Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft für Toxikologische Pathologie
-
Exp. Toxicol. Pathol. · Sep 2012
Protective effect of Ulinastatin against murine models of sepsis: inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 and augmentation of IL-10 and IL-13.
Excessive production of inflammatory mediators during invasive infection plays a key role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. In an attempt to improve survival of patients with this lethal syndrome, agents were developed to selectively inhibit mediators in this inflammatory response. Ulinastatin (UTI), a human protease inhibitor, inhibits the enhanced production of pro-inflammatory molecules. However, it is unknown if Ulinastatin treatment could result in protective effects for sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Ulinastatin on septic rats. ⋯ Ulinastatin may possess a protective role in the septic process by inhibiting TNF-α and IL-6, and augmenting IL-10 and IL-13 concentrations in intestine of septic rats.
-
Exp. Toxicol. Pathol. · Sep 2011
Relationship of heat shock protein 25 with reactive macrophages in thioacetamide-induced rat liver injury.
Heat shock protein 25 (Hsp25), which has anti-inflammatory activity, was examined for the relationship of its expression to macrophage appearance in thioacetoamide (TAA)-induced rat acute hepatic lesions. TAA-induced lesions, consisting of hepatocyte coagulation necrosis and reactive macrophages, developed in the centrilobular areas. Macrophages immuno-reacting to ED1 (CD68; exudative macrophages) were mainly seen within the lesions, whereas macrophages reacting to ED2 (CD163; resident macrophages and Kupffer cells), which have abundant cytoplasm, appeared mainly in the periphery of the lesions. ⋯ Hsp25 mRNA expression generally was correlated with TNF-α, MCP-1 and OPN expressions, suggesting their direct or indirect association with Hsp25 expression. Thus, Hsp25 might have a cytoprotection function against macrophages appearing in hepatic lesions, and factors produced by macrophages in the very early stages of hepatic lesions may influence Hsp25 expression. Hsp25 expression should be useful as an index of anti-inflammatory action for evaluation of hepatotoxicants in vivo.
-
The present study concerned the expression and activation of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and the urokinase plasminogen activator/urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPA/uPAR) system in co-cultures of human colon carcinoma cell spheroids (HT29, LS180, SW948) with human normal colon epithelium (CCD 841 CoTr), myofibroblasts (CCD-18Co) and endothelial cells (HUVEC). Additionally, the influence of monensin on the production and function of the proteases was tested. Tumor cells expressed small amounts of MMP-2, MMP-9 and uPA. ⋯ The highest amounts of active forms of the MMPs were detected in tumor spheroids co-cultured with endothelial cells. Monensin inhibited MMPs and uPA secretion but significantly increased uPAR release, mainly from normal cells. In conclusion, during direct interactions of tumor cells with normal cells, MMPs and the uPA/uPAR system play an important role in the degradation of ECM and tumor development, but as we found, there is a reverse relationship between the concentration and the enzymatic activity of MMPs and uPA/uPAR in co-culture models.
-
Exp. Toxicol. Pathol. · Jan 2011
ReviewInternational recommendations for training future toxicologic pathologists participating in regulatory-type, nonclinical toxicity studies.
The International Federation of Societies of Toxicologic Pathologists (IFSTP) proposes a common global framework for training future toxicologic pathologists who will support regulatory-type - nonclinical toxicology studies. Trainees optimally should undertake a scientific curriculum of at least 5 years at an accredited institution leading to a clinical degree (veterinary medicine or medicine). Trainees should then obtain 4 or more years of intensive pathology practice during a residency and/or on-the-job "apprenticeship," at least 2 years of which must be focused on regulatory-type toxicologic pathology topics. ⋯ A nonclinical pathway (e.g., a graduate degree in medical biology or pathology) may be possible if medically trained pathologists are scarce, but this option is not optimal. Regular, lifelong continuing education (peer review of nonclinical studies, professional meetings, reading, short courses) will be necessary to maintain and enhance one's understanding of current toxicologic pathology knowledge, skills, and tools. This framework should provide a rigorous yet flexible way to reliably train future toxicologic pathologists to generate, interpret, integrate, and communicate data in regulatory-type, nonclinical toxicology studies.
-
Exp. Toxicol. Pathol. · Mar 2010
A summary of toxicological and chemical data relevant to the evaluation of cast sheet tobacco.
A tiered testing strategy based on a comparative chemical and biological testing program has been developed to evaluate the potential of tobacco processes, ingredients, or other technological developments to change the biological activity that results from burning tobacco. Cast sheet tobacco is a specific type of reconstituted tobacco sheet that can be used in the manufacture of cigarettes. ⋯ Certain statistically significant differences were observed in the chemical and biological studies when the Reference cigarette was compared to each of the Test cigarettes. However, when viewed collectively, the chemical and biological studies demonstrated that inclusion of cast sheet up to 15% in the final blend did not increase the inherent biological activity of mainstream cigarette smoke or CSC.