Anti-neuroinflammation ameliorates systemic inflammation-induced mitochondrial DNA impairment in the nucleus of the solitary tract and cardiovascular reflex dysfunction.

Background: Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) leads to cardiovascular diseases and increased mortality in clinical studies. However, the underlying mechanisms are still inconclusive. Systemic inflammation-induced neuroinflammation is known to impair the autonomic center of cardiovascular regulation.

Predominance of CD14+ Cells in Burn Blister Fluids.

Background: Burn blister fluid contains several angiogenic factors to promote wound neovascularization. In our previous study, we found that deep partial-thickness burn (DPTB) wounds showed higher expression levels of angiogenin to enhance vascularization compared with superficial partial-thickness burn wounds. Neovascularization is a complex process that involves an interaction between circulating angiogenic cells and mediators.

Angiogenin Attenuates Scar Formation in Burn Patients by Reducing Fibroblast Proliferation and Transforming Growth Factor β1 Secretion.

Background: Deep burn wounds have a high tendency to form hypertrophic scars. Previously, we found that angiogenin promoted neovascularization during deep burn wound healing. However, the association between angiogenin and scar formation is unclear.

Functional dilatation and medial remodeling of the renal artery in response to chronic increased blood flow.

Background/aims: Renal blood flow (RBF) is tightly regulated by several intrinsic pathways in maintaining optimal kidney blood supply. Using a rat model of aortocaval (AC) fistula, we investigated remodeling of the renal artery following prolonged increased blood flow.

Methods: An AC fistula was created in the infrarenal aorta of anesthetized rats, and changes of blood flow in the renal artery were assessed using an ultrasonic flow probe.

Transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells improves pulmonary endothelial function and gas exchange in rabbits with endotoxin-induced acute lung injury.

Background: Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been therapeutically applied to aid vascular repair and myocardial regeneration. The number of circulating EPCs also provides invaluable outcome prediction for fatal diseases such as acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, evidence for the therapeutic potential of EPCs in subjects with ALI/ADRS is limited.

Morphine enhances tissue content of collagen and increases wound tensile strength.

Purpose: Morphine is a commonly prescribed analgesic for wound pain. Previous studies have shown that morphine enhances accumulation of collagen in cultured fibroblasts. Because fibroblasts are important for the remodeling of connective tissue in incisional wound, this study investigates the biological effects of morphine on cutaneous collagen content and wound tensile strength.