Endothelial microparticles reduce ICAM-1 expression in a microRNA-222-dependent mechanism.

Endothelial microparticles (EMP) are released from activated or apoptotic endothelial cells (ECs) and can be taken up by adjacent ECs, but their effect on vascular inflammation after engulfment is largely unknown. We sought to determine the role of EMP in EC inflammation. In vitro, EMP treatment significantly reduced tumour necrosis factor-α-induced endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression on mRNA and protein level, whereas there was no effect on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression.

First in vitro and in vivo results of an anti-human CD133-antibody coated coronary stent in the porcine model.

Background: Drug-eluting stents successfully reduce restenosis at the cost of delayed re-endothelialization. A novel concept to enhance re-endothelialization is the use of antibody-coated stents which capture circulating progenitor cells. A CD34-positive-cell-capturing stent was recently developed with conflicting clinical results.

Endothelial microparticle uptake in target cells is annexin I/phosphatidylserine receptor dependent and prevents apoptosis.

Objective: Endothelial microparticles (EMP) are released from activated or apoptotic cells, but their effect on target cells and the exact way of incorporation are largely unknown. We sought to determine the uptake mechanism and the biological effect of EMP on endothelial and endothelial-regenerating cells.

Methods And Results: EMP were generated from starved endothelial cells and isolated by ultracentrifugation.

Deterioration of health-related quality of life and fatigue in patients with chronic hepatitis C: Association with demographic factors, inflammatory activity, and degree of fibrosis.

Background/aims: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is impaired in patients with chronic hepatitis C. We investigated HRQoL and fatigue in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in relation to the degree of fibrosis and inflammation, and controlled for the influence of relevant demographic and medical variables.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional two-center study including 215 outpatients with chronic hepatitis C applying the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS-D).

Interferon-beta: a therapeutic for autoimmune lupus in MRL-Faslpr mice.

Type I interferons are associated with lupus. Genes that are regulated by IFN-alpha are upregulated in pediatric lupus patients. Gene deletion of the IFN-alpha/beta receptor in experimental lupus-like NZB mice results in reduced disease activity.