Glucose-dependent modulation of insulin secretion and intracellular calcium ions by GKA50, a glucokinase activator.

Because glucokinase is a metabolic sensor involved in the regulated release of insulin, we have investigated the acute actions of novel glucokinase activator compound 50 (GKA50) on islet function. Insulin secretion was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and microfluorimetry with fura-2 was used to examine intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis ([Ca(2+)](i)) in isolated mouse, rat, and human islets of Langerhans and in the MIN6 insulin-secreting mouse cell line. In rodent islets and MIN6 cells, 1 micromol/l GKA50 was found to stimulate insulin secretion and raise [Ca(2+)](i) in the presence of glucose (2-10 mmol/l).

Promoting more modest weight losses: a pilot study.

Objective: This pilot study assessed the short- and long-term effects of a modified cognitive behavioral treatment designed to facilitate obese patients' acceptance of a 5% to 10% reduction in initial weight.

Research Methods And Procedures: Participants were 17 women with a mean age of 46.5 +/- 9.