Introduction Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy(FECD)is an inherited,degenerative disease of the corneal endothelial cells(CECs).It is characterized by a progressive deterioration of endothelial cells,altered extrace...Introduction Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy(FECD)is an inherited,degenerative disease of the corneal endothelial cells(CECs).It is characterized by a progressive deterioration of endothelial cells,altered extracellular matrix(ECM)production,and development of guttae(1,2).The presence of guttae has been shown to significantly impair corneal endothelial function,leading to corneal oedema and visual impairment.展开更多
Cholesterol is of vital importance for the human body. It is a constituent for most biological membranes, it is needed for the formation of bile salts, and it is the pre- cursor for steroid hormones and vitamin D. How...Cholesterol is of vital importance for the human body. It is a constituent for most biological membranes, it is needed for the formation of bile salts, and it is the pre- cursor for steroid hormones and vitamin D. However, the presence of excess cholesterol in cells, and in particular in macrophages in the arterial vessel wall, might be harmful. The accumulation of cholesterol in arteries can lead to atherosclerosis, and in turn, to other cardiovascular diseases. The route that is primarily thought to be responsible for the disposal of cholesterol is called reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Therefore, RCT is seen as an interesting target for the development of drugs aimed at the prevention of atherosclerosis. Research on RCT has taken off in recent years. In this review, the classical concepts about RCT are discussed, together with new insights about this topic.展开更多
Pruritis with abnormal liver function tests is the classical presentation of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP),a condition associated with significant fetal complications.Although the etiology of ICP is uncle...Pruritis with abnormal liver function tests is the classical presentation of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP),a condition associated with significant fetal complications.Although the etiology of ICP is unclear in many cases,certain features of the clinical presentation should alert the practitioner to the possibility of an underlying metabolic defect, which may not only affect subsequent pregnancies, but may be an indicator of more serious subsequent liver disease.We report a kindred of Anglo-Celtic descent,among whom many members present with ICP,gallstones or cholestasis related to use of oral contraception.Genetic studies revealed a novel mutation in the ABCB4 gene,which codes for a phospholipid transport protein.The clinical significance of this mutation and the importance of identifying such patients are discussed.展开更多
文摘Introduction Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy(FECD)is an inherited,degenerative disease of the corneal endothelial cells(CECs).It is characterized by a progressive deterioration of endothelial cells,altered extracellular matrix(ECM)production,and development of guttae(1,2).The presence of guttae has been shown to significantly impair corneal endothelial function,leading to corneal oedema and visual impairment.
文摘Cholesterol is of vital importance for the human body. It is a constituent for most biological membranes, it is needed for the formation of bile salts, and it is the pre- cursor for steroid hormones and vitamin D. However, the presence of excess cholesterol in cells, and in particular in macrophages in the arterial vessel wall, might be harmful. The accumulation of cholesterol in arteries can lead to atherosclerosis, and in turn, to other cardiovascular diseases. The route that is primarily thought to be responsible for the disposal of cholesterol is called reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Therefore, RCT is seen as an interesting target for the development of drugs aimed at the prevention of atherosclerosis. Research on RCT has taken off in recent years. In this review, the classical concepts about RCT are discussed, together with new insights about this topic.
文摘Pruritis with abnormal liver function tests is the classical presentation of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP),a condition associated with significant fetal complications.Although the etiology of ICP is unclear in many cases,certain features of the clinical presentation should alert the practitioner to the possibility of an underlying metabolic defect, which may not only affect subsequent pregnancies, but may be an indicator of more serious subsequent liver disease.We report a kindred of Anglo-Celtic descent,among whom many members present with ICP,gallstones or cholestasis related to use of oral contraception.Genetic studies revealed a novel mutation in the ABCB4 gene,which codes for a phospholipid transport protein.The clinical significance of this mutation and the importance of identifying such patients are discussed.
