Search results for "Glycans"
showing 10 items of 146 documents
The NG2 Proteoglycan Protects Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells against Oxidative Stress via Interaction with OMI/HtrA2.
2015
The NG2 proteoglycan is characteristically expressed by oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) and also by aggressive brain tumours highly resistant to chemo- and radiation therapy. Oligodendrocyte-lineage cells are particularly sensitive to stress resulting in cell death in white matter after hypoxic or ischemic insults of premature infants and destruction of OPC in some types of Multiple Sclerosis lesions. Here we show that the NG2 proteoglycan binds OMI/HtrA2, a mitochondrial serine protease which is released from damaged mitochondria into the cytosol in response to stress. In the cytosol, OMI/HtrA2 initiates apoptosis by proteolytic degradation of anti-apoptotic factors. OPC in which NG…
Comparative ultrastructure and carbohydrate composition of gastroliths from Astacidae, Cambaridae and Parastacidae freshwater crayfish (Crustacea, De…
2012
21 pages; International audience; Crustaceans have to cyclically replace their rigid exoskeleton in order to grow. Most of them harden this skeleton by a calcification process. Some decapods (land crabs, lobsters and crayfish) elaborate calcium storage structures as a reservoir of calcium ions in their stomach wall, as so-called gastroliths. For a better understanding of the cyclic elaboration of these calcium deposits, we studied the ultrastructure of gastroliths from freshwater crayfish by using a combination of microscopic and physical techniques. Because sugars are also molecules putatively involved in the elaboration process of these biomineralizations, we also determined their carbohy…
Prenatal diagnosis of mucolipidosis II (I-cell disease)
1976
A pregnancy at risk for mucolipidosis II (I-cell disease) was monitored in which an affected fetus was predicted on the basis of the analyses of lysosomal hydrolases in amniotic fluid and cultured amniotic fluid cells, and by the demonstration of an excessive accumulation of [35S] sulfate-labeled glycosaminoglycans in cultured amniotic cells. This diagnosis was confirmed by performing enzyme assays and [35S] sulfate incorporation studies on material derived from the aborted fetus.
Decidual endothelial cells express surface-bound C1q as a molecular bridge between endovascular trophoblast and decidual endothelium.
2008
This study was prompted by the observation that decidual endothelial cells (DECs), unlike endothelial cells (ECs) of blood vessels in normal skin, kidney glomeruli and brain, express surface-bound C1q in physiologic pregnancy. This finding was unexpected, because deposits of C1q are usually observed in pathologic conditions and are associated with complement activation. In the case of DECs, we failed to detect immunoglobulins and C4 co-localized with C1q on the cell surface. Surprisingly, DECs expressed mRNA for the three chains of C1q and secreted detectable level of this component in serum-free medium. The ability to synthesize C1q is acquired by DECs during pregnancy and is not shared by…
Glycosaminoglycans in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy
1992
Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation in the retrobulbar space of patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) has been documented in a number of immunohistochemical studies. In order to gain further insight into possible immunopathogenic mechanisms, the influence of humoral immunity on retrobulbar fibroblasts (RF) as GAG producing cells as well as on GAGs themselves was investigated. The effect of lymphocytes on hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis of RF as well as in turn the influence of RF on lymphocytes were evaluated. In search of methods which would facilitate management of patients with TAO and allow assessment of disease activity, GAGs were determined in both urine and plasma. Im…
Cross-reactivity of anti-ssDNA antibodies with heparan sulfate in patients with type I diabetes mellitus
1989
Anti-single-stranded–DNA antibodies cross-reactive with heparan sulfate were detected in serums of patients with type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. The results suggested that heparan sulfate, the major glycosaminoglycan constituent of the glomerular basement membrane, may serve as a target antigen in vivo for cross-reactive anti-DNA antibodies. These polyreactive antibodies, directed toward repeating negatively charged units, may neutralize the heparan sulfate–associated polyanionic sites in the glomerulus, leading to an abnormal permeability of anionic plasma proteins.
Caffeine increases the expression of cystatin SN in human submandibular acinar-like HSG cells
2013
The study aimed at evaluating in vitro the effect of caffeine on expression of cystatin SN, a potential marker of sensitivity to bitterness in humans.Differentiation of human submandibular gland (HSG) cells was induced by culturing cells on Matrigel. Caffeine cytotoxicity was assessed over 3 days by the Resazurin test. Finally, effects of 5, 50 and 100μM caffeine exposure on cystatin SN expression were explored over 3 days by ELISA.At concentrations relevant to human adult plasma levels (5, 50 and 100μM), caffeine did not affect cell viability whether cells were differentiated or not. Cystatin SN levels were overall higher in differentiated cells and increased with time in both conditions. …
Effects of BIS076 in a model of osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection in ovariectomised rats
2015
Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent articular disease and a leading cause of disability. There is a need for effective treatments able to slow the progression of disease. Some of the available treatments are dietary supplements providing natural components. Recent studies have shown that estrogen deficiency contributes to the pathophysiological events of OA progression. Methods We have used the anterior cruciate ligament transection model of OA in ovariectomised rats to study the effects of BIS076, a new formulation of a natural porcine cartilage extract associated with hydroxyapatite (as a source of calcium) and vitamin D3. Cartilage degradation, proteoglycan depletion and …
Developmental expression of human cartilage matrix protein.
1994
Cartilage matrix protein (CMP) is a non-collagenous component of cartilage with a yet unknown function. In this study we used in situ hybridization to investigate the temporal and sptial distribution of CMP transcripts during human embryonic and early fetal development, and compared it to the pattern of expression observed for collagen types I, II, X, and decorin. The distribution of CMP and collagen type II transcripts followed a similar pattern in the embryonic bone anlage, the fetal growth plate, and the developing vertebral column. Expression was highest in the upper hypertrophic and lower proliferative zone, whereas calcified cartilage was negative throughout the different stages of bo…
Long-term, open-labeled extension study of idursulfase in the treatment of Hunter syndrome.
2011
Purpose: This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of long-term enzyme replacement therapy with idursulfase (recombinant human iduronate-2-sulfatase) in patients with Hunter syndrome. Methods: All 94 patients who completed a 53-week double-blinded study of idursulfase enrolled in this open-labeled extension study and received intravenous idursulfase at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg weekly for 2 years, and clinical outcomes and safety were assessed. Results: No change in percent predicted forced vital capacity was seen, but absolute forced vital capacity demonstrated sustained improvement and was increased 25.1% at the end of the study. Statistically significant increases in 6-minute walking t…