Mycophenolic acid reverses TGF beta-induced cell motility, collagen matrix contraction and cell morphology in vitro.

The aim of this study was to elucidate functional and molecular effects of mycophenolic acid (MPA) on non-lymphatic, kidney epithelial cells treated with transforming growth factor (TGF). MPA effects were studied using HK2 cells incubated with EGF and TGF. The reversibility of these effects was verified using guanosine and 8-aminoguanosine.

Lack of correlation between Treg quantification assays in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Aim: To compare the number of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) measured by flow cytometry with those obtained using a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) method in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: Tregs percentages obtained by both flow cytometry and qPCR methods in 35 adult IBD patients, 18 out of them with Crohn´s disease (CD) and 17 with ulcerative colitis (UC) were compared to each other as well as to scores on two IBD activity questionnaires using the Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI) for CD patients and the Simple Colitis Clinical Activity Index (SCCAI) for UC patients. The Treg percentages by flow cytometry were defined as CD4(+)CD25(high)CD127(low)FOXP3(+) cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, whereas the Treg percentages by qPCR method were determined as FOXP3 promoter demethylation in genomic DNA.

Effects of mycophenolate mofetil on kidney function and phosphorylation status of renal proteins in Alport COL4A3-deficient mice.

Background: We investigated the effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on kidney function and on protein phosphorylation in a mouse model for the human Alport syndrome.

Methods: COL4A3-deficient (COL4A3-/-) mice were randomly allocated to receive a placebo (PLC COL4A3-/-) or MMF treatment (MMF COL4A3-/-). Wild type mice (WT) were used as controls.

FoxP3 demethylation is increased in human colorectal cancer and rat cholangiocarcinoma tissue.

Objectives: FoxP3 expression is a marker for Tregs which are known to be involved in tumor immunity. We aimed to evaluate FoxP3 promoter demethylation in human colorectal cancer (CRC) and rat intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Design And Methods: Bisulfite-treated genomic DNA templates of shock frozen paired samples were studied from 13 anonymous CRC patients and from 10 male rats (n=6 ICC induced by thioacetamide and n=4 age-matched controls).

Can the Roche hemolysis index be used for automated determination of cell-free hemoglobin? A comparison to photometric assays.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a novel method for automated quantification of cell-free hemoglobin (fHb) based on the HI (Roche Diagnostics).

Methods: The novel fHb method based on the HI was correlated with fHb measured using the triple wavelength methods of both Harboe [fHb, g/L = (0.915 * HI + 2.

Differential proteomic analysis of lymphocytes treated with mycophenolic acid reveals caspase 3-induced cleavage of rho GDP dissociation inhibitor 2.

The antiproliferative immunosuppressive drug mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an uncompetitive inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in de novo synthesis of purine nucleotides. The latter are not only required for synthesis of DNA and RNA but also are essential for the regulation of numerous cellular signaling pathways modulated by guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins). We undertook an analysis of the influence of MPA on protein expression in a T-lymphoblast cell line (CCRF-CEM), which displays concentration-dependent inhibition of proliferation by MPA to obtain insight into the influence of MPA on the cellular proteome.

Expression of chloride intracellular channel protein 1 (CLIC1) and tumor protein D52 (TPD52) as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer.

Objectives: Unequivocal biomarkers are needed to predict susceptibility and progression of colorectal cancer.

Design And Methods: Paired samples of tumor and normal tissue from six patients with colorectal cancer of different localization, pTNM stage and grade were employed in the present study. MS analysis was used to identify differentially regulated proteins after 2-DE separation and densitometric analysis.

Genotyping of CYP3A5 polymorphisms among Bulgarian patients with sporadic colorectal cancer and controls.

Background: The purpose of the study was to genotype four polymorphisms in CYP3A5 (CYP3A5*2, CYP3A5*3, CYP3A5*3B, and CYP3A5*6) for a possible association between individual genetic variations and susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Another point of interest was to conduct a comprehensive analysis in tumor and normal intestine tissue from the same patient, searching for somatic hotspots.

Material And Methods: In our study, 146 Bulgarian patients with sporadic colorectal cancer and 160 healthy volunteers were enrolled.

No association between MDR1 (ABCB1) 2677G>T and 3435C>T polymorphism and sporadic colorectal cancer among Bulgarian patients.

Purpose: Variation in genetic factors together with xenobiotic exposure may result in increased risk of colorectal cancer. The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is highly expressed in the apical membrane of enterocytes, where it pumps xenobiotics from the enterocytes back into the intestinal lumen. Thus, polymorphisms that reduce the activity of the MDR1 (ABCB1) efflux pump are potential risk factors for colorectal carcinogenesis.