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Human osteoblast response in vitro to platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta delivered from controlled-release polymer rods.

The purpose of this work was (1) to develop extrudable ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer delivery systems capable of sustained release of bioactive proteins and (2) to determine the effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) and/or transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2) on human osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Human osteoblasts were plated in vitro and proliferation and protein synthesis assayed at 48 and 96 h. EVA-PDGF rods releasing about 34 ng per ml PDGF per day produced a dramatic early increase in osteoblast proliferation and no effect on protein synthesis. EVA-TGF-beta2 rods releasing about 23 ng per ml per day increased protein synthesis but had no effect on proliferation. PDGF and TGF-beta2 together resulted in moderate increases in proliferation and a marked increase in protein synthesis. Morphologically, PDGF-treated cells became confluent as early as 48 h, while TGF-beta2-treated cells formed into nodules. This work shows that (1) it is possible to deliver physiological levels of bioactive proteins from an extrudable EVA delivery system, and (2) bone cell response is dependent on the sequence and timing of delivery. Controlled-release delivery systems which mimic injury-induced healing cascades may be useful in evaluating the role of various molecules in osseous repair.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Constitutive expression of types 1 and 2 cytokines by alveolar macrophages from feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats.

Evidence suggests that feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), causes pulmonary immunodeficiency. The overall objective of this study was to explore FIV-induced alterations in cell counts and cytokine gene expression in the pulmonary compartment during the acute stage infection. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells were collected from FIV-infected and control cats at 0, 4, 10, and 16 weeks post-FIV infection for phenotype and cytokine analysis. The major change in BAL cellular populations following FIV-infection was the development of a neutrophilia. Total BAL cell counts and relative numbers of alveolar macrophages (AM), eosinophils, and lymphocytes remained similar in both groups. The RT-qcPCR analyses of AM purified from BAL showed constitutive expression of TNFalpha, IL6 and IL10 mRNAs that peaked during the acute stage of infection then declined. The TNFalpha and IL6 bioactive protein secretion showed a similar response. In contrast, IFNgamma expression increased progressively with time after infection and paralleled a progressive increase in FIV-gag mRNA in AM. The IL12 p40 expression also differed from the other cytokines in that there was a progressive decrease in the number of cats with AM IL12 expression following FIV infection. Infection of AM in vitro with FIV also caused an increase in TNFalpha and IL6 mRNA and bioactive protein suggesting that the increased cytokine response by AM following infection of cats with FIV is an intrinsic characteristic of FIV-infected AM. In summary, pulmonary immune changes seen in FIV-infected cats are similar to those seen in HIV-infected human patients.

Animals↗

Functionally adapted surfaces on a silicone keratoprosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Silicone intraocular lenses as well as silicone sponges and encircling bands on the bulbar surface are widely used and are well tolerated. The aim of this project is a new one-piece silicone keratoprosthesis with enhanced cell adhesion in the haptic region to optimize the keratoprosthesis stability. These investigations show how enhanced profileration of conjunctival fibroblasts and, therefore, improved tissue compatibility can be achieved by hydrophilizing and by protein immobilisation on a hydrophobic silicone surface. This allows a combination of desired chemical and mechanical properties of the silicone bulk material with surfaces of improved tissue compatibility. METHODS: Silicone foils with surface modifications of different kinds were tested. Experiments were done using cell cultures with murine fibroblasts L-929 and human conjuctival fibroblasts. Cytotoxicity assays were carried out with cells grown on the material in direct contact, as well as in indirect contact, with extracts (EN 30993-5). Viability stains by means of fluoresceindiacetate and ethidiumbromide together with morphology analyses by hemalaun-staining were performed. RESULTS: For the unmodified and modified foils themselves and their extracts any negative influence on cell cultures of murine and human cells could be excluded. There was a gradual improvement of cell morphology, spreading and proliferation dependent on the degree of surface modification. Covalently immobilised fibronectin showed the best results in contrast to adsorptive binding. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone surfaces can be modified chemically with bioactive proteins. These modifications are cell compatible and do not result in toxic reactions. The degree and type of silicone hydrophilization results in improved development of cell morphology, spreading and proliferation. Even better results are obtained after covalent binding of bioactive proteins like fibronectin. Improved biocompatibility with enhanced cellular overgrowth has been demonstrated in vitro for the modified silicone of the haptic region. We believe that this type of modification will help in reducing extrusion problems observed with former keratoprostheses.

Animals↗

Interleukin-6 mRNA and protein increase in vivo following induction of acute thrombocytopenia in mice.

Induction of experimental thrombocytopenia in rodents results in the enhancement of megakaryocytic growth and differentiation. Interleukin-3 (IL-3) and IL-6, cytokines with a broad spectrum of biologic activities, stimulate megakaryocytopoiesis in vitro. To determine if expression of these factors might increase in response to experimental thrombocytopenia, we measured steady-state levels of IL-3 and IL-6 mRNA following rabbit antiplatelet serum (APS) injection. Groups of mice were injected intravenously with 0.2 mL APS while control animals received rabbit antilymphocyte serum (ALS), normal rabbit serum (NRS), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). At various times up to 72 hours after injection mice were exsanguinated and splenectomized. Platelet counts in the experimental animals were less than 12% of controls. Splenic RNA was hybridized in solution to 32P-UTP-labeled cRNA probes for IL-3 and IL-6. RNase-resistant hybrids were resolved on denaturing gels and visualized autoradiographically. IL-3 hybrids were undetectable at all time points tested, irrespective of the film exposure time or specific activity of the probe. Conversely, IL-6 hybrids were easily visualized and showed peak expression at 1.5 to 2.0 hours. By 3 hours, IL-6 mRNA had returned almost to the level of the controls. Similar results were observed in the bone marrow, although maximal IL-6 mRNA in that tissue was observed 4 hours following APS administration. To determine if this mRNA increment was associated with a concomitant increase in bioactive protein, serum was tested for its ability to stimulate IL-6-dependent B9 cells. At 1.75 hours following injection, experimental animals showed a small but significant increment in IL-6 activity compared with controls (200 +/- 30 U/mL IL-6 compared with 129 +/- 17 U/mL in ALS-injected controls, 106 +/- 17 U/mL in NRS-injected controls and 84 +/- 17 U/mL in PBS-injected controls). The data show that IL-6 mRNA and bioactive protein increase in response to acute immunothrombocytopenia, while no increment in IL-3 is detectable. These results suggest that IL-6 may play a role in the physiologic response to acute immunothrombocytopenia.

Acute Disease↗

Rapid enrichment of bioactive milk proteins and iterative, consolidated protein identification by multidimensional protein identification technology.

Direct injection of complex protein mixtures, e.g. those derived from crude biological fluids, is often incompatible with conventional LC supports, because of column clogging and rapid deterioration of chromatographic performance. In this paper, we report the use of restricted access media to rapidly enrich and fractionate human breast milk. This resin, combining size exclusion and anion exchange functionalities, yielded a fraction enriched in soluble CD14 and showing specific sCD14-dependant activity. This fraction was split into five aliquots, which were individually characterized using multidimensional protein identification technology. Reproducibility of the results was addressed by analysing and comparing five datasets using different protein identification tools available within the Sequest software. Furthermore, a comparison of three major releases of the Ensembl human protein database was performed to examine the effect of database updates on our results. We report here the benefit of repeated analysis of aliquots of the same fraction: first to increase the confidence in peptide identification by repeated confirmation in several aliquots; and second to assess experimental reproducibility. We demonstrate furthermore the effect of database modifications on the results and the importance of constantly re-analysing data with new releases to keep them consistent and up to date with the latest protein identities and predictions available.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Adsorption and Bioactivity of Protein A on Silicon Surfaces Studied by AFM and XPS.

The adsorption of protein A on silicon surfaces was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The deposition was made statically from various concentrations of protein A in water solution. The biological activity was checked by the immobilization of rabbit immunoglobulin G. The protein adsorption occurs in least two different phases and leads to a multilayer film. The first monolayer of proteins is rapidly adsorbed on the surface. The adsorption of the second layer of proteins occurs much more slowly (a thousand times slower) and also involves the third monolayer. The protein A of the first monolayer is denaturated and biologically inactive. On the contrary, the proteins of the second monolayer keep their natural diameter and remain biologically active. AFM artifacts such as the convolution with small objects and the resulting estimation of the coverage ratio are discussed. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗

New functional aspects of cathepsin D and cathepsin E.

Cathepsin D (CD) and cathepsin E are representative lysosomal and nonlysosomal aspartic proteinases, respectively, and play an important role in the degradation of proteins, the generation of bioactive proteins, antigen processing, etc. Recenty, several lines of evidence have suggested the involvement of these two enzymes in the execution of neuronal death pathways induced by aging, transient forebrain ischemia, and excessive stimulation of glutamate receptors with excitotoxins. CD has also been shown to mediate apoptosis induced by various stimuli and p53-dependent tumor suppression. To gain more insight into in vivo functions of CD, mice deficient in this enzyme were generated. The mutant animals showed a progressive atrophy of the intestinal mucosa, a massive destruction of lymphoid organs, and a profound accumulation of ceroid lipofuscin, and developed a phenotype resembling neuronal ceroid lipofucinosis, suggesting that CD is essential for proteolysis of proteins regulating cell growth and tissue homeostasis. It has also been shown that CD molecules secreted from human prostate carcinoma cells are responsible for the generation of angiostatin, a potent endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis, suggesting its contribution to the prevention of tumor growth and angiogenesis-dependent growth of metastases. Interestingly, pro-CD from human breast carcinoma cells showed a significantly lower angiostatin-generating activity than that from prostate carcinoma cells. Since deglycosylated CD molecules from both carcinoma cells showed a low angiostatin-generating activity, this discrepancy appeared to be attributed to the difference in the carbohydrate structures of CD molecules between the two cell types and to contribute to their potency to prevent tumor growth and metastases.

Angiostatins↗

Stabilization of protein encapsulated in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres by novel viscous S/W/O/W method.

In stabilizing proteins during microsphere fabrication, the viscous solid-in-water-in-oil-in-water (S/W/O/W) method was compared to the conventional multi-emulsion W/O/W and S/O/W method. Solid proteins lyophilized with cyclodextrin derivatives and polyethylene glycol (PEG) pass through an organic solvent phase and are then embedded in aqueous microdroplets of first emulsion. Proteins were stabilized at the water/organic solvent interface by an internal aqueous phase containing viscous polysaccharides, and then can be safely encapsulated without degradation. In addition, these microspheres showed a long-term protein release followed by nearly zero-order kinetics with minimal initial burst. This means that the viscous S/W/O/W method provides a safe strategy for microsphere fabrication and has promising properties, involving the preservation of protein bioactivity, the inhibition of protein denaturation or agglomeration, and long-term protein release.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗

Lectins as bioactive plant proteins: a potential in cancer treatment.

Plant lectins, a unique group of proteins and glycoproteins with potent biological activity, occur in foods like wheat, corn, tomato, peanut, kidney bean, banana, pea, lentil, soybean, mushroom, rice, and potato. Thus, dietary intakes by humans can be significant. Many lectins resist digestion, survive gut passage, and bind to gastrointestinal cells and/or enter the circulation intact, maintaining full biological activity. Several lectins have been found to possess anticancer properties in vitro, in vivo, and in human case studies; they are used as therapeutic agents, preferentially binding to cancer cell membranes or their receptors, causing cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and inhibition of tumor growth. These compounds can become internalized into cells, causing cancer cell agglutination and/or aggregation. Ingestion of lectins also sequesters the available body pool of polyamines, thereby thwarting cancer cell growth. They also affect the immune system by altering the production of various interleukins, or by activating certain protein kinases. Lectins can bind to ribosomes and inhibit protein synthesis. They also modify the cell cycle by inducing non-apoptotic G1-phase accumulation mechanisms, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and can activate the caspase cascade. Lectins can also downregulate telomerase activity and inhibit angiogenesis. Although lectins seem to have great potential as anticancer agents, further research is still needed and should include a genomic and proteomic approach.

Animals↗

Synthesis and selection of de novo proteins that bind and impede cellular functions of an essential mycobacterial protein.

Recent advances in nonrational and part-rational approaches to de novo peptide/protein design have shown increasing potential for development of novel peptides and proteins of therapeutic use. We demonstrated earlier the usefulness of one such approach recently developed by us, called "codon shuffling," in creating stand-alone de novo protein libraries from which bioactive proteins could be isolated. Here, we report the synthesis and selection of codon-shuffled de novo proteins that bind to a selected Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein target, the histone-like protein HupB, believed to be essential for mycobacterial growth. Using a versatile bacterial two-hybrid system that entailed utilization of HupB and various codon-shuffled protein libraries as bait and prey, respectively, we were able to identify proteins that bound strongly to HupB. The observed interaction was also confirmed using an in vitro assay. One of the protein binders was expressed in Mycobacterium smegmatis and was shown to appreciably affect growth in the exponential phase, a period wherein HupB is selectively expressed. Furthermore, the transcription profile of hupB gene showed a significant reduction in the transcript quantity in mycobacterial strains expressing the protein binder. Electron microscopy of the affected mycobacteria elaborated on the extent of cell damage and hinted towards a cell division malfunction. It is our belief that a closer inspection of the obtained de novo proteins may bring about the generation of small-molecule analogs, peptidomimetics, or indeed the proteins themselves as realistic leads for drug candidates. Furthermore, our strategy is adaptable for large-scale targeting of the essential protein pool of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogens.

Bacterial Physiological Phenomena↗

Behavioral and pharmacological studies on gluten exorphin A5, a newly isolated bioactive food protein fragment, in mice.

Central effects of gluten exorphin A5 (Gly-Tyr-Tyr-Pro-Thr), a fragment from wheat gluten, were studied on the pain-inhibitory system, emotionality and learning/memory processes in mice. Orally administered gluten exorphin A5 produced neither an antinociceptive effect nor an effect on morphine analgesia. Intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered gluten exorphin A5 produced mild but significant antinociception in a dose-depepndent manner, while not affecting the morphine analgesia. On the other hand, oral gluten exorphin A5 suppressed the endogenous pain-inhibitory system, i.e., antinociception induced by socio-psychological- (PSY-) stress (SIA) using a communication box; intraperitoneal gluten exorphin A5 abolished both footshock- (FS-) stress-induced antinociception (SIA) and PSY-SIA; and i.c.v. gluten exorphin A5 suppressed FS-SIA, but rather potentiated PSY-SIA. This peptide given by these routes was without effect on forced swim-SIA. In addition, oral gluten exorphin A5 tended to prolong the retention time on open arms in the elevated plus-maze test. Finally, oral gluten exorphin A5 when given during the post-training period of learning/memory processes significantly increased the latency into the dark compartment in the one-trail step-though type passive avoidance test, indicating that the peptide also facilitates the acquire/consolidation process of learning/memory. Thus, gluten exorphin A5 has been found to produce various effects not only in the peripheral nervous systems but also in the central nervous system.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

Protein-based tissue engineering in bone and cartilage repair.

Bioactive proteins signal host or transplanted cells to form the desired tissue type. Matrix systems are utilized to locally deliver the proteins and to maintain effective protein concentrations. For some indications, a matrix is required to define the physical form of the regenerated tissue. Substantial progress has been made in bone tissue engineering in recent years, based on the results of controlled clinical studies using bone morphogenetic proteins. Ongoing research in this area centers on the design of additional delivery matrices to expand the clinical indications, using synthetic delivery systems that mimic biological qualities of the natural materials currently in use. Although a similar rationale exists for the regeneration of articular cartilage with bioactive factors, advancement in this area has not been as substantial.

Animals↗

Potassium deprivation-induced apoptosis of cerebellar granule neurons: cytochrome c release in the absence of altered expression of Bcl-2 family proteins.

Bcl-2 family proteins are principal regulators of cell death during normal development as well as in many disease states. Differentiated cerebellar granule neurons are protected from apoptosis by depolarizing concentrations of potassium. Further, these cells acquire resistance to glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity when pre-exposed to subtoxic concentrations of the glutamate receptor agonist, N-methyl-D-aspartate. Here, we report that the expression of bcl-2, bcl-xL, bcl-xS, bax and bad mRNA as well as of Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-XL, Bcl-XS and Bag-1 proteins is not modulated in these two paradigms of neuronal cell death. However, mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, which is thought to be controlled by Bcl-2 family proteins, is detected 5 h after switching the neurons to low potassium conditions. Thus, there appears to be regulation of Bcl-2 family protein bioactivity in the absence of altered protein expression during potassium deprivation-induced apoptosis of cerebellar granule neurons.

Animals↗

Effect of thermal treatment on bioactive glass microstructure, corrosion behavior, zeta potential, and protein adsorption.

Bioactive glass ceramic is characterized by high mechanical strength and a slow rate of bone bonding. To understand the factors contributing to a decrease in the rate of bone bonding to bioactive glass ceramic, we evaluated the effect of different percentages of bioactive glass crystallization on corrosion behavior, zeta potential, and serum protein adsorption. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that heat treatment of bioactive glass in the temperature range 550 degrees -700 degrees C resulted in the precipitation of Na(2)Ca(2)Si(3)O(9) crystals in the glass matrix. The percentage of crystallization increased in the order: 5%, 8%, 45%, and 83% after thermal treatment at 550 degrees, 600 degrees, 650 degrees, and 700 degrees C/1 h, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic analyses of bioactive glass treated at 550 degrees C showed major glass in glass-phase separation. Moreover, energy-dispersive X-ray analyses indicated that during crystallization P is concentrated in the glassy phase. Induced-coupled plasma analyses showed that after 24 h immersion in simulated body fluid, the concentration of the released P ion increased as the crystallization percentage of bioactive glass increased. zeta potential of bioactive glass samples containing 5% crystallization had a statistically significant higher negative value than control untreated bioactive glass (p <.02). Control untreated bioactive glass adsorbed a statistically significant higher amount of serum protein than bioactive glass samples containing 5% crystallization (p <.02). Results of our study suggest that inhibition of protein adsorption might be responsible for the slow rate of bone bonding to bioactive glass ceramic. It is also possible that conformation changes inhibit the activity of the protein adsorbed onto thermally treated bioactive glass.

Adsorption↗

A molecular modeling study of the effect of surface chemistry on the adsorption of a fibronectin fragment spanning the 7-10th type III repeats.

Although it is well documented that proteins adsorb onto biomaterial surfaces, relatively little is quantitatively understood about the effects of adsorption on protein orientation and conformation. Because this is the primary determining factor of protein bioactivity, the ability to accurately predict a protein's orientation and conformation following adsorption will be essential for the rational design of biomaterial surfaces to control biological responses. Force field-based computational chemistry methods provide an excellent means to theoretically address this issue, with the nontrivial requirement that the force field must be tailored to appropriately represent protein adsorption behavior. Accordingly, we have modified an existing force field (CHARMm) based on semiempirical quantum-mechanical peptide adsorption data to enable it to simulate protein adsorption behavior in an implicit aqueous environment. This modified force field was then applied to predict the adsorption behavior of the 7-10 type III repeats of fibronectin on functionalized surfaces. Predicted changes in adsorption energy and adsorption-induced conformation as a function of surface chemistry were found to correlate well with experimentally observed trends for these same systems. This work represents a first attempt towards the development of a molecular mechanics force field that is specifically parameterized to accurately simulate protein adsorption to biomaterial surfaces.

Coated Materials, Biocompatible↗

The fragments of bovine high molecular weight kininogen promote osteoblast proliferation in vitro.

High molecular weight (HMW) kininogen is known to be a large plasma protein and cleaved by plasma proteinase kallikrein, then it generates four fragments in the blood coagulation cascade: heavy chain, bradykinin, fragment 1.2, and light chain. The fragment 1.2 has also been found in the basic protein fraction of bovine milk as a bioactive protein which promotes osteoblast proliferation. The milk basic protein has been shown to be a multi functional edible protein which promotes bone formation and inhibits bone resorption. In the present study, we purified the fragment 1.2 from bovine plasma and assessed it could promote osteoblast proliferation and posses the activity after pepsin digestion. Purified plasma HMW kininogen did not promote the proliferation, however, the kallikrein-cleaved HMW kininogen promoted the proliferation. The fragment 1.2, purified from the proteolysate, also promoted the proliferation. The pepsin digestion was performed according to the method of the assessment of allergenesity of genetically modified crops. After pepsin digestion, the fragment 1.2 generated resistant fragments and showed the promoting activity of osteoblast proliferation. These results suggest that the enzymatically-digested fragments of bovine HMW kininogen are able to be a naturally occurred active protein that promotes the bone formation by oral administration.

3T3 Cells↗

Role of megalin, a proximal tubular endocytic receptor, in the pathogenesis of diabetic and metabolic syndrome-related nephropathies: protein metabolic overload hypothesis.

Megalin is an endocytic receptor on the apical membranes of proximal tubule cells (PTC) in the kidney, and is involved in the reabsorption and metabolism of various proteins that have been filtered by glomeruli. Patients with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome are likely to have elevated serum levels of advanced glycation end products, liver-type fatty acid binding protein, angiotensin II, insulin and leptin, and renal metabolism of these proteins is potentially overloaded. Some of these proteins are themselves nephrotoxic, while others are carriers of nephrotoxic molecules. Megalin is involved in the proximal tubular uptake of these proteins. We hypothesize that megalin-mediated metabolic overload in PTC leads to compensatory cellular hypertrophy and sustained Na+ reabsorption, causing systemic hypertension and glomerular hyperfiltration via tubuloglomerular feedback, and named this as 'protein metabolic overload hypothesis'. Impaired metabolism of bioactive proteins such as angiotensin II and insulin in PTC may enhance hypertrophy of PTC and/or Na+ reabsorption. Sleep apnoea syndrome, a frequent complication of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, may cause renal hypoxia and result in relative overload of protein metabolism in the kidneys. The development of strategies to identify patients with diabetes or metabolic syndrome who are at high risk for renal metabolic overload would allow intensive treatment of these patients in an effort to prevent the development of nephropathy. Further studies on the intracellular molecular signalling associated with megalin-mediated metabolic pathways may lead to the development of novel strategies for the treatment of nephropathies related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Diabetic Neuropathies↗