Levels Of PDGF Research Articles

Modulation of circulating cytokine-chemokine profile in patients affected by chronic venous insufficiency undergoing surgical hemodynamic correction.

The expression of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines has been reported in in vitro/ex vivo settings of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), but the identification of circulating mediators that might be associated with altered hemodynamic forces or might represent innovative biomarkers is still missing. In this study, the circulating levels of 31 cytokines/chemokines involved in inflammatory/angiogenic processes were analysed in (i) CVI patients at baseline before surgical hemody namic correction, (ii) healthy subjects, and (iii) CVI patients after surgery. In a subgroup of CVI patients, in whom the baseline levels of cytokines/chemokines were analyzed in paired blood samples obtained from varicose vein and forearm vein, EGF, PDGF, and RANTES were increased at the varicose vein site as compared to the general circulation. Moreover, while at baseline, CVI patients showed increased levels of 14 cytokines/chemokines as compared to healthy subjects, 6 months after surgery, 11 cytokines/chemokines levels were significantly reduced in the treated CVI patients as compared to the CVI patients before surgery. Of note, a patient who exhibited recurrence of the disease 6 months after surgery, showed higher levels of EGF, PDGF, and RANTES compared to nonrecurrent patients, highlighting the potential role of the EGF/PDGF/RANTES triad as sensitive biomarkers in the context of CVI.

Tendon Tissue Engineering and Its Role on Healing of the Experimentally Induced Large Tendon Defect Model in Rabbits: A Comprehensive In Vivo Study

Healing of large tendon defects is challenging. We studied the role of collagen implant with or without polydioxanone (PDS) sheath on the healing of a large Achilles tendon defect model, in rabbits. Sixty rabbits were divided into three groups. A 2 cm gap was created in the left Achilles tendon of all rabbits. In the control lesions, no implant was used. The other two groups were reconstructed by collagen and collagen-PDS implants respectively. The animals were clinically examined at weekly intervals and their lesions were observed by ultrasonography. Blood samples were obtained from the animals and were assessed for hematological analysis and determination of serum PDGF level, at 60 days post injury (DPI). The animals were then euthanized and their lesions were assessed for gross and histopathology, scanning electron microscopy, biomechanical testing, dry matter and hydroxyproline content. Another 65 pilot animals were also studied grossly and histopathologically to define the host implant interaction and graft incorporation at serial time points. The treated animals gained significantly better clinical scoring compared to the controls. Treatment with collagen and collagen-PDS implants significantly increased the biomechanical properties of the lesions compared to the control tendons at 60DPI (P<0.05). The tissue engineered implants also reduced peritendinous adhesion, muscle fibrosis and atrophy, and increased ultrasonographical echogenicity and homogenicity, maturation and differentiation of the collagen fibrils and fibers, tissue alignment and volume of the regenerated tissue compared to those of the control lesions (P<0.05). The implants were gradually absorbed and substituted by the new tendon. Implantation of the bioimplants had a significant role in initiating tendon healing and the implants were biocompatible, biodegradable and safe for application in tendon reconstructive surgery. The results of the present study may be valuable in clinical practice.

PDGF and VEGF Levels in Platelet-Rich Plasma

PDGF and VEGF are two of the most potent mitogen for connective tissue, its secretion appears to be particularly important when the source is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), hence the latter leading role in tissue regeneration. ELISA PDGFBB levels in PRP, Platelet Poor Plasma (PPP) and exudates, were determined in 32 healthy subjects before and 24 hours after ingestion of Aspirin (ASA) and Clopidogrel (CLO). Results: PDGFBB baseline levels were 10.6 ± 1.9 ng / ml (PPP), 12.12 ± 2.5 ng / ml (PRP) and 10.84 ± 1.68 ng / ml (exudate) While after treatment with PDGFBB ASA concentrations were at 8.96 ± 1.4 ng / ml (PPP), 11.36 ± 1.48 ng / ml (PRP), 11.11 ± 1.14 ng / ml (exudate) and the Clopidogrel were 8.53 ± 0.59 ng / ml (PPP), 9.65 ± 1.17 ng / ml (PRP) and 8.51 ± 0.75 ng / ml (exudate) . VEGF basal values were 973.9 ± 590.3 pg / ml (PPP), 1184.2 ± 288.4 pg / ml (PRP), 1069.3 ± 192.3 pg / ml (exudate). After treatment with ASA VEGF values ??were at 1439.5 ± 117.4 pg / ml (PPP), 1802.3 ± 123.9 pg / ml (PRP), 1745.6 ± 171.6 pg / ml (exudate) and the Clopidogrel were 577.8 ± 150.6 pg / ml (PPP), 668.7 ± 100.6 pg / ml (PRP), 624.9 ± 106.7 pg / ml (exudate). Conclusions: It was noted that after administration of antiplatelet drugs PDGFBB and VEGF values decreased statistically significantly, especially for the group of Clopidogrel. The ASA lesser extent appear to affect the concentrations of both factors, which may be attributable to the pharmacological action mechanism between the ASA and Clopidogrel.

New, pathogenesis‐based pharmacologic approaches to gastrointestinal ulcers: Gene therapy with egr‐1 &amp; cell therapy with bone marrow‐derived stem cells

Our recent studies showed that the immediate‐early gene early growth response (egr‐1) that regulates the expression of angiogenic growth factors (e.g., VEGF, bFGF, PDGF) &amp; neovascularization play a mechanistic role in experimental duodenal ulceration (DU). We thus hypothesized that gene therapy with adenovirus (AV) encoding egr‐1 &amp; local administration of bone marrow‐derived stem cells (BMSC) may accelerate the healing of both upper &amp; lower gastrointestinal ulcers, i.e., DU &amp; ulcerative colitis (UC). Groups of rats were given cysteamine‐HCl (C, 85 mg/100g, x1, gavage) to induce DU or 6% iodoacetamide (IA, 0.1ml/rat, x1, enema) to cause UC. A single dose of either AV‐egr‐1 (2 × 109 pfu/rat) or BMSC (1 × 106 cells/rat) was given intraduodenally at laparotomy in DU rats on the 3rd day after C or intracolonically in UC rats on the 2nd day after IA. The rats were euthanized on the 7th or 14th day after C or IA administration. We found that DU &amp; UC lesion areas were significantly reduced in rats treated with AV‐egr‐1 or BMSC compared to controls in both 7 &amp; 14 days (p &lt; 0.05). Increased levels (2‐ to 4‐folds) of growth factors VEGF, PDGF and bFGF were also seen at days 7 and 14 in the rats treated with AV‐egr‐1 or BMSC compared to the controls.Conclusionslocal egr‐1 gene or stem cell therapies seem to be a new option to achieve a rapid healing of DU &amp; UC, possibly by promoting angiogenesis/vasculogenesis &amp; restoring mucosal integrity.(This work was supported by the Veterans Health Administration Merit Review Grants to S. Szabo and Zs. Sandor).

A Comparison of Ku0063794, a Dual mTORC1 and mTORC2 Inhibitor, and Temsirolimus in Preclinical Renal Cell Carcinoma Models

Rapamycin analogs, temsirolimus and everolimus, are approved for the treatment of advance renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Currently approved agents inhibit mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1). However, the mTOR kinase exists in two distinct multiprotein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, and both complexes may be critical regulators of cell metabolism, growth and proliferation. Furthermore, it has been proposed that drug resistance develops due to compensatory activation of mTORC2 signaling during treatment with temsirolimus or everolimus. We evaluated Ku0063794, which is a small molecule that inhibits both mTOR complexes. Ku0063794 was compared to temsirolimus in preclinical models for renal cell carcinoma. Ku0063794 was effective in inhibiting the phosphorylation of signaling proteins downstream of both mTORC1 and mTORC2, including p70 S6K, 4E-BP1 and Akt. Ku0063794 was more effective than temsirolimus in decreasing the viability and growth of RCC cell lines, Caki-1 and 786-O, in vitro by inducing cell cycle arrest and autophagy, but not apoptosis. However, in a xenograft model there was no difference in the inhibition of tumor growth by Ku0063794 or temsirolimus. A potential explanation is that temsirolimus has additional effects on the tumor microenvironment. Consistent with this possibility, temsirolimus, but not Ku0063794, decreased tumor angiogenesis in vivo, and decreased the viability of HUVEC (Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells) cells in vitro at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, expression levels of VEGF and PDGF were lower in Caki-1 and 786-O cells treated with temsirolimus than cells treated with Ku0063794.

Serum cytokines and chronic fatigue in adults surviving after childhood leukemia and lymphoma

Fatigue is a common and distressing symptom in all phases of the cancer trajectory. Chronic fatigue (CF) is defined as fatigue with duration ⩾6months. The etiology of CF in cancer survivors is poorly understood, but a link to inflammatory activity has been suggested. In the present study we explored the relation between CF and the levels of 17 cytokines among a national representative sample of 232 adult survivors after childhood lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Chalder's fatigue questionnaire assessed CF. The sera of the survivors were analyzed for 27 cytokines, where of 17 were detectable. Median age at survey and diagnosis was 29.7years (range 18.6-54.5years) and 9.6years (range 0.3-18.0years), respectively. Median follow-up time was 21.5years (range 7.1-40.0years). CF was not associated with increased levels of any of the 17 detectable cytokines when all three diagnostic groups were included in the analyses. In sub-analyses of the non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors only, those with CF had significant higher levels of IL-9, FGF, PDGF and eotaxin compared to those without CF (p<0.05). Gender, age, diagnosis, obesity, or reduced heart function did not impact upon the results. Differences in cytokine levels between the diagnostic groups were observed irrespective of the presence/absence of CF. This study could not confirm a relation between levels of cytokines and CF in adults who survived childhood lymphoma and ALL, except for among NHL survivors. Despite the broad spectrum of cytokines and relatively large sample, small aberrances may not have been traced.

Enhanced Healing of Diabetic Wounds by Subcutaneous Administration of Human Umbilical Cord Derived Stem Cells and Their Conditioned Media

Objective. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from the umbilical cord and their conditioned media (CM) can be easily obtained and refined compared with stem cells from other sources. Here, we explore the possibility of the benefits of these cells in healing diabetic wounds. Methodology and Results. Delayed wound healing animal models were established by making a standard wound on the dorsum of eighteen db/db mice, which were divided into three groups with six mice in each: groups I, II, and III received PBS, UC-MSC, and CM, respectively. UC-MSC and their CM significantly accelerated wound closure compared to PBS-treated wounds, and it was most rapid in CM-injected wounds. In day-14 wounds, significant difference in capillary densities among the three groups was noted (n = 6; P < 0.05), and higher levels of VEGF, PDGF, and KGF expression in the CM- and UC-MSC-injected wounds compared to the PBS-treated wounds were seen. The expression levels of PDGF-β and KGF were higher in CM-treated wounds than those in UC-MSC-treated wounds. Conclusion. Both the transplantation of UC-MSC and their CM are beneficial to diabetic wound healing, and CM has been shown to be therapeutically better than UC-MSC, at least in the context of diabetic wound healing.

Cytokine expression profile of dengue patients at different phases of illness.

BackgroundDengue is an important medical problem, with symptoms ranging from mild dengue fever to severe forms of the disease, where vascular leakage leads to hypovolemic shock. Cytokines have been implicated to play a role in the progression of severe dengue disease; however, their profile in dengue patients and the synergy that leads to continued plasma leakage is not clearly understood. Herein, we investigated the cytokine kinetics and profiles of dengue patients at different phases of illness to further understand the role of cytokines in dengue disease.Methods and FindingsCirculating levels of 29 different types of cytokines were assessed by bead-based ELISA method in dengue patients at the 3 different phases of illness. The association between significant changes in the levels of cytokines and clinical parameters were analyzed. At the febrile phase, IP-10 was significant in dengue patients with and without warning signs. However, MIP-1β was found to be significant in only patients with warning signs at this phase. IP-10 was also significant in both with and without warning signs patients during defervescence. At this phase, MIP-1β and G-CSF were significant in patients without warning signs, whereas MCP-1 was noted to be elevated significantly in patients with warning signs. Significant correlations between the levels of VEGF, RANTES, IL-7, IL-12, PDGF and IL-5 with platelets; VEGF with lymphocytes and neutrophils; G-CSF and IP-10 with atypical lymphocytes and various other cytokines with the liver enzymes were observed in this study.ConclusionsThe cytokine profile patterns discovered between the different phases of illness indicate an essential role in dengue pathogenesis and with further studies may serve as predictive markers for progression to dengue with warning signs.

Contact Lens Wearing and Chronic Cigarette Smoking Positively Correlate with TGF-β1 and VEGF Tear Levels and Impaired Corneal Wound Healing After Photorefractive Keratectomy

ABSTRACTPurpose: To study the correlation of gender, contact lens (CL) wearing, chronic drinking and chronic smoking with wound healing cytokine levels and corneal recovery after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty-eight age-matched patients (180 eyes) undergoing PRK were enrolled. PDGF, EGF, VEGF, HGF and TGF-β1 protein levels were measured in tears by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay either preoperatively or 2, 7 and 15 days after PRK. Patients were seen between one day and five days postoperatively for the evaluation of epithelial healing. Delayed re-epithelialization was defined as healing after day 5. All patients were followed for haze formation for a minimum of three months.Results: All cytokines increased significantly during the first two postoperative days (p < 0.001). PDGF, EGF, HGF decreased to the preoperative levels by day 7, whereas TGF-β1 and VEGF remained elevated over the entire period of observation of 15 days, although to a lesser extent than the second day after surgery, in CL-wearers and smokers, respectively (p < 0.01). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that: (i) CL-wearing positively correlated with TGF-β1 amounts, while chronic smoking positively correlated with VEGF production; (ii) CL-wearing and TGF-β1 amount were found to be associated with early haze formation, whereas chronic smoking and VEGF level with delayed re-epithelialization. No association was found between gender or alcohol consumption and cytokine levels or wound healing.Conclusions: Our findings highlight for the first time the important role that cigarette smoking and CL wearing may have in altering the tear cytokine network and impairing corneal epithelial wound repair after surgical injury.

Platelet derived growth factor-CC isoform is associated with hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator

ObjectivePlatelet derived growth factor-CC (PDGF–CC) isoform is activated by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) regulating blood brain barrier permeability after ischemia. We aimed to study the association of PDGF isoforms serum levels with hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and edema after thrombolytic treatment in ischemic stroke. MethodsWe studied 129 patients with ischemic stroke treated with tPA within the first 4.5 h (h) from stroke onset. CT was performed on admission and at 24–36 h. On the 2nd CT, HT was classified according to ECASS II criteria, and severe brain edema was diagnosed if extensive swelling causing any shifting of the structures of the midline was detected. PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB, PDGF–BB and PDGF–CC serum levels were analyzed by ELISA on admission (before tPA bolus), at 24 and 72 h. ResultsPatients who developed HT showed only higher levels of PDGF–CC isoform on admission and at 24 h (all p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, PDGF–CC levels on admission (OR, 1.02; CI 95%, 1.00–1.04) and at 24 h (OR, 1.05; CI 95%, 1.02–1.08) were independently associated with HT after adjustment by confounding factors. On the other hand, patients with severe edema showed also higher levels of PDGF–CC on admission and at 24 h (p < 0.0001), but this statistical association was lost in the logistic regression analysis. PDGF–CC levels ≥ 175 ng/mL at 24 h predict the development of PH with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 88% (area under the curve 0.936; p < 0.0001). ConclusionIncreased PDGF–CC levels after tPA treatment is associated with HT.

Accelerated Calvarial Healing in Mice Lacking Toll-Like Receptor 4

The bone and immune systems are closely interconnected. The immediate inflammatory response after fracture is known to trigger a healing cascade which plays an important role in bone repair. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a member of a highly conserved receptor family and is a critical activator of the innate immune response after tissue injury. TLR4 signaling has been shown to regulate the systemic inflammatory response induced by exposed bone components during long-bone fracture. Here we tested the hypothesis that TLR4 activation affects the healing of calvarial defects. A 1.8 mm diameter calvarial defect was created in wild-type (WT) and TLR4 knockout (TLR4−/−) mice. Bone healing was tested using radiographic, histologic and gene expression analyses. Radiographic and histomorphometric analyses revealed that calvarial healing was accelerated in TLR4−/− mice. More bone was observed in TLR4−/− mice compared to WT mice at postoperative days 7 and 14, although comparable healing was achieved in both groups by day 21. Bone remodeling was detected in both groups on postoperative day 28. In TLR4−/− mice compared to WT mice, gene expression analysis revealed that higher expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α,TGF-β1, TGF-β3, PDGF and RANKL and lower expression level of RANK were detected at earlier time points (≤ postoperative 4 days); while higher expression levels of IL-1β and lower expression levels of VEGF, RANK, RANKL and OPG were detected at late time points (> postoperative 4 days). This study provides evidence of accelerated bone healing in TLR4−/− mice with earlier and higher expression of inflammatory cytokines and with increased osteoclastic activity. Further work is required to determine if this is due to inflammation driven by TLR4 activation.

Platelet-rich preparations to improve healing. Part II: platelet activation and enrichment, leukocyte inclusion, and other selection criteria.

Multiple platelet-rich preparations have been reported to improve wound and bone healing, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet rich fibrin (PRF). The different methods employed during their preparation are important, as they influence the quality of the product applied to a wound or surgical site. Besides the general protocol for preparing the platelet-rich product (discussed in Part 1 of this review), multiple choices need to be considered during its preparation. For example, activation of the platelets is required for the release and enmeshment of growth factors, but the method of activation may influence the resulting matrix, growth factor availability, and healing. Additionally, some methods enrich leukocytes as well as platelets, but others are designed to be leukocyte-poor. Leukocytes have many important roles in healing and their inclusion in PRP results in increased platelet concentrations. Platelet and growth factor enrichment reported for the different types of platelet-rich preparations are also compared. Generally, TGF-β1 and PDGF levels were higher in preparations that contain leukocytes compared to leukocyte-poor PRP. However, platelet concentration may be the most reliable criterion for comparing different preparations. These and other criteria are described to help guide dental and medical professionals, in large and small practices, in selecting the best procedures for their patients. The healing benefits of platelet-rich preparations along with the low risk and availability of simple preparation procedures should encourage more clinicians to incorporate platelet-rich products in their practice to accelerate healing, reduce adverse events, and improve patient outcomes.

Phase II trial of bevacizumab (B) and ixabepilone (Ix) for advanced non-squamous NSCLC progressive after first-line therapy.

e13550 Background: Ix is a semisynthetic epiothilone analog which inhibits mitosis through microtubule stabilization, with activity in multiple tumor types. Weekly dosing may have less toxicity. B improves survival in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for previously untreated non-squamous NSCLC. The use of B in the salvage setting has not been extensively studied. Methods: Non-randomized, open-label, single arm phase II trial of B, 10 mg/kg iv every 2 weeks and Ix, 20 mg/m2 iv weekly for 3 out of 4 weeks. An initial lead-in phase of 6 patients (pts) treated with B and Ix (16 mg/m2 iv weekly for 3 out of 4 weeks) was planned. Pts with advanced non-squamous NSCLC progressive after 1 or 2 lines of therapy are eligible, prior erlotinib is allowed, ECOG 0-1. Prior B is allowed. Pts are treated for a maximum of 6 28-day cycles, with staging every 2 cycles. Pts with response or stable disease may continue on maintenance B for up to 1 year. Primary endpoint is progression free survival, with secondary endpoints ORR, OS, toxicity, and correlative studies to assess potential predictors of response. Correlative studies include evaluations of tumor and plasma levels of VEGF, PDGF, sICAM, bFGF, and IL-8, with hypothesis that lower levels of tumor or plasma levels will correlate with improved outcomes. VEGF and IL-8 polymorphisms will be measured, as will tumor expression of Aurora B, survivin, Ki-67, hyperphosphorylation of BCL2, and overexpression of Tau. Total accrual goal is 46 pts. Results: To date, the first 6 pts for the run-in phase have been accrued. 2 pts required dose reduction in the first 2 cycles (Gr 2 thrombocytopenia, Gr 3 ALT elevation; 1 each). Max treatment cycles: 9 (Range, 2-9). 2 pts had disease progression after 2 cycles and were discontinued from study. Toxicity in the first 2 cycles is primarily hematologic, with related Gr 2 toxicity of thrombocytopenia, anemia, lymphopenia (1 each). Gr 3 lymphopenia occurred in 2 pts. Gr 3 hyperglycemia occurred in 2 pts, attributed to steroid premeds. Conclusions: With 2 pts requiring dose reduction with the run-in dose, Ix will not be increased as previously planned and the ongoing dose for the phase II study will be 16 mg/m2. Accrual to the phase II portion will continue.

Association between Serum Platelet-Derived Growth Factor BB and Degree of Liver Damage, Fibrosis and Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) Status in CHB Patients

The objective of this study was to determine the association of PDGF-BB with degree of liver damage, fibrosis and HBeAg status in CHB patients. A total of 740 patients with previously untreated chronic hepatitis B were included in the study. We conducted the correlations analysis of se-rum PDGF-BB with the age, gender, medical history, se-rum HBV-DNA, liver function parameters and serum fibrosis markers (HA, PCIII, CIV, LN), analyzed the cor-relations of degree of liver damage with liver fibrosis markers and the serum levels of PDGF-BB and compared serum liver fibrosis markers and levels of PDGF- BB between HbeAg-negative and HbeAg-positive CHB patients. Liver function parameters and se-rum liver fibrosis markers were significantly correlated with serum PDGF-BB (p<0.01). Liver fibrosis markers and serum levels of PDGF-BB in CHB were positive correlated with degree of liver damage. Serum levels of PDGF-BB in HBeAg-negative CHB was significantly higher than that in the HBeAg-positive CHB (p<0.05). Serum levels of PDGF-BB can reflect degree of liver damage and degree of liver fibrosis in CHB.Serum levels of PDGF-BB in HBeAg-negative CHB were higher than the HBeAg-positive CHB.

Transcriptional regulation of platelet-derived growth factor-B chain by thrombin in endothelial cells: involvement of Egr-1 and CREB-binding protein

Thrombin and platelet-derived growth factor-B chain (PDGF-B) are key factors in the stimulation of atherosclerosis. The effect of thrombin on PDGF-B production has been characterized. However, the underlying mechanism is still far clear. Here, we investigate the transcription factors and regulators that are involved in PDGF-B production caused by thrombin in endothelial cells (ECs). Levels of PDGF were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, while levels of early growth response-1 (Egr-1) were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and western blot. To evaluate the function of CBP and Egr-1 involved in regulation of PDGF-B, small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to down-regulate their expression in mRNA and protein level. Interaction of Egr-1 and CBP was measured with immunoprecipitation and western blot. Thrombin induced an early and transient up-regulation of transcription factor early Egr-1, which was followed by a delayed increase of PDGF-B. siRNA against Egr-1-inhibited thrombin-induced PDGF-B production. Furthermore, thrombin could enhance the interaction of Egr-1 with its co-activator CREB-binding protein (CBP). CBP knockdown attenuated this interaction, and led to a reduction of PDGF-B expression induced by thrombin. Our results suggest that CBP might be one of the main interaction targets for Egr-1, and the transient activation of Egr-1 and recruitment of CBP are required for thrombin-induced PDGF-B in ECs.

Bers-ERK Schwann Cells Coordinate Nerve Regeneration

In this issue of Neuron, Napoli et al. (2012) demonstrate that elevated ERK/MAPK signaling in Schwann cells is a crucial trigger for Schwann cell dedifferentiation in vivo. Moreover, the authors show that dedifferentiated Schwann cells have the potential to coordinate much of the peripheral nerve response to injury.

Comparação de dois modelos experimentais de hipertensão pulmonar

To compare two models of pulmonary hypertension (monocrotaline and monocrotaline+pneumonectomy) regarding hemodynamic severity, structure of pulmonary arteries, inflammatory markers (IL-1 and PDGF), and 45-day survival. We used 80 Sprague-Dawley rats in two study protocols: structural analysis; and survival analysis. The rats were divided into four groups: control; monocrotaline (M), pneumonectomy (P), and monocrotaline+pneumonectomy (M+P). In the structural analysis protocol, 40 rats (10/group) were catheterized for the determination of hemodynamic variables, followed by euthanasia for the removal of heart and lung tissue. The right ventricle (RV) was dissected from the interventricular septum (IS), and the ratio between RV weight and the weight of the left ventricle (LV) plus IS (RV/LV+IS) was taken as the index of RV hypertrophy. In lung tissues, we performed histological analyses, as well as using ELISA to determine IL-1 and PDGF levels. In the survival protocol, 40 animals (10/group) were followed for 45 days. The M and M+P rats developed pulmonary hypertension, whereas the control and P rats did not. The RV/LV+IS ratio was significantly higher in M+P rats than in M rats, as well as being significantly higher in M and M+P rats than in control and P rats. There were no significant differences between the M and M+P rats regarding the area of the medial layer of the pulmonary arteries; IL-1 and PDGF levels; or survival. On the basis of our results, we cannot conclude that the monocrotaline+pneumonectomy model is superior to the monocrotaline model.

Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Transplantation Mitigates Radiation-Induced Gastrointestinal Syndrome in Mice

BackgroundNuclear accidents and terrorism presents a serious threat for mass casualty. While bone-marrow transplantation might mitigate hematopoietic syndrome, currently there are no approved medical countermeasures to alleviate radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome (RIGS), resulting from direct cytocidal effects on intestinal stem cells (ISC) and crypt stromal cells. We examined whether bone marrow-derived adherent stromal cell transplantation (BMSCT) could restitute irradiated intestinal stem cells niche and mitigate radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome.Methodology/Principal FindingsAutologous bone marrow was cultured in mesenchymal basal medium and adherent cells were harvested for transplantation to C57Bl6 mice, 24 and 72 hours after lethal whole body irradiation (10.4 Gy) or abdominal irradiation (16–20 Gy) in a single fraction. Mesenchymal, endothelial and myeloid population were characterized by flow cytometry. Intestinal crypt regeneration and absorptive function was assessed by histopathology and xylose absorption assay, respectively. In contrast to 100% mortality in irradiated controls, BMSCT mitigated RIGS and rescued mice from radiation lethality after 18 Gy of abdominal irradiation or 10.4 Gy whole body irradiation with 100% survival (p<0.0007 and p<0.0009 respectively) beyond 25 days. Transplantation of enriched myeloid and non-myeloid fractions failed to improve survival. BMASCT induced ISC regeneration, restitution of the ISC niche and xylose absorption. Serum levels of intestinal radioprotective factors, such as, R-Spondin1, KGF, PDGF and FGF2, and anti-inflammatory cytokines were elevated, while inflammatory cytokines were down regulated.Conclusion/SignificanceMitigation of lethal intestinal injury, following high doses of irradiation, can be achieved by intravenous transplantation of marrow-derived stromal cells, including mesenchymal, endothelial and macrophage cell population. BMASCT increases blood levels of intestinal growth factors and induces regeneration of the irradiated host ISC niche, thus providing a platform to discover potential radiation mitigators and protectors for acute radiation syndromes and chemo-radiation therapy of abdominal malignancies.

Transforming Growth Factor-β Inhibition Decreases Diode Laser–Induced Choroidal Neovascularization Development in Rats: P17 and P144 Peptides

To assess the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β inhibitor peptides (P17 and P144) on the development of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (LI-CNV) in a rat model. Sixty-one Long-Evans rats underwent diode LI-CNV model. Forty-eight hours later, treatment was administered. The intravenous control group (IV-control) and intravenous P17 group (IV-17) received five doses (0.2 mg every 72 hours) of vehicle and P17, respectively. Four groups received intravitreal injections of P17 low-dose (LD-17; 1 mg/mL) and high-dose (HD-17; 20 mg/mL) and P144 low-dose (LD-144; 1 mg/mL) and high-dose (HD-144; 3 mg/mL), and fellow eyes received vehicle. CNV evolution was assessed weekly by fluorescein angiography (FA). After death, VEGF, TGF-β and PDGF protein levels were measured by ELISA in RPE and retina homogenates. Data were analyzed with commercially available statistical analysis software. The mean CNV area, measured in pixels, was significantly lower at the second and fourth weeks in IV-17 (P < 0.05) and from the second week in HD-17 (P < 0.05), whereas LD-144 and HD-144 showed significant differences at every time point (P < 0.05). LD-17 showed significantly lower protein levels of TGF-β in retina and PDGF in RPE (P < 0.05), whereas HD-17 showed lower levels of VEGF (RPE and retina; P < 0.05), TGF-β (RPE and retina; P < 0.05), and PDGF (RPE; P < 0.05). HD-144 showed lower VEGF levels in the retina (P < 0.05). TGF-β inhibition with these peptides represents a promising new therapeutic line for CNV targeting a different pathway than current therapies. More studies are needed to assess this effect on early CNV, alone or in combination with anti-VEGF.

Serum and CSF PDGF‐AA and FGF‐2 in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis: a case–control study

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-AA) are potent modulators of oligodendrocytes, the main responsible cells for myelin regeneration. We measured FGF-2 and PDGF-AA in the sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) and compared these values with control subjects. Twenty-three patients with RR-MS and 23 subjects without inflammatory and demyelinating diseases were included. Serum samples of the patients were collected in both relapse and remission phases and were analyzed with ELISA method. CSF was drawn during the relapse period. Blood and CSF were drawn from control subjects for comparison. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's rank correlation were used for analysis. P values of <0.05 were considered significant. Age and sex distribution were similar in both groups. Serum values of FGF-2 were higher in relapse phase compared with remission phase, with a trend toward significance (P=0.052). CSF PDGF-AA showed significant negative correlation with disease duration (correlation coefficient=-0.58, P=0.004). Serum levels of PDGF did not differ between two phases significantly. There was no difference in serum and CSF values of these factors between patients and controls. When we compared patients with prolonged disease with controls, a significant difference between the CSF levels of PDGF-AA was observed (mean±SEM 2.78±0.8 in controls vs. 0.55±0.29 in patients with MS≥2 years, P<0.05). Our study was the first to show that CSF PDGF-AA is related to disease duration. Supporting previous findings we showed that serum and CSF levels of these factors are weak indicators of disease severity.