Annexin A1 Is a Key Modulator of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Mediated Improvements in Islet Function.

We have previously demonstrated that coculture of islets with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) enhanced islet insulin secretory capacity in vitro, correlating with improved graft function in vivo. To identify factors that contribute to MSC-mediated improvements in islet function, we have used an unbiased quantitative RT-PCR screening approach to identify MSC-derived peptide ligands of G-protein-coupled receptors that are expressed by islets cells. We demonstrated high expression of annexin A1 (ANXA1) mRNA by MSCs and confirmed expression at the protein level in lysates and MSC-conditioned media by Western blot analysis and ELISA.

Increased levels of interleukin-6, -8 and -10 are associated with fatal outcome following severe traumatic brain injury.

Background: Despite the involvement of cytokine production in neurotrauma, there is still controversy regarding cytokines levels and clinical outcome following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Objective: The present study was designed to investigate whether cytokine levels (of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α) are associated with primary outcome (death or survival) after severe TBI.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled 24 male patients, victims of severe TBI.

Plasma cytokines levels in aggressive and chronic periodontitis.

Objective: The present study evaluated the Th1/Th2 cytokine profile in plasma from healthy controls and different types of periodontitis patients.

Materials And Methods: The concentration of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ was determined in healthy controls (n = 18) and patients with chronic (n = 19) and aggressive periodontitis (n = 19) using a flow cytometric multiplex immunoassay. Means and standard deviations were calculated and compared using Kruskal-Wallis test.

Genetic modification of mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are currently considered the most promising type of adult stem cells for therapeutic applications, because they can be easily isolated from the bone marrow and other tissues, and manipulated for different applications. The genetic transformation of MSC using genes that enhance their homing ability, as well as their proliferation and survival capacities when transplanted to sites of injury, is an important alternative to improve MSC function, especially for tissue regeneration. This chapter describes protocols for the transformation of MSC using plasmid vectors by lipofection and electroporation, as well as retroviral vectors representing viral transformations.