Prostaglandin D2 pathway and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-1 expression are induced by mechanical loading in an osteoblastic cell line.

Objective: The hypothesis underlying the current study was that the arachidonic acid cascade, specifically activation of the prostaglandin (PG) D(2) pathway in osteoblasts, is an anabolic signal induced by mechanical loading.

Background: Previous studies have shown that mechanical loading of osteoblasts triggers cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, PGE(2) and prostacyclin (PGI(2)) synthesis. Since modest mechanical loading of osteoblasts promotes bone formation, we sought to determine whether mechanical stress activates the osteoblastic PGD(2) pathway resulting in the synthesis of osteogenic cyclopentenones, including Delta(12)PGJ(2).

Periodontal disease increases the risk of preterm delivery among preeclamptic women.

Background: Preterm births are a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and represent an important public health issue. About 30% of preterm births are due to medical conditions of the mother or the fetus, among "which preeclampsia plays a major role. We have previously reported that maternal periodontal disease enhances the risk for preterm delivery and preeclampsia.

Campylobacter rectus mediates growth restriction in pregnant mice.

Background: Recent studies have suggested that subclinical infection may be an important cause of low birth weight. Campylobacters are important human pathogens, causing septicemia and occasionally abortion, premature labor, or severe perinatal infection. The potential role of oral species of Campylobacter in mediating adverse pregnancy outcomes in animal models has not yet been determined.

Novel long-circulating liposomes containing peptide library-lipid conjugates: synthesis and in vivo behavior.

Rapid uptake of intravenously injected liposomes by the mononuclear phagocyte system has limited their use as drug delivery vehicles. Recently, various long-circulating liposomes have been prepared by incorporating glycolipids or other amphiphilic molecules into the lipid bilayer of conventional liposomes. The purpose of the present study was to design a new class of biodegradable membrane modifiers that would increase the half-life of liposomes in vivo.