Decreased serotonin transporter activity in the mitral valve contributes to progression of degenerative mitral regurgitation.

Degenerative mitral valve (MV) regurgitation (MR) is a highly prevalent heart disease that requires surgery in severe cases. Here, we show that a decrease in the activity of the serotonin transporter (SERT) accelerates MV remodeling and progression to MR. Through studies of a population of patients with MR, we show that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use and promoter polymorphism 5-HTTLPR LL genotype were associated with MV surgery at younger age.

Cellular senescence is increased in airway smooth muscle cells of elderly persons with asthma.

Senescent cells can drive age-related tissue dysfunction partially via a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) involving proinflammatory and profibrotic factors. Cellular senescence has been associated with a structural and functional decline during normal lung aging and age-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Asthma in the elderly (AIE) represents a major healthcare burden.

Cellular Senescence in Aging Lungs and Diseases.

Cellular senescence represents a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest occurring naturally or in response to exogenous stressors. Following the initial arrest, progressive phenotypic changes define conditions of cellular senescence. Understanding molecular mechanisms that drive senescence can help to recognize the importance of such pathways in lung health and disease.

Craniofacial Bone Tissue Engineering: Current Approaches and Potential Therapy.

Craniofacial bone defects can result from various disorders, including congenital malformations, tumor resection, infection, severe trauma, and accidents. Successfully regenerating cranial defects is an integral step to restore craniofacial function. However, challenges managing and controlling new bone tissue formation remain.

Photoencapsulated-mesenchymal stromal cells in biodegradable thiol-acrylate hydrogels enhance regeneration of craniofacial bone tissue defects.

This study investigated biodegradable thiol-acrylate hydrogels as stem cell carriers to facilitate cranial bone regeneration. Two formulations of thiol-acrylate hydrogels (5 and 15 wt% Poly[ethylene glycol]-diacrylate [PEGDA] hydrogels) were used as stem cell carriers. Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells and dental pulp mesenchymal stromal cells were photoencapsulated and cultured in basal or osteogenic medium 3 days before the surgery.

Photoencapsulated-BMP2 in visible light-cured thiol-acrylate hydrogels for craniofacial bone tissue engineering.

The study aimed to examine the impact of crosslinking BMP2 in biodegradable visible light-cured thiol-acrylate hydrogels. BMP2 was photoencapsulated in 10 wt% PEG-diacrylate hydrogels with or without immortalized mouse bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC). Photoencapsulated-BMSC with BMP2 (BMBMP2) showed a significantly (p < 0.