ABSTRACT
Diabetic macular edema(DME)and age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)are the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide, and their common pathological features are increased vascular permeability and abnormal neovascularization, in which cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and angiopoietin-2(Ang-2)play an important role. Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents significantly changed the clinical management of DME and ARMD, but limitations such as the non-responsive cases, the treatment burden and risks caused by frequent injections need to be overcome. Faricimab, a novel bispecific monoclonal antibody that simultaneously targets VEGF-A and Ang-2, can effectively reduce vascular permeability, decrease the number of neovascularization and alleviate retinal edema. Registered clinical studies have shown that Faricimab is effective in improving vision and reducing retinal edema, which is non-inferior to Aflibercept and Ranibizumab, maintains a long dosing interval, and has a high safety profile. This article reviews the latest advances in the treatment of DME and ARMD with Faricimab.
ABSTRACT
Purpose To study the role of lnc-HOTAIR and its target-controlled miR-21 on invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC) and its related mechanisms.Methods The expression of miR-21 in 30 cases of HCC was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR),and correlation with clinical pathology was also analyzed.siRNA of lncHOTAIR was transfected to HCC HepG2 cell (HepG2),invasive activities of HepG2 was detected by Transwell,the expression of miR-21 was determined by qRT-PCR,the expression of protein MMP-2 was determined by Western blotting,and the correlation with miR-21 expression was analyzed.Results Compared with pericarcinous tissue,the expressions of miR-21 in tumor tissue increased apparently (P ＜ 0.05).The expressions of miR-21 correlated positively with malignancy degree,differentiation degree and invasion and metastasis respectively,and correlated negatively with tumour size,tumour number and level of AFP respectively.After silencing the HOTAIR gene,the invasive activities of HepG2 were suppressed,the expression of miR-21 gene and MMP-2 protein were down regulated,and both of them were positively correlated.Conclusion High expressions of miR-21 in liver cancer correlate positively with malignancy degree,differentiation degree,intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases and portal vein tumor thrombus respectively.HOTAIR may inhibit the invasion and metastasis of HCC by controlling the expression level of miR-21.
ABSTRACT
The effect of plant hormones on the growth of lichen-forming fungi (LFF) was evaluated. The use of 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid and indole-3-butyric acid resulted in a 99% and 57% increase in dry weight of the lichen-forming fungus Nephromopsis ornata. The results suggest that some plant hormones can be used as inducers or stimulators of LFF growth for large-scale culture.
Subject(s)
Fungi , Indoles , Plant Growth Regulators , Plants , Triiodobenzoic AcidsABSTRACT
A taxonomic study of Peltigera in South Korea was performed. The phylogenetic analysis based on nr DNA internal transcribed spacer sequences suggests that Peltigera is a well-supported monophyletic group. Important characteristics are the phycobiont type of thallus and the vein type at the lower cortex (wide and flat, or narrow and ridged). The vertical or horizontal arrangement of the apothecia is also important in distinguishing species in this genus. Eleven species of Peltigera were revealed and confirmed, which included one new record, P. elisabethae. A description of each species is presented with morphological, anatomic, and chemical characteristics, and comparisons between similar species are made. A key to the species is also presented.
Subject(s)
DNA , Genotype , Korea , Phenotype , Republic of Korea , VeinsABSTRACT
Lecanora muralis was found on the rock along coastal line during the field trip in Jeju island in 2006. Thallus crustose, placodioid, closely adnate, forming orbicular patches; upper surface grayish green, glossy; central lobes areolate, marginal parts plane, edges thin pruinose; lower surface ecorticate; apothecia sessile, lecanorine type, exciple dense and intact when young, and disc plane, but when mature, exciple laciniate, disc protrudent, yellowish brown to orange, 0.5~1.5 mm in diameter; ascospores ellipsoid, simple, colorless, 12.5~15.0 x 5.0~7.5 microm. Usnic acid and zeorin contained in thallus. This is the first record of this species in South Korea.
Subject(s)
Citrus sinensis , KoreaABSTRACT
Seventy-two lichen specimens of Cetrelia collected in South Korea since 2003 were examined by both phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses. The phenotypic analysis was based on morphological and chemical characters, and the phylogenetic analysis was based on nrDNA ITS sequences. The result suggested that the presence and absence of isidia, soredia, lobules and medullar reaction C+ or C- are the important characters in the taxonomy of this genus. Four species of Cetrelia, C. chicitae, C. braunsiana, C. japonica, and C. pseudolivetorum have been identified in this study. Description of each species is presented with morphological and chemical characters. A key to the Cetrelia species is also presented.
Subject(s)
Classification , Korea , LichensABSTRACT
Three species of Coccocarpia have been reported from Korean Peninsular. However, there was no revisional study on this genus before. After careful examination of the specimens deposited in the Korean Lichen Research Institute (KoLRI) and collected from main mountain areas of Korea, two species of Coccocarpia, C. palmicola and C. erythroxyli, have been revealed to occur and confirmed in South Korea. The presence and absence of isidia and apothecia are the most important characters for the South Korean species. We provide the detailed description and illustration of the available two species. A key to the species is also provided.