Association of polymorphisms within the transforming growth factor-β1 gene with diabetic nephropathy and serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.

Aim: The TGF-β gene participates in the development of chronic kidney disease. We investigated whether the 869 T > C, 915 G > C and -800 G > A polymorphisms of TGF-β1 are associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods: Polymorphisms were genotyped in 439 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, 233 with diabetic nephropathy (DN+) and 206 without (DN-).

The role of macrophages and mast cells in lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in cervical carcinogenesis.

During carcinogenesis it is known that growth factors and cytokines from stromal and inflammatory cells from the microenvironment promote angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. However, the participation of macrophages and mast cells in these processes is not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between mast cell and macrophage density with blood and lymphatic vessels in various stages of carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Amebic monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor peptide ameliorates inflammation in CIA mouse model by downregulation of cell adhesion, inflammation/chemotaxis, and matrix metalloproteinases genes.

Objective And Design: Monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (MLIF), an amebic peptide with antiinflammatory properties, was evaluated in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) to test its effects on the onset and acute inflammatory response of arthritis.

Material: DBA1/J mice at 8-10 weeks of age were divided into four groups (eight mice per group).

Treatment: The adjuvant group received Freund adjuvant, the CIA group was immunized with collagen II, the MLIF/CIA group received collagen II and MLIF, and the MLIF group received MLIF and Freund adjuvant.

DD genotype of angiotensin-converting enzyme in type 2 diabetes mellitus with renal disease in Mexican Mestizos.

Aim: The DD genotype of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been suggested as a major contributor of diabetic nephropathy in several populations. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether micro/macroalbuminuria is associated with ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in Mexican Mestizos with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A total of 435 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, of whom 233 had albuminuria, were characterized for the ACE I/D polymorphism by the polymerase chain reaction method.

An anti-inflammatory oligopeptide produced by Entamoeba histolytica down-regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory chemokines.

Axenically grown Entamoeba histolytica produces a pentapeptide (Met-Gln-Cys-Asn-Ser) with anti-inflammatory properties that, among others, inhibits the in vitro and in vivo locomotion of human monocytes, sparing polymorphonuclear leucocytes from this effect [hence the name originally given. Monocyte Locomotion Inhibitory Factor (MLIF)]. A synthetic construct of this peptide displays the same effects as the native material.