Perl's Stain Research Articles

Liver biopsy in patients on hemodialysis with hepatitis C virus infection: An important tool.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is commonest blood borne infection amongst hemodialysis patients. Still, there is paucity of data on liver biopsy in these patients. Our center is doing regular liver biopsy in these patients and thus thought of sharing our experience. In this retrospective study, all patients with HCV infection on hemodialysis were subjected to liver biopsy. Serum bilirubin, liver enzyme, HCV-PCR, genotype and viral load measurement were done in all. Biopsy specimen was stained with H and E, Periodic Acid Schiff, Gomori Stain, Masson Trichrome and Perls Stain. International Working Group scoring system of Ishak et al. was used for Grading and Staging. Of the 270 liver biopsies, mean age of patients was 34.05 ± 10.28 years and 233 (85.3%) were males. Mean duration of hemodialysis was 10.9 ± 7.4 months while of known HCV infection was 5.2 ± 4.0 months. Genotype 3 was commonest followed by 1. All had normal bilirubin and 64 (23.1%) had normal ALT. In 37 (13.3%) patients anti-HCV was not detectable. Mean histology grade was 4.03 ± 1.65 (1-10) and stage was 0.75 ± 0.98 (0-3). Only one patient had cirrhosis on histology. Associated hemosiderosis was seen 10 patients. Only minor complications were observed with no mortality. In conclusion, our study shows that in one-fourth patients with active liver disease, liver enzymes are persistently normal in patients on hemodialysis. Further, carefully performed liver biopsy is reasonably safe procedure though some patients do have non-fatal complications. Liver biopsy helps in assessing disease activity, which otherwise cannot be assessed. Histological grade and stage in these patients is usually mild and cirrhosis is rare. Till such time other non-invasive test is validated, liver biopsy will remain an important test in these patients.

In Vivo Iron-Chelating Activity and Phenolic Profiles of the Angel's Wings Mushroom, Pleurotus porrigens (Higher Basidiomycetes).

Pleurotus porrigens is an culinary-medicinal mushroom. It is locally called sadafi and is found in the northern regions of Iran, especially in Mazandaran. This mushroom is used to prepare a variety of local and specialty foods. Because of the phenol and flavonoid contents and the strong iron-chelating activity of this mushroom, it was selected for an assay of in vivo iron-chelating activity. Methanolic extract was administered intraperitoneally to iron-overloaded mice at two dosages (200 and 400 mg/kg/24 hours) for a total of 20 days, with a frequency of 5 times a week for 4 successive weeks. The total iron content was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Plasma Fe3+ content was determined using a kit. Liver sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin and Perls stain. A significant decrease in the plasma concentration of iron was observed in mice treated with extracts (P < 0.001). The animals showed a dramatic decrease in plasma Fe3+ content when compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Also, Perls stain improved the smaller amount of deposited iron in the liver of iron-overloaded mice treated with the extract. Liver sections revealed a marked reduction in the extent of necrotic hepatocytes, fibrous tissues, and pseudo-lobules. A high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed to simultaneously separate 7 phenolic acids in extract. Rutin (1.784 ± 0.052 mg g(-1) of extract) and p-coumaric acid (1.026 ± 0.043 mg g(-1) of extract) were detected as the main flavonoid and phenolic acids in extract, respectively. The extract exhibited satisfactory potency to chelate excessive iron in mice, potentially offering new natural alternatives to treat patients with iron overload. More studies are needed to determine which compounds are responsible for these biological activities.

Phenotypic Characterization the Townes Sickle Mice

The HbSS-Townes mouse model, developed in Dr. Tim Townes laboratory, University of Alabama, Birmingham (and kindly provided by him to our laboratory) were created on a mixed genetic background in which the murine adult α-globin genes were replaced with the human α-globin gene (genotype: Hba hα/hα) and the murine adult β-globin genes were replaced with human sickle βS- and fetal Aγ-globin gene fragments linked together (genotype: Hbb hAγβS/hAγβS) (Wu LC et al. Blood 2006;108: 1183-1188). HbSS-Townes mice have anemia, a shortened RBC half-life of 2.5 days and a severe disease phenotype. Control HbAA-Townes mice were created by replacing the murine globin genes with human α-globin gene (genotype: Hba hα/hα) and linked human βA- and fetal Aγ-globins (genotype: Hbb hAγβA/hAγβA), while HbAS-Townes heterozygous mice were developed by breeding HbAA and HbSS mice. Many laboratories are utilizing these mice but complete phenotypic description of these three models has not been described including: hematology, kidney and liver function, inflammatory markers, haptoglobin and hemopexin levels, red cell half-lives, organ histopathology and vascular responses to vaso-occlusive stimuli. Table 1 summarizes our findings.There was a clear difference in histopathology between the HbSS and other groups (HbAA and HbAS). HbSS mice had hepatic necrosis, increased erythropoiesis and increased hemosiderin within the liver and some subtle lesions involving the glomeruli in the kidneys. Additional findings were a marked increase in size of spleen (7.0-7.6 x by % body weights) attributed to severe congestion and increased erythropoiesis. No lesions were observed in the lungs and other tissues. The tissues evaluated in the HbAS and HbAA groups were essentially normal. In contrast, HbSS mice had multifocal irregular areas of necrosis within the liver, with reactive leukocyte infiltrates (mainly neutrophils in the more acute lesions with a greater proportion of mononuclear cells (macrophages etc.) in more chronic lesions. MPO immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of neutrophils in the liver. There was a substantial increase in iron (and hemosiderin) in the livers of HbSS mice, confirmed by a Prussian Perls stain and low, but detectable, levels of iron in the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney. This is consistent with increased red cell turnover in the HbSS mice. Total iron mass in the markedly enlarged spleen is very high. There is a somewhat subtle glomerulopathy present in the kidney, with enlarged glomeruli with variable ectasia of vessels, and mesangial derangement. In conclusion the Townes mouse models provide a spectrum of severe hemolytic disease that in many ways mimic the human disease albeit imperfectly. TableTable 1HbAAHbASHbSSHb (g/dL)12.0 ± 0.610.6 ± 0.59.5 ± 1.4*Hematocrit (%)49.6 ± 2.345.0 ± 4.2*29.2 ± 0.9*#WBC (K/µL)10.8 ± 1.213.2 ± 4.038.2 ± 4.9*#Platelet Counts (K/uL)854 ± 78889 ± 1421004 ± 179Monocytes (%)8.0 ± 1.17.6 ± 1.77.4 ± 1.0Lymphocytes (%)60 ± 3.063.8 ± 5.667.5 ± 9.1Neutrophils (%)28.6 ± 5.926.1 ± 8.727.8 ± 2.2Reticulocytes (%)7.8 ± 1.78.6 ± 4.556.8 ± 2.6*#RBC Half-Life (days)15.710.62.4Expired CO (nmoles/h/g)0.92 ± 0.241.27 ± 0.236.33 ± 1.08*Serum Bilirubin (mg/dl)3.5 ± 0.94.3 ± 0.65.6 ± 0.4*Urine Creatinine (mg/dL)44.1 ± 3.845.9 ± 3.856.2 ± 7.0*Urine Osmolality (mOsm/kg H2O)2147 ± 761707 ± 2651361 ± 32*Serum Haptoglobin (µg/ml)39.3 ± 3.80.5 ± 0.2*2.3 ± 1.4*Serum Hemopexin (µg/ml)802 ± 266169 ± 51*124 ± 35*Serum SAP (µg/ml)20.9 ± 7.214.1 ± 12.086.7 ± 20.2*#Stasis at 1h in Response to Hb (%)10.0 ± 3.219.8 ± 2.7*30.0 ± 3.4*#Mortality at 24h in Response to Heme (%)00100*#Liver % of Body Weight4.95 ± 0.484.39 ± 0.356.22 ± 0.21*#Spleen % of Body Weight0.79 ± 0.140.87 ± 0.396.61 ± 0.75*#Kidney % of Body Weight0.65 ± 0.270.72 ± 0.190.73 ± 0.24Liver Necrosis Score0.0 ± 0.00.25 ± 0.502.38 ± 0.25*Liver Fe Score0.0 ± 0.00.25 ± 0.53.0 ± 0.0*Lung Fe Score0.0 ± 0.00.0 ± 0.0*1.0 ± 0.0*#Spleen Fe Score3.0 ± 0.03.0 ± 0.02.0 ± 0.0*#Kidney Fe Score0.0 ± 0.00.25 ± 0.51.75 ± 0.5*#Liver Gr1 Score1.0 ± 0.01.25 ± 0.52.25 ± 0.5*Lung Gr1 Score1.0 ± 0.01.0 ± 0.01.25 ± 0.5Spleen Gr1 Score1.5 ± 0.62.0 ± 0.02.0 ± 0.0Kidney Gr1 Score0.25 ± 0.50.25 ± 0.50.75 ± 0.5* p<0.05 vs HbAA; # p<0.05 vs HbAS DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

In vivo tracking and immunological properties of pulsed porcine monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Cellular therapies using immune cells and in particular dendritic cells (DCs) are being increasingly applied in clinical trials and vaccines. Their success partially depends on accurate delivery of cells to target organs or migration to lymph nodes. Delivery and subsequent migration of cells to regional lymph nodes is essential for effective stimulation of the immune system. Thus, the design of an optimal DC therapy would be improved by optimizing technologies for monitoring DC trafficking. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents a powerful tool for non-invasive imaging of DC migration in vivo. Domestic pigs share similarities with humans and represent an excellent animal model for immunological studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility using pigs as models for DC tracking in vivo.Porcine monocyte derived DC (MoDC) culture with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles was standardized on the basis of SPIO concentration and culture viability. Phenotype, cytokine production and mixed lymphocyte reaction assay confirmed that porcine SPIO-MoDC culture were similar to mock MoDCs and fully functional in vivo. Alike, similar patterns were obtained in human MoDCs. After subcutaneous inoculation in pigs, porcine SPIO-MoDC migration to regional lymph nodes was detected by MRI and confirmed by Perls staining of draining lymph nodes. Moreover, after one dose of virus-like particles-pulsed MoDCs specific local and systemic responses were confirmed using ELISPOT IFN-γ in pigs. In summary, the results in this work showed that after one single subcutaneous dose of pulsed MoDCs, pigs were able to elicit specific local and systemic immune responses. Additionally, the dynamic imaging of MRI-based DC tracking was shown using SPIO particles. This proof-of-principle study shows the potential of using pigs as a suitable animal model to test DC trafficking with the aim of improving cellular therapies.

Research Highlight: The Inflammatory Cellular Constituents of Foetal and Infant Leptomeninges: A Survey of Hospital Autopsies without Trauma

Inflammatory cells are associated with injury and when present is traditionally viewed as being in tandem with an evolving reactive process to noxious stimuli. In normal infants, inflammatory cells are expected to be absent within the leptomeninges, despite paucity in the literature regarding it. This gap in knowledge has lead to many quandaries when explaining the presence of inflammatory cells in infants dying from a variety of causes not associated with head injury / trauma. Thus, we set out to determine if infant leptomeninges is truly acellular by studying slides from cases of which the final cause of death is not associated with trauma. Utilizing CD45, CD68 and CD163, the presence of inflammatory cells within the leptomeninges was quantified. Perl stain was used as a marker for haemorrhage. Our results demonstrate normal infant leptomeninges as being cellular, and thus we recommend careful interpretation of the presence inflammatory cell. The next step in our study would be to examine cases from a cohort of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or in more contemporary parlance, Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy (SUDI) cases.

Iniadi pearl millet germplasm as a valuable genetic resource for high grain iron and zinc densities

Crop biofortification is increasingly being recognized as a cost-effective and sustainable approach to address the widespread micronutrient malnutrition arising from Fe and Zn deficiencies. Pearl millet as a cereal crop species has higher Fe density than all other major cereals. Earlier studies in pearl millet have shown that breeding lines, hybrid parents, improved populations and composites having high Fe and Zn densities were often based largely or entirely on iniadi pearl millet germplasm. In an attempt to identify additional sources of high Fe density in this group of germplasm, 297 accessions were screened using Perl's Prussian Blue staining, of which 191 accessions (118 from Togo, 62 from Ghana and 11 from Burkina Faso) were re-evaluated during the 2010 rainy and 2012 summer seasons using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy method. On the basis of the mean performance over the two seasons (environments), large variability was observed for both Fe (51–121 mg/kg) and Zn (46–87 mg/kg) densities. There was a highly significant and positive correlation between the two micronutrients (r= 0.77, P&lt; 0.01). Of these re-evaluated accessions, 49% had higher Fe density than the high-Fe control commercial cultivar ICTP 8203 (81 mg/kg), and most of these accessions also had Zn density ≥ 61 mg/kg (59 mg/kg for ICTP 8203). A total of 27 accessions (20 from Togo and seven from Ghana) having a Fe density of 95–121 mg/kg (1 standard error of difference above that for ICTP 8203) and a Zn density of 59–87 mg/kg were selected as a valuable germplasm resource for genetic improvement of these two micronutrients in pearl millet.

To evaluate the role of bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy in pancytopenia.

Pancytopenia is not a disease entity but a triad of findings that may result from various disease processes, primarily or secondarily involving the bone marrow. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy evaluation along with good clinical correlation is of utmost importance to evaluate the causes of pancytopenia and planning further investigations. The present study was a prospective clinicohaematological study undertaken to analyse the various causes of pancytopenia by evaluating bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and correlating with clinical findings, complete blood counts and peripheral blood picture. Fifty patients of pancytopenia were included in the study in which relevant history and physical examination findings were recorded. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were performed simultaneously in all cases. Perl's stain was done in all cases and special stains like MPO, PAS and reticulin were also done wherever necessary. The maximum cases of pancytopenia were in the age group of 10 to 30 y with male preponderance. Aplastic anaemia was found to be the most common aetiology of pancytopenia followed by normoblastic erythroid hyperplasia, megaloblastic anaemia, acute leukemias, myelofibrosis, lymphoid neoplasia and iron deficiency anaemia. It was concluded from the study that although the advantages of bone marrow aspiration and biopsy differ, both are complimentary to each other and should be performed simultaneously for a complete bone marrow work up and evaluation. It is only through the correlation of clinical, hematological and bone marrow examination findings that proper evaluation and management of patients of pancytopenia can be made.

Perls Staining for Histochemical Detection of Iron in Plant Samples

Visualization of iron (Fe) localization in plants has greatly enhanced our understanding of plant Fe homeostasis. One of the relatively simple and yet powerful techniques is the classical Perls blue stain (Perls, 1867). The technique is based on the conversion of ferrocyanide to insoluble crystals of Prussian blue in the presence of Fe3+ under acidic conditions. It has been extensively used in animal and human histology (Meguro et al., 2007) and has recently gained popularity in plant research. For specific purposes, Fe signals may be additionally enhanced in the 3,3’-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB) intensification procedure (Meguro et al., 2007). It has been demonstrated that this intensification results in the detection of both Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions (Roschzttardtz et al., 2009). The method has been successfully applied at the whole plant, organ and subcellular levels, both with (Roschzttardtz et al., 2011; Schuler et al., 2012; Roschzttardtz et al., 2013; Ivanov et al., 2014) and without intensification (Stacey et al., 2008; Long et al., 2010).Here, we present a full Perls staining and DAB intensification protocol, the way it is performed in our lab (Ivanov et al., 2014).

Nrf2 activation in the liver of rats subjected to a preconditioning sub-chronic iron protocol

Sub-chronic iron (Fe) administration induces liver oxidative stress upregulating cytoprotective mechanisms that may involve redox-sensitive nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). We aimed to investigate whether Fe activates Nrf2, in relation to its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1), with consequent antioxidant enzyme induction. Sprague-Dawley rats received six Fe doses (50 mg kg(-1)) on alternate days or saline (controls), a protocol that abrogates ischemia-reperfusion liver injury. Liver reduced glutathione (GSH) content and Nrf2 (Western blot) were measured 24 h after each Fe dose. Increased hepatic Fe deposition (Perls staining) was paralleled by reversible GSH depletion and enhancements in nuclear Nrf2 content and in nuclear/cytosolic Nrf2 ratios. A similar profile was observed for heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) contents, antioxidant enzymes that significantly correlated with nuclear/cytosolic Nrf2 ratios. Normalization of Fe-induced oxidative stress status occurred concomitantly with that of Nrf2 and with the Nrf2-dependent HO-1 and NQO-1 expression, which are associated with delayed enhancement in cytosolic Keap1 levels. This is in agreement with the significant inverse correlation of nuclear/cytosolic Nrf2 ratios with those of nuclear Keap1/Nrf2, suggesting a negative feed-back mechanism normalizing Nrf2 signaling. In conclusion, sub-chronic Fe administration leads to transient liver oxidative stress development and Nrf2 activation, as evidenced by early GSH depletion, enhanced nuclear Nrf2 protein levels, and HO-1 and NQO-1 induction, with late normalization of these changes being related to Keap1 upregulation.

In vivo tracking of neuronal-like cells by magnetic resonance in rabbit models of spinal cord injury.

In vitro experiments have demonstrated that neuronal-like cells derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can survive, migrate, integrate and help to restore the function and behaviors of spinal cord injury models, and that they may serve as a suitable approach to treating spinal cord injury. However, it is very difficult to track transplanted cells in vivo. In this study, we injected superparamagnetic iron oxide-labeled neuronal-like cells into the subarachnoid space in a rabbit model of spinal cord injury. At 7 days after cell transplantation, a small number of dot-shaped low signal intensity shadows were observed in the spinal cord injury region, and at 14 days, the number of these shadows increased on T2-weighted imaging. Perl's Prussian blue staining detected dot-shaped low signal intensity shadows in the spinal cord injury region, indicative of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle-labeled cells. These findings suggest that transplanted neuronal-like cells derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can migrate to the spinal cord injury region and can be tracked by magnetic resonance in vivo. Magnetic resonance imaging represents an efficient noninvasive technique for visually tracking transplanted cells in vivo.

Hydroxyurea Could Be a Good Clinically Relevant Iron Chelator

Our previous study showed a reduction in serum ferritin of β-thalassemia patients on hydroxyurea therapy. Here we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxyurea alone and in combination with most widely used iron chelators like deferiprone and deferasirox for reducing iron from experimentally iron overloaded mice. 70 BALB/c mice received intraperitonial injections of iron-sucrose. The mice were then divided into 8 groups and were orally given hydroxyurea, deferiprone or deferasirox alone and their combinations for 4 months. CBC, serum-ferritin, TBARS, sTfr and hepcidin were evaluated before and after iron overload and subsequently after 4 months of drug therapy. All animals were then killed. Iron staining of the heart and liver tissue was done using Perl’s Prussian Blue stain. Dry weight of iron in the heart and liver was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Increased serum-ferritin, TBARS, hepcidin and dry weight of iron in the liver and heart showed a significant reduction in groups treated with iron chelators with maximum reduction in the group treated with a combination of deferiprone, deferasirox and hydroxyurea. Thus hydroxyurea proves its role in reducing iron from iron overloaded mice. The iron chelating effect of these drugs can also be increased if given in combination.

ENG

The purpose of this article is to analyze the usefulness of fibronectin and P-selectin in detecting the vitality of the wounds in everyday legal medicine practice, in uncontrolled conditions, and to see whether they can be used for estimating the age of the lesions. We used 17 cases with a short interval from the production of the wounds to death. On the integuments studied from the cases selected in the interest group, fibronectin (FbN) was positive at the dermis - epidermis junction relatively frequently, in the superficial dermis focally and in the deep dermis peri-axially (sudoriparous glands, sebaceous glands) with a sometimes marked reaction; it was also interstitially positive around hemorrhagic areas in the hypodermic conjunctive and adipose tissue. P-selectin (CD-62P) was positive variably and focally in the extracellular matrix and the vessels, with a low intensity and a fibrillar pattern. The P-selectin expression in the extracellular matrix was equal to the P-selectin expression in the capillaries.Between the expression Fb and CD-62-P and the postmortem interval there was no correlation.The fibroblasts in the extracellular matrix showed variable positivity. For forensic practice the usefulness of fibronectin and P-selectin is debatable. If they are very useful in detecting the vitality of the wound, for estimating the age there is a need for a much larger scale study, that must take into consideration factors like CPR, individual pathologies, and so on.The two used antibodies have a moderate sensitivity and low specificity, and as such they have to always be correlated with the Perls staining, and in a histopathological context only. Key W ords: P-selectin, postmortem interval, Fibronectin.

Magnetically Decorated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Dual MRI and SPECT Contrast Agents.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been proposed as one of the most promising nanomaterials to be used in biomedicine for their applications in drug/gene delivery as well as biomedical imaging. The present study developed radio-labeled iron oxide decorated multi-walled CNTs (MWNT) as dual magnetic resonance (MR) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging agents. Hybrids containing different amounts of iron oxide were synthesized by in situ generation. Physicochemical characterisations revealed the presence of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) granted the magnetic properties of the hybrids. Further comprehensive examinations including high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), fast Fourier transform simulations (FFT), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) assured the conformation of prepared SPION as γ-Fe2O3. High r2 relaxivities were obtained in both phantom and in vivo MRI compared to the clinically approved SPION Endorem®. The hybrids were successfully radio-labeled with technetium-99m through a functionalized bisphosphonate and enabled SPECT/CT imaging and γ-scintigraphy to quantitatively analyze the biodistribution in mice. No abnormality was found by histological examination and the presence of SPION and MWNT were identified by Perls stain and Neutral Red stain, respectively. TEM images of liver and spleen tissues showed the co-localization of SPION and MWNT within the same intracellular vesicles, indicating the in vivo stability of the hybrids after intravenous injection. The results demonstrated the capability of the present SPION-MWNT hybrids as dual MRI and SPECT contrast agents for in vivo use.

In Vivo Disruption Of The Hepcidin−Ferroportin Regulatory Circuitry Causes Fatal Systemic and Exocrine Pancreatic Iron Overload

Systemic iron levels are tightly controlled by the hepatic hormone hepcidin in response to iron availability, inflammation, hypoxia or the iron demand for erythropoiesis. Hepcidin binds to the iron export protein ferroportin (FPN1) to regulate iron release from exporting cells. A mutation of cysteine 326 (C326S) of FPN1 was reported in a patient with non−classical ferroportin disease (Sham et al, 2005) and shown to abrogate hepcidin binding in vitro (Fernandes et al, 2009).To study consequences of the disruption of the hepcidin−ferroportin interaction in vivo, we generated the first knock−in mouse model of C326S non−classical ferroportin disease.Mice with either heterozygous or homozygous C326S FPN alleles are viable and fertile. At 8−weeks of age both heterozygous and homozygous mice show profoundly increased transferrin saturation and serum ferritin levels as well as hepatic iron overload. Histological analysis by Perl's Prussian blue staining revealed that hepatic iron accumulation is restricted to hepatocytes and that Kupffer cells are spared of iron. In addition, splenic macrophages and duodenal enterocytes are iron−depleted.Macroscopically, C326S homozygous mice show progressive, brown discoloration of the pancreas that correlates with profound iron deposition. Histological analysis reveals that iron localizes exclusively to the exocrine pancreas sparing the islets of Langerhans. Consistently, C326S homozygous mice do not show any signs of diabetes. Pancreatic iron accumulation is closely associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), degeneration of exocrine pancreatic cells, increased plasma lipase and exocrine pancreatic failure. Starting at the age of 33 weeks, pancreatic failure is accompanied by progressive wasting and death. We believe that C326S FPN mice represent the first example of fatal iron overload in an animal model, opening avenues to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Sham R, Phatak PD, West C, et al. Autosomal dominant hereditary hemochromatosis associated with a novel ferroportin mutation and unique clinical features. Blood Cells Mol. Dis. 2005; 34:157−61.Fernandes A, Preza GC, Phung Y, et al. The molecular basis of hepcidin−resistant hereditary hemochromatosis. Blood. 2009;114:437−443. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Magnetic resonance and near-infrared imaging using a novel dual-modality nano-probe for dendritic cell tracking in vivo

Background aimsThe effect of cellular-based immunotherapy is highly correlated with the success of dendritic cells (DCs) homing to the draining lymph nodes (LNs) and interacting with antigen-specific CD4+ T cells. In this study, a novel magneto-fluorescent nano-probe was used to track the in vivo migration of DCs to the draining LNs. MethodsA dual-modality nano-probe composed of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye (NIR797) was developed, and its magnetic and optical contrasting properties were characterized. DCs generated from mouse bone marrow were co-cultured with the probe at a lower concentration of 10 μg/mL. The cell phenotype and function of DCs were also investigated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis and mixed leukocyte reactivity assay. Labeled DCs were injected into the footpad of C57BL/6 mice. Afterward, magnetic resonance imaging, NIRF imaging, Perls staining and CD11c immunofluorescence were used to observe the migration of the labeled DCs into draining LNs. ResultsThe synthetic SPIO-NIR797 nano-probe had a desirable superparamagnetic and near-infrared behavior. Perls staining showed perfect labeling efficiency. The cell phenotypes, including CD11c, CD80, CD86 and major histocompatibility complex class II, as well as the T-cell activation potential of the mature DCs were insignificantly affected after incubation (P > 0.05). Labeled DCs migrating into LNs could be detected by both magnetic resonance imaging and NIRF imaging simultaneously, which was further confirmed by Perls staining and immunofluorescence. ConclusionsThe novel dual-modality SPIO-NIR797 nano-probe has highly biocompatible characteristics for labeling and tracking DCs, which can be used to evaluate cancer immunotherapy in clinical applications.

Antimicrobial peptide β-defensin-1 expression is upregulated in Alzheimer’s brain

BackgroundThe human β-defensins (hBDs) are a highly conserved family of cationic antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptides expressed primarily by epithelial cells in response to invasion by bacteria, fungi and some viruses. To date, the most studied members of this family of peptides are hBD-1, -2, and -3. Expression of hBD-1 and -2 has been demonstrated previously in cultured microglia and astrocytes of both mouse and human brain. Unlike inducible hBD-2 and -3, hBD-1 is constitutively expressed and is not generally upregulated by proinflammatory factors. In this study, we investigated whether hBDs, as active components of the innate immune response, are affected by pathological events in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain. We assessed the expression of hBD-1, -2, and -3 in tissue obtained at autopsy from AD and age-matched control brains.MethodsFixed and frozen choroid plexus and the CA1 region of the hippocampus were obtained at autopsy from individuals diagnosed with AD, or from age-matched control brains without diagnosed neurodegenerative disease. Histopathologically diagnosed AD brain tissue was obtained for our study. Immunocytochemical analysis was performed using affinity purified polyclonal antibodies directed against hBD-1, -2, or -3. TaqMan gene expression assays were used to quantify the mRNA of hBD-1, -2, and -3 in the choroid plexus and hippocampus. Immunocytochemical detection of iron deposits was achieved using a modified Perl’s stain for redox-active iron. In vitro experiments were performed on human primary oral epithelial cells to model the human choroid plexus epithelial response to ferric chloride. Cells were then exposed to ferric chloride added to selected wells at 0, 1, or 10 mM concentrations for 24 h at 37°C. Total mRNA was isolated to quantify hBD-1 mRNA expression by RTqPCR.ResultshBD-1 peptide is apparent in astrocytes of the AD hippocampus and hippocampal neurons, notably within granulovacuolar degeneration structures (GVD). A higher level of hBD-1 was also seen in the choroid plexus of AD brain in comparison to age-matched control tissue. Increased expression of hBD-1 mRNA was observed only in the choroid plexus of the AD brain when compared to expression level in age-matched control brain. Redox-active iron was also elevated in the AD choroid plexus and in vitro addition of Fe+3Cl3 to cultured epithelial cells induced hBD-1 mRNA expression.ConclusionsOur findings suggest interplay between hBD-1 and neuroimmunological responses in AD, marked by microglial and astrocytic activation, and increased expression of the peptide within the choroid plexus and accumulation within GVD. As a constitutively expressed component of the innate immune system, we propose that hBD-1 may be of considerable importance early in the disease process. We also demonstrate that increased iron deposition in AD may contribute to the elevated expression of hBD-1 within the choroid plexus. These findings represent a potentially important etiological aspect of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology not previously reported.

Increased nanoparticle‐loaded exogenous macrophage migration into the brain following PDT‐induced blood–brain barrier disruption

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been investigated as a technique for the delivery of therapeutic agents to selective regions of the brain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of PDT on the migration of systemically administered exogenous macrophages (Ma) loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles in non-tumor bearing rats. A control group consisting of three Sprague-Dawley rats was injected with iron oxide-loaded rat alveolar Ma via jugular vein catheter while two animals were subjected to intracranial injection of iron oxide-loaded Ma. PDT-treated animals were injected with photosensitizer (AlPcS2a ; 1 mg/kg i.p.) followed by light irradiation (wavelength = 670 nm; light dose = 2.5 J) 48 hours later. Light irradiation was performed through the skull. Prior to light irradiation, iron oxide-loaded Ma were administered to each animal. Animals in all groups were imaged in a 7 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance (MR) imager to determine the extent of PDT-induced edema and to evaluate for the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles. Animals were sacrificed 7 days post-Ma administration and their brains analyzed for the presence of iron oxide using Perls staining. Significant uptake of iron oxide nanoparticles by rat alveolar Ma was observed thus providing the rationale for their use as delivery vectors. Histopathological analyses failed to find evidence of iron oxide in normal rat brain. Accumulations of iron oxide-loaded Ma were observed in both MR images and histological sections of non-tumor bearing rat brain following PDT-induced disruption of the BBB. MR imaging was shown to be useful for localizing iron-oxide loaded Ma in rat brains. Exogenous Ma are incapable of traversing the normal BBB and therefore, the use of Ma as delivery vehicles into the brain requires selective disruption of the BBB.

Magnetic sentinel lymph node biopsy and localization properties of a magnetic tracer in an in vivo porcine model

The standard for the treatment of early non-palpable breast cancers is wide local excision directed by wire-guided localization and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). This has drawbacks technically and due to reliance upon radioisotopes. We evaluated the use of a magnetic tracer for its localization capabilities and concurrent performance of SLNB using a handheld magnetometer in a porcine model as a novel alternative to the current standard. Ethical approval by the IRCAD Ethics Review Board, Strasbourg (France) was received. A magnetic tracer was injected in varying volumes (0.1-5 mL) subcutaneously into the areolar of the left and right 3rd inguinal mammary glands in 16 mini-pigs. After 4 h magnetometer counts were taken at the injection sites and in the groins. The magnetometer was used to localize any in vivo signal from the draining inguinal lymph nodes. Magnetic SLNB followed by excision of the injection site was performed. The iron content of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were graded and quantified. All excised specimens were weighed and volumes were calculated. Univariate analyses were performed to evaluate correlation. Magnetic SLNB was successful in all mini-pigs. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.86; p < 0.01) between magnetometer counts and iron content of SLNs. Grading of SLNs on both H&E and Perl's staining correlated significantly with the iron content (p = 0.001; p = 0.003) and magnetometer counts (p < 0.001; p = 0.004). The peak counts corresponded to the original magnetic tracer injection sites 4 h after injection in all cases. The mean volume and weight of excised injection site specimens was 2.9 cm(3) (SD 0.81) and 3.1 g (SD 0.85), respectively. Injection of ≥0.5 mL magnetic tracer was associated with significantly greater volume (p = 0.05) and weight of excision specimens (p = 0.01). SLNB and localization can be performed in vivo using a magnetic tracer. This could provide a viable alternative for lesion localization and concurrent SLNB in the treatment of non-palpable breast cancer.

Intracellular Trafficking Characteristics for Magnetic Layered Double Hydroxide/DNA Hybrids to Human Gastric Cancer Cells

We report here the intracellular trafficking characteristics of a gene delivery system composed by magnetic layered double hydroxide/DNA (MLDH/DNA) hybrids to human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901). Perls Staining of MLDH/DNA was done to examine the intracellular iron uptake and accumulation; confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were evaluated the cellular internalization feature of the MLDH/DNA system. We have indicated that the MLDH/DNA hybrids are able to enter into the nucleus within 2 h of incubation, displaying a prospect for application in targeted gene delivery.

Posttreatment lesional hyperpigmentation

A 63-year-old man presented to the dermatology clinic with a 1-year history of numerous erythematous, asymptomatic, annular plaques on his abdomen, arms, and legs (Fig 5). His social history included a long career as a trapper in the south Louisiana marshland; none of his close contacts had a similar outbreak. He reported no sensory loss; however, on physical examination, he had a stocking pattern of numbness that extended from his feet to his ankles. Laboratory studies, including an antinuclear antibody panel, a rapid plasma reagin test, rheumatoid factor, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, were within normal limits. Biopsy specimens with special stains are shown below (Fig 6). Three months after initiating treatment with minocycline and rifampin, he presented with patches of blue-black pigmentation limited to lesional areas (Fig 7), in both sun-exposed and covered sites. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the pigmented areas. Fontana-Masson and Perls stains are shown in Fig 8 and 9. 6.What is the most likely diagnosis? a.Arcuate dermal erythema b.Morphea c.Hansen disease d.Lupus vulgaris e.Tinea corporis 7.What is the most likely causative agent of the patient’s subsequent hyperpigmentation? a.Dapsone b.Bactrim c.Rifampin d.Minocycline e.Amiodarone 8.What is the type of hyperpigmentation associated with the causative agent that is deposited at locations of inflammation and scarring? a.Type I b.Type II c.Type III d.Type A e.Type C 9.In what manner does type II hyperpigmentation generally stain? a.Positive Perls stain, negative Fontana-Masson stain b.Positive Prussian blue stain, negative Fontana-Masson stain c.Positive Perls stain, positive Fontana-Masson stain d.Negative Prussian blue stain, negative Fontana-Masson stain e.Negative Perls stain, negative Fontana-Masson stain Fig 6 View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Fig 7 View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Fig 8 View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image Fig 9 View Large Image Figure Viewer Download Hi-res image