Rationale: Orai1 and the associated calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel were discovered in the immune system. Existence also in endothelial cells has been suggested, but the relevance to endothelial biology is mostly unknown.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relevance of Orai1 and CRAC channels to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelial tube formation. Methods and Results:

Current therapies for common types of cancer such as renal cell cancer are often ineffective and unspecific, and novel pharmacological targets and approaches are in high demand. Here we show the unexpected possibility for the rapid and selective killing of renal cancer cells through activation of calcium-permeable nonselective transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) calcium channels by the sesquiterpene (-)-englerin A. This compound was found to be a highly efficient, fast-acting, potent, selective, and direct stimulator of TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels. TRPC4/5 activation through a high-affinity extracellular (-)-englerin A binding site may open up novel opportunities for drug discovery aimed at renal cancer.

The current study suggests that intravenous injection of MSCs into rabbits with chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage improved ovarian function. MSCs accomplish this function by direct differentiation into specific cellular phenotypes and by secretion of VEGF, which influence the regeneration of the ovary.

Twenty women with a clinical diagnosis of melasma were treated with liquiritin cream on one side of the face and with a vehicle cream on the other side twice daily for 4 weeks. Patients were advised to avoid sun exposure and/or used topical sunscreen during the entire period of treatment. Inclusion criteria included an age range from 18 to 40 years and bilateral and symmetrical idiopathic epidermal melasma. Exclusion criteria included patients with dermal melasma (differentiated by Wood's light), melasma with pregnancy, and patients currently receiving hormone replacement therapy. Melasma pigmentary intensity was rated on a five-point scale in relation to the patient's normal facial skin (1, no difference; 2, slightly more pigmented; 3, moderately more pigmented; 4, markedly more pigmented; and 5, intensely more pigmented). The size of the lesions was measured directly using a millimeter grid scale. Ratings and measurements were made prior to treatment and at each of the follow-up visits (after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks). Clinical evaluation was performed at week 4; the overall response was rated as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Color photographs were taken at the start and at week 4 of the study. Side-effects were observed and treated.

Current therapies for common types of cancer such as renal cell cancer are often ineffective and unspecific, and novel pharmacological targets and approaches are in high demand. Here we show the unexpected possibility for the rapid and selective killing of renal cancer cells through activation of calcium‐permeable nonselective transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) calcium channels by the sesquiterpene (−)‐englerin A. This compound was found to be a highly efficient, fast‐acting, potent, selective, and direct stimulator of TRPC4 and TRPC5 channels. TRPC4/5 activation through a high‐affinity extracellular (−)‐englerin A binding site may open up novel opportunities for drug discovery aimed at renal cancer.

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Seventy patients (50 with melasma, 10 with freckles, and 10 with post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation) were admitted to this trial. Treatment in the form of 4% hydroquinone (HQ) was applied topically twice daily for a maximum of 12 weeks. Patients were advised to avoid sun exposure and/or to use topical sunscreen during the entire period of treatment. All patients were examined at week 0 and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 of therapy. At each visit, the lesion size was determined and the pigmentary intensity of melasma, freckles, and the area of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) relative to a non‐affected area of skin was rated on a four‐point scale: 1, no difference; 2, mild pigmentation; 3, moderate pigmentation; 4, severe pigmentation. At the last visit, the overall response was rated as excellent, good, fair, or poor.