Reduced EGFR Level in eIF2α PhosphorylationDeficient Hepatocytes Is Responsible for Susceptibility to Oxidative Stress.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a significant role in intracellular signaling and regulation, particularly when they are maintained at physiologic levels. However, excess ROS can cause cell damage and induce cell death. We recently reported that eIF2α phosphorylation protects hepatocytes from oxidative stress and liver fibrosis induced by fructose metabolism. Here, we found that hepatocyte-specific eIF2α phosphorylation-deficient mice have significantly reduced expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and altered EGFR-mediated signaling pathways. EGFR-mediated signaling pathways are important for cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival in many tissues and cell types. Therefore, we studied whether the reduced amount of EGFR is responsible for the eIF2α phosphorylationdeficient hepatocytes' vulnerability to oxidative stress. ROS such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxides induce both EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation and eIF2α phosphorylation. eIF2α phosphorylation-deficient primary hepatocytes, or EGFR knockdown cells, have decreased ROS scavenging ability compared to normal cells. Therefore, these cells are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. However, overexpression of EGFR in these eIF2α phosphorylationdeficient primary hepatocytes increased ROS scavenging ability and alleviated ROS-mediated cell death. Therefore, we hypothesize that the reduced EGFR level in eIF2α phosphorylation-deficient hepatocytes is one of critical factors responsible for their susceptibility to oxidative stress.

Successful retrieval of intravascular stent remnants with a combination of rotational atherectomy and a gooseneck snare.

Stent migration from the delivery balloon catheter is a rare but serious complication during percutaneous coronary intervention, particularly when a part of the stent stretches into the aorta. We report an unusual case of stent migration treated with a combination of a gooseneck snare and rotablation. A part of the stent was overstretched and unrolled into the aorta and the rest of the stent remained implanted in the coronary artery. The stent was captured with a gooseneck snare but could not be retrieved because it was connected to a stent remnant implanted in the coronary artery. The stent strut was cut with rotablation, and the stent was successfully removed through the femoral sheath.