-
Bio-protocol Mar 2024Understanding protein-protein interactions is crucial for unravelling subcellular protein distribution, contributing to our understanding of cellular organisation....
Understanding protein-protein interactions is crucial for unravelling subcellular protein distribution, contributing to our understanding of cellular organisation. Moreover, interaction studies can reveal insights into the mechanisms that cover protein trafficking within cells. Although various techniques such as Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), co-immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence microscopy are commonly employed to detect protein interactions, their limitations have led to more advanced techniques such as the in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) for spatial co-localisation analysis. The PLA technique, specifically employed in fixed cells and tissues, utilises species-specific secondary PLA probes linked to DNA oligonucleotides. When proteins are within 40 nm of each other, the DNA oligonucleotides on the probes interact, facilitating circular DNA formation through ligation. Rolling-circle amplification then produces DNA circles linked to the PLA probe. Fluorescently labelled oligonucleotides hybridise to the circles, generating detectable signals for precise co-localisation analysis. We employed PLA to examine the co-localisation of dynein with the Kv7.4 channel protein in isolated vascular smooth muscle cells from rat mesenteric arteries. This method enabled us to investigate whether Kv7.4 channels interact with dynein, thereby providing evidence of their retrograde transport by the microtubule network. Our findings illustrate that PLA is a valuable tool for studying potential novel protein interactions with dynein, and the quantifiable approach offers insights into whether these interactions are changed in disease.
PubMed: 38841287
DOI: 10.21769/BioProtoc.4961 -
SA Journal of Radiology 2024Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease has the potential to impact any part of the body, including the walls of large- and medium-sized blood vessels and the ureters....
UNLABELLED
Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease has the potential to impact any part of the body, including the walls of large- and medium-sized blood vessels and the ureters. While histopathologic examination is currently the standard method for identifying organ involvement and diagnosing IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), obtaining biopsy or surgical samples from vessel or ureteral walls is challenging. Given that patients may display only mild symptoms, non-invasive imaging plays a vital role in both diagnosing and managing IgG4-related diseases. Multidetector CT scans are valuable in establishing the primary diagnosis, identifying anatomical landmarks and assessing their relationships. Involvement of the genitourinary organs, such as the ureter, bladder, urethra, and male and female reproductive organs in IgG4-RD, is infrequent when compared to kidney involvement. The imaging findings may include the presence of a localised mass within or surrounding the affected organ or a generalised enlargement of the organ. This report includes cross-sectional images of five cases of IgG4-RD involving large- and medium-sized blood vessels (the aorta and superior mesenteric artery) and the ureters.
CONTRIBUTION
This case series provides insight into the various imaging appearances of IgG4-related retroperitoneal organ involvement and helps differentiate it radiologically from retroperitoneal fibrosis.
PubMed: 38840828
DOI: 10.4102/sajr.v28i1.2830 -
Journal of Cardiology Cases Jun 2024Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events. However, there are few reports on multiple thromboembolic events in...
UNLABELLED
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events. However, there are few reports on multiple thromboembolic events in young patients with COVID-19. Herein, we report a case of multiple visceral arterial embolisms secondary to acute myocardial infarction in a young patient with COVID-19. A 36-year-old male developed sudden chest pain after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Emergency coronary angiography revealed total occlusion of the right coronary artery, and the patient underwent a subsequent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) which achieved successful recanalization. The patient was administered a loading dose and a subsequent maintenance dose of aspirin and prasugrel and a continuous intravenous infusion of unfractionated heparin at 10,000 units per day. Echocardiography detected a left ventricular apical thrombus 3 days after PCI; a loading dose of warfarin was administered and promptly reached the therapeutic range. However, the patient developed superior mesenteric artery embolism and renal infarction on the 12th day after PCI. COVID-19 was considered to play a role in the thromboembolic events observed in this patient. This case highlights the need for individualized antithrombotic regimens when managing patients with COVID-19 who develop acute myocardial infarction.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Reportedly, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an increased risk of venous and arterial thromboembolic events. However, few reports have described multiple thromboembolic events in younger patients with COVID-19. This case report describes arterial thromboembolism secondary to acute myocardial infection (AMI) in a patient with COVID-19. It highlights the need for individualized antithrombotic regimens when managing patients with COVID-19 who develop AMI.
PubMed: 38826765
DOI: 10.1016/j.jccase.2024.02.012 -
Cureus Apr 2024Abdominal paracentesis is a commonly performed bedside procedure. It serves as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool for a variety of conditions. It is regarded as a safe...
Abdominal paracentesis is a commonly performed bedside procedure. It serves as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool for a variety of conditions. It is regarded as a safe procedure with a low risk of complications. Rarely, iatrogenic complications such as peritonitis, haemorrhage, and bowel perforation may occur. Intraperitoneal haemorrhage is rare and usually occurs due to bleeding from the intraabdominal venous collateral vessels or mesenteric varices. However, intraperitoneal haemorrhage secondary to injury to the abdominal wall arteries, such as the inferior epigastric artery or deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA), is very uncommon. We report on a 64-year-old man with decompensated cardiac failure who underwent paracentesis due to gross ascites. Twenty-four hours post-procedure, he became progressively hypotensive and lethargic. An ecchymosis measuring 3 cm × 2 cm was seen over the puncture site. An urgent CT angiography of the abdomen showed a large left-sided intraperitoneal haematoma with active contrast extravasation from the left DCIA. We performed a successful angioembolisation of the left DCIA. It is important to note that intraperitoneal haemorrhages secondary to DCIA injury may present as occult intraperitoneal haemorrhage. Angioembolisation is a useful tool in the management of uncontrolled intraperitoneal haemorrhage. The recommended puncture site is in the left lower quadrant, 2-4 cm superior and medial to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). This case report serves to emphasise the rare but potentially lethal complication of a commonly performed procedure. A high index of suspicion of intraperitoneal haemorrhage is required for patients with unexplained hypotension post-paracentesis, even if overt abdominal signs are absent. The use of ultrasound guidance will aid in reducing the risk of severe complications and increasing the overall success rate.
PubMed: 38826601
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59428 -
CEN Case Reports Jun 2024Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is a common complication of PD. Enteric peritonitis is defined as peritonitis arising from an intestinal or...
Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is a common complication of PD. Enteric peritonitis is defined as peritonitis arising from an intestinal or intra-abdominal organ source. The delay in the diagnosis or treatment of enteric peritonitis has been reported to increase mortality. Therefore, the early consideration of enteric peritonitis, particularly in cases of culture-negative peritonitis, is imperative. A 67-year-old Japanese man who had been undergoing PD for 3 years, was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of PD-associated peritonitis. A month previously, he experienced a bleeding gastric ulcer, which led to severe anemia (hemoglobin 6.3 mg/dL), followed by thrombocytosis. On admission, peritoneal fluid analysis showed a high white blood cell count (WBC: 8,570 /µL), with neutrophils predominating (74.5%). Cultures of both his dialysis effluent and blood were negative. After admission, the WBC count of the dialysis effluent gradually decreased alongside antibiotic therapy, but the patient's abdominal pain did not improve. After 4 days, enhanced computed tomography showed superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis and intestinal necrosis. Therefore, emergency intestinal resection and PD catheter removal were performed, and then antithrombosis therapy was initiated. Because the patient's abdominal pain was improved and platelet count and D-dimer concentration were reduced by these treatments, he was discharged from the hospital after 47 days. Thus, we report a rare case of culture-negative PD-associated peritonitis, which was caused by SMA thrombosis and intestinal necrosis. It is likely that combination of severe calcification of SMA and prolonged thrombocytosis secondary to the severe anemia contributed to the thrombosis.
PubMed: 38825653
DOI: 10.1007/s13730-024-00894-y -
Asian Journal of Surgery May 2024
PubMed: 38821825
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.05.145 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... May 2024Spontaneous visceral artery dissection (SVAD) is a rare condition that affects the visceral arteries, such as the celiac, superior mesenteric, and inferior mesenteric...
BACKGROUND
Spontaneous visceral artery dissection (SVAD) is a rare condition that affects the visceral arteries, such as the celiac, superior mesenteric, and inferior mesenteric arteries, without involving the aorta. Organ ischemia or hemorrhage from vessel rupture can occur in SVAD; therefore, prompt detection and management is essential. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) has been used to diagnose most of the previous cases, but few studies have explored the potential of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for early detection of this disease.
CASE SUMMARY
A 53-year-old male presented with complaints of poor appetite and abnormal liver function for the past 6 months. He had previously undergone transabdominal splenectomy, esophagogastric devascularization, and cholecystectomy for gallstones and severe portal hypertension. Liver ultrasound was performed in our department to assess liver status. An abnormal hepatic artery spectrum was observed, and dissection involving both the celiac artery and the common hepatic artery was observed. A CEUS was then performed and clearly showed the entry site of the intimal tear and the false lumen, and dissection was subsequently confirmed by CECT. The patient was asymptomatic; therefore, treatment to control the blood pressure was provided, and follow-up was recommended. After 6 months of follow-up, the celiac artery was found to be dilated with an adherent thrombus visible in the wall, and the common hepatic artery was occluded with the presence of collateralization. Despite these findings, no significant changes in liver function were observed.
CONCLUSION
Multi-modal imaging is effective in diagnosing SVAD, and conservative treatment is a choice for asymptomatic patients.
PubMed: 38817294
DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i5.1430 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases and... Aug 2024Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection without aortic involvement is an exceptionally rare event. Nonoperative management remains the first-line therapy....
Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection without aortic involvement is an exceptionally rare event. Nonoperative management remains the first-line therapy. However, surgical interventions can be indicated in the event of bowel ischemia. In the present report, we describe a case of complicated isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection treated with a hybrid approach.
PubMed: 38812730
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2024.101512 -
World Journal of Urology May 2024To estimate the incidences of left renal vein (LRV) entrapment by right renal artery (RRA), a phenomenon primarily reported as case reports.
PURPOSE
To estimate the incidences of left renal vein (LRV) entrapment by right renal artery (RRA), a phenomenon primarily reported as case reports.
METHODS
The cross-sectional study consecutively screened renal vessel CT data of 38 (Renal) patients with nephropathy and 305 (Non-renal) patients with peripheral arterial diseases in a teaching hospital in northeast China between November 2018 and March 2023. The LRV compression by adjacent anatomical structures, including but not limited to RRA and multiple compression-related parameters, were investigated through multiplanar analysis of the CT data.
RESULTS
The overall LRV entrapment rates by adjacent structures were 41.93% (12/31) and 24.00% (6/25), the rates of RRA-sourced LRV compression 22.58% (7/31) and 20.00% (5/25), and the rates of compression by superior mesenteric artery (SMA) 16.13% (5/31) and 4.00% (1/25) in the Renal and Non-renal groups, respectively, with no significance. The venous segments distal to the RRA-compressed site had a significantly larger transectional lumen area than those of the non-compressed veins in both groups (3.09 ± 1.29 vs. 1.82 ± 0.23, p < 0.001 and 4.30 ± 2.65 vs. 2.12 ± 0.55, p = 0.006; maximum-to-minimum area ratios in Renal and Non-renal groups, respectively). Nearly 80% of RRAs were found arising anteriorly rightwards instead of passing straight to the right.
CONCLUSION
RRA-sourced LRV compression was not rare, and its incidence was higher than that of the compression by SMA in both patient cohorts. RRA could be a more common compression source than SMA concerning LRV entrapment. Further investigations involving different populations, including healthy individuals, are needed.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Male; Female; Renal Veins; Aged; Renal Artery; Adult; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Renal Nutcracker Syndrome; Incidence
PubMed: 38811391
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-05053-7 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024Vasodilatation in response to NO is a fundamental response of the vasculature, and during aging, the vasculature is characterized by an increase in stiffness and...
Vasodilatation in response to NO is a fundamental response of the vasculature, and during aging, the vasculature is characterized by an increase in stiffness and decrease in sensitivity to NO mediated vasodilatation. Vascular tone is regulated by the activation of smooth muscle and nonmuscle (NM) myosin, which are regulated by the activities of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and MLC phosphatase. MLC phosphatase is a trimeric enzyme with a catalytic subunit, myosin targeting subunit (MYPT1) and 20 kDa subunit of unknown function. Alternative mRNA splicing produces LZ+/LZ- MYPT1 isoforms and the relative expression of LZ+/LZ- MYPT1 determines the sensitivity to NO mediated vasodilatation. This study tested the hypothesis that aging is associated with changes in LZ+ MYPT1 and NM myosin expression, which alter vascular reactivity. We determined MYPT1 and NM myosin expression, force and the sensitivity of both endothelial dependent and endothelial independent relaxation in tertiary mesenteric arteries of young (6mo) and elderly (24mo) Fischer344 rats. The data demonstrate that aging is associated with a decrease in both the expression of NM myosin and force, but LZ+ MYPT expression and the sensitivity to both endothelial dependent and independent vasodilatation did not change. Further, smooth muscle cell hypertrophy increases the thickness of the medial layer of smooth muscle with aging. The reduction of NM myosin may represent an aging associated compensatory mechanism to normalize the stiffness of resistance vessels in response to the increase in media thickness observed during aging.
PubMed: 38808359
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1411420