Relación de una valoración estabilométrica en el adulto mayor con test clínicos de equilibrio estático y dinámico / Relationship of a stabilometric assessment in the elderly with clinical static and dynamic balance tests

Introducción El control postural supone un elemento clave para mantener el equilibrio, ya que la disminución de la funcionalidad de sistemas motores y sensitivos está directamente relacionada con el aumento del riesgo de caídas. Actualmente se ha extendido el uso de estabilometría como medio instrumental para evaluar el control postural. Objetivo El objetivo de este trabajo fue establecer la relación entre test funcionales de equilibrio estático y dinámico con los principales parámetros estabilométricos determinando si hay diferencias entre sexos. Material y método En este estudio participaron 55 mujeres (X¯±σ=71,8±6,6 años) y 19 varones (X¯±σ=73,9±4,3 años). Como test funcionales para la evaluación del equilibrio estático se utilizaron tres pruebas: pies juntos, semitándem y tándem. Para la valoración del equilibrio dinámico se utilizó el test Timed Up and Go (TUG). El análisis estabilométrico se realizó con una plataforma Podoprint Aluminium, sobre la que se realizaron dos test, uno con los ojos abiertos y otros cerrados. Resultados Los varones obtuvieron mejores resultados en el test de equilibrio estático, pero registraron peores cifras de superficie y velocidad media en la plataforma estabilométrica. La velocidad media superó la normalidad en ambos sexos. Se encontró una asociación positiva entre el tiempo invertido en el TUG y una mayor superficie en la plataforma en las mujeres. Conclusión Encontramos una asociación entre los test clínicos de equilibrio estático y los parámetros estabilométricos de velocidad media y desplazamientos en ambos ejes en los dos sexos, así como entre el TUG y el parámetro superficie en el grupo femenino (AU)

Background Postural control is a key element to maintain balance since the decrease in the functionality of motor and sensory systems is directly related to the increased risk of falls. Currently, the use of stabilometry has been extended as an instrumental means to evaluate postural control. Aim The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between functional tests of static and dynamic balance with the main stabilometric parameters, determining if there are differences between sexes. Material and method Fifty-five women (X¯±σ=71.8±6.6 years) and 19 men (X¯±σ=73.9±4.3 years) participated in this study. Three tests were used as functional tests for the evaluation of static balance: feet together, semi-tandem and tandem. To assess dynamic balance, the Timed Up and Go test was used. Stabilometric analysis was performed with a Podoprint Aluminum platform, on which two tests were performed, one with eyes open and the other closed. Results The men obtained better results in the static balance test, but they registered worse figures of surface and average speed in the stabilometric platform. The mean speed exceeded normal in both sexes. A positive association was found between the time spent on the TUG and a greater surface area on the platform in women. Conclusion We found an association between the clinical static balance tests and the stabilometric parameters of mean speed and displacements in both axes in both sexes, as well as between the TUG and the surface parameter in the female group (AU)

Efectos en la calidad de vida de pacientes con fibromialgia tras un tratamiento integrado de fisioterapia y atención plena: un estudio cuasiexperimental pre-postintervención / Effects on the quality of life of fibromyalgia patients after an integrated physiotherapy and mindfulness treatment: a quasi-experimental pre-post-intervention study

Introducción: El dolor físico es la característica por excelencia de la fibromialgia, pero tan importantes son en esta enfermedad los síntomas físicos como psicológicos, además ambos contribuyen a disminuir la calidad de vida de los pacientes; el dolor corporal no debería ser el único componente a estudiar ni a tratar. Objetivo: Analizar el impacto en la calidad de vida que se produce en una muestra de pacientes con fibromialgia antes y después de un tratamiento integrado de fisioterapia y atención plena. Materiales y métodos: Se ha realizado una evaluación de la calidad de vida y de dolor a 33 mujeres con fibromialgia, utilizando como instrumento de medida el Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire y la Escala Visual Analógica, antes y después de un tratamiento de 8 sesiones de ejercicios de fisioterapia integrada con atención plena. Resultados: Se han obtenido puntuaciones de mejora significativa después del tratamiento de fisioterapia integrada con atención plena. El dolor ha disminuido un punto y medio (p<0,01) y la función física, la sensación de bienestar, la ansiedad y la depresión, también han mejorado significativamente (p<0,01). Conclusión: La introducción de la atención plena al tratamiento fisioterápico consigue disminuir el impacto de la enfermedad, mejorando la salud física y psicológica, y en consecuencia, la calidad de vida.

Introduction: Physical pain is the characteristic par excellence of fibromyalgia, but the physical and psychological symptoms are just as important in this disease, and both can reduce the quality of life of these patients. Therefore bodily pain should not be the only component to study or treat. Objective: To analyse the impact on quality of life in a sample of patients with fibromyalgia before and after a physiotherapy treatment, integrated with mindfulness. Materials and methods: An evaluation of quality of life and pain was carried out in 33 women with fibromyalgia, using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale as a measurement instrument, before and after an integrated physiotherapy treatment with mindfulness. Results: Significant improvement scores were obtained after the mindfulness-integrated physical therapy treatment. Pain decreased by one and a half points (p<.01) and physical function, feeling of well-being, anxiety, and depression also improved significantly (p<.01). Conclusion: The introduction of mindfulness to physiotherapy treatment reduces the impact of the disease, improving physical and psychological health, and consequently, quality of life.

Unidad multidisciplinar especializada en el tratamiento del pie diabético: evaluación y resultados / Multidisciplinary unit specialized in the treatment of diabetic foot: Evaluation and results

Introducción: En este estudio se realiza la evaluación del proceso asistencial del pie diabético tras la implantación de una vía clínica intrahospitalaria y una consulta multidisciplinar. Objetivos: Evaluar la influencia en factores relacionados con la asistencia, amputaciones y rehabilitación del paciente amputado. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo en el que se realiza la comparación de tres períodos. Primero (3años): antes de la implantación de la vía. Segundo (5años): posterior a la implantación de la vía. Tercero (10años): posterior a la implantación de la consulta. Resultados: Una consulta especializada en la atención del pie diabético contribuye a una reducción de las amputaciones femorales y menores. Se han optimizado la valoración y el tratamiento por parte de rehabilitación de los pacientes sometidos a amputación mayor. Conclusión: La implantación de vía y consulta contribuye a aumentar la preservación del miembro inferior. Sin embargo, la incidencia sigue siendo alta, sugiriendo que los cuidados del pie diabético permanecen subóptimos.(AU)

Introduction: In this study the evaluation of the care process of the diabetic foot will be carried out after the implementation of an intra-hospital clinical pathway and a multidisciplinary consultation. Objectives: Evaluate the influence on factors related to the care, amputations, and rehabilitation of the amputee patient. Methodology: Retrospective study, in which the comparison of three periods has been made. First (3years): Before the implantation of the pathway. Second (5years): After the implementation of the pathway. Third (10years): After the implementation of the consultation. Results: A specialized consultation in diabetic foot care contributes to a reduction in femoral and minor amputations. The assessment and treatment by rehabilitation of patients undergoing major amputation has been optimized. Conclusion: The implantation of the pathway and consultation contributes to the preservation of the lower limb. However, the incidence remains high, suggesting that diabetic foot care remains suboptimal.(AU)

[Multidisciplinary unit specialized in the treatment of diabetic foot: Evaluation and results]. / Unidad multidisciplinar especializada en el tratamiento del pie diabético: evaluación y resultados.

INTRODUCTION: In this study the evaluation of the care process of the diabetic foot will be carried out after the implementation of an intra-hospital clinical pathway and a multidisciplinary consultation. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the influence on factors related to the care, amputations, and rehabilitation of the amputee patient. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective study, in which the comparison of three periods has been made. First (3years): Before the implantation of the pathway. Second (5years): After the implementation of the pathway. Third (10years): After the implementation of the consultation. RESULTS: A specialized consultation in diabetic foot care contributes to a reduction in femoral and minor amputations. The assessment and treatment by rehabilitation of patients undergoing major amputation has been optimized. CONCLUSION: The implantation of the pathway and consultation contributes to the preservation of the lower limb. However, the incidence remains high, suggesting that diabetic foot care remains suboptimal.

Enfermedad de von Recklinghausen asociada a cáncer de colon: amistades peligrosas / Von Recklinghausen disease associated with colon cancer: dangerous friendships

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Vólvulo gástrico, causa infrecuente de dolor abdominal agudo / Gastric volvulus, an infrequent cause of acute abdominal pain

El vólvulo gástrico (VG) se caracteriza por la rotación anormal de una porción del estómago alrededor de un eje -horizontal o vertical- que puede ocasionar obstrucción, compromiso vascular e incluso estrangulación, pudiendo evolucionar a necrosis e incluso perforación. Se puede clasificar de acuerdo a su etiología, en primario o secundario, de acuerdo a su anatomía en órgano-axial o mesentérico-axial y de acuerdo a su presentación en crónico o agudo. Ambos tipos de vólvulos requieren de tratamiento, sin embargo, a pesar de que el tratamiento clásico ha sido la cirugía abierta, no existe un tratamiento estándar, ni consenso sobre la alternativa de elección en la actualidad. Las técnicas de mínima invasión, bien sean endoscópicas o laparoscópicas, deben ser consideradas en los pacientes de edad avanzada y alto riesgo quirúrgico en quienes se busca disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad perioperatoria (AU)

Gastric volvulus (GV) is characterized by the abnormal rotation of a portion of the stomach around a horizontal or vertical axis that can cause obstruction, vascular disorder and even strangulation, and may evolve into necrosis or even perforation. It can be classified according to its aetiology into primary or secondary GV, according to its anatomy into axial organ or into axial mesenteric GV, and according to its presentation into chronic or acute GV. Both types of volvulus require treatment; however, in spite of the classic treatment being open surgery, there is no standard treatment, nor is there consensus on the alternative of choice at present. Minimally invasion techniques, whether endoscopic or laparoscopic, should be considered in patients of advanced age or high surgical risk, where what is sought is a reduction in perioperative morbidity and mortality (AU)

Satisfacción percibida por pacientes y profesionales participantes de una vía clínica del ligamento cruzado anterior / Satisfaction perceived by outpatients and health professionals participating in a clinical pathway after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Introducción. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar el grado de satisfacción y la calidad asistencial percibida por los pacientes que finalizaron una vía clínica tras la reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior y determinar el grado de satisfacción de los profesionales que participaron en ella. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional transversal. Se incluyeron 42 pacientes que finalizaron la vía clínica. Cumplimentaron una encuesta de satisfacción con 37 ítems: 32 recogían las respuestas en escala tipo Likert con puntuaciones de 1 «muy insatisfecho» a 5 «muy satisfecho», y el resto permitían responder «sí» o «no». Además se entregó una encuesta a los profesionales que participaron. Resultados. Los aspectos mejor valorados del servicio de traumatología fueron la percepción de mejoría de la inestabilidad de la rodilla tras la cirugía y el grado de satisfacción con el servicio (4,5±0,7). El servicio de rehabilitación destacó por la facilidad para conseguir una cita (4,3±0,7). El grado de confianza que transmite el médico rehabilitador y conocer su nombre fueron aspectos con buenas puntuaciones (4,5±0,7). Los ítems con mejor calificación para el fisioterapeuta fueron su preparación y el grado de confianza que transmite (4,5±0,7). El grado de satisfacción global fue del 88,1%; 23 ítems se correlacionaron estadísticamente con la satisfacción global (p<0,001). El 100% de los profesionales se manifestaron «ligeramente de acuerdo» y «muy de acuerdo» con el desarrollo de la vía clínica. Conclusiones. El estudio ha demostrado que existe un alto grado de satisfacción entre los usuarios y los profesionales participantes de la vía clínica (AU)

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care among patients undergoing a clinical pathway after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament and to determine the degree of satisfaction health professionals participating in the pathway. Material and methods. Cross-sectional observational study. We included 42 patients who finished the clinical pathway. The patients completed a satisfaction survey with 37 items: 32 items elicited Likert-like responses with scores of 1 ‘very dissatisfied’ to 5 ‘highly satisfied’ and the rest elicited a ‘yes/no’ response. A survey was given to the professionals involved. Results. The most positively valued aspects of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery were the perceived improvement in knee instability after surgery and the degree of satisfaction with the department (4.5±.7). The Rehabilitation Department scored highly on ease of obtaining an appointment (4.3±.7). The highest-rated aspects were the trust inspired by the physiatrist and knowing the patient's name (4.5±.7). The items most highly scored by physiotherapists were their training and the degree of trust they inspired (4.5±.7). Overall satisfaction was 88.1%, and 23 items were statistically correlated with overall satisfaction (P<.001). All of the health professionals reported they ‘slightly agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ with the development of the clinical pathway. Conclusions. This study shows that there is a high level of satisfaction between outpatients and health professionals involved in the clinical pathway (AU)

Efectos y resultados de una vía clínica en las lesiones del ligamento cruzado anterior / Effects and results of a clinical pathway for anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Introducción: Presentamos nuestra experiencia tras la implantación de una herramienta de gestión clínica con el objetivo de analizar los efectos y los resultados de una vía clínica en las lesiones del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) mediante la evaluación de la rehabilitación acelerada después de la reconstrucción del LCA. Material y métodos: Participaron los pacientes intervenidos de ligamentoplastia del LCA con autoinjerto tendinoso tetrafascicular de isquiotibiales con o sin reparación de lesiones meniscales entre enero de 2010 y diciembre de 2012. Los criterios de evaluación fueron el grado de cumplimiento, los indicadores de efectividad en la atención clínica, la densidad de variaciones y el indicador de satisfacción. Para estudiar la posible asociación entre las variables cualitativas usamos el test de Chi-cuadrado. Resultados: Se incluyeron 113 hombres y 15 mujeres con edades comprendidas entre 15 y 49 años. El 86,3% realizaban algún tipo de deporte, siendo el fútbol el más practicado. Encontramos que el 84,38% finalizaron la vía clínica, el 7,03% padecieron efectos adversos graves y el 11,35% presentaron alguna variación, causada en un 5,44% por la decisión del paciente. El 89,86% estuvieron satisfechos con el desarrollo del programa. Se halló una tendencia a la asociación estadística (p = 0,059) entre la realización de actividad deportiva previa y la cumplimentación de la vía clínica, lo que podría confirmarse aumentando el tamaño muestral. Conclusión: La evaluación de la vía clínica en las lesiones del LCA obtuvo resultados cercanos a los estándares propuestos en aspectos como el cumplimiento y la satisfacción del paciente (AU)

Introduction: We present our experience following the implementation of a clinical management tool. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects and results of a clinical pathway for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) lesions by evaluating accelerated rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. Material and methods: Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft with or without repair of meniscal injuries participated in this study between January 2010 and December 2012. Evaluation criteria were the degree of compliance, effectiveness indicators in clinical care, the density of variations, and satisfaction indicators. The Chi-square test was used to study the possible association between qualitative variables. Results: We included 113 men and 15 women aged between 15 and 49 years. The 86.3% performed some type of sport, football being the most practiced. A total of 84.38% completed the clinical pathway, serious adverse effects occurred in 7.03%, and some variations took place in 11.35%; of these, 5.44% were due to the patient's decision. Most patients (89.86%) were satisfied with the program's development. A trend to a statistically significant association (P = .059) was found between the occurrence of previous sports activity and the completion of the clinical pathway. This association could be confirmed by increasing the sample size. Conclusion: The evaluation of the clinical pathway in ACL injuries found that the results were close to the proposed standards in aspects such as compliance and patient satisfaction (AU)

Does seawater acidification affect survival, growth and shell integrity in bivalve juveniles?

Anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide are leading to decreases in pH and changes in the carbonate chemistry of seawater. Ocean acidification may negatively affect the ability of marine organisms to produce calcareous structures while also influencing their physiological responses and growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of reduced pH on the survival, growth and shell integrity of juveniles of two marine bivalves from the Northern Adriatic sea: the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the striped venus clam Chamelea gallina. An outdoor flow-through plant was set up and two pH levels (natural seawater pH as a control, pH 7.4 as the treatment) were tested in long-term experiments. Mortality was low throughout the first experiment for both mussels and clams, but a significant increase, which was sensibly higher in clams, was observed at the end of the experiment (6 months). Significant decreases in the live weight (-26%) and, surprisingly, in the shell length (-5%) were observed in treated clams, but not in mussels. In the controls of both species, no shell damage was ever recorded; in the treated mussels and clams, damage proceeded via different modes and to different extents. The severity of shell injuries was maximal in the mussels after just 3 months of exposure to a reduced pH, whereas it progressively increased in clams until the end of the experiment. In shells of both species, the damaged area increased throughout the experiment, peaking at 35% in mussels and 11% in clams. The shell thickness of the treated and control animals significantly decreased after 3 months in clams and after 6 months in mussels. In the second experiment (3 months), only juvenile mussels were exposed to a reduced pH. After 3 months, the mussels at a natural pH level or pH 7.4 did not differ in their survival, shell length or live weight. Conversely, shell damage was clearly visible in the treated mussels from the 1st month onward. Monitoring the chemistry of seawater carbonates always showed aragonite undersaturation at 7.4 pH, whereas calcite undersaturation occurred in only 37% of the measurements. The present study highlighted the contrasting effects of acidification in two bivalve species living in the same region, although not exactly in the same habitat.

Nuclear factor kappa B plays a pivotal role in polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid-induced expression of human ß-defensin 2 in intestinal epithelial cells.

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play an important role in protecting the intestinal surface from invading pathogens by producing effector molecules. IECs are one of the major sources of human beta-defensin 2 (hBD-2), and can produce it in response to a variety of stimuli. Although IECs express Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3) and can respond to its ligand, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), hBD-2 expression in response to dsRNA has not been elucidated. In the present study, using an artificial analogue of dsRNA, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), we investigated whether the human IEC line, HT-29, can produce hBD-2 in response to poly I:C. HT-29 cells can express hBD-2 mRNA only when stimulated with poly I:C. The induction of hBD-2 mRNA expression was observed at 3 h after stimulation and peaked at 12 h of post-stimulation. Pre-incubation of the cells with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-specific inhibitor, l-1-4'-tosylamino-phenylethyl-chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) and isohelenine abolished the expression of hBD-2. Detection of the poly I:C signal by TLR-3 on the surface of HT-29 cells was revealed by pre-incubating the cells with anti-TLR-3 antibody. The 5'-regulatory region of the hBD-2 gene contains two NF-κB binding sites. A luciferase assay revealed the importance of the proximal NF-κB binding site for poly I:C-induced expression of hBD-2. Among NF-κB subunits, p65 and p50 were activated by poly I:C stimulation and accumulated in the nucleus. Activation of the p65 subunit was investigated further by determining its phosphorylation status, which revealed that poly I:C stimulation resulted in prolonged phosphorylation of p65. These results indicate clearly that NF-κB plays an indispensable role in poly I:C induced hBD-2 expression in HT-29 cells.

HCMV seroprevalence and associated risk factors in pregnant women, Havana City, 2007 to 2008.

OBJECTIVE: To prenatally identify pregnant women at risk of developing congenital infection due to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). METHODS: One thousand one hundred and thirty-one pregnant women from three municipalities from Havana City were serologically screened for HCMV infection (IgM/IgG, IgG avidity) from January 2007 to January 2008. Demographical, epidemiological, and clinical variables were correlated to serologic status to identify predictors of seroconversion in pregnancy. RESULTS: The majority of women were seropositive to HCMV (92.6%); 27 women (2.4%) developed HCMV active infection during pregnancy, defined by the detection of IgG+ and IgM+ (7 women), IgM+ and IgG- (2 women), and IgG seroconversion (18 women). Susceptibility of active HCMV infection during pregnancy was associated with maternal age < 20 years and nulligravidity. Primary infection was detected in 20 pregnant women (1.8%), whereas 7 patients (0.6%) had active non-primary infection. CONCLUSION: Although pregnant women in Cuba have high seroprevalence rates for HCMV, those younger than 20 years and nulligravidae are at risk of acquiring infection during pregnancy.

Poly I:C-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in intestinal epithelial cells.

Intercellular adhesion molecul-1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily of adhesion molecules and plays perdominant roles in recruitment and trafficking of leucocytes to sites of inflammation. ICAM-1 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is enhanced by several stimuli, such as proinflammatory cytokines, bacterial infections or pathogen-associated molecular patterns. One of these stimuli, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), is a by-product of viral replication and can be recognized by its cognate receptor Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3). In spite of expression of both TLR-3 and ICAM-1 in IECs, correlation between TLR-3-signalling and ICAM-1 expression has never been examined in IECs. In the present study, we investigated whether poly I:C, an analogue of dsRNA, can stimulate the expression of ICAM-1 in IEC line, HT-29. Poly I:C-stimulation up-regulated the expression of ICAM-1 mRNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Enhanced expression of ICAM-1 was confirmed in protein level by immunofluoresense cell staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay by measuring the released soluble ICAM-1 in culture supernatant. As the stimulation effect was reduced by pre-treatment of the cells with anti-TLR-3 antibody, poly I:C-binding signal was thought to be sensed by TLR-3 on the surface of HT-29. The results of luciferase assay and nuclear factor kappa-b (NF-kappaB) inhibitor treatment experiments indicated that the downstream signal was mainly transduced by transcription factor, NF-kappaB. All these results demonstrated the connection between TLR-3 signalling and ICAM-1 expression in HT-29 cells and indicated the importance of coordinated function of both innate and adaptive immunity against viral infections.

Characterization of human dental pulp-derived cell lines.

AIM: To establish and characterize different types of fibroblastic cell lines derived from dental pulp tissue. METHODOLOGY: Human dental pulp tissue-derived cells were transfected with SV40 large T antigen by Lipofectamine transfection method. Geneticin (G418)-resistant cells were selected and different cell lines were established by a limiting dilution method. To characterize the lineages of cells, each clone was immunofluorescently stained by anti-fibroblast, anti-vimentin, anti-collagen type I and type III antibodies. Total RNA was extracted from each clone and subjected to a differential display experiment. RESULTS: By transfecting SV40 large T antigen, nine different cell clones were obtained. All these cell clones were positively stained by anti-fibroblast, anti-vimentin, anti-collagen type I and type III antibodies. With differential display experiment, eight different genes, the expression levels of these genes were varied amongst each cell clone, were detected. After sequencing and database search, one gene was revealed to be identical to T-cell marker, Thy-1. Thy-1 expression in dental pulp tissue was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. CONCLUSION: Fibroblastic cell lines derived from human dental pulp tissue possessed different gene expression profiles suggesting the existence of subpopulations.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha-mediated human polymeric immunoglobulin receptor expression is regulated by both mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase in HT-29 cell line.

Human polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is present on the surface of glandular epithelium, and it plays a crucial role in the mucosal immune defence. pIgR expression in HT-29 cells is up-regulated by one of the proinflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. However, the mechanism used by the TNF-alpha-mediated signalling pathway has not been examined exclusively. To elucidate this mechanism in detail, HT-29 cells were cotreated with TNF-alpha and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK, also called MEK1) inhibitor, PD98059, and the amount of free secretory component (SC) secreted into the culture medium was measured. The amount of free SC stimulated by TNF-alpha was increased by addition of PD98059. This up-regulation occurred at the transcriptional level. The amount of SC was also up-regulated by addition of TNF-alpha with U0126, an inhibitor of MEK1 and MEK2. Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activity and NF-kappaB binding to the kappaB2 site localized upstream of the pIgR gene did not change after coincubation of HT-29 cells with TNF-alpha and PD98059. The expression level of pIgR by TNF-alpha was decreased by LY294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), at the transcriptional level. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation and NF-kappaB binding to the kappaB2 site were not affected by LY294002 treatment. These data suggest that TNF-alpha-mediated pIgR expression is negatively regulated by ERK pathway, which is independent of NF-kappaB. In addition, decrease of SC production by Ly294002 suggests that the presence of PI3K mediated regulation of SC production.

Modulations of the thylakoid system in snow xanthophycean alga cultured in the dark for two months: comparison between microspectrofluorimetric responses and morphological aspects.

The response of the plastid was studied, with a special emphasis on thylakoid structure and function, in a snow filamentous xanthophycean alga (Xanthonema sp.) incubated in darkness for two months. Microspectrofluorimetric analyses were performed on single living cells to study the variations in the assembly of the chlorophyll-protein complexes of photosystem II, in comparison with cells grown in light. In parallel, changes in micro- and submicroscopic plastid morphology and in photosynthetic pigment content were monitored. Throughout the experiment, the lamellar architecture of thylakoids in the alga was relatively well preserved, whereas photosystem II underwent disassembly and degradation triggered by prolonged darkness. Conversely, the light-harvesting complex of photosystem II proved to be relatively stable for long periods in darkness. Moreover, a role of the peripheral antennae in determining thylakoid arrangement in xanthophycean algae is implied. Although the responses observed in Xanthonema sp. can be considered in terms of acclimation to darkness, the progressive destabilisation of the light-harvesting complex of photosystem II testifies to incipient ageing of the cells after 35 days.

Active synthesis of mouse polymeric immunoglobulin receptor in the epithelial cells of the distal urinary tubule in kidney.

The tissue distribution of mouse polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) has been demonstrated. By Northern blot hybridization, pIgR mRNA expression was detected in liver, intestine, stomach, lung and kidney. A weak expression was also detected in thymus by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The pIgR expression in kidney was further studied and confirmed that pIgR protein was actively synthesized in the epithelial cells of distal urinary tubule and of Henle's loop. Immunoelectron microscopical analysis showed the accumulation of pIgR-containing vesicles in the apical portion of distal urinary tubule epithelial cells.

Dietary fructooligosaccharides up-regulate immunoglobulin A response and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor expression in intestines of infant mice.

We examined whether or not dietary fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in infancy can have a beneficial effect on the mucosal immune system. Newborn BALB/c mice, accompanied by their dams until 21 days of age, were fed either a control diet based on casein [FOS- diet group] or a FOS- diet supplemented with 5% (w/w) FOS [FOS+ diet group]. Total IgA levels in tissue extracts from the intestines of mice in the FOS+ diet group at 38 days of age were about twofold higher (P < 0.05) than those in the FOS- diet group in the jejunum, ileum and colon. Ileal and colonic polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) expression in the FOS+ diet group at 36 days of age was 1.5-fold higher than in the FOS- diet group (P < 0.05). Consistent with these results, the ileal IgA secretion rate of the FOS+ diet group at 37 days of age was twofold higher than that of the FOS- diet group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the percentage of B220(+)IgA+ cells in Peyer's patches (PP) was significantly higher in the FOS+ diet group than in the FOS- diet group (6.2%versus 4.3%, P < 0.05), suggesting that isotype switching from IgM to IgA in PP B cells might be enhanced in vivo. Taken together, our findings suggest that dietary FOS increases the intestinal IgA response and pIgR expression in the small intestine as well as the colon in infant mice.

Retinoic acid enhances the gene expression of human polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) by TNF-alpha.

In this study, the detailed mechanisms for the effects of vitamin A on the expression of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) were examined. Expression of the pIgR by tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) was enhanced by the addition of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or 9-cis retinoic acid (9CRA). This enhancement was mediated mainly by RARalpha, and regulated at the transcriptional level. Transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding and activation were not influenced by addition of ATRA. These data imply that RA, in combination with TNF-alpha, could up-regulate the expression of pIgR. In addition, we hypothesize that up-regulation of pIgR by RA is controlled through the RAR-dependent signalling pathway and that it plays a role in enhancement of mucosal immunity.