Biomedical subjects

C Fuss

Publications and source records attributed to C Fuss.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Fibrinogen: structure, function, and surface interactions.

Fibrinogen plays a central role in the mechanism of coagulation and thrombosis and is partially involved in the development of postintervention restenosis. Because of therapeutic implications, it is convenient for the vascular interventionalist to revisit its structure, function, and relationships within the vascular environment. This review focuses on the molecular structure, mechanisms of polymerization and lysis, and fibrinogen interaction with the platelet alpha(IIb)beta(3) [corrected] integrin. It also addresses the less understood interaction of fibrinogen with artificial surfaces. Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa blockers, targeted to interfere with fibrinogen-platelet interactions, widely used in clinical practice, are discussed, and trials of new drugs are also summarized.

Fibrinogen↗

PubMed2001

Influence of stent edge angle on endothelialization in an in vitro model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of topographic features in the path of migrating endothelial cells, specifically the effect of edge angle of intravascular metallic material on endothelialization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flat 1-cm x 1-cm 316-L pieces of stainless steel were placed on confluent monolayers of human aortic endothelial cells. The thickness of each metal piece was ground to achieve an edge angle of 35 degrees, 70 degrees, 90 degrees, or 140 degrees (n = 6 each) in relation to the endothelial surface. Migration distance and density of endothelial cell coverage on the metal pieces were measured in groups of six each under static conditions at 4, 7, and 11 days and flow conditions (16 dynes/cm(2)) at 4 days. RESULTS: Endothelial cell migration distance along the surface of the pieces with edge angles of 35 degrees was significantly greater than that with those with larger angles (P < .05) under static and flow conditions. The migration distances on the 35 degrees piece were 87.5%, 47.3%, 57.1%, and 66.1% greater than those on the 90 degrees piece at the upstream, downstream, right, and left edges, respectively. There were no significant differences in cell density among different angle groups under flow or static conditions. CONCLUSION: The edge angle of intravascular metallic material has an influence on the rate of endothelialization. A smaller edge angle facilitates endothelialization over metallic material when compared to a larger angle. These results demonstrate the importance of metallic stent profile on endothelialization rate.

Cell Movement↗

PubMed2001

Natural protein variants of pregnane X receptor with altered transactivation activity toward CYP3A4.

Between 45 and 60% of all drugs currently used are metabolized by the CYP3A4 protein. CYP3A4 expression in liver varies up to 60-fold in the general population, which can lead to ineffective drug therapy (high CYP3A4) or, on the other hand, to harmful drug reactions (low CYP3A4). Most of this variability has been attributed to genetic factors, but to date their identity remains unknown. Recently, it was shown that CYP3A expression is largely controlled by the pregnane X receptor (PXR). We, therefore, hypothesized that polymorphisms in PXR may contribute to CYP3A4 variability. The presence of PXR variants was investigated in two ethnic groups, Caucasians and Africans. Six missense mutations leading to variant PXR proteins were identified, and their consequences on CYP3A4 expression were analyzed. Expressed in LS174T cells, three protein variants, V140M, D163G, and A370T, exhibited altered basal and/or induced transactivation of CYP3A promoter reporter genes. Thus, these natural PXR protein variants may play a role in the observed interindividual variability of CYP3A4 expression and may be involved in rare, atypical responses to drugs or altered sensitivities to carcinogens.

Black People↗