Immunocytochemical analysis of bifid trichomes in Aldrovanda vesiculosa l. traps

The two-armed bifids (bifid trichomes) occur on the external (abaxial) trap surface, petiole, and stem of the aquatic carnivorous plant Aldrovanda vesiculosa (Droseracee). These trichomes play the role of mucilage trichomes. This study aimed to fill the gap in the literature concerning the immunocytochemistry of the bifid trichomes and compare them with digestive trichomes. Light and electron microscopy was used to show the trichome structure. Fluorescence microscopy revealed the localization of carbohydrate epitopes associated with the major cell wall polysaccharides and glycoproteins. The stalk cells and the basal cells of the trichomes were differentiated as endodermal cells. Cell wall ingrowths occurred in all cell types of the bifid trichomes. Trichome cells differed in the composition of their cell walls. The cell walls of the head cells and stalk cells were enriched with arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs); however, they were generally poor in both low- and highly-esterified homogalacturonans (HGs). The cell walls in the trichome cells were rich in hemicelluloses: xyloglucan and galactoxyloglucan. The cell wall ingrowths in the basal cells were significantly enriched with hemicelluloses. The presence of endodermal cells and transfer cells supports the idea that bifid trichomes actively transport solutes, which are polysaccharide in nature. The presence of AGPs (which are considered plant signaling molecules) in the cell walls in these trichome cells indicates the active and important role of these trichomes in plant function. Future research should focus on the question of how the molecular architecture of trap cell walls changes in cells during trap development and prey capture and digestion in A. vesiculosa and other carnivorous plants

The effect of ursolic and oleanolic acids on human skin fibroblast cells

In this article, we look at how ursolic and oleanolic acids can be used for the purpose of quality control of natural products used in dermatocosmetology as well as of various other therapeutic preparations. Ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) are pentacyclic triterpenes and they are constituents of many medicinal herbs. In this study, we analyzed the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activity of OA and UA against normal human skin fibroblasts (HSF). Additionally, the scavenging activity of free radicals of both acids was analyzed. The sensitivity of cells to OA and UA activity was determined using a standard spectrophotometric (MTT) assay. The free radical scavenging activity of OA and UA was measured using the DPPH• test. The F-actin cytoskeletal proteins organization was analyzed using TRITC-phalloidine fluorescent staining. The cytotoxic activity of the analyzed acids was determined using Neutral Red (NR) uptake assay. Of the two isomeric compounds, UA showed a higher cytotoxic activity against HSF cells than did OA. Our investigations showed that OA, in view of its non-toxic nature, may be used as a supplementary factor for dermal preparations. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 664–669

A practical approach to the patient with acquired haemophilia A in Poland

Acquired haemophilia (AHA) is a severe acquired bleeding disorder that develops due to circulating autoantibodies directed against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). These antibodies inhibit the coagulation activity of FVIII in patient’s plasma. AHA is mainly diagnosed in the elderly and more than half of the cases are idiopathic. Underlying conditions which favor AHA occurrence are — among others — autoimmune diseases, neoplasms, pregnancy and 12-month post-partum period. The clinical picture is dominated by extensive ecchymosis, less often by intramuscular and retroperitoneal haematomas or hemorrhages to the central nervous system. Laboratory findings include isolated prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), decreased FVIII activity and the presence of a FVIII inhibitor. Although patients with AHA usually present with severe hemorrhagic disorders, asymptomatic forms may also occur, with accidentally detected prolonged APTT as the only abnormality. The aim of AHA management is bleeding control and eradication of inhibitor

Praktyczne podejście do chorego na nabytą hemofilię A

Acquired haemophilia (AHA) is severe bleedinig disorder caused by autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII).  The antibodies inhibit the coagulation function of FVIII and lead to a decrease in its activity in the patient's plasma. AHA occurs mainly in the elderly and more than half of the cases are idiopathic. The conditions associated with its occurrence include autoimmune diseases, neoplasms and up to 12 months after delivery. The clinical picture is dominated by extensive ecchymosis, less often intramuscular and retroperitoneal hematomas or central nervous system hemorrhages. In laboratory studies, AHA is characterized by isolated activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) prolongation, decreased FVIII activity and the presence of a FVIII inhibitor. Although patients with AHA usually have severe hemorrhagic diathesis, asymptomatic forms may also occur, with the accidentally detected APTT prolongation as the only abnormality. The aims of AHA treatment are to control the bleeding and to eliminate the inhibitor.Nabyta hemofilia A (AHA) jest ciężką skazą krwotoczną wywołaną przez autoprzeciwciała skierowane przeciw czynnikowi krzepnięcia VIII (factor VIII, FVIII). Przeciwciała te hamują funkcję koagulacyjną FVIII i prowadzą do zmniejszenia jego aktywności w osoczu chorego. Na AHA chorują głównie osoby starsze. W ponad połowie przypadków choroba ma charakter idiopatyczny. Wśród stanów sprzyjających jej wystąpieniu wymienia się choroby autoimmunologiczne, nowotwory oraz okres do 12 miesięcy po porodzie. W obrazie klinicznym dominują przede wszystkim rozległe wynaczynienia krwi pod skórą. Rzadziej pojawiają się krwiaki śródmięśniowe, zaotrzewnowe oraz krwawienia do centralnego układu nerwowego. W badaniach laboratoryjnych AHA charakteryzuje się izolowanym wydłużeniem czasu częściowej tromboplastyny po aktywacji (APTT), zmniejszoną aktywnością FVIII oraz obecnością inhibitora FVIII. Pomimo że u chorych na AHA obserwuje się zazwyczaj ciężką skazę krwotoczną, mogą także występować postacie bezobjawowe, z przypadkowo wykrytym wydłużeniem APTT jako jedyną nieprawidłowością. Celem leczenia chorego na AHA jest opanowanie krwawienia oraz eliminacja inhibitora

Monitoring of endostatin, TNF-a VEGFs, MMP-9, and cathepsin-L during three months of diosmin treatment in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD)

Introduction: Primary CVD as a result of increased venous hypertension caused mostly by reflux from valvular incompetence as an indication for venoactive drug treatment. The objective of the study was the association between three months of treatment with diosmin and changes to the angiogenic factors involved in the pathophysiology and clinical symptoms of CVD. Material and methods: 41 patients were included in the study. Plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor a (TNF-a), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A and VEGF-C), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), Cathepsine-L and endostatin were measured using an ELISA assay at baseline and after three months of diosmin administration. Clinical evaluation was performed using duplex Doppler, the VAS scale, leg circumference measurement and BMI score. Results: Three-month treatment with diosmin was associated with a statistically significant decrease in TNF-a, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, MMP-9, Cathepsin-L and endostatin plasma levels with p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 respectively. The average ankle circumference decreased significantly from 30.45 (± 2.05) to 29.0 (± 1.43) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Diosmin influence on the inflammatory and proteolytic mechanisms involved in the pathology of CVD, could modify endostatin release and angiogenic processes

Effect of diosmin and diosmetin on the level of pro-inflammatory factors in the endothelium artificially induced with inflammatory stimuli

Introduction: Diosmin and its aglycone diosmetin are phlebotropic drugs used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Diosmin increases the elasticity and tension of blood vessel walls, exhibits an antiedematous effect, and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. As it is commonly known that the endothelium layer plays a significant role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system, this paper investigates the effect of diosmin and diosmetin on modulating the levels of pro-inflammatory factors in an endothelial cell culture (HUVEC) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol (PMA). Material and methods: A normal human umbilical vein/vascular endothelium cell line HUV-EC-C (HUVEC) was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Cell viability was assessed using NR and MTT assays. The levels of human IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, COX-2, and PGE2 were measured using ELISA kits. Results: Depending on the agent used to initiate inflammation, different levels of factors associated with this state were obtained. Diosmetin significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β and IL-6 as well as COX-2 in PMA-treated cells. Meanwhile, diosmin did not affect the interleukins but it lowered COX-2 and increased PGE-2. Upon the LPS stimulation of HUVEC cells, diosmetin increased the levels of PGE2, IL-1β, COX-2, and nitric oxide (NO), while diosmin increased NO and IL-6. Conclusion: Diosmin and diosmetin have different impacts on the levels of pro-inflammatory factors depending on the inflammation inducer. Diosmetin more effectively modulated inflammation than diosmin, suggesting that the attachment of the sugar moiety to the aglycone attenuates its activity

Morphological, anatomical, and phytochemical studies of Carlina acaulis L. cypsela

Carlina acaulis L. has a long tradition of use in folk medicine. The chemical composition of the roots and green parts of the plant is quite well known. There is the lowest amount of data on the cypsela (fruit) of this plant. In this study, the microscopic structures and the chemical composition of the cypsela were investigated. Preliminary cytochemical studies of the structure of the Carlina acaulis L. cypsela showed the presence of substantial amounts of protein and lipophilic substances. The chemical composition of the cypsela was investigated using spectrophotometry, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric and fluorescence detection. The cypsela has been shown to be a rich source of macro- and microelements, vegetable oil (25%), α-tocopherol (approx. 2 g/kg of oil), protein (approx. 36% seed weight), and chlorogenic acids (approx. 22 g/kg seed weight). It also contains a complex set of volatile compounds. The C. acaulis cypsela is, therefore, a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive substances

Metabolic activity of tree saps of different origin towards cultured human cells in the light of grade correspondence analysis and multiple regression modeling

Tree saps are nourishing biological media commonly used for beverage and syrup production. Although the nutritional aspect of tree saps is widely acknowledged, the exact relationship between the sap composition, origin, and effect on the metabolic rate of human cells is still elusive. Thus, we collected saps from seven different tree species and conducted composition-activity analysis. Saps from trees of Betulaceae, but not from Salicaceae, Sapindaceae, nor Juglandaceae families, were increasing the metabolic rate of HepG2 cells, as measured using tetrazolium-based assay. Content of glucose, fructose, sucrose, chlorides, nitrates, sulphates, fumarates, malates, and succinates in sap samples varied across different tree species. Grade correspondence analysis clustered trees based on the saps’ chemical footprint indicating its usability in chemotaxonomy. Multiple regression modeling showed that glucose and fumarate present in saps from silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.), black alder (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.), and European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) are positively affecting the metabolic activity of HepG2 cells

Imipramine influences body distribution of supplemental zinc which may enhance antidepressant action

Zinc (Zn) was found to enhance the antidepressant efficacy of imipramine (IMI) in human depression and animal tests/models of depression. However, the underlying mechanism for this effect remains unknown. We measured the effect of intragastric (p.o.) combined administration of IMI (60 mg/kg) and Zn (40 mg Zn/kg) in the forced swim test (FST) in mice. The effect of Zn + IMI on serum, brain, and intestinal Zn concentrations; Zn transporter (ZnT, ZIP) protein levels in the intestine and ZnT in the brain; including BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) protein levels in the brain were evaluated. Finally, the effect of IMI on Zn permeability was measured in vitro in colon epithelial Caco-2 cells. The co-administration of IMI and Zn induced antidepressant-like activity in the FST in mice compared to controls and Zn or IMI given alone. This effect correlated with increased BDNF and the ratio of pCREB/CREB protein levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) compared to the control group. Zn + IMI co-treatment increased Zn concentrations in the serum and brain compared to the control group. However, in serum, co-administration of IMI and Zn decreased Zn concentration compared to Zn alone treatment. Also, there was a reduction in the Zn-induced enhancement of ZnT1 protein level in the small intestine. Zn + IMI also induced an increase in the ZnT4 protein level in the PFC compared to the control group and normalized the Zn-induced decrease in the ZnT1 protein level in the hippocampus (Hp). The in vitro studies revealed enhanced Zn permeability (observed as the increased transfer of Zn through the intestinal cell membrane) after IMI treatment. Our data indicate that IMI enhances Zn transfer through the intestinal tract and influences the redistribution of Zn between the blood and brain. These mechanisms might explain the enhanced antidepressant efficacy of combined IMI/Zn treatment observed in the FST in mice