Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation - Volume 61, issue 3

Authors: Cherkouk, Charaf | Rebohle, Lars | Lenk, Jens | Keller, Adrian | Ou, Xin | Laube, Markus | Neuber, Christin | Haase-Kohn, Cathleen | Skorupa, Wolfgang | Pietzsch, Jens

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Gold surfaces functionalized with nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni2+ -NTA) as self-assembled monolayers (SAM) to immobilize histidine (His)-tagged biomolecules are broadly reported in the literature. However, the increasing demand of using microfluidic systems and biosensors takes more and more advantage on silicon technology which provides dedicated glass surfaces and substantially allows cost and resource savings. Here we present a novel method for the controlled oriented immobilization of His-tagged proteins on glass surfaces functionalized with a Ni2+ -NTA layer. Exemplarily, the protein pattern morphology after immobilization on the Ni2+ -NTA layer of His6 -tagged soluble receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (sRAGE) was investigated …and compared to non-oriented immobilization of sRAGE on amino SAM by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, we demonstrated interaction of immobilized sRAGE with three structurally different ligands, S100A12, S100A4, and glycated low density lipoproteins (glycLDL), by means of peak-force tapping atomic force microscopy (PF-AFM). We showed a clear discrimination of different protein-ligand orientations by differential height measurements. Show more

Keywords: His-tagged proteins, glycated low density lipoproteins, microfluidic systems and biosensors, S100 proteins, self-assembled monolayers, soluble receptor for advanced glycation endproducts

DOI: 10.3233/CH-151950

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 523-539, 2015

Authors: Pabisiak, A. | Bromboszcz, J. | Kmiec, S. | Dendura, M. | Dabrowski, Z. | Smolenski, O.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The aim of cardiovascular disease treatment is to reduce the risk of thrombogenesis and improve tissue perfusion, depending inter alia on the rheological properties of the blood. The reduction in blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation, as well as increase of erythrocyte deformability was observed under the influence of physical training. AIM: To compare the blood count and rheological properties of blood samples before and after outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 35 men (average age: 57.2 ± 5.42), who after suffering myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), took part in 24 physical …training sessions of moderate intensity (40–60% of heart rate reserve). The standard ergometer submaximal (up to 85% of predicted HRmax) exercise test and echocardiography was performed before and after training. Blood count, fibrinogen concentration as well as aggregation and elongation properties of erythrocytes were analyzed too. RESULTS: Patients significantly increased exercise capacity (p  <  0.00001) and ejection fraction (p  <  0.00001) after completion of the training cycle. There was noted a reduction in aggregation index AI (p  <  0.01), an increase in the number of erythrocytes RBC (p  <  0.05), while reducing their volume MCV (p  <  0.05) and a decrease in hemoglobin content MCH (p  <  0.05). The number of leukocytes WBC (p  <  0.01) was decreased too. CONCLUSIONS: Beneficial changes in blood rheology and blood count have been found in patients after myocardial infarction who took part in the physical training sessions of moderate intensity. Show more

Keywords: Myocardial infarction, rehabilitation, physical training, blood count, blood rheology

DOI: 10.3233/CH-151954

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 541-547, 2015

Authors: Jung, Christian | Drummer, Karl | Oelzner, Peter | Figulla, Hans R. | Boettcher, Joachim | Franz, Marcus | Betge, Stefan | Foerster, Martin | Wolf, Gunter | Pfeil, Alexander

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic, autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by vasculopathy and microvascular changes. Fluorescence Optical Imaging (FOI) is a technique used to assess inflammation in patients with arthritis; in this study FOI is used to quantify inflammation in the hand. Endothelial Microparticle (EMP) can reflect damage or activation of the endothelium but also actively modulate processes of inflammation, coagulation and vascular function. The aim of the present study was to quantify EMP and FOI, to determine an association between these microparticles and inflammation and to endothelial function. METHODS: EMP were quantified in plasma samples of 25 …patients (24 female, 1 male, age: 41 ± 9 years) with SSc using flow cytometry. EMP was defined as CD31+/CD42− MP, and CD62+ MP. Perivascular inflammation was assessed using fluorescence optical imaging (FOI) of the hand. Macrovascular endothelial function was non-invasively estimated using the Endopat system. RESULTS: Plasma levels of CD31+/CD42− EMP and CD62+ EMP were lower in patients with SSc compared to controls (both p  <  0.05). An impaired endothelial function with an increased hyperemia index was observed. A strong association could be demonstrated between CD62+ EMP and perivascular soft tissue inflammation as assessed by the FOI global score (Spearman, p  = 0.002, r  = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: EMP indicate molecular vascular damage in SSc; in this study a strong association between EMP and perivascular inflammation as quantified by FOI is demonstrated. Consequently EMP, using FOI, may be a potential marker benefitting the diagnosis and therapy monitoring of patients with SSc with associated Raynaud‘s phenomenon. Show more

Keywords: Systemic sclerosis, endothelial microparticles, fluorescence optical imaging, microcirculation

DOI: 10.3233/CH-151956

Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 549-557, 2015