• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.206-211
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• 2015

Pulmonary edema is a major cause of mortality due to acute lung injury (ALI). The involvement of protein kinase C-${\delta}$ (PKC-${\delta}$) in ALI has been a controversial topic. Here we investigated PKC-${\delta}$ function in ALI using PKC-${\delta}$ knockout (KO) mice and PKC inhibitors. Our results indicated that although the ability to produce proinflammatory mediators in response to LPS injury in PKC-${\delta}$ KO mice was similar to that of control mice, they showed enhanced recruitment of neutrophils to the lung and more severe pulmonary edema. PKC-${\delta}$ inhibition promoted barrier dysfunction in an endothelial cell layer in vitro, and administration of a PKC-${\delta}$-specific inhibitor significantly increased steady state vascular permeability. A neutrophil transmigration assay indicated that the PKC-${\delta}$ inhibition increased neutrophil transmigration through an endothelial monolayer. This suggests that PKC-${\delta}$ inhibition induces structural changes in endothelial cells, allowing extravasation of proteins and neutrophils.

• BMB Reports
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• 제46권12호
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• pp.600-605
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• 2013

Interplay between calcium ions ($Ca^{2+}$) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) delicately controls diverse pathophysiological functions of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, details of the $Ca^{2+}$ and ROS signaling network have been hindered by the absence of a method for dual measurement of $Ca^{2+}$ and ROS. Here, a real-time monitoring system for $Ca^{2+}$ and ROS was established using a genetically encoded hydrogen peroxide indicator, HyPer, and a ratiometric $Ca^{2+}$ indicator, fura-2. For the simultaneous detection of fura-2 and HyPer signals, 540 nm emission filter and 500 nm~ dichroic beamsplitter were combined with conventional exciters. The wide excitation spectrum of HyPer resulted in marginal cross-contamination with fura-2 signal. However, physiological $Ca^{2+}$ transient and hydrogen peroxide were practically measurable in HyPer-expressing, fura-2-loaded VSMCs. Indeed, distinct $Ca^{2+}$ and ROS signals could be successfully detected in serotonin-stimulated VSMCs. The system established in this study is applicable to studies of crosstalk between $Ca^{2+}$ and ROS.

• BMB Reports
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• 제51권2호
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• pp.65-72
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• 2018

The endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a newly recognized, fundamental biological process involved in development and tissue regeneration, as well as pathological processes such as the complications of diabetes, fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. The EndMT process is tightly controlled by diverse signaling networks, similar to the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of this network, with the capacity to target multiple messenger RNAs involved in the EndMT process as well as in the regulation of disease progression. Thus, it is highly important to understand the molecular basis of miRNA control of EndMT. This review highlights the current fund of knowledge regarding the known links between miRNAs and the EndMT process, with a focus on the mechanism that regulates associated signaling pathways and discusses the potential for the EndMT as a therapeutic target to treat many diseases.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.225-232
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• 2023

Cognitive dysfunction is relatively less considered a complication of hypertension. However, there is sufficient evidence to show that high blood pressure in middle age increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in old age. The greatest impact on cognitive function in those with hypertension is on executive or frontal lobe function, similar to the area most damaged in vascular dementia. Possible cognitive disorders associated with hypertension are vascular dementia, Alzheimer disease, and Lewy body dementia, listed in decreasing strength of association. The pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction in individuals with hypertension includes brain atrophy, microinfarcts, microbleeds, neuronal loss, white matter lesions, network disruption, neurovascular unit damage, reduced cerebral blood flow, blood-brain barrier damage, enlarged perivascular damage, and proteinopathy. Antihypertensive drugs may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Given the high prevalence of dementia and its impact on quality of life, treatment of hypertension to reduce cognitive decline may be a clinically relevant intervention.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제67권1호
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• pp.52-58
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• 2009

폐동정맥기형은 드문 폐혈관 질환으로 출혈, 뇌농양, 기이 색전증(paradoxical embolism)에 의한 여러 신경학적 합병증의 발생 위험을 증가시켜 치료를 요한다. 과거에는 수술적으로 제거했으나, 최근에는 주로 코일 및 풍선 등의 다양한 색전물질을 이용한 경피적 색전술을 시행하여 치료하는 추세이다. 거대 폐동정맥기형의 경우에는 색전술 시행 과정에서 코일이 전신 순환으로 빠져 나가 장치 색전증 등의 합병증을 일으킬 위험이 높다. 저자들은 호흡곤란을 주소로 내원한 81세 남자 환자에게서, 지속되는 저산소혈증의 원인으로 거대 폐동정맥기형을 진단하고, Amplatzer$^{(R)}$ 혈관폐색장치를 이용한 경피적 색전술로 치료한 1예를 경험하였기에, 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.10.1-10.17
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• 2024

In this review, we will explore the intricate roles of cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factors in autoimmune diseases (ADs), with a particular focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). AD is characterized by self-destructive immune responses due to auto-reactive T lymphocytes and Abs. Among various types of ADs, RA and MS possess inflammation as a central role but in different sites of the patients. Other common aspects among these two ADs are their chronicity and relapsing-remitting symptoms requiring continuous management. First factor inducing these ADs are cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17, which play significant roles in the pathogenesis by contributing to inflammation, immune cell activation, and tissue damage. Secondly, vascular endothelial growth factors, including VEGF and angiopoietins, are crucial in promoting angiogenesis and inflammation in these two ADs. Finally, placental growth factor (PlGF), an emerging factor with bi-directional roles in angiogenesis and T cell differentiation, as we introduce as an "angio-lymphokine" is another key factor in ADs. Thus, while angiogenesis recruits more inflammatory cells into the peripheral sites, cytokines secreted by effector cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of ADs. Various therapeutic interventions targeting these soluble molecules have shown promise in managing autoimmune pathogenic conditions. However, delicate interplay between cytokines, angiogenic factors, and PlGF has more to be studied when considering their complementary role in actual pathogenic conditions. Understanding the complex interactions among these factors provides valuable insights for the development of innovative therapies for RA and MS, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.117-128
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• 2006

Free flap transplantation with microvascular anastomosis has been successfully performed by development of surgical technique, materials and postoperative monitoring equipments of flap. But success rate of microvascular anastomosis is influenced by various factors, and failure rate is about 5-10%. The most influential factor for success rate is surgical technique and other factors that influence failure of microvascular anastomosis are ischemic time of free flap, thrombus formation of anastomosis region and vascular spasm. Many studies has been published in microvascular anastomosis with histologic effect for irrigating solution. But local irrigation solution has been used clinically in microvascular anastomosis, the comparison with each solution, microhistological study for endothelial cell repair and vascular patency has not been reported. The heparin which is anti-thrombotic agent, and urokinase which is fibrinolytic agent are used for this study. Vascular patency and thrombus formation in experimental micro-arterial anastomosis, and endothelial repair were observed with histologic analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopic examination. The results were obtained as follows: 1. In vascular patency test in 30 minute and 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis, equal effects of good vascular patency were obtained in group of local irrigation with heparin and urokinase. 2. In thrombus formation in 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis, equal effects of minimal thrombus formation were obtained in group of local irrigation with heparin and urokinase. 3. In toluidin blue staining in 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis, local destruction of endothelial cell and inner elastic lamina were seen and endothelial repair was not seen. 4. In scanning electron microscope examination in 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis, endothelial cell was not seen in peripheral to suture materials, thrombus associated fibrin network was observed. 5. In transmission electron microscope examination in 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis, inflammatory cell was seen within smooth muscle cells in site of endothelial cell destruction, smooth muscle cell around suture material were arranged irregularly, some collagenous change were seen. From the results obtained in this study, same results of good vascular patency and anti-thrombotic effect of heparin and urokinase were obtained as a local irrigation solution, and repair of endothelial cell was not seen in 7 days after micro-arterial anastomosis.

• Advances in nano research
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• 제12권5호
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• pp.501-514
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• 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of Chikusetsusaponin V (CsV) on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular endothelial cell functions. Different concentrations of CsV were added to animal models, bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAECs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured in vitro. qPCR, Western blotting (WB), and B ultrasound were performed to explore the effects of CsV on mouse endothelial cell functions, vascular stiffness and cellular eNOS mRNA, protein expression and NO release. Bioinformatics analysis, network pharmacology, molecular docking and protein mass spectrometry analysis were conducted to jointly predict the upstream transcription factors of eNOS. Furthermore, pulldown and ChIP and dual luciferase assays were employed for subsequent verification. At the presence or absence of CsV stimulation, either overexpression or knockdown of purine rich element binding protein A (PURA) was conducted, and PCR assay was employed to detect PURA and eNOS mRNA expressions, Western blot was used to detect PURA and eNOS protein expressions, cell NO release and serum NO levels. Tube formation experiment was conducted to detect the tube forming capability of HUVECs cells. The animal vasodilation function test detected the vasodilation functions. Ultrasonic detection was performed to determine the mouse aortic arch pulse wave velocity to identify aortic stiffness. CsV stimulus on bovine aortic cells revealed that CsV could upregulate eNOS protein levels in vascular endothelial cells in a concentration and time dependent manner. The expression levels of eNOS mRNA and phosphorylation sites Ser1177, Ser633 and Thr495 increased significantly after CsV stimulation. Meanwhile, CsV could also enhance the tube forming capability of HUVECs cells. Following the mice were gavaged using CsV, the eNOS protein level of mouse aortic endothelial cells was upregulated in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and serum NO release and vasodilation ability were simultaneously elevated whereas arterial stiffness was alleviated. The pulldown, ChIP and dual luciferase assays demonstrated that PURA could bind to the eNOS promoter and facilitate the transcription of eNOS. Under the conditions of presence or absence of CsV stimulation, overexpression or knockdown of PURA indicated that the effect of CsV on vascular endothelial function and eNOS was weakened following PURA gene silence, whereas overexpression of PURA gene could enhance the effect of CsV upregulating eNOS expression. CsV could promote NO release from endothelial cells by upregulating the expression of PURA/eNOS pathway, improve endothelial cell functions, enhance vasodilation capability, and alleviate vessel stiffness. The present study plays a role in offering a theoretical basis for the development and application of CsV in vascular function improvement, and it also provides a more comprehensive understanding of the pharmacodynamics of CsV.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.61-64
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• 2001

This study evaluated the use of endoscopy to examine jaw cysts during the operation. Fifteen jaw cysts were explored with a endoscope immediately before and after enucleation. Endoscopic findings were evaluated and recorded with video tape. Before enucleation, there were many white fibrous floating materials within the cystic cavity. Cystic lining showed smooth and regular appearance with capillary network. However, there were some fibrous scar tissues and irregular architecture in preoperative infection. After enucleation, there were white shiny bony surfaces with fresh vascular network. In some cases, floating fibrous tissues remained after removal.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제33권5호
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• pp.536-540
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• 2006

Purpose: The soft tissue injuries of the patellar area are difficult problems because of insufficient arterial blood supply and lack of muscle layer. There have been many methods for reconstructing the soft tissue injuries of the patellar area such as primary closure, skin graft, local flap and free tissue transfer. However, each method has some limitations in their application. After the first introduction, the fasciocutaneous flaps are widely used to reconstruct the soft tissue injuries. The saphenous nerve, one of the superficial sensory nerves in the lower leg, is supplied by the saphenous artery and its vascular network. We used the saphenous fasciocutaneous island flap to reconstruct the soft tissue injuries of the patellar area. Methods: From March 2002 to May 2005, we used the saphenous fasciocutaneous island flap to reconstruct the soft tissue injuries of the patellar area. The flap was elevated with saphenous nerve, saphenous vein and saphenous artery and its vascular network. The flap donor site was reconstructed with primary closure or split-thickness skin graft. Results: Five cases survived completely but 1 case developed partial necrosis of the skin on the upper margin of the flap. However, the necrosis was localized on skin layer, and we reconstructed with debridement and split-thickness skin graft only. After the operation, there was no contracture or gait disturbance in any patient. Conclusion: In conclusion, the saphenous fasciocutaneous island flap is safe, comfortable and effective method to reconstruct the soft tissue injuries of the patellar area.