PD98059 Influences Immune Factors and Enhances Opioid Analgesia in Model of Neuropathy

Neuropathic pain treatment remains challenging due to ineffective therapy and resistance to opioid analgesia. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) have been identified as the crucial regulators of pro- and antinociceptive factors. We used PD98059, an inhibitor of the MAPKK family members MEK1/2. The aim of study was to examine the influence of single and/or repeated PD98059 on nociception and opioid effectiveness in neuropathy. Moreover, we examined how PD98059 influences selected members of cellular pathways and cytokines. The PD98059 (2.5 mcg) was intrathecally preemptively administered before chronic constriction injury (CCI), and then once daily for 7 days. Additionally, at day 7 after CCI the PD98059-treated rats received a single injection of opioids. Using Western blot and qRT-PCR techniques in PD98059-treated rats we analyzed the mRNA and/or protein level of p38, ERK1/2, JNK, NF-kappaB, IL-1beta, IL-6, iNOS and IL-10 in the lumbar spinal cord. Our results indicate that PD98059 has an analgesic effects and potentiates morphine and/or buprenorphine analgesia. Parallel we observed that PD98059 inhibit upregulation of the CCI-elevated p38, ERK1/2, JNK and NF-kappaB protein levels. Moreover, PD98059 also prevented increase of pro- (IL-1beta, IL-6, and iNOS) but enhances anti-nociceptive (IL-10) factors. Summing up, PD98059 diminished pain and increased the effectiveness of opioids in neuropathy. The inhibition of MEKs might inactivate a variety of cell signaling pathways that are implicated in nociception.     

Species-Specific and Conserved Epitopes on Mouse and Human E-Selectin Important for Leukocyte Adhesion

Selectins are C-type, cell surface lectins that are key players in leukocyte adhesion to the blood vessel wall endothelium. We describe here epitopes for a series of novel monoclonal antibodies (moAbs), UZ4-UZ7, directed against mouse E-selectin. All four antibodies specifically bind to mouse E-selectin, but not to P- or L-selectin, and all inhibit the adhesion of granulocytes, peripheral blood lymphocytes, and promyelocytic HL-60 cells to cytokine-activated mouse endothelium. Three moAbs, UZ5, UZ7, and UZ6, specifically inhibit mouse E-selectin-mediated adhesion by binding to epitopes in domains CR1 or CR2. moAb UZ4 inhibits leukocyte adhesion to both human and murine endothelium activated with IL-1 or other proinflammatory stimuli. UZ4 is the first described moAb that detects an epitope in the lectin domain which is conserved in both murine and human E-selectin (CXKKKL), but is not present in the other members of the selectin family, P- and L-selectin. Interestingly, UZ5, UZ6, and UZ7 more efficiently interfere with lymphocyte than with granulocyte adhesion to cytokine-activated endothelium, while UZ4 completely blocks adhesion of PMN, lymphocytes, and HL-60 and U937 cell lines. The data suggest that E-selectin–ligand engagement differs between lymphocytes and PMN, and that these differences may be accentuated by the CR1 and CR2 domains in the E-selectin cell adhesion molecule.     

Genetical and biotechnological methods of utilization of female reproductive potential in mammals

The investigations included: 1/ Establishment of culture systems that would maintain the three-dimensional structure of bovine intact early antral follicles (EAF) or isolated cumulus-oocyte-granulosa complexes (COCGs) and increase the resulting portion of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) with normal morphology for subsequent in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), 2/ Quality assessment of IVM bovine oocytes and resulting day-8 blastocysts produced in TCM199 medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS), fatty acid free bovine serum albumin (fafBSA) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP40), 3/ Testing the polymorphism of the genes: retinol binding protein (RBP4), epidermal growth factor (EGF), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), amphiregulin (AREG) and prolactin (PRL), and their effects on reproductive traits in swine. Isolated COCGs created in culture follicle-like structures and their oocytes achieved meiotic competence and matured to metaphase II at a higher rate than did oocytes from smaller diameter follicles which were cultured intact. The proportion of COCs with normal morphology significantly increased when isolated COCGs were embedded in microdrops of collagen gel or cultured on inserts covered with gel rather than in large gel volumes. No significant effect of maturation media composition on meiotic spindle morphology and the rate of apoptotic bovine oocytes was observed. Among day-8 embryos derived from oocytes matured with PVP40 a reduced blastocyst rate and elevated apoptotic index were found, whereas total cell count was not affected. Gene expression study also revealed a decrease in relative abundance for IGF2 and its receptor (IGF2R), and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) genes in PVP40 group and a significant elevation in fafBSA derived embryos. The significant effect of reproduction traits of swine (litter size and litter weight) was found for RBP4, EGF, IGF2 and AREG genes. A new polymorphism was also revealed within a promoter region of PRL gene.     

Genetic mapping of ovary colour and quantitative trait loci for carotenoid content in the fruit of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucurbita maxima</Emphasis> Duchesne

The high content of carotenoids, sugars, dry matter, vitamins and minerals makes the fruit of winter squash (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) a valuable fresh-market vegetable and an interesting material for the food industry. Due to their nutritional value, long shelf-life and health protective properties, winter squash fruits have gained increased interest from researchers in recent years. Despite these advantages, the genetic and genomic resources available for C. maxima are still limited. The aim of this study was to use the genetic mapping approach to map the ovary colour locus and to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for high carotenoid content and flesh colour. An F₆ recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population was developed and used for evaluations of ovary colour, carotenoid content and fruit flesh colour. SSR markers and DArTseq genotyping-by-sequencing were used to construct an advanced genetic map that consisted of 1824 molecular markers distributed across linkage groups corresponding to 20 chromosomes of C. maxima. Total map length was 2208 cM and the average distance between markers was 1.21 cM. The locus affecting ovary colour was mapped at the end of chromosome 14. The identified QTLs for carotenoid content in the fruit and fruit flesh colour shared locations on chromosomes 2, 4 and 14. QTLs on chromosomes 2 and 4 were the most meaningful. A correlation was clearly confirmed between fruit flesh colour as described by the chroma value and carotenoid content in the fruit. A high-density genetic map of C. maxima with mapped loci for important fruit quality traits is a valuable resource for winter squash improvement programmes.     

Changes in cellular response to the damage induced in PC-3 prostate cancer cells by proton microbeam irradiation

The aim of this research was to find out whether the passage number effect may influence on the PC-3 cells (the human prostate cancer line derived from bone metastases) response to proton radiation. 2 MeV horizontally focused proton microbeam was used as a radiation source. The cells were treated with a counted number of H(+) ions (50-8000) corresponding to doses of 1.3-209 Gy/cell. For comparison, cell death was also induced by UVC radiation. All cells were stained with Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide and visualized under a fluorescence microscope. Necrosis was observed at: a) 8000 protons per cell (corresponding to ～209 Gy/cell) after 2-4 passages, b) 3200 protons per cell (corresponding to ～84 Gy/cell) for cells after 11-14 passages and c) only 800 protons per cell (corresponding to ～2 Gy/cell ) after 47-50 passages. Apoptosis was efficiently induced, by protons, only in cells after 50 passages. The results showed that the laboratory conditions affected cellular response of PC-3 cell line to the proton irradiation. The cellular response to the radiation treatment strongly depends on number of passages.     

The Formation of Persister Cells in Stationary-Phase Cultures of Escherichia Coli Is Associated with the Aggregation of Endogenous Proteins

Persister cells (persisters) are transiently tolerant to antibiotics and usually constitute a small part of bacterial populations. Persisters remain dormant but are able to re-grow after antibiotic treatment. In this study we found that the frequency of persisters correlated to the level of protein aggregates accumulated in E. coli stationary-phase cultures. When 3-(N-morpholino) propanesulfonic acid or an osmolyte (trehalose, betaine, glycerol or glucose) were added to the growth medium at low concentrations, proteins were prevented from aggregation and persister formation was inhibited. On the other hand, acetate or high concentrations of osmolytes enhanced protein aggregation and the generation of persisters. We demonstrated that in the E. coli stationary-phase cultures supplemented with MOPS or a selected osmolyte, the level of protein aggregates and persister frequency were not correlated with such physiological parameters as the extent of protein oxidation, culturability, ATP level or membrane integrity. The results described here may help to understand the mechanisms underlying persister formation.     

The Impact of Different Visual Feedbacks in User Training on Motor Imagery Control in BCI

The challenges of research into brain–computer interfaces (BCI) include significant individual differences in learning pace and in the effective operation of BCI devices. The use of neurofeedback training is a popular method of improving the effectiveness BCI operation. The purpose of the present study was to determine to what extent it is possible to improve the effectiveness of operation of sensorimotor rhythm-based brain–computer interfaces (SMR-BCI) by supplementing user training with elements modifying the characteristics of visual feedback. Four experimental groups had training designed to reinforce BCI control by: visual feedback in the form of dummy faces expressing emotions (Group 1); flashing the principal elements of visual feedback (Group 2) and giving both visual feedbacks in one condition (Group 3). The fourth group participated in training with no modifications (Group 4). Training consisted of a series of trials where the subjects directed a ball into a basket located to the right or left side of the screen. In Group 1 a schematic image a face, placed on the controlled object, showed various emotions, depending on the accuracy of control. In Group 2, the cue and targets were flashed with different frequency (4 Hz) than the remaining elements visible on the monitor. Both modifications were also used simultaneously in Group 3. SMR activity during the task was recorded before and after the training. In Group 3 there was a significant improvement in SMR control, compared to subjects in Group 2 and 4 (control). Differences between subjects in Groups 1, 2 and 4 (control) were insignificant. This means that relatively small changes in the training procedure may significantly impact the effectiveness of BCI control. Analysis of behavioural data acquired from all participants at training showed greater effectiveness in directing the object towards the right side of the screen. Subjects with the greatest improvement in SMR control showed a significantly lower difference in the accuracy of rightward and leftward movement than others.     

Graves' hyperthyroidism following primary hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis in a case of thyroid hemiagenesis: case report

Thyroid hemiagenesis (TH) is a rare inborn anomaly, resulting from failure of one thyroid lobe development. It is usually detected incidentally during investigation of concomitant thyroid disorders. The reported patient first presented hypothyroidism at the age of 49, when Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and left thyroid lobe agenesis was diagnosed. L-thyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy restored hormonal balance. Two years later, the patient developed features of Graves' hyperthyroidism. The antithyroid pharmacotherapy by thiamazole was used. However, due to severe side-effects it was discontinued, and radioiodine treatment was applied. Four months after 131I administration, symptoms of hypothyroidism appeared, so thyroid hormone substitution was reintroduced. The patient, whose observation period has now reached 5 years, under LT4 replacement therapy, remains both clinically and biochemically euthyroid. The described case displays a very rare coincidence of hypothyroidism due to HT converted into Graves' hyperthyroidism, accompanying TH. Each of these three entities, may influence the thyroid function in a different way, hence, systematic follow-up and individual therapeutic management is required.