| 1. |
- Bolin, Marie, et al.
(författare)
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Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein as an Early Biomarker of Preeclampsia
- 2011
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Ingår i: American Journal of Hypertension. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0895-7061 .- 1941-7225. ; 24:4, s. 496-501
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Prediction of preeclampsia is of great interest and the coagulation system as well as the angiogenic pathway is known to be dysfunctional in preeclampsia. Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a protein interacting with both these biological systems and the purpose of this prospective, longitudinal cohort study was to analyze whether there is a difference in circulating levels of HRG during pregnancy in women developing preeclampsia compared to normal healthy pregnancies. We furthermore wanted to evaluate whether HRG has the potential of being an early biomarker of preeclampsia. METHODS: A cohort of healthy pregnant women (n = 469) was enrolled at gestational weeks 8-12. Plasma samples were collected at gestational weeks 10, 25, 28, 33, and 37 and analyzed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The levels of HRG decreased during pregnancy in all women, but the levels were significantly lower at gestational weeks 10, 25, and 28 in women who later developed preeclampsia than in normal pregnant women (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data indicates that HRG levels in plasma might be a possible biomarker already in gestational week 10 for prediction of later onset of preeclampsia in a low risk population.
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| 2. |
- Padhan, Narendra, et al.
(författare)
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High sensitivity isoelectric focusing to establish a signaling biomarker for the diagnosis of human colorectal cancer
- 2016
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Ingår i: BMC Cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2407. ; 16
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) involves recurrent amplifications/mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and downstream signal transducers of the Ras pathway, KRAS and BRAF. Whether genetic events predicted to result in increased and constitutive signaling indeed lead to enhanced biological activity is often unclear and, due to technical challenges, unexplored. Here, we investigated proliferative signaling in CRC using a highly sensitive method for protein detection. The aim of the study was to determine whether multiple changes in proliferative signaling in CRC could be combined and exploited as a "complex biomarker" for diagnostic purposes. Methods: We used robotized capillary isoelectric focusing as well as conventional immunoblotting for the comprehensive analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathways converging on extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), AKT, phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLC gamma 1) and c-SRC in normal mucosa compared with CRC stage II and IV. Computational analyses were used to test different activity patterns for the analyzed signal transducers. Results: Signaling pathways implicated in cell proliferation were differently dysregulated in CRC and, unexpectedly, several were downregulated in disease. Thus, levels of activated ERK1 (pERK1), but not pERK2, decreased in stage II and IV while total ERK1/2 expression remained unaffected. In addition, c-SRC expression was lower in CRC compared with normal tissues and phosphorylation on the activating residue Y418 was not detected. In contrast, PLC gamma 1 and AKT expression levels were elevated in disease. Immunoblotting of the different signal transducers, run in parallel to capillary isoelectric focusing, showed higher variability and lower sensitivity and resolution. Computational analyses showed that, while individual signaling changes lacked predictive power, using the combination of changes in three signaling components to create a "complex biomarker" allowed with very high accuracy, the correct diagnosis of tissues as either normal or cancerous. Conclusions: We present techniques that allow rapid and sensitive determination of cancer signaling that can be used to differentiate colorectal cancer from normal tissue.
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| 3. |
- Rolny, Charlotte, et al.
(författare)
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HRG Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Inducing Macrophage Polarization and Vessel Normalization through Downregulation of PIGF
- 2011
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Ingår i: Cancer Cell. - : Elsevier BV. - 1535-6108 .- 1878-3686. ; 19:1, s. 31-44
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to a proangiogenic/immune-suppressive (M2-like) phenotype and abnormal, hypoperfused vessels are hallmarks of malignancy, but their molecular basis and interrelationship remains enigmatic. We report that the host-produced histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) inhibits tumor growth and metastasis, while improving chemotherapy. By skewing TAM polarization away from the M2- to a tumor-inhibiting M1-like phenotype, HRG promotes antitumor immune responses and vessel normalization, effects known to decrease tumor growth and metastasis and to enhance chemotherapy. Skewing of TAM polarization by HAG relies substantially on downregulation of placental growth factor (PIGF). Besides unveiling an important role for TAM polarization in tumor vessel abnormalization, and its regulation by HRG/PIGF, these findings offer therapeutic opportunities for anticancer and antiangiogenic treatment.
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| 4. |
- Giordanetto, Fabrizio, et al.
(författare)
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Design of Selective sPLA2-X Inhibitor (-)-2-{2-[Carbamoyl-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1 H-indol-1-yl]pyridine-2-yl}propanoic Acid
- 2018
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Ingår i: ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters. - : American Chemical Society. - 1948-5875. ; 9:7, s. 600-605
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A lead generation campaign identified indole-based sPLA2-X inhibitors with a promising selectivity profile against other sPLA2 isoforms. Further optimization of sPLA2 selectivity and metabolic stability resulted in the design of (-)-17, a novel, potent, and selective sPLA2-X inhibitor with an exquisite pharmacokinetic profile characterized by high absorption and low clearance, and low toxicological risk. Compound (-)-17 was tested in an ApoE-/- murine model of atherosclerosis to evaluate the effect of reversible, pharmacological sPLA2-X inhibition on atherosclerosis development. Despite being well tolerated and achieving adequate systemic exposure of mechanistic relevance, (-)-17 did not significantly affect circulating lipid and lipoprotein biomarkers and had no effect on coronary function or histological markers of atherosclerosis.
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| 5. |
- Graf, Wilhelm, et al.
(författare)
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Results after sacral nerve stimulation for chronic constipation
- 2015
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Ingår i: Neurogastroenterology and Motility. - : Wiley. - 1350-1925 .- 1365-2982. ; 27:5, s. 734-739
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Sacral nerve stimulation is an established treatment for fecal incontinence and initial reports describe successful results also in subjects with chronic constipation.METHODS: Consecutive patients with slow transit or outlet obstruction type constipation were offered external stimulation through a test electrode inserted in a sacral foramen during a 3-week period. The symptomatic evaluation was based on the number of bowel movements and a validated obstructed defecation score (ODS). A permanent implant was performed provided an overall 50% decrease in symptoms was observed.KEY RESULTS: In total, 44 patients with chronic constipation were treated with a 3-week test stimulation. Fifteen experienced a 50% reduction of symptoms and received a permanent implant. Four of the 15 with permanent implants were explanted during the course of the study. Five subjects (11% of original group) reported sustained symptom relief at final follow-up after a mean of 24 months (range 4-81). Mean ODS score did not change during the treatment. Patients with predominantly slow transit constipation or outlet obstruction did not differ concerning success rate.CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Sacral nerve stimulation has limited efficacy in unselected patients with chronic constipation and cannot be recommended for treatment on routine basis.
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| 6. |
- Jerregård, Helena, et al.
(författare)
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Fibroblast-like cells from rat plantar skin and neurotrophin-transfected 3T3 fibroblasts influence neurite growth from rat sensory neurons in vitro
- 2001
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Ingår i: Journal of Neurocytology. - 0300-4864 .- 1573-7381. ; 29:9, s. 653-663
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Our previous finding that skin-derived and muscle-derived molecules can be used to sort regenerating rat sciatic nerve axons evoked questions concerning neuron-target interactions at the level of single cells, which prompted the present study. The results show that dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons co-cultured with fibroblast-like skin-derived cells emit many neurites. These have a proximal linear segment and a distal network of beaded branches in direct relation to skin-derived cells. Electron microscopic examination of such co-cultures showed bundles of neurites at some distance from the target cells and single profiles closely apposed to subjacent cells. RNase protection assay revealed that cultivated skin-derived cells express nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4). In co-cultures of DRG neurons and 3T3 fibroblasts overexpressing either of the neurotrophins produced by skin-derived cells the picture varied. NT-3 transfected 3T3 fibroblasts gave a growth pattern similar to that seen with skin-derived cells. Neurons co-cultured with mock-transfected 3T3 fibroblasts were small and showed weak neurite growth. In co-cultures with a membrane insert between skin-derived cells or 3T3 fibroblasts and DRG neurons few neurons survived and neurite growth was very sparse. We conclude that skin-derived cells stimulate neurite growth from sensory neurons in vitro, that these cells produce NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4 and that 3T3 fibroblasts producing NT-3 mimic the effect of skin-derived cells on sensory neurons in co-culture. Finally the results suggest that cell surface molecules are important for neuritogenesis.
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| 7. |
- Sterpu, Irene, et al.
(författare)
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The association of second trimester biomarkers in amniotic fluid and fetal outcome
- 2019
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Ingår i: The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. - : TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 1476-7058 .- 1476-4954. ; 32:21, s. 3627-3632
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To identify the level of amniotic fluid lactate (AFL), placental growth factor (PLGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at second trimester amniocentesis, and to compare levels in normal pregnancies with pregnancies ending in a miscarriage, an intrauterine growth restricted fetus (IUGR) or decreased fetal movements.Study design: A prospective cohort study. Amniotic fluid was consecutively collected at amniocentesis in 106 pregnancies. Fetal wellbeing at delivery was evaluated from medical files and compared with the levels of AFL, VEGF, and PLGF at the time of amniocentesis.Results: The median level of AFL was 6.9 mmol/l, VEGF 0.088 pg/ml, and PLGF 0.208 pg/ml. The median levels of AFL in pregnancies ended in miscarriage were significantly higher (10.7 mmol/l) compared to those with a live new-born (6.9 mmol/L, p = .02). The levels of VEGF (p = .2) and PLGF (p = .7) were not affected. In pregnancies with an IUGR, the median level of AFL was higher compared to those with normal fetal growth (p = .003). No differences VEGF (p = .5), but significant lower PLGF were found in IUGR pregnancies (p = .03).Conclusions: Pregnancies ending in a miscarriage or with IUGR had significantly higher median values of AFL but lower values of PLGF in the amniotic fluid at the time of second trimester amniocentesis compared to normal pregnancies.
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| 8. |
- Tugues, Sònia, et al.
(författare)
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Histidine-Rich Glycoprotein Uptake and Turnover Is Mediated by Mononuclear Phagocytes.
- 2014
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 9:9, s. e107483-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is implicated in tumor growth and metastasis by regulation of angiogenesis and inflammation. HRG is produced by hepatocytes and carried to tissues via the circulation. We hypothesized that HRG's tissue distribution and turnover may be mediated by inflammatory cells. Biodistribution parameters were analyzed by injection of radiolabeled, bioactive HRG in the circulation of healthy and tumor-bearing mice. 125I-HRG was cleared rapidly from the blood and taken up in tissues of healthy and tumor-bearing mice, followed by degradation, to an increased extent in the tumor-bearing mice. Steady state levels of HRG in the circulation were unaffected by the tumor disease both in murine tumor models and in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Importantly, stromal pools of HRG, detected in human CRC microarrays, were associated with inflammatory cells. In agreement, microautoradiography identified 125I-HRG in blood vessels and on CD45-positive leukocytes in mouse tissues. Moreover, radiolabeled HRG bound in a specific, heparan sulfate-independent manner, to differentiated human monocytic U937 cells in vitro. Suppression of monocyte differentiation by systemic treatment of mice with anti-colony stimulating factor-1 neutralizing antibodies led to reduced blood clearance of radiolabeled HRG and to accumulation of endogenous HRG in the blood. Combined, our data show that mononuclear phagocytes have specific binding sites for HRG and that these cells are essential for uptake of HRG from blood and distribution of HRG in tissues. Thereby, we confirm and extend our previous report that inflammatory cells mediate the effect of HRG on tumor growth and metastatic spread.
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| 9. |
- Åkerud, Peter
(författare)
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GDNF family ligands and neural stem cells in Parkinson's disease
- 2001
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a very common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by a progressive degeneration of mainly nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons leading to tremor, rigidity and hypokinesia, the classical symptoms of the disease. Degeneration of noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus are also involved in the progression of the disease, causing dementia and depression. The cause of the selective degeneration of specific populations of neurons in P1) is unknown, but it has been suggested that an increased oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. The current treatment is based on the substitution of a dopamine precursor, L-DOPA, which was introduced more than 30 years ago. However, there is currently no way of halting the disease progress. New therapeutic strategies are aiming at halting the neurodegenerative process or restoring the system by transplantation of fetal dopamine neurons. We have investigated the potential of the neurotrophic factors Glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDN-F), Neurturin (NTN) and Persephin (PSP), belonging to the GDNF family of ligands, to exert neuroprotection and neuritogenesis on nigral dopamine and locus noradrenaline neurons. We saw both overlapping and differential effects of these ligands in their neurotrophic effects. The pronounced survival effects they all have make them good therapeutic candidates in the treatment of PD. The inability of neurotrophic factors to pass the blood-brain barrier and their potent effects on other cell populations, causing severe side effects by systemic administration, makes it essential to achieve a localized sustained delivery of these proteins to the target cells. We have accomplished this in an ex vivo gene therapy approach by overexpressing GDNF family ligands in neural stem cells (NSCs). The NSCs differentiate upon grafting and adopt local phenotypes. Grafting of these NSCs in the target of the projecting dopaminergic neurons, the striatum, in a lesion model of PD protected many of the dopaminergic cells from degeneration and improved behavioral parameters in the treated animals. In addition to the neuroprotective strategy in treatment of PD, as a replacement strategy we have managed to induce a dopaminergic fate in NSCs. We first overexpressed the transcription factor Nurr1 (required for the dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra) in proliferating NSCs and thereafter incubated the cells with soluble factors from type 1 astrocytes derived from the ventral mesencephalon. This resulted in an induction of more than 80% dopamine producing cells. These cells survived grafting to a low extent, but further improvement in survival must be achieved for these cells to become a realistic alternative to fetal dopaminergic cells.
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