Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhihui Cai, Yutian Zhang, Weijie Zhang, Jinmin Ye, Qinjie Ling, Zhi Xing, Sichun Zhang, Peter R. Hoffmann, Youbin Liu, Weidong Yang, Zhi Huang
Summary: Arsenic contamination in drinking water is a global public health problem. Selenium deficiency is associated with an increased risk of arsenism. This study found that low Se status impairs redox homeostasis, leading to increased As retention in erythrocytes and subsequent phagocytosis by splenic macrophages, resulting in increased inflammatory response.
Article
Hematology
Zhanni Li, Meishan Yan, Zelong Wang, Yao An, Xinyu Wei, Tingting Li, Minghui Xu, Yanshi Xia, Liqiu Wang, Chunyan Gao
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism of thrombosis events in patients with uremia. It is found that the interaction between endothelial cells and red blood cells leads to ferroptosis, which triggers thrombus formation. Additionally, erythrophagocytosis-induced ferroptosis plays a key role in uremic thrombotic complications.
THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pavani Beesetty, Jananie Rockwood, Taku Kaitsuka, Tetyana Zhelay, Siham Hourani, Masayuki Matsushita, J. Ashot Kozak
Summary: Inactivation of TRPM7 kinase leads to alkalinization and enhanced phagocytic activity in macrophages, which can be reversed by NHE1 blockade, suggesting a novel role for TRPM7 kinase in regulating cellular pH and suppressing basal phagocytosis.
Article
Hematology
Steven Kho, Nurjati C. Siregar, Labibah Qotrunnada, Aurelie Fricot, Abdoulaye Sissoko, Putu A. I. Shanti, Freis Candrawati, Noy N. Kambuaya, Hasrini Rini, Benediktus Andries, David Hardy, Nur I. Margyaningsih, Fauziyah Fadllan, Desandra A. Rahmayenti, Agatha M. Puspitasari, Leo Leonardo, Bagus T. G. Yayang, Dewi S. Margayani, Pak Prayoga, Leily Trianty, Enny Kenangalem, Ric N. Price, Tsin W. Yeo, Gabriela Minigo, Rintis Noviyanti, Jeanne R. Poespoprodjo, Nicholas M. Anstey, Pierre A. Buffet
Summary: Splenomegaly in malaria patients is associated with retention of uninfected red blood cells in the spleen, which is the major mechanism of anemia.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mario Carucci, Julien Duez, Joel Tarning, Irene Garcia-Barbazan, Aurelie Fricot-Monsinjon, Abdoulaye Sissoko, Lucie Dumas, Pablo Gamallo, Babette Beher, Pascal Amireault, Michael Dussiot, Ming Dao, Mitchell V. Hull, Case W. McNamara, Camille Roussel, Papa Alioune Ndour, Laura Maria Sanz, Francisco Javier Gamo, Pierre Buffet
Summary: Malaria parasites multiply in red blood cells, but can be eliminated when the cells become stiff. Through screening, two safe drugs were found that can block the transmission of malaria.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Chloe Turpin, Marie Laurine Apalama, Bastian Carnero, Alberto Otero-Cacho, Alberto P. Munuzuri, Maria Teresa Flores-Arias, Erick Velia, Olivier Meilhac, Emmanuel Bourdon, Ezequiel Alvarez, Philippe Rondeau
Summary: This study investigates the impact of glycation on the structure and ability of erythrocytes to alter endothelial cell function. Results show that glycation enhances oxidative stress and erythrophagocytosis by endothelial cells, leading to impaired endothelial cell function. These findings have important implications for understanding the mechanism of diabetic vascular complications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yasunori Yoshida, Yuki Takeda, Kenichi Yamahara, Hanae Yamamoto, Toshinori Takagi, Yoji Kuramoto, Akiko Nakano-Doi, Takayuki Nakagomi, Toshihiro Soma, Tomohiro Matsuyama, Nobutaka Doe, Shinichi Yoshimura
Summary: By co-culturing with OP9, we can enhance the M2, tissue-protecting, and pro-angiogenic features of umbilical cord blood cells, which leads to amelioration of symptoms in mouse models of cerebral infarction.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joon Seok Lee, Hyun Geun Cho, Jeong Yeop Ryu, Eun Jung Oh, Hyun Mi Kim, Suin Kwak, Seok-Jong Lee, Jongmin Lee, Sang Yub Lee, Seung Huh, Ji Yoon Kim, Ho Yun Chung
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of hypoxia on angiogenesis in arteriovenous malformation (AVM) patients and normal tissues. The results showed that AVM ECs exhibited higher angiogenesis capacity and expression of angiogenesis-related genes under hypoxic conditions. These findings provide a foundation for the development of AVM treatment strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Qiuyu Martin Zhu, Bryan T. MacDonald, Taiji Mizoguchi, Mark Chaffin, Alison Leed, Alessandro Arduini, Edyta Malolepsza, Kasper Lage, Virendar K. Kaushik, Sekar Kathiresan, Patrick T. Ellinor
Summary: This study investigates the mechanism by which the ARHGEF26 locus contributes to the risk of coronary artery disease. The researchers find that DNA variants at this locus are associated with non-lipid vascular phenotypes. In human endothelial cells, ARHGEF26 promotes angiogenesis and interacts with angiogenic factors and pathways. They also find that a specific coding variant of ARHGEF26 enhances proangiogenic signaling and interactions with proteins related to angiogenesis. Overall, this study demonstrates that ARHGEF26 is involved in angiogenesis signaling and that DNA variants within this gene may affect angiogenesis processes.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Lauren Sayres, Amanda R. Flockton, Shuhan Ji, Carla Rey Diaz, Diane L. Gumina, Emily J. Su
Summary: Severe fetal growth restriction (FGR) is characterized by impaired angiogenesis, due to abnormal placental stromal composition. This study aimed to investigate the impact of individual extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins on placental angiogenic properties in severe FGR. The findings suggest that the overall placental stroma, rather than singular ECM proteins, is responsible for the angiogenic defects seen in severe FGR. Further investigations into stromal composition, architecture, stiffness, growth factor sequestration, and remodeling capacity are crucial for understanding the role of ECM in impaired angiogenesis in severe FGR.
Article
Biophysics
Zixiang Leonardo Liu, He Li, Yuhao Qiang, Pierre Buffet, Ming Dao, George Em Karniadakis
Summary: Heated erythrocytes have been used as probes to study spleen tissue and the retention ability of the spleen for over three decades. Through computational studies, it has been shown that heated RBCs exhibit deformability deterioration similar to certain diseased RBCs, providing a potential model for studying abnormal traversal dynamics and hemorheology. The rheology test expands existing data and highlights the differences between heated RBC suspensions and certain diseased RBC suspensions.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Victor Delprat, Camille Huart, Olivier Feron, Fabrice Soncin, Carine Michiels
Summary: The study demonstrates that cycling hypoxia enhances the induction of endothelial inflammatory phenotype and adhesiveness for monocytes and cancer cells by unpolarized and M1-like macrophages, sustaining tumor inflammation. This opens up possibilities for innovative therapeutic strategies to treat tumor inflammation and metastasis.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Rouge, Sandrine Genetet, Maria Florencia Leal Denis, Michael Dussiot, Pablo Julio Schwarzbaum, Mariano Anibal Ostuni, Isabelle Mouro-Chanteloup
Summary: The study reveals that stomatin plays a major role in modulating PANX1 activity in red blood cells and its absence leads to significant defects in PANX1 function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Gregorio Caimi, Rosalia Lo Presti, Salvatrice Mancuso, Sergio Siragusa, Melania Carlisi
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the erythrocyte deformability in multiple myeloma patients. The results showed a significant decrease in erythrocyte deformability, especially at low shear stresses, in comparison to the normal control group. However, there were no significant differences in erythrocyte deformability when the whole group of multiple myeloma patients was subdivided based on the degree of bone marrow plasma cell infiltration, red blood cell distribution width, and serum LDH values.
MICROVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Morgane Bourhis, Juliette Palle, Isabelle Galy-Fauroux, Magali Terme
Summary: VEGF-A plays a central role in tumor angiogenesis and is also an immunosuppressive factor, modulating immune cells and affecting regulatory T cells. Anti-angiogenic agents targeting VEGF-A/VEGFR can limit tumor-induced immunosuppression and enhance treatment efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sanne Bevers, Sander A. A. Kooijmans, Elien Van de Velde, Martijn J. W. Evers, Sofie Seghers, Jerney J. J. M. Gitz-Francois, Nicky C. H. van Kronenburg, Marcel H. A. M. Fens, Enrico Mastrobattista, Lucie Hassler, Helena Sork, Taavi Lehto, Kariem E. Ahmed, Samir El Andaloussi, Katja Fiedler, Karine Breckpot, Michael Maes, Diane Van Hoorick, Thierry Bastogne, Raymond M. Schiffelers, Stefaan De Koker
Summary: mRNA vaccines have shown high efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, attributed to lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) that enable efficient mRNA expression and adjuvant properties. Effective cancer vaccines necessitate long-lived, qualitative CD8 T cell responses. By optimizing LNP composition, researchers achieved high-magnitude tumor-specific CD8 T cell responses. Unexpectedly, they discovered a role of B cells in stimulating the vaccine-elicited CD8 T cell response. Optimized LNPs showed favorable biodistribution profiles in non-human primates and did not cause histopathological changes, calling for further evaluation in clinical studies.
Article
Pediatrics
Daniel Vijlbrief, Jeroen Dudink, Wouter van Solinge, Manon Benders, Saskia Haitjema
Summary: In recent years, data has become the main driver of medical innovation, but there is a lack of implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare. This article describes the essential elements of a data science project that support the crucial role of neonatologists in the computer-to-bedside process.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Juntao Fang, Alain de Bruin, Andreas Villunger, Raymond Schiffelers, Zhiyong Lei, Joost P. G. Sluijter
Summary: Polyploid cells, containing more than one set of chromosome pairs, are common in nature. They provide cells with several advantages, including increased cell size, organ growth, tissue homeostasis, and enhanced tolerance to genomic stress and apoptotic signals. This article focuses on the reasons for polyploidy, the stress responses and molecular signals involved, as well as its crucial roles in cell growth and tissue regeneration in the heart, liver, and other tissues.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Anna G. M. J. Zondag, T. Katrien J. M. Groenhof, Rieke van der Graaf, Wouter van Solinge, Michiel L. Bots, Saskia Haitjema, UCC CVRM study grp
Summary: The Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort - Cardiovascular Risk Management (UCC-CVRM) may have participation bias due to variations in informed consent.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nazma F. Ilahibaks, Arif I. Ardisasmita, Songpu Xie, Anders Gunnarsson, Joseph Brealey, Pieter Vader, Olivier G. de Jong, Saskia de Jager, Niek Dekker, Ben Peacock, Raymond M. Schiffelers, Joost P. G. Sluijter, Zhiyong Lei
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are being explored as biocompatible drug delivery vehicles for their ability to deliver bioactive cargo to recipient cells. However, effective methods for loading and unloading proteins inside EVs remain a challenge. In this study, we present the Technology Of Protein delivery through Extracellular Vesicles (TOP-EVs) as an efficient tool for intracellular protein delivery mediated by EVs. Our results demonstrate the versatility and potential of TOP-EVs for protein-based therapeutics in vitro and in vivo.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Huibert-Jan Joosse, Brigitte A. A. van Oirschot, Sander A. A. Kooijmans, Imo E. E. Hoefer, Richard A. H. van Wijk, Albert Huisman, Wouter W. W. van Solinge, Saskia Haitjema
Summary: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a biomarker associated with clinical outcomes. The mechanisms underlying these associations are not clear, so we used a large clinical dataset to study the mechanisms and validated our findings in vitro. We found that erythrocyte size, particularly the percentage of microcytic erythrocytes (pMIC), is the most important factor in predicting RDW, and oxidative stress may play a role in the association between RDW and clinical outcomes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Michael S. A. Niemantsverdriet, Bram E. L. Vrijsen, Therese Visser 't Hooft, Karijn P. M. Suijkerbuijk, Wouter W. van Solinge, Maarten J. ten Berg, Saskia Haitjema
Summary: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown remarkable results in cancer treatment but come with immune-related adverse events (irAE) that can be difficult to differentiate from infections or tumor progression. This study investigates the diagnostic value of hematological blood cell characteristics in addition to standard practice in the emergency department (ED) to aid irAE assessment.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Laura E. Swart, Marcel H. A. M. Fens, Anita van Oort, Piotr Waranecki, L. Daniel Mata Casimiro, David Tuk, Martijn Hendriksen, Luca van den Brink, Elizabeth Schweighart, Cor Seinen, Ryan Nelson, Anja Krippner-Heidenreich, Tom O'Toole, Raymond M. Schiffelers, Sander Kooijmans, Olaf Heidenreich
Summary: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are rapidly evolving as promising delivery systems for oligonucleotides, including siRNAs. In this study, LNPs were specifically targeted to hematopoietic progenitor cells in the bone marrow using a modified tripeptide ligand. Functionalized LNPs showed improved uptake and delivery of siRNA in patient-derived leukemia cells, as well as increased accumulation and retention in the bone marrow. These findings suggest the potential of LNPs for targeted therapy in leukemia and other hematological disorders.
Article
Oncology
Ioannis Ntafoulis, Anne Kleijn, Jie Ju, Kevin Jimenez-Cowell, Federica Fabro, Michelle Klein, Romain Tching Chi Yen, Rutger K. Balvers, Yunlei Li, Andrew P. Stubbs, Trisha V. Kers, Johan M. Kros, Sean E. Lawler, Laurens V. Beerepoot, Andreas Kremer, Ahmed Idbaih, Maite Verreault, Annette T. Byrne, Alice C. O'Farrell, Kate Connor, Archita Biswas, Manuela Salvucci, Jochen H. M. Prehn, Diether Lambrechts, Gonca Dilcan, Francesca Lodi, Ingrid Arijs, Martin J. van den Bent, Clemens M. F. Dirven, Sieger Leenstra, Martine L. M. Lamfers
Summary: This study found that patient-derived glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) retain patient-unique gene expressions despite the loss of their natural environment. Drug screening using GSCs predicted patient response to temozolomide (TMZ) more specifically than the MGMT status alone. Transcriptome analysis identified potential biomarkers for TMZ sensitivity.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Emile F. van Vliet, Maarten J. Knol, Raymond M. Schiffelers, Massimiliano Caiazzo, Marcel H. A. M. Fens
Summary: Parkinson's disease is characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, causing dopamine deficiency and motor symptoms. Current treatment using L-DOPA has limitations and side effects. Encapsulation of L-DOPA into nanoparticles can protect it and improve delivery to the brain, reducing required dosages and side effects. Alternative delivery methods, such as intravenous administration and transdermal delivery, enhance therapeutic effects. This review discusses recent advances and future perspectives on NP-mediated L-DOPA delivery to the brain.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
C. M. van Kammen, S. J. van Woudenberg, R. Schiffelers, F. Terstappen, A. T. Lely
Summary: Preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction are pregnancy complications that can be treated with nanomedicines, which regulate drug interaction with the placenta to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize fetal exposure. Liposomes and polymeric drug delivery systems show promising results in preventing trans-placental passage of nanomedicines, while quantum dots and silicon nanoparticles have limited research in placental insufficiency syndromes. Animal studies demonstrate positive effects on maternal and fetal health, but results are influenced by various factors. Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of these complex diseases and ensure the safety and efficacy of nanomedicines before clinical implementation.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Michael S. A. Niemantsverdriet, Wouter M. Tiel-Groenestege, M. Khairoun, Imo E. Hoefer, Wouter W. van Solinge, Domenico Bellomo, Martin H. van Vliet, Karin A. H. Kaasjager, Saskia Haitjema
Summary: This study describes the design and implementation of an electronic alert system to improve the diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI). The results show that the e-alert system can increase awareness of AKI among physicians.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
L. Malin Overmars, Joost M. Mekke, Wouter W. van Solinge, Saskia C. A. De Jager, Cornelia A. R. Hulsbergen-Veelken, Imo E. Hoefer, Dominique P. V. de Kleijn, Gert J. de Borst, Sander W. van der Laan, Saskia Haitjema
Summary: This study examined blood cell characteristics (BCCs) in relation to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and identified biomarkers reflecting inflammatory processes that may contribute to an increased risk of MACE.
ATHEROSCLEROSIS PLUS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ye Zeng, Mariona Estape Senti, M. Clara I. Labonia, Panagiota Papadopoulou, Maike A. D. Brans, Inge Dokter, Marcel H. Fens, Alain van Mil, Joost P. G. Sluijter, Raymond M. Schiffelers, Pieter Vader, Alexander Kros
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficient delivery of mRNA-LNPs to difficult-to-transfect cardiomyocytes using fusogenic coiled-coil peptides. Local administration via intramyocardial injection significantly enhances mRNA delivery and protein expression. These findings have the potential to advance regenerative therapies for heart failure.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Saskia Haitjema, Timothy R. Prescott, Wouter W. van Solinge
Summary: The University Medical Center Utrecht piloted a hospital-wide innovation data analytics program over the past 4 years, aiming to improve patient care and answer clinical questions using available data and innovative methodologies. This viewpoint shares the three principles of the program and highlights important lessons learned.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2022)