A novel role for calpain in the endothelial dysfunction induced by activation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor signaling.

Rationale: The cytosolic protease calpain has been recently implicated in the vascular remodeling of angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) signaling. The role of Ang II/AT(1)R/calpain signaling on endothelial function, an important and early determinant of vascular pathology, remains though totally unknown. Accordingly, we investigated the role of calpain in the endothelial dysfunction of Ang II.

Loss of insulin signaling in vascular endothelial cells accelerates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E null mice.

To determine whether insulin action on endothelial cells promotes or protects against atherosclerosis, we generated apolipoprotein E null mice in which the insulin receptor gene was intact or conditionally deleted in vascular endothelial cells. Insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, plasma lipids, and blood pressure were not different between the two groups, but atherosclerotic lesion size was more than 2-fold higher in mice lacking endothelial insulin signaling. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was impaired and endothelial cell VCAM-1 expression was increased in these animals.

MLL-AF9-induced leukemogenesis requires coexpression of the wild-type Mll allele.

Oncogenic fusion proteins are capable of initiating tumorigenesis, but the role of their wild-type counterparts in this process is poorly understood. The mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene undergoes chromosomal translocations, resulting in the formation of oncogenic MLL fusion proteins (MLL-FPs). Here, we show that menin recruits both wild-type MLL and oncogenic MLL-AF9 fusion protein to the loci of HOX genes to activate their transcription.

Surgical equipment and materials left in patients.

This article seeks to examine the issue of lost equipment and materials left in patients and the assumptions that registered theatre practitioners make. The assumptions are highlighted using a tragic case study that relates to a young lady who died and what the subsequent post mortem revealed: five pieces of gauze in her abdominal cavity which were proved to be five surgical swabs. The problem of retained swabs and other surgical equipment is far greater than many would believe.

Bile reflux and gastric emptying in patients with combined gastric and duodenal ulceration.

Measurements of duodenogastric reflux of bile and gastric emptying of a 5 per cent glucose liquid test meal have been made in 8 patients with combined gastric and duodenal ulcers and the results compared with those found in 21 patients with a diagnosis of uncomplicated duodenal ulceration. It was not possible to demonstrate any differences between the two groups of patients in respect of these studies and it is suggested that gastric stasis and duodenogastric reflux may not be important factors in the aetiology of combined ulcer disease.