Curcumin: footprints on cardiac tissue engineering

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Curcumin-based products are extensively used as therapeutics in the treatment of cardiac disorders; however, there is no significant report on the curcumin potentials in cardiac tissue engineering applications. Due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, curcumin has been demonstrated to be a promising candidate for tissue engineering (TE) applications.

Areas covered: Various curcumin-containing tissue-engineered constructs have been developed for the management of soft tissue damages (such as wound injuries); hence, there are hopes for the use of this natural product in cardiac tissue engineering (CTE). However, some crucial issues should primarily be addressed before curcumin could be widely used in CTE.

Expert opinion: The challenges regarding the use of curcumin in CTE include the optimum dosages of curcumin for promoting cardiac regeneration, the type of carrier used (e.g., polymeric matrices), the preferable release profile, as well as the short- and long-term toxicity in the human body.     

Rapid sensing of circulating ghrelin by hypothalamic appetite-modifying neurons

To maintain homeostasis, hypothalamic neurons in the arcuate nucleus must dynamically sense and integrate a multitude of peripheral signals. Blood-borne molecules must therefore be able to circumvent the tightly sealed vasculature of the blood–brain barrier to rapidly access their target neurons. However, how information encoded by circulating appetite-modifying hormones is conveyed to central hypothalamic neurons remains largely unexplored. Using in vivo multiphoton microscopy together with fluorescently labeled ligands, we demonstrate that circulating ghrelin, a versatile regulator of energy expenditure and feeding behavior, rapidly binds neurons in the vicinity of fenestrated capillaries, and that the number of labeled cell bodies varies with feeding status. Thus, by virtue of its vascular connections, the hypothalamus is able to directly sense peripheral signals, modifying energy status accordingly.     

Comparison of IL10 and IL2 genotypes of Turkish population with other populations

The human genome has been shaped by evolutionary and historical forces. Therefore, genetic polymorphisms are useful tools not only to understand the susceptibility to disease in modern populations, but the history of ancestral populations as well. For this purpose, data on genetic polymorphisms such as human leucocyte antigen, mitochondrial DNA sequence variability and the frequencies of TAP1 and TAP2 gene variants in Turkey have been reported previously. Here we have used interleukin (IL)‐10 (?592C/A, ?819T/C, ?1082G/A) and IL‐2 (?330T/G) as genetic markers to study the relationship between Turkish population and other populations.     

Use of mitral valve repair: analysis of contemporary United States experience reported to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Database

BACKGROUND: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Database data indicate that the performance of mitral repair has increased significantly (1990 to 23.2%, 1999 to 32.0%, p < 0.0001). We examined contemporary (1999 to 2000) usage of mitral repair in the United States. METHODS: We analyzed National Cardiac Database data to determine the operative approach for a diagnosis of mitral regurgitation. RESULTS: A total of 21,741 isolated and combined mitral valve procedures were identified. The overall frequency of repair was 37.7% (8206). For procedures isolated to the mitral valve, the frequency of repair was 35.7% (3027/8486) whereas repair was more common with concomitant CABG (42.9% [3088/7193], p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients having repair decreased with age (41.2% [386/936] in 20 to 39 years, 36.1% [3513/9746] in > 70 years, p = 0.0016). Repair was more common in males (43.5% [4720/10860]) than females (32.0% [3472/10842], p < 0.0001). Repair was less common as NYHA Class increased (Class I, 47.8% [949/1984] vs Class IV, 33.2% [1803/5427]) and for emergent operative status (21.2% [156/736] vs 38.5% [8000/20773] for elective/urgent, both p < 0.0001). The number of prior operations did not affect the use of repair. Simple annuloplasty was performed in the majority of reported repairs (62.8% [3837/6115]), more so with associated CABG as compared to isolated repair (70.2% [2167/3088] vs 55.2% [1670/3027]; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Mitral repair was performed in over one-third of the patients reported in 1999 to 2000 and has increased since the National Cardiac Database inception. Repair usage differed based on sex, age, gravity of illness, and associated procedures. This provides a base line from which to expand the application of repair.     

Beta interferon therapy of HPV infections of the female genital tract]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of cervical and vaginal lesions due to Papilloma virus before and after beta-interferon therapy. Clinical symptoms and the therapeutic approach are described, whereas drug efficacy was assessed on a long-term basis. The study of 19 cases, brought to the Author's attention over an eight-year period (1984-91) confirms previously published reports: the use of interferon shows a good level of tolerability without complications and undeniable efficacy following surgical treatment.     

Microvascular reconstruction after electrical and deep thermal injury

Six cases are presented demonstrating uncomplicated primary healing following early microvascular reconstruction for complex electrical and deep thermal injuries. We advocate early preservation of eschar and the prevention of infection with the use of penetrating topical antibacterial agents, removal of the soft-tissue eschar when clinically indicated, and immediate coverage of the undebrided bone through the provision of well-vascularized tissue. Microvascular free tissue transfer should be considered as a primary method of reconstruction for complex electrical or thermal injury whenever clinically feasible. These reconstructive techniques offer an early, reliable means of definitive reconstruction, preserving function, providing uncomplicated healing, and promoting early rehabilitation.     

Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype is a predictive factor in the peak panel-reactive antibody response

The presence of a high panel-reactive antibody (PRA) level represents an independent risk factor for early graft failure and chronic allograft dysfunction. It has also been reported that patients with the ACE-DD and AGT-AA genotypes display poorer chronic allograft function. We investigated the effects of gene polymorphisms of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) on anti-HLA antibody production among renal transplant candidates. Genotyping was performed on 133 dialysis patients for the ACE (I/D) and AGT (M235T) as well as the type 1 (A1166C) and type 2 (A1223G) angiotensin II receptor genes. Patients with a peak PRA >/= 30% were considered to be positive for anti-HLA antibody (40.6% of 133 patients). Genetic polymorphisms of the RAS were not associated with anti-HLA antibody production at this PRA level. Another analysis comparing the 29 patients with a peak PRA >/=50% with the 104 patients with a peak PRA <50% showed that previous transplants, the presence of ACE-DD genotype, history of blood transfusions, and dialysis duration were all associated with the high levels of antibody production by univariant analysis. A multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model revealed previous transplants, the presence of ACE-DD genotype, and history of blood transfusions to be predictors of anti-HLA antibody production. The ACE-DD genotype is an important risk factor for higher PRA levels. This study suggests that genetic control of RAS activity correlates with production of anti-HLA antibodies, possibly explaining the relationship to chronic allograft outcome.