Search

In this paper, we identify mechanisms of watery diarrhea in microscopic colitis (MC). Biopsies from the sigmoid colon of patients with collagenous colitis and treated lymphocytic colitis were analyzed in miniaturized Ussing chambers for electrogenic sodium transport and barrier function with one-path impedance spectroscopy. Cytometric bead arrays (CBA) served to analyze cytokine profiles. In active MC, electrogenic sodium transport was diminished and epithelial resistance decreased. CBA revealed a Th1 cytokine profile featuring increased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels. After four weeks of steroid treatment with budesonide, electrogenic sodium transport recovered while epithelial barrier defects remained. Diarrhea in MC results at least in part from a combination of impaired electrogenic sodium transport and barrier defects. From a therapeutic perspective it can be postulated that the functional importance of loss of ions may be higher than that caused by barrier impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cell differentiation, both in vivo and in vitro, is regulated by a variety of signals. These signals can be of biochemical origin, such as those from growth factors and cytokines, or from different mechanical loads, such as fluid shear stress and matrix elasticity. The mechanisms by which the mechanical loads affect precursor cell differentiation are not entirely understood, but their role in regenerative medicine and cell therapy could be of vast importance. This paper reviews the role of mechanical loads on the differentiation of precursor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokine-based therapies have the potential to provide novel treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and many types of infectious disease. However, to date, the full clinical potential of cytokines as drugs has been limited by a number of factors. To discuss these limitations and explore ways to overcome them, the FDA partnered with the New York Academy of Sciences in March 2009 to host a two-day forum to discuss more effective ways to harness the clinical potential of cytokines and cytokine antagonists as therapeutic agents. The first day was focused primarily on the use of recombinant cytokines as therapeutic agents for treatment of human diseases. The second day focused largely on the use of cytokine antagonists as therapeutic agents for treatment of human diseases. This issue of the Annals includes more than a dozen papers that summarize much of the information that was presented during this very informative two-day conference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation, particularly low-grade chronic inflammation, appears to affect several brain functions, from early brain development to the development of neurodegenerative disorders and perhaps some psychiatric diseases. On the other hand, nutrition and dietary components and patterns have a plethora of anti- and pro-inflammatory effects that could be linked to cognitive function. Even a modest effect of nutrition on cognitive decline could have significant implications for public health. This paper summarizes the available evidence regarding inflammation as a key mechanism in cognitive function and nutritional pro- or anti-inflammatory effects with the purpose of linking the apparent disparate disciplines of nutrition, immunity, and neurology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is represents the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease and is still a major medical challenge because of unsolved issues related to the etiologic and pathogenetic questions. Intensive research has been conducted over the last years that focused on the inappropriate activation of the immune system: although T cells have long been deemed to play a central role in the origin and propagation of joint inflammation, data accumulated so far have widened this perspective recognizing the contribution of other cells, as well as the major histocompatibility complex class II proteins and a composite set of costimulatory signals responsible for the production of proinflammatory cytokines and other soluble mediators implicated in tissue destruction typical of the disease. This paper will provide an insight into the immune system in RA, dissecting cellular and humoral aspects both in serum and in synovium of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about several papers discussed at a symposium on hematopoietic stem cells is presented. Several scientists presented ideas on the new technologies, concepts and crosslinks on hematopoietic stem cell biology. Likewise, the data that were tackled manifested progress which were being made in comprehending mechanisms of stem cell function involving genetic events and cytokine-receptor interaction. Moreover, the influence and role of stem cell niche was also discussed.