Self-association-driven transition of the β-peptidic H12 helix to the H18 helix.

Various patterns of foldameric oligomers formed by trans-ABHC ((1S,2S,3S,5S)-2-amino-6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.3.1]heptane-3-carboxylic acid) and β(3)-hSer residues were studied.

Galectin-1-asialofetuin interaction is inhibited by peptides containing the tyr-xxx-tyr motif acting on the glycoprotein.

Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a ubiquitous beta-galactoside-binding protein expressed by various normal and pathological tissues, has been implicated in cancer and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases in consequence of its regulatory role in adhesion, cell viability, proliferation, and angiogenesis. The functions of Gal-1 depend on its affinity for beta-galactoside-containing glycoconjugates; accordingly, the inhibition of sugar binding blocks its functions, hence promising potential therapeutic tools. The Tyr-Xxx-Tyr peptide motifs have been reported to be glycomimetic sequences, mainly on the basis of their inhibitory effect on the Gal-1-asialofetuin (ASF) interaction.

Sculpting the beta-peptide foldamer H12 helix via a designed side-chain shape.

The long-range side-chain repulsion between the (1R,2R,3R,5R)-2-amino-6,6-dimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]-heptane-3-carboxylic acid (trans-ABHC) residues stabilize the H12 helix in beta-peptide oligomers.

Plasma homocysteine levels, the prevalence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene C677T polymorphism and macrovascular disorders in systemic sclerosis: risk factors for accelerated macrovascular damage?

The purpose of this study was to investigate plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to study the association between plasma Hcy, C677T polymorphism of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and the clinical manifestations in SSc. Associations of Hcy level, C677T MTHFR polymorphism, and macrovascular diseases were investigated in 152 patients with SSc and 58 controls. No significant differences in Hcy levels and MTHFR genotypes were found in SSc patients compared to controls or in SSc patients with limited cutaneous compared to diffuse disease.

The effect of Pygeum africanum on fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta 1/LAP) expression in animal model.

Unlabelled: On the basis of its fibroblast growth factor (FGF) inhibitory effect we assessed the possible inhibitory anti-inflammatory role of Pygeum Africanum extract (Tadenan) on FGF and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta 1/LAP) expression of macrophages and neutrophils in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BAL) of rats in a bleomycin-induced acute inflammation model. The rats were divided into three groups: 17 untreated controls, 10 bleomycin-instilled rats, receiving NaCl (0.9%), and 10 rats receiving Pygeum Africanum extract.