University of Louisville

About: University of Louisville is a education organization based out in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 24600 authors who have published 49248 publications receiving 1573346 citations. The organization is also known as: UofL.

The presence of gonadotropin receptors in nonpregnant human uterus, human placenta, fetal membranes, and decidua.

Abstract: The possible presence of gonadotropin receptors in nonpregnant human uterus and human fetoplacental unit was investigated by light microscope immunocytochemistry using a monoclonal antibody to rat luteal hCG/LH receptors. The receptor antibody cross-reacted with human and bovine hCG/LH receptors and appears to be directed against the receptor rather than other proteins, including HLA class I antigens. Uterus and fetoplacental unit contained receptor antibody-binding sites, which indicates the presence of hCG/LH receptors. In the endometrium these receptors were present in glandular and luminal epithelial cells as well as in stromal cells. In the myometrium the receptors were detected in circular and elongated myometrial smooth muscle and vascular smooth muscle. Comparison of immunostaining intensities, which indicates the presence of different amounts of receptors, revealed that luminal and glandular epithelial cells contained more receptors than stromal cells. These cells, in turn, contained more recepto...

Exosome Isolation for Proteomic Analyses and RNA Profiling

Abstract: While the existence of exosomes has been known for over three decades, they have garnered recent interest due to their potential diagnostic and therapeutic relevance. The expression and release of specific tumor-derived proteins into the peripheral circulation has served as the centerpiece of cancer screening and diagnosis. Recently, tissue-associated microRNA (miRNA) has been shown to be characteristic of tumor type and developmental origin, as well as exhibit diagnostic potential. Tumors actively release exosomes, exhibiting proteins and RNAs derived from the originating cell, into the peripheral circulation and other biologic fluids. Recently, we have demonstrated the presence of miRNAs within the RNA fraction of circulating tumor-derived exosomes. Currently, in over 75 investigations compiled in ExoCarta, over 2,300 proteins and 270 miRNAs have been linked with exosomes derived from biologic fluids. Our previous work has indicated that these circulating exosomal proteins and miRNAs can serve as surrogates for the tumor cell-associated counterparts, extending their diagnostic potential to asymptomatic individuals. In this chapter, we compare currently utilized methods for purifying exosomes for postisolation analyses. The exosomes derived from these approaches were assessed for quantity and quality of specific RNA populations and specific marker proteins. These results suggest that, while each method purifies exosomal material, circulating exosomes isolated by ExoQuick precipitation produces exosomal RNA and protein with greater purity and quantity than chromatography, ultracentrifugation, and DynaBeads. While this precipitation approach isolates exosomes in general and does not exhibit specificity for the originating cell, the increased quantity and quality of exosomal proteins and RNA should enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of down-stream analyses, such as qRT-PCR profiling of miRNA and mass spectrometric and electrophoretic analyses of exosomal proteins.

Exosomes/microvesicles: mediators of cancer-associated immunosuppressive microenvironments

Abstract: Cancer cells, both in vivo and in vitro, have been demonstrated to release membranous structures, defined as microvesicles or exosomes, consisting of an array of macromolecules derived from the originating cells, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. While only recently have the roles of these vesicular components in intercellular communication become elucidated, significant evidence has demonstrated that tumor exosomes can exert a broad array of detrimental effects on the immune system-ranging from apoptosis of activated cytotoxic T cells to impairment of monocyte differentiation into dendritic cells, to induction of myeloid-suppressive cells and T regulatory cells. Immunosuppressive exosomes of tumor origin can be found within neoplastic lesions and in biologic fluids from cancer patients, implying a potential role of these pathways in in vivo tumor progression and systemic paraneoplastic syndromes. Through the expression of molecules involved in angiogenesis promotion, stromal remodeling, signaling pathway activation through growth factor/receptor transfer, chemoresistance, and genetic intercellular exchange, tumor exosomes could represent a central mediator of the tumor microenvironment. By understanding the nature of these tumor-derived exosomes/microvesicles and their roles in mediating cancer progression and modulating the host immune response will significantly impact therapeutic approaches targeting exosomes.

Guidelines for experimental models of myocardial ischemia and infarction.

Abstract: Myocardial infarction is a prevalent major cardiovascular event that arises from myocardial ischemia with or without reperfusion, and basic and translational research is needed to better understand...

Enhancement of the gut barrier integrity by a microbial metabolite through the Nrf2 pathway

Abstract: The importance of gut microbiota in human health and pathophysiology is undisputable. Despite the abundance of metagenomics data, the functional dynamics of gut microbiota in human health and disease remain elusive. Urolithin A (UroA), a major microbial metabolite derived from polyphenolics of berries and pomegranate fruits displays anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-ageing activities. Here, we show that UroA and its potent synthetic analogue (UAS03) significantly enhance gut barrier function and inhibit unwarranted inflammation. We demonstrate that UroA and UAS03 exert their barrier functions through activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)- nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent pathways to upregulate epithelial tight junction proteins. Importantly, treatment with these compounds attenuated colitis in pre-clinical models by remedying barrier dysfunction in addition to anti-inflammatory activities. Cumulatively, the results highlight how microbial metabolites provide two-pronged beneficial activities at gut epithelium by enhancing barrier functions and reducing inflammation to protect from colonic diseases.