Chromium supplemented carbohydrate diets for Cirrhinus mrigala: effects on body composition, gut enzyme activity and hematological parameters / Dietas com carboidratos suplementados com cromo para Cirrhinus mrigala: efeitos sobre a composição corporal, atividade enzimática intestinal e parâmetros hematológicos

A ninety days nutritional trial was directed to explore the effects of dietary chromium on body composition, gut enzyme activity and physiological status of Cirrhinus mrigala by using G & NG corn. Six experimental diets were prepared by using different levels of chromium chloride hexahydrate (0, 0.2, 0.4 mg/kg, each with G & NG corn). For this experimental trial, 480 fingerlings, irrespective of sex were distributed in six aquariums each with replicate. Results revealed that gelatinized corn along with increasing level of Cr2Cl3.6H2O have a positive impact upon body composition of fish. Hematology was positively correlated with chromium chloride hexahydrate supplementation in gelatinized corn. Amylase gut enzyme also showed significant (P<0.05) increase in group fed with chromium chloride hexahydrate supplemented diet (G corn). However, corn with chromium chloride hexahydrate supplementation did not revealed any significant impact on gut protease enzyme activity. From these results it can be concluded that both chromium chloride hexahydrate and gelatinized corn in fish feed are very beneficial to improve body composition, enzymes activity and physiological health status of fish.(AU)

Um ensaio nutricional de 90 dias foi dirigido para explorar os efeitos do cromo dietético na composição corporal, atividade enzimática intestinal e estado fisiológico de Cirrhinus mrigala usando milho G & NG. Seis dietas experimentais foram preparadas usando diferentes níveis de cloreto de cromo hexa-hidratado (0, 0,2, 0,4 mg/kg, cada um com milho G e NG). Para este ensaio experimental, 480 alevinos, independentemente do sexo, foram distribuídos em seis aquários, cada um com réplicas. Os resultados revelaram que o milho gelatinizado, juntamente com o aumento do nível de Cr2Cl3.6H2O, tem um impacto positivo na composição corporal dos peixes. A hematologia foi positivamente correlacionada com a suplementação de cloreto de cromo hexa-hidratado em milho gelatinizado. A enzima amilase intestinal também apresentou aumento significativo (P <0,05) no grupo alimentado com dieta suplementada com cloreto de cromo hexa-hidratado (milho G). No entanto, o milho com suplementação de hexahidrato de cloreto de cromo não revelou nenhum impacto significativo na atividade da enzima protease intestinal. Desses resultados, pode-se concluir que tanto o cloreto de cromo hexa-hidratado quanto o milho gelatinizado na alimentação de peixes são muito benéficos para melhorar a composição corporal, a atividade de enzimas e o estado fisiológico de saúde dos peixes.(AU)

Assessment of Culture/Preservation Conditions of Human Islets for Transplantation.

Islet culture before clinical transplantation has been adopted by various centers, but its effect on the survival and function of islets relative to the culture conditions and media needs further assessment. Human islets were cultured or preserved under four different conditions and three media options. Parameters such as recovery, viability, function, islet damage, and gene expressions for markers of hypoxia, and inflammation were assessed after 48-h culture or preservation. Preservation of islets was performed at 4°C in Connaught's Medical Research Lab (CMRL) and University of Wisconsin (UW) media. Islets were cultured at 22°C, 37°C, and 37°C-22°C in CMRL and PRODO culture media. Islets preserved in UW solution had visually good morphology and exhibited higher recovery with less islet damage compared with the rest of the groups, whereas islets preserved in CMRL at 4°C resulted in poor morphology, recovery, viability, and function compared with the rest of the treatment conditions. Culture at 22°C and 37°C demonstrated an increase in the expression of inflammatory and hypoxia-related genes. In conclusion, islets preserved at 4°C in UW solution showed the best overall outcomes after 48 h compared with islets cultured at 22°C, 37°C, or 37°C-22°C in PRODO. Advancement in islet culture media is warranted to reduce inflammatory gene activation and improve recovery of islets for transplantation.

Single-Molecule Sensor for High-Confidence Detection of miRNA.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and have been linked to many diseases. Therefore, sensitive and accurate detection of disease-linked miRNAs is vital to the emerging revolution in early diagnosis of diseases. While the detection of miRNAs is a challenge due to their intrinsic properties such as small size, high sequence similarity among miRNAs and low abundance in biological fluids, the majority of miRNA-detection strategies involve either target/signal amplification or involve complex sensing designs. In this study, we have developed and tested a DNA-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor that enables ultrasensitive detection of a miRNA biomarker (miRNA-342-3p) expressed by triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. The sensor shows a relatively low FRET state in the absence of a target but it undergoes continuous FRET transitions between low- and high-FRET states in the presence of the target. The sensor is highly specific, has a detection limit down to low femtomolar (fM) without having to amplify the target, and has a large dynamic range (3 orders of magnitude) extending to 300 000 fM. Using this strategy, we demonstrated that the sensor allows detection of miRNA-342-3p in the miRNA-extracts from cancer cell lines and TNBC patient-derived xenografts. Given the simple-to-design hybridization-based detection, the sensing platform developed here can be used to detect a wide range of miRNAs enabling early diagnosis and screening of other genetic disorders.

Withaferin A inhibits lymphocyte proliferation, dendritic cell maturation in vitro and prolongs islet allograft survival.

The immunosuppressive regimen for clinical allogeneic islet transplantation uses beta cell-toxic compounds such as tacrolimus that cause islet graft loss. Previously we reported that the plant-derived steroidal lactone Withaferin A (WA) can protect islet grafts by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Since the NF-κB signaling pathway is essential for T-cell activation, we hypothesized that long-term WA administration may also provide an immunosuppressive effect. Treatment of BALB/c donor islets and C57BL/6N recipients with WA alone resulted in 80% islet graft long-term survival vs. 40% in low-dose FK506-treated mice. In vitro, WA significantly blocked mouse and human T-cell proliferation by CD3/CD28 bead stimulation and in mixed lymphocyte reaction assay. Treatment of immature dendritic cells with WA prevented their maturation in response to inflammatory stimuli, as seen by decreased expression of CD83 and human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype. Exosomes released by islets treated with WA contained significantly fewer proinflammatory molecules interleukin-6, interleukin-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interferon-gamma-induced protein-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2. In conclusion, WA treatment not only reduced inflammation but also prolonged allograft survival, possibly through suppression of dendritic cell maturation and T-cell proliferation. WA has the potential to inhibit both the innate and adaptive immune response to prolong allograft survival.

Chromium supplemented carbohydrate diets for Cirrhinus mrigala: effects on body composition, gut enzyme activity and hematological parameters.

A ninety days nutritional trial was directed to explore the effects of dietary chromium on body composition, gut enzyme activity and physiological status of Cirrhinus mrigala by using G & NG corn. Six experimental diets were prepared by using different levels of chromium chloride hexahydrate (0, 0.2, 0.4 mg/kg, each with G & NG corn). For this experimental trial, 480 fingerlings, irrespective of sex were distributed in six aquariums each with replicate. Results revealed that gelatinized corn along with increasing level of Cr2Cl3.6H2O have a positive impact upon body composition of fish. Hematology was positively correlated with chromium chloride hexahydrate supplementation in gelatinized corn. Amylase gut enzyme also showed significant (P<0.05) increase in group fed with chromium chloride hexahydrate supplemented diet (G corn). However, corn with chromium chloride hexahydrate supplementation did not revealed any significant impact on gut protease enzyme activity. From these results it can be concluded that both chromium chloride hexahydrate and gelatinized corn in fish feed are very beneficial to improve body composition, enzymes activity and physiological health status of fish.

Outcomes of Islet Autotransplantation in Chronic Pancreatitis Patients with Complete Acinar Atrophy.

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is a promising treatment for refractory chronic pancreatitis (CP). Pathological features of CP include progressive fibrosis in pancreas parenchyma, atrophy, and/or ductal occlusion. Complete acinar atrophy (CAA) caused by chronic fibrosis and necroinflammation results in exocrine sufficiency and may influence islet isolation characteristics during TPIAT. In this analysis of patients who underwent TPIAT at our center, we compared transplant outcomes among those with CAA (n = 5) vs non-acinar atrophy (NAA; matching controls, n = 36). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc test or Student's t test. Pancreas digestion was longer in CAA than in NAA cases (18.6 vs 14.6 min) despite a lower pancreas weight (55.2 vs 91.2 g). Obtained tissue volume was 1.0 ml in the CAA group and 12.1 ml in the NAA group. Both groups had similar islet viability (96%) and islet dose (CAA, 3,391 IEQ/kg; NAA, 4141.1 IEQ/kg). During islet infusion, serum cytokine (IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1) levels and plasma hsa-miR-375 levels were lower in the CAA group than in the NAA group, but not significantly. Serum tumor necrosis factor α levels at 3 h after infusion were significantly higher in CAA group than in NAA group. After TPIAT, the metabolic outcomes of the CAA group were comparable with that of the NAA group. Narcotics usage decreased significantly over 24 months in both groups, with the CAA group reporting being pain free at 12 months. Complete atrophy of acinar cells of pancreas did not significantly impact islet yield or endocrine function after TPIAT.

Role of Inflammasomes in the Development of Gastrointestinal Diseases.

Many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract have been attributed to chronic inflammation, and a few have identified the role of inflammasomes in their pathogenesis. Inflammasomes are a group of protein complexes comprising of several intracellular proteins that link the sensing of microbial products and metabolic stress to the proteolytic activation of the proinflammatory cytokines. Recent studies have implicated activation of several families of NOD-like receptors (NLRs) which are major components of inflammasomes in the development and exacerbation of many diseases of human systems. In this chapter, we discuss the role of inflammasomes in some of the most prevalent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and highlight potential targets for treatment.

Risk factors for early readmission after total pancreatectomy and islet auto transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Little published data exist examining causes of hospital readmission following total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of a prospectively collected institutional TPIAT database. Primary outcome was unplanned readmission to the hospital within 30 days from discharge. Reasons and risk factors for readmission as well as islet function were evaluated and compared by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 83 patients underwent TPIAT from 2006 to 2014. 21 patients (25.3%) were readmitted within 30 days. Gastrointestinal problems (52.4%) and surgical site infection (42.8%) were the most common reasons for readmission. Initial LOS and reoperation were risk factors for early readmission. Patients with delayed gastric emptying (DGE) were three times more likely to get readmitted. In multivariate analysis, patients undergoing pylorus preservation surgery were nine times more likely to be readmitted than the antrectomy group. CONCLUSION: Early readmission after TPIAT is common (one in four patients), underscoring the complexity of this procedure. Early readmission is not detrimental to islet graft function. Patients undergoing pylorus preservation are more likely to get readmitted, perhaps due to increased incidence of delayed gastric emptying. Decision for antrectomy vs. pylorus preservation needs to be individualized.

Islet damage during isolation as assessed by miRNAs and the correlation of miRNA levels with posttransplantation outcome in islet autotransplantation.

High-quality pancreatic islets are essential for better posttransplantation endocrine function in total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT), yet stress during the isolation process affects quality and yield. We analyzed islet-enriched microRNAs (miRNAs) -375 and -200c released during isolation to assess damage and correlated the data with posttransplantation endocrine function. The absolute concentration of miR-375, miR-200c, and C-peptide was measured in various islet isolation steps, including digestion, dilution, recombination, purification, and bagging, in 12 cases of TPIAT. Posttransplantation glycemic control was monitored through C-peptide, hemoglobin A1c , insulin requirement, and SUITO index. The amount of miR-375 released was significantly higher during enzymatic digestion followed by the islet bagging (P < .001). Mir-200c mirrored these changes, albeit at lower concentrations. In contrast, the C-peptide amount was significantly higher in the purification and bagging steps (P < .001). Lower amounts of miR-375 were associated with a lower 6-month insulin requirement (P = .01) and lower hemoglobin A1c (P = .04). Measurement of the absolute quantity of miRNA-375 and -200c released during islet isolation is a useful tool to assess islet damage. The quantity of released miRNA is indicative of posttransplantation endocrine function in TPIAT patients.

Pancreatic ß-Cell-Derived IP-10/CXCL10 Isletokine Mediates Early Loss of Graft Function in Islet Cell Transplantation.

Pancreatic islets produce and secrete cytokines and chemokines in response to inflammatory and metabolic stress. The physiological role of these "isletokines" in health and disease is largely unknown. We observed that islets release multiple inflammatory mediators in patients undergoing islet transplants within hours of infusion. The proinflammatory cytokine interferon-γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10/CXCL10) was among the highest released, and high levels correlated with poor islet transplant outcomes. Transgenic mouse studies confirmed that donor islet-specific expression of IP-10 contributed to islet inflammation and loss of ß-cell function in islet grafts. The effects of islet-derived IP-10 could be blocked by treatment of donor islets and recipient mice with anti-IP-10 neutralizing monoclonal antibody. In vitro studies showed induction of the IP-10 gene was mediated by calcineurin-dependent NFAT signaling in pancreatic ß-cells in response to oxidative or inflammatory stress. Sustained association of NFAT and p300 histone acetyltransferase with the IP-10 gene required p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, which differentially regulated IP-10 expression and subsequent protein release. Overall, these findings elucidate an NFAT-MAPK signaling paradigm for induction of isletokine expression in ß-cells and reveal IP-10 as a primary therapeutic target to prevent ß-cell-induced inflammatory loss of graft function after islet cell transplantation.

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation: recent updates and outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is a reliable therapy to retain endocrine function, to alleviate pain and improve quality of life in adult and pediatric patients suffering from refractory chronic pancreatitis and recurrent acute pancreatitis. Recently, an expansion of indications to include benign and malignant pancreatic disease has been suggested. Improved methods for evaluating the functional quality of islets and predicting transplant outcome have been discussed. Furthermore, this review will discuss the recent advances in the procedure, anti-inflammatory strategies and outcomes of TPIAT. RECENT FINDINGS: New assays to measure posttransplant islet damage and improved methods to assess islet quality by monitoring the oxygen consumption rate have shown great promise. Anti-inflammatory strategies such as an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, α-1 antitrypsin, tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor and an inhibitor of CXCR1/2 have been widely investigated under clinical trials. SUMMARY: The primary objective of TPIAT, which is to relieve pain and reduce narcotic usage, has been shown to have long-term success. However, achieving long-term insulin independence is still a challenge that needs to be addressed. The mechanism that leads to chronic graft failure in TPIAT needs to be delineated.

A small molecule inhibitor of NFκB blocks ER stress and the NLRP3 inflammasome and prevents progression of pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The underlying molecular mechanism that leads to development of chronic pancreatitis remains elusive. The aim of this study is to understand the downstream inflammatory signaling involved in progression of chronic pancreatitis, and to use withaferin A (WA), a small molecule inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (NFκB), to prevent progression of chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: Two different protocols were used to induce pancreatitis in mice: standard and stringent administration of cerulein. The severity of pancreatitis was assessed by means of pancreatic histology and serum amylase levels. Immunohistochemistry and flow-cytometric analysis was performed to visualize immune cell infiltration into the pancreas. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to analyze the downstream signaling mechanism involved in the development of chronic pancreatitis. RESULTS: The severity of cerulein-induced pancreatitis was reduced significantly by WA, used as either preventive or curative treatment. Immune cell infiltration into the pancreas and acinar cell death were efficiently reduced by WA treatment. Expression of proinflammatory and proapoptotic genes regulated by NFκB activation was increased by cerulein treatment, and WA suppressed these genes significantly. Sustained endoplasmic reticulum stress activation by cerulein administration was reduced. NLRP3 inflammasome activation in cerulein-induced pancreatitis was identified, and this was also potently blocked by WA. The human pancreatitis tissue gene signature correlated with the mouse model. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence for the role of NFκB in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis, and strongly suggest that WA could be used as a potential therapeutic drug to alleviate some forms of chronic pancreatitis.

MiR-375 and miR-200c as predictive biomarkers of islet isolation and transplantation in total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is a promising treatment for refractory chronic pancreatitis. Predictable biomarkers for the endocrine function after transplantation would be helpful in selecting patients for TPIAT. This study aims to identify novel biomarkers for predicting the outcome of islet isolation and transplantation in TPIAT patients. METHODS: This paper studied microRNA of 31 TPIAT patients and 11 deceased donors from plasma samples before TPIAT. MiR-7, miR-200a, miR-200c, miR-320, and miR-375 were analyzed along with patient characteristics and the outcomes of islet isolation and transplantation via univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: MiR-375 before TPIAT showed a significant correlation with ∆C-peptide (r = -0.396, P = 0.03) and post-digestion islet count (r = -0.372, P = 0.04). And also miR-200c was significantly correlated with insulin requirement, C-peptide, and SUITO index at 1 year after transplantation. Moreover it was confirmed that miR-200c was a predictable factor of endocrine outcome in multi regression analysis (coefficient = -7.081, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that miR-375 and miR-200c could potentially serve as novel biomarkers in predicting the islet yield in islet isolation and the metabolic function after transplantation for chronic pancreatitis patients.

Relationship between visual prostate score (VPSS) and maximum flow rate (Qmax) in men with urinary tract symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate correlation between visual prostate score (VPSS) and maximum flow rate (Qmax) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross sectional study conducted at a university Hospital. Sixty-seven adult male patients>50 years of age were enrolled in the study after signing an informed consent. Qmax and voided volume recorded at uroflowmetry graph and at the same time VPSS were assessed. The education level was assessed in various defined groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was computed for VPSS and Qmax. RESULTS: Mean age was 66.1±10.1 years (median 68). The mean voided volume on uroflowmetry was 268±160mL (median 208) and the mean Qmax was 9.6±4.96mLs/sec (median 9.0). The mean VPSS score was 11.4±2.72 (11.0). In the univariate linear regression analysis there was strong negative (Pearson's) correlation between VPSS and Qmax (r=-848, p<0.001). In the multiple linear regression analyses there was a significant correlation between VPSS and Qmax (ß-http://www.blogapaixonadosporviagens.com.br/p/caribe.html after adjusting the effect of age, voided volume (V.V) and level of education. Multiple linear regression analysis done for independent variables and results showed that there was no significant correlation between the VPSS and independent factors including age (p=0.27), LOE (p=0.941) and V.V (p=0.082). CONCLUSION: There is a significant negative correlation between VPSS and Qmax. The VPSS can be used in lieu of IPSS score. Men even with limited educational background can complete VPSS without assistance.

Relationship between visual prostate score (VPSS) and maximum flow rate (Qmax) in men with urinary tract symptoms

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate correlation between visual prostate score (VPSS) and maximum flow rate (Qmax) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Material and Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted at a university Hospital. Sixty-seven adult male patients>50 years of age were enrolled in the study after signing an informed consent. Qmax and voided volume recorded at uroflowmetry graph and at the same time VPSS were assessed. The education level was assessed in various defined groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was computed for VPSS and Qmax. Results: Mean age was 66.1±10.1 years (median 68). The mean voided volume on uroflowmetry was 268±160mL (median 208) and the mean Qmax was 9.6±4.96mLs/sec (median 9.0). The mean VPSS score was 11.4±2.72 (11.0). In the univariate linear regression analysis there was strong negative (Pearson's) correlation between VPSS and Qmax (r=848, p<0.001). In the multiple linear regression analyses there was a significant correlation between VPSS and Qmax (β-http://www.blogapaixonadosporviagens.com.br/p/caribe.html after adjusting the effect of age, voided volume (V.V) and level of education. Multiple linear regression analysis done for independent variables and results showed that there was no significant correlation between the VPSS and independent factors including age (p=0.27), LOE (p=0.941) and V.V (p=0.082). Conclusion: There is a significant negative correlation between VPSS and Qmax. The VPSS can be used in lieu of IPSS score. Men even with limited educational background can complete VPSS without assistance.

Nanoparticles based on phenylalanine ethyl ester-alginate conjugate as vitamin B2 delivery system.

Phenylalanine ethyl ester (PAE)-alginate (Alg) conjugate (PAE-Alg, PEA) was synthesized and formation of an amide bond between PAE and Alg was confirmed by Fourier transformed-infrared and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The degree of PAE substitution was 3.5-4.7 (PAE group per hundred sugar residues of Alg) which was determined by elemental analysis. The critical aggregation concentration values determined for PEA conjugates PEA1, PEA2, and PEA3 were 0.20, 0.12, and 0.10 mg/ml, respectively. The particle size of PEA nanoparticles (PEA-NPs) decreased from 425 nm to 226 nm with the increasing degree of PAE substitution. Vitamin B2 (VB2), as a model nutrient, was encapsulated into the nanoparticles. The drug-loading content increased with increasing degree of PAE substitution. The maximum VB2 loading capacity and loading efficiency of PEA3 nanoparticles were 3.53 ± 0.03% and 91.48 ± 0.80%, respectively. The in vitro release behavior of VB2 from the PEA-NPs showed a biphasic release profile with an initial burst release of about 40-50% of VB2 in the first 10 h followed by a steady and continuous release phase for the following 50 h in PBS, pH 7.4. The human colorectal carcinoma cell line was used to investigate the cytotoxicity of PEA-NPs. Our results showed that various concentrations of nanoparticles did not cause significant cytotoxicity against cell lines at normal concentrations.

Docetaxel-based adjuvant therapy for breast cancer patients in Asia-Pacific region: Results from 5 years follow-up on Asia-Pacific Breast Initiative-I.

AIM: To acquire patient characteristics, safety, relapse and survival outcomes of early-stage breast cancer patients receiving docetaxel (Taxotere(R))-based regimen in adjuvant setting from the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: This was an open-label, international, longitudinal, multicenter, observational, prospective cohort of consecutive early breast cancer (EBC) patients with a high risk of recurrence being treated with various docetaxel-containing anthracycline and non-anthracycline adjuvant regimens during 2006-2013. RESULTS: In this study, 1542 patients were enrolled. Anthracycline-containing regimens were administered in 92% of patients, while 8% of patients received non-anthracycline-containing docetaxel-based regimens. The mean dose intensity of docetaxel was 25.8, 22.4 and 25.4 mg/m(2) /week among patients receiving docetaxel-based monotherapy, combination and sequential therapy, respectively. Adverse events were reported in 94.9% of patients (anthracycline vs non-anthracycline regimen; 95.1% vs 93.5%). Serious adverse events were reported in 12.6% of patients (12.4% vs 14.6%). Grade 4 neutropenia was reported in 25.2% of patients (24.7% vs 30.9%) and febrile neutropenia in 1.9% of patients (2% vs 0.8%). Only 7% of patients had a relapse or a second primary malignancy. At 5-year follow-up, there were 127 (8.3%) deaths (8.4% vs 6.5%). CONCLUSION: The Asia-Pacific Breast Initiative-I registry highlights the important patient and treatment characteristics of EBC patients treated with adjuvant docetaxel chemotherapy from the Asia-Pacific region that will help physicians to understand the impact of different docetaxel treatments on the clinical outcomes in this population.

Essential phospholipids prevent islet damage induced by proinflammatory cytokines and hypoxic conditions.

BACKGROUND: The pancreatic islet damage that occurs through an inflammatory response and hypoxia after infusion is a major hurdle in islet transplantation. Because essential phospholipids (EPL) have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in liver disease, we analysed their protective effect on islets in inflammatory or hypoxic conditions. METHODS: We evaluated the viability of mouse and human islets cultured with cytokines or in hypoxic conditions for 48 h and measured cytokine expression in islets by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We then employed an in vivo mouse assay, transplanting a marginal dose of human islets treated with or without EPL into the subcapsule of the kidney in diabetic nude mice and determining the cure rate. RESULTS: The viability of mouse and human islets damaged by cytokines was significantly improved by supplementation of EPL in the culture (p = 0.003 and <0.001 for mouse and human islets respectively). EPL significantly inhibited intracellular expression of IL-1ß and IL-6 in cytokine-damaged human islets (p < 0.001). The viability of human islets in hypoxic conditions was significantly better when treated with EPL (p < 0.001). In the in vivo mouse assay, the EPL-treated islet group had a higher cure rate than the untreated control, with marginal statistical significance (75 and 17% respectively, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: EPL could be a potent agent to protect islets from inflammatory and hypoxic conditions after isolation procedures. Further studies to clarify the effect of EPL in islet transplantation are warranted.