Stress changes amphetamine response, D2 receptor expression and epigenetic regulation in low-anxiety rats.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of chronic restraint stress on amphetamine (AMPH)-related appetitive 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalisations (USVs) in rats differing in freezing duration in a contextual fear test (CFT), i.e. HR (high-anxiety responsive) and LR (low-anxiety responsive) rats.

Molecular foundations of chilling-tolerance of modern maize.

Background: Recent progress in selective breeding of maize (Zea mays L.) towards adaptation to temperate climate has allowed the production of inbred lines withstanding cold springs with temperatures below 8 °C or even close to 0 °C, indicating that despite its tropical origins maize is not inherently cold-sensitive.

Results: Here we studied the acclimatory response of three maize inbred lines of contrasting cold-sensitivity selected basing on multi-year routine field data.

Monitoring of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) activity in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses types I and II on enzyme replacement therapy - Results of a pilot study.

Objectives: Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of rare, inherited metabolic disorders which result from the lack of one of the lysosomal enzymes responsible for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Early recognition of MPS is important as it enables prompt implementation of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) is a ubiquitous ectopeptidase which activity has been associated with the cell surface protein CD26.

Neutrophils as a Source of Chitinases and Chitinase-Like Proteins in Type 2 Diabetes.

Purpose: The pathophysiological role of human chitinases and chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) is not fully understood. We aimed to determine the levels of neutrophil-derived chitotriosidase (CHIT1), acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) and chitinase 3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and verify their association with metabolic and clinical conditions of these patients.

Methods: Neutrophils were obtained from the whole blood by gradient density centrifugation from 94 T2D patients and 40 control subjects.

Proteins from the 18 glycosyl hydrolase family are associated with kidney dysfunction in patients with diabetes type 2.

Objectives: To investigate chitotriosidase (CHIT1) activity and chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) concentration in plasma of type 2 diabetic patients and evaluate their relationship with kidney dysfunction.

Materials And Methods: 94 diabetic subjects and 33 controls were enrolled in the study. Plasma CHIT1 activity and YKL-40 concentration were measured along with routine laboratory parameters.