In experiment 2, COC and IVM culture media were subjected to fatty acid (FA) analysis prior and after maturation with t10,c12 CLA or without it (control). Total lipids and FA profiles in oocytes, cumulus cells and culture media were determined by gas chromatography. t10,c12 CLA supplementation to IVM medium improved (p = 0.05) embryo quality evaluated morphologically. This effect was associated with t10,c12 CLA presence (3.1 +/- 0.7%, p = 0.04) and Selleckchem GSK690693 lower levels of arachidonic acid in FA profile
of t10,c12 CLA mature oocytes (immature oocytes = 4.4 +/- 1.9%, t10,c12 CLA mature oocytes = 1.0 +/- 0.7%, p = 0.05). Differences in myristic and eicotrienoic acids, saturated and unsaturated FA concentrations between oocytes and cumulus cells were detected (p <= 0.05). In conclusion, the presence of t10,c12 CLA during maturation interfered on lipid metabolism improving bovine oocyte competence MLN2238 to develop into higher quality embryos.”
“Background and objective: The secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is a major anti-elastase barrier at the epithelial surfaces of upper respiratory tract. In addition to its anti-protease activity, SLPI has been shown to express anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Methods: We measured SLPI concentration in nasal lavage fluid of healthy volunteers
after challenge with endotoxin (LPS) and evaluated SLPI effects in vitro on neutrophil chemotaxis, adhesion, cytokine (IL-8) release and apoptosis.
Results: SLPI concentration in nasal lavage (n = 9) 2,6 and 24 h PI3K inhibitor after the challenge with LPS (25 mu g) increased from 32% to 238% compared with baseline (226 +/- 71 ng/mL). In vitro, SLPI (20-80 mu g/mL) induced neutrophil chemotaxis (sixfold, P < 0.001) and decreased neutrophil apoptosis by 73% (P = 0.006), relative to controls. However, SLPI had no affect on IL-8 release or neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin. SLPI-positive immunoreactivity
was co-localized with neutrophils in lung specimens from patients with COPD.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate upregulation of SLPI in response to LPS in nasal secretions and show anti-apoptotic effects of SLPI in primary human neutrophils suggesting a new role of SLPI during neutrophilic inflammation.”
“Objectives:To determine the clinical presentation and treatment outcome of pediatric intracranial cavernous malformation (CM) in a single-centered institution. Methods: Clinical data review of 30 patients under 18 years-old who had undergone surgery for cavernous malformation from January 1993 to December 2001. Results: The Study Group included 18 males and 12 females (mean age: 8.7 years-old). Symptoms at presentation were seizures (16/30, 53.3%), headache (15/30, 50.0%), and focal neurological deficits (11/30, 36.6%). Multiple cavernous malformations were found in 5/30 (16.6%).