Plasma SCF/c-kit Levels in Patients with Dipper and Non-Dipper Hypertension

An Overview of Growth Factors as the Potential Link between Psoriasis and Metabolic Syndrome

Psoriasis is a chronic, complex, and immunologically mediated systemic disease that not only affects the skin, but also the joints and nails. It may coexist with various other disorders, such as depression, psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. In particular, the potential link between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome is an issue worthy of attention. The dysregulation of growth factors could potentially contribute to the disturbances of keratinocyte proliferation, inflammation, and itch severity. However, the pathophysiology of psoriasis and its comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome, remains incompletely elucidated. Growth factors and their abnormal metabolism may be a potential link connecting these conditions. Overall, the objective of this review is to analyze the role of growth factor disturbances in both psoriasis and metabolic syndrome.

The association of stem cell factor and soluble c-Kit (s-cKit) receptor serum concentrations with the severity and risk prediction of autism spectrum disorders

S tem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor (c-kit) signaling play important role in normal brain physiology including neurogenesis, synapse formation and spatial learning function of the hippocampal region of the brain. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is believed to result from abnormal development of neuronal networks and synaptic function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the SCF and its soluble receptor (s-ckit) serum concentrations in ASD. We also studied the serum SCF and s-ckit concentration with the severity of ASD (Levels 1-3; Mild, Moderate and severe, respectively). Ninety five patients with ASD (Mild; n=33, Moderate; n=32 and severe; n=30) and 82 normal controls age matched were included in this study. The serum concentration of SCF and s-ckit were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The SCF serum concentration in control subjects was 3.45±1.06 ng/ml and in ASD was 3.41±0.92 ng/ml (P=0.88). The serum levels of s-ckit in control and ASD groups were 56.82±13.22 ng/ml and 67.11±12.00, respectively (P=001). We have also studied serum SCF and s-ckit concentrations with the severity of ASD. The serum concentration of SCF in mild, moderate and severe ASD groups was 3.45±0.93, 3.4±0.87 and 3.43±0.98 ng/ml, respectively (P>0.05) and for s-ckit was 48.77±9.28, 61.66±12.18 and 93.11±14.81ng/ml, respectively (P<0.05). The result of this study suggests that serum s-cKit concentrations may provide a reliable and practical indicator of ASD and positively correlated with disease severity. It is also concluded that s-cKit might be involved in the pathophysiology of ASD.

Curative Effect and Mechanism of Guiren Runchang Granules on Morphine-Induced Slow Transit Constipation in Mice

Recent studies have identified the curative effects of traditional Chinese medicine for constipation. The mechanism of action of Guiren Runchang granules (GRGs) in the treatment of slow transit constipation (STC) was evaluated in this study. Here, we assessed the efficacy of GRG by comparing the differences in fecal characteristics, stool weight, and intestinal transit rate (ITR) among 6 groups (n = 12/group), which were administered three concentrations of GRG, mosapride, and saline. The influence of GRG on the SCF/c-kit pathway, AQP4, and serum motilin of mice was assessed through ELISA, western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. The dry weight of mouse feces at 24 hr and ITR in the MD (medium-dose GRG; 9.44 g/kg/d) and HD (high-dose GRG; 18.88 g/kg/d) groups was higher than that in the MC (model control) group. The serum motilin of morphine-induced mice level was lower in the MC group than in the NC (normal control) group, and this condition was improved in the HD group. The HD group expressed significantly higher levels of SCF and c-kit protein but lower levels of AQP4 and simultaneously presented more SCF-positive and c-kit-positive cells. However, no differences in the serum SCF level were found among the six groups. Certain concentrations of GRG are effective in STC mice, the potential mechanism of which may be associated with repairing the SCF/c-kit pathway and reducing the expression of AQP4 in the colon. GRG improved the serum motilin level but had no influence on the serum SCF level.