Increased concentrations of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and soluble CD40L in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with a high incidence rate of cardiovascular disease. It is characterized by abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, atherogenic dyslipidemia [high LDL-c (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) and low HDL-c (high density lipoprotein cholesterol)] and insulin resistance or glucose intolerance. In the context of MS, alterations in the plasmatic levels of some soluble forms of cell adhesion molecules can appear, e.

Syndecan-1 regulates BMP signaling and dorso-ventral patterning of the ectoderm during early Xenopus development.

Extracellular regulation of growth factor signaling is a key event for embryonic patterning. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) are among the molecules that regulate this signaling during embryonic development. Here we study the function of syndecan1 (Syn1), a cell-surface HSPG expressed in the non-neural ectoderm during early development of Xenopus embryos.

Increased concentration of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and fibrinogen in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is closely linked to a generalized metabolic disorder referred to as insulin resistance. Disturbances in the hemostasis and fibrinolytic systems are a feature of MS. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration levels of fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in a group of patients with MS with respect to a non-MS group, and to evaluate their possible relation with other risk factors in MS.

Heme iron uptake by Caco-2 cells is a saturable, temperature sensitive and modulated by extracellular pH and potassium.

It is known that heme iron and inorganic iron are absorbed differently. Heme iron is found in the diet mainly in the form of hemoglobin and myoglobin. The mechanism of iron absorption remains uncertain.

An insight into the pathophysiology of thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome.

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disorder which is characterized by the presence of autoimmune antiphospholipid antibodies (APL) and increased risk of thrombosis and fetal loss. APL are associated with recurrent abortions in APS patients and participate in the pathogenesis of venous or arterial thrombosis, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Antigens that are targeted by APL include beta 2 glycoprotein I and prothrombin.