Kegg Pathway: Cell Communication

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2009 Nov 1; 34(23): 2518-2524
Wilby MJ, Fraser RD, Vernon-Roberts B, Moore RJ

STUDY DESIGN.: A clinicopathologic study of synovial cysts in the ligamentum flavum (LF) in patients with spinal stenosis. OBJECTIVE.: To investigate the pathogenesis of lumbar juxtafacet cysts. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Contradictions in the terminology applied to lumbar juxtafacet cysts arise from the frequent sparsity of synovial lining Cells, which has led to synovial cysts often being called "ganglion cysts" despite lacking confirmatory pathology. METHODS.: A total of 27 consecutive patients with radiologically confirmed stenosis underwent laminectomy. LF/facet joint (FJ) relationships were retained by en bloc excision of the LF and the medial inferior FJ. Controls were LF/FJ specimens from 47 cadaver lumbar spines. RESULTS.: The 27 patients yielded 51 LF/FJ specimens containing 28 synovial cysts, 12 of which were unilateral and 8 were bilateral. Fragments of articular cartilage and bone were embedded in the walls of 89% of cysts and in the walls of a bursa-like channel originating from the medial aspect of the FJ capsule and extending into the LF. Communication with the FJ via this channel was observed in 21 (75%) of the 28 synovial cysts. Extending up to 12 mm in length, the channel was present in nearly all control spines at the L4-L5 level but in only about half at the T12-L1 level. CONCLUSION.: Cysts having an extensive or meagre synovial Cell lining are common in the LF of patients with symptomatic lateral or central stenosis. The cysts communicate with the FJ by a bursa-type channel within the LF. Advanced osteoarthritis of the FJ causes the liberation of fragments of cartilage and bone into the synovial fluid of the joint space. This enables some fragments to escape from the joint into the channel and become lodged within its wall where they provoke granulation tissue and scar formation. The tissue response to articular debris may block the synovial-lined channel to cause synovial cyst formation.

BMC Genomics. 2009 Nov 20; 10(1): 546
Rolland AD, Lareyre JJ, Goupil AS, Monfort J, Ricordel MJ, Esquerre D, Hugot K, Houlgatte R, Chalmel F, Le Gac FF

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Spermatogenesis is a late developmental process that involves a coordinated expression program in germ Cells and a permanent Communication between the testicular somatic Cells and the germ-line. Current knowledge regarding molecular factors driving male germ Cell proliferation and differentiation in vertebrates is still limited and mainly based on existing data from rodents and human. Fish with a marked reproductive cycle and a germ Cell development in synchronous cysts have proven to be choice models to study precise stages of the spermatogenetic development and the germ Cell-somatic Cell Communication network. In this study we used 9K cDNA microarrays to investigate the expression profiles underlying testis maturation during the male reproductive cycle of the trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. RESULTS: Using total testis samples at various developmental stages and isolated spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids, 3379 differentially expressed trout cDNAs were identified and their gene activation or repression patterns throughout the reproductive cycle were reported. We also performed a tissue-profiling analysis and highlighted many genes for which expression signals were restricted to the testes or gonads from both sexes. The search for orthologous genes in genome-sequenced fish species and the use of their mammalian orthologs allowed us to provide accurate annotations for trout cDNAs. The analysis of the GeneOntology terms therefore validated and broadened our interpretation of expression clusters by highlighting enriched functions that are consistent with known sequential events during male gametogenesis. Furthermore, we compared expression profiles of trout and mouse orthologs and identified a complement of genes for which expression during spermatogenesis was maintained throughout evolution. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive study of gene expression and associated functions during testis maturation and germ Cell differentiation in the rainbow trout is presented. The study identifies new pathways involved during spermatogonia self-renewal or rapid proliferation, meiosis and gamete differentiation, in fish and potentially in all vertebrates. It also provides the necessary basis to further investigate the hormonal and molecular networks that trigger puberty and annual testicular recrudescence in seasonally breeding species.

Dev Dyn. 2009 Nov 18; 238(12): 3226-3236
Tallafuss A, Trepman A, Eisen JS

Physical interaction between the transmembrane proteins Delta and Notch allows only a subset of neural precursors to become neurons, as well as regulating other aspects of neural development. To examine the localization of Delta protein during neural development, we generated an antibody specific to zebrafish DeltaA (Dla). Here, we describe for the first time the subCellular localization of Dla protein in distinct puncta at Cell cortex and/or membrane, supporting the function of Dla in direct Cell-Cell Communication. In situ RNA hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed dynamic, coordinated expression patterns of dla mRNA and Dla protein in the developing and adult zebrafish nervous system. Dla expression is mostly excluded from differentiated neurons and is maintained in putative precursor Cells at least until larval stages. In the adult brain, dla mRNA and Dla protein are expressed in proliferative zones normally associated with stem Cells. Developmental Dynamics 238:3226-3336, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Purinergic Signal. 2009 Nov 17;
Bulanova E, Bulfone-Paus S

Mast Cells are widely recognized as effector Cells of allergic inflammatory reactions. They contribute to the pathogenesis of different chronic inflammatory diseases, wound healing, fibrosis, thrombosis/fibrinolysis, and anti-tumor immune responses. In this paper, we summarized the role of P2X and P2Y receptors in mast Cell activation and effector functions. Mast Cells are an abundant source of ATP which is stored in their granules and secreted upon activation. We discuss the contribution of mast Cells to the extraCellular ATP release and to the maintenance of extraCellular nucleotides pool. Recent publications highlight the importance of purinergic signaling for the pathogenesis of chronic airway inflammation. Therefore, the role of ATP and P2 receptors in allergic inflammation with focus on mast Cells was analyzed. Finally, ATP functions as mast Cell autocrine/paracrine factor and as messenger in interCellular Communication between mast Cells, nerves, and glia in the central nervous system.

Eur Biophys J. 2009 Nov 18;
Halavatyi AA, Nazarov PV, Al Tanoury Z, Apanasovich VV, Yatskou M, Friederich E

A novel mathematical model of the actin dynamics in living Cells under steady-state conditions has been developed for fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments. As opposed to other FRAP fitting models, which use the average lifetime of actins in filaments and the actin turnover rate as fitting parameters, our model operates with unbiased actin association/dissociation rate constants and accounts for the filament length. The mathematical formalism is based on a system of stochastic differential equations. The derived equations were validated on synthetic theoretical data generated by a stochastic simulation algorithm adapted for the simulation of FRAP experiments. Consistent with experimental findings, the results of this work showed that (1) fluorescence recovery is a function of the average filament length, (2) the F-actin turnover and the FRAP are accelerated in the presence of actin nucleating proteins, (3) the FRAP curves may exhibit both a linear and non-linear behaviour depending on the parameters of actin polymerisation, and (4) our model resulted in more accurate parameter estimations of actin dynamics as compared with other FRAP fitting models. Additionally, we provide a computational tool that integrates the model and that can be used for interpretation of FRAP data on actin cytoskeleton.

Biomed Eng Online. 2009 Nov 17; 8(1): 34
Xue Y, Xing Z, Hellem S, Arvidson K, Mustafa K

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Improved understanding of the interactions between bone Cells and endothelial Cells involved in osteogenesis should aid the development of new strategies for bone tissue engineering. The aim of the present study was to determine whether direct Communication between bone marrow stromal Cells (MSC) and human umbilical vein endothelial Cells (EC) could influence the osteogenic potential of MSC in osteogenic factor-free medium. METHODS: After adding EC to MSC in a direct-contact system, Cell viability and morphology were investigated with the WST assay and immnostaining. The effects on osteogenic differentiation of adding EC to MSC was systematically tested by the using Superarray assay and results were confirmed with real-time PCR. RESULTS: Five days after the addition of EC to MSC in a ratio of 1:5 (EC/MSC) significant increases in Cell proliferation and Cellular bridges between the two Cell types were detected, as well as increased mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). This effect was greater than that seen with addition of osteogenic factors such as dexamethasone, ascorbic acid and beta-glycerophosphate to the culture medium. The expression of transcription factor Runx2 was enhanced in MSC incubated with osteogenic stimulatory medium, but was not influenced by induction with EC. The expression of Collagen type I was not influenced by EC but the Cells grown in the osteogenic factor-free medium exhibited higher expression than those cultured with osteogenic stimulatory medium. CONCLUSION: These results show that co-culturing of EC and MSC for 5 days influences osteogenic differentiation of MSC, an effect that might be independent of Runx2, and enhances the production of ALP by MSC.

Anim Genet. 2009 Nov 16;
Nielsen M, Hansen JH, Hedegaard J, Nielsen RO, Panitz F, Bendixen C, Thomsen B

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to complementary sequences in the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of target mRNAs. MiRNAs participate in the regulation of myogenesis, and identification of the complete set of miRNAs expressed in muscles is likely to significantly increase our understanding of muscle growth and development. To determine the identity and abundance of miRNA in porcine skeletal muscle, we applied a deep sequencing approach. This allowed us to identify the sequences and relative expression levels of 212 annotated miRNA genes, thereby providing a thorough account of the miRNA transcriptome in porcine muscle tissue. The expression levels displayed a very large range, as reflected by the number of sequence reads, which varied from single counts for rare miRNAs to several million reads for the most abundant miRNAs. Moreover, we identified numerous examples of mature miRNAs that were derived from opposite sides of the same predicted precursor stem-loop structures, and also observed length and sequence heterogeneity at the 5' and 3' ends. Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis suggested that highly expressed miRNAs are involved in skeletal muscle development and regeneration, signal transduction, Cell-Cell and Cell-extraCellular matrix Communication and neural development and function.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Nov 13;
Louiset E, Gobet F, Libé R, Horvath A, Renouf S, Cariou J, Rothenbuhler A, Bertherat J, Clauser E, Grise P, Stratakis CA, Kuhn JM, Lefebvre H

Context: Bilateral micronodular adrenal hyperplasia and ectopic adrenocortical adenoma are two rare causes of ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate a 35-yr-old woman with ACTH-independent hypercortisolism associated with both micronodular adrenal hyperplasia and ectopic pararenal adrenocortical adenoma. Design and Setting: In vivo and in vitro studies were performed in a University Hospital Department and academic research laboratories. Intervention: Mutations of the PRKAR1A, PDE8B, and PDE11A genes were searched for in leukocytes and adrenocortical tissues. The ability of adrenal and adenoma tissues to synthesize cortisol was investigated by immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, and/or Cell culture studies. Main Outcome Measure: Detection of 17alpha-hydroxylase and 21-hydroxylase immunoreactivities, quantification of CYP11B1 mRNA in adrenal and adenoma tissues, and measurement of cortisol levels in supernatants by radioimmunological assays were the main outcomes. Results: Histological examination of the adrenals revealed nonpigmented micronodular cortical hyperplasia associated with relative atrophy of internodular cortex. No genomic and/or somatic adrenal mutations of the PRKAR1A, PDE8B, and PDE11A genes were detected. 17alpha-Hydroxylase and 21-hydroxylase immunoreactivities as well as CYP11B1 mRNA were detected in adrenal and adenoma tissues. ACTH and dexamethasone activated cortisol secretion from adenoma Cells. The stimulatory action of dexamethasone was mediated by a nongenomic effect involving the protein kinase A pathway. Conclusion: This case suggests that unknown molecular defects can favor both micronodular adrenal hyperplasia and ectopic adrenocortical adenoma associated with Cushing's syndrome.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Nov 12;
Stankiewicz TE, Haaning KL, Owens JM, Jordan AS, Gammon K, Bruns HA, McDowell SA

beta1-containing adhesions at the plasma membrane function as dynamic complexes to provide bidirectional Communication between the Cell and its environment, yet commonly are used by pathogens to gain host Cell entry. Recently, the cholesterol lowering drug simvastatin was found to inhibit host invasion through beta1-containing adhesion complexes. To better understand the regulatory mechanisms controlling adhesion formation and uptake and the use of these complexes by Staphylococcus aureus, the primary etiologic agent in sepsis, bacteremia and endocarditis, we investigated the mechanism of inhibition by simvastatin. In response to simvastatin, adhesion complexes diminished as well as beta1 trafficking to the plasma membrane required to initiate adhesion formation. Simvastatin stimulated CDC42 activation and coupling to p85, a small-guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activating protein (GAP), yet sequestered CDC42 coupled to p85 within the cytosol. Loss of p85 GAP activity through use of genetic strategies decreased host Cell invasion as well as beta1 trafficking. From these findings, we propose a mechanism whereby p85 GAP activity localized within membrane compartments facilitates beta1 trafficking. By sequestering p85 within the cytosol, simvastatin restricts the availability and uptake of the receptor used by pathogenic strains to gain host Cell entry.

Biochem Soc Trans. 2009 Dec; 37(Pt 6): 1407-11
Lalo U, Andrew J, Palygin O, Pankratov Y

The importance of Communication between neuronal and glial Cells for brain function is recognized by a modern concept of 'tripartite synapse'. Astrocytes enwrap synapses and can modulate their activity by releasing gliotransmitters such as ATP, glutamate and D-serine. One of the regulatory pathways in the tripartite synapse is mediated by P2X purinoreceptors. Release of ATP from synaptic terminals and astrocytes activates Ca(2+) influx via P2X purinoreceptors which co-localize with NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors and can modulate their activity via intraCellular cascades which involve phosphatase II and PKA (protein kinase A).

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2009 Nov; 9(11): 6753-9
Pastorino L, Erokhina S, Caneva-Soumetz F, Ruggiero C

Paclitaxel is one of the anticancer agents most often used in clinical oncology practice for the treatment of ovarian, breast and non-small Cell lung cancers. Nanoengineered polymeric capsules (NPCs) represent a new and very effective tool for the encapsulation and smart release of different compounds. In present work capsules were fabricated by means of the layer-by-layer assembly of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes onto colloidal particles, followed by removal of the cores at low pH to obtain hollow microcapsules. Paclitaxel was loaded into the capsule. As tumors exhibit a lower extraCellular pH than normal tissues, the property of NPCs to open the pores in their shell at slightly acidic pH values could be used for the triggered release of paclitaxel within a tumor microenvironment. For the characterization of NPCs, quartz crystal microbalance was used to monitor the process of shell growth on planar supports. The effective encapsulation of paclitaxel was then demonstrated by atomic force microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy, whereas its release was characterized by Uv-vis spectroscopy. Finally the biological activity of encapsulated paclitaxel against human breast cancer Cells was assessed.

Methods Mol Biol. 2010; 584: 211-28
Wong RC, Pébay A

Gap junctional interCellular Communication (GJIC) has been described in different Cell types including stem Cells and has been involved in different biological events. GJIC is required for mouse embryonic stem Cell maintenance and proliferation, and various studies suggest that functional GJIC is a common characteristic of human embryonic stem Cells (hESC) maintained in different culture conditions. This chapter introduces methods to study gap junctions in hESC, from expression of gap junction proteins to functional study of GJIC in hESC proliferation, apoptosis, colony growth, and pluripotency.

Commun Integr Biol. 2009 Sep; 2(5): 425-7
Katagiri H, Imai J, Oka Y

Systemic homeostasis requires coordinated metabolic regulation among multiple tissues/organs via inter-organ Communication. We have reported that neuronal signaling plays important roles in this inter-organ metabolic Communication. First, we found that liver-selective extraCellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation induces insulin hypersecretion and pancreatic beta Cell proliferation. Denervation experiments revealed that these inter- organ (liver-to-pancreas) effects are mediated by a neural relay consisting of splanchnic afferents (from the liver) and vagal efferents (to the pancreas). The central nervous system also participates in this inter-organ Communication. This neural relay system originating in the liver is physiologically involved in the anti-diabetes mechanism whereby, during obesity development, insulin hypersecretion and pancreatic beta Cell hyperplasia occur in response to insulin resistance. This indicates the pathophysiological importance of this system in diabetes prevention and hyperinsulinemia development. Furthermore, when applied to mouse models of insulin-deficient diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, hepatic activation of ERK signaling increased pancreatic beta Cell mass and normalized blood glucose. Thus, this inter-organ system may serve as a valuable therapeutic target for diabetes by regenerating pancreatic beta Cells. The concept that manipulation of an endogenous mechanism can regenerate a damaged tissue in vivo may open a new paradigm for regenerative trreatments for degenerative disorders.

Cancer Cell Int. 2009; 9(1): 28
Filleur S, Hirsch J, Wille A, Schön M, Sell C, Shearer MH, Nelius T, Wieland I

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The gene encoding integrator complex subunit 6 (INTS6), previously known as deleted in cancer Cells 1 (DICE1, OMIM 604331) was found to be frequently affected by allelic deletion and promoter hypermethylation in prostate cancer specimens and Cell lines. A missense mutation has been detected in prostate cancer Cell line LNCaP. Together, these results suggest INTS6/DICE1 as a putative tumor suppressor gene in prostate cancer. In this study, we examined the growth inhibitory effects of INTS6/DICE1 on prostate cancer Cells. RESULTS: Markedly decreased INTS6/DICE1 mRNA levels were detected in prostate cancer Cell lines LNCaP, DU145 and PC3 as well as CPTX1532 as compared to a Cell line derived from normal prostate tissue, NPTX1532. Exogenous re-expression of INTS6/DICE1 cDNA in androgen-independent PC3 and DU145 Cell lines substantially suppressed their ability to form colonies in vitro. This growth inhibition was not due to immediate induction of apoptosis. Rather, prostate cancer Cells arrested in G1 phase of the Cell cycle. Expression profiling of members of the Wnt signaling pathway revealed up-regulation of several genes including disheveled inhibitor CXXC finger 4 (CXXC4), frizzled homologue 7 (FZD7), transcription factor 7-like 1 (TCF7L1), and down-regulation of cyclin D1. CONCLUSION: These results show for the first time a link between INTS6/DICE1 function, Cell cycle regulation and Cell-Cell Communication involving members of the Wnt signaling pathway.

Microcirculation. 2009 Nov; 16(8): 694-713
Kapela A, Bezerianos A, Tsoukias NM

To study the effect of myoendothelial Communication on vascular reactivity, we integrated detailed mathematical models of Ca(2+) dynamics and membrane electrophysiology in arteriolar smooth muscle (SMC) and endothelial (EC) Cells. Cells are coupled through the exchange of Ca(2+), Cl(-), K(+), and Na(+) ions, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP(3)), and the paracrine diffusion of nitric oxide (NO). EC stimulation reduces intraCellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in the SMC by transmitting a hyperpolarizing current carried primarily by K(+). The NO-independent endothelium-derived hyperpolarization was abolished in a synergistic-like manner by inhibition of EC SK(Ca) and IK(Ca) channels. During NE stimulation, IP(3) diffusing from the SMC induces EC Ca(2+) release, which, in turn, moderates SMC depolarization and [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. On the contrary, SMC [Ca(2+)](i) was not affected by EC-derived IP(3). Myoendothelial Ca(2+) fluxes had no effect in either Cell. The EC exerts a stabilizing effect on calcium-induced calcium release-dependent SMC Ca(2+) oscillations by increasing the norepinephrine concentration window for oscillations. We conclude that a model based on independent data for subCellular components can capture major features of the integrated vessel behavior. This study provides a tissue-specific approach for analyzing complex signaling mechanisms in the vasculature.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2009 Oct; 20(9): 582-8
Kemker BE, Stierwalt JA, LaPointe LL, Heald GR

BACKGROUND: The ability to apportion cognitive resources to process multiple visual and auditory stimuli is essential for human Communication in competing conditions. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current research was to examine the effects of a Cell phone conversation on a battery of cognitive tests, using both timing (RT) and accuracy (A') as dependent measures. RESEARCH DESIGN: A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted. STUDY SAMPLE: Forty-two college-age (mean 22 yr) adult females with normal hearing and cognitive function participated in the study. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: In one condition (quiet), a standardized cognitive assessment battery was administered to participants in a quiet room. In the (Cell phone) condition, subjects were formulating and responding to specific questions about their travel experiences during administration of the same cognitive assessment battery. The computer automatically records subject performance. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted using the Bonferroni approach. The alpha level was set at .05 for all data analysis. This method of analysis was repeated for each of the dependent measures, RT, and A'. RESULTS: The results revealed a consistent, significant effect on reaction time between the two conditions. The same analysis was also conducted to examine the effect of participation in a Cell phone discussion on accuracy. As with RT, results revealed a consistent, significant affect on A' between the two conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the notion that there are differential effects of auditory distracters across cognitive spheres. For simple automatic type visual cognitive tasks, the effect is minimal. However, as visual tasks increase in difficulty, the effect of the auditory distraction is magnified, particularly when the task requires extensive division of language resources.

Immunol Lett. 2009 Nov 6;
Hershko AY, Rivera J

Recent advances in understanding the physiological role of mast Cells (MCs) points to an important regulatory role for these Cells in adaptive immunity. MCs express a diverse array of molecules that can promote their interaction with T Cells as well as with other immune Cells. New evidence demonstrates that mast Cells can directly and indirectly communicate with T Cells. They can control both effector and regulatory T Cell responses and their activity can in turn be modulated by these interactions. Here we briefly summarize these advances and discuss some of the major challenges in understanding the Communication of MCs and T Cells.

Curr Eye Res. 2009 Jun; 34(6): 454-65
D'hondt C, Ponsaerts R, Srinivas SP, Vereecke J, Himpens B

PURPOSE: Mechanical stimulation induces interCellular Ca(2 +) waves in the corneal endothelium. The extent of the wave propagation is dependent on the activity of gap junctions, hemichannels, and ectonucleotidases. To further establish the use of a Cell culture model to investigate interCellular Communication, in this study, we have characterized the changes in the Ca(2 +) wave propagation in bovine corneal endothelial Cells with prolonged time in culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Freshly isolated BCEC were cultured for a short term (8 to 14 days; referred to as "short term") and a long term (21 to 30 days; referred to as "long term"). Cell surface area and size were measured by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. Calcium wave propagation was assayed by imaging spread of the Ca(2 +) waves elicited by mechanical stimulation. ATP release was assayed using Luciferin-Luciferase bioluminescence technique. RESULTS: Cells cultured for a long term showed larger surface area and size compared to those cultured for a short term, but a reduced spread of the Ca(2 +) wave. Exposure to exogenous apyrases, which can rapidly hydrolyze extraCellular ATP, reduced the spread of the Ca(2 +) wave in both groups. The fractional decrease, however, was smaller in Cells cultured for a long term. Exposure to ARL-67156 to inhibit the ectonucleotidases led to a larger enhancement of the active area in Cells cultured for a long term. However, the active areas of the two groups were not significantly different in the presence of the drug. Furthermore, ATP release in response to mechanical stimulation was lower in Cells cultured for a long term in the absence of ARL-67156 but not in its presence. CONCLUSIONS: BCEC cultured for a long term show an increase in Cell surface area and Cell size similar to the effect of aging in human corneas. Moreover, the Cells cultured for a long term showed a reduced ATP-dependent paracrine interCellular Communication, largely due to an increase in the activity of the ectonucleotidases.

Pol J Microbiol. 2009; 58(3): 191-8
Gospodarek E, Bogiel T, Zalas-Wiecek P

Quorum sensing (QS), or Cell-to-Cell Communication in bacteria, is achieved through the production and subsequent response to the accumulation of extraCellular signal molecules called autoinductors. The main role of QS is regulation of production of virulence factors in bacteria. Bacterial pathogenicity is often manifested by the expression of various Cell-associated and secreted virulence factors, such as exoenzymes, toxins and biofilm. In bacteria, the expression of virulence factors is controlled coordinately by the global regulatory QS systems, which includes the AI-1/LuxIR-, AI-2/LuxS-, AI-3/QsC-, AIP/Agr-based systems. The regulation of production of virulence factors is extremely complex and many components influence it.

Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2009 Sep; 77(9): 445-8
Ortiz Mendoza CM

A case report patient with pyometra is infrequent. The aim of this Communication is to present rare manifestations of it. A 65-year-old female with an ovarian cyst diagnosis was evaluated. She reported that since two years ago abdominal perimeter increased progressively. Physical exam revealed a 28 cm abdominal tumor. An ultrasound and a CT scan supported clinical diagnosis. LABORATORY TEST RESULTS: white Cell count 7100/mm3, and CA-125: 214 U/mL. With a presumptive ovarian cancer diagnosis an exploratory laparotomy was carried out. OPERATIVE FINDINGS: a 26 cm uterus with atrophic ovaries. A total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. The histopathology test results revealed a massive coagulated pyometra. CONCLUSION: A giant pyometra is an exceptional event, and also it can increase CA-125 serum levels.