p23 protects the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor from degradation via a heat shock protein 90-independent mechanism.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated signaling molecule which is involved in diverse biological functions ranging from cancer metastasis to immune regulation. This receptor forms a cytoplasmic complex with Hsp90, p23, and XAP2. We have previously reported that down-regulation of p23 triggers degradation of the AHR protein, uncovering a potentially dynamic event which controls the cellular AHR levels without ligand treatment.

Beta tubulin affects the aryl hydrocarbon receptor function via an Arnt-mediated mechanism.

We have been studying the requirement for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (Arnt)-dependent DNA complex formation, which precedes the activation of gene transcription. Using DEAE chromatography, we have obtained a Sf9 insect fraction F5 that is highly enriched with beta-tubulin. F5 inhibits the formation of the AhR gel shift complex and this inhibition is sensitive to protease, suggesting that proteins that are present in this F5 fraction are responsible for the inhibition.

Comparison of sebum secretion, skin type, pH in humans with and without acne.

Differences of skin type and pH between subjects with and without acne have not been investigated. In addition, the relationship between sebum secretion and pH in these populations has not been determined. This study assessed the differences in objective and subjective skin types between these two groups.

Effects of switching pravastatin to cerivastatin on C-reactive protein, butyrylcholinesterase, and lipids.

Objective: C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) were evaluated in patients switched from pravastatin to cerivastatin. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a more potent statin (cerivastatin) would further affect CRP, whether a relation ship between CRP and BChE existed, and if there were any relationships between CRP or BChE and lipids. In view of the withdrawal of cerivastatin from the market, studies considering the effects of conversion of patients from one statin to another are warranted.

TNF-alpha detection using a flow cytometric assay to determine cellular responses to anthrax vaccine.

This study describes a four-color flow cytometric assay that detects CD4+ T cell responses to the anthrax vaccine. Whole blood from seven volunteers who previously obtained the anthrax vaccine was inoculated in vitro with varying concentrations of the anthrax antigen. TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production from memory CD4+ T cells were measured and compared to a control group who never received the anthrax vaccine.