Angiotensin II modulates THP-1-like macrophage phenotype and inflammatory signatures via angiotensin II type 1 receptor.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a major component of the renin-angiotensin or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which is the main element found to be involved in cardiopathology. Recently, long-term metabolomics studies have linked high levels of angiotensin plasma to inflammatory conditions such as coronary heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Monocyte/macrophage cellular function and phenotype orchestrate the inflammatory response in various pathological conditions, most notably cardiometabolic disease.

Erythritol modulates the polarization of macrophages: Potential role of tumor necrosis factor-α and Akt pathway.

Low-calorie sweeteners are substitutes for sugar and frequently used by patients with cardiometabolic diseases. Erythritol, a natural low-calorie sugar alcohol, was linked to cardiometabolic diseases in several recent metabolomics studies. However, the characterization of its role in disease development is lacking.

Cell surface topography controls phagocytosis and cell spreading: The membrane reservoir in neutrophils.

Neutrophils exhibit rapid cell spreading and phagocytosis, both requiring a large apparent increase in the cell surface area. The wrinkled surface topography of these cells may provide the membrane reservoir for this. Here, the effects of manipulation of the neutrophil cell surface topography on phagocytosis and cell spreading were established.

Optical methods for the measurement and manipulation of cytosolic calcium signals in neutrophils.

The measurement and manipulation of cytosolic free Ca(2+) of neutrophils is crucial for investigating the mechanisms within living neutrophils which generate Ca(2+) signals and the cellular responses triggered by them. Optical methods for this are the most applicable for neutrophils and are discussed here, especially the use of fluorescent indicators of Ca(2+) and photoactivation of reagents involved in Ca(2+) signaling. Both of these synthetic agents can be loaded into neutrophils as lipid-soluble esters or can be microinjected into the cell.