Experimental murine fascioliasis derives early immune suppression with increased levels of TGF-β and IL-4.

In fascioliasis, T-helper 2 (Th2) responses predominate, while little is known regarding early immune phenomenon. We herein analyzed early immunophenotype changes of BALB/c, C57BL/6, and C3H/He mice experimentally infected with 5 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae. A remarkable expansion of CD19(+) B cells was observed as early as week 1 post-infection while CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cells were down-regulated.

Thromboxane A(2) modulates migration, proliferation, and differentiation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Prostanoid metabolites are key mediators in inflammatory responses, and accumulating evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be recruited to injured or inflamed tissues. In the present study, we investigated whether prostanoid metabolites can regulate migration, proliferation, and differentiation potentials of MSCs. We demonstrated herein that the stable thromboxane A(2) (Tx(2)) mimetic U46619 strongly stimulated migration and proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (hADSCs).

Lysophosphatidylcholine suppresses apoptosis and induces neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells through activation of phospholipase D2.

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is a bioactive lipid generated by phospholipase A2-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine. In the present study, we demonstrate that LPC stimulates phospholipase D2 (PLD2) activity in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. Serum deprivation induced cell death of PC12 cells, as demonstrated by decreased viability, DNA fragmentation, and increased sub-G1 fraction of cell cycle.

Enantioselective disposition of lansoprazole in extensive and poor metabolizers of CYP2C19.

Objective: To evaluate the enantioselective disposition of lansoprazole in relation to the genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19.

Methods: A single oral dose of racemic lansoprazole (30 mg) was administered to 6 extensive metabolizers and 6 poor metabolizers whose genotypes were determined by use of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated from the plasma concentrations of lansoprazole racemate, its enantiomers, and metabolites, which were measured for 24 hours after drug administration.

Taenia solium: identification of specific antibody binding regions of metacestode 10-kDa protein.

Taenia solium neurocysticercosis (NCC) represents one of the major public health problems associated with several neurological manifestations worldwide. We previously identified a recombinant 10-kDa protein of T. solium metacestode (CyDA) specific to active NCC.