L-Dopa decarboxylase modulates autophagy in hepatocytes and is implicated in dengue virus-caused inhibition of autophagy completion.

The enzyme L-Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) synthesizes the catecholamine dopamine and the indolamine serotonin. Apart from its role in the brain as a neurotransmitter biosynthetic enzyme, DDC has been detected also in the liver and other peripheral organs, where it is implicated in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and host-virus interactions. Dengue virus (DENV) suppresses DDC expression at the later stages of infection, during which DENV also inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion.

Association of Hepatitis C Virus Replication with the Catecholamine Biosynthetic Pathway.

A bidirectional negative relationship between Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication and gene expression of the catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) was previously shown in the liver and attributed at least to an association of DDC with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Here, we report that the biosynthesis and uptake of catecholamines restrict HCV replication in hepatocytes, while HCV has developed ways to reduce catecholamine production. By employing gene silencing, chemical inhibition or induction of the catecholamine biosynthetic and metabolic enzymes and transporters, and by applying the substrates or the products of the respective enzymes, we unravel the role of the different steps of the pathway in viral infection.

Aortic root replacement: comparison of clinical outcome between different surgical techniques.

Objectives: To examine the influence of different surgical procedures on clinical outcome in patients undergoing aortic root replacement for ascending aorta aneurysm (AAA) with or without concomitant aortic valve regurgitation (AR).

Methods: Between 2000 and 2011, a total of 370 patients (mean age 52 ± 17 years) underwent aortic root replacement. Patients were retrospectively assigned to three groups according to the surgical procedures: valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) (Group A; n = 178), Bentall procedure with a biological conduit (Group B; n = 91) and with a mechanical conduit (Group C; n = 101).