1. CBD promotes structural and functional epithelial restoration and alleviates inflammation in a mouse model of interstitial cystitisDominika Peskar, Mojca Kerec Kos, Špela Tavčar, Katja Lakota, Nika Kojc, Peter Veranič, Andreja Erman, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a debilitating lower urinary tract condition characterised by chronic inflammation of the bladder. As the aetiology remains unknown, current treatments are symptomatic, aiming to reduce inflammation and pain. Cannabidiol (CBD), the most common cannabinoid in industrial Cannabis sativa (hemp), is one of the most important pharmacologically active cannabinoids used in medicine due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects without psychoactive properties. While other cannabinoids have shown beneficial effects in animal models of IC, the impact of CBD on the urinary bladder and overall animal well-being has not been elucidated. Methods: Using a cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced mouse model of IC, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneally administered CBD on bladder structure, function, inflammation, and animal behaviour. A multimodal approach was applied, including light and electron microscopy, immunolabeling, qPCR, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements, behavioural testing, and monitoring of animals. Results: CBD treatment promoted the restoration of damaged urothelial structure and improved the integrity of the blood–urine barrier. Additionally, CBD exerted an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing oedema and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the bladder wall with chronic cystitis. Finally, the increased burrowing activity of CBD-treated mice suggests a benefit of CBD on overall well-being. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that CBD has a beneficial effect on the inflamed urinary bladder and could potentially serve as an adjunct treatment for patients with IC in the future.
Ključne besede: urinary bladder, urothelium, permeability barrier, inflammation, interstitial cystitis, cannabidiol, cannabinoid receptors
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.04.2026; Ogledov: 457; Prenosov: 268
 Celotno besedilo (8,11 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. HIV protein Nef expression in human microglia drives the release of distinct Nef-containing extracellular vesiclesTeja Lavrin, Jure Loboda, Jana Ferdin, Valentina Levak, Simona Sitar, Marija Holcar, Nataša Resnik, Matjaž Stenovec, Alenka Trampuš-Bakija, Peter Veranič, Ema Žagar, Magda Tušek-Žnidarič, Pia Pužar Dominkuš, Metka Lenassi, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Aim: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist in effectively treated HIV-infected individuals, in part due to HIV reservoirs in brain microglia, which express low levels of viral proteins such as Nef. This study aimed to elucidate how microglia release Nef into the extracellular space, where it exerts its biological functions. Methods: Here, we systematically characterized extracellular particles released from immortalized human microglia (h-microglia) expressing Nef alone or after HIV infection. Importantly, we established a novel h-microglia model harboring a stably integrated Nef tagged with green fluorescent protein (Nef.GFP) transgene under an inducible promoter. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were enriched from culture media and analyzed for morphology, size, concentration and molecular composition, including Nef content, by (super-resolution) fluorescence microscopy, (immunogold) transmission electron microscopy, asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation coupled to a multi-angle light-scattering detector, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and nano-flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Results: Nef.GFP expression increased particle release up to 11.7-fold compared with controls or known stimulants adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ionomycin. Compared to the latter, the particles were also significantly smaller (root mean square radius, Rrms = 172 nm) and displayed unique protein and density profiles. All data support the EV nature of the released particles. Approximately half of the Nef.GFP-induced EVs contained Nef (45.5% ± 15.8%), with immunogold labeling confirming its intraluminal localization. Notably, infection with HIV isolates NL4-3 and YU-2 likewise produced Nef-positive EVs distinct from virions. Conclusion: Our findings importantly contribute to understanding the source and characteristics of extracellular Nef in the central nervous system of HIV infected individuals and offer new tools to study HIV Nef biology. Nef-laden EVs should be further investigated as potential therapeutic targets in HAND.
Ključne besede: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), microglia, protein Nef, extracellular vesicles (EVs), HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND)
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 13.04.2026; Ogledov: 384; Prenosov: 253
Celotno besedilo (29,79 MB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. The role of extracellular vesicles in phenotypic cancer transformationEva Ogorevc, Veronika Kralj-Iglič, Peter Veranič, 2013, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background. Cancer has traditionally been considered as a disease resulting from gene mutations. New findings in biology are challenging gene-centered explanations of cancer progression and redirecting them to the non-genetic origins of tumorigenicity. It has become clear that intercellular communication plays a crucial role in cancer progression. Among the most intriguing ways of intercellular communication is that via extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are membrane structures released from various types of cells. After separation from the mother membrane, EVs become mobile and may travel from the extracellular space to blood and other body fluids. Conclusions. Recently it has been shown that tumour cells are particularly prone to vesiculation and that tumour-derived EVs can carry proteins, lipids and nucleic acids causative of cancer progression. The uptake of tumour-derived EVs by noncancerous cells can change their normal phenotype to cancerous. The suppression of vesiculation could slow down tumour growth and the spread of metastases. The purpose of this review is to highlight examples of EV-mediated cancer phenotypic transformation in the light of possible therapeutic applications.
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 03.04.2024; Ogledov: 1367; Prenosov: 955
Celotno besedilo (864,38 KB)
Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Reorganization of microtubules in V-79 cells after treatment with cytohalasin BAleš Iglič, Urška Batista, Peter Veranič, 1999, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background. The aim of this work was to study the configuration of the microtubules in the cytochalasin B treated V-79 cells in connection to the cell shape and to see whether there are any similarities to the phenomena taking place in phospholipid vesicles. Subjects and methods. An experiment wasperformed where cytochalasin B was added to the V-79 cells (lung fibroblasts of Chinese hamster). Results. The cell shape changed from an elongated one into the shape with a profile resembling the Greek letter phi. The microtubules were found to be organized into a rod within the symmetry axis of the cell. Conclusion. As similar shapes were previously observed also in the phospholipid vesicles with entrapped microtubule rods, our results support the hypothesis that similar physical mechanisms may pertain in simple systems as well as in living cells.
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 22.01.2024; Ogledov: 1602; Prenosov: 414
Celotno besedilo (442,36 KB) |
5. |
