Barbara Wiszniewska
Publications
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0.88Impact points
The generation of spermatogonial stem cells and spermatogonia in mammals.
Reproductive biology. 03/2012; 12(1):5-23.
Spermatogenesis is a complex series of cellular changes leading to the formation of haploid male gametes (spermatozoa) and includes mitotic, meiotic and post-meiotic phases. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for the continuous lifelong production of spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis is initi... [more] Spermatogenesis is a complex series of cellular changes leading to the formation of haploid male gametes (spermatozoa) and includes mitotic, meiotic and post-meiotic phases. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for the continuous lifelong production of spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis is initiated when SSC is triggered to undergo mitosis that gives rise to progenitors, which further differentiate into spermatogonia. In this review, we describe the origin of SSCs and other spermatogonia populations and summarize the knowledge concerning their markers.
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2.46Impact points
Disrupted pro- and antioxidative balance as a mechanism of neurotoxicity induced by perinatal exposure to lead.
Brain research. 12/2011; 1435:56-71.
The aim of this paper was to examine if pre- and neonatal exposure that results in lead (Pb) concentration below 'safe level' (10 μg/dL) in offspring blood may cause disruption of the pro/antioxidant balance in the developing rat brain. We studied oxidative stress intensity (malondialdehyde ... [more] The aim of this paper was to examine if pre- and neonatal exposure that results in lead (Pb) concentration below 'safe level' (10 μg/dL) in offspring blood may cause disruption of the pro/antioxidant balance in the developing rat brain. We studied oxidative stress intensity (malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration) as well as mRNA, protein expression and the activity of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPx4), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GSR). We also measured glutathione (GSH) concentrations in selected structures of the rat brain (forebrain cortex, FC, cerebellum, C, and hippocampus, H) and showed cellular localization of GPx4, SOD1 and SOD2 expressions in the hippocampus by immunohistochemical examinations. Despite low Pb level in blood we observed decrease of the activity of some antioxidant enzymes as well as mRNA and protein expression downregulation associated with an increase of MDA level and CAT expression upregulation, especially in the hippocampus region. At the subcellular level, downregulation of SOD2 expression and decreased enzyme activity as well as mitochondrial pool of GSH suggest also that mitochondrial mechanisms might account for Pb neurotoxicity mechanism. For some enzymes, we found differences in the effects of Pb on the level of expression and activity. The activity of CAT decreased despite an increase in mRNA and protein expression; and likewise the activities SOD1, GPx1 GPx4 decreased, despite substantially unchanged level of expression. These effects may be the result of impairment of catalytic function of the enzyme protein caused by Pb interaction or of reduction in the availability of cofactors. We conclude that antioxidant system of the hippocampus of immature rat brain is highly vulnerable to perinatal Pb exposure. Therefore, oxidative stress may be one of the possible mechanisms disturbing cellular metabolism in this structure. Disruption of pro- and antioxidant balance should be considered as a potential mechanism of the observed Pb adverse effects, leading to the impaired learning ability caused by Pb exposure in children.
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1.51Impact points
Stem Cells are mobilized from the bone marrow into the peripheral circulation in response to retinal pigment epithelium damage--a pathophysiological attempt to induce endogenous regeneration.
Current eye research. 07/2011; 36(7):663-72.
Stem cell regeneration of damaged tissue has recently been reported in many different organs. Here, we investigated the mobilization of different stem/progenitor cell (SPC) populations into the peripheral blood (PB), their subsequent homing to the injured retina (IR) and contribution to its regenera... [more] Stem cell regeneration of damaged tissue has recently been reported in many different organs. Here, we investigated the mobilization of different stem/progenitor cell (SPC) populations into the peripheral blood (PB), their subsequent homing to the injured retina (IR) and contribution to its regeneration in a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage model induced by sodium iodate (NaIO(3)). Mobilization of SPCs was evaluated by flow cytometry. SPCs distribution in IR was assessed using bone marrow (BM)-derived GFP(+)Lin(-) cells transplanted intravenously into NaIO(3)-treated C57Bl/6 mice. The quantity of the chemokine SDF-1 in PB and IR was measured by ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively. Apoptosis (TUNEL assay), cell proliferation (PCNA analysis) as well as functional retinal activity (electroretinogram) were examined at several time points after NaIO(3) administration. Mobilization of SPCs along with the highest cell proliferation and massive apoptosis within IR were observed on the third day after NaIO(3) administration. Similarly, donor GFP(+)Lin(-) cells were detected in the retina as soon as day 4 after NaIO(3) injection. Plasma levels of SDF-1 did not differ significantly in mice exposed to NaIO(3) compared to healthy controls, however mRNA for SDF-1 was overexpressed locally in IR. Functional retinal recovery was not achieved. Our study provides evidence that BM SPCs egress into PB and home to the injured retina, but are not capable of restoring its function. These results indicate that if the range of retinal destruction is profound, endogenous regeneration is ineffective and may ultimately require adjuvant therapeutic transplantation of specific SPCs subpopulations.
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2.60Impact points
Changes in male reproductive system and mineral metabolism induced by soy isoflavones administered to rats from prenatal life until sexual maturity.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 03/2011; 27(3):372-9.
This study aimed to determine the influence of high-dose soy isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) administered from prenatal life to sexual maturity on testosterone and estradiol levels, testicular and epididymal morphology, the number of epididymal spermatozoa, and mineral metabolism in rats. Pregn... [more] This study aimed to determine the influence of high-dose soy isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) administered from prenatal life to sexual maturity on testosterone and estradiol levels, testicular and epididymal morphology, the number of epididymal spermatozoa, and mineral metabolism in rats. Pregnant Wistar rats received orally soy isoflavones, daidzein, and genistein at a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight per day. After separating sucklings from their mothers, male rats received the same dose of isoflavones until reaching the age of sexual maturity, i.e., for 3 mo. In the isoflavone-treated group, statistically significant decreased concentrations of zinc (determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry) in blood serum and increased concentrations in bone were observed. The isoflavones induced changes in the morphology of the seminiferous epithelium of rat testes. However, there were no significant changes in the number of spermatozoa in the epididymis. The levels of estradiol in serum and cauda epididymis homogenates of rats receiving phytoestrogens were significantly higher than in the control group. No differences were observed in testosterone concentrations in the serum of treated and control rats. The testosterone levels in the homogenates of the treated rat testes were significantly lower than in the control group. The relatively mild effects of phytoestrogen administration on the morphology of testes and epididymides and the number of epididymal spermatozoa were observed despite the high dose used. The exposure of rats to genistein and daidzein during intrauterine life until sexual maturity influenced the mineral metabolism of the organism by significant decreases of Zn concentration in serum and increased Zn concentration in bones.
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1.08Impact points
Testis morphology in rats chronically treated with letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor.
Folia histochemica et cytobiologica / Polish Academy of Sciences, Polish Histochemical and Cytochemical Society. 01/2011; 49(4):677-84.
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the long-term treatment of rats with letrozole on the testis morphology. The pharmacologically induced estrogen deficiency caused statistically significant decreases of both intratesticular and serum levels of estradiol, and morphological cha... [more] The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the long-term treatment of rats with letrozole on the testis morphology. The pharmacologically induced estrogen deficiency caused statistically significant decreases of both intratesticular and serum levels of estradiol, and morphological changes in the seminiferous epithelium and in the interstitial tissue of the testes. Six months of treatment resulted in the sloughing of premature germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium into the tubular lumen and in intraepithelial vacuolization. Multinucleated giant cells composed of premature germ cells, conglomerates of various cell nuclei and cell debris as well as irregularities and infoldings of the tubular basement membrane were also seen. Moreover, deep invaginations of the lamina propria with myoid cells were observed. Cells in the interstitial tissue showed changes similar to that observed in aging processes. The cytoplasm of LH-R-positive Leydig cells was loaded with lipofuscin granules. The number of lipofuscin-loaded cells was significantly increased in the interstitial tissue of testis in letrozole-treated rats. The results indicate the direct influence of estrogens on seminiferous tubules and the interstitial tissue morphology. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 677-684).
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[Functional improvement of injured retina following the adjuvant stem cell-based therapy. Preliminary report].
Klinika oczna. 01/2011; 113(4-6):117-21.
The purpose of this study was to appraise the functional response of damaged retina to the stem cell-based therapy in mice. The majority of disorders leading to the irreversible vision loss in the developed world is caused by retinal degeneration. Since, recent reports emphasized regenerative potent... [more] The purpose of this study was to appraise the functional response of damaged retina to the stem cell-based therapy in mice. The majority of disorders leading to the irreversible vision loss in the developed world is caused by retinal degeneration. Since, recent reports emphasized regenerative potential of bone marrow stem marrow stem/progenitor cells (SPCs), we investigated here the beneficial effect of intravenously administrated SPCs on regeneration of acutely injured retina. Selective chemical injury of murine retinas was induced by intravenous administration of sodium iodate (NalO3) in its toxic dose. Flash electroretinogram (ERG), was performed in different time points after infusion of bone marrow-derived and negative for linage antigens population of SPCs. Stem cell-based therapy resulted in gradual increase of b-wave amplitude in ERG recordings starting from the 3rd day after NalO3 administration, what confirmed the improvement of retinal function in long-term observation. Our preliminary findings revealed that the selected stem cell-based therapy employed in the adjuvant mode has been shown to be effective in supporting the retinal function recovery after acute retinal damage.
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1.54Impact points
The effect of L-ascorbic acid and/or tocopherol supplementation on electrophysiological parameters of the colon of rats chronically exposed to lead.
Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research. 01/2011; 17(1):BR16-26.
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of diet supplementation with L-ascorbic acid (500 mg/L), tocopherol (3 mg/kg b.w.), and/or a water soluble analog of tocopherol (Trolox) (48 mg/L) on ion transport in the colon of rats subjected to a chronic exposure (9 months) to 0.1% lead acetate in d... [more] The aim of this study was to assess the effect of diet supplementation with L-ascorbic acid (500 mg/L), tocopherol (3 mg/kg b.w.), and/or a water soluble analog of tocopherol (Trolox) (48 mg/L) on ion transport in the colon of rats subjected to a chronic exposure (9 months) to 0.1% lead acetate in drinking water. The electrophysiological parameters of the colon wall were measured with Ussing methods. Lead content in the whole blood was analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) using Zeeman correction. L-ascorbic acid and tocopherol in plasma was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Immunohistochemical reaction was carried out for visualization of occludin, the intracellular tight junction protein. We showed a strong inhibitory effect of lead on the electrophysiological parameters, changes in intestinal permeability, disappearance of junctional occludin, decreased amount of mucus covering the colon surface, and the accumulation of PAS-positive substance in the apical region of the cytoplasm in the absorptive cells. Supplementation with tocopherol or Trolox did not exert a beneficial influence on the studied parameters. L-ascorbic acid positively influenced the examined electrophysiological parameters, as it cancelled the inhibitory influence of lead on ion transport in the rat colon. L-ascorbic acid also protected against tight junction disruption of epithelial cells in the colon of the lead-treated rats. A similar effect was observed in the group of rats receiving lead and supplemented with L-ascorbic acid plus Trolox.
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1.08Impact points
DHT deficiency perturbs the integrity of the rat seminiferous epithelium by disrupting tight and adherens junctions.
Folia histochemica et cytobiologica / Polish Academy of Sciences, Polish Histochemical and Cytochemical Society. 01/2011; 49(1):62-71.
In rats with a DHT deficiency induced by finasteride, morphological changes in the seminiferous epithelium were observed. The structural alterations were manifested by the premature germ cells sloughing into the lumen of seminiferous tubules. The etiology of this disorder could be connected with int... [more] In rats with a DHT deficiency induced by finasteride, morphological changes in the seminiferous epithelium were observed. The structural alterations were manifested by the premature germ cells sloughing into the lumen of seminiferous tubules. The etiology of this disorder could be connected with intercellular junctions disintegration. We showed in the immunohistochemical study the changes in expression of some proteins building tight and adherens junctions. The depression of N-cadherin, β-catenin and occludin immunoexpressions could be the reason for the release of immature germ cells from the seminiferous epithelium. However, the observed increase of the immunohistochemical reaction intensity of vinculin, one of the cadherin/catenin complex regulators, could be insufficient to maintain the proper function of adherens junctions. The hormonal imbalance appears to influence the pattern of expression of junctional proteins in the seminiferous epithelium. It could lead to untimely germ cells sloughing, and ultimately could impair fertility.
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3.43Impact points
Different populations of circulating endothelial cells in patients with age-related macular degeneration: a novel insight into pathogenesis.
Investigative ophthalmology & visual science. 01/2011; 52(1):93-100.
Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may serve as novel markers of endothelial dysfunction. The presence and clinical implications of CECs and the expression of endothelin (ET)-1, one of the most potent vasoconstrictors, have not been evaluated in patients wit... [more] Circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may serve as novel markers of endothelial dysfunction. The presence and clinical implications of CECs and the expression of endothelin (ET)-1, one of the most potent vasoconstrictors, have not been evaluated in patients with the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study was conducted to determine the different populations of endothelial cells (ECs) in the peripheral blood of AMD patients and to correlate these findings with the expression of ET-1 and the cytokines and growth factors responsible for EC migration and function. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 29 patients with diagnosed neovascular AMD and from 38 healthy control subjects. CD133(-)CD144(+) CECs and CD34(+)CD133(+)CD144(+) EPCs were counted and analyzed by flow cytometry. The intracellular expression of ET-1 in peripheral blood nuclear cells (PBNCs) was studied by using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytofluorescence assays, and ET-1, IGF-1, VEGF, SDF-1, and HGF plasma concentrations were measured in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Increased CECs and EPCs were found in the AMD patients compared with the counts in healthy individuals. The expression of intracellular ET-1 was significantly elevated in PBNCs from the AMD patients compared with the control subjects. In addition a significantly higher plasma concentration of IGF-1 was observed, but a lower SDF-1 level in the group of AMD patients. These findings suggest that circulating endothelial cells, together with high ET-1 content, may contribute to the development of AMD. Further prospective investigations on the mechanism involved may be relevant to the potential treatment of this disease.
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2.72Impact points
Sodium iodate selectively injuries the posterior pole of the retina in a dose-dependent manner: morphological and electrophysiological study.
Neurochemical research. 11/2010; 35(11):1819-27.
Sequential morphological and functional features of retinal damage in mice exposed to different doses (40 vs. 20 mg/kg) of sodium iodate (NaIO(3)) were analyzed. Retinal morphology, apoptosis (TUNEL assay), and function (electroretinography; ERG) were examined at several time points after NaIO(3) ad... [more] Sequential morphological and functional features of retinal damage in mice exposed to different doses (40 vs. 20 mg/kg) of sodium iodate (NaIO(3)) were analyzed. Retinal morphology, apoptosis (TUNEL assay), and function (electroretinography; ERG) were examined at several time points after NaIO(3) administration. The higher dose of NaIO(3) caused progressive degeneration of the whole retinal area and total suppression of scotopic and photopic ERG. In contrast, the lower dose induced much less severe degeneration in peripheral part of retina along with a moderate decline of b- and a-wave amplitudes in ERG, corroborating the presence of regions within retina that retain their function. The peak of photoreceptor apoptosis was found on the 3rd day, but the lower dose induced more intense reaction within the central retina than in its peripheral region. In conclusion, these results indicate that peripheral area of the retina reveals better resistance to NaIO(3) injury than its central part.
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1.13Impact points
Changes in the concentration of microelements in the teeth of rats in the final stage of type 1 diabetes, with an absolute lack of insulin.
Biological trace element research. 03/2010; 139(3):332-40.
The mineral content of tooth hard tissue may influence the rate of decay change. Considering this fact, we aimed at examining if type 1 diabetes might be a contributing factor to the appearance of tooth decay. The experiment was conducted on female Wistar rats. To induce diabetes, rats were intraven... [more] The mineral content of tooth hard tissue may influence the rate of decay change. Considering this fact, we aimed at examining if type 1 diabetes might be a contributing factor to the appearance of tooth decay. The experiment was conducted on female Wistar rats. To induce diabetes, rats were intravenously injected with 1 mL streptozocine 0.01 M citrate buffer. The control group of rats was injected with 1 mL 0.01 M citrate buffer only. After 10 days, teeth and blood serum samples were obtained. Fluoride concentration was determined by potentiometer method, and calcium and magnesium, by AAS. Serum concentrations of glucose and estradiol in the diabetic rats were significantly higher compared to the control group. In the experimental group, a statistically significant decrease of fluorine concentration in both teeth and serum were observed. Calcium and magnesium concentrations in blood serum and dental magnesium concentration were significantly higher in rats with type 1 diabetes compared with the control. A downward trend in the content of dental calcium in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was observed. The results obtained indicate that caries initiation and progression could be promoted by metabolic changes associated with diabetes affecting the mineral composition of tooth hard tissue.
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The Immunoexpression of FSH-R in the Ductuli Efferentes and the Epididymis of Men and Rat: Effect of FSH on the Morphology and Steroidogenic Activity of Rat Epididymal Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 01/2010;
The Sertoli cells were regarded as the only target for FSH in male reproductive system. The expression of FSH receptor (FSH-R) was detected also in epithelial cells of the caput epididymis of rat and monkey. We showed in the immunohistochemistry study the expression of FSH-R in rat and human ductuli... [more] The Sertoli cells were regarded as the only target for FSH in male reproductive system. The expression of FSH receptor (FSH-R) was detected also in epithelial cells of the caput epididymis of rat and monkey. We showed in the immunohistochemistry study the expression of FSH-R in rat and human ductuli efferentes and the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis, moreover, by Western blot analysis in the caput and cauda epididymis of rat. Additionally, we presented that the morphology of rat epididymal epithelial cells in vitro was affected by FSH, and FSH stimulation resulted in the increase of 17β-estradiol synthesis by rat caput epididymal cells in dose-depended manner. In conclusion, the identification of FSH receptors in human and rat epididymides supports our results that the epididymis is a target organ not only for LH but additionally for FSH. On the basis of the results we showed for the first time that morphology of epididymal epithelial cells and epididymal steroidogenesis can be regulated by FSH.
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1.75Impact points
The immunoexpression of FSH-R in the ductuli efferentes and the epididymis of men and rat: effect of FSH on the morphology and steroidogenic activity of rat epididymal epithelial cells in vitro.
Journal of biomedicine & biotechnology. 01/2010; 2010:506762.
The Sertoli cells were regarded as the only target for FSH in male reproductive system. The expression of FSH receptor (FSH-R) was detected also in epithelial cells of the caput epididymis of rat and monkey. We showed in the immunohistochemistry study the expression of FSH-R in rat and human ductuli... [more] The Sertoli cells were regarded as the only target for FSH in male reproductive system. The expression of FSH receptor (FSH-R) was detected also in epithelial cells of the caput epididymis of rat and monkey. We showed in the immunohistochemistry study the expression of FSH-R in rat and human ductuli efferentes and the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis, moreover, by Western blot analysis in the caput and cauda epididymis of rat. Additionally, we presented that the morphology of rat epididymal epithelial cells in vitro was affected by FSH, and FSH stimulation resulted in the increase of 17beta-estradiol synthesis by rat caput epididymal cells in dose-depended manner. In conclusion, the identification of FSH receptors in human and rat epididymides supports our results that the epididymis is a target organ not only for LH but additionally for FSH. On the basis of the results we showed for the first time that morphology of epididymal epithelial cells and epididymal steroidogenesis can be regulated by FSH.
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1.26Impact points
Conjugated linoleic acids regulate triacylglycerol and cholesterol concentrations in macrophages/foam cells by the modulation of CD36 expression.
Acta biochimica Polonica. 01/2010; 57(3):379-84.
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterised by the accumulation of lipids and their metabolites in the artery wall. During inflammation circulating LDL are taken up by macrophages through two major scavenger receptors: CD36 and scavenger receptor A (SRA). Fatty acids that are common in ... [more] Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterised by the accumulation of lipids and their metabolites in the artery wall. During inflammation circulating LDL are taken up by macrophages through two major scavenger receptors: CD36 and scavenger receptor A (SRA). Fatty acids that are common in food, e.g. linoleic acid and n-3 unsaturated fatty acids can modulate expression of CD36 on the macrophage surface. Conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLA) that originate from the human diet, have demonstrated antiatherogenic properties in several experiments. Animal study evidenced that CLA could induce resolution of plaque by activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes. Less unequivocal results were obtained in human studies (on the CLA effects on the inflammatory process). Therefore in this study we investigated the influence of CLA on CD36 expression and lipid accumulation in human macrophages. Macrophages were incubated with 30 μM cis-9,trans-11 CLA, trans-10,cis-12 CLA or linoleic acid for 48 h. After that, expression of CD36 as well as accumulation of lipids were measured by flow cytometry, microscopy and a spectroscopic method. We demonstrate that both cis-9,trans-11 C 18 : 2 CLA and linoleic acid slightly elevated expression of CD36, whereas second isomer — trans-10,cis-12 CLA — did not. Nevertheless, only trans-10,cis-12 CLA triggered delipidation of macrophages, that is decreased triacylglycerols concentration. Also in human adipocytes, trans-10,cis-12 CLA causes cell delipidation by reduction of PPAR receptor expression. We propose a similar mechanism for human macrophages/foam cells.
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1.08Impact points
Inducible nitric oxide synthase in duodenum of children with Giardia lamblia infection.
Folia histochemica et cytobiologica / Polish Academy of Sciences, Polish Histochemical and Cytochemical Society. 01/2010; 48(2):191-6.
The investigation were performed on children with Giardia lamblia infection, diagnosed on the basis of positive stool tests for Giardia antigen (Elisa) or by microscopical detection of trophozoites in duodenal fluid. In duodenal biopsies morphological studies and immunohistochemical reaction for ind... [more] The investigation were performed on children with Giardia lamblia infection, diagnosed on the basis of positive stool tests for Giardia antigen (Elisa) or by microscopical detection of trophozoites in duodenal fluid. In duodenal biopsies morphological studies and immunohistochemical reaction for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were performed. The control group was made up of duodenal tissue of children with excluded giardiasis and inflammation of the upper part of gastrointestinal tract. The duodenal biopsies from children without Giardia lamblia infection were found to have a high immunoreactivity for iNOS in enterocytes, the cells of intestinal crypts, endothelial cells of vessels and connective tissue cells of lamina propria. In children with giardiasis: in some biopsies the expression of iNOS was as high as in control group, in others was weaker detectable and the shortening of intestinal villi was seen. There were also duodenal biopsies with the lack of immunoreactivity for iNOS, with shorter villi and a large amount of mucus in the intestinal epithelium. Beside of goblet cells, also enterocytes were loaded with mucus. The pathological changes may cause malabsorption and also may have a negative influence on the defense of the intestinal wall against Giardia lamblia infection. The different morphological and immunohistochemical results in the duodenum of children with giardiasis can elucidate a variety of clinical symptoms from asymptomatic to severe infection.
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1.51Impact points
Potential application of adult stem cells in retinal repair--challenge for regenerative medicine.
Current eye research. 09/2009; 34(9):748-60.
Stem cells (SCs) maintain the balance among somatic cell populations in various tissues and are responsible for organ regeneration. The remarkable progress of regenerative medicine in the last few years indicates promise for the use of SCs in ophthalmic disorder treatment. This review describes the ... [more] Stem cells (SCs) maintain the balance among somatic cell populations in various tissues and are responsible for organ regeneration. The remarkable progress of regenerative medicine in the last few years indicates promise for the use of SCs in ophthalmic disorder treatment. This review describes the current view on hierarchy in the SC compartment and presents the latest attempts to use adult SCs in the regeneration of the retina. Research performed primarily in animal models gives hope for using similar strategies in humans. However, the search for the optimal source of SCs for cell therapy continues. We briefly discuss various potential sources of adult SCs that could be employed in regenerative medicine, particularly focusing on recently identified, very small embryonic-like SCs (VSEL-SCs). These cells are even present in the bone marrow and adult tissues of older patients and could be harvested from cord blood. We believe that VSEL-SCs, after the establishment of ex vivo expansion and differentiation protocols, could be harnessed for retina regeneration.
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1.29Impact points
Elevated Plasma Levels of C3a Complement Compound in the Exudative Form of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Ophthalmic research. 06/2009; 42(1):54-59.
Aim: Recent findings suggest that chronic inflammatory processes play a role in the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here we asked whether the development of different forms of AMD is connected with the elevation of plasma C3a-desArg concentration. Methods: We recruited 30 subj... [more] Aim: Recent findings suggest that chronic inflammatory processes play a role in the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here we asked whether the development of different forms of AMD is connected with the elevation of plasma C3a-desArg concentration. Methods: We recruited 30 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of exudative AMD with newly diagnosed choroidal neovascularization (CNV), 30 subjects with dry AMD and 30 age- and sex-matched volunteers without AMD. The concentration of C3a-desArg complement compound was measured in the subjects' peripheral blood. We evaluated the association between the level of C3a-desArg and age, sex, smoking, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Results: We found that the levels of C3a-desArg were significantly elevated in patients with exudative AMD compared to the control group. The concentrations of C3a-desArg in patients with dry AMD were similar to those of controls. Additionally, patients and controls with documented atherosclerosis (AS) displayed significantly higher levels of C3a-desArg compared to subjects without AS. Conclusions: Our results suggest an association between systemic complement activation and the development of CNV. Moreover, we found an association of complement activation with atherosclerosis and confirmed the hypothesis that AMD can be a local manifestation of systemic disease.
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1.13Impact points
The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the testis and epididymis of rats with a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) deficiency.
Cellular & molecular biology letters. 05/2009;
In our previous studies, we showed that a finasteride-induced DHT deficiency may cause changes in the morphology of the seminiferous epithelium without any morphological alteration of the epididymis. In this study, we demonstrated the constitutive immunoexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase ... [more] In our previous studies, we showed that a finasteride-induced DHT deficiency may cause changes in the morphology of the seminiferous epithelium without any morphological alteration of the epididymis. In this study, we demonstrated the constitutive immunoexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the testis and epididymis of Wistar rats treated with finasteride for 28 days (the duration of two cycles of the seminiferous epithelium) and 56 days (the duration of one spermatogenesis). We noted that a 56-day finasteride treatment mainly caused a decrease in the level of circulating DHT, as well as a statistically insignificant decrease in the level of T. The hormone deficiency also led to a change in the iNOS immnoexpression in the testis and epididymis of the finasteride-treated rats. In vitro, DHT did not modify NO production by the epithelial cells of the caput epididymis even when stimulated with LPS and IFNgamma, but it did give rise to an increase in NO production by the epithelial cells of the cauda epididymis without the stimulation. DHT did not have a statistically significant influence on estradiol production by cultured, LPS- and IFNgamma-stimulated epithelial cells from the caput and cauda epididymis. In conclusion, our data clearly indicates that a finasterideinduced DHT deficiency intensifies the constitutive expression of iNOS in most rat testicular and epididymal cells, so it can be expected that the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) could be regulated by DHT. On the other hand, the profile of the circulating DHT and T levels strongly suggests that the regulation of constitutive iNOS expression is complex and needs more detailed study.
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1.36Impact points
Protective potential of SCF for mice preimplantation embryos cultured in vitro in suboptimal conditions.
Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics. 10/2008;
PURPOSE: To examine the effect of stem cell factor (SCF) to embryos exposed to detrimental factors. METHODS: Mice embryos cultured in control medium or Exp.1. with FasL or FasL+SCF Exp.2. with hydrogen peroxide (HP) or HP+SCF; Exp.3. frozen-thawed and cultured with or without SCF. Immunohistochemist... [more] PURPOSE: To examine the effect of stem cell factor (SCF) to embryos exposed to detrimental factors. METHODS: Mice embryos cultured in control medium or Exp.1. with FasL or FasL+SCF Exp.2. with hydrogen peroxide (HP) or HP+SCF; Exp.3. frozen-thawed and cultured with or without SCF. Immunohistochemistry for Fas and c-kit receptors was performed in blastocysts. Blastocyst rates, total numbers of blastocyst cells (TB) and inner cell mass cell counts (ICM) were determined. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical studies revealed expression of both Fas and c-kit in blastocyst cells. Exp.1. Significantly more blastocysts were found in control when compared to FasL group and to FasL+SCF group. TB and ICM counts in control and FasL+SCF group were significantly higher comparing to FasL group. Exp.2. We found significant differences between three groups in all three evaluated parameters. The highest blastocyst rates, TB and ICM counts were found in control, lower in HP+SCF group and the worst in HP group. Exp.3. No significant differences in TB and ICM counts were found. More embryos formed blastocyst in control than in two cryopreserved groups. Blastocyst rates did not differ between two cryopreserved groups. CONCLUSION: SCF may improve culture of embryos exposed to unfavorable milieu.
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2.60Impact points
Conjugated linoleic acid increases intracellular ROS synthesis and oxygenation of arachidonic acid in macrophages.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). 03/2008; 24(2):187-99.
OBJECTIVE: Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) have potential antiatherosclerotic properties: they may inhibit atherosclerotic processes by reducing the intensity of inflammatory processes. However, in vivo studies have shown that the application of trans-10, cis-12 CLA in obese men increased their oxi... [more] OBJECTIVE: Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) have potential antiatherosclerotic properties: they may inhibit atherosclerotic processes by reducing the intensity of inflammatory processes. However, in vivo studies have shown that the application of trans-10, cis-12 CLA in obese men increased their oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to determine whether CLA can lead to an increase in oxidative stress and to isoprostane synthesis in macrophages. METHODS: Monocytes from peripheral blood and human monocytic leukemia cells were used in this study. Monocytes were differentiated to macrophages, and were incubated with 30 microM cis-9, trans-11 CLA and trans-10, cis-12 CLA or linoleic acid for 2 days. In some experiments the inhibitors of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) or respiratory chain were added. After incubation, synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS), total cellular concentration of adenosine triphosphate, concentration of 8-epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha, activity of cytoplasolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), activity of mitochondria, and expression of mRNA of PPAR-alpha were measured. RESULTS: In cells cultured with CLAs intercellular ROS synthesis increased. In this condition the mitochondrial energy potential was high, and the inhibitors of the respiratory chain and PPAR-alpha reduced ROS concentration. At the same time, the cPLA2 activity was abolished. In contrast, 8-iPF2 alpha III synthesis increased in CLA cells. CONCLUSION: Cultivation of cells with CLA leads to an increased ROS synthesis, partly by PPAR-alpha mechanism. An increase in ROS concentration and inhibition of cPLA2 activity can stimulate oxygenation of arachidonic acid and contribute to an increase in 8-epi-PF2 alpha III level and in the apoptosis process in macrophages.
Following (6)
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Carla Marchetti
CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche -
Ireneusz Wiernicki
Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin -
Dariusz Chlubek
Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland -
Barbara Bilinska
Uniwersytet Jagielloński -
Natalia Łanocha
Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin
