Caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide prevents hyperoxia-induced airway remodeling in a neonatal mouse model.

Reactive airway diseases are significant sources of pulmonary morbidity in neonatal and pediatric patients. Supplemental oxygen exposure in premature infants contributes to airway diseases such as asthma and promotes development of airway remodeling, characterized by increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Decreased plasma membrane caveolin-1 (CAV1) expression has been implicated in airway disease and may contribute to airway remodeling and hyperreactivity.

RNAi screening identifies a mechanosensitive ROCK-JAK2-STAT3 network central to myofibroblast activation.

Myofibroblasts play key roles in wound healing and pathological fibrosis. Here, we used an RNAi screen to characterize myofibroblast regulatory genes, using a high-content imaging approach to quantify α-smooth muscle actin stress fibers in cultured human fibroblasts. Screen hits were validated on physiological compliance hydrogels, and selected hits tested in primary fibroblasts from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and airway fibrosis in asthma.

Airway remodeling in asthma driven by inflammation involves proliferation of epithelial cells and airway smooth muscle (ASM), as well as enhanced extracellular matrix (ECM) generation and deposition, i.e., fibrosis.

Vitamin D Reduces Inflammation-induced Contractility and Remodeling of Asthmatic Human Airway Smooth Muscle.

Background: Although multiple clinical studies have found an association between vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency and asthma, a recent clinical study suggested lack of therapeutic effect of Vit D supplementation. Nonetheless, the mechanisms by which Vit D influences airway structure and function in the context of inflammation and asthma remains undefined. In this regard, Vit D effects on airway smooth muscle (ASM) are important, given the role of this cell type in the hypercontractility and remodeling.

Sex Steroids Influence Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Secretion From Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells.

Brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is emerging as an important player in airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperreactivity. Separately, there is increasing evidence that sex hormones contribute to pathophysiology in the lung. BDNF and sex steroid signaling are thought to be intricately linked in the brain.

Cigarette Smoke and Estrogen Signaling in Human Airway Smooth Muscle.

Aims: Cigarette smoke (CS) in active smokers and second-hand smoke exposure exacerbate respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. While women are known to experience a more asthmatic response to CS than emphysema in men, there is limited information on the mechanisms of CS-induced airway dysfunction. We hypothesize that CS interferes with a normal (protective) bronchodilatory role of estrogens, thus worsening airway contractility.

Relaxation breathing improves human glycemic response.

Objectives: This study evaluated a simple relaxation breathing exercise for acute improvement of postprandial glycemic and insulinemic status.

Design: Healthy human subjects were randomized to control breathing (CB; n=13) or a relaxation breathing exercise (RB; n=13) that was repeated every 10 minutes for the 30 minutes before and 90 minutes after consuming a glucose challenge (oral glucose tolerance test; OGTT; 75 g/240 mL). Blood samples were collected before, and 30, 60, and 90 minutes post OGTT for glucose and insulin analysis.