Amount and distribution of selected biologically active factors in amniotic membrane depends on the part of amnion and mode of childbirth. Can we predict properties of amnion dressing? A proof-of-concept study.

Aim Of The Study: The amniotic membrane is used as a dressing material, e.g. in ocular surgery or treatment of non-healing wounds.

Soluble Endoglin (CD105) Serum Level as a Potential Marker in the Management of Head and Neck Paragangliomas.

Objectives: To assess the expression of endoglin in head and neck paragangliomas and the soluble endoglin level in serum of paraganglioma patients.

Methods: Seven tumor samples of patients operated for cervical paraganglioma were assessed, as well as serum samples collected preoperatively, on days 4 and 28 postoperation. Serum level of endoglin in healthy controls was also determined.

The MMP-9/TIMP-1 imbalance and the reduced level of TGF-β in the cervical area of amniotic membrane is a possible risk factor of PROM and premature labor - proof-of-concept study.

Objectives: To assess the level MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TGF-β in placental and cervical region of amniotic membranes derived from at-term, pre-term and PROM deliveries.

Material And Methods: 14 amniotic membranes have been assessed; the quantitative analysis of MMP-9, TGF-β and TIMP-1 was assayed using respective Quantikine Immunoassay Kit.

Results: The MMP-9 level in PROM samples was similar to the level of MMP-9 in at-term membranes and comparable between the cervical and placental region of these membranes.

LL-37 but Not 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Serum Level Correlates with Healing of Venous Leg Ulcers.

Human cathelicidin, LL-37, is small antimicrobial peptide, which reveals also some immunomodulatory and proangiogenic properties and, therefore, may promote wound healing. The expression of LL-37 is controlled by various factors, including vitamin D. Thus, any disturbances in vitamin D level may influence LL-37 production and, possibly, affect wound healing.

Increased angiogenic factors in exhaled breath condensate of children with severe asthma - New markers of disease progression?

Asthma progression is associated with airway remodeling and neo-vascularization. However, role of angiogenesis in these changes remains unclear and available data still incomplete. In this pilot study we verify usefulness of proteome profiler assay in screening of angiogenesis-related factors in exhaled breath condensates (EBC) collected from children with asthma.

Inhaled corticosteroids do not reduce initial high activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in exhaled breath condensates of children with asthma exacerbation: a proof of concept study.

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the key component of asthma treatment. However, it is unclear whether they could control the activity and level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, which is an important factor in asthma-associated inflammation and airway remodeling. Therefore, the aim of this proof of concept study was to analyze the influence of increased doses of ICS on MMP-9 in exhaled breath condensates (EBC) of patients with allergic asthma exacerbation.

Polymorphic Variants 279R and 668Q Augment Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Breath Condensates of Children with Asthma.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is involved in pathophysiology of asthma, mainly asthma-associated airway remodeling. Exhaled breath condensates (EBC) of asthmatics contain increased amounts of MMP-9 with activity higher, than in healthy controls. The increased activity of MMP-9 may originate from its excessive production and activation, but may also result from variations in MMP-9 structure, which are determined by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Hyaluronic Acid in Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration.

Hyaluronic acid (HA), the main component of extracellular matrix, is considered one of the key players in the tissue regeneration process. It has been proven to modulate via specific HA receptors, inflammation, cellular migration, and angiogenesis, which are the main phases of wound healing. Studies have revealed that most HA properties depend on its molecular size.

Airway Remodeling in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma: the Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are both associated with airflow restriction and progressive remodeling, which affect the respiratory tract. Among various biological factors involved in the pathomechanisms of both diseases, proteolytic enzymes--matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)--play an important role, especially MMP-9. In this review, the authors discuss the current topics of research concerning the possible role of MMP-9 in both mentioned diseases.

Prolonged Treatment with Inhaled Corticosteroids does not Normalize High Activity of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Exhaled Breath Condensates of Children with Asthma.

The airway remodeling in asthma is associated with increased amount of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. High levels of MMP-9 were found in mucosal biopsies, sputum and in exhaled breath condensates (EBC) of asthma patients. However, there are no data concerning real in vivo activity.

Amniotic membrane: new concepts for an old dressing.

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of fetal membranes that surrounds and protects the embryo. The amniotic epithelial cells are a rich source for biologically active factors known to promote cell proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, the amniotic membrane is considered to be an attractive wound dressing material.

Potential role of metalloproteinase inhibitors from radiation‑sterilized amnion dressings in the healing of venous leg ulcers.

Chronic wounds are a significant socio-economic problem, thus, the improvement of the effectiveness of their treatment is an important objective for public health strategies. The predominant stage of the chronic wound is the inflammatory reaction which is associated with the damage of tissues, possibly due to the excessive secretion and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Several reports have suggested that amnion dressing inhibits tissue destruction and accelerates wound healing.