Bile acids regulate the epithelial Na channel in native tissues through direct binding at multiple sites.

Bile acids, originally known to emulsify dietary lipids, are now established signalling molecules that regulate physiological processes. Signalling targets several proteins that include the ion channels involved in regulating intestinal motility and bile viscosity. Studies show that bile acids regulate the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in cultured cell models and heterologous expression systems.

The airway smooth muscle sodium/calcium exchanger NCLX is critical for airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness in asthma.

The structural changes of airway smooth muscle (ASM) that characterize airway remodeling (AR) are crucial to the pathogenesis of asthma. During AR, ASM cells dedifferentiate from a quiescent to a proliferative, migratory, and secretory phenotype. Calcium (Ca) is a ubiquitous second messenger that regulates many cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, contraction, and metabolism.

Neonatal Parotitis: A Case Report.

Introduction: Acute suppurative parotitis is a rare finding in the neonate. It is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but other bacterial isolates may be emerging. It is a novel disease for this age group and requires unique management.

Histopathological evidence for macrophage activation driving post-transfusion hyperhaemolysis syndrome.

Post-transfusion hyperhaemolysis syndrome (PTHS) is a rare life-threatening transfusion complication reported mainly in sickle cell patients. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood. Antibody-mediated haemolysis and bystander effect have been proposed as putative mechanisms, but in half of cases, red cell antibodies are undetectable, and PTHS develops despite transfusion of cross-matched compatible RBC.

Severe antithrombin deficiency in pregnancy: Achieving adequate anticoagulation.

Antithrombin deficiency is identified as one of the most potent risk factors for venous thromboembolism during pregnancy. Therapeutic low molecular weight heparin is recommended, but it can be difficult to attain sufficient anticoagulation since low molecular weight heparin requires antithrombin to exert its anticoagulant effect. We carried out a multicentre case-series assessing the dose of low molecular weight heparin required to achieve therapeutic anti-activated factor X levels in pregnant women with antithrombin deficiency.