Inflammatory stimuli up-regulate transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 expression in human bronchial fibroblasts

Lung fibroblasts are involved in interstitial lung disease, chronic asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The expanded fibroblast population in airway disease leads to airway remodeling and contributes to the inflammatory process seen in these diseases. The cation channel transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) is activated by noxious stimuli, including capsaicin, protons, and high temperatures and is thought to have a role in inflammation. Although TRPV1 expression is primarily reported to be neuronal, some extraneuronal expression has been reported. The authors therefore sought to determine whether human primary bronchial fibroblasts (HPBFs) express TRPV1 and whether inflammatory mediators can induce TRPV1 expression. The authors show that fibroblasts are predominantly TRPV1 negative; however, following stimulation with 3 common inflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and interleukin-1α (IL-1α), TRPV1 mRNA was observed at 24 and 48 hours post treatment with all 3 mediators. Using Western blotting an increase in TRPV1 expression with all 3 inflammatory mediators was detected with significant increases seen at 72 hours post LPS and IL-1α treatment. In stark contrast to the untreated fibroblasts, significant calcium signaling in response to capsaicin and resiniferatoxin in HPBFs treated for 24 and 48 hours with TNF-α, LPS, or IL-1α was also observed. These results indicate that TRPV1 can be expressed on bronchial fibroblasts in situations where an underlying inflammatory stimulus exists, as is the case in airway diseases such as asthma and COPD.     

Identification of a Vibration Regime Favorable for Bone Healing and Muscle in Estrogen-Deficient Rats

Numerous whole-body vibration (WBV) devices of various forces are available on the market, although their influence on the musculoskeletal system is not yet understood. The effect of different WBVs on bone healing and muscle function was evaluated in rats ovariectomized at 3 months of age. 2 months after ovariectomy, bilateral metaphyseal tibia osteotomy and T-plate osteosynthesis were performed. Rats were divided into groups: intact, OVX, and OVX exposed to vertical WBVs of 35, 50, 70, or 90 Hz (experiment 1) or horizontal WBVs of 30, 50, 70, or 90 Hz (experiment 2) 5 days after osteotomy (0.5 mm, 15 min/day for 30 days). The tibia and gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were collected. Vertical vibrations (>35 Hz) improved cortical and callus densities, enlarged callus area and width, suppressed the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase gene, enhanced citrate synthase activity, accelerated osteotomy bridging (35 and 50 Hz), upregulated the osteocalcin (Oc) gene (70 Hz), and increased relative muscle weight (50 Hz). Horizontal vibrations reduced cortical width (<90 Hz) and callus density (30 Hz), enhanced alkaline phosphatase (Alp) gene expression (50 Hz), decreased the size of oxidative fibers (35 and 70 Hz), and increased capillary density (70, 90 Hz). Biomechanical data; serum Oc, Alp, and creatine kinase activities; body weight; and food intake did not change after WBVs. Vertical WBVs of 35 and 50 Hz produced more favorable results than the higher frequencies. Horizontal WBV showed no positive or negative effects. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of WBV on different physiological systems, and precautions must be taken when implementing WBV in the treatment of patients.     

An examination of associations between the inability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and clinical characteristics and trait markers in first-episode,nonaffective psychotic disorders

Research findings are mixed as to whether or not the inability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) might represent an endophenotypic trait marker for schizophrenia. We hypothesized associations between PTC-tasting status and select clinical characteristics and trait markers in patients with psychotic disorders that, if present, would provide support for the inability to taste PTC as a trait marker. In a first-episode psychosis sample (n=93), we measured PTC tasting, family history of psychosis, age at onset of prodrome and psychosis, severity of positive and negative symptoms, global impairment in functioning, neurological soft signs, and four neurocognitive domains (verbal learning/memory, visual learning/memory, verbal working memory, and spatial working memory). Associations between PTC-non-tasting and clinical/neurocognitive variables were examined with χ² tests and independent samples t tests. Among participants, 67.7% tasted PTC in comparison to a strip of control paper, and 25.8% were non-tasters. Tasters and non-tasters did not show statistically significant differences with respect to family history, age at onset, severity of symptoms, neurological soft signs, or the four neurocognitive domains. In conjunction with other findings, it is unlikely that PTC-non-tasting is a trait marker of schizophrenia, though a conclusive study is warranted.     

Analysis of a Statewide Early Intervention Program for Young Children with ASD

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - We evaluated the effectiveness of a statewide Medicaid program providing in-home Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention services to young children...