AIM: To determine if hyperpolarisation-activated nucleotide-gated(HCN) channels exist in human colon, and to investigate the expression of HCN channels in Hirschsprung's disease.METHODS:We investigated HCN1,HCN2,H...AIM: To determine if hyperpolarisation-activated nucleotide-gated(HCN) channels exist in human colon, and to investigate the expression of HCN channels in Hirschsprung's disease.METHODS:We investigated HCN1,HCN2,HCN3 and HCN4 protein expression in pull-through specimens from patients with Hirschsprung’s disease(HSCR,n=10)using the proximal-most ganglionic segment and distalmost aganglionic segment,as well as in healthy control specimens obtained at the time of sigmoid colostomy closure in children who had undergone anorectoplasty for imperforate anus(n=10).Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was performed to assess protein distribution,which was then visualized using confocal microscopy.RESULTS:No HCN1 channel expression was observed in any of the tissues studied.Both HCN2 and HCN4proteins were found to be equally expressed in the aganglionic and ganglionic bowel in HSCR and controls.HCN3 channel expression was found to be markedly decreased in the aganglionic colon vs ganglionic colon and controls.HCN2-4 channels were seen to be expressed within neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexus of the ganglionic bowel and normal controls,and also co-localised to interstitial cells of Cajal in all tissues studied.CONCLUSION:We demonstrate HCN channel expression in human colon for the first time.Reduced HCN3expression in aganglionic bowel suggests its potential role in HSCR pathophysiology.展开更多
There are many recent studies regarding the efficacy of bacteriophage-related lytic enzymes: the enzymes of ‘bacteria-eaters' or viruses that infect bacteria. By degrading the cell wall of the targeted bacteria, ...There are many recent studies regarding the efficacy of bacteriophage-related lytic enzymes: the enzymes of ‘bacteria-eaters' or viruses that infect bacteria. By degrading the cell wall of the targeted bacteria, these lytic enzymes have been shown to efficiently lyse Gram-positive bacteria without affecting normal flora and non-related bacteria. Recent studies have suggested approaches for lysing Gram-negative bacteria as well(Briersa Y, et al., 2014). These enzymes include: phage-lysozyme, endolysin, lysozyme, lysin, phage lysin, phage lytic enzymes, phageassociated enzymes, enzybiotics, muralysin, muramidase, virolysin and designations such as Ply, PAE and others. Bacteriophages are viruses that kill bacteria, do not contribute to antimicrobial resistance, are easy to develop, inexpensive to manufacture and safe for humans, animals and the environment. The current focus on lytic enzymes has been on their use as anti-infectives in humans and more recently in agricultural research models. The initial translational application of lytic enzymes, however, was not associated with treating or preventing a specifi c disease but rather as an extraction method to be incorporated in a rapid bacterial detection assay(Bernstein D, 1997).The current review traces the translational history of phage lytic enzymes–from their initial discovery in 1986 for the rapid detection of group A streptococcus in clinical specimens to evolving applications in the detection and prevention of disease in humans and in agriculture.展开更多
Osteoporosis is a world wide problem that is increasing in significance as the global population both increases and ages. While osteoporosis has been extensively studied in recent years, the utilization of Traditional...Osteoporosis is a world wide problem that is increasing in significance as the global population both increases and ages. While osteoporosis has been extensively studied in recent years, the utilization of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine for the prevention and treatment of this condition have seldom been examined in the Western world. This paper reviews the theories and the literature that relate to prevention and treatment of bone loss at the time of menopause according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Practical developments in these areas are also illustrated in this paper based on the authors' research findings in recent studies.展开更多
基金Supported by National Children’s Research Centre/Children’s Medical Research Foundation,Ireland
文摘AIM: To determine if hyperpolarisation-activated nucleotide-gated(HCN) channels exist in human colon, and to investigate the expression of HCN channels in Hirschsprung's disease.METHODS:We investigated HCN1,HCN2,HCN3 and HCN4 protein expression in pull-through specimens from patients with Hirschsprung’s disease(HSCR,n=10)using the proximal-most ganglionic segment and distalmost aganglionic segment,as well as in healthy control specimens obtained at the time of sigmoid colostomy closure in children who had undergone anorectoplasty for imperforate anus(n=10).Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was performed to assess protein distribution,which was then visualized using confocal microscopy.RESULTS:No HCN1 channel expression was observed in any of the tissues studied.Both HCN2 and HCN4proteins were found to be equally expressed in the aganglionic and ganglionic bowel in HSCR and controls.HCN3 channel expression was found to be markedly decreased in the aganglionic colon vs ganglionic colon and controls.HCN2-4 channels were seen to be expressed within neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexus of the ganglionic bowel and normal controls,and also co-localised to interstitial cells of Cajal in all tissues studied.CONCLUSION:We demonstrate HCN channel expression in human colon for the first time.Reduced HCN3expression in aganglionic bowel suggests its potential role in HSCR pathophysiology.
文摘There are many recent studies regarding the efficacy of bacteriophage-related lytic enzymes: the enzymes of ‘bacteria-eaters' or viruses that infect bacteria. By degrading the cell wall of the targeted bacteria, these lytic enzymes have been shown to efficiently lyse Gram-positive bacteria without affecting normal flora and non-related bacteria. Recent studies have suggested approaches for lysing Gram-negative bacteria as well(Briersa Y, et al., 2014). These enzymes include: phage-lysozyme, endolysin, lysozyme, lysin, phage lysin, phage lytic enzymes, phageassociated enzymes, enzybiotics, muralysin, muramidase, virolysin and designations such as Ply, PAE and others. Bacteriophages are viruses that kill bacteria, do not contribute to antimicrobial resistance, are easy to develop, inexpensive to manufacture and safe for humans, animals and the environment. The current focus on lytic enzymes has been on their use as anti-infectives in humans and more recently in agricultural research models. The initial translational application of lytic enzymes, however, was not associated with treating or preventing a specifi c disease but rather as an extraction method to be incorporated in a rapid bacterial detection assay(Bernstein D, 1997).The current review traces the translational history of phage lytic enzymes–from their initial discovery in 1986 for the rapid detection of group A streptococcus in clinical specimens to evolving applications in the detection and prevention of disease in humans and in agriculture.
文摘Osteoporosis is a world wide problem that is increasing in significance as the global population both increases and ages. While osteoporosis has been extensively studied in recent years, the utilization of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine for the prevention and treatment of this condition have seldom been examined in the Western world. This paper reviews the theories and the literature that relate to prevention and treatment of bone loss at the time of menopause according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Practical developments in these areas are also illustrated in this paper based on the authors' research findings in recent studies.
