Role of MicroRNA Profile Modifications in Hepatitis C Virus-Related Mixed Cryoglobulinemia

Hepatitis C virus infection is closely related to lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs), including mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) and some lymphomas. Modification of the expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) has been associated with different autoimmune diseases and/or LPDs. No data exist about the modifications in miRNA expression in HCV-associated LPDs. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression levels of a panel of miRNAs previously associated with autoimmune/LPDs in a large population of HCV patients with and without MC or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), to identify potential markers of evolution of HCV infection. PBMC expression of miR-Let-7d, miR-16, miR-21, miR-26b, miR-146a and miR-155 was evaluated by real-time PCR in 167 HCV patients (75 with MC [MC-HCV], 11 with HCV-associated NHL [NHL-HCV], 81 without LPD [HCV]) and in 35 healthy subjects (HS). A significant increase in miR-21 (p<0.001), miR-16 (p<0.01) and miR-155 (p<0.01) expression was detected in PBMCs from only NHL patients whereas a significant decrease in miR-26b was detected in both MC and NHL subjects (p<0.01) when compared to HS and HCV groups. A restoration of miR-26b levels was observed in the post-treatment PBMCs of 35 HCV-MC patients experiencing complete virological and clinical response following antiviral therapy. This study, for the first time, shows that specific microRNAs in PBMC from HCV patients who developed MC and/or NHL are modulated differently. The specific, reversible downregulation of miR-26b strongly suggests the key role it plays in the pathogenesis of HCV-related LPDs and its usefulness as a biomarker of the evolution of HCV infection to these disorders

Characterization of a natural agglutinin present in the hemolymph of the California sea hare, Aplysia californica.

A substance in the serum of the marine gastropod, Aplysia californica, capable of agglutinating marine bacteria and vertebrate red blood cells was subjected to physicochemical analysis in order to ascertain its possible nature. Our studies indicate that agglutinating activity is due to a heterogeneous group of high molecular weight molecules with two activity peaks exhibiting sedimentation coefficients centering ∼18.5 S and ∼31.0 S. This material has a protein component associated with the active site since it is sensitive to heat, pH extremes, and extraction with 2-mercaptoethanol, phenol, chloroform, and trichloracetic acid. Its physicochemical characteristics are different from other known invertebrate agglutinating substances and from classical vertebrate antibody. © 1971

Characterization of a natural agglutinin present in the hemolymph of the California sea hare, Aplysia californica.

A substance in the serum of the marine gastropod, Aplysia californica, capable of agglutinating marine bacteria and vertebrate red blood cells was subjected to physicochemical analysis in order to ascertain its possible nature. Our studies indicate that agglutinating activity is due to a heterogeneous group of high molecular weight molecules with two activity peaks exhibiting sedimentation coefficients centering ∼18.5 S and ∼31.0 S. This material has a protein component associated with the active site since it is sensitive to heat, pH extremes, and extraction with 2-mercaptoethanol, phenol, chloroform, and trichloracetic acid. Its physicochemical characteristics are different from other known invertebrate agglutinating substances and from classical vertebrate antibody. © 1971

India ink induces apoptosis in the yellow clam Mesodesma mactroides (Deshayes, 1854). Optical and ultrastructural study

Este artigo reporta o processo inflamatório agudo e celular no marisco brancoMesodesma mactroides, induzido através de injeção de tinta nanquim no pé muscular. Obervações histológicas com microscopia óptica e eletrônica foram realizadas 24 e 48 h após a injeção. A resposta celular inflamatória induzida consistiu de infiltração hemocitária geral sem ocorrência de necrose e atividade apoptótica. Migração de fagócitos carregados de tinta nanquim através do epitélio intestinal foi registrada. Parece que o marisco branco excretou partículas de nanquim pelas brânquias e rim. A tinção positiva para apoptose foi observada na glândula digestiva. Microscopia eletrônica da glândula digestiva revelou mudanças ultraestruturais de estresse do retículo endoplasmático e corpos apoptóticos. O mecanismo pelo qual as partículas de tinta nanquim induzem apoptose continua desconhecido, possivelmente associado ao estresse do retículo endoplasmático. Este trabalho destacou características que exigem discussões na área restrita das respostas inflamatórias de moluscos.This paper reports on the acute inflammatory and cellular process in the yellow clam, Mesodesma mactroides, induced by injection of India ink into the muscular foot. Histological observations with optical and electronic microscopy were made at 24 and 48 h after injection. The induced cellular inflammatory response consisted of a general hemocyte infiltration without necrosis and apoptotic activity. Migration of ink-laden phagocytes across the intestinal epithelium was recorded. It appeared that the yellow clam "excreted" ink particles through the gill and kidney. The positive staining for apoptosis was observed in the digestive gland. Electronic microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptotic bodies in the digestive gland. The mechanism by which the India ink particles induce apoptosis remains unknown, but might possibly be associated with the endoplasmic reticulum stress. This work has highlighted features that require further discussion in the restricted field the inflammatory responses of mollusks