Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Alberta, 2010. / A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Physiology. Title from pdf file main screen (viewed on February 16, 2010). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2009. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 139-156).

Orientadores: Silvana Pereira Barros, Sergio Roberto Peres Line / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T03:46:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Vasconcelos_DanielFernandoPereira_M.pdf: 718453 bytes, checksum: 33e7ea7787a27dcce6c7a1cac2b7b5ed (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Resumo: A doença periodontal (DP) é causada por interações entre fatores do hospedeiro, microrganismos específicos patogênicos e o sistema imunológico. TNF-b é um imunoregulador multifuncional que está relacionado com a patogênese de diversas desordens imunológicas, incluindo a DP. Nosso estudo analisou a associação entre DP e polimorfismo no gene TNF-b (+252 A/G). O DNA foi extraído de células da mucosa oral de 126 indivíduos brancos: 44 indivíduos controle e 82 indivíduos com DP. O polimorfismo foi analisado pela técnica de PCR, seguida pela RFLP. Os dados foram estatisticamente analisados pelo teste Exato Fisher (p<0,05) e Odds Ratio (OR). A freqüência do polimorfismo mostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos controle e com DP, revelando que indivíduos portadores do alelo G apresentavam 2,6 vezes mais chances de desenvolver a DP do que indivíduos saudáveis (G vs. A, p=0.0019, OR= 2.67, 95% CI 1.45 - 4.78), em relação aos genótipos a presença de pelo menos um alelo G predispõe 3,1 vezes à DP (G/G+ G/A vs. A/A, p=0,0059, OR= 3.1, 95% CI 1.45 - 6.65). Conclui-se que o TNF-b está envolvido na patogênese da periodontite crônica e pode ser utilizado como um marcador de risco para a DP na população estudada / Abstract: Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that leads to irreversible attachment loss, bone destruction and eventually bone loss, such cascade that culminates in tissue destruction initiates with pathogenic micro-organisms and depends on host response to disease expression. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) a potent multifunctional immune modulator has been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Objective: In this study we investigated the hypothesis of association between chronic periodontitis (CP) and polymorphisms of the TNF-ß gene. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty six individuals were evaluated by measuring clinical attachment loss and divided in 44 health individuals (control group-CG) and 82 subjects with CP. DNA samples were obtained from the individual's epithelial cells through scraping of the buccal mucosa. Polymorphism in the TNF-ß gene was analyzed by PCR, followed by NcoI restriction endonuclease digestion (RFLP). Results: The TNF-ß (+252A/G) polymorphism showed association with chronic periodontitis. Significant differences were found for the TNF-ß allele or carriage rate frequencies; odds ratio (OR)=2.67. Conclusions: These findings suggest that genotype composed of TNF- ß gene polymorphism may influence the susceptibility to chronic periodontitis / Mestrado / Histologia e Embriologia / Mestre em Biologia Buco-Dental

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Canine babesiosis, caused by the tick-borne protozoan Babesia canis rossi, is an economically important and potentially fatal disease of dogs in South Africa. The host's response to many infectious diseases is mediated (at least in part) by intercellular messengers called cytokines. One of the most important cytokines released is tumour necrosis factor (TNF). A study was designed to measure serum concentrations of TNF in dogs naturally infected with canine babesiosis and to relate TNF concentrations to clinical severity, mortality, rectal temperature and parasitaemia. There was a statistically significant difference in TNF concentrations between groups of differing disease severity, with a general trend of increasing mean 10g(TNF) with increasing severity of disease. A noteworthy finding was that dogs with hypoglycaemia had very high TNF (mean 15.03 nglml compared to a mean of 2.32 nglml for other sick dogs without hypoglycaemia). When TNF values were compared between survival and non-survival groups, there was no significant difference. The rectal temperature of the dogs in this study did not show any statistically significant association with TNF concentrations. When parasitaemia and TNF were examined within groups of infected dogs, there was no significant relationship. However, when the sample size was increased by pooling all infected dogs and treating them as a single group, there was a highly significant positive correlation (p = 0.003) between parasitaemia and serum TNF concentrations. The results ofthis study were encouraging and indicate that canine babesiosis may share a similar pathophysiology with human malaria in terms ofTNF being associated with disease severity. One ofthe most significant findings in this study was the presence ofvery high TNF values in two ofthree dogs with hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia has not been previously recorded in dogs with babesiosis and is a potentially important finding particularly in view ofthe hypoglycaemia associated with malaria in humans. Malarial hypoglycaemia is correlated with a higher mortality in humans, especially in pregnant women and children. If the findings ofthis study can be Vl confinned and expanded, they may lend further support to the use of canine babesiosis as a model for some ofthe problems encountered in human malaria research. / Dissertation (MMed Vet (Med))--University of Pretoria, 2001. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

The gut microbiota and its metabolites – namely short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – interact with the digestive, immune, and nervous systems. Microbiota with disrupted composition are highly associated with obesity, gastrointestinal symptoms, and chronic inflammation. Levels of SCFAs in the feces can represent dynamics of the microbiota, and they represent one mechanism by which the microbiota interacts with its host. This study aimed to further our understanding of associations between microbiota bacterial diversity and SCFAs, immune markers, BMI, and GI symptoms and to identify bacteria that are differentially abundant in different BMI groups and with synbiotic supplementation. Data (SCFAs, immunoglobulins, body mass index, fecal fiber, fecal protein, measures of GI symptoms, and 16s RNA sequences, n=11) was extracted from a randomized control trial investigating the effects of synbiotic supplementation in non-celiac gluten-sensitive participants. QIIME2 was used to process 16s RNA data, analyze quantitative, qualitative, phylogenetic quantitative, and phylogenetic qualitative measures of alpha and beta diversity and to perform an analysis of composition of microbiomes (ANCOM) for identification of differential abundances. Multiple metrics of alpha diversity were found to significantly correlate with IgG4, IgM, IL-2, acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, caproate, heartburn, urgent need to defecate, and feelings of incomplete evacuation. Multiple metrics of beta diversity were significantly different between normal and overweight, normal and obese, and overweight and obese BMI classification groups. Beta diversity was also found to significantly correlate with IgG1, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, IL-6, IL-8, fecal fiber, propionate, butyrate, heartburn, acid regurgitation, nausea and vomiting, bloating, abdominal distension, increased gas, and eructation. The synbiotic intervention did not significantly alter alpha or beta diversity. An ANCOM identified bacterial taxa differentially abundant with BMI shifts and synbiotic supplementation, though these taxa were not those included in the synbiotic. Findings demonstrate alpha and beta diversity associations with various SCFAs, GI symptoms, immune markers, and BMI, and the results of the placebo-controlled intervention suggest careful consideration of placebo contents moving forward. This research supports plans to apply analysis to larger sample sizes to elucidate changes microbial profiles that are associated with clinically relevant biomarkers and symptoms.

The ability of fungal-derived β-glucan particles to induce leukocyte activation and the production of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, is a well characterized phenomenon. Although efforts have been made to understand how these carbohydrate polymers exert their immunomodulatory effects, the receptors involved in generating these responses are unknown. Here we show that Dectin-1 mediates the production of TNF-α in response to zymosan and live fungal pathogens, an activity that occurs at the cell surface and requires the cytoplasmic tail and immunoreceptor tyrosine activation motif of Dectin-1 as well as Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and Myd88. This is the first demonstration that the inflammatory response to pathogens requires recognition by a specific receptor in addition to the TLRs. Furthermore, these studies implicate Dectin-1 in the production of TNF-α in response to fungi, a critical step required for the successful control of these pathogens.

No description available.

Tsoi Lo Ming. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-109). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.I / Abstract --- p.II / Abstract in Chinese --- p.III / List of Abbreviations --- p.IV / List of Figures --- p.V / List of Tables --- p.VI / Table of Contents --- p.VII / Chapter Chapter 1 : --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1. --- Apolipoprotein and Lipoprotein Metabolism --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2. --- Molecular Information of ApoE --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3. --- Tissue Distribution of ApoE --- p.2 / Chapter 1.4. --- Functions of ApoE --- p.4 / Chapter 1.5. --- Genetic Polymorphism of ApoE --- p.7 / Chapter 1.6. --- Protein Structure and Characteristics of ApoE Isoforms --- p.9 / Chapter 1.7. --- Plasma and Cellular Expression Level of ApoE Isoforms --- p.12 / Chapter 1.8. --- Association between ApoE Isoforms and Plasma Lipid Profiles --- p.13 / Chapter 1.9. --- ApoE Polymorphisms and Pathophysiological Conditions / Chapter 1.9.1. --- Type III Hyperlipoproteinemia (Type III HLP) --- p.14 / Chapter 1.9.2. --- Alzheimer's Disease --- p.15 / Chapter 1.9.3. --- Atherosclerosis / Chapter 1.9.3.1. --- Atherosclerosis - An Inflammatory Process --- p.15 / Chapter 1.9.3.2. --- Role of ApoE in Atherosclerosis --- p.18 / Chapter (a) --- Functions Associated to Lipid Metabolism --- p.19 / Chapter (b) --- Functions Independent to Lipid Metabolism --- p.20 / Chapter 1.9.3.3. --- TNF-α and IL-6 in Atherosclerosis --- p.25 / Chapter 1.10. --- Macrophage Cytokine Expression and MAPKs / Chapter 1.10.1. --- Organization of MAPKs Signaling Pathway --- p.26 / Chapter 1.10.2. --- Lipopolysaccharide and MAPKs in Macrophage Cytokine Expression --- p.28 / Chapter 1.10.3. --- Regulation of Macrophage Cytokine Expression / Chapter 1.10.3.1. --- ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK Pathway --- p.30 / Chapter 1.10.3.2. --- Arachidonic Acid Metabolism --- p.30 / Chapter 1.11. --- Aim and Hypothesis --- p.31 / Chapter Chapter 2 : --- Materials and Methods / Materials / Chapter 2.1 --- Culture of ApoE-isoform-expressing J774A.1 Macrophage Cell Line --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2 --- RNA Extraction and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3 --- Protein Extraction and Quantification --- p.37 / Chapter 2.4 --- Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) --- p.38 / Chapter 2.5 --- Western Blotting --- p.39 / Chapter 2.6 --- LPS Treatment --- p.42 / Chapter 2.7 --- MAPK Inhibitor Experiment --- p.43 / Methods / Chapter 2.8 --- Study on the Effect of Endogenously Expressed ApoE Isoforms on Macrophage Cytokine Secretion / Chapter 2.8.1. --- Establishment of ApoE-isoform-expressing Macrophages --- p.44 / Chapter 2.8.2. --- Semi-quantification of ApoE mRNA Level by RT-PCR / Chapter 1) --- Isolation of Total RNA --- p.45 / Chapter 2) --- RT-PCR --- p.46 / Chapter 2.8.3. --- Determination of ApoE Protein Expression Level by ELISA and Western Blot --- p.47 / Chapter 1) --- Quantification of Total Proteins --- p.48 / Chapter 2) --- ELISA --- p.48 / Chapter 3) --- Western Blot --- p.49 / Chapter 2.8.4. --- LPS Treatment --- p.51 / Chapter 2.8.5. --- MEK1/2 Inhibitor Experiment --- p.53 / Chapter 2.8.6. --- p38 Inhibitor Experiment --- p.54 / Chapter 2.9 --- Study on the Effect of Exogenous ApoE Isoform on Macrophage Cytokine Secretion --- p.55 / Chapter 2.10 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.55 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Results / Changes of Inflammatory Properties Associated with Endogenous ApoE Isoform Expression in Macrophages / Chapter 3.1 --- Characterization of ApoE-isoform-expressing Macrophages --- p.56 / Chapter 3.1.1. --- Cell Lines with Stable Expression of ApoE Isoforms --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2 --- Cell Morphology Study --- p.58 / Chapter 3.3 --- Changes of IL-6 and TNF-α Secretion Associated with Endogenous ApoE Isoforms Expression / Chapter 3.3.1. --- In the Presence of Lipoproteins --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.2. --- Serum/Lipoprotein-independent Effects of ApoE Isoforms --- p.63 / Chapter 3.4 --- The Effects of Endogenous ApoE Isoform Expression on the Activities of MAPK Signaling Pathways / Chapter 3.4.1. --- Study on the Activation Status and Expression of MAPKs --- p.66 / Chapter 1) --- ERK1/2 MAPK Pathway --- p.66 / Chapter 2) --- p38 MAPK Pathway --- p.69 / Chapter 3.4.2. --- IL-6 and TNF-a Secretion Among ApoE Isoforms in the Presence of MEK1/2 mhibitor --- p.72 / Chapter 3.4.3. --- IL-6 and TNF-α Secretion Among ApoE Isoforms in the Presence of p38 Inhibitor --- p.75 / Chapter Chapter 4 : --- Discussions / Chapter 4.1. --- Mouse Peritoneal Macrophage Cell Line J774A.1 as Cell Model --- p.79 / Chapter 4.2. --- Inflammatory Properties Associated with Endogenous ApoE Isoform Expression in Macrophages / Chapter 4.2.1. --- Expression Level of ApoE Isoform Transgenes in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages --- p.80 / Chapter 4.2.2. --- Macrophage Activation by LPS --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.3. --- Effect of Endogenous ApoE Isoform Expression on Cytokine Secretion and Signal Transduction in Macrophages --- p.82 / Chapter 4.3. --- Conclusions and Future Prospects / Chapter 4.3.1. --- Conclusions --- p.90 / Chapter 4.3.2. --- Future Prospects --- p.91 / Chapter Chapter 5 : --- Appendices / Chapter 5.1 --- Changes of Inflammatory Properties of Macrophages Supplemented with Exogenous ApoE Isoforms / Chapter 5.1.1. --- Changes of IL-6 and TNF-a Secretion in Macrophages Supplemented with Exogenous ApoE Isoforms --- p.92 / Chapter 5.1.2. --- Changes of Signal Transduction in Macrophages Supplemented with Exogenous ApoE Isoforms / Chapter 5.1.2.1. --- Study on the Activation Status and Expression of MAPKs / Chapter 1) --- ERK1/2 MAPK Pathway --- p.95 / Chapter 2) --- p38 MAPK Pathway --- p.97 / Chapter Chapter 6: --- Bibliography --- p.99

by Yuen Wai Fan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 211-232). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / List of Publications and Abstracts --- p.ii / Abbreviations --- p.iv / Abstract --- p.xi / Abstract in Chinese --- p.xiv / List of Figures --- p.xvii / List of Tables --- p.xxiii / Contents --- p.xxiv / Chapter Chapter 1. --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Hyperthermia --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- History of Hyperthermia --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Biological Functions of Hyperthermia --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Clinical Application of Hyperthermia --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Whole-body Hyperthermia --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3.2 --- Regional Hyperthermia --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3.3 --- Local Hyperthermia --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Combination Therapy --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.4.1 --- Combined treatment with Hyperthermia and Radiotherapy --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.4.2 --- Combined treatment with Hyperthermia and Chemotherapy --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2 --- Tumour Necrosis Factor --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- History of Tumour Necrosis Factor --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Sources of TNF-α and TNF-β --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Biological Roles of TNF --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.3.1 --- Receptors of TNF-α --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Signaling Pathway of TNF --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.4.1 --- Activation of Death Domain --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.4.2 --- Activation of Sphingomyelin Pathway --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.4.3 --- Activation of NF-kB pathway --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3 --- Types of Cell Death: Necrosis and Apoptosis --- p.16 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Necrosis --- p.16 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Apoptosis --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4 --- Signaling Pathway in Apoptosis --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Factors Involved in Apoptotic Pathway --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.1.1 --- Caspases --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.1.2 --- Death Substrates --- p.20 / Chapter 1.4.1.3 --- Bcl-2 Protein Family --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4.1.4 --- Role of Mitochondria --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5 --- Objectives of the Project --- p.26 / Chapter Chapter 2. --- Materials and Methods --- p.28 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.29 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Culture of Cells --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.1.1 --- "TNF-α Sensitive Cell Line, L929" --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.1.2 --- "TNF-α Resistance Cell Line, L929-11E" --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.1.3 --- Preservation of Cells --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Culture Media --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.2.1 --- RPMI 1640 (Phenol Red Medium) --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.2.2 --- RPMI 1640 (Phenol Red-Free Medium) --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Buffers and Reagents --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.3.1 --- Preparation of Buffers --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.3.2 --- Buffer for Common Use --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.3.3 --- Reagents for Annexin-V-FITC/PI assay --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.3.4 --- Reagents for Cytotoxicity Assay --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.3.5 --- Reagents for Molecular Biology Work --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.3.6 --- Reagents for Western Blotting Analysis --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Chemicals --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.4.1 --- Recombinant Murine TNF-α --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.4.2 --- Dye for Cytotoxicity Assay --- p.41 / Chapter 2.1.4.3 --- Fluorescence Dyes --- p.41 / Chapter 2.1.4.4 --- Chemicals Related to Mitochondrial Studies --- p.41 / Chapter 2.1.4.5 --- Inhibitors of Caspases --- p.42 / Chapter 2.1.4.6 --- Antibodies for Western Blotting --- p.42 / Chapter 2.1.4.7 --- Other Chemicals --- p.43 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.44 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Treatment with TNF-α --- p.44 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Treatment with Hyperthermia --- p.44 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- In vitro Cell Cytotoxicity Assay --- p.45 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Flow Cytometry --- p.46 / Chapter 2.2.4.1 --- Introduction --- p.46 / Chapter 2.2.4.2 --- Analysis by FCM --- p.48 / Chapter 2.2.4.3 --- Determination of Apoptotic and Late Apoptotic/Necrotic Cells with Annexin-V-FITC/PI Cytometric Analysis --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.4.4 --- Determination of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (ΔΨm) --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.4.5 --- Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) Release --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.4.6 --- Determination of Intracellular Free Calcium ([Ca2+]i) Level --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.4.7 --- Determination of the Relationship of ΔΨm and [Ca2+]i Level --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Western Blotting Analysis --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.5.1 --- Preparation of Proteins from Cells --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.5.2 --- SDS Polyacrylamide Gel Electophoresis (SDS- PAGE) --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.5.3 --- Electroblotting of Proteins --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.5.4 --- Probing Antibodies for Proteins --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.5.5 --- Enhanced Chemiluminescence (ECL) assay --- p.58 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction --- p.58 / Chapter 2.2.6.1 --- Extraction of RNA by Trizol Reagent --- p.59 / Chapter 2.2.6.2 --- Determination of the Amount of RNA --- p.60 / Chapter 2.2.6.3 --- Agarose Gel Electrophoresis --- p.60 / Chapter 2.2.6.4 --- Reverse Transcription --- p.63 / Chapter 2.2.6.5 --- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) --- p.63 / Chapter 2.2.6.6 --- Design of Primers for Different Genes --- p.64 / Chapter 2.2.6.7 --- Determination of the Number of Cycles in PCR for Different Genes --- p.67 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Caspase Fluorescent Assay --- p.67 / Chapter 2.2.7.1 --- Caspase-3 or ´ؤ8 Assay --- p.67 / Chapter Chapter 3. --- Results --- p.59 / Chapter 3.1 --- Studies of the Characteristics of L929 and L929-11E cells --- p.70 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Determination of the Growth Curve of L929 and L929-11E Cells --- p.70 / Chapter 3.2 --- Studies on the Effect of TNF-α on L929 and L929-11E Cells --- p.73 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- TNF-α Induced Cell Death in L929 Cells but not in L929- 11E Cells --- p.73 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- TNF-α Induced Apoptosis in a Time-dependent Manner in L929Cells but not in L929-11E Cells --- p.80 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- TNF-α Induced Mitochondrial Membrane Depolarization in a Time-dependent Manner in L929 Cells but notin L929-11E Cells --- p.87 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- TNF-α Induced Cytochrome c Release in a Time- dependent Manner in L929 Cells but not in L929-11E Cells --- p.92 / Chapter 3.3 --- Effect of Hyperthermia on L929 and L929-11E Cells --- p.96 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Introduction --- p.95 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Hyperthermia Induced Apoptosis in L929 and L929-11E Cells --- p.96 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Effect of Hyperthermia on Mitochondrial Membrane Depolarization --- p.100 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Hyperthermia Induced Cyto c Release in a Time-dependent Manner in L929 and L929-11E Cells --- p.105 / Chapter 3.4 --- Relationship of Hyperthermia and TNF-α with PTP in L929 Cells --- p.107 / Chapter 3.5 --- Effect of TNF-α and Hyperthermia on the Level of Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) in L929 and L929-11E Cells --- p.114 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Introduction --- p.114 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- TNF-α Enhanced the Level of H202 in L929 cells but not in L929-11E Cells --- p.115 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Hyperthermia Enhanced the Level of H202 in L929 and L929-11E cells --- p.117 / Chapter 3.6 --- Effect of TNF-α and Hyperthermia on the Level of Intracellular Calcium in L929 and L929-11E Cells --- p.122 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Increase in the Intracellular Calcium Level Induced by TNF-α Was Related to the Mitochondrial Membrane Depolarization in L929 Cells but not in L929-11E Cells --- p.122 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Hyperthermia Increased the Level of [Ca2+]i in L929 and L929-11E Cells in a Time-dependent Manner --- p.124 / Chapter 3.7 --- Effect of Combined Hyperthermia and TNF-α Treatment on the Induction of Apoptosis in L929 and L929-1 1E Cells --- p.129 / Chapter 3.7.1 --- Combined Treatment with Hyperthermia and TNF- α Induced Apoptosis in Both L929 and L929-11E cells --- p.129 / Chapter 3.7.2 --- Hyperthermia and Its Combined Treatment with TNF-α Induced Mitochondrial Membrane Depolarization in L929 and L929-11E Cells --- p.135 / Chapter 3.8 --- Investigation of the Downstream Apoptotic Pathway in L929 and L929-11E Cells Upon Hyperthermia and TNF-a treatment --- p.142 / Chapter 3.8.1 --- Introduction --- p.142 / Chapter 3.8.2 --- Effect ofTNF-α and Hyperthermia on p53 Expression --- p.142 / Chapter 3.8.3 --- Effect of Hyperthermia and TNF-α on PARP --- p.146 / Chapter 3.8.4 --- Effect of Hyperthermia and TNF-α on Caspase-3 Activity --- p.149 / Chapter 3.8.5 --- Effect of Hyperthermia and TNF-α on Bid protein --- p.158 / Chapter 3.8.6 --- Effect of Hyperthermia and TNF-α on Caspase-8 Activity --- p.165 / Chapter 3.8.7 --- Effect ofTNF-α on TNFR1 Expression --- p.169 / Chapter Chapter 4. --- Discussion / Chapter 4.1 --- TNF-α Induced Apoptosis and Changed the Mitochondrial Activities in L929 Cells --- p.176 / Chapter 4.2 --- L929-11E cells Possessed Resistance Towards TNF-α --- p.187 / Chapter 4.3 --- Hyperthermia Triggered Apoptosis and Changed Mitochondrial Activities in L929 and L929-11E cells --- p.190 / Chapter 4.4 --- Combined hyperthermia and TNF-α treatment induced cell death and changed mitochondria activities in L929 and L929-11E cells --- p.195 / Chapter 4.5 --- Reversal of the TNF-α resistance and Enhancement of Sensitivity Towards Hyperthermia in L929-11E cells --- p.197 / Chapter 4.6 --- Proposed Pathway in the TNF-α- and Hyperthermia-mediated Apoptosis --- p.200 / Chapter 4.7 --- Application of TNF-α and Hyperthermia on Clinical Cancer Treatment --- p.203 / Chapter Chapter 5. --- Future Perspective of the Project --- p.206 / References --- p.210

Wong Chun Lung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 202-225). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Thesis Committee --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.iii / 摘要 --- p.vi / Acknowledgements --- p.ix / Table of Contents --- p.x / List of Abbreviations --- p.xv / List of Figures --- p.xix / List of Tables --- p.xx iii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- "Neurodegeneration, Inflammation and Gliosis" --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Anatomy of the CNS --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Astrocytes --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Morphology and Identification of Astrocytes --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Physiological Functions of Astrocytes in the CNS --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Induction of Blood-brain Barrier (BBB) --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- Metabolism of Neurotransmitters --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.2.3 --- Nursing Role of Astrocytes --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.2.4 --- Immunological Functions of Astrocytes --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Neonatal Rat Cortical Astrocytes as In Vitro Model --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4 --- Cytokines in Brain Damage --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.4 --- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) --- p.20 / Chapter 1.4.5 --- Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) --- p.21 / Chapter 1.5 --- Cytokines-induced Signaling Cascade --- p.22 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- TNF Receptors --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Ca2+ --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- MAPK --- p.26 / Chapter 1.5.4 --- PICA --- p.27 / Chapter 1.5.5 --- NFkB --- p.29 / Chapter 1.6 --- Glucose Metabolism in the Brain and Glucose Transporters --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Glucose Transporters in the Brain --- p.32 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Glucose Transporters in Brain Damage --- p.34 / Chapter 1.7 --- Ascorbic Acid Metabolism in the Brain --- p.36 / Chapter 1.8 --- Aim and Scope of this Project --- p.39 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Neonatal Sprawley 一Dawley Rats --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Plain Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium ´ؤ Formula 12 (pDF12) --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Complete DF-12(cDF12) --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) --- p.44 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Hank's Buffer (HSB) --- p.44 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- D/L-Homocysteine Buffer --- p.44 / Chapter 2.1.7 --- "LPS, Cytokines and Pentoxifylline" --- p.45 / Chapter 2.1.8 --- Specific TNF Receptor Agonist: TNF antibodies --- p.45 / Chapter 2.1.9 --- Calcium Modulators --- p.45 / Chapter 2.1.10 --- PKA Modulators --- p.46 / Chapter 2.1.11 --- NFkB Inhibitors --- p.47 / Chapter 2.1.12 --- MAPK Inhibitors --- p.47 / Chapter 2.1.13 --- β-Adrenergic Receptor Modulators --- p.47 / Chapter 2.1.14 --- Reagents for RNA and Protein Isolation --- p.48 / Chapter 2.1.15 --- Reagents for Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.48 / Chapter 2.1.16 --- Reagents for DNA Electrophoresis --- p.49 / Chapter 2.1.17 --- Reagents for Real-time PCR --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.18 --- Reagents for Western Blotting --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.19 --- Reagents for MTT Assay --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.20 --- Reagents for 3H-Thymidine Incorporation Assay --- p.52 / Chapter 2.1.21 --- Reagents for Glucose Uptake Assay --- p.52 / Chapter 2.1.22 --- Reagents for Ascorbic Acid Accumulation Assay --- p.53 / Chapter 2.1.23 --- Reagents for Immunostammg --- p.53 / Chapter 2.1.24 --- Other Chemicals and Reagents --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Preparation of Primary Cultured Rat Astrocytes --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Measuring Cell Viability: MTT Assay --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Measuring Cell Proliferation: 3H Thymidine Incorporation Assay --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Measuring Glucose Uptake: Zero-trans Glucose Uptake Assay --- p.58 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Measuring Ascorbic Acid Accumulation --- p.60 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Total Protein Extraction --- p.61 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Western Blotting --- p.62 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- Immunostaining --- p.64 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- Isolation of RNA --- p.64 / Chapter 2.2.10 --- Measurement of RNA Yield --- p.65 / Chapter 2.2.11 --- RNA Gel Electrophoresis --- p.66 / Chapter 2.2.12 --- Reverse Transcription (RT) --- p.66 / Chapter 2.2.13 --- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) --- p.67 / Chapter 2.2.14 --- Separation of PCR Products by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis --- p.67 / Chapter 2.2.15 --- Quantization of PCR Products and Western Blotting --- p.68 / Chapter 2.2.16 --- Real-time PCR --- p.68 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results / Chapter 3.1 --- Role of Calcium Ions (Ca2+) in TNF-α-induced Astrocyte Proliferation --- p.70 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Effects of Changes of Extracellular Ca2+ on Astrocyte Viability --- p.72 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Effects of Other Divalent Ions on Astrocyte Viability --- p.74 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Effects of Changes of Intracellular Ca2+ on Astrocyte Viability --- p.78 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Role of Ca2+ on TNF-α-mduced Proliferation in Astrocytes --- p.85 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Role of Other Divalent Ions on tnf-α-mduced Proliferation in Astrocytes --- p.90 / Chapter 3.2 --- Effect of Cytokines on Glucose Uptake in Rat Astrocytes --- p.95 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Basal level of Glucose Uptake in Astrocytes and Effects of Cytokines on Glucose Uptake in Astrocytes --- p.95 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Signaling Cascade of LPS- and TNF-α-induced Glucose Uptake in Astrocytes --- p.120 / Chapter (A) --- TNFR Subtypes Mediating TNF-a-induced Glucose Uptake --- p.121 / Chapter (B) --- MAPK --- p.125 / Chapter (C) --- PKA --- p.133 / Chapter (D) --- NFkB --- p.139 / Chapter (E) --- Other Mechanisms / Signalling molecules --- p.150 / Chapter (1) --- Interaction with β-Adrenegic Mechanism / Chapter (2) --- Role of cGMP --- p.154 / Chapter (3) --- Effect of Mg2+ on LPS- / TNF-α- induced Glucose Uptake in Astrocytes --- p.156 / Chapter (4) --- Possible Involvement of IGF-1 System --- p.160 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Summary --- p.163 / Chapter 3.3 --- Effects of LPS and Cytokines on AA Accumulation in Astrocytes --- p.164 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Discussion / Chapter 4.1 --- Role of Calcium ions (Ca2+) in TNF-α-induced Astrocyte Proliferation --- p.177 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Drastic Changes in Extracellular Ca2+ Caused Astrocyte Death --- p.178 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Extraordinary Role of Ca2+ in Astrocytes Survival --- p.178 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Elevation of [Ca2+]i Reduced Astrocyte Viability --- p.180 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Failure of Verapamil to Block TNF-α-induced Astrocyte Proliferation --- p.182 / Chapter 4.2 --- Hypothesis for the Relationship between Cytokines and Energy Metabolism --- p.185 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Mechanism and Signaling Cascade of the Elevated Glucose Uptake --- p.186 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Increased Glucose Uptake by Cytokines: Friend or Foe? --- p.191 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Depletion of AA Pool by LPS --- p.194 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Possible Bedside Application of the Findings --- p.195 / Chapter 4.3 --- Prospects of This Study and Concluding Remarks --- p.197 / Appendix --- p.201 / References --- p.202