Overexpression of interleukin-13 induces minimal-change-like nephropathy in rats.
AuthorsLai KW, Wei CL, Tan LK, Tan PH, Chiang GS, Lee CG, Jordan SC, Yap HK,
JournalJ Am Soc Nephrol
PubMed ID17429054
'IL-13 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of minimal-change nephrotic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the role of IL-13 on the development of proteinuria and expression of podocyte-related genes that are associated with nephrotic syndrome. IL-13 was overexpressed in Wistar rats through transfection of a mammalian expression vector cloned ... More
Lovastatin inhibits bronchial hyperresponsiveness by reducing RhoA signaling in rat allergic asthma.
AuthorsChiba Y, Arima J, Sakai H, Misawa M,
JournalAm J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol
PubMed ID18296496
Recent studies revealed an importance of a monomeric GTP-binding protein, RhoA, in contraction of bronchial smooth muscle (BSM). RhoA and its downstream have been proposed as a new target for the treatment of airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. Statins are known to inhibit the functional activation of RhoA via the depletion ... More
Quantitative in vivo cytokine analysis at synthetic biomaterial implant sites.
AuthorsRodriguez A, Meyerson H, Anderson JM,
JournalJ Biomed Mater Res A
PubMed ID18431759
To further elucidate the foreign body reaction, investigation of cytokines at biomaterial implant sites was carried out using a multiplex immunoassay and ELISA. Macrophage activation cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNFalpha), cytokines important for macrophage fusion (IL-4 and IL-13), antiinflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGFbeta), chemokines (GRO/KC, MCP-1), and the T-cell activation ... More
Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of sirolimus on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.
AuthorsTulek B, Kiyan E, Toy H, Kiyici A, Narin C, Suerdem M,
JournalClin Invest Med
PubMed ID22129924
Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating disease with a poor prognosis. Although the diagnosis and pathophysiology of this disease have been better characterized over the past few years, there is no effective therapy for the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of sirolimus ... More