Heat Shock Proteins Alterations in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease characterized by the attack of the immune system on the body’s healthy joint lining and degeneration of articular structures. This disease involves an increased release of inflammatory mediators in the affected joint that sensitize sensory neurons and create a positive feedback loop to further enhance their release. Among these mediators, the cytokines and neuropeptides are responsible for the crippling pain and the persistent neurogenic inflammation associated with RA. More importantly, specific proteins released either centrally or peripherally have been shown to play opposing roles in the pathogenesis of this disease: an inflammatory role that mediates and increases the severity of inflammatory response and/or an anti-inflammatory and protective role that modulates the process of inflammation. In this review, we will shed light on the neuroimmune function of different members of the heat shock protein (HSPs) family and the complex manifold actions that they exert during the course of RA. Specifically, we will focus our discussion on the duality in the mechanism of action of Hsp27, Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90

CHARGE syndrome

CHARGE syndrome was initially defined as a non-random association of anomalies (Coloboma, Heart defect, Atresia choanae, Retarded growth and development, Genital hypoplasia, Ear anomalies/deafness). In 1998, an expert group defined the major (the classical 4C's: Choanal atresia, Coloboma, Characteristic ears and Cranial nerve anomalies) and minor criteria of CHARGE syndrome. Individuals with all four major characteristics or three major and three minor characteristics are highly likely to have CHARGE syndrome. However, there have been individuals genetically identified with CHARGE syndrome without the classical choanal atresia and coloboma. The reported incidence of CHARGE syndrome ranges from 0.1–1.2/10,000 and depends on professional recognition. Coloboma mainly affects the retina. Major and minor congenital heart defects (the commonest cyanotic heart defect is tetralogy of Fallot) occur in 75–80% of patients. Choanal atresia may be membranous or bony; bilateral or unilateral. Mental retardation is variable with intelligence quotients (IQ) ranging from normal to profound retardation. Under-development of the external genitalia is a common finding in males but it is less apparent in females. Ear abnormalities include a classical finding of unusually shaped ears and hearing loss (conductive and/or nerve deafness that ranges from mild to severe deafness). Multiple cranial nerve dysfunctions are common. A behavioral phenotype for CHARGE syndrome is emerging. Mutations in the CHD7 gene (member of the chromodomain helicase DNA protein family) are detected in over 75% of patients with CHARGE syndrome. Children with CHARGE syndrome require intensive medical management as well as numerous surgical interventions. They also need multidisciplinary follow up. Some of the hidden issues of CHARGE syndrome are often forgotten, one being the feeding adaptation of these children, which needs an early aggressive approach from a feeding team. As the child develops, challenging behaviors become more common and require adaptation of educational and therapeutic services, including behavioral and pharmacological interventions

Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 128 6 917 923 AMER SOC HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE ALEXANDRIA; 113 S WEST ST, STE 200, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314-2851 USA

The antioxidant properties of blueberries have been examined only in ripe fruit, although fruit of different maturities are used in processed food products. In this study, highbush blueberry cultivars: Bergitta, Bluegold, and Nelson highbush blueberry fruit at different stages of ripeness were examined to characterize differences in oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) and the phenolic components responsible for ORAC. Underripe fruit at different stages of maturity were also stored at 20 degreesC for up to 8 days to assess changes in ORAC and phenolic content. Anthocyanin content was substantially higher in fruit of more advanced stages of ripeness. In contrast, the phenolic content and ORAC were lower in the riper fruit. Anthocyanins continued to form during storage, although rate of pigment formation declined after about 4 days. Less anthocyanin pigment was formed in the less ripe fruit. After 8 days of storage, the anthocyanin content of fruit harvested 5% to 50% or 50% to 95 % blue exceeded that of ripe fruit. Up to 60% of the total phenolic content could be accounted for by anthocyanins. ORAC was positively correlated with total phenolic content (R-2 = 0.78), but not with anthocyanin content

Factors affecting metabolic and electrolyte changes after reperfusion in liver transplantation

Background. The metabolic and electrolyte changes were evaluated after various durations of cold and warm ischemia times to correlate ASA status with hemodynamic changes that may affect the severity of the reperfusion syndrome.Patients and methods. Sixty-one patients who underwent liver transplantation (OLT) were monitored by arterial pH, PaO2, PaCO2, HCO3, BE, K+, Ca2+, Na+, GL, and serial Ht at three specific times: after the skin incision (baseline), 10 minutes before reperfusion (T-2), and 10 minutes after reperfusion (T-3). Changes in metabolic parameters were correlated with ASA status, hemodynamic changes, time of OLT, as well as cold and warm ischemia times.Results. The pH in ASA IV patients was significantly lower at T-1 and T-3, and PCO2 higher in ASA V at T-1. A significant correlation was observed between pH, PaCO2, HCO3 BE, Na+, Ca2+, and glucose with the phase of the procedure. The pH and HCO3 decreased significantly from T-1 and T-2, increasing during T-3. Ca2+ fell from T-1 to T-2 increasing in T-3. Mean glucose and sodium levels increase from T-1 to T-3. Mean BE dropped from T-1 to T-2 and increased at T-3 without a significant correlation between the metabolic parameters in any phase of the study and the cold or warm ischemia times. Patients with a high ASA status showed an increased risk for cardiovascular collapse after reperfusion.Conclusions. Patients with advanced ASA status are more prone to metabolic and acid-base disturbances during reperfusion, without any relation to the cold or warm ischemia times. High ASA status shows an increased risk for cardiovascular collapse after reperfusion