• The osteoclast is a large, multinucleated cell that is differentiated from monocyte/macrophage lineage cells by macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). (nih.gov)
  • This review outlines the findings on osteoclast and RANKL/RANK signaling that have accumulated to date. (nih.gov)
  • We also found that rapid application of the osteoclast-activation factor RANKL converted many N osteoclasts to R, suggesting a novel point of action in RANKL-mediated control of mature osteoclast function. (jci.org)
  • Furthermore, we showed that Th17 cells, a subset of RANKL-expressing CD4 + T cells, could induce rapid N-to-R conversion of mature osteoclasts via cell-cell contact. (jci.org)
  • These findings provide new insights into the activities of mature osteoclasts in situ and identify actions of RANKL-expressing Th17 cells in inflammatory bone destruction. (jci.org)
  • The effect of pyrroloquinoline quinine (PQQ) on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation was examined using RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells. (nih.gov)
  • RANKL led to the formation of osteoclasts identified as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells in the culture of RAW 264.7 cells. (nih.gov)
  • However, PQQ inhibited the appearance of osteoclasts and prevented the decrease of F4/80 macrophage maturation marker on RANKL-stimulated cells, suggesting a preventive action of PQQ on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. (nih.gov)
  • Taken together, PQQ was suggested to prevent RANKL-induced osteoclast formation via the inactivation of NFATc1 by reduced c-Fos expression. (nih.gov)
  • However, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and the number of osteoclast cells (TRAP-positive multinucleated cells) were not changed by nSP treatment in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) at doses that did not induce cytotoxicity by silica particles. (springer.com)
  • Collectively, the results suggested that nanosilica exerts no effect on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells, although a detailed mechanistic examination of the nSP70-mediated cytotoxic effect is needed. (springer.com)
  • The model results corroborate all behaviors of the bone remodeling system that we have simulated, including the tight coupling between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the catabolic effect induced by continuous administration of PTH, the catabolic action of RANKL, as well as its reversal by soluble antagonist OPG. (cellml.org)
  • Non-Canonical (RANKL-Independent) Pathways of Osteoclast Differentiation and Their Role in Musculoskeletal Diseases. (ox.ac.uk)
  • in the canonical pathway of osteoclastogenesis, these cells fuse and differentiate to form specialised bone-resorbing osteoclasts in the presence of receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL). (ox.ac.uk)
  • This review summarises the evidence for these RANKL substitutes in inducing osteoclast differentiation from tissue-derived and circulating mononuclear phagocytes. (ox.ac.uk)
  • In this study, we examined the potential of SF extract (SFE) to inhibit receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) -induced osteoclast differentiation in cultured mouse-derived bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). (biomedcentral.com)
  • BMMs, that act as osteoclast precursors, were cultured with M-CSF (50 ng/ml) and RANKL (100 ng/ml) for 4 days to generate osteoclasts. (biomedcentral.com)
  • SFE attenuated the RANKL-mediated induction of NF-κB through inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation, which contributed to inhibiting of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through downregulation of NFATc1. (biomedcentral.com)
  • Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) are two cytokines secreted mainly by osteoclast. (biomedcentral.com)
  • Osteoclast Culture Kit includes cryopreserved osteoclast precursor (OCP) cells from bone marrow and culture medium containing M-CSF and RANKL for researchers studying osteoporosis, bone reabsorption, or other bone metabolism disorders. (asone-int.com)
  • Osteoclast differentiation and function is controlled primarily by Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (M-CSF) and Receptor for Activation of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Ligand (RANKL). (asone-int.com)
  • Recently the osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF), better termed RANKL (receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand), expressed by osteoblasts has been cloned as well as its cognate signaling receptor, receptor activator of NFkappaB (RANK), and a secreted decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG) that limits RANKL's biological action. (ox.ac.uk)
  • MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and T47D cells did not act as surrogate osteoblasts to support osteoclast formation in coculture experiments, a result consistent with the fact that they do not express RANKL. (ox.ac.uk)
  • EFV reduced RANKL-mediated osteoclast formation and activation by inhibiting expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1, a key factor of osteoclastogenesis. (e-jbm.org)
  • Osteoclast formation is controlled by 2 cytokines, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), which are secreted by osteoblasts/activated T cells. (e-jbm.org)
  • Intriguingly, the inhibitors impaired RANKL-induced differentiation of primary murine bone marrow cells and human primary monocytes into bone resorbing osteoclasts by specifically repressing transcriptional programs required for osteoclastogenesis. (ox.ac.uk)
  • RANKL-responsive epigenetic mechanism reprograms macrophages into bone-resorbing osteoclasts. (nih.gov)
  • Osteoclasts were formed by culturing mouse bone marrow macrophage (BMM) cells with macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). (e-jbm.org)
  • In BMM cultures, an ethanol extract of the root part of IKN suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorptive activity. (e-jbm.org)
  • In contrast, an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of IKN had a minor effect on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation. (e-jbm.org)
  • 5 ] Osteoblasts, bone-forming cells, also regulate osteoclast differentiation via RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression, a decoy receptor for RANKL. (e-jbm.org)
  • 5 , 6 ] Stimulation of osteoclast precursors with RANKL recruits cytoplasmic tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) and activates downstream signaling pathways. (e-jbm.org)
  • We found that interleukin 1β stimulated multinucleation and bone resorption of osteoclasts derived from the 3 precursors at different rates. (vu.nl)
  • Our results indicate that the different bone marrow osteoclast precursors are differently stimulated by interleukin 1β with respect to proliferation, multinucleation, life span, and bone resorption. (vu.nl)
  • Estrogens decrease osteoclast number by attenuating mitochondria oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production in early osteoclast precursors. (bvsalud.org)
  • This permits characterization of osteoclasts by their staining for high expression of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K. Osteoclast rough endoplasmic reticulum is sparse, and the Golgi complex is extensive. (wikipedia.org)
  • 10 - 12 ] c-Fos also induces the expression of NFATc1, contributing to the induction of osteoclast-specific marker genes such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase ( TRAP ). (e-jbm.org)
  • Using a murine model of breast cancer metastasis to bone, we established that MCF-7 cells that overexpress PTHrP caused significantly more bone metastases, which were associated with increased osteoclast formation, elevated plasma PTHrP concentrations and hypercalcaemia compared with parental or empty vector controls. (ox.ac.uk)
  • Previously, we reported that distinct murine osteoclast precursor subsets, such as early blasts (CD31hi Ly-6C−), myeloid blasts (CD31+ Ly-6C+), and monocytes (CD31− Ly-6Chi), respond differently to the osteoclastogenesis-inducing cytokines, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and receptor activator for nuclear factor κB ligand. (vu.nl)
  • Osteoprotegerin is a key molecule in this biosignalling pathway as it inhibits osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activation to prevent run-away bone resorption. (brighton.ac.uk)
  • Similar to E2, the complex I inhibitor Rotenone decreased osteoclastogenesis by promoting osteoclast progenitor apoptosis via Bak/Bax. (bvsalud.org)
  • The osteoclast disassembles and digests the composite of hydrated protein and mineral at a molecular level by secreting acid and a collagenase, a process known as bone resorption. (wikipedia.org)
  • Osteoclasts are found on those surfaces of bone that are undergoing resorption. (wikipedia.org)
  • On such surfaces, the osteoclasts are seen to be located in shallow depressions called resorption bays (Howship's lacunae). (wikipedia.org)
  • The resorption bays are created by the erosive action of osteoclasts on the underlying bone. (wikipedia.org)
  • Resorption of bone matrix by the osteoclasts involves two steps: (1) dissolution of inorganic components (minerals), and (2) digestion of organic component of the bone matrix. (wikipedia.org)
  • In bone, osteoclasts are found in pits in the bone surface which are called resorption bays, or Howship's lacunae. (wikipedia.org)
  • At a site of active bone resorption, the osteoclast forms a specialized cell membrane, the "ruffled border", that opposes the surface of the bone tissue. (wikipedia.org)
  • This extensively folded or ruffled border facilitates bone removal by dramatically increasing the cell surface for secretion and uptake of the resorption compartment contents and is a morphologic characteristic of an osteoclast that is actively resorbing bone. (wikipedia.org)
  • Many have assumed that fluoride's main effect on bone resorption and osteoclasts is an inhibitory one (i.e., less bone resorption). (fluoridealert.org)
  • While evidence does indicate that fluoride can inhibit osteoclasts and bone resorption, evidence also indicates that fluoride can increase osteoclast activity and bone resorption. (fluoridealert.org)
  • An iliac crest bone biopsy revealed an increased amount of thick unmineralized osteoid as well as a large number of osteoclasts and associated resorption cavities, consistent with osteomalacia. (fluoridealert.org)
  • Given the rate of transition from static to motile behavior of the osteoclasts, these areas are likely to be those undergoing resorption by previously static cells shortly before obtaining the image and characterizing the osteoclasts at motile. (jci.org)
  • The osteoclasts from the involved regions formed similar resorption lacunae compared with osteoclasts isolated from both normal and noninvolved bone. (northwestern.edu)
  • 20 nuclei) and highest level of bone resorption (16.3%) was by myeloid blast-derived osteoclasts. (vu.nl)
  • abstract = "The control of osteoblast/osteoclast cross-talk is crucial in the bone remodelling processand provides a target mechanism in the development of drugs for bone metabolic diseases.Osteoprotegerin is a key molecule in this biosignalling pathway as it inhibits osteoclastogenesisand osteoclast activation to prevent run-away bone resorption. (brighton.ac.uk)
  • Breast cancers commonly cause osteolytic metastases in bone, a process that is dependent upon osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. (ox.ac.uk)
  • The main difference between osteoblast and osteoclast is that osteoblast is involved in the formation and mineralization of bones whereas osteoclast is involved in the breakdown and resorption of bones . (pediaa.com)
  • An osteoclast refers to a type of bone cell responsible for the bone resorption. (pediaa.com)
  • Microvilli are extended from osteoclasts to the bone surface, forming a brush-like structure at the active sites of bone resorption. (pediaa.com)
  • An osteoclast in an area of bone resorption is shown in figure 2 . (pediaa.com)
  • An osteoclast is a type of bone cell that is responsible for the bone resorption. (pediaa.com)
  • The osteoclast is the exclusive cell responsible for bone resorption, making it a therapeutic target for treating skeletal disease. (wustl.edu)
  • However, PTH stimulates the osteoblasts to secrete the cytokine called osteoclast-stimulating factor, which is a potent stimulator of the osteoclastic activity. (wikipedia.org)
  • Our studies revealed that nSP induced high ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and these cellular responses may induce excess osteoclast differentiation. (springer.com)
  • It is unknown, however, how these cell types respond to the osteoclast-stimulating inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β. (vu.nl)
  • This gene encodes a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) cytokine family which is a ligand for osteoprotegerin and functions as a key factor for osteoclast differentiation and activation. (nih.gov)
  • Osteoblast and osteoclast are two types of cells found in the bone. (pediaa.com)
  • Both osteoblast and osteoclast are involved in the repair and breakdown of bones. (pediaa.com)
  • These findings suggest that (1) CT especially inhibits the sorting function of Golgi apparatus in osteoclasts, resulting in prolonged retention of CT in this organelle. (elsevierpure.com)
  • Monocytes needed the longest time (95 h) for the generation of such large osteoclasts, but these cells had a longer life span (50 h). (vu.nl)
  • An osteoclast is a large multinucleated cell and human osteoclasts on bone typically have four nuclei and are 150-200 µm in diameter. (wikipedia.org)
  • 6 ] Osteoclasts are large multinucleated cells (MNCs) that remove the old/weakened bones by acid decalcification and proteolytic degradation. (e-jbm.org)
  • We covalently bonded BP to functionalised HA (HA-BP) and found that HA-BP conjugates were highly specific to osteoclastic cells and reduced mature osteoclast numbers significantly more than free BP. (scilifelab.se)
  • Firstly, the expression of HSP90α in osteoclast differentiation was detected by western blotting in vitro, then the effect of HSP90α inhibition on the formation and differentiation of osteoclasts was examined. (spandidos-publications.com)
  • The in vitro metabolism of osteoclasts obtained from involved disease areas of two patients with idiopathic monostotic fibrous dysplasia and one patient with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia were compared with osteoclasts isolated from noninvolved bone in the same individuals and normal controls. (northwestern.edu)
  • Osteoclasts from regions of in vivo abnormal growth exhibited normal mineral metabolism in vitro. (northwestern.edu)
  • In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the effects of IKN on osteoclast differentiation in vitro and in vivo . (e-jbm.org)
  • Three theories were dominant: from 1949 to 1970 the connective tissue origin was popular, which stated that osteoclasts and osteoblasts are of the same lineage, and osteoblasts fuse together to form osteoclasts. (wikipedia.org)
  • Osteoclasts are bone resorbing, multinucleate cells that differentiate from mononuclear macrophage/monocyte-lineage hematopoietic precursor cells. (jci.org)
  • Bone matrix must be renewed over time in order to maintain its mechanical properties, and myeloid lineage cells called osteoclasts (OCs) are the specialized cells that perform this critical function. (wustl.edu)
  • Osteoclasts originate from monocyte/macrophage lineage cells. (e-jbm.org)
  • Estrogens protect against bone loss by decreasing osteoclast number through direct actions on cells of the myeloid lineage. (bvsalud.org)
  • These may have dozens of nuclei, and typically express major osteoclast proteins but have significant differences from cells in living bone because of the not-natural substrate. (wikipedia.org)
  • Interleukin 1β particularly accelerated proliferation of early blasts and the most small osteoclasts (3-5 nuclei) formed on plastic. (vu.nl)
  • Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells with about 200 nuclei per cell. (pediaa.com)
  • Many of the osteoclasts comprise around 5 to 20 nuclei per cell. (pediaa.com)
  • Excessively active osteoclasts are often large and contain many nuclei. (msdmanuals.com)
  • abstract = "The binding sites and chronologic localization of elcatonin (eCT) in osteoclasts were examined by autoradiography using [125I]elcatonin (125I‐eCT). (elsevierpure.com)
  • The OLGCs are specific type of macrophage and are likely distinct from true osteoclasts. (uniba.it)
  • Because of their phagocytic properties, osteoclasts are considered to be a component of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). (wikipedia.org)
  • Developed silver grains of 125 I‐eCT were localized into multinucleated osteoclasts and mononuclear cells that were ultrastructurally defined as "preosteoclasts. (elsevierpure.com)
  • Mature osteoclasts expressing TRAP-tdTomato signals ( A ), green fluorescent signals from high H + concentration ( B ), and merged images ( C ). Green fluorescent signals from the H + probes overlapped with static (low CDI, arrowheads) but not moving (high CDI, asterisk) osteoclasts, suggesting that former cells are secreting protons actively and resorbing bone tissues when observed in vivo. (jci.org)
  • Osteoclast differentiation was measured by tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP) staining and the TRAP solution assay. (biomedcentral.com)
  • Inhibition of HSP90α could block the formation and differentiation of osteoclasts, and remit osteoporosis in mice. (spandidos-publications.com)
  • Using osteoclasts derived from mice genetically deficient for Syk, DAP12, SLP- 76, or the SLP-family member BLNK, we defined the c-Fms and αvβ3 signaling integrin pathways, both functionally and biochemically. (wustl.edu)
  • We report that transgenic mice expressing measles virus nucleocapsid protein (MVNP) in osteoclasts (OCLs) (MVNP mice) are Paget's disease (PD) models and that OCLs from patients with PD and MVNP mice express high levels of OCL-derived IGF1 (OCL-IGF1). (jci.org)
  • Targeted disruption of the related gene in mice led to severe osteopetrosis and a lack of osteoclasts. (nih.gov)
  • Compared to saline treatments, bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone marrow osteoclast precursor populations were also increased in ODE-treated WT but not IL-6 KO mice. (cdc.gov)
  • Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells and targets for treating bone diseases. (vu.nl)
  • Introduction: Breast Cancer with osteoclast-like stromal giant cells (OLGCs) is a rare pattern of invasive non-special type ductal carcinoma. (uniba.it)
  • Discussion: The origin and mechanism for developing osteoclast-like giant cells is unknown. (uniba.it)
  • Breast cancer cells interact with osteoblasts to support osteoclast formation. (ox.ac.uk)
  • cocultures with MCF-7 or MCF-7 cells transfected with pcDNAIneo required exogenous agents for osteoclast formation. (ox.ac.uk)
  • The digestion of the fragments occurs in the cytoplasmic vacuoles inside the osteoclast cells. (pediaa.com)
  • Osteoclasts are hematopoietic stem cell-derived cells that participate in bone turnover by secreting resorptive molecules such as hydrochloric acid and acidic proteases, which degrade the bone extracellular matrix. (uthscsa.edu)
  • Osteoclasts are unique cells that resorb old bones. (e-jbm.org)
  • A viral etiology, such as measles, has been proposed because nuclear inclusions in diseased osteoclasts that are similar to those seen in paramyxovirus-infected cells have been seen on electron microscopy. (msdmanuals.com)
  • Regarding the underlying mechanism, inhibition of HSP90α could block the nuclear import of PPARγ to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and proliferation. (spandidos-publications.com)
  • Our study suggested that the ethanol extract of the root part of IKN suppressed osteoclast differentiation and function partly by downregulating the p38 MAPK/c-Fos/NFATc1 signaling pathways. (e-jbm.org)
  • Several other mutations associated with Paget disease have been identified, many affecting the RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B) signaling pathway that is critical for osteoclast generation and activity. (msdmanuals.com)
  • Osteoclast differentiation marker genes were analyzed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. (biomedcentral.com)
  • The osteoclast differentiation-related genes and proteins were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. (e-jbm.org)
  • Instead, using microarray analysis we have elucidated that ERα-mediated estrogen signaling in osteoclast progenitors decreases " oxidative phosphorylation " and the expression of mitochondria complex I genes . (bvsalud.org)
  • The main pathogenesis of OP is excessive proliferation and differentiation of osteoclasts, in which the peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ (PPARγ) pathway has a pivotal role. (spandidos-publications.com)
  • As a result, in the process of osteoclast differentiation and proliferation, the expression of HSP90α was upregulated. (spandidos-publications.com)
  • Both events converge on Syk-mediated SLP-76 and BLNK phosphorylation, which regulate osteoclast spreading and function. (wustl.edu)
  • Scholars@Duke publication: Effects of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Osteoclast Activity and Bone Density in Morbidly Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. (duke.edu)
  • MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Osteoclast activity, bone mineral density. (duke.edu)
  • 2) The CT in Golgi apparatus may keep its activity and cause the prolonged effect of CT on osteoclast activity. (elsevierpure.com)
  • The main cause of this symptoms is excessive increase in the number and activity of osteoclasts. (e-jbm.org)
  • The functional activity of osteoclast in response to EFV treatment was evaluated by an Osteo Assay plate. (e-jbm.org)
  • 5 ] Typical bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, have the symptoms of decreased bone mass because of the increased number and activity of osteoclasts. (e-jbm.org)
  • however, markers of osteoblastic activity rise only slightly, whereas osteoclasts have a significant increase in their activity, peaking at 10 weeks following the injury with values 10 times the upper limits of normal (ULN). (medscape.com)
  • Although a viral cause remains controversial, it is hypothesized that in genetically predisposed patients an as yet unidentified virus triggers abnormal osteoclast activity. (msdmanuals.com)
  • Here, we visualized fluorescently labeled mature osteoclasts in intact mouse bone tissues using intravital multiphoton microscopy. (jci.org)
  • IKN administration decreased LPS-induced osteoclast formation in a calvarial osteolysis model in vivo . (e-jbm.org)
  • The acid phosphatases secreted by the osteoclasts dissolve both collagen, calcium, and phosphorus in the bone. (pediaa.com)
  • Moreover, SLP-76 regulates osteoclast function in vivo. (wustl.edu)
  • In addition to defining the role of SLP-76 in osteoclast function, we also delineated the pathway for αvβ3 and c-Fms-mediated SLP-76 activation via the Syk tyrosine kinase and the immunoreceptor activation motif (ITAM)-containing adaptor protein, DAP12. (wustl.edu)
  • These results show that the systemic IL-6 effector pathway mediates bone deterioration induced by repetitive inhalant ODE exposures through an effect on osteoclasts, but a positive role for IL-6 in the airway was not demonstrated. (cdc.gov)
  • The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of HSP90α involved in the regulation of osteoclast formation and the process of osteoporosis. (spandidos-publications.com)
  • In conclusion, these data indicated that the inhibition of HSP90α could block osteoclast formation and remit osteoporosis by reducing the nuclear import of PPARγ. (spandidos-publications.com)
  • Osteoclasts are specialized as the only bone-resorbing cell type and increased numbers are implicated in the development of bone loss-accompanied diseases such as osteoporosis, periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteosarcoma, and bone cancer metastases [ 2 - 4 ]. (biomedcentral.com)
  • Bisphosphonate-functionalized hyaluronic acid showing selective affinity for osteoclasts as a potential treatment for osteoporosis. (scilifelab.se)
  • 1 ] Osteoclasts play critical roles in many bone-destructive diseases such as osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis. (e-jbm.org)
  • The decrease in the number of silver grains in the Golgi apparatus accompanied the recovery of osteoclast structures - Golgi apparatus and then ruffled borders. (elsevierpure.com)
  • We describe two simplified, novel methods of stromal cell-independent ES cell-derived osteoclast development. (uthscsa.edu)
  • p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt serine/threonine kinase (Akt) signaling pathways are known to be activated during osteoclast differentiation. (e-jbm.org)
  • In this study, we have exploited the natural affinity of high (H) and low (L) molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) towards a cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) receptors on osteoclasts to use it as a biodegradable targeting vehicle. (scilifelab.se)
  • The small depressions on the bone surface which are occupied by osteoclasts are called Howship lacunae. (pediaa.com)
  • In this study we investigated the hypothesis that the adaptor protein SLP-76, which contains a binding site for Vav3, is involved in cytoskeletal rearrangements in the osteoclast. (wustl.edu)
  • These findings demonstrate that estrogens decrease osteoclast number by attenuating respiration , and thereby, promoting mitochondrial apoptotic death of early osteoclast progenitors. (bvsalud.org)
  • The control of osteoblast/osteoclast cross-talk is crucial in the bone remodelling process and provides a target mechanism in the development of drugs for bone metabolic diseases. (brighton.ac.uk)