Mechanistic transcriptome comprehension of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii subjected to black phosphorus.

Two-dimensional materials have recently gained significant awareness. A representative of such materials, black phosphorous (BP), earned attention based on its comprehensive application potential. The presented study focuses on the mode of cellular response underlying the BP interaction with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as an algal model organism. We observed noticeable ROS formation and changes in outer cellular topology after 72 h of incubation at 5 mg/L BP. Transcriptome profiling was employed to examine C. reinhardtii response after exposure to 25 mg/L BP for a deeper understanding of the associated processes. The RNA sequencing has revealed a comprehensive response with abundant transcript downregulation. The mode of action was attributed to cell wall disruption, ROS elevation, and chloroplast disturbance. Besides many other dysregulated genes, the cell response involved the downregulation of GH9 and gametolysin within a cell wall, pointing to a shift to discrete manipulation with resources. The response also included altered expression of the PRDA1 gene associated with redox governance in chloroplasts implying ROS disharmony. Altered expression of the Cre-miR906-3p, Cre-miR910, and Cre-miR914 pointed to those as potential markers in stress response studies.

Unsolved mystery of Fas: mononuclear cells may have trouble dying in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Sjögren's syndrome, like other patients with autoimmune disorders, display dysregulation in the function of their immune system. Fas and Fas Ligand (FasL) are among the dysregulated proteins. METHODS: We studied Fas and FasL on IL-2Rα+ cells and in serum of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (n = 16) and healthy individuals (n = 16); both from same ethnic and geographical background. We used flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent for this purpose. We also measured the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and percentage of apoptotic and dead cells using Annexin V and 7-AAD staining in lymphocytes. RESULTS: FasL was increased in patients' T and B cells while Fas was increased in patients' monocytes, T and B cells. No signs of increased apoptosis were found. sFas and sFasL in patients' serum were increased, although the increase in sFasL was not significant. We suspect an effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy on B cells, explaining the decrease of the percentage Fas+ B cells found within our samples. In healthy individuals, there was a noticeable pattern in the expression of FasL which mutually correlated to populations of mononuclear cells; this correlation was absent in the patients with Sjögren's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Mononuclear cells expressing IL-2Rα+ had upregulated Fas in Sjögren's syndrome. However, the rate of apoptosis based on Annexin V staining and the Bcl-2/Bax expression was not observed in mononuclear cells. We suspect a functional role of abnormal levels of Fas and FasL which has not been cleared yet.

Role of secondary metabolites in distressed microalgae.

Proficient photosynthetic microalgae/cyanobacteria produce a remarkable amount of various biomolecules. Secondary metabolites (SM) represent high value products for global biotrend application. Production improvement can be achieved by nutritional, environmental, and physiological stress as a first line tools for their stimulation. In recent decade, an increasing interest in algal stress biology and omics techniques have deepened knowledge in this area. However, deep understanding and connection of specific stress elucidator are missing. Hence, the present review summarizes recent evidence with an emphasis on the carotenoids, phenolic, and less-discussed compounds (glycerol, proline, mycosporins-like amino acids). Even when they are synthesized at very low concentrations, it highlights the need to expand knowledge in this area using genome-editing tools and omics approaches.

Co-targeting strategy for precise, scarless gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9 and donor ssODNs in Chlamydomonas.

Programmable site-specific nucleases, such as the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), have allowed creation of valuable knockout mutations and targeted gene modifications in Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). However, in walled strains, present methods for editing genes lacking a selectable phenotype involve co-transfection of RNPs and exogenous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) encoding a selectable marker gene. Repair of the dsDNA breaks induced by the RNPs is usually accompanied by genomic insertion of exogenous dsDNA fragments, hindering the recovery of precise, scarless mutations in target genes of interest. Here, we tested whether co-targeting two genes by electroporation of pairs of CRISPR/Cas9 RNPs and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs) would facilitate the recovery of precise edits in a gene of interest (lacking a selectable phenotype) by selection for precise editing of another gene (creating a selectable marker)-in a process completely lacking exogenous dsDNA. We used PPX1 (encoding protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase) as the generated selectable marker, conferring resistance to oxyfluorfen, and identified precise edits in the homolog of bacterial ftsY or the WD and TetratriCopeptide repeats protein 1 genes in ∼1% of the oxyfluorfen resistant colonies. Analysis of the target site sequences in edited mutants suggested that ssODNs were used as templates for DNA synthesis during homology directed repair, a process prone to replicative errors. The Chlamydomonas acetolactate synthase gene could also be efficiently edited to serve as an alternative selectable marker. This transgene-free strategy may allow creation of individual strains containing precise mutations in multiple target genes, to study complex cellular processes, pathways, or structures.

Microalgae/cyanobacteria: the potential green future of vitamin B12 production.

This review summarizes the available information about potential sources of vitamin B12, especially for people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet and inhabitants of poor countries in the developing world. Cyanobacteria and microalgae approved for food purposes can play a critical role as promising and innovative sources of this vitamin. This work involves a discussion of whether the form of vitamin B12 extracted from microalgae/cyanobacteria is biologically available to humans, specifically focusing on the genera Arthrospira and Chlorella. It describes analyses of their biomass composition, cultivation requirements, and genetic properties in B12 production. Furthermore, this review discusses the function of cobalamin in microalgae and cyanobacteria themselves and the possibility of modification and cocultivation to increase the content of B12 in their biomass.

Immunotoxicity of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials, Starring Phagocytes.

In the field of science, technology and medicine, carbon-based nanomaterials and nanoparticles (CNMs) are becoming attractive nanomaterials that are increasingly used. However, it is important to acknowledge the risk of nanotoxicity that comes with the widespread use of CNMs. CNMs can enter the body via inhalation, ingestion, intravenously or by any other route, spread through the bloodstream and penetrate tissues where (in both compartments) they interact with components of the immune system. Like invading pathogens, CNMs can be recognized by large numbers of receptors that are present on the surface of innate immune cells, notably monocytes and macrophages. Depending on the physicochemical properties of CNMs, i.e., shape, size, or adsorbed contamination, phagocytes try to engulf and process CNMs, which might induce pro/anti-inflammatory response or lead to modulation and disruption of basic immune activity. This review focuses on existing data on the immunotoxic potential of CNMs, particularly in professional phagocytes, as they play a central role in processing and eliminating foreign particles. The results of immunotoxic studies are also described in the context of the entry routes, impacts of contamination and means of possible elimination. Mechanisms of proinflammatory effect depending on endocytosis and intracellular distribution of CNMs are highlighted as well.

Molecularly imprinted polymers and capillary electrophoresis for sensing phytoestrogens in milk.

Dairy cow feed contains, among other ingredients, soybeans, legumes, and clover, plants that are rich in phytoestrogens. Several publications have reported a positive influence of phytoestrogens on human health; however, several unfavorable effects have also been reported. In this work, a simple, selective, and eco-friendly method of phytoestrogen isolation based on the technique of noncovalent molecular imprinting was developed. Genistein was used as a template, and dopamine was chosen as a functional monomer. A layer of molecularly imprinted polymers was created in a microtitration well plate. The binding capability and selective properties of obtained molecularly imprinted polymers were investigated. The imprinted polymers exhibited higher binding affinity toward chosen phytoestrogen than did the nonimprinted polymers. A selectivity factor of 6.94 was calculated, confirming satisfactory selectivity of the polymeric layer. The applicability of the proposed sensing method was tested by isolation of genistein from a real sample of bovine milk and combined with micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography with UV-visible detection.

Pentraxin 3 in Noninvasively Obtained Cervical Fluid Samples from Pregnancies Complicated by Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes.

PROBLEM: To determine the changes of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) level in noninvasively obtained cervical fluid samples from women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) based on the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and/or intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI), and intra-amniotic infection (the presence of both MIAC and IAI). METHODS OF STUDY: A total of 160 women with PPROM were included. Cervical fluid samples were obtained using a Dacron polyester swab and amniotic fluid samples were obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis. Cervical fluid PTX3 levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: PTX3 was found in all the cervical fluid samples and its levels were higher in women with MIAC, IAI, and intra-amniotic infection than in women without these conditions. When the women were categorized into four subgroups based on the presence of MIAC and/or IAI, women with intra-amniotic infection had higher cervical fluid PTX3 levels than those with sterile IAI (IAI alone), colonization (MIAC alone), or no MIAC or IAI. A cervical fluid PTX3 level of 11 ng/mL was the best value for identifying the presence of intra-amniotic infection in women with PPROM. CONCLUSIONS: PTX3 is a constituent of cervical fluid of women with PPROM. Cervical fluid PTX3 level reflects the situation in the intra-amniotic compartments of women with PPROM. Cervical fluid PTX3 is a potential marker for the noninvasive identification of intra-amniotic infection in PPROM.

Effect of incubation temperature on sex-dependent embryo mortality and morphological traits in Mallard.

Although birds have genetically determined sex, the sex ratio has been reported to deviate from parity in several studies. Temperature-dependent sex determination, which is common in reptiles, is absent in birds. However, females are able to adjust their investment into eggs according to the sex of the embryo, which may cause sex-specific embryonic mortality. Incubation temperature may also cause sex-biased embryonic mortality, and it may differentially affect the phenotype of male and female hatchlings. We aimed to investigate differences between male and female Mallard embryos regarding their egg size, mortality during incubation and hatchling phenotype in relation to incubation temperature. Mallard eggs were incubated under six constant incubation temperatures (ranging from 35.0 to 38.0 °C). Hatchlings were weighed, and their morphological traits were measured. We determined the sex of hatchlings and unhatched embryos by genetic analysis and found higher male embryonic mortality at 35.5 °C (44 males vs. 28 females) and a higher proportion of female hatchlings at 38 °C (24 males vs. 38 females); however, these results were not statistically significant. Our results suggest that Mallard females do not differentiate quantitatively between sexes during egg production. Male hatchlings were significantly larger but not heavier than females. The size difference between sexes was most pronounced at temperatures around 36 °C, which is the mean temperature of naturally incubated Mallard eggs.

Sexual arousal by dominance and submission in relation to increased reproductive success in the general population.

OBJECTIVE: Sexual arousal by dominance and submissiveness was long considered a mental disorder. The origin of this sexual preference has not been clearly explained. This study scrutinizes the hypothesis that sexual arousal by hierarchical disparity is a manifestation of mating strategy by comparing number of offspring and self-reported attractiveness of the study participants. METHODS: Our data were obtained from the general population via e-mail questionnaire (n=673, age 25-34 years and 35-44 years). RESULTS: Sexually dominant men aged 35-44 years had more biological male children. Both the sexually dominant men aged 35-44 years and sexually submissive women aged 35-44 years perceived themselves as being more attractive. THE MAIN FINDINGS: Here we show that sexual arousal by dominance and submissiveness confers an increased capacity to pass on genes in the general population. CONCLUSION: We suggest that sexual arousal by dominance is likely to be the means by which the mating strategy is accomplished. Sexual arousal by dominance and submissiveness is a manifestation of mating strategy because such a behaviour results in an increased reproductive success and thus may lead to the preferential selection of individuals who prefer sexual arousal by hierarchical disparity. This fact explains why the high number of people is excited by sexual fantasies and activities connected to hierarchical disparity. This finding might open up novel insights into some reproductive medicine issues, as well as into such field as partnership therapy and partner violence.

Effects of conventional CPB and mini-CPB on neutrophils CD162, CD166 and CD195 expression.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac surgery is known to trigger a systemic inflammatory response. While the use of conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) results in profound inflammation, modified mini-CPB is considered less harmful. We evaluated the impact of cardiac surgery on the expression of CD162, CD166, CD195 molecules and their association with the type of CPB used. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were enrolled in our study. Twelve of them were operated using conventional CPB while the other twelve patients underwent surgery with mini-CPB. Blood samples were analysed by flow cytometry. We observed a significant increase in median fluorescence intensity of CD162 and CD195 that peaked instantly after surgery and normalized to the baseline value on the 1st day post surgery, whereas CD166 was initially down-regulated and its median fluorescence intensity (MFI) value increased to the baseline in the next few days. CONCLUSION: We observed immediate changes in the expression of CD162, CD166, and CD195 molecules on the neutrophils after surgery in both study groups of patients. The intensity of the observed changes was significantly greater in the group of patients who underwent conventional CPB compared to patients who underwent mini-CPB cardiac surgery.

Pentraxin 3 and other inflammatory biomarkers related to atrial fibrillation in cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the association between perioperative inflammatory biomarkers and atrial fibrillation (AF) in cardiac surgical patients. METHODS: Forty-two patients undergoing cardiac surgery were divided into three groups according to the occurrence of AF: Group A (n = 22) - patients with no AF, Group B (n = 11) - patients with new onset AF postoperatively and Group C (n = 9) - patients with preoperative history of atrial fibrillation. The serum levels of PTX3, CRP, TLR2, IL-8, IL-18, sFas, MMP-7 and MMP-8 were measured at the following time points: before surgery, immediately and 6 h after surgery and on the 1st, 3rd and 7th postoperative days (POD). RESULTS: Serum levels of PTX3 showed a significant difference between Groups A and C on the 3rd POD (p<0.05) and on the 7th POD (p<0.0001). IL-8 levels were different between Groups A and C immediately after surgery (p<0.05), 6 hours after surgery (p<0.05) and on the 3rd POD (p<0.05). There was a difference between Groups B and C on the 1st POD in IL-8 levels (p<0.05). The sFas levels differed between Groups A and C on the 3rd POD (p<0.01) and the 7th POD (p<0.05). There was also a difference on the 7th POD (p<0.05) between the Groups B and C. No significant differences between the groups was seen for other biomarkers. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates significantly different dynamics of PTX3, IL-8 and sFas levels after cardiac surgery in relation to AF.

Impact of cardiac surgery on the expression of CD40, CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR on B cells and monocytes.

OBJECTIVE: We measured and compared changes in the percentage of cells expressing CD80, CD86, CD40, HLA-DR and the expression of these molecules on B cells and monocytes of patients who underwent either on-pump, mini on-pump or off-pump cardiac surgery. METHODS: Blood samples from patients who underwent either on-pump, mini on-pump or off-pump cardiac surgery were collected before surgery, instantly after surgery and on the 1(st), 3(rd) and 7(th) days after surgery. Surface expression of CD80, CD86, CD40 and HLA-DR molecules was determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Our results show that all three surgical techniques altered the expression of these molecules, as well as the percentage relative number of specific cell populations. We identified statistically significant differences when comparing different surgical techniques. On-pump surgery revealed a more pronounced impact on the phenotype of immune system cells than the other techniques. Therefore, it is likely that the function of immune cells is changed the most by on-pump surgery. We found a lower decrease in the number of CD80(+) monocytes and a lower drop in the CD40 expression on monocytes in off-pump patients in comparison with on-pump patients. CONCLUSION: All the types of cardiac surgical techniques, off-pump, on-pump and modified mini-invasive on-pump, are associated with changes in CD80, CD86, CD40 and HLA-DR expression. We found several significant differences in the expression of the selected molecules when we compared all three groups of patients.

Increase of Intracellular BAFF in B Cells of Sjögren's Patients Is Not Affected by Decrease of BAFFR.

The presence of a broad spectrum of autoantibodies in Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) patients is the result of abnormal B-cell regulation that can be at least partially explained by abnormal BAFF/BAFFR regulation. The objective of this study was to determine both membrane and intracellular expression of BAFF/BAFFR in monocytes and B-cells in peripheral blood of 19 primary Sjögren's syndrome patients and 20 healthy controls using flow cytometry. We also measured sBAFF in serum. Compared to healthy controls, both surface and intracellular expression of BAFF was significantly increased in monocytes and B-cells of SjS patients. Also serum sBAFF level was elevated. Expression of BAFFR on B-cells of SjS patients was surprisingly decreased, but there was no clear increase or decrease within monocytes. Our results indicate that activated monocytes communicate with B-cells via BAFF and BAFFR, so that B-cells are stimulated, but BAFF is also produced to stimulate cells in autocrine way. The decrease of BAFFR expression in SjS patients suggests that there is the mechanism that attempts to take over in order to balance the high level of BAFF.

Could pentraxin 3 be a new diagnostic marker for excessive inflammatory response in cardiac surgery?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the dynamics of two inflammatory response biomarkers pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and C-reactive protein (CRP) after cardiac surgery with particular regard to different postoperative clinical manifestation of inflammatory response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 42 patients undergoing open heart surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass were included and divided in two groups according to the extent of clinical manifestation of inflammatory response: Group A (n=21)-patients with different severity of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and Group B (n=21)-patients with uneventful postoperative period (no SIRS). The serum levels of PTX3 and CRP were evaluated and compared at the following time points: before and at the end of surgery, 6 hours, 1st, 3rd, and 7th day after surgery. RESULTS: The dynamics of CRP levels were comparable between both groups and showed the classical characteristics after cardiac surgery with a peak on the 3rd postoperative day (113 vs. 132 mg/L). In contrast, the dynamics of PTX3 showed an earlier increase of serum levels with the peak on the 1st postoperative day in both groups (36.3 vs. 42.7 ng/mL). Importantly, a significant difference of PTX3 levels was found on the 3rd postoperative day (31.1 vs. 7.0 ng/mL; p<0.006) between the two groups showing significantly delayed decrease of PTX3 levels in patients with SIRS (Group A). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates considerably different dynamics of PTX3 levels after cardiac surgery in patients with SIRS and patients without SIRS, thus it may be indicative to start the appropriate therapy.

Unraveling the skin; a comprehensive review of atopic dermatitis, current understanding, and approaches.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by red pruritic skin lesions, xerosis, ichthyosis, and skin pain. Among the social impacts of atopic dermatitis are difficulties and detachment in relationships and social stigmatization. Additionally, atopic dermatitis is known to cause sleep disturbance, anxiety, hyperactivity, and depression. Although the pathological process behind atopic dermatitis is not fully known, it appears to be a combination of epidermal barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. Skin is the largest organ of the human body which acts as a mechanical barrier to toxins and UV light and a natural barrier against water loss. Both functions face significant challenges due to atopic dermatitis. The list of factors that can potentially trigger or contribute to atopic dermatitis is extensive, ranging from genetic factors, family history, dietary choices, immune triggers, and environmental factors. Consequently, prevention, early clinical diagnosis, and effective treatment may be the only resolutions to combat this burdensome disease. Ensuring safe and targeted drug delivery to the skin layers, without reaching the systemic circulation is a promising option raised by nano-delivery systems in dermatology. In this review, we explored the current understanding and approaches of atopic dermatitis and outlined a range of the most recent therapeutics and dosage forms brought by nanotechnology. This review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases.

Exploring the potential nutritional benefits of Arthrospira maxima and Chlorella vulgaris: A focus on vitamin B12, amino acids, and micronutrients.

Arthrospira (Limnospira) maxima (A. maxima) and Chlorella vulgaris (Ch. vulgaris) are among the approved microalgae and cyanobacteria (MaC) in the food industry that are known to be safe for consumption. However, both organisms are controversial regarding their vitamin B12 content, due to the possible occurrence of pseudo-cobalamin. Concurrently, their nutrition profiles remain understudied. The main purpose of the present study was to identify their nutrition profiles, focusing mainly on vitamin B12, amino acids, and micronutrients under iron-induced hormesis (10 mg/L Fe in treated samples). Our findings indicate a higher B12 content in A. maxima compared to Ch. vulgaris (both control and treated samples). Using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the cyanocobalamin content was determined as 0.42 ± 0.09 µg/g dried weight (DW) in the A. maxima control and 0.55 ± 0.02 µg/g DW in treated A. maxima, resulting in an insignificant difference. In addition, the iron-enriched medium increased the amount of iron in both tested biomasses (p < 0.01). However, a more pronounced (approximately 100×) boost was observed in Ch. vulgaris, indicating a better absorption capacity (control Ch. vulgaris 0.16 ± 0.01 mg/g Fe, treated Ch. vulgaris 15.40 ± 0.34 mg/g Fe). Additionally, Ch. vulgaris also showed a higher micronutrient content. Using both tested microalgae, meeting the sufficient recommended daily mineral allowance for an adult is possible. By combining biomass from A. maxima and Ch. vulgaris in a ratio of 6:1, we can fulfill the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 and iron by consuming 6 tablets/6 g. Importantly, iron hormesis stimulated amino acid composition in both organisms. The profile of amino acids may suggest these biomasses as promising potential nutrition sources.

TLR2 and TLR4 expression on blood monocytes and granulocytes of cardiac surgical patients is not affected by the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Cardiac surgery is inseparably linked to the activation of innate immunity cells recognizing danger signals of both endogenous and exogenous origin via pattern recognition receptors such as TLR receptors. Therefore, we followed by flow cytometry TLR2 and TLR4 expression on blood monocytes and granulocytes of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting using beating heart surgery (off-pump, n = 34), with use of standard cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), (on-pump, n = 30), and miniinvasive CPB (mini on-pump, n = 25), respectively, before, during surgery, and up to 7th postoperative day. TLR2 and TLR4 expression both on monocytes and granulocytes was significantly diminished already at the end of CPB being highly significantly decreased at the end of surgery in all patients' groups. TLR2 and TLR4 expression reached preoperative value at the 1st postoperative day being significantly higher at the 3rd postoperative day. Using intracellular staining we found the peak of TLR2 and TLR4 expression inside of monocytes and granulocytes at the first postoperative day in a subgroup of on-pump patients. In conclusion, TLR2 and TLR4 expression is significantly modulated in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting as a part of adaptive homeostatic mechanisms induced by major surgery. The very surgical trauma is responsible for TLR2 and TLR4 modulation. Surprisingly, cardiopulmonary bypass itself was little contributing to the modulation of TLR2 and TLR4 expression.

Microplastics and nanoplastics toxicity assays: A revision towards to environmental-relevance in water environment.

Plastic pollution poses a serious risk to the oceans, freshwater ecosystems, and land-based agricultural production. Most plastic waste enters rivers and then reaches the oceans, where its fragmentation process begins and the forming of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). These particles increase their toxicity by the exposition to external factors and binding environmental pollutants, including toxins, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), halogenated hydrocarbons (HHCs), and other chemicals, which further and cumulatively increase the toxicity of these particles. A major disadvantage of many MNPs in vitro studies is that they do not use environmentally relevant microorganisms, which play a vital role in geobiochemical cycles. In addition, factors such as the polymer type, shapes, and sizes of the MPs and NPs, their exposure times and concentrations must be taken into account in in vitro experiments. Last but not least, it is important to ask whether to use aged particles with bound pollutants. All these factors affect the predicted effects of these particles on living systems, which may not be realistic if they are insufficiently considered. In this article, we summarize the latest findings on MNPs in the environment and propose some recommendations for future in vitro experiments on bacteria, cyanobacteria, and microalgae in water ecosystems.

Lipid emulsions prevent postoperative abdominal adhesions.

INTRODUCTION: Adhesions are the most common cause of long-term morbidity after abdominal surgery and most often cause various forms of intestinal passage disorders ranging from partial obstruction to complete, life-threatening intestinal obstruction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of intraperitoneally administered lipid emulsions on the formation of adhesions in larger animal model, as the lubricating effect of phospholipids and the mechanical barrier of the lipid component are combined with the anti-inflammatory effect of fish oil. METHODS: Thirty-one female domestic pigs were randomly divided into three groups. At the end of the surgical procedure, a lipid emulsion or saline solution was applied intraperitoneally. After 14 days, an independent macroscopic, histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the adhesions were performed. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal administration of lipid emulsions significantly reduced the incidence of intra-abdominal adhesions. Microscopic examination demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of inflammatory elements and the amount of collagen in the adhesions, especially after administration of the fish oil-based emulsion. A simultaneous decrease in neovascularization was observed in the adhesions. Evaluation of the intestinal anastomosis did not reveal significant differences in healing between the groups. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal administration of lipid emulsions can reduce the development of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions by the combined action of phospholipids as important lubricants and lipids as a mechanical barrier. Their effect is caused by a reduction in proinflammatory and profibrotic mediators. At the same time, intraperitoneal administration of lipid emulsions does not impair healing of the anastomosis in larger animal model.