This is comparable to the indirect effect of LPS-induced labour, because addition of LPS to myometrial strips ex vivo does not lead to increased myometrial contractility. The observed inhibition in myometrial contractility seen with Pyl A is likely to be through a CRTH2-independent mechanism as the other CRTH2 agonists 15dPGJ2 and DK-PGD2 did not show the same

effect. At higher concentrations, Pyl A is able to bind to other prostanoid receptors with the rank of order of affinity as follows: CRTH2> TP> EP3> DP> EP4> EP2> FP> IP> EP1.[25] Since the TP/IP/EP3/EP1 receptors are considered to be excitatory and the EP2/EP4 and DP1 receptors relaxatory, we hypothesize that Pyl A may be having off-target effects on one of the latter mentioned receptors. The effect of DP1 agonists on murine contractility has been investigated previously by several groups. We have shown that the EP2 agonist, but not EP4 agonist, INCB024360 supplier inhibits human myometrial contractility.[75] Stimulation of the EP2 and EP4 receptors leads to cAMP production via the G protein Gs leading to smooth muscle relaxation.[76] Hence the effect seen in our study is potentially a result of non-specific

binding with the EP2 receptor. This study presents evidence that the CRTH2 agonist Pyl A augments a pro-inflammatory response in LPS-induced preterm labour in the mouse. Pyl A shortened the time interval from intrauterine injection to preterm delivery via increased NF-κB activity and www.selleckchem.com/products/pexidartinib-plx3397.html increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We also demonstrated

a non-CRTH2-mediated inhibition of circular myometrial contractility ex vivo, which was likely to contribute to rapid expulsion of the fetus. Despite increased fetal viability seen with Pyl A in LPS-treated dams, an Inositol monophosphatase 1 overwhelming pro-inflammatory response was seen with the CRTH2 agonist in the mouse. This may be secondary to a functional CRTH2 receptor on murine Th1 cells, unlike in humans. We conclude that 15dPGJ2-mediated inhibition of NF-κB is not mediated via CRTH2. The CRTH2 agonist seems to augment inflammation-induced preterm birth, so CRTH2 is unlikely to be a suitable therapeutic target for the prevention of preterm labour and neonatal morbidity. This study was funded by a Wellbeing of Women research training fellowship, grant 148 (to LS). PRB is funded by the Imperial College NIHR Biomedical Research Centre. The authors have no financial disclosures or competing interests. “
“Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in the maintenance of immune tolerance to self-antigens and are involved in modulating immune responses in autoimmunity, transplant rejection, and tumor immunity. Recently, a novel subset of TCR-αβ+ CD4−CD8− (double negative, DN) T cells has been described to specifically suppress T-cell responses in mice.

601 ± 0.115) compared to that of E22 WT infection. On the contrary, E22ΔfliC infection produced lower Selleckchem Selumetinib ERK1/2 phosphorylation (0.681 ± 0.104) than E22 WT infection. These results

confirmed that flagellin is necessary for full ERK1/2 phosphorylation, but it also indicates that intimin has the opposite effect and works as a negative modulator of ERK1/2. To detect ERK1/2 nuclear translocation, a crucial phase in the activation of this pathway, cells infected by EPEC were analysed by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy using antibodies against ERK1/2 (Fig. 3). FBS (a positive control) caused ERK1/2 nuclear translocation, detected as an intense ERK1/2 signal inside the cell nucleus (green signal into the nucleus). In mock-infected cells, as well as in HB101

stimulated this website cells, ERK1/2 was restricted to the cytoplasm outside the nucleus. In contrast, in cells infected with EPEC strains (E22 or E2348/69) ERK1/2 was localized in the nuclear compartment (Fig. 3). The intensity and distribution of ERK1/2 in EPEC-infected cells was similar to the patterns observed in FBS-treated cells. These experiments showed that EPEC infection promotes ERK1/2 phosphorylation and induces its nuclear translocation. To understand the role of EPEC virulence in ERK1/2 nuclear translocation, ERK1/2 subcellular localization was tested in cells infected with E22 Δeae, ΔescN, ΔespA and ΔfliC isogenic mutants (Fig. 4). The presence of ERK1/2 inside the nuclei was lower in cells infected with mutants in intimin, flagellin and the T3SS (in the latter it was almost abolished), in comparison Dimethyl sulfoxide with the intense mark for ERK1/2 inside the nuclei of E22 WT-infected cells (Fig. 4). These results indicate that ERK1/2 nuclear

translocation during EPEC infection requires the presence of flagellin and needs translocation of effectors by T3SS, and intimate adherence. NF-κB is a crucial proinflammatory pathway activated by EPEC. To analyse NF-κB activation, we measured the phosphorylation and degradation of its inhibitor (IκB-α). By flow cytometry, we quantified IκB-α in cells that interacted with HB101 or were infected with EPEC strains E2348/69, E22 WT or E22ΔfliC for 2 h (Fig. 5A) or 4 h (Fig. 5B). Most of the mock-infected cells (67%) were positive for IκB-α; however, in a fraction of the cell population (33%), IκB-α levels were similar to those detected in the FITC-control. This result could reveal IκB-α basal degradation in HT-29 cells. Cells treated with HB101 did not have less IκB-α than mock-infected cells (average fluorescence value of 18.3 ± 0.6), and no significant differences were detected at 2 (17.5 ± 0.8) or 4 h (17.4 ± 1.4) (Fig. 5A, B). However, cells infected with E2348/69 showed lower levels of IκB-α (14.9 ± 1.3 at 2 h and 11.3 ± 1.9 at 4 h of infection) in comparison with mock-treated cells. E22 WT infection did not significantly change IκB-α levels at 2 h of infection (17.5 ± 2.

Consistent with this, splenocytes from Camp−/− mice that had been administered with a T-cell-dependent antigen were also found to have increased IL-4 mRNA expression and increased numbers of CD4+IL-4+ T cells as compared with those from similarly treated WT mice. The connections between mCRAMP and IL-4 open up intriguing possibilities for the role of cathelicidins in adaptive

immunity. In the mice given TNP-OVA/alum and in the in vitro T cells, the responses indicate that mCRAMP suppresses both the development of a Th2 response and the Th2-mediated class switching to IgG1 through IL-4 17, 19. In contrast, Sorafenib mouse the results from isolated B cells stimulated with CD40L/IL-4 indicated that mCRAMP Selleckchem Temozolomide promoted IgG1 production by increasing transcription 17. Kurosaka et al. 13 showed that mCRAMP administered as an adjuvant with OVA increases IL-4 and OVA-specific IgG1 in splenocytes, although the response

was not Th2-mediated. Similarly, An et al. 16 found that LL-37 acts as an effective adjuvant in a vaccine against tumor cells, while Davidson et al. 8 found a bias towards a Th1 response in human DCs. The conflicting reports may reflect methodological differences, such as using Camp−/− mice versus injecting cathelicidin into WT mice, or the timing and nature of other stimuli applied. Nonetheless, these studies indicate that mCRAMP likely mediates its effects on adaptive immunity through many other factors in addition to IL-4. The work by Kin et al. 17 shows that mCRAMP alters B- and T-cell responses, highlighting the novel role of mCRAMP in the T-cell-dependent activation of B cells, and thus providing evidence that mCRAMP and other cathelicidins have a greater role in the adaptive immune response than previously appreciated. However, many questions still remain, particularly whether

mCRAMP acts directly on components of the adaptive immune system or if intermediates are involved. It is also of interest to determine whether the changes seen by Kin et al. 17 in response to T-cell-dependent antigen are due to mCRAMP altering mafosfamide both T and B cells or whether only one cell type is directly involved. The use of conditional knockouts or adoptive transfer to examine when Camp is absent from either T or B cells will help resolve these issues. Similar models could also be used to clarify the functions of APCs in shaping the Camp−/− effects on lymphocytes. Determining the specific cells and pathways altered by mCRAMP will provide further insight into the roles of cathelicidins in bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Funding from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research for the authors own peptide research is gratefully acknowledged. REWH holds a Canada Research Chair. Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no financial or commercial conflict of interest. See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.

Ralph Steinmann was awarded one half of the Nobel Prize “for his discovery of the DC and its role in adaptive immunity,” since he unraveled their professional antigen-presenting function that shapes adaptive immune reactivity and tolerance. Jules Hoffmann and Bruce Beutler shared the other half

of this Nobel Prize for their discoveries selleck screening library on how Toll (in flies) and TLRs (in mammals) activate innate immunity. Here, I have discussed my view of innate immunity’s path to the Nobel Prize, and pointed out the evolving paradigm shifts in how we have viewed immunity over the past century. Obviously, the Nobel Prize decision highlighted the biological importance of the initial discoveries, but these discoveries now impact tremendously on our understanding of age-related autoinflammatory diseases, intestinal function, and the putative interdependence of the gut’s microbiota and adaptive immunity. We all look forward to this century’s discoveries. The author declares no financial or commercial conflict of interest. “
“Citation Winger EE, Reed JL. Low circulating CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T regulatory cell levels predict find more miscarriage risk in newly pregnant women with a history of failure. Am J Reprod

Immunol 2011; 66: 320–328 Problem  The purpose of this study was to determine whether quantification of peripheral blood Treg cell levels could be used as an indicator of miscarriage risk in newly pregnant women with a history of immunologic reproductive failure. Method of Study  Fifty-four pregnant women with selleck chemical a history of immunologic infertility and/or pregnancy loss were retrospectively evaluated (mean age: 36.7 ± 4.9 years, 2.8 ± 2.5 previous miscarriages; 1.5 ± 1.9 previous IVF failures). Twenty-three of these women experienced another first trimester miscarriage, and 31 of these women continued their current

pregnancies past 12 weeks (‘pregnancy success’). The following immunologic parameters were assessed in the first trimester: NK cell 50:1 cytotoxicity, CD56+ 16+ CD3− (NK), CD56+ CD3+ (NKT), TNFα/IL-10, IFNγ/IL-10, CD4+ CD25−Foxp3+, total CD4+ Foxp3+ (CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3 plus CD25− Foxp3+), and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ levels. Results  Patients with successful ongoing pregnancies experienced a mean (CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+) ‘Treg’ level of 0.72 ± 0.52%, while those that miscarried in the first trimester experienced a mean Treg level of 0.37 ± 0.29% (P = 0.005). Markers not significantly different between the loss and success groups were NK 50:1 cytotoxicity (P = 0.63), CD56+ 16+ 3+ NK cells (P = 0.63), CD56+ 3+  NKT (P = 0.30), TNFα+IL-10+(P = 0.13), IFNg+IL-10+ (P = 0.63), and CD4+ 25− Foxp3+ cells (P = 0.10), although total CD4+ Foxp3+ levels remained significant (P = 0.02) and CD4+ 25+ Foxp3+ showed the most significant difference (P = 0.005). Mean day of blood draw was 49.2 ± 36.1 days pregnant (median 39.0 days). In addition, patients with a low Treg level (<0.

Despite the large geographic distance between Angola and the other known locations of MVD, phylogenetic analysis using the complete viral genome sequences put Angolan strains within the same clade as the majority of east African isolates [22]. Whereas CFR for MVD are variable (Table 2), the MARV-Angola strain is thought to be more pathogenic than other MARV strains such as the Musoke strain [23-25]. There has been an increase in EVD outbreaks in Africa, probably as result of increased contact between humans and wildlife because of extensive deforestation, hunting and mining [14]. Ebolavirus species have complete genome sequence divergence of 30–45% [7]. The

CFRs of the different ebolavirus species causing these EVD outbreaks have find more also varied (Table 3). Ebola virus representing the species Zaire ebolavirus can cause sporadic infections in humans, usually resulting in self-limiting outbreaks [26]. The genetic diversity between EBOV strains so far isolated is low [27]. For instance, two separate outbreaks caused by EBOV occurred in Luebo in the DRC in 2007 and 2008: the sequences of the viruses in these two outbreaks were almost identical and related to previously isolated strains, including the one causing the first reported outbreak in Yambuku in the DRC in 1976 [28]. Most recently, there was an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever

caused ABT888 by EBOV in the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Full genome sequences of EBOV from three patients showed 97% nucleotide

sequence identity to DRC and Gabon strains of EBOV [29, 30]. TAFV, an ebolavirus belonging to a different species (namely, Taï Forest ebolavirus) Galeterone has been found in the Taï Forest, Côte d’Ivoire [6]; however, the outbreak in West Africa was the first ever reported incidence of EBOV infection in this region [31]. In the 2001–2004 EVD outbreaks in the RC and Gabon, nonhuman primates were also affected by EBOV infections, a large decline occurring in their populations just before and during the outbreaks in humans in the same area [10, 32]. A large serological survey during the 2001–2002 outbreak in Gabon found that dogs might be asymptomatically infected with EBOV, probably as a result of eating infected carcasses or licking body fluids from infected patients, and might potentially transmit EBOV infections [33]. As opposed to EBOV, SUDV, representing the species Sudan ebolavirus, is much more confined geographically, all outbreaks having occurred within a 640 km range [27]. Genetic diversity between the different SUDV strains is very low [27]. In 2011, 7 years after its last appearance, there was a fatal case of SUDV infection in Uganda; the full-length genome sequence of the isolate showed 99.3% identity to the one that caused the Gulu outbreak in 2000 [34].

However, grouping patients into clinically severe infections (bacteremia/sepsis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis or severe deep tissue infections) and mild infections (superficial infections and/or deeper wounds lacking clinical signs of severe infection such

as elevated leukocyte count, fever and hyperemia of the affected tissue) revealed significantly higher titers for patients with severe infections (P=0.045). Although Eap appears to play a role in biofilm formation under in vitro conditions (Thompson find more et al., 2010), patients with foreign body-associated infections did not present with higher anti-Eap titers than patients with other types of infections. Comorbidities, age of the patients, onset of disease, the type of acquisition (nosocomial vs. community acquired) and strain susceptibility (methicillin Akt inhibitor resistant vs. methicillin sensitive) were found not to be statistically different. IgM titers were significantly higher in patients compared with healthy controls (Fig. 3a). Additionally, antibody titers were higher for sera sampled within the first 4 weeks after the onset of infections (P=0.045, Table 2) in line with IgM antibodies being

the first immunoglobulins produced upon antigen contact. The group of patients with deep infections revealed higher IgM titers compared with patients with superficial infections, although this did not reach statistical significance (P=0.085). However, in contrast to the results obtained for IgG antibody determination, no significant differences in IgM titers could be detected for the different types

of infections. Selected sera were tested for the presence of rheuma factors, and found to be negative, making cross-reactivity with rheuma factors unlikely. Previous studies indicated a correlation between S. aureus antibodies in serum and the extent of in vitro opsonization and phagocytosis (Dryla et al., 2005b; DNA ligase Verkaik et al., 2009). In our study, the functionality of anti-Eap antibodies was determined using an opsonophagocytosis assay with inert fluorescent beads to rule out the unwanted influence of other S. aureus surface components such as protein A. Incubation of granulocytes and PBMCs with EB, but not with NB, resulted in an increase in granularity and fluorescence, indicating an Eap-stimulated phagocytosis (Fig. 3a). Coupling of the beads with human albumin as an unrelated control protein, on the other hand, had no stimulatory effect on phagocytosis (data not shown). Within the group of PBMCs, only the CD14-positive population of macrophages/monocytes emitted fluorescence. Lymphocytes neither changed significantly in quantity nor emitted any fluorescence. Quantitative analyses revealed that EB, in contrast to NB, were phagocytosed efficiently even without the addition of serum (Fig. 3b).

© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2014. “
“Heparin-induced

thrombocytopenia Selleckchem GSI-IX and thrombosis (HITT) is an immune complex mediated and potentially devastating cause of flap loss in microvascular surgery. HITT may be an under-reported cause of early-flap failure due to subclinical manifestations at the time of flap loss. A case report of a patient presenting with HITT-related flap failure and the results of a systematic literature review of the clinical presentation of HITT in microsurgery are presented here. A patient suffering from a chronic wound on the right medial malleolus was treated with an ALT flap, which was compromised by thrombosis. Multiple attempts to rescue the flap including thrombolysis, popliteal AV loop, and a second free flap were all unsuccessful. Six days following the initial procedure, a diagnosis of HITT was made following a positive HITT-antibody test as the cause

of flap failure. PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE searches yielded 113 results, of which 6 met our criteria for manuscripts describing HITT in microsurgical procedures. Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor Evaluation of the peer-reviewed literature describing HITT in microsurgery suggests that HITT-related flap failure occurs rapidly, more frequently in heparin-naïve patients, and in advance of systemic thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. Due to the rapid and unpredictable onset of HITT during microsurgery, we recommend maintaining an index of suspicion for HITT in flaps with otherwise unexplained early thrombosis. We also encourage hematology consultation, discontinuing heparin use and initiating alternate thromboprophylaxis in order to inhibit the potential for subsequent life-threatening systemic complications

as well as improving the potential for delayed reconstructive success. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:157–163, 2014. “
“Background: Free flaps to the lower limb have inherently high venous pressures, potentially impairing flap viability, which may lead to limb amputation if flap failure ensues. Adequate monitoring of flap perfusion CHIR 99021 is thus essential, with timely detection of flap compromise able to potentiate flap salvage. While clinical monitoring has been popularized, recent use of the implantable Doppler probe has been used with success in other free flap settings. Methods: A comparative study of 40 consecutive patients undergoing microvascular free flap reconstruction of lower limb defects was undertaken, with postoperative monitoring achieved with either clinical monitoring alone or the use of the Cook-Swartz implantable Doppler probe. Results: The use of the implantable Doppler probe was associated with salvage of 2/2 compromised flaps compared to salvage of 2/5 compromised flaps in the group undergoing clinical monitoring alone (salvage rate 100% vs. 40%, P = 0.28).

Also it resulted in reduced tubulointetrsistial hypoxia.[91] In rats with subtotal nephrectomy (5/6) and increased expression of DDAH has lead to ADMA decrease,

which was related to the reduction of proteinuria, as compared to rats that received hydralazine aiming at the OSI-906 in vivo same restoration of their blood pressure.[92] Also in rats (Munich-Wistar rats) the administration of standard salt diet (0.5% Na) and the NOs inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) for 30 days resulted in moderate albuminuria. The fractional clearance 70 kDalton neutral dextran rose moderately. Rats given L-NAME and high salt diet (3.1% Na) for 30 days exhibited massive albuminuria, whereas the fractional clearance of 70 kDalton neutral dextran was nearly tripled. Depletion of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) anionic sites was seen in both groups.[88] A recent study in non-diabetic CKD stage 1 patients indicated a significant association between ADMA and the levels of proteinuria.[11]Another study showed that ADMA was higher in nephritic proteinuric patients as compared with non-nephrotic range proteinuric patients with the same glomerular filtration rate.[93] Moreover, increased ADMA levels were indentified in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome due to sporadic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, compared

to healthy controls age-matched.[94] In an observational cohort study in type 2 diabetic patients, with normoalbuminuria or microalbuminuria, those with higher ADMA levels had a greater incidence

check details of reaching a more advanced state of albuminuria compared to those with lower ADMA levels.[95] Yilmaz et al. found in stage 1 CKD patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 circulating levels of myostatin and SFas, two cell death mediators were independently related to the degree of the proteinuria, as well as to endothelial dysfunction and circulating ADMA (Yilmaz hypothesis: leakage from the intracellular space caused by necrosis and/or faulty apoptosis during Interleukin-3 receptor proteinuria could contribute to high ADMA levels, since ADMA is mostly intracellular).[96] The possible mechanisms by which ADMA and the other inhibitors of NOs are involved in the pathogenesis of proteinuria are: (i) The impairing of both glomerular size and charge selectivity of GBM. The effects likely reflect functional rather than structural disruption of the glomerular wall.[88] (ii) ADMA compromises the integrity of the filtration barrier by altering the bioavailability of NO and oxygen superoxide O2− (antagonism of the NO with reactive oxygen species-ROS and O2−).[90] (iii) The link between ADMA and proteinuria seems to be due to altered protein turnover or PRMT activity,[97] or other mechanisms involving the renin-angiotensin system (RAS blockade using ramipril, lowers ADMA levels, proteinuria and cell death mediators).

There are numerous pro- and anti-inflammatory factors involved in the pathophysiology of human atherosclerosis. LDL apheresis affects many of these factors including the complement cascade, the cytokine network and several other inflammatory mediators. Several studies demonstrate an apparently beneficiary profile regarding these factors during LDL apheresis, most likely due to adsorption of the mediators to the columns. This could potentially be of benefit for these patients with respect to progression Rucaparib of arteriosclerosis,

in addition to lowering their LDL cholesterol. However, most of the studies cited are small, have utilized different kinds of apheresis columns, have studied different patients groups and, most importantly, have a limited and partly diverse panel of mediators included. Although a net effect in certain apheresis systems might be anti-inflammatory, as evaluated by plasma measurements, a main goal for future improvement of apheresis columns will be to make them as biocompatible as possible, that is, being inert with respect to complement, cytokines and the remaining inflammatory network. There are definitely

more mediators generated by the artificial surface than we are measuring and, thus, proinflammatory mediators may contribute more than apparent from current studies. Therefore, to get more insight into the effects on inflammation induced by LDL apheresis, Talazoparib mw larger studies should be performed, preferably comparing the effect of different LDL apheresis columns on the total inflammatory profile, by

including a broad spectrum of biomarkers. Furthermore, changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers should ideally be correlated to clinical endpoints. Considering the fact that each centre performing LDL apheresis has Etofibrate a relatively limited number of patients, multicentre trials would be required. Although the total number of patients available for clinical studies probably would preclude the use of hard endpoints like death or myocardial infarction, surrogate endpoints like carotid intimae media thickness or coronary calcium score evaluated by computerized tomography would undoubtedly add valuable information about the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and the process of atherosclerosis. “
“Sepsis is characterized by a severe systemic inflammatory response to infection that is associated with high morbidity and mortality despite optimal care. Invariant natural killer T (iNK T) cells are potent regulatory lymphocytes that can produce pro- and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus shaping the course and nature of immune responses; however, little is known about their role in sepsis. We demonstrate here that patients with sepsis/severe sepsis have significantly elevated proportions of iNK T cells in their peripheral blood (as a percentage of their circulating T cells) compared to non-septic patients.

Complete remission was seen in 32% at a mean time of 6.4 months, partial remission in 23% at a mean time of 5.7 months and 45% had no remission. Relapse rate was 14% at a mean time of 2.8 years during follow up. FSGS- NOS was the commonest subtype of FSGS (present in 56%), followed by tip variant in 24%, perihilar type in 10%, cellular in 9% and collapsing in 1%. find more Persistent nephrotic proteinuria at 3rd and 6th month and presence of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy >30% in renal biopsy were independent predictors of poor response

to treatment. Male gender, nephrotic proteinuria at onset, persistent nephrotic proteinuria at 3 and 6 months, renal failure at onset, persistent renal failure at 3 and 6 months, presence of hypertension, anemia, interstitial fibrosis

and tubular atrophy of >30% in renal biopsy and no remission after treatment predict the progression to CKD. Renal survival at 5 years for complete remission was 69%, partial remission was see more 49% and no remission was 42%. Conclusion: FSGS-NOS was the commonest subtype(56%) in our study. Persistent nephrotic proteinuria at 6 months, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy >30% and no remission after treatment were found to be independent risk factors and presence of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy >30% in renal biopsy was the strong predictor for development of ESRD in our study. Renal survival at 5 years for complete remission was 69%, partial remission was 49% and no remission was 42%. ZHANG CHANGMING1, ZHANG WANFEN1, CHEN HUIMEI1, LIU CHUNBEI1, WU JUNNAN1, LI LIMIN2, SHI SHAOLIN1, ZEN KE1,2, LIU ZHIHONG1 1Research institute of nephrology, Jinling hospital, Nanjing University

School of Medicine, Nanjing, China; 2JERC-MBB, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Decitabine China Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are stable in circulation, and their unique expression profiles can serve as fingerprints for various diseases. In this study, we determined whether human plasma miRNAs could be used as biomarkers to diagnose active focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Methods: Pooled plasma samples from 9 FSGS patients with nephrotic range proteinuria (active FSGS, FSGS-A) and 9 normal controls (NC), respectively, were analyzed by miRNA TaqMan Low Density Array (TLDA), and the two miRNA profiles were compared. The differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) using 32 patients of FSGS-A versus 30 NCs and 37 patients of FSGS-A versus 35 FSGS in remission (FSGS-CR), respectively. Receiver operation characteristics (ROC) curves were utilized to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the miRNAs in predicting FSGS. Results: TaqMan Low Density Array analysis of plasma samples identified 45 miRNAs that were elevated or detectable only in FSGS-A group.