TRPV4 activation in human corneal epithelial cells promotes membrane mucin production.

Given that the corneal epithelium is situated on the outermost part of the eye, its functions can be influenced by external temperatures and chemical substances. This study aimed to elucidate the expression profile of chemosensory receptors in corneal epithelial cells and analyze their role in eye function regulation. A comprehensive analysis of 425 chemosensory receptors in human corneal epithelial cells-transformed (HCE-T) revealed the functional expression of TRPV4.

Comparison of menopause healthcare considerations between Japanese and Filipino women living in local communities.

To investigate the involvement of psychological/social factors in the condition of climacteric disturbance in Japan and the Philippines, we examined the menopausal symptoms and psychological/social factors in menopausal women living in local communities and compared among both countries whether differences in culture, lifestyle, etc. affected the condition of climacteric disturbance. High percentages of Japanese women reported mental symptoms, while relatively high percentages of Filipino women also experienced motor neurological symptoms in addition to psychoneurological symptoms.

Expression of transforming growth factor-beta receptors in normal rat retina and experimental choroidal neovascularization.

Purpose: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays an important role in the development of choroidal neovascularization. TGF-beta transduces signals through the mediation of type I and type II receptors. We investigated the expression of TGF-beta receptors in a normal rat retina and a model of experimentally induced choroidal neovascularization.