Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli (rE.coli) infections can spread rapidly. Further they are associated with high morbidity and mortality from treatment failure.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aim of the present study was to establish the role of platelet‑activating factor acetyl hydrolase (PAF‑AH) in the resolution phase of gout using an established in vitro mononuclear cell model. The effects of signalling pathway inhibitors on PAF‑AH secretion, as well as the effects of the common treatments hydrocortisone and colchicine, an antibody against the anti‑inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), and the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D, were also investigated. The effect of recombinant PAF‑AH on cytokine secretion by these cells was also determined.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe global escalation in antibiotic resistance cases means alternative antimicrobials are essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial capacity of apple cider vinegar (ACV) against E. coli, S.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGlycosaminoglycans (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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGlycosaminoglycans 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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHuman blood derived in vitro differentiated monocytes or macrophages are a population of cells which have been investigated over the years to determine the role these cells play in the resolution phase of gout. Macrophages are able to phagocytose monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals without releasing inflammatory factors. This study analysed macrophage platelet activating factor secretion and its possible role in the pathway of gout resolution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: 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.
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.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: 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.