A reference database for tumor-related genes co-expressed with interleukin-8 using genome-scale in silico analysis

BACKGROUND: The EST database provides a rich resource for gene discovery and in silico expression analysis. We report a novel computational approach to identify co-expressed genes using EST database, and its application to IL-8. RESULTS: IL-8 is represented in 53 dbEST cDNA libraries. We calculated the frequency of occurrence of all the genes represented in these cDNA libraries, and ranked the candidates based on a Z-score. Additional analysis suggests that most IL-8 related genes are differentially expressed between non-tumor and tumor tissues. To focus on IL-8's function in tumor tissues, we further analyzed and ranked the genes in 16 IL-8 related tumor libraries. CONCLUSIONS: This method generated a reference database for genes co-expressed with IL-8 and could facilitate further characterization of functional association among genes

Kinetic Assessment and Therapeutic Modulation of Metabolic and Inflammatory Profiles in Mice on a High-Fat and Cholesterol Diet

The kinetics of metabolic and inflammatory parameters associated with obesity were evaluated in a murine diet-induced obesity (DIO) model using a diet high in fat and cholesterol. Cellular infiltration and mediator production were assessed and shown to be therapeutically modulated by the PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone. C57BL/6 mice were maintained on a 45% fat/ 0.12% cholesterol (HF/CH) or Chow diet for 3, 6, 16, or 27 weeks. Flow cytometry was employed to monitor peripheral blood monocytes and adipose tissue macrophages (ATM). Gene expression and protein analysis methods were used to evaluate mediator production from total epididymal fat (EF), stromal vascular fraction (SVF), and sorted SVF cells. To investigate therapeutic intervention, mice were fed a HF/CH diet for 12 weeks and then a diet formulated with rosiglitazone (5 mg/kg) for an additional 6 weeks. A HF/CH diet correlated with obesity and a dramatic proinflammatory state. Therapeutic intervention with rosiglitazone attenuated the HF/CH induced inflammation. In addition, a novel population was found that expressed the highest levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators CCL2 and IL-6

2016 Research & Innovation Day Program

A one day showcase of applied research, social innovation, scholarship projects and activities.https://first.fanshawec.ca/cri_cripublications/1003/thumbnail.jp

Affording tactile sensory pleasure

This project aims to understand an autists’ tactile sensory experience through the development of a tool that invites and inspires the user to explore and take ownership of their experience. It is to be shaped by the individual to support their body and emotional needs. Through co-design with an autist, the project tests and develops customisable knitted textures that do not evoke tactile defensiveness but elicit pleasure. It then builds stimulatory 3D textures that calms and refocuses the user. Through participatory workshops the project explores how we can use the embodied experience of textiles for self-regulation and allow users to create what they need rather than imposing a form. The learnings embedded in this project hope to inspire other designers to consider how we might create more pleasurable universal sensory experiences for everyone

Short-chain fatty acids act as antiinflammatory mediators by regulating prostaglandin E2 and cytokines

AIM: To investigate the effect of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cytokines and chemokines in human monocytes