Article
Cell Biology
Weiqi Zeng, Zhizhao Deng, Yingxin Gao, Guoliang Sun, Xianlong Li, Dongdong Yuan
Summary: Long-term exposure to Ang II significantly enhances the expression and function of Cx43-GJs in HUASMCs, leading to the accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ and the activation of downstream signaling pathways. However, propofol inhibits the function of Cx43-GJs in Ang II-pretreated HUASMCs, resulting in the inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ and its downstream signaling pathways and ultimately excessive relaxation of HUASMCs. This explains why patients with chronic hypertension experience more severe blood pressure fluctuations after propofol induction.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chao Li, Liang Shi, Cheng Peng, Gongchang Yu, Yanshu Zhang, Zhongjun Du
Summary: The study found that lead (Pb) exposure led to concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and apoptosis in rat cardiac myocytes (H9c2 cells), as well as a reduction in Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) through downregulation of connexin (Cx) 43. Inhibition of GJIC using a gap junction blocker increased apoptosis. Pb also induced autophagy in a concentration-dependent manner, affecting the distribution of Cx43 and targeting it to autophagosomes, which exacerbated the inhibition of GJIC and downregulation of Cx43.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cai Qing, Zhao Xinyi, Yu Xuefei, Xue Xindong, Fu Jianhua
Summary: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common devastating pulmonary complication in preterm infants, characterized by alveolar maldevelopment associated with oxidative stress and excessive apoptosis. Gap26, a connexin 43-inhibiting peptide, has been shown to improve alveolar development by inhibiting intercellular communication in BPD.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jennifer C. Jones, Thomas M. Bodenstine
Summary: Connexins are important membrane channel proteins that regulate both intercellular communication and cellular metabolism in cancer cells. They have diverse roles in cancer biology, being able to promote or suppress cancer cell function. The relationship between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells is complex and requires further investigation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andres Tittarelli
Summary: Connexin-mediated intercellular communication mechanisms play important roles in immune system activities, especially in infections, wounds, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions. Modulating connexin expression and channel activities may be a promising approach for designing therapeutic tools.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Xinyu Wang, Chuan Jiang, Chunli Lu, Longbing Ma, Yuxin Feng, Shengyu Cui, Qian Li, Kang Li, Xiang Wang, Fengzeng Jian
Summary: In this study, changes in the number and morphology of ependymal cilia in a syringomyelia rat model were investigated. The results showed a decline in cilia during the early stage of the disease, leading to disrupted intercellular communication. In the later stage, cilia were further reduced due to shear stress exposure, causing a potential mechanism of ependymal cilia decline in syringomyelia development.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuefang Zhou, Thomas M. Bennett, Thomas W. White, Alan Shiels
Summary: CHMP4B is a core sub-unit of the ESCRT-III machinery involved in remodeling and scission processes of biological membranes. It has been found to associate with connexin 46 (Cx46) and connexin 50 (Cx50), and its membrane localization is dependent on Cx50 in lens fiber cells.
Review
Cell Biology
Andrew M. Boal, Michael L. Risner, Melissa L. Cooper, Lauren K. Wareham, David J. Calkins
Summary: Astrocytes play a crucial role in responding to neurodegenerative stress and are interconnected through gap junctions, primarily composed of connexin-43 (Cx43), forming a broader network. This network contributes to various important processes and is likely to influence the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting these networks may be critical in the treatment of glaucomatous neurodegeneration and other optic neuropathies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Santipongse Chatchavalvanich, Robert A. Boomsma, Jack M. Tietema, David L. Geenen
Summary: Early coupling between bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) and ischemic cardiomyocytes through gap junctions (GJ) may play a crucial role in cell survival and retention in the acute phase of myocardial ischemia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Avigail Ehrlich, Filippo Molica, Aurelie Hautefort, Brenda R. Kwak
Summary: This review provides an overview of the expression and function of connexins and pannexins in the lymphatic vasculature, focusing on their roles in healthy lymphatic system functions and pathological conditions. The discussion highlights their impact on intercellular communication, immune cell trafficking, and nutrient absorption, as well as their implications in lymphatic disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rasheed A. Bailey, Derek L. Beahm, I. Martha Skerrett
Summary: Glycine is an amino acid with unique properties due to its single hydrogen atom side chain. Conserved glycines in proteins often indicate domains involving tight turns or bends. Substitutions at position 12 of certain connexins lead to alterations in function and have been linked to hereditary skin disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olivia E. Crouthamel, Leping Li, Michael T. Dilluvio, Thomas W. White
Summary: Mutations in the GJA1 gene encoding connexin43 (Cx43) have been linked to various rare genetic disorders, including those affecting the skin. This study investigated the functional consequences of a specific Cx43 mutation (Cx43-G38E) associated with a novel human phenotype. The research showed that the mutation increased the activity of hemichannels, suggesting a potential role in skin and skeletal disorders caused by Cx43 mutations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Max Zachrisson Totland, Yasufumi Omori, Vigdis Sorensen, Kushtrim Kryeziu, Trond Aasen, Andreas Brech, Edward Leithe
Summary: Gap junctions are clusters of channels in the plasma membrane that enable the diffusion of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells, playing a fundamental role in coordinating tissue functions. The loss of intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions, often observed in cancer pathogenesis, can impact tumor growth and response to treatment. Connexins, integral membrane proteins, not only facilitate cell-cell communication but also modulate signal transduction pathways, cell processes, and the dynamic regulation of gap junction levels. Dysregulation of connexin trafficking in the endocytic system contributes to the loss of gap junctions during carcinogenesis, with potential therapeutic implications in cancer treatment.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge Gonzalez-Casanova, Oliver Schmachtenberg, Agustin D. Martinez, Helmuth A. Sanchez, Paloma A. Harcha, Diana Rojas-Gomez
Summary: Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of vision loss in the working age population, characterized by progressive deterioration of retinal microvasculature due to long-term metabolic changes. Gap junction channels and connexin hemichannels have been identified as key factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Understanding the physiological impact of diabetes on these channels and their role in the disease process could lead to the development of novel pharmacological interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Anuttoma Ray, Parmender P. Mehta
Summary: Cx32 was found to be palmitoylated at cysteine 217 (C217) in cell line derived from prostate tumors, but mutating C217 to alanine had no effect on its function. Mutation of cysteine 280 and 283, only in combination, blocked the trafficking of Cx32 from the trans-Golgi network to the cell surface, leading to reduced stability.
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
(2021)
Review
Anesthesiology
C. C. Nestor, C. Ng, P. Sepulveda, M. G. Irwin
Summary: Mixing long- and short-acting local anaesthetics to hasten onset and extend duration may lead to ineffective solutions or potential harm due to pharmacokinetic principles; many local anaesthetic adjuncts are not approved for use, which can result in adverse events, and pharmaceutical compatibility needs to be confirmed before administration.
Review
Anesthesiology
C. K. E. Chung, C. C. M. Poon, M. G. Irwin
Summary: Surgery and anesthesia can cause stress to the brain, and monitoring with electroencephalography and cerebral oximetry can help assess anesthesia depth and cerebral metabolic activity. However, research results on the ability of these monitors to alleviate peri-operative neurocognitive complications have been contradictory. Understanding the changes in electroencephalography under anesthesia and those associated with aging is important for correctly interpreting anesthesia depth indices. Cerebral oximetry is useful for detecting cerebral desaturation and identifying higher-risk patients. An algorithm-based approach may be most effective in managing cerebral desaturation events.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Haobo Li, Lena E. Trager, Xiaojun Liu, Margaret H. Hastings, Chunyang Xiao, Justin Guerra, Samantha To, Guoping Li, Ashish Yeri, Rodosthenis Rodosthenous, Michael G. Silverman, Saumya Das, Amrut V. Ambardekar, Michael R. Bristow, Juan Manuel Gonzalez-Rosa, Anthony Rosenzweig
Summary: This study identifies a novel pathway, lncExACT1-DCHS2, that regulates cardiac hypertrophy and cardiomyogenesis. lncExACT1-DCHS2 acts as a master switch toggling the heart between physiological and pathological growth to determine functional outcomes, providing a potentially tractable therapeutic target for harnessing the beneficial effects of exercise.
Letter
Anesthesiology
C. C. Nestor, P. Sepulveda, M. G. Irwin
Letter
Anesthesiology
C. C. Nestor, P. Sepulveda, M. G. Irwin
Article
Cell Biology
Yanjing He, Yin Cai, Tianhao Sun, Liangqing Zhang, Michael G. Irwin, Aimin Xu, Zhengyuan Xia
Summary: Acute myocardial infarction is a leading cause of death worldwide. Restoration of blood flow may lead to ischemia/reperfusion injury. This study found that miR-503 exacerbated I/R injury via inactivation of PI3K/Akt and STAT3 pathways.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
S. Agarwal, K. El-Boghdadly
Summary: This position statement highlights the importance of prioritising equity, diversity and inclusion in anaesthesia and medicine. The Anaesthesia Editors outline their policies and practices to achieve these goals, including transparent recruitment practices and removing barriers to leadership roles. They commit to regularly reviewing and improving their policies and embracing equity, diversity and inclusion.
Letter
Emergency Medicine
Wei Deng, Steven Wang, Rex Pui Kin Lam, Timothy Hudson Rainer, Michael Garnet Irwin
ANNALS OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qiu Qiu, Joshua C. J. Chew, Michael G. Irwin
Summary: Opioids are still important in postoperative analgesia, but the focus is on using them as part of multimodal regimens to avoid their complete use. The development of new drugs with more favorable adverse effect profiles may increase safety while maintaining efficacy.
EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Wendong Chen, Li Ma, Jianlin Shao, Chun Bi, Yuchen Xie, Shuangyan Zhao
Summary: This study analyzed the position-specific morphological changes of the upper airway and assessed their impact on difficult airway during intubation. The results showed that difficult airway had lower upper airway filling volumes compared to normal airway. Furthermore, the airway volume increased as the body position changed.
BMC ANESTHESIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Anesthesiology
L. M. Hughes, M. G. Irwin, C. C. Nestor
Summary: Propfol-remifentanil-based total intravenous anaesthesia is commonly used in clinical practice due to its favorable pharmacokinetic profile. However, interruption in remifentanil supply presents an opportunity to explore alternative opioids and consider adjuncts to propofol-based anaesthesia. This article provides an overview of different opioids and their administration methods, as well as the role of non-opioid adjuncts in total intravenous anaesthesia.
Article
Anesthesiology
L. Q. Yang, L. Zhu, X. Shi, C. H. Miao, H. B. Yuan, Z. Q. Liu, W. D. Gu, F. Liu, X. X. Hu, D. P. Shi, H. W. Duan, C. Y. Wang, H. Weng, Z. L. Huang, L. Z. Li, Z. Z. He, J. Li, Y. P. Hu, L. Lin, S. T. Pan, S. H. Xu, D. Tang, D. I. Sessler, J. Liu, M. G. Irwin, W. F. Yu, POLMA-EP Investigators
Summary: In a clinical study, it was found that using a supraglottic airway device rather than a tracheal tube can reduce postoperative pulmonary complications in older patients undergoing non-cardiothoracic surgery under general anesthesia.
Article
Anesthesiology
W. Deng, C. C. Nestor, K. M. M. Leung, J. Chew, H. Wang, S. Wang, M. G. Irwin
Summary: The amount of aerosol generation from positive pressure ventilation via supraglottic airway devices in low-risk patients was quantified and compared to aerosol levels during conversation and coughing. The study found that the aerosol concentration generated by supraglottic airway insertion and removal was significantly lower than that produced during talking and coughing. The proportion of easily inhaled and small particles was also much lower during insertion and removal compared to talking and coughing.
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
James Rhee, Rebecca Freeman, Kangsan Roh, Margaret Lyons, Chunyang Xiao, Daniel Zlotoff, Ashish Yeri, Haobo Li, Justin Guerra, J. Sawalla Guseh, Alexandra Kuznetsov, Nicholas Houstis, Jason Roh, Federico Damilano, Xiaojun Liu, Michael Silverman, Raymond Kwong, Saumya Das, Anthony Rosenzweig
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Abigail Silva, Barbara Costa, Irene Castro, Joana Mourao, Nuno Vale
Summary: This review aims to discuss the current information on drug interactions in the perioperative period. Drug interactions during this period can affect the efficacy and safety of treatment. There are three types of drug interactions. It is important to recognize that drug interactions may increase toxicity and reduce efficacy, increasing the risk of complications. Thoroughly reviewing a patient's medication list and vigilant monitoring are essential in minimizing risks.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)