Dera-Szymanowska A. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) and transforming growth factor-b2 (TGF-b2) expression in eutopic endometrium of women with peritoneal endometriosis.
Aim. To assess the role of the Th1 and Th2 cellular response in the etiology of endometriosis observed in a rat model, with the use of the RESAN immunomodulator. Materials and Methods. A comparative analysis of cytokines in blood serum typical of Th1 (TNF-α and INF-γ) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) cell response in groups of rats, in which RESAN preparation was used as prophylaxis (Gr. I) or treatment (Gr. II) of endometriosis. Results. The results indicated an increase in the level of cytokines in blood serum typical of Th2 cell response by comparing the second and third stages of the experiment in the second group of rats and a decrease in IL-4 and IL-10 between III and IV stages. There was a significant difference in cytokine levels during the third stage of the experiment by comparing I and II groups of rats. In the III group of rats, levels of IL-10 significantly increased between the II and III stages of the experiment. Conclusion. RESAN preparation shows Th2 cell response, inhibiting the development of endometriosis in a rat model. Due to successful prophylactic action, one may speculate that RESAN vaccine may be effective as a complementary treatment after surgical excision.
1 Tobacco smoke contains around 4000 substances, most of which are described as toxic, and they may have an influence on the development of progeny. 2 The present studies concentrate on the measurement and calculation of indices describing the new-born' survival, rearing of pups, weight of foetuses, young animals, placenta and females in relation to different doses of tobacco smoke (carbon monoxide levels). The morphological studies of placenta, foetal and newborn lungs were done as a supplement. Biochemical placenta study was also done. 3 The results of the experiment proved that some indices for animals in groups which were passively exposed to the highest concentrations of tobacco smoke were lower, others fluctuated (4 day, 12 day and total survival) and some did not reveal any changes (rearing). Direct correlation between maternal passive exposure to tobacco smoke and the presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome symptoms in new-boms was observed. A decrease of body weight of pregnant females passively exposed to tobacco smoke was also observed. An increase of placenta-foetal factor was found. A decrease of rat weight was observed after passive exposure to tobacco smoke. 4 We concluded that there is correlation between passive exposition to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and delayed lung maturation in the offspring. Exposure of the pregnant rats to cigarette smoke increases the activity of isocitric and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases in placenta.
Current techniques of in vitro cell cultures are able to mimic the in vivo environment only to a limited extent, as they enable cells to grow only in two dimensions. Therefore cell culture approaches should rely on scaffolds that provide support comparable to the extracellular matrix. Here we demonstrate the advantages of novel nanostructured three-dimensional grids fabricated using electro-spinning technique, as scaffolds for cultures of neoplastic cells. The results of the study show that the fibers allow for a dynamic growth of HeLa cells, which form multi-layer structures of symmetrical and spherical character. This indicates that the applied scaffolds are nontoxic and allow proper flow of oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors. In addition, grids have been proven to be useful in in situ examination of cells ultrastructure.
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