tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
IDIOTYPY OF RABBIT ANTIBODIES
Authors: Jacques Oudin, Mauricette Michel
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1969)

Sera of rabbits immunized against Salmonella typhi have been studied for the idiotypy of certain of their components, i.e., the property of these components to possess an antigenic specificity which is different in individual rabbits, and which varies with the antigens against which these rabbits have been immunized. The reagent used (precipitating anti-idiotypic sera) have been prepared by injecting rabbits with bacteria agglutinated by anti-S. typhi sera (immunizing sera) as was done in the first observations by the authors of the phenomenon in the rabbit. These first observations have been confirmed and extended. In contrast to allotypy, the anti-idiotypic sera precipitate the corresponding immunizing sera, but not the sera taken in the immunizing rabbits prior to their immunization against S. typhi, nor the immunizing sera absorbed with the somatic antigen of S. typhi, demonstrating that idiotypes are antibodies. The idiotypic specificities of the antibodies of one rabbit against S. typhi are not detected in the antibodies of the same rabbit against another noncross-reacting Salmonella (S. tranoroa) and vice versa; nor are they detected in the anti-pneumococcal antibodies of the same rabbit. Each anti-idiotypic serum fails to precipitate anti-S. typhi sera of rabbits other than the immunizing one except for certain extremely faint reactions, the significance of which has not been established. The idiotypic specificities of anti-S. typhi antibodies of three rabbits were not found in anti-S. typhi antibodies of their parents. This lack of a sign of hereditary transmission of idiotypic specificities contrasts with allotypy. The apparent role of random chance in the determinism of the idiotypic patterns or of the idiotypic determinants has been discussed. Unless it were admitted that antibodies with similar functions do not exist in different individuals, idiotypy apparently adds an order of magnitude to the antibody variability which had been previously envisaged. In one given individual, the heterogeneity of the idiotypic specificities seems to be less extended than that of the antibody functions. The possible relationships between these two levels of molecular variability and between the corresponding levels of cellular variability have been discussed.
Increased Apical Targeting of Renal Epithelial Sodium Channel Subunits and Decreased Expression of Type 2 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Rats with CCl4-Induced Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Soo Wan Kim, Uffe K. Schou, Christian D. Peters, Sophie de Seigneux, Tae-Hwan Kwon, Mark A. Knepper, Thomas E.N. Jonassen, Jørgen Frøki, Søren Nielsen
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2005)

It was hypothesized that dysregulation of renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) subunits and/or 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11betaHSD2) may play a role in the increased sodium retention in liver cirrhosis (LC). Experimental LC was induced in rats by CCl(4) (1 ml/kg, intraperitoneally, twice a week) for 12 wk (protocol 1) or for 11 wk (protocol 2). In both protocols, one group of rats with cirrhosis showed significantly decreased urinary sodium excretion and urinary Na/K ratio (group A), whereas a second group exhibited normal urinary sodium excretion (group B) compared with controls, even though extensive ascites was seen in both groups of rats with cirrhosis. In group A, protein abundance of alpha-ENaC was unchanged, whereas beta-ENaC abundance was decreased in the cortex/outer stripe of outer medulla compared with controls. The gamma-ENaC underwent a complex change associated with increased abundance of the 70-kD band with a concomitant decrease in the main 85-kD band, corresponding to an aldosterone effect. In contrast, no changes in the abundance of ENaC subunit were observed in group B. Immunoperoxidase microscopy revealed an increased apical targeting of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-ENaC subunits in distal convoluted tubule (DCT2), connecting tubule (CNT), and cortical and medullary collecting duct segments in group A but not in group B. Immunolabeling intensity of 11betaHSD2 in the DCT2, CNT, and cortical collecting duct was significantly reduced in group A but not in group B, and this was confirmed by immunoblotting. In conclusion, increased apical targeting of ENaC subunits combined with diminished abundance of 11betaHSD2 in the DCT2, CNT, and cortical collecting duct is likely to play a role in the sodium retaining stage of liver cirrhosis.
Targeting tumorigenesis: development and use of mTOR inhibitors in cancer therapy
Authors: RuiRong Yuan, Andrea Kay, William J Berg, David Lebwohl
Journal: Journal of Hematology & Oncology (2009)

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an intracellular serine/threonine protein kinase positioned at a central point in a variety of cellular signaling cascades. The established involvement of mTOR activity in the cellular processes that contribute to the development and progression of cancer has identified mTOR as a major link in tumorigenesis. Consequently, inhibitors of mTOR, including temsirolimus, everolimus, and ridaforolimus (formerly deforolimus) have been developed and assessed for their safety and efficacy in patients with cancer. Temsirolimus is an intravenously administered agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Everolimus is an oral agent that has recently obtained US FDA and EMEA approval for the treatment of advanced RCC after failure of treatment with sunitinib or sorafenib. Ridaforolimus is not yet approved for any indication. The use of mTOR inhibitors, either alone or in combination with other anticancer agents, has the potential to provide anticancer activity in numerous tumor types. Cancer types in which these agents are under evaluation include neuroendocrine tumors, breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, sarcoma, endometrial cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer. The results of ongoing clinical trials with mTOR inhibitors, as single agents and in combination regimens, will better define their activity in cancer.
Angiotensin-II acts centrally to alter renal sympathetic nerve activity and the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system
Authors: L B. Weekley
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (1991)

Study objective – The aim was to evaluate the influence that centrally administered angiotensin-II has on the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system and renal sympathetic nerve activity. Design – Renal responses to centrally administered angiotensin-II (10 μg) or saralasin (50 μg) were measured in anaesthetised rats. The right kidney was vascularly isolated (but neurally intact) and perfused with artificial plasma at either a constant pressure (13.3 kPa) or constant flow (600 μl·min−1) and renal vascular resistance was measured. Renal perfusate was collected at 10 min intervals after central administration of peptides and intrarenal concentrations of noradrenaline and renin were determined. Subjects – Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (200-225 g) were used. Rats were given thermal (or sham) lesions of the medial basal forebrain (MBF) 24 h prior to renal perfusion studies. Results – Sham lesioned animals: central administration of angiotensin-II caused an increase in renal vascular resistance and intrarenal noradrenaline concentration in both the constant pressure and constant flow renal perfusion models. Central administration of angiotensin-II increased intrarenal renin concentration in the constant pressure model, while it decreased intrarenal renin concentration in the constant flow model. These effects of in-tracerebroventricular angiotensin-II were blocked by the concomitant administration of saralasin. Saralasin had no agonist actions on the responses measured. Medial basal forebrain lesioned animals: baseline levels of intrarenal noradrenaline concentration in both the constant flow and constant pressure perfusion models were significantly reduced compared to sham lesioned rats. Baseline intrarenal renin concentration was increased relative to sham lesioned rats in the constant flow perfusion model, but decreased relative to sham lesioned rats in the constant pressure perfusion model. Lesions of the medial basal forebrain block responses to in-tracerebroventricular angiotensin-II in both models. Conclusions – Angiotensin-II appears to act on neurones within the medial basal forebrain to increase renal sympathetic nerve activity. Renal nerve activity interacts with the prevailing intrarenal pressure to modulate the release of renin.
Health check indicators will reflect local priorities
Authors: Oona Mashta
Journal: BMJ (2008)

The list of indicators used to rate trusts in the annual health checks is set to change in 2008-9 to place more emphasis on local priorities as well as the present national ones, the Healthcare Commission in England has announced.

Nick Jones, deputy head of strategy at the commission, also said that there will be different scores for the provider and commissioning roles of primary care trusts. Speaking at a conference in London last Thursday he said that the changes reflect the government’s aim …
DNA Damage Recognition via Activated ATM and p53 Pathway in Nonproliferating Human Prostate Tissue
Authors: Sari Jäämaa, Taija M. af Hällström, Anna Sankila, Ville Rantanen, Hannu Koistinen, Ulf-Håkan Stenman, Zhewei Zhang, Zhiming Yang, Angelo M. De Marzo, Kimmo Taari, Mirja Ruutu, Leif C. Andersson, Marikki Laiho
Journal: Cancer Research (2010)

DNA damage response (DDR) pathways have been extensively studied in cancer cell lines and mouse models, but little is known about how DNA damage is recognized by different cell types in nonmalignant, slowly replicating human tissues. Here, we assess, using ex vivo cultures of human prostate tissue, DDR caused by cytotoxic drugs (camptothecin, doxorubicin, etoposide, and cisplatin) and ionizing radiation (IR) in the context of normal tissue architecture. Using specific markers for basal and luminal epithelial cells, we determine and quantify cell compartment-specific damage recognition. IR, doxorubicin, and etoposide induced the phosphorylation of H2A.X on Ser(139) (γH2AX) and DNA damage foci formation. Surprisingly, luminal epithelial cells lack the prominent γH2AX response after IR when compared with basal cells, although ATM phosphorylation on Ser(1981) and 53BP1 foci were clearly detectable in both cell types. The attenuated γH2AX response seems to result from low levels of total H2A.X in the luminal cells. Marked increase in p53, a downstream target of the activated ATM pathway, was detected only in response to camptothecin and doxorubicin. These findings emphasize the diversity of pathways activated by DNA damage in slowly replicating tissues and reveal an unexpected deviation in the prostate luminal compartment that may be relevant in prostate tumorigenesis. Detailed mapping of tissue and cell type differences in DDR will provide an outlook of relevant responses to therapeutic strategies.
TNF‐α induces spreading of B‐CLL via the CD11C/CD18 molecule
Authors: Cees Van Kooten, Irma Rensink, Lucien Aarden, Rien Van Oers
Journal: American Journal of Hematology (1993)

Abstract Activation of malignant B cells can lead to extensive morphological changes of these cells. A combination of PMA and TNF‐α can induce adherence of purified B‐CLL cells, which acquire a dendritic cell‐like appearance. This phenomenon that we have termed spreading, is accompanied by upregulation of expression of both β1 and β2 integrin molecules. Spreading was inhibited by the addition of antibodies against CD18 or CD11c. In other B cell malignancies (HCL and NHL), morphological changes could be induced by PMA in the absence of TNF‐α. Culturing in the presence of prednisolone resulted in an inhibition of spreading, most likely mediated via a down regulation of CD18 and CD11c expression. These data indicate that the CD11c/CD18 complex might be important for the adhesive properties of B cells. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fatty Acids and Immune Responses—A New Perspective in Searching for Clues to Mechanism
Authors: Daniel Hwang
Journal: Annual Review of Nutrition (2000)

Dietary essential fatty acids are the precursors for eicosanoids. Among the eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid, prostaglandin (PG) E 2 is known to possess immunosuppressive actions. Thus, it has been a prevailing hypothesis that the immuno-modulatory roles of dietary fatty acids are mediated at least in part through the alteration of PG biosynthesis. PGs exert their biological effects through their cognate receptors. There are four subtypes of PGE receptors (EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4) so far identified. Although the association of EP receptors with G proteins coupled to adenylate cyclase and the mobilization of intracellular calcium are well documented, downstream signaling pathways for these receptors are virtually unknown. Identification of downstream signaling pathways for each subtype of EP receptors and target genes regulated by the activation of the receptor will help with our understanding of the mechanism by which dietary fatty acids affect immune responses through the modulation of PGE 2 biosynthesis. Emerging evidence suggests that fatty acids can additionally act as second messengers, regulators of signal transducing molecules or transcription factors. Acylation with long-chain fatty acids can occur on a variety of signaling molecules and can affect their membrane translocation and functions. Dietary fatty acids can alter functional properties of lipid mediators by changing the composition of acyl moieties of these molecules. Evidence accumulated recently indicates that long-chain unsaturated fatty acids and their metabolites bind and activate peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors (PPARs). PPARs are nuclear hormone receptors and transcription factors that regulate the expression of broad arrays of genes involved not only in lipid and glucose metabolism, but also in immune and inflammatory responses. PPARs may therefore be important cellular targets that mediate modulation of immune responses by dietary fatty acids. Together, it becomes clear now that multiple steps in various receptor-mediated signaling pathways can be modulated by dietary fatty acids. It will be a challenging task to quantitatively determine how different fatty acids alter functional properties of multitude of signaling components and final cellular responses. Elucidating the mechanism of actions of fatty acids on receptor-mediated signaling pathways in immuno-competent cells will provide a new insight for understanding the immuno-modulatory roles of dietary fatty acids.
Status of P2Y12 treatment must be considered in evaluation of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: M. V. Cohen, J. M. Downey
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2015)

We noted with interest the recent publication by the ESC Working Group on pre-clinical assessment of novel cardioprotective therapies.1 Because of the nearly three decades of experimental work which has not yet yielded a single intervention that has been demonstrated to diminish the amount of infarcting myocardium following ischaemia/reperfusion in patients, it is necessary to critically examine the available data to determine where there might be roadblocks. Lecour …
Soluble Carcinoembryonic Antigen Activates Endothelial Cells and Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Kira H. Bramswig, Marina Poettler, Matthias Unseld, Friedrich Wrba, Pavel Uhrin, Wolfgang Zimmermann, Christoph C. Zielinski, Gerald W. Prager
Journal: Cancer Research (2013)

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, CD66e, CEACAM-5) is a cell-surface-bound glycoprotein overexpressed and released by many solid tumors that has an autocrine function in cancer cell survival and differentiation. Soluble CEA released by tumors is present in the circulation of patients with cancer, where it is used as a marker for cancer progression, but whether this form of CEA exerts any effects in the tumor microenvironment is unknown. Here, we present evidence that soluble CEA is sufficient to induce proangiogenic endothelial cell behaviors, including adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and migration in vitro and tumor microvascularization in vivo. CEA-induced activation of endothelial cells was dependent on integrin β-3 signals that activate the focal-adhesion kinase and c-Src kinase and their downstream MAP-ERK kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt effector pathways. Notably, while interference with VEGF signaling had no effect on CEA-induced endothelial cell activation, downregulation with the CEA receptor in endothelial cells attenuated CEA-induced signaling and tumor angiogenesis. Corroborating these results clinically, we found that tumor microvascularization was higher in patients with colorectal cancer exhibiting higher serum levels of soluble CEA. Together, our results elucidate a novel function for soluble CEA in tumor angiogenesis.
Neuroprotective effects of blockers for T-type calcium channels
Authors: Norelle C Wildburger, Avary Lin-Ye, Michelle A Baird, Debin Lei, Jianxin Bao
Journal: Molecular Neurodegeneration (2009)

Cognitive and functional decline with age is correlated with deregulation of intracellular calcium, which can lead to neuronal death in the brain. Previous studies have found protective effects of various calcium channel blockers in pathological conditions. However, little has been done to explore possible protective effects of blockers for T-type calcium channels, which forms a family of FDA approved anti-epileptic drugs. In this study, we found that neurons showed an increase in viability after treatment with either L-type or T-type calcium channel antagonists. The family of low-voltage activated, or T-type calcium channels, comprise of three members (Cav3.1, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3) based on their respective main pore-forming alpha subunits: alpha1G, alpha1H, and alpha1I. Among these three subunits, alpha1H is highly expressed in hippocampus and certain cortical regions. However, T-type calcium channel blockers can protect neurons derived from alpha1H-/- mice, suggesting that neuroprotection demonstrated by these drugs is not through the alpha1H subunit. In addition, blockers for T-type calcium channels were not able to confer any protection to neurons in long-term cultures, while blockers of L-type calcium channels could protect neurons. These data indicate a new function of blockers for T-type calcium channels, and also suggest different mechanisms to regulate neuronal survival by calcium signaling pathways. Thus, our findings have important implications in the development of new treatment for age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Endothelial Dysfunction as a Target for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Daniele Versari, Elena Daghini, Agostino Virdis, Lorenzo Ghiadoni, Stefano Taddei
Journal: Diabetes Care (2009)

The endothelium, once considered a mere selectively permeable barrier between the bloodstream and the outer vascular wall, is now recognized to be a crucial homeostatic organ, fundamental for the regulation of the vascular tone and structure. Indeed, endothelial cells are able to synthesize and secrete a broad spectrum of anti-atherosclerotic substances, the most characterized of which is nitric oxide (NO), a gas that is generated from the metabolism of l-arginine by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), constitutively expressed in endothelial cells (1). Under physiologic conditions, endothelial stimulation induces the production and release of NO, which diffuses to surrounding tissue and cells and exerts its cardiovascular protective role by relaxing media-smooth muscle cells, preventing leukocyte adhesion and migration into the arterial wall, muscle cell proliferation, platelet adhesion and aggregation, and adhesion molecule expression (1,2). In disease conditions, including the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, the endothelium undergoes functional and structural alterations, thus losing its protective role and becoming a proatherosclerotic structure (1). In the earliest stages, the principal endothelial alteration is merely functional and addressed as “endothelial dysfunction.” The fundamental feature of this condition is the impaired NO bioavailability. This can be the consequence of either a reduced production by eNOS or, more frequently, of an increased breakdown by reactive oxygen species (ROS) (1,2). In the presence of impaired NO bioavailability, the endothelium implements various physiological pathways in the attempt to compensate for NO deficiency. For instance, endothelium-dependent vasodilation is warranted, although impaired, also in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors by the production and release of endothelium-derived vasodilators other than NO, such as prostanoids and other endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors. Along with NO deficiency, a dysfunctioning endothelium also becomes the source of other substances and mediators that are detrimental to the arterial wall, including endothelin-1, tromboxane A …
Overwhelmed Patients
Authors: Krista Bohlen, Elizabeth Scoville, Nathan D. Shippee, Carl R. May, Victor M. Montori
Journal: Diabetes Care (2011)

Patients with diabetes may experience high burden of treatment (BOT), including treatment-related effects and self-care demands. We examined whether patients with type 2 diabetes and their clinicians discuss BOT, the characteristics of their discussions, and their attempts to address BOT during visits.Two coders independently reviewed videos of 46 primary care visits obtained during a practice-based trial and identified utterances concerning BOT, classifying them by topic and by whether BOT was addressed (i.e., whether statements emerged aimed at alleviating BOT).Of the 46 visits, 43 (93.5%) contained BOT discussions. Both coders identified 83 discussions: 12 involving monitoring, 28 treatment administration, 19 access, and 24 treatment effects. BOT was unambiguously addressed only 30% of the time.BOT discussions usually arise during visits but rarely beget problem-solving efforts. These discussions represent missed opportunities for reducing treatment-related disruptions in the lives of patients with diabetes, which may affect adherence and well-being.
Efficacy of idebenone on respiratory function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy not using glucocorticoids (DELOS): a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled phase 3 trial
Authors: Gunnar M Buyse, Thomas Voit, Ulrike Schara, Chiara S M Straathof, M Grazia D'Angelo, Günther Bernert, Jean-Marie Cuisset, Richard S Finkel, Nathalie Goemans, Craig M McDonald, Christian Rummey, Thomas Meier
Journal: The Lancet (2015)