Cholesterol primes vascular smooth muscle to induce Ca2 sensitization mediated by a sphingosylphosphorylcholine-Rho-kinase pathway: possible role for membrane raft.

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor involved in abnormal cardiovascular events. Rho-kinase-mediated Ca(2+) sensitization of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) plays a critical role in vasospasm and hypertension. We recently identified sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) and Src family tyrosine kinase (Src-TK) as upstream mediators for the Rho-kinase-mediated Ca(2+) sensitization.

Cost-effectiveness of Liple (LipoPGE1) for arteriosclerosis obliterans patients in Japan: an economic evaluation using the EQ-5D instrument.

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and cost-effectiveness of LipoPGE(1) when added to the conventional treatment of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) patients. The research design consisted of a before and after-treatment study without comparison groups. We collected data from May 1999 through July 2001 at 473 institutions located throughout Japan.

Regression of abdominal aortic aneurysm by inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common disease among elderly people that, when surgical treatment is inapplicable, results in progressive expansion and rupture of the aorta with high mortality. Although nonsurgical treatment for AAA is much awaited, few options are available because its molecular pathogenesis remains elusive. Here, we identify JNK as a proximal signaling molecule in the pathogenesis of AAA.

The effect of Liple on physical and emotional quality of life in the treatment of arteriosclerosis obliterans.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of treatment with prostaglandin E1, Liple, on both the physical and emotional health-related quality of life (QOL) of patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO).

Methods: Treatment with Liple was evaluated using the before and after treatment results obtained using the SF-36, a QOL questionnaire, and an assessment of symptoms by a physician. The study was designed as a non-randomized before and after treatment study without comparison groups, and the study was conducted from May 1999 to July 2001 at 473 facilities located within Japan targeting patients with ASO.

[Two cases of non-curatively resected scirrhous gastric cancer that responded well to weekly paclitaxel therapy].

We report 2 cases in which the weekly administration of paclitaxel proved to be effective for patients with scirrhous gastric cancer who underwent a curability C operation. Weekly paclitaxel therapy was observed to effectively treat peritoneal and retroperitoneal dissemination. After this treatment the tumor markers decreased markedly.