Review
Physiology
Rabab Rashwan, David M. Hunt, Livia S. Carvalho
Summary: Photoreceptors exhibit remarkable adaptability by adjusting gain to respond to different levels of ambient light intensity. The dynamic operating range of photoreceptors is maintained by a balance of inward and outward currents modulated by various ion channels. Potassium and calcium voltage-gated channels play crucial roles in setting the dark resting potential and synaptic signal processing, contributing significantly to visual processing.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuchen Zhang, Xuefeng Zhang, Cuiyun Liu, Changlong Hu
Summary: The study identified differences in the hydrogen bond controls for slow inactivation between mammalian Kv channels and Shaker channels, indicating the crucial role of the inter-subunit hydrogen bond formed by W366 and Y376 in regulating the K+ conductance in mammalian Kv2.1, Kv2.2, and Kv1.2 channels.
Article
Neurosciences
Eric A. Bancroft, Martha De La Mora, Gauri Pandey, Sara M. Zarate, Rahul Srinivasan
Summary: Parkinson's disease is associated with increased levels of S100B and its overexpression accelerates the loss of dopaminergic neurons. The study found that S100B can alter the activity of dopamine neurons, providing important insights into the pathophysiology of early Parkinson's disease.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paz Duran, Santiago Loya-Lopez, Dongzhi Ran, Cheng Tang, Aida Calderon-Rivera, Kimberly Gomez, Harrison J. Stratton, Sun Huang, Ya-ming Xu, E. M. Kithsiri Wijeratne, Samantha Perez-Miller, Zhiming Shan, Song Cai, Anna T. Gabrielsen, Angie Dorame, Kyleigh A. Masterson, Omar Alsbiei, Cynthia L. Madura, Guoqin Luo, Aubin Moutal, John Streicher, Gerald W. Zamponi, A. A. Leslie Gunatilaka, Rajesh Khanna
Summary: This study identified argentatin C, a compound derived from the Native American medicinal plant Parthenium incanum, which can block the activity of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels and has potential as a novel treatment for painful conditions. Experimental results demonstrated that argentatin C decreased ion currents and excitability in sensory neurons and relieved postsurgical pain in a mouse model. Therefore, argentatin C may serve as an alternative therapy for chronic pain management.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiao-Yu Liu, Ling-Ling Qian, Ru-Xing Wang
Summary: This review summarizes the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the regulation of vascular tone, specifically through its interaction with different vascular potassium channels. Studies have shown that H2S plays a key role in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases and physiological vascular homeostasis.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Victoria Gonzalez Sabater, Mark Rigby, Juan Burrone
Summary: In this study, the initiation and propagation of action potentials (APs) along the axon were investigated using genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) in dissociated hippocampal neurons from rat embryos. It was found that APs became sharper and exhibited greater fidelity as they traveled towards distal axonal domains. Blocking voltage-gated potassium channels (K-v) resulted in an increase in AP width, especially in distal locations, suggesting that higher levels of Kv channel activity in distal axons contribute to maintaining AP fidelity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ksenia S. Kudryashova, Oksana V. Nekrasova, Mikhail P. Kirpichnikov, Alexey V. Feofanov
Summary: This review discusses the construction of chimeric potassium channels KcsA-Kv1, their applications in studying interactions of pore blockers, and their role in determining molecular basis for high affinity and selectivity of binding of peptide blockers to Kv1 channels.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Shu-Min Chou, Ke-Xin Li, Ming-Yueh Huang, Chao Chen, Yuan-Hung Lin King, Grant Guangnan Li, Wei Zhou, Chin Fen Teo, Yuh Nung Jan, Lily Yeh Jan, Shi-Bing Yang
Summary: The study elucidates the important role of the Kv1.1 potassium channel in regulating the proliferation of postnatal neural progenitor cells in the mouse hippocampus. Loss of Kv1.1 channel activity leads to depolarization of neural progenitor cells and promotes their proliferation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samrat Thouta, Yiming Zhang, Esperanza Garcia, Terrance P. Snutch
Summary: The study identified the crucial roles of K(v)1.1 subunits in controlling excitability in the amygdala, with a specific focus on BLA pyramidal neurons and CeL neurons. Loss of K(v)1.1 resulted in enhanced intrinsic excitability in CeL neurons and impaired inhibitory synaptic transmission, leading to dysfunction of feed-forward inhibition. This study highlights the importance of inhibitory control in preventing recurrent hyperexcitation related to seizures in Kcna1(-/-) mice.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Faye L. Styles, Moza M. Al-Owais, Jason L. Scragg, Eulashini Chuntharpursat-Bon, Nishani T. Hettiarachchi, Jonathan D. Lippiat, Aisling Minard, Robin S. Bon, Karen Porter, Piruthivi Sukumar, Chris Peers, Lee D. Roberts
Summary: The Kv1.3 voltage-gated potassium channel drives cellular proliferation by increasing oxidative phosphorylation and generating reactive oxygen species independently of redox balance, mitochondrial membrane potential, or calcium signaling. Reduction of reactive oxygen concentrations inhibits Kv1.3-induced proliferation.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Wen-bo Chen, Yu-xiang Wang, Hong-gang Wang, Di An, Dan Sun, Pan Li, Tao Zhang, Wan-ge Lu, Yan-qiang Liu
Summary: The study demonstrated that the Zn2+-specific chelator TPEN could attenuate A beta(25-35)-induced neurotoxicity by recovering intracellular Zn2+ concentration and inhibiting electrophysiological changes caused by A beta(25-35).
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahasanul Hasan, Raquibul Hasan
Summary: Empagliflozin induces vasodilation in rat mesenteric arteries by stimulating smooth muscle cell K-V channels, specifically K(V)1.5 and K(V)7. Inhibition of vasodilatory signaling axes and prostacyclin does not affect empagliflozin-induced vasodilation, indicating a novel mechanism for arterial relaxation. These findings suggest that empagliflozin may have potential as a complementary treatment for hypertension due to its effects on arterial contractility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Nihal Ozturk, Serkan Uslu, Semir Ozdemir
Summary: Diabetes affects the heart through various mechanisms, including microvascular defects, metabolic abnormalities, and electrophysiological changes, leading to diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) which can cause structural and functional changes in the heart. DCM progresses to cause electrical remodeling, left ventricular dysfunction, and heart failure, contributing significantly to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in diabetes patients.
WORLD JOURNAL OF DIABETES
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Adam G. Goodwill, Hana E. Baker, Gregory M. Dick, Patricia E. McCallinhart, Chastidy A. Bailey, Scott M. Brown, Joshua J. Man, Darla L. Tharp, Hannah E. Clark, Bianca S. Blaettner, Iris Z. Jaffe, Douglas K. Bowles, Aaron J. Trask, Johnathan D. Tune, Shawn B. Bender
Summary: The study found that chronic MR inhibition can prevent increased coronary resistance in obesity, independent of K-v channel function, and is associated with mitigation of obesity-induced coronary arteriolar stiffening.
BASIC RESEARCH IN CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Deniz Ozberk, Alison Haywood, Heidi G. Sutherland, Chieh Yu, Cassie L. Albury, Mathew Zunk, Rani George, Phillip Good, Lyn R. Griffiths, Janet Hardy, Larisa M. Haupt
Summary: Opioids are commonly used to manage pain in advanced cancer patients, but the individual response to this therapy varies. This study examined the association between KCNJ6 gene and methadone response in advanced cancer pain management. The results did not show any associations between KCNJ6 gene and methadone dose or pain score, consistent with previous studies in patients receiving opioids for pain in advanced cancer.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Hsin-Hua Li, Pin-Jiun Lin, Wei-Han Wang, Li-Ho Tseng, Hsin Tung, Wen-Yuan Liu, Chih-Li Lin, Chiung-Hui Liu, Wen-Chieh Liao, Ching-Sui Hung, Ying-Jui Ho
Summary: The study investigated the combined effects of ceftriaxone and valproic acid on behavioral and neuronal measures in a rat epilepsy model. It was found that the combination of low doses of ceftriaxone and valproic acid had beneficial effects on seizure suppression, neuroprotection, and improvement in motor and cognitive functions in epilepsy.
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chiung-Hui Liu, Wen-Chieh Liao, Hsin-Hua Li, Li-Ho Tseng, Wei-Han Wang, Hsin Tung, Pin-Jiun Lin, Hsin-Tung Jao, Wen-Yuan Liu, Ching-Sui Hung, Chih-Li Lin, Ying-Jui Ho
Summary: The combination therapy of clavulanic acid and valproic acid showed synergistic effects in the experimental epilepsy rat model, improving behavioral and neuronal deficits. This combination treatment has potential practicality in seizure suppression and may have therapeutic effects on epilepsy and related neuronal damage.
FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yea-Tzy Chen, Li-You Chen, Ting-Yi Renn, Meng-Shan Cheng, Chi-Te Wang, Igor Klimenkov, Nikolay P. Sudakov, Wen-Chieh Liao, Yea-Jyh Chen, Hung-Ming Chang
Summary: Olfactory stimulation can improve swallowing function in aged rats by activating central neuronal networks and downstream muscular activities involved in swallowing control.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Min-Yen Hsu, Yai-Ping Hsiao, Yu-Ta Lin, Connie Chen, Chee-Ming Lee, Wen-Chieh Liao, Shang-Chun Tsou, Hui-Wen Lin, Yuan-Yen Chang
Summary: The study revealed that quercetin can reverse pathological changes caused by retinal damage by regulating oxidative stress, autophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis activities, potentially playing a role in the treatment of AMD.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ting-Yi Renn, Chih-Ping Yang, Un-In Wu, Li-You Chen, Fu -Der Mai, Maria A. Tikhonova, Tamara G. Amstislavskaya, Wen-Chieh Liao, Che -Tong Lin, Yu-Chuan Liu, Hung-Ming Chang
Summary: Melatonin dissolved in plasmon-activated water (PAW) shows stronger anti-viral and anti-oxidative activities compared to traditional organic solvent methods. In vivo studies demonstrate that rats treated with melatonin prepared in PAW exhibit improved oxidative stress levels, hepatic function, and antioxidant enzyme activities. PAW offers potential for clinical use of melatonin as a natural, economical, and efficient therapeutic strategy against virus infection and oxidative damage.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chiung-Hui Liu, Bo-Shiou Lin, Mei-Yao Wu, Ying-Chyi Song, Tao-Wei Ke, Yu-Lun Chou, Chuan-Teng Liu, Chia-Hsin Lin, Vedran Radojcic, Charles Drake, Hung-Rong Yen
Summary: The IL-4/AKT/Eomes/Trat1 axis promotes the transformation of Tc17 cells into therapeutic cytotoxic effectors. IL-4 priming can be used as a cell therapy engineering strategy to enhance anti-tumor responses.
Review
Immunology
Shuo-Yan Gau, Yu-Ping Hsiao, Wen-Chieh Liao, Kevin Sheng-Kai Ma, Meng-Che Wu
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the association between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and liver diseases and provide integrated evidence. Results suggest that patients with HS are associated with all liver diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and hepatitis B, but not hepatitis C. HS patients have a significantly increased risk of liver diseases, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis B.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Mao-Yi Yang, Hsien-Chun Tseng, Chiung-Hui Liu, Shao-Yu Tsai, Jyun-Hsiung Chen, Yin-Hung Chu, Shao-Ti Li, Jian- Lee, Wen-Chieh Liao
Summary: This study aimed to create 3D-printed skull bone models (3D-PSBs) to assist medical students in understanding the spatial structure of the skull. The application of 3D-PSBs was evaluated through a questionnaire and tests, which showed that students' knowledge was improved using these models. Most students agreed that the use of 3D-PSBs with quick response codes provided immediate feedback and clarified the hidden structures within the skull.
ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chiung-Hui Liu, Yin-Hung Chu, Yin Hsiu Chen, Yu Hsin Chiang, Yu Hsuan Chen, Chung Yao Ku, Min-Yen Hsu, Yi-Ju Lee, Mao-Yi Yang, Wen-Chieh Liao
Summary: Peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR) requires the reconstruction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the stimulation of growth factors. In this study, we evaluated the effects of combining decellularised small intestine submucosa (SIS) with glial cell-derived growth factor (GDNF) treatment on PNR in a rat model. We found that the combined treatment enhanced neuromuscular function recovery and axonal outgrowth, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for PNR.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiung-Hui Liu, Ying-Jui Ho, Che-Yu Wang, Chao-Chun Hsu, Yin-Hung Chu, Min-Yen Hsu, Shiu-Jau Chen, Wen-Chuan Hsiao, Wen-Chieh Liao
Summary: Through studying the regenerative process of peripheral nerves in rats, it was discovered that silencing chondroitin sulfate synthase 1 (Chsy1) can decrease the accumulation of versican and hinder the treatment of nerve injuries. Treating with Chsy1-siRNA was found to be an effective strategy to promote injured peripheral nerve regeneration.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Chia-Hua Chen, Kuo-Chen Wei, Wei-Chao Liao, You-Yu Lin, Hsiu-Chi Chen, Li-Ying Feng, Chiung-Hui Liu, Chiung-Yin Huang, Ko-Ting Chen, Chi-Sheng Wu, Yu-Sun Chang, Jau-Song Yu, Ian Yi-Feng Chang
Summary: The deletion of APOBEC3 gene is associated with increased risk and better survival in male astrocytic glioma patients in Taiwan.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kuo-Chen Wei, You-Cheng Lin, Chia-Hua Chen, Yin-Hung Chu, Chiung-Yin Huang, Wen-Chieh Liao, Chiung-Hui Liu
Summary: In this study, it was found that FUT8 plays a crucial role in regulating malignant characteristics in human glioma by modifying the activities of MET and EGFR receptors. Dysregulation of FUT8 contributes to malignancy in glioma cells and targeting FUT8 may enhance the efficacy of TMZ therapy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Wen-Chieh Liao, Hung-Rong Yen, Chia-Hua Chen, Yin-Hung Chu, Ying-Chyi Song, To-Jung Tseng, Chiung-Hui Liu
Summary: The upregulation of CHPF in breast cancer contributes to malignant behavior of cancer cells, promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Co-localization of tumor cell-derived G-CSF with CS on the cell surface was found. Breast cancer patients with high expression of both SDC4 and CHPF had worse overall survival, indicating synergistic effects of these two genes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)