Introduction: Obesity is associated with higher mortality following trauma, although the pathogenesis is unclear. Both obesity and trauma are associated with syndecan-1 shedding and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activation, which can adversely affect endothelial cell function. We recently demonstrated that fibrinogen stabilizes endothelial cell surface syndecan-1 to reduce shedding and maintain endothelial barrier integrity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Our previous data demonstrated that miR-19b expression was increased in human lung microvascular endothelial cells in-vitro-, in-vivo and in patients with hemorrhagic shock, leading to a decrease in syndecan-1 mRNA and protein and resulting in loss of endothelial barrier function. However, the mechanism underlying increased miR-19b expression remains unclear. The objective of the current study was to determine if c-Jun mediates the early responsive microRNA, miR-19b, to cause endothelial barrier dysfunction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlthough a number of studies have demonstrated increased release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and changes in their origin differentials after trauma, the biologic significance of EVs is not well understood. We hypothesized that EVs released after trauma/hemorrhagic shock (HS) contribute to endotheliopathy and coagulopathy. To test this hypothesis, adoptive transfer experiments were performed to determine whether EVs derived from severely injured patients in shock were sufficient to induce endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn October 2014, a health-care worker who had been part of the treatment team for the first laboratory-confirmed case of Ebola virus disease imported to the United States developed symptoms of Ebola virus disease. A presumptive positive reverse transcription PCR assay result for Ebola virus RNA in a blood sample from the worker was confirmed by the CDC, making this the first documented occurrence of domestic transmission of Ebola virus in the United States. The Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner issued a control order requiring disinfection and decontamination of the health-care worker's residence.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF