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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
The Role Of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 In Vascular Disease, Desiree Leach
The Role Of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 In Vascular Disease, Desiree Leach
Theses and Dissertations
In response to injury, mature vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) undergo dedifferentiation, also known as phenotype modulation or switch. This process is characterized by a downregulation or loss of expression of contractile genes and concomitant with an increase in cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix production, thereby leading to vascular lesion formation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. The objective of my study was to determine whether cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8), a transcription-regulating kinase, plays a mediator role in vascular SMC dedifferentiation and lesion formation. Our results from immunochemical staining and Western blot revealed that CDK8 expression …
Hemodynamic Regulation Of Cardiac Valve Development, Vinal Menon
Hemodynamic Regulation Of Cardiac Valve Development, Vinal Menon
Theses and Dissertations
It is well established that valvulogenesis is a result of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Hemodynamics is one such environmental stimulus that is well documented to influence the development of heart valves. Using advanced imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography, investigators have better understood the effects of altering hemodynamic loads in the embryonic (avian) heart. However, the field of valvulogenesis is currently stagnant with a paucity of studies aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms influenced/affected by hemodynamic stimuli. Deciphering these pathways is critical from a valve development perspective, but also becomes vital as potential therapeutic targets, …
The Role Of Inflammation In Atherosclerosis, Fatma Saaoud
The Role Of Inflammation In Atherosclerosis, Fatma Saaoud
Theses and Dissertations
Atherosclerosis is both a chronic inflammatory disease and lipid deposition disorder characterized by accumulation of lipids, fibrous tissue, and inflammatory cells in the arterial wall. Thus, investigating the role of inflammation and the immune system in the progression of atherosclerosis may help in the development of novel therapeutics for atherosclerotic disease. Current atherosclerosis therapy is aimed at lipid targets and focused primarily on reducing plasma cholesterol levels. Clinical and experimental data support the critical role of inflammation in atherosclerosis and suggest that reducing inflammation even without affecting lipid levels may reduce the event rate of cardiovascular disease. Yet, no pure …