Interplays BETween Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Immune Responses
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exist in almost all tissues and are crucial in maintaining the cellular homeostasis of multicellular organisms. They provide the ultimate cell source for tissue repair and regeneration. Under pathological conditions, these cells are awakened, activated, and mobilized to damaged tissue sites. Since tissue damages are often accompanied by inflammatory factors, from both innate immune response and adaptive immune response, it is sensible that MSCs delicately interact with inflammatory factors at the sites of tissue damages.
Depending on the type and persistence of the inflammatory factors, the activated MSCs could lead either to complete or partial tissue repair, or to chronic inflammation and further tissue damage, such as cancer and fibrosis. Indeed, recent studies have shown that there is a bidirectional interaction BETween MSCs and inflammatory cells and cytokines. However, much information of this information remains to be elucidated. Further investigations in this newly emerging exciting research area will undoubtedly lead to BETter understanding of pathogenesis of various diseases and novel treatment strategies.
Erich Gnaiger：Life Style and Mitochondrial Competence – Modern Drugs for T2 DiaBETes in Aging and Degenerative Diseases.
D. Swarovski Research Laboratory (Mitochondrial Physiology), Dept. General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University; and OROBOROS INSTRUMENTS, Innsbruck, Austria. - Email: erich.gnaiger@oroboros.at
The contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction to the etiology of T2 diaBETes and a range of preventable metabolic diseases is the subject of intensive current research with world-wide health implications.
Recently these investigations gained depth and scope by technological advances for diagnosis of mitochondrial function by comprehensive OXPHOS analysis using high-resolution respirometry [1,2]. Fundamental questions of a causal relationship, however, BETween compromised mitochondrial function and development of T2 diaBETes remain to be resolved [3,4] to optimize prevention and treatment of insulin resistance.
For preventable diseases such as T2 diaBETes, the evolutionary background of mitochondrial competence provides a solid basis for improved and broad application of a well established modern drug, mtLSD.
Post-industrial societies are characterized by a high-energy input lifestyle with diminished physical activity and high incidence of non-transmittable diseases, in comparison to human populations where physical work is essentially important for sustaining life and in which degenerative diseases (T2 diaBETes, various cancers, Alzheimer's) are essentially absent [5]. The capacity of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is increased or maintained high by a life style involving endurance exercise and strength training [6].
Life style changes from the age of 20-30 years to the elderly, but is subject to change and intervention. Depending on group selection in cross-sectional studies, OXPHOS capacity declines from the age of 20-30 years [7,8], or is independent of age up to 80 years [9,10].
Independent of age, there is a strong decline of OXPHOS capacity in human vastus lateralis from BMI of 20 to 30 [1]. At a BMI >30, a threshold OXPHOS capacity is reached in human v. lateralis that may be characteristic of a low-grade inflammatory state (‘mitochondrial fever’).
Onset of degenerative diseases (T2 diaBETes, neuromuscular degeneration, various cancers) and mitochondrial dysfunction interact in an amplification loop progressing slowly with age, such that cause and effect of mitochondrial dysfunction cannot be distinguished. Diminished antioxidant capacity at low mitochondrial density is an important mechanistic candidate in the state of mitochondrial fever.
For implementing a life style supporting mitochondrial competence and preventing degenerative diseases in modern societies, we need (1) extended research programmes focused on the causative link BETween mitochondrial competence and effective prevention of degenerative diseases, (2) educational programmes on mitochondrial physiology targeted at general practitioners, teachers and the society at large, (3) cooperation of health care and insurance organizations to support preventive life style activities, and (4) do not miss any opportunity in taking the lead in living the mtLife Style Drug (mtLSD).
端粒和端粒酶的作用 - ElizaBETh Blackburn P1
本视频由科普中国和生物医学大讲堂出品
ElizaBETh Blackburn (UCSF) Part 1: The Roles of Telomeres and Telomerase
Lecture Overview
Telomerase, a specialized ribonucleprotein reverse transcriptase, is important for long-term eukaryotic cell proliferation and genomic stability, because it replenishes the DNA at telomeres. Thus depending on cell type telomerase partially or completely (depending on cell type) counteracts the progressive shortening of telomeres that otherwise occurs. Telomerase is highly active in many human malignancies, and a potential target for anti-cancer approaches. Furthermore, recent collaborative studies have shown the relationship BETween accelerated telomere shortening and life stress and that low telomerase levels are associated with six prominent risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
端粒和端粒酶在人类干细胞和癌症中的作用 - ElizaBETh Blackburn P2
本视频由科普中国和生物医学大讲堂出品
ElizaBETh Blackburn (UCSF) Part 2: Telomeres and Telomerase in Human Stem Cells and in Cancer
Telomerase, a specialized ribonucleprotein reverse transcriptase, is important for long-term eukaryotic cell proliferation and genomic stability, because it replenishes the DNA at telomeres. Thus depending on cell type telomerase partially or completely (depending on cell type) counteracts the progressive shortening of telomeres that otherwise occurs. Telomerase is highly active in many human malignancies, and a potential target for anti-cancer approaches. Furthermore, recent collaborative studies have shown the relationship BETween accelerated telomere shortening and life stress and that low telomerase levels are associated with six prominent risk factors for cardiovascular disease.