Identification of the optimal reference genes for atrial fibrillation model established by iPSC-derived atrial myocytes.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) stands as a prevalent and detrimental arrhythmic disorder, characterized by intricate pathophysiological mechanisms. The availability of reliable and reproducible AF models is pivotal in unraveling the underlying mechanisms of this complex condition. Unfortunately, the researchers are still confronted with the absence of consistent in vitro AF models, hindering progress in this crucial area of research.

Talin mechanotransduction in disease.

Talin protein (Talin 1/2) is a mechanosensitive cytoskeleton protein. The unique structure of the Talin plays a vital role in transmitting mechanical forces. Talin proteins connect the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton by linking to integrins and actin, thereby mediating the conversion of mechanical signals into biochemical signals and influencing disease progression as potential diagnostic indicators, therapeutic targets, and prognostic indicators of various diseases.

Embryonic exposure of polystyrene nanoplastics affects cardiac development.

Micro- and nanoplastics have recently been detected in human blood and placentas, indicating inevitable embryonic exposure to these particles. However, their influence on human embryogenesis and the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) exposure on cardiac differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were evaluated.

Different stimuli induce endothelial dysfunction and promote atherosclerosis through the Piezo1/YAP signaling axis.

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is the initial step in atherosclerosis (AS). AS tends to occur at vascular bifurcations and curves, and endothelial cells(ECs) are highly susceptible to injury due to mechanical forces induced by disturbed flow (DF) with inconsistent blood flow directions. However, the pathogenesis of endothelial cell dysfunction in AS remains unclear and needs further study.

The role of 14-3-3 in the progression of vascular inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide.

Objective: To explore the role of 14-3-3 protein and the Hippo and yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular inflammation.

Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and C57B6 mice were treated with LPS to establish cell and animal models of vascular inflammation. Lentiviral transfection, Western blot, qPCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, co-immunoprecipitation, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure inflammatory factors and expression of 14-3-3 protein and phosphorylation of YAP at S127.

Low shear stress induces inflammatory response via CX3CR1/NF-κB signal pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Low shear stress (LSS) has been reported to induce atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation induced by LSS are still poorly understood. The objective of our study is the comprehensive identification of molecular circuitry involved in low shear stress-induced inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through protein profiling and cell function experiment.

Novel interrupted aortic arch: A case report.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare and fatal malformation. Most patients with IAA are diagnosed in early childhood because of the severity of their symptoms. IAA is classified into three morphologic types (A, B, or C), depending on the site of the interruption.

Emerging Piezo1 signaling in inflammation and atherosclerosis; a potential therapeutic target.

Atherosclerosis is the principal cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) which are the major cause of death worldwide. Mechanical force plays an essential role in cardiovascular health and disease. To bring the awareness of mechanosensitive Piezo1 role in atherosclerosis and its therapeutic potentials we review recent literature to highlight its involvement in various mechanisms of the disease.

Small-molecule inhibitor LF3 restrains the development of pulmonary hypertension through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with congenital heart disease is a progressive hemodynamic disease that can lead to increased pulmonary vascular resistance, vascular remodeling, and even right heart failure and death. LF3 is a novel inhibitor of the reporter gene activity of β-catenin/TCF4 interaction in the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. However, whether this action of LF3 can prevent PH development remains unclear.

Mechanosensitive Piezo1 Channel Evoked-Mechanical Signals in Atherosclerosis.

Recently, more and more works have focused and used extensive resources on atherosclerosis research, which is one of the major causes of death globally. Alongside traditional risk factors, such as hyperlipidemia, smoking, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, mechanical forces, including shear stress, pressure and stretches exerted on endothelial cells by flow, is proved to be crucial in atherosclerosis development. Studies have recognized the mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel as a special sensor and transducer of various mechanical forces into biochemical signals, and recent studies report its role in atherosclerosis through different mechanical forces in pressure, stretching and turbulent shear stress.

Low Shear Stress Upregulates CX3CR1 Expression by Inducing VCAM-1 via the NF-κB Pathway in Vascular Endothelial Cells.

Atherosclerosis is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. Studies suggest that the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 plays a critical role in atherogenesis. Shear stress is an important mechanical force that affects blood vessel function.

[IL-8 Induces Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition of Ovarian Carcinoma Cells: a Preliminary Study].

Objective: To explore the effect of IL-8 on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ovarian cancer,which will provide experimental basis for revealing related molecular mechanism in malignant metastasis of ovarian cancer.

Methods: The migration of ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 cells was explored with Real time label free cell analysis (RTCA) after treatment with recombinant human IL-8.SKOV3 cells were co-cultured with IL-8 for 48 h,proteins involved in EMT were investigated via Western blot to explore the effect of IL-8 on the activation of the EMT.

Low shear stress upregulates the expression of fractalkine through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in endothelial cells.

: Fractalkine (FKN) is a cytokine which plays an important role in atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown that FKN induces integrin-independent leukocyte adhesion to primary endothelial cells under physiological flow conditions. Further, increased expression of FKN has been demonstrated in atherosclerotic lesions induced by low shear stress.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: Role of the IL-8/IL-8R axis.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that is associated with cancer metastasis and invasion. In cancer, EMT promotes cell motility, invasion and distant metastasis. Interleukin (IL)-8 is highly expressed in tumors and may induce EMT.

[SPIO-labeled rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: alterations of biological activity and labeling efficiency assay in vitro].

This study aimed to characterize and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) track the mesenchymal stem cells labeled with polylysine-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (PLL-SPIO). Rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) were labeled with 25, 50 and 100 microg/mL PLL-SPIO for 24 hours. The labeling efficiency was assessed by iron content, Prussian blue staining, electron microscopy and in vitro MR imaging.

Simultaneous genotyping of HPA-17w to -21w by PCR-SSP in Chinese Cantonese.

Studies have reported the polymorphism of human platelet antigen (HPA)-17w, -18w, -19w, -20w, and -21w. However, the distribution of these five antigens in Chinese Cantonese is still unknown. In this study, we designed new sequence-specific primers for HPA-19w to -21w and used published primers for HPA-17w and -18w to develop a polymerase chain reaction with the sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) method for simultaneously genotyping HPA-17w to -21w.

[The effect of PKC activation and Smac release on inhibition of myocardial cell apoptosis by Sini Decoction].

Objective: To investigate the effect of Sini Decoction on myocardial cell apoptosis after MI/R and the possible relation to myocardial cell apoptosis, PKC and Smac.

Methods: Sprage-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control group, sham group, MI/R group and SND group. The rats in MI/R group, left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was occluded for 1 h and reperfused for 1 h.

Activation of MAPK participates in low shear stress-induced IL-8 gene expression in endothelial cells.

Background: Endothelial cells (ECs) are constantly subjected to blood flow-generated mechanical forces including shear stress and cyclic strain. Shear stress modulates vascular structure and function by regulating the expression of many genes. We have previously demonstrated that low shear stress induces the IL-8 gene expression in ECs.

Low shear stress-induced interleukin-8 mRNA expression in endothelial cells is mechanotransduced by integrins and the cytoskeleton.

Shear stress is thought to be important in maintaining vascular homeostasis and regulating vascular remodeling. The authors have previously shown that low shear stress increases interleukin (IL)-8 gene expression in endothelial cells. However, the detailed events that contribute to the regulation of this expression remain to be identified.