Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology
-
Cell. Physiol. Biochem. · Jan 2018
ReviewKisspeptin/GPR54 System: What Do We Know About Its Role in Human Reproduction?
Kisspeptin is involved in the control of human reproduction bridging the gap between the sex steroid levels and feedback mechanisms that control the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion; however, studies considering this peptide and infertility are limited. We conducted a review and critical assessment of available evidence considering kisspeptin structure, physiology, function in puberty and reproduction, its role in assisted reproduction treatments, kisspeptin dosage and the impact on KISS1 and GPR54 genes. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed using keywords related to: (i) kisspeptin or receptors, kisspeptin-1 (ii) reproduction or infertility or fertility (iii) gene and (iv) dosage or measurement or quantification or serum level, in human. ⋯ Inactivating and activating mutations in both KISS1 or GPR54 genes were associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and precocious puberty. Despite this, studies considering kisspeptin and infertility are scarce. The understanding of the role of kisspeptin may lead to its use as a biomarker in infertility treatments and use in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
-
Cell. Physiol. Biochem. · Jan 2017
ReviewAtherosclerosis and the Hydrogen Sulfide Signaling Pathway - Therapeutic Approaches to Disease Prevention.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now admitted as a third gasotransmitter together with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), albeit it was originally considered as a foul and poisonous gas. Endogenous H2S production in mammalian cells is counting on the three enzymes acting on cysteine. Involvement of H2S in various physiological and pathological processes has been extensively studied in the last fifteen years. ⋯ Exogenous H2S supplement has salutary effects on atherogenesis, and reduction of the endogenous H2S level accelerates atherosclerosis. The anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of H2S have been descried in different aspects, including endothelium preservation, antioxidative action, anti-inflammatory responses, vasorelaxation, regulation of ion channels, etc. However, further investigation is still needed to help us gain more insights into the fundamental underlying mechanisms, and that will allow us to design better therapeutic applications of H2S in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
-
Cell. Physiol. Biochem. · Jan 2016
Review Meta AnalysisClinical Therapeutic Effects of Aspirin in Combination with Fufang Danshen Diwan, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula, on Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Coronary heart disease is characterized by vascular stenosis or occlusion resulting in myocardial ischemia, hypoxia and necrosis. In China, the combination of aspirin and Fufang Danshen Diwan (FDD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been suggested in the treatment of coronary heart disease. There have been several studies comparing the effectiveness of aspirin alone and in combination with FDD to treat coronary artery disease; however, it remains unclear whether combined aspirin therapy is superior. This study was thus designed to clarify this issue through a systematic review and meta-analysis. ⋯ The present meta-analysis demonstrated that aspirin in combination with FDD was more effective than aspirin alone for treating coronary heart disease. More full-scale randomized clinical trials with reliable designs are recommended to further evaluate the clinical benefits and long-term effectiveness of FDD for the treatment of coronary heart disease.
-
Cell. Physiol. Biochem. · Jan 2016
Review Meta AnalysisClinical Therapeutic Effects of Aspirin in Combination with Fufang Danshen Diwan, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula, on Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Coronary heart disease is characterized by vascular stenosis or occlusion resulting in myocardial ischemia, hypoxia and necrosis. In China, the combination of aspirin and Fufang Danshen Diwan (FDD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been suggested in the treatment of coronary heart disease. There have been several studies comparing the effectiveness of aspirin alone and in combination with FDD to treat coronary artery disease; however, it remains unclear whether combined aspirin therapy is superior. This study was thus designed to clarify this issue through a systematic review and meta-analysis. ⋯ The present meta-analysis demonstrated that aspirin in combination with FDD was more effective than aspirin alone for treating coronary heart disease. More full-scale randomized clinical trials with reliable designs are recommended to further evaluate the clinical benefits and long-term effectiveness of FDD for the treatment of coronary heart disease.
-
Cell. Physiol. Biochem. · Jan 2015
ReviewGrowth and differentiation factor-5 contributes to the structural and functional maintenance of the intervertebral disc.
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a widely recognized contributor to low back pain (LBP). The Prevention or reversal of IDD is a potential treatment for LBP. Unfortunately, current treatments for IDD are aimed at relieving symptoms rather than regenerating disc structure or function. ⋯ The effects of GDF-5 on IVD regeneration and on MSC differentiation are also discussed. GDF-5 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IDD and is a promising therapeutic agent for IDD. Additionally, stem cell transplantation has been shown to be a promising biological therapy for IDD.