How the immune system affects tissue regeneration is not well understood. In this study, we used an emerging mammalian model of epimorphic regeneration, the African spiny mouse, to examine cell-based inflammation and tested the hypothesis that macrophages are necessary for regeneration. By directly comparing inflammatory cell activation in a 4 mm ear injury during regeneration (Acomys cahirinus...

The inflammatory response that accompanies central nervous system (CNS) injury can affect neurological outcome in both positive and negative ways. In the optic nerve, a CNS pathway that normally fails to regenerate when damaged, intraocular inflammation causes retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to switch into an active growth state and extend lengthy axons down the nerve. The molecular basis of this...

Anti-glycan/ganglioside antibodies are the most common immune effectors found in patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which is a peripheral autoimmune neuropathy. We previously reported that disease-relevant anti-glycan autoantibodies inhibited axon regeneration, which echo the clinical association of these antibodies and poor recovery in Guillain-Barré Syndrome. However, the specific molecul...

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is one of the major causes of low back pain, a problem with a heavy economic burden, which has been increasing in prevalence as populations age. Deeper knowledge of the complex spatial and temporal orchestration of cellular interactions and extracellular matrix remodelling is critical to improve current IVD therapies, which have so far proved unsatisfactor...

BACKGROUND Tabebuia avellanedae is a tree from the Bignoniaceae family. Commonly know as "pau d'arco" in Brazil, its inner bark is used as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplasic and diuretic at the Brazilian northeast. A validation of the plant usage has not been previously performed. RESULTS Antinociceptive and antiedematogenic effects of Tabebuia avellanedae Lor. ex Griseb. inner bark ...

Damage to the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in elderly, as repair after lesions or neurodegenerative disease usually fails because of the limited capacity of CNS regeneration. The causes underlying this limited regenerative potential are multifactorial, but one critical aspect is neuroinflammation. Although classically considered as harmful...

Acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is the leading cause of drug-induced acute liver failure (ALF) in the developed countries; however the underlying mechanisms of APAP toxicity are still not clear. Massive hepatocyte necrosis is the predominant feature of APAP hepatotoxicity; the liver regeneration is the vital process for survival after the toxic insult and many factors can influence liver repair. ...

Nanomaterials are widely used in cosmetics, foods and medicinal products for improved performance. In addition, various nanomaterials are under development for different biomedical applications. However, it is gradually becoming evident that many of the nanomaterials can induce substantial inflammation. For example, it is shown that metal and metal oxide nanoparticles generate oxidative stress ...