Tolerogenic nanoparticles suppress central nervous system inflammation.

Therapeutic approaches for the induction of immune tolerance remain an unmet clinical need for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Based on its role in the control of the immune response, the ligand-activated transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a candidate target for novel immunotherapies. Here, we report the development of AhR-activating nanoliposomes (NLPs) to induce antigen-specific tolerance. NLPs loaded with the AhR agonist ITE and a T cell epitope from myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55 induced tolerogenic dendritic cells and suppressed the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a preclinical model of MS, in preventive and therapeutic setups. EAE suppression was associated with the expansion of MOG35-55-specific FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1 cells), concomitant with a reduction in central nervous system-infiltrating effector T cells (Teff cells). Notably, NLPs induced bystander suppression in the EAE model established in C57BL/6 × SJL F1 mice. Moreover, NLPs ameliorated chronic progressive EAE in nonobese diabetic mice, a model which resembles some aspects of secondary progressive MS. In summary, these studies describe a platform for the therapeutic induction of antigen-specific tolerance in autoimmune diseases.

Tryptophan Pathway Abnormalities in a Murine Model of Hereditary Glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that a possible pathogenetic mechanism of neurodegeneration in the mouse model of glaucoma (DBA/2J) may be an alteration of kynurenic acid (KYNA) in the retina. This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that alterations of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism in DBA/2J mice is not limited to the retina. METHODS: Samples of the retinal tissue and serum were collected from DBA/2J mice (6 and 10 months old) and control C57Bl/6 mice of the same age. The concentration of TRP, KYNA, kynurenine (KYN), and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3OH-K) was measured by HPLC. The activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) was also determined as a KYN/TRP ratio. RESULTS: TRP, KYNA, L-KYN, and 3OH-K concentration were significantly lower in the retinas of DBA/2J mice than in C57Bl/6 mice. 3OH-K concentration was higher in older mice in both strains. Serum TRP, L-KYN, and KYNA concentrations were lower in DBA/2J than in age-matched controls. However, serum IDO activity did not differ significantly between compared groups and strains. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations of the TRP pathway seem not to be limited to the retina in the murine model of hereditary glaucoma.

Functional and morphological results of treatment of macula-on and macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with pars plana vitrectomy and sulfur hexafluoride gas tamponade.

BACKGROUND: To examine morphological and functional results after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas tamponade due to macula-on and macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) during 6 months of the follow-up. METHODS: The study included 62 eyes that underwent successful PPV with SF6 tamponade with macula-on (34 eyes) and macula-off (28 eyes) RRD preoperatively. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Amsler test, M-charts, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microperimetry were performed at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Results of the Amsler test were abnormal postoperatively in 54% of the patients in the group with macula-off and in 32% of the patients with macula-on RRD. Horizontal M-charts improved significantly from 0.33 to 0.2, vertical M-charts- from 0.29 to 0.17 during 6 months of the follow-up. There was a significant increase in the central retinal thickness (CRT) and average thickness (AT) between follow-up examinations only in the macula-off group. 29 of 62 eyes (47%) after surgery (equally with macula-on and macula-off RRD) showed morphological changes in OCT in the macular region, as epiretinal membrane, macular edema, subretinal fluid or alterations of the outer layers of the retina. The average threshold in microperimetry increased significantly within both groups during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Both horizontal and vertical M-charts scores, as were as microperimetry sensitivity improved significantly during the 6 months of the follow-up both in macula-on and macula-off group. Although PPV with SF6 gas tamponade was successful, almost half of eyes revealed anatomical changes in the macular region in OCT both with macula-on and macula-off group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials NCT03902795 registered on 03/04/2019. Retrospectively registered.

Ptpn22 Modifies Regulatory T Cell Homeostasis via GITR Upregulation.

PTPN22 gene variation associates with multiple autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Loss of function studies have demonstrated that PTPN22 impinges on the homeostatic behavior of regulatory T (Treg) cells, a lineage critical for immune tolerance. The frequency and absolute number of Treg cells is increased in Ptpn22-deficient mice, but the mechanism driving this increase is unknown. In this study, we show that Ptpn22 knockdown (KD) promoted the expansion of the Treg cell compartment by upregulating the glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family-related protein (GITR) and increasing GITR signaling. Ptpn22 KD did not accelerate cell division but instead prolonged Treg cell survival, as measured by a decrease in the frequency of apoptotic Treg cells. Loss of Ptpn22 caused a concomitant increase in the proportion of CD44(hi)CD62L(lo) effector Treg cells, at the expense of CD44(lo)CD62L(hi) central Treg cells. The increase in Treg cell numbers, but not their differentiation toward an effector phenotype, was dependent on GITR signaling, because blockade of GITR ligand prevented Treg cell expansion caused by Ptpn22 KD. These findings indicate that GITR plays a key role in regulating the overall size of the Treg cell pool. Our results suggest that the size and composition of the Treg cell compartment are independently controlled and have implications for the design of immunotherapies that seek to improve Treg cell function.

Effector and central memory T helper 2 cells respond differently to peptide immunotherapy.

Peptide immunotherapy (PIT) offers realistic prospects for the treatment of allergic diseases, including allergic asthma. Much is understood of the behavior of naive T cells in response to PIT. However, treatment of patients with ongoing allergic disease requires detailed understanding of the responses of allergen-experienced T cells. CD62L expression by allergen-experienced T cells corresponds to effector/effector memory (CD62L(lo)) and central memory (CD62L(hi)) subsets, which vary with allergen exposure (e.g., during, or out with, pollen season). The efficacy of PIT on different T helper 2 (Th2) cell memory populations is unknown. We developed a murine model of PIT in allergic airway inflammation (AAI) driven by adoptively transferred, traceable ovalbumin-experienced Th2 cells. PIT effectively suppressed AAI driven by unfractionated Th2 cells. Selective transfer of CD62L(hi) and CD62L(lo) Th2 cells revealed that these two populations behaved differently from one another and from previously characterized (early deletional) responses of naive CD4(+) T cells to PIT. Most notably, allergen-reactive CD62L(lo) Th2 cells were long-lived within the lung after PIT, before allergen challenge, in contrast to CD62L(hi) Th2 cells. Despite this, PIT was most potent against CD62L(lo) Th2 cells in protecting from AAI, impairing their ability to produce Th2 cytokines, whereas this capacity was heightened in PIT-treated CD62L(hi) Th2 cells. We conclude that Th2 cells do not undergo an early deletional form of tolerance after PIT. Moreover, memory Th2 subsets respond differently to PIT. These findings have implications for the clinical translation of PIT in different allergic scenarios.

Preclinical Efficacy of VTX-0811: A Humanized First-in-Class PSGL-1 mAb Targeting TAMs to Suppress Tumor Growth.

Omnipresent suppressive myeloid populations in the tumor microenvironment limit the efficacy of T-cell-directed immunotherapies, become more inhibitory after administration of T-cell checkpoint inhibitors, and are overall associated with worse survival of cancer patients. In early clinical trials, positive outcomes have been demonstrated for therapies aimed at repolarizing suppressive myeloid populations in the tumor microenvironment. We have previously described the key role of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) in maintaining an inhibitory state of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), most of which express high levels of PSGL-1. Here we describe a novel, first-in-class humanized high-affinity monoclonal antibody VTX-0811 that repolarizes human macrophages from an M2-suppressive phenotype towards an M1 inflammatory phenotype, similar to siRNA-mediated knockdown of PSGL-1. VTX-0811 binds to PSGL-1 of human and cynomolgus macaque origins without inhibiting PSGL-1 interaction with P- and L-Selectins or VISTA. In multi-cellular assays and in patient-derived human tumor cultures, VTX-0811 leads to the induction of pro-inflammatory mediators. RNAseq data from VTX-0811 treated ex vivo tumor cultures and M2c macrophages show similar pathways being modulated, indicating that the mechanism of action translates from isolated macrophages to tumors. A chimeric version of VTX-0811, consisting of the parental murine antibody in a human IgG4 backbone, inhibits tumor growth in a humanized mouse model of cancer. VTX-0811 is exceptionally well tolerated in NHP toxicology assessment and is heading into clinical evaluation after successful IND clearance.

PSGL-1 Blockade Induces Classical Activation of Human Tumor-associated Macrophages.

The immune suppressive microenvironment is a major culprit for difficult-to-treat solid cancers. Particularly, inhibitory tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) define the resistant nature of the tumor milieu. To define tumor-enabling mechanisms of TAMs, we analyzed molecular clinical datasets correlating cell surface receptors with the TAM infiltrate. Though P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is found on other immune cells and functions as an adhesion molecule, PSGL-1 is highly expressed on TAMs across multiple tumor types. siRNA-mediated knockdown and antibody-mediated inhibition revealed a role for PSGL-1 in maintaining an immune suppressed macrophage state. PSGL-1 knockdown or inhibition enhanced proinflammatory mediator release across assays and donors in vitro. In several syngeneic mouse models, PSGL-1 blockade alone and in combination with PD-1 blockade reduced tumor growth. Using a humanized tumor model, we observed the proinflammatory TAM switch following treatment with an anti-PSGL-1 antibody. In ex vivo patient-derived tumor cultures, a PSGL-1 blocking antibody increased expression of macrophage-derived proinflammatory cytokines, as well as IFNγ, indicative of T-cell activation. Our data demonstrate that PSGL-1 blockade reprograms TAMs, offering a new therapeutic avenue to patients not responding to T-cell immunotherapies, as well as patients with tumors devoid of T cells. SIGNIFICANCE: This work is a significant and actionable advance, as it offers a novel approach to treating patients with cancer who do not respond to T-cell checkpoint inhibitors, as well as to patients with tumors lacking T-cell infiltration. We expect that this mechanism will be applicable in multiple indications characterized by infiltration of TAMs.

Kinetic and static perimetry after 16 years and additional OCT-A analysis in eyes with long-lasting optic disc drusen.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the progression of visual field (VF) defects over 16 years of observation and to assess abnormalities in vessels and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with optic disc drusen (ODD). Both static automated perimetry (SAP) and semi-automated kinetic perimetry (SKP) were performed in 16 eyes of 8 patients (mean age 54 years) with ODD among 26 eyes of 13 patients examined 16 years before. The area of I2e, I4e, III4e, and V4e isopters was measured in deg2. The MD and PSD parameters were estimated using SAP. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) was additionally performed in 16 ODD eyes and 16 eyes of 8 healthy subjects to estimate the RNFL thickness and vessel density of the optic nerve disc and the macula. The differences in all isopter areas of SKP and SAP parameters after 16 years were not significant. The analysis of OCT-A showed a significant reduction of the vessel density and RNFL of the peripapillary area in each segment in patients with ODD, compared with the control group. The highest reduction of RNFL was observed in the superior segment of the optic disc area (92.56µm vs 126.63µm) also the macular thickness was decreased in ODD patients, compared with the control group. In the macula, there was a significant vascular defect in the whole superficial layer and in the parafoveal deep layer. A strong significant correlation of the parafoveal deep plexus with MD and PSD parameters was detected. In conclusion, VF loss due to ODD after 16 years of the follow-up was not significant both in SKP and SAP. ODD caused a reduced vessel density and RNFL, as well as macular thickness in OCT-A. SAP parameters were influenced by parafoveal deep plexus.

Influence of In Vitro Digestion on Composition, Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Food Polyphenols-A Non-Systematic Review.

There is increased interest in following a healthy lifestyle and consuming a substantial portion of secondary plant metabolites, such as polyphenols, due to their benefits for the human body. Food products enriched with various forms of fruits and vegetables are sources of pro-health components. Nevertheless, in many cases, the level of their activities is changed in in vivo conditions. The changes are strictly connected with processes in the digestive system that transfigure the structure of the active compounds and simultaneously keep or modify their biological activities. Much attention has focused on their bioavailability, a prerequisite for further physiological functions. As human studies are time consuming, costly and restricted by ethical concerns, in vitro models for investigating the effects of digestion on these compounds have been developed to predict their release from the food matrix, as well as their bioaccessibility. Most typically, models simulate digestion in the oral cavity, the stomach, the small intestine and, occasionally, the large intestine. The presented review aims to discuss the impact of in vitro digestion on the composition, bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of food polyphenols. Additionally, we consider the influence of pH on antioxidant changes in the aforementioned substances.

Pain Following the Use of Anesthesia Formulation Among Individuals Undergoing Cataract Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the pain intensity of two intracameral anesthetic solutions in patients undergoing cataract surgery and evaluate the factors influencing the patients' postoperative activities. METHODS: Sixty-two patients undergoing cataract surgery were randomized to receive the study drug - a manufactured solution of 0.02% tropicamide/0.31% phenylephrine/1% lidocaine (Mydrane) or a traditional anesthetic formulation - solution of 1% lidocaine/0.025% adrenaline as an intraocular anesthetic. The pain intensity was assessed by Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS Pain) and Brief Pain Inventory-short form (BPI) on the next day after the surgery. RESULTS: The mean pain score measured preoperatively with VAS Pain was 0.34 in Mydrane group and 0.09 in the reference group (p = 0.51). There were no statistically significant differences between the two anesthetic methods with respect to pain intensity during the surgery (p = 0.94) and the influence of pain during the last 24 h on activity (p = 0.79), mood (p = 0.31), social contacts (p = 0.29), sleep (p = 0.5) and the joy of life (p = 0.39). Additionally, there was no statistically significant influence of age, sex, lateralization, co-existing ophthalmological diseases (p = 0.98) and post-operative complications (p = 0.4) on the experienced pain measured during the surgery and in the last 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: New commercially available intraocular anesthetic solution (Mydrane™) seems to be as effective as off-label traditional anesthetic formulation, in reducing the pain experienced during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia.

Secondary Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Plug due to Persistent Full-Thickness Macular Hole OCT-Angiography and Microperimetry Features: Case Series.

PURPOSE: To study the features in OCT-angiography and microperimetry in eyes with persistent full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) closed with the secondary plana vitrectomy (PPV) with autologous internal limiting membrane (ILM) plug. METHODS: Secondary PPV was performed with closing the persistent FTMH with ILM plug, C3F8 tamponade, and face-down positioning. Four patients were followed for 6 months with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, SD-OCT and OCT-A, and microperimetry. The results were compared with the fellow eye; in two patients, it was the healthy eye, and in two remaining eyes, successfully closed FTMH after primary PPV. RESULTS: ILM flap was integrated in all cases with V-shape of closure, and atrophy was found in one case, with the largest diameter of FTMH. BCVA improved in two cases and remained the same in two cases. In OCT-A, the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was larger, and foveal vessel density (FVDS) was smaller in eyes after secondary PPV in comparison to fellow eyes. In microperimetry, retinal sensitivity was lower in eyes after secondary PPV, and eccentric fixation was found in 2 of 4 patients. CONCLUSION: Although the anatomical results of repeated surgeries of FTMH with ILM plug are favorable, visual function results may be limited. Secondary closure of FTMH with ILM plug may lead to atrophy, changes in the macular vasculature, and eccentric fixation. The trial is registered with NCT03701542.

Vertical and Horizontal M-Charts and Microperimetry for Assessment of the Visual Function in Patients after Vitrectomy with ILM Peeling due to Stage 4 Macular Hole.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between the morphological and functional results in eyes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling due to stage 4 full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). METHODS: The study included 22 eyes that underwent successful PPV due to FTMH. Both vertical metamorphopsia (VM) and horizontal metamorphopsia (HM) were determined using type 2 M-charts, as well as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), microperimetry, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed before PPV and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A significant improvement of BCVA and metamorphopsia scores measured by M-charts in particular periods before surgery, 1 and 6 months after PPV, was observed. The VM scores were consistently higher than the HM scores at all assessment times. There was a correlation found between VM and BCVA and microperimetry parameters before surgery. The macular sensitivity (MS) as well as macular integrity index increased from 1 month to 6 months after PPV and were correlated with postoperative visual acuity (VA). There was a correlation found between the hole diameter and MS and P2 parameter 6 months after PPV. There was a correlation found between mean duration of symptoms of FTMH and VA and VM score. CONCLUSIONS: VM scores seem to correlate better than HM scores with preoperative BCVA, microperimetry parameters, and duration of symptoms of the FTMH. VM scores are higher after PPV than HM scores in patients with stage 4 of the FTMH. This trial is registered with NCT03701542.

Transscleral Fixation of Black Diaphragm Intraocular Lens in Complete Aniridia and Aphakia Due to Posttraumatic Eye Rupture: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: To assess long-term outcomes of implantation of black diaphragm intraocular lens (BD IOL) in post-traumatic aniridia and aphakia due to eye rupture. METHODS: This is a retrospective consecutive case series of 14 eyes with post-traumatic complete aniridia and aphakia treated with scleral fixation BD IOL. Measurements included ophthalmological comorbidities, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), complications, and postoperative interventions. The average postoperative follow-up period was 36 months. RESULTS: BCVA improved in 6 cases, was stable in 6 cases and worsened in 2 cases. The lens was well centered in 13 cases. Glaucoma was diagnosed in six cases developed, and three of them required Ahmed valve implantation. One lens developed opacity. The cornea was decompensated in 6 cases, while two of them required penetrating keratoplasty. CONCLUSION: Implantation of BD IOL in eyes with severely traumatized eyes enables reconstruction of the anterior segment and some functional restoration, although many complications may arise during the longitudinal follow-up.

Tryptophan and Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites in Animal Models of Retinal and Optic Nerve Damage: Different Dynamics of Changes.

Kynurenines, products of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, display neurotoxic (e.g., 3-hydroxykynurenine; 3-HK), or neuroprotective (e.g., kynurenic acid; KYNA) properties. Imbalance between the enzymes constituting the kynurenine pathway (KP) plays a role in several disease, including neurodegeneration. In this study, we track changes in concentrations of tryptophan and its selected metabolites after damage to retinal ganglion cells and link this data with expression of KP enzymes. Brown-Norway rats were subjected to intravitreal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) injection or partial optic nerve crush (PONC). Retinas were collected 2 and 7 days after the completion of PONC or NMDA injection. Concentrations of TRP, kynurenine (KYN), and KYNA were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data on gene expression in the rat retina were extracted from GEO, public microarray experiments database. Two days after NMDA injection concentration of TRP decreased, while KYN and KYNA increased. At day 7 compared to day 2 decrease of KYN, KYNA and further reduction of TRP concentration were observed, but on day 7 KYN concentration was still elevated when compared to controls. At day 2 and 7 after NMDA injection no statistically significant alterations of 3-HK were observed. TRP and 3-HK concentration was higher in PONC group than in controls. However, both KYN and KYNA were lower. At day seven concentration of TRP, 3-HK, and KYN was higher, whereas concentration of KYNA declined. In vivo experiments showed that retinal damage or optic nerve lesion affect TRP metabolism via KP. However, the pattern of changes in metabolite concentrations was different depending on the model. In particular, in PONC KYNA and KYN levels were decreased and 3-HK elevated. These observations correspond with data on expression of genes encoding KP enzymes assessed after optic nerve crush or transection. After intraorbital optic nerve crush downregulation of KyatI and KyatIII between 24 h and 3 days after procedure was observed. Kmo expression was transiently upregulated (12 h after the procedures). After intraorbital optic nerve transsection (IONT) Kmo expression was upregulated after 48 h and 7 days, KyatI and KyatIII were downregulated after 12, 48 h, 7 days and upregulated after 15 days. Collected data point to the conclusion that development of therapeutic strategies targeting the KP could be beneficial in diseases involving retinal neurodegeneration.

Outcomes of Vitrectomy in Pediatric Retinal Detachment with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy.

AIM: To report outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in pediatric retinal detachment (RD) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), complications, factors influencing the final anatomical and functional results. METHODS: Retrospective consecutive case series of 14 eyes. Average postoperative follow-up period was 34 months. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 10 years; eleven patients (79%) were males. The most common etiology was trauma (57%), the second-myopia (36%) and one case of uveitis (7%). At the day of presentation, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was worse than hand motion (50%); macula was detached in 86% of cases. Simultaneous PPV and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were performed in 12 cases (86%). The most common endotamponade during PPV was silicone oil (93%). Anatomic reattachment was accomplished in 86% of cases. Final BCVA was equal or better than 0.1 in 50% of patients. The postoperative complications were found in 5 eyes (36%). CONCLUSION: Complete PPV was allowed for anatomically reattached retina and preserved vision in pediatric complex RD with PVR. However, visual outcomes were not satisfactory. Preserving vision in children with RD is of great importance for their future motor and intellectual development. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03208205.

Impact of revascularization in patients with sustained ventricular arrhythmias, prior myocardial infarction, and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: The impact of revascularization on recurrent ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in patients with coronary artery disease and relatively preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of revascularization on recurrent VAs or death. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients with prior myocardial infarction and LVEF ≥40% presenting with a first clinical sustained VA in the absence of an acute coronary syndrome. The impact of revascularization on recurrent VAs and all-cause mortality was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 274 patients (mean age 66.1 ± 9.7 years, 85.4% male, mean LVEF 48.3% ± 7.2%) were included in the study. Eight-eight patients (32.1%) underwent coronary revascularization. During mean follow-up of 6.2 ± 5.1 years, 140 (51.1%) died or had recurrent sustained VAs or appropriate implantable-cardioverter defibrillator therapy. Revascularization was not associated with a significantly lower rate of recurrent VAs or death (multivariable hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-1.24, P = .43) regardless of whether it was complete or incomplete (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.25-1.69, P = .37) or was performed by percutaneous or surgical means (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.53-1.94, P = .96). An implantable-cardioverter defibrillator was associated with a significant reduction in mortality (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09-0.55, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Patients with prior myocardial infarction and LVEF ≥40% who present with sustained VAs in the absence of an acute coronary syndrome remain at high risk for recurrent VAs and all-cause death. Coronary revascularization does not systemically mitigate this risk.

Adjuvanticity and toxicity of cobalt oxide nanoparticles as an alternative vaccine adjuvant.

AIM: There are very few adjuvants licensed for use in human vaccination, and alum-based adjuvants are the most widely used. Alum adjuvants predominantly boost Th2 immune responses and there is a need for new adjuvants that also stimulate Th1 immunity. We recently reported that cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co(3)O(4)NPs) stimulate Th1-type immune responses in vivo. Here, we exploited this property to examine whether Co(3)O(4)NP could act as an adjuvant using the model antigen ovalbumin. MATERIALS & METHODS: Female C57BL/6 mice were immunized subcutaneously twice with ovalbumin plus adjuvant (Co(3)O(4)NPs or Imject® Alum) followed by intraperitoneal stimulation with soluble ovalbumin. RESULTS: Co(3)O(4)NPs induced a more balanced Th1- and Th2-type response, triggering higher specific Th1-dependent IgG2c production in addition to Th2-dependent IgG1 and less 'allergic' IgE production, and induced less inflammation at both the subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injection sites. DISCUSSION: Co(3)O(4)NPs could be a very useful adjuvant where both Th1 and Th2 responses are needed to clear pathogens.

Analysis of willingness to pay for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy.

Despite being effective in the primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac arrest, the cost-effectiveness of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy remains debated. We attempted to estimate the value ICD recipients place on their ICD device. We used the contingent valuation method to evaluate the willingness to pay (WTP) and the cost benefit of ICD therapy in an unselected population of 237 recipients. A hypothetical scenario was presented to patients in which at the end of their current ICD no public reimbursement for the replacement would occur. Patients were asked to indicate their out-of-pocket WTP for a replacement ICD using a close-ended question format. Seven different "take-it-or-leave-it" bids were randomly varied and assigned to patients. Median WTP was calculated with nonparametric methods, and multiple logistic regression models were generated to identify factors associated with WTP. Only cost of the device was considered. Median WTP was estimated at CAN $4,125, which corresponds to 21% of the cost of the device (CAN $20,000). In multiple logistic regression analysis, a higher bid (odds ratio [OR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91 to 0.99, per CAN $1,000 increase) was associated with a lower WTP, whereas a higher gross family income (OR 2.3, 95% CI 0.9 to 9.0) and higher education (OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.9 to 5.1) were associated with a trend for higher WTP. In conclusion, ICD recipients would be willing to pay a substantial amount for a replacement ICD. Considering the expensive price of the device, ICD recipients value favorably the benefits provided by the ICD.

Novel fat depot-specific mechanisms underlie resistance to visceral obesity and inflammation in 11 ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1-deficient mice.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to determine the key early mechanisms underlying the beneficial redistribution, function, and inflammatory profile of adipose tissue in 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 knockout (11ß-HSD1(-/-)) mice fed a high-fat (HF) diet. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: By focusing on the earliest divergence in visceral adiposity, subcutaneous and visceral fat depots from 11ß-HSD1(-/-) and C57Bl/6J control mice fed an HF diet for 4 weeks were used for comparative microarray analysis of gene expression, and differences were validated with real-time PCR. Key changes in metabolic signaling pathways were confirmed using Western blotting/immunoprecipitation, and fat cell size was compared with the respective chow-fed control groups. Altered adipose inflammatory cell content and function after 4 weeks (early) and 18 weeks (chronic) of HF feeding was investigated using fluorescence (and magnetic)-activated cell sorting analysis, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: In subcutaneous fat, HF-fed 11ß-HSD1(-/-) mice showed evidence of enhanced insulin and ß-adrenergic signaling associated with accretion of smaller metabolically active adipocytes. In contrast, reduced 11ß-HSD1(-/-) visceral fat accumulation was characterized by maintained AMP kinase activation, not insulin sensitization, and higher adipocyte interleukin-6 release. Intracellular glucocorticoid deficiency was unexpectedly associated with suppressed inflammatory signaling and lower adipocyte monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion with strikingly reduced cytotoxic T-cell and macrophage infiltration, predominantly in visceral fat. CONCLUSIONS: Our data define for the first time the novel and distinct depot-specific mechanisms driving healthier fat patterning and function as a result of reduced intra-adipose glucocorticoid levels.