Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0042961 (volvulus)
 4,305 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Cystatins of two filarial nematodes were studied with regard to their capacity to up-regulate the production of nitric oxide (NO) in vitro, and the effects were analysed. Recombinant cystatin of the human pathogenic filaria Onchocerca volvulus and of the rodent filaria Acanthocheilonema viteae significantly enhanced the NO production of interferon (IFN)-gamma-activated macrophages of BALB/c and C3H/HeJ mice. Truncated cystatins lacking the N-terminal protease inhibitory active site, and showing marginal protease inhibitory activity, up-regulated the NO production to the same extent as the full-length proteins, indicating that the effect on the NO production is independent of cysteine protease inhibition. NO did not contribute to the suppression of proliferative T cell responses exerted by filarial cystatins, as shown in other studies, since NO synthase inhibitors did not restore proliferative responses. The up-regulation of NO production induced by filarial cystatins was partly dependent on the production of interleukin-10 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, since depletion of both cytokines by antibodies led to a diminution of the enhanced NO production by 22-48%. Our data suggest that filarial cystatins are potent triggers of the production of NO, a mediator which was shown to have a role as an effector molecule against filarial worms in vitro and in vivo.
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PMID:Cystatins of filarial nematodes up-regulate the nitric oxide production of interferon-gamma-activated murine macrophages. 1206 Mar 19

3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are a class of drug that has been proven to be effective in lowering serum lipid levels. Although generally well-tolerated side effects from this class of drug have been noted to include liver dysfunction, renal failure and myopathy. Statins are also known to effect nitric oxide levels through upregulation of nitric oxide synthase. There is some evidence to imply that nitric oxide acts on inhibitory nerves in the colon to produce impaired motility. The authors present a case of recurrent colonic dilatation and volvulus which was initially treated with a sigmoid colectomy. Unfortunately symptoms persisted and a trial of the omission of statins was undertaken resulting in symptomatic relief. Following admission into hospital, statins were inadvertently restarted which caused the symptoms to reoccur. The statin was discontinued and upon review several months later the patient reported symptomatic benefit.
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PMID:Possible association between statin use and bowel dysmotility. 2266 51