Integrated analysis of dysregulated microRNA and mRNA expression in intestinal epithelial cells following ethanol intoxication and burn injury.

Gut barrier dysfunction is often implicated in pathology following alcohol intoxication and burn injury. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are negative regulators of gene expression that play a central role in gut homeostasis, although their role after alcohol and burn injury is poorly understood. We performed an integrated analysis of miRNA and RNA sequencing data to identify a network of interactions within small intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) which could promote gut barrier disruption. Mice were gavaged with ~ 2.9 g/kg ethanol and four hours later given a ~ 12.5% TBSA full thickness scald injury. One day later, IECs were harvested and total RNA extracted for RNA-seq and miRNA-seq. RNA sequencing showed 712 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (padj < 0.05) in IECs following alcohol and burn injury. Furthermore, miRNA sequencing revealed 17 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) (padj < 0.1). Utilizing the miRNet, miRDB and TargetScan databases, we identified both validated and predicted miRNA gene targets. Integration of small RNA sequencing data with mRNA sequencing results identified correlated changes in miRNA and target expression. Upregulated miRNAs were associated with decreased proliferation (miR-98-3p and miR-381-3p) and cellular adhesion (miR-29a-3p, miR-429-3p and miR3535), while downregulated miRNAs were connected to upregulation of apoptosis (Let-7d-5p and miR-130b-5p) and metabolism (miR-674-3p and miR-185-5p). Overall, these findings suggest that alcohol and burn injury significantly alters the mRNA and miRNA expression profile of IECs and reveals numerous miRNA-mRNA interactions that regulate critical pathways for gut barrier function after alcohol and burn injury.

Management of borderline ovarian tumours during pregnancy: Results of a French multi-centre study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic and prognostic characteristics of borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs) detected during pregnancy, and to establish an inventory of French practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective multi-centre case study of 14 patients treated for BOTs, diagnosed during pregnancy between 2005 and 2017, in five French pelvic cancerology expert centres, including data on clinical characteristics, histological tumour characteristics, surgical procedure, adjuvant treatments, follow-up and fertility. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 29.3 [standard deviation (SD) 6.2] years. Most BOTs were diagnosed on ultrasonography in the first trimester (85.7 %), and most of these cases (78.5 %) also underwent magnetic resonance imaging to confirm the diagnosis (true positives 54.5 %). Most patients underwent surgery during pregnancy (57 %), with complete staging surgery in two cases (14.3 %). Laparoscopy was performed more frequently than other procedures (50 %), and unilateral adnexectomy was more common than cystectomy (57.5 %). Tumour size influenced the surgical approach significantly (mean size 7.5 cm for laparoscopy, 11.9 cm for laparoconversion, 14 cm for primary laparotomy; P = 0.08), but the type of resection did not. Most patients were initially diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA (92.8 %) tumours, but many were upstaged after complete restaging surgery (57.1 %). Most BOTs were serous (50 %), two cases had a micropapillary component (28.5 %), and one case had a micro-invasive implant. BOTs were bilateral in two cases (14.2 %). Mean follow-up was 31.4 (SD 14.8) months. Recurrent lesions occurred in two patients (14.2 %) and no deaths have been recorded to date among the study population. CONCLUSION: BOTs remain rare, but this study - despite its small sample size - supports the hypothesis that BOTs during pregnancy have potentially aggressive characteristics.

Borderline ovarian tumors: Guidelines from the French national college of obstetricians and gynecologists (CNGOF).

It is recommended to classify Borderline Ovarian Tumors (BOTs) according to the WHO classification. Transvaginal and suprapubic ultrasonography are recommended for the analysis of an ovarian mass (Grade A). In case of an undetermined ovarian lesion on ultrasonography, it is recommended to perform a pelvic MRI (Grade A) with a score for malignancy (ADNEX MR/O-RADS) (Grade C) included in the report and to formulate a histological hypothesis (Grade C). Pelvic MRI is recommended to characterize a tumor suspected of being BOT (Grade C). It is recommended to evaluate serum levels of HE4 and CA125 and to use the ROMA score for the diagnosis of indeterminate ovarian mass on imaging (grade A). If there is a suspicion of a mucinous BOT on imaging, serum levels of CA 19-9 may be proposed (Grade C). For Early Stages (ES) of BOT, if surgery without risk of tumor rupture is possible, laparoscopy with protected extraction is recommended over laparotomy (Grade C). For treatment of a bilateral serous ES BOT with a strategy to preserve fertility and/or endocrine function, bilateral cystectomy is recommended where possible (Grade B). For mucinous BOTs with a treatment strategy of fertility and/or endocrine function preservation, unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is recommended (grade C). For mucinous BOTs treated by initial cystectomy, unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is recommended (grade C). For serous or mucinous ES BOTs, routine hysterectomy is not recommended (Grade C). For ES BOTs, lymphadenectomy is not recommended (Grade C). For ES BOTs, appendectomy is recommended only in case of a macroscopically pathological appendix (Grade C). Restaging surgery is recommended in cases of serous BOTs with micropapillary architecture and an incomplete abdominal cavity inspection during initial surgery (Grade C). Restaging surgery is recommended for mucinous BOTs after initial cystectomy or in cases where the appendix was not examined (Grade C). If restaging surgery is decided for ES BOTs, the following procedures should be performed: peritoneal washing (grade C), omentectomy (grade B), complete exploration of the abdominal cavity with peritoneal biopsies (grade C), visualization of the appendix and appendectomy in case of a pathological macroscopic appearance (grade C) as well as unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in case of a mucinous BOT initially treated by cystectomy (grade C). In advanced stages (AS) of BOT, it is not recommended to perform a lymphadenectomy as a routine procedure (Grade C). For AS BOT in a patient with a desire to fall pregnant, conservative treatment involving preservation of the uterus and all or part of the ovary may be proposed (Grade C). Restaging surgery aimed at removing all lesions, not performed initially, is recommended for AS BOTs (Grade C). After treatment, follow-up for a duration greater than 5 years is recommended due to the median recurrence time of BOTs (Grade B). It is recommended that a systematic clinical examination be carried out during follow-up of a treated BOT (Grade B). If the determination of tumor markers is normal preoperatively, the routine dosage of tumor markers in BOT follow-up is not recommended (Grade C). In case of an initial elevation in serum CA 125 levels, it is recommended to monitor CA 125 during follow up (Grade B). In case of conservative treatment, it is recommended to use transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound during follow up of a treated BOT (Grade B). In the event of a BOT recurrence in a woman of childbearing age, a second conservative treatment may be proposed (Grade C). A consultation with a physician specialized in Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) should be offered in the case of BOTs in women of childbearing age (Grade C). When possible, a conservative surgical strategy is recommended to preserve fertility in women of childbearing age (Grade C). In the case of optimally treated BOT, there is no evidence to contraindicate the use of ART. The use of hormonal contraception after serous or mucinous BOT is not contraindicated (Grade C). After management of mucinous BOT, for women under 45 years, given the benefit of Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) on cardiovascular and bone risks, and the lack of hormone sensitivity of mucinous BOTs, it is recommended to offer HRT (Grade C). Over 45 years of age, HRT can be prescribed in case of a climacteric syndrome after individual benefit to risk assessment (Grade C).

[Borderline Ovarian Tumours: CNGOF Guidelines for Clinical Practice - Pregnancy]. / Tumeurs frontières de l'ovaire. Recommandations pour la pratique clinique du CNGOF ­ Grossesse.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the place of imaging, tumour markers, type of treatment and surgical route, follow-up, delivery mode, and re-staging in case of BOT during pregnancy, in order to provide guidelines. METHOD: A systematic bibliographical analysis on BOT during pregnancy was performed through a PUDMED search on articles published from 1990 to 2019 using keywords « borderline ovarian tumour and pregnancy ¼. RESULTS: Pelvic ultrasound is the gold standard and first-line examination for the detection and characterization of adnexal masses during pregnancy (grade C). Pelvic MRI is recommended from 12 gestational weeks in case of indeterminate adnexal masses and should be concluded by a diagnostic score (grade C). Gadolinium injection should be minimized because of proven risk to the fetus and should be discussed on a case-by-case basis after patient information (grade C). In the absence of data in the literature, it is not possible to recommend the use of any tumour marker for the diagnosis of BOT during pregnancy. In case of a surgical treatment of BOT during pregnancy, there is insufficient evidence to recommend either a cystectomy or an oophorectomy. For BOT, the laparoscopic approach should be preferred during pregnancy if it is feasible (grade C). Surgical route and type of surgery should be chosen after taking into account the tumour size, the obstetrical term, and the subsequent desire for pregnancy, following discussion in a multidisciplinary meeting. In the absence of sufficient data in the literature, it is not possible to make any recommendation on the follow-up of a BOT suspected during pregnancy. There is not enough evidence in the literature to change obstetrical management for delivery in patients with BOT. In case of incomplete staging of a BOT treated during pregnancy, restaging can be discussed as for non-pregnant patients (grade C). CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of BOT occurring during pregnancy remains rare despite systematic screening of adnexal masses in the first trimester of pregnancy and an increasing maternal age. There is limited data in the literature concerning the management of BOT during pregnancy. All decisions must be taken after discussion in a multidisciplinary meeting.

[Borderline Ovarian Tumours: CNGOF Guidelines for Clinical Practice - Short Text]. / Tumeurs frontières de l'ovaire. Recommandations pour la pratique clinique du CNGOF ­ Texte court.

This work was carried out under the aegis of the CNGOF (Collège national des gynécologues et obstétriciens français) and proposes guidelines based on the evidence available in the literature. The objective was to define the diagnostic and surgical management strategy, the fertility preservation and surveillance strategy in Borderline Ovarian Tumor (BOT). No screening modality can be proposed in the general population. An expert pathological review is recommended in case of doubt concerning the borderline nature, the histological subtype, the invasive nature of the implant, for all micropapillary/cribriform serous BOT or in the presence of peritoneal implants, and for all mucinous or clear cell tumors (grade C). Macroscopic MRI analysis should be performed to differentiate the different subtypes of BOT: serous, seromucinous and mucinous (intestinal type) (grade C). If preoperative biomarkers are normal, follow up of biomarkers is not recommended (grade C). In cases of bilateral early serous BOT with a desire to preserve fertility and/or endocrine function, it is recommended to perform a bilateral cystectomy if possible (grade B). In case of early mucinous BOT, with a desire to preserve fertility and/or endocrine function, it is recommended to perform a unilateral adnexectomy (grade C). Secondary surgical staging is recommended in case of serous BOT with micropapillary appearance and uncomplete inspection of the abdominal cavity during initial surgery (grade C). For early-stage serous or mucinous BOT, it is not recommended to perform a systematic hysterectomy (grade C). Follow up after BOT must be pursued for more than 5 years (grade B). Conservative treatment involving at least the conservation of the uterus and a fragment of the ovary in a patient wishing to conceive may be proposed in advanced stages of BOT (grade C). A new surgical treatment that preserves fertility after a first non-invasive recurrence may be proposed in women of childbearing age (grade C). It is recommended to offer a specialized consultation for Reproductive Medicine when diagnosing BOT in a woman of childbearing age. Hormonal contraceptive use after serous or mucinous BOT is not contraindicated (grade C).

Bacterially induced activation of interleukin-18 in porcine intestinal mucosa.

Interleukin (IL)-18 is a cytokine with structural and functional properties similar to IL-1beta and IL-12, respectively. It is activated by caspase-1 cleavage, like IL-1beta, and induces interferon (IFN)-gamma, like IL-12. In order to study the role of IL-18 in the immune response to infectious diseases of mucosal surfaces we cloned and expressed porcine IL-18 and developed antibodies to the protein. Porcine IL-18 retains the caspase-1 cleavage site present in other mammalian IL-18 proteins, but has two potential N-linked glycosylation sites not found in those proteins. Porcine interleukin-18 mRNA and protein are expressed in immune tissues including lymph nodes and gut associated lymphoid tissues. Specific cell types containing IL-18 include lung and splenic macrophages, nonadherent spleen cells and intestinal epithelial cells. Although IL-18 transcription is moderately induced by lipopolysaccharide, the magnitude and total expression level are small compared to those of interleukin-1beta. In vivo and ex vivo infection of intestinal mucosa with Salmonella choleraesuis resulted in a decrease in size of IL-18, consistent with cleavage of the preprotein by caspase-1. Thus, IL-18 is present in mucosal tissues where it could play a role in the immune response to invading pathogens.

Differential regulation of macrophage interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-12, and CD80-CD86 by two bacterial toxins.

The ability of innate immune cells to differentially respond to various bacterial components provides a mechanism by which the acquired immune response may be tailored to specific pathogens. The response of innate immune cells to bacterial components provides regulatory signals to cognate immune cells. These signals include secreted cytokines and costimulatory molecules, and to a large extent they determine the quantitative and qualitative nature of the immune response. In order to determine if innate immune cells can differentially respond to bacterial components, we compared the responses of macrophages to two bacterially derived molecules, cholera toxin (CT) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that CT and LPS differentially regulated the expression of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and CD80-CD86 but not that of IL-1beta. LPS and CT each induced IL-1beta expression in macrophages, while only LPS induced IL-12 and only CT induced CD80-CD86. These differences were markedly potentiated in gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-treated macrophages, in which LPS potently induced IL-12 and CD80-CD86 expression. In contrast, IFN-gamma treatment had no effect on the expression of IL-1beta. These results define a molecular basis for the differential pathogenicities of bacterial toxins and are relevant to the design of vaccine adjuvants able to selectively induce desired types of immunity.

In vitro and in vivo bioactivity of single-chain interleukin-12.

Interleukin-12 is a heterodimeric cytokine with potent immunoregulatory properties, making it a potential vaccine adjuvant and an immune response modulator. The study of its function is confounded by its heterodimeric structure. In order to facilitate the study of interleukin-12 in both in vitro and in vivo models, we constructed a single-chain porcine interleukin-12 gene and expressed the recombinant protein in Pichia pastoris. Single-chain porcine interleukin-12 was bioactive in vitro on both human and porcine cells as measured by its ability to induce proliferation of lymphoblasts and interferon-gamma secretion by lymph node cells. In contrast, the p40 subunit of porcine interleukin-12 alone did not induce proliferation or inhibit the activity of the single-chain porcine interkeukin-12. The in vivo bioactivity of single-chain porcine interleukin-12 was demonstrated in an oral immunization model where it increased antigen-specific IgA and IgG in jejunal mucus. These results indicate that binding of interleukin-12 to its receptor and transduction of intracellular signals requires both p40 and p35 subunits. The bioactivity of interleukin-12 expressed as a single polypeptide will facilitate its in vivo delivery and study of its structure and function.

Efficient assembly of rat hepatocyte spheroids for tissue engineering applications.

Freshly harvested primary rat hepatocytes cultivated as multicellular aggregates, or spheroids, have been observed to exhibit enhanced liver-specific function and differentiated morphology compared to cells cultured as monolayers. An efficient method of forming spheroids in spinner vessels is described. Within 24 h after inoculation, greater than 80% of inoculated cells formed spheroids. This efficiency was significantly greater than that reported previously for formation in stationary petri dishes. With a high specific oxygen uptake rate of 2.0 x 10(-9) mmol O(2)/cell/h, the oxygen supply is critical and should be monitored for successful formation. Throughout a 6-day culture period, spheroids assembled in spinner cultures maintained a high viability and produced albumin and urea at constant rates. Transmission electron microscopy indicated extensive cell-cell contacts and tight junctions between cells within spheroids. Microvilli-lined bile canaliculus-like channels were observed in the interior of spheroids and appeared to access the exterior through pores at the outer surface. Spheroids from spinner cultures exhibited at least the level of liver-specific activity as well as similar morphology and ultrastructure compared to spheroids formed in stationary petri dishes. Hepatocytes cultured as spheroids are potentially useful three-dimensional cell systems for application in a bioartificial liver device and for studying xenobiotic drug metabolism. (c) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Experimental autoimmune myocarditis in A/J mice is an interleukin-4-dependent disease with a Th2 phenotype.

Myocarditis in humans is often associated with an autoimmune process in which cardiac myosin (CM) is a major autoantigen. Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) is induced in mice by immunization with CM. We found that EAM in A/J mice exhibits a Th2-like phenotype demonstrated by the histological picture of the heart lesions (eosinophils and giant cells) and by the humoral response (association of IgG1 response with disease and up-regulation of total IgE). Blocking interleukin (IL)-4 with anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) reduced the severity of EAM. This reduction in severity was associated with a shift from a Th2-like to a Th1-like phenotype represented by a reduction in CM-specific IgG1; an increase in CM-specific IgG2a; an abrogation of total IgE response; a decrease in IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13; as well as a dramatic increase in interferon (IFN)-gamma production in vitro. Based on the latter finding, we hypothesized that IFN-gamma limits disease. Indeed, IFN-gamma blockade with a mAb exacerbated disease. The ameliorating effect of IL-4 blockade was abrogated by co-administration of anti-IFN-gamma mAb. Thus, EAM represents a model of an organ-specific autoimmune disease associated with a Th2 phenotype, in which IL-4 promotes the disease and IFN-gamma limits it. Suppression of IFN-gamma represents at least one of the mechanisms by which IL-4 promotes EAM.