Search results for "Homeostasis"

Transcription Factors Controlling Innate Lymphoid Cell Fate Decisions

2014

The mucosal epithelium is in direct contact with symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, the mucosal surface is the principal portal of entry for invading pathogens and immune cells accumulated in the intestine to prevent infections. In addition to these conventional immune system functions, it has become clear that immune cells during steady-state continuously integrate microbial and nutrient-derived signals from the environment to support organ homeostasis. A major role in both processes is played by a recently discovered group of lymphocytes referred to as innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that are specifically enriched at mucosal surfaces but are rather rare in secondary lymphoid…

The role of mitochondrial derived peptides (MDPs) in metabolism

2015

Negative regulators of integrin activity

2012

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane adhesion receptors composed of α- and β-subunits. They are ubiquitously expressed and have key roles in a number of important biological processes, such as development, maintenance of tissue homeostasis and immunological responses. The activity of integrins, which indicates their affinity towards their ligands, is tightly regulated such that signals inside the cell cruicially regulate the switching between active and inactive states. An impaired ability to activate integrins is associated with many human diseases, including bleeding disorders and immune deficiencies, whereas inappropriate integrin activation has been linked to inflammatory disorders…

Differential expression patterns of cytokines in complex regional pain syndrome.

2007

Complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS) are characterized by persistent and severe pain after trauma or surgery. Neuro-immune alterations are assumed to play a pathophysiological role. Here we set out to investigate whether patients with CRPS have altered systemic pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles compared to controls on mRNA and protein level. We studied blood cytokine mRNA and protein levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-8 and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF beta 1) in 40 prospectively recruited patients with CRPS I, two patients with CRPS II, and 34 controls…

A proton-translocating H+-ATPase is involved in C6 glial pH regulation.

1998

AbstractGlial cells extrude acid equivalents to maintain pHi. Although four mechanisms have been described so far, pHi-control under physiological conditions is still not sufficiently explained. We therefore investigated whether a H+-translocating ATPase is involved in glial pHi homeostasis using an established glial cell line (C6 glioma). In the absence of bicarbonate, the inhibition of H+-ATPases by NEM led to a pHi decrease. The application of a more specific inhibitor (NBD-Cl) showed that the H+-ATPase involved is of the vacuolar type. Inhibition went along with delayed cell swelling. Together with the fact that glial acidification was far more pronounced in Na+-free media, this may ser…

Steady-state levels of retinal 24S-hydroxycholesterol are maintained by glial cells intervention after elevation of intraocular pressure in the rat

2012

Purpose: Our previous studies suggested that CYP46A1 and 24S-hydroxycholesterol. (24SOH) may be associated with glaucoma. Loss of CYP46A1-expressing retinal. ganglion cells is involved in the activation of glia, and therefore possibly in the. disbalance of cholesterol. In this context, the purpose of our present work was to. emphasize the glial and longitudinal CYP46A1 expression after an interventional. glaucoma-related stress triggered by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats were submitted to laser photocoagulation of the. trabecular meshwork, limbus and episcleral veins in one eye to induce elevated IOP. Rats were euthanized at days 3, 14, 30 and 60 (n = 10 p…

Niche-induced cell death and epithelial phagocytosis regulate hair follicle stem cell pool.

2015

Tissue homeostasis is achieved through a balance of cell production (growth) and elimination (regression). In contrast to tissue growth, the cells and molecular signals required for tissue regression remain unknown. To investigate physiological tissue regression, we use the mouse hair follicle, which cycles stereotypically between phases of growth and regression while maintaining a pool of stem cells to perpetuate tissue regeneration. Here we show by intravital microscopy in live mice that the regression phase eliminates the majority of the epithelial cells by two distinct mechanisms: terminal differentiation of suprabasal cells and a spatial gradient of apoptosis of basal cells. Furthermor…

Glial ion transport and volume control.

1991

K(+)-induced glial swelling results from an intricate interaction of transport and diffusion processes and metabolic stimulation, with many open questions remaining. Our concept of the major mechanisms involved can be summarized as follows: high extracellular K+ causes a burst-like stimulation of Na+/K+ ATPase and, hence, increases the metabolic demands. Lactate is produced; the cell is slightly acidified. To maintain a normal intracellular pH, the Na+/K+ antiporter extrudes protons and supplies Na+ for further Na+/K+ exchange. In addition, K+ ions enter the cell via membrane channels or furosemide-inhibitable transport. K+, Cl-, and lactate- ions accumulate as the osmotic basis for cell sw…

Positive Iron Balance in Chronic Kidney Disease: How Much is Too Much and How to Tell?

2017

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Regulation of body iron occurs at cellular, tissue, and systemic levels. In healthy individuals, iron absorption and losses are minimal, creating a virtually closed system. In the setting of chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis (HD), increased iron losses, reduced iron absorption, and limited iron availability lead to iron deficiency. Intravenous (IV) iron therapy is frequently prescribed to replace lost iron, but determining an individual’s iron balance and stores can be challenging and imprecise, contributing to uncertainty about the long-term safety of IV iron therapy. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Patients on HD recei…

Diagnostic and therapeutical role of vitamin D in chronic hepatitis C virus infection

2011

Although initially identified as a calcium homeostatic hormone, vitamin D is now known to have pleiotropic functions, dealing with both innate and adaptative immunity. Calcitriol mediates its biological effects by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which is expressed not only by intestine, bone and kidney but also on cell membranes of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages. Vitamin D plays a role on the degree of liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC): low vitamin D levels have been associated with high hepatic necroinflammatory activity and progression of liver fibrosis. Vitamin D, in CHC patients, could also affect the response to antiviral th…