Cathepsin G (Cath G), a serine-protease found in neutrophils, has been reported to have effects that could either facilitate or impede coagulation. Thrombin generation (CAT method) was chosen to study its overall effect on the process, at a plasma concentration (240 nM) observed after neutrophil activation. Coagulation was triggered by tissue factor in the presence of platelets or phospholipid vesicles.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: It has been emphasized that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) participate in the regulation of coagulation. However, the mechanisms of action are not clear. Besides a procoagulant activity, anticoagulant or fibrinolytic properties are attributed to these cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnlabelled: Neutrophils from patients suffering from glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD-Ib) show marked functional deficiencies (chemotaxis, respiratory burst, and phagocytosis). Here we describe neutrophil adherence receptor (L-selectin CD62L and beta2 integrins CD11b/CD18) deficiency in a patient with genotype of GSD-Ib, who presented with recurrent infections, diminished neutrophil count and impaired functions. Treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) had a beneficial effect on the infectious status, the enhancement of phagocytosis and the regression of the adherence receptor defect.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeparin-loaded microparticles, prepared according to the double emulsion method with biodegradable (PCL and PLGA) and nonbiodegradable (Eudragit RS and RL) polymers used alone or in combination, with or without gelatin, were characterized in vitro and in vivo after oral administration in rabbits. The entrapment efficiency and the release of heparin were determined by a colorimetric method with Azure II. The antifactor Xa activity of heparin released in vitro after 24 h was assessed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Owing to its short half-life and lack of oral absorption, heparin has to be administered by the parenteral route. An oral heparin formulation, however, would avoid the disadvantages of parenteral injections and would consequently be highly desirable for patients. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) prepared with biodegradable poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and nonbiodegradable positively charged polymers (Eudragit RS and RL), used alone or in combination, were evaluated in vitro and in vivo after a single oral administration of heparin-loaded NPs in rabbits.
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