Differentiation and Growth-Arrest-Related lncRNA (): Initial Characterization in Human Smooth Muscle and Fibroblast Cells.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) can transition between a quiescent contractile or "differentiated" phenotype and a "proliferative-dedifferentiated" phenotype in response to environmental cues, similar to what in occurs in the wound healing process observed in fibroblasts. When dysregulated, these processes contribute to the development of various lung and cardiovascular diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key modulators of SMC differentiation and phenotypic changes.

Quantification of rifampicin loaded into inhaled polymeric nanoparticles by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography in pulmonary nonphagocytic cellular uptake.

Rifampicin is an antibiotic effective against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and is commonly used as a first-line treatment for tuberculosis caused by . In this study, a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated to assess rifampicin, either free or combined with ascorbic acid, loaded into chitosan/Tween 80-coated alginate nanoparticles. The method utilized a reversed-phase C18 Restek column with specific chromatographic conditions: a mobile phase of 60 : 40 ratios of methanol/buffer phosphate (pH 7.

The Exosome-like Vesicles of Assemblages A, B, and E Are Involved in the Delivering of Distinct Small RNA from Parasite to Parasite.

The genetically related assemblages of the intestinal protozoa parasite are morphologically indistinguishable and are often derived from specific hosts. The assemblages are separated by large genetic distances, which might account for their relevant biological and pathogenic differences. In this work, we analyzed the RNAs cargo released into exosomal-like vesicles (ElVs) by the assemblages A and B, which differentially infect humans, and the assemblage E, which infects hoofed animals.

Infection Promotes Vascular Remodeling and Coexpression of α-Smooth Muscle Actin and Macrophage Markers in Cells of the Aorta.

Chagas disease is an emerging global health problem; however, it remains neglected. Increased aortic stiffness (IAS), a predictor of cardiovascular events, has recently been reported in asymptomatic chronic Chagas patients. After vascular injury, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) can undergo alterations associated with phenotypic switch and transdifferentiation, promoting vascular remodeling and IAS.

Exploring the Toxicity, Lung Distribution, and Cellular Uptake of Rifampicin and Ascorbic Acid-Loaded Alginate Nanoparticles as Therapeutic Treatment of Lung Intracellular Infections.

Nanotechnology is a very promising technological tool to combat health problems associated with the loss of effectiveness of currently used antibiotics. Previously, we developed a formulation consisting of a chitosan and tween 80-decorated alginate nanocarrier that encapsulates rifampicin and the antioxidant ascorbic acid (RIF/ASC), intended for the treatment of respiratory intracellular infections. Here, we investigated the effects of RIF/ASC-loaded NPs on the respiratory mucus and the pulmonary surfactant.

MicroRNA Dysregulation in Pulmonary Arteries from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Relationships with Vascular Remodeling.

Pulmonary vascular remodeling is an angiogenic-related process involving changes in smooth muscle cell (SMC) homeostasis, which is frequently observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate mRNA expression levels of many genes, leading to the manifestation of cell identity and specific cellular phenotypes. Here, we evaluate the miRNA expression profiles of pulmonary arteries (PAs) of patients with COPD and its relationship with the regulation of SMC phenotypic change.