Effect of cold storage on platelet glycoprotein Ib and vesiculation

BACKGROUND: During storage of platelet concentrates at 22 degrees C, changes occur in surface glycoproteins, and membranous vesicles appear in the supernatant plasma. The extent of these changes during refrigerated storage is not known. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Membranous microparticles and changes in surface or total glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) were studied in platelet concentrates divided into aliquots stored at either 4 degrees C or 22 degrees C for 5 days. RESULTS: The refrigerated platelets showed greater loss of total GPIb, slightly less binding of monoclonal antibodies to surface GPIb, and reduced aggregation response to ristocetin relative to the paired platelet controls at 22 degrees C. Moreover, the platelets stored at 4 degrees C produced 45-percent more microparticles and 64-percent more platelet factor 3 activity in the supernatant plasma than were produced by the controls. These differences were augmented by warming both 4 degrees C- and 22 degrees C-stored platelets at 37 degrees C for 1 to 4 hours. CONCLUSION: Storage of platelets at 4 degrees C causes increased membrane vesiculation and accelerated loss of GPIb. The magnitude of these differences was small, but it may contribute to marked reductions in platelet survival in circulation.     

Analysis of antibodies against components of the autonomic nervous system in diabetes mellitus

Antibodies to autonomic nervous system structures have previously been detected using a complement fixation immunofluorescence test in the sera of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). These antibodies might play a role in the aetiology of autonomic neuropathy. Sera from 45 IDDM, 40 NIDDM and 52 control subjects were tested by immunofluorescence for antibodies to human sympathetic ganglia, human adrenal medulla and rabbit vagus nerve. The use of human sympathetic ganglia was compared with rabbit tissue for the detection of sympathetic ganglia antibodies; the results for these autonomic nervous system antibodies were also compared with results using an ELISA. There was no relationship between the presence of antibodies detected by ELISA and those detected by immunofluorescence, but of 14 IDDM patients with thyroid antibodies, 12 had autonomic nervous system antibodies detected by either immunofluorescence or ELISA (p < 0.005 compared to patients without thyroid antibodies). To further characterize the autoantigen(s), immunoblotting was performed. An adrenal antigen corresponding to 74 kDa was detected in sera from three patients, only one of whom had antibodies detectable by ELISA and immunofluorescence. One IDDM serum showed specific binding to a vagus nerve antigen corresponding to 33 kDa. No specific binding to sympathetic ganglia antigen was demonstrated. Antibodies against autonomic nervous system antigens are an inconsistent feature of diabetes, and appear more associated with coincidental autoimmunity against other organs such as the thyroid.      

Assessing diagnosis in heart failure: which features are any use?

We assessed the value of symptoms, past history, medications and signs in the evaluation of patients who might have heart failure secondary to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. An open-access echocardiography service was set up to help identify patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction who might benefit from treatment with an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor. History and examination were recorded for each of these patients. The patients were divided into groups according to whether left ventricular systolic function was preserved or not and whether various clinical features were present or not. Of 259 consecutive patients studied, 41 had impairment of left ventricular systolic function as assessed by echocardiography. Past history of myocardial infarction and displaced apex beat were the best single predictors of left ventricular systolic dysfunction as assessed by echocardiography. The combination of past history of myocardial infarction and displaced apex had the best positive predictive value of all. Patients with such clinical features or combinations of clinical features may not need echocardiography, and where access to this resource is limited, it could be reserved for patients without such diagnostic features.      

Polyclonal antibodies against the NB1-bearing 58- to 64-kDa glycoprotein of human neutrophils do not identify an NB2-bearing molecule

The neutrophil-specific NB antigen system has been serologically characterized with human alloantisera. Two alleles, NB1 and NB2, have been described; however, there may be important quantitative or qualitative variation in the expression of NB1 and NB2. Human alloantibodies have been used to identify the 58- to 64-kDa glycoprotein (GP) on which NB1 antigen is located, but an NB2 antigen- bearing molecule has not yet been identified. To identify the NB2 molecule, human alloantibody to NB1 was used to isolate the 58- to 64- kDa NB1 GP, and rabbits were immunized with this GP. Two rabbit antisera were produced. Both antisera immunoblotted and immunoprecipitated the 58- to 64-kDa GP on which NB1 is located, but neither identified the molecule on which NB2 is located. The inability of two rabbit polyclonal antibodies specific for the NB1 molecule to react with the NB2-bearing molecule suggests that considerable differences may exist between these two molecules or that NB2 as currently defined is not related to NB1.     

Autoimmunity as an aetiological factor in vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common dermatological disorder characterized by the presence on the skin of depigmented macules resulting from the destruction of cutaneous melanocytes. Autoimmunity is an important hypothesis with regard to vitiligo aetiology and the evidence for autoimmune responses being involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder will be discussed in the present review. All immune system compartments, including innate and adaptive immunity have been implicated in vitiligo development. Particularly relevant are autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells in vitiligo patients that have cytotoxic effects upon pigment cells. Furthermore, predisposition to vitiligo appears to be associated with certain alleles of the major histocompatibility complex class II antigens as well as with other autoimmune-susceptibility genes. Moreover, the association of vitiligo with autoimmune disorders, the animal models of the disease, and the positive response to immunosuppressive therapeutic agents emphasize the role of autoimmunity in the development of this disorder.     

Changes in metabolic risk,insulin resistance,leptin and adiponectin following a lifestyle intervention in overweight and obese breast cancer survivors

Adiposity and physical activity are modifiable factors that could be important determinants of breast cancer (BC) prognosis through their effects on endogenous reproductive hormones, chronic inflammation and metabolic changes. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate whether offering lifestyle interventions to BC survivors could affect the levels of certain biomarkers involved in these mechanisms. We designed a pre–post intervention study offering diet and exercise sessions over 12 weeks to 42 overweight/obese BC survivors. Before and after the intervention, we obtained dietary information, anthropometry and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measurements and blood samples to measure metabolic risk, insulin resistance and adipokines biomarkers. Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and Spearman partial correlation coefficients were used to compare pre‐ and post‐measurements and assess the correlations between changes in biomarkers and changes in anthropometry and CRF. Breast cancer survivors showed significant improvements in metabolic risk biomarkers and insulin resistance indicators along with a non‐significant leptin decrease and a significant adiponectin decrease. The improvements in metabolic risk biomarkers, insulin resistance indicators and leptin were moderately correlated (0.32 ≤ |r| ≤ 0.55) with the decrease in body mass index and the increase in CRF. Diet and exercise interventions implemented in overweight/obese BC survivors may improve metabolic risk, insulin resistance and leptin biomarkers.     

A review of the use of beeswax in skincare

Background

Beeswax is a naturally occurring product secreted from worker bees that has varied uses in modern day. In skincare, its function ranges from its role as an occlusive, helping to create a semi-occlusive skin barrier that minimizes transepidermal water loss; as a humectant, locking in hydration; and an emollient to soften and soothe the skin. As a natural substance, its use has been shown to help alleviate symptoms associated with common cutaneous conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, and overgrowth of normal skin flora.

Aims

In this narrative review, we aim to describe current uses of beeswax in skincare that has been published in the literature.

Materials and methods

A review of beeswax related publications was performed by searching the PubMed database studies.

Results

A total of five clinical studies were included with three studies on animals and two studies in humans.

Discussion

Several studies show the benefits of topical beeswax in supporting the skin barrier.

Conclusion

Beeswax can be a low-cost, natural ingredient for use in products. Further studies with topical beeswax are warranted.