OBJECTIVE Leptin is an adipokine initially thought to be a metabolic factor. Recent publications have shown its roles in inflammation and vascular disease, to which Sca-1+ vascular progenitor cells within the vessel wall may contribute. We sought to elucidate the effects of leptin on Sca-1+ progenitor cells migration and neointimal formation and to understand the underlying mechanisms. APPROA...

OBJECTIVES Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a powerful tool in regenerative medicine because of their differentiation and migration capacities. We aimed to investigate the possibility of Flk-1(+)Sca-1(-) mesenchymal stem cells (Flk-1(+)Sca-1(-) MSCs) transplantation to repair erectile function in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM)-associated erectile dysfunction (ED). METHO...

OBJECTIVE To assist high school and college athletic programs prepare for and respond to a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). This consensus statement summarizes our current understanding of SCA in young athletes, defines the necessary elements for emergency preparedness, and establishes uniform treatment protocols for the management of SCA. BACKGROUND Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of ...

BACKGROUND Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution (PM(2.5); < 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter) induces endothelial dysfunction and increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to postnatal endothelial repair and regeneration. In humans and mice, EPC levels are decreased upon exposure to elevated levels of PM(2.5). OBJECTIVE We...

The recently cloned interleukin 13 (IL-13) shares most investigated biological activities on B lymphocytes and monocytes with IL-4. In this study we investigated for the first time the potential role of IL-13 in the regulation of the growth of hematopoietic progenitor cells. IL-13 enhanced stem cell factor (SCF)-induced proliferation of Lin-Sca-1+ bone marrow progenitor cells more potently than...

Caspase-1 activation senses metabolic danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and mediates the initiation of inflammation in endothelial cells. Here, we examined whether the caspase-1 pathway is responsible for sensing hyperlipidemia as a DAMP in bone marrow (BM)-derived Stem cell antigen-1 positive (Sca-(1+)) stem/progenitor cells and weakening their angiogenic ability. Using biochemical ...

Patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have usually lower diastolic, systolic and mean blood pressure (BP) than the general population. However, BP values ≥120/70 mmHg considerably increase the risk for acute and chronic complications in SCA. The aim of this study was to identify biological factors associated with relative hypertension in adults with SCA. We compared the hematological, lipid an...

BACKGROUND Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited hemoglobin disorder characterized by chronic anemia and occasional crises. Clinical features are variable. While some individuals are relatively stable and rarely require blood transfusion, others often require blood transfusion. Multiple blood transfusion is associated with complications including alloimmunization, infections, and iron overlo...

In Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) patient blood transfusions are an important part of treatment for stroke and its prevention. However, blood transfusions can also lead to complications such as Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS). This brief report highlights two cases of SCA who developed such neurological complications after a blood transfusion. RLPS should be considered as the...

Endoluminal stent placement is safe and effective in the treatment of symptomatic ostial stenoses of the vertebral artery (VA) and proximal subclavian artery (SCA). However, determining the relative importance of an individual lesion on angiography is difficult when VA and SCA stenoses are concurrent. Pressure-sensing wires help in determining the functional significance of coronary artery sten...