Background: Hematologic and blood biochemical values are key tools for assessing primate health. A long-term behavioral study of howler monkeys at a single site (La Pacífica, Guanacaste, Costa Rica), afforded the opportunity to develop baseline values for a large group of animals, evaluating differences between adult males and females and comparing to a report in the same population two decades later.
Methods: In 1998, 64 free-ranging mantled howler monkeys were anesthetized and sampled for hematologic and biochemical analysis.
Introduction: the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form test (MNA-SF) is valid for malnutrition screening and diagnosis of older adults, but few studies evaluated if it predicts hospital length of stay (LOS) and were conducted in long-term care units. Objective: this study aims to evaluate the criterion and predictive validity of MNA-SF. Methods: a prospective observational study was conducted in older adults from a long-term care unity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe adrenal gland and its hormones regulate numerous fundamental biological processes; however, the impact of hypoxia signaling on adrenal function remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that deficiency of HIF (hypoxia inducible factors) prolyl hydroxylase domain protein-2 (PHD2) in the adrenal medulla of mice results in HIF2α-mediated reduction in phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) expression, and consequent reduction in epinephrine synthesis. Simultaneous loss of PHD2 in renal erythropoietin (EPO)-producing cells (REPCs) stimulated HIF2α-driven EPO overproduction, excessive RBC formation (erythrocytosis), and systemic hypoglycemia, which is necessary and sufficient to enhance exocytosis of epinephrine from the adrenal medulla.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOrchestrated recruitment of neutrophils to inflamed tissue is essential during the initiation of inflammation. Inflamed areas are usually hypoxic, and adaptation to reduced oxygen pressure is typically mediated by hypoxia pathway proteins. However, it remains unclear how these factors influence the migration of neutrophils to and at the site of inflammation during their transmigration through the blood-endothelial cell barrier, as well as their motility in the interstitial space.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEndogenous steroid hormones, especially glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, derive from the adrenal cortex, and drastic or sustained changes in their circulatory levels affect multiple organ systems. Although hypoxia signaling in steroidogenesis has been suggested, knowledge on the true impact of the HIFs (Hypoxia-Inducible Factors) in the adrenocortical cells of vertebrates is scant. By creating a unique set of transgenic mouse lines, we reveal a prominent role for HIF1α in the synthesis of virtually all steroids in vivo.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHypoxia and inflammation are closely intertwined phenomena. Critically ill patients often suffer from systemic inflammatory conditions and concurrently experience short-lived hypoxia. We evaluated the effects of short-term hypoxia on systemic inflammation, and show that it potently attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine responses during murine endotoxemia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOxygen represents one of the major molecules required for the development and maintenance of life. An adequate response to hypoxia is therefore required for the functioning of the majority of living organisms and relies on the activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. HIF prolyl hydroxylase domain-2 (PHD2) has long been recognized as the major regulator of this response, controlling a myriad of outcomes that range from cell death to proliferation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe electron-acceptor properties of series of related sulfides and disulfides were investigated in N,N-dimethylformamide with homogeneous (redox catalysis) and/or heterogeneous (cyclic voltammetry and convolution analysis) electrochemical techniques. The electron-transfer rate constants were determined as a function of the reaction free energy and the corresponding intrinsic barriers were determined. The dependence of relevant thermodynamic and kinetic parameters on substituents was assessed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIncreased glucose uptake as a principal energy source is a requirement for the continued survival of tumour cells. Facilitative glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) and -3 (GLUT3) have been previously shown to be present and regulated in breast cancer cells and are associated with poor patient prognosis. In cancer cells, the cAMP secondary messenger pathway is known to potentiate described glucose transporter activators and regulate cell fate.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEstrogen replacement therapy and other unopposed estrogen treatments increase the incidence of endometrial abnormalities, including cancer. However, this effect is counteracted by the co-administration of progesterone. In the endometrium, glucose transporter (GLUT) expression and glucose transport are known to fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBreast cancer incidence increases in women receiving combined estrogen and progesterone therapy. Breast tumors show increased expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1. We determined the effect of these hormones on GLUT1-4 expression and deoxyglucose transport in ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF