IJMS, Vol. 17, Pages 25: Interleukin-10 Protection against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuro-Inflammation and Neurotoxicity in Ventral Mesencephalic Cultures

Interleukin (IL)-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, is expressed in the brain and can inhibit microglial activation. Herein, we utilized lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory Parkinson's disease (PD) cell model to determine whether microglia and astrocytes are necessary targets for IL-10 neuroprotection. Primary ventral mesencephalic (VM) cultures with different composition of neurons, microglia and astrocytes were prepared. The cells were exposed to IL-10 (15, 50 or 150 ng/mL) 1 h prior to LPS (50 ng/mL) treatment. LPS induced dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neuronal loss in VM cultures, VM neuron-enriched cultures, and neuron-microglia co-cultures, but not in neuron-astrocyte co-cultures. IL-10 reduced LPS-induced neuronal loss particularly in single VM neuron cultures. Pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) were upregulated in both neuron-microglia and neuron-astrocyte co-cultures by LPS. In contrast, neurotrophic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 or glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor) were downregulated in neuron-microglia co-cultures, but upregulated in neuron-astrocyte co-cultures by LPS. IL-10 reduced both the increase in production of the pro-inflammatory mediators and the decrease in production of the neurotrophic factors induced by LPS. These results suggest that astrocytes can balance LPS neurotoxicity by releasing more neurotrophic factors and that IL-10 exerts neuroprotective property by an extensive action including direct on neurons and indirect via inhibiting microglial activation.

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DAMS Participates in IMA-NATCON

It was a pleasure to be a part of IMA NATCON 2015 90th Annual National Conference of IMA (Indian Medical Association) Held on 27th & 28th December 2015 Hotel Le-Meridien, New Delhi. Thank you to Dr Ajay Lekhi President DMA for making us a part of the event. My topic was basics of cross sectional imaging for non-radiologists.

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Echinocandin to fluconazole step-down therapy in critically ill patients with invasive, susceptible Candida albicans infections

Summary

Invasive Candida spp. infections are increasingly diagnosed in critically ill patients. For initial treatment, an echinocandin is recommended with a possible step-down to fluconazole when the patients' condition is improving and the isolate appears susceptible, but there are no data to support such policy. We studied the safety and efficacy of step-down therapy in critically ill patients with culture proven deep seated or bloodstream infections by C. albicans susceptible to fluconazole. All patients admitted into the intensive care unit from January 2010 to December 2014, who had a culture proven invasive C. albicans infection and received initial treatment with an echinocandin for at least 4 days were included. Data on patient characteristics, treatment and vital outcomes were assessed. Of the 56 patients, 32 received step-down fluconazole therapy, at median day 5, whereas the echinocandin was continued in the other 24. No differences where seen in baseline characteristics or risk factors for invasive C. albicans infection between the two groups. Response rates were similar and no difference where seen in 28-day or 90-day mortality between the groups. Step-down therapy to fluconazole may be safe and effective in critically ill patients with invasive infections by C. albicans, susceptible to fluconazole, who have clinically improved as early as 4 days after start of treatment with an echinocandin.

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When to call an ambulance: A Christmas PSA

This PSA from Queensland Ambulance Service reminds people to check on their friends and neighbors during the holidays and not to be afraid to call for an ambulance if they need help.

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When to call an ambulance: A Christmas PSA

This PSA from Queensland Ambulance Service reminds people to check on their friends and neighbors during the holidays and not to be afraid to call for an ambulance if they need help.

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When to call an ambulance: A Christmas PSA

This PSA from Queensland Ambulance Service reminds people to check on their friends and neighbors during the holidays and not to be afraid to call for an ambulance if they need help.

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Evaluation of mean platelet volume as a predictor of gastric disorders

2015-12-27T15-01-44Z
Source: Archives of Clinical and Experimental Surgery (ACES)
Ozgur Turk, Ziya Taner Ozkececi, Bartu Badak, Ahmet Bal.
Aim: Gastric disorders present in a wide range, including malignant and benign diseases of the upper gastrointestinal system. Increased MPV levels are associated with inflammation. The goal of this study was to determine the diagnostic importance of MPV in gastric disorders and evaluate level of MPV in patients that underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Materials and Methods: Patients who had undergone endoscopy and shown to have a gastric disorder with blood count performed were included in the study. Only one surgeon performed all of the endoscopies. MPV value, platelet count, hemoglobin and white blood cell count levels were analyzed. Results: 116 patients were included in the study. Mean age of all patients was 47,8±16,4. Mean value of MPV was determined to be 7,79±1,21, within the range of 5,85 to 12,5 fL. There was no significant correlation between diagnoses and MPV levels (P>0,05). Additionally, there was no significant difference in MPV levels in histopathological diagnoses groups (p>0,05). There was a highly negative correlation between platelet count and MPV levels in a Scatter Plot correlation graph (r=0,083). Conclusions: MPV is a frequently used hematological parameter that indicates platelet function and activity affected by inflammation. It was hypothesized that changes in MPV levels could be associated with gastric disorders. Statistical analysis of the data revealed there was no association between MPV and gastric disorders. It is suggested that MPV is not a suitable marker to determine gastric disorders, however further larger studies can be useful to determine the importance of MPV such a context.


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