Arthrospira platensis accelerates the formation of an endothelial cell monolayer and protects against endothelial cell detachment after bacterial contamination.

Within the last years a comprehensive number of scientific studies demonstrated beneficial effect of Arthropira platensis (AP) as dietary supplement due to a high content of proteins, minerals and vitamins. Positive effects like promoting the immune system, reducing inflammation and an anti-oxidant capacity are reported. In this study, the effect of an aqueous AP extract on primary human venous endothelial cells (HUVEC) was investigated. In addition, the effect of AP on HUVEC treated with a bacterial toxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPA), inducing an activation of HUVEC and cellular detachment, was analyzed. Depending on the concentration of AP extract a significantly accelerated formation of an endothelial cell monolayer was observed. Furthermore, the detachment of HUVEC after LPA addition was dramatically reduced by AP. In conclusion, the data are promising and indicatory for an application of Arthrospira platensis in the clinical field.

Effects of gut microbial metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) on platelets and endothelial cells.

Thrombotic events result from different pathologies and are the underlying causes of severe diseases like stroke or myocardial infarction. Recent basic research now revealed a link between food uptake, food conversion and gut metabolism. Gut microbial production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) from dietary nutrients like choline, lecithin and L-carnitine was associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases. Within this review we give a systematic overview about the influence of TMAO on blood components like platelets and endothelial cells which both are involved as key players in thrombotic processes. In summary, a mechanistic correlation between the gut microbiome, TMAO and cardiovascular diseases becomes obvious and emphasizes to the significance of the intestinal microbiome.

[Non-antagonistic influence of Krumeich's intrastromal corneal ring in an experimental tissue culture system]. / Nichtantagonistische Wirkungsweise des intrastromalen Krumeich-Kornearings in einem experimentellen Gewebekultursystem.

BACKGROUND: Intrastromal insertion of Krumeich's corneal ring between graft and residual host corneal tissue appears to impair preripheral, superficial and superfluous vascularization of donor corneal tissue. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of Krumeich's ring using tissue cultures composed of primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cells from adult donors (HMVEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Soluble growth medium extracts of the individual components of Krumeich's ring alloy were prepared and HMVEC were exposed to these extracts in triplicate for 1 day followed by investigation with 3­(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Furthermore, HMVEC were cultured for 5 days on either Krumeich's ring or polypropylene (PP) discs coated with individual components of the Krumeich's ring alloy followed by double vital staining with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI). RESULTS: The MTT assays revealed that higher doses of the extracts appeared to reduce the viability of HMVEC, while highly diluted extracts of molybdenum (Mo) powder appeared to increase the metabolic activity of HMVEC. The FDA-PI staining showed only a few live HMVEC on either cobalt (Co) or Mo-coated PP discs, compared to the respective titanium (Ti) and chromium (Cr) counterparts. Viable HMVEC appeared to attach to Krumeich's ring after a 5­day incubation period. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that Krumeich's ring does not exert measurable cytotoxic effects in our chosen assay system. High dilutions of medium-soluble Mo powder extracts appear to increase the metabolic activity of HMVEC.

[In vitro and in vivo investigations of a modified textile keratoprosthesis. ACTO TexKPRO]. / In-vitro- und In-vivo-Untersuchung einer modifizierten textilen Keratoprothese. ACTO TexKPRO.

BACKGROUND: Clinical application of a keratoprosthesis (KPRO) is still a challenging task. Recent developments reflect the concepts of nut and bolt, intrastromal implantation or an osteoodontokeratoprosthesis (OOKP). A new concept of a textile KPRO has been evaluated in a limited human study with considerable difficulties which after termination of the study and considerable improvements was restarted using animal experiments. MATERIALS: The ACTO TexKPRO is made from polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) fibers and transparent silicone. The first and second developmental stages differed in density and size of fibers and furthermore in surface modifications of the fibers and optics which were improved for the second prototype. METHODS: Implantation of the prosthesis was performed in four patients with corneal blindness and in two cases retinal disease which required surgery. In the later animal experiments surgery was performed on three rabbits. Surgery was performed by redressing the conjunctiva, opening of the eyeball with a central 6.5 mm trephination, removal of the lens and iris and implantation and suturing of the TexKPRO. If required a silicone oil endotamponade was placed. RESULTS: All eyes were stable with the keratoprosthesis. The first prototype showed conjunctival recession on the textile haptics with highly susceptible endopthalmitis risk due to infection of the PVDF so that we decided to remove the prosthesis from all eyes after one case of severe endophthalmitis occurred. The longest time of placement was 40 months and the shortest time 6 months. All eyes were restored by keratoplasty. In animals with the new haptic we found better conjunctivalization and stable implantation of the KPRO. DISCUSSION: The textile KPRO provides a stable implantation procedure and safe connection of fibers to the scleral wound bed. The optical and mechanical implantation is safe and stable. Surface epithelialization is improved with the new surface modifications and different PVDF fiber density but beforel new implantations are planned further conceptual changes will be introduced.