Background/objectives: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in chronic pain and impaired mobility. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LSS remain unclear. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to investigate differential gene expression in a rat LSS model and identify the key genes and pathways involved in its pathogenesis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBacterial cell wall assembly and remodeling require activities of peptidoglycan (PG) hydrolases as well as PG synthases. In particular, the activity of DD-endopeptidases, which cleave the 4-3 peptide crosslinks in PG, is essential for PG expansion in gram-negative bacteria. Maintaining optimal levels of DD-endopeptidases is critical for expanding PG without compromising its integrity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Inflammation is a critical protective response in the body, essential for combating infections and healing injuries. However, chronic inflammation can be harmful and significantly contribute to the development and progression of chronic diseases, with macrophage-mediated responses being central to these processes. This study presents "SBR-Pel," a new therapeutic blend of Shinbaro tab (SBR), a traditional herbal formula, and pelubiprofen (Pel), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and investigated their combined anti-inflammatory effects to create a treatment that both improves efficacy and reduces side effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground/objectives: Bloodstream infection by carbapenem-resistant (CRAB) is a serious clinical problem worldwide. To study its clonal relationship and genetic features, we report the draft genome sequence of CRAB strains isolated from human blood in South Korea.
Methods: Among strains isolated from patients at nine general hospitals in 2020, 12 CRAB strains of different genotypes were selected.
Animal models are valuable tools for studying the underlying mechanisms of and potential treatments for intervertebral disc diseases. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of animal models of disc diseases, focusing on lumbar spinal stenosis, disc herniation, and degeneration, as well as future research directions. The advantages of animal models are that they enable controlled experiments, long-term monitoring to study the natural history of the disease, and the testing of potential treatments.
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