Lung cysteine cathepsin S (CatS) that is a potent elastase plays a deleterious role in alveolar remodeling during smoke-induced emphysema. Despite the presence of a reactive nucleophilic cysteine (Cys25) within its active site, most of its elastinolytic activity is preserved after exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE), a major source of…[Read more]

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (cc-TGA, also known as L-transposition) is a rare condition that represents approximately 0.5% of congenital heart disease. It is characterized by atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance. Patients with cc-TGA are at risk for cardiac arrhythmias due to abnormalities of the…[Read more]