University of Southampton

About: University of Southampton is a education organization based out in Southampton, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Laser. The organization has 37184 authors who have published 99400 publications receiving 3462915 citations. The organization is also known as: Southampton University & Soton Uni.

Pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.

Abstract: 1. Liver fibrosis is a common sequel to diverse liver injuries. It is characterized by an accumulation of interstitial collagens and other matrix components. The hepatic stellate cell is pivotal to the pathogenic process. Fibrotic liver injury results in activation of the hepatic stellate cell which undergoes a phenotypic change to a proliferative myofibroblast-like cell which synthesizes excess interstitial collagens and other matrix components. 2. The process of initiation of activation and its perpetuation result from complex, often interrelated series of signalling mechanisms which converge on this effector cell. Such mechanisms include alterations in matrix resulting in changed cell-matrix interactions and stimulation by cytokines released from damaged hepatocytes, infiltrating inflammatory cells, Kupffer cells and matrix. Foremost among the profibrotic cytokines is transforming growth factor beta 1. 3. Once the hepatic stellate cell is activated the preceding matrix changes and recurrent injurious stimuli will perpetuate the activated state. 4. Despite the accumulation of excess collagens, the liver retains a capacity for matrix degradation. This capacity may be overwhelmed and any secreted matrix remodelling enzymes may be inhibited by the concurrently secreted tissue inhibitors of metallo-proteinase-1 and alpha 2-macroglobulin. 5. Our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of liver fibrosis is increasing. It is anticipated that this knowledge will provide novel therapeutic avenues to treat this disease process.

Anion receptor chemistry: highlights from 2010

Abstract: This critical review covers advances in anion complexation in the year 2010. The review covers both organic and inorganic systems and also highlights the applications to which anion receptors can be applied such as sensing, anion transport, control of molecular motion and gelation (179 references).

Surgery for obesity

Abstract: Obesity is associated with many health problems and a higher risk of death. Bariatric (weight loss) surgery for obesity is usually only considered when all other treatments have failed. People who are eligible for surgery have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or greater than 35 with related conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Recently, it has been suggested that people with a lower BMI may benefit from surgery. A number of different bariatric procedures are available, and these can be carried out through open (traditional) surgery or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. It is not clear which procedures are the most effective in reducing weight or have the least complications. The review aimed to compare these bariatric procedures with each other and with conventional treatment (such as drugs, diet and exercise). The review found that surgery results in greater weight loss than conventional treatment in people with BMI greater than 30 as well as those with more severe obesity. Surgery also leads to some improvements in quality of life and obesity related diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. However, complications (for example pulmonary embolism), side-effects (for example heartburn) and some deaths may occur. Although several different surgical procedures are available, not all have been compared with each other. Gastric bypass had greater weight loss than vertical banded gastroplasty or adjustable gastric banding, but similar to isolated sleeve gastrectomy and banded gastric bypass. Isolated sleeve gastrectomy appears to result in greater weight loss than adjustable gastric banding. The evidence comparing vertical banded gastroplasty with adjustable gastric banding was not clear. Complications may occur with any bariatric procedure, but information from the included trials did not allow us to reach any conclusions about the safety of these procedures compared with each other.