Liver X receptor activation mitigates oxysterol-induced dysfunction in fetoplacental endothelial cells.

Maintaining the homeostasis of the placental vasculature is of paramount importance for ensuring normal fetal growth and development. Any disruption in this balance can lead to perinatal morbidity. Several studies have uncovered an association between high levels of oxidized cholesterol (oxysterols), and complications during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE).

Biomechanical properties of native and cultured red blood cells-Interplay of shape, structure and biomechanics.

Modern medicine increases the demand for safe blood products. cultured red blood cells (cRBC) are eagerly awaited as a standardized, safe source of RBC. Established culture models still lack the terminal cytoskeletal remodeling from reticulocyte to erythrocyte with changes in the biomechanical properties and interacts with membrane stiffness, viscosity of the cytoplasm and the cytoskeletal network.

Air-liquid interface culture changes surface properties of A549 cells.

A549 cells are common models in the assessment of respiratory cytotoxicity. To provide physiologically more representative exposure conditions and increase the differentiation state, respiratory cells, for instance Calu-3 bronchial epithelial cells, are cultured at an air-liquid interface (ALI). There are indications that A549 cells also change their phenotype upon culture in ALI.