Pectic Galactan Polysaccharide-Based Gene Delivery System for Targeting Neuroinflammation

Treating neuroinflammation-related injuries and disorders through manipulation of neuroinflammation functions is being heralded as a new therapeutic strategy. In this study, a novel pectic galactan (PG) polysaccharide based gene therapy approach is developed for targeting reactive gliosis in neuroinflammation. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a cell protein with a high affinity to β-galactoside sugars and is highly expressed in reactive gliosis. Since PG carries galactans, it can target reactive gliosis via specific carbohydrate interaction between galactan and Gal-3 on the cell membrane, and therefore can be utilized as a carrier for delivering genes to these cells. The carrier is synthesized by modifying quaternary ammonium groups on the PG. The resulting quaternized PG (QPG) is found to form complexes with plasmid DNA with a mean diameter of 100 nm and have the characteristics required for targeted gene therapy. The complexes efficiently condense large amounts of plasmid per particle and successfully bind to Gal-3. The in vivo study shows that the complexes are biocompatible and safe for administration and can selectively transfect reactive glial cells of an induced cortical lesion. The results confirm that this PG-based delivery system is a promising platform for targeting Gal-3 overexpressing neuroinflammation cells for treating neuroinflammation-related injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.     

Biological evaluation of two anomeric glucose analogues iodinated in position 6

Two anomeric analogues of glucose labelled with 123 iodine in position 6, proposed as tracers of glucose transport in vivo, have been synthesized: alpha- and beta-methyl-6-deoxy-6-iodo-D-glucopyranoside (alpha MDIG and beta MDIG). The aim of this study was to determine whether these molecules interact with the glucose transporter and whether they could be used as tracers of glucose transport in vivo. The biodistribution of alpha MDIG and beta MDIG was studied in the mouse in vivo. To determine if these two anomers enter the cell via the glucose transporter, their uptake was measured in isolated perfused rat hearts, in human erythrocytes in suspension, and in cardiomyocytes of neonatal rat in culture. Both alpha MDIG and beta MDIG had similar repartitions in the mouse: myocardial uptake averaged 7% of the injected dose/g of organ at 2 min postinjection and alpha MDIG competed with D-glucose to enter the cells. Insulin produced a 123% increase of its uptake in isolated perfused rat hearts and a 100% increase in cardiomyocytes of neonatal rat in culture. alpha MDIG uptake was lowered in the presence of glucose transport inhibitors in each experimental model. An interaction between beta MDIG and glucose transporters was observed only in human erythrocytes in suspension. Only alpha MDIG interacts with the glucose transporter, and thus could be used to estimate glucose transport in vivo.     

Pharmacokinetics of hyperimmune anti-human immunodeficiency virus immunoglobulin in persons with AIDS

Hyperimmune anti-human immunodeficiency virus immunoglobulin (HIVIG) is an intravenous immunoglobulin prepared from HIV-infected asymptomatic donors with a CD4 cell count greater than 400 cells/microl and a high titer of antibody to HIV-1 p24 protein. Twelve persons with AIDS received four doses of HMG (two at 50 mg/kg of body weight and then two at 200 mg/kg) every 28 days. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated by measurement of anti-p24 antibody. HIVIG was well tolerated, and all participants completed the study. Three subjects who were not receiving Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis developed PCP. The mean value for HIVIG clearance was 3.02 ml/kg/day at 50 mg/kg and 3.65 ml/kg/day at 200 mg/kg (P = 0.027); the mean trough antibody titers (reciprocal units) were 1,442 and 4,428, respectively. This study indicates that high titers of anti-p24 antibody can be maintained with a monthly administration schedule of HIVIG and that short-term safety is acceptable. Comparisons to evaluate the therapeutic potential of HIVIG are justified.     

An improved method for magnetic identification and localization of cracks in conductors

A SQUID magnetometer can be used to measure the magnetic field produced by flaws in a two-dimensional, conducting plate carrying a current. Identification of the flaw-induced magnetic field is difficult because of the large magnetic field associated with the edges of the plate and the current in the leads that connect the plate to the power supply. We have developed a technique by which the wire and edge fields can be cancelled prior to mapping the magnetic field. In this technique, a similar unflawed conducting sheet is placed adjacent to the flawed plate, with a connection between the sheet and the plate at one edge, and with the opposite edges of the sheet and of the plate connected to the two conductors of a coaxial cable. Thus, an applied current will flow along one conductor of the cable, across the cancelling sheet, cross into the flawed plate, return along the plate, and then return to the power supply along the other conductor of the coaxial cable. As a result of this geometry, there is no magnetic field from the lead-in wires because they are coaxial, and the magnetic field due to the edges of the plate is cancelled by the opposing magnetic field of the edges in the adjacent sheet. The extent of cancellation is determined primarily by the separation between the plate and the cancelling sheet, by the thickness of the plate, and by macroscopic inhomogeneities in their electrical conductivities.     

Laparoscopic surgery of adrenal glands: indications and limits

Over the last four years it has been demonstrated that laparoscopy can be used successfully for adrenalectomy, providing certain advantages over conventional open surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the indications for laparoscopic approach in adrenal surgery. From June 1994 to June 1996 laparoscopic transabdominal flank approaches were proposed in patients with a unilateral 8 cm or less, non-malignant tumors of the adrenal gland. For tumors under 4 cm in diameter only secreting tumors were removed. Among 77 patients requiring ablation of the adrenal gland, 50 (65%) underwent a laparoscopic procedure: 29 Conn adenomas, 10 Cushing adenomas, 6 Pheochromocytomas, 4 incidentalomas. One patient had Cushing's disease and underwent bilateral resection. Mean tumor size was 26 mm (7-75 mm). Malignancy was demonstrated in 2 tumors: one cortisone secreting tumor and one leiomyosarcoma. Conversion was required in 4 cases (8%). Mean operative time for unilateral adrenalectomies was 147 minutes (50-300'). There were no deaths. Morbidity included: one hemorrhage via the trocar orifice requiring reoperation, one infarction of the spleen which regressed spontaneously, one parietal hematoma, and one case of phebitis of the lower limb. The endocrinopathy was successfully cured in all patients with secreting tumors. The 27 other patients underwent open adrenalectomy. Laparoscopic approach was not proposed due to suspected malignancy in 13 cases, previous surgery in 8 cases and multiple, bilateral and/or extra adrenal tumors in 6 cases. Laparoscopic approach to the adrenal gland is the procedure of choice in patients with Conn adenomas, Cushing adenomas and in most cases of pheochromocytomas. It is not indicated for malignant and large tumor (> 8 cm). Currently two-thirds of our patients requiring and adrenalectomy are operated laparoscopically.