Computer-Aided Histopathological Characterisation of Endometriosis Lesions.

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition characterised by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and is associated with pain and infertility. Currently, the gold standard for endometriosis diagnosis is laparoscopic excision and histological identification of endometrial epithelial and stromal cells. There is, however, currently no known association between the histological appearance, size, morphology, or subtype of endometriosis and disease prognosis.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes activate and shift polarization of pulmonary macrophages and dendritic cells in an model of chronic obstructive lung disease.

With substantial progress of nanotechnology, there is rising concern about possible adverse health effects related to inhalation of nanomaterials, such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). In particular, individuals with chronic respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may potentially be more susceptible to adverse health effects related to inhaled MWCNT. Hazard assessment of such inhaled nanomaterials therefore requires timely clarification.

Exposure to silver nanoparticles affects viability and function of natural killer cells, mostly via the release of ions.

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in linking innate and adaptive immune responses, especially during viral infections and tumor surveillance. They have two major effector functions: the killing of stressed/abnormal cells and the release of cytokines. Their activity is regulated via inhibitory and activating surface receptors.

The Topoisomerase I Inhibitor Irinotecan and the Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 Inhibitor Furamidine Synergistically Suppress Murine Lupus Nephritis.

Objective: The treatment of lupus nephritis is still an unmet medical need requiring new therapeutic approaches. Our group found recently that irinotecan, an inhibitor of topoisomerase I (topo I), reversed proteinuria and prolonged survival in mice with advanced lupus nephritis. While irinotecan is known to stabilize the complex of topo I and DNA, the enzyme tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP-1) functions in an opposing manner by releasing topo I from DNA.

Low-dose irinotecan improves advanced lupus nephritis in mice potentially by changing DNA relaxation and anti-double-stranded DNA binding.

Objective: Despite clear advances in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), many patients still present with refractory lupus nephritis, requiring new treatment strategies for this disease. This study was undertaken to determine whether reduced doses of the topoisomerase I (topo I) inhibitor irinotecan, which is known as a chemotherapeutic agent, suppress SLE in (NZB × NZW)F1 (NZB/NZW) mice, and to evaluate the potential mechanism by which irinotecan influences the course of SLE.

Methods: NZB/NZW mice were treated with low-dose irinotecan beginning at either 24 weeks of age or established glomerulonephritis, defined as proteinuria of grade ≥3+.

Influence of natural killer cells and perforin‑mediated cytolysis on the development of chemically induced lung cancer in A/J mice.

One alternative approach for the treatment of lung cancer might be the activation of the immune system using vaccination strategies. However, most of clinical vaccination trials for lung cancer did not reach their primary end points, suggesting that lung cancer is of low immunogenicity. To provide additional experimental information about this important issue, we investigated which type of immune cells contributes to the protection from lung cancer development.