The extracellular matrix components show specific distribution patterns within various structures of the umbilical cord, among which Wharton's jelly is especially collagen-rich tissue. Cathepsin L is a potent cysteine protease engaged in degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagens. We evaluated the activity and expression of cathepsin L, and the inhibitory effect of cystei...

Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) plays an important role in smooth muscle relaxation. Here, we investigated the expression of enzymes in H2 S synthesis and the mechanism regulating colonic smooth muscle function by H2 S. Expression of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), but not cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), was identified in the colonic smooth muscle of rabbit, mouse, and human. Carbachol (CCh)-induced contr...

1. Homocysteine which is formed during the metabolism of methionine is readily oxidized and is measured by the amino acid analyser as cysteine-homocysteine mixed disulphide and homocystine. We measured plasma amino acid concentrations after an overnight fast in 27 stable long-term renal transplant recipients and 25 ageand sex-matched normal subjects with particular emphasis on sulphur-containin...

In the latent pro-form of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7), the cysteine residue in the pro-peptide binds the active-site zinc ion. Hence, recombinant active MMP-7 was prepared from pro-MMP-7 by modification of this cysteine residue with a mercuric reagent. In this study, mature MMP-7 was expressed in Escherichia coli as inclusion bodies, solubilized, and refolded with 1 M L-arginine. The pur...