Organic synthesis of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine and its effect on the induction of apoptosis in normal human lung fibroblasts.

Background /objective: The phospholipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) comprises two fatty acid chains: glycerol, phosphate, and ethanolamine. PE participates in critical cellular processes such as apoptosis and autophagy, which places it as a target for designing new therapeutic alternatives in diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, this study aimed obtain PE through a six-step organic synthesis pathway and determine its biological effect on apoptosis induction in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF).

The Role of Pulmonary Surfactant Phospholipids in Fibrotic Lung Diseases.

Diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD) or Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of lung conditions with common characteristics that can progress to fibrosis. Within this group of pneumonias, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is considered the most common. This disease has no known cause, is devastating and has no cure.

Absence of association between nailfold capillary findings and mild cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: The role of vascular damage in cognitive dysfunction (CD) in SLE is not entirely understood. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) is a noninvasive method that may aid the description of further vascular contributions to CD in SLE. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine and compare finger nailfold capillary morphology in subjects with SLE with and without CD.

Functional and Aesthetic Osseous Free Flap Mandible Reconstruction Using a Low-cost Method: Long-term Results.

Unlabelled: Mandibular segment loss due to tumoral resection or infectious sequelae causes functional alterations with disorders in mastication, swallowing, speech, and aesthetic alterations with facial asymmetry due to deformity secondary to soft tissue collapse. Reconstructive treatment should recover function and aesthetics. This paper presents a low-cost method of mandibular reconstruction in a series of 6 patients with different years of follow-up (average follow-up time of 11.

Phosphatidylethanolamine Induces an Antifibrotic Phenotype in Normal Human Lung Fibroblasts and Ameliorates Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Mice.

Lung surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and specific proteins but its role in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases is not established. Herein, we analyzed the effects of three representative phospholipid components, that is, dipalmitoilphosphatidylcoline (DPPC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), on collagen expression, apoptosis and Ca signaling in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF) and probed their effect in an experimental model of lung fibrosis. Collagen expression was measured with RT-PCR, apoptosis was measured by using either the APOPercentage assay kit (Biocolor Ltd.

Vitamin D and Sjögren syndrome.

The immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D have been extensively studied in the context of autoimmunity. Multiple studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in autoimmune diseases. Recently, a possible protective role of vitamin D in autoimmunity has been described; however, this function remains controversial.

Lung Beractant Increases Free Cytosolic Levels of Ca2+ in Human Lung Fibroblasts.

Beractant, a natural surfactant, induces an antifibrogenic phenotype and apoptosis in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF). As intracellular Ca2+ signalling has been related to programmed cell death, we aimed to assess the effect of beractant on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in NHLF in vitro. Cultured NHLF were loaded with Fura-2 AM (3 μM) and Ca2+ signals were recorded by microfluorimetric techniques.

One, two, or three ports in laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been compared with 3- or 4-port LC. To our knowledge, there are no studies comparing the 3-, 2-, and 1-port techniques. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: LC 1-port using SILS, LC 2-port using a laparoscope with a working channel, and LC 3-port using the standard ports.

The impact of glucocorticoids and anti-cd20 therapy on cervical human papillomavirus infection risk in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with cervical human papillomavirus infection in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected traditional and systemic lupus erythematosus-related disease risk factors, including conventional and biologic therapies. A gynecological evaluation and cervical cytology screen were performed. Human papillomavirus detection and genotyping were undertaken by PCR and linear array assay.

Y chromosome microdeletions in Mexican males of couples with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss.

Aim: To analyze the presence of Y chromosome microdeletions in males of Mexican couples with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL).

Methods: Seventy-one males from couples with RPL and 66 fertile males as controls were studied. DNA was isolated from peripheral lymphocytes and used to run multiplex polymerase chain reactions.

[A new laparoscopic simulator].

Background: Simulators are effective devices for the development of certain skills needed in laparoscopic surgery. Bench models with laparoscopy equipment, virtual reality and mirror boxes have been used; however, they have limitations such as the need for laparoscopy equipment, high cost or a considerable mismatch with reality.

Methods: We undertook this study to test a simulator as a training device that allows the acquisition of eye-hand coordination and two-dimensional spatial orientation without the need of laparoscopic equipment.

Surfactant protein A increases matrix metalloproteinase-9 production by THP-1 cells.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 from alveolar macrophages is a major source of elastolytic activity in the lung. It is increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with emphysema. Although the importance of macrophage-derived elastolytic activity in the pathogenesis of emphysema is well established, questions remain about MMP-9 regulation and activity.