AKT inhibition interferes with the expression of immune checkpoint proteins and increases NK-induced killing of HL60-AML cells.

Objective: To determine the role of the AKT pathway in the regulating of natural Killer-induced apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cells and to characterize the associated molecular mechanisms.

Methods: BALB/c nude mice were injected with HL60 cells to induce a xenogenic model of subcutaneous leukemic tumors. Mice were treated with perifosine, and their spleens were analyzed using biometry, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry.

Regulatory T cells isolated from endometriotic peritoneal fluid express a different number of Toll-like receptors.

Objective: To analyze and compare the expression of Toll-like receptors by regulatory T cells present in the peritoneal fluid of patients with and without endometriosis.

Methods: Regulatory T cells were isolated from peritoneal fluid of women with and without endometriosis, collected during surgery, and mRNA was extracted for analysis of Toll-like receptors expression by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Patients with endometriosis presented regulatory T cells expressing a larger number and variety of Toll-like receptors when compared to regulatory T cells from patients in the Control Group.

Sensorial, structural and functional response of rats subjected to hind limb immobilization.

Aims: This study analyzed the sensorial, structural and functional response of rats subjected to paw immobilization.

Main Methods: Animal pelvis, hip, knee and ankle were immobilized using waterproof tape during two weeks for assessment of sensorial response to thermal (hot plate test) and mechanical stimuli (Von Frey test), motor system structure (histology and radiography) and muscle function (soleus contractility).

Key Findings: Disuse animals became more responsive to thermal stimuli (49%), although less responsive to mechanical challenge (58%).

AGH is a new hemoglobin alpha-chain fragment with antinociceptive activity.

Limited proteolysis of certain proteins leads to the release of endogenous bioactive peptides. Hemoglobin-derived peptides such as hemorphins and hemopressins are examples of intracellular protein-derived peptides that have antinociceptive effects by modulating G-protein coupled receptors activities. In the present study, a previously characterized substrate capture assay that uses a catalytically inactive form of the thimet oligopeptidase was combined with isotopic labeling and mass spectrometry in order to identify new bioactive peptides.