Angiotensin type 1a receptor signaling is not necessary for the production of reactive oxygen species in polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Background. Although angiotensin II (Ang II) has inflammatory effects, little is known about its role in polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMLs). To elucidate the role of Ang II in PMLs ROS production, we examined hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), one of the ROS, and NO production in AT1a receptor knockout (AT1KO) mice.

Intracellular magnesium of obese and type 2 diabetes mellitus children.

Introduction: Magnesium is a critical cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions. Diabetic patients and obese subjects are often reported to have intracellular magnesium ([Mg(2+)](i)) deficiency. We studied the change of [Mg(2+)](i) in obese children and children with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) after educational intervention or treatment.

Low calcium diet increases radical production of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from mice.

Although calcium is an essential mineral for bones, little is known about its effect on inflammatory or oxidative regulation. We hypothesize that calcium plays the role in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Our purpose was to determine the relationship of NO and ROS produced from PMNs, taking into account the role of calcium and magnesium in diet.

Elevated intracellular calcium in neutrophils in patients with Down syndrome.

Background: Neutrophils of patients with Down syndrome (DS) are known to have numerous abnormalities associated with diminished resistance to infection. The intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)i) acts as a second messenger and regulates diverse functions in many cell types. The purpose of the present study was to compare the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) at baseline and stimulated conditions in DS patients and in normal subjects to investigate [Ca(2+)]i regulation in neutrophils.

Intracellular magnesium and adipokines in umbilical cord plasma and infant birth size.

Many epidemiologic studies have disclosed that restricted fetal growth has been associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance in adulthood. We studied the relationship of intracellular magnesium [Mg2+]i in cord blood platelets to adipocytokine and birth size. The subjects were 20 infants with small for gestational age (SGA) and 45 infants with appropriate for gestational age (AGA).

Turner syndrome associated with ulcerative colitis.

Unlabelled: We report the case of a 7-yr-old girl with Turner syndrome, ulcerative colitis (UC) and coarctation of the aorta. The diagnosis of Turner syndrome was made in early infancy (karyotype analysis 45, X). Growth hormone treatment was started at 3 yr and 2 mo of age.

Variant clinical courses of 2 patients with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis who have a novel mutation of SLC25A13.

Deficiency of citrin due to mutations of the SLC25A13 gene causes not only adult-onset type II citrullinemia, but also neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis. Neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis is a self-limiting condition and spontaneously disappears by 12 months of age without special treatment. The natural history of patients with SLC25A13 mutations is not clear.

Relationship of intracellular magnesium of cord blood platelets to birth weight.

Magnesium (Mg(2+)) has an important role in insulin action, and insulin stimulates Mg(2+) uptake in insulin-sensitive tissues. Impaired biologic responses to insulin are referred to as insulin resistance. Diabetic patients and obese subjects are reported to have intracellular magnesium ([Mg(2+)](i)) deficiency.