitis. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Exposure and food web transfer of pharmaceuticals in ospreys (Pandion haliaetus): Predictive model and empirical data

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lazarus, Rebecca S.; Rattner, Barnett A.; Du, Bowen; McGowan, Peter C.; Blazer, Vicki S.; Ottinger, Mary Ann

    2015-01-01

    The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a well-known sentinel of environmental contamination, yet no studies have traced pharmaceuticals through the water–fish–osprey food web. A screening-level exposure assessment was used to evaluate the bioaccumulation potential of 113 pharmaceuticals and metabolites, and an artificial sweetener in this food web. Hypothetical concentrations in water reflecting “wastewater effluent dominated” or “dilution dominated” scenarios were combined with pH-specific bioconcentration factors (BCFs) to predict uptake in fish. Residues in fish and osprey food intake rate were used to calculate the daily intake (DI) of compounds by an adult female osprey. Fourteen pharmaceuticals and a drug metabolite with a BCF greater than 100 and a DI greater than 20 µg/kg were identified as being most likely to exceed the adult human therapeutic dose (HTD). These 15 compounds were also evaluated in a 40 day cumulative dose exposure scenario using first-order kinetics to account for uptake and elimination. Assuming comparable absorption to humans, the half-lives (t1/2) for an adult osprey to reach the HTD within 40 days were calculated. For 3 of these pharmaceuticals, the estimated t1/2 in ospreys was less than that for humans, and thus an osprey might theoretically reach or exceed the HTD in 3 to 7 days. To complement the exposure model, 24 compounds were quantified in water, fish plasma, and osprey nestling plasma from 7 potentially impaired locations in Chesapeake Bay. Of the 18 analytes detected in water, 8 were found in fish plasma, but only 1 in osprey plasma (the antihypertensive diltiazem). Compared to diltiazem detection rate and concentrations in water (10/12 detects,

  11. Concentration of platelets and growth factors in platelet-rich plasma from Goettingen minipigs.

    PubMed

    Jungbluth, Pascal; Grassmann, Jan-Peter; Thelen, Simon; Wild, Michael; Sager, Martin; Windolf, Joachim; Hakimi, Mohssen

    2014-01-01

    In minipigs little is known about the concentration of growth factors in plasma, despite their major role in several patho-physiological processes such as healing of fractures. This prompted us to study the concentration of platelets and selected growth factors in plasma and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation of sixteen Goettingen minipigs. Platelet concentrations increased significantly in PRP in comparison to native blood plasma. Generally, significant increase in the concentration of all growth factors tested was observed in the PRP in comparison to the corresponding plasma or serum. Five of the plasma samples examined contained detectable levels of bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2) whereas eleven of the plasma or serum samples contained minimal amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-bb) respectively. On the other hand variable concentrations of bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP-7) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) were measured in all plasma samples. In contrast, all PRP samples contained significantly increased amounts of growth factors. The level of BMP-2, BMP-7, TGF-β1, VEGF and PDGF-bb increased by 17.6, 1.5, 7.1, 7.2 and 103.3 fold, in comparison to the corresponding non-enriched preparations. Moreover significant positive correlations were found between platelet count and the concentrations of BMP-2 (r=0.62, p<0.001), TGF-β1 (r=0.85, p<0.001), VEGF (r=0.46, p<0.01) and PDGF-bb (r=0.9, p<0.001). Our results demonstrate that selected growth factors are present in the platelet-rich plasma of minipigs which might thus serve as a source of autologous growth factors.

  12. Differential lipid profile and hormonal response in type 2 diabetes by exogenous insulin aspart versus the insulin secretagogue repaglinide, at the same glycemic control.

    PubMed

    Chisalita, Simona I; Lindström, Torbjörn; Eson Jennersjö, Pär; Paulsson, Johan F; Westermark, Gunilla T; Olsson, Anders G; Arnqvist, Hans J

    2009-03-01

    Our aim was to study, at the same glycemic control, how treatment with either the insulin secretagogue repaglinide or exogenous insulin aspart affects endogenous insulin secretion, plasma insulin and IAPP (islet amyloid polypeptide) levels, GH-IGF (growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor) axis and plasma lipoprotein concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. Five patients, age 65.0+/-4.1 years (mean+/-SE), body weight 82.5+/-5.0 kg, BMI (body mass index) 27.7+/-1.5 kg/m(2) were treated for 10 weeks with repaglinide or insulin aspart in a randomized, cross-over study. At the end of each treatment a 24-h metabolic profile was performed. Blood glucose, C-peptide, free human insulin, free total (human and analogue) insulin, proinsulin, IAPP, IGF-I, IGFBP-1 (IGF binding protein-1), GHBP (growth hormone binding protein) and plasma lipoprotein concentrations were measured. Similar 24-h blood glucose profiles were obtained with repaglinide and insulin aspart treatment. During the repaglinide treatment, the meal related peaks of C-peptide and free human insulin were about twofold higher than during treatment with insulin aspart. Proinsulin, GHBP were higher and IAPP levels tended to be higher during repaglinide compared to insulin aspart. Postprandial plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B concentrations were higher on repaglinide than on insulin aspart treatment. Our results show that, at the same glycemic control, treatment with exogenous insulin aspart in comparison with the insulin secretagogue repaglinide result in a lower endogenous insulin secretion, and a tendency towards a less atherogenic postprandial lipid profile.

  13. Hormones and endocrine disruptors in human seminal plasma.

    PubMed

    Hampl, R; Kubatova, J; Heracek, J; Sobotka, V; Starka, L

    2013-07-01

    Seminal plasma represents a unique environment for maturation, nutrition, and protection of male germ cells from damaging agents. It contains an array of organic as well as inorganic chemicals, encompassing a number of biologically and immunologically active compounds, including hormones. Seminal plasma contains also various pollutants transferred from outer environment known as endocrine disruptors. They interfere with hormones at the receptor level, act as inhibitors of their biosynthesis, and affect hormone regulation.In this minireview, the main groups of hormones detected in seminal plasma are summarized. Seminal gonadal steroids were investigated mostly with aim to use them as biomarkers of impaired spermatogenesis (sperm count, motility, morphology). Concentrations of hormones in the seminal plasma often differ considerably from the blood plasma levels in dependence on their origin. In some instances (dihydrotestosterone, estradiol), their informative value is higher than determination in blood.Out of peptide hormones detected in seminal plasma, peptides of transforming growth factor beta family, especially antimullerian hormone, and oligopeptides related to thyrotropin releasing hormone have the high informative value, while assessment of seminal gonadotropins and prolactin does not bring advantage over determination in blood.Though there is a large body of information about the endocrine disruptors' impact on male reproduction, especially with their potential role in decline of male reproductive functions within the last decades, there are only scarce reports on their presence in seminal plasma. Herein, the main groups of endocrine disruptors found in seminal plasma are reviewed, and the use of their determination for investigation of fertility disorders is discussed.

  14. In vitro succinylcholine hydrolysis in plasma of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and impala (Aepyceros melampus).

    PubMed

    Pitts, Neville I; Mitchell, Graham

    2003-01-01

    In elephants the time lapsed from i.m. injection of an overdose of the muscle relaxant succinylcholine (SuCh) until death, is significantly longer than in impala. To determine a difference in the rate of SuCh hydrolysis, once the drug enters the circulation, contributes to this phenomenon we have measured the rate of hydrolysis of SuCh in elephant and impala plasma, and by elephant erythrocytes. Rate of hydrolysis was determined by incubating SuCh in plasma or erythrocyte lysate at 37 degrees C and quantifying the choline produced. Plasma SuCh hydrolytic activity in elephant plasma (12.1+/-1.7 Ul(-1) mean+/-S.D.; n=9) was significantly higher than it was in impala plasma (6.6+/-0.6 Ul(-1); n=5), but were approximately 12 and 21 times lower, respectively, than in human plasma. Elephant erythrocyte lysate had no SuCh hydrolytic activity. Applying this data to previous studies, we can show that the ratio of SuCh absorption to SuCh hydrolysis is expected to be 1.25:1 and 1.41:1 for elephants and impala respectively. It will thus take at least 1.7 times longer for elephant to achieve a plasma SuCh concentration similar to that in impala. We conclude that a more rapid hydrolysis of SuCh in elephant plasma is one factor that contributes to the longer time to death compared to impala.

  15. Differing Effects of Younger and Older Human Plasma on C2C12 Myocytes in Vitro.

    PubMed

    Kalampouka, Ifigeneia; van Bekhoven, Angel; Elliott, Bradley T

    2018-01-01

    Ageing is associated with a general reduction of physiological function and a reduction of muscle mass and strength. Endocrine factors such as myostatin, activin A, growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF-11) and their inhibitory peptides influence muscle mass in health and disease. We hypothesised that myocytes cultured in plasma from older and younger individuals would show an ageing effect, with reduced proliferation and differentiation in older environments. C2C12 myoblasts were grown as standard and stimulated with media conditioned with 5% plasma from healthy male participants that were either younger ( n = 6, 18-35 years of age) or older ( n = 6, >57 years of age). Concentration of plasma myostatin (total and free), follistatin-like binding protein (FLRG), GDF-11 and activin A were quantified by ELISA. Both FLRG and activin A were elevated in older individuals (109.6 and 35.1% increase, respectively), whilst myostatin (free and total) and GDF-11 were not. Results indicated that plasma activin A and FLRG were increased in older vs. younger participants, GDF11 and myostatin did not differ. Myoblasts in vitro showed no difference in proliferation rate between ages, however scratch closure was greater in younger vs. older plasma stimulated myoblasts (78.2 vs. 87.2% of baseline scratch diameter, respectively). Myotube diameters were larger in cells stimulated with younger plasma than with older at 24 and 48 h, but not at 2 h. A significant negative correlation was noted between in vivo plasma FLRG concentration and in vitro myotube diameter 48 h following plasma stimulation ( r 2 = 0.392, p = 0.030). Here we show that myoblasts and myotubes cultured in media conditioned with plasma from younger or older individuals show an ageing effect, and further this effect moderately correlates with circulating FLRG concentration in vivo . The effect of ageing on muscle function may not be innate to the tissue, but involve a general cellular environment change. Further work is needed to examine the effect of increased FLRG concentration on muscle function in ageing populations.

  16. Pretranslational regulation of the synthesis of the third component of complement in human mononuclear phagocytes by the lipid A portion of lipopolysaccharide.

    PubMed Central

    Strunk, R C; Whitehead, A S; Cole, F S

    1985-01-01

    The third component of complement (C3) is a plasma glycoprotein with a variety of biologic functions in the initiation and maintenance of host response to infectious agents. While the hepatocyte is the primary source of plasma C3, mononuclear phagocytes contribute to the regulation of tissue availability of C3. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a constituent of cell walls of gram-negative bacteria, consists of a polysaccharide moiety (core polysaccharide and O antigen) covalently linked to a lipid portion (lipid A). Using metabolic labeling with [35S]methionine, immunoprecipitation, and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, we examined the effects of LPS on synthesis of C3 by human mononuclear phagocytes as well as synthesis of the second component of complement (C2), factor B, lysozyme, and total protein. LPS increased C3 synthesis 5-30-fold without affecting the kinetics of secretion of C3 or the synthesis of C2, lysozyme, or total protein. Factor B synthesis was consistently increased by LPS. Experiments with lipid A-inactivated LPS (alkaline treated), LPS from a polysaccharide mutant strain, and lipid X (a lipid A precursor) indicated that the lipid A portion is the structural element required for this effect. Northern blot analysis demonstrated at least a fivefold increase in C3 mRNA in LPS-treated monolayers, which suggests that the regulation of the increase in C3 synthesis is pretranslational. C2 mRNA and factor B mRNA were increased approximately twofold. The availability of specific gene products in human mononuclear phagocytes that respond to LPS should permit understanding of the molecular regulation of more complex functions of these cells elicited by LPS in which multiple gene products are coordinately expressed. Images PMID:3900137

  17. Development and validation of immune dysfunction score to predict 28-day mortality of sepsis patients

    PubMed Central

    Fang, Wen-Feng; Douglas, Ivor S.; Chen, Yu-Mu; Lin, Chiung-Yu; Kao, Hsu-Ching; Fang, Ying-Tang; Huang, Chi-Han; Chang, Ya-Ting; Huang, Kuo-Tung; Wang, Yi-His; Wang, Chin-Chou

    2017-01-01

    Background Sepsis-induced immune dysfunction ranging from cytokines storm to immunoparalysis impacts outcomes. Monitoring immune dysfunction enables better risk stratification and mortality prediction and is mandatory before widely application of immunoadjuvant therapies. We aimed to develop and validate a scoring system according to patients’ immune dysfunction status for 28-day mortality prediction. Methods A prospective observational study from a cohort of adult sepsis patients admitted to ICU between August 2013 and June 2016 at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. We evaluated immune dysfunction status through measurement of baseline plasma Cytokine levels, Monocyte human leukocyte-DR expression by flow cytometry, and stimulated immune response using post LPS stimulated cytokine elevation ratio. An immune dysfunction score was created for 28-day mortality prediction and was validated. Results A total of 151 patients were enrolled. Data of the first consecutive 106 septic patients comprised the training cohort, and of other 45 patients comprised the validation cohort. Among the 106 patients, 21 died and 85 were still alive on day 28 after ICU admission. (mortality rate, 19.8%). Independent predictive factors revealed via multivariate logistic regression analysis included segmented neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, interleukin-10, and monocyte human leukocyte antigen-antigen D–related levels, all of which were selected to construct the score, which predicted 28-day mortality with area under the curve of 0.853 and 0.789 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Conclusions The immune dysfunction scoring system developed here included plasma granulocyte-colony stimulating factor level, interleukin-10 level, serum segmented neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio, and monocyte human leukocyte antigen-antigen D–related expression appears valid and reproducible for predicting 28-day mortality. PMID:29073262

  18. Sex differences in the pro-inflammatory cytokine response to endotoxin unfold in vivo but not ex vivo in healthy humans.

    PubMed

    Wegner, Alexander; Benson, Sven; Rebernik, Laura; Spreitzer, Ingo; Jäger, Marcus; Schedlowski, Manfred; Elsenbruch, Sigrid; Engler, Harald

    2017-07-01

    Clinical data indicate that inflammatory responses differ across sexes, but the mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we assessed in vivo and ex vivo cytokine responses to bacterial endotoxin in healthy men and women to elucidate the role of systemic and cellular factors underlying sex differences in inflammatory responses. Participants received an i.v. injection of low-dose endotoxin (0.4 ng/kg body mass), and plasma TNF-α and IL-6 responses were analyzed over a period of 6 h. In parallel, ex vivo cytokine production was measured in endotoxin-stimulated blood samples obtained immediately before in vivo endotoxin administration. As glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in the negative feedback regulation of the inflammatory response, we additionally analyzed plasma cortisol concentrations and ex vivo GC sensitivity of cytokine production. Results revealed greater in vivo pro-inflammatory responses in women compared with men, with significantly higher increases in plasma TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations. In addition, the endotoxin-induced rise in plasma cortisol was more pronounced in women. In contrast, no sex differences in ex vivo cytokine production and GC sensitivity were observed. Together, these findings demonstrate major differences in in vivo and ex vivo responses to endotoxin and underscore the importance of systemic factors underlying sex differences in the inflammatory response.

  19. Simultaneous quantification of acetaminophen and five acetaminophen metabolites in human plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry: Method validation and application to a neonatal pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Cook, Sarah F; King, Amber D; van den Anker, John N; Wilkins, Diana G

    2015-12-15

    Drug metabolism plays a key role in acetaminophen (paracetamol)-induced hepatotoxicity, and quantification of acetaminophen metabolites provides critical information about factors influencing susceptibility to acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in clinical and experimental settings. The aims of this study were to develop, validate, and apply high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) methods for simultaneous quantification of acetaminophen, acetaminophen-glucuronide, acetaminophen-sulfate, acetaminophen-glutathione, acetaminophen-cysteine, and acetaminophen-N-acetylcysteine in small volumes of human plasma and urine. In the reported procedures, acetaminophen-d4 and acetaminophen-d3-sulfate were utilized as internal standards (IS). Analytes and IS were recovered from human plasma (10μL) by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Human urine (10μL) was prepared by fortification with IS followed only by sample dilution. Calibration concentration ranges were tailored to literature values for each analyte in each biological matrix. Prepared samples from plasma and urine were analyzed under the same HPLC-ESI-MS/MS conditions, and chromatographic separation was achieved through use of an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column with a 20-min run time per injected sample. The analytes could be accurately and precisely quantified over 2.0-3.5 orders of magnitude. Across both matrices, mean intra- and inter-assay accuracies ranged from 85% to 112%, and intra- and inter-assay imprecision did not exceed 15%. Validation experiments included tests for specificity, recovery and ionization efficiency, inter-individual variability in matrix effects, stock solution stability, and sample stability under a variety of storage and handling conditions (room temperature, freezer, freeze-thaw, and post-preparative). The utility and suitability of the reported procedures were illustrated by analysis of pharmacokinetic samples collected from neonates receiving intravenous acetaminophen. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Preparation of a novel sorptive stir bar based on vinylpyrrolidone-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate monolithic polymer for the simultaneous extraction of diazepam and nordazepam from human plasma.

    PubMed

    Torabizadeh, Mahsa; Talebpour, Zahra; Adib, Nuoshin; Aboul-Enein, Hassan Y

    2016-04-01

    A new monolithic coating based on vinylpyrrolidone-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate polymer was introduced for stir bar sorptive extraction. The polymerization step was performed using different contents of monomer, cross-linker and porogenic solvent, and the best formulation was selected. The quality of the prepared vinylpyrrolidone-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate stir bars was satisfactory, demonstrating good repeatability within batch (relative standard deviation < 3.5%) and acceptable reproducibility between batches (relative standard deviation < 6.0%). The prepared stir bar was utilized in combination with ultrasound-assisted liquid desorption, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection for the simultaneous determination of diazepam and nordazepam in human plasma samples. To optimize the extraction step, a three-level, four-factor, three-block Box-Behnken design was applied. Under the optimum conditions, the analytical performance of the proposed method displayed excellent linear dynamic ranges for diazepam (36-1200 ng/mL) and nordazepam (25-1200 ng/mL), with correlation coefficients of 0.9986 and 0.9968 and detection limits of 12 and 10 ng/mL, respectively. The intra- and interday recovery ranged from 93 to 106%, and the relative standard deviations were less than 6%. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of diazepam and nordazepam at their therapeutic levels in human plasma. The novelty of this study is the improved polarity of the stir bar coating and its application for the simultaneous extraction of diazepam and its active metabolite, nordazepam in human plasma sample. The method was more rapid than previously reported stir bar sorptive extraction techniques based on monolithic coatings, and exhibited lower detection limits in comparison with similar methods for the determination of diazepam and nordazepam in biological fluids. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Characterization and localization of cysteine-rich secretory protein 3 (CRISP-3) in the human male reproductive tract.

    PubMed

    Udby, Lene; Bjartell, Anders; Malm, Johan; Egesten, Arne; Lundwall, Ake; Cowland, Jack B; Borregaard, Niels; Kjeldsen, Lars

    2005-01-01

    Mammalian members of the cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP) family are expressed predominantly in the male reproductive tract and are implicated in the process of reproduction from spermiogenesis, posttesticular sperm maturation, and capacitation to oocyte-sperm fusion, and possibly also penetration of the zona pellucida. Rodents express only 2 CRISPs (CRISP-1 and CRISP-2) in their male reproductive system, whereas humans and horses express an additional third member named CRISP-3. We have previously demonstrated that this protein is present in human seminal plasma as well as in other exocrine secretions, in blood plasma, and in neutrophilic granulocytes. To characterize the protein in seminal plasma and localize the production of CRISP-3 in the human male reproductive tract, we performed immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements of seminal plasma and immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization of tissue specimens. We were able to show that human CRISP-3 is a quantitatively minor seminal plasma protein not associated with prostasomes. Furthermore, CRISP-3 expression was found in the secretory epithelium throughout the male genital tract, with particularly high expression in the cauda epididymis and ampulla vas deferens. Examination of seminal plasma from vasectomized males indicates that organs downstream of the epididymis are probably the major sources of seminal plasma CRISP-3.

  2. Interferon beta 2/B-cell stimulatory factor type 2 shares identity with monocyte-derived hepatocyte-stimulating factor and regulates the major acute phase protein response in liver cells.

    PubMed Central

    Gauldie, J; Richards, C; Harnish, D; Lansdorp, P; Baumann, H

    1987-01-01

    One of the oldest and most preserved of the homeostatic responses of the body to injury is the acute phase protein response associated with inflammation. The liver responds to hormone-like mediators by the increased synthesis of a series of plasma proteins called acute phase reactants. In these studies, we examined the relationship of hepatocyte-stimulating factor derived from peripheral blood monocytes to interferon beta 2 (IFN-beta 2), which has been cloned. Antibodies raised against fibroblast-derived IFN-beta having neutralizing activity against both IFN-beta 1 and -beta 2 inhibited the major hepatocyte-stimulating activity derived from monocytes. Fibroblast-derived mediator elicited the identical stimulated response in human HepG2 cells and primary rat hepatocytes as the monocyte cytokine. Finally, recombinant-derived human B-cell stimulatory factor type 2 (IFN-beta 2) from Escherichia coli induced the synthesis of all major acute phase proteins studied in human hepatoma HepG2 and primary rat hepatocyte cultures. These data demonstrate that monocyte-derived hepatocyte-stimulating factor and IFN-beta 2 share immunological and functional identity and that IFN-beta 2, also known as B-cell stimulatory factor and hybridoma plasmacytoma growth factor, has the hepatocyte as a major physiologic target and thereby is essential in controlling the hepatic acute phase response. Images PMID:2444978

  3. A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay for the analysis of atomoxetine in human plasma and in vitro cellular samples

    PubMed Central

    Appel, David I.; Brinda, Bryan; Markowitz, John S.; Newcorn, Jeffrey H.; Zhu, Hao-Jie

    2012-01-01

    A simple, rapid and sensitive method for quantification of atomoxetine by liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed. This assay represents the first LC-MS/MS quantification method for atomoxetine utilizing electrospray ionization. Deuterated atomoxetine (d3-atomoxetine) was adopted as the internal standard. Direct protein precipitation was utilized for sample preparation. This method was validated for both human plasma and in vitro cellular samples. The lower limit of quantification was 3 ng/ml and 10 nM for human plasma and cellular samples, respectively. The calibration curves were linear within the ranges of 3 ng/ml to 900 ng/ml and 10 nM to 10 μM for human plasma and cellular samples, respectively (r2 > 0.999). The intra- and inter-day assay accuracy and precision were evaluated using quality control samples at 3 different concentrations in both human plasma and cellular lysate. Sample run stability, assay selectivity, matrix effect, and recovery were also successfully demonstrated. The present assay is superior to previously published LC-MS and LC-MS/MS methods in terms of sensitivity or the simplicity of sample preparation. This assay is applicable to the analysis of atomoxetine in both human plasma and in vitro cellular samples. PMID:22275222

  4. Diet and cognition: interplay between cell metabolism and neuronal plasticity.

    PubMed

    Gomez-Pinilla, Fernando; Tyagi, Ethika

    2013-11-01

    To discuss studies in humans and animals revealing the ability of foods to benefit the brain: new information with regards to mechanisms of action and the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Dietary factors exert their effects on the brain by affecting molecular events related to the management of energy metabolism and synaptic plasticity. Energy metabolism influences neuronal function, neuronal signaling, and synaptic plasticity, ultimately affecting mental health. Epigenetic regulation of neuronal plasticity appears as an important mechanism by which foods can prolong their effects on long-term neuronal plasticity. The prime focus of the discussion is to emphasize the role of cell metabolism as a mediator for the action of foods on the brain. Oxidative stress promotes damage to phospholipids present in the plasma membrane such as the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexenoic acid, disrupting neuronal signaling. Thus, dietary docosahexenoic acid seems crucial for supporting plasma membrane function, interneuronal signaling, and cognition. The dual action of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in neuronal metabolism and synaptic plasticity is crucial for activating signaling cascades under the action of diet and other environmental factors, using mechanisms of epigenetic regulation.

  5. Changes in human bone marrow fat content associated with changes in hematopoietic stem cell numbers and cytokine levels with aging

    PubMed Central

    Tuljapurkar, Sonal R; McGuire, Timothy R; Brusnahan, Susan K; Jackson, John D; Garvin, Kevin L; Kessinger, Margaret A; Lane, Judy T; O' Kane, Barbara J; Sharp, John G

    2011-01-01

    Hematological deficiencies increase with aging, including anemias, reduced responses to hematopoietic stress and myelodysplasias. This investigation tested the hypothesis that increased bone marrow (BM) fat content in humans with age was associated with decreased numbers of side population (SP) hematopoietic stem cells, and this decrease correlated with changes in cytokine levels. BM was obtained from the femoral head and trochanteric region of the femur removed at surgery for total hip replacement (N = 100 subjects). In addition, BM from cadavers (N = 36), with no evidence of hip disease, was evaluated for fat content. Whole trabecular marrow samples were ground in a sterile mortar and pestle, and cellularity and lipid content determined. Marrow cells were stained with Hoechst dye and SP profiles were acquired. Plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, stromal-derived factor (SDF)-1 and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured using ELISA. Fat content in the BM of human subjects and cadavers increased with age. The numbers of SP stem cells in BM as well as plasma IGF-1 and SDF-1 levels decreased in correlation with increased BM fat. IL-6 had no relationship to changes in marrow fat. These data suggest that increased BM fat may be associated with a decreased number of SP stem cells and IGF-1 and SDF-1 levels with aging. These data further raise a more general question as to the role of adipose cells in the regulation of tissue stem cells. PMID:21923862

  6. Mechanical and chemical characteristics of an autologous glue.

    PubMed

    De Somer, Filip; Delanghe, Joris; Somers, Pamela; Debrouwere, Maarten; Van Nooten, Guido

    2008-09-15

    The study evaluates the mechanical and chemical characteristics of autologous surgical glue made by mixing ultrafiltered plasma with glutaraldehyde (GTA). Human albumin 200 g/L mixed with different concentrations of GTA (25, 50, 75, or 100 g/L) was used as a single protein set-up for testing tensile strength, elasticity, and rate of crosslinking. Subsequently, ultrafiltered canine or human plasma to obtain autologous glue replaced human albumin. BioGlue, a surgical glue, and Tissucol Duo, a fibrin sealant, were used as controls. Tensile strength of human albumin 200 g/L mixed with 75 g/L GTA is 825 +/- 109 N versus 672 +/- 167 N for BioGlue. Ultrafiltered canine plasma showed a maximum tensile strength of 634 +/- 137 N when mixed with GTA 75 g/L. For human plasma, the maximum tensile strength of 436 +/- 69 N was reached after mixing with GTA 25 g/L. Autologous glue had a higher elasticity of 144 +/- 66 N versus 322 +/- 104 N for BioGlue at maximum load. Autologous glues for vascular repair can be easily prepared out of the patient's plasma. The optimal characteristics, compared to BioGlue, are obtained for ultrafiltered canine and human plasma by mixing with a GTA concentration of 50-75 g/L and 25-50 g/L, respectively. The autologous glue will exert less tensile strength than BioGlue but has a better compliance. In case where no plasma can obtained from the patient, mixing human albumin 200 g/L with GTA 75 g/L can be an alternative to BioGlue.

  7. Measurement of Ether Phospholipids in Human Plasma with HPLC-ELSD and LC/ESI-MS After Hydrolysis of Plasma with Phospholipase A1.

    PubMed

    Mawatari, Shiro; Hazeyama, Seira; Fujino, Takehiko

    2016-08-01

    Ethanolamine ether phospholipid (eEtnGpl) and choline ether phospholipid (eChoGpl) are present in human plasma or serum, but the relative concentration of the ether phospholipids in plasma is very low as compared to those in other tissues. Nowadays, measurement of ether phospholipids in plasma depends on tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), but a system for LC/MS/MS is generally too expensive for usual clinical laboratories. Treatment of plasma with phospholipase A1 (PLA1) causes complete hydrolysis of diacylphospholipids, but ether phospholipids remain intact. After the treatment of plasma with PLA1, both eEtnGpl and eChoGpl are detected as independent peaks by high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD). The same sample used for HPLC-ELSD can be applied to detect eEtnGpl and eChoGpl with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Presence of alkylacylphospholipids in both eChoGpl and eEtnGpl in human plasma was indicated by sequential hydrolysis of plasma with PLA1 and hydrochloric acid.

  8. Expression of Human Complement Factor H Prevents Age-Related Macular Degeneration–Like Retina Damage and Kidney Abnormalities in Aged Cfh Knockout Mice

    PubMed Central

    Ding, Jin-Dong; Kelly, Una; Landowski, Michael; Toomey, Christopher B.; Groelle, Marybeth; Miller, Chelsey; Smith, Stephanie G.; Klingeborn, Mikael; Singhapricha, Terry; Jiang, Haixiang; Frank, Michael M.; Bowes Rickman, Catherine

    2016-01-01

    Complement factor H (CFH) is an important regulatory protein in the alternative pathway of the complement system, and CFH polymorphisms increase the genetic risk of age-related macular degeneration dramatically. These same human CFH variants have also been associated with dense deposit disease. To mechanistically study the function of CFH in the pathogenesis of these diseases, we created transgenic mouse lines using human CFH bacterial artificial chromosomes expressing full-length human CFH variants and crossed these to Cfh knockout (Cfh−/−) mice. Human CFH protein inhibited cleavage of mouse complement component 3 and factor B in plasma and in retinal pigment epithelium/choroid/sclera, establishing that human CFH regulates activation of the mouse alternative pathway. One of the mouse lines, which express relatively higher levels of CFH, demonstrated functional and structural protection of the retina owing to the Cfh deletion. Impaired visual function, detected as a deficit in the scotopic electroretinographic response, was improved in this transgenic mouse line compared with Cfh−/− mice, and transgenics had a thicker outer nuclear layer and less sub–retinal pigment epithelium deposit accumulation. In addition, expression of human CFH also completely protected the mice from developing kidney abnormalities associated with loss of CFH. These humanized CFH mice present a valuable model for study of the molecular mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration and dense deposit disease and for testing therapeutic targets. PMID:25447048

  9. Proteolytic Processing of Angiotensin-I in Human Blood Plasma

    PubMed Central

    Hildebrand, Diana; Merkel, Philipp; Eggers, Lars Florian; Schlüter, Hartmut

    2013-01-01

    In mammalian species, except humans, N-terminal processing of the precursor peptide angiotensin I (ANG-1-10) into ANG-2-10 or ANG-3-10 was reported. Here we hypothesize that aminopeptidase-generated angiotensins bearing the same C-terminus as ANG-1-10 are also present in humans. We demonstrate the time dependent generation of ANG-2-10, ANG-3-10, ANG-4-10, ANG-5-10 and ANG-6-10 from the precursor ANG-1-10 by human plasma proteins. The endogenous presence of ANG-4-10, ANG-5-10 and ANG-6-10 in human plasma was confirmed by an immuno-fluorescence assay. Generation of ANG-2-10, ANG-3-10 and ANG-4-10 from ANG-1-10 by immobilized human plasma proteins was sensitive to the cysteine/serine protease inhibitor antipain. The metal ion chelator EDTA inhibited Ang-6-10-generation. Incubation of the substrates ANG-3-10, ANG-4-10 and ANG-5-10 with recombinant aminopeptidase N (APN) resulted in a successive N-terminal processing, finally releasing ANG-6-10 as a stable end product, demonstrating a high similarity concerning the processing pattern of the angiotensin peptides compared to the angiotensin generating activity in plasma. Recombinant ACE-1 hydrolyzed the peptides ANG-2-10, ANG-3-10, ANG-4-10 and ANG-5-10 into ANG-2-8, ANG-3-8, ANG-4-8 and ANG-5-8. Since ANG-2-10 was processed into ANG-2-8, ANG-4-8 and ANG-5-8 by plasma proteases the angiotensin peptides bearing the same C-terminus as ANG-1-10 likely have a precursor function in human plasma. Our results confirm the hypothesis of aminopeptidase mediated processing of ANG-1-10 in humans. We show the existence of an aminopeptidase mediated pathway in humans that bypasses the known ANG-1-8-carboxypeptidase pathway. This expands the knowledge about the known human renin angiotensin system, showing how efficiently the precursor ANG-1-10 is used by nature. PMID:23724017

  10. Atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment of Salmonella Enteritidis inoculated eggshells.

    PubMed

    Moritz, Maike; Wiacek, Claudia; Koethe, Martin; Braun, Peggy G

    2017-03-20

    Contamination of eggshells with Salmonella Enteritidis remains a food safety concern. In many cases human salmonellosis within the EU can be traced back to raw or undercooked eggs and egg products. Atmospheric pressure plasma is a novel decontamination method that can reduce a wide range of pathogens. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibility of using an effective short time cold plasma treatment to inactivate Salmonella Enteritidis on the eggshell. Therefore, artificially contaminated eggshells were treated with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet under different experimental settings with various exposure times (15-300s), distances from the plasma jet nozzle to the eggshell surface (5, 8 or 12mm), feed gas compositions (Ar, Ar with 0.2, 0.5 or 1.0% O 2 ), gas flow rates (5 and 7slm) and different inoculations of Salmonella Enteritidis (10 1 -10 6 CFU/cm 2 ). Atmospheric pressure plasma could reduce Salmonella Enteritidis on eggshells significantly. Reduction factors ranged between 0.22 and 2.27 log CFU (colony-forming units). Exposure time and, particularly at 10 4 CFU/cm 2 inoculation, feed gas had a major impact on Salmonella reduction. Precisely, longer exposure times led to higher reductions and Ar as feed gas was more effective than ArO 2 mixtures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Clinical outcomes and predictive factors related to good outcomes in plasma exchange in severe attack of NMOSD and long extensive transverse myelitis: Case series and review of the literature.

    PubMed

    Aungsumart, Saharat; Apiwattanakul, Metha

    2017-04-01

    To investigate the predictive factors associated with good outcomes of plasma exchange in severe attacks through neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and long extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). In addition, to review the literature of predictive factors associated with the good outcomes of plasma exchange in central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating diseases (CNS IDDs). Retrospective study in 27 episodes of severe acute attacks myelitis and optic neuritis in 24 patients, including 20 patients with NMOSD seropositive, 1 patient with NMOSD seronegative and 3 patients with LETM. Plasma exchange was performed, reflecting poor responses to high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) therapy. The outcomes of the present study were the functional outcome improvements at 6 months after plasma exchange. The predictive factors of good outcomes after plasma exchange were determined in this cohort, and additional factors reported in the literature were reviewed. Plasma exchange was performed in 16 spinal cord attacks and 11 attacks of optic neuritis. Twenty patients were female (83%). The median age of the patients at the time of plasma exchange was 41 years old. The median disease duration was 0.6 years. The AQP4-IgG status was positive in 20 patients (83%). Plasma exchange following IVMP therapy led to a significant improvement in 81% of the cases after 6 months of follow up. A baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤6 before the attack was associated with significant improvement at 6 months (p=0.02, OR 58.33, 95%CI 1.92-1770). In addition, we reviewed the evidence for factors associated with good outcomes of plasma exchange in CNS IDDs, classified according to pre-plasma exchange, post-plasma exchange, and radiological features. Plasma exchange following IVMP therapy is effective as a treatment for patients experiencing a severe attack of NMOSD or LETM. The factors associated with good outcomes after plasma exchange in CNS IDDs are reviewed in the literature. We classified 3 different aspects, including pre-plasma exchange factors, based on minimal disability at baseline, preserved reflexes, early initiation, and short disease duration; post plasma exchange factors, including early improvement or lower disability at last follow up; and radiographic factors, for which the presence of active gadolinium lesions and the absence of spinal cord atrophy seem to be good outcomes for plasmapheresis. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  12. Cadmium, Chromium, and Copper Concentration plus Semen-Quality in Environmental Pollution Site, China

    PubMed Central

    LI, Yan; GAO, Qiaoyan; LI, Mingcai; LI, Mengyang; GAO, Xueming

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Background The environmental pollution is one of the factors contributing to the decrease of sperm quality for human beings. The aim of this study was to assess cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) concentration of man in environmental pollution site, and explore relationships between men exposure to Cd, Cr, and Cu and semen-quality parameters in environmental pollution site. Methods Ninety five men were recruited through pollution area and controls in 2011. We measured semen quality using Computer-aided Semen Quality Analysis, and Cd, Cr, and Cu levels in seminal plasma using Graphite Gurnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between Cd, Cr and Cu concentration in seminal plasma and semen quality. Results The mean of seminal plasma Cd, Cr, and Cu values in pollution area was higher than the controls. Seminal plasma Cr values displayed a significant negative correlation with total motility and normomorph sperm rate. Seminal plasma Cu values also displayed a negative correlation with normomorph sperm rate. Conclusions Male reproductive health may be threatened by environmental pollution, and it may be influence local population diathesis. PMID:26060677

  13. Hemocompatibility of poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane grafted with network-like and brush-like antifouling layer controlled via plasma-induced surface PEGylation.

    PubMed

    Chang, Yung; Shih, Yu-Ju; Ko, Chao-Yin; Jhong, Jheng-Fong; Liu, Ying-Ling; Wei, Ta-Chin

    2011-05-03

    In this work, the hemocompatibility of PEGylated poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) microporous membranes with varying grafting coverage and structures via plasma-induced surface PEGylation was studied. Network-like and brush-like PEGylated layers on PVDF membrane surfaces were achieved by low-pressure and atmospheric plasma treatment. The chemical composition, physical morphology, grafting structure, surface hydrophilicity, and hydration capability of prepared membranes were determined to illustrate the correlations between grafting qualities and hemocompatibility of PEGylated PVDF membranes in contact with human blood. Plasma protein adsorption onto different PEGylated PVDF membranes from single-protein solutions and the complex medium of 100% human plasma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with monoclonal antibodies. Hemocompatibility of the PEGylated membranes was evaluated by the antifouling property of platelet adhesion observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the anticoagulant activity of the blood coagulant determined by testing plasma-clotting time. The control of grafting structures of PEGylated layers highly regulates the PVDF membrane to resist the adsorption of plasma proteins, the adhesion of platelets, and the coagulation of human plasma. It was found that PVDF membranes grafted with brush-like PEGylated layers presented higher hydration capability with binding water molecules than with network-like PEGylated layers to improve the hemocompatible character of plasma protein and blood platelet resistance in human blood. This work suggests that the hemocompatible nature of grafted PEGylated polymers by controlling grafting structures gives them great potential in the molecular design of antithrombogenic membranes for use in human blood.

  14. Nontargeted quantitation of lipid classes using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with single internal standard and response factor approach.

    PubMed

    Cífková, Eva; Holčapek, Michal; Lísa, Miroslav; Ovčačíková, Magdaléna; Lyčka, Antonín; Lynen, Frédéric; Sandra, Pat

    2012-11-20

    The identification and quantitation of a wide range of lipids in complex biological samples is an essential requirement for the lipidomic studies. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) has the highest potential to obtain detailed information on the whole lipidome, but the reliable quantitation of multiple lipid classes is still a challenging task. In this work, we describe a new method for the nontargeted quantitation of polar lipid classes separated by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) followed by positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) using a single internal lipid standard to which all class specific response factors (RFs) are related to. The developed method enables the nontargeted quantitation of lipid classes and molecules inside these classes in contrast to the conventional targeted quantitation, which is based on predefined selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions for selected lipids only. In the nontargeted quantitation method described here, concentrations of lipid classes are obtained by the peak integration in HILIC chromatograms multiplied by their RFs related to the single internal standard (i.e., sphingosyl PE, d17:1/12:0) used as common reference for all polar lipid classes. The accuracy, reproducibility and robustness of the method have been checked by various means: (1) the comparison with conventional lipidomic quantitation using SRM scans on a triple quadrupole (QqQ) mass analyzer, (2) (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) quantitation of the total lipid extract, (3) method robustness test using subsequent measurements by three different persons, (4) method transfer to different HPLC/MS systems using different chromatographic conditions, and (5) comparison with previously published results for identical samples, especially human reference plasma from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST human plasma). Results on human plasma, egg yolk and porcine liver extracts are presented and discussed.

  15. Effect of egg ingestion on trimethylamine-N-oxide production in humans: a randomized, controlled, dose-response study1234

    PubMed Central

    Miller, Carolyn A; Corbin, Karen D; da Costa, Kerry-Ann; Zhang, Shucha; Zhao, Xueqing; Galanko, Joseph A; Blevins, Tondra; Bennett, Brian J; O'Connor, Annalouise; Zeisel, Steven H

    2014-01-01

    Background: It is important to understand whether eating eggs, which are a major source of dietary choline, results in increased exposure to trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which is purported to be a risk factor for developing heart disease. Objective: We determined whether humans eating eggs generate TMAO and, if so, whether there is an associated increase in a marker for inflammation [ie, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)] or increased oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Design: In a longitudinal, double-blind, randomized dietary intervention, 6 volunteers were fed breakfast doses of 0, 1, 2, 4, or 6 egg yolks. Diets were otherwise controlled on the day before and day of each egg dose with a standardized low-choline menu. Plasma TMAO at timed intervals (immediately before and 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h after each dose), 24-h urine TMAO, predose and 24-h postdose serum hsCRP, and plasma oxidized LDL were measured. Volunteers received all 5 doses with each dose separated by >2-wk washout periods. Results: The consumption of eggs was associated with increased plasma and urine TMAO concentrations (P < 0.01), with ∼14% of the total choline in eggs having been converted to TMAO. There was considerable variation between individuals in the TMAO response. There was no difference in hsCRP or oxidized LDL concentrations after egg doses. Conclusions: The consumption of ≥2 eggs results in an increased formation of TMAO. Choline is an essential nutrient that is required for normal human liver and muscle functions and important for normal fetal development. Additional study is needed to both confirm the association between TMAO and atherosclerosis and identify factors, microbiota and genetic, that influence the generation of TMAO before policy and medical recommendations are made that suggest reduced dietary choline intake. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01906554. PMID:24944063

  16. IgY14 and SuperMix immunoaffinity separations coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for human plasma proteomic biomarker discovery

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shi, Tujin; Zhou, Jianying; Gritsenko, Marina A.

    2012-02-01

    Interest in the application of advanced proteomics technologies to human blood plasma- or serum-based clinical samples for the purpose of discovering disease biomarkers continues to grow; however, the enormous dynamic range of protein concentrations in these types of samples (often >10 orders of magnitude) represents a significant analytical challenge, particularly for detecting low-abundance candidate biomarkers. In response, immunoaffinity separation methods for depleting multiple high- and moderate-abundance proteins have become key tools for enriching low-abundance proteins and enhancing detection of these proteins in plasma proteomics. Herein, we describe IgY14 and tandem IgY14-Supermix separation methods for removing 14 high-abundance and up tomore » 60 moderate-abundance proteins, respectively, from human blood plasma and highlight their utility when combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for interrogating the human plasma proteome.« less

  17. A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model to Predict the Pharmacokinetics of Highly Protein-Bound Drugs and Impact of Errors in Plasma Protein Binding

    PubMed Central

    Ye, Min; Nagar, Swati; Korzekwa, Ken

    2015-01-01

    Predicting the pharmacokinetics of highly protein-bound drugs is difficult. Also, since historical plasma protein binding data was often collected using unbuffered plasma, the resulting inaccurate binding data could contribute to incorrect predictions. This study uses a generic physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to predict human plasma concentration-time profiles for 22 highly protein-bound drugs. Tissue distribution was estimated from in vitro drug lipophilicity data, plasma protein binding, and blood: plasma ratio. Clearance was predicted with a well-stirred liver model. Underestimated hepatic clearance for acidic and neutral compounds was corrected by an empirical scaling factor. Predicted values (pharmacokinetic parameters, plasma concentration-time profile) were compared with observed data to evaluate model accuracy. Of the 22 drugs, less than a 2-fold error was obtained for terminal elimination half-life (t1/2, 100% of drugs), peak plasma concentration (Cmax, 100%), area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0–t, 95.4%), clearance (CLh, 95.4%), mean retention time (MRT, 95.4%), and steady state volume (Vss, 90.9%). The impact of fup errors on CLh and Vss prediction was evaluated. Errors in fup resulted in proportional errors in clearance prediction for low-clearance compounds, and in Vss prediction for high-volume neutral drugs. For high-volume basic drugs, errors in fup did not propagate to errors in Vss prediction. This is due to the cancellation of errors in the calculations for tissue partitioning of basic drugs. Overall, plasma profiles were well simulated with the present PBPK model. PMID:26531057

  18. Proposed Multicenter Studies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-02-01

    One plasma- derived AT product is Thrombate, produced by Bayer. Recombinant AT (rhAT) is made on a large scale in the milk of transgenic goats and is...infusions of rhAT to increase AT levels to 200 and 500% of normal, followed by infusions of endotoxin . AT dose dependently decreased tissue factor...injury. REFERENCES 1. Edmunds T, Van Patten SM, Pollock J, et al. Transgenically produced human antithrombin: structural and functional comparison to

  19. Gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) concentrations in humans and factors affecting endogenous production.

    PubMed

    Elliott, Simon P

    2003-04-23

    The endogenous nature of the drug of abuse gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) has caused various interpretative problems for toxicologists. In order to obtain data for the presence of endogenous GHB in humans and to investigate any factors that may affect this, a volunteer study was undertaken. The GHB concentrations in 119 urine specimens from GHB-free subjects and 25 urine specimens submitted for toxicological analysis showed maximal urinary GHB concentrations of 3mg/l. Analysis of 15 plasma specimens submitted for toxicological analysis detected no measurable GHB (less than 2.5mg/l). Studies in a male and female volunteer in which different dietary food groups were ingested at weekly intervals, showed significant creatinine-independent intra-individual fluctuation with overall urine GHB concentrations between 0 and 2.55, and 0 and 2.74mg/l, respectively. Urinary concentrations did not appear to be affected by the particular dietary groups studied. The concentrations measured by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) lend further support to the proposed urinary and plasma interpretative cut-offs of 10 and 4mg/l, respectively, where below this it is not possible to determine whether any GHB detected is endogenous or exogenous in nature.

  20. Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Inhibits Ultraviolet B Induced Photoageing of the Skin in Human Dermal Fibroblast Culture.

    PubMed

    Anitua, Eduardo; Pino, Ander; Orive, Gorka

    Ultraviolet irradiation is able to deeply penetrate into the dermis and alter fibroblast structure and function, leading to a degradation of the dermal extracellular matrix. The regenerative effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on skin ageing was investigated using UVB photo-stressed human dermal fibroblasts as an in vitro culture model. PRGF was assessed over the main indicative features of ultraviolet B irradiation, including ROS formation, cell viability and death detection, apoptosis/ necrosis analysis and biosynthetic activity measurement. Four different UV irradiation protocols were tested in order to analyze the beneficial effects of PRGF. Ultraviolet irradiation exhibited a dose dependent cytotoxicity and dose of 400mJ/cm2 was selected for subsequent experiments. PRGF increased the cell viability and decreased the cell death comparing to the non-treated group. The apoptosis and necrosis were significantly lower in PRGF treated fibroblasts. ROS production after UV irradiation was significantly reduced in the presence of PRGF. Procollagen type I, hyaluronic acid and TIMP-1 levels were higher in the when treated with PRGF. This preliminary in vitro study suggests that PRGF is able to prevent UVB derived photooxidative stress and to diminish the cell damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation.

  1. Stability of nonaqueous suspension formulations of plasma derived factor IX and recombinant human alpha interferon at elevated temperatures.

    PubMed

    Knepp, V M; Muchnik, A; Oldmark, S; Kalashnikova, L

    1998-07-01

    To identify a suitable nonaqueous, parenterally acceptable suspending vehicle whereby a therapeutic protein is delivered as a stable flowable powder, making it amenable to delivery from sustained delivery systems maintained at body temperature. Formulations of plasma derived Factor IX (pdFIX) and recombinant human alpha interferon (rhalpha-IFN) were formulated as dry powders, suspended in various vehicles (perfluorodecalin, perfluorotributylamine, methoxyflurane, polyethylene glycol 400, soybean oil, tetradecane or octanol) and stored at 37 degrees C. Stability was assessed by size exclusion chromatography, reverse phase chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, and bioassay, and was compared to the stability of dry powder formulations stored at 37 degrees C and -80 degrees C. PdFIX was stable when stored at 37 degrees C as a dry powder, or when the dry powder was suspended in the pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles perfluorodecalin or perfluorotributylamine. Suspensions of the powder in other pharmaceutically/parenterally acceptable vehicles such as soybean oil or PEG 400 resulted in aggregation and loss of bioactivity. A dry powder formulation of rhalpha-IFN suspended in perfluorodecalin was also stable at 37 degrees C. This study shows the potential utility of perfluorinated hydrocarbons as nonaqueous suspending vehicles for long term in-vivo delivery of therapeutic proteins.

  2. Use of proteomics for validation of the isolation process of clotting factor IX from human plasma.

    PubMed

    Clifton, James; Huang, Feilei; Gaso-Sokac, Dajana; Brilliant, Kate; Hixson, Douglas; Josic, Djuro

    2010-01-03

    The use of proteomic techniques in the monitoring of different production steps of plasma-derived clotting factor IX (pd F IX) was demonstrated. The first step, solid-phase extraction with a weak anion-exchange resin, fractionates the bulk of human serum albumin (HSA), immunoglobulin G, and other non-binding proteins from F IX. The proteins that strongly bind to the anion-exchange resin are eluted by higher salt concentrations. In the second step, anion-exchange chromatography, residual HSA, some proteases and other contaminating proteins are separated. In the last chromatographic step, affinity chromatography with immobilized heparin, the majority of the residual impurities are removed. However, some contaminating proteins still remain in the eluate from the affinity column. The next step in the production process, virus filtration, is also an efficient step for the removal of residual impurities, mainly high molecular weight proteins, such as vitronectin and inter-alpha inhibitor proteins. In each production step, the active component, pd F IX and contaminating proteins are monitored by biochemical and immunochemical methods and by LC-MS/MS and their removal documented. Our methodology is very helpful for further process optimization, rapid identification of target proteins with relatively low abundance, and for the design of subsequent steps for their removal or purification.

  3. Association between fibroblast growth factor 21 and bone mineral density in adults.

    PubMed

    Hao, Ruo-Han; Gao, Jun-Ling; Li, Meng; Huang, Wei; Zhu, Dong-Li; Thynn, Hlaing Nwe; Dong, Shan-Shan; Guo, Yan

    2018-02-01

    Animal-based studies have reported a decrease in bone mass resulting from high level of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). However, the correlation between plasma FGF21 levels and bone mineral density (BMD) is paradoxical in previous human-based studies, and the associations between FGF21 gene polymorphisms and BMD haven't been reported yet. Therefore, here, we evaluated plasma FGF21 levels with sufficient study samples, and performed genetic association test to reveal the physiological and genetic role of FGF21 on BMD in adults. Plasma and genetic samples containing 168 and 569 Han Chinese subjects, respectively, were employed in this study. Fasting plasma FGF21 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Regional BMD values were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Five variants of FGF21 gene were successfully genotyped. Physiological association suggested that plasma FGF21 levels were inversely correlated with BMD in femoral neck (Neck-BMD: P = 0.039) and Ward's triangle (Ward's-BMD: P = 0.002) of hip region. A FGF21 gene variant, rs490942, was significantly associated with the increase of Ward's-BMD in total (P = 0.027) and female (P = 0.016) cohorts, as well as Neck-BMD in female cohort (P = 7.45 × 10 -3 ). Meanwhile, eQTL results indicated that this SNP was related to the decreased level of FGF21 gene expression. Taking together from both physiological and genetic levels, we suggest that FGF21 is inversely associated with regional BMD. And we haven't observed sex-specific effect in this study.

  4. A needle extraction utilizing a molecularly imprinted-sol-gel xerogel for on-line microextraction of the lung cancer biomarker bilirubin from plasma and urine samples.

    PubMed

    Moein, Mohammad Mahdi; Jabbar, Dunia; Colmsjö, Anders; Abdel-Rehim, Mohamed

    2014-10-31

    In the present work, a needle trap utilizing a molecularly imprinted sol-gel xerogel was prepared for the on-line microextraction of bilirubin from plasma and urine samples. Each prepared needle could be used for approximately one hundred extractions before it was discarded. Imprinted and non-imprinted sol-gel xerogel were applied for the extraction of bilirubin from plasma and urine samples. The produced molecularly imprinted sol-gel xerogel polymer showed high binding capacity and fast adsorption/desorption kinetics for bilirubin in plasma and urine samples. The adsorption capacity of molecularly imprinted sol-gel xerogel polymer was approximately 60% higher than that of non-imprinted polymer. The effect of the conditioning, washing and elution solvents, pH, extraction time, adsorption capacity and imprinting factor were investigated. The limit of detection and the lower limit of quantification were set to 1.6 and 5nmolL(-1), respectively using plasma or urine samples. The standard calibration curves were obtained within the concentration range of 5-1000nmolL(-1) in both plasma and urine samples. The coefficients of determination values (R(2)) were ≥0.998 for all runs. The extraction recovery was approximately 80% for BR in the human plasma and urine samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Relationship between functional capacity and body mass index with plasma coenzyme Q10 and oxidative damage in community-dwelling elderly-people.

    PubMed

    Del Pozo-Cruz, Jesús; Rodríguez-Bies, Elizabeth; Navas-Enamorado, Ignacio; Del Pozo-Cruz, Borja; Navas, Plácido; López-Lluch, Guillermo

    2014-04-01

    The impact of aging and physical capacity on coenzyme Q10 (Q10) levels in human blood is unknown. Plasma Q10 is an important factor in cardiovascular diseases. To understand how physical activity in the elderly affects endogenous Q10 levels in blood plasma, we studied a cohort of healthy community-dwelling people. Volunteers were subjected to different tests of the Functional Fitness Test Battery including handgrip strength, six-minute walk, 30 s chair to stand, and time up and go tests. Anthropometric characteristics, plasma Q10 and lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels were determined. Population was divided according to gender and fitness. We found that people showing higher levels of functional capacity presented lower levels of cholesterol and lipid peroxidation accompanied by higher levels of Q10 in plasma. The ratio Q10/cholesterol and Q10/LDL increased in these people. No relationship was found when correlated to muscle strength or agility. On the other hand, obesity was related to lower Q10 and higher MDA levels in plasma affecting women more significantly. Our data demonstrate for the first time that physical activity at advanced age can increase the levels of Q10 and lower the levels of lipid peroxidation in plasma, probably reducing the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Buffalo plasma fibronectin: a physico-chemical study.

    PubMed

    Ahmed, N; Chandra, R; Raj, H G

    2001-12-01

    Plasma fibronectin (FN) of buffalo (Babulis babulis) was purified to apparent homogeneity, using gelatin-Sepharose and heparin-Sepharose affinity columns. It was found to have two subunits of molecular mass 246 kDa and 228 kDa, on SDS-gel. Its immunological cross-reactivity with anti-human plasma FN was confirmed by Western blotting. The amino acid composition was found to be similar to that of human and bovine plasma FNs. Buffalo plasma FN contained 2.23% neutral hexoses and 1.18% sialic acids. No titrable sulfhydryl group could be detected in the absence of denaturant. Reaction with DTNB indicated 3.4 sulfhydryl groups in the molecule, whereas BDC-OH titration gave a value of 3.8 -SH groups in buffalo plasma FN. Stoke's radius, intrinsic viscosity, diffusion coefficient and frictional ratio indicated that buffalo plasma FN did not have a compact globular conformation at physiological pH and ionic strength. Molecular dimensions (average length, 120 nm; molar mass to length ratio, 3950 nm(-1) and mean diameter, 2.4 nm) as revealed by rotary shadowing electron microscopy further supported the extended conformation of buffalo plasma FN. These results show that buffalo plasma FN has similar properties as that of human plasma FN.

  7. In-Depth, Reproducible Analysis of Human Plasma Using IgY 14 and SuperMix Immunodepletion.

    PubMed

    Beer, Lynn A; Ky, Bonnie; Barnhart, Kurt T; Speicher, David W

    2017-01-01

    Identification of cancer and other disease biomarkers in human plasma has been exceptionally challenging due to the complex nature of plasma and the presence of a moderate number of high- and medium-abundance proteins which mask low-abundance proteins of interest. As a result, immunoaffinity depletion formats combining multiple antibodies to target the most abundant plasma proteins have become the first stage in most plasma proteome discovery schemes. This protocol describes the use of tandem IgY 14 and SuperMix immunoaffinity depletion to reproducibly remove >99% of total plasma protein. This greatly increases the depth of analysis of human plasma proteomes. Depleted plasma samples can then be analyzed in a single high-resolution LC-MS/MS run on a Q Exactive Plus mass spectrometer, followed by label-free quantitation. If greater depth of analysis is desired, the depleted plasma can be further fractionated by separating the sample for a short distance on a 1D SDS gel and cutting the gel into uniform slices prior to trypsin digestion. Alternatively, the depleted plasma can be reduced, alkylated, and digested with trypsin followed by high-pH reversed-phase HPLC separation.

  8. Dietary Betaine Supplementation Increases Fgf21 Levels to Improve Glucose Homeostasis and Reduce Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice.

    PubMed

    Ejaz, Asma; Martinez-Guino, Laura; Goldfine, Allison B; Ribas-Aulinas, Francesc; De Nigris, Valeria; Ribó, Sílvia; Gonzalez-Franquesa, Alba; Garcia-Roves, Pablo M; Li, Elizabeth; Dreyfuss, Jonathan M; Gall, Walt; Kim, Jason K; Bottiglieri, Teodoro; Villarroya, Francesc; Gerszten, Robert E; Patti, Mary-Elizabeth; Lerin, Carles

    2016-04-01

    Identifying markers of human insulin resistance may permit development of new approaches for treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. To this end, we analyzed the fasting plasma metabolome in metabolically characterized human volunteers across a spectrum of insulin resistance. We demonstrate that plasma betaine levels are reduced in insulin-resistant humans and correlate closely with insulin sensitivity. Moreover, betaine administration to mice with diet-induced obesity prevents the development of impaired glucose homeostasis, reduces hepatic lipid accumulation, increases white adipose oxidative capacity, and enhances whole-body energy expenditure. In parallel with these beneficial metabolic effects, betaine supplementation robustly increased hepatic and circulating fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)21 levels. Betaine administration failed to improve glucose homeostasis and liver fat content in Fgf21(-/-) mice, demonstrating that Fgf21 is necessary for betaine's beneficial effects. Together, these data indicate that dietary betaine increases Fgf21 levels to improve metabolic health in mice and suggest that betaine supplementation merits further investigation as a supplement for treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes in humans. © 2016 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

  9. The Hag-protease-II is a fibrin(ogen)ase from Hippasa agelenoides spider venom gland extract: purification, characterization and its role in hemostasis.

    PubMed

    Devaraja, S; Girish, K S; Gowtham, Y N J; Kemparaju, K

    2011-02-01

    The current study describes the biochemical, biophysical and pharmacological properties of Hag-protease-II from Hippasa agelenoides spider venom gland extract. The Hag-protease-II was purified to homogeneity using gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. The molecular mass was found to be 28.749 kDa by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. PMSF abolished the activity while EDTA, EGTA, IAA and 1, 10-phenanthrolene did not. Hag-protease-II hydrolyzed casein, fibrinogen and fibrin, however it did not hydrolyze gelatin, fibronectin and collagen types- I and IV. It was non-lethal and devoid of hemorrhagic, myotoxic and edema forming activities. It dose dependently reduced re-calcification time of citrated human plasma. Strikingly; the Hag-protease-II coagulated the factor X deficient congenital human plasma. It hydrolyzed Bβ-chain but, did not degrade Aα- and γ-chains of fibrinogen while, it hydrolyzed α-polymer and α-chain but not the β-chain and γ-γ dimers of partially cross-linked fibrin clot. The Hag-protease-II induced aggregation of human platelets in PRP dose dependently, however it did not interfere in collagen induced aggregation of PRP and washed human platelets. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. The diagnostic value of plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor levels in children with heart failure.

    PubMed

    Li, Gang; Song, Xueqing; Xia, Jiyi; Li, Jing; Jia, Peng; Chen, Pengyuan; Zhao, Jian; Liu, Bin

    2017-01-01

    The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor in children with heart failure. Methods and results Plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor was determined in 61 children, including 41 children with heart failure, 20 children without heart failure, and 30 healthy volunteers. The correlations between plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor levels and clinical parameters were investigated. Moreover, the diagnostic value of N-terminal connective tissue growth factor levels was evaluated. Compared with healthy volunteers and children without heart failure, plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor levels were significantly elevated in those with heart failure (p0.05), but it obviously improved the ability of diagnosing heart failure in children, as demonstrated by the integrated discrimination improvement (6.2%, p=0.013) and net re-classification improvement (13.2%, p=0.017) indices. Plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor is a promising diagnostic biomarker for heart failure in children.

  11. A Systematic Review of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma and Fat Graft Preparation Methods.

    PubMed

    Luck, Joshua; Smith, Oliver J; Mosahebi, Afshin

    2017-12-01

    The addition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to adipose tissue may improve fat graft survival, although graft retention rates vary markedly between studies. To what extent this outcome heterogeneity reflects differing methodological factors remains unknown. This systematic review aims to synthesize and critically review methodological approaches to autologous PRP and fat cotransplantation in both human and animal studies. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to April 2017. Data were extracted from all in vivo studies involving autologous PRP and fat cotransplantation. A secondary aim was to assess reporting of technical detail; authors were not contacted to provide missing data. From 335 articles, 23 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Some 21 were performed in humans and 2 in rabbits. Six studies were randomized control trials; the remainder reported on observational data. Methods of PRP extraction and activation varied markedly between studies. Fat graft preparation was comparatively more consistent. Methods of PRP and fat mixing differed significantly, especially with regards to relative volume/volume ratios. Our study represents the first systematic review of methodological factors in autologous PRP and fat cotransplantation. It demonstrates that technical factors in graft preparation and administration vary significantly between in vivo studies. Such methodological heterogeneity may explain observed differences in experimental and clinical outcomes. Reporting of key procedural information is inconsistent and often inadequate. These issues make meaningful evaluation of the PRP-enhanced fat grafting literature difficult and may limit its translation into clinical practice.

  12. Simultaneous stable-isotope dilution GC-MS measurement of homoarginine, guanidinoacetate and their common precursor arginine in plasma and their interrelationships in healthy and diseased humans.

    PubMed

    Hanff, Erik; Kayacelebi, Arslan Arinc; Yanchev, Georgi Radoslavov; Maassen, Norbert; Haghikia, Arash; Tsikas, Dimitrios

    2016-03-01

    Low concentrations of L-homoarginine (hArg) in plasma or serum and urine have recently emerged as a novel cardiovascular risk factor. Previously, we reported gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-tandem MS (GC-MS/MS) methods for the quantitative determination of hArg and Arg in plasma, serum, urine and other biological samples. In these methods, plasma and serum are ultrafiltered by means of commercially available cartridges (10 kDa), and 10-µL ultrafiltrate aliquots are subjected to a two-step derivatization procedure, yielding the methyl ester tri(N-pentafluoropropionyl) derivatives. De novo prepared trideuteromethyl ester hArg (d3Me-hArg) was used as an internal standard. To make the hArg analysis in plasma more convenient, straightforward and cheaper we performed two key modifications: (1) precipitation of plasma proteins by methanol and (2) use of newly prepared and d3Me-hArg as the internal standard. The method was validated and used for the quantitative determination of hArg in human plasma by GC-MS after electron-capture negative-ion chemical ionization (ECNICI) using methane as the reactant gas. Intra-assay accuracy (recovery) and imprecision (relative standard deviation) were within generally accepted ranges (93-109 and 2.3-10 %, respectively). Furthermore, we extended the applicability of this method to guanidinoacetate (GAA). This is of particular importance because hArg and GAA are produced from Arg by the catalytic action of arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) also known as glycine:arginine transamidinase (GATM). Using this method, we quantitated simultaneously hArg, Arg and GAA in the selected-ion monitoring mode in 10-µL aliquots of plasma. In plasma samples of 17 non-medicated healthy young men, the concentration of hArg, GAA and Arg was determined to be (mean ± SD) 1.7 ± 0.6, 2.6 ± 0.8, 91 ± 29 µM, respectively. The correlation between hArg and Arg was borderline (r = 0.47, P = 0.06). GAA strongly correlated with Arg (r = 0.82, P < 0.0001) but did not correlate with hArg (r = 0.17, P = 0.52). The plasma concentrations of hArg, GAA and Arg measured in 9 patients suffering from stroke or transitory ischemic attack were 1.8 ± 0.6, 2.7 ± 0.4 and 82 ± 17 µM. The ratio values of the hArg, GAA and Arg concentrations measured after removal of plasma proteins by methanol precipitation or ultrafiltration were 0.94 ± 0.1, 0.94 ± 0.08, and 0.88 ± 0.07, respectively. Simultaneous measurement of hArg and GAA in human plasma may allow assessment of AGAT activity in vivo with respect both to GAA and to hArg and their relationship in health, disease, nutrition and pharmacotherapy.

  13. Qualification of a select one-stage activated partial thromboplastin time-based clotting assay and two chromogenic assays for the post-administration monitoring of nonacog beta pegol.

    PubMed

    Tiefenbacher, S; Bohra, R; Amiral, J; Bowyer, A; Kitchen, S; Lochu, A; Rosén, S; Ezban, M

    2017-10-01

    Essentials Nonacog beta pegol (N9-GP) is an extended half-life, recombinant human factor IX (FIX). One-stage clotting (OSC) and chromogenic FIX activity assays were assessed for N9-GP recovery. OSC STA ® -Cephascreen ® , ROX FIX and BIOPHEN FIX chromogenic assays were qualified for N9-GP. Other extended half-life factor products should be assessed in a similar way prior to approval. Background Nonacog beta pegol (N9-GP) is an extended half-life, glycoPEGylated recombinant human factor IX that is under development for the prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes in hemophilia B patients. Considerable reagent-dependent variability has been observed when one-stage clotting assays are used to measure the recovery of recombinant FIX products, including N9-GP. Objective To qualify select one-stage clotting and chromogenic FIX activity assays for measuring N9-GP recovery. Methods The accuracy and precision of the one-stage clotting assay (with the STA-Cephascreen activated partial thromboplastin [APTT] reagent) and the ROX Factor IX and BIOPHEN Factor IX chromogenic assays for measuring N9-GP recovery were assessed in N9-GP-spiked hemophilia B plasma samples in a systematic manner at three independent sites, with manufacturer-recommended protocols and/or site-specific assay setups, including different instruments. Results For each of the three FIX activity assays qualified on five different reagent-instrument systems, acceptable intra-assay and interassay accuracy and precision, dilution integrity, reagent robustness and freeze-thaw and short-term sample stabilities were demonstrated. The STA-Cephascreen assay showed a limited reportable range at one of the three qualification sites, and the BIOPHEN Factor IX assay showed suspect low-end sensitivity at one of the three qualification sites. An individual laboratory would account for these limitations by adjusting the assay's reportable range; thus, these findings are not considered to impact the respective assay qualifications. Conclusion The one-stage clotting assay with the STA-Cephascreen APTT reagent, the ROX Factor IX chromogenic assay and the BIOPHEN Factor IX chromogenic assay are considered to be qualified for the measurement of N9-GP in 3.2% (0.109 m) citrated human plasma. © 2017 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

  14. High levels of exosomes expressing CD63 and caveolin-1 in plasma of melanoma patients.

    PubMed

    Logozzi, Mariantonia; De Milito, Angelo; Lugini, Luana; Borghi, Martina; Calabrò, Luana; Spada, Massimo; Perdicchio, Maurizio; Marino, Maria Lucia; Federici, Cristina; Iessi, Elisabetta; Brambilla, Daria; Venturi, Giulietta; Lozupone, Francesco; Santinami, Mario; Huber, Veronica; Maio, Michele; Rivoltini, Licia; Fais, Stefano

    2009-01-01

    Metastatic melanoma is an untreatable cancer lacking reliable and non-invasive markers of disease progression. Exosomes are small vesicles secreted by normal as well as tumor cells. Human tumor-derived exosomes are involved in malignant progression and we evaluated the presence of exosomes in plasma of melanoma patients as a potential tool for cancer screening and follow-up. We designed an in-house sandwich ELISA (Exotest) to capture and quantify exosomes in plasma based on expression of housekeeping proteins (CD63 and Rab-5b) and a tumor-associated marker (caveolin-1). Western blot and flow cytometry analysis of exosomes were used to confirm the Exotest-based findings. The Exotest allowed sensitive detection and quantification of exosomes purified from human tumor cell culture supernatants and plasma from SCID mice engrafted with human melanoma. Plasma levels of exosomes in melanoma-engrafted SCID mice correlated to tumor size. We evaluated the levels of plasma exosomes expressing CD63 and caveolin-1 in melanoma patients (n = 90) and healthy donors (n = 58). Consistently, plasma exosomes expressing CD63 (504+/-315) or caveolin-1 (619+/-310) were significantly increased in melanoma patients as compared to healthy donors (223+/-125 and 228+/-102, respectively). While the Exotest for CD63+ plasma exosomes had limited sensitivity (43%) the Exotest for detection of caveolin-1+ plasma exosomes showed a higher sensitivity (68%). Moreover, caveolin-1+ plasma exosomes were significantly increased with respect to CD63+ exosomes in the patients group. We describe a new non-invasive assay allowing detection and quantification of human exosomes in plasma of melanoma patients. Our results suggest that the Exotest for detection of plasma exosomes carrying tumor-associated antigens may represent a novel tool for clinical management of cancer patients.

  15. Immunochemical Studies of Plasma Kallikrein

    PubMed Central

    Bagdasarian, Andranik; Lahiri, Biswajit; Talamo, Richard C.; Wong, Pat; Colman, Robert W.

    1974-01-01

    A monospecific antibody against human plasma kallikrein has been prepared in rabbits with kallikrein further purified to remove gamma globulins. The antisera produced contained antikallikrein and also anti-IgG, in spite of only 8% contamination of kallikrein preparation with IgG. The latter antibody was removed by adsorption of antisera with either Fletcher factor-deficient plasma or with purified IgG. Both kallikrein and prekallikrein (in plasma) cross-react with the antibody with no apparent difference between the precipitation arcs developed during immunoelectrophoresis and no significant difference in reactivity when quantified by radial immunodiffusion. Kallikrein antibody partially inhibits the esterolytic and fully inhibits the proteolytic activity of kallikrein. In addition, the antibody inhibits the activation of prekallikrein, as measured by esterase or kinin release. The magnitude of the inhibition is related to the molecular weight of the activator used. Thus, for the four activators tested, the greatest inhibition is observed with kaolin and factor XIIA, while large activator and the low molecular weight prekallikrein activators are less inhibited. With the kallikrein antibody, the incubation of kallikrein with either plasma or partially purified C1 esterase inactivator results in a new precipitin arc, as detected by immunoelectrophoresis. This finding provides physical evidence for the interaction of the enzyme and inhibitor. No new arc could be demonstrated between kallikrein and α2-macroglobulin, or α1-antitrypsin, although the concentration of free kallikrein antigen decreases after interaction with the former inhibitor. By radial immunodiffusion, plasma from healthy individuals contained 103±13 μg/ml prekallikrein antigen. Although in mild liver disease, functional and immunologic kallikrein are proportionally depressed, the levels of prekallikrein antigen in plasma samples from patients with severe liver disease remains 40% of normal, while the functional kallikrein activity was about 8%. These observations suggest that the livers of these patients have synthesized a proenzyme that cannot be converted to active kallikrein. Images PMID:4140197

  16. Plasma from preeclamptic women activates endothelial cells via monocyte activation in vitro.

    PubMed

    Faas, Marijke M; van Pampus, Maria G; Anninga, Zwanine A; Salomons, Jet; Westra, Inge M; Donker, Rogier B; Aarnoudse, Jan G; de Vos, Paul

    2010-12-01

    In this study we tested whether plasma from preeclamptic women contains factors that can activate endothelial cells in the presence of monocytes in vitro. Plasma from preeclamptic women (n=6), healthy pregnant women (n=6) and nonpregnant women (n=6) was incubated with mono-cultures and co-cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and monomac-6 monocytes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ICAM-1 expression were measured using flow cytometry. Whether scavenging of ROS by superoxide dismutase and catalase inhibited HUVEC ICAM-1 expression was also investigated. We found that in HUVEC co-cultured with monomac-6 cells but not in HUVEC cultured alone, ICAM-1 was upregulated after incubation with plasma from preeclamptic women but not plasma from non-pregnant women. Also in co-cultures, monomac-6 ICAM-1 was upregulated by plasma from preeclamptic women, while in both mono- and co-cultures monomac-6 ROS production was upregulated by plasma from pregnant and preeclamptic women, compared with plasma from non-pregnant women. Scavenging of ROS by superoxide dismutase and catalase resulted in a further upregulation of HUVEC ICAM-1 after incubation with plasma from preeclamptic women, compared with incubation without superoxide dismutase and catalase. These results show that endothelial cells in vitro are activated by plasma of preeclamptic women only if they are co-cultured with monocytes. This upregulation appeared not to be due to extracellular ROS production by monocytes or HUVEC, pointing to involvement of other mechanisms. Our data suggest that plasma of preeclamptic women activates monocytes, and that these monocytes subsequently activate endothelial cells. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Parvovirus B19V DNA contamination in Chinese plasma and plasma derivatives

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background To ensure the safety of plasma derivatives, screening for human parvovirus B19V genomic DNA in donated plasma using a pooling strategy is performed in some countries. We investigated the prevalence of B19V DNA and anti-B19V antibodies in Chinese plasma pools, plasma derivatives and plasma donations to evaluate the risk posed by B19V. Methods Using a Q-PCR assay developed in-house, we tested for B19V genomic DNA in 142 plasma pools collected between January 2009 and June 2011 from two Chinese blood products manufacturers. Plasma derivatives collected between 1993–1995 (10 batches of albumin, 155 batches of intravenous immunoglobulin, IVIG) and 2009–2011 (50 batches of albumin, 54 batches of IVIG, 35 batches of factor VIII, 7 batches of fibrinogen, and 17 batches of prothrombin complex concentrate, PCC) were also tested for B19V contamination. In addition, B19V genome prevalence in minipools(including 90 individual donations) of 49680 individual plasma samples collected between August 2011 and March 2012 by a single Chinese manufacturer was investigated. IgM/IgG was also investigated in plasma pools/derivatives and in minipools with B19V-DNA titers above 1x104 and 1x106 geq/mL using B19 ELISA IgM/IgG assay(Virion-Serion, Würzburg, Germany), respectively. Results B19V-DNA was detected in 54.2% of plasma pools from two Chinese blood product manufacturers; among recently produced blood products, B19V was detected in 21/54 IVIG samples, 19/35 factor VIII samples, 6/7 fibrinogen samples, and 12/17 PCC samples, but not in albumin samples. The levels of B19V-DNA in these samples varied from 102-107 geq/mL. In samples with >104 geq/mL genome DNA, B19V-specific IgG was also found in all corresponding plasma pools and IVIG, whereas none was detected in the majority of other plasma derivatives. Screening of plasma donations indicated that most minipools were contaminated with B19V-DNA (102-108 geq/mL) and one donation had 1.09 × 1010 geq/mL B19V genomic DNA along with a non-classical IgG/IgM profile. Conclusions Despite the implementation of some inactivation/removal methods designed to prevent viral contamination, B19V DNA was detectable in Chinese plasma pools and plasma derivatives. Thus, the introduction of B19V screening and discard donation with high viramic concentration for Chinese plasma donors would be desirable. PMID:22978673

  18. A mouse model of severe halothane hepatitis based on human risk factors.

    PubMed

    Dugan, Christine M; MacDonald, Allen E; Roth, Robert A; Ganey, Patricia E

    2010-05-01

    Halothane (2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoro-ethane) is an inhaled anesthetic that induces severe, idiosyncratic liver injury, i.e., "halothane hepatitis," in approximately 1 in 20,000 human patients. We used known human risk factors (female sex, adult age, and genetics) as well as probable risk factors (fasting and inflammatory stress) to develop a murine model with characteristics of human halothane hepatitis. Female and male BALB/cJ mice treated with halothane developed dose-dependent liver injury within 24 h; however, the liver injury was severe only in females. Livers had extensive centrilobular necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltrate, and steatosis. Fasting rendered mice more sensitive to halothane hepatotoxicity, and 8-week-old female mice were more sensitive than males of the same age or than younger (4-week-old) females. C57BL/6 mice were insensitive to halothane, suggesting a strong genetic predisposition. In halothane-treated females, plasma concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha was greater than in males, and neutrophils were recruited to liver more rapidly and to a greater extent. Anti-CD18 serum attenuated halothane-induced liver injury in female mice, suggesting that neutrophil migration, activation, or both are required for injury. Coexposure of halothane-treated male mice to lipopolysaccharide to induce modest inflammatory stress converted their mild hepatotoxic response to a pronounced, female-like response. This is the first animal model of an idiosyncratic adverse drug reaction that is based on human risk factors and produces reproducible, severe hepatitis from halothane exposure with lesions characteristic of human halothane hepatitis. Moreover, these results suggest that a more robust innate immune response underlies the predisposition of female mice to halothane hepatitis.

  19. Therapeutic plasma concentrations of epsilon aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid in horses.

    PubMed

    Fletcher, D J; Brainard, B M; Epstein, K; Radcliffe, R; Divers, T

    2013-01-01

    Antifibrinolytic drugs such as epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) and tranexamic acid (TEA) are used to treat various bleeding disorders in horses. Although horses are hypofibrinolytic compared to humans, dosing schemes have been derived from pharmacokinetic studies targeting plasma concentrations in humans. We hypothesized therapeutic plasma concentrations of antifibrinolytic drugs in horses would be significantly lower than in humans. Our objective was to use thromboleastography (TEG) and an in vitro model of hyperfibrinolysis to predict therapeutic concentrations of EACA and TEA in horses and humans. Citrated plasma collected from 24 random source clinically healthy research horses. Commercial pooled human citrated plasma with normal coagulation parameters was purchased. Minimum tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) concentration to induce complete fibrinolysis within 10 minutes was determined using serial dilutions of tPA in equine plasma. Results used to create an in vitro hyperfibrinolysis model with equine and human citrated plasma, and the minimum concentrations of EACA and TEA required to completely inhibit fibrinolysis for 30 minutes (estimated therapeutic concentrations) determined using serial dilutions of the drugs. Estimated therapeutic concentrations of EACA and TEA were significantly lower in horses (5.82; 95% CI 3.77-7.86 μg/mL and 0.512; 95% CI 0.277-0.748 μg/mL) than in humans (113.2; 95% CI 95.8-130.6 μg/mL and 11.4; 95% CI 8.62-14.1 μg/mL). Current dosing schemes for EACA and TEA in horses may be as much as 20× higher than necessary, potentially increasing cost of treatment and risk of adverse effects. Copyright © 2013 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  20. Divergent systemic and local inflammatory response to hind limb demand ischemia in wild-type and ApoE-/- mice.

    PubMed

    Crawford, Robert S; Albadawi, Hassan; Robaldo, Alessandro; Peck, Michael A; Abularrage, Christopher J; Yoo, Hyung-Jin; Lamuraglia, Glenn M; Watkins, Michael T

    2013-08-01

    We designed studies to determine whether the ApoE-/- phenotype modulates the local skeletal muscle and systemic inflammatory (plasma) responses to lower extremity demand ischemia. The ApoE-/- phenotype is an experimental model for atherosclerosis in humans. Aged female ApoE-/- and C57BL6 mice underwent femoral artery ligation, then were divided into sedentary and demand ischemia (exercise) groups on day 14. We assessed baseline and postexercise limb perfusion and hind limb function. On day 14, animals in the demand ischemia group underwent daily treadmill exercise through day 28. Sedentary mice were not exercised. On day 28, we harvested plasma and skeletal muscle from ischemic limbs from sedentary and exercised mice. We assayed muscle for angiogenic and proinflammatory proteins, markers of skeletal muscle regeneration, and evidence of skeletal muscle fiber maturation. Hind limb ischemia was similar in ApoE-/- and C57 mice before the onset of exercise. Under sedentary conditions, plasma vascular endothelial cell growth factor and interleukin-6, but not keratinocyte chemoattractant factor (KC) or macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), were higher in ApoE (P < 0.0001). After exercise, plasma levels of vascular endothelial cell growth factor, KC, and MIP-2, but not IL-6, were lower in ApoE (P < 0.004). The cytokines KC and MIP-2 in muscle were greater in exercised ApoE-/- mice compared with C57BL6 mice (P = 0.01). Increased poly-ADP-ribose activity and mature muscle regeneration were associated with demand ischemia in the C57BL6 mice, compared with the ApoE-/- mice (P = 0.01). Demand limb ischemia in the ApoE-/- phenotype exacerbated the expression of select systemic cytokines in plasma and blunted indices of muscle regeneration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Quantitation of total homocysteine in human plasma by derivatization to its N(O,S)-propoxycarbonyl propyl ester and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.

    PubMed

    Sass, J O; Endres, W

    1997-08-01

    Much evidence supports the hypothesis that mild or moderate hyperhomocysteinaemia represents an important and independent risk factor for occlusive vascular diseases. Therefore, the accurate and reliable determination of total plasma homocysteine has gained major importance for risk assessment. Furthermore, it can help in the detection of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency. This has prompted us to develop a sensitive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method in order to quantify total homocysteine in human plasma. Prior to chromatography, reduced homocysteine was released from disulfide bonds by incubation with excess dithiothreitol and converted into its N(O,S)-propoxycarbonyl propyl ester by derivatization with n-propyl chloroformate. Aminoethylcysteine served as internal standard. The method proved to be highly linear over the entire concentration range examined (corresponding to 0-266 microM homocysteine) and showed intra-assay and inter-assay variation (relative standard deviations) of approximately 5 and 5-10%, respectively. External quality control by comparison with duplicate analysis performed on a HPLC-based system revealed satisfactory correlation. The newly developed GC-MS based method provides simple, reliable and fast quantification of total homocysteine and requires only inexpensive chemicals, which are easy to obtain.

  2. Association of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus with Genital Tract Mucosal Immune Factors In HIV-Infected Women

    PubMed Central

    Buckley, Niall; Huber, Ashley; Lo, Yungtai; Castle, Philip E.; Kemal, Kimdar; Burk, Robert D.; Strickler, Howard D.; Einstein, Mark H.; Young, Mary; Anastos, Kathryn; Herold, Betsy C.

    2015-01-01

    Problem High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is prevalent in HIV-infected women and may be associated with mucosal changes that promote HIV replication. Method of Study Innate immune molecules, antimicrobial activity, HIV RNA, and HPV DNA genotypes were measured in a cross-sectional study of 128 HIV-infected women categorized into HPV-16 (n=8), other HR-HPV (n=41), and non-HR-HPV controls (n=79). Results Compared to controls, HR-HPV groups had higher plasma viral loads (p=0.004), lower CD4 cells (p=0.02), more genital tract HIV RNA (p=0.03), greater number of different HPV types (p<0.001), higher cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) IL-1α (p=0.03) and human beta defensin 2 (HBD2) (p=0.049), and less anti-HIVBal activity (p=0.03). HPV-16 remained significantly associated with higher HBD2 (p=0.03), higher IL-1α (p=0.009), and lower anti-HIVBaL activity (p=0.03) compared to controls after adjusting for plasma viral load and CD4 T cell count. Conclusion HR-HPV is associated with mucosal changes in HIV-infected women that could adversely impact genital tract health. PMID:26685115

  3. [Proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in hydrogels of human blood plasma].

    PubMed

    Linero, Itali M; Doncel, Adriana; Chaparro, Orlando

    2014-01-01

    The use of mesenchymal stem cells in clinical practice has increased considerably in the last decade because they play a supporting role in the processes of tissue repair and regeneration, becoming the main tool of cell therapy for the treatment of diseases functionally affecting bone and cartilage tissue . To evaluate in vitro the proliferative and osteogenic differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue in a blood plasma hydrogel. Mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from human adipose tissue explants and characterized by flow cytometry. Their multipotentiality was demonstrated by their ability to differentiate to adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. Cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation ability of the cells cultured in blood plasma hydrogels were also evaluated. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue growing in human blood plasma hydrogels showed a pattern of proliferation similar to that of the cells cultured in monolayer and also maintained their ability to differentiate to osteogenic lineage. Human blood plasma hydrogels are a suitable support for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue and provides a substrate that is autologous, biocompatible, reabsorbable, easy to use, potentially injectable and economic, which could be used as a successful strategy for the management and clinical application of cell therapy in regenerative medicine.

  4. The Effect of Recombinant Erythropoietin on Plasma Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Patients with Affective Disorders: A Randomised Controlled Study

    PubMed Central

    Vinberg, Maj; Miskowiak, Kamilla; Hoejman, Pernille; Pedersen, Maria; Kessing, Lars Vedel

    2015-01-01

    The study aims to investigate the effect of repeated infusions of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) on plasma brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with affective disorders. In total, 83 patients were recruited: 40 currently depressed patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items (HDRS-17) score >17) (study 1) and 43 patients with bipolar disorder (BD) in partial remission (HDRS-17 and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) ≤ 14) (study 2). In both studies, patients were randomised to receive eight weekly EPO (Eprex; 40,000 IU) or saline (0.9% NaCl) infusions in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel—group design. Plasma BDNF levels were measured at baseline and at weeks 5, 9 and at follow up, week 14. In contrast with our hypothesis, EPO down regulated plasma BDNF levels in patients with TRD (mean reduction at week 9 (95% CI): EPO 10.94 ng/l (4.51-21.41 ng/l); mean increase at week 9: Saline 0.52 ng/l, p=0.04 (-5.88-4.48 ng/l) p=0.04, partial ŋ2=0.12). No significant effects were found on BDNF levels in partially remitted patients with BD (p=0.35). The present effects of EPO on BDNF levels in patients with TRD point to a role of neurotrophic factors in the potential effects of EPO seen in TRD and BD. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects and the interaction between EPO and peripheral levels on BDNF need to be further elucidated in human studies including a broad range of biomarkers. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00916552. PMID:26011424

  5. BDNF Val 66 Met and 5-HTTLPR genotype moderate the impact of early psychosocial adversity on plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor and depressive symptoms: a prospective study.

    PubMed

    Buchmann, Arlette F; Hellweg, Rainer; Rietschel, Marcella; Treutlein, Jens; Witt, Stephanie H; Zimmermann, Ulrich S; Schmidt, Martin H; Esser, Günter; Banaschewski, Tobias; Laucht, Manfred; Deuschle, Michael

    2013-08-01

    Recent studies have emphasized an important role for neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in regulating the plasticity of neural circuits involved in the pathophysiology of stress-related diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine the interplay of the BDNF Val⁶⁶Met and the serotonin transporter promoter (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms in moderating the impact of early-life adversity on BDNF plasma concentration and depressive symptoms. Participants were taken from an epidemiological cohort study following the long-term outcome of early risk factors from birth into young adulthood. In 259 individuals (119 males, 140 females), genotyped for the BDNF Val⁶⁶Met and the 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms, plasma BDNF was assessed at the age of 19 years. In addition, participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Early adversity was determined according to a family adversity index assessed at 3 months of age. Results indicated that individuals homozygous for both the BDNF Val and the 5-HTTLPR L allele showed significantly reduced BDNF levels following exposure to high adversity. In contrast, BDNF levels appeared to be unaffected by early psychosocial adversity in carriers of the BDNF Met or the 5-HTTLPR S allele. While the former group appeared to be most susceptible to depressive symptoms, the impact of early adversity was less pronounced in the latter group. This is the first preliminary evidence indicating that early-life adverse experiences may have lasting sequelae for plasma BDNF levels in humans, highlighting that the susceptibility to this effect is moderated by BDNF Val⁶⁶Met and 5-HTTLPR genotype. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  6. The transcription factor, T-bet, primes intestine transplantation rejection and is associated with disrupted mucosal homeostasis.

    PubMed

    Ranganathan, Sarangarajan; Ashokkumar, Chethan; Ningappa, Mylarappa; Schmitt, Lori; Higgs, Brandon W; Sindhi, Rakesh

    2015-04-01

    The transcription factor, t-bet, promotes inflammatory polarization and intestinal homing of many inflammatory cells. In previous studies, the t-bet and granulysin genes were upregulated in peripheral blood before and after intestine transplantation (ITx) rejection, but not during rejection, possibly because of sequestration in allograft mucosa. Mucosal sequestration of t-bet and granulysin may also explain the presence of inflammatory CD14+ monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and immunoglobulin G+ B-cell lineage cells, and loss of mature non-inflammatory CD138+ plasma cells in allograft mucosa during ITx rejection in these previous studies. T-bet-stained and granulysin-stained cells, MDM and CD138+ plasma cells were evaluated with immunohistochemistry in serial biopsies from 17 children, in whom changes in MDM and CD138+ plasma cells were observed previously. T-bet-positive mucosal cells were significantly higher in postperfusion (P = 0.035) and early posttransplant biopsies (P = 0.016) among rejectors, compared with nonrejectors. T-bet-positive cell counts per high-power field (hpf) were (a) positively correlated with MDM counts/hpf in postperfusion (Spearman r = 0.73; P = 0.01) and early posttransplant biopsies (r = 0.54, r = 0.046), and (b) negatively correlated with CD138+B-/pre-plasma cells in early posttransplant biopsies (r = 0.63, P = 0.038). T-bet expression in CD14+ monocytes, CD19+B cells, and several other leukocyte subsets was higher in random blood samples from two rejectors, compared with those from five normal human subjects and three nonrejectors. Scant granulysin-stained mucosal cells precluded additional evaluation of this cytotoxin and its role in ITx rejection. The transcription factor, t-bet, primes ITx rejection, and associates with disrupted homeostatic relationships between innate and adaptive immune cells in the allograft mucosa during rejection.

  7. Concizumab, an anti-tissue factor pathway inhibitor antibody, induces increased thrombin generation in plasma from haemophilia patients and healthy subjects measured by the thrombin generation assay.

    PubMed

    Waters, E K; Sigh, J; Friedrich, U; Hilden, I; Sørensen, B B

    2017-09-01

    Concizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), is being developed as a subcutaneously (s.c.) administered treatment for haemophilia. It demonstrated a concentration-dependent procoagulant effect in functional TFPI assays; however, global haemostatic assays, such as the thrombin generation assay (TGA), offer a more complete picture of coagulation. We investigated how concizumab affects thrombin generation following ex vivo spiking in plasma from haemophilia patients using the TGA, and if the assay can detect the effect of multiple s.c. concizumab doses in healthy subjects. For the ex vivo spiking study, platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from 18 patients with severe haemophilia was spiked with 0.001-500 nm concizumab. For the multiple-dosing study, four healthy males received concizumab 250 μg kg -1 s.c. every other day for eight doses; blood was collected before and after dosing and processed into PPP. In both studies, thrombin generation was measured using a Calibrated Automated Thrombogram ® system with 1 pm tissue factor. In spiked samples from haemophilia patients, peak thrombin and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) increased concentration dependently, reaching near-normal levels at concizumab concentrations >10 nm. Repeated s.c. doses of concizumab in healthy subjects increased both peak thrombin and ETP; these effects were sustained throughout the dosing interval. Thrombin generation assay demonstrated increased thrombin generation with concizumab after ex vivo spiking of haemophilia plasma and multiple s.c. doses in healthy subjects, supporting both the utility of the TGA in evaluating concizumab treatment and the potential of s.c. concizumab as a novel haemophilia therapy. © 2017 The Authors. Haemophilia Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  8. Oxidative Stress Is Associated with an Increased Antioxidant Defense in Elderly Subjects: A Multilevel Approach

    PubMed Central

    Flores-Mateo, Gemma; Elosua, Roberto; Rodriguez-Blanco, Teresa; Basora-Gallisà, Josep; Bulló, Mònica; Salas-Salvadó, Jordi; Martínez-González, Miguel Ángel; Estruch, Ramon; Corella, Dolores; Fitó, Montserrat; Fiol, Miquel; Arós, Fernando; Gómez-Gracia, Enrique; Subirana, Isaac; Lapetra, José; Ruiz-Gutiérrez, Valentina; Sáez, Guillermo T.; Covas, Maria-Isabel

    2014-01-01

    Background Studies of associations between plasma GSH-Px activity and cardiovascular risk factors have been done in humans, and contradictory results have been reported. The aim of our study was to assess the association between the scavenger antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in plasma and the presence of novel and classical cardiovascular risk factors in elderly patients. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study with baseline data from a subsample of the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea) study in Spain. Participants were 1,060 asymptomatic subjects at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), aged 55 to 80, selected from 8 primary health care centers (PHCCs). We assessed classical CVD risk factors, plasma oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) using multilevel statistical procedures. Results Mean GSH-Px value was 612 U/L (SE: 12 U/L), with variation between PHCCs ranging from 549 to 674 U/L (Variance = 1013.5; P<0.001). Between-participants variability within a PHCC accounted for 89% of the total variation. Both glucose and oxidized LDL were positively associated with GSH-Px activity after adjustment for possible confounder variables (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion In a population at high cardiovascular risk, a positive linear association was observed between plasma GSH-Px activity and both glucose and ox-LDL levels. The high GSH-Px activity observed when an oxidative stress situation occurred, such as hyperglycemia and lipid oxidative damage, could be interpreted as a healthy defensive response against oxidative injury in our cardiovascular risk population. PMID:25269026

  9. MHC Class II and CD9 in human eosinophils localize to detergent-resistant membrane microdomains.

    PubMed

    Akuthota, Praveen; Melo, Rossana C N; Spencer, Lisa A; Weller, Peter F

    2012-02-01

    Eosinophils function in murine allergic airways inflammation as professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In murine professional APC cell types, optimal functioning of MHC Class II depends on its lateral association in plasma membranes and colocalization with the tetraspanin CD9 into detergent-resistant membrane microdomains (DRMs). With human eosinophils, we evaluated the localization of MHC Class II (HLA-DR) to DRMs and the functional significance of such localization. In granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-stimulated human eosinophils, antibody cross-linked HLA-DR colocalized by immunofluorescence microscopy focally on plasma membranes with CD9 and the DRM marker ganglioside GM1. In addition, HLA-DR coimmunoprecipitates with CD9 after chemical cross-linking of CD9. HLA-DR and CD9 were localized by Western blotting in eosinophil DRM subcellular fractions. DRM disruption with the cholesterol-depleting agent methyl-β-cyclodextrin decreased eosinophil surface expression of HLA-DR and CD9. We show that CD9 is abundant on the surface of eosinophils, presenting the first electron microscopy data of the ultrastructural immunolocalization of CD9 in human eosinophils. Disruption of HLA-DR-containing DRMs decreased the ability of superantigen-loaded human eosinophils to stimulate CD4(+) T-cell activation (CD69 expression), proliferation, and cytokine production. Our results, which demonstrate that eosinophil MHC Class II localizes to DRMs in association with CD9 in a functionally significant manner, represent a novel insight into the organization of the antigen presentation complex of human eosinophils.

  10. Leptin is present in human milk and is related to maternal plasma leptin concentration and adiposity.

    PubMed

    Houseknecht, K L; McGuire, M K; Portocarrero, C P; McGuire, M A; Beerman, K

    1997-11-26

    Leptin is elevated during pregnancy and may be involved in the regulation of milk production in women. Immunoreactive leptin was quantified in human milk by modified radioimmunoassay. Leptin concentration was higher in whole vs. skim milk fractions; however, leptin concentration was not correlated with percentage milk fat. Leptin concentrations in whole and skim milk were correlated with maternal plasma leptin concentrations, maternal body weight, body mass index, and tricep skinfold thickness, but not with plasma insulin concentration. These data provide the first evidence for the presence of leptin in human milk in the range of concentrations found in human plasma and indicate that the concentration of leptin in milk reflects maternal adiposity. Determining the biological role(s) of milk-borne leptin could add to our understanding of neonatal metabolism and the mechanisms underlying the development of body fat and obesity in humans.

  11. The identification of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in Liberian pigs and dogs by isoenzymes and by resistance to human plasma.

    PubMed

    Gibson, W; Mehlitz, D; Lanham, S M; Godfrey, D G

    1978-09-01

    29 Trypanozoon stocks from Liberian pigs and dogs were screened for human plasma resistance and electrophoretic isoenzyme patterns of eleven enzymes. Two stocks from pigs were found both to be resistant to human plasma and to have an isoenzyme marker, a slow alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) pattern, previously found only in Trypanosoma brucei gambiense from man. This constitutes evidence that the pig is a reservoir of human trypanosomiasis in West Africa. The T.b.gambiense ALAT was also found in stocks from 5 other pigs and a dog, but none of these stocks was resistant to human plasma; conversely, 9 further isolations from pigs and 2 from dogs were plasma resistant but did not have the T.b.gambiense ALAT. The lack of correspondence between the two characteristics is discussed. A T.b.gambiense stock from man in Zaire had the ALAT pattern characteristic of T.b.gambiense from Senegal and Nigeria, together with the ASAT triplet found in most T.b.gambiense stocks. Peptidase polymorphism was shown in trypanosomes for the first time.

  12. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Betisheva, N.K.; Samoilova, K.A.

    This paper studies the DNA-synthetic activity of hyman embryonic cells (EC) cultured in the presence of supernatants from intact and irradiated cell fractions of blood or plasma. Human EC obtained from abortion material were incubated; after incubation, tritium-thymidine was added to the growth medium for 30 min. It is shown that stimulation of DNA synthesis in EC growing in the presence of supernatants from irradiated whole blood is not connected with photoactivation of growth factors in the blood plasma, but takes place as a result of their release from the cells. Donated blood, irradiated with UV light of the samemore » wavelength and within the same dose range as are used under clinical conditions (up to 1200 J/m/sup 2/), possesses growth-stimulating properties.« less

  13. A model comparing how rapidly transfusion of solvent detergent plasma restores clotting factors versus infusion of albumin-saline.

    PubMed

    Jilma-Stohlawetz, Petra; Kursten, Friedrich W; Horvath, Michaela; Leitner, Gerda; List, Jana; Marcek, Jana; Quehenberger, Peter; Schwameis, Michael; Bartko, Johann; Jilma, Bernd

    2015-12-01

    A recent randomized controlled trial demonstrated the bioequivalence between universally applicable and AB0 compatible transfusion plasma in healthy volunteers. There was a limited change in coagulation factor levels and inhibitors before and after plasmapheresis and subsequent plasma transfusion. The aim of this extension trial was to investigate the true capacity of these plasma products to restore baseline levels of coagulation factors and inhibitors after plasma depletion in comparison to haemodilution induced by infusion of albumin solution. Fourteen healthy subjects, who completed both plasma transfusion periods, underwent an additional plasmapheresis (600 mL) followed by an infusion of 1200 mL albumin (3.125%) in a third period. The fibrinogen levels, as well as other clotting factors (FII, FV, FVII and FXI), decreased by 10% after plasmapheresis, and subsequent infusion of albumin solution further aggravated this drop in clotting factors to approximately 20-25%. The clotting factors with a long half-life were not even restored 24 hours after infusion of albumin solution, whereas those with a short half-life were replenished by endogenous synthesis within 24 hours. In contrast, transfusion of either plasma product rapidly restored all clotting parameters and inhibitors (protein S and plasmin inhibitor) immediately after transfusion. This study demonstrates that albumin solution induces an enhanced dilution of clotting factors and inhibitors, whereas both plasma products quickly compensated for the experimental loss of these plasma proteins. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  14. Dihydroxyphenylglycol as a Biomarker of Norepinephrine Transporter Inhibition by Atomoxetine: Human Model to Assess Central and Peripheral Effects of Dosing.

    PubMed

    Bieck, Peter R; Leibowitz, Mark; Lachno, D Richard; Ledent, Edouard; Padich, Robert; Jhee, Stan

    2016-12-01

    To assess the primary metabolite of norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), as a sensitive biomarker for norepinephrine transporter (NET) function and the relationship of DHPG measured peripherally and centrally, NET was antagonized with 80 mg/d atomoxetine for 18 days. Twelve healthy subjects were treated with atomoxetine in an open-label, multiple-dose exploratory study. Plasma atomoxetine reached steady state by day 6, and the pharmacokinetic results demonstrated availability of atomoxetine to the central nervous system. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/plasma ratios of atomoxetine based on area under concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours postdose (AUC0-12), maximum concentration (Cmax), and predose were 0.3%, 0.2%, and 11%, respectively. Plasma from atomoxetine-treated subjects (ex vivo) significantly inhibited radioligand binding to human NET (P < 0.001) only 1 hour after dosing. Plasma DHPG and DHPG/norepinephrine (ratio) during repeated posture tests were reduced significantly (P < 0.001) on day 5 and stayed significantly reduced up to 1 day after treatment. In CSF, both DHPG and the ratio were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) on day 18. Urine results showed significant decreases for both DHPG and the ratio (P = 0.010 to P < 0.001). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in CSF was lesser than the limits of detection. The findings suggest that NET blockade can be assessed with DHPG concentration or with the ratio in plasma, CSF, and urine. The data suggest that DHPG is a useful biomarker to proactively assess the pharmacological activity of compounds intended to inhibit NET activity within the brain. The study shows that CSF is a medium for early identification and quantification of biomarkers useful in assessing novel neuroscience targets.

  15. Choline and Choline Metabolite Patterns and Associations in Blood and Milk during Lactation in Dairy Cows

    PubMed Central

    Artegoitia, Virginia M.; Middleton, Jesse L.; Harte, Federico M.; Campagna, Shawn R.; de Veth, Michael J.

    2014-01-01

    Milk and dairy products are an important source of choline, a nutrient essential for human health. Infant formula derived from bovine milk contains a number of metabolic forms of choline, all contribute to the growth and development of the newborn. At present, little is known about the factors that influence the concentrations of choline metabolites in milk. The objectives of this study were to characterize and then evaluate associations for choline and its metabolites in blood and milk through the first 37 weeks of lactation in the dairy cow. Milk and blood samples from twelve Holstein cows were collected in early, mid and late lactation and analyzed for acetylcholine, free choline, betaine, glycerophosphocholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphocholine and sphingomyelin using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and quantified using stable isotope-labeled internal standards. Total choline concentration in plasma, which was almost entirely phosphatidylcholine, increased 10-times from early to late lactation (1305 to 13,535 µmol/L). In milk, phosphocholine was the main metabolite in early lactation (492 µmol/L), which is a similar concentration to that found in human milk, however, phosphocholine concentration decreased exponentially through lactation to 43 µmol/L in late lactation. In contrast, phosphatidylcholine was the main metabolite in mid and late lactation (188 µmol/L and 659 µmol/L, respectively), with the increase through lactation positively correlated with phosphatidylcholine in plasma (R 2 = 0.78). Unlike previously reported with human milk we found no correlation between plasma free choline concentration and milk choline metabolites. The changes in pattern of phosphocholine and phosphatidylcholine in milk through lactation observed in the bovine suggests that it is possible to manufacture infant formula that more closely matches these metabolites profile in human milk. PMID:25157578

  16. Autologous human plasma in stem cell culture and cryopreservation in the creation of a tissue-engineered vascular graft.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ping; Policha, Aleksandra; Tulenko, Thomas; DiMuzio, Paul

    2016-03-01

    Previous work demonstrated the effectiveness of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) as endothelial cell (EC) substitutes in vascular tissue engineering. We further this work toward clinical translation by evaluating ASC function after (1) replacement of fetal bovine serum (FBS) with autologous human plasma (HP) in culture and (2) cryopreservation. Human ASCs and plasma, isolated from periumbilical fat and peripheral blood, respectively, were collected from the same donors. ASCs were differentiated in endothelial growth medium supplemented with FBS (2%) vs HP (2%). Proliferation was measured by growth curves and MTT assay. Endothelial differentiation was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, assessment of acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake, and cord formation after plating on Matrigel (BD Biosciences, San Jose, Calif). Similar studies were conducted before and after cryopreservation of ASCs and included assessment of cell retention on the luminal surface of a vascular graft. ASCs expanded in HP-supplemented medium showed (1) similar proliferation to FBS-cultured ASCs, (2) consistent differentiation toward an EC lineage (increases in CD31, von Willebrand factor, and CD144 message; acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake; and cord formation on Matrigel), and (3) retention on the luminal surface after seeding and subsequent flow conditioning. Cryopreservation did not significantly alter ASC viability, proliferation, acquisition of endothelial characteristics, or retention after seeding onto a vascular graft. This study suggests that (1) replacement of FBS with autologous HP--a step necessary for the translation of this technology into human use--does not significantly impair proliferation or endothelial differentiation of ASCs used as EC substitutes and (2) ASCs are tolerant to cryopreservation in terms of maintaining EC characteristics and retention on a vascular graft. Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Plasma trimethylamine N-oxide concentration is associated with choline, phospholipids, and methyl metabolism.

    PubMed

    Obeid, Rima; Awwad, Hussain M; Rabagny, Yannick; Graeber, Stefan; Herrmann, Wolfgang; Geisel, Juergen

    2016-03-01

    Elevated plasma concentrations of the gut bacteria choline metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) are associated with atherosclerosis. However, the determinants of TMAO in humans require additional assessment. We examined cardiometabolic risk factors and pathways associated with TMAO concentrations in humans. A total of 283 individuals (mean ± SD age: 66.7 ± 9.0 y) were included in this observational study. Plasma concentrations of trimethylamine, TMAO, choline, lipids, phospholipids, and methyl metabolites were measured. Study participants were divided into 4 groups by median concentrations of TMAO and choline (4.36 and 9.7 μmol/L, respectively). Compared with the group with TMAO and choline concentrations that were less than the median (n = 82), the group with TMAO and choline concentrations that were at least the median (n = 83) was older and had lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, phospholipids, and methylation potential, higher creatinine, betaine, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and higher percentages of men and subjects with diabetes. The difference in plasma TMAO concentrations between men and women (7.3 ± 10.0 compared with 5.4 ± 5.6 μmol/L, respectively) was NS after adjustment for age and creatinine (P = 0.455). The TMAO:trimethylamine ratio was higher in men (P < 0.001). Diabetes was associated with significantly higher plasma TMAO concentration (8.6 ± 12.2 compared with 5.4 ± 5.2 μmol/L) even after adjustments. Sex and diabetes showed an interactive effect on trimethylamine concentrations (P = 0.010) but not on TMAO concentrations (P = 0.950). Positive determinants of TMAO in a stepwise regression model that applied to the whole group were SAH, trimethylamine, choline, and female sex, whereas plasma phosphatidylcholine was a negative determinant. High TMAO and choline concentrations are associated with an advanced cardiometabolic risk profile. Diabetes is related to higher plasma TMAO concentrations but also to alterations in interrelated pathways such as lipids, phospholipids, and methylation. Elevated plasma TMAO concentrations likely reflect a specific metabolic pattern characterized by low HDL and phospholipids in addition to hypomethylation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02586181 and NCT02588898. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

  18. A rapid, accurate and robust particle-based assay for the simultaneous screening of plasma samples for the presence of five different anti-cytokine autoantibodies.

    PubMed

    Guldager, Daniel Kring Rasmussen; von Stemann, Jakob Hjorth; Larsen, Rune; Bay, Jakob Thaning; Galle, Pia Søndergaard; Svenson, Morten; Ullum, Henrik; Hansen, Morten Bagge

    2015-10-01

    To establish and validate a rapid, cost-effective and accurate screening assay for the simultaneous testing of human naturally occurring anti-cytokine autoantibodies (c-aAb) targeting interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and interferon α (IFNα). Because the c-aAbs can be transferred to patients through blood transfusion, the assay was used to assess c-aAb levels in a cohort of patients who were receiving blood transfusions and subsequently presented with or without febrile reactions. The microsphere-based Luminex platform was used. Recombinant forms of human IL-1α, IL-6, IL-10, GM-CSF, and IFNα were gently coupled to MAG-PLEX beads. Plasma IgG binding was measured with phycoerythrin (PE)-labeled secondary antibodies. Previously confirmed c-aAb positive and negative donor plasma samples and pooled normal immunoglobulin preparations were used to validate the assay. Plasma samples from 98 transfusion recipients, half of whom presented with febrile reactions, were tested by the assay. The assay detected specific and saturable immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding to each of the tested cytokines in previously confirmed c-aAb positive plasmas and in preparations of pooled normal immunoglobulin. Confirmed c-aAb negative plasmas gave no saturable binding. The detection limit of the cytokine autoantibodies was estimated to be between 1 pM and 10 pM. The recovery of confirmed cytokine autoantibodies quantities in the negative plasma samples ranged between 80% and 125%. The analytical intra- and inter-assay variations were 4% and 11%, respectively. Varying c-aAb levels were detectable in the transfusion recipients. There was no difference in c-aAb frequency between the patients with or without febrile transfusion reactions. The c-aAb level before and after the blood transfusions varied only slightly and in an irregular manner. This assay simultaneously detected up to five different c-aAbs in pooled human IgG and in plasma from individual blood donors, and it was deemed suitable for larger screenings. Based on confirmed antibody binding characteristics and the resultant reactivity in this multiplex assay, a classification of the c-aAb levels was suggested. The screening results of the recipients who received blood transfusions indicate that more studies are needed to clarify the role of antibodies, if any, in transfusion medicine and in high-dose immunoglobulin treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Absorption of flavonols derived from sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) and their effect on emerging risk factors for cardiovascular disease in humans.

    PubMed

    Suomela, Jukka-Pekka; Ahotupa, Markku; Yang, Baoru; Vasankari, Tommi; Kallio, Heikki

    2006-09-20

    Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) is a rich source of flavonols, especially isorhamnetin. Most prospective cohort studies have indicated some degree of inverse association between flavonoid intake and coronary heart disease. Animal and human studies suggest that sea buckthorn flavonoids may scavenge free radicals, lower blood viscosity, and enhance cardiac function. The effects of flavonol aglycones derived from sea buckthorn on the risk factors of cardiovascular disease as well as their absorption were studied in humans. The flavonols, ingested with oatmeal porridge, did not have a significant effect on the levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine, on the plasma antioxidant potential, or on the paraoxonase activity. Flavonols at two dosages in oatmeal porridge were rapidly absorbed, and a relatively small amount of sea buckthorn oil added to the porridge seemed to have increased the bioavailability of sea buckthorn flavonols consumed at the higher dose.

  20. NGF and romantic love.

    PubMed

    Emanuele, Enzo

    2011-06-01

    Romantic love is the catalyst behind the spread of the human life. The neurobiology of love embraces the hypothesis that what we call "romantic attachment" or "romantic love" may be at least in part the expression of biological factors. A corollary of this hypothesis states that it is possible to learn much about the nature of human love by studying the molecules involved in the expression of social and affiliative behaviours. Under this theoretical framework, we have investigated the changes in plasma neurotrophin levels in subjects with early stage romantic love. A positive association between the intensity of early romantic feelings and serum levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) has been identified. These findings link love with biologically relevant pathways for neuron survival and illuminate the biochemical correlates of such a complex feeling that so deeply affects our own lives. The progresses in the neurobiology of love suggest that this kind of research may open a new window onto our understanding of the very nature of human romantic bonding.

  1. Properties of the Products Formed by the Activity of Serum Opacity Factor against Human Plasma High Density Lipoproteins

    PubMed Central

    Pownall, Henry J.; Courtney, Harry S.; Gillard, Baiba K.; Massey, John B.

    2010-01-01

    Serum opacity factor from Streptococcus pyogenes transfers the cholesteryl esters (CE) of ~100,000 plasma high density lipoprotein particles (HDL) to a CE-rich microemulsion (CERM) while forming neo HDL, a cholesterol-poor HDL-like particle. HDL, neo HDL, and CERM are distinct. Neo HDL is lower in free cholesterol and has lower surface and total microviscosities than HDL; the surface polarity of neo HDL and HDL are similar. CERM is much larger than HDL and richer in cholesterol and CE. Although the surface microviscosity of HDL is higher than that of CERM, they have similar total microviscosities because cholesterol partitions into the neutral lipid core. Because of its unique surface properties apo E preferentially associates with the CERM. In contrast, the composition and properties of neo HDL make it a potential acceptor of cellular cholesterol and its esterification. Thus, neo HDL and CERM are possible vehicles for improving cholesterol transport to the liver. PMID:18838065

  2. Inflammation, vitamin B6 and related pathways.

    PubMed

    Ueland, Per Magne; McCann, Adrian; Midttun, Øivind; Ulvik, Arve

    2017-02-01

    The active form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), serves as a co-factor in more than 150 enzymatic reactions. Plasma PLP has consistently been shown to be low in inflammatory conditions; there is a parallel reduction in liver PLP, but minor changes in erythrocyte and muscle PLP and in functional vitamin B6 biomarkers. Plasma PLP also predicts the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and some cancers, and is inversely associated with numerous inflammatory markers in clinical and population-based studies. Vitamin B6 intake and supplementation improve some immune functions in vitamin B6-deficient humans and experimental animals. A possible mechanism involved is mobilization of vitamin B6 to the sites of inflammation where it may serve as a co-factor in pathways producing metabolites with immunomodulating effects. Relevant vitamin B6-dependent inflammatory pathways include vitamin B6 catabolism, the kynurenine pathway, sphingosine 1-phosphate metabolism, the transsulfuration pathway, and serine and glycine metabolism. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Release kinetics of platelet-derived and plasma-derived growth factors from autologous plasma rich in growth factors.

    PubMed

    Anitua, Eduardo; Zalduendo, Mari Mar; Alkhraisat, Mohammad Hamdan; Orive, Gorka

    2013-10-01

    Many studies have evaluated the biological effects of platelet rich plasma reporting the final outcomes on cell and tissues. However, few studies have dealt with the kinetics of growth factor delivery by plasma rich in growth factors. Venous blood was obtained from three healthy volunteers and processed with PRGF-Endoret technology to prepare autologous plasma rich in growth factors. The gel-like fibrin scaffolds were then incubated in triplicate, in a cell culture medium to monitor the release of PDGF-AB, VEGF, HGF and IGF-I during 8 days of incubation. A leukocyte-platelet rich plasma was prepared employing the same technology and the concentrations of growth factors and interleukin-1β were determined after 24h of incubation. After each period, the medium was collected, fibrin clot was destroyed and the supernatants were stored at -80°C until analysis. The growth factor delivery is diffusion controlled with a rapid initial release by 30% of the bioactive content after 1h of incubation and a steady state release when almost 70% of the growth factor content has been delivered. Autologous fibrin matrix retained almost 30% of the amount of the growth factors after 8 days of incubation. The addition of leukocytes to the formula of platelet rich plasma did not increase the concentration of the growth factors, while it drastically increased the presence of pro-inflammatory IL-1β. Further studies employing an in vitro inflammatory model would be interesting to study the difference in growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines between leukocyte-free and leukocyte-rich platelet rich plasma. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  4. Haemodynamic responses and changes of haemostatic risk factors in cold-adapted humans.

    PubMed

    De Lorenzo, F; Kadziola, Z; Mukherjee, M; Saba, N; Kakkar, V V

    1999-09-01

    Epidemiological studies have shown an increase in acute myocardial infarctions or deaths due to myocardial infarction in colder weather; the mechanisms most likely involve increased blood levels of haemostatic risk factors, and increases in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. We studied the relationship between cold adaptation, haemostatic risk factors and haemodynamic variables. Cold adaptation was obtained by a programme of immersion of the whole body up to the neck in a water-filled bath, the temperature of which was gradually decreased from 22 degrees C to 14 degrees C, time of exposure being increased from 5 to 20 min over a period of 90 days. We studied 428 patients (44% men) and measured blood levels of fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA), plasma viscosity, von Willebrand factor, D-dimer and platelet count, both at baseline and after 90 days of daily immersion. There were significant reductions in von Willebrand factor (-3%; p < 0.001), and plasma viscosity (-3.0 s; p < 0.001), and a mild but significant increase in PAI-1 (+0.3 IU/ml; p = 0.02). The pressure rate product (systolic blood pressure x heart rate) was also significantly lower after cold adaptation (-310; p = 0.004). Cold adaptation, compared with exposure to cold weather, induces different haemodynamic responses and changes of blood levels of haemostatic risk factors.

  5. Metabolic profiles of pomalidomide in human plasma simulated with pharmacokinetic data in control and humanized-liver mice.

    PubMed

    Shimizu, Makiko; Suemizu, Hiroshi; Mitsui, Marina; Shibata, Norio; Guengerich, F Peter; Yamazaki, Hiroshi

    2017-10-01

    1. Pomalidomide has been shown to be potentially teratogenic in thalidomide-sensitive animal species such as rabbits. Screening for thalidomide analogs devoid of teratogenicity/toxicity - attributable to metabolites formed by cytochrome P450 enzymes - but having immunomodulatory properties is a strategic pathway towards development of new anticancer drugs. 2. In this study, plasma concentrations of pomalidomide, its primary 5-hydroxylated metabolite, and its glucuronide conjugate(s) were investigated in control and humanized-liver mice. Following oral administration of pomalidomide (100 mg/kg), plasma concentrations of 7-hydroxypomalidomide and 5-hydroxypomalidomide glucuronide were slightly higher in humanized-liver mice than in control mice. 3. Simulations of human plasma concentrations of pomalidomide were achieved with simplified physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models in both groups of mice in accordance with reported pomalidomide concentrations after low dose administration in humans. 4. The results indicate that pharmacokinetic profiles of pomalidomide were roughly similar between control mice and humanized-liver mice and that control and humanized-liver mice mediated pomalidomide 5-hydroxylation in vivo. Introducing one aromatic amino group into thalidomide resulted in less species differences in in vivo pharmacokinetics in control and humanized-liver mice.

  6. Age-related changes in factor VII proteolysis in vivo.

    PubMed

    Ofosu, F A; Craven, S; Dewar, L; Anvari, N; Andrew, M; Blajchman, M A

    1996-08-01

    Previous studies have reported that pre-operative plasmas of patients over the age of 40 years who developed post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) had approximately twice the amount of proteolysed factor VII found in plasmas of patients in whom prophylaxis with heparin or low M(r) heparin was successful. These and other studies also reported higher concentrations of thrombin-antithrombin III in pre- and post-operative plasmas of patients who developed post-operative thrombosis than in plasmas of patients in whom prophylaxis was successful. Whether the extent of factor VII proteolysis seen in the patients who developed post-operative DVT is related to the severity of their disease or age is not known. This report investigated age-related changes in the concentrations of total factor VII protein, factor VII zymogen, factor VIIa, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, thrombin-antithrombin III, and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 in normal plasmas and the relationships between these parameters. With the exception of thrombin-antithrombin III, statistically significant increases in the concentrations of these parameters with age were found. Additionally, the differences between the concentrations of total factor VII protein and factor VII zymogen, an index factor VII proteolysis in vivo, were statistically significant only for individuals over age 40. Using linear regression analysis, a significant correlation was found to exist between the concentrations of plasma factor VIIa and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2. Since factor VIIa-tissue factor probably initiates coagulation in vivo, we hypothesize that the elevated plasma factor VIIa (reflecting a less tightly regulated tissue factor activity and therefore increased thrombin production in vivo) accounts for the high risk for post-operative thrombosis seen in individuals over the age of 40.

  7. Elevated plasma macrophage migration inhibitor factor as a risk factor for the development of post-stroke depression in ischemic stroke.

    PubMed

    Xu, Tingting; Pu, Shuang; Ni, Ying; Gao, Mingqing; Li, Xuemei; Zeng, Xianwei

    2018-07-15

    Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a central cytokine of the innate immunity and inflammatory responses, has been reported to link to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and depression. The aim of this study was to test the possible association between plasma MIF and the development of post-stroke depression (PSD) in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The first-ever AIS patients who were hospitalized at Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College during the period from November 2015 to September 2017 were included. Neurological and neuropsychological evaluations were conducted at the 3-month follow-up. Plasma concentrations of MIF were tested by Quantikine Human MIF Immunoassay. Plasma levels of homocysteine (HCY), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) were also tested. Results were expressed as percentages for categorical variables and as medians (Interquartile range-IQR) for the continuous variables. Finally, 333 stroke patients were included, and 95 out of those patients (28.5%) were classified as major depression. In the patients with major depression, plasma levels of MIF were higher compared with those in patients free-depression [27.3(IQR, 23.5-34.9) ng/ml vs. 20.9(IQR, 17.0-24.8) ng/ml; Z = 8.369, P < 0.001]. For each 1unit increase of MIF, the unadjusted and adjusted risk of PSD increased by 18% (odds ratios [OR]: 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.23, P < 0.001) and 11% (1.11; 1.02-1.16, P = 0.001), respectively. In a multivariate model using the elevated levels of MIF (≥median) vs. normal (

  8. Radioimmunoassay of human high molecular weight kininogen in normal and deficient plasmas

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Proud, D.; Pierce, J.V.; Pisano, J.J.

    1980-04-01

    An RIA for human HMW kininogen, capable of detecting 150 pg of antigen, has been developed. Antibody to HMW kininogen was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography, and double-antibody precipitation was used to separate free and bound antigen. Of the LMW kininogens only one of the forms tested (B3.2) showed significant cross-reaction (2%). Bradykinin and human plasma kallikrein both showed no cross-reaction, and monkey HMW kininogen showed identity to the human antigen. Intraassay and interassay coefficients of variation were 2 and 1.5%, respectively. Recovery of HMW kininogen added to 6 plasmas was 97.7% +- 1.8%. Assay of 17 normal plasmas gave amore » level of 90.8 +- 2.5 ..mu..g/ml HMW kininogen (mean +- S.E.M.). A bioassay of the samples, based on specific release of kinin by purified plasma kallikrein, yielded a level of 90.2 +- 2.8 ..mu..g/ml HMW kininogen (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). In neither assay was any significant sex difference observed. No evidence of any antigenic fragments was seen upon gel filtration of normal plasmas. RIA measurements were also performed on seven plasmas reportedly deficient in HMW kininogen. Williams, Dayton, San Francisco, and Flaujeac plasmas all showed no significant cross-reaction, whereas Fitzgerald, Reid, and Detroit plasmas showed 1.0, 2.5, and 3.5% of normal antigenic levels, respectively. This sensitive, convenient method should facilitate studies on the role of the kallikrein-kinin system in health and disease.« less

  9. Effects of nelfinavir and its M8 metabolite on lymphocyte P-glycoprotein activity during antiretroviral therapy.

    PubMed

    Donahue, John P; Dowdy, David; Ratnam, Krishna K; Hulgan, Todd; Price, James; Unutmaz, Derya; Nicotera, Janet; Raffanti, Steven; Becker, Mark; Haas, David W

    2003-01-01

    The efflux pump P-glycoprotein decreases drug penetration into cells and tissues. To determine whether nelfinavir or its metabolites inhibit P-glycoprotein in lymphocytes from a healthy volunteer, whole blood cells from human immunodeficiency virus-negative donors were incubated either in human plasma to which nelfinavir or its M8 metabolite were added ex vivo or in plasma from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients receiving nelfinavir. The 50% P-glycoprotein inhibitory concentrations of purified nelfinavir and M8 were 10.9 micromol/L and 29.5 micromol/L, respectively, for CD4(+) T cells and 19.3 micromol/L and >48 micromol/L, respectively, for CD8(+) T cells. Significant inhibitory activity was present in plasma from 27 of 46 patients (59%) receiving nelfinavir. Plasma nelfinavir concentrations correlated with percent inhibition on CD4(+) (rho = 0.85, P <.0001) and CD8(+) (rho = 0.83, P <.0001) T cells. The M8 concentrations correlated weakly with both inhibition and nelfinavir concentrations. On the basis of our findings in lymphocytes from a healthy volunteer exposed to plasma from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients, we believe it is likely that CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes in patients receiving nelfinavir as therapy for human immunodeficiency virus may have P-glycoprotein inhibited by plasma concentrations of nelfinavir.

  10. Statistical Analysis of Variation in the Human Plasma Proteome

    DOE PAGES

    Corzett, Todd H.; Fodor, Imola K.; Choi, Megan W.; ...

    2010-01-01

    Quantifying the variation in the human plasma proteome is an essential prerequisite for disease-specific biomarker detection. We report here on the longitudinal and individual variation in human plasma characterized by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) using plasma samples from eleven healthy subjects collected three times over a two week period. Fixed-effects modeling was used to remove dye and gel variability. Mixed-effects modeling was then used to quantitate the sources of proteomic variation. The subject-to-subject variation represented the largest variance component, while the time-within-subject variation was comparable to the experimental variation found in a previous technical variability study where onemore » human plasma sample was processed eight times in parallel and each was then analyzed by 2-D DIGE in triplicate. Here, 21 protein spots had larger than 50% CV, suggesting that these proteins may not be appropriate as biomarkers and should be carefully scrutinized in future studies. Seventy-eight protein spots showing differential protein levels between different individuals or individual collections were identified by mass spectrometry and further characterized using hierarchical clustering. The results present a first step toward understanding the complexity of longitudinal and individual variation in the human plasma proteome, and provide a baseline for improved biomarker discovery.« less

  11. Statistical analysis of variation in the human plasma proteome.

    PubMed

    Corzett, Todd H; Fodor, Imola K; Choi, Megan W; Walsworth, Vicki L; Turteltaub, Kenneth W; McCutchen-Maloney, Sandra L; Chromy, Brett A

    2010-01-01

    Quantifying the variation in the human plasma proteome is an essential prerequisite for disease-specific biomarker detection. We report here on the longitudinal and individual variation in human plasma characterized by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) using plasma samples from eleven healthy subjects collected three times over a two week period. Fixed-effects modeling was used to remove dye and gel variability. Mixed-effects modeling was then used to quantitate the sources of proteomic variation. The subject-to-subject variation represented the largest variance component, while the time-within-subject variation was comparable to the experimental variation found in a previous technical variability study where one human plasma sample was processed eight times in parallel and each was then analyzed by 2-D DIGE in triplicate. Here, 21 protein spots had larger than 50% CV, suggesting that these proteins may not be appropriate as biomarkers and should be carefully scrutinized in future studies. Seventy-eight protein spots showing differential protein levels between different individuals or individual collections were identified by mass spectrometry and further characterized using hierarchical clustering. The results present a first step toward understanding the complexity of longitudinal and individual variation in the human plasma proteome, and provide a baseline for improved biomarker discovery.

  12. Differential Responses of Plasma Adropin Concentrations To Dietary Glucose or Fructose Consumption In Humans

    PubMed Central

    Butler, Andrew A.; St-Onge, Marie-Pierre; Siebert, Emily A.; Medici, Valentina; Stanhope, Kimber L.; Havel, Peter J.

    2015-01-01

    Adropin is a peptide hormone encoded by the Energy Homeostasis Associated (ENHO) gene whose physiological role in humans remains incompletely defined. Here we investigated the impact of dietary interventions that affect systemic glucose and lipid metabolism on plasma adropin concentrations in humans. Consumption of glucose or fructose as 25% of daily energy requirements (E) differentially affected plasma adropin concentrations (P < 0.005) irrespective of duration, sex or age. Glucose consumption reduced plasma adropin from 3.55 ± 0.26 to 3.28 ± 0.23 ng/ml (N = 42). Fructose consumption increased plasma adropin from 3.63 ± 0.29 to 3.93 ± 0.34 ng/ml (N = 45). Consumption of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as 25% E had no effect (3.43 ± 0.32 versus 3.39 ± 0.24 ng/ml, N = 26). Overall, the effect of glucose, HFCS and fructose on circulating adropin concentrations were similar to those observed on postprandial plasma triglyceride concentrations. Furthermore, increases in plasma adropin levels with fructose intake were most robust in individuals exhibiting hypertriglyceridemia. Individuals with low plasma adropin concentrations also exhibited rapid increases in plasma levels following consumption of breakfasts supplemented with lipids. These are the first results linking plasma adropin levels with dietary sugar intake in humans, with the impact of fructose consumption linked to systemic triglyceride metabolism. In addition, dietary fat intake may also increase circulating adropin concentrations. PMID:26435060

  13. Genital Tract HIV RNA Levels and Their Associations with Human Papillomavirus Infection and Risk of Cervical Pre-Cancer

    PubMed Central

    GHARTEY, Jeny; KOVACS, Andrea; BURK, Robert D.; MASSAD, L. Stewart; MINKOFF, Howard; XIE, Xianhong; D’SOUZA, Gypsyamber; XUE, Xiaonan; WATTS, D. Heather; LEVINE, Alexandra M.; EINSTEIN, Mark H.; COLIE, Christine; ANASTOS, Kathryn; ELTOUM, Isam-Eldin; HEROLD, Betsy C.; PALEFSKY, Joel M.; STRICKLER, Howard D.

    2014-01-01

    Objective Plasma HIV RNA levels have been associated with risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical neoplasia in HIV-seropositive women. However, little is known regarding local genital tract HIV RNA levels and their relation with cervical HPV and neoplasia. Design/Methods In an HIV-seropositive women’s cohort with semi-annual follow-up, we conducted a nested case-control study of genital tract HIV RNA levels and their relation with incident high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions sub-classified as severe (severe HSIL), as provided for under the Bethesda 2001 classification system. Specifically, 66 incident severe HSIL were matched to 130 controls by age, CD4+ count, HAART use, and other factors. We also studied HPV prevalence, incident detection, and persistence in a random sample of 250 subjects. Results Risk of severe HSIL was associated with genital tract HIV RNA levels (odds ratio comparing HIV RNA ≥ the median among women with detectable levels versus undetectable [ORVL] 2.96; 95% CI: 0.99–8.84; Ptrend=0.03). However, this association became non-significant (Ptrend=0.51) following adjustment for plasma HIV RNA levels. There was also no association between genital tract HIV RNA levels and the prevalence of any HPV or oncogenic HPV. However, the incident detection of any HPV (Ptrend=0.02) and persistence of oncogenic HPV (Ptrend=0.04) were associated with genital tract HIV RNA levels, after controlling plasma HIV RNA levels. Conclusion These prospective data suggest that genital tract HIV RNA levels are not a significant independent risk factor for cervical pre-cancer in HIV-seropositive women, but leave open the possibility that they may modestly influence HPV infection, an early stage of cervical tumoriogenesis. PMID:24694931

  14. Sinus grafting using recombinant human tissue factor, platelet-rich plasma gel, autologous bone, and anorganic bovine bone mineral xenograft: histologic analysis and case reports.

    PubMed

    Philippart, Pierre; Daubie, Valéry; Pochet, Roland

    2005-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to analyze healthy bone formation by means of histology and immunohistochemistry after grafting with a mixture of autologous ground calvarial bone, inorganic xenograft, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and recombinant human tissue factor (rhTF). Maxillary sinus floor augmentation was performed on 3 patients by grafting with 5 to 10 mL of a paste consisting of autologous powder from calvarial bone (diameter < 1 mm), 50% v/v anorganic bovine bone mineral xenograft (PepGen P-15, a new tissue-engineered bone replacement graft material), PRP (1.8 x 10(6) platelets/mm3 plasma), and about 1 microg rhTF. Six and 10 months after grafting, bone cores were extracted for implant fixation and analyzed. Histology demonstrated a high degree of inorganic xenograft integration and natural bone regeneration. Both the xenograft and newly synthesized bone were colonized with osteocytes and surrounded by osteoblasts. Six-month-old bone cores demonstrated a ratio of synthesized bone to xenograft particles ratio of 0.5, whereas 10-month-old cores demonstrated a ratio of 2. A low degree of inflammation could also be observed using S100A8 immunohistochemistry. Autologous grafting in edentulous patients is a complex procedure; the successful substitution of synthetic analogs for ground bone is a major challenge. In this investigation, it was shown that inorganic xenograft in the harvested bone paste could be safe for patients and had high bone regeneration capacity over time. The sinus graft showed intense bone formation 6 months after grafting and a further increase in bone growth 10 months after grafting.

  15. Molecularly imprinted polymer for determination of lumefantrine in human plasma through chemometric-assisted solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography.

    PubMed

    da Silva, Pedro Henrique Reis; Diniz, Melina Luiza Vieira; Pianetti, Gerson Antônio; da Costa César, Isabela; Ribeiro E Silva, Maria Elisa Scarpelli; de Souza Freitas, Roberto Fernando; de Sousa, Ricardo Geraldo; Fernandes, Christian

    2018-07-01

    Lumefantrine is the first-choice treatment of Falciparum uncomplicated malaria. Recent findings of resistance to lumefantrine has brought attention for the importance of therapeutic monitoring, since exposure to subtherapeutic doses of antimalarials after administration is a major cause of selection of resistant parasites. Therefore, this study focused on the development of innovative, selective, less expensive and stable molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of lumefantrine from human plasma to be used in drug monitoring. Polymers were synthesized by precipitation polymerization and chemometric tools (Box-Behnken design and surface response methodology) were employed for rational optimization of synthetic parameters. Optimum conditions were achieved with 2-vinylpyridine as monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker and toluene as porogen, at molar ratio of 1:6:30 of template/monomer/crosslinker and azo-bisisobutyronitrile as initiator at 65 °C. The MIP obtained was characterized and exhibited high thermal stability, adequate surface morphology and porosity characteristics and high binding properties, with high affinity (adsorption capacity of 977.83 μg g -1 ) and selectivity (imprinting factor of 2.44; and selectivity factor of 1.48 and selectivity constant of 1.44 compared with halofantrine). Doehlert matrix and fractional designs were satisfactorily used for development and optimization of a MISPE-HPLC-UV method for determination of lumefantrine. The method fulfilled all validation parameters, with recoveries ranging from 83.68% to 85.42%, and was applied for quantitation of the drug in plasma from two healthy volunteers, with results of 1407.89 and 1271.35 ng mL -1 , respectively. Therefore, the MISPE-HPLC-UV method optimized through chemometrics provided a rapid, highly selective, less expensive and reproducible approach for lumefantrine drug monitoring. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Anti-inflammatory effects of Simvastatin in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage in an intensive care unit

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Xiurong; Chen, Jiafeng; Wang, Chengdong; Wu, Lili

    2017-01-01

    Intracerebral hemorrhage is one of the most common types of cerebrovascular disease in humans and often causes paralysis, a vegetative state and even death. Patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage are frequently monitored in intensive care units (ICUs). Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with a higher rate of mortality and morbidity than other intracephalic diseases. The expression levels of inflammatory factors have important roles in inflammatory responses indicative of changes in a patient's condition and are therefore important in the monitoring and treatment of affected patients at the ICU as well as the development of therapeutic strategies for acute cerebral hemorrhage. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Simvastatin in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage at an ICU, and inflammatory factors and cellular changes were systematically analyzed. The plasma concentrations of inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10, were evaluated by ELISAs. The plasma concentrations of inflammatory cellular changes were detected by using flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that after Simvastatin treatment of patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage at the ICU, the plasma concentrations of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were downregulated compared with those in placebo-treated controls. In addition, Simvastatin treatment at the ICU decreased lymphocytes, granulocytes and mononuclear cells in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage. The levels of inflammatory factors were associated with brain edema in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage treated at the ICU. In addition, the amount of bleeding was reduced in parallel with the inflammatory cell plasma concentration of lymphocytes, granulocytes and mononuclear cells. Importantly, Simvastatin treatment produced beneficial outcomes by improving brain edema and reducing the amount of bleeding. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the efficacy of Simvastatin in treating acute intracerebral hemorrhage and evidenced the association between inflammatory responses and the progress of affected patients at the ICU, thereby providing insight for applying effective therapies for patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage. PMID:29285177

  17. Selective enrichment of n-3 fatty acids in human plasma lipid motifs following intake of marine fish

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Plasma levels of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are associated with a reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic, age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that n-3 LCPUFA fatty acids in human plasma are incorporated...

  18. Extrapolation of plasma clearance to understand species differences in toxicokinetics of bisphenol A.

    PubMed

    Poet, Torka; Hays, Sean

    2017-10-13

    1. Understanding species differences in the toxicokinetics of bisphenol A (BPA) is central to setting acceptable exposure limits for human exposures to BPA. BPA toxicokinetics have been well studied, with controlled oral dosing studies in several species and across a wide dose range. 2. We analyzed the available toxicokinetic data for BPA following oral dosing to assess potential species differences and dose dependencies. BPA is rapidly conjugated and detoxified in all species. The toxicokinetics of BPA can be well described using non-compartmental analyses. 3. Several studies measured free (unconjugated) BPA in blood and reported area under the curve (AUC) of free BPA in blood of mice, rats, monkeys, chimpanzees and humans following controlled oral doses. Extrinsic clearance was calculated and analyzed across species and dose using allometric scaling. 4. The results indicate free BPA clearance is well described using allometric scaling with high correlation coefficients across all species and doses up to 10 mg/kg. The results indicate a human equivalent dose factor (HEDf) of 0.9 is appropriate for extrapolating a point of departure from mice and rats to a human equivalent dose (HED), thereby replacing default uncertainty factors for animal to human toxicokinetics.

  19. 21 CFR 640.34 - Processing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma § 640.34 Processing. (a) Plasma. Plasma shall be... collecting, processing, and storage system unless the product is to be stored as Liquid Plasma. (b) Fresh Frozen Plasma. Fresh frozen plasma shall be prepared from blood collected by a single uninterrupted...

  20. 21 CFR 640.34 - Processing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma § 640.34 Processing. (a) Plasma. Plasma shall be... collecting, processing, and storage system unless the product is to be stored as Liquid Plasma. (b) Fresh Frozen Plasma. Fresh frozen plasma shall be prepared from blood collected by a single uninterrupted...

  1. 21 CFR 640.34 - Processing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma § 640.34 Processing. (a) Plasma. Plasma shall be... collecting, processing, and storage system unless the product is to be stored as Liquid Plasma. (b) Fresh Frozen Plasma. Fresh frozen plasma shall be prepared from blood collected by a single uninterrupted...

  2. 21 CFR 640.34 - Processing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma § 640.34 Processing. (a) Plasma. Plasma shall be... collecting, processing, and storage system unless the product is to be stored as Liquid Plasma. (b) Fresh Frozen Plasma. Fresh frozen plasma shall be prepared from blood collected by a single uninterrupted...

  3. 21 CFR 640.34 - Processing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma § 640.34 Processing. (a) Plasma. Plasma shall be... collecting, processing, and storage system unless the product is to be stored as Liquid Plasma. (b) Fresh Frozen Plasma. Fresh frozen plasma shall be prepared from blood collected by a single uninterrupted...

  4. Autoregulation of von Willebrand factor function by a disulfide bond switch

    PubMed Central

    Butera, Diego; Passam, Freda; Ju, Lining; Cook, Kristina M.; Woon, Heng; Aponte-Santamaría, Camilo; Gardiner, Elizabeth; Davis, Amanda K.; Murphy, Deirdre A.; Bronowska, Agnieszka; Luken, Brenda M.; Baldauf, Carsten; Jackson, Shaun; Andrews, Robert; Gräter, Frauke; Hogg, Philip J.

    2018-01-01

    Force-dependent binding of platelet glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) receptors to plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays a key role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Previous studies have suggested that VWF activation requires force-induced exposure of the GPIb binding site in the A1 domain that is autoinhibited by the neighboring A2 domain. However, the biochemical basis of this “mechanopresentation” remains elusive. From a combination of protein chemical, biophysical, and functional studies, we find that the autoinhibition is controlled by the redox state of an unusual disulfide bond near the carboxyl terminus of the A2 domain that links adjacent cysteine residues to form an eight-membered ring. Only when the bond is cleaved does the A2 domain bind to the A1 domain and block platelet GPIb binding. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that cleavage of the disulfide bond modifies the structure and molecular stresses of the A2 domain in a long-range allosteric manner, which provides a structural explanation for redox control of the autoinhibition. Significantly, the A2 disulfide bond is cleaved in ~75% of VWF subunits in healthy human donor plasma but in just ~25% of plasma VWF subunits from heart failure patients who have received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. This suggests that the majority of plasma VWF binding sites for platelet GPIb are autoinhibited in healthy donors but are mostly available in heart failure patients. These findings demonstrate that a disulfide bond switch regulates mechanopresentation of VWF. PMID:29507883

  5. Autoregulation of von Willebrand factor function by a disulfide bond switch.

    PubMed

    Butera, Diego; Passam, Freda; Ju, Lining; Cook, Kristina M; Woon, Heng; Aponte-Santamaría, Camilo; Gardiner, Elizabeth; Davis, Amanda K; Murphy, Deirdre A; Bronowska, Agnieszka; Luken, Brenda M; Baldauf, Carsten; Jackson, Shaun; Andrews, Robert; Gräter, Frauke; Hogg, Philip J

    2018-02-01

    Force-dependent binding of platelet glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) receptors to plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays a key role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Previous studies have suggested that VWF activation requires force-induced exposure of the GPIb binding site in the A1 domain that is autoinhibited by the neighboring A2 domain. However, the biochemical basis of this "mechanopresentation" remains elusive. From a combination of protein chemical, biophysical, and functional studies, we find that the autoinhibition is controlled by the redox state of an unusual disulfide bond near the carboxyl terminus of the A2 domain that links adjacent cysteine residues to form an eight-membered ring. Only when the bond is cleaved does the A2 domain bind to the A1 domain and block platelet GPIb binding. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that cleavage of the disulfide bond modifies the structure and molecular stresses of the A2 domain in a long-range allosteric manner, which provides a structural explanation for redox control of the autoinhibition. Significantly, the A2 disulfide bond is cleaved in ~75% of VWF subunits in healthy human donor plasma but in just ~25% of plasma VWF subunits from heart failure patients who have received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. This suggests that the majority of plasma VWF binding sites for platelet GPIb are autoinhibited in healthy donors but are mostly available in heart failure patients. These findings demonstrate that a disulfide bond switch regulates mechanopresentation of VWF.

  6. Bleeding Disorders Treatment Options

    MedlinePlus

    ... rare bleeding disorders are usually made from human plasma and are treated to eliminate viruses like HIV ... made in the laboratory and not from human plasma, so they carry no risk of infectious disease. ...

  7. 21 CFR 640.94 - Labeling.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.94 Labeling. In addition... package labels shall contain the following information: (a) The osmotic equivalent in terms of plasma, and...

  8. 21 CFR 640.94 - Labeling.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.94 Labeling. In addition... package labels shall contain the following information: (a) The osmotic equivalent in terms of plasma, and...

  9. 21 CFR 640.94 - Labeling.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.94 Labeling. In addition... package labels shall contain the following information: (a) The osmotic equivalent in terms of plasma, and...

  10. 21 CFR 640.94 - Labeling.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.94 Labeling. In addition... package labels shall contain the following information: (a) The osmotic equivalent in terms of plasma, and...

  11. 21 CFR 640.94 - Labeling.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... STANDARDS FOR HUMAN BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS Plasma Protein Fraction (Human) § 640.94 Labeling. In addition... package labels shall contain the following information: (a) The osmotic equivalent in terms of plasma, and...

  12. Computational identification of gene–social environment interaction at the human IL6 locus

    PubMed Central

    Cole, Steven W.; Arevalo, Jesusa M. G.; Takahashi, Rie; Sloan, Erica K.; Lutgendorf, Susan K.; Sood, Anil K.; Sheridan, John F.; Seeman, Teresa E.

    2010-01-01

    To identify genetic factors that interact with social environments to impact human health, we used a bioinformatic strategy that couples expression array–based detection of environmentally responsive transcription factors with in silico discovery of regulatory polymorphisms to predict genetic loci that modulate transcriptional responses to stressful environments. Tests of one predicted interaction locus in the human IL6 promoter (SNP rs1800795) verified that it modulates transcriptional response to β-adrenergic activation of the GATA1 transcription factor in vitro. In vivo validation studies confirmed links between adverse social conditions and increased transcription of GATA1 target genes in primary neural, immune, and cancer cells. Epidemiologic analyses verified the health significance of those molecular interactions by documenting increased 10-year mortality risk associated with late-life depressive symptoms that occurred solely for homozygous carriers of the GATA1-sensitive G allele of rs1800795. Gating of depression-related mortality risk by IL6 genotype pertained only to inflammation-related causes of death and was associated with increased chronic inflammation as indexed by plasma C-reactive protein. Computational modeling of molecular interactions, in vitro biochemical analyses, in vivo animal modeling, and human molecular epidemiologic analyses thus converge in identifying β-adrenergic activation of GATA1 as a molecular pathway by which social adversity can alter human health risk selectively depending on individual genetic status at the IL6 locus. PMID:20176930

  13. Microparticles released by vascular endothelial cells increase hypoxia inducible factor expression in human proximal tubular HK-2 cells.

    PubMed

    Fernandez-Martínez, Ana Belen; Torija, Ana Valdehita; Carracedo, Julia; Ramirez, Rafael; de Lucio-Cazaña, Francisco Javier

    2014-08-01

    Microparticles are produced by vesiculation of the cell plasma membrane and serve as vectors of cell-to-cell communication. Co-culture experiments have shown that hypoxia-inducible factor-α (HIF-α)-regulated-genes are up-regulated in human renal proximal tubular HK-2 cells by endothelial cell factors which might be transported inside endothelial microparticles (EMP). Here we aimed to study in HK-2 cells the effect of EMP, produced by activated endothelial cells, on HIF-α and HIF-α-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). EMP, at a concentration much lower than that found in plasma, increased the expression of HIF-α/VEGF-A in a COX-2/EP2 receptor dependent manner. Since the EMP/cells ratio was ∼1/1000, we hypothesized that paracrine mediators produced by HK-2 cells amplified the initial signal. This hypothesis was confirmed by two facts which also suggested that the mediators were conveyed by particles released by HK-2 cells: (i) HIF-α was up-regulated in HK-2 cells treated with the pellet obtained from the conditioned medium of the EMP-treated HK-2 cells. (ii) In transwell experiments, EMP-treated cells increased the expression of HIF-α in untreated HK-2 cells. Interestingly, we detected these cells, particles that were released by EMP-treated HK-2 cells. Depending on the pathological context, activation of HIF-α and VEGF-A signaling in renal tissue/cells may have either beneficial or harmful effects. Therefore, our results suggest that their presence in the urinary space of EMP produced by activated endothelial cells may influence the outcome of a number of renal diseases. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Effect of hormonal and energy-related factors on plasma adiponectin in transition dairy cows.

    PubMed

    Krumm, C S; Giesy, S L; Caixeta, L S; Butler, W R; Sauerwein, H; Kim, J W; Boisclair, Y R

    2017-11-01

    In transition dairy cows, plasma levels of the insulin-sensitizing hormone adiponectin fall to a nadir at parturition and recover in early lactation. The transition period is also characterized by rapid changes in metabolic and hormonal factors implicated in other species as positive regulators of adiponectin production (i.e., negative energy balance, lipid mobilization) and others as negative regulators (i.e., reduced leptin and insulin and increased growth hormone and plasma fatty acids). To assess the role of onset of negative energy balance and lipid mobilization after parturition, dairy cows were either milked thrice daily (lactating) or never milked (nonlactating) for up to 4 wk after parturition. Plasma adiponectin was 21% higher across time in nonlactating than lactating cows. Moreover, nonlactating cows recovered plasma adiponectin at similar rates as lactating cows even though they failed to lose body condition. Next, we assessed the ability of individual hormones to alter plasma adiponectin in transition dairy cows. In the first experiment, dairy cows received a constant 96-h intravenous infusion of either saline or recombinant human leptin starting on d 8 of lactation. In the second experiment, dairy cows were studied in late pregnancy (LP, starting on prepartum d -31) and again in early lactation (EL, starting on d 7 postpartum) during a 66-h period of basal sampling followed by 48 h of hyperinsulinemic-euglycemia. In the third experiment, cows were studied either in LP (starting on d -40 prepartum) or EL (starting on d 7 postpartum) during a 3-h period of basal sampling followed by 5 d of bovine somatotropin treatment. Plasma adiponectin was reduced by an average of 21% in EL relative to LP in these experiments, but neither leptin, insulin, or growth hormone treatment affected adiponectin in LP or EL. Finally, the possibility that plasma fatty acids repress plasma adiponectin was evaluated by intravenous infusion of a lipid emulsion in nonpregnant, nonlactating cows in the absence or presence of glucagon for 16 consecutive hours. The intralipid infusion increased plasma fatty acid concentration from 102 to over 570 µM within 3 h but had no effect on plasma adiponectin irrespective of presence or absence of glucagon. Overall, these data suggest that energy balance around parturition may regulate plasma adiponectin but do not support roles for lipid mobilization or sustained changes in the plasma concentration of leptin, insulin, growth hormone, or fatty acids. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to predict the pharmacokinetics of highly protein-bound drugs and the impact of errors in plasma protein binding.

    PubMed

    Ye, Min; Nagar, Swati; Korzekwa, Ken

    2016-04-01

    Predicting the pharmacokinetics of highly protein-bound drugs is difficult. Also, since historical plasma protein binding data were often collected using unbuffered plasma, the resulting inaccurate binding data could contribute to incorrect predictions. This study uses a generic physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to predict human plasma concentration-time profiles for 22 highly protein-bound drugs. Tissue distribution was estimated from in vitro drug lipophilicity data, plasma protein binding and the blood: plasma ratio. Clearance was predicted with a well-stirred liver model. Underestimated hepatic clearance for acidic and neutral compounds was corrected by an empirical scaling factor. Predicted values (pharmacokinetic parameters, plasma concentration-time profile) were compared with observed data to evaluate the model accuracy. Of the 22 drugs, less than a 2-fold error was obtained for the terminal elimination half-life (t1/2 , 100% of drugs), peak plasma concentration (Cmax , 100%), area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-t , 95.4%), clearance (CLh , 95.4%), mean residence time (MRT, 95.4%) and steady state volume (Vss , 90.9%). The impact of fup errors on CLh and Vss prediction was evaluated. Errors in fup resulted in proportional errors in clearance prediction for low-clearance compounds, and in Vss prediction for high-volume neutral drugs. For high-volume basic drugs, errors in fup did not propagate to errors in Vss prediction. This is due to the cancellation of errors in the calculations for tissue partitioning of basic drugs. Overall, plasma profiles were well simulated with the present PBPK model. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  16. Hyperhomocysteinemia and protein damage in chronic renal failure and kidney transplant pediatric patients--Italian initiative on uremic hyperhomocysteinemia (IIUH).

    PubMed

    Perna, Alessandra F; Ingrosso, Diego; Molino, Daniela; Galletti, Patrizia; Montini, Giovanni; Zacchello, Graziella; Bellantuono, Rosa; Caringella, Angela; Fede, Carmelo; Chimenz, Roberto; De Santo, Natale G

    2003-01-01

    Plasma homocysteine, a new cardiovascular risk factor in both children and adults, is higher in chronic renal failure or kidney transplant patients. This alteration has been linked, in chronic renal failure, to plasma protein damage, represented by increased L-isoaspartyl residues. We measured plasma homocysteine levels and plasma protein damage in pediatric patients from four different Italian regions with conservatively treated renal failure; hemodialysis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), or transplants, to establish the presence of protein damage and the relative role of hyperhomocysteinemia. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation measured total plasma homocysteine levels, using precolumn derivatization with ammonium 7-fluorobenzo-2-oxa-1, 3-diazole-4-sulphonate (SBD-F). Plasma protein L-isoaspartyl residues were quantitated using human recombinant protein carboxyl methyl transferase (PCMT). In all patient groups, homocysteine levels were significantly higher with respect to the control (Control: 6.87 +/- 0.73 microM) conservatively treated, 14.19 +/- 1.73 microM; hemodialysis, 27.03 +/- 4.32 microM; CAPD, 22.38 +/- 3.73 microM; transplanted, 20.22 +/- 2.27 microM, p < 0.001 vs. control]. Plasma protein damage was significantly higher in conservatively treated, hemodialysis (HD) and CAPD patients, while in transplant patients it was no different from the control. We concluded that in pediatric patients of different Italian geographical origin, plasma homocysteine levels were significantly higher in all groups with respect to healthy children; therefore contributing to the elevated cardiovascular risk present in these patients. Plasma protein L-isoaspartyl content was higher in renal failure patients, but kidney transplant patients had normal levels, indicating that this kind of protein damage relates more to the toxic action of uremic retention solutes, than to plasma homocysteine levels.

  17. Hemocompatible control of sulfobetaine-grafted polypropylene fibrous membranes in human whole blood via plasma-induced surface zwitterionization.

    PubMed

    Chen, Sheng-Han; Chang, Yung; Lee, Kueir-Rarn; Wei, Ta-Chin; Higuchi, Akon; Ho, Feng-Ming; Tsou, Chia-Chun; Ho, Hsin-Tsung; Lai, Juin-Yih

    2012-12-21

    In this work, the hemocompatibility of zwitterionic polypropylene (PP) fibrous membranes with varying grafting coverage of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) via plasma-induced surface polymerization was studied. Charge neutrality of PSBMA-grafted layers on PP membrane surfaces was controlled by the low-pressure and atmospheric plasma treatment in this study. The effects of grafting composition, surface hydrophilicity, and hydration capability on blood compatibility of the membranes were determined. Protein adsorption onto the different PSBMA-grafted PP membranes from human fibrinogen solutions was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with monoclonal antibodies. Blood platelet adhesion and plasma clotting time measurements from a recalcified platelet-rich plasma solution were used to determine if platelet activation depends on the charge bias of the grafted PSBMA layer. The charge bias of PSBMA layer deviated from the electrical balance of positively and negatively charged moieties can be well-controlled via atmospheric plasma-induced interfacial zwitterionization and was further tested with human whole blood. The optimized PSBMA surface graft layer in overall charge neutrality has a high hydration capability and keeps its original blood-inert property of antifouling, anticoagulant, and antithrmbogenic activities when it comes into contact with human blood. This work suggests that the hemocompatible nature of grafted PSBMA polymers by controlling grafting quality via atmospheric plasma treatment gives a great potential in the surface zwitterionization of hydrophobic membranes for use in human whole blood.

  18. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection to determination of opium alkaloids in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Ahmadi-Jouibari, Toraj; Fattahi, Nazir; Shamsipur, Mojtaba; Pirsaheb, Meghdad

    2013-11-01

    A novel, simple, rapid and sensitive dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method based on the solidification of floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) was used to determine opium alkaloids in human plasma. During the extraction procedure, plasma protein was precipitated by using a mixture of zinc sulfate solution and acetonitrile. Some effective parameters on extraction were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions (extraction solvent: 30.0 μl 1-undecanol; disperser solvent: 470 μl acetone; pH: 9; salt addition: 1%(w/v) NaCl and extraction time: 0.5 min), calibration curves are linear in the range of 1.5-1000 μgl(-1) and limit of detections (LODs) are in the range of 0.5-5 μgl(-1). The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for 100 μgl(-1) of morphine and codeine, 10.0 μgl(-1) of papaverine and 20.0 μgl(-1) of noscapine in diluted human plasma are in the range of 4.3-7.4% (n=5). Finally, the method was successfully applied in the determination of opium alkaloids in the actual human plasma samples. The relative recoveries of plasma samples spiked with alkaloids are 88-110.5%. The obtained results show that DLLME-SFO combined with HPLC-UV is a fast and simple method for the determination of opium alkaloids in human plasma. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Cloud-point extraction is compatible with liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the determination of antazoline in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Giebułtowicz, Joanna; Kojro, Grzegorz; Piotrowski, Roman; Kułakowski, Piotr; Wroczyński, Piotr

    2016-09-05

    Cloud-point extraction (CPE) is attracting increasing interest in a number of analytical fields, including bioanalysis, as it provides a simple, safe and environmentally-friendly sample preparation technique. However, there are only few reports on the application of this extraction technique in liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. In this study, CPE was used for the isolation of antazoline from human plasma. To date, only one method of antazoline isolation from plasma exists-liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). The aim of this study was to prove the compatibility of CPE and LC-ESI-MS/MS and the applicability of CPE to the determination of antazoline in spiked human plasma and clinical samples. Antazoline was isolated from human plasma using Triton X-114 as a surfactant. Xylometazoline was used as an internal standard. NaOH concentration, temperature and Triton X-114 concentration were optimized. The absolute matrix effect was carefully investigated. All validation experiments met international acceptance criteria and no significant relative matrix effect was observed. The compatibility of CPE and LC-ESI-MS/MS was confirmed using clinical plasma samples. The determination of antazoline concentration in human plasma in the range 10-2500ngmL(-1) by the CPE method led to results which are equivalent to those obtained by the widely used liquid-liquid extraction method. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Tumour necrosis factor-α and risk of cardiovascular disease among overfat Indonesian adolescents.

    PubMed

    Sulistyoningrum, Dian Caturini; Susilowati, Rina; Huriyati, Emy; Witari, Ni Putu Diah; Luglio, Harry Freitag; Julia, Madarina

    2017-06-01

    Overfatness (overweight and obesity) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including elevated blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, and insulin resistance. Chronic inflammation may play a role in mediating these associations. To investigate the association between plasma tumour necrosis factor-α and risk factors for cardiovascular disease among overweight and obese adolescents. This study was an observational analysis with a cross-sectional design for high school students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. One hundred and fifteen overweight and obese adolescents (mean age 16.8 years; 48.3% female) were involved in the study. Overfatness was specified by body mass index z-scores. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and fasting glucose were obtained. Fasting plasma insulin and plasma tumour necrosis factor-α were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Insulin resistance was represented as the homeostatic model assessment value. Data were analysed using SPSS for Windows, version 23. Plasma tumour necrosis factor-α was significantly associated with total cholesterol (p=0.046) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.018) among the overweight and obese adolescents. Results from path analyses showed that there were indirect effects of z-score BMI on systolic and diastolic blood pressures, HDL and fasting plasma glucose mediated by plasma tumour necrosis factor-α concentrations. Meanwhile, there were indirect effects of waist circumference on systolic and diastolic blood pressure by age and height percentile and HDL. There was no significant association between plasma tumour necrosis factor-α and insulin resistance. The study showed that a proinflammatory marker, plasma tumour necrosis factor-α, is associated with blood pressure, HDL and fasting plasma glucose in overweight and obese adolescents. This indicates that inflammation in overweight and obesity may play a role in increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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