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Loss Of The Sin3 Transcriptional Corepressor Results In Aberrant Mitochondrial Function, Valerie L. Barnes, Bethany S. Strunk, Icksoo Lee, Maik Hüttemann, Lori A. Pile

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

SIN3 is a transcriptional repressor protein known to regulate many genes, including a number of those that encode mitochondrial components.

Results

By monitoring RNA levels, we find that loss of SIN3 inDrosophilacultured cells results in up-regulation of not only nuclear encoded mitochondrial genes, but also those encoded by the mitochondrial genome. The up-regulation of gene expression is accompanied by a perturbation in ATP levels in SIN3-deficient cells, suggesting that the changes in mitochondrial gene expression result in altered mitochondrial activity. In support of the hypothesis that SIN3 is necessary for normal mitochondrial function, yeastsin3null mutants exhibit very poor …

Cellular And Molecular Dissection Of Pluripotent Adult Somatic Stem Cells In Planarians, Norito Shibata, Labib Rouhana, Kiyokazu Agata

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Freshwater planarians, Plathelminthes, have been an intriguing model animal of regeneration studies for more than 100 years. Their robust regenerative ability is one of asexual reproductive capacity, in which complete animals develop from tiny body fragments within a week. Pluripotent adult somatic stem cells, called neoblasts, assure this regenerative ability. Neoblasts give rise to not only all types of somatic cells, but also germline cells. During the last decade, several experimental techniques for the analysis of planarian neoblasts at the molecular level, such as in situ hybridization, RNAi and fluorescence activated cell sorting, have been established. Moreover, information about genes …

Nitric Oxide And Trace Metals In Relation To Haemoglobin F Concentration In Nigerian Sickle Cell Disease Patients, John Ayodele Olaniyi, Olatubosun Ganiyu Arinola

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited haemoglobin (Hb) disorder associated with vaso-occlusive events, oxidative stress, high energy demand, and endothelial dysfunction. The endothelium plays a central role in the regulation of vascular homeostasis by releasing nitric oxide (NO) among other factors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to measure plasma levels of NO, trace metals, and HbF in SCD patients. Materials and methods: Plasma levels of NO, Zn, Mg, Mn, Se, Cu, Fe, Haemoglobin F (HbF) were measured in 59 steady state SCD patients referred to the Department of Haematology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria and 35 age/sex …

Cd10 Expression In Urothelial Bladder Carcinomas: Staining Patterns And Relationship With Pathologic Parameters*, Ni̇lüfer Onak Kandemi̇r, Burak Bahadir, Banu Doğan Gün, Gamze Yurdakan, Ni̇met Karadayi, Şükrü Oğuz Özdamar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

CD10 is a cell surface metalloprotease that inactivates various bioactive neuropeptides. CD10 has been suggested as a useful prognostic marker for urothelial carcinoma, but there are only a few studies of CD10 in urothelial tumors and they have shown varying results. The aims of this study were to investigate the expression of CD10 in urothelial bladder carcinomas and to clarify its association with pathologic parameters. Materials and methods: A total of 50 urothelial bladder carcinomas were selected from archival material. All cases were reevaluated histopathologically and graded according to the WHO/ISUP 1998 classification. The TNM system was used for their …

Serum Nitric Oxide And Peroxynitrite Levels In Adult Sero-Positive Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs: A Preliminary Report, Marwan S.M. Al-Nimer, Samir Abdul-Hassan Al-Obaidi, Khalid S. Al-Dulaimi

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The contribution of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) to oxidative/nitrative stress is well documented in inflamed joints. Nitric oxide stimulates the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators and cytotoxic molecules with a pivotal role in apoptosis at the joint of rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to assess the serum levels of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite in sero positive rheumatoid patients treated with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Materials and methods: Sixteen known patients with sero-positive rheumatoid arthritis fulfilling the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology and on disease modifying antirheumatic drugs were allocated from the consultant clinic of rheumatology at Al-Yarmouk Teaching …

Marital Adjustment And Emotional Symptoms In Infertile Couples: Gender Differences, Verda Tüzer, Altuğ Tuncel, Sema Göka, Süheyla Doğan Bulut, Fati̇h Volkan Yüksel, Ali̇ Atan, Erol Göka

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the psychosocial and demographic factors related to marital adjustment and emotional symptoms in infertile couples according to gender differences. Materials and methods: The study sample, consisting of 60 primary infertile couples, was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale. The scores derived from men and women were compared according to infertility factor. Multiple regression analysis models were used to explore the linkages between emotional symptoms and marital adjustment. Results: Statistically significant gender differences were noted in affectional expression and sexual satisfaction domains of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (P < 0.05). Our analyses showed that various aspects of marital adjustment have predictive power on anxiety and depressive symptoms of infertile men, especially when the infertility is due to male factor. Conclusion: Results of this study emphasize the importance of psychological and sexual counseling in the course of infertility treatment.

Comparison Of The Effects Of Repeated Dose Treatments Of Lornoxicam And Meloxicam On Renal Functions In Rats, Başak Pehli̇van, Özgün Çuvaş, Hülya Başar, Fati̇h Bakir, Hüseyi̇n Üstün, Bayazit Di̇kmen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

We aimed to investigate the renal effects of meloxicam, a preferential cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor nonsteroidal antiiflammatory drug, and lornoxicam, a nonspecific cyclooxygenase inhibitor, in rats. We wanted to test the hypothesis that preferential cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors have a higher renal safety profile when compared with the nonspecific cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Materials and methods: Thirty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the study. During the study period, 0.9% NaCl, 5.8 mg kg^{-1} meloxicam, or 1.3 mg kg^{-1} lornoxicam were given in 1 mL volumes once daily by the peritoneal route. On day 14, rats were placed in metabolic cages and their urine was …

Psychological Characteristics Of Adolescent Suicide Attempters Presenting To A Pediatric Emergency Service, Di̇lek Di̇lli̇, Yildiz Dallar, İlyas Çakir

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of adolescents who attempt suicide and evaluate them by different scales. Materials and methods: The study was conducted with 116 adolescent suicide attempters and 98 age-matched healthy controls. Results: The mean age of all adolescents was 13.8 ± 1.2 years, with ages ranging from 11 to 16 years. Of these adolescents, 82.7% were girls. The total Suicide Probability Scale score was negatively correlated with the total Reasons for Living Inventory (r = -0.42, P = 0.001) and positively correlated with the Problem Solving Inventory score, which is indicative of low problem-solving capabilities (r …

Oxidative Predictors And Lipoproteins In Male Soccer Players, Faruk Yamaner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine male soccer players’ lipoprotein levels, and their total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, and lipid hydroperoxide and lipoprotein levels after exercise. Materials and methods: The study group included 33 certificated male soccer players with an age range of 17-20 years and the control group included 53 healthy male volunteers with an age range of 18-20 years. Their total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, and lipid hydroperoxide and lipoprotein levels were analyzed and compared. Results: In the baseline, plasma levels, total oxidant statuses, oxidative stress indices, and lipid hydroperoxide levels were found of …

Effects Of Grape Consumption On Plasma And Erythrocyte Antioxidant Parameters In Elderly Subjects, Aslihan Avci, Tesli̇me Atli, İmge B. Ergüder, Murat Varli, Erdi̇nç Devri̇m, Özgür Demi̇r, İlker Durak, Murat Turgay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effects of ingesting Fructus vitis minuta (black grape) on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in elderly subjects. Materials and methods: Thirteen subjects (mean age 74.67 ± 0.58) participated in the study. They consumed 1 g/kg body weight per day of dried black Maraş grapes for 1 month. Before and after these periods, fasting blood samples were obtained, and oxidant (as MDA) and antioxidant (as SOD) parameters were studied in erythrocytes. Also, plasma samples were obtained from the subjects. Results: In the erythrocyte hemolysate, MDA (malondialdehydes) levels and SOD (superoxide dismutase) activities were found to be lower (P < 0.01) in the second samples compared to the first ones. Conclusion: We think that because free radical production was decreased SOD activities were not increased. Our results show that reduced peroxidation processes caused by Maraş grape consumption suggest that grape consumption has beneficial effects in elderly subjects.

Investigation Of Premenstrual Syndrome And Contributing Factors Among University Students*, Nülüfer Erbi̇l, Ayşenur Karaca, Tülay Kiriş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the frequency of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and to investigate contributing factors for PMS among female students in a university dormitory in Ordu. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was conducted with female students at a public university dormitory in Ordu, in the East Black Sea region of Turkey. The sample contained 300 female students at the university dormitory. The study was conducted between 3 January and 12 January 2007. The research data were collected via a 22-item socio-demographic information questionnaire and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) developed by Gençdoğan. Results: It was determined that the participants' mean age …

The Effect Of Microorganisms On Cytokine Secretion From Bone Marrow Dendritic Cells, Işil Fi̇dan, Ayşe Kalkanci, Emi̇ne Yeşi̇lyurt, Berna Erdal, Semra Kuşti̇mur, Turgut İmi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells crucial for initiation of cell-mediated immune responses to foreign antigens. They also contribute to the innate resistance against microbial pathogens. The present study examined the effect of microorganisms such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) on cytokine secretion in bone marrow-dendritic cells (BM-DCs). Materials and methods: The levels of cytokines in culture supernatants of the BM-DC were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: DCs stimulated by microorganisms produced large amounts of TNF-\alpha, IL-1\beta, IL-6, and IL-10. The …

Histopathological Effects Of Chronic Fluorosis On The Liver Of Mice (Swiss Albino), Yusuf Ersan, Evren Koç, İsmai̇l Ari, Başaran Karademi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Fluoride intake in high doses has toxic effects on various organs. Chronic fluorosis results in tubular degenerations, inflammation, fibrosis, parenchymatous nephritis, cloudy swellings, and dilations of convoluted tubules. In addition to these effects, fluoride causes deteriorative effects on the skeleton, teeth, and soft tissues. The goal of this study was to examine the impacts of chronic fluorosis on the liver tissues of mice. Materials and methods: One control group and 3 experimental groups, each group consisting of 4 male and 4 female mice, were formed to conduct the experiment. A stock solution including 2000 ppm fluoride was prepared by solving …

Effects Of Alendronate And Risedronate Therapy On Hepatic Antioxidant Enzyme Activity And Lipid Peroxidation In Ovariectomized Rats, Serap Yalin, Ülkü Çömelekoğlu, Selda Bağiş, Mehmet Berköz, Peli̇n Eroğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the effects of alendronate (ALN) and risedronate (RIS), which are agents for preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis, on hepatic antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation in ovariectomized rats. Materials and methods: Thirty-two female rats were randomly assigned to 4 separate groups. All of the groups, except the control group, were ovariectomized. Included in the 4 groups were a control group (C), an ovariectomized group (OVX), an ovariectomized group treated with alendronate (OVX-ALN), and an ovariectomized group treated with risedronate (OVX-RIS). Ten weeks after an ovariectomy, the OVX-ALN rats were administered 1.75 mg/kg of their body weight with alendronate …

N-Acetyltransferase 2 Gene Polymorphisms And Susceptibility To Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Study In The Turkish Population, Buket Kosova, Vi̇ldan Bozok Çeti̇ntaş, Ahmet Çağ Çal, Asli Teti̇k, Ruki̇ye Özel, Çağdaş Aktan, Cumhur Gündüz, Nejat Topçuoğlu, İbrahi̇m Kadri̇ Cürekli̇batir, Fatma Zuhal Eroğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the association between the 3 most frequently observed single nucleotide polymorphisms of the NAT2 gene and the risk of developing prostate cancer in the Turkish population. Materials and methods: A total of 110 unrelated patients with prostate cancer were included in this case-control association study and constituted the study group. The control group also consisted of 150 unrelated but healthy men. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes of all patients and analyzed with a sensitive real-time PCR method. After melting curve analysis genotypes were identified for the NAT2*5A, NAT2*6A, and NAT2*7A/B polymorphisms. Results: Prostate cancer patients …

Prediction Of Prostate Cancer Using Decision Tree Algorithm, Kemal Hakan Gülkesen, İsmai̇l Türker Köksal, Sebahat Özdem, Osman Saka

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level is used for prediction of cancer, but this approach suffers from weak sensitivity and specificity. We applied binary-split decision tree (DT) algorithm to prostate cancer prediction problem. Materials and methods: Quick, Unbiased and Efficient Statistical Tree (QUEST) algorithm was used in 750 patients who had a serum PSA levels between 0 and 10 ng/mL. Results: The analysis indicated that following five nodes had different levels of cancer possibility: (1) PSA > 5.98 ng/mL; (2) PSA 0.81; (4) PSA Keywords:

Serum Adenosine Deaminase Activity And The Total Antioxidant Capacity Of Plasma In Pulmonary Tuberculosis And Non-Tuberculosis Pulmonary Disease, Mohammad Naderi, Mohammad Hashemi, Ali Mehdizadeh, Hamid Mehrabifar, Hamid Reza Kouhpayeh, Hossein Ansari, Gholamreza Bahari, Saeid Ghavami

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), non-tuberculosis pulmonary disease (non-PTB) and healthy subjects. Materials and methods: Serum ADA activity was measured using the Giusti and Galanti method, and the total antioxidant capacity of plasma was determined by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) test. Results: The serum ADA levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in pulmonary TB (PTB, 19.78 ± 7.09 U/L), as well as in non-PTB patients (14.78 ± 4.65 U/L) when compared to healthy controls (10.02 ± 1.99 U/L). The sensitivity and specificity were found to be 71.7% and 63.3%, respectively, in distinguishing PTB from non-PTB. In distinguishing PTB from healthy subjects, the sensitivity and specificity were 87% and 93.3%, respectively. The TAC was significantly lower in PTB (485.2 ± 190.0 µM) and non-PTB patients (588.3 ± 195.8 µM), when compared to the controls (784.3 ± 190.0 µM; P < 0.001). Plasma antioxidative activity decreased in PTB and non-PTB patients when compared to the controls. Conclusion: We concluded that serum ADA activity is not a useful test to differentiate pulmonary TB from other respiratory diseases. The TAC is low in pulmonary TB, therefore supplementation with a suitable anti-oxidant may be useful.

Chronic Pain And Depression: A Descriptive Survey Among Adult Primary Health Care Centre Patients, Nüket Paksoy Erbaydar, Nesri̇n Çi̇li̇ngi̇roğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Knowledge of chronic pain and its relationship to depression among primary health care patients in Turkey is inadequate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of chronic pain and its relationship to depression. Materials and methods: In this descriptive study, data was collected with a questionnaire based on sociodemographic and pain-related characteristics, which was administered to a study population (n = 259) of primary care patients, 18-64 years old. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (min-max = 0-10) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (min-max = 0-63) were used for the assessment of pain severity and depression. Results: Of …

Effects Of Vitamin A And C And Melatonin On 3-Nitrotyrosine Formation In Guinea Pig Heart Under Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Stress, Hali̇l Yaman, Tuncer Çayci, Meli̇k Seyrek, Emi̇n Özgür Akgül, Yasemi̇n Gülcan Kurt, İbrahi̇m Aydin, Hakan Yaren, Erdi̇nç Çakir, Ömer Özcan, Behzat Çi̇men, Nurten Türközkan, Mehmet Kemal Erbi̇l

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O_2^{.-}). O_2^{.-} can react with NO to produce the powerful oxidant peroxynitrite (ONOO-). The presence of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) in tissues is often used as a marker of ONOO- production. Vitamin A, vitamin C, and melatonin are potent antioxidant molecules. We sought to clarify this issue by examining the effects of vitamin A (15,000 IU/kg/day), vitamin C (600 mg/kg/day), and melatonin (25 mg/kg) on 3-NT formation in heart tissue in a guinea pig model of LPS-induced endotoxemia. Materials and methods: A total of 75 animals were randomly divided into 5 …

Vitamin C Modulates Oxidative Stress-Induced Colitis In Rats, Mustafa Zeri̇n, Ali̇ Zi̇ya Karakilçik, Muharrem Bi̇ti̇ren, Davut Musa, Abdullah Özgönül, Şehabetti̇n Selek, Yaşar Nazligül, Ali̇ Uzunköy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Free radicals are an important factor in the etiopathogenesis of colitis and may increase oxidative damage. The antioxidant vitamin C efficiently scavenges free oxygen radicals. The present study aimed to investigate the probable protective effects of vitamin C on oxidative injury in rats in which colitis was experimentally induced with acetic acid. Materials and methods: This study was conducted with rats for a period of 7 days. Group 1 intrarectally received a placebo (0.9% NaCl) and group 2 intrarectally received 2 mL of 5% acetic acid (AA) and the placebo. Group 3 intrarectally received 2 mL of 5% AA and …

Evaluation Of Oxidant/Antioxidant Status And Ecp Levels In Asthma, Ömer Emecen, Berri̇n Berçi̇k İnal, Füsun Erdenen, Murat Usta, Hale Aral, Güvenç Güvenen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Inflammatory and immune cells, such as eosinophils, macrophages, and neutrophils, generate more reactive oxygen species in patients with asthma than they do in healthy individuals, and oxygen radicals contribute to tissue injury in asthma. We aimed to measure total oxidant status (TOS) and antioxidant status (TAS) in order to assess oxidative and antioxidative capacity. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), total IgE, and eosinophils (%) were measured to evaluate the level of inflammation. Materials and methods: The study included 56 non-smoking asthma patients that were followed-up at the respiratory disease and allergy outpatient clinics, where they received ongoing treatment for 5 months …

Effects Of Aqueous Garlic Extract On Oxidant/Antioxidant Status In 32d And 32dp210 Cell Lines, Aslihan Avci, Asuman Sunguroğlu, İmge B. Ergüder, Güvem Gümüş Akay, Erdi̇nç Devri̇m, Pinar Özkal Baydin, Nuray Varol, İlker Durak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the possible effects of aqueous garlic extract on the oxidant/antioxidant status and apoptosis in 32D (wild type mouse myeloid cell = normal) and 32Dp210 (BCR-ABL fusion gene (+) mouse myeloid cell = Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia cells) cell lines. Materials and methods: Aqueous garlic extract (10% w/v) was added into the cell line media with 2 different final concentrations (0.4% and 1%). At 0 h and at 24, 48, and 72 h later, the oxidant (malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme activity) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities) parameters were …

Comparison Of In Vitro Cytotoxicity And Genotoxicity Of Mma-Based Polymeric Materials And Various Metallic Materials, Sultan Gülçe İz, Sai̇me İsmet Gürhan, Bi̇lge Hakan Şen, Tuğba Endoğan, Nesri̇n Hasirci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of some polymeric and metallic implant materials used as base materials in dentistry, based on ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and OECD (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development) test protocols. Materials and methods: Three different acrylate-based polymeric materials were tested for their in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity (polymethylmethacrylate microspheres [PMMA], a solid cement prepared by mixing PMMA with its monomer methylmethacrylate [PMMA+MMA], a solid cement prepared by mixing PMMA, MMA, and hydroxyapatite [PMMA+MMA+HA], as wells as 4 different metallic materials (titanium [Ti grade 4], nickel alloy 625 [Ni-625], stainless steel alloy 304L …

Dermatoglyphics As Markers Of Prenatal Disturbances In Schizophrenia: A Case-Control Study, Bi̇rsen Özyurt, Ahmet Songur, Mustafa Sarsilmaz, Ömer Akyol, Mustafa Namli, Reha Demi̇rel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Several studies have reported the importance of dermatoglyphics as markers of a prenatal disturbance in patients with schizophrenia. Due to the fact that finger- and handprints are formed by the end of the second trimester, they may provide clues to disturbances in early development. The aim of this study was to determine specific dermatoglyphical frequencies in a sample of patients with schizophrenia and normal controls. Materials and methods: Fingerprints and palm prints were obtained from 45 schizophrenic patients as well as 45 healthy controls. The dermatoglyphic patterns on the fingers (total finger ridge count [TFRC]) and palms (a-b, b-c, and …

Synthesis And Evaluation Of Conformationally Constrained Peptide Analogues As The Src Sh3 Domain Binding Ligands, Rakesh Tiwari, Alex Brown, Seetha Narramaneni, Gongqin Sun, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Src kinase activity is regulated by the interaction of SH3 domain with protein sequences that are rich in proline residues. Identification of more potent SH3 domain binding ligands that can regulate Src kinase activity is a subject of major interest. Conformationally constrained peptides have been previously used for improving the binding potency of the Src SH2 domain binding peptide ligands and peptide substrates of the substrate-binding site of Src. A series of peptide analogues of Ac-VSLARRPLPPLP (1, Ac-VSL-12, Kd = 0.34 M) were synthesized by introducing conformational constraints to improve the binding affinity towards the Src SH3 domain. Peptides synthesized …

Prospects And Pits On The Path Of Biomimetics: The Case Of Tooth Enamel, Vuk Uskoković

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

This review presents a discourse on challenges in understanding and imitating the process of amelogenesis in vitro on the molecular scale. In light of the analysis of imitation of the growth of dental enamel, it also impends on the prospects and potential drawbacks of the biomimetic approach in general. As the formation of enamel proceeds with the protein matrix guiding the crystal growth, while at the same time conducting its own degradation and removal, it is argued that three aspects of amelogenesis need to be induced in parallel: a) crystal growth; b) protein assembly; c) proteolytic degradation. A particular emphasis …

Localization Of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme In Rabbit Cornea And Its Role In Controlling Corneal Angiogenesis In Vivo, Ajay Sharma, Daniel I. Bettis, John W. Cowden, Rajiv R. Mohan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose: The renin angiotensin system (RAS) has been shown to modulate vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis. In this study we investigated (i) the existence of the RAS components angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II receptors (AT1 and AT2) in the rabbit cornea using in vitro and ex vivo models and (ii) the effect of enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, to inhibit angiogenesis in rabbit cornea in vivo.

Methods: New Zealand White rabbits were used. Cultured corneal fibroblasts and corneal epithelial cells were used for RNA isolation and cDNA preparation using standard molecular biology techniques. PCR was performed to …

Aav Serotype Influences Gene Transfer In Corneal Stroma In Vivo, Ajay Sharma, Jonathan C. K. Tovey, Arkasubhra Ghosh, Rajiv R. Mohan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

This study evaluated the cellular tropism and relative transduction efficiency of three AAV serotypes, AAV6, AAV8 and AAV9, for corneal gene delivery using mouse cornea in vivo and donor human cornea ex vivo. The AAV6, AAV8 and AAV9 serotypes having AAV2 plasmid encoding for alkaline phosphatase (AP) gene were generated by transfecting HEK293 cell line with pHelper, pARAP4 and pRep/Cap plasmids. Viral vectors (109 vg/μl) were topically applied onto mouse cornea in vivo and human cornea ex vivo after removing the epithelium. Human corneas were processed for transgene delivery at day 5 after viral vector application. Mouse corneas were harvested …

Synthesis, Antiviral And Contraceptive Activities Of Nucleoside-Sodium Cellulose Sulfate Acetate And Succinate Conjugates, Hitesh K. Agarwal, Anil Kumar, Gustavo F. Doncel, Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Chemical conjugates between sodium cellulose sulfate (CS), displaying contraceptive and HIV-entry inhibiting properties, and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (AZT), 3′-fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (FLT), or 2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine (3TC)) were designed to simultaneously provide contraceptive and anti-HIV activity. Two linkers, acetate and succinate, were used to conjugate the nucleoside analogs with CS. The conjugates containing cellulose sulfate-acetate (CSA) (e.g., AZT-CSA and FLT-CSA) were found to be more potent than CS and other conjugates (e.g., AZT-succinate-CS, and FLT-succinate-CS). The presence of both sulfate and the acetate groups on cellulose were critical for generating maximum anti-HIV activity. In addition to showing equal potency against wild-type …

Subcellular Localization Of The Non-Structural Proteins 3c And 3cd Of The Honeybee Virus Deformed Wing Virus, Cierra Nichole Danko

Honors Theses

Apis mellifera L., the European honeybee, is a crucial pollinator of many important agricultural crops in the United States. Recently, honeybee colonies have been affected by Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a disorder in which the colony fails due to the disappearance of a key functional group of worker bees. Though no direct causalrelationship has been confirmed, hives that experience CCD have been shown to have a high incidence of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), a common honeybee virus. While the genome sequence and gene-order of DWV has been analyzed fairly recently, few other studies have been performed to understand the molecular …