Essential role for macrophage migration inhibitory factor in gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an upstream regulator of immune and inflammatory responses; however, its role in Helicobacter pylori (HP)-associated gastritis remains unknown. We infected MIF knockout (KO) and wild-type mice with SS1 HP and found that 2 weeks after infection, MIF and its receptor CD74 were markedly up-regulated in wild-type mice. This up-regulation preceded the up-regulation of both tumor necrosis factor-alpha and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, as well as the development of moderate gastritis at 8 weeks, as determined by a significant infiltration of neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages.

Loss of XIAP sensitizes rosiglitazone-induced growth inhibition of colon cancer in vivo.

Ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) possess anticancer properties. However, the efficacy of PPAR gamma ligands varies in different cancers. In colon cancer, the role of PPAR gamma and its ligands is controversial.