Biphasic effect of danazol on human vascular endothelial cell permeability and f-actin cytoskeleton dynamics.
Authors: Thomas GW, Rael LT, Bar-Or R, Mains CW, Slone DS, Boyd SR, Bar-Or D Abstract Breakdown of endothelial barrier function is a hallmark event across a variety of pathologies such as inflammation, cancer, and diabetes. It has also been appreciated that steroid hormones impart direct biological activity on endothelial cells at many levels. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the effect of the androgen-like steroid, danazol, on endothelial cell barrier function in vitro. Primary human endothelial cells exposed to 0.01-50μM danazol were evaluated for changes in permeability. We found that danazol altered endothelial permeability in a biphasic manner in which nanomolar concentrations enhance barrier function while micromolar concentrations are detrimental. Monitoring...

Evidence of impaired sense of smell in hereditary angioedema
Conclusion: Evidence for an impaired sense of smell was found in patients with HAE. The reduction in olfactory function in these cases seems to correlate with complement C4 and CH50 levels. Immune and genetic mechanisms might play a role in this defect. (Source: Allergy)