BMP4 and LGL1 are Down Regulated in an Ovine Model of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Background/purpose: The molecular pathophysiology of lung hypoplasia in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains poorly understood. The Wnt signaling pathway and downstream targets, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) 4 and other factors such as late gestation lung protein 1 (LGL1), are essential to normal lung development. Nitrofen-induced hypoplastic CDH rodent lungs demonstrate down regulation of the Wnt pathway including BMP4 and reduced LGL1 expression.

Role of the integrin-binding protein osteopontin in lymphatic metastasis of breast cancer.

Although a primary route of breast cancer metastasis is believed to be via lymphatics, the molecular factors involved are poorly understood. We hypothesized that one such factor may be the integrin-binding protein osteopontin (OPN), and we investigated this clinically and experimentally. In breast cancer patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy, OPN levels were significantly higher in lymph node metastases than in the primary tumor (P < 0.

Drotrecogin alfa (activated) treatment in a neonate with sepsis and multi organ failure.

The administration of drotrecogin alfa (activated) improves outcome in adult patients with severe sepsis. Since the published pediatric experience with this drug is limited, the role of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in children, and especially in newborns is not well established. We describe a 3-day-old neonate with septic shock and multiorgan system failure, including circulatory, respiratory, renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, refractory to intensive fluid resuscitation and inotrope support.