Oxazine conjugated nanoparticle detects in vivo hypochlorous acid and peroxynitrite generation.

The current lack of suitable probes has limited the in vivo imaging of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). ROS/RNS are often generated by ischemia-induced inflammation; defining the extent of tissue involvement or ROS/RNS-related damage would have a significant clinical impact. We present the preparation and demonstration of a fluorogenic sensor for monitoring peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) mediated hypochlorous acid (HOCl/OCl(-)) production.

Identification of splenic reservoir monocytes and their deployment to inflammatory sites.

A current paradigm states that monocytes circulate freely and patrol blood vessels but differentiate irreversibly into dendritic cells (DCs) or macrophages upon tissue entry. Here we show that bona fide undifferentiated monocytes reside in the spleen and outnumber their equivalents in circulation. The reservoir monocytes assemble in clusters in the cords of the subcapsular red pulp and are distinct from macrophages and DCs.

Monocyte subset dynamics in human atherosclerosis can be profiled with magnetic nano-sensors.

Monocytes are circulating macrophage and dendritic cell precursors that populate healthy and diseased tissue. In humans, monocytes consist of at least two subsets whose proportions in the blood fluctuate in response to coronary artery disease, sepsis, and viral infection. Animal studies have shown that specific shifts in the monocyte subset repertoire either exacerbate or attenuate disease, suggesting a role for monocyte subsets as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Molecular imaging of innate immune cell function in transplant rejection.

Background: Clinical detection of transplant rejection by repeated endomyocardial biopsy requires catheterization and entails risks. Recently developed molecular and cellular imaging techniques that visualize macrophage host responses could provide a noninvasive alternative. Yet, which macrophage functions may provide useful markers for detecting parenchymal rejection remains uncertain.

Improvement of microcirculation after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the lower limb with prostaglandin E1.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate prospectively the microcirculation after angioplasty and its improvement with additional Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) therapy assessed by transcutaneous pressure of oxygen.

Patients And Methods: 45 patients with intermittent claudication eligible for angioplasty were enrolled in a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial. Patients received either intra-arterial bolus of 40 microg PGE1 in addition to angioplasty or a 40 microg PGE1 intravenous infusion.

Cryoplasty for the prevention of arterial restenosis.

Restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty remains the limiting factor for the long-term benefit of endovascular therapies of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Despite a variety of modifications and adjuncts to angioplasty such as bare metal stents, covered stents, and drug-eluting stents as well as a number of new technologies like laser angioplasty and cutting balloon angioplasty, restenosis rates have not been significantly affected and remain inferior to those for surgery for long lesions in the femoropopliteal segment. Cryoplasty, which combines balloon angioplasty with the application of cryothermal energy to the vessel wall, was suggested as a promising approach to prevent the formation of neointimal hyperplasia after angioplasty procedures.

Association of circulating transforming growth factor beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha and basic fibroblast growth factor with restenosis after transluminal angioplasty.

Objectives: To assess prospectively the early time course of Transforming Growth Factor beta-1 (TGFbeta-1), basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFalpha) as possible contributors to restenosis development after angioplasty.

Design: Prospective Study.

Methods: The levels of the soluble forms of these factors in the early response to Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) in the arteries of the lower limb were prospectively assessed.

Transcutaneous oximetry compared to ankle-brachial-index measurement in the evaluation of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Objective: To investigate transcutaneous oximetry as parameter of the microcirculation is correlated to ankle-brachial-index as parameter of the macrocirculation after peripheral angioplasty procedures.

Design: Prospective study.

Materials And Methods: 60 patients suffering from intermittent claudication were scheduled for angioplasty treatment.

Early endothelial and haematological response to cryoplasty compared with balloon angioplasty of the superficial femoral artery--a pilot study.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the course of adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), e-selectin, p-selectin and monocyte chemoatlractant protein 1 (MCP-1)), growth factors (transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)) and the cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) after both angioplasty and cryoplasty. Recently cryoplasty has been suggested as a new method to oppose neointimal hyperplasia resulting in restenosis formation. While in vitro models have shown that the application of cryothermal energy to the endothelium during angioplasty leads to apoptosis induction and reduced proliferation rates, no human in vivo proof for an inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia exists.

Role of adhesion molecules in the induction of restenosis after angioplasty in the lower limb.

Objective: The adhesion molecules P selectin, E selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule, vascular cellular adhesion molecule (VCAM), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 play a important role in the development of arteriosclerotic lesions and are considered main contributors to restenosis after angioplasty. We expected that the serum levels of these markers would increase in the early phase of the first few weeks after angioplasty.

Methods: We assessed prospectively the levels of soluble forms of adhesion molecules on the day before and then 24 hours and 2 and 4 weeks after angioplasty in arteries of the lower limb by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.