PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between glomerular basement membrane (GBM) alterations to epithelial cell (EpC) structure and renal function in Alport Syndrome (AS) patients. METHODS: Fifteen patients diagnosed with AS (4-26yrs) were examined. The GBM in AS was categorized as: C1) normal, C2) minor alterations (widening of lamina rara interna or externa without lamina densa change), C3) nonspecific splitting of lamina densa, C4) basket-weaving pattern of lamina densa splitting. The length of each GBM portion along the epithelial side was measured on the systematically obtained electron microscopic photographs. Furthermore to obtain an objective assessment of the degree of glomerular EpC foot process change, the number of slit pores along 10 microm of peripheral GBM in each category was obtained. RESULTS: The percentage of normal GBM portion (C1) correlated inversely with daily protein excretion (g/day/m2, P <0.05) and sum of the percentage of abnormal GBM portion (C2+C3+C4) had direct correlation with daily protein excretion (g/day/m2, P <0.05). There were no significant relationships between the percentages of other categories of GBM alterations and creatinine clearance or protein excretion. There were no significant relationships between of creatinine clearance in relation to normal GBM(C1) portion as well as that in relation to sum of the percentage of abnormal GBM portion (C2+C3+C4). GBM abnormality did not correlate with age at biopsy. CONCLUSION: The extent of GBM structural abnormality is related to proteinuria in AS but the epithelial response is uniform even though the GBM ultrastructural lesions are not.
Creatinine ; Electrons ; Epithelial Cells ; Foot ; Glomerular Basement Membrane ; Humans ; Nephritis, Hereditary ; Phosphorylcholine ; Proteinuria

Probabilistic ecological risk assessment (PERA) for deriving ecological protective concentration (EPC) was previously suggested in USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Netherland. This study suggested the EPC of cadmium (Cd) based on the PERA to be suitable to Korean aquatic ecosystem. First, we collected reliable ecotoxicity data from reliable data without restriction and reliable data with restrictions. Next, we sorted the ecotoxicity data based on the site-specific locations, exposure duration, and water hardness. To correct toxicity by the water hardness, EU's hardness corrected algorithm was used with slope factor 0.89 and a benchmark of water hardness 100. EPC was calculated according to statistical extrapolation method (SEM), statistical extrapolation methodAcute to chronic ratio (SEMACR), and assessment factor method (AFM). As a result, aquatic toxicity data of Cd were collected from 43 acute toxicity data (4 Actinopterygill, 29 Branchiopoda, 1 Polychaeta, 2 Bryozoa, 6 Chlorophyceae, 1 Chanophyceae) and 40 chronic toxicity data (2 Actinopterygill, 23 Branchiopoda, 9 Chlorophyceae, 6 Macrophytes). Because toxicity data of Cd belongs to 4 classes in taxonomical classification, acute and chronic EPC (11.07 microg/l and 0.034 microg/l, respectively) was calculated according to SEM technique. These values were included in the range of international EPCs. This study would be useful to establish the ecological standard for the protection of aquatic ecosystem in Korea.
Australia ; Bryozoa ; Cadmium ; Canada ; Ecosystem ; Hardness ; Korea ; New Zealand ; Phosphorylcholine ; Polychaeta ; Risk Assessment ; Water

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a key role in the maintenance of endothelial homeostasis and promote vascular repair. A reduced number of EPCs and the functional activity have been associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. However, the relationship between the number of EPCs and circadian rhythm of the blood pressure (BP) remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the circadian rhythm of the BP and EPCs in patients with essential hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 45 patients with essential hypertension who were newly identified by outpatient BP measurements, underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Among the 45 patients with essential hypertension, 20 were classified as dippers (12 men and 8 women; mean age 48+/-14 years) and 25 as non-dippers (14 men and 11 women; mean age 52+/-18 years). The EPC count was isolated from the peripheral bloodstream and quantified by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The baseline clinical characteristics were similar between the dipper and non-dipper hypertensive patients. The circulating EPCs were statistically reduced in the non-dipper patients as compared to the dippers (104+/-60 vs. 66+/-47 EPCs per 106 mononuclear cells, p=0.027). The circulating EPC level correlated positively with the circadian changes in the systolic and diastolic BP (r=0.435, p=0.003, and r=0.310, p=0.038, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the EPC count was reduced in the peripheral bloodstream in non-dipper hypertensive patients.
Blood Pressure ; Circadian Rhythm ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Male ; Outpatients ; Phosphorylcholine ; Risk Factors ; Stem Cells

2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer membranes are synthesized as biomaterials of the biomembrane structure. The MPC polymer membranes have excellent biocompatibility and blood compatibility, they can effectively reduce protein adsorption and denaturation and inhibit cell adhesion even when the polymer membranes are in contact with whole blood in the absence of any anticoagulants. So, the MPC polymer membranes are widely used in blood purification, artificial organs, membrane oxygenator, and other field of biomedicine. The paper mainly expounds the research advancement and the application prospect of MPC polymer membranes.
Artificial Organs ; Biocompatible Materials ; chemistry ; Humans ; Membranes, Artificial ; Methacrylates ; chemistry ; Oxygenators, Membrane ; Phosphorylcholine ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Polymers ; Polymethacrylic Acids

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Poor homing efficiency is one of the major limitations of current stem cell therapy. Magnetic bionanoparticles (MPs) obtained from Magnetospirillum sp. AMB-1 have a lipid bilayer membrane and ferromagnetic properties. We evaluated a novel priming strategy using MPs to enhance the homing of transplanted progenitor cells to target tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effects of MP on proliferation, viability, and migration of late human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were examined in vitro. Additionally, effects of MP on gene and protein expression related to survival and adhesion were evaluated. Homing and angiogenic efficiency of MP transferred late EPCs was evaluated in nude mouse hindlimb ischemia model. RESULTS: Below threshold concentration, MP transfer did not influence proliferation or survival of late EPCs, but enhanced migration and trans-endothelial migration of late EPCs toward magnet. Below threshold concentration, MP transfer did not influence gene and protein expression related to survival. In the mouse hindlimb ischemia model, late EPCs treated with high dose MP (5 ug/mL) showed enhanced homing of injected late EPCs in the ischemic limb by magnet, compared to low dose MP (1 ug/mL) treated late EPCs. In addition, high dose MP transferred EPC showed significantly better improvement of perfusion in ischemic limb compared to untreated EPC. CONCLUSION: MP transfer with magnet application can be a promising novel strategy to enhance homing efficacy and outcomes of current stem cell therapy.
Animals ; Extremities ; Hindlimb ; Humans ; Ischemia ; Lipid Bilayers ; Magnetics ; Magnetospirillum ; Magnets ; Membranes ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Nanoparticles ; Perfusion ; Phosphorylcholine ; Stem Cells ; Transplants

Drug eluting stents (DESs) have revolutionized the interventional cardiology over the past decade since the first DES became commercially available in Europe in 2002. Compared to bare metal stents that are deployed to keep the vessel open by mechanical force, DESs have an additional function of reducing restenosis by the action of the drug on the target site. Coatings on the stent surface which ensure the maximum delivery of therapeutic agents to the target site with minimal systematic toxicity, also play an important role in adjusting the drug release profile. Coating material and technology not only affect the surface biocompatibility and the integrity maintenance during the implanting process, but also decide the way of drug delivering and transmitting from the coating. This paper reviews the basic principles of DES coating design, the categories of DES coatings, the commonly used clinical DES coatings and their efficiency in reducing restenosis, and finally provides the future perspectives for DES coatings.
Biocompatible Materials ; Drug Carriers ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Lactic Acid ; Phosphorylcholine ; Polyethylenes ; Polyglycolic Acid ; Prosthesis Design ; Titanium

OBJECTIVEThis paper aimed to review the current literature on the surface modification of intraocular lenses (IOLs).

DATA SOURCESAll articles about surface modification of IOLs published up to 2015 were identified through a literature search on both PubMed and ScienceDirect.

STUDY SELECTIONThe articles on the surface modification of IOLs were included, but those on design modification and surface coating were excluded.

RESULTSTechnology of surface modification included plasma, ion beam, layer-by-layer self-assembly, ultraviolet radiation, and ozone. The main molecules introduced into IOLs surface were poly (ethylene glycol), polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, TiO 2 , heparin, F-heparin, titanium, titanium nitride, vinyl pyrrolidone, and inhibitors of cytokines. The surface modification either resulted in a more hydrophobic lens, a more hydrophilic lens, or a lens with a hydrophilic anterior and hydrophobic posterior surface. Advances in research regarding surface modification of IOLs had led to a better biocompatibility in both in vitro and animal experiments.

CONCLUSIONThe surface modification is an efficient, convenient, economic and promising method to improve the biocompatibility of IOLs.

Animals ; Heparin ; chemistry ; Humans ; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions ; Lenses, Intraocular ; Methacrylates ; chemistry ; Ozone ; chemistry ; Phosphorylcholine ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Ultraviolet Rays

Secondary caries due to biofilm acids is a primary cause of dental composite restoration failure. To date, there have been no reports of dental composites that can repel protein adsorption and inhibit bacteria attachment. The objectives of this study were to develop a protein-repellent dental composite by incorporating 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and to investigate for the first time the effects of MPC mass fraction on protein adsorption, bacteria attachment, biofilm growth, and mechanical properties. Composites were synthesized with 0 (control), 0.75%, 1.5%, 2.25%, 3%, 4.5% and 6% of MPC by mass. A commercial composite was also tested as a control. Mechanical properties were measured in three-point flexure. Protein adsorption onto the composite was determined by the microbicinchoninic acid method. A human saliva microcosm biofilm model was used. Early attachment at 4 h, biofilm at 2 days, live/dead staining and colony-forming units (CFUs) of biofilms grown on the composites were investigated. Composites with MPC of up to 3% had mechanical properties similar to those without MPC and those of the commercial control, whereas 4.5% and 6% MPC decreased the mechanical properties (P<0.05). Increasing MPC from 0 to 3% reduced the protein adsorption on composites (P<0.05). The composite with 3% MPC had protein adsorption that was 1/12 that of the control (P<0.05). Oral bacteria early attachment and biofilm growth were also greatly reduced on the composite with 3% MPC, compared to the control (P<0.05). In conclusion, incorporation of MPC into composites at 3% greatly reduced protein adsorption, bacteria attachment and biofilm CFUs, without compromising mechanical properties. Protein-repellent composites could help to repel bacteria attachment and plaque build-up to reduce secondary caries. The protein-repellent method might be applicable to other dental materials.
Adsorption ; Biofilms ; Colony Count, Microbial ; Composite Resins ; chemistry ; Dental Plaque ; microbiology ; Methacrylates ; analysis ; Phosphorylcholine ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Proteins ; chemistry

Using different models of focal cerebral ischemia, the temporal and spatial rules of metabolism and energy changes in the post-ischemia brain tissue were measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) to provide valuable information for judging the prognosis of acute focal cerebral ischemia and carrying out effective therapy. Nine healthy Sprague-Dawly rats (both sexes) were randomly divided into two groups: The rats in the group A (n = 4) were occluded with self-thrombus for 1 h; The rats in the group B (n = 5) were occluded with thread-emboli for 1 h. The 1H MRS at 30, 40, 50, 60 min respectively was examined and the metabolic changes of NAA, Cho and Lac in the regions of interest were semiquantitatively analyzed. The spectrum integral calculus area ratio of NAA, Cho, Lac to Pcr + Cr was set as the criterion. The values of NAA.Cho in the regions of interest were declined gradually within 1 h after ischemia, especially, the ratio of Cho/(Pcr + Cr), NAA/(Pcr + Cr) at 60 min had significant difference with that at 50 min (P < 0.05). The ratio of Lac/(Pcr + Cr) began to decrease at 40 min from initial increase of Lac in both A and B groups. MR proton spectrum analysis was a non-invasive, direct and comprehensive tool for the study of cellular metabolism and the status of the biochemical energy in acute ischemia stroke.
Brain Ischemia/*diagnosis ; Energy Metabolism ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/diagnosis ; *Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Phosphorylcholine/metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

To explore the biofilm inhibitory efficacy of perifosine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginos) and its mechanisms. Twenty-fourwell plate was used to form biofilms at the bottom and crystal violet staining was used to determine the biofilm inhibitory effects of perifosine against P. aeruginosa, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Glass tubes combined with crystal violet staining was used to detect the gas-liqud interface related bioiflm inhibitory effects of perifosine, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Time-growth curved was used to detect the effects of perifosine on the bacteial planktonic cells growth of P. aeruginosa, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. The interaction model between perifosine and PqsE was assessed by molecular docking assay. The inhibitory effects of perifosine on the catalytic activity of PqsE was determined by detection the production of thiols, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Binding affinity between perifosine and PqsE was detected by plasma surface resonance. The biofims at the bottom of the microplates and air-liquid interface were effectively inhibited by perifosine at the concentration of 4-8 μg/ml. There was no influence of perifosine on the cells growth of P. aeruginosa. The resuts of molecular docking assay indicates that perifosine could interacted with PqsE with the docking score of -10.67 kcal/mol. Perifosine could inhibit the catalytic activity of PqsE in a dose-dependent manner. The binding affinity between perifosine and PqsE was comfirmed by plasma surface resonance with KD of 6.65×10^-5mol/L. Perifosine could inhibited the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa by interacting with PqsE.
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology* ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism* ; Biofilms ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Phosphorylcholine/analogs & derivatives* ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/metabolism* ; Quorum Sensing