Characterization of a Novel Approach for Neonatal Hematocrit Screening Based on Penetration Velocity in Lateral Flow Test Strip.

Hematocrit (HCT) is a crucial parameter for both adult and pediatric patients, indicating potentially severe pathological conditions. Most common methods for HCT assessment are microhematocrit and automated analyzers; however, developing countries present specific needs often not addressed by these technologies. Paper-based devices can be suitable for those environments being inexpensive, rapid, easy to use, and portable.

Molecular determinants in the transport of a bile acid-derived diagnostic agent in tumoral and nontumoral cell lines of human liver.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) is a valuable technique for the diagnosis of liver diseases. As gadocoletic acid trisodium salt (B22956/1), a new contrast agent showing high biliary excretion, may be potentially advantageous in hepatobiliary imaging, the aim of the study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of hepatic transport of the B22956 ion in a cellular model of hepatic tumor. B22956 ion uptake was measured in tumoral (HepG2) and nontumoral (Chang liver) hepatic cell lines.

Magnetic resonance contrast agents: from the bench to the patient.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is gaining a prominent role in the routine clinical investigation. To further improve this technique it is crucial that contrast agents are developed with more optimal organ specificity. This will not only result in a better diagnostic efficiency but also in a reduction of the amount of the agent administered.

The human multidrug-resistance-associated protein MRP1 mediates ATP-dependent transport of unconjugated bilirubin.

Results of previous studies have suggested that UCB (unconjugated bilirubin) may be transported by MRP1/Mrp1 (multidrug-resistance-associated protein 1). To test this hypothesis directly, [3H]UCB transport was assessed in plasma-membrane vesicles from MDCKII cells (Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells) stably transfected with human MRP1 or MRP2; wild-type MDCKII cells served as controls. As revealed by Western blotting, transfection achieved abundant expression of MRP1 and MRP2.

Bilirubin protects astrocytes from its own toxicity by inducing up-regulation and translocation of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (Mrp1).

Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) causes encephalopathy in severely jaundiced neonates by damaging astrocytes and neurons. Astrocytes, which help defend the brain against cytotoxic insults, express the ATP-dependent transporter, multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (Mrp1), which mediates export of organic anions, probably including UCB. We therefore studied whether exposure to UCB affects the expression and intracellular localization of Mrp1 in cultured mouse astroglial cells (>95% astrocytes).