Differentiation of human monocytes in vitro following exposure to Canova in the absence of cytokines.

Canova is an immunomodulatory, homeopathic preparation that has been shown to activate macrophages in vitro and in vivo, with resultant enhanced spreading of the cells and formation of microvillus extensions from the cell body. Since monocytes are the precursor cells of macrophages and dendritic cells, the objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of Canova on the differentiation of human blood monocytes in vitro. Monocytes were isolated, grown in culture, and exposed to 10 and 20% Canova without the addition of cytokines.

Ultrastructural changes in platelet aggregates of HIV patients: a scanning electron microscopy study.

Several hematological abnormalities associated with HIV have been documented, but the mechanisms responsible for the cytopenias in AIDS patients are complex and not always completely understood. Thrombocytopenia, which occurs in about 40% of patients with HIV infection, may be caused by increased peripheral platelet destruction, a defect in platelet production due to the impaired formation of platelets by HIV-infected magakaryocytes, or a combination of these. The aim of this study was to compare the morphology of the platelet aggregates in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) clots prepared from HIV patients with those of controls without HIV.