Ion channels perform a variety of cellular functions in lung epithelia. Oxidant- and antioxidant-mediated mechanisms (that is, redox regulation) of ion channels are areas of intense research. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of redox regulation of ion channels since the last Experimental Biology report in 2003. Advancements include: 1) identification of nonphagocytic NADP...

O Ox xi id da an nt ts s a an nd d A An nt ti io ox xi id da an nt ts s i in n M Me ed di ic ca al l S Sc ci ie en nc ce e available at www.scopemed.org Abstract In the SouthEast Asian countries oral cancer is one among the commonly occurring malignancies due to tobacco use and quid chewing habits. Early stage diagnosis of the disease is reported to have a better prognosis. Sialochemistry studi...

Current concepts relating to the pathogenesis of emphysema associated with cigarette smoking is that an imbalance exists within the lower respiratory tract between neutrophil elastase and the local anti-neutrophil elastase screen, enabling uninhibited neutrophil elastase to destroy the alveolar structures over time. The possible role of alveolar macrophages in contributing to this imbalance was...

The bitter yam tuber is consumed as a staple in various regions of the world and is known to possess medicinal properties due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as saponins. These compounds may induce health complications resulting in tissue damage in cases of overconsumption. This study was geared towards determining the effects of Jamaican bitter yam (5%) on tissue damage parameters ...

There is accumulating evidence that two aspects of the innate immune response, the respiratory burst and secretion of proteases, are intimately intertwined. A recent study suggests that K(+) may be the missing link. Is it time to merge signal transduction with biophysics?

O Ox xi id da an nt ts s a an nd d A An nt ti io ox xi id da an nt ts s i in n M Me ed di ic ca al l S Sc ci ie en nc ce e available at www.scopemed.org Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine whether transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts is affected by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cardiac fibroblasts (passage 2) from normal m...

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) has a plethora of components that are not present in native LDL. Their presence and quantity depends on the nature, type, and extent of oxidation. Lipids esterified to oxidized fatty acids are the major components formed during the early phase of oxidation and these show a number of proatherogenic properties in in vitro cell culture systems. Recently, e...

Polymers used in implantable devices, although relatively unreactive, may degrade in vivo through unknown mechanisms. For example, polyetherurethane elastomers used as cardiac pacemaker lead insulation have developed surface defects after implantation. This phenomenon, termed "environmental stress cracking," requires intimate contact between polymer and host phagocytic cells, suggesting that ph...