Intercellular transfer of plasmid DNA between in vitro cultured HEK293 cells following transient transfection.

Gene overexpression by transient transfection of in vitro cultured model cell lines with plasmid DNA is a commonly used method for studying molecular aspects of human biology and pathobiology. However, there is accumulating evidence suggesting that human cells may actively secrete fragments of DNA and the implications of this phenomenon for in vitro cultured cells transiently transfected with foreign nucleic acids has been overlooked. Therefore, in the current study we investigated whether a cell-to-cell transmission of acquired plasmid DNA takes place in a commonly used human cell line model. We transiently transfected HEK293 cells with EGFP encoding plasmids to serve as donor cells and either co-cultured these with stably mCherry expressing recipient cells in different set-ups or transferred their culture medium to the recipient cells. We found that recipient cells produced EGFP after being co-cultured with donor cells but not when they were exposed to their culture medium. The employment of different co-culture set-ups excluded that the observed effect stemmed from technical artefacts and provided evidence that an intercellular plasmid transfer takes place requiring physical proximity between living cells. This phenomenon could represent a significant biological artefact for certain studies such as those addressing protein transmissions in prion diseases.

Design and Preclinical Characterization Program toward Asundexian (BAY 2433334), an Oral Factor XIa Inhibitor for the Prevention and Treatment of Thromboembolic Disorders.

Activated coagulation factor XI (FXIa) is a highly attractive antithrombotic target as it contributes to the development and progression of thrombosis but is thought to play only a minor role in hemostasis so that its inhibition may allow for decoupling of antithrombotic efficacy and bleeding time prolongation. Herein, we report our major efforts to identify an orally bioavailable, reversible FXIa inhibitor. Using a protein structure-based de novo design approach, we identified a novel micromolar hit with attractive physicochemical properties. During lead modification, a critical problem was balancing potency and absorption by focusing on the most important interactions of the lead series with FXIa while simultaneously seeking to improve metabolic stability and the cytochrome P450 interaction profile. In clinical trials, the resulting compound from our extensive research program, asundexian (BAY 2433334), proved to possess the desired DMPK properties for once-daily oral dosing, and even more importantly, the initial pharmacological hypothesis was confirmed.

Subtype-specific plasma signatures of platelet-related protein releasate in acute pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence that plasma protein profiles differ in the two subtypes of pulmonary embolism (PE), isolated PE (iPE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)-associated PE (DVT-PE), in the acute phase. The aim of this study was to determine specific plasma signatures for proteins related to platelets in acute iPE and DVT-PE compared to isolated DVT (iDVT). METHODS: Within the Genotyping and Molecular Phenotyping of Venous ThromboEmbolism (GMP-VTE) Project, a multicenter prospective cohort study of 693 confirmed VTE cases, a highly sensitive targeted proteomics approach based on dual-antibody proximity extension assay was applied. LASSO-regularized logistic regression analysis selected 33 and 30 of 135 platelet-related candidate proteins in iPE and DVT-PE vs. iDVT, respectively. RESULTS: All regulated proteins were well associated with six prominently released platelet proteins and the majority showed specificity for iPE and DVT-PE compared to iDVT. While iPE-specific proteins were assigned to be predominantly released via shedding mechanisms and extracellular vesicles, granule secretion was identified as a major release mechanism assigned to DVT-associated PE-specific proteins. Network analysis demonstrated three interconnected clusters of specifically regulated proteins in iPE linked to immunoreceptor signaling, pathogen clearance and chemotaxis, whereas for DVT-associated PE one cluster linked to tissue remodeling and leukocyte trafficking. Machine learning-based analysis reveals specific plasma signatures and differential release mechanisms of proteins related to platelets in acute iPE and DVT-associated PE. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the platelet protein releasate contributes to the differential regulation of plasma proteins in acute PE compared to iDVT, which may be associated with different platelet activation patterns.

[State of the Art Diagnostics of the Esophagus]. / State of the Art Diagnostik des Ösophagus.

State of the Art Diagnostics of the Esophagus Abstract. Modern diagnostics of the esophagus is highly technical. It mainly includes endoscopic, radiological, nuclear medicine, functional and electrochemical examinations. Diagnostic tools for esophageal disorders involve esophagogastroduodenoscopies with chromoendoscopy, manometric and pH-impedance catheters as well as radiological techniques, such as CT, MRI or PET-CTs. The patient's history including the main clinical symptoms such as heartburn or dysphagia, and the physical examination will determine the choice and order of subsequent examinations. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy is one of the most important diagnostic tools and has a very low complication rate. During esophagogastroduodenoscopy biopsies, chromoendoscopy or therapeutic interventions can be performed. Endosonography is essential for the staging of esophageal cancer and accuracy can be improved by endosonographically guided biopsies. A CT scan completes the tumor staging and is essential to search for metastases. For motility disorders high resolution manometry is the gold standard which can be supplemented with esophagus barium swallow exams. pH-impedance catheters can be used for diagnosis of reflux. MRI swallow exams are predominantly applied in clinical studies but may be more frequently used in the future.

[Peracute Diseases of the Esophagus - Bleeding from Esophageal Varices, Esophageal Varices]. / Perakute Erkrankungen des Ösophagus.

Peracute Diseases of the Esophagus - Bleeding from Esophageal Varices, Esophageal Varices Abstract. Due to a permanently increased portal venous pressure - usually due to infectious or ethyltoxic liver cirrhosis - varices can form in the lower esophagus due to expansion of the submucosal venous plexus. Acute bleeding from the esophageal varices is a life-threatening situation. In therapy, a distinction is made between primary prophylaxis of bleeding, control of acute bleeding and prevention of recurrent bleeding. In addition to non-selective betablockers, the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which is introduced radiologically, plays a decisive role today, especially in the prophylaxis of recurrent bleeding. Apart from special indications, surgical shunt procedures are only of historical value. In liver cirrhosis patients, liver transplantation represents a causal treatment and lasting cure for esophageal varices.

[Acute Diseases of the Esophagus - Esophagitis]. / Akute Erkrankungen des Ösophagus ­ Ösophagitis.

Acute Diseases of the Esopagus - Esophagitis Abstract. Inflammation of the esophagus can be caused by various conditions including gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), immunosuppression, infections, allergens, or distinct medications. GERD will be covered in a separate article. Clinical symptoms include heartburn, retrosternal pain, dysphagia, or fetor ex ore. Bleeding, strictures, or stenoses can occur as local complications. Besides a detailed medical history, diagnostic tools are usually an accurate physical examination and flexible endoscopy including histological and microbiological sampling. Immunosuppressive drugs, HIV, malignancies, and chronic alcohol abuse are often associated with candida esophagitis which is typically treated with fluconazole. History of allergies is especially relevant for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) which mostly affects young patients and can be treated with topical steroids. A rare but important differential diagnosis to EoE is esophageal lichen planus.

Pharmacological profile of asundexian, a novel, orally bioavailable inhibitor of factor XIa.

BACKGROUND: Activated coagulation factor XI (FXIa) contributes to the development and propagation of thrombosis but plays only a minor role in hemostasis; therefore, it is an attractive antithrombotic target. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the pharmacology of asundexian (BAY 2433334), a small molecule inhibitor targeting FXIa, in vitro and in various rabbit models. METHODS: The effects of asundexian on FXIa activity, selectivity versus other proteases, plasma thrombin generation, and clotting assays were evaluated. Antithrombotic effects were determined in FeCl2 - and arterio-venous (AV) shunt models. Asundexian was administered intravenously or orally, before or during thrombus formation, and with or without antiplatelet drugs (aspirin and ticagrelor). Potential effects of asundexian on bleeding were evaluated in ear-, gum-, and liver injury models. RESULTS: Asundexian inhibited human FXIa with high potency and selectivity. It reduced FXIa activity, thrombin generation triggered by contact activation or low concentrations of tissue factor, and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time in human, rabbit, and various other species, but not in rodents. In the FeCl2 -injury models, asundexian reduced thrombus weight versus control, and in the arterial model when added to aspirin and ticagrelor. In the AV shunt model, asundexian reduced thrombus weight when administered before or during thrombus formation. Asundexian alone or in combination with antiplatelet drugs did not increase bleeding times or blood loss in any of the models studied. CONCLUSIONS: Asundexian is a potent oral FXIa inhibitor with antithrombotic efficacy in arterial and venous thrombosis models in prevention and intervention settings, without increasing bleeding.

Coffee break has no impact on laparoscopic skills: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled parallel-group trial.

BACKGROUND: Coffee is a widely consumed beverage. Surgeons often drink coffee before performing surgery. Caffeine intake leads to tremor which might have a negative effect on surgeons' fine motor skills. METHODS: A double-blinded parallel-group trial was conducted in order to investigate if caffeinated coffee intake has a negative effect on laparoscopic skills and increases tremor, regardless of previous coffee consumption. 118 participants were selected during a congress of the German Society of Surgery. Exclusion criteria were immaturity and no given consent. Participants and investigators were blinded. Participants were randomized with a 1:1 allocation into interventional group receiving caffeinated coffee or placebo group receiving decaffeinated coffee. The motor skills were tested with two validated laparoscopic exercises at a laparoscopy simulator (LapSim®) before and 30 min after coffee intake. Data on influencing factors were recorded in a standardized questionnaire and tested for equal distribution in both groups. In both exercises four parameters were recorded: left and right hand path length and angular path. Their differences and the resulting effect scores were calculated for both groups as primary outcome to test which group showed greater improvement on the second round of exercises. Registration number DRKS00023608, registered retrospectively. RESULTS: Fifty nine subjects were assigned to each the interventional (54 analyzed) and placebo group (53 analyzed) with 11 drop outs. There was no significant difference between the placebo and interventional group in the two exercises in effect score 30 min after coffee intake [mean (SD); 38.58 (10.66) vs. 41.73 (7.40) and 113.09 (28.94) vs. 116.59 (25.63)]. A significant improvement from first to second measurement in the first exercise could be observed for both groups, demonstrating the training effect. CONCLUSION: In our study, we verified that additional caffeinated coffee intake, e.g., during a coffee break, does not lead to deterioration of laparoscopic fine motor skills.

Variation of platelet function in clinical phenotypes of acute venous thromboembolism - Results from the GMP-VTE project.

BACKGROUND: The role of platelets in the pathogenesis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is receiving increasing attention; however, limited information is available on platelet function in the acute phase of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To characterize platelet function according to VTE phenotypes. PATIENTS/METHODS: In total, 154 subjects (isolated pulmonary embolism [iPE], n = 28; isolated deep vein thrombosis [iDVT], n = 35; DVT+PE, n = 91) were included. In this study platelet function analyzer (PFA)-200, light transmission aggregometry (LTA), thrombin generation (TG) in presence (PRP) and absence (PFP) of platelets and platelet flow cytometry were investigated. LASSO regression was used to select clinical and platelet biomarkers that distinguish between VTE phenotypes. RESULTS: PFA-200 results did not differ between VTE phenotypes. LTA from DVT+PE subjects showed lowest maximum aggregation after epinephrine and adenosine diphosphate compared to iPE and iDVT. Lower % of PAC-1-positive platelets after in-vitro trigger were present in DVT+PE and iPE compared to iDVT. TG in PRP had lower peak height and velocity in DVT+PE and iPE against iDVT. The results of LASSO regression for the distinction between DVT+PE vs iDVT identified 18 variables (AUC =0.93) of which 72% were platelet biomarkers. For distinction between iPE and iDVT, 10 variables were selected (AUC = 0.96) of which 50% were platelet-related. Obesity was the only variable weakly discriminating between DVT+PE vs iPE (AUC = 0.66). CONCLUSION: This explorative study suggests an important distinction between PE-related phenotypes and iDVT when considering clinical and platelet function data. Lower platelet-dependent TG along with reduced platelet reactivity suggest higher platelet degranulation in PE-dependent phenotypes compared to iDVT.

Comprehensive platelet phenotyping supports the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of acute venous thromboembolism - results from clinical observation studies.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of arterial and venous thrombosis is in large part interlaced. How much platelet phenotype relates to acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) independent of the underlying cardiovascular profile is presently poorly investigated. METHODS: Platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet aggregation in whole blood and platelet rich plasma (PRP), platelet-dependent thrombin generation (TG) and platelet surface activation markers were measured under standardized conditions. Machine learning was applied to identify the most relevant characteristics associated with VTE from a large array (N = 58) of clinical and platelet-related variables. FINDINGS: VTE cases (N = 159) presented with lower platelet count and MPV vs controls (N = 140). Whole blood aggregation showed shorter collagen/Epinephrine closure times in cases, particularly within acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) users. Within ASA users, higher PRP aggregation after adenosine diphosphate (ADP), epinephrine, collagen and arachidonic acid was observed in cases vs controls. Within non-ASA and/or subjects on anticoagulants, cases presented with lower aggregation after ADP and collagen vs controls. Lower platelet-dependent TG, higher CD63 on resting and lower PAC-1 expression after collagen/ADP in-vitro stimulated platelets further characterized VTE cases vs controls, independent of therapy. Lasso regression analysis identified 26 variables associated with VTE of which 69% were platelet-related. INTERPRETATION: Comprehensive phenotyping of platelet function identified a large proportion of low responders to ASA in VTE cases. Lower platelet-dependent TG and lower platelet reactivity after ex-vivo stimulation characterized the "platelet exhausted syndrome" in cases. Finally, from a large array of covariates including clinical risk factors, platelet biomarkers comprised 69% of all selected variables differentiating VTE cases vs controls. FUNDING: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, CTH-Mainz and Bayer AG.

A nanobody-based fluorescent reporter reveals human α-synuclein in the cell cytosol.

Aggregation and spreading of α-Synuclein (αSyn) are hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases, thus monitoring human αSyn (hαSyn) in animal models or cell cultures is vital for the field. However, the detection of native hαSyn in such systems is challenging. We show that the nanobody NbSyn87, previously-described to bind hαSyn, also shows cross-reactivity for the proteasomal subunit Rpn10. As such, when the NbSyn87 is expressed in the absence of hαSyn, it is continuously degraded by the proteasome, while it is stabilized when it binds to hαSyn. Here, we exploit this feature to design a new Fluorescent Reporter for hαSyn (FluoReSyn) by fusing NbSyn87 to fluorescent proteins, which results in fluorescence signal fluctuations depending on the presence and amounts of intracellular hαSyn. We characterize this biosensor in cells and tissues to finally reveal the presence of transmittable αSyn in human cerebrospinal fluid, demonstrating the potential of FluoReSyn for clinical research and diagnostics.

Expression of pro-inflammatory genes in human endothelial cells: Comparison of rivaroxaban and dabigatran.

INTRODUCTION: In addition to its central role in coagulation, thrombin is involved in non-hemostatic activities such as inflammation. Direct inhibition of thrombin activity (e.g. with dabigatran) or reducing its generation by inhibition of Factor Xa (e.g. with rivaroxaban) may therefore have anti-inflammatory effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microarray experiments were performed to identify transcriptome-wide changes in mRNA expression levels induced by thrombin in the presence and absence of the PAR-1 antagonist vorapaxar in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). On this basis, HUVECs were incubated with recalcified plasma, with or without rivaroxaban (0.3-3000nM), dabigatran (0.3-10,000nM), or vorapaxar (0.3-10nM). Expression levels of preselected pro-inflammatory genes were quantified by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Vorapaxar abolished 67 of the 69 transcripts altered by more than twofold on addition of thrombin to HUVECs. ELAM-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1, IL-8, CXCL1, and CXCL2 were among the genes most strongly induced by thrombin. Inflammatory gene expression after stimulation of thrombin generation was concentration-dependently suppressed by vorapaxar, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban. However, dabigatran at low concentrations (3-300nM) increased significantly the expression levels of CXCL1, CXCL2, IL-8, ELAM-1, MCP-1, and tissue factor. CONCLUSION: In HUVECs, plasma-induced transcriptional changes are mediated by thrombin-induced PAR-1 activation. Rivaroxaban downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory markers and tissue factor to a similar extent to dabigatran.

Coagulation Factor XI Promotes Distal Platelet Activation and Single Platelet Consumption in the Bloodstream Under Shear Flow.

OBJECTIVE: Coagulation factor XI (FXI) has been shown to contribute to thrombus formation on collagen or tissue factor-coated surfaces in vitro and in vivo by enhancing thrombin generation. Whether the role of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation is restricted to the local site of thrombus formation is unknown. This study was aimed to determine whether FXI could promote both proximal and distal platelet activation and aggregate formation in the bloodstream. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Pharmacological blockade of FXI activation or thrombin activity in blood did not affect local platelet adhesion, yet reduced local platelet aggregation, thrombin localization, and fibrin formation on immobilized collagen and tissue factor under shear flow, ex vivo. Downstream of the thrombus formed on immobilized collagen or collagen and 10 pmol/L tissue factor, platelet CD62P expression, microaggregate formation, and progressive platelet consumption were significantly reduced in the presence of FXI function-blocking antibodies or a thrombin inhibitor in a shear rate- and time-dependent manner. In a non-human primate model of thrombus formation, we found that inhibition of FXI reduced single platelet consumption in the bloodstream distal to a site of thrombus formation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the FXI-thrombin axis contributes to distal platelet activation and procoagulant microaggregate formation in the blood flow downstream of the site of thrombus formation. Our data highlight FXI as a novel therapeutic target for inhibiting distal platelet consumption without affecting proximal platelet adhesion.

Biorheology of platelet activation in the bloodstream distal to thrombus formation.

Thrombus growth at the site of vascular injury is mediated by the sequential events of platelet recruitment, activation and aggregation concomitant with the initiation of the coagulation cascade, resulting in local thrombin generation and fibrin formation. While the biorheology of a localized thrombus formation has been well studied, it is unclear whether local sites of thrombin generation propagate platelet activation within the bloodstream. In order to study the physical biology of platelet activation downstream of sites of thrombus formation, we developed a platform to measure platelet activation and microaggregate formation in the bloodstream. Our results show that thrombi formed on collagen and tissue factor promote activation and aggregation of platelets in the bloodstream in a convection-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of the coagulation factors (F) X, XI or thrombin dramatically reduced the degree of distal platelet activation and microaggregate formation in the bloodstream without affecting the degree of local platelet deposition and aggregation on a surface of immobilized collagen. Herein we describe the development and an example of the utility of a platform to study platelet activation and microaggregate formation in the bloodstream (convection-limited regime) relative to the local site of thrombus formation.

Translational In Vivo Models for Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases are still the first leading cause of death and morbidity in developed countries. Experimental cardiology research and preclinical drug development in cardiology call for appropriate and especially clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo studies. The use of animal models has contributed to expand our knowledge and our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and accordingly provided new approaches focused on the improvement of diagnostic and treatment strategies of various cardiac pathologies.Numerous animal models in different species as well as in small and large animals have been developed to address cardiovascular complications, including heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and thrombotic diseases. However, a perfect model of heart failure or other indications that reproduces every aspect of the natural disease does not exist. The complexity and heterogeneity of cardiac diseases plus the influence of genetic and environmental factors limit to mirror a particular disease with a single experimental model.Thus, drug development in the field of cardiology is not only very challenging but also inspiring; therefore animal models should be selected that reflect as best as possible the disease being investigated. Given the wide range of animal models, reflecting critical features of the human pathophysiology available nowadays increases the likelihood of the translation to the patients. Furthermore, this knowledge and the increase of the predictive value of preclinical models help us to find more efficient and reliable solutions as well as better and innovative treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.

Incarceration of Meckel's diverticulum in a left paraduodenal Treitz' hernia.

Meckel's diverticula incarcerated in a hernia were first described anecdotally by Littré, a French surgeon, in 1700. Meckel, a German anatomist and surgeon, explained the pathophysiology of this disease 100 years later. In addition, a congenital paraduodenal mesocolic hernia, known as a Treitz hernia, is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. These hernias are caused by an abnormal rotation of the primitive midgut, resulting in a right or left paraduodenal hernia. We treated a patient presenting with pain and diagnosed extraluminal air in the abdomen after a computed tomography examination. We performed a laparotomy and found a combination of these two seldomly occurring congenital diseases, incarceration and perforation of Meckel's diverticulum in a left paraduodenal hernia. We performed a thorough review of the literature, and this report is the first to describe a patient with a combination of these two rare conditions. We considered the case regarding the variety of terminology as well as the treatment options of these conditions.

Direct inhibitors of coagulation proteins - the end of the heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin era for anticoagulant therapy?

Heparins, either unfractionated or low-molecular-weight (UFH and LMWHs), and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are currently the anticoagulants of choice for the prevention of post-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE) and for the treatment of acute venous and arterial thromboembolism. While VKAs are widely used in the US, LMWHs are the standard of care in the EU. Although efficacious, these agents are associated with a number of drawbacks, such as the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, the need for frequent coagulation monitoring in the case of UFH and VKAs, and the parenteral mode of administration in the case of heparins, which can lead to problems associated with patient compliance. There is a need for new anticoagulants that overcome these limitations. Direct, small-molecule inhibitors of coagulation proteins targeting a single enzyme in the coagulation cascade - particularly thrombin or Factor Xa - have been developed in recent years. Two agents, the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran and the direct Factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban, have recently been approved in the EU and several other countries for the prevention of VTE after total hip or knee replacement surgery. Here we will review data that suggest that the antithrombin-independent mechanism of action of these agents, particularly that of direct Factor Xa inhibitors, leads to increased efficacy with similar safety profiles compared with the antithrombin-dependent heparins. Although the end of the heparins era is not to be expected, the new anticoagulants presented in this review potentially represent the future of anticoagulation.

Biphenyls as potent vitronectin receptor antagonists. Part 3: Squaric acid amides.

Vitronectin receptor (alpha(V)beta(3)) antagonists have been implicated as a possible new treatment of restenosis following balloon angioplasty. In this work we investigate a series of novel arginine mimetic scaffolds leading to new insight of the alpha(V)beta(3)/ligand interaction. Squaric acid amide 10 is a subnanomolar alpha(V)beta(3) antagonist with improved potency on human smooth muscle cell migration.

Biphenyls as potent vitronectin receptor antagonists. Part 2: biphenylalanine ureas.

Vitronectin receptor (alpha(V)beta(3)) antagonism has been implicated in a variety of disease states, like restenosis, osteoporosis and cancer. In this work, we present the development of a novel class of biphenyl vitronectin receptor antagonists. Identified from a focused combinatorial library based on para-bromo phenylalanine, these compounds show nanomolar affinity to the vitronectin receptor and display unprecedented SAR. Their binding mode can be rationalized by computational docking studies using the X-ray structure of alpha(V)beta(3).

Biphenyls as potent vitronectin receptor antagonists.

Vitronectin receptor (alpha(V)beta(3)) antagonism has been implicated as a mechanism for the treatment of restenosis following balloon angioplasty. In this work we present results from screening of a focused combinatorial library based on a biphenyl moiety. Our SAR studies led to the identification of compounds with subnanomolar activity, selectivity towards the related GPIIbIIIa receptor and functional activity on human smooth muscle cell migration.