Influence of polysulfone and hemophan hemodialysis membranes on phagocytes.

Abstract. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of hemophane and polysulfone membranes on the phagocyte-derived production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as on neutrophil CD11b and CD62L expression in patients undergoing regular hemodialysis. The effects of hemodialysis membranes were also studied in in vitro conditions after coincubating them with differentiated HL-60 cells. ROS production was measured using chemiluminometric and flow cytometric methods. Expression of CD11b, CD62L and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by monoclonal antibodies and by the JC-1 fluorescent probe, respectively. Depressed ROS production was observed in patients already before dialysis. Further decrease in ROS production and an increase in CD11b expression were observed especially in patients after hemophan hemodialysis. Decreased ROS production and increased CD11b expression were observed also after incubation of HL-60 cells with hemophan membranes. Mitochondrial membrane potential dropped only after incubating cells with hemophan membranes proving its more serious adverse effects in comparison with the polysulfone membrane. In conclusion, deleterious effects of hemodialysis on the metabolic activity of phagocytes were proved. Combining chemiluminescent and flow cytometric methods for the detection of ROS production and determining mitochondrial membrane potential can be useful tools for the analysis of material biocompatibility. Key words: Hemodialysis -Hemophan -Polysulfone -Reactive oxygen species -CD11b Abbreviations: ROS, reactive oxygen species; DCFH-DA, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate; HE, hydroethidine; PMA, phorbol myristate acetate; FMLP, N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine; OZP, zymosan opsonized in human serum; MRF, median of relative fluorescence

Shift of the western boundary of the distribution area of Micromeria cristata (Hampe) Griseb. and Steptorhamphus tuberosus (Jacq.) Grossh.

During field investigations of Mt Rumija, two new taxa for the flora of Montenegro were recorded: Micromeria cristata (Hampe) Griseb. and Steptorhamphus tuberosus (Jacq.) Grossh. From the phytogeographic point of view these data indicate a change in the distribution area of both taxa, which have shifted to the west. Ashort overview of the taxonomic treatment of both genera is given

Genomic characterization of large rearrangements of the LDLR gene in Czech patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mutations in the <it>LDLR </it>gene are the most frequent cause of Familial hypercholesterolemia, an autosomal dominant disease characterised by elevated concentrations of LDL in blood plasma. In many populations, large genomic rearrangements account for approximately 10% of mutations in the <it>LDLR </it>gene.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>DNA diagnostics of large genomic rearrangements was based on Multiple Ligation dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). Subsequent analyses of deletion and duplication breakpoints were performed using long-range PCR, PCR, and DNA sequencing.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In set of 1441 unrelated FH patients, large genomic rearrangements were found in 37 probands. Eight different types of rearrangements were detected, from them 6 types were novel, not described so far. In all rearrangements, we characterized their exact extent and breakpoint sequences.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Sequence analysis of deletion and duplication breakpoints indicates that intrachromatid non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) between <it>Alu </it>elements is involved in 6 events, while a non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is implicated in 2 rearrangements. Our study thus describes for the first time NHEJ as a mechanism involved in genomic rearrangements in the <it>LDLR </it>gene.</p

Triglyceride/HDL ratio as a screening tool for predicting success at reducing anti-diabetic medications following weight loss.

PMC3712020BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intentional weight loss, by reducing insulin resistance, results in both better glycemic control and decreased need for anti-diabetic medications. However, not everyone who is successful with weight loss is able to reduce anti-diabetic medication use. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed the predictive accuracy of baseline triglyceride (TGL)/HDL ratio, a marker of insulin resistance, to screen patients for success in reducing anti-diabetic medication use with weight loss. METHODS: Case records of 121 overweight and obese attendees at two outpatient weight management centers were analyzed. The weight loss intervention consisted of a calorie-restricted diet (~1000Kcal/day deficit), a behavior modification plan, and a plan for increasing physical activity. RESULTS: Mean period of follow-up was 12.5 ± 3.5 months. By study exit, mean weight loss and mean HbA1c% reduction were 15.4 ± 5.5 kgs and 0.5 ± 0.2% respectively. 81 (67%) in the study cohort achieved at least 1 dose reduction of any anti-diabetic medication. Tests for predictive accuracy of baseline TGL/HDL ratio ≤ 3 to determine success with dose reductions of anti-diabetic medications showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, area under the curve, likelihood ratio (LR) + and LR-of 81, 83, 90, 70, 78, 4.8 and 0.2, respectively. Reproducibility of TGL/HDL ratio was acceptable. CONCLUSION: TGL/HDL ratio shows promise as an effective screening tool to determine success with dose reductions of anti-diabetic medications. The results of our study may inform the conduct of a systematic review using data from prior weight loss trials.JH Libraries Open Access Fun