Analysis of procainamide-derivatised heparan sulphate disaccharides in biological samples using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a family of linear heteropolysaccharides made up of repeating disaccharide units that are found on the surface and extracellular matrix of animal cells. They are known to play a critical role in a wide range of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation and invasion. To elucidate the mechanism of action of these molecules, it is essential to quantify their disaccharide composition.

Heparan sulfate disaccharide measurement from biological samples using pre-column derivatization, UPLC-MS and single ion monitoring.

Glycosaminoglycans are a heterogeneous family of linear polysaccharides comprised of repeating disaccharide subunits that mediate many effects at the cellular level. There is increasing evidence that the nature of these effects is determined by differences in disaccharide composition. However, the determination of GAG disaccharide composition in biological samples remains challenging and time-consuming.

Macrophage release of transforming growth factor beta1 during resolution of monosodium urate monohydrate crystal-induced inflammation.

Objective: It has previously been shown that as monocytes differentiate into macrophages, they lose the ability to secrete proinflammatory cytokines in response to monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether MSU crystals induce macrophages to secrete antiinflammatory factor instead.

Methods: Human monocyte or macrophage isolates were prepared from samples obtained from healthy volunteer donors either by differentiation of blood monocytes in vitro or by collecting cells from skin blisters during the early or late phase of the dermal inflammatory response to cantharidin.

Monocyte Fc gamma receptor expression in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with an inflammatory response with potential deleterious effects. The white cell subpopulation mostly investigated so far is the neutrophil. To date very little has been investigated regarding the role of the monocyte/macrophage.

Safe disposal of inflammatory monosodium urate monohydrate crystals by differentiated macrophages.

Objective: Although monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals have been recognized since the 18th century as the etiologic agent of gout, it is still unknown why certain hyperuricemic individuals remain asymptomatic, and how an acute attack of gout spontaneously resolves. We hypothesized that mononuclear phagocytes hold the key to these questions, and that the state of monocyte/macrophage differentiation is critical.

Methods: Human peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated for 1-7 days in vitro and examined with respect to 1) uptake of MSU crystals, 2) expression of macrophage, dendritic cell, and activation markers, 3) secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, and IL-10, 4) activation of endothelial E-selectin expression, and 5) enhancement of secondary neutrophil recruitment by endothelial cells.