Human perinatal immunity in physiological conditions and during infection
AbstractThe intrauterine environment was long considered sterile. However, several infectious threats are already present during fetal life. This review focuses on the postnatal immunological consequences of prenatal exposure to microorganisms and related inflammatory stimuli. Both the innate and adaptive immune systems of the fetus and neonate are immature, which makes them highly susceptible to infections. There is good evidence that prenatal infections are a primary cause of preterm births. Additionally, the association between antenatal inflammation and adverse neonatal outcomes has been well established. The lung, gas...
Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics - April 21, 2017 Category: Cytology Source Type: research
Role of second-hand smoke (SHS)-induced proteostasis/autophagy impairment in pediatric lung diseases
ConclusionsSHS-exposure induced proteostasis/autophagy impairment can mediate the initiation of chronic lung disease in pediatric subjects. Hence, our data warrants the evaluation of proteostasis/autophagy-inducing drugs, such as cysteamine, as a potential therapeutic intervention strategy for SHS-induced pediatric lung diseases. (Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics)
Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics - February 2, 2017 Category: Cytology Source Type: research
Renal consequences of preterm birth
ConclusionAwareness of renal implications of therapeutic interventions and renal conservation efforts may lead to a variety of short and long-term benefits. Adequate monitoring and supplementation of microelement losses, gathering improved data on renal handling, and exploration of new avenues such as reliable markers of injury and new therapeutic strategies in contemporary populations, as well as long-term follow-up of renal function, is warranted. (Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics)
Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics - January 18, 2017 Category: Cytology Source Type: research
Acquisition and adaptation of the airway microbiota in the early life of cystic fibrosis patients
The objective of this mini-review is to give an update on the current knowledge about the development of the microbiota in the early life of CF patients. Microbial acquisition in the human airways can be described by the island model: Microbes found in the lower airways of CF patients represent “islands” that are at first populated from the upper airways reflecting the “mainland.” Colonization can be modeled following the neutral theory in which the most abundant bacteria in the mainland are also frequently found in the lower airways initially. At later times, however, the colonization process of the lower airways ...
Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics - January 17, 2017 Category: Cytology Source Type: research
Neutrophil plasticity enables the development of pathological microenvironments: implications for cystic fibrosis airway disease
ConclusionsThe elucidation of molecular mechanisms driving neutrophil plasticity in vivo will open new treatment opportunities designed to modulate, rather than block, the crucial adaptive functions fulfilled by neutrophils. This review aims to outline emerging mechanisms of neutrophil plasticity and their participation in the building of pathological microenvironments in the context of cystic fibrosis and other diseases with similar features. (Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics)
Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics - December 5, 2016 Category: Cytology Source Type: research
Severe changes in colon epithelium in the Mecp2 -null mouse model of Rett syndrome
ConclusionsIn summary, we showed that the colon is severely affected by Mecp2 silencing in mice. Changes in colon length and epithelial histology are similar to those observed in colitis. Changes in the localization of proteins that participate in fluid absorption can explain watery stools, but the exclusive deletion of Mecp2 from the intestine did not reproduce colon changes observed in theMecp2-null mice, indicating the participation of other cells in this phenotype and the complex interaction between different cell types in this disease. (Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics)
Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics - November 20, 2016 Category: Cytology Source Type: research
Wilms ’ tumor susceptibility: possible involvement of FOXP3 and CXCL12 genes
ConclusionsAll in all, these markers may contribute to this neoplasia susceptibility and progression; however, further studies are needed to real clarify their role in Wilms ’ tumor pathogenesis. (Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics)
Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics - November 9, 2016 Category: Cytology Source Type: research
Leukocyte recruitment in preterm and term infants
AbstractImpaired cellular innate immune defense accounts for susceptibility to sepsis and its high morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Leukocyte recruitment is an integral part of the cellular immune response and follows a well-defined cascade of events from rolling of leukocytes along the endothelium to firm adhesion and finally transmigration which is concerted by a variety of adhesion molecules. Recent analytical advances such as fetal intravital microscopy have granted new insights into ontogenetic regulation and maturation of fetal immune cell recruitment. Understanding the fetal innate immune system is essent...
Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics - October 23, 2016 Category: Cytology Source Type: research
Linking bronchopulmonary dysplasia to adult chronic lung diseases: role of WNT signaling
AbstractBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in infants caused by pre- and/or postnatal lung injury. BPD is characterized by arrested alveolarization and vascularization due to extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, and impaired growth factor signaling. WNT signaling is a critical pathway for normal lung development, and its altered signaling has been shown to be involved in the onset and progression of incurable chronic lung diseases in adulthood, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In this review, we summarize the...
Source: Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics - October 6, 2016 Category: Cytology Source Type: research
