Analysis of swine leukocyte antigen class I gene profiles and porcine endogenous retrovirus viremia level in a transgenic porcine herd inbred for xenotransplantation research.

Molecular characterization of swine leukocyte antigen () genes is important for elucidating the immune responses between swine-donor and human-recipient in xenotransplantation. Examination of associations between alleles of class I genes, type of pig genetic modification, porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) viral titer, and PERV subtypes may shed light on the nature of xenograft acceptance or rejection and the safety of xenotransplantation. No significant difference in PERV RNA level between transgenic and non-transgenic pigs was noted; likewise, the type of applied transgene had no impact on PERV viremia.

Contribution of reactive oxygen species to the anticancer activity of aminoalkanol derivatives of xanthone.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critically involved in the action of anticancer agents. In this study, we investigated the role of ROS in the anticancer mechanism of new aminoalkanol derivatives of xanthone. Most xanthones used in the study displayed significant pro-oxidant effects similar to those of gambogic acid, one of the most active anticancer xanthones.

Modulation of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) expression in vitro by shRNA in the presence of cyclosporine A and dexamethasone.

Background: Despite the fact that the risk of Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses (PERV) infection and propagation in human recipients is extremely low, such an event cannot be completely ruled out, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the expression of PERVs in vitro in the presence of immunosuppression agents: cyclosporine A (CsA), and dexamethasone (DEX). We investigated the possible interactions between immunosuppression drugs, CsA and DEX, and the efficiency of anti-PERV RNAi.