Immunophenotypic analysis of human spleen compartments.

Microanatomical compartments of the human spleen are yet under evaluation as most of the present information comes from experiments on animals with different anatomical structures. Immune staining of stromal and blood-born cells by cell surface antigens facilitates the differentiation of functional microanatomical compartmentalization of immune organs, including the spleen. Twenty-two specimens from healthy adult subjects with the average age of 35.6 +/- 13.8 (Range 17 to 58) years were included in this study. Monoclonal antibodies used in this study were supplied from the 5th, 6th and 7th International Workshops and Conferences on Human Leukocyte Differentiation Antigens. Tetraspan antigens presented a rather unique staining pattern in the human spleen, suggesting special roles for each (CD9, CD53, CD63, CD151 and CD231) in certain locations. Sinus lining cells presented a distinctive antigenic profile, sharing both endothelial cell (CD31, CD36, CD54, CD62P, CD102, CD105, CD106 and CD146) and macrophage lineage characteristics. The sheathed capillaries were not restricted to the perifollicular zone alone. Extracellular matrix receptors (CD49 a, CD49 b, CD49 c, CD49 e, CD49f, CD29 and CD44) stained the penicillary arterioles and vascular smooth muscle. These molecules were also found on the vascular endothelium. Leukocyte antigens (CD11a, CD11b, CD22, CD43, CD45, CD45RB, CD45RO and CD50) were mainly expressed in the white and red pulp of the spleen at different intensities, excluding the penicillary arterioles. Activation antigens (CD26, CD71 and CD98) presented a diffuse and broad staining pattern. In conclusion, microanatomical compartmentalization, microcirculation and function of the human spleen were evaluated using a wide panel of monoclonal antibodies.     

Effects of probucol in hyperlipidemic rabbit liver: a preliminary ultrastructural study

Probucol is a lipid-lowering agent with an antioxidant effect; however, its influence on the liver remains unclear. The effects of probucol on hyperlipidemic rabbit liver are investigated to add a structural data on its therapeutical profile. Local albino rabbits were divided into three groups. 1) Hyperlipidemic group: fed with 1% cholesterol (150 g/kg/day) enriched chow for 2 months. 2) Probucol treated group: group 1 + intraperitoneal probucol (10 mg/kg/day) administration for 15 days. 3) Control group fed with normal chow. The blood lipid profile was investigated biochemically. Liver samples were examined electronmicroscopically. Within the parenchymal cells of group 1, the amount of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum was increased, its cisterna was dilated displaying a moderately electron dense substance in it and showed close apposition with the condensed mitochondria. In group 2, smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum was in extensive amounts filling almost all of the cytoplasm, displayed a reticular, degenerated appearance and was in close relation with the condensed, degenerated mitochondria. Probucol may cause degenerative changes on the liver parenchyme at the subcellular level. It alters the structure of these cells mainly acting on the smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria that are known to be involved in cellular detoxification.     

National public health information system

Information production and its communication being a key public health activity, developing modern information systems is a precondition for its fulfilling these assignments. A national public health information system (NPHIS) is a set of human resources combined with computing and communication technologies. It enables data linkage and data coverage as well as undertaking information production and dissemination in an effective, standardized and safe way. The Croatian Institute of Public Health LAN/WAN modules are under development. Health Safety System, Health Workers Registry, and Digital Library are among the Institute's developmental priorities. Communication between NPHIS participants would unfold over the Internet by using every relevant data protection method. Web technology-based applications would be run on special servers. Between individual applications, use would be made of the transaction module of communication through an exchange of the HL7 standard-based xml messages. In the conditions of transition, the health system must make an optimal use of the resources, which is not feasible without applying modern information and communication technologies.     

Collagen-chondroitin sulfate-based PLLA-SAIB-coated rhBMP-2 delivery system for bone repair

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are osteoinductive proteins used intensively in clinical investigations involving various bone-related treatments. Owing to their high potential in new bone formation they require local application at the treatment site. For this purpose various controlled delivery systems with BMPs as the excipients have been prepared in recent years. Focusing on this clinical need a disc-shaped BMP carrier was designed as a local delivery system using soluble collagen and chondroitin sulfate. In situ release studies carried out with a model protein (FITC-labeled Protein A) presented a very high rate of release; with most of the protein content being released within 24 h. This rate could be decreased by providing a poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and sucrose acetate isobutyrate-based (SAIB-based) coat around the release system, applied after BMP loading. In this way, it was possible to extend the release period from 24 h to about 12 days. In situ release of BMP from the same carriers, as quantitated using an ELISA kit, was even slower, with 50% of the protein being released in 15 days. In order to be able to secure the BMP delivery system at the bone defect site and to provide support a mesh knitted using Vicryl sutures and bonded with poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was tested in in vivo. Two time periods, 1 and 3 weeks, were used to evaluate the healing process. Osteoinduction by the BMP carrier system was assessed by histology-based bone scoring and X-ray examinations. PLLA-SAIB-coated collagen discs containing BMP presented good biocompatibility and optimum osteogenic stimulation. Structural changes in histological micrographs at week 1 indicated dose-dependent periosteal ossification. At the end of week 3 histological findings with both BMP (1 and 2 microg) doses were almost the same.     

Plunging ranula

Saliva extravasation from the sublingual gland causes ductal lesion or obstruction and results in the formation of a ranula. It spreads through or behind the mylohyoid muscle situated on the neck. Most frequently it is located in the submandibular or submental region. The diagnosis of plunging ranula is simple if the signs of ranula are present in the intraoral cavity, whereas in case of a ranula localized on the neck definite diagnosis is made by histologic analysis of the pseudocyst that has been surgically excised in toto. Cases are presented of both types of plunging ranula treated by various surgical approaches. Plunging ranula in the submental region was treated by transoral approach, marsupialization and aspiration of the content, whereas the ranula in the submandibular region was treated by exterior cervical approach. In both cases, sublingual gland was removed. During the 3.5-year follow-up, neither recurrence of the disease in the neck area nor the occurrence of simple ranula in the intraoral region was observed.     

Inactivation of a turkey herpesvirus by ultra-violet light

The sensitivity to inactivation by ultraviolet light of the PB 1 strain of herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) was determined and compared with the relative sensitivity of pseudo-rabies virus (PRV), another member of the herpesvirus group. HVT (PB1) was 6.3 times more resistant than PRV when assayed in chick embryo fibroblasts. The survival curve of HVT (strain PB1) had one component and the survival curve of PRV had two components. Survival curves of HVT and PRV in chick embryo fibroblasts treated with caffeine and in duck embryo fibroblasts are also presented. Evidence was obtained for host cell reactivation of HVT and PRV in chick embryo fibroblasts. Multiplicity reactivation could be clearly demonstrated for UV-irradiated PRV, but not for HVT.     

Immunomodulatory Effects of Dietary Polyphenols

Functional and nutraceutical foods provide an alternative way to improve immune function to aid in the management of various diseases. Traditionally, many medicinal products have been derived from natural compounds with healing properties. With the development of research into nutraceuticals, it is becoming apparent that many of the beneficial properties of these compounds are at least partly due to the presence of polyphenols. There is evidence that dietary polyphenols can influence dendritic cells, have an immunomodulatory effect on macrophages, increase proliferation of B cells, T cells and suppress Type 1 T helper (Th1), Th2, Th17 and Th9 cells. Polyphenols reduce inflammation by suppressing the pro-inflammatory cytokines in inflammatory bowel disease by inducing Treg cells in the intestine, inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and induction of apoptosis, decreasing DNA damage. Polyphenols have a potential role in prevention/treatment of auto-immune diseases like type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis by regulating signaling pathways, suppressing inflammation and limiting demyelination. In addition, polyphenols cause immunomodulatory effects against allergic reaction and autoimmune disease by inhibition of autoimmune T cell proliferation and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1, interferon-γ (IFN-γ)). Herein, we summarize the immunomodulatory effects of polyphenols and the underlying mechanisms involved in the stimulation of immune responses.     

Antioxidative vitamin treatment: Effect on lipid peroxidation and limb swelling after revascularization operations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidative properties of the multivitamin cocktail Omnibionta^® (-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, retinol, vitamin B complex) in terms of diminishing lipid peroxidation with improvement of leg edema performance after limb revascularization operations in humans. Fifty-one subjects were selected; the control group contained 27 patients and the treatment group 24 patients, who received the vitamin cocktail intravenously before the start of reperfusion. All patients suffered from acute or chronic arterial occlusive disease, except two subjects with arterial trauma. MDA-TBARS in plasma, quantified by HPLC, taken as a measure of lipid peroxidation was significantly increased (p<0.001) in the control group 1 hour after reperfusion onset and decreased to its baseline value within the following 2 hours (0.73±0.26, 1.21±0.48, 0.99±0.48, 0.73±0.33 nmol/ml). In contrast, in the treatment group MDA-TBARS did not exceed the baseline value during the reperfusion period (0.93±0.30, 0.70±0.29, 0.65±0.23, 0.70±0.37 nmol/ml). Leg edema, expressed by extremity circumference, was significantly (p<0.008) elevated in the control group (30.7±4.04 cm versus 35.35±4.12 cm) compared to a lack of increase in the treatment group (29.25±5.13 cm versus 29.76±5.70 cm). These results suggest that antioxidative vitamin treatment might be valuable in preventing lipid peroxidation and decreasing extremity edema.

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Resumen El objeto del presente estudio fue evaluar las propiedades antioxidantes del coctel multivitamínico Omnibionta^® que contiene las vitaminas -tocoferol, ácido ascórbico, retinol y el complejo B, en cuanto a disminuir la peroxidación lipídica y reducir el edema en las operaciones de revascularización de extremidades en humanos. Se seleccionaron 51 individuos: el grupo control de 27 pacientes y el grupo de tratamiento de 24 pacientes que recibieron el coctel multivitamínico por vía intravenosa antes del comienzo de la reperfusión. Todos los pacientes exhibían enfermedad arterial oclusiva aguda o crónica, excepto 2 pacientes con trauma arterial. Se hicieron determinaciones de MDA-TBARS en el plasma, cuantificado por HPLC, como medida de la peroxidación lipídica, encontrándose que se hallaba significativamente aumentada (p<0.001) en el grupo control 1 hora luego del comienzo de la reperfusión y que descendió hasta los niveles basales en el curso de las siguientes 2 horas (0.73±0.26, 1.21±0.48, 0.99±0.48, 0.73±0.33 nmol/ml). El edema de la pierna, según la circunferencia de las extremidades, apareció significativamente elevado (p<0.008) en el grupo control (30.7±4.04 vs. 35.35±4.12 cm) en comparación con el ningún aumento en el grupo de tratamiento (29.25±5.13 vs. 29.76±5.70 cm). Tales resultados sugieren que el tratamiento vitamínico antioxidante puede ser de valor en la prevención de la peroxidación lipídica con disminución del edema de la extremidad.

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Résumé L'objectif de cette étude a été d'évaluer les propriétés antioxydatives du cocktail multivitamine Omnibiota^®, contenant les vitamines -tocophérol, de l'acide ascorbique, du rétinol et du complexe vitamine B, pour diminuer les peroxydations lipidiques et améliorer l'oedème de jambe après reconstruction vasculaire chez l'homme. Cinquante et un sujets ont été sélectionnés, 27 formant le groupe témoin, et 24 patients recevant le cocktail en intraveineux avant la reconstruction vasculaire. Tous les patients avaient une maladie artérielle occlusive chronique, sauf deux qui souffraient d'un traumatisme artériel. Le MDA-TBARS dans le plasma, quantifié par HPLC, comme mesure de la peroxydation lipidique, était significativement augmenté (p<0.001) dans le groupe contrôle une heure après le début de la reperfusion et a diminué jusqu'aux valeurs du départ dans les deux heures suivantes (0.73±0.26, 1.21±0.48, 0.99±0.48, 0.73±0.33 nmol/ml). Dans le groupe traité, le MDA-TBARS n'a pas dépassé les valeurs de base pendant la période de reperfusion (0.93±0.30, 0.70±0.29, 0.65±0.23, 0.70±0.37 nmol/ml). L'oedème des membres inférieurs, exprimé en circonférence de l'extrémité de la jambe, était signficativement plus augmenté (p<0.008) dans le groupe contrôle (30.7±4.04 vs. 35.35±4.12 cm) que dans le groupe traité (29.25±5.13 vs 29.76±5.70 cm). Ces résultats suggèrent que le traitement vitaminique antioxydatif pourrait être utile dans la prévention de la peroxydation lipidique, réduisant ainsi l'oedème des extrémités.