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Atypical antipsychotics (APDs) are currently used in clinical practice for a variety of mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe behavioral disturbances. A well-known disadvantage of using these compounds is a propensity for weight gain, resulting frequently in obesity. The mechanisms underlying pharmacologically induced weight gain are still controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effects of different APDs on adipogenic events in cultured human pre-adipocytes and in rat muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs), aiming to identify a common intracellular event contributable to these drugs. Culture behavior was evaluated in terms of cell proliferation, lipid accumulation, gene expression and morphological features. Results indicate that APDs influence adipogenic events through changes in the differentiation and proliferation of pre-adipocytes and MDSCs that are brought on by protein kinase C-β (PKC-β) activation. These data identify a signaling route that could be a potential target of pharmacological approaches for preventing the weight gain associated with APD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes the production of hyaluronan based porous microparticles by a semi-continuous gas anti-solvent (GAS) precipitation process to be used as a growth factor delivery system for in vivo treatment of ulcers. Operative process conditions, such as pressure, nozzle diameter and HYAFF11® solution concentrations, were adjusted to optimize particle production in terms of morphology and size. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light scattering demonstrated that porous nano-structured particles with a size of 300 and 900 nm had a high specific surface suitable for absorption of growth factors from the aqueous environment within the polymeric matrix. Water acted as a plasticizer, enhancing growth factor absorption. Water contents within the HYAFF11® matrix were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The absorption process was developed using fluorescence dyes and growth factors. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the high efficiency of absorption of growth factor and a mathematical model was generated to quantify and qualify the in vitro kinetics of growth factor release within the polymeric matrix. In vivo experiments were performed with the aim to optimize timed and focal release of PDGF to promote optimal tissue repair and regeneration of full-thickness wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering offers the possibility to reconstruct tissue substitutes in order to replace lost or damaged tissues. The availability of appropriate biomaterial devices is essential to allow in vitro cultured cells to behave as in the original tissues in vivo. In our studies we utilized a seminatural biomaterial made up by the benzyl ester of hyaluronan to grow keratinocytes, fibroblasts and chondrocytes. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated from human foreskin. Cells were separately cultured on two different hyaluronan based biomaterial devices for the first 15 days and then co-cultured for an additional period of 2 weeks. Keratinocytes gave rise to a well-differentiated epithelial layer, while fibroblasts were able to synthesize all the main extracellular molecules inside the biomaterial spaces, forming dermal-like tissues. When these two tissues were co-cultured, a skin equivalent was formed with a dermal–epidermal junction. Chondrocytes were obtained from chick-embryo sterna and cultured for 21 days inside a non-woven scaffolding made up of a hyaluronan-based biomaterial. Cells were able to organize themselves into nodules embedded in a dense metachromatic substance in which type II collagen was present. Data from this study suggest that this novel class of hyaluronan derived biomaterials is suitable for different cell culture and in vitro tissue reconstruction. © 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the outcome of reconstructive surgery of the urethra through guides composed of a novel biodegradable and highly biocompatible polymer, Hyaff-11. A tract of about 1.5 cm of the rabbit pendulous urethra was totally resected and replaced by a Hyaff-11 tubular graft. Eleven animals were analysed at each of the time points ranging from 7 days to 4 weeks following surgery. Histological and radiological evaluation showed a satisfactory remodelling of the neo-urethra around the implant. The regenerated connective tissue connected both urethral stumps within the first 7 days. On postoperative week 3, the Hyaff-11 guide had disappeared. At the 4-week time point the retrograde urethrogram showed a good distensibility of the neourethra. The regenerated stroma consisted of fibroblastic cells, and collagenous and elastic fibres. The neo-epithelium was pluristratified and exhibited cells of the cuboidal type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calcified matrix of the hen eggshell has been demineralized with the EDTA. Aliquots of this material are soluble in water and have been characterized by column chromatography and by chemical analyses. Of particular interest is the high hexosamine and uronic acid content, which confirms the protein-polysaccharide nature of this water-soluble material. The calcium ion binding to the eggshell matrix has been studied by the equilibrium dialysis technique at different pH values, with both free and blocked carboxylic groups. The material with the free carboxylic side chain groups binds more calcium ions with increasing pH value. When the carboxylic groups have been previously blocked with a water-soluble carbodiimide, the calcium ion binding rapidly decreases. The residual capacity to bind calcium ions in the material with the carboxylic functions modified is probably due to the sulfate ions. In agreement with previous observations on other calcified substrates, the calcium ion binding seems to depend on the presence of ionized carboxylic functions of the matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]