Cytokine Syntheses by T-Cell Subsets From Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients: Relationship Between Pre-Treatment Levels and Response to Imatinib Therapy.

Background: Although T-cell cytokine's role in the long-term control of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is well established, previous studies showed contradicting results regarding imatinib (IM) effect on the endogenous T-cell function by IM. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between the endogenous T-cell function prior to therapy and the degree of response to IM therapy in CP CML. In addition, modulation of the endogenous T-cell function during IM therapy was studied.

Respiratory syncytial virus increases lung cellular bioenergetics in neonatal C57BL/6 mice.

We have previously reported that lung cellular bioenergetics (cellular respiration and ATP) increased in 4-10 week-old BALB/c mice infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This study examined the kinetics and changes in cellular bioenergetics in ≤ 2-week-old C57BL/6 mice following RSV infection. Mice (5-14 days old) were inoculated intranasally with RSV and the lungs were examined on days 1-10 post-infection.

Cellular bioenergetics, caspase activity and glutathione in murine lungs infected with influenza A virus.

Inhibition of cellular respiration, oxidation of glutathione and induction of apoptosis have been reported in epithelial cells infected in vitro with influenza A virus (IAV). Here, the same biomarkers were investigated in vivo by assessing the lungs of BALB/c mice infected with IAV. Cellular respiration declined on day 3 and recovered on day 7 post-infection.

ANP and BNP responses to dehydration in the one-humped camel and effects of blocking the renin-angiotensin system.

The objectives of this study were to investigate and compare the responses of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the circulation of hydrated, dehydrated, and dehydrated losartan - treated camels; and to document the cardiac storage form of B-type natriuretic peptide in the camel heart. Eighteen male camels were used in the study: control or hydrated camels (n = 6), dehydrated camels (n = 6) and dehydrated losartan-treated camels (n = 6) which were dehydrated and received the angiotensin II (Ang II) AT-1 receptor blocker, losartan, at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight intravenously for 20 days. Control animals were supplied with feed and water ad-libitum while both dehydrated and dehydrated-losartan treated groups were supplied with feed ad-libitum but no water for 20 days.

Bioenergetics of murine lungs infected with respiratory syncytial virus.

Background: Cellular bioenergetics (cellular respiration and accompanying ATP synthesis) is a highly sensitive biomarker of tissue injury and may be altered following infection. The status of cellular mitochondrial O(2) consumption of the lung in pulmonary RSV infection is unknown.

Methods: In this study, lung fragments from RSV-infected BALB/c mice were evaluated for cellular O(2) consumption, ATP content and caspase activity.

In vitro biocompatibility of calcined mesoporous silica particles and fetal blood cells.

Background: The biocompatibility of two forms of calcined mesoporous silica particles, labeled as MCM41-cal and SBA15-cal, with fetal blood mononuclear cells was assessed in vitro.

Methods And Results: Fetal mononuclear cells were isolated from umbilical cord blood and exposed to 0.5 mg/mL of MCM41-cal or SBA15-cal for several hours.

Responses to dehydration in the one-humped camel and effects of blocking the renin-angiotensin system.

Our objectives were to compare the levels of circulating electrolytes, hormones, and renal function during 20 days of dehydration in camels versus the level in non-dehydrated camels and to record the effect of blocking angiotensin II AT1 receptors with losartan during dehydration. Dehydration induced significant increments in serum sodium, creatinine, urea, a substantial fall in body weight, and a doubling in plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels. Plasma aldosterone, however, was unaltered compared with time-matched controls.

Acetylsalicylic acid-induced oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.

It is widely accepted that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, reduce the risk of cancer. The anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs are associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and cyclooxygenase-2 activity. Several other mechanisms which contribute to the anti-cancer effect of these drugs in different cancer models both in vivo and in vitro are also presumed to be involved.

Measurement of oxygen consumption by murine tissues in vitro.

Introduction: A novel in vitro system was developed to measure O₂ consumption by murine tissues over several hours.

Methods: Tissue specimens (7-35 mg) excised from male Balb/c mice were immediately immersed in ice-cold Krebs-Henseleit buffer, saturated with 95% O₂:5% CO₂. The specimens were incubated at 37 °C in the buffer, continuously gassed with O₂:CO₂ (95:5).

Biocompatibility of calcined mesoporous silica particles with cellular bioenergetics in murine tissues.

A novel in vitro system was developed to investigate the effects of two forms of calcined mesoporous silica particles (MCM41-cal and SBA15-cal) on cellular respiration of mouse tissues. O(2) consumption by lung, liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreatic tissues was unaffected by exposure to 200 μg/mL MCM41-cal or SBA15-cal for several hours. Normal tissue histology was confirmed by light microscopy.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is not related to cardiac natriuretic peptide in nulliparous and lactating women.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. Potential mechanisms include involvement of vitamin D in regulation of renin-angiotensin system and manufacture and secretion of cardiac natriuretic peptides. Our aim was to document relationships between 25 hydroxyvitamin [25(OH)D] and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and plasma renin activity (PRA) levels and to document the effect of vitamin D administration on NT-proBNP and PRA levels in vitamin D deficient subjects.

Effect of combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status of exclusively breastfed infants.

Severe vitamin D deficiency in mothers and their breastfed infants is a significant health problem in the Middle East. Supplementation of the breastfed infant alone with the recommended dose of vitamin D may be insufficient in high-risk population. We investigated the effect of combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status of the breastfed infant.

Interrelationships between B-type natriuretic peptides and vitamin D in patients on maintenance peritoneal dialysis.

Objective: Experimental evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency impairs cardiac structure and function. Our objective was to observe relationships between circulating levels of the cardiac natriuretic peptides and vitamin D levels in patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis.

Method: Measurements were made of circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients receiving chronic peritoneal dialysis.

Association of TCF7L2 polymorphism with diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and markers of beta cell function and insulin resistance in a population-based sample of Emirati subjects.

Aims: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) among Emirati subjects is one of the highest in the world. This has been attributed to rising prevalence of obesity acting on genetically susceptible individuals. We analyzed the associations between TCF7L2 polymorphism and DM, metabolic syndrome, and markers of beta cell function and insulin resistance in a population-based sample of Emirati subjects.

Alterations in mitochondrial respiratory functions, redox metabolism and apoptosis by oxidant 4-hydroxynonenal and antioxidants curcumin and melatonin in PC12 cells.

Cellular oxidative stress and alterations in redox metabolisms have been implicated in the etiology and pathology of many diseases including cancer. Antioxidant treatments have been proven beneficial in controlling these diseases. We have recently shown that 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a by-product of lipid peroxidation, induces oxidative stress in PC12 cells by compromising the mitochondrial redox metabolism.

Efficacy of daily and monthly high-dose calciferol in vitamin D-deficient nulliparous and lactating women.

Background: We previously found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and low medication regimen compliance in Arab and East Indian women residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The appropriate dosing regimen for improving vitamin D status in this population is not known.

Objective: We aimed to determine the efficacy of daily and monthly supplementation with vitamin D2, the only high-dose calciferol available in the UAE, in lactating and nulliparous women.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications in a population-based sample in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Aims: To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications in the adult population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and assess the degree of metabolic control in subjects with diagnosed DM.

Methods: A random sample of houses of Emirati citizens living in Al Ain, UAE was surveyed. Fasting blood glucose was determined by glucose meter and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted if blood sugar was <7 mmol/l.

Alterations in atrial natriuretic peptide and its receptor levels in long-term, streptozotocin-induced, diabetes in rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) shows a markedly increased incidence of cardiovascular pathology that leads to hypertension, endothelial macro- and microangiopathy, diabetic nephropathy, and myocardial infarction. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), is a 28 amino acid peptide hormone synthesized mainly by the heart atria and ventricles. It has potent diuretic and natriuretic properties.

Predictors and relationships of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentration with bone turnover markers, bone mineral density, and vitamin D receptor genotype in Emirati women.

Objectives: To determine factors influencing serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentration and relationships between serum 25OHD concentration, bone turnover markers, bone mineral density (BMD), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) genotype in Emirati women.

Methods: Serum 25OHD, parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and urinary deoxypyrdinoline (UDPD) concentrations and VDR genotype were determined in Emirati women volunteers who were participating in a study aiming at establishing a reference database for BMD.

Results: Serum 25OHD concentration in the 259 women volunteers was 25.

Alterations in atrial natriuretic peptide and its receptors in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat kidneys.

In this study the effect of diabetes mellitus on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rat kidneys was studied. Moreover, plasma ANP concentration was evaluated in diabetic and control rats by using radioimmunoassay. In addition, the expression of ANP in the kidneys of control and diabetic rats was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Serum interleukin-5 levels are elevated in mild and moderate persistent asthma irrespective of regular inhaled glucocorticoid therapy.

Background: Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of asthma. High levels of circulating IL-5 have been documented in acute asthma. However, serum IL-5 levels in mild to moderate asthmatics and the influence of regular use of inhaled glucocorticoids, is not known.

Elevation of plasma transforming growth factor beta1 levels in stable nonatopic asthma.

Background: Increased transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) levels have been reported in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and bronchial biopsy specimens from asthmatic patients. However, systemic TGF-beta1 levels have not been reported in asthma.

Objective: To evaluate the levels of plasma TGF-beta1 in asthmatic patients and matched, healthy controls to determine the associations with atopic status, disease severity, and duration.