Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)–derived microparticles display inhibitory properties on target cells as assessed in vitro; since PMNs contain abundant amounts of the endogenous anti-inflammatory protein annexin 1 (AnxA1), we tested here whether biologically active AnxA1 could be present in PMN-derived microparticles. PMN adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers led to the generation of microparticles that contained AnxA1, as detected by Western blotting, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry analyses. Addition of these microparticles to recipient PMNs prior to flow over HUVEC monolayers significantly inhibited cell adhesion, an effect abrogated by a neutralizing anti-AnxA1 antibody, or an antibody raised against the AnxA1 receptor, that is termed lipoxin A4 receptor or ALX. Intravenous delivery of human PMN–derived microparticles markedly inhibited PMN recruitment to an air pouch inflamed with IL-1β. This anti-inflammatory effect was also dependent on endogenous AnxA1, since injection of microparticles produced from wild-type PMNs (bone marrow derived), but not from AnxA1-null PMNs, inhibited IL-1β–induced leukocyte trafficking. In conclusion, PMN-derived microparticles contain functionally active AnxA1 that confers them anti-inflammatory properties; generation of these microparticles in the microcirculation could promote inflammatory resolution by time-dependent dampening of cell recruitment.

Myostatin is a powerful negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass in mammalian species. It plays a key role in skeletal muscle homeostasis and has now been well described since its discovery. Myostatin is capable of inducing muscle atrophy via its inhibition of myoblast proliferation, increasing ubiquitin-proteasomal activity and downregulating activity of the IGF-Akt pathway. These well-recognized effects are seen in multiple atrophy causing situations, including injury, diseases such as cachexia, disuse and space flight, demonstrating the importance of the myostatin signalling mechanism. Based on this central role, significant work has been pursued to inhibit myostatin's actions in vivo. Importantly, several new studies have uncovered roles for myostatin distinct from skeletal muscle size. Myostatin has been suggested to play a role in cardiomyocyte homeostasis, glucose metabolism and adipocyte proliferation, all of which are examined in detail below. Based on these effects, myostatin inhibition has potential to be widely utilized in many Western diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type II diabetes and obesity. However, if myostatin inhibitors are to successfully translate from bench-top to bedside in the near future, awareness must be raised on these non-traditional effects of myostatin away from skeletal muscle. Indeed, further research into these novel areas is required.

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Saliva has been described as the mirror of the body. In a world of soaring healthcare costs and an environment where rapid diagnosis may be critical to a positive patient outcome, saliva is emerging as a viable alternative to blood sampling. In this review, we discuss the composition and various physiological roles of saliva in the oral cavity, including soft tissue protection, antimicrobial activities, and oral tissue repair. We then explore saliva as a diagnostic marker of local oral disease and focus particularly on oral cancers. The cancer theme continues when we focus on systemic disease diagnosis from salivary biomarkers. Communicable disease is the focus of the next section where we review the literature relating to the direct and indirect detection of pathogenic infections from human saliva. Finally, we discuss hormones involved in appetite regulation and whether saliva is a viable alternative to blood in order to monitor hormones that are involved in satiety.

Lysine is an essential amino acid for all animal species; it is the first limiting amino acid in swine nutrition and the second limiting amino acid in poultry nutrition. L-Lysine and its salts are widely used in the feed industry to optimise dietary protein.Neither the production strain nor its recombinant DNA was detected in any of the final products. The final products do not raise any safety concern with regard to the genetic modifications.Concentrated liquid L-lysine (base), concentrated liquid L-lysine HCl and L-lysine HCl technically pure are considered safe for target species when supplemented in appropriate amounts.Lysine produced by E. coli (FERM BP-10941) is not genotoxic and the results of subchronic studies do not indicate any specific concerns. As there are no lysine metabolites associated with safety concerns in the animal tissues and products, the FEEDAP Panel considers that the use of L-lysine and its hydrochloride salts in animal feed does not pose a risk for the consumer.Concentrated liquid L-lysine (base), concentrated liquid L-lysine HCl and L-lysine HCl technically pure are not considered to have the potential to cause respiratory toxicity, skin or eye irritation or skin sensitisation, but respiratory sensitisation cannot be excluded.L-Lysine is a substance naturally occurring in bacteria, plants and animals. The use of L-lysinecontaining feed additives does not represent a risk to the environment.Concentrated liquid L-lysine (base), concentrated liquid L-lysine HCl and L-lysine HCl technically pure are considered equivalent in terms of L-lysine availability to the target animals. The efficacy of supplementing L-lysine and its hydrochloride salts is extensively demonstrated in the literature for mammals (except ruminants), poultry and fish, including its use in a liquid or a powder form. Therefore, it does not require any further demonstration. Response in ruminants requires some degree of protection of L-lysine from ruminal degradation.