Protein phosphatase 1 alpha enhances glucocorticoid receptor activity by a mechanism involving phosphorylation of serine-211.

By acting as a ligand-dependent transcription factor the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediates the actions of glucocorticoids and regulates many physiological processes. An impaired regulation of glucocorticoid action has been associated with numerous disorders. Thus, the elucidation of underlying signaling pathways is essential to understand mechanisms of disrupted glucocorticoid function and contribution to diseases.

Outcome of thoracoabdominal aortic operations using deep hypothermia and distal exsanguination.

Background: Operation of the descending and thoracoabdominal aorta may be affected by a significant perioperative morbidity, mainly because of ischemic damage of the spinal cord and malperfusion of the abdominal organs.

Methods: A comparative analysis was performed on two consecutive series of patients operated between 1982 and 1998. Group 1 consisted of 90 patients operated with moderate hypothermic left heart bypass.

[Acute type B aortic dissection: prognosis after initial conservative treatment and predictive factors for a complicated course].

Objective: Today there is still debate concerning the optimal mode of treatment for type B dissection of the aorta. Controversies are mainly due to discordant results regarding survival following medical or surgical treatment. We assessed the early and long-term outcome of acute dissection of the descending aorta after initial conservative treatment.

Early and late outcome of operated and non-operated acute dissection of the descending aorta.

Objective: At present debate continues concerning the optimal mode of treatment for type B dissections. Controversies are mainly due to discordant results regarding survival following medical or surgical treatment. We assessed early and long-term outcome of acute dissection of the descending aorta treated by emergency aortic replacement, medical treatment or delayed surgery.