A hexanucleotide selected for increased cellular uptake in cis contains a highly active CpG-motif in human B cells and primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The relationship between immunostimulation of human B cells by cytosine-phosphate-guanosine (CpG) -containing oligonucleotides and their physical cellular uptake is of mechanistic interest and a prerequisite for rational improvements of the therapeutic potential of CpG-harbouring oligonucleotides. Here, a combinatorial approach was used to identify nucleotide sequence motifs that facilitate increased cellular uptake in mammalian cells. Oligonucleotides harbouring the selected hexanucleotide TCGTGT in cis show increased cellular uptake.

Analysis of plasmacytoid and myeloid dendritic cells in nasal epithelium.

The role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC), the major producers of alpha interferon upon viral infection, in the nasal mucosa is largely unknown. Here we examined the presence of PDC together with myeloid dendritic cells (MDC) in the nasal epithelia of healthy individuals, of asymptomatic patients with chronic nasal allergy, of patients undergoing steroid therapy, and of patients with infectious rhinitis or rhinosinusitis. Considerable numbers of PDC and MDC could be detected in the nasal epithelium.

Estrogenic and antiestrogenic regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-13 mRNA in RUCA-I endometrial tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.

We investigated the influence of estrogenic and antiestrogenic treatment on proteolytic activity--especially on MMP-2 and MMP-13--in the RUCA-I transplantable endometrial tumor model. Morphological studies demonstrate that RUCA-I cells are forming highly differentiated gland-like structures by remodelling and invading the underlying ECM. Estrogens upregulate the mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-13 in the rat uterus.

Relative binding affinity does not predict biological response to xenoestrogens in rat endometrial adenocarcinoma cells.

The possible adverse effects of the so-called environmental estrogens have raised considerable concern. Developmental, endocrine and reproductive disorders in wildlife animals have been linked to high exposure to persistent environmental chemicals with estrogen-like activity (xenoestrogens); yet, the potential impact of environmental estrogens on human health is currently under debate also due to lack of data. A battery of in vitro assays exist for identifying compounds with estrogenic activity, but only a few models are available to assess estrogenic potency in a multiparametric analysis.

Characterization of estrogenicity of phytoestrogens in an endometrial-derived experimental model.

Severe developmental and reproductive disorders in wild animals have been linked to high exposure to persistent environmental chemicals with hormonal activity. These adverse effects of environmental estrogens have raised considerable concern and have received increasing attention. Although numerous chemicals with the capacity to interfere with the estrogen receptor (ER) have been identified, information on their molecular mechanism of action and their relative potency is rather limited.