Diabetes is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease that can eventually cause cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Cardiac fibroblasts (CF) are the critical mediators of physiological and pathological cardiac remodeling; however, the…
This research demonstrates the regenerative effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the injured anal sphincter by comparing anal sphincter pressures following intramuscular and serial intravascular MSC infusion in a rat model of anal sphincter…
Aldosterone plays a pathological role in cardiac fibrosis by directly affecting cardiac fibroblasts. Understanding of the cellular mechanisms of aldosterone action in cardiac fibroblasts, however, is rudimentary. One possibility is that aldosterone…
Transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, characterized by expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, is a key event in connective tissue remodeling. Approaches to inhibit this…
Purpose: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) activity has been implicated in subconjunctival scarring in eyes following glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS). The purpose of this study is to determine whether an inhibitor for activin receptor-like…
Plasminogen activator inhibitor type I (PAI-1) is a marker of the fibrinolytic system and serves as a possible predictor for hepatic metabolic syndromes. Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) agonist, is a drug…
PURPOSE: To assess chronic liver disease (CLD) using multiparametric US in a private practice setting in a cohort of patients with increased skin-to-liver distance. METHODS: 110 consecutive patients with increased skin-to-liver distance scheduled …
Hepatic steatosis is a condition frequently encountered in clinical practice, with potential progression towards fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Detection and staging of hepatic steatosis are of most importance in nonalcoholic…
