Acne Inversa: Evaluating Antimicrobial Peptides and Proteins

( Falk G Bechara ),( Michael Sand ),( Marina Skrygan ),( Alexander Kreuter ),( Peter Altmeyer ),( Thilo Gambichler ) 대한피부과학회 2012 Annals of Dermatology Vol.24 No.4

Background: Acne inversa is a chronic, suppurative relapsing inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects the axillae, perineum and inframammary regions. Evidence suggests that the innate immune system is involved in the pathogenesis of acne inversa. Objective: To investigate the role of the innate immune system in acne inversa. Methods: Skin biopsies were obtained from inflammatory skin lesions (n=17) and from non-lesional skin (intraindividual control, n=17) of patients with acne inversa. Additional skin lesions were taken from patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (interindividual control, n=5). Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the mRNA levels of antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs), including human β-defensin (hBD)-1, hBD-2 and hBD-3, LL-37 (cathelicidin) and Ribonuclease 7 (RNase 7). mRNA levels were also determined for inflammatory and anti- inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase- 1 (MMP1), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10. Results: The mRNA levels of hBD-2, LL-37, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and MMP1 were significantly higher in acne inversa lesions compared to non-lesional skin (p<0.05). A significant positive correlation expression was observed between hBD-2 mRNA expression and LL-37 (ρ=0.53, p=0.03), and between hBD-2 and RNAse 7 (ρ=0.68, p=0.006). When compared to the chronic venous leg ulcer lesions, acne inversa lesions showed a significantly higher expression of RNase 7 mRNA, while IL-1 β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF- α and MMP1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the chronic venous leg ulcer lesions (p<0.05). Conclusion: The AMP, cytokine milieu and tissue proteases in acne inversa lesions differ significantly from non-lesional skin and chronic venous leg ulcers. The positively correlating up-regulation of AMPs in acne inversa indicates an important role of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of this disorder. (Ann Dermatol 24(4) 393∼397, 2012)

Using pyridal[2,1,3]thiadiazole as an acceptor unit in a low band-gap copolymer for photovoltaic applications

Ibraikulov, Olzhas A.,Bechara, Rony,Chavez, Patricia,Bulut, Ibrahim,Tastanbekov, Dias,Leclerc, Nicolas,Hebraud, Anne,Heinrich, Benoî,t,Berson, Solenn,Lemaitre, Noë,lla,Chochos, Christos L.,L& Elsevier 2015 ORGANIC ELECTRONICS Vol.23 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this report, we explore the optoelectronic properties of a low band-gap copolymer based on the alternation of electron rich (thiophene and thienothiophene units) and electron deficient units (pyridal[2,1,3]thiadiazole (Py)). Initial density functional theory calculations point out the interest of using the Py unit to optimize the polymer frontier orbital energy levels. A high molecular weight (<I>M</I> <SUB>n</SUB> =49kg/mol) solution-processable copolymer, based on Py, thiophene and thienothiophene units, has been synthesized successfully. From cyclic-voltammetry and UV–visible absorption measurements a relatively deep HOMO level (−5.1eV) and an optical band-gap (1.48eV) have been estimated. Charge transport both in horizontal and vertical directions were extracted from field-effect transistors and space charge limited current diodes, respectively, and led to a relatively high in-plane hole mobility in pure polymer films (0.7×10<SUP>−2</SUP> cm<SUP>2</SUP> V<SUP>−1</SUP> s<SUP>−1</SUP>). GIWAXS results showed almost identical in-plane lamellar morphologies, with similar average size and orientation of the polymer crystalline domains in both, pure polymer films and polymer:fullerene blends. Also, the gate-voltage dependence of the field-effect mobility revealed that the energy disorder in the polymer domains was not altered by the introduction of fullerenes. The nevertheless significantly higher out-of-plane hole mobility in blends, in comparison to pure polymer films, was attributed to the minor amorphous polymer phase, presumably localized close to the donor/acceptor interface, whose signature was observed by UV–vis absorption. Promising photovoltaic performances could be achieved in a standard device configuration. The corresponding power conversion efficiency of 4.5% is above the value achieved previously with a comparable polymer using benzo [2,1,3]thiadiazole instead of Py as acceptor unit.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A low-band gap copolymer with pyridal[2,1,3]thiadiazole has been synthesized. </LI> <LI> Charge transport was investigated in both, in-plane and out-of plane directions. </LI> <LI> GIWAXS and mobility data reveal lamellar morphology and transport anisotropy. </LI> <LI> Amorphous polymer fraction supports out-of-plane hole mobility in blends. </LI> <LI> A maximum PCE of 4.5% could be achieved. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Reflections About Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vitamins A and D

Sandra Maria Barbalho,Marcelo Dib Bechara,Ricardo de Alvares Goulart,Karina Quesada,Rodrigo Galhardi Gasparini,Antonely de Cassio Alves de Carvalho,Adriana Maria Ragassi Fiorini 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Journal of medicinal food Vol.19 No.12

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are two major forms of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Vitamin A (VA) and vitamin D (VD) may be associated with reduction in inflammation in these disorders. The aim of this review was to show the current evidence that may associate VA and VD with IBDs. Data linking VA, VD, and IBDs were studied. Both VA and VD may be related to the immune system in different manners. The active form of VA, retinoic acid, may be related to the growth factor-β and release of interleukin-10 (IL-10), thus involved with the resolution of the inflammation. Its deficiency is associated with the increase of disease activity. The active form of VD is 1,25(OH)2D3 that produces biological effects via the nuclear hormone receptor named VD receptor (VDR), which may interfere with the immune cells and macrophages leading to the suppression of the inflammatory process by decreasing the release of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8, IL-12, and IL-23. VDR may also activate nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 expression and stimulate the production of the defensin and cathelicidin that are important to the homeostasis of the mucosal immune barrier. The use of VA and VD could be helpful in the treatment and prevention of IBDs but more studies are necessary to establish the precise role of these compounds in the prevention or remission of these inflammatory processes.

Altered Esophageal Smooth Muscle Phenotype in Achalasia

( David M Rodrigues ),( Sandra R Lourenssen ),( Jay Kataria ),( William G Paterson ),( Michael G Blennerhassett ),( Robert Bechara ) 대한소화기기능성질환·운동학회 2024 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.30 No.2

Background/Aims Achalasia is a disorder characterized by impairment in lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and esophageal aperistalsis, caused primarily by loss of inhibitory innervation. However, little is known about associated changes in esophageal smooth muscle. We examined the contractile phenotype and innervation of the circular smooth muscle, as well as inflammatory status, and correlated these with patient-specific parameters. Methods Circular smooth muscle biopsies were obtained in consecutive patients with achalasia undergoing peroral endoscopic myotomy. Axonal innervation and neurotransmitter subtypes were determined with immunocytochemistry, and this was used with quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to characterize smooth muscle proliferation and cellular phenotype, as well as collagen expression. These were compared to control tissue obtained at esophagectomy and correlated with patient demographic factors including age, onset of symptoms, and Eckhardt score. Results Biopsies of smooth muscle were obtained from 25 patients with achalasia. Overall, there was increased mast cell number and collagen deposition but increased smooth muscle cell proliferation vs control. There was a striking drop in axon density over controls, with no differences among subtypes of achalasia. Immunocytochemical analysis showed increased expression of the contractile marker α-smooth muscle actin, principally in Type 1 achalasia, that increased with disease duration, while qPCR identified increased mRNA for smoothelin with decreased myosin heavy chain and collagen 3a1, but not collagen 1a1. Conclusions The thickened circular smooth muscle layer in achalasia is largely denervated, with an altered contractile phenotype and fibrosis. Biopsies obtained during peroral endoscopic myotomy provide a means to further study the pathophysiology of achalasia. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2024;30:166-176)