Fibroblast response to lanthanoid metal ion stimulation: potential contribution to fibrotic tissue injury.

The purpose of this study was to compare each of the 14 naturally occurring lanthanoid metal ions for ability to stimulate pro-fibrotic responses in human dermal fibroblasts. When fibroblasts were exposed to individual lanthanoids over the concentration range of 1-100 μM, increased proliferation was observed with each of the agents as compared with control cells that were already proliferating rapidly in a growth factor-enriched culture medium. Dose-response differences were observed among the individual metal ions.

Fibroblast response to gadolinium: role for platelet-derived growth factor receptor.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of gadolinium (Gd3+), provided as gadolinium chloride, on fibroblast function.

Materials And Methods: Human dermal fibroblasts in monolayer culture and intact skin in organ culture were exposed to the lanthanide metal (1-20 μM).

Results: Increased proliferation was observed, in association with upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, without an apparent increase in production of type I procollagen.

Responses of human skin in organ culture and human skin fibroblasts to a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent: comparison of skin from patients with end-stage renal disease and skin from healthy subjects.

Objective: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a clinical syndrome occurring in a small subset of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Exposure to certain of the gadolinium-based contrast agents during magnetic resonance imaging appears to be a trigger. The pathogenesis of the disease is largely unknown.

A mineral-rich extract from the red marine algae Lithothamnion calcareum preserves bone structure and function in female mice on a Western-style diet.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a mineral-rich extract derived from the red marine algae Lithothamnion calcareum could be used as a dietary supplement for prevention of bone mineral loss. Sixty C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups based on diet: the first group received a high-fat Western-style diet (HFWD), the second group was fed the same HFWD along with the mineral-rich extract included as a dietary supplement, and the third group was used as a control and was fed a low-fat rodent chow diet (AIN76A). Mice were maintained on the respective diets for 15 months.

Collagenolytic activity is suppressed in organ-cultured human skin exposed to a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent.

Objective: Human skin produces increased amounts of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) when exposed in organ culture to Omniscan, one of the gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents (GBCA). MMP-1, by virtue of its ability to degrade structural collagen, contributes to collagen turnover in the skin. The objective of the present study was to determine whether collagenolytic activity was concomitantly up-regulated with increased enzyme.

Human colon tissue in organ culture: preservation of normal and neoplastic characteristics.

Normal and neoplastic human colon tissue obtained at surgery was used to establish conditions for organ culture. Optimal conditions included an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% O2; tissue partially submerged with mucosa at the gas interface; and serum-free medium with 1.5 mM Ca2+ and a number of growth supplements.

Regulation of collagen turnover in human skin fibroblasts exposed to a gadolinium-based contrast agent.

Objective: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a clinical syndrome linked with exposure in renal failure patients to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) during magnetic resonance imaging. Recently, we demonstrated that GBCA exposure led to increased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) levels in human skin fibroblasts. The goals of the present work were to assess the relationship between altered MMP-1/TIMP-1 expression and collagen production/deposition, and the intracellular signaling events that lead from GBCA stimulation to altered MMP-1 and TIMP-1 production.

The Göttingen minipig for assessment of retinoid efficacy in the skin: comparison of results from topically treated animals with results from organ-cultured skin.

Göttingen minipigs were treated topically for 6 d with a novel retinoid (MDI 301) at concentrations ranging from 0.3% to 30% in cream vehicle. Treatment of the minipigs did not adversely affect their health (hematological and necropsy parameters) or produce changes in the skin suggestive of retinoid-induced skin irritation.

Effects of gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents on human skin in organ culture and human skin fibroblasts.

Objective: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a clinical syndrome linked with exposure in renal failure patients to gadolinium-based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents (GBCAs). The pathogenesis of the disease is largely unknown. The present study addresses potential pathophysiological mechanisms.

Establishment and characteristics of Gottingen minipig skin in organ culture and monolayer cell culture: relevance to drug safety testing.

Skin from Gottingen minipigs was used as a source of tissue for organ and cell culture and compared to human skin for growth conditions and sensitivity to irritants. Optimal organ culture conditions were determined, based on the preservation of the histological structure. These included serum-free, growth factor-free conditions with a calcium concentration of 1.