Expression of mRNA for molecules that regulate angiogenesis, endothelial cell survival, and vascular permeability is altered in endothelial cells isolated from db/db mouse hearts.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition that includes symptoms, such as obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, which elevate cardiovascular risk. An impaired angiogenic response of endothelial cells (ECs) in heart and peripheral organs has been proposed in MetS, but the mechanisms of this phenomenon have not been thoroughly explored. Results obtained from evaluating the whole myocardium are inconsistent, since different types of cells react differently to MetS environment and a variety of molecular pathways are involved in the angiogenic response.

Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiac Vessel Remodeling Associated with Vessel Rarefaction: A Possible Underlying Mechanism May Result from a Poor Angiogenic Response to Altered VEGF Signaling Pathways.

Background: Elevated mortality rates in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are partly due to adverse remodeling of multiple organs, which may lead to cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, kidney failure, or other conditions. MetS symptoms, such as obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, associated with insulin and leptin resistance, are recognized as major cardiovascular risk factors that adversely affect the heart.

Summary: Pathological cardiac remodeling is accompanied by endothelial cell dysfunction which may result in diminished coronary flow, dysregulated oxygen demand/supply balance, as well as vessel rarefaction.

Non-Coding RNAs and Human Diseases: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a family of RNA molecules that, unlike messenger RNAs, are not templates for protein synthesis but have an essential or regulatory role in this process [...

miR-31-5p-Modified RAW 264.7 Macrophages Affect Profibrotic Phenotype of Lymphatic Endothelial Cells In Vitro.

Cardiac lymphatic vessel (LyV) remodeling as a contributor to heart failure has not been extensively evaluated in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our studies have shown structural changes in cardiac LyV in MetS that contribute to the development of edema and lead to myocardial fibrosis. Tissue macrophages may affect LyV via secretion of various substances, including noncoding RNAs.

Multiple roles of cardiac macrophages in heart homeostasis and failure.

Macrophages are essential components of the immune system and play a role in the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Depending on their origin and phenotype, cardiac macrophages perform various functions. In a steady-state, these cells play a beneficial role in maintaining cardiac homeostasis by defending the body from pathogens and eliminating apoptotic cells, participating in electrical conduction, vessel patrolling, and arterial tone regulation.

A Comprehensive miRNome Analysis of Macrophages Isolated from db/db Mice and Selected miRNAs Involved in Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Cardiac Remodeling.

Cardiac macrophages are known from various activities, therefore we presume that microRNAs (miRNAs) produced or released by macrophages in cardiac tissue have impact on myocardial remodeling in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aim to assess the cardiac macrophage miRNA profile by selecting those miRNA molecules that potentially exhibit regulatory functions in MetS-related cardiac remodeling. Cardiac tissue macrophages from control and db/db mice (an animal model of MetS) were counted and sorted with flow cytometry, which yielded two populations: CD45CD11bCD64Ly6C and CD45CD11bCD64Ly6C.

Assessing functional status of cardiac lymphatics: From macroscopic imaging to molecular profiling.

Here we describe various techniques for visualization of the lymphatic vasculature, particularly in the heart. Addressing macro-, microscopic, and molecular levels of lymphatic organization, we give examples of how to explore the roles of specific antigens/markers expressed in lymphatic vessels and their extracellular matrix as structural and functional elements involved in various biological functions of lymphatics. Some obstacles and technical challenges related to lymphatic visualization are also discussed.

Kings and peasants from El-Zuma/El-Detti microregion in the Early Makurian period. Economic aspects of animal bones from funerary contexts.

Tumuli fields at El-Zuma and El-Detti were dated to the 2nd phase of the Early Makurian period, c. AD 450-550. They represented three types of tombs of different sizes and structures.

Three-dimensional nanofibrous polystyrene scaffolds modify macrophage phenotypes and activate macrophage angiogenic potential.

3D scaffolds represent an attractive substrate for studying macrophage activation and modification since they mimic extracellular matrix (ECM). However, macrophage response to such materials, particularly with respect to angiogenic potential is still poorly recognized. Therefore, we investigated the effect of 3D nanofibrous polystyrene scaffolds (NPSs) versus tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) on THP-1-derived macrophages in various environmental conditions, for example, standard (m0), pro-inflammatory (m1), or anti-inflammatory (m2) with respect to pro-angiogenic potential.

Brain-originated peptides as possible biochemical markers of traumatic brain injury in cerebrospinal fluid post-mortem examination.

The release of brain-originated peptides such as tau protein (MAPT), S-100β, neurofilament light chain (NFL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been positively correlated with head injuries in clinical and basic research. In this study, we wanted to examine if selected CSF biomarkers (GFAP, NFL, and myelin basic protein - MBP) of head injury may be useful in post-mortem examination and diagnosis of forensic cases. The study was carried out using cases of head injury and cases of sudden death (cardiopulmonary failure, no injuries of the head as control group) provided by forensic pathologists at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw.

Pentoxifylline inhibits angiogenesis via decreasing Dll4 and Notch1 expression in mouse proepicardial explant cultures.

Pentoxifylline (PTX), a non-specific inhibitor of cAMP phosphodiesterases, is commonly used for treatment of peripheral vascular disorders although its direct action on endothelial cells is not well described. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of PTX on tubule formation and mRNA expression for angiogenesis-related proteins in endothelial cell line C166 and mouse proepicardial explants cultured on collagen. C166 cells and explants were stimulated with proangiogenic cocktail containing bFGF/VEGF-A/VEGF-A and with proangiogenic cocktail enriched with PTX.

Tau protein (MAPT) as a possible biochemical marker of traumatic brain injury in postmortem examination.

MAPT is a neuronal protein that plays an important role in axonal stabilization, neuronal development, and neuronal polarity. MAPT release into the CSF and blood has been interpreted as indicative of axonal injury as its elevated levels were observed in olympic boxers even after a mild head trauma suggesting minor CNS injuries. In our study we wanted to check the potential relevance of MAPT examination for forensic purposes.

Soluble Endoglin (CD105) Serum Level as a Potential Marker in the Management of Head and Neck Paragangliomas.

Objectives: To assess the expression of endoglin in head and neck paragangliomas and the soluble endoglin level in serum of paraganglioma patients.

Methods: Seven tumor samples of patients operated for cervical paraganglioma were assessed, as well as serum samples collected preoperatively, on days 4 and 28 postoperation. Serum level of endoglin in healthy controls was also determined.