Alpha-lipoic acid reduces expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and endothelial adhesion of human monocytes after stimulation with advanced glycation end products.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been identified as relevant mediators of late diabetic complications such as atherosclerotic disease. The endothelial migration of monocytes is one of the first steps in atherogenesis and monocyte-endothelial interaction itself is linked to the expression of adhesion molecules like vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Recently, stimulation of VCAM-1 by AGEs has been demonstrated.

Morphological changes in the tracheal epithelium of guinea pigs in conditions of "marginal" vitamin A deficiency. A light, scanning- and transmission-electron microscopic study under special breeding conditions appropriate to early vitamin A deficiency.

The aim of the study was to find out the influence of marginal vitamin A deficiency on morphological structures in the tracheobronchial epithelium in guinea pigs. The tracheobronchial epithelium of animals with vitamin A deficiency (n = 15) and control animals (n = 7), kept under optimal laboratory conditions, was evaluated by light and electron microscopy. The cellular ultrastructure was morphometrically analyzed.