Proportion Of Inflammatory Cells Research Articles

Analysis of the effect of CCR7 on the microenvironment of mouse oral squamous cell carcinoma by single-cell RNA sequencing technology

BackgroundStudies have shown that CCR7, an important inflammatory factor, can promote the proliferation and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. This paper explores the role of CCR7 in the TME of OSCC.MethodsIn this work, we constructed CCR7 gene knockout mice and OSCC mouse models. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bioinformatics were used to analyze the differences in the OSCC microenvironment between three CCR7 gene knockout mice (KO) and three wild-type mice (WT). Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry were used to analyze the expression of key genes in significantly different cell types between the KO and WT groups. An in vitro experiment was used to verify the effect of CCR7 on M2 macrophage polarization.ResultsIn the mouse OSCC models, the tumor growth rate in the KO group was significantly lower than that in the WT group. Eight main cell types (including tumor cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, granulocytes, T cells, endothelial cells, monocytes, and B cells) were identified by Seurat analysis. The scRNA-seq results showed that the proportion of tumor cells was lower, but the proportion of inflammatory cells was significantly higher in the KO group than in the WT group. CellPhoneDB analysis results indicated a strong interaction relationship between tumor cells and macrophages, T cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Functional enrichment results indicated that the expression level of the Dusp1 gene in the KO group was generally higher than that in the WT group in various cell types. Macrophage subclustering results indicated that the proportion of M2 macrophages in the KO group was lower than that in the WT group. In vitro experimental results showed that CCR7 can promote M2 macrophage polarization, thus promoting the proliferation, invasion and migration of OSCC cells.ConclusionsCCR7 gene knockout can significantly inhibit the growth of mouse oral squamous cell carcinoma by promoting the polarization of M2 macrophages.

Effect of Calycosin on Airway Inflammation and Airway Remodeling in Allergic Asthma Mouse Model

Background: This study aimed to construct a TDI-induced mouse model of asthma, and evaluate the potential effects and possible molecular mechanisms of Calycosin on airway inflammation and airway remodeling in mouse model. Material and methods: ELISA method was applied to detect the total serum IgE level and the inflammatory cytokine level in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The total number of cells and the proportion of inflammatory cells in BALF were evaluated under an optical microscope. HE was employed to assess and score the infiltration of peritracheal and perivascular inflammatory cells in lung tissue, and PAS staining was used to assess the proportion of goblet cells in the airway epithelium and the thickness of airway epithelial reticular basement membrane in each group of mice. WB was used to detect the expressions of HMGB1 and a-SMA in cells. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expressions of HMGB1 and a-SMA in 16HBEs. Results: The airway hyperresponsiveness of the Calycosin TDI asthma mice decreased, the inflammatory factors in BALF and the total serum IgE levels decreased, the airway epithelial goblet cell metaplasia and the thickness of the airway epithelial reticular basement membrane were improved, thus reducing the up-regulation of HMGB1 and a-SMA expression of 16HBES induced by TDI-HSA. Conclusion: In our study, in the TDI-induced mouse model of asthma, the administration of drug to inhibit the activation of AKT can reduce airway inflammation and airway remodeling. These findings have enriched the current understanding of Calycosin and provided a basis for future research. However, there are also some limitations: How does TDI activate the AKT signaling pathway? After the activation of the AKT pathway, the mechanism by which the expressions of HMGB1, α-SMA and Collagen-I were up-regulated has not been fully elucidated.

Lung CCR6−CXCR3− type 2 helper T cells as an indicator of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases

Progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILDs) have a poor prognosis and may be resistant to corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants, but antifibrotic therapies such as nintedanib and pirfenidone have been shown to slow the deterioration of lung function. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristic cellular profile of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at diagnostic bronchoscopy for predicting PF-ILDs, defined as fibrotic diseases on chest high-resolution computed tomography with more than a 5% relative decline in the percent predicted value of forced vital capacity (FVC) over 6 months. The proportions of inflammatory cells, CCR6−CXCR3− T helper type 2 (Th2) cells among conventional CD4+ T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood, were measured by flowcytometry. The proportion of lymphocytes in BALF was significantly higher in non-PF-ILD patients than in PF-ILD patients. The proportion of Th2 cells in BALF, but not in peripheral blood, was significantly higher in PF-ILD patients than in non-PF-ILD patients. Multivariate analysis showed that a greater population of Th2 cells in BALF was the only indicator for PF-ILDs. An increased proportion of Th2 cells in BALF is associated with greater deterioration of lung function in fibrotic interstitial lung diseases.

In vitro and in vivo local tolerability of a synergistic anti-tuberculosis drug combination intended for pulmonary delivery.

A drug combination, vancomycin (VAN) plus tetrahydrolipstatin (THL), has demonstrated an effective synergistic action in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The poor oral bioavailability of VAN and THL and the predominant tropism of Mtb infection to the lungs make their pulmonary administration very attractive. To evaluate their local tolerability, bronchial cells, alveolar cells and monocytes were exposed to concentrations around and above their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The VAN had no inhibitory activity on the tested human cell lines, even at a concentration 125 times higher than its MIC, whereas the THL, alone or in combination with VAN, presented a cytostatic action. Monolayer epithelium showed no significant irreversible damage at concentrations up to 100 times the combination MIC. BALB/cAnNRj mice exposed to concentration of 50 times the combination MIC delivered endotracheally 3 times a week for 3 weeks showed no clinical signs or significant weight loss. The increase of proinflammatory biomarkers (i.e., IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and proportion of inflammatory cells) and cytotoxicity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were non-significant. Lung histopathology did not show significant tissue damage. The VAN/THL combination at doses up to 50 times the combination MIC is found to be thus well tolerated by pulmonary route. This study is a promising result and encouraging further investigations of pulmonary administration of VAN/THL combination as dry powder for anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Maresin-2 alleviates allergic airway inflammation in mice by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, Th2 type immune response and oxidative stress

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system. Maresin-2 (MaR2) is biosynthesized from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by macrophages, display strong anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving activity. To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of MaR2 on asthmatic mice induced by ovalbumin (OVA) in conjunction with the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide. Twenty four female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, OVA, OVA + MaR2, and OVA + dexamethasone (Dexa) groups. MaR2 or Dexa were given as a treatment for OVA-induced asthma. Serum, bronchoalveolar alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were collected for further analysis. The Pathological changes of lung tissue, proportion of inflammatory cells in BALF, levels of inflammatory cytokines in BALF or serum, oxidative stress indices, and the protein concentration of ASC, MPO, Ly-6G, ICAM-1, NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in lung tissues were evaluated. Compared with the OVA group, both OVA + MaR2 and OVA + Dexa group had reduced inflammation and mucus secretion in lung tissue, number of inflammatory cells in BALF, levels of related inflammatory cytokines in serum or BALF, and expressions of ASC, MPO, Ly-6G, ICAM-1, NLRP3 and Caspase-1 proteins in lung tissue. In addition, the oxidative stress was alleviated as indicated by decreased MDA, and elevated SOD and GSH. MaR2 has an obvious protective effect on OVA-induced bronchial asthma in mice, in a similar manner as Dexa. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the Th2 type immune response, the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and oxidative stress.

Blockade of CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway prevents inflammatory monocyte recruitment and attenuates OVA-Induced allergic asthma in mice

Recent studies have reported recruitment of inflammatory monocytes by cytokines including chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) are critical in allergic responses. We aimed to investigate the role of inflammatory monocytes and CCL2 in mouse model with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. Mice were sensitized with OVA to induce allergic asthma. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF) were measured by flow cytometry. The expression of CCL2 and CCL2 receptor (CCR2) were determined by qPCR and western blot. The concentrations of Type 1 helper T (Th1) and Type 2 helper T (Th2) cytokines in PLF were detected by ELISA. Inflammatory monocytes are recruited in PLF, and expression of CCL2 and CCR2 were elevated in OVA-induced mice. In addition, transfer of CCR2 knockdown inflammatory monocytes decreased the levels of allergic asthma biomarkers. Injection of anti−CCL2 or anti−CCR2 antibody decreased the proportion of eosinophils and inflammatory monocytes in BALF. Blockade of CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway suppressed the allergen-induced Th2 cytokines and enhanced the levels of Th1-associated cytokines. Blockade of CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway in sensitization-recruited inflammatory monocytes exhibits protective effects in mouse model of OVA-induced allergic asthma by inhibiting the Th2 inflammatory responses.

Cervus and cucumis peptides ameliorates bone erosion in experimental arthritis by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis

ObjectiveRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation and bone loss, leading to joint destruction and deformity. The cervus and cucumis polypeptide (CCP) injection, one of the traditional Chinese...

Experimental study on adipose derived stem cells combined with chitosan chloride hydrogel for treating deep partial thickness scald in rats

To prepare adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and chitosan chloride (CSCl) gel complex to study the biocompatibility and the feasibility of repairing the wounds of deep partial thickness scald in rats. ADSCs were prepared by enzymogen digestion and differential adherence method from the subcutaneous adipose tissue of SPF grade 6-week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Temperature sensitive CSCl gel was prepared by mixing CSCl, β glycerol phosphate, and hydroxyethyl cellulose in 8∶2∶2.5 ratio. The proliferation of ADSCs was measured by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and the survival of ADSCs was detected by the Live/Dead flurescent staining in vitro. A deep partial thickness burn animal model was made on the back of 72 SPF grade 6-week-old male SD rats by boiled water contact method and randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=24). Group A was blank control group, group B was CSCl hydrogel group, group C was ADSCs/CSCl gel group. The wound closure rate at 3, 7, 14, 21 days was observed after operation. The number of inflammatory cells at 7 days and epidermal thickness at 21 days were observed by HE staining after operation. The angiogenesis at 7 days was evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining with CD31 expression. CSCl had a temperature sensitivity, at 4℃, the temperature-responsive hydrogel was liquid and became solid at 37℃. The CCK-8 assay and Live/Dead flurescent staining confirmed that ADSCs could grow and proliferate in the ADSCs/CSCl hydrogel complex. General observation showed the wound closure ratio in group C was superior to groups A and B after operation ( P<0.05). HE staining showed that at 7 days after operation, the wound healing of the three groups entered fibrous proliferation stage. Collagen deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the dermis of each group. The proportion of inflammatory cells in group C was significantly lower than that in groups A and B, and in group B than in group A ( P<0.01). At 21 days after operation, the fibrous connective tissues of neoepithelium and dermis in groups B and C were arranged neatly, and fibroblasts and neocapillaries could be seen. In group A, neoepidermis could also be seen, but the fibrous connective tissues in dermis were arranged disorderly and sporadic capillaries could be seen. The thickness of neonatal epidermis in group C was significantly larger than that in groups A and B, and in group B than in group A ( P<0.01). CD31 immunohistochemistry staining showed that the neovascularization could be seen in all groups. The number of neovascularization in group C was significantly higher than that in groups A and B, and in group B than in group A ( P<0.05). The ADSCs/CSCl hydrogel complex has a good biocompatibility and possessed positive effects on promoting the deep partial thickness scald wound repairing in rats.

Effects of rat mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on rat experimental autoimmune uveitis

Objective To observe the effects of exosomes derived from rat mesenchymal stem cells(MSC-exosomes) on the rat experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model. Methods Twelve Lewis rats were randomly divided into experimental group and control group by random number table, with 6 rats in each group. Rats in the experimental group were established with EAU model, 100 μl of MSC-exosomes (50 μg) were periocular injected on the 9th day after modeling while the control rats were injected with the same volume of phosphate buffer. At different time points after modeling, the retinal structure was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the clinical and pathological manifestations were evaluated. T cells from the two groups were analyzed by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of macrophage surface marker CD68. The effect of MSC-exosomes on T cells was measured by lymphocyte proliferation assays. And flow cytometry was used to detect Th1, Th17 and regulatory T cells Variety. Electroretinogram (ERG) was used to evaluate the retinal function. Data were compared between the two groups using the t test. Results HE staining showed that the retina structure of the experimental group was more complete than that of the control group on the 15th day after modeling. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the positive expression of CD68 in the experimental group was significantly less than that in the control group. On the 15th day after modeling, the retinal pathological score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. On the 9th to 13th day after modeling, compared to the control group, the average clinical scores of the retina in the experimental group were lower, and the difference was statistically significant(t=3.665, 3.21, 3.181, 4.121, 3.227; P 0.05). Conclusions MSC- exosomes can reduce the clinical and pathological manifestations of EAU, protect retinal function, reduce ocular macrophage infiltration, down-regulate the proportion of inflammatory cells in the eye, and inhibit T cell proliferation. Key words: Mesenchymal stem cells; Exosomes; Uveitis/therapy; Animal experimentation

A CCR5 antagonist-based HIV entry inhibitor exhibited potent spermicidal activity: Potential application for contraception and prevention of HIV sexual transmission

B07 is a small-molecule CCR5 antagonist-based HIV-1 entry inhibitor that is being developed as an anti-HIV microbicide for preventing sexual transmission of HIV. Here we evaluated its spermicidal and contraceptive potential, including sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and contraceptive efficacy tested in rabbits. We found that B07 inhibited sperm motility and movement patterns in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Within 30 min, B07 induced sperm immobilization with the minimum 100% effective concentration and median effective concentration of 640.0 and 64.4 μg/mL, respectively. The hypo-osmotic swelling test showed that plasma membranes of B07-treated sperms exhibited slight disruption, as verified by electron micrographs. In both B07 gel and N-9 gel groups, not a single implantation site or embryo was observed based on the contraceptive efficacy test in rabbits, indicating that B07 could effectively block the potential of sperm to reach and/or fertilize oocytes. The safety profile of B07 in vivo was evaluated by use of an optimized rabbit vaginal irritation test. While the pathological scores of the N-9 gel group was 14.67 ± 1.21, those of the blank control and B07 gel groups were 2.17 ± 0.76 and 4.00 ± 0.89, respectively, which were within the clinically acceptable range (<8). The proportion of inflammatory cells and CD45+ cells in the cervicovaginal lavages of the B07 gel group showed no significant change compared to those of the control group. Therefore, our results confirmed that B07 exhibited significant spermicidal and contraceptive effects, suggesting its potential for development as a microbicidal spermicide for contraception and prevention of HIV sexual transmission.

In this issue – April 2016

In this issue – April 2016

Clinicopathological Study of Lacrimal Sac Dacryolith in Patients Treated for Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between clinical manifestation of patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and pathological characteristics of lacrimal sac and dacryolith found during endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Methods: This retrospective study included 158 patients (189 eyes) who received endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. We defined lacrimal dacryolith by gross discovery in the lacrimal sac during surgery or findings during pathological examination as dacryolith or calcification, including size and distribution in pathology slides. We correlated the relationship between the patients’ clinical manifestations, surgical results, lacrimal sac's pathological findings including calcification, inflammation and fibrosis, and pathological findings of lacrimal sac dacryolith. Results: Dacryolith was found in 61 eyes (32.3%) and among them, grossly found in 13 eyes (6.9%). Dacryolith's filling defect on dacryocystography was found in 17 eyes (9.0%) and based on grossly found dacryolith, dacryocystography's sensitivity and specificity were 58.8% and 1.7%, respectively. The average size of dacryolith was 0.3 ± 0.8 mm with an average distribution of 20.1 ± 17.9%. Distribution of dacryolith and the proportions of inflammatory cells and fibrosis in the lacrimal sac were negatively correlated (p < 0.05). The size of dacryolith and the proportions of fibrosis in the lacrimal sac were also negatively correlated (p = 0.008). In cases where the proportion of calcification in pathology slides was over 50%, the duration of symptoms in the calcification-dominant group was shorter than in other groups (p = 0.006). The success rates of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with dacryolith and without dacryolith were 91.8% and 80.5%, respectively (p = 0.046). Conclusions: The patients with lacrimal sac dacryolith in nasolacrimal duct obstruction showed shorter duration of symptoms, lower fibrosis of lacrimal sac, and higher surgical success rates than the other cases. Therefore, additional research may be necessary to determine the mechanism of dacryolith formation and early treatment in nasolacrimal duct obstruction with lacrimal sac dacryolith. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2016;57(1):6-13

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor

The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively F-FDG PET/CT findings of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) and their correlation with the pathologic findings. FDG PET/CT findings were reviewed in 5 patients with IMT and 1 patient with spindle cell sarcoma transformed from IMT. PET/CT scans were performed in all 6 patients before surgery. Follow-up FDG PET/CT scan was performed in 1 patient. The location, size, maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax), and pathologic findings of the tumors were reviewed. The correlation between the FDG uptake and pathologic findings were analyzed. A total of 10 lesions were detected in all 6 patients. The tumor locations were liver (n = 3), retroperitoneum (n = 2), spleen (n = 1), lung (n = 1), and bone (n = 3). Seven IMTs and 1 spindle cell sarcoma transformed from IMT were confirmed by pathology. The mean SUVmax of the pathologically proven tumors was 10.9 ± 5.5, with a high variability of SUVmax among tumors ranging from 3.3 to 20.8. The tumors (n = 7) with high cellularity had stronger FDG uptake, while the tumors (n = 1) with low cellularity had relatively low FDG uptake. The tumors with nuclear atypia and relatively high proliferative index had very strong FDG uptake, while those with low proliferative index or negative Ki-67 staining had relatively lower FDG uptake. One small tumor with abundant plasma cells showed high FDG uptake, while 1 large tumor with focal inflammatory cell infiltrate showed lower FDG uptake. One patient developed local recurrences and distant metastases revealed by the second FDG PET/CT scan 7 months after resection. FDG uptake in IMTs varied from low to high FDG uptake, which may be due to tumor cellularity, biological behaviors of the tumor cells, the composition and the proportion of inflammatory cells, and the extent of activation of the inflammatory cells. FDG PET/CT may be useful for detection of the primary tumors, local recurrences, and distant metastases.

Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-Related Cytokine and Chemokine Receptor mRNA and Protein Expression in the Brain Tissues, T Cells, and Macrophages of Dogs With Necrotizing and Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis

Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME), necrotizing leukoencephalitis (NLE), and granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) are idiopathic inflammatory diseases in the central nervous system (CNS) of dogs. In our previous study, the proportion of inflammatory cells, except for CD3-positive T cells, were not different in parenchymal and perivascular lesions in the brain. However, breed specificities, clinical courses, and specific lesions were distinct among these diseases. Thus, similarities and differences in the pathologies of these diseases have been implied. In this study, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and/or protein expression levels of cytokines and chemokine receptors were investigated in NME (n = 2), NLE (n = 4), and GME (n = 2) cases, and their relationship in the formation of specific lesions was discussed. The mRNA and protein expression levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17 were marked in NME and GME, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of CXCR3 and CCR2 were also marked in NME and GME, respectively. The results of double-labeling immunofluorescence, used to identify cells producing IL-17 in these lesions, showed that most CD163-positive macrophages/microglia but fewer CD3-positive T cells were IL-17 positive in GME. These results indicate that IFN-γ plays a key role in NME lesions and that the macrophages/microglia that infiltrate brain lesions producing IL-17 are more important in GME than T cells.

Vitamin D3 deficiency enhances allergen‐induced lymphocyte responses in a mouse model of allergic airway disease

There is debate as to whether vitamin D deficiency contributes towards the extent of the asthma epidemic. In this study, using a mouse model, we determined whether vitamin D deficiency in utero and during early life modulated the severity of asthma. Using dietary restriction, vitamin D(3) -replete and vitamin D(3) -deficient colonies of BALB/c mice were established. Utilizing the allergic airway disease model of asthma with the experimental allergen ovalbumin (OVA), we examined asthma-like responses 24 h after airway challenge with OVA in adult offspring born to vitamin D(3) -replete and vitamin D(3) -deficient mothers. The ability of airway-draining lymph node cells to proliferate and secrete cytokines in response to OVA ex vivo was significantly enhanced by vitamin D(3) deficiency. However, other aspects of allergic disease, including the numbers and proportions of inflammatory cells and cytokines in the lungs and the quantity of OVA-specific IgE in serum, were not modified. These results suggest that vitamin D(3) deficiency modulates the capacity of lymphocytes to respond to allergens.

Comprehensive Immunohistochemical Studies on Canine Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis (NME), Necrotizing Leukoencephalitis (NLE), and Granulomatous Meningoencephalomyelitis (GME)

In dogs, there are several idiopathic meningoencephalitides, such as necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME), necrotizing leukoencephalitis (NLE), and granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME). Although they are often assumed to be immune mediated, the etiology of these diseases remains elusive. In this study, the histopathology of the lesions caused by these conditions and the inflammatory cell populations produced in response to them were examined among dogs affected with GME, NME, or NLE to understand their pathogeneses. The brain tissues of dogs with NME (n = 25), NLE (n = 5), or GME (n = 9) were used. The inflammatory cells were identified by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against CD3, IgG, CD20, CD79acy, and CD163. In NME and NLE, malacic changes were located in the cerebral cortex, as well as the cerebral white matter and thalamus, respectively. The distribution of the brain lesions in NME and NLE was breed specific. In GME, granulomatous lesions that were mostly composed of epithelioid macrophages were observed in the cerebral white matter, cerebellum, and brainstem. Although the proportions of IgG-, CD20-, and CD79acy-positive cells (B cells) were not significantly different among the GME, NME, and NLE lesions, that of CD3-positive cells (T cells) was increased in GME. In NME and NLE, CD163-positive cells (macrophages) had diffusely infiltrated the cerebral cortex and white matter, respectively. However, in GME, CD163-positive cells accumulated around the blood vessels in the cerebral and cerebellar white matter. The distributions of these lesions were quite different among GME, NME, and NLE, whereas there were no marked differences in the proportions of inflammatory cells.

GSTM1(null) Has No Effect on the FEV1 Response to Acute Ozone Exposure but Significantly Affects the Proportion of Inflammatory Cells in the Airways of Allergic and Non Allergic Individuals

GSTM1(null) Has No Effect on the FEV1 Response to Acute Ozone Exposure but Significantly Affects the Proportion of Inflammatory Cells in the Airways of Allergic and Non Allergic Individuals

Tracheostomy and related host–patogen interaction are associated with airway inflammation as characterized by tracheal aspirate analysis

In the last years an increasing number of subjects experienced respiratory failure and underwent tracheostomy. The aim of the present study was to analyze tracheal aspirates from the inflammatory point of view. Samples were collected from 38 consecutive tracheostomized patients: 13 COPD, 6 with neurologic disorders and 19 with other different causes of respiratory failure. We analyzed cells and soluble mediators related to inflammation and/or infection. We also compared results obtained in the tracheal aspirate of COPD patients with the same determination in the sputum of another group of non-tracheostomized COPD patients (n=41). Regardless of the underlying diagnosis, most of the samples were Pseudomonas aeruginosa positive and cells and soluble mediator did not differ. Treatment with steroids was associated with lower amount of total cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes, whereas treatment with antibiotics was not. Tracheal aspirate neutrophils correlated with PaCO(2) values; neutrophils and eosinophils correlated with their percentages in blood. As compared with sputa obtained from another group of culture-positive non-tracheostomized COPDs, tracheal aspirates showed similar cell count, proportions of inflammatory cells, and infection/inflammatory mediators. In conclusion tracheal aspirates presented high amounts of viable cells and soluble mediators independently to the cause of respiratory failure leading to tracheotomy and they represent suitable specimens to study infection/inflammation interactions.

Influence of Cell Proportions and Proliferation Rates on FDG Uptake in Squamous-Cell Esophageal Carcinoma: A PET Study

We investigated the influence of cell proportions and proliferation activities on tumor maximum standard uptake value (SUV(max)) in patients with squamous-cell esophageal cancer (SCEC). Sixteen (16) patients with untreated SCEC were examined with (18)F-flourodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). The tumor SUV(max) were calculated. Tumors were resected by transthoracic esophagectomy. Tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for the measurement of cell proportions and MIB-1 for measurement of proliferation indices (PIs). Tumor SUV and histologic data were related by using multiple linear regression analysis. The mean proportion of tumor cells in the tumor site was 58.1% (+/-12.1%); the proportion of inflammatory cells was 34.2% (+/-14.2%); the PI of tumor cells was 70.5% (+/-11.8%); and the PI of inflammatory cells was 22.2% (+/-7.6%). The tumor PI was the only variable that was significantly associated with the FDG uptake in the tumor site (p = 0.04). The correlation was low (Pearson-coefficient Gamma = 0.51). The Pearson-correlation-coefficient between tumor SUV and the fraction of inflammatory cells was Gamma = 0.37 and between tumor SUV and PI of inflammatory cells Gamma = 0.13. In untreated SCEC-patients, the tumor maximum FDG uptake is weakly associated with the proliferation rate of tumor cells. In contrast, neither the proportion nor the PI of inflammatory cells in the tumor site significantly correlates with the maximum SUV and should not profoundly affect PET interpretations.

Biocompatibility of bacterial contaminated prosthetic meshes and porcine dermal collagen used to repair abdominal wall defects

A contaminated or infected surgical site is considered a contraindication for the use of the nonabsorbable alloplastic materials employed to repair abdominal wall defects. Therefore, the biocompatibility of new prosthetic materials was investigated. Meshes measuring 1.5x1.5 cm made of conventional and titanium-coated polypropylene, polyglycol, or porcine dermal collagen were implanted under the abdominal wall of 96 rats (eight groups of 12 animals each) employing the inlay technique. Implantation of all four materials was performed both under semisterile conditions and bacterial contamination of the mesh. The meshes were explanted after 28 days. All the materials implanted under semisterile conditions were incorporated into the abdominal wall with only few intraabdominal adhesions (mean adhesion scores: 1.0, 1.2, 1.0, 0.8 points, respectively, not significant). With the porcine dermal collagen, proliferation rate and the proportion of inflammatory cells were statistically lower (p<0.01). In the bacterial contamination group, all meshes were associated with a suppurating infection and strong adhesions between the bowel and mesh, which were most prominent in the case of dermal collagen (mean adhesion scores: 1.6, 1.7, 1.7, and 1.9 points, respectively, not significant). In this group, two animals died of peritonitis. In comparison with the other materials, the proliferation rate was significantly elevated (p=0.03). No significant differences were seen between the other materials employed. Irrespective of the material employed, implantation of alloplastic meshes in an abdominal wall contaminated with bacteria, is associated with suppurating infections, in particular in the case of the membrane-like porcine dermal collagen. Nonabsorbable alloplastic meshes and dermal skin grafts should therefore not be used to repair infected abdominal wall defects.