Aminophylline modulates the permeability of endothelial cells via the Slit2-Robo4 pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Aminophylline modulates the permeability of endothelial cells via the Slit2-Robo4 pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation Via Experimental and therapeutic medicine Exp Ther Med. 2021 Sep;22(3):1042. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10474. Epub 2021 Jul 21. ABSTRACT Sepsis and septic shock are the main cause of mortality in intensive care units. The prevention and treatment of sepsis remains a significant challenge worldwide. The endothelial cell barrier plays a critical role in the development of sepsis. Aminophylline, a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has been demonstrated to reduce endothelial cell permeability. However, little is known regarding the role of aminophylline in regulating vascular permeability during sepsis, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms. In the present study, the Slit2/Robo4 signaling pathway, the downstream protein, vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and endothelial cell permeability were investigated in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model. It was indicated that, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), LPS downregulated Slit2, Robo4 and VE-cadherin protein expression levels and, as expected, increased endothelial cell permeability in vitro during inflammation. After administration of aminophylline, the protein expression levels of Slit2, Robo4 and VE-cadherin were upregulated and endothelial cell permeability was significantly improved. These results suggested that the permeability of endothelial cells could be mediated by VE-cadherin via the Slit2/Robo4 signaling pathway. Aminophylline reduced endothelial permeability in a LPS-induced inflammation model. Therefore, aminophylline may represent a promising candidate for modulating vascular permeability induced by inflammation or sepsis. PMID:34373728 | PMC:PMC8343459 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10474 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Kir4.1 may represent a novel therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy (Review)

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Kir4.1 may represent a novel therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy (Review) Via Experimental and therapeutic medicine Exp Ther Med. 2021 Sep;22(3):1021. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10453. Epub 2021 Jul 15. ABSTRACT As the major cause of irreversible loss of vision in adults, diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes. The imbalance of the retinal microenvironment and destruction of the blood-retinal barrier have a significant role in the progression of DR. Inward rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) is located on Müller cells and is closely related to potassium homeostasis, water balance and glutamate clearance in the whole retina. The present review discusses the functions of Kir4.1 in regulating the retinal microenvironment and related biological mechanisms in DR. In the future, Kir4.1 may represent a novel alternative therapeutic target for DR through affecting the retinal microenvironment. PMID:34373707 | PMC:PMC8343704 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10453 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Immune thrombocytopenia, severe hematological consequence in a patient with COVID-19: A case report

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Immune thrombocytopenia, severe hematological consequence in a patient with COVID-19: A case report Via Experimental and therapeutic medicine Exp Ther Med. 2021 Sep;22(3):1043. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10475. Epub 2021 Jul 21. ABSTRACT Since the first appearance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), multiple studies have focused on this novel coronavirus. Within a few months, the clinical and paraclinical manifestations and the mechanisms by which these changes are induced were elaborated. Clinically, the virus mainly causes the common cold, but can also result in severe or fatal pneumonia/acute respiratory syndrome. Regarding the biological changes, similar to any other virus, it can lead to a reduced lymphocyte count. The second most common change is represented by a reduced thrombocyte count. Furthermore, most patients have blood clotting abnormalities, inflammatory syndrome, raised D-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Detection of immune thrombocytopenia in asymptomatic patients who tested positive for COVID-19 justifies the need to perform differential diagnosis and testing for COVID-19. Typically, patients with severe forms of COVID-19 develop mild thrombocytopenia, while severe thrombocytopenia is rarely reported. The aim of this case report was to present the situation in which one asymptomatic patient who tested positive for COVID-19 developed severe immune thrombocytopenia. PMID:34373729 | PMC:PMC8343625 | DOI:10.3892/etm. 2021.10475 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Nerve growth factor enhances the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells on diabetic periodontitis

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Nerve growth factor enhances the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells on diabetic periodontitis Via Experimental and therapeutic medicine Exp Ther Med. 2021 Sep;22(3):1013. doi: 10.3892/etm.2021.10445. Epub 2021 Jul 15. ABSTRACT Patients with diabetes frequently suffer from periodontitis, which progresses rapidly and is difficult to cure. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation may effectively treat periodontitis, but high glucose limits its therapeutic effect in diabetes. Nerve growth factor (NGF) has the functions of cell protection, anti-apoptosis and immune regulation, and may have potential application in diabetic periodontitis. In the present study, flow cytometry indicated that NGF inhibited MSC apoptosis induced by high glucose. Of note, high glucose promoted the transformation of MSCs into the proinflammatory type. NGF inhibited this transformation of MSCs under diabetic conditions and further decreased the proportion of T cells and monocytes/macrophages among lymphocytes. An animal model of diabetic periodontitis was constructed and MSC transplantation was demonstrated to reduce alveolar bone loss caused by diabetes. NGF enhanced the therapeutic effect of MSCs and maintained transplanted MSC survival in periodontal tissue of diabetic mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of periodontal tissues suggested that in the NGF group, infiltration of T cells and macrophages was reduced. Neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1 was indicated to have a key role in these effects of NGF. In conclusion, NGF may enhance the therapeutic effect of MSCs on diabetic periodontitis by protecting the cells and promoting the transformation of MSCs into the immunosuppressive type. PMID:34373699 | PMC:PMC8343805 | DOI:10.3892/etm.2021.10445 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction for gastroesophageal reflux disease: A randomized double-simulation controlled trial

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction for gastroesophageal reflux disease: A randomized double-simulation controlled trial Via Traditional dysphagia therapy World J Gastroenterol. 2021 Jul 28;27(28):4710-4721. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i28.4710. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a high prevalence worldwide, and its incidence is increasing annually. Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction (MXD) could relieve the symptoms of GERD, but the effects of MXD on GERD manifestations and relapse prevention need to be further explained. Therefore, we performed a prospective, double-blind, and double-simulation study. AIM: To verify the efficacy of MXD for GERD and its effect on esophageal motility. METHODS: Using randomization, double-blinding, and a simulation design, 288 participants with GERD were randomized to the treatment group and control group and received herbs (MXD) plus omeprazole simulation and omeprazole plus herbs simulation, respectively, for 4 wk. The GERD-Q scale score and esophageal manometry were measured at baseline, after treatment, and at 1 mo and 3 mo follow -up visits when medication was complete to evaluate recurrence indicators. RESULTS: The GERD-Q scale score in both groups decreased significantly compared to those before treatment (P < 0.01). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). Esophageal manometry showed that participants with lower esophageal sphincter pressure reduction and the proportion of ineffective swallowing (more than 50%) improved in both groups from baseline (P < 0.01), especially in the treatment group (P < 0.05). The percentage of small intermittent contractions, large intermittent contractions, and increased pre-phase contractions in the treatment group significantly improved compared with baseline (P < 0.05) but did not improve in the control group (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups after treatment (P > 0.05). The percentage of weak esophageal contractility (dista l contractile integral < 450 mmHg·s·cm), improved in both groups (P < 0.01), but no significant difference was observed between the groups after treatment (P > 0.05). The relapse rate in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group at the 1 mo (P < 0.01) and 3 mo follow-up (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MXD has a similar therapeutic effect to omeprazole in mild-to-moderate GERD. The therapeutic effect may be related to increased pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter and reduced ineffective swallowing. PMID:34366631 | PMC:PMC8326264 | DOI:10.3748/wjg.v27.i28.4710 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Vocal signs and symptoms related to COVID-19 and risk factors for their persistence

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Vocal signs and symptoms related to COVID-19 and risk factors for their persistence Via Journal of Voice Objective: To compare the occurrence of vocal signs and symptoms before, during, and after coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and analyze possible risk factors for the persistence of these signs and symptoms after disease resolution.Method: This was an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. The participants were 45 individuals of both sexes, with a mean age of 44 years, who were previously affected by COVID-19. All participants answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic data, smoking history, disease course, vocal complaints, and the vocal signs and symptoms list (SSL), referring to three timepoints (before, during, and after COVID-19). View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Vestibular paroxysmia (VP) is a condition with recurrent short bouts of vertigo and is thought to be part of a neurovascular compression syndrome caused by the vascular loop

Vascular Loops: The Innocent Bystander for Vestibular Paroxysmia
2dby Carren Sui-Lin Teh via otol rhinol

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Aug 5:34894211037211. doi: 10.1177/00034894211037211. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vestibular paroxysmia (VP) is a condition with recurrent short bouts of vertigo and is thought to be part of a neurovascular compression syndrome caused by the vascular loop. However, this is still being debated as vascular loops are considered as normal variants with limited studies involving vertiginous patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to study the association between audiovestibular symptoms and the presence of vascular loops and to study the association between vestibular paroxysmia and vascular loops.

DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of clinical, audiological and MRI findings of patients with and without vascular loops and vestibular paroxysmia from 2000 to 2020.

RESULTS: A total of 470 MRI Internal Auditory Meatus scans were performed during the study period of which, 71 (15.1%) had vascular loops and 162 (34.5%) had normal MRI which were used as controls. From the 233 subjects recruited, there were 37 subjects with VP and 196 non VP subjects were used as controls. There was no association between the vascular loop and control groups in terms of co-morbidity and audiovestibular symptoms. The VP group had a significantly older mean age of 51.8 (SD ± 10.3) as compared to the non VP group with the mean age of 45.6 (SD ± 15.5). The VP group had higher number of patients presenting with hearing loss at 97.3% when compared with those without VP (80.1%) (P = .01). The odds of having a vascular loop giving rise to VP was not statistically significant at 0.82 (95% CI 0.3735-1.7989) P = .62.

CONCLUSION: The vascular loop is a normal variant which may or may not give rise to audiovestibular symptoms or vestibular paroxysmia. Clinical assessment is still most important tool in deriving a diagnosis of VP and MRI may be useful to rule out other central causes.

PMID:34353133 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211037211

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Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182,00306932607174,alsfakia@gmail.com,

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