Article
Cell Biology
Koji Sugioka, Teruo Nishida, Aya Kodama-Takahashi, Junko Murakami, Fukutaro Mano, Kiyotaka Okada, Masahiko Fukuda, Shunji Kusaka
Summary: Corneal fibroblasts are regulated by collagen, and the targeting of Endo180 and uPA receptor may play a role in the regulation of alpha-SMA expression in a manner dependent on TGF-beta signaling. uPA deficiency may promote the interaction between collagen and Endo180 and increase alpha-SMA expression.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Victor M. Schuettfort, Benjamin Pradere, David D'Andrea, Nico C. Grossmann, Fahad Quhal, Hadi Mostafaei, Ekaterina Laukhtina, Keiichiro Mori, Michael Rink, Pierre I. Karakiewicz, Reza Sari Motlagh, Satoshi Katayama, Yair Lotan, Douglas Scherr, Mohammad Abufaraj, Harun Fajkovica, Eva Comperat, Dmitry Enikeev, Shahrokh F. Shariat
Summary: Elevated preoperative plasma levels of uPA, SuPAR, and PAI-one were confirmed to be associated with aggressive disease features and worse survival outcomes in patients treated with RC for UCB. These biomarkers have the potential to identify patients who may benefit from intensified/multimodal therapy and improve the discriminatory power of predictive/prognostic models.
JOURNAL OF UROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuel Yepes, Yena Woo, Cynthia Martin-Jimenez
Summary: The neurovascular unit is a complex structure involving various cells and components that are essential for maintaining normal neuronal function. Plasminogen activators play a crucial role in regulating the function of the neurovascular unit, with dysfunction leading to neurodegenerative disorders. Research on the expression and function of tissue-type plasminogen activator and urokinase-type plasminogen activator in the neurovascular unit has provided valuable insights into neurovascular and neurodegenerative disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julia Elrod, Annika Heuer, Jasmin Knopf, Janina Schoen, Lavinia Schoenfeld, Magdalena Trochimiuk, Carolin Stiel, Birgit Appl, Laia Pagerols Raluy, Ceren Saygi, Leticija Zlatar, Sami Hosari, Dmytro Royzman, Thomas H. Winkler, Guenter Lochnit, Moritz Leppkes, Robert Gruetzmann, Georg Schett, Christian Tomuschat, Konrad Reinshagen, Martin Herrmann, Tobias A. Fuchs, Michael Boettcher
Summary: Peritoneal adhesions, commonly occurring conditions causing intestinal obstruction and pelvic pain, are poorly understood. However, DNases have been found to significantly reduce the formation of adhesions in experimental models.
Article
Oncology
C. F. Singer, S. W. Jahn, M. Rudas, Z. Bago-Horvath, F. Fitzal, L. Abete, F. Moinfar, M. Gnant, M. Filipits
Summary: This study validates the prognostic role of urokinase-type plasminogen-activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) protein expression in archived tumor samples. The results show that stromal uPA expression is significantly associated with shorter distant recurrence-free survival in breast cancer. This study provides clinical evidence for the prognostic role of stromal uPA in women with hormone receptor-positive, early breast cancer.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria D. Valls, Maria Soldado, Jorge Arasa, Miguel Perez-Aso, Adrienne J. Williams, Bruce N. Cronstein, M. Antonia Noguera, M. Carmen Terencio, M. Carmen Montesinos
Summary: Activation of adenosine A(2A) receptor can promote angiogenesis by increasing the expression of annexin A2 in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, which enhances fibrinolysis and contributes to wound healing and tissue revascularization.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chung-Ze Wu, Li-Chien Chang, Chao-Wen Cheng, Te-Chao Fang, Yuh-Feng Lin, Dee Pei, Jin-Shuen Chen
Summary: The study investigated the relationship between urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), metabolic disorders, glomerular filtration rate, and adipose tissues using obese mouse models. Results showed that triglyceride levels, insulin resistance, and body weight increased with duration on a high fat diet (HFD), while the expression of uPA decreased in brown adipose tissue (BAT) in obese mice fed a HFD. These findings suggest a potential association between BAT fibrosis and dysfunction in obese models.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ashna A. Kumar, Benjamin J. Buckley, Marie Ranson
Summary: This review provides an overview of the role of the urokinase plasminogen activation system (uPAS) in pancreatic cancer, with a focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and summarizes the substantial evidence supporting the role of uPAS components in this disease. The review further outlines the potential clinical utility of uPAS components as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PDAC, as well as the rationale for developing novel uPAS-targeted therapeutics.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paola Manzo, Valentina Giudice, Filomena Napolitano, Danilo De Novellis, Bianca Serio, Paolo Moscato, Nunzia Montuori, Carmine Selleri
Summary: The microenvironment is crucial for multiple myeloma development and progression. Macrophages and the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) system play important roles in these processes. Inhibitors of uPAR have shown potential therapeutic effects in primary multiple myeloma cells, reducing interleukein-6 and DKK-1 levels in culture medium. However, further studies are needed to validate these preliminary results.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Torry A. Tucker, Steven Idell
Summary: This review discusses the fibrinolytic pathway, how local derangements of fibrinolysis promote extravascular fibrin deposition, and how pleural mesothelial cells contribute to lung scarring. It also explores the diagnostic value of soluble uPAR in grading pleural effusions, and the clinical importance of single-chain urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) for treating loculated pleural collections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Esra Demirel, Reem Sabouni, Neelima Chandra, Ov D. Slayden, David F. Archer
Summary: The study investigates the distribution and concentrations of several receptors and activators within the primate endometrium during artificial menstrual cycles, showing similarities in their expression patterns suggesting overlapping pathways. These findings indicate potential interactions between the plasminogen activator system and steroid receptors in the endometrium.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Steven L. Gonias
Summary: Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) are serine proteases that play a crucial role in fibrinolysis in mammalian systems. Cells have evolved receptor systems to detect and respond to tPA and uPA, impacting various aspects of cell physiology. This review highlights the structure and function of plasminogen activator receptor assemblies and their role in regulating innate immunity and inflammation.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Yukiko Asano, Takayuki Iwaki, Kazuo Umemura, Naohiro Kanayama, Hiroaki Itoh
Summary: The study showed that fibrin had no effect on mouse blastocysts, but significantly suppressed trophoblast growth in human blastocysts. However, trophoblasts in human blastocysts then switched to growth promotion through increased fibrinolysis with urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) activity.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ourania S. Kotsiou, Ioannis Pantazopoulos, Georgios Mavrovounis, Konstantinos Marsitopoulos, Konstantinos Tourlakopoulos, Paraskevi Kirgou, Zoe Daniil, Konstantinos Gourgoulianis
Summary: The study investigated the role of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as a marker for asthma severity. The results showed that suPAR levels were lower in patients with moderate uncontrolled asthma compared to those with severe uncontrolled asthma. No correlations were found between suPAR levels and age, BMI, T2 biomarkers, CRP, or spirometric parameters.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Yashwanth Reddy Sudhini, Changli Wei, Jochen Reiser
Summary: suPAR is the soluble form of uPAR, associated with inflammation and immune activation. It has become a unique factor for kidney diseases and is related to COVID-19 infection as well as lung and kidney dysfunction. suPAR plays an important role in glomerular kidney diseases, the connection between acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, and may serve as a therapeutic target.
Article
Oncology
Yu-Liang Liu, Chun-Te Wu, Yu-Chao Hsu, Miao-Fen Chen, Chih-Shou Chen, Chung-Sheng Shi, Yun-Ching Huang
Summary: Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common malignancy in dialysis patients in Taiwan, and radical cystectomy is the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. However, dialysis patients undergoing radical cystectomy have a higher risk of complications and mortality. In this study, we found that accurate reporting of complications is important for counseling and risk assessment. We also identified high comorbidity and low-volume surgeons as significant risk factors for major complications. Additionally, male sex, older age, and major complications were found to significantly influence overall survival.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yung-Mei Chao, You-Lin Tain, Wei-Chia Lee, Kay L. H. Wu, Hong-Ren Yu, Julie Y. H. Chan
Summary: This study explored the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and SCFA-sensing receptors in the developmental programming of hypertension in offspring exposed to a high fructose diet (HFD) during maternal gestation and lactation. The study found that dysregulated levels of SCFAs and expression of SCFA-sensing receptors in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were associated with increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the PVN of HFD offspring. Additionally, supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics improved these dysfunctions and protected against programmed hypertension in adult HFD offspring.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meng-Huang Wu, Wei-Bin Hsu, Mei-Hsin Chen, Chung-Sheng Shi
Summary: This study reveals the important role of NAE-mediated neddylation in osteoclast differentiation and osteoporosis, highlighting neddylation as a potential target for treating osteoporosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei-Chia Lee, Hong-Ren Yu, You-Lin Tain, Kay L. H. Wu, Yao-Chi Chuang, Julie Y. H. Chan
Summary: The study investigates the effects of vinpocetine and celecoxib on metabolic syndrome-associated bladder overactivity. It finds that vinpocetine can alleviate bladder overactivity by restoring detrusor cAMP production and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chien-Fu Huang, Mao-Meng Tiao, I-Chun Lin, Li-Tung Huang, Jiunn-Ming Sheen, You-Lin Tain, Chien-Ning Hsu, Ching-Chou Tsai, Yu-Ju Lin, Hong-Ren Yu
Summary: This study found that maternal metformin treatment during pregnancy can improve placental oxidative stress and enhance the expression levels of glucose transporters in offspring through AMPK activation. It was also shown that maternal metformin treatment can ameliorate offspring fatty liver caused by maternal high-fat diet, with effects observed into adulthood. Further validation is needed to develop maternal metformin therapy for clinical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Yung-Yu Hsieh, Wei-Ming Chen, Kao-Chi Chang, Te-Sheng Chang, Chao-Hung Hung, Yao-Hsu Yang, Shui-Yi Tung, Kuo-Liang Wei, Chen-Heng Shen, Cheng-Shyong Wu, Yuan-Jie Ding, Jing-Hong Hu, Yu-Ting Huang, Meng-Hung Lin, Chung-Kuang Lu, Yi-Hsiung Lin, Ming-Shyan Lin
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aims to evaluate the real-world benefits of direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-induced sustained virologic response (SVR) on the occurrence and progression of esophageal varices (EV) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis (LC). The study found that DAA-induced SVR was significantly associated with a lower risk of de novo EV occurrence and progression.
Article
Oncology
Yung-Yu Hsieh, Wen-Lin Kuo, Wan-Ting Hsu, Shui-Yi Tung, Chin Li
Summary: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world. The presence of pathogenic microbiota, such as Helicobacter pylori, is an important risk factor for the development of alimentary tract cancers. This study investigated the mutational landscape of F. nucleatum-positive gastric cancer tissues and identified genetic aberrations, including activating mutations of ERBB2, ERBB3, and PIK3CA, disrupted TP53, and high tumor mutational burden, all of which were associated with poor prognosis. These findings suggest that F. nucleatum infection and tumor mutational burden are strong biomarkers for the prognosis of gastric cancer.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
You-Lin Tain, Chih-Yao Hou, Guo-Ping Chang-Chien, Sufan Lin, Hong-Tai Tzeng, Wei-Chia Lee, Kay L. H. Wu, Hong-Ren Yu, Julie Y. H. Chan, Chien-Ning Hsu
Summary: Maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in adult disease development. Excessive fructose intake by mothers contributes to hypertension in their offspring. New evidence suggests a connection between early-life gut microbiota and later hypertension. This study aimed to investigate if maternal supplementation of butyrate or propionate can prevent hypertension in offspring exposed to a high-fructose diet.
Article
Microbiology
Hong-Ren Yu, Ching-Chang Tsai, Julie Y. H. Chan, Wei-Chia Lee, Kay L. H. Wu, You-Lin Tain, Te-Yao Hsu, Hsin-Hsin Cheng, Hsin-Chun Huang, Cheng-Hsieh Huang, Wen-Harn Pan, Yao-Tsung Yeh
Summary: This study explored the role of the maternal gut microbiome and associated functional pathways in spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). It found that overweight mothers had lower microbial diversity in their gut and a higher abundance of Actinomyces spp., which was inversely correlated with gestational age in sPTB. The enrichment of Actinomyces spp. was also associated with dysregulated glycan metabolism in sPTB.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kuo-Shu Tang, Chih-Min Tsai, Ming-Chou Cheng, Ying-Hsien Huang, Chih-Hao Chang, Hong-Ren Yu
Summary: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is common and potentially fatal in children. Salivary analysis shows potential as a noninvasive diagnostic tool. A study identified potential salivary biomarkers using proteomics to differentiate Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza A pneumonia in pediatric patients, with higher levels of salivary alpha 1-antichymotrypsin in the Streptococcus pneumoniae group.
Review
Pediatrics
Zon-Min Lee, Ling-Sai Chang, Kuang-Che Kuo, Meng-Chiao Lin, Hong-Ren Yu
Summary: Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in neonates with potential neurotoxicity. Although free bilirubin is a more accurate indicator, it is not widely monitored in clinical practice. Total serum bilirubin levels are commonly used to guide phototherapy, but they are not well correlated with neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ching-Feng Huang, Fan-Hao Chou, Chia-Hao Chang, Su-Er Guo
Summary: This preliminary study examined the associations between Body Mass Index (BMI), body image, perceived stress, mental health, dietary habits, and exercise participation among 310 female college nursing students. The study found that BMI correlated with body image, but not with diet, exercise, stress, and mental health. The underweight group had the highest satisfactory score on appearance evaluation, while there was no difference between the overweight and obese groups. Attention should be given to underweight, overweight, obesity, high perceived stress, and poor mental health among nursing students.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Su-Er Guo, Pamela A. Ratner, Sung-Chih Tseng, Chieh-Mo Lin, Miao-Ching Chi, Chiang-Wen Lee, Ying-Chun Yu
Summary: Burning incense releases harmful particles and gases that can cause respiratory diseases. This study investigated the impact of incense burning exposure on the health of temple workers and volunteers in Taiwan. The researchers found that exposure to incense burning was associated with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the participants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Su-Er Guo, Pamela A. Ratner, Sung-Chih Tseng, Chieh-Mo Lin, Miao-Ching Chi, Chiang-Wen Lee, Ying-Chun Yu
Summary: Incense burning releases particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide that have adverse effects on human health. This study examined the association between incense burning exposure and the health status, particularly inflammatory biomarkers, of temple workers and volunteers. The study found that long-term exposure to incense burning was associated with respiratory issues and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Li-Ping Wang, Li-Hwa Tsai, Hisang-Yun Huang, Chizimuzo Okoli, Su-Er Guo
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that buttonhole (BH) cannulation significantly reduces the risk of aneurysm formation, stenosis, thrombosis formation, and hematoma compared to rope ladder (RL) cannulation for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in hemodialysis patients. There were no significant differences in AVF infection between BH and RL cannulation. BH cannulation should be recommended as a routine procedure for hemodialysis, but staff knowledge and skills should be strengthened to reduce the risk of AVF infection.