GLORIA

GEOMAR Library Ocean Research Information Access

X

Your email was sent successfully. Check your inbox.

An error occurred while sending the email. Please try again.

Proceed reservation?

Export
  • 1
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Does Chinese Herb Nephropathy Account for the High Incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease in Taiwan?
    S. Karger AG ; 2012
    In:  Nephron Clinical Practice Vol. 120, No. 4 ( 2012-10-5), p. c215-c222
    Details
    In: Nephron Clinical Practice, S. Karger AG, Vol. 120, No. 4 ( 2012-10-5), p. c215-c222
    Abstract: 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Background: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 The incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Taiwan ranks highest in the world, but the incidence of Chinese herb nephropathy (CHN) is unknown in this country where Chinese herb use is common. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 The etiologies of incident ESRD cases from 2000 to 2004 in a single tertiary referral medical center in Taiwan were independently reviewed by two nephrologists through medical records and telephone interview. Patients with obvious causes of ESRD were not diagnosed with CHN, in spite of Chinese herb use. Three categories of CHN (A, B and C) were defined according to the stringency of evidence. 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 Obvious causes of ESRD were identified in 1,359 out of 1,696 newly diagnosed ESRD patients. Among the remainders, 263 had histories of Chinese herb use; 164 patients (mean age 52.7 ± 13.2 years, female 71.6%) had CHN (category A: 51, category B: 38 and category C: 75). Among the three categories, there was no difference in age, gender, body mass index (BMI) or elapsed time from Chinese herb use to the detection of renal failure. In comparison with non-CHN patients (n = 99), more CHN patients were female, had lower BMI, lower blood pressure, shorter duration of Chinese herb use, less severe proteinuria, smaller kidney size, lower levels of hemoglobin and higher serum chloride levels (all p values 〈 0.01). 〈 b 〉 〈 i 〉 Conclusion: 〈 /i 〉 〈 /b 〉 Based on highly stringent diagnostic criteria, nearly 10% of incident ESRD cases were due to CHN. CHN represents a significant cause of ESRD in Taiwan.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1660-2110
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1159/000341120
    Language: English
    Publisher: S. Karger AG
    Publication Date: 2012
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2098336-0
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 2
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    cDNA Cloning, Biological and Immunological Characterization of the Alkaline Serine Protease Major Allergen from 〈i〉Penicillium chrysogenum〈/i〉
    S. Karger AG ; 2002
    In:  International Archives of Allergy and Immunology Vol. 127, No. 1 ( 2002), p. 15-26
    Details
    In: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, S. Karger AG, Vol. 127, No. 1 ( 2002), p. 15-26
    Abstract: 〈 i 〉 Background: 〈 /i 〉 〈 i 〉 Penicillium chrysogenum (Penicillium notatum) 〈 /i 〉 is a prevalent airborne 〈 i 〉 Penicillium 〈 /i 〉 species. A 34-kD major IgE-reacting component from 〈 i 〉 P. chrysogenum 〈 /i 〉 has been identified as an alkaline serine protease (Pen ch 13, also known as Pen n 13 before) by immunoblot and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 In the present study, Pen ch 13 was further characterized in terms of cDNA cloning, protein purification, enzymatic activity, histamine release and IgE cross-reactivity with alkaline serine protease allergens from two other prevalent fungal species – 〈 i 〉 P. citrinum 〈 /i 〉 (Pen c 13) and 〈 i 〉 Aspergillus flavus 〈 /i 〉 (Asp fl 13). 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 A 1,478-bp cDNA (Pen ch 13) that encodes a 398-amino-acid alkaline serine protease from 〈 i 〉 P. chrysogenum 〈 /i 〉 was isolated. This fungal protease has pre- and pro-enzyme sequences. The previously determined N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 〈 i 〉 P. chrysogenum 〈 /i 〉 34-kD major allergen is identical to that of residues 116–125 of the cDNA. Starting from Ala116, the deduced amino acid sequence (283 residues) of the mature alkaline serine protease has a calculated molecular mass of 28.105 kD with two cysteines and two putative N-glycosylation sites. It has 83 and 49% sequence identity with the alkaline serine proteases from 〈 i 〉 P. citrinum 〈 /i 〉 and 〈 i 〉 A. fumigatus 〈 /i 〉 , respectively. The recombinant Pen ch 13 was recovered from inclusion bodies and isolated under denaturing condition. This recombinant protein reacted with IgE antibodies in serum from an asthmatic patient and with monoclonal antibodies (PCM8, PCM10, PCM39) that reacted with the 34-kD component from 〈 i 〉 P. chrysogenum 〈 /i 〉 . The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified native Pen ch 13 is identical to that determined previously for the 34-kD major allergen in crude 〈 i 〉 P. chrysogenum 〈 /i 〉 extracts. The purified native Pen ch 13 has proteolytic activity with casein as the substrate at pH 8.0. This enzymatic activity was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride or diethylpyrocarbonate. Pen ch 13 was also able to degrade gelatin and collagen but not elastin. Basophils from 5 asthmatic patients released histamine (12–73%) when exposed to the purified Pen ch 13. In ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) experiments, IgE for Pen ch 13 was able to compete with purified Pen ch 13, Pen c 13 or Asp fl 13 in a dose-related manner. 〈 i 〉 Conclusions: 〈 /i 〉 These results demonstrated that the 34-kD major allergen of 〈 i 〉 P. chrysogenum 〈 /i 〉 is an alkaline serine protease. These results also indicated that atopic patients primarily sensitized by either of these prevalent fungal species may develop allergic symptoms by exposure to other environmental fungi due to cross-reacting IgE antibodies against this protease.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1018-2438 , 1423-0097
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1159/000048165
    RVK:
    XA 49650
    Language: English
    Publisher: S. Karger AG
    Publication Date: 2002
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1482722-0
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 3
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Frequency-Dependent Phenotype Modulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells under Cyclic Mechanical Strain
    S. Karger AG ; 2007
    In:  Journal of Vascular Research Vol. 44, No. 5 ( 2007), p. 345-353
    Details
    In: Journal of Vascular Research, S. Karger AG, Vol. 44, No. 5 ( 2007), p. 345-353
    Abstract: Phenotype transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is known to be modulated by mechanical strain. The present study was designed to investigate how different frequencies of mechanical strain affected VSMC phenotype. VSMCs were subjected to the strains of 10% elongation at 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 Hz for 24 h using a Flexercell strain unit. VSMC phenotype was assessed by cell morphology, measurement of two-dimensional cell area, Western blotting for protein and RT-PCR for mRNA expression of differentiation markers. Possible protein kinases involved were evaluated by Western blotting with their specific antibodies. The strains at certain frequencies could induce a contractile morphology in VSMC with almost perpendicular alignment to the strain direction. The strains also regulated protein and mRNA expression of several differentiation markers, as well as the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), p38 MAP kinase and protein kinase B (Akt) in a frequency-dependent manner. Furthermore, the inhibition of the p38 pathway could block the frequency-induced phenotype modulation of VSMCs, but not inhibition of ERK or Akt pathways. These results indicate that the frequency of cyclic strain can result in the differentiated phenotype of VSMCs, and it is mediated at least partly by the activation of the p38 pathway.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1018-1172 , 1423-0135
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1159/000102278
    Language: English
    Publisher: S. Karger AG
    Publication Date: 2007
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1482726-8
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 4
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    cDNA Cloning and Immunological Characterization of a Newly Identified Enolase Allergen from 〈i〉Penicillium citrinum〈/i〉 and 〈i〉Aspergillus fumigatus〈/i〉
    S. Karger AG ; 2002
    In:  International Archives of Allergy and Immunology Vol. 127, No. 3 ( 2002), p. 181-190
    Details
    In: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, S. Karger AG, Vol. 127, No. 3 ( 2002), p. 181-190
    Abstract: 〈 i 〉 Background: 〈 /i 〉 〈 i 〉 Penicillium citrinum 〈 /i 〉 and 〈 i 〉 Aspergillus fumigatus 〈 /i 〉 are prevalent indoor airborne fungal species that have been implicated in human respiratory allergic disorders. It is important to understand the allergenic profile of these fungal species. The purpose of the present study is to characterize a newly identified enolase allergen from 〈 i 〉 P. citrinum 〈 /i 〉 and 〈 i 〉 A. fumigatus 〈 /i 〉 . 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 Fungal proteins were separated by two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and blotted onto polyvinylidene difluoride membranes. Protein spots that reacted with IgE antibodies in serum samples from asthmatic patients were identified and the N-terminal amino acid sequences were determined by Edman degradation. The peptide sequences obtained were utilized in cloning the cDNA of the allergen genes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and the 5′- and 3′-rapid amplification cDNA end reactions. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 Our results from 2D immunoblotting identified a 47-kD IgE-reactive component in the extracts of 〈 i 〉 P. citrinum 〈 /i 〉 and 〈 i 〉 A. fumigatus. 〈 /i 〉 The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the 47-kD proteins are homologous to those of fungal enolases. The corresponding enolase cDNA from 〈 i 〉 P. citrinum 〈 /i 〉 contains 1,552 bp and encodes a protein of 438 residues. In 〈 i 〉 A. fumigatus, 〈 /i 〉 the isolated enolase cDNA has 1,649 bp and contains a 438-amino acid open reading frame. The deduced amino acid sequences of these two enolases have 94% identity. These enolases from 〈 i 〉 P. citrinum 〈 /i 〉 and 〈 i 〉 A. fumigatus 〈 /i 〉 were expressed in 〈 i 〉 Escherichia coli 〈 /i 〉 as a His-tagged protein and designated as rPen c 22 and rAsp f 22, respectively. Sera from 7 (30%) of the 23 〈 i 〉 Penicillium 〈 /i 〉 -sensitized asthmatic patients showed IgE binding to the 47-kD 〈 i 〉 P. citrinum 〈 /i 〉 component (Pen c 22) and rPen c 22. In addition, six of seven Pen c 22-positive serum samples have IgE immunoblot reactivity to the 47-kD 〈 i 〉 A. fumigatus 〈 /i 〉 component (Asp f 22) and rAsp f 22. A polyclonal rabbit antiserum generated against the N-terminal peptide of Pen c 22 can react with Pen c 22, rPen c 22, Asp f 22 and rAsp f 22. In addition, the presence of IgE cross-reactivity between rPen c 22 and rAsp f 22 and between enolases from 〈 i 〉 A. fumigatus 〈 /i 〉 and 〈 i 〉 Alternaria alternata 〈 /i 〉 was also detected by immunoblot inhibition. 〈 i 〉 Conclusions: 〈 /i 〉 These results demonstrated that a novel enolase allergen from 〈 i 〉 P. citrinum 〈 /i 〉 (Pen c 22) and 〈 i 〉 A. fumigatus 〈 /i 〉 (Asp f 22) was identified. In addition, IgE cross-reactivity between enolase allergens from 〈 i 〉 A. fumigatus 〈 /i 〉 and 〈 i 〉 P. citrinum 〈 /i 〉 and between enolases from 〈 i 〉 A. fumigatus 〈 /i 〉 and 〈 i 〉 A. alternata 〈 /i 〉 was also detected. Results obtained provide more information on fungal enolase allergens.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1018-2438 , 1423-0097
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1159/000053862
    RVK:
    XA 49650
    Language: English
    Publisher: S. Karger AG
    Publication Date: 2002
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1482722-0
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 5
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Mitochondrial Fission Inhibitors Suppress Endothelin-1-Induced Artery Constriction
    S. Karger AG ; 2017
    In:  Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry Vol. 42, No. 5 ( 2017), p. 1802-1811
    Details
    In: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, S. Karger AG, Vol. 42, No. 5 ( 2017), p. 1802-1811
    Abstract: Background/Aims: Endothelin-1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms remained elusive. Our previous study found that inhibition of mitochondrial fission of smooth muscle cells suppressed phenylephrine- and high K+-induced artery constriction. Here, we studied the effects of mitochondrial fission inhibitors on endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction. Methods: The tension of rat mesenteric arteries and thoracic aorta was measured by using a multi-wire myograph system. Mitochondrial morphology of aortic smooth muscle cells was observed by using transmission electron microscopy. Results: Dynamin-related protein-1 selective inhibitor mdivi-1 relaxed endothelin-1-induced constriction, and mdivi-1 pre-treatment prevented endothelin-1-induced constriction of rat mesenteric arteries with intact and denuded endothelium. Mdivi-1 had a similar inhibitory effect on rat thoracic aorta. Another mitochondrial fission inhibitor dynasore showed similar effects as mdivi-1 in rat mesenteric arteries. Mdivi-1 inhibited endothelin-1-induced increase of mitochondrial fission in smooth muscle cells of rat aorta. Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor Y-27632 which relaxed endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction inhibited endothelin-1-induced mitochondrial fission in smooth muscle cells of rat aorta. Conclusion: Endothelin-1 increases mitochondrial fission in vascular smooth muscle cells, and mitochondrial fission inhibitors suppress endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1015-8987 , 1421-9778
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1159/000479536
    Language: English
    Publisher: S. Karger AG
    Publication Date: 2017
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1482056-0
    SSG: 12
    SSG: 15,3
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 6
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Bioactive Peptide Improves Diet-Induced Hepatic Fat Deposition and Hepatocyte Proinflammatory Response in SAMP8 Ageing Mice
    S. Karger AG ; 2018
    In:  Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry Vol. 48, No. 5 ( 2018), p. 1942-1952
    Details
    In: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, S. Karger AG, Vol. 48, No. 5 ( 2018), p. 1942-1952
    Abstract: Background/Aims: High-fat diet (HFD)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses therapeutic challenges in elderly subjects. Due to lack of efficient drug therapy, plant-based bioactive peptides have been studied as alternative strategy in NAFLD and for less toxicity in elderly. To mimic fatty liver in aging conditions, researchers highly commended the genetically engineered strains SAMP8 (senescence-accelerated mice prone 8). However, there is a paucity of reports about the anti-steatosis effects of bioactive peptides against fatty liver development under a combined action of high-fat diet exposure and aging process. This study was conducted to evaluate the activity of DIKTNKPVIF peptide synthesized from alcalase-generated potato protein hydrolysate (PH), on reducing HFD-driven and steatosis-associated proinflammatory reaction in ageing model. Methods: Five groups of six-month-old SAMP8 mice (n=4, each) were fed either a normal chow (NC group) for 14 weeks upon sacrifice, or induced with a 6-week HFD feeding, then treated without (HCO group) or with an 8-week simultaneous administration of peptide (HPEP group), protein (HPH group) or probucol (HRX group). Liver organs were harvested from each group for histological analysis and immunoblot assay. Results: In contrast to NC, extensive fat accumulation was visualized in the liver slides of HCO. Following the trends of orally administered PH, intraperitoneally injected peptide reduces hepatic fat deposition and causes at protein level, a significant decrease in HFD-induced proinflammatory mediators p-p38 MAPK, FGF-2, TNF-α, IL-6 with concomitant reactivation of AMPK. However, p-Foxo1 and PPAR-α levels were slightly changed. Conclusion: Oral supplementation of PH and intraperitoneal injection of derived bioactive peptide alleviate proinflammatory reaction associated with hepatosteatosis development in elderly subjects, through activation of AMPK.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1015-8987 , 1421-9778
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1159/000492518
    Language: English
    Publisher: S. Karger AG
    Publication Date: 2018
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1482056-0
    SSG: 12
    SSG: 15,3
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
  • 7
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Treatment of Psoriatic Nails with Indigo Naturalis Oil Extract: A Non-Controlled Pilot Study
    S. Karger AG ; 2011
    In:  Dermatology Vol. 223, No. 3 ( 2011), p. 239-243
    Details
    In: Dermatology, S. Karger AG, Vol. 223, No. 3 ( 2011), p. 239-243
    Abstract: 〈 i 〉 Background: 〈 /i 〉 In the treatment of nail psoriasis, standardized therapeutic regimens are currently lacking. 〈 i 〉 Objective: 〈 /i 〉 To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of indigo naturalis oil extract in patients with nail psoriasis. 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 Patients with nail psoriasis applied indigo naturalis oil extract on affected nails twice daily for 24 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) and modified target NAPSI for the single most severely affected nail. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 Twenty-eight out of 32 patients completed the study. The mean NAPSI was 36.1 ± 14.7 at baseline and decreased to 14.9 ± 11.1 at week 24 while the mean modified target NAPSI was 11.7 ± 3.9 at baseline and decreased to 3.6 ± 3.2 at week 24. 〈 i 〉 Conclusions: 〈 /i 〉 Indigo naturalis oil extract appeared to improve nail psoriasis. Although preliminary, these results indicate that it could provide a novel therapeutic option for nail psoriasis, a disease notoriously difficult to treat.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1018-8665 , 1421-9832
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.1159/000333362
    RVK:
    XA 37700
    Language: English
    Publisher: S. Karger AG
    Publication Date: 2011
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 1482189-8
    Location Call Number Limitation Availability
    BibTip Others were also interested in ...
    Online Resource
Close ⊗
This website uses cookies and the analysis tool Matomo. More information can be found here...