Differential Secretion Research Articles

Differential Secretion of Inflammatory Cytokines by Human Trophoblasts in the Presence of Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Lactobacillus jensenii

Introduction: The existence of a placental microbiome would require a non-antagonistic relationship between potentially colonizing bacteria and trophoblasts. Objective: The immunologic response of trophoblasts to specific potentially invading bacteria needs further analysis. Methodology: Immortalized first trimester human trophoblasts Swan 71 (Sw.71) were coincubated with Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus crispatus, and incubated alone (i.e., control group; 4 conditions with n = 6 for each condition). Chemokines and cytokines were measured. ANOVA with post hoc pairwise analysis was used to compare cytokines/chemokines concentrations in the 4 culture media. Results: Sw.71 co-incubated with E. coli, L. jensenii or L. crispatus resulted in differential secretion of 11 of the 26 assayed cytokines/chemokines. Sw.71 co-incubated with any of the 3 bacteria responded with significant increased secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor. All bacteria elicited the secretion of IL-6 and interferon (IFN) α2, 2 proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, Lactobacillus species resulted in increased secretion of IL-12p40 and IFNγ. While E. coli did not modify secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, Sw.71 cells responded to co-incubation with Lactobacillus species by secreting increased levels of IL-10 and IL-1ra. Both Lactobacillus species led to a decreased secretion of IL-4. Conclusion: All 3 bacterial species triggered significant release of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that a commensal relationship with trophoblasts may not be feasible.

The effect of short-term necrostatin-1 treatment on the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem beta cells

: Despite ongoing effort over the past decade, current protocols have been unable to generate mature functional beta cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Based on our previous findings that short-term necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) treatment enhanced pancreatic endocrine cell differentiation and insulin secretion capacity of young porcine islets, we assessed whether short-term treatment of Nec-1 can improve the differentiation and function of hiPS beta cells. After 3 days of culture, hiPS beta cells, cultured in either control differentiation media (n=3) or supplemented with Nec-1 (100 µM, n=3), were evaluated for viability, cellular composition, GLUT2 expression in beta cells, and glucose-stimulated insulin expression. While the viability and levels of beta-, alpha-, and GLUT2-positive beta cells were unaffected, the level of insulin- and glucagon-positive bi-hormonal cells was significantly lower in Nec-1 treated hiPS beta cells. Short-term Nec-1 treatment also did not affect the insulin secretion ability of hiPS beta cells. The addition of Nec-1 to the differentiation media of hiPS beta cells reduced the number of bi-hormonal cells after short-term culture, suggesting that future studies should evaluate different concentrations and treatment duration of Nec-1.

Bioactive borate glass triggers phenotypic changes in adipose stem cells.

A bioactive borate glass, 13-93B3 (B3), has been used successfully in the clinic to treat chronic, nonhealing wounds without scarring. However, the mechanism by which B3 stimulates wound healing is poorly understood. Because adipose stem cells (ASCs) have been shown to have multiple roles in wound repair, we hypothesized that B3 triggers ASCs. In this study, we evaluate the effects of B3 on ASC survival, migration, differentiation, and protein secretion in vitro. In concentrations ≤10 mg/ml, B3 did not affect ASC viability under static conditions. B3 promoted the migration of ASCs but did not increase differentiation into bone or fat. B3 also decreased ASCs secretion of collagen I, PAI-1, MCP-1, DR6, DKK-1, angiogenin, IL-1, IGFBP-6, VEGF, and TIMP-2; increased expression of IL-1R and E-selectin; had a transient decrease in IL-6 secretion; and had a transient increase in bFGF secretion. Together, these results show that B3 alters the protein secretion of ASCs.

Potential Protection Against Type 2 Diabetes in Obesity Through Lower CD36 Expression and Improved Exocytosis in β-Cells.

Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, not all obese individuals develop the disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cause of differential insulin secretion capacity of pancreatic islets from donors with T2D and non-T2D (ND), especially obese donors (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Islets from obese donors with T2D had reduced insulin secretion, decreased β-cell exocytosis, and higher expression of fatty acid translocase CD36. We tested the hypothesis that CD36 is a key molecule in the reduced insulin secretion capacity. Indeed, CD36 overexpression led to decreased insulin secretion, impaired exocytosis, and reduced granule docking. This was accompanied by reduced expression of the exocytotic proteins SNAP25, STXBP1, and VAMP2, likely because CD36 induced downregulation of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins, suppressed the insulin-signaling phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway, and increased nuclear localization of the transcription factor FoxO1. CD36 antibody treatment of the human β-cell line EndoC-βH1 increased IRS1 and exocytotic protein levels, improved granule docking, and enhanced insulin secretion. Our results demonstrate that β-cells from obese donors with T2D have dysfunctional exocytosis likely due to an abnormal lipid handling represented by differential CD36 expression. Hence, CD36 could be a key molecule to limit β-cell function in T2D associated with obesity.

Zinc Silicate/Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Scaffolds Promote Angiogenesis and Bone Regeneration via the p38 MAPK Pathway in Activated Monocytes.

Recent studies show that biomaterials are capable of regulating immune responses to induce a favorable osteogenic microenvironment and promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of zinc silicate/nanohydroxyapatite/collagen (ZS/HA/Col) scaffolds on bone regeneration and angiogenesis and explored the related mechanism. We demonstrate that 10ZS/HA/Col scaffolds significantly enhanced bone regeneration and angiogenesis in vivo compared with HA/Col scaffolds. ZS/HA/Col scaffolds increased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells, nestin-positive bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and CD31-positive neovessels, and expression of osteogenesis (Bmp-2 and Osterix) and angiogenesis-related (Vegf-α and Cd31) genes increased in nascent bone. ZS/HA/Col scaffolds with 10 wt % ZS activated the p38 signaling pathway in monocytes. The monocytes subsequently differentiated into TRAP+ cells and expressed higher levels of the cytokines SDF-1, TGF-β1, VEGF-α, and PDGF-BB, which recruited BMSCs and endothelial cells (ECs) to the defect areas. Blocking the p38 pathway in monocytes reduced TRAP+ differentiation and cytokine secretion and resulted in a decrease in BMSC and EC homing and angiogenesis. Overall, these findings demonstrate that 10ZS/HA/Col scaffolds modulate monocytes and, thereby, create a favorable osteogenic microenvironment that promotes BMSC migration and differentiation and vessel formation by activating the p38 signaling pathway.

The alternative spliced 3′-UTR mediated differential secretion of macrophage colony stimulating factor in breast cancer cells

CSF-1 mRNA 3′UTR variants (var) are generated from alternative splicing. CSF-1 protein encoded by var-1 mRNA with long 3′UTR derived from exon-10 is rapidly secreted compared to the CSF-1 protein encoded by var-4 mRNA with short 3′UTR derived from exon-9. Secretion kinetics indicates that HuR, which binds the CSF-1 var-1 mRNA, but not var-4 mRNA, accelerates the secretion of CSF-1 protein. HuR overexpression increases the secretion rate of CSF-1 protein. In contrast, silencing of HuR does not have such an effect, suggesting other compensatory mechanisms. Effect of the CSF-1 mRNA variant 3′UTRs on cellular phenotype shows both CSF-1 var-1 or -4 mRNA is involved in the enhanced rates of migration and invasion observed by both in vitro in breast cancer cells. Our study indicates that the alternative splicing of CSF-1 mRNA 3′UTR can regulate differential secretion of CSF-1 protein.

Hydrogen water alleviates paraquat-induced lung fibroblast injury in vitro by enhancing Nrf2 expression

To investigate the effects of hydrogen water on proliferation, differentiation, collagen secretion and Nrf2 expression in paraquat-induced human lung fibroblasts. In vitro cultured human lung fibroblasts (HFL1) exposed to 600 μmol/L paraquat (PQ) for 24 h were treated with hydrogen water with or without RNA interference of Nrf2 expression. The changes in the cell proliferation were examined using MTT assay, and the expressions of Col-I, Col-III, α-SMA and Nrf2 in the cells were detected using Western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence assay. The contents of SOD, CAT and GSH in the cells were determined with ELISA. Compared with the PQ-exposed cells, the cells with hydrogen water treatment showed significantly lowered expressions of Col-I, Col-III, and α-SMA. Interference of Nrf2 expression obviously attenuated the effect of hydrogen water on PQ-exposed cells. Hydrogen water treatment significantly increased the expression of Nrf2 and promoted the production of the antioxidants in PQ-exposed lung fibroblasts. Hydrogen water enhances Nrf2 expression to promote the proliferation and production of antioxidants and inhibit the differentiation and collagen secretion in PQ-exposed human lung fibroblasts in vitro.

Whole-Genome Methylation Analysis Reveals Epigenetic Variation in Cloned and Donor Pigs.

Somatic cloning has had a significant impact on the life sciences and is important in a variety of processes, including medical research and animal production. However, the application of somatic cloning has been limited due to its low success rate. Therefore, potential epigenetic variations between cloned and donor animals are still unclear. DNA methylation, one of the factors which is responsible for phenotypic differences in animals, is a commonly researched topic in epigenetic studies of mammals. To investigate the epigenetic variations between cloned and donor animals, we selected blood and ear fibroblasts of a donor pig and a cloned pig to perform whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). A total of 215 and 707 differential methylation genes (DMGs) were identified in blood and ear fibroblasts, respectively. Functional annotation revealed that DMGs are enriched in many pathways, including T/B or natural killer (NK) cell differentiation, oocyte maturation, embryonic development, and reproductive hormone secretion. Moreover, 22 DMGs in the blood and 75 in the ear were associated with immune responses (e.g., CD244, CDK6, CD5, CD2, CD83, and CDC7). We also found that 18 DMGs in blood and 53 in ear fibroblasts were involved in reproduction. Understanding the expression patterns of DMGs, especially in relation to immune responses and reproduction, will reveal insights that will aid the advancement of future somatic cloning techniques in swine.

Differential Secretion of Angiopoietic Factors and Expression of MicroRNA in Umbilical Cord Blood from Healthy Appropriate-For-Gestational-Age Preterm and Term Newborns-in Search of Biomarkers of Angiogenesis-Related Processes in Preterm Birth.

Objectives: Premature birth, defined as less than 37 weeks gestation, affects approximately 12% of all live births around the world. Advances in neonatal care have resulted in the increased survival of infants born prematurely. Although prematurity is a known risk factor for different cardiovascular diseases, little is known about the pathophysiology of vasculature during premature gestation and angiopoietic factors network during premature birth. Aims: The objective of this study was to determine whether the profile of several pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in umbilical cord blood (UCB) is different in healthy appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm newborns and normal term babies. The second aim of this study was to investigate the microRNA (miRNAs) expression profile in UCB from preterm labor and to detect miRNAs potentially taking part in control of angogenesis-related processes (Angio-MiRs). Methods: Using an immunobead Luminex assay, we simultaneously measured the concentration of Angiogenin, Angiopoietin-1, FGF-acidic, FGF-basic, PDGF-aa, PlGF, VEGF, VEGF-D, Endostatin, Thrombospondin-2, NGF, BDNF, GDNF, and NT-4 in UCB samples collected from the preterm (n = 27) and term (n = 52) delivery. In addition, the global microRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) circulating in such UCB samples was examined in this study using microarray MiRNA technique. Results: The concentrations of five from eight measured pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF, Angiopoietin-1, PDGF-AA, FGF-a, and FGF-b) were significantly lower in UCB from preterm newborns. On the contrary, two angiostatic factors (Endostatin and Thrombospondin-2) were significantly up-regulated in preterm UCB. Among analyzed neurotrophins in preterm newborns, the elevated UCB concentration was found only in the case of GDNF, whereas BDNF was significantly reduced. Moreover, two angiopoietic factors, VEGF-D and PlGF, and two neurotrophins, NT4 and NGF, did not differ in concentration in preterm and term babies. We also discovered that among the significantly down-regulated miRNAs, there were several classical Angio-MiRs (inter alia MiR-125, MiR-126, MiR-145, MiR-150, or MiR155), which are involved in angiogenesis regulation in newborn after preterm delivery. Conclusions: This is the first report of simultaneous measurements of several angiopoietic factors in UCB collected from infants during preterm and term labor. Here, we observed that several pro-angiogenic factors were at lower concentration in UCB collected from preterm newborns than term babies. In contrast, the two measured angiostatic factors, Endostatin and Thrombospondin-2, were significantly higher in UCB from preterm babies. This can suggest that distinct pathophysiological contributions from differentially expressed various angiopoietic factors may determine the clinical outcomes after preterm birth. Especially, our angiogenesis-related molecules analysis indicates that preterm birth of healthy, appropriate-for-gestational-age newborns is an “anti-angiogenic state” that may provide an increased risk for improper development and function of cardiovascular system in the adulthood. This work also contributes to a better understanding of the role of miRNAs potentially involved in angiogenesis control in preterm newborns.

Osteogenic preconditioning in perfusion bioreactors improves vascularization and bone formation by human bone marrow aspirates.

Cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a niche to promote osteogenic differentiation, cell adhesion, survival, and trophic factor secretion. To determine whether osteogenic preconditioning would improve the bone-forming potential of unfractionated bone marrow aspirate (BMA), we perfused cells on ECM-coated scaffolds to generate naïve and preconditioned constructs, respectively. The composition of cells selected from BMA was distinct on each scaffold. Naïve constructs exhibited robust proangiogenic potential in vitro, while preconditioned scaffolds contained more mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) and exhibited an osteogenic phenotype. Upon implantation into an orthotopic calvarial defect, BMA-derived ECs were present in vessels in preconditioned implants, resulting in robust perfusion and greater vessel density over the first 14 days compared to naïve implants. After 10 weeks, human ECs and differentiated MSCs were detected in de novo tissues derived from naïve and preconditioned scaffolds. These results demonstrate that bioreactor-based preconditioning augments the bone-forming potential of BMA.

Disulfide-Linked Peptides for Blocking BTLA/HVEM Binding.

Immune checkpoints are crucial in the maintenance of antitumor immune responses. The activation or blockade of immune checkpoints is dependent on the interactions between receptors and ligands; such interactions can provide inhibitory or stimulatory signals, including the enhancement or suppression of T-cell proliferation, differentiation, and/or cytokine secretion. B-and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is a lymphoid-specific cell surface receptor which is present on T-cells and interacts with herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM), which is present on tumor cells. The binding of HVEM to BTLA triggers an inhibitory signal which attenuates the immune response. This feature is interesting for studying the molecular interactions between HVEM and BTLA, as they may be targeted for novel immunotherapies. This work was based on the crystal structure of the BTLA/HVEM complex showing that BTLA binds the N-terminal cysteine-rich domain of HVEM. We investigated the amino acid sequence of HVEM and used molecular modeling methods to develop inhibitors of the BTLA/HVEM interaction. We synthesized novel compounds and determined their ability to interact with the BTLA protein and inhibit the formation of the BTLA/HVEM complex. Our results suggest that the HVEM (14–39) peptide is a potent inhibitor of the formation of the BTLA/HVEM protein complex.

Deciphering the Association of Cytokines, Chemokines, and Growth Factors in Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using an ex vivo Osteochondral Culture System.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder associated with degradation and decreased production of the extracellular matrix, eventually leading to cartilage destruction. Limited chondrocyte turnover, structural damage, and prevailing inflammatory milieu prevent efficient cartilage repair and restoration of joint function. In the present study, we evaluated the role of secreted cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors present in the culture supernatant obtained from an ex vivo osteochondral model of cartilage differentiation using cartilage pellets (CP), bone marrow stem cells (BM-MSCs), and/or BM-MSCs + CP. Multiplex cytokine analysis showed differential secretion of growth factors (G-CSF, GM-CSF, HGF, EGF, VEGF); chemokines (MCP-1, MIP1α, MIP1β, RANTES, Eotaxin, IP-10), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) in the experimental groups compared to the control. In silico analyses of the role of stem cells and CP in relation to the expression of various molecules, canonical pathways and hierarchical cluster patterns were deduced using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software (Qiagen, United States). The interactions of the cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that are involved in the cartilage differentiation showed that stem cells, when used together with CP, bring about a favorable cell signaling that supports cartilage differentiation and additionally helps to attenuate inflammatory cytokines and further downstream disease-associated pro-inflammatory pathways. Hence, the autologous or allogeneic stem cells and local cartilage tissues may be used for efficient cartilage differentiation and the management of OA.

The Effect of Methanolic Valeriana officinalis Root Extract on Adipocyte Differentiation and Adiponectin Production in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes.

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ and its endocrine function is closely associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) exerts some physiological effects; however, its influence on adipocytes remains unclear. We investigated the effect of methanolic Valerian root extract (Vale) on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Vale (1, 10, and 100μg/mL) dose-dependently promoted adipocyte differentiation with increasing lipid accumulation. In addition, Vale significantly increased the mRNA levels in genes associated with adipocyte differentiation, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α , and adipocyte protein 2, in dose-dependent manner. Vale also significantly enhanced mRNA and protein levels in adiponectin. A PPARγ antagonist assay and a PPARγ binding assay revealed that Vale-induced increased adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin production were partly associated with direct binding to PPARγ. Valerenic acid, a characteristic component in Valerian, also demonstrated the ability to induce adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin secretion, suggesting that it is one of the functional components in Vale.

Primary Antibody Deficiencies.

Primary antibody deficiencies (PADs) are the most common types of inherited primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) presenting at any age, with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations including susceptibility to infections, autoimmunity and cancer. Antibodies are produced by B cells, and consequently, genetic defects affecting Bcell development, activation, differentiation or antibody secretion can all lead to PADs. Whole exome and whole genome sequencing approaches have helped identify genetic defects that are involved in the pathogenesis of PADs. Here, we summarize the clinical manifestations, causal genes, disease mechanisms and clinical treatments of different types of PADs.

905: Release of placental exosomes is reduced in spontaneous preterm births

Feto-maternal signaling is considered to contribute to the timing of birth. Exosomes originating from the placenta may transport signals to maternal tissues where they deposit protein and RNA cargo into target cells. Our previous results indicate that tissues including the placenta secrete lower levels of exosomes into blood under pathological conditions. We hypothesize that differential secretion of placental exosomes and expression of exosome contents will reflect the underlying physiology of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). We performed a case-control study comparing levels of placental exosomes in maternal plasma samples obtained following hospital admission from SPTB cases to term delivery and medically-indicated preterm delivery (MPTB)controls. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation, and nanoparticle analysis was performed to demonstrate that the majority of isolated microvesicles were in the size range consistent with exosomes. Western blots were performed utilizing antibodies against syncytin-1, a placenta-specific protein, and levels of placental exosomes were normalized to TSG-101 (an exosome marker) levels in the plasma samples (Figure 1). Levels of placental exosomes were measured in 16 SPTB cases (20-34 weeks), 10 MPTB (20-34 weeks), and 16 uncomplicated term delivery controls (38-39 weeks). Nanoparticle detection and electron microscopy showed that intact exosomes (range 40–100 nm) were enriched. Relative levels of placental exosomes (syncytin-1 label normalized to TSG 101) were similar in term delivery controls (established at 1.000) and MPTB (1.174+0.626) but were significantly lower in SPTB cases (0.493+0.205, P=0.036, Figure 2). Shedding of placental exosomes into maternal blood was lower in SPTB cases compared to term delivery and MPTB controls. It will be important to compare maternal plasma exosome levels earlier in pregnancy and the proteomic and RNA signatures in SPTB cases and term delivery controls. These studies have the potential to identify novel pathways by which the fetus contributes to the timing of birth.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Differential mucins secretion by intestinal mucous cells of Chelon ramada in response to an enteric helminth Neoechinorhynchus agilis (Acanthocephala)

Intestinal mucous cells produce and secrete mucins which hydrate, lubricate and protect the intestinal epithelium from mechanical injuries due to the transition of digesta or action of pathogens. Intestinal mucous cells are considered elements of the innate immune system as they secrete lectins, toxins, immunoglobulins, and anti-microbial peptides. Acid mucins can surround and eliminate many pathogenic microorganisms. We performed a quantitative analysis of the density and mucus composition of different intestinal mucous cell types from mullet (Chelon ramada) that were infected solely with Neoechinorhynchus agilis. Most N. agilis were encountered in the middle region of the intestine. Mucous cell types were identified with Alcian Blue (pH2.5) and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) histochemistry, and by staining with a panel of seven lectins. Mucus enriched for high viscosity acid mucins was accumulated near points of worm attachment. Parasites were surrounded by an adherent mucus layer or blanket. Ultrastructural examination showed intestinal mucous cells typically possessed an elongated, basally positioned nucleus and numerous electron dense and lucent vesicles in the cytoplasm. The results show both an increase in mucus production and changes in mucin composition in infected mullet in comparison with uninfected conspecifics.

MiR-183-96-182 Cluster Is Involved in Invariant NKT Cell Development, Maturation, and Effector Function.

The development, differentiation and function of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells require a well-defined set of transcription factors, but how these factors are integrated to each other and the detailed signaling networks remain poorly understood. Using a Dicer-deletion mouse model, our previous studies have demonstrated the critical involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in iNKT cell development and function, but the role played by individual miRNAs in iNKT cell development and function is still not clear. In this study, we show the dynamic changes of miRNA 183 cluster (miR-183C) expression during iNKT cell development. Mice with miR-183C deletion showed a defective iNKT cell development, sublineage differentiation, and cytokine secretion function. miRNA target identification assays indicate the involvement of multiple target molecules. Our study not only confirmed the role of miR-183C in iNKT cell development and function but also demonstrated that miR-183C achieved the regulation of iNKT cells through integrated targeting of multiple signaling molecules and pathways.

Metabolic control of B cell immune responses.

Humoral immunity critically depends on appropriate B cell responses. B cell activation, proliferation, differentiation and antibody secretion are processes carefully orchestrated by a complex network of intracellular signaling pathways and transcription factors. In order to meet the energetic and biosynthetic demands of protein synthesis and cell division, signal transduction pathways reshape the metabolic profile of activated B cells. However, the relationship between signaling and metabolism is by no means unidirectional. Emerging evidence suggests that shifts in available fuel sources and intracellular metabolite concentrations profoundly impact cell fate decisions. The reciprocal regulation of cell signaling and metabolism could potentially be exploited to curb immune dysfunction in metabolic disorders or to antagonize autoimmunity and B cell malignancies.

Сравнение показателей агрегации тромбоцитов и экспрессии маркеров тромбоцитарных гранул

Введение. Активация тромбоцитов стимулирует их агрегацию и ассоциированный с секрецией экзоцитоз внутриклеточных гранул. Агрегацию чаще всего изучают турбидиметрическим методом, а экзоцитоз гранул методом проточной цитофлуориметрии, определяя экспрессию их маркеров на поверхности тромбоцитов. Цель исследования: сравнение чувствительности двух методов оценки активации тромбоцитов, исследования их агрегации и экспрессии маркеров внутриклеточных гранул. Материалы и методы. Тромбоциты здоровых доноров активировали АДФ и пептидом, активирующим рецептор тромбина (thrombin receptor activating peptide, TRAP). Агрегацию тромбоцитов изучали турбидиметрическим методом в обогащенной тромбоцитами плазме, регистрируя максимальный уровень светопропускания (Т макс). Экспрессию маркеров гранул изучали в цельной крови с помощью проточной цитофлуориметрии, регистрируя процент тромбоцитов, окрашенных антителами против маркеров альфагранул (CD62P) и плотных гранул (CD63). Результаты. У всех доноров 20 мкМ АДФ и 10 мкМ TRAP стимулировали мощную, необратимую агрегацию тромбоцитов (62,1 10,3 и 65,1 5,1 T макс, соответственно). Средние уровни агрегации были ниже при ее стимуляции 2,5 мкМ АДФ (30,9 23,2 T макс) и 1 мкМ TRAP (24,4 29,1 T макс). Экспрессия маркеров гранул была максимальной при активации тромбоцитов 10 мкМ TRAP (77,6 13,7 CD62P и 73,9 13,3 CD63), ниже при активации 1 мкМ TRAP (46,3 25,1 CD62P и 38,3 23,8 CD63), еще ниже при активации 20 мкМ АДФ (19,8 8,5 CD62P и 13,6 5,2 CD63) и минимальной при активации 2,5 мкМ АДФ (8,0 4,2 CD62P и 8,3 3,3 CD63). Адреналин (20 мкМ) не стимулировал экспрессию маркеров гранул, но при совместном добавлении с 20 мкМ АДФ повышал ее в 1,9 раза для обоих маркеров CD62P и CD63. Заключение. При активации тромбоцитов АДФ исследование агрегации является более чувствительным методом, чем определение экспрессии маркеров гранул. При активации тромбоцитов TRAP чувствительность обоих методов приблизительно одинакова. Экспрессия маркеров гранул увеличивается при совместном добавлении к тромбоцитам АДФ и адреналина, хотя адреналин сам по себе не стимулирует их экспрессию. Introduction. Platelet activation stimulates their aggregation and secretion associated exocytosis of intracellular granules. Aggregation is usually studied by turbidimetric method and granule exocytosis by detecting expression of their markers on platelet surface using flow cytofluorimetry. Aim: сomparison of the sensitivity of two methods for evaluation of platelet activation, studies of their aggregation and expression of intracellular granule markers. Materials and methods. Healthy donors platelets were activated by ADP and thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP). Platelet aggregation was investigated in platelet rich plasma by turbidimetric method, assessed by the maximal level of light transmission (T max). Expression of granule markers was detected in whole blood by fl ow cytofl uorimetry registering the percent of platelets stained with antibodies against the markers of alphagranules (CD62P) and dense granules (CD63). Results. In all donors 20 M ADP and 10 M TRAP stimulated strong irreversible platelet aggregation (62.1 10.3 and 65.1 5.1 T max). Mean aggregation levels were lower when it was stimulated by 2.5 M ADP (30.9 23.2 T max) and 1 M TRAP (24.4 29.1 T max). Expression of granule markers was maximal at platelet activation by 10 M TRAP (77.6 13.7 CD62P and 73.9 13.3 CD63), lower at activation by 1 M TRAP (46.3 25.1 CD62P and 38.3 23.8 CD63), more lower at activation by 20 M ADP (19.8 8.5 CD62P and 13.6 5.4 CD63), and minimal at activation by 2.5 M ADP (8.0 4.2 CD62P and 8.3 3.3 CD63). Epinephrine (20 M) did not stimulate expression of granule markers but at combined addition with 20 M ADP increased its level by 1.9 for both markers, CD62P and CD63. Conclusion. Platelet aggregation is more sensitive method than detection of expression of granule markers when platelets are activated by ADP. Both methods demonstrate about the same sensitivity when platelets are activated by TRAP. Expression of granule markers is increased at combined addition of ADP and epinephrine although epinephrine by itself fails to stimulate their expression.

TGF-β Signaling Promotes Tissue Formation during Cardiac Valve Regeneration in Adult Zebrafish

Cardiac valve disease can lead to severe cardiac dysfunction and is thus a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality. Its main treatment is valve replacement, which is currently greatly limited by the poor recellularization and tissue formation potential of the implanted valves. As we still lack suitable animal models to identify modulators of these processes, here we used adult zebrafish and found that, upon valve decellularization, they initiate a rapid regenerative program that leads to the formation of new functional valves. After injury, endothelial and kidney marrow-derived cells undergo cell cycle re-entry and differentiate into new extracellular matrix-secreting valve cells. The TGF-β signaling pathway promotes the regenerative process by enhancing progenitor cell proliferation as well as valve cell differentiation. These findings reveal a key role for TGF-β signaling in cardiac valve regeneration and establish the zebrafish as a model to identify and test factors promoting cardiac valve recellularization and growth.