NADPH Oxidase 1 Mediates Acute Blood Pressure Response to Angiotensin II by Contributing to Calcium Influx in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium ions (Ca) are among the major effectors of Ang II (angiotensin II) in vascular smooth muscle cells. ROS are related to Ca signaling or contraction induced by Ang II, but little is known about their detailed functions. Here, NOX (NADPH oxidase), a major ROS source responsive to Ang II, was investigated regarding its contribution to Ca signaling.

Cigarette Smoke Extract Produces Superoxide in Aqueous Media by Reacting with Bicarbonate.

The toxicity of cigarette smoke (CS) is largely attributed to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Reportedly, CS generates superoxide in cell culture systems by stimulating the cells to produce superoxide and through direct chemical reactions with components of the culture media. In this study, we investigated CS-induced superoxide formation in biocompatible aqueous media and its characteristics.

A mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone impairs rat vascular smooth muscle by depleting thiols and thereby elevating cytosolic Zn and generating reactive oxygen species.

Chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT) are biocidal preservatives and the active ingredients in Kathon CG, which contains ca. 1.5% mixture of CMIT and MIT at a ratio of 3:1 (CMIT/MIT).

Cigarette smoke inhalation aggravates diabetic kidney injury in rats.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that cigarette smoke or nicotine is a risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney injury. The present study analyzed the kidney toxicity of cigarette smoke in experimental rats with DKD.

Application of Fisetin to the Quantitation of Serum Albumin.

Fisetin (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a widely distributed natural flavonol. It interacts with albumin, and thereby generates a fluorescence signal quantitatively. Based on such optical characteristics, we postulated that fisetin was applicable to the quantitation of albumin as an indicator.

Inhalation exposure to cigarette smoke induces endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling and enhances vascular collagen deposition in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Smoking is an acknowledged risk factor for vascular disorders, and vascular complication is a main outcome of diabetes. Hence, we investigated the impact of cigarette smoke on blood vessels in diabetes, postulating that smoking might aggravate diabetic vascular impairment. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, cigarette smoke-exposed, diabetic, and cigarette smoke-exposed diabetic groups.

Comparative Toxicity Study of Docetaxel and Nanoxel, a Docetaxel-Loaded Micellar Formulation Using Cultured and Blood Cells.

Nanoxel-PM (Nanoxel) is a docetaxel-loaded methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)--poly(D,L-lactide) (mPEG-PDLLA). This newly developed and marketed nanoformulation exhibits an improved pharmacokinetic profile, efficacy, and safety. Although the safety of Nanoxel to docetaxel as well as its bioequivalence must be clinically confirmed, all biological activities have not been examined in or studies.