Expression of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in keratinocytes mediates apoptotic cell death in allogenic T cells.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the aptitude of TRAIL gene expression for inducing apoptosis in co-cultivated T-cells. This should allow preparing a strategy for the development of a durable, allogenic skin substitute based on the induction of an immune-privileged transplant. In order to counteract the significant potential of rejection in transplanted allogenic keratinocytes, we created a murine keratinocyte cell line which expressed TRAIL through stable gene transfer.

Outcome of simultaneous and staged microvascular free tissue transfer connected to arteriovenous loops in areas lacking recipient vessels.

Background: Arteriovenous loops are an indispensable tool in free flap surgery when appropriate recipient vessels are missing. In this study, the authors analyzed whether the outcome differs when flaps were transferred simultaneously or subsequently after construction of arteriovenous loops.

Methods: Twenty-seven patients requiring free tissue transfer received arteriovenous loops by pedicled or free vein grafts because of inadequate local recipient vessels.

Posttraumatic lipoma: fact or fiction?

Background: Both trauma and lipomas are a common occurrence in surgical practice. Lipomas are usually benign adipose tumors with as-yet unexplained pathogenesis and etiology. A link between soft tissue trauma and the formation of lipomas has been described, with the latter being named posttraumatic lipomas.

Inhibition of apoptosis by expression of antiapoptotic proteins in recombinant human keratinocytes.

The Fas ligand/Fas interaction plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses. Allografted cells undergo Fas-mediated apoptosis induced by CD8+ T cells. Our objective was to prevent human keratinocytes from immunologically induced apoptosis.

Inhibition of Apoptosis by Expression of Antiapoptotic Proteins in Recombinant Human Keratinocytes.

The Fas ligand/Fas interaction plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses. Allografted cells undergo Fas-mediated apoptosis induced by CD8+ T cells. Our objective was to prevent human keratinocytes from immunologically induced apoptosis.

Use of spider silk fibres as an innovative material in a biocompatible artificial nerve conduit.

Defects of peripheral nerves still represent a challenge for surgical nerve reconstruction. Recent studies concentrated on replacement by artificial nerve conduits from different synthetic or biological materials. In our study, we describe for the first time the use of spider silk fibres as a new material in nerve tissue engineering.