Optimized quantification of lymphocyte subsets by use of CD7 and CD33.

Identification and quantification of lymphocyte subsets is based on the expression of specific cell surface antigens. As only a minority of these structures is lineage-restricted gating strategies were established, which should permit to include a maximum of lymphocytes, to reach a high purity within the gate and to avoid specific loss of subsets. Two problems remain: First, the incomplete removal of nonlymphoid cells when CD14 is used to exclude them from the lymphocyte gate.

Circulating retinol-binding protein 4 and metabolic syndrome in the elderly.

Background: Retinol-binding protein (RBP) 4, a human adipokine that specifically binds to retinol, has been reported to provide a link between obesity and insulin resistance. Plasma RBP4 concentration may be under the influence of age and obesity, but only a few studies has investigated this link in elderly individuals. Consequently, we tested the correlation between RBP4 concentrations and type 2 diabetes/metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in a large population based cohort study (VITA) of elderly [1, 2].

Diagnosis of infection with human herpes viruses in routine laboratory practice.

Background: The potential for faster detection of human herpes viruses using PCR compared to other methods is undisputed. However, because of fear of contamination, the clinical implication of nucleic amplification methods in routine laboratories is not widespread. Herpes viruses cause a wide spectrum of diseases and can cause morbidity and mortality in immune-compromised patients.

Activation of the beta-catenin signaling pathway and its impact on RPE cell cycle.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of EGF, IGF-1, and VEGF on ARPE19 cell proliferation and differentiation.

Methods: The gene expression of RPE-specific differentiation and proliferation markers and the transcriptional and translational activity of beta-catenin signaling markers were measured by flow cytometry and RT-PCR.

Results: The data showed a significant decrease in RPE65, CRALBP, and cytokeratin 18 in ARPE-19 cells stimulated with EGF and IGF-1.