The differences in the substrate-binding site might account for the observed divergence in the specificity and methylation state of the substrates. Further modeling study of Smyd2 in complex with a p53 peptide indicates that mono-methylation of p53-Lys(372) might result in steric conflict of the methyl group with the surrounding residues of Smyd2, providing a structural explanation for the inhibitory effect of
the SET7/9-mediated mono-methylation of p53-Lys(372) on the Smyd2-mediated methylation of p53-Lys(370).”
“To investigate the effect of dichloroacetate (DCA) on the mean pulmonary selleck chemicals llc artery pressure (mPAP), pulmonary artery (PA) remodeling and voltage-gate K+ (Kv) channel expression in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in high altitude-induced pulmonary artery hypertension (HA-PAH) rats. Sprague-Dawley rats selleck products were randomly assigned to normal control (N), high altitude (HA), and HA+DCA (70 mg/kg DCA administration daily) groups (n = 8 each). Rats were housed in a hypobaric, hypoxic chamber to mimic an altitude of 5000 m for 21 days; then the mPAP and the wall thickness (WT) of the PA smooth muscle were measured. PASMCs apoptosis
was examined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) stain. Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses were carried find more out to detect Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 expression in PASMCs. The expression of Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 was decreased in HA rats. With DCA treatment, the expression of Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 was restored, and the established HA-PAH was ameliorated. Compared with the HA-PAH rats, the DCA-treated rats displayed a decreased mPAP, WT of the PAs, right ventricular hypertrophy and ([Ca2+]i), and more PASMCs were apoptotic. DCA partially reversed the down-regulation of Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 in the PASMCs of HA-PAH rats. DCA can reverse the remodeling of the PA and upregulate Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 expression in the PASMCs
of HA-PAH rats. This result suggests that DCA may be an effective drug for treating HA-PAH and that restoring Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 can partially decrease mPAP.”
“Aim: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common condition in healthy people, causing morbidity and mortality worldwide despite latest advances in therapy and immunization procedures. Causative agents cannot be detected in approximately 50% of CAP episodes and therapy is initiated empirically. We aimed to determine the spectrum and frequency of the causative agents in patients with CAP in a university hospital.\n\nMaterials and methods: Seventy seven adult patients hospitalized with CAP from November 2007 to March 2008 were included. CAP was diagnosed with clinical, radiological, and laboratory signs.