Browsing by Author "Jones, Desiree"

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    Labeling of endothelial cells with magnetic microbeads by angiophagy
    (Springer, 2018-08) Thomas, Jessica; Jones, Desiree; Moldovan, Leni; Anghelina, Mirela; Gooch, Keith J.; Moldovan, Nicanor I.; Ophthalmology, School of Medicine
    Objectives Attachment of magnetic particles to cells is needed for a variety of applications but is not always possible or efficient. Simpler and more convenient methods are thus desirable. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that endothelial cells (EC) can be loaded with micron-size magnetic beads by the phagocytosis-like mechanism ‘angiophagy’. To this end, human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) were incubated with magnetic beads conjugated or not (control) with an anti-VEGF receptor 2 antibody, either in suspension, or in culture followed by re-suspension using trypsinization. Results In all conditions tested, HUVEC incubation with beads induced their uptake by angiophagy, which was confirmed by (i) increased cell granularity assessed by flow cytometry, and (ii) the presence of an F-actin rich layer around many of the intracellular beads, visualized by confocal microscopy. For confluent cultures, the average number of beads per cell was 4.4 and 4.2, with and without the presence of the anti-VEGFR2 antibody, respectively. However, while the actively dividing cells took up 2.9 unconjugated beads on average, this number increased to 5.2 if binding was mediated by the antibody. Magnetic pulldown increased the cell density of beads-loaded cells in porous electrospun poly-capro-lactone scaffolds by a factor of 4.5 after 5 min, as compared to gravitational settling (p < 0.0001). Conclusion We demonstrated that EC can be readily loaded by angiophagy with micron-sized beads while attached in monolayer culture, then dispersed in single-cell suspensions for pulldown in porous scaffolds and for other applications.
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    Metabolic Syndrome Among American Indian and Alaska Native Populations: Implications for Cardiovascular Health
    (Springer, 2022) Godfrey, Timian M.; Cordova-Marks, Felina M.; Jones, Desiree; Melton, Forest; Breathett, Khadijah; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Purpose of review: The latest national data reports a 55% prevalence of metabolic syndrome in American Indian adults compared to 34.7% of the general US adult population. Metabolic syndrome is a strong predictor for diabetes, which is the leading cause of heart disease in American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors disproportionately impacts this population. We describe the presentation, etiology, and roles of structural racism and social determinants of health on metabolic syndrome. Findings: Much of what is known about metabolic syndrome in American Indian and Alaska Native populations comes from the Strong Heart Study as there is scant literature. American Indian and Alaska Native adults have an increased propensity towards metabolic syndrome as they are 1.1 times more likely to have high blood pressure, approximately three times more likely to have diabetes, and have higher rates of obesity compared with their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Culturally informed lifestyle and behavior interventions are promising approaches to address structural racism and social determinants of health that highly influence factors contributing to these rates. Summary: Among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, there is scarce updated literature evaluating the underlying causes of major risk factors for metabolic syndrome, and progression to cardiometabolic disease. As a result, the actual state of metabolic syndrome in this population is not well understood. Systemic and structural changes must occur to address the root causes of these disparities.