Digoxin targets low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 and protects against osteoarthritis.

Objectives: Dysregulated chondrocyte metabolism is closely associated with the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Suppressing chondrocyte catabolism to restore cartilage homeostasis has been extensively explored, whereas far less effort has been invested toward enhancing chondrocyte anabolism. This study aimed to repurpose clinically approved drugs as potential stimulators of chondrocyte anabolism in treating OA.

Catecholamines contribute to the neovascularization of lung cancer via tumor-associated macrophages.

Purpose: Elevated catecholamines in the tumor microenvironment often correlate with tumor development. However, the mechanisms by which catecholamines modulate lung cancer growth are still poorly understood. This study is aimed at examining the functions and mechanisms of catecholamine-induced macrophage polarization in angiogenesis and tumor development.

The role of sema4D in vasculogenic mimicry formation in non-small cell lung cancer and the underlying mechanisms.

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a special vascular pattern in malignant tumors, which is composed of highly aggressive tumor cells. This tumor cell-mediated blood supply pattern is closely associated with a poor prognosis in cancer patients. The interaction of axon guidance factor Sema4D and its high affinity receptor plexinB1 could activate small GTPase RhoA and its downstream ROCKs; this process has an active role in the migration of endothelial cells and tumor angiogenesis.

Rho Kinase Inhibitor Fasudil Suppresses the Vasculogenic Mimicry of B16 Mouse Melanoma Cells Both In Vitro and In Vivo.

The aim of this study was to investigate the biologic role of the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil in the vasculogenic mimicry (VM) of B16 mouse melanoma cells. It was previously reported that RhoA plays a critical role in angiogenesis by coordinating endothelial cell cytoskeleton remodeling and promoting endothelial cell motility. Although RhoA has been implicated in the regulation of angiogenesis, little has been described regarding its control of these tumor cell-lined channels.

Comparison of toxicity effects of ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lidocaine on rabbit intervertebral disc cells in vitro.

Background Context: It has been shown that bupivacaine, the most commonly used local anesthetic to relieve or control pain in interventional spine procedures, is cytotoxic to intervertebral disc (IVD) cells in vitro. However, some other common local anesthetics, such as ropivacaine and lidocaine, are also frequently used in the treatment of spine-related pain, and the potential effects of these agents remain unclear.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various local anesthetics on rabbit IVD cells in vitro and further compare the cytotoxicity of ropivacaine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, and saline solution control.