Search

Introduction Animal models of human diseases and disorders have gained increasing importance. These models serve give us a glimpse into the mechanisms of these diseases, test new therapeutic strategies, and [...], We performed this study to understand the effect of human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) on the submandibular gland after bilateral ovariectomy. For this, 21 adult female rats were distributed equally among 3 groups: the sham-operated group (SHAM); the ovariectomized group (OVX); and the OVX group that received repeated intravenous injections of the hUCB-MSCs (OVX + hUCB-MSCs). We used reverse transcription--PCR to analyze for the gene expression of AQPs 3, 4, 5, and BMP-6. The cellular localization and expression of human CD105, human CD34, proliferating nuclear antigen (PCNA), single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA), caspase 3, AQP1, and [alpha] smooth muscle actin ([alpha]-SMA) were determined immunohistochemically. In the OVX group, a significant decrease in the gene expression of AQP3, AQP4, and BMP6, as well as the acinar area % was detected, while area % of granular convoluted tubules (GCTs) showed a significant increase. A significant decrease in area % staining positively for AQP1 and [alpha]-SMA was noted. An obvious improvement in the structure of the submandibular gland was demonstrated in the group injected with hUCB-MSCs, as well as a significant increase in the gene expression of AQP3, AQP4, and BMP6. The acinar and GCT area %, as well as the different measured markers, were relatively normal. This demonstrates that E2-deficiency induces structural changes to the submandibular gland. Moreover, a definite amelioration of the structure and function of the submandibular gland was detected after the administration of hUCB-MSCs. Key words: submandibular gland, ovariectomy, UCB-MSCs, female rat. Afin d'examiner l'effet des cellules souches mésenchymateuses humaines (CSMh) de sang de cordon ombilical sur la glande sous-maxillaire après une ovariectomie bilatérale, 21 rates adultes ont été réparties également en trois groupes : groupe chirurgie fictive, groupe avec ovariectomie (OVX) et le groupe OVX ayant reçu des injections intraveineuses répétées de CSMh du sangde cordon ombilical (OVX + CSMh de sangde cordon ombilical). L'expression des aquaporines (AQP) 3, 4 et 5 et de la protéine morphogénétique osseuse 6 (BMP-6) a été analysée par RT-PCR. La localisation cellulaire et l'expression du CD105 humain, du CD34 humain, de l'antigène nucléaire de prolifération cellulaire (PCNA), de l'ADN simple brin (ADNsb), de la caspase 3, de l'AQP1 et de l'actine de muscle lisse [alpha] ([alpha]-SMA) ont été déterminées par immunohistochimie. Chez le groupe OVX, une diminution significative de l'expression génique de l'AQP3, de l'AQP4 et de la BMP6 de même que du pourcentage de la superficie acinaire a été détectée, alors que le pourcentage de la superficie occupée par les tubules contournés granulaires était significativement accru. Une diminution significative du pourcentage de la superficie colorée positivement quant à l'expression de l'AQP1 et de l'[alpha]-SMA était notée. Une augmentation significative de l'expression génique de l'AQP3, de l'AQP4 et de la BMP6 et une amélioration évidente de la structure de la glande sous-maxillaire ont été démontrées chez le groupe ayant reçu une injection de CSMh de sang de cordon ombilical. Le pourcentage des superficies acinaire et des tubules contournés granulaires de même que les différents marqueurs mesurés se situaient près de la normale. En conclusion, la déficience en E2 induit véritablement des modifications structurales de la glande sous-maxillaire. De plus, une amélioration claire de la structure et de la fonction de la glande sous-maxillaire est détectée à la suite de l'administration de CSMh de sang de cordon ombilical. [Traduit par la Rédaction] Mots-clés: glande sous-maxillaire, ovariectomie, CSMh de sang de cordon ombilical, rat femelle.

Background: In clinical practice, there is still a need for novel biomarkers, which can reliably rule in or rule out acute coronary syndrome (ACS) immediately on admission. Aim of the study: To evaluate the role of plasma miRNA-133a (miR-133a) as a novel biomarker for early diagnosis of ACS. Patients and Methods: A total of 72 subjects with chest pain suggestive of ACS were admitted as early as possible from the onset of chest pain to the ICU of Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University and were enrolled in this cross sectional study. They included 18 controls (group 1) and 54 ACS patients (group 2). Group 2 was subdivided into 3 subgroups: unstable angina (UA), non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Immediately at enrollment, blood samples were taken for estimation of plasma miR-133a expression levels by real time PCR. Results: The present study showed a significant up-regulation of miR-133a expression in ACS patients when compared to the controls (p<0.001). The same results have been found for ACS subgroups when compared to the healthy control group (p<0.001 for each). Also, there were higher miR-133a expression levels in NSTEMI than UA patients (p<0.001) and a significant up-regulation of this miRNA expression in STEMI group compared to the NSTEMI group (p<0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between miR-133a expression and cardiac troponin (Hs-cTnT) levels. ROC analysis revealed that the AUC of miR-133a level in plasma of ACS patients was 0.92, with specificity of 93 % and sensitivity of 88.2 %, indicating that miR-133a may be considered as a good predictor marker of ACS. Conclusions: Plasma miR-133a expression level may represent a sensitive predictor for diagnosing ACS. This is of particular interest in patients with UA and NSTEMI in whom diagnostic uncertainty is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]