Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analogue and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Combination on the Atherosclerosis-Related Process in a Type 2 Diabetes Mouse Model.

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues regulate glucose homeostasis and have anti-inflammatory properties, but cause gastrointestinal side effects. The fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormonal regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism that has poor pharmacokinetic properties, including a short half-life. To overcome these limitations, we investigated the effect of a low-dose combination of a GLP-1 analogue and FGF21 on atherosclerosis-related molecular pathways.

Effect of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 on the Development of Atheromatous Plaque and Lipid Metabolic Profiles in an Atherosclerosis-Prone Mouse Model.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormonal regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism. We aimed to investigate the effect of an FGF21 analogue (LY2405319) on the development of atherosclerosis and its associated parameters. ApoE mice were fed an atherogenic diet for 14 weeks and were randomly assigned to control (saline) or FGF21 (0.

Three-Month Daily Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Affects the Liver, Adipose Tissue, and Glucose Metabolism.

Background: Growing evidence suggests links between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and metabolic disorders. We investigated the effects of SSBs commonly consumed by adolescents and their relationships to glucose metabolism and fatty liver.

Methods: We treated 7-week old male C57BL/6 mice with water (control) or one of three different SSBs, carbonated soda (Coca-Cola), sweetened milk coffee (Maxwell), or chocolate-added cocoa (Choco-Latte), for 13 weeks (n=10 in each group).

Effects of Lobeglitazone, a New Thiazolidinedione, on Osteoblastogenesis and Bone Mineral Density in Mice.

Background: Bone strength is impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus despite an increase in bone mineral density (BMD). Thiazolidinedione (TZD), a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ agonist, promotes adipogenesis, and suppresses osteoblastogenesis. Therefore, its use is associated with an increased risk of fracture.

Celecoxib-mediated activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress induces de novo ceramide biosynthesis and apoptosis in hepatoma HepG2 cells mobilization.

Ceramides are the major sphingolipid metabolites involved in cell survival and apoptosis. When HepG2 hepatoma cells were treated with celecoxib, the expression of the genes in de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis and sphingomyelinase pathway was upregulated and cellular ceramide was elevated. In addition, celecoxib induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in a time-dependent manner.

Suppression of Nrf2 attenuates adipogenesis and decreases FGF21 expression through PPAR gamma in 3T3-L1 cells.

Adipogenesis is the process of differentiation from preadipocytes to adipocytes and is orchestrated by various transcription factors, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and the CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα). Oxidative stress is also a crucial factor in adipogenesis, and adipocyte differentiation is affected by the cellular redox status. The nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, acts as a regulator of cellular oxidative stress.

The beneficial effects of empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, on atherosclerosis in ApoE mice fed a western diet.

Aims/hypothesis: A recent large clinical study has shown that empagliflozin has a lower rate of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality when compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes. We investigated the effect of empagliflozin (compared with glimepiride) on the progression of atherosclerosis, and its possible mechanisms of action.

Methods: Forty-eight 5-week-old male ApoE mice were fed a western diet for 20 weeks and divided into four groups: control (saline, 154 mmol/l NaCl), glimepiride 0.

Specific movement of esophagus during transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Background/aims: Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) is the main mechanism of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of transient lower esophageal sphincter movement in patients with or without gastroesophageal reflux by high-resolution manometry (HRM).

Methods: From June 2010 to July 2010, we enrolled 9 patients with GERD (GERD group) and 9 subjects without GERD (control group), prospectively.

Effect of transdermal fentanyl patches on the motility of the sphincter of oddi.

Background/aims: Pain is one of the most troublesome symptoms of pancreatitis. Transdermal fentanyl patches (TFPs) are long-acting analgesics with a reduced risk of dependency. This prospective study evaluated the effect of TFPs on sphincter of Oddi (SO) motility for the management of pain in pancreatitis.