Granulin A (GRN A), a peptide with a molecular 6 kDa, is derived from proteolysis of progranulin (PGRN). Previous study in our laboratory has shown that GRN A is able to inhibit cancer cell growth significantly. In the present study, we confirmed that GRN A can bind to α-enolase (ENO1) specifically as analyzed using Pull-down/MS approaches. The interaction of GRN A with ENO1 was further confirm...

We evaluated the effects of the kallikrein-kinin system on the proliferation and migration of primary cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro and neointima formation in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries in vivo. In cultured rat VSMCs, tissue kallikrein inhibited cell proliferation, and this inhibitory effect was blocked by Sar-Tyr-Aca(epsilon)-Lys [D-betaNal(7), Ile(8)]-des-Ar...

PURPOSE Abnormalities in corneal reepithelialization caused by second-hand cigarette smoke (CS) are less known than the effects of CS on other tissues. The effects of CS on corneal epithelial cell migration and associated signaling mechanisms were examined, to determine the mechanisms by which CS delays corneal wound healing. METHODS Corneal epithelial cells in two-dimensional or organ cultur...

Sweat absorption is investigated using the subjective and objective methods. The subjective investigation analyses the physiological responses of male and female volunteers wearing two kinds of textile fabrics (cotton and polyester) during certain physical activity. The subjects were exposed to the different conditions of ambient temperature (23, 26, 29 and 32 degrees C) and constant relative h...

A simple model of a portfolio allocation between mature and emerging markets is specified. The representative-agent, rational expectations version of the model has an unlimited number of equilibria, providing no reason to expect that heterogeneous agents would all coordinate on one or another equilibrium. Therefore, the model is simulated with heterogeneous expectations based on ex post returns...

BACKGROUND Spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) are a very important test in the weaning process. The trial involves evaluation of multiple objective and subjective variables. These characteristics could lead to variability in interpreting outcomes with important clinical implications. We aimed to measure the inter-observer agreement between respiratory therapists when analyzing SBT outcomes. ...

RATIONALE Reduced plasma cholesterol and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels promote regression of atherosclerosis, in a process characterized by lipid unloading and emigration of macrophages from lesions. In contrast free cholesterol loading of macrophages leads to imbalanced Rac1/Rho activities and impaired chemotaxis. OBJECTIVE To study the role of HDL and the ATP-binding casse...

Background Excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are associated with the pathogenesis atherosclerosis (AS). Eplerenone (EPL), a novel selective aldosterone receptor blocker, plays substantial role in treatment cardiovascular disease. The G protein-coupled estrogen (GPER) is target EPL as STITCH website predicated. Objectives We aimed to investigate roles ...

The dysregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in multiple cell types during chronic inflammation is indicative of their pathogenic role in autoimmune diseases. Among the many RTKs, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) stands out for its multiple effects on immunity, vascularization, and cell migration. Herein, we examined whether VEGFR participated in the pathogenesis of ...

Uveal melanoma (UM), the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults, is highly metastatic and associated with dismal prognosis. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) has been shown to induce cell proliferation and angiogenesis of melanoma and other malignancies. However, the expression of FGF2 in UM and its effects on melanoma cell migration are not well known. In this study, we found FGF...