Amyloid precursor protein induces reactive astrogliosis.

Aim: Astrocytes respond to stressors by acquiring a reactive state characterized by changes in their morphology and function. Molecules underlying reactive astrogliosis, however, remain largely unknown. Given that several studies observed increase in the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) in reactive astrocytes, we here test whether APP plays a role in reactive astrogliosis.

Prenatal ethanol exposure and placental hCG and IGF2 expression.

Introduction: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the main cause of preventable non-genetic mental retardation. Diagnosis of prenatal exposure to ethanol (PEE) is based on questionnaires and biomarkers in perinatal matrices. Early diagnosis of FASD is important to mitigate secondary disabilities that will arise later in life.