Diabetic dyslipidaemia.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an escalating pandemic and an established cardiovascular risk factor. An important aspect of the interaction between DM and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is diabetic dyslipidaemia, an atherogenic dyslipidaemia encompassing quantitative [hypertriglyceridaemia (hyperTG) and decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)] and qualitative [increased small dense low density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL) particles, large very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) subfraction (VLDL1) and dysfunctional HDL] modifications in lipoproteins. Much of the pathophysiology linking DM and dyslipidaemia has been elucidated.

Quality of interpretative commenting on common clinical chemistry results in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa.

Background: Interpretative commenting is an important activity of the clinical diagnostic laboratory. We describe a study of interpretative commenting abilities among senior laboratory professionals in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa.

Methods: Five sets of laboratory results reflecting common and important problems encountered in clinical chemistry were distributed at 4-weekly intervals to 31 registered participants from countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa.

Global standardisation of HbA1c.

HbA1c is used for assessing glycaemic control in patients with diabetes. It is also used for treatment goals and as a target for therapeutic intervention. The Direct Control and Complications Trial in the USA showed that HbA1c can be used to predict the risk of complications.

Effect of cathepsin D and prostate specific antigen on latent transforming growth factor-beta in breast cancer cell lines.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) is present, predominantly in latent forms, in normal and malignant breast tissue. The mechanisms by which latent TGFbeta is activated physiologically remain largely an enigma. The objective of this study was to assess whether the proteases, cathepsin D and prostate specific antigen (PSA) could activate latent TGFbeta1 and TGFbeta2 in conditioned media of the hormone-dependent MCF-7 and hormone-independent MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines, newly purchased from ATCC.

Genotoxicity of goniothalamin in CHO cell line.

Goniothalamin (GTN) is a styrylpyrrone derivative from Goniothalamus umbrosus and other Annonaceae species. It has been shown to have anti-cancer and apoptosis-inducing properties against various human tumour and animal cell lines. The compound has also been shown to be active in vivo against DMBA-induced rat mammary tumours and was reported as an anti-fertility agent in rats.

Prevention of type 2 diabetes.

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. The World Health Organisation has estimated that there will be around 300 million diabetics by 2025. The largest increase will occur in Asia.

Role of steroid hormones and growth factors in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and its incidence is increasing. Oestrogens and mitogenic growth factors may play an important role in the development of breast cancer, whereas inhibitory growth factors may prevent the development of breast cancer. Only about 5 to 10% of cases of breast cancer are due to inheritance of mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 tumour suppressor genes.