Secretory Phospholipase A2 of type IIA (sPLA2 IIA) plays a crucial role in the production of lipid mediators by amplifying the neointimal inflammatory context of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), especially during atherogenesis. Phenformin, a biguanide family member, by its anti-inflammatory properties presents potential for promoting beneficial effects upon vascular cells, however its impact upon the IL-1β-induced sPLA2 gene expression has not been deeply investigated so far. The present study was designed to determine the relationship between phenformin coupling AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) function and the molecular mechanism by which the sPLA2 IIA expression was modulated in VSMCs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, produces lethal toxin (LT) that displays a metallo-proteolytic activity toward the N-terminus of the MAPK-kinases. We have previously shown that secreted type-IIA phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-IIA) exhibits potent anthracidal activity. In vitro expression of sPLA(2)-IIA in guinea pig alveolar macrophages (AMs), the major source of this enzyme in lung tissues, is inhibited by LT.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, is a spore-forming gram-positive bacterium. Infection with this pathogen results in multisystem dysfunction and death. The pathogenicity of B.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe inflammation that occurs during atherosclerosis is characterized by the release of large amounts of group IIA secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA). This study was designed to define the function of the three peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) on sPLA2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We found that PPAR ligands decreased sPLA2-IIA activity and inhibited mRNA accumulation under inflammatory conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAutosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias constitute one of the most clinically, neuropathologically, and genetically heterogeneous groups of neurodegenerative disorders. Approximately 50 to 80% of the families carry mutations in genes known to be implicated in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). Numerous loci (SCAn) also have been mapped, often in single families, but the responsible genes have not yet been identified.
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