Genetic polymorphism of SMAD5 is associated with Kawasaki disease.

Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) proteins are intracellular mediators of members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, which are activated by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). On activation, SMAD5 forms heterometric SMAD complexes, which are translated to the nucleus where they regulate gene transcription. TGF-β induces T cell activation and cardiovascular disease, two important features of Kawasaki disease (KD), whereas BMP is associated with coronary artery disease.

Transforming growth factor beta receptor II polymorphisms are associated with Kawasaki disease.

Purpose: Transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGFBR2) is a tumor suppressor gene that plays a role in the differentiation of striated cells and remodeling of coronary arteries. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of this gene are associated with Marfan syndrome and sudden death in patients with coronary artery disease. Cardiovascular remodeling and T cell activation of TGFBR2 gene suggest that the TGFBR2 gene SNPs are related to the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease (KD) and coronary artery lesion (CAL).

Polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase are not a risk factor for Kawasaki disease in the Korean population.

Purpose: Hyperhomocysteinemia is known as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Preclinical arteriosclerosis is noted and premature atherosclerosis is known to be accelerated in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Genetic polymorphisms in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene result in elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations and are known to be associated with the development of coronary artery disease.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 polymorphism in patients with HBV related chronic liver disease.

A common and important problem in patients with chronic hepatitis B is the progression of liver fibrosis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the progression of liver fibrosis. Our aim of this study was to examine the association of MMP-3 polymorphism with liver cirrhosis in Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Analysis of the monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 -2518 promoter polymorphism in Korean patients with alopecia areata.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels are increased in scalp lesions of patients with alopecia areata (AA), suggesting a role in the development of AA. Recently, a biallelic A/G polymorphism in the MCP-1 promoter at position -2518 has been found, influencing the level of MCP-1 expression in response to an inflammatory stimulus. We investigated whether the presence of these polymorphisms were associated with AA in Korean population.

The inhibitory effects of aqueous extract of Magnolia officinalis on human mesangial cell proliferation by regulation of platelet-derived growth factor-BB and transforming growth factor-beta1 expression.

Mesangial cell (MC) proliferation, mediated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), is the common feature of glomerulosclerosis. Magnolia officinalis, stem bark of Machilus thunbergii S., has multiple pharmacological effects.