Development of non-viral vehicles for targeted gene transfer into microglia via the integrin receptor CD11b.

Microglial activation is a central event in neurodegeneration. Novel technologies are sought for that specifically manipulate microglial function in order to delineate their role in onset and progression of neuropathologies. We investigated for the first time whether non-viral gene delivery based on polyethyleneglycol-polyethyleneimine conjugated to the monoclonal anti-CD11b antibody OX42 ("OX42-immunogene") could be used to specifically target microglia.

Formulation development of antibodies using robotic system and high-throughput laboratory (HTL).

Since each antibody has its unique physical chemical properties, optimal formulation for one antibody is likely not applicable for the others. To rapidly screen multiple antibody formulations, an automated system was constructed to perform sample preparation, testing, and data management. Using the automatic system, up to 500 liquid formulations can be prepared in deep well microplates and further distributed into standard microplates that can be stored under different stress conditions for degradation studies.

Primary malignant bone tumors and solitary metastases of the thoracolumbar spine: results by management with total en bloc spondylectomy.

Primary malignant spinal tumors and solitary vertebral metastases of selected tumor entities in the thoracolumbar spine are indications for total en bloc spondylectomy (TES). This study aimed to describe our oncological and surgical management and to analyze the treatment results by management with TES for extra- and intracompartmental solitary spinal metastases and primary malignant vertebral bone tumors. In 15 patients (3 malignant bone tumors and 12 solitary metastases), tumors were distributed in the thoracic (n = 8) and lumbar (n = 7) spine.

Antithrombin III enhances inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Evidence suggests that antithrombin III (ATIII) exerts anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its anti-coagulative mechanisms. In animal models of sepsis, ATIII affected cytokine plasma concentrations with a decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition to cytokines, excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) might represent another important mediator of the cytotoxic events during sepsis.