Toll-like receptor 3 on adult human astrocytes triggers production of neuroprotective mediators

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate immunity receptors that are expressed on a wide range of cell types, including CNS glial cells. In general, TLR engagement by specific sets of microbial ligands triggers production of pro-inflammatory factors and enhances antigen-presenting cell functions. The functional roles of TLR in the CNS, however, are...

Modulation of the cytokine network in human adult astrocytes by human herpesvirus-6A

Human herpesvirus-6A (HHV-6A) is a common pathogen whose role in CNS disorders including multiple sclerosis remains controversial. To understand how HHV-6A could influence inflammatory pathways in the CNS, we infected cultured human adult astrocytes and examined the expression of 268 cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and their receptors by...

Analytical strategies for residue analysis of veterinary drugs and growth-promoting agents in food-producing animals - A review

After a brief introduction into the field of veterinary drugs and growth-promoting agents, the most important EU regulations and directives for the inspection of food-producing animals and animal products regarding the residue control of these substances are presented and discussed. Main attention in the review is on the methods of analysis in...

Cultured human adult microglia from different donors display stable cytokine, chemokine and growth factor gene profiles but respond differently to a pro-inflammatory stimulus

Objectives: Brain microglia are highly responsive cells in the central nervous system that exert key functions in host defense as well as in neuroprotection and regeneration. In this study the gene expression profiles for 268 cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and their receptors were examined in cultures of purified human adult microglia,...

Ingrowth of aorta wall into stent grafts impregnated with basic fibroblast growth factor: A porcine in vivo study of blood vessel prosthesis healing

Objective: Endovascular aneurysm repair is an alternative treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm. The procedure is less invasive, and morbidity and most probably mortality are reduced. However, some problems, such as endoleakage, are yet to be resolved. Endoleakage can occur after graft migration, as a result of insufficient fixation of the...

Use of biosensors for rapid drug residue analysis without sample deconjugation or clean-up: A possible way forward

The drug salbutamol (SBL) is a β-agonist that may be used illegally as an animal growth promoter. SBL is also a good example of a drug which is excreted in the form of glucuronides and sulfates. Such metabolites cause complexities in analysing for the presence of drug residues. In the majority of cases a process of deconjugation and sample clean...

Low density lipoprotein metabolism by endothelial cells from human umbilical cord arteries and veins

Binding and metabolism of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and acetylated LDL were examined in endothelial cells from human umbilical cord arteries and veins. Both high and low affinity LDL interactions were observed. High affinity LDL binding and catabolism were increased five- to sevenfold after preincubation for 18 hours in LPDS containing...