Identification of targeting peptides for the diagnosis of myocarditis.

Aim: Current diagnostic tests for myocarditis are invasive and have low diagnostic value. Our aim was to identify potential targeting peptides to detect early myocarditis following intravenous delivery.

Materials & Methods: We used an animal model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis and a phage display library to identify potential targeting peptides.

Acute effects of cigarette smoke extract on alveolar epithelial sodium channel activity and lung fluid clearance.

Cigarette smoke contains high levels of reactive species. Moreover, cigarette smoke can induce cellular production of oxidants. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-derived oxidants on epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity in alveolar type 1 (T1) and type 2 (T2) cells and to measure corresponding rates of fluid clearance in mice receiving a tracheal instillation of CSE.

Ethanol alters alveolar fluid balance via Nadph oxidase (NOX) signaling to epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) in the lung.

Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with increased incidence of ICU-related morbidity and mortality, primarily from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the mechanisms involved are unknown. One explanation is that alcohol regulates epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) via oxidant signaling to promote a pro- injury environment.