HIV induces expression of complement component C3 in astrocytes by NF-κB-dependent activation of interleukin-6 synthesis

Background Abnormal activation of the complement system contributes to some central nervous system diseases but the role of complement in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is unclear. Methods We used real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry to detect complement expression in postmortem brain tissue from HAND patients and controls. To further investigate the basis for viral induction of gene expression in the brain, we studied the effect of HIV on C3 expression by astrocytes, innate immune effector cells, and targets of HIV. Human fetal astrocytes (HFA) were infected with HIV in culture and cellular pathways and factors involved in signaling to C3 expression were elucidated using pharmacological pathway inhibitors, antisense RNA, promoter mutational analysis, and fluorescence microscopy. Results We found significantly increased expression of complement components including C3 in brain tissues from patients with HAND and C3 was identified by immunocytochemistry in astrocytes and neurons. Exposure of HFA to HIV in culture-induced C3 promoter activity, mRNA expression, and protein production. Use of pharmacological inhibitors indicated that induction of C3 expression by HIV requires NF-κB and protein kinase signaling. The relevance of NF-κB regulation to C3 induction was confirmed through detection of NF-κB translocation into nuclei and inhibition through overexpression of the physiological NF-κB inhibitor, I-κBα. C3 promoter mutation analysis revealed that the NF-κB and SP binding sites are dispensable for the induction by HIV, while the proximal IL-1β/IL-6 responsive element is essential. HIV-treated HFA secreted IL-6, exogenous IL-6 activated the C3 promoter, and anti-IL-6 antibodies blocked HIV activation of the C3 promoter. The activation of IL-6 transcription by HIV was dependent upon an NF-κB element within the IL-6 promoter. Conclusions These results suggest that HIV activates C3 expression in primary astrocytes indirectly, through NF-κB-dependent induction of IL-6, which in turn activates the C3 promoter. HIV induction of C3 and IL-6 in astrocytes may contribute to HIV-mediated inflammation in the brain and cognitive dysfunction

Expression of adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 in the ovary and concentration of plasma adiponectin during the oestrous cycle of the pig

The aim of this study was to compare the expression levels of adiponectin receptor 1 and adiponectin receptor 2 mRNAs and proteins in porcine ovaries during four stages (days 2 to 3, 10 to 12, 14 to 16, 17 to 19) of the oestrous cycle and to measure adiponectin plasma concentrations during the same phases of the cycle. Higher mRNA expression of adiponectin receptor 1 was detected in porcine granulosa cells than in corpora lutea and theca cells (P < 0.01). In contrast, higher gene expression of adiponectin receptor 2 occurred in newly developed and mature corpora lutea (P < 0.01). The adiponectin receptor 1 protein content was the highest in corpora lutea isolated on days 2 to 3 of the cycle and was the lowest in theca interna cells (P < 0.01). The profile of adiponectin receptor 2 protein was similar to that of adiponectin receptor 1. Adiponectin plasma concentrations were significantly higher throughout the luteal phase than in the follicular phase (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the presence of adiponectin receptor 1 and adiponectin receptor 2 mRNAs and proteins in the porcine ovary suggests that adiponectin may directly affect ovarian functions through its own specific receptors. The expression of both receptors and adiponectin plasma concentration were dependent on hormonal status related to the stage of the cycle

Duchowość chrześcijańska w rozumieniu Sługi Bożego ks. Michała Sopoćki

4758

Prymat papieski a zakres autonomii zebrań biskupów

The aim of the paper is to present all sorts of groups of bishops and levels of their autonomy in confrontation with primacy of the Pope. The conclusion is that the supreme, full, immediate and universal ordinary power of the Pope in the Church is not limited, but rather strengthened by the power of the bishops gathered together.The aim of the paper is to present all sorts of groups of bishops and levels of their autonomy in confrontation with primacy of the Pope. The conclusion is that the supreme, full, immediate and universal ordinary power of the Pope in the Church is not limited, but rather strengthened by the power of the bishops gathered together

Duchowość chrześcijańska w rozumieniu Sługi Bożego ks. Michała Sopoćki

79-8

Comparison of properties of polymer composite materials reinforced with carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes because of their high mechanical, optical or electrical properties, have found use as semiconducting materials constituting the reinforcing phase in composite materials. The paper presents the results of the studies on the mechanical properties of polymer composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT). Three-point bending tests were carried out on the composites. The density of each obtained composite was determined as well as the surface roughness and the resistivity at room temperature. Moreover the surface studies on an atomic forces microscope (AFM) and X-ray studies (phase composition analysis, crystallite sizes determination) were carried out on such composites. Measurements of the surface topography using the Tapping Mode method were performed, acquiring the data on the height and on the phase imaging. The change of intensity, of crystallite size and of half-value width of main reflections originating from carbon for composites have been determined using the X-ray analysis. Carbon nanotubes constituting the reinforcement for a polymer composite improve the mechanical properties and conductivity of the composite

Turystyczne walory przyrodnicze strefy przygranicznej województwa śląskiego

The article presents isues connected with tourist values of the nature in the border zone of Silesian province. Basic tourist values classifications were described and the definition of a border zone was given. Besides, attention was also paid to the development of tourism in the border zone of Silesian province, which undoubtedly increases its tourist attractiveness

The effect of water acrylate dispersion on the properties of polymer-carbon nanotube composites

The paper presents properties of polymer composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) containing various mixtures of dispersion. Acrylates of different particle size and viscosity were used to produce composites. The mechanical strength of composites was determined by three-point bending tests. The roughness parameter of composites was determined with a profilometer and compared with the roughness parameter determined via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Also X-ray studies (phase composition analysis, crystallite sizes determination) were carried out on these composites. Measurements of the surface topography using the Tapping Mode method were performed, acquiring the data on the height and on the phase imaging. The change of intensity, crystallite size and half-value width of main reflections originating from carbon within the composites have been determined using the X-ray analysis. The density of each obtained composite was determined as well as the resistivity at room temperature. The density of composites is quite satisfactory and ranges from 0.27 to 0.35 g/cm3. Different composites vary not only in strength but also in density. Different properties were achieved by the use of various dispersions. Carbon nanotubes constituting the reinforcement for a polymer composite improve the mechanical properties and conductivity composite

Potencjał turystyczny a możliwości kształtowania produktów turystycznych w regionie

The article presents issues concerning tourist potential as one of the factors, but a very complex one, which determine creation of tourist products in a region. Considerations presented herein are part of the doctoral dissertation of the author (Nit k iew icz ‑Ja n kowsk a, 2009a). The following elements were discussed in order to determine the role of tourist potential as a determining factor for creation of tourist products: basic tourism‑related notions, functions of tourism, tourist potential including tourist values and facilities, tourist attractiveness and tourist products

Charakterystyka nanorurek węglowych modyfikowanych kobaltem, miedzią i bromem

The paper presents results of studies on carbon nanotubes – as received, after cleaning and also after modification. Functional groups as well as metal nanoparticles have been attached, originating from cobalt sulphate, copper acetate and a mixture of hydrogen bromide and bromide. The surface studies on an atomic forces microscope (AFM), X-ray studies (phase composition analysis, crystallite sizes determination) as well as Raman spectroscopy studies were carried out on such nanotubes. The surface topography studies have shown that after the modification the diameter and length of nanotubes change. Also the surface development changes, which has been determined through roughness parameter measurements. The change of intensity, of crystallite size and of half-value width of main reflections originating from carbon for nanotubes modified in various ways have been determined using the X-ray analysis