Muscle Cells Of Blood Vessels Research Articles

Eotaxin and cardio-ankle vascular index in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk

Eotaxin is a chemokine, which is a chemoattractant mainly to eosinophils, as well as basophils and Th2 lymphocytes. According to studies, overexpression of eotaxin is found in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels in the area of atherosclerotic plaque. In clinical medicine, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is widely used as an indicator of arteriosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascular events. Few studies have shown the relationship of eotaxin with coronary atherosclerosis; in other studies, the relationship of eotaxin with atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and pulse wave velocity was not revealed. The aim of the present study was to assess blood level of eotaxin and cardio-ankle vascular index and their association with major cardiovascular risk factors in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk. We examined 65 patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk, due to documented coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or combination of cardiovascular risk factors and who were undergoing generally accepted cardioactive, hypoglycemic therapy and lipid-lowering therapy. All patients were examined for the elastic properties of the vascular wall by volumetric sphygmography with assessment of CAVI. In the blood, the concentrations of eotaxin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid spectrum indicators were determined. All examined were divided into two groups: with a normal value of CAVI (less than 8) and elevated. Patients with elevated CAVI had higher concentrations of eotaxin (p = 0.013), total cholesterol (p = 0.009), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.016), were older (p < 0.0001) and less likely to take statins (p = 0.002). In all those examined, correlations were found between serum eotaxin concentration and CAVI (rs = 0.34; p = 0.005), as well as age (rs = 0.32; p = 0.006). The age of the patients correlated with CAVI (rs = 0.35; p = 0.007). Thus, in our study, we for the first time showed the relationship between higher concentrations of eotaxin and an increased cardio-ankle vascular index in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk. Cardio-ankle vascular index was associated with age, lipid metabolism and lipid-lowering therapy. The obtained results allow us to consider eotaxin as a factor associated with atherogenesis and arterial stiffness.

Effect of acute tauroursodeoxycholic acid ingestion on microvascular function in men and women

The endoplasmic reticulum is a multipurpose organelle found in most human cells, including endothelial and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. It plays a key role in posttranslational folding of new proteins and reprocessing of misfolded or damaged proteins. Under certain conditions, the accumulation of unfolded proteins can trigger a quality control system (i.e., the unfolded protein response) that restores protein homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the unfolded protein response can simultaneously augment the formation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators which can induce vascular dysfunction. Despite our understanding of the relation between endoplasmic reticulum stress and vascular dysfunction in animal and human models, the sex-dependent influence of the endoplasmic reticulum on microvascular function has not been explored. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that compared with placebo, acute ingestion of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) would improve microvascular function to the same extent in men and women. Twelve young healthy adults (6 women, 26 ± 5 yrs) were studied ~8 hours following ingestion of a placebo or 1,500 mg of TUDCA, a chemical chaperone that inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress. Experiments were randomized, counterbalanced, and separated by at least 7 days. Venous plasma TUDCA and its taurine conjugated form, ursodeoxycholic acid, were measured for both conditions via high-performance liquid chromatography. Microvascular function was assessed using post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (Doppler ultrasound) and was normalized to mean arterial blood pressure. Compared with placebo (men, 13 ± 15 ng/ml; women, 6 ± 2 ng/ml), TUDCA ingestion increased plasma concentrations (men, 80 ± 43 ng/ml; women, 140 ± 93 ng/ml; P = 0.05). Similarly, compared with placebo (men, 13 ± 14 ng/ml; women, 7 ± 4 ng/ml), plasma ursodeoxycholic acid increased following TUDCA ingestion (men, 666 ± 237 ng/ml; women, 559± 458 ng/ml; P < 0.01). Plasma TUDCA and ursodeoxycholic acid concentrations did not vary between sexes (both P > 0.4). Peak vascular conductance did not differ between placebo and TUDCA conditions ( P = 0.7), an effect that did not vary between men and women (men: placebo, 4.1 ± 1.1 ml/min/mmHg vs. TUDCA, 4.1 ± 1.1 ml/min/mmHg; women: placebo, 3.2 ± 1.1 ml/min/mmHg vs. TUDCA, 3.0 ± 1.1 ml/min/mmHg; P = 0.6). Likewise, reactive hyperemia area under the curve did not differ between placebo and TUDCA conditions ( P = 0.5), nor did it vary by sex ( P = 0.2). Contrary to our hypothesis, these data suggest that acute ingestion of tauroursodeoxycholic acid does not alter microvascular function in young healthy men and women. UNTHSC Seed Grant This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

EFFECT OF CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION IN PREGNANT WOMAN WITH HYPERTENSION AT SENTANI COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Low calcium intake causes an increase in high blood pressure by stimulating the release of parathyroid hormone and renin, which causes an increase in intracellular calcium concentration in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and results in vasoconstriction. This study aims to determine the effect of giving calcium and vitamin D supplements to pregnant hypertension women on the anthropometric outcomes of newborns. The research design was quasi-experimental with two groups of post-test-only design. A respondent of 30 hypertension pregnant women at 28-32 weeks of gestation was selected by purposive sampling—data analysis using Mann Whitney. Calcium supplements (2 x 500 mg/day) and vitamin D3 (400 IU/day) were administered and monitored for eight weeks to 15 pregnant women as the intervention group and 15 pregnant women as the control group who were assumed to receive calcium supplements from the Health Service Program. Data on blood pressure and calcium levels were taken before and after eight weeks of intervention. The results showed that there was a significant difference in mean blood pressure between the control and intervention groups, with a p-value of systolic blood pressure (0.002) and a p-value of diastolic blood pressure (0.014), and the average decrease in blood pressure was more significant in the intervention group. There were differences in anthropometric results between the intervention group and the control group, with p-value s ​​for body weight (0.000), body length (0.000), and head circumference (0.000). The intervention group's average weight, length, and head girth were higher than the control group's. Thus, for eight weeks, calcium and vitamin D supplementation in hypertensive pregnant women can reduce blood pressure and result in better baby weight, body length, and head circumference. Keywords: Anthropometry, Calcium, Hypertension, Vitamin D

The role of ВK<sub>Са</sub> and IK<sub>Са</sub> channels in H<sub>2</sub>S-induced dilatation of pial arteries in rats after nephrectomy

BACKGROUND. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is accompanied by the development of endothelial dysfunction, leading to a decrease in arterial reactivity to vasoactive agents. Uremia causes a change in the dilatation of arteries in various vascular regions, incl. and arteries of the pial membrane of the brain. The action of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which can induce relaxation of smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, is currently considered a possible route of vasoprotection in various diseases, particularly, in CKD. THE AIM. To evaluate the role of calcium-activated potassium channels of large (BKCa) and intermediate (IKCa) conductance in H2S-induced dilatation of pial arteries in nephrectomized (NE) rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS. In Wistar rats nephrectomy (NE) was performed by resection of 5/6 of the renal tissue mass. Sham-operated (LO) animals served as control. The reaction of the pial arteries of the sensomotor cortex of NE and control SO rats to the application of H2S under physiological conditions and against the background of the use of BKCa channel blockers – tetraethylammonium (TEA) and IKCa – channels – TRAM-34. RESULTS. 4 months after NE, the application of H2S led to the dilatation of a smaller number of pial arteries (1.4 – 1.7 times) compared with SO rats. The preliminary exposure to TEA led to a decrease in the number of pial arteries responding by dilatation to the action of H2S in NE and SO rats. Against the background of the action of TRAM-34, the number of dilated arteries decreased under the action of H2S in SO rats, while in NE rats it practically did not change. CONCLUSION. Under physiological conditions, dilatation of the pial arteries in rats under the action of H2S is realized (at least in part) through the activation of the BKCa and IKCa channels of the membrane of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Uremia, caused by nephrectomy, leads to impairment of the mechanism of dilatation of pial arteries, mediated by activation of calcium-activated potassium channels intermediate conductance apparently due to dysfunction of endothelial cells.

Linking Pollutants and Therapeutics to Heart Health: Key Characteristics of Cardiovascular Toxicants.

Linking Pollutants and Therapeutics to Heart Health: Key Characteristics of Cardiovascular Toxicants.

Analysis of Tumor Depth Invasion With Anti-Smoothelin Antibody in Equivocal Transurethral Resection of Urinary Bladder Tumor Surgical Specimens.

To examine the expression and value of the smoothelin marker in control cases, to standardize the working method, and to analyze its application in pathologic staging process of problematic transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) cases. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on tumor-free bladder wall sections, tumor-free large bowel sections, TURBTs with unequivocal tumor stage, and TURBTs with equivocal stage. The IHC staining of muscularis mucosa (MM), muscularis propria (MP), and blood vessels was evaluated semiquantitatively. Smoothelin IHC staining pattern ranged from negative (30% to 67% cases) to 2+ (0% to 15% cases) in MM and from 1+ (10% to 50% cases) to 3+ (9% to 48% cases) in MP. When compared on the same slide, the smoothelin expression of MP showed a stronger staining intensity than the one of the MM in all the analyzed cases. Blood vessel muscle cells stained in a constant intensity as the MM (r = 0.9808; r = 0.9604). Smoothelin determined restaging of 33% of the problematic TURBT cases. Smoothelin is an IHC marker that shows differential staining between coexistent MM and MP; however, variations in staining intensity and pattern may occur, aspects that can be influenced by different technique variables. We recommend using this marker as a diagnostic tool in problematic TURBT cases only when there is sufficient experience in control cases with this antibody.

Research advances on neurite outgrowth inhibitor B receptor.

Neurite outgrowth inhibitor‐B (Nogo‐B) is a membrane protein which is extensively expressed in multiple organs, especially in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and belongs to the reticulon protein family. Notably, its specific receptor, Nogo‐B receptor (NgBR), encoded by NUS1, has been implicated in many crucial cellular processes, such as cholesterol trafficking, lipid metabolism, dolichol synthesis, protein N‐glycosylation, vascular remodelling, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis and neurodevelopment. In recent years, accumulating studies have demonstrated the statistically significant changes of NgBR expression levels in human diseases, including Niemann‐Pick type C disease, fatty liver, congenital disorders of glycosylation, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, invasive ductal breast carcinoma, malignant melanoma, non‐small cell lung carcinoma, paediatric epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. Besides, both the in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that NgBR overexpression or knockdown contribute to the alteration of various pathophysiological processes. Thus, there is a broad development potential in therapeutic strategies by modifying the expression levels of NgBR.

Adrenergic receptors and cardiovascular effects of catecholamines

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's “fight or flight” reaction. The physiological responses to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal medulla are mediated through the action of the endogenous catecholamines norepinephrine (or noradrenaline) and epinephrine (or adrenaline) on adrenergic receptors. Adrenergic receptors belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Adrenoceptors are divided into alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2 and beta3 receptors. Norepinephrine stimulates both subtypes of α receptors and β1 receptors. Epinephrine stimulates all subtypes ofα and β adrenoreceptors. α1 adrenergic receptors, coupled to stimulatory Gq proteins, activate the enzyme phospholipase C and are mainly found in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and urinary tract, where they induce constriction. α2 receptors are coupled to inhibitory Gi proteins, that inactivate adenylyl cyclase, decreasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) production. They are mainly found in the central nervous system, where their activation results in a decreased arterial blood pressure. β1 adrenoreceptors predominate in the heart, activate the Gs-adenylyl cyclase -cAMP-protein kinase A signaling cascade, and induce positive inotropic and chronotropic effects. β2 adrenoreceptors are distributed extensively throughout the body, but are expressed predominantly in bronchial smooth muscle cells. β2 adrenergic receptors activate adenylyl cyclase, dilate blood vessels and bronchioles, relax the muscles of the uterus, bladder and gastrointestinal duct, and also decrease platelet aggregation and glycogenolysis. β3 receptors can couple interchangeably to both stimulating and inhibiting G proteins. They are abundantly expressed in white and brown adipose tissue, and increase fat oxidation, energy expenditure and insulin-mediated glucose uptake. This review details the regulation of cardiac and vascular function by adrenergic receptors.

Pathogenesis of Fabry nephropathy: The pathways leading to fibrosis

BackgroundKidney is one of the main target organs in Fabry disease, a lysosomal X-linked genetic disorder. Renal involvement is characterized by proteinuria and progressive chronic kidney disease leading to end-stage renal disease. Pathogenic mechanisms in the progression of renal damage in Fabry disease are not thoroughly known yet. The lysosomal Gb3 deposition is the first step of complex pathological pathways resulting in renal sclerosis/fibrosis. Our hypothesis is that Fabry disease associated cellular alterations in tubular cells induce the production of TGF-β1, which mediate transdifferentiation of renal cells into myofibroblasts resulting in fibrosis of renal tissue. ObjectivesThe aim of this work is to study the mechanisms leading to fibrosis in kidney from human Fabry patients. MethodsFifteen renal biopsies from naïve Fabry patients were included. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis was carried out. ResultsPositive staining for TGF-β1 was found in tubular epithelial cells in biopsies from Fabry patients. Apoptosis was determined by active caspase 3 staining in tubular and mesangial glomerular cells. Due to TGF-β1 is the main profibrotic cytokine and induces accumulation of myofibroblasts, we performed a study for its marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). This study revealed expression of α-SMA on pericytes surrounding peritubular capillaries, smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, mesangial cells and periglomerular zone.TGF-β1 is produced mainly by tubular cells in Fabry kidney biopsies probably inducing cellular trans-differentiation of renal cells into myofibroblasts. A positive staining for a marker of myofibroblasts was present, affirming the presence of those profibrotic cells. ConclusionsThese results show for the first time that TGF-β1 is expressed in human renal tissue from Fabry patients, and that this profibrotic cytokine is mainly produced by proximal tubular cells. In addition both, peritubular interstitium and glomeruli, presented cells positive for myofibroblasts markers.

The use of GTN paste in impending necrosis following soft-tissue augmentation

One of the actions of Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), otherwise known as nitroglycerin, is initiating the relaxation of smooth muscle cells in blood vessels to promote blood flow to various parts of the body. GTN comes in a number of forms and has a range of indications; however, unfortunately GTN has some common side effects, which in some cases may limit therapy. These side effects include flushing, headache and postural hypotension. One significant, yet controversial, off-license use for GTN paste is for the adjunctive treatment of necrosis or impending necrosis following the use of dermal fillers for soft tissue augmentation. In the event of occlusion or damage and impending necrosis, the goal is to promote blood flow to the area as quickly as possible and treatment should always be immediate. Emergency treatment of the area with hyaluronidase should be initiated first, with adjunct treatments to improve blood supply to the area following shortly.

THE ROLE OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN TROPHOBLASTDERIVED EXTRACELLULAR MICROVESICLES, IMMUNE CELLS AND ENDOTHELIUM IN PATHOGENESIS OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA

Pre-eclampsia is a multisystemic disease that occurs in the second half of pregnancy, being characterized by the development of hypertension and proteinuria. Pre-eclampsia is still one of the main causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Pre-eclampsia is believed to be a result of complex interactions between maternal and placental factors. However, the exact pathophysiology of this syndrome remains unclear. Intercellular interactions are the basis of fetoplacental development in physiological pregnancy. A special mechanism of intercellular interactions is associated with the release of membranebound extracellular microvesicles by cells. Concentration and molecular composition of extracellular vesicles in biological fluids depend on the producer cell types, as well as the stimuli that trigger their formation. The studies of extracellular vesicles in pre-eclampsia focus on the particles produced by the cells of maternal cardiovascular system (endothelium, smooth muscle cells of blood vessels), and blood (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets), like as by the cells of syncytiotrophoblast. Changed concentrations and molecular composition of these extracellular vesicles can contribute to the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia, due to increased proinflammatory and procoagulant state occurring during pregnancy. This review focuses, firstly, on characteristics of the extracellular vesicles produced by syncytiotrophoblast, and possible role of their interaction with maternal immune cells, endothelial cells and platelets in the course of developing pre-eclampsia. Understanding the role of extracellular vesicles of syncytiotrophoblast in pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia could suggest an opportunity of providing these results for early and non-invasive diagnostics of placental disorders, as well as for predicting development of this disease.

Understanding mechanisms of the umbilical cord-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell-mediated recovery enhancement in rat model of limb ischemia

Umbilical cord-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MMSCs) are considered as a strong candidate for cell therapy of lower limb ischemia. Sustained calf muscle ischemia with aseptic inflammatory response was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by excision of femoral and popliteal arteries. uC-MSCs were injected into the calf muscle on day 7 after surgery. The animals were sacrificed on days 3, 10, and 30 after transplantation. Animals responded to the transplantation by temporary improvement in their locomotor function as assessed by the rota-rod performance test. Measured size of the lesions was significantly smaller in the experimental group than in the control group at all time points throughout the observation. The transplantation stimulated angiogenic processes on day 10 after transplantation. Living transplanted cells were traced for up to 30 days after transplantation, during which time they migrated to the damaged area to be partially eliminated by host macrophages; none of them differentiated into endothelial or smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Additionally, the transplantation led to the predominance of activated pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages by inhibiting the CD68+ macrophage infiltration and stimulating the CD206+ macrophage activation at the site of injury. A single intramuscular injection of allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells reproducibly facilitated recovery of structural and functional properties of surgically ischemized calf muscles in a rat. No differentiation of the transplanted cells in vivo was observed. The transplantation negatively regulated inflammation and enhanced tissue repair chiefly by modulating local patterns of macrophage activation.

Generation and characterization of the human iPSC line IDISi001-A isolated from blood cells of a CADASIL patient carrying a NOTCH3 mutation

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common form of hereditary stroke disorder. It is caused by mutations in NOTCH3 that lead to progressive degeneration of the smooth muscle cells in blood vessels. There is currently no treatment for this disorder. We reprogrammed to pluripotency blood mononuclear cells isolated from a patient carrying a NOTCH3 mutation by using a commercially available non-integrating system. The success in the generation of this iPSC line (IDISi001-A) suggests that the NOTCH3 mutation did not limit cell reprogramming and offers an unprecedented opportunity for studying and modeling CADASIL pathology.

Role of β2- and β3-adrenoceptors in arterial stiffness in a state of hypertension

An increase in arterial stiffness is associated with a high risk for morbidity and mortality in a state of elevated systemic pressure. The sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone via activation of β-adrenoceptors. The aim of this investigation was to determine the involvement of β-adrenoceptors in the control of arterial stiffness in a state of hypertension versus normotension. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), an index of vascular stiffness, was assessed in isoflurane-anaesthetized 13–14-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. At baseline, PWV was significantly higher in SH (9.2±0.9m/s) compared to WKY rats (6.7±0.4m/s). The stimulation of β2- but not β3-adrenoceptors significantly reduced PWV in SH rats despite comparable reductions in blood pressure. Stimulation of β2- or β3-adrenoceptors did not reduce PWV in WKY rats. The administration of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) also significantly reduced PWV in SH but not WKY rats. Immunofluorescence revealed the expression of β2- and β3-adrenoceptors in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells of the abdominal aorta. There were no significant differences in the distribution of the expression of β2- and β3-adrenoceptors in endothelial and/or smooth muscle cells in blood vessels of SH compared to WKY rats. The evidence suggests that β2-adrenoceptor stimulation and SNP infusion reduce PWV independently from reduction in blood pressure in a state of high systemic arterial pressure. A reduction in vascular tone of the central arteries may play a key role in decreasing PWV that is elevated due to stiffer arterial wall.

Localization of thrombospondin‐1 and its receptor CD36 in the ovary of the ostrich (Struthio camelus)

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, plays a decisive role for the rapid growth of avian follicles. Compared to mammals, few data on the angiogenesis in the avian ovary are available. However, whereas several pro-angiogenic factors in the avian ovary have been recently studied in detail, little information is available on the localization of anti-angiogenic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the localization and possible function of the anti-angiogenic factor thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and its receptor CD36 in the ovary of the ostrich using immunohistochemistry and to correlate the results with ultrastructural data. Whereas the oocytes and granulosa cells of all follicular stages were negative for TSP-1, myofibroblasts of the theca externa and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels showed distinct reactions. A distinctly different staining pattern was observed for CD36. The oocytes were CD36 negative. No immunostaining for CD36 could be observed neither in the granulosa cells nor in the adjacent theca interna of vitellogenic follicles. In the theca externa, blood vessels protruding towards the oocyte showed CD36-positive endothelial cells. In conclusion, a fine balance between angiogenic and anti-angiogenic processes assures that a dense net of blood vessels develops during the rapid growth of a selected follicle. Anti-angiogenic molecules, such as TSP-1 and its receptor CD36 may, after the oocyte has reached its final size, inhibit further angiogenesis and limit the transport of yolk material to the mature oocyte. By this mechanism, the growth of the megalecithal oocyte during folliculogenesis may cease.

Abstract 570: Transparent tumor tomography (T3): 3D spatial immunoanalysis for PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy

Abstract Untangling the complexity of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression within a heterogeneous tumor microenvironment is an urgent challenge in PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Here, we address this challenge with a method, termed transparent tumor tomography (T3), facilitating three-dimensional (3D) visualization and spatial analysis of distributions of multiple biomarkers regarding to cancer cells, vasculature, and immune cells in context in the tumor microenvironment. With T3 analysis of transgenic mouse mammary tumors immunostained against Her2, CD45, Ki-67, CD31, and PD-L1, we reveal that PD-L1 expression within the tumor microenvironment is highly adaptable for efficiently preventing immune cell infiltration into the tumor. Stronger correlation of Her2 and PD-L1 expression in the tumor periphery where has a high CD45+ immune infiltrate density is determined by tumor-wide analysis. Also, tomographic analysis shows blood vessels expressing PD-L1 in the tumor core, where PD-L1 expression is lower. Furthermore, high-resolution T3 image localizes PD-L1 expression to a region between the endothelium and the surrounding smooth muscle cells in blood vessels. We investigate spatial pharmacokinetics of anti-PD-L1 antibody in the whole mouse mammary tumor in the context of hypoxia, CD31+ blood vessels, and target PD-L1+ cells. The 3D anti-PD-L1 antibody distribution is fit to a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model, yielding estimated distribution half-life of 4.7 min and terminal half-life of 2.5 days. We also evaluate anti-tumor immune responses after PD-L1 blockade therapy using T3. We observe broad distribution of tumor infiltrating CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in 3D tumor section following combination therapy of radiation and anti-PD-L1 antibody compared to PBS, anti-PD-L1 antibody alone, or radiation alone treatment group. Moreover, we apply T3 for immunoanalysis of whole core needle biopsy. We spatially map PD-L1 expression and granzymeB-producing CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in pre-treatment and in-treatment core needle biopsies at cellular resolution and in three dimensions. Meanwhile, T3 analysis is nondestructive, allowing secondary analysis by IHC and/or IF. We anticipate that T3 can be applied broadly to facilitate preclinical studies of immunotherapy and also find use in spatial, multiparameter analysis of patient biopsies, particularly to improve predictive testing and analysis of immune responses to tumor immunotherapy. Citation Format: Steve Seung-Young Lee, Vytautas P. Bindokas, Stephen J. Kron. Transparent tumor tomography (T3): 3D spatial immunoanalysis for PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 570. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-570

Irradiation affects germ and somatic cells in prepubertal monkey testis xenografts.

Does irradiation evoke adverse effects in germ and somatic cells in testis xenografts from prepubertal monkeys? In addition to the expected depletion of germ cells, a dose-dependent effect of irradiation was observed at the mRNA and protein level in Sertoli and peritubular myoid cells. Testicular irradiation studies in monkeys have focused on the dose-dependent effects on germ cells. Previous studies using intact animals or xenografts reported that germ cells are highly sensitive to irradiation. Their depletion was demonstrated by morphometric and histological analyses. The effect of irradiation on expression of Sertoli and peritubular myoid cell markers, however, has not yet been described. The testes of two prepubertal macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were dissected into testicular fragments. Fragments were randomly exposed in vitro to one of the following three doses of irradiation: 0 Gy, n = 60; 1 Gy, n = 54; 4 Gy, n = 72. Non-irradiated control fragments (0 Gy) were placed into the Faxitron for 6.6 min without irradiation. For 1 Gy and 4 Gy irradiation was applied for 1.7 and 6.6 min, respectively. Grafts were then either immediately analyzed or subcutaneously implanted under the back skin of 39 nude mice and analyzed after 6.5 months. Post grafting, 133 testicular xenografts were retrieved. The body weight, serum testosterone level and seminal vesical weight of the host mice as well as the number and weight of retrieved grafts were determined. Larger grafts were used to evaluate both mRNA expression profiles and protein expression patterns. In total, 71 testicular fragments were used for morphometric and histological analysis while 68 fragments were analyzed for gene expression. For PCR arrays, M. fascicularis-specific primer sequences were employed. Irradiation-induced changes in the transcript levels of 34 marker genes were determined for each testicular graft. The effects of irradiation on peritubular myoid cells and Sertoli cells were confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand type 11 (CXCL11), alpha smooth muscle actin (SMA) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand type 12 (CXCL12). The four testes gave rise to 106 xenografts, which were individually analyzed, limiting the role of chance despite using only two monkeys in the study. Prior to grafting, the two donors displayed spermatogonia as the most advanced germ cell type in 95% and 70% of seminiferous tubules, respectively, while remaining tubules contained SCO. No spermatocytes were encountered prior to grafting in either monkey. After 6.5 months, non-irradiated grafts displayed spermatocytes in 15.4% and 1.8% of seminiferous tubules indicating an induction of meiosis. Irradiation resulted in a complete absence of spermatocytes. The percentage of seminiferous tubules containing spermatogonia declined in a dose-dependent manner. In non-irradiated xenografts, ~40% of tubules contained spermatogonia. This proportion was reduced to 3.4% and 4.3% in the 1 Gy treated group and to 1.3% and 0.2% in 4 Gy irradiated grafts. A dose-dependent decline in mRNA levels of selected germ cell marker genes supported the morphologically detected loss of germ cells. Irradiation had no effect on CXCL12 transcript levels. At the protein level, CXCL12-positive Sertoli cells were most abundant in the 1 Gy group compared to the 4 Gy group (P < 0.05), indicating a potential role of CXCL12 during recovery of primate spermatogenesis. The most prominent radiation-evoked changes were for CXCL11, which was localized to smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and seminiferous tubules. Transcript levels declined in a dose-dependent manner in grafts from both monkeys (MM687: P < 0.01 (0 Gy versus 4 Gy), MM627: P < 0.05 (0 Gy versus 4 Gy), P < 0.001 (1 Gy versus 4 Gy)). CXCL11 patterns of protein expression revealed irradiation-dependent changes as well. That peritubular cells are affected by X-irradiation was substantiated by changes at the transcript level between 1 and 4 Gy exposed groups (P < 0.01) and at the protein level of SMA (P < 0.05, 0 Gy versus 4 Gy). n/a. The spermatogonial stem cell system in primates is remarkably different from rodents. Therefore, data from a non-human primate may be more relevant to man. However, species-specific differences amongst primates cannot be fully excluded and the use of only two donors may raise concerns toward the generalization of the findings. There may also be important differences across the prepubertal period (e.g. infancy, early childhood) that are not represented by the ages included in the present study. This study is the first to indicate relevant testicular somatic cell responses following irradiation of prepubertal primate tissue. In addition to the well-known depletion of germ cells, the changes in Sertoli, and in particular peritubular myoid, cells may have important consequences for spermatogenic recovery. These novel findings should be taken into consideration when irradiation effects are assessed in tumor survivors. Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF) Münster (Schl2/001/13) and the Excellence Cluster 'Cells in Motion' at the University Münster. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

An analysis of the association between a polymorphism rs5219 of KCNJ11 and GFR in CKD development in patients with type 2 diabetes in Russian population

Background. Chronic kidney disease is one of the most serious diabetic complications, which end-stage leads to a dramatic decline of renal function and needs for renal replacement therapy. Due to the progressive nature of CKD and the limited efficacy of treatment for advanced stages the prediction of risks and diagnostics on preclinical stage are of great importance. All of the above determines the high relevance of search for genetic markers predict the chronic kidney disease (CKD) development.The aim of our study was to investigate association between polymorphic marker (PM) of gene involved in insulin secretion with development of CKD in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. Polymorphism of KCNJ11 gene is associated with different phenotypes of glycemic disorders: neonatal diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, reduced insulin secretion and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This gene coding Kir6.2 subunit of ATP-dependent potassium channels. The pathogenesis of it’s involvement in renal damage development referred to the fact that this type of potassium channels found not only in the beta- cells, but also in smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, and therefore might have an effect on risk of vascular complications, including CKD.Materials and methods. We enrolled 444 T2D patients. PM rs5219 in KCNJ11 gene was analysed among patients divided in 2 groups: with and without CKD (n=123/321) based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) &lt; and ≥ 60 ml/min/1,73m2 calculated by MDRD formula. PM studied using PCR. Differences in alleles/genotypes frequencies were assessed by χ² and odds ratio (OR) were calculated. The study was approved by local ethical committee; informed concern was obtained from all the patients.Results. We studied the main clinical parameters: age, HbA1c, serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, BP between the groups. We observed significant differences in alleles/genotypes distribution of rs5219 in KCNJ11 gene between groups with and without CKD: the prevalence of allele C and genotype CC in patients without CKD: OR=0,53, 95%CI: 0,40-0,72 and OR=0,46, 95%CI: 0,27-0,79, respectively; while allele T and genotype TT did as risk factors: χ²=17,33; р=0,0002; OR=1,87, 95%CI: 1,39-2,53; genotype TT OR=2,39, 95%CI: 1,52-3,76.Conclusions. We conclude that T2D patients might have genetic susceptibility to CKD development caused by polymorphism rs5219 of KCNJ11 gene with protective role of allele C and genotype CC and risk allelе/genotype is T/TT.

The role of short-chain fatty acid on blood pressure regulation.

The gut microbiota and its metabolites have been implicated in the regulation of host physiological functions such as inflammatory and metabolic responses. The short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) receptor is expressed in the kidney and blood vessels as well, and has been reported to function as a regulator of blood pressure (BP). This review highlights the role of SCFAs derived from gut microbial fermentation in the regulation of BP. Olfactory receptor 78 (Olfr78) is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor family, and it plays a key role as a chemosensor in various tissues. Both Olfr78 and G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) are expressed in smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and they recognize SCFAs. Oral administration of SCFAs was found to change BP in vivo, an effect that was altered in Olfr78 and GPR41-deficient mice. The regulation of BP via SCFA receptors has provided new insights into the interactions between the gut microbiota and BP control systems. We summarize these interactions and describe their contributions to a novel pathway involved in BP regulation. These recent findings could open new avenues for the development of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Protective Role of Kallistatin in Vascular and Organ Injury.

Kallistatin is an endogenous protein that exerts pleiotropic effects, including vasodilation and inhibition of angiogenesis, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, fibrosis, and tumor progression. Through its 2 functional domains—an active site and a heparin-binding site—kallistatin regulates differential signaling pathways and a wide spectrum of biological functions. Kallistatin’s active site is key for inhibiting tissue kallikrein activity and stimulating the expression of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). Kallistatin via its heparin-binding site blocks signaling pathways mediated by growth factors and cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), Wnt, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and epidermal growth factor. Kallistatin gene or protein delivery protects against the pathogenesis of hypertension, heart and kidney damage, arthritis, sepsis, influenza virus infection, tumor growth, and metastasis in animal models. Conversely, depletion of endogenous kallistatin by neutralizing antibody injection exacerbates cardiovascular and renal injury in hypertensive rats. Kallistatin levels are markedly reduced in rodents with hypertension, sepsis, streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus, and cardiac and renal injury. Kallistatin levels are also diminished in patients with liver disease, septic syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, severe pneumonia, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and prostate, and colon cancer. Therefore, circulating kallistatin levels may serve as a new biomarker for human diseases. This review summarizes kallistatin’s protective roles and mechanisms in vascular and organ injury and highlights the therapeutic potential of kallistatin for multiple disease states. Kallistatin was discovered in human plasma as a tissue kallikrein–binding protein.1 Sequence analysis indicated that tissue kallikrein–binding protein is a novel serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) and was later designated kallistatin because of its ability to inhibit tissue kallikrein activity.2–9 Tissue kallikrein is a serine proteinase that cleaves low–molecular weight kininogen substrate to release vasoactive kinin peptides.10 The …