| 1. |
- Bengtsson, Torbjörn, 1955-, et al.
(author)
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Role of the actin cytoskeleton during respiratory burst in chemoattractant-stimulated neutrophils
- 2006
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In: Cell Biology International. - : Wiley. - 1065-6995 .- 1095-8355. ; 30:2, s. 154-163
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to clarify the role of the actin cytoskeleton during chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLF)-stimulated respiratory burst in human neutrophil granulocytes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured as luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL) and F-actin content as bodipy phallacidin fluorescence in neutrophils treated with latrunculin B or jasplakinolide, an inhibitor and activator of actin polymerization, respectively. Latrunculin B markedly decreased, whereas jasplakinolide increased, the F-actin content in neutrophils, unstimulated or stimulated with fMLF. Latrunculin B enhanced the fMLF-triggered ROS-production more than tenfold. Jasplakinolide initially inhibited the fMLF-induced CL-response, however, caused a potent second sustained phase (>400% of control). Both actin drugs triggered a substantial CL-response when added 5-25 min after fMLF. This was also valid for chemotactic doses of fMLF, where latrunculin B and jasplakinolide amplified the ROS-production 5-10 times. By using specific signal transduction inhibitors, we found that the NADPH oxidase activation triggered by destabilization of the actin cytoskeleton occurs downstream of phospholipase C and protein kinase C but is mediated by Rho GTPases and tyrosine phosphorylation. In conclusion, rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton are a prerequisite in connecting ligand/receptor activation, generation of second messengers and assembly of the NADPH oxidase in neutrophil granulocytes. © 2005 International Federation for Cell Biology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 2. |
- Enocsson, Helena, et al.
(author)
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Interferon-alpha Mediates Suppression of C-Reactive Protein Explanation for Muted C-Reactive Protein Response in Lupus Flares?
- 2009
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In: Arthritis and Rheumatism. - : Wiley. - 0004-3591 .- 1529-0131. ; 60:12, s. 3755-3760
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. C-reactive protein (CRP) is synthesized by hepatocytes in response to interleukin-6 (IL-6) during inflammation. Despite raised IL-6 levels and extensive systemic inflammation, serum CRP levels remain low during most viral infections and disease flares of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Because both viral infections and SLE are characterized by high levels of interferon-alpha (IFN alpha), the aim of this study was to determine whether this cytokine can inhibit the induction of CRP. Methods. The interference of all 12 IFN alpha subtypes with CRP promoter activity induced by IL-6 and IL-1 beta was studied in a CRP promoter- and luciferase reporter-transfected human hepatoma cell line, Hep-G2. CRIP secretion by primary human hepatocytes was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. CRP promoter activity was inhibited by all single IFN alpha subtypes, as well as by 2 different mixtures of biologically relevant IFN alpha subtypes. The most prominent effect was seen using a leukocyte-produced mixture of IFN alpha (56% inhibition at 1,000 IU/ml). The inhibitory effect of IFN alpha was confirmed in primary human hepatocytes. CRP promoter inhibition was dose dependent and mediated via the type I IFN receptor. Transferrin production and Hep-G2 proliferation/viability were not affected by IFN alpha. Conclusion. The current study demonstrates that IFN alpha is an inhibitor of CRP promoter activity and CRP secretion. This finding concords with previous observations of up-regulated IFN alpha and a muted CRP response during SLE disease flares. Given the fundamental role of both IFN alpha and CRP in the immune response, our results are of importance for understanding the pathogenesis of SLE and may also contribute to understanding the differences in the CRP response between viral and bacterial infections.
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| 3. |
- Hansson, Kenny, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Surface plasmon resonance detection of blood coagulation and platelet adhesion under venous and arterial shear conditions.
- 2007
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In: Biosensors & bioelectronics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0956-5663 .- 1873-4235. ; 23:2, s. 261-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based flow chamber device was designed for real time detection of blood coagulation and platelet adhesion in platelet rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood. The system allowed the detection of surface interactions throughout the 6mm length of the flow chamber. After deposition of thromboplastin onto a section of the sensor surface near the inlet of the flow chamber, coagulation was detected downstream of this position corresponding to a SPR signal of 7 to 8 mRIU (7 to 8 ng/mm2). A nonmodified control surface induced coagulation 3.5 times slower. Platelet adhesion to gold and fibrinogen coated surfaces in the magnitude of 1.25 and 1.66 mRIU was also shown with platelets in buffer, respectively. SPR responses obtained with PRP and whole blood on surfaces that were methylated or coated with von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen, or collagen, coincided well with platelet adhesion as observed with fluorescence microscopy in parallel experiments. The present SPR detection equipped flow chamber system is a promising tool for studies on coagulation events and blood cell adhesion under physiological flow conditions, and allows monitoring of short-range surface processes in whole blood.
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| 4. |
- Hansson, Kenny, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Whole blood coagulation on protein adsorption-resistant PEG and peptide functionalised PEG-coated titanium surfaces.
- 2005
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In: Biomaterials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0142-9612 .- 1878-5905. ; 26:8, s. 861-72
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate whole blood coagulation on low blood plasma protein adsorbing surfaces. For this purpose, the polycationic graft copolymer poly(L-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL-g-PEG), PLL-g-PEG grafted with a cell adhesive peptide containing the amino acid sequence -Arg-Gly-Asp- (RGD), and PLL-g-PEG with a control peptide -Arg-Asp-Gly- (RDG) were adsorbed onto titanium (oxide), forming stable monomolecular adlayers through electrostatic attraction. Free oscillation rheometry and complementary techniques were used to measure the coagulation time (CT) and other interactions of the surfaces with native whole blood, recalcified platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and recalcified citrated platelet-free plasma (PFP). The results show that the uncoated titanium surfaces (reference) activated platelets and quickly triggered the coagulation cascade via the intrinsic pathway, whereas the PLL-g-PEG surfaces displayed a prolonged CT, approximately 2-3 times longer compared to uncoated titanium. We hypothesise that blood coagulates outside the vascular system independent of low protein adsorption to or activation by surfaces, due to the absence of an active down-regulation of procoagulative processes by the vascular endothelium.
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| 5. |
- Pettersson, Sofia, 1977-
(author)
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Biodegradable gelatin microcarriers in tissue engineering : In vitro studies on cartilage and bone
- 2009
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines cells, biomaterial scaffolds and environmental factors to achieve functional tissue repair. This thesis focuses on the use of macroporous gelatin microcarriers as scaffolds in tissue engineering applications, with a special focus on cartilage and bone formation by human adult cells in vitro.In our first study, human articular chondrocytes were seeded on macroporous gelatin microcarriers. The microcarriers were subsequently encapsulated in coagulated blood-derived biological glues and cultured under free-swelling conditions for up to 17 weeks. Even in the absence of recombinant chondrogenic growth factors, the chondrocytes remained viable and metabolically active for the duration of the culture period, as indicated by an increased amount of cell nuclei and extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM showed several cartilage characteristics, but lacked the cartilage specific collagen type II. Furthermore, ECM formation was seen primarily in a capsule surrounding the tissue-engineered constructs, leading to the conclusion that the used in vitro models were unable to support true cartilage formation.The capacity of human dermal fibroblasts to produce cartilage- and bone-like tissue in the previously mentioned model was also investigated. Under the influence of chondrogenic induction factors, including TGF-β1 and insulin, the fibroblasts produced cartilage specific molecules, as confirmed by indirect immunohistochemistry, however not collagen type II. Under osteogenic induction, by dexamethasone, ascorbate-2-phosphate and β–glycerophosphate, the fibroblasts formed a calcified matrix with bone specific markers, and an alkaline phosphatase assay corroborated a shift towards an osteoblast like phenotype. The osteogenic induction was enhanced by flow-induced shear stress in a spinner flask system.In addition, four different types of gelatin microcarriers, differing by their internal pore diameter and their degree of gelatin cross-linking, were evaluated for their ability to support chondrocyte expansion. Chondrocyte densities on the microcarriers were monitored every other day over a twoweek period, and chondrocyte growth was analyzed by piecewise linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA). No differences were seen between the different microcarriers during the first week. However, during the second week of culture both microcarrier pore diameter and gelatin crosslinking had significant impacts on chondrocyte density.Lastly, a dynamic centrifugation regime (f=12.5 mHz for 16 minutes every other day) was administered to chondrocyte-seeded microcarriers, with or without encapsulation in platelet rich plasma (PRP), to study the possible effect of dynamic stimuli on cartilage formation. Presence of PRP enhanced the structural stability of the tissue-engineered constructs, but we were not able to confirm any dose-response pattern between ECM formation and the applied forces. After 12 weeks, distinct gelatin degradation had occurred independent of both dynamic stimuli and presence of PRP.In summary, this thesis supports a plausible use for gelatin microcarriers in tissue engineering of cartilage and bone. Microcarrier characteristics, specifically gelatin cross-linking and pore diameter, have been shown to affect chondrocyte expansion. In addition, the use of human dermal fibroblasts as an alternative cell source for cartilage and bone formation in vitro was addressed.
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| 6. |
- Pettersson, Sofia, et al.
(author)
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Human articular chondrocytes on macroporous gelatin microcarriers form structurally stable constructs with blood-derived biological glues in vitro.
- 2009
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In: Journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1932-7005 .- 1932-6254. ; 3:6, s. 450-60
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Biodegradable macroporous gelatin microcarriers fixed with blood-derived biodegradable glue are proposed as a delivery system for human autologous chondrocytes. Cell-seeded microcarriers were embedded in four biological glues-recalcified citrated whole blood, recalcified citrated plasma with or without platelets, and a commercially available fibrin glue-and cultured in an in vitro model under static conditions for 16 weeks. No differences could be verified between the commercial fibrin glue and the blood-derived alternatives. Five further experiments were conducted with recalcified citrated platelet-rich plasma alone as microcarrier sealant, using two different in vitro culture models and chondrocytes from three additional donors. The microcarriers supported chondrocyte adhesion and expansion as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Matrix formation occurred predominantly at sample surfaces under the static conditions. The presence of microcarriers proved essential for the glues to support the structural takeover of ECM proteins produced by the embedded chondrocytes, as exclusion of the microcarriers resulted in unstable structures that dissolved before matrix formation could occur. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of SOX-9- and S-100-positive chondrocytes as well as the production of aggrecan and collagen type I, but not of the cartilage-specific collagen type II. These results imply that blood-derived glues are indeed potentially applicable for encapsulation of chondrocyte-seeded microcarriers. However, the static in vitro models used in this study proved incapable of supporting cartilage formation throughout the engineered constructs.
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| 7. |
- Shleev, Sergey, et al.
(author)
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Electrochemical characterization and application of azurin-modified gold electrodes for detection of superoxide
- 2006
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In: Biosensors & bioelectronics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0956-5663 .- 1873-4235. ; 22:2, s. 213-219
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A novel biosensor for superoxide radical (O2{radical dot}-) detection based on Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin immobilized on gold electrode was designed. The rate constant of azurin reduction by O2{radical dot}- was found to be 105 M-1 s-1 in solution and five times lower, i.e., 0.2 × 105 M-1 s-1, for azurin coupled to gold by 3,3′-dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidylpropionate) (DTSSP). The electron transfer rate between the protein and the electrode ranged from 2 to 6 s-1. The sensitivity of this biosensor to O2{radical dot}- was 6.8 × 102 A m-2 M-1. The response to the interference substances, such as uric acid, H2O2, and dimethylsulfoxide was negligible below 10 μM. The electrode was applied in three O2{radical dot}- generating systems: (i) xanthine oxidase (XOD), (ii) potassium superoxide (KO2), and (iii) stimulated neutrophil granulocytes. The latter was compared with luminol-amplified chemiluminescence. The biosensor responded to O2{radical dot}- in all three environments, and the signals were antagonized by superoxide dismutase. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 8. |
- Shleev, Sergey, et al.
(author)
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Simultaneous use of electrochemistry and chemiluminescence to detect reactive oxygen species produced by human neutrophils
- 2008
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In: Cell Biology International. - : Wiley. - 1065-6995 .- 1095-8355. ; 32:12, s. 1486-1496
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A novel approach for the simultaneous optical and electrochemical detection of biologically produced reactive oxygen species has been developed and applied. The set-up consists of a luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay combined with two amperometric biosensors sensitive to superoxide anion radicals (O-2(center dot-))and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), respectively. The method permits direct, real-time in vitro determination of both extra-and intracellular O-2(center dot-) and H2O2 produced by human neutrophil granulocytes. The rate of O-2(center dot-) production by stimulated neutrophils was calculated to about 10(-17) mol s(-1) per single cell. With inhibited NADPH oxidase, a distinct extracellular release of H2O2 instead of O-2(center dot-) was obtained from stimulated neutrophils with the rate of about 3 . 10(-18) mol s(-1) per single cell. When the H2O2 release was discontinued, fast H2O2 utilisation was observed. Direct interaction with and possibly attachment of neutrophils to redox protein-modified gold electrodes, resulted in a spontaneous respiratory burst in the population of cells closely associated to the electrode surface. Hence, further stimulation of human neutrophils with a potent receptor agonist (fMLF) did not significantly increase the O-2(center dot-) sensitive amperometric response. By contrast, the H2O2 sensitive biosensor, based on an HRP-modified graphite electrode, was able to reflect the bulk concentration of H2O2, produced by stimulated neutrophils and would be very useful in modestly equipped biomedical research laboratories. In summary, the system would also be appropriate for assessment of several other metabolites in different cell types, and tissues of varying complexity, with only minor electrode modifications.
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| 9. |
- Sjöwall, Christoffer, 1975-, et al.
(author)
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Pathogenic implications for autoantibodies against C-reactive protein and other acute phase proteins
- 2007
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In: Clinica Chimica Acta. - : Elsevier BV. - 0009-8981 .- 1873-3492. ; 378:1-2, s. 13-23
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic rheumatic disease characterized clinically by multiorgan involvement and serologically by the occurrence of antinuclear antibodies. SLE patients may present with multiple autoantibodies to cytoplasmic and cell surface antigens as well as to circulating plasma proteins. Another feature of SLE is that serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) often remain low despite high disease activity and despite high levels of other acute phase proteins and interleukin-6, i.e. the main CRP inducing cytokine. Apart from its important role as a laboratory marker of inflammation, CRP attracts increasing interest due to its many intriguing biological functions, one of which is a role as an opsonin contributing to the elimination of apoptotic cell debris, e.g. nucleosomes, thereby preventing immunization against autoantigens. Recently, autoantibodies against CRP and other acute phase proteins have been reported in certain rheumatic conditions, including SLE. Although the presence of anti-CRP autoantibodies does not explain the failed CRP response in SLE, antibodies directed against acute phase proteins have several implications of pathogenetic interest. This paper thus highlights the biological and clinical aspects of native and monomeric CRP and anti-CRP, as well as autoantibodies against mannose-binding lectin, serum amyloid A and serum amyloid P component. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 10. |
- Sjöwall, Christopher, et al.
(author)
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Serum levels of autoantibodies against C-reactive protein correlate with renal disease activity and response to therapy in lupus nephritis
- 2009
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In: Arthritis Research & Therapy. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-6362 .- 1478-6354. ; 11:6, s. R188-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) seldom reflect disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We have previously shown that autoantibodies against neo-epitopes of CRP often occur in SLE, but that this does not explain the modest CRP response seen in flares. However, we have repeatedly found that anti-CRP levels parallel lupus disease activity, with highest levels in patients with renal involvement; thus, we aimed to study anti-CRP in a material of well-characterized lupus nephritis patients. Methods Thirty-eight patients with lupus nephritis were included. Treatment with corticosteroids combined with cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil or rituximab was started after baseline kidney biopsy. A second biopsy was taken after ≥ 6 months. Serum creatinine, cystatin C, complement, anti-dsDNA, anti-CRP and urinalysis were done on both occasions. Biopsies were evaluated regarding World Health Organisation (WHO) class and indices of activity and chronicity. Renal disease activity was estimated using the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index. Results At baseline, 34/38 patients had renal BILAG-A; 4/38 had BILAG-B. Baseline biopsies showed WHO class III (n = 8), IV (n = 19), III to IV/V (n = 3) or V (n = 8) nephritis. Seventeen out of 38 patients were anti-CRP-positive at baseline, and six at follow-up. Overall, anti-CRP levels had dropped at follow-up (P < 0.0001) and anti-CRP levels correlated with renal BILAG (r = 0.29, P = 0.012). A positive anti-CRP test at baseline was superior to anti-dsDNA and C1q in predicting poor response to therapy as judged by renal BILAG. Baseline anti-CRP levels correlated with renal biopsy activity (r = 0.33, P = 0.045), but not with chronicity index. Anti-CRP levels were positively correlated with anti-dsDNA (fluorescence-enhanced immunoassay: r = 0.63, P = 0.0003; Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence microscopy test: r = 0.44, P < 0.0001), and inversely with C3 (r = 0.35, P = 0.007) and C4 (r = 0.29, P = 0.02), but not with C1q (r = 0.14, P = 0.24). No associations with urinary components, creatinine, cystatin C or the glomerular filtration rate were found. Conclusions In the present study, we demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between anti-CRP levels and histopathological activity in lupus nephritis, whereas a baseline positive anti-CRP test predicted poor response to therapy. Our data also confirm previous findings of associations between anti-CRP and disease activity. This indicates that anti-CRP could be helpful to assess disease activity and response to therapy in SLE nephritis, and highlights the hypothesis of a pathogenetic role for anti-CRP antibodies in lupus nephritis.
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| 11. |
- Sjöwall, Christoffer, et al.
(author)
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Solid-phase classical complement activation by C-reactive protein (CRP) is inhibited by fluid-phase CRP-C1q interaction.
- 2007
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In: Biochemical and biophysical research communications. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-291X .- 1090-2104. ; 352:1, s. 251-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- C-reactive protein (CRP) interacts with phosphorylcholine (PC), Fcgamma receptors, complement factor C1q and cell nuclear constituents, yet its biological roles are insufficiently understood. The aim was to characterize CRP-induced complement activation by ellipsometry. PC conjugated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (PC-KLH) was immobilized to cross-linked fibrinogen. A low-CRP serum with different amounts of added CRP was exposed to the PC-surfaces. The total serum protein deposition was quantified and deposition of IgG, C1q, C3c, C4, factor H, and CRP detected with polyclonal antibodies. The binding of serum CRP to PC-KLH dose-dependently triggered activation of the classical pathway. Unexpectedly, the activation was efficiently down-regulated at CRP levels > 150 mg/L. Using radial immunodiffusion, CRP-C1q interaction was observed in serum samples with high CRP concentrations. We propose that the underlying mechanism depends on fluid-phase interaction between C1q and CRP. This might constitute another level of complement regulation, which has implications for systemic lupus erythematosus where CRP is often low despite flare-ups.
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| 12. |
- Skoglund, Caroline, 1981-, et al.
(author)
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C-reactive protein and C1q regulate platelet adhesion and activation on adsorbed immunoglobulin G and albumin.
- 2008
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In: Immunology and cell biology. - : Wiley. - 0818-9641 .- 1440-1711. ; 86:5, s. 466-74
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Blood platelets and C-reactive protein (CRP) are both used clinically as markers of ongoing inflammation, and both participate actively in inflammatory responses, although the biological effects are still incompletely understood. Rapidly adhering platelets express receptors for complement factor 1q (C1q) and the Fc part of immunoglobulin G (IgG), and CRP is known to activate/regulate complement via C1q binding, and to ligate FcgammaRs. In the present study, we used normal human IgG pre-adsorbed to a well-characterized methylated surface as a model solid-phase immune complex when investigating the effects of CRP and C1q on platelet adhesion and activation. Protein adsorption was characterized using ellipsometry and polyclonal antibodies, and human serum albumin (HSA) and non-coated surfaces were used as reference surfaces. Platelet adhesion to IgG and HSA was inhibited by both C1q and CRP. Furthermore, CRP (moderately) and C1q (markedly) decreased the spreading of adhering platelets. The combination of C1q and CRP was slightly more potent in reducing cell adhesion to IgG, and also impaired the adhesion to HSA and non-coated surfaces. Platelet production of thromboxane B2 (TXB(2)) was also reduced by C1q both in the presence and absence of CRP, whereas CRP alone had no effect on TXB(2) production. We conclude that CRP and C1q regulate the behaviour of platelets, and that this may be an important immunoregulatory mechanism during inflammatory conditions.
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| 13. |
- Skoglund, Caroline, 1981-, et al.
(author)
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C-reactive protein inhibit complement-mediated platelet activation suggesting a protective role in atherogenesis
- 2006
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In: Atherosclerosis Supplements. - Clare, Ireland : Elsevier. - 1567-5688 .- 1878-5050. ; 7:3, s. 284-284
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Objective: C-reactive protein (CRP) represents a powerful predictor of coro- nary artery disease. However, its physiological role is not fully understood. The binding of CRP to its ligand phosphorylcholine (PC) activates the com- plement system via the classical pathway, although limited to the initial stages, i.e. no membrane attack complex is formed. The aim of this study was to chaxacterize CRP-induced complement activation on PC-coated surfaces, and to investigate the regulatory effects of PC-bound crp on complement induced platelet activation.Methods: PC conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin was immobilized to cross-linked fibrinogen on silica particles. Ellipsometry and polyclonal anti- bodies were used to quantify deposition of serum proteins, complement factors and CRP on the surfaces. Washed platelets as well as serum were prepared according to standard protocols. CRP concentrations were measured with a high sensitivity assay. Lumi-aggregometry was used to evaluate the effects of PC-coated particles and CRP on complement-induced platelet aggregation and secretion.Results: Serum (5%) induced platelet aggregation and secretion through complement-dependent mechanisms. PC-coated particles antagonized the complement-mediated platelet activation but only if CRP was present. Inter- estingly, we found that a minor elevation of CRR below 5 rag/1 was sufficient to inhibit platelet activation.Conclusions: We suggest that CRP bound to PC-expressing ligands, e.g. bacteria or modified low-density lipoproteins in an atherosclerotic lesion, modulate complement activation and thereby prevent a harmful platelet activation.
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| 14. |
- Wetterö, Jonas, et al.
(author)
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A cellular imaging CDIO project for 2nd semester students in engineering biology
- 2006
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In: World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education. - 1446-2257. ; 5:2, s. 279-282
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The demand for exact engineering within the life sciences is growing and the Engineering Biology programme at Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden, prepares students for a career at this interface. Conceive – Design – Implement – Operate (CDIO) was recently pioneered in an introductory project course. Groups of six to seven students apply a LIPS scalable project model from traditional engineering educational environments on, for example, a cellular imaging task in a hospital setting, prior to taking courses in cell biology/optics. Besides facilitating the implementation of CDIO in higher courses, students gain early career insight and enhance their communication skills. A customer (senior teacher) needs to visualise structures in cells, and the student group is contracted to deliver an applied and optimised method to meet specified requirements. The customer reviews deliverables before the tollgates and communicates with the student project leader. Other students are responsible for documentation and subsystems. The project is allocated laboratory facilities and hardware, and two fictitious subcontractors supply samples and consumables. Extra teachers perform supervision and methodological consultation. In summary, CDIO is indeed applicable and rewarding in cellular imaging, yet is also challenging.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Wetterö, Jonas, et al.
(author)
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Reduced serum levels of autoantibodies against monomeric C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with acute coronary syndrome
- 2009
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In: Clinica Chimica Acta. - : Elsevier BV. - 0009-8981 .- 1873-3492. ; 400:1-2, s. 128-131
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Inflammation is pivotal in atherosclerosis. Minor C-reactive protein (CRP) response reflects low-grade vascular inflammation and the high-sensitivity CRP test with levels >= 3.0 mg/l predicts coronary vascular events and survival in angina pectoris as well as in healthy subjects. We and others recently reported autoantibodies against monomeric CRP (anti-CRP) in rheumatic conditions, e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and a connection between anti-CRP and cardiovascular disease in SLE has been suggested. Patients and methods: Anti-CRP serum levels were determined with ELISA in 140 individuals; 50 healthy controls and 90 patients with angiographically verified coronary artery disease of which 40 presented with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 50 with stable angina pectoris (SA). Results: Significantly lower anti-CRP levels were observed in ACS compared to SA and controls (p=0.019). ACS patients, who had not been prescribed statins before their respective cardiovascular event, had lower anti-CRP (p = 0.049). BMI correlated directly to anti-CRP levels in cross section analysis (p = 0.043), but there was no association between anti-CRP and smoking or cholesterol. Discussion: In ACS, it is plausible that ruptured plaques and inflamed tissue may be more prone to opsonization by monomeric CRP leading to consumption of anti-CRP, Hypothetically, surface-bound anti-CRP could thereby enhance the local inflammation in plaques.
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