Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Induced by a Metal Mixture in Liver Cells With Antioxidant Barrier Decreased.

Occupational exposure to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) affects many sectors, necessitating research to understand their transformation mechanisms. In this study, we characterized the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a rat hepatic epithelial cell line with decreased expression of catalase and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) subunit that was exposed to a mixture of As, Cd, and Pb at equimolar occupational exposure concentrations. We evaluated the expression of genes and proteins involved in EMT.

Role of 5-HT2 receptors family in the allergy-induced increased aorta contractile responses to 5-HT.

Asthma poses an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders, suggesting that allergy, which is an underlying process in asthma, causes atypical functioning of organs other than lungs. In a previous study in a guinea pig asthma model, we concluded that allergic sensitization increased aorta contractile responses to 5-HT. To further characterize these responses, here we explored the role of the 5-HT2 receptors family.

Allergic sensitization increases contractile responses to 5-HT in guinea pig aorta.

Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that asthma is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but its mechanism is uncertain. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a mediator involved in asthma and in cardiovascular functioning. Thus, in the present study, we explored whether allergic sensitization in guinea pigs modifies 5-HT-induced contractile responses and 5-HT2A receptor expression in thoracic aorta rings.