The (CTG) Polymorphism Is Associated with Biopsy-Proven Diabetic Nephropathy, Time on Hemodialysis, and Diabetes Duration.

Considering that the homozygous (CTG) genotype affords protection against diabetic nephropathy (DN) in female patients with type 2 diabetes, this study assessed if this association remains gender-specific when applying clinical inclusion criteria (CIC-DN) or biopsy proof (BP-DN). Additionally, it assessed if the prevalence of the protective genotype changes with diabetes duration and time on hemodialysis and if this occurs in association with serum carnosinase (CN-1) activity. Whereas the distribution of the (CTG) homozygous genotype in the no-DN and CIC-DN patients was comparable, a lower frequency was found in the BP-DN patients, particularly in females.

Carnosine Attenuates the Development of both Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy in BTBR ob/ob Mice.

We previously demonstrated that polymorphisms in the carnosinase-1 gene (CNDP1) determine the risk of nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients. Carnosine, the substrate of the enzyme encoded by this gene, is considered renoprotective and could possibly be used to treat diabetic nephropathy (DN). In this study, we examined the effect of carnosine treatment in vivo in BTBR (Black and Tan, BRachyuric) ob/ob mice, a type 2 diabetes model which develops a phenotype that closely resembles advanced human DN.

In others' shoes: do individual differences in empathy and theory of mind shape social preferences?

Abundant evidence across the behavioral and social sciences suggests that there are substantial individual differences in pro-social behavior. However, little is known about the psychological mechanisms that underlie social preferences. This paper investigates whether empathy and Theory of Mind shape individual differences in pro-social behavior as conventionally observed in neutrally framed social science experiments.

L-carnosine inhibits high-glucose-mediated matrix accumulation in human mesangial cells by interfering with TGF-β production and signalling.

Background: Transforming growth factor beta is recognized as a major cytokine in extracellular matrix (ECM) pathobiology as occurs in diabetic nephropathy. While experimental studies have advanced a protective role of carnosine for diabetic complications, a link between carnosine, TGF-β and matrix accumulation remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that L-carnosine inhibits TGF-β production and signalling, thereby reducing hyperglycaemia-associated ECM accumulation.

Anserine inhibits carnosine degradation but in human serum carnosinase (CN1) is not correlated with histidine dipeptide concentration.

Background: We reported an association of a particular allele of the carnosinase (CNDP1 Mannheim) gene with reduced serum carnosinase (CN1) activity and absence of nephropathy in diabetic patients. Carnosine protects against the adverse effects of high glucose levels but serum carnosine concentration was generally low.

Methods: We measured the concentration of two further histidine dipeptides, anserine and homocarnosine, via HPLC.

Comparison of early renal function parameters for the prediction of 5-year graft survival after kidney transplantation.

Background: Early graft function (EGF) has an enduring effect on the subsequent course after kidney transplantation. This study compares quantitative parameters of EGF for the prediction of graft survival.

Methods: We involved 300 consecutive transplant recipients from deceased donors from 1989 to 2005.

Carnosine as a protective factor in diabetic nephropathy: association with a leucine repeat of the carnosinase gene CNDP1.

The risk of diabetic nephropathy is partially genetically determined. Diabetic nephropathy is linked to a gene locus on chromosome 18q22.3-q23.

Modulation of angiotensin II-mediated signalling by heparan sulphate glycosaminoglycans.

Background: Heparin and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors can be used as a therapeutic option in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Although the mode of action is poorly understood, both agents may retard the progression of DN. Previously, we demonstrated that angiotensin II (Ang II) has an inhibitory effect on the production of heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) in mesangial cells (MCs).