Characterization of Wnt1-inducible Signaling Pathway Protein-1 in Obese Children and Adolescents.

Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP1), a member of the CCN family, is increasingly being recognized as a potential target for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have shown that WISP1 can regulate low-grade inflammation in obese mice, and circulating WISP1 levels are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. Herein, we measured serum WISP1 levels in obese youth and explored its relationships with pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 18 (IL-18) and other metabolic indexes.

Phototoxic effect of UVR on wild type, ebony and yellow mutants of Drosophila melanogaster: life span, fertility, courtship and biochemical aspects.

Melanin plays an important role in protecting organisms from ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Therefore, it is possible that differently colored strains can show different sensitivities to UVR. In the present work, life span, fertility and courtship behavior of wild type (w), ebony (e) and yellow (y) strains of Drosophila melanogaster were studied to evaluate their sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV).

Glucagon-like peptide 1 based therapy for type 2 diabetes.

Background: Incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased in young people in recent years and new therapies are required for its effective treatment. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a potent blood glucose-lowering hormone produced in the L cells of the intestine. It may be potentially effective in the treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with T2DM.

[Pathogenesis of retinal neovascularization in a rat model of oxygen fluctuations-induced retinopathy].

Objective: Fluctuations in arterial oxygen are associated with development of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in humans. However, the causal relationship between oxygen variability and ROP remains unknown. The authors developed a rat model of retinal neovascularization by repeated fluctuations of inhaled oxygen between hypoxia and hyperoxia to investigate the mechanism of the development of retinal neovascularization, the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and KDR/Flk-1 (VEGFR-2) expression.