Molecular biology reports
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Molecular biology reports · Nov 2014
ReviewMitochondrial dynamic changes in health and genetic diseases.
Mitochondria are highly specialized in function, but mitochondrial and, therefore, cellular integrity is maintained through their dynamic nature. Through the frequent processes of fusion and fission, mitochondria continuously change in shape and adjust function to meet cellular requirements. ⋯ Mutations in the genes encoding mitochondrial fusion/fission proteins, such as MFN2 and OPA1, have been associated with an increasing number of genetic disorders, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A) and autosomal dominant optic atrophy. In this review, we address the mitochondrial dynamic changes in several important genetic diseases, which will bring the new insight of clinical relevance of mitochondrial genetics.
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Molecular biology reports · Nov 2014
Long-term ketamine abuse induces cystitis in rats by impairing the bladder epithelial barrier.
Long-term ketamine abuse is known to affect the lower urinary tract and produce symptoms of cystitis. However, the pathophysiology and causative mechanism of the changes in bladder function remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the existence of ketamine-induced cystitis in a rat model and characterize the underlining mechanisms. ⋯ Ketamine-treated rats showed thickened bladder epithelial layer, increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and occludin, and decreased expression of zonula occludens-1 in the bladder wall. Ketamine, or its urinary metabolites, disrupted the proliferation of bladder epithelial cells, resulting in defected bladder epithelial barrier. Subsequent leakage of urinary potassium causes a stress response in the bladder and provokes cystitis.