Loss of TRPV2-mediated blood flow autoregulation recapitulates diabetic retinopathy in rats.

Loss of retinal blood flow autoregulation is an early feature of diabetes that precedes the development of clinically recognizable diabetic retinopathy (DR). Retinal blood flow autoregulation is mediated by the myogenic response of the retinal arterial vessels, a process that is initiated by the stretch‑dependent activation of TRPV2 channels on the retinal vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Here, we show that the impaired myogenic reaction of retinal arterioles from diabetic animals is associated with a complete loss of stretch‑dependent TRPV2 current activity on the retinal VSMCs.

Novel and flexible ultrasound simulation with smartphones and tablets in fetal echocardiography.

Purpose: Evaluation of a novel ultrasound-simulation-app for training fetal echocardiography as a possible useful addition for students, residents and specialist doctors. Furthermore, comparison to a conventional learning-method with special attention on orientation and recognition of physiological structures.

Methods: Prospective two-arm study with the participation of 226 clinical students.

The Role of Lipoxidation in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Lipids can undergo modification as a result of interaction with reactive oxygen species (ROS). For example, lipid peroxidation results in the production of a wide variety of highly reactive aldehyde species which can drive a range of disease-relevant responses in cells and tissues. Such lipid aldehydes react with nucleophilic groups on macromolecules including phospholipids, nucleic acids, and proteins which, in turn, leads to the formation of reversible or irreversible adducts known as advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs).

Involvement of TRPV1 and TRPV4 Channels in Retinal Angiogenesis.

Purpose: We investigate the contribution of TRPV1 and TRPV4 channels to retinal angiogenesis.

Methods: Primary retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) were used for RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunolabeling, Ca2+ signaling, and whole-cell patch-clamp studies while localization of TRPV1 also was assessed in retinal endothelial cells using whole mount preparations. The effects of pharmacologic blockers of TRPV1 and TRPV4 on retinal angiogenic activity was evaluated in vitro using sprout formation, cell migration, proliferation, and tubulogenesis assays, and in vivo using the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR).

Nematocidal thiocyanatins from a southern Australian marine sponge Oceanapia sp.

Investigations of a southern Australian marine sponge, Oceanapia sp., have yielded two new beta methyl branched bisthiocyanates, thiocyanatins D1 (3a) and D(2) (3b), along with two new thiocarbamate thiocyanates, thiocyanatins E1 (4a) and E2 (4b). The new thiocyanatins belong to a rare class of bioactive marine metabolite previously only represented by thiocyanatins A-C (1, 2a/b).

Esmodil: an acetylcholine mimetic resurfaces in a Southern Australian marine sponge Raspailia (Raspailia) sp.

Bioassay directed fractionation of a Raspailia (Raspailia) sp. (Order Poecilosclerida; Family Raspailiidae) collected during scientific trawling operations off the Northern Rottnest Shelf yielded as nematocidal agents the known metabolites, phorboxazoles A (1) and B (2). Further examination revealed the new natural product but known synthetic compound, esmodil (3).

Aspergillicins A-E: five novel depsipeptides from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus carneus.

A search for new antiparasitic agents from a strain of the fungus Aspergillus carneus isolated from an estuarine sediment collected in Tasmania, Australia, yielded the known terrestrial fungal metabolite marcfortine A (1) as an exceptionally potent antiparasitic agent. This study also yielded a series of new depsipeptides, aspergillicins A-E (2-6) and the known terrestrial fungal metabolite acyl aszonalenin (7). Marcfortine A (1) and acyl aszonalenin (7) were identified by spectroscopic analysis, with comparison to literature data.

Equilibrating isomers: bromoindoles and a seco-xanthine encountered during a study of nematocides from the southern Australian marine sponge Hymeniacidon sp.

Bioassay-directed fractionation of a Hymeniacidon sp. yielded as nematocidal agents the equilibrating E/Z bromoindole ethyl esters 1 and 2 and corresponding methyl esters 3 and 4. Also isolated for the first time as a natural product was an equilibrating mixture of seco-xanthine formamides, attributed the trivial name hymeniacidin (5).

Phoriospongin A and B: two new nematocidal depsipeptides from the Australian marine sponges Phoriospongia sp. and Callyspongia bilamellata.

Bioassay-directed fractionation of two southern Australian sponges, Phoriospongia sp. and Callyspongia bilamellata, yielded two new nematocidal depsipeptides, identified as phoriospongins A (1) and B (2). The structures of the phoriospongins were determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis and comparison with the previously reported sponge depsipeptide cyclolithistide A (3), as well as ESIMS and HPLC analysis of acid hydrolysates.