http://hdl.handle.net/1993/2761 This collection contains full text research publications Fri, 03 May 2013 15:46:07 GMT 2013-05-03T15:46:07Z http://hdl.handle.net/1993/2960 Title: Dietary zinc deficiency and expression of T lymphocyte signal transduction proteins Authors: Taylor, CG ; Giesbrecht J-AC Abstract: Impaired immune function in dietary zinc (Zn) deficiency is characterized in part by reduced lymphocyte numbers (lymphopenia) and depressed cell-mediated (T lymphocyte) immune function, however, the causative mechanisms at the molecular level have not been elucidated. This paper will focus on the role of dietary Zn in T lymphocyte signal transduction, and specifically, the early Zn-dependent steps for phosphorylation and the putative Zn-finger proteins or Zn-metalloenzymes that may be part of the molecular mechanism for explaining immune dysfunction in Zn deficiency. One of the major recent findings is that murine splenic T lymphocyte p56(lck) expression is elevated in dietary Zn deficiency and caloric deficiency. Based on the known functions of p56(lck), it is proposed that elevated p56(lck) may contribute to altered thymocyte maturation, apoptosis, and lymphopenia in dietary Zn deficiency and other malnutrition syndromes. Fri, 31 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1993/2960 2004-12-31T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1993/19754 Title: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 2 contributes to neuroinflammation and neurological dysfunction in mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis Authors: Kamboj, Amit; Lu, Ping; Cossoy, Michael B; Stobart, Jillian L; Dolhun, Brian A; Kauppinen, Tiina M; de Murcia, Gilbert; Anderson, Christopher M Abstract: Abstract Background Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of multiple sclerosis characterized by entry of activated T cells and antigen presenting cells into the central nervous system and subsequent autoimmune destruction of nerve myelin. Previous studies revealed that non-selective inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) 1 and 2 protect against neuroinflammation and motor dysfunction associated with EAE, but the role of the PARP-2 isoform has not yet been investigated selectively. Results EAE was induced in mice lacking PARP-2, and neurological EAE signs, blood-spine barrier (BSB) permeability, demyelination and inflammatory infiltration were monitored for 35 days after immunization. Mice lacking PARP-2 exhibited significantly reduced overall disease burden and peak neurological dysfunction. PARP-2 deletion also significantly delayed EAE onset and reduced BSB permeability, demyelination and central nervous system (CNS) markers of proinflammatory Th1 and Th17 T helper lymphocytes. Conclusions This study represents the first description of a significant role for PARP-2 in neuroinflammation and neurological dysfunction in EAE. Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1993/19754 2013-04-22T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1993/19685 Title: Regulation of podocalyxin expression in the kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with Chinese herbs (Yishen capsule) Authors: Fang, Jingai; Wei, Hongkun; Sun, Yanyan; Zhang, Xiaodong; Liu, Wenyuan; Chang, Qintao; Wang, Ruihua; Gong, Yuewen Abstract: Abstract Background Diabetic nephropathy is an emergent issue in China with increase in patients with type II diabetes. There are several successful Chinese herbal products for the treatment of patients with diabetic nephropathy in China. However, the mechanisms mediating the biological activity of these products are still unclear. Podocalyxin is a sialoprotein critical to maintaining integrity of filtration function of glomerulus. Methods By employing streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and a Chinese herb formulation (Yishen capsule), we examined the regulation of podocalyxin expression in the kidney by Yishen capsule through immunofluorescent staining and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results After injection of STZ, there were significant increase in both blood glucose and urinary protein. Serum creatinine and BUN were also increased in rats with injection of STZ. Moreover, expression of podocalyxin in the glomerulus was gradually reduced after injection of STZ. There was also a loss of podocyte foot processes in the glomerular basement membrane. However, Yishen capsule or benazepril was able to restore the expression of podocalyxin and podocyte foot processes in the kidney. Although Yishen capsule could reduce urinary protein level, it has little effect on blood glucose level in the rats injected with STZ. Conclusions Yishen capsule could attenuate the loss of podocalyxin in the glomerulus of rats injected with STZ. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1993/19685 2013-04-05T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/1993/19684 Title: Eosinophils in human oral squamous carcinoma; role of prostaglandin D2 Authors: Davoine, Francis; Sim, Adrian; Tang, Charlie; Fisher, Sibina; Ethier, Caroline; Puttagunta, Lakshmi; Wu, Yingqi; McGaw, W Tim; Yu, Donald; Cameron, Lisa; Adamko, Darryl J; Moqbel, Redwan Abstract: Abstract Eosinophils are often predominant inflammatory leukocytes infiltrating oral squamous carcinoma (OSC) sites. Prostaglandins are secreted by oral carcinomas and may be involved in eosinophil infiltration. The objective of this study was to determine the factors contributing to eosinophil migration and potential anti-neoplastic effects on OSC. Eosinophil degranulation was evaluated by measuring release of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO). Eosinophil chemotaxis towards OSC cells was assessed using artificial basement membrane. Eosinophil infiltration was prominent within the tissue surrounding the OSC tumor mass. We observed growth inhibition of the OSC cell line, SCC-9, during co-culture with human eosinophils, in vitro, which correlated with EPO activity that possesses growth inhibitory activity. The PGD2 synthase inhibitor, HQL-79, abrogated migration towards SCC-9. Our data suggest that OSC-derived PGD2 may play an important role via CRTH2 (the PGD2 receptor on eosinophils) in eosinophil recruitment and subsequent anti-tumor activity through the action of eosinophil cationic proteins. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1993/19684 2013-01-31T00:00:00Z